YOU WOULD NOT LISTEN TO MY WORDS

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 19:10-15

VERSE FOR TODAY: " This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel says, "Listen!" (Jeremiah 19:15, New International Version)

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Trust and Obey"

When we read sermon texts of many of the church leaders in the past, the subject matter is often the condemnation of God upon the people for their sins. A frequent subject of Sunday and revival sermons was the judgement of God. Today, however, we are much more likely to hear sermons on the love of God. Love seems to tickle our ears more readily than hellfire.

I have frequently heard preachers say, "God loves you just as you are." Jeremiah seems to agree God loved the nation of Judah, and the people of Jerusalem sinful as they were, or He wouldn't have sent Jeremiah to speak to them. But he also point out tha there is a dark side to that love. In words of Julia ward Howe, God was trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored." To put it plainly, though God loved the sinful people of Judah, He did not want them to remain on their sin. God sought repentance and a changed heart from them. He reminded them in a powerful way that they must pay attention to His Words.

For me, it is comforting to know that God loves me. But it is challenging to know that He wants me to walk close enough to Jesus so that the nature of Jesus rubs off on me. To refuse is, in Martin Luther's words,  "neither safe nor prudent."

PRAYER THOUGHTS: In our own preoccupation with happiness and the good life, helps us to be ever aware that the sunlight of Your Love is bright when we are close to You in heart and spirit. Teach us, O God, to listen to Your Words. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

THIS IS THE WAY

SCRIPTURE: Psalm122

VERSE FOR TODAY: I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:2 New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Come We That Love the Lord"

Do you remember this little chorus? This is the way we go to church, go to church, go to church. This is the way we go to church, so early Sunday morning." It was an effort by zealous parents to create in our hearts some zest and joy about getting into the positive habit of regularly attending Sunday school and worship services.

People approach worship in differing ways with differing attitudes. Some go out of a sense of duty and obligation. Others go out of mere habit. Some go to be seen not so much by God as by men. Some go because of curiosity. Some even go begrudgingly because a parent or a spouse has made them feel guilty. How and why do we "go to church?"

The psalmist sang "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!"' As we read elsewhere in the book of Psalms, we see how the people of God approached praise and adoration of the Creator: "I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven" (Psalm 123:1); "Praise the name of the Lord" (Psalm 122:4); and "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1). Let's strive to approach our times of worship with joy and anticipation, praise and adoration.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Lord, we long to gather with Your people to worship and praise You. We are glad to be in Your house exalting Your Holy name. Amen.

IT"S NOT FAIR

SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 9:26-37

VERSE FOR TODAY: In all that has happened to us,you have been just: you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong (Nehemiah 9:33, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "How Great Thou Art"

As a child I can remember crying out, "It's not fair!" The occasions were times of parental discipline when I felt that my punishment was greater that I could bear or at least rougher than what my siblings were getting. Now I have gone through the learning experience of raising three children, I understand much better the justice of my parents.

Sometimes God"s discipline seem unfair. Nehemiah wisely recalls the numerous times that God was merciful, patient, and loving to the Old Testament people perhaps far more merciful that some of us might have been. Then he recalls God's acts of punishment and discipline concluding. "In all that had happened to us,  You have been just; you  have acted faithfully. While we did wrong" (Nehemiah 9:33). God warned them to return to His law.

Today we rejoice that the nature of our Creator included justice and righteousness as well as mercy, love, and compassion. A perfect balance of each if these attributes is what causes our soul to sing, "How great Thou Art!"

PRAYER THOUGHT: Help us to see that our actions causes a reaction I our physical and spiritual lives. May we not cry, "It"s not fair!" But may we with Your guiding hand, strive to live holy and godly lives. And thank You, dear God, for Your justice as well as Your mercy. We praise You this day for the discipline You have brought into our lives. It has drawn us closer to You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

YOU! YOU! YOU!

SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 9:6-15

VERSE FOR TODAY: You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendant the land of the Canaanites. . .You have kept your promise because you are righteous (Nehemiah 9:8, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Standing on the promises"

Our God is a God who makes and kept promises. He must be pleased when His people get serious about integrity and holy living.

In preparing for this devotional I noticed that twenty nine personal pronouns used in reference to God. He gave life, made a covenant, heard a cry, sent miraculous signs and wonders, divided the sea, you can walk and sing ...led the people out of bondage, gave them the law, and He spoke to them from Heaven. What powerful statement these verses make as they relate the acts of God down through history! But it's all personal. God is personal. He is not just a comic power or infinite force. He is a personal God who keeps His promises to His people because He is righteous! 

"Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing in the promises of God.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Help us to bow before You this day to praise and honor You, O Father, the living God of all creation. ",Not to us, O Lord, not to us ." But to You, O God, to You! We praise You this day for who You are. In the name of Your Son. Amen.

THE CLEANSING NATURE OF GOD'S WORD

SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 9:1-5

VERSE FOR TODAY: Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting. Blessed and praise (Nehemiah 9:5, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Cleanse Me"

One day Jesus said to His disciples, "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you" (John15:3). Allowing the Word of God into our hearts, souls, and minds can be a cleansing experience. These Old Testament Israelites were hearing the Word of God read day after day.It was were hearing aflesh God's message and it led them to repent, fast and pray.

Their experience included confession of their sins and that resulted in worship and rejoicing at God's forgiveness. It had been said that confession is good for the soul." What a joy it is to know that we can come clean! That the soil of this world's ways can be washed off. When God's Word is a priority in our lives the results are wonderful.

George Mueller said, "The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts. I solemnly state this from the experience of 54 years. The first three years after conversion. I neglected the Word of God. Since I began to search diligently, the blessing has-been wonderful. I look upon it as a lost day when I have not had a good time over the Word of God."

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, our hearts often get smudged by sin and soiled by worldliness. As we read and respond to Your Word today, grant us the cleansing that we need. In Jesus name. Amen.

NOT HEARERS ONLY BUT DOERS

SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 8:13-18

VERSE FOR TODAY: But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves (James 2:22, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Wonderful Words of Life"

What a paradigm for the church! Gathering around the Word of God to listen and to understand and then to immediately do what is understood in the Book. Is this not what God expects us to do with His Words? Is there any other appropriate response to the living Word of God? What would happen in our churches today if there were this kind of immediate obedience to the Word of God? What would happen in our world if God's people everywhere urgently responded to the Word as did these Old Testament Israelites when Ezra, the scribe, read and gave the understanding? 

Luther said he studied his Bible in the same manner as he gathered apples. First, he shook the whole tree, that the ripest might fall; then he shook each limb, and when he had shaken each limbe shook each branch, and after branch, every twig; and then he looked under every leaf.

We need to approach the Bible as a whole, reading it all the way through. Then we need to study it book after book. Then give attention to each chapter and paragraph and sentence. And Reward also comes when we look under every leaf-- searching out the meaning of each word.

PRAYER THOUGHS: Lord, help us to hear and understand Your Word. But help us to be more than just hearers-- help us to be doers of what Your Word says. Thank You for this wonderful Book! In Your Son's name Amen.

READ IT AND WEEP--NO, REJOICE!

SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 8:1-12

VERSE FOR TODAY: So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:21, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Break Thou the Bread of Life"

The reaction in this passage to the public of the Word of God are fascinating. They include: " all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law" (v.3); "the people lifted their hands and responded, Amen! Amen! . . .then they bowed down and worshipped the Lord . . . " (v.6); "the people went away . . .to celebrate with great joy because they now understood the words that had been made known to them" (v.1,2).

What is my reaction to the reading of God's Word? Is it one of indifference? Perhaps it is an appropriate reaction but short lived. Do I Listen to the Bible, conscious that it is truly God's Word? Does my mind wonder? 

There is much in the Word of God that will prick our hearts and disturb our comfort zones. But the same Word, when responded to in obedience and submission, will bring occasions of great joy. It is still God's message of good news and we all know that our world is a bit short on good news!

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Gracious Lord, open our hearts to Your Word. Help us respond in the way that brings glory to You and joy to our lives. " Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." In Jesus name I Pray. Amen.

WHO WAS HE IS GOD IN YOUR CHURCH!

 SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 43:1-9

VERSE FOR TODAY: Then the Spirit lifted me up and. . . the glory of the Lord filled the temple (Ezekiel 43:5, New International Version).

VERSE FOR TODAY: "O Worship the King"

Recently I attended a large church gathering where God's Word was preached in power. The beauty of the magnificent sanctuary, the heavenly voices of a huge choir, and the multitude of people worshiping God were awe inspiring. I have also felt this glory in a humble country church building. A man of God preached the gospel, the congregation earnestly prayed, and the voices of the people, singing from their hearts, magnified and glorified our God.

Ezekiel's vision, like Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6, showed the glory of God filling the temple. It also filled the tabernacle and the temple of Solomon at its dedication (1Kings 8:11). Today there are churches that depend on organization, gifted speakers, social activities, and a social gospel. But the church service is empty and cold. It is as if the glory of the Lord has departed as it departed from Israel.

One day the telephone in the office of President Roosevelt's Washington church rang and an eager voice said, "Tell me, do you expect the President to be in church this Sunday?" The rector explained patiently, "That I cannot promise. But we expected God to be there, and we believe that will be enough fora reasonably large attendance."

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father May our Worship be pleasing in Your sight. Fill our churches with Your glory as it filled the temple in Ezekiel's vision. May we allow Your Holy Spirit to control our worship. Amen.

DON'T STOP SHORT OF THE BLESSING

SCRIPTURE: 2 King 5:1-4

VERSE FOR TODAY: Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart ( Psalm 119:34, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Trust and Obey"

A mother had just finished a two garage sale. She was exhausted. Her children begged her to go with them to the woods at the back of their property to see the fireflies. She was convinced that she could not make this trek and used what seem to her last ounce of strength to say, "No."

They not to be easily persuaded. They begged her to go, saying she could drive the little way to the woods. So in the car they piled, and off to the woods they bumped for what she expect to be a not unpleasant sighting of fireflies.

To the mother's great surprise, however, they were greeted by a spectacular display of fireflies lighting up the woods. In a moment's of wonder and amazement, bone-deep exhaustion drained away, leaving her feeling deeply rested and blessed. She came close to missing s blessing.

Naman came close to missing a healing

 Elisha,'s instruction didn't seem sensible

Fortunately, he also some nagging voices; they encourage him to Obey. We may be too fatigued for fireflies, but may we never stop short of God's will for us because obedience and faithfulness seem impractical or unnecessary.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Dear, help us to trust You when the way is confusing and help us to obey when we think we see a better way. Amen.

WHO IS ON THE LORD SIDE?

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 20:1-6

VERSE FOR TODAY: When the priest Pashur son of Immer, the chief officer in the temple of the Lord, heard Jeremiah saying these things, he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten, and put in the stocks (Jeremiah 20:12, new International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "I Would Be True"

Sometimes strange things happen in "holy" places! Hilkiah found "the book of the Law in the house of the Lord." Isaiah saw the Lord "high and lifted up" on the temple. Joab found death at horns of the altar. Jeremiah found persecution and suffering at the temple gate, and at the hands of its chief officer. Blessing or curse?

People are more human than anybody! They can rise to the height or sink to the depths. Pashur's story show us that it is possible to pervert the highest office. In the eyes of the people, a servant of the Lord, working in a place dedicated to the worship of the Lord, he somehow failed. He failed his office, he failed his people, and he failed God. 

We have seen those who have suffered unjustly, or have endured pain, yet have come out of the experience with faith in God strengthened, and witness strong. Jeremiah story tells us that neither great injustice nor suffering can destroy the soul truly filled with the Spirit of God.

There are some people who attend church" but are unaffected by the worship experience. But others find God and a Savior there.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Lord God, help us to remember that our destiny is not determined by places and things we encounter on life's journey, but only by our faith and obedience to Jesus, who died for us. In His name, we pray Amen.

STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN

Scripture: Ezekiel 3:22-37

Verse for Today: But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says' (Ezekiel 3:27, New International Version). 

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Speak, Lord, in the Stillness"

Today's Scripture passage sounds like a contradiction. First God tells Ezekiel to be silent, then He tells him to speak. God said, "When I speak to you, I will open your mouth." Ezekiel was to speak only God's words. Witnessing for the Lord can be fruitless if it is done in the confidence of the flesh. We can only speak effectively for God when we know what He wants us to say. Moses is an example of one who did not trust in his own power to speak for God. He said, "o Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to [me]... I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10, New International Version). God reminded Moses that He made his mouth and that He would help him speak.

Before we speak for God, we need to stop, look to, and listen for, God to speak to us. The opened ear comes before the opened mouth. We cannot hear God speak unless we listen for Him. It is necessary for us to listen and know Him.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, "May the words of my mouth...be acceptable in thy sight." These are the words You gave us to speak. May we have listening ears and obedient hearts to speak as You have instructed us to and to be silent as Your Holy Spirit directs. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, we pray Amen.