Sunday, September 29, 2013

Defiance Against God Brings Consequences

Jeremiah 47 & 48

Inspired thots

The Lord's judgment will come swiftly on those who are disobedient to His Word and Ways. He will not keep silent forever on the wicked and rebellious. Hence, while there is time, let us repent to turn away God's wrath.

It does not augur well with us to defy God who is our Creator and Savior. He KNOWS the best for us. Let us trust HIM and not our own deeds and riches (48:7)

If we slack in doing HIS WORK, we are cursed (48:10). How necessary to be walking in total obedience to God in our lives. We CANNOT remain the same (48:11) and we cannot glory in our own glory (48:18)

Friday, September 27, 2013

The Lord Watches Over His People

Jeremiah 46

Inspired thots

The Lord is very good; He has all things in control. One can trust Him for the best although His actions cannot be fathomed and purposes understood.

Lord, You will avenge the enemy on our behalf; yet, we need to be purified for Your glory. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Praise Your Name, Jesus. Who can be against You? for You alone are great. You have the best plan for Your people who trust in You.


Thursday, September 26, 2013

Acting in Defiance

Jeremiah 44 &45

Inspired thots

The people still acted in defiance against the Lord even when an exact word of warning is given to them. There was no remorse or repentance after hearing the word of judgment. The fear of the Lord has gone from within them. It was a great deception which the people indulged in as they sought the pleasures of the world. How futile is their understanding and values.

But God is merciful to Baruch and Jeremiah who were faithful to Him through thick and thin. He vindicates them for His glory.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Asking BUT not Obeying

Jeremiah 42 & 43

Inspired thots

The remnant sought the word of God and proclaimed to obey regardless of how it may sound. But when they did get the word, which was not favorable, they did not obey.

1) Empty promises. The people declared that they would obey God through hearing His word but did not. They were already bent on receiving only good bearings. Hence, they rejected unfavorable instructions.

2) Self reign. The people had already decided on what to do. They would only go with favorable instructions. They still want to be their own man and not a people after God.

3) Pretense. The people pretended that they are keen to follow God and to know Him. But they have their own hidden agenda and would not divert from their own foolishness which they deem more favorable. They were taking a risk.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Winds of Evil

Jeremiah 40 & 41

Inspired thots

Submitting to foreign invasion leadership may not necessarily be a bad thing when it is part of God's plan. The foreign power may be merciful to those remaining in the city and Jews did come back from their scatterings for all want to live peaceably.

However, some princes came back with ulterior motives; to seize power and be king. Gedaliah did not believe the rumour of evil against him. He had a kind heart. Yet the rumour proved true. Ishmael did rise up & murdered him. Thankfully, Johanan took initiative to drive out Ishmael.

I believe God knows best for His people; He knows the greed and evil in their hearts. Hence, He had them captured and sent to Babylon with a humble remnant living in the land.

How do we respond to winds of evil? We need to seek the Lord on it to be wise and safe for we really do not know man's heart which is basically evil. It is better to be under God's hand of grace and mercy. 

Monday, September 23, 2013

Twist of Event

Jeremiah 39

Inspired thots

Great chaos and riots surrounded Israel as God's word came to pass with the invasion of king Nebuchadrezzar. But one amazing happening is that the king was intent to inflict pain and suffering upon king Zedekiah who disobeyed God's word of warning.

BUT king Nebuchadrezzar commanded that Jeremiah be treated well and allowed to live in the land among those who were allowed to remain. King Nebuchadrezzar commanded the captain of the guard to look after Jeremiah well and do him no harm, but deal with Jeremiah as Jeremiah tells him to. (v11). What a strange command by the enemy! Did king Nebuchadrezzar fear God? Did he hear about Jeremiah and his ministry?

We may never know until we meet up in heaven but one thing is for sure; God can use ANYONE who is willing and available to work out His will to His glory. This twist of event is an eye opener that an enemy is a vessel of the Lord to work out His purposes.

And God remembered the godly Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian who trusted in Him. A stranger living in a foreign land who fears God will not be in danger.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Fear Men More than God

Jeremiah 37 & 38

Inspired thots

King Zedekiah feared men more than he feared God. He invited Jeremiah to his presence to seek the Lord's words but he did not take action upon it as the given Word was not pleasant and the princes and people were displeased with the unfavorable prophecy.

King Zedekiah was also weak in his self confidence besides his faith. He would listen and submit to the desires of men than to God. He was easily swayed with men's requests or insistence. There is no leadership in him although he is in the position of power.

People of God must KNOW who their God is and who they are in Him to have their faith arise and not fear men. Romans 8:31 says,"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Better to fear God than man.