Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 47 -- 51

Highlights:

Prediction: Babylon will be destroyed for mistreating Israel (Is. 47:1-15; 49:25-26). The heartbroken Heavenly Father speaks to His unruly children (chap. 48). Warning (48:22)! The Servant officially commissioned as Savior (49:1-7). Whose hand holds you (49:16; 51:16)? Do things look bad? Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (Ps. 23:4). Trust God (Is. 51:7-8,11,21-23).
We expect judgment upon the ungodly, or upon the backslider, but many Christians do not understand why sincere believers experience so many critical situations. The prophet Isaiah encourages us to remain faithful, regardless of the circumstances, even though we cannot see why we face so many difficulties. Who is among you that feareth (reveres) the Lord . . . that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the Name of the Lord, and stay (rely) upon his God (Is. 50:10). God will bring blessings out of suffering and triumph out of tragedy for every child of God, just as He did for Job. Heartbreaking experiences test our faith, as well as develop greater faith. God twice said Job was the most perfect man on earth, yet he suffered more than anyone in biblical history except Jesus, who died for the sins of the world. Job's faith remained strong because he knew that God controlled his life. Even while suffering intensely, he testified: He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10).

Each of us can expect testing from the Lord, as well as temptation from the forces of evil; so do not be dismayed if your world crumbles and it seems the Lord has abandoned you (I Pet. 1:3-9).

The Apostle James, who later suffered martyrdom for his faith in Jesus Christ, encouraged believers to take . . . the prophets, who have spoken in the Name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience (James 5:10). Jesus explained to His disciples that, because the world hated Him, it would also hate them. Another time, He promised a hundredfold return to those who forsook home and family for Him, but He warned of their persecution (John 15:18,20-21; Mark 10:29-30).

Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers (sharers) of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad (I Pet. 4:13). But Paul warned: If we deny Him, He also will deny us (II Tim. 2:12).

Let us express gratitude to the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (establish), strengthen, settle you (I Pet. 5:10).

Thought for Today:

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other (Ps. 85:10).
Christ Revealed:

As the Light to the Gentiles (nations) (Is. 49:6). Jesus said: I am the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5; Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47; 26:23).
Word Studies:

47:8 carelessly =securely; 47:11 put it off =avert or avoid it; 47:15 quarter =own region; 48:2 stay =ely; 48:10 refined =ested; but not with silver =without finding character as silver, which requires heat you could not bear; 49:21 removing =wandering.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a Family that loves Jesus • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Country: Tonga (109,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tongan and English • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 22% Mormon; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Cry out to God in humility (Ps. 9:12).
Optional Reading: James 5

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 52 -- 57

Highlights:

Weep over what your sins cost Jesus (Is. 52:13-15; 53:1-12)! God reigns, Jerusalem redeemed (52:1-12); Israel, the restored wife (chap. 54). Note 54:17 & 55:8-9! Obedience rewarded (chap. 56); repentance and forgiveness (57: 15-21).
God revealed to Isaiah that the Messiah, the King of kings, would first be My Servant . . . (then) He shall be exalted (Is. 52:13). Jesus first came as the Servant (of God), as the Suffering Savior; but He will soon return highly exalted as the King of kings.

The religious leaders of the first century were looking for a warrior-king, like David, to deliver them from the oppression of Rome. However, Isaiah had foretold: Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows (53:4). This means He has provided for our emotional and spiritual, as well as physical, needs of every kind. Although Isaiah was prophesying about the future, he wrote as if it was already accomplished — the Messiah was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes (whiplashes) we are healed (made whole) (53:5). Jesus' death on the cross provided for all repentant believers, Jew and Gentile alike, to receive eternal life and become acceptable to Him through the death of the sinless Son of God when they receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

He was oppressed, and He was afflicted. . . . He was taken from prison and from judgment . . . He was cut off out of the land of the living (He perished): for the transgression of My people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death. . . . Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin (53:7-10). Had they been in subjection to the Word of God, they would have recognized their Messiah who provided deliverance from sin and freedom from oppression. He shall grow up before Him (the Lord) as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him (53:2). Dry ground illustrates the spiritual condition of the religious world without Jesus. He alone provides eternal life for all who confess their guilt, repent of their sins, and seek to obey His Word. That's why it's important to read all of it, even though we fall short of what God desires us to be. Who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died (for our sins) . . . who also maketh intercession (prays to God the Father) for us (Rom. 8:34).

Thought for Today:

When I said, My foot slippeth; Thy mercy, O Lord, held me up (Ps. 94:18).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who was rejected by His own people (Is. 53:3; comp. Luke 23:18; John 1:11); remained silent when He was falsely accused (Is. 53:7; Mark 15:3-5); was buried with the rich (Is. 53:9; Matt. 27:57-60); and was crucified with sinners (Is. 53:12; Mark 15:27-28).
Word Studies:

52:1 uncircumcised =heathen (those without a covenant with God); 52:10 made bare His holy arm =revealed His power; 52:12 rereward =rear guard; 52:14 visage =appearance, countenance; 57:4 sport =ridicule; 57:17 frowardly =rebelliously.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Beth Carlton • Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela • Major languages: English and Hindi • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord; He is your refuge (Ps. 15:1-4).
Optional Reading: I Peter 1

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:12

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 58 -- 63

Highlights:

Our sinful nature separates us from God (Is. 59:2-15). Solution: A Redeemer (59:16-21). The Light of the World (60: 1,19-20). Jesus fulfills chapter 61 (Luke 4:16-29). The love of God, His mercy, pardon, and deliverance outlined in chapters 62 & 63.
During Isaiah's time, the Israelite leaders complained to God: Wherefore have we fasted . . . and Thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge? (Is. 58:3). They accused Him of not paying attention to what they were doing and they felt they had wasted their time. The Lord answered: In the day of your fast ye find pleasure (continue to seek selfish interests), and exact (exploit) all your labours (laborers). . . . ye fast for (continue your) strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness (58:3-4) — although you fast, you are contentious, demanding, overbearing, and insistent on your own way.

Even more serious was their hypocrisy. The Lord said: Is it such a fast that I have chosen? . . . is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him (to impress others with pretended humility)? (58:5; comp. Luke 18:10-14). Through Isaiah, God reminded the Israelites that acceptable fasting was not to impress the world of how religious they were, but it was to seek the will of God through intercession. The Lord said the fast He would accept would be preceded by acts of kindness such as: To loose the bands (bonds) of wickedness . . . undo the heavy burdens . . . to let the oppressed go free. . . . to deal (divide) thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out (wandering) to thy house . . . when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh (never neglect your responsibility to your own family) (Is. 58:6-7).

If what we do for someone, or for the Lord, is meant to impose or imply expecting special favors in return, prayers and fasting will be futile. Our prayers are effective only when our attitude and our relationship with others expresses the mercy and love of God unconditionally.

Often, being a Christian is thought of as the sum total of things we don't do. But a Christian is first and foremost both who we are and what we do. Always remember that whatever you do in word or deed, do all for the glory of God. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Thought for Today:

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (Ps. 103:.
Christ Revealed:

As the One anointed to preach Good Tidings (Is. 61:1). Jesus read this passage to the rulers of the synagogue (Luke 4:16-22) but stopped before reading the completion of the second verse (Is. 61:2), thus showing that He fulfilled the first part but, the second part, the day of judgment, was yet to be fulfilled.
Word Studies:

60:5 see, and flow together =become enlightened, and shine forth the Light of God; fear =be in awe (the amazement at what God is doing), and then when that has registered, comes the joy; 61:3 appoint =impart comfort; 62:4 Hephzibah =my delight is in her; Beulah =married; 63:15 the sounding of thy bowels =the yearning affection of your heart.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Government Official: Rep. Connie Mack IV (FL) • Country: Tunisia (10 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Islamic state — no open ministry for Christ is permitted; strict surveillance of all Christian activities • 99+% Muslim; .3% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord: where He guides, He provides (Ps. 16:1-8).
Optional Reading: I Peter 2

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:12

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 64 -- 66

Highlights:

In these final chapters are prayers for mercy and forgiveness from a God who is silent (Is. 64). Those pleading confess their sin and praise His deeds (64:4-7). God will spare His true servants (65:1-10). The rebirth of His nation and His promise (66:7-9,22).
Most of the northern kingdom people were carried away captive by the Assyrians during the reign of wicked King Pekah (Is. 7:1; II Kin. 15:27-29). Having witnessed the destruction of the northern kingdom before he came to the throne, undoubtedly godly King Hezekiah of the southern kingdom was greatly encouraged by the prophet Isaiah. Sadly, after Hezekiah's death, his son Manasseh became one of the most wicked kings in Judah's history (21:9).

During this time, the Word of God, as proclaimed by Isaiah, had been ignored and now a heartbroken God spoke through him these pitiful words: I have spread out My hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts (Is. 65:2). Although God had reached out to them, they had ignored and insulted Him. They had gone their own ways. The Lord continued: I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears (dread, terrors) upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not (66:4).

The Apostle Paul quoted from Isaiah 64:4 to encourage the Corinthian church: It is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him (I Cor. 2:9). The magnificence of His wisdom and glory are now revealed to us as we read His Word. Paul went on to state that believers in Jesus as the Messiah also receive the very thoughts of Christ through the written Word of God. Through Isaiah, God declared future things which were later bestowed through the Messiah upon those that love Him. At any time, in any place, we may pray to our loving God. While we have an opportunity to serve Him, we should determine to make His will the priority in our lives.

To the small minority who remained faithful then, as well as to the minority of faithful today, Isaiah is saying: Hear the Word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His Word; Your brethren that hated (despised) you, that cast you out for My Name's sake . . . shall be ashamed. . . . For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river (Is. 66:5,12).

Thought for Today:

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him (Ps. 103:11).
Christ Revealed:

As the Creator of new heavens and a new earth (Is. 65:17; 66:22; comp. John 1:1-3; II Pet. 3:13). As the One whose glory will be declared among the nations (Is. 66:18-19; Rev. 5:12-13).
Word Studies:

64:3 terrible =awesome, revered greatly, greatly to be feared; 64:11 are laid waste =have been destroyed; 65:14 howl for vexation of spirit =cry out in misery; 66:6 voice =sound.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL) and Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN) • Country: Turkey (64 million) in Asia Minor and southeastern Europe • Major languages: Turkish, Kurdish, and Arabic • Official resistance to Christian witnessing • 79% Sunni Muslim; 20% Alawi Shi'ite Muslim; .2% Christian; .04% Jewish (25,000); .09% Armenian Orthodox; .02% Syrian Orthodox; .02% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with sincere lips (Ps. 17:1).
Optional Reading: I Peter 3

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Jeremiah 1 -- 3

Highlights:

God knew Jeremiah long before he was born (Jer. 1:4-5)! Is the Word of God in your mouth (1:9)? God reminds Judah of its blessings (2:1-7); of the people forsaking Him (2:13) and worshiping false gods (2:10-12,26-28). Israel more righteous than Judah (3:6-11); Judah warned (3:14-17); national restoration promised (3:16-18). God speaks (3:22)!
God revealed to Jeremiah that He has a plan and purpose for each of us even before our birth: The Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee . . . I knew thee; and . . . I sanctified thee (set you apart for God), and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jer. 1:4-5).

Through Jeremiah's revelation concerning the origin of human life, it is revealed that our birth is not our real beginning, nor will our death be our end. Since God is the Giver of Life, let us recognize the sanctity of all human life. Just think! God knew you and had a plan for your life even before you were conceived.

The Holy Spirit led King David to write: I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret (Ps. 139:14-15). Both mother and father have the biblical responsibility to recognize that every unborn child, from the moment of conception, belongs to its Creator God. Both parents are responsible as faithful stewards of God to teach their children to know, love, and be obedient to Him.

Through the Apostle Paul, God revealed that He (God) hath chosen us in Him (Christ) before the foundation (beginning) of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. . . . In whom (Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance. . . . That . . . the Father of glory, may give unto you . . . The eyes of your understanding (mind) being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. 1:4-5,11,15-18).

We are special! Even before God laid the foundation of the world, He chose us to be His children through Jesus Christ, and, because of Him, we have received this inheritance from God.

God has chosen each of us for His sacred purpose. However, He has also given us the freedom to choose whom we will serve. Jesus stated an often overlooked fact when He said that no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other (Matt. 6:24).

Thought for Today:

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy (Ps. 147:11).
Christ Revealed:

As the Fountain of Living Waters (Jer.2:13). Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink (John 7:37-38; also 4:1-26).
Word Studies:

2:3 offend =be held guilty; 2:14 spoiled =laid waste, plundered; 2:18 Sihor =the Nile River; the river =the Euphrates; 2:31 lords =independent; 2:33 trimmest . . . thy way to seek love =do good (as a show to impress) to get love; 3:2 been lien with =acted like a prostitute; 3:9 lightness =shameless behavior; 3:10 feignedly =deceptively.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY) • Country: Turkmenistan (4.8 million) southwestern central Asia • Major languages: Turkmen and Russian • Religious freedom • 89% Muslim (largely Sunni); 9% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Unknown/Other (Catholic, Protestant, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Hare Krishna) • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayer of thanksgiving for the marvelous blessings of God (Ps. 18:1-3).
Optional Reading: I Peter 4

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Jeremiah 4 -- 6

Highlights:

God warns Judah of impending destruction unless hearts and minds are cleansed (Jer. 4:3-4). The prophet grieves (4:19-22) over visions of Judah's coming judgment (4:23-31). Not one man that seeketh the truth to save the city (5:1-9,19-25). A last warning (6:1-9). Judah's constant rebellion results in rejection (6:10-30).
The prophet Jeremiah began his public ministry during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (Jer. 1:2). He exposed the worldly, compromising lifestyle of the Israelites when he called them a foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not. . . . this people hath . . . a rebellious heart. . . . your sins have withholden good things from you (5:21,23,25). The reason for their lack of understanding was clear — they were rebellious against God in their hearts. Jeremiah lamented: The Word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. . . . every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely (6:10-13). Josiah's grandfather Manasseh and his father Amon were wicked kings who had led the people to forsake God and had encouraged worship of false gods.

However, young Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father (ancestor), and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left (II Kin. 22:2). No doubt, Jeremiah was a great encouragement and influence on Josiah. After he had purged the land, Josiah began repairing the Temple and restoring worship of the One True God (II Chr. 34:8-33). He then initiated a Passover Feast unequaled in Israel's history from the days of the judges . . . (and) in all the days of the kings (II Kin. 23:22).

Following Josiah's death (23:30-32), his son, Jehoahaz reverted to the evil ways of both Amon and Manasseh. With deep concern, we see a parallel between Judah's false gods and immorality that led to its defeat, and America's growing false religions, moral decline, and sexual sins.

The Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to warn us: The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts . . . they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (false teachings) (II Tim. 4:3-5).

The true Christian is taught: Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:21).

Thought for Today:

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart (Prov. 3:3).
Christ Portrayed:

By Jeremiah, whom God commissioned to reveal His Truth (Jer. 4:2). Jesus shall one day judge all mankind with His Truth (Ps. 96:13; John 5:22). Jesus said: To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth. Every one that is of the Truth heareth My voice (John 18:37).
Word Studies:

4:6 retire, stay not =go in haste to take refuge, don't delay; 4:22 sottish =devoid of spiritual understanding; 5:10 battlements =branches; 5:13 wind =full of words, but speaking nothing from God; 5:30 wonderful =monstrous, shocking; 6:30 reprobate silver =dejected, despised, trash.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Judy Biggert (IL), Justice Stephen Breyer, Del. Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa), and Rep. Maxine Waters (CA) • Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tuvaluan and English • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in time of trouble, for He promises to hear us (Ps. 18:6).
Optional Reading: I Peter 5

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Jeremiah 7 -- 10

Highlights:

Judah, don't be fooled! Hear the Word of the Lord (Jer. 7:2,4-5; 9:20,24). Disobedient children experience complete disaster as consequence of their sin. If the prophet of God is sorrowed (8:18-22), what do you think it does to the Heavenly Father's heart? God, forgive our disobedience.
All adult men who were physically able were required by the Law to attend three major Feasts annually in Jerusalem. These occasions were to be joyful celebrations of praise to God for His provision and protection. But, on this occasion Jeremiah did not give the crowd a warm welcome. Instead, he pronounced a harsh condemnation: Hear the Word of the Lord, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord. . . . Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely . . . and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My Name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations (sinful things)? (Jer. 7:2,9-10).

The people considered Jeremiah's preaching far too narrow-minded, so they would not tolerate this prophet of God. They had declared: We are wise, and the Law of the Lord is with us (8:. The physical presence of the Scriptures and the Temple gave them a false sense of security. The prophet warned them: (You) have rejected the Word of the Lord. . . . every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely (8:9-11). They were confident that God would never allow His chosen people to be destroyed. But the Lord's Covenants do not give His people license to sin or to ignore His Word.

Then, as now, people foolishly assume that each person should have the freedom to worship whomever or whatever he will, following his own conscience. But Jesus declared: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). Some today call themselves Christians but continue in secret sins. Jesus asks those who say they are Christians while still living sinful lives: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

Jesus reminds us: If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free. . . . Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin (John 8:31-32,34). He also declared: Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21).

Thought for Today:

He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he (Prov. 14:21).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who demanded a cleansed Temple (Jer. 7:1-11). Jesus cleansed the Temple and said: My House shall be called of all nations the House of Prayer (Mark 11:17).
Word Studies:

7:15 the whole seed of Ephraim =all the people of the Northern Kingdom; 7:33 fray =frighten; 9:7 melt them, and try them =refine them by testing with affliction; 10:22 noise of the bruit =sound of a rumor.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Audrey Hash • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR) • Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Ps. 18:30).
Optional Reading: II Peter 1

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Jeremiah 11 -- 14
Highlights:

Judah breaks a pledge (covenant) (Jer. 11:1-17). We should be men and women of integrity. Jeremiah's message meets with animosity. Men of Anathoth plot to kill him but the Lord defends him (11:18-23). What is the significance of the marred belt (chap. 13)? A solemn warning (chap. 14).
All Israelites were called to be holy and to serve the Lord, as He said to Moses: I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves (live in obedience to My Word), and ye shall be holy (Lev. 11:44). And, in return, God promised to provide all their needs. Instead, the majority forsook the Lord to worship idols. To expose their failure, the Lord told Jeremiah to get thee a linen girdle, and put it upon thy loins, and put it not in water (do not wash it) (Jer. 13:1). Hebrew men wore long, loose, gown-like garments. To hold the tunic close to the body while working, they wore a sash-like belt around the waist called a "girdle." The girdle represented the close relationship of the Israelites to Jehovah (Yahweh).

Jeremiah reported that, eventually, the Word of the Lord came unto me the second time, saying, Take the girdle . . . and . . . go to Euphrates, and hide it there in a hole of the rock. So I went, and hid it by Euphrates, as the Lord commanded me. And it came to pass after many days, that the Lord said unto me, Arise, go to Euphrates, and take the girdle from thence, which I commanded thee to hide there. Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred (rotted, ruined), it was profitable for nothing (13:3-7). The girdle represented the spiritual condition of the Israelites. Then Jeremiah spoke: Thus saith the Lord. . . . This evil people, which refuse to hear My words . . . and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing (13:9-10).

Like the Israelites, some today are intent on satisfying self-interests with their talents, time, and tithes while rejecting their opportunities to serve the Lord. Unfortunately, many will discover too late that they have lost forever the opportunities given by God.

The writer of Hebrews admonishes: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane (godless) person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat (food) sold his birthright. . . . See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven (Heb. 12:16-17,25; also Rev. 20:12).

Thought for Today:

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil (Prov. 16:6).
Christ Revealed:

As the Hope of Israel, the Saviour (Jer. 14:. Christ is the only Hope of all mankind. Looking for that blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).
Word Studies:

11:15 wrought lewdness =one evil things; 11:23 visitation =udgment; 12:2 reins =eart; 13:22 skirts discovered . . . heels made bare =ine clothes torn off as you are driven into exile, barefoot (comp. Nah. 3:5).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. David Price (NC) • Country: Ukraine (51 million) east-central Europe • Major languages: Ukrainian and Russian • Religious freedom • 55% Orthodox (various jurisdictions); 15% Catholic (mainly Greek-Catholic); 3.2% Protestant; 1% Jews; .5% Muslim; 25.3% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to show you any sins that you are not aware of and to cleanse you of them (Ps. 19:12).
Optional Reading: II Peter 2

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:17

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Jeremiah 15 -- 18

Highlights:

Although Jeremiah suffers much, he stays bold before man because he is broken before God (Jer. 15:10-21; 16:1-4,19-21; 17:11-18; 18:18-23). He tells Judah that punishment is inevitable (15:1-9; 16:5-13; 17:1-4), but that there's still hope (16:14-18) and wisdom (17:5-10,19-27). Fact: Our lives are in the hands of God (18:1-17)!
The Lord said, Verily (truly) . . . I will cause the enemy to entreat (treat) thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction (Jer. 15:11). But, when the Israelites rejected God and His Word as their way of life, they forfeited His wonderful protective shield and tragically suffered both spiritual and physical loss.

To understand the Israelites' problems and their final outcome, Jeremiah was sent to the potter's house to see a live illustration of what God was about to do. God said to Jeremiah: Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear My words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought (was making) a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred (ruined) in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it (18:2-4). Then the Lord said: O house of Israel . . . as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in Mine hand. . . . If it do evil in My sight, that it obey not My voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them (18:6,10).

When the vessel (God's chosen people) was marred in the hand of the potter it was the hardness within the clay itself and not the failure of the potter that made the vessel worthless. Clay must be soft and pliable for the potter to mold it. Israel had rejected the will of God and was marred (hardened) by its sin. Consequently, the vessel, Israel, was broken and taken into captivity by Babylon, a nation used as the instrument of God. After 70 years of captivity (25:11), God made the clay into another vessel which was the small group — remnant — of Jews who willingly returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and worship Him.

We are like earthen vessels and God has a special plan for each of us to be a vessel for His use, even though we too are distorted by sin. When we yield ourself to the Master Potter, with loving hands He will mold us again into another vessel, one better prepared to contain and express the Presence of Christ Himself. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (II Cor. 5:17).

Thought for Today:

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour (Prov. 21:21).
Christ Revealed:

By Jeremiah's words to God: Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart (Jer. 15:16). Jesus said: The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are Life (John 6:63).
Word Studies:

15:1 toward =favorable to; 15:6 repenting =grieving over and giving you another chance; 17:10 try the reins =test the heart; 18:11 frame =prepare; 18:15 in a way not cast up =on paths of sin, not ways of righteousness and honor.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Government Official: Sec. Timothy Geithner (Dept. of the Treasury) and Rep. Louis Gohmert (TX) • Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and Farsi • Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to deliver you from willful sins (Ps. 19:13).
Optional Reading: II Peter 3

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:17

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Jeremiah 19 -- 22

Highlights:

God speaks to (1) Judah, that's you (Jer. 19:3-15); (2) Zedekiah and the rebellious people, Babylon wins (21:7-10); (3) the Royal Family, do right or else (21:11—22:5); (4) the Palace, destroyed (22:6-9); (5) Jehoahaz (Shallum), you're gone (22:10-12); (6) Jehoiakim, you're dead and no one cares (22:13-23); (7) Jehoiachin (Coniah), exited, no heirs, nothing (22:24-30).
During the last days of the kingdom of Judah, Jeremiah courageously faced the son of the chief governor of the high priest and said: Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies . . . and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword. . . . And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity . . . to Babylon, and there thou shalt die . . . thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies (Jer. 20:4,6).

Soon the people of Judah learned of the defeat of Assyria and Egypt. With Nebuchadnezzar's victory in the battle at Carchemish, Babylon emerged as the new dominant world power. This confirmed Isaiah's prophecy about 100 years earlier (Is. 39:6-7).

Even after being fully informed of the results of rejecting the Word of God, the religious leaders not only refused to repent, but they began a campaign to discredit Jeremiah before the king and the nation. In prison, Jeremiah was discouraged as he wrote: I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His Name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and . . . I could not stay (hold it in) (Jer. 20:9). Jeremiah may have thought that he had failed to communicate the importance of obeying the Word of God. Most spiritual leaders have, at some time, felt that they failed in fulfilling their God-given responsibility. But, far beyond all his own expectations, Jeremiah has been an inspiration to millions for many centuries. Our Creator has assured us: My Word . . . shall not return unto Me void (without result), but . . . it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Is. 55:11).

Regardless of circumstances, everyone who is devoted to the Lord and to teaching the Word of God or who provides the money to make it possible for others to teach His Word has laid up treasures in heaven. Jesus promised: For every tree is known by his own fruit. . . . A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good (Luke 6:44-45). Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).

Thought for Today:

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who pronounces judgment upon those who refuse to obey His Word (Jer. 19:15). The Father . . . committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22).
Word Studies:

19:3 his ears shall tingle =will be utterly stunned by the news; 19:9 straitness =anguish, distress; 20:3 Magor-missabib =terror on every side; 20:11 mighty terrible one =awe-inspiring one, heroic champion.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Dan Murton • Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59.4 million) off the coast of western Europe • Major languages: English and Welsh • Religious freedom • 55% Anglican; 16% Catholic; 6% Other Protestant; 2% Muslim; .9% Sikh; .8% Hindu; .6% Jewish; .2% Buddhist; 10.5% Other; 5% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your words and thoughts will be pleasing to the Lord (Ps. 19:14).
Optional Reading: I John 1

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:17