Under Gods Command
Proverbs 28:09 – If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law even his prayers are detestable.
God does not listen to our prayers if we intend to go back to our sin as soon as we get off our knees. If we want to forsake our sin and follow him, however, he willingly listens-no matter how bad our sin has been. What closes his ears in not the depth of our sin, but our secret intention to do it again. God hears our intentions as clearly as he hears our words.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 42.5,6 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the LORD your God sends you to tell us. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our God.
Johanan and his associates spoke their own course, Jeremiah merely elaborated on it. It was tragic mistake to ask for God’s guidance with no intention of following it. Be sure never to ask God for something that you know in your heart you really do not want. It is better not to pray than to pray hypocritically. God cannot be deceived.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 25:26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
“Give way to the wicked” means setting aside your standard of right and wrong. No one is helped by someone who compromises with the wicked.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 23 1, 4 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people. Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the LORD. “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing.” declares the LORD.
Those responsible to lead Israel in God’s path were the very ones responsible for Israel’s present plight, and so God had decreed harsh judgment against them. Leaders are held responsible for those entrusted to their care. Whom has God placed in your care? Remember that you are accountable to God for those you influence and lead.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 23:13,14 – Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.
The stern tone of discipline here is offset by the affection expressed in verse 15. However, many parents are reluctant to discipline their children at all. Some fear they will forfeit their relationship, that their children will resent them, or that they will stifle their children’s development. But correction won’t kill children, and it may prevent them from foolish moves that will.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 17:11 Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who gains riches by unjust means. When his life is half gone, they will desert him and in the end he will prove to be a fool.
There is a right way and a wrong way to do any task. Jeremiah says that the man who becomes rich by unjust means will end up foolish and poor. Whether at work, school, or play, we should strive to be honest in all our dealings. Getting a promotion, passing an exam, or gaining prestige unjustly will never bring God’s blessing or lasting happiness.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 18.13,15,17 – 13)He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame.15)The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. 18)Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
In these concise statements, there are three basic principles for making sound decisions: (1) get the facts before answering; (2) be open to new ideas; (3) make sure you hear both sides of the story before judging. All three principles center around seeking additional information. This is difficult work, but the only alternative is prejudice-judging before getting the facts.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 16:17 My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes.
Small children think that if they can’t see you, then you can’t see them. The people of Israel may have wished that hiding from God were as simple as closing their eyes. Although they closed their eyes to their sinful ways, their sins certainly weren’t hidden from God. He who sees everything cannot be deceived. Do you have a sinful attitude or action that you hope God won’t notice? He knows about it. The first step of repentance is to acknowledge that God knows about your sins
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 15:17-21 I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation. Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable. Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that falls? Therefore this is what the LORD says: If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesmen. Let this people turn to you but you must not turn to them. I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you, I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel.
Jeremiah accused God of not helping him when he really needed it. Jeremiah had taken his eyes off God’s purposes and was feeling sorry for himself. He was angry, hurt, and afraid. In response, God didn’t get angry at Jeremiah; he answered by rearranging Jeremiah’s priorities. As God’s mouth piece, he was to influence the people, not let them influence him. There are three important lessons in this passage: (1) In prayer we can reveal our deepest thoughts to God (2) God expect s us to trust him, no matter what; (3) we are here to influence others for God.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 15:1 –A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger and angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.
Under Gods command 