Day 243 - How Can We Acquire Wisdom?

Daily Reading:  2 Chronicles 1-3

Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?  2 Chronicles 1:10

Footnote:  God's offer to Solomon stretches the imagination:  "Ask for whatever you want me to give you" (1:7).  But Solomon put the needs of his people first and asked for wisdom rather than riches.  He realized that wisdom would be the most valuable asset he could have as king.  Later he wrote, wisdom "is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her" (Proverbs 3:15).  The same wisdom that was given to Solomon is available to us; the same God offers it.  How can we acquire wisdom?  First, we must ask God, who "gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5).  Second, we must devote ourselves wholeheartedly to studying and applying God's Word, the source of divine wisdom. 

1:11, 12 Footnote:  Solomon could have had anything, but he asked for wisdom to rule the nation.  Because God approved of the way Solomon ordered his priorities, he gave Solomon wealth, riches, and honor as well.  Jesus also spoke about priorities.  He said that when we put God first, everything we really need will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:33).  This does not guarantee that we will be wealthy and famous like Solomon, but it means that when we put God first, the wisdom he gives will enable us to have richly rewarding lives.  When we have a purpose for living and learn to be content with what we have, we will have greater wealth than we could ever accumulate.

Keep reading -- 122 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 242 - What Work Does God Have for You to Do?

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 27-29

So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.  28:8

Footnote:  David told Solomon to be careful to follow every one of God's commands to ensure Israel's prosperity and the continuation of David's descendants upon the throne.  It was the king's solemn duty to study and obey God's laws.  The teachings of Scripture are the keys to security, happiness, and justice, but you'll never discover them unless you search God's Word.  If we ignore God's will and neglect his teaching, anything we attempt to build, even if it has God's name on it, will be headed for collapse.  Get to know God's commands through regular Bible study, and find ways to apply them consistently.

David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 28:20

Footnote:  David advised Solomon not to be frightened about the size of his task as king and builder of the temple.  Fear can immobilize us.  The size of a job, its risks, or the pressure of the situation can cause us to freeze and do nothing.  One remedy for fear is found here -- don't focus on the fear; instead, get to work.  Getting started is often the most difficult and frightening part of a job.

WHAT WORK DOES GOD HAVE FOR YOU TO DO?

29:30 Footnote:  First Chronicles vividly illustrates the importance of maintaining a relationship with God.  The genealogies in chapters 1-9 emphasize the importance of a spiritual heritage.  The second part of the book details the life of David.  Few men or women in the Bible were as close to God as David was.  His daily contact with God increased his capacity to worship and strengthened his desire to build God's temple.  David's life shows us the importance of staying close to God -- through studying and obeying his Word and communicating with him daily.  Second Chronicles, on the other hand, reveals how quickly our lives can deteriorate (spiritually, mentally, and socially) when we fail to stay well grounded in God.

Keep reading -- 123 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 241 - Prophesying

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 24-26

David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals.  25:1

Footnote:  There is more to prophesying than predicting the future.  Prophecy also involves singing God's praises and preaching God's messages.  Prophets  could be musicians, farmers (Amos 1:1), wives (2 Kings 22:14), or leaders (Deuteronomy 34:10) -- anyone who boldly accurately spoke out for God and tried to bring people back to worshiping him.  From a large group of musicians David chose those who showed an unusual ability to tell about God and to encourage others in song.

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh and Peullethai the eighth.  For God had blessed Obed-Edom.  26:5

Footnote:  "God had blessed Obed-Edom."  The status of children in society has fluctuated throughout history; sometimes they are highly esteemed, and sometimes abused and cheated.  But Scripture shows no such vacillation -- children are called a blessing from God, and God never views them as a burden (Psalm 127:3-5; Mark 10:13-15).

Keep reading -- 124 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 240 - Temptation and Pride

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 20-23

Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.   1 Chronicles 21:1

Footnote:  David's census brought disaster because, unlike the census taken in the book of Numbers that God had ordered, this census was taken so David could take pride in the strength of his army.  In determining his military strength, he was beginning to trust more in military power than in God.  There is a thin line between feeling confident because you rely on God's power and becoming proud because you have been used by God for great purposes.

The Bible text says Satan incited David to take a census.  Can Satan force people to do wrong?  No, Satan only tempted David with the idea, but David decided to act on the temptation.  Ever since the Garden of Eden, Satan has been tempting people to sin.  David's census was not against God's law, but his reason for the census was wrong -- pride in his mighty army while forgetting that his real strength came from God.  Even Joab, not known for his high moral ideals, recognized the census as sin.  From David's example we learn that an action that may not be wrong in itself can be sinful if it is motivated by greed, arrogance, or selfishness.  Often our motives, not the action itself, contain the sin.  We must constantly weigh our motives before we act.  

Keep reading -- 125 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 239 - Who Am I

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 17-19

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:

Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?  And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant.  You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O Lord God.  17:16-20

Footnote:  God told David that Solomon would be given the honor of building the temple.  David responded with deep humility, not resentment.  This king who had conquered his enemies and was loved by his people said, "Who am I...that you have brought me this far?"  David recognized that God was the true king.  God has done just as much for us, and he plans to do even more!  Like David, we should humble ourselves and give glory to God, saying, "There is no one like you, O Lord."  When God chooses someone else to implement your ideas, will you respond with such humility?

He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David.  The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went. 18:13

Footnote:  The list of battles in this chapter shows how God gave victory after victory.  Unbelieving people think that victory comes from their own skill plus a little luck.  Just as David acknowledged God's role in his success, so should we.  Don't take credit for the work God does.

Keep reading -- 126 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 238 - The Lord Established

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 14-16

And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people.  14:2

Footnote:  Often we are tempted to use our position or possessions only for our own good.  Instead, we must remember that God has placed us where we are and given us all we have so that we may encourage others and give to those in need.

So David inquired of God:  "Shall I go and attack the Philistines?  Will you hand them over to me?" 14:10

Footnote:  Before David went to battle, he inquired of God first, asking for his presence and guidance.  Too often we wait until we are in trouble before turning to God.  By then the consequences of our actions are already unfolding.  Do you ask for God's help only as a desperate last resort?  Instead, go to him first!  Like David, you may receive incredible help and avoid serious trouble.

The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, and David gave orders to burn them in the fire.  14: 12

Footnote:  Often the soldiers wanted to keep souvenirs from the battle, but David ordered them to burn the idols.  The only proper response to sin is to get rid of it completely.  You cannot be a follower of God while continuing to hold on to parts of your past life that push God out of the center of your thoughts and actions.  Eliminate whatever takes God's rightful place in your life, and follow him with complete devotion.

15:13-15 Footnote:  When David's first attempt to move the ark failed, he learned an important lesson; when God gives specific instructions, it is wise to follow them precisely.  This time David saw to it that the Levites carried the ark.  We may not fully understand the reasons behind God's instructions, but we do know that the wisdom is complete and his judgment infallible.  The way to know God's instructions is to know his Word.  But just as children do not understand the reasons for all their parents' instructions until they are older, we may not understand all of God's reasons in this life.  It is far better to obey God first, and then discover the reasons.  We are never free to disobey God just because we don't understand.

Keep reading -- 127 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 237 - The Lord Almighty Was With Him

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 10-13

And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.  1 Chronicles 11:9

Footnote:  David's power increased as a direct result of his consistent trust in God.  In contrast, Saul's power decreased because he wanted all the credit for himself and ignored God (1 Samuel 15:17-26).

Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said:  We are yours, O David!  We are with you, O son of Jesse!  Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.  12:18

Footnote:  How did the Holy Spirit work in Old Testament times?  When there was an important job to be done, God chose a person to do it, and the Spirit gave that person the needed power and ability.  The Spirit gave Bezalel artistic ability.  Jephthah military prowess.  David power to rule and Zechariah an authoritative word of prophecy.  Here the Holy Spirit came upon David's warriors.  The Spirit came upon individuals in order to accomplish specific goals.  Beginning at Pentecost, however, the Spirit came upon all believers, not only to empower them to do God's will, but also to dwell in them day by day (Acts 2:14-21).

Keep reading -- 128 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 236 - Everyone Affected by the Sin of Some

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 7-9

The people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.  Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants. 

1 Chronicles 9:1

 

Footnote:  Although not every person in Judah was unfaithful, the entire nation was carried away into captivity.  Everyone was affected by the sin of some.  Even if we don't participate in a certain widespread wrongdoing, we will still be affected by those who do.  It is not enough to say, "I didn't do it."  We must speak out against the sins of our society.

 

9:33,34 footnote:  Worship was the primary focus of many Israelites, whose vocation centered on the house of the Lord.  Worship (appreciating God for his nature and worth) should occupy the core of our lives and not just a few minutes once a week.  We too can worship at all hours if we stay aware of God's presence and guidance in all situations and if we maintain an attitude of serving him.  Build your life around the worship of God rather than making worship just another activity in a busy schedule.

 

Keep reading -- 129 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 235 - Jabez

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 4-6

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.  His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain. " Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."  And God granted his request. 

1 Chronicles 4:9,10

Footnote:  Jabez is remembered for a prayer request rather than a heroic act.  In his prayer, he asked God to 1. bless him, 2. help him in his work ("enlarge my territory"), 3. be with him in all he did, and 4. keep him from evil and harm.  Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. When we pray for God's blessing, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation.  Obeying him in daily responsibilities is heroic living.

Keep reading -- 130 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 234 - Forging a Reputation

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 1-3

1 Chronicles

Purpose:  To unify God's people, to trace the Davidic line, and to teach that genuine worship ought to be the center of individual and national life.

Author:  Ezra, according to Jewish tradition.

1:1 Footnote:  This record of names demonstrates that God is interested not only in nations, but also in individuals.  Although billions of people have lived since Adam, God knows and remembers the face and name of each person.  Each of us is more than a name on a list: we are special persons whom God knows and loves.  As we recognize and accept his love, we discover both our uniqueness as individuals and our solidarity with the rest of his family.

The sons of Judah:

Er, Onan and Shelah.  These three were born to him by a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shua.  Er , Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the Lord's sight; so the Lord put him to death.  1 Chronicles 2:3

Footnote:  This long genealogy not only lists names, but gives us insights into some of the people.  Here almost as an epitaph, the genealogy states that Er "was wicked in the Lord's sight; so the Lord, put him to death."  Now, thousands of years later, this is all we know of the man.  Each of us is forging a reputation, developing personal qualities by which we will be remembered.  How would God summarize your life up to now?  Some defiantly claim that how they live is their own business.  But Scripture teaches that the way you live today will determine how you will be remembered by others and how you will be judged by God.  What you do now does matter.

Keep reading -- 131 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 233 - Hope is Found Only in the Lord

Daily Reading:  Lamentations 1-5

Lamentations

PURPOSE:  To teach people that to disobey God is to invite disaster, and to show that God suffers when his people suffer.

SETTING:  Jerusalem had been destroyed by Babylon and her people killed, tortured, or taken captive.

KEY VERSE: 

My eyes fail from weeping,

I am in torment within,

my heart is poured out on the ground

because my people are destroyed,

because children and infants

faint in the streets of the city. 

Jeremiah 2:11

CHAPTER 5 FOOTNOTE:  A high calling flouted by low living results in deep suffering.  Lamentations gives us a portrait of the bitter suffering the people of Jerusalem experienced when sin caught up with them and God turned his back on them.  Every material goal they had lived for collapsed.  But although God turned away from them because of their sin, he did not abandon them -- that was their great hope.  Despite their sinful past, God would restore them if they returned to him.  Hope is found only in the Lord.  Thus our grief should turn us toward him, not away from him.

Keep reading -- 132 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 232 - The Lord Almighty is His Name

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 50-52

The arrogant one will stumble and fall

and no one will help her up;

I will kindle a fire in her towns

that will consume all who are around her.

Jeremiah 50:32

Footnote:  Pride (arrogance) was Babylon's characteristic sin.  Pride comes from feeling self-sufficient or believing that we don't need God.  Proud nations or persons, however, will eventually fail because they refuse to recognize God as the ultimate power.  Getting rid of pride is not easy, but we can admit that it often rules us and ask God to forgive us and help us overcome it.  The best antidote to pride is to focus our attention on the greatness and goodness of God.

He made the earth by his power;

he founded the world by his wisdom

and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;

he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.

He sends lightning with the rain

and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

Every man is senseless and without knowledge;

every goldsmith is shamed by his idols.

His images are a fraud;

they have no breath in them.

They are worthless, the objects of mockery;

when their judgment comes, they will perish.

He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these,

for he is the Maker of all things,

including the tribe of his inheritance -

the Lord Almighty is his name.

Jeremiah 51:15-19

Footnote:  It is foolish to trust in man-made images rather than in God.  It is easy to think that the things we see and touch will bring us more security than God.  But things rust, rot and decay.  God is eternal.  Why put your trust in something that will disappear within a few years?

In the world's eyes, Jeremiah looked totally unsuccessful.  He had no money, family, or friends.  He prophesied the destruction of the nation, the capital city, and the temple, but the political and religious leaders would not accept or follow his advice.  No group of people liked him or listened to him.  Yet as we look back, we see that he successfully completed the work God gave him to do.  Success must never be measured by popularity, fame, or fortune, for these are temporal measures.  King Zedekiah, for example, lost everything by pursuing selfish goals.  God measures our success with the yardsticks of obedience, faithfulness, and righteousness.  If you are faithfully doing the work God gives you, you are successful in his eyes.

Keep reading -- 133 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 231 - Pride Destroys

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 47-49

The terror you inspire

and the pride of your heart have deceived you,

you who live in the clefts of the rocks,

who occupy the heights of the hill.

Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's,

from there I will bring you down,

says the Lord.

Jeremiah 49:16

Footnote:  Edom was located in a rock fortress that today is known as Petra, in southern Jordan.  Edom thought it was invincible because of its location.  Edom was destroyed because of her pride.  Pride destroys individuals as well as nations.  It makes us think we can take care of ourselves without God's help.  Even serving God and others can lead us into pride.  Take inventory of your life and service for God; ask God to point out and remove any pride you may be harboring.

Keep reading -- 134 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 230 - God's Word Will Stand

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 43-46

Those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few.  Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand -- mine or theirs.  Jeremiah 44:28

Footnote:  After Jeremiah's forced move to Egypt, there is no word in the Bible about the events in the rest of his life.

Chapter 46 Footnote:  In this chapter, we gain several insights about God and his plan for this world. 

1.  Although God chose Israel for a special purpose, he loves all people and wants all to come to him. 

2.  God is holy and will not tolerate sin. 

3.  God's judgments are not based on prejudice and a desire for revenge, but on fairness and justice. 

4.  God does not delight in judgment, but in salvation. 

5.  God is impartial -- he judges everyone by the same standard.

Keep reading -- 135 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 229 - Know Him Personally

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 40-42

When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place.  And now the Lord has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would.  All this happened because you people sinned against the Lord and did not obey him.  Jeremiah 40: 2,3

Footnote:  The Babylonian commander, who did not know God, acknowledged that God had given the Babylonians victory.  It is strange when people recognize that God exists and does miracles, but still they do not personally accept him.  Knowing God is more than knowing about him.  Be sure you know him personally.

Keep reading -- 136 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 228 - A Superficial Religion

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 37-39

Neither he nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.

King Zedekiah, however, sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah with the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to Jeremiah the prophet with this message:  Please pray to the Lord our God for us.         Jeremiah 37:2,3

Footnote:  King Zedekiah and his officials did not want to listen to Jeremiah's words, but they wanted the blessings of his prayers.  They wanted a superficial religion that wouldn't cost anything.  But God is not pleased with those who come to him only for what they can get rather than seeking to establish or deepen a relationship with him.  We would not accept that kind of relationship with someone else, and we shouldn't expect God to accept it from us.

38:6  Footnote:  Judah's leaders persecuted Jeremiah repeatedly for faithfully proclaiming God's messages.  For 40 years of faithful ministry, he received no acclaim, no love, no popular following.  He was beaten, jailed, threatend, and even forced to leave his homeland.  Only the pagan Babylonians showed him any respect.  God does not guarantee that his servants will escape persecution, even when they are faithful.  But God does promise that he will be with them and will give them strength to endure (2 Corinithans 1:3-7).  As you minister to others, recognize that your service is for God and not just for human approval.  God rewards our faithfulness, but not always during our stay on earth.

Keep reading -- 137 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 227 - Call to Me

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 33-36

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.  Jeremiah 33:3

Footnote:  God assured Jeremiah that he had only to call to God and God would answer (see also Psalm 145:18; Isaiah 58:9; Matthew 7:7).  God is ready to answer our prayers, but we must ask for his assistance.  Surely God could take care of our needs without our asking.  But when we ask, we are acknowledging that he alone is God and that we cannot accomplish in our own strength all that is his domain to do.  When we ask, we must humble ourselves, lay aside our willfulness and worry, and determine to obey him.

Keep reading -- 138 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 226 - Endurance

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 30-32

Endurance is not a common quality.  Many people lack the long-term commitment, caring and willingness that are vital to sticking with a task against all odds.  But Jeremiah was a prophet who endured.

Jeremiah's call by God teaches how intimately God knows us.  He valued us before anyone else knew we would exist.  He cared for us while we were in our mother's womb.  He planned our lives while our bodies were still being formed.  He values us more highly than we value ourselves.

Jeremiah had to depend on God's love as he developed endurance.  His audiences were usually antagonistic or apathetic to his messages.  He was ignored; his life was often threatened.  He saw both the excitement of a spiritual awakening and the sorrow of a national return to idolatry.  With the exception of the good King Josiah, Jeremiah watched king after king ignore his warnings and lead the people away from God.  He saw fellow prophets murdered.  He himself was severely persecuted.  Finally he watched Judah's defeat at the hands of the Babylonians.

Jeremiah responded to all this with God's message and human tears.  He felt first-hand God's love for his people and the people's rejection of that love.  But even when he was angry with God and tempted to give up, Jeremiah knew he had to keep going.  God had called him to endure.  He expressed intense feelings, but he also saw beyond the feelings to the God who was soon to execute justice, but who afterward would administer mercy.

It may be easy for us to identify with Jeremiah's frustrations and discouragement, but we need to realize that this prophet's life is also an encouragement to faithfulness.

Keep reading -- 139 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 225 - I Know the Plans

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 27-29

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:11-13

Footnote:  We're all encouraged by a leader who stirs us to move ahead, someone who believes we can do the task he has given and who will be with us all the way.  God is that kind of leader.  He knows the future, and his plans for us are good and full of hope.  As long as God, who knows the future, provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill his mission, we can have boundless hope.  This does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering, or hardship, but that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion.

God did not forget his people, even though they were captive in Babylon.  He planned to give them a new beginning  with a new purpose -- to turn them into new people.  In times of deep trouble, it may appear as though God has forgotten you,  but God may be preparing you, as he did the people of Judah, for a new beginning with him at the center.

According to God's wise plan, his people were to have hope and a future; consequently they could call upon him in confidence.  Although the exiles were in a difficult place and time, they should not despair because they had God's presence, the privilege of prayer, and God' grace.  God can be sought and found when we seek him whole-heartedly.  Neither strange lands, sorrows, frustration, nor physical problems can break that communion.

Keep reading -- 140 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 224 - Do Not Omit a Word

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 24-26

One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early; the other basket had very poor figs, so bad they could not be eaten.  Jeremiah 24:2

Footnote:  The good figs represented the exiles to Babylon -- not because they themselves were good, but because their hearts would respond to God.  He would preserve them and bring them back to the land.  The poor figs represented those who remained in Judah or ran away to Egypt.  Those people may have arrogantly believed they would be blessed if they remained in the land or escaped to Egypt, but the opposite was true because God would use the captivity to refine the exiles.  We may assume we are blessed when life goes well and cursed when it does not.  But trouble is a blessing when it makes us stronger, and prosperity is a curse if it entices us away from God.  If you are facing trouble, ask God to help you grow stronger for him.  If things are going your way, ask God to help you use your prosperity for him.

25:2-6 Footnote:  Imagine preaching the same message for 23 years and continually being rejected!  Jeremiah faced this; but because he had committed his life to God, he continued to proclaim the message -- "Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices."  Regardless of the people's response, Jeremiah did not give up.  God never stops loving us, even when we reject him.  We can thank God that he won't give up on us, and like Jeremiah, we can commit ourselves to never forsaking him.  No matter how people respond when you tell them about God, remain faithful to God's high call and continue to witness for him.

This is what the Lord says:  Stand in the courtyard of the Lord's house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord.  Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word.  Jeremiah 26:2

Footnote:  God reminded Jeremiah that he wanted his entire message given -- "Do not omit a word."  Jeremiah may have been tempted to leave out the parts that would turn his audience against him, would sound too harsh, or would make him sound like a traitor.  But by God's command, he was not to delete parts of God's message to suit himself, his audience, or the circumstances in which he found himself.  Like Jeremiah, we must never ignore or repress important parts of God's Word to please anyone.

Keep reading -- 141 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 223 - False Prophecy

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 21-23

Footnote 23:9-14:  How did the nation become so corrupt?  A major factor was false prophecy.  The false prophets had a large, enthusiastic audience and were very popular because they made the people believe that all was well. By contrast, Jeremiah's message from God was unpopular because it showed the people how bad they were.

There are four warning signs of false prophets -- characteristics we need to watch for even today. 

1.  They may appear to speak God's message, but they do not live according to his principles. 

2.  They water down God's message in order to make it more palatable. 

3.  They encourage their listeners, often subtly, to disobey God. 

4.  They tend to be arrogant and self-serving, appealing to the desires of their audience instead of being true to God's Word.

Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully.  For what has straw to do with grain?  declares the Lord.  Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

Footnote:  True prophets and false prophets are as different as straw and grain.  Straw is useless for food and cannot compare to nourishing grain.  To share the gospel is a great responsibility because the way we present it and live it will encourage people either to accept it or reject it.  Whether we speak from a pulpit, teach in a class, or share with friends, we are entrusted with accurately communicating and living out God's Word.  As you share God's Word with friends and neighbors, they will look for its effectiveness in your life.  Unless it has changed you, why should they let it change them?  If you preach it, make sure you live it!

Keep reading -- 142 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 222 - Be Like a Tree

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 17-20

This is what the Lord says:

Cursed is the one who trusts in man,

who depends on flesh for his strength

and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

He will be like a bush in the wastelands;

he will not see prosperity when it comes.

He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,

in a salt land where no one lives.

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:5-8

Footnote:  Two kinds of people are contrasted here:  Those who trust in human beings and those who trust in the Lord.  The people of Judah were trusting in false gods and military alliances instead of God, and thus they were barren and unfruitful.  In contrast, those who trust in the Lord flourish like trees planted by water.  In times of trouble, those who trust in human beings will be impoverished and spiritually weak, so they will have no strength to draw on.  But those who trust in the Lord will have abundant strength, not only for their own needs, but even for the needs of others.  Are you satisfied with being unfruitful, or do you, like a well-watered tree, have strength for the time of crisis and even some to share as you bear fruit for the Lord?

 Keep reading -- 143 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 221 - Can a Leopard Change Its Spots?

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 13-16

Can the Ethiopian change his skin

or the leopard its spots?

Neither can you do good

who are accustomed to doing evil.

Jeremiah 13:23

Footnote:  Not even the threat of captivity could move the people to repent.  The people had become so accustomed to doing evil that they had lost their ability to change.  God never rejects those who sincerely turn to him.  God is warning them to repent before it becomes impossible to change.  We must never put off until tomorrow those changes God wants us to make.  Our attitudes and patterns for living can become so set that we will lose all desires to change and will no longer fear the consequences.

Keep reading -- 144 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 220 - Boast in the Lord

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 9-12

This is what the Lord says:

Let not the wise boast of his wisdom

or the strong man boast of his strength

or the rich man boast of his riches,

but let him who boasts boast about this:

that he understands and knows me,

that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,

justice and righteousness on earth,

for in these I delight.

Jeremiah 9:23,24

Footnote:  People tend to admire four qualities in others: human wisdom, power (strength), kindness, and riches.  But God puts a higher priority on knowing him personally and living a life that reflects his justice and righteousness.  What do you want people to admire most about you?

Jeremiah's Prayer

I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own;

it is not for man to direct his steps.

Correct me, Lord, but only with justice --

not in your anger,

lest you reduce me to nothing.

Jeremiah 10:23, 24

Footnote:  God's ability to direct our lives well is infinitely beyond our ability.  Sometimes we are afraid of God's power and God's plans because we know his power would easily crush us if he used it against us.  Don't be afraid to let God correct your plans.  He will give you wisdom if you are willing.

Keep reading -- 145 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 219 - Crossroads

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 6-8

Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16

Footnote:  The right path for living is ancient and has been marked out by God.  But the people refused to take God's path, going their own way instead.  We face the same decision today, going God's old but true way, or following a new path of our own choosing.  Don't be misled.  The ONLY way to find peace and "rest for your souls" is to walk on God's path.

Keep reading -- 146 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 218 - Break Up Your Unplowed Ground

Daily Reading:  Jeremiah 3-5

The Lord said to me, "Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.  Jeremiah 3:11

Footnote:  Israel was not even trying to look as if it were obeying God, but Judah maintained the appearance of right faith without a true heart.  Believing the right doctrines without heartfelt commitment is like offering sacrifices without true repentance.  Judah's false repentance brought Jeremiah's words of condemnation.  To live without faith is hopeless; to express sorrow without change is treacherous and unfaithful.  Being sorry for sin is not enough.  Repentance demands a change of mind and heart that results in changed behavior.

Break up your unplowed ground

and do not sow among thorns. 
Jeremiah 4:3

Footnote:  Jeremiah told the people to break up the hardness of their hearts as a plow breaks up unplowed ground -- soil that has not been tilled for a season.  Good kings like Josiah had tried to turn the people back to God, but the people had continued to worship their idols in secret.  Their hearts had become hardened to God's will.  Jeremiah said the people needed to remove the sin that hardened their hearts before the good seed of God's commands could take root.  Likewise we must remove our heart-hardening sin if we expect God's word to take root and grow in our lives.

My people are fools;

they do not know me.

They are senseless children;

they have no understanding.

They are skilled in doing evil;

they know not how to do good.

Jeremiah 4:22

Footnote:  Judah was skilled in doing evil and did not know how to do good.  Right living is more than simply avoiding sin.  It requires decision and discipline.  We must develop skills in right living because our behavior attracts attention to our God.  We should pursue excellence in Christian living with as much effort as we pursue excellence at work.

O Lord, do not your eyes look for truth?

You struck them, but they felt no pain;

you crushed them, but they refused correction.

They made their faces harder than stone

and refused to repent.

Jeremiah 5:3

Footnote:  Nothing but truth is acceptable to God.  When we pray, sing, speak, or serve, nothing closes the door of God's acceptance more than hypocrisy, lying or pretense.  God sees through us and refuses to listen.  To be close to God, be honest with him.

Keep reading -- 147 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 217 - Obadiah

Daily Reading:  Obadiah, Jeremiah 1,2

Footnote:  Edom is an example to all the nations that are hostile to God.  Nothing can break God's promise to protect his people from compete destruction.  In the book of Obadiah we see four aspects of God's message of judgment:  1.  evil will certainly be punished; 2.  those faithful to God have hope for a new future; 3.  God is sovereign in human history; 4.  God's ultimate purpose is to establish his eternal kingdom.  The Edomites had been cruel to God's people.  They were arrogant and proud, and they took advantage of others' misfortunes.  Any nation that mistreats people who obey God will be punished, regardless of how invincible they appear.  Similarly we, as individuals, cannot allow ourselves to feel so comfortable with our wealth or security that we fail to help God's people.  This is sin.  And because God is just, sin will be punished.

 

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5

 

Footnote:  God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived.  He thought about you and planned for you.  When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that he has a purpose in mind for you.

 

My people have committed two sins:

They have forsaken me,

the spring of living water,

and have dug their own cisterns,

broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Jeremiah 2:13

 

Footnote:  Who would set aside a sparkling spring of water for a cistern, a pit that collected rainwater?  God told the Israelites they were doing that very thing when they turned from him, the spring of living water, to the worship of idols.  Not only that, but the cisterns they chose were broken and empty.  The people had built religious systems in which to store truth, but those systems were worthless.  Why should we cling to the broken promises of unstable "cisterns" (money, power, religious sytems, or whatever transitory thing we are puttig in place of God) when God promises to constantly refresh us with himself, the living water (John 4:10)?

Keep reading -- 148 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 216 - Josiah

Daily Reading:  2 Kings 22-25

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.  His mother's name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath.  He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.  2 Kings 22:1,2

Footnote:  In reading the Biblical lists of kings, it is rare to find one who obeyed God completely.  Josiah was such a person, and he was only eight years old when he began to reign.  For 18 years he reigned obediently; then, when he was 26, he began the reforms based on God's laws.  Children are the future leaders of our churches and our world.  A person's major work for God may have to wait until he is an adult, but no one is ever too young to take God seriously and obey him. Josiah's early years laid the base for his later task of reforming Judah.

When God's Word was found, drastic changes had to be made to bring the kingdom in line with God's commands.  Today you have God's Word at your fingertips.  How much change must you make in order to bring your life into line with God's Word?

When Josiah heard the law, he tore his robes in grief.  He immediately instituted reforms.  With just one reading of God's law, he changed the course of the nation.  Today many people own Bibles, but few are affected by the truths found in God's Word.  The Word of God should cause us, like Josiah, to take action immediately to reform our lives and bring them into harmony with God's will.

When Josiah realized how corrupt his nation had become, he tore his robes and wept before God.  Then God had mercy on him.  Josiah used the customs of his day to show his repentance.  When we repent today, we are unlikely to tear our clothing but weeping, fasting, making restitution or apologies (if our sin has involved others) demonstrate our sincerity when we repent.  The hardest part of repentance is changing the attitudes that originally produced the sinful behavior.

....So Judah went into captivity, away from her land.         2 Kings 25:21

Footnote:  Judah, like Israel, was unfaithful to God.  So God, as he had warned allowed Judah to be destroyed and taken away (Deuteronomy 28).  The book of Lamentations records the prophet Jeremiah's sorrow at seeing Jerusalem destroyed.

The book of 2 Kings opens with Elijah being carried to heaven -- the destination awaiting those who follow God.  But the book ends with the people of Judah being carried off to foreign lands as humiliated slaves -- the result of failing to follow God. 

Second Kings is an illustration of what happens when we make anything more important than God, when we make ruinous alliances, when our consciences become desensitized to right and wrong, and when we are no longer able to discern God's purpose for our lives.  We may fail, like the people of Judah and Israel, but God's promises do not.  He is always there to help us straighten out our lives and start over.  And that is just what would happen in the book of Ezra.  When the people acknowledged their sins, God was ready and willing to help them return to their land and start again.

 Keep reading -- 149 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV