Acts 23:11-22

In these verses we find Paul needing reassurance that the Lord would be with him in this dangerous spot. After all He was God's chosen Apostle. Paul is given a vision assuring him that the Lord would not only take care of him in Jerusalem, but he would also later fulfill his dream of going to Rome. We can also be assured that if we put our lives in His hand, He will take care of us!

Next we find that forty men have plotted to ambush and kill Paul. It is ironic that Paul's sister's son just so happens to overhear their plot. This is a direct answer to the Lord's Word in verse eleven. Was this a coincidence or was it Providential? I believe God indeed has a sense of humor here. I'm at the place in my life where I realize that nothing is accidental. God is in control at all times working out His perfect plan for our lives. Every person He brings into my path is intentional and for a specific purpse! The prayerful words of this song: "Lord lead me to some soul today, and teach me Lord just what to say" are very fitting. We can trust God in quiet anticipation of what HE will do next.

God used Paul's very own nephew to foil the plot of his enemies! As a result, Paul is one step closer to his goal of taking the Gospel message to Rome. I want my life to be ordered like that...don't you?

Witnessing In God's Will! - Acts 22:1-30

Paul was committed to using every opportunity to be a witness. God has promised to be with us and to empower us if we have this kind of commitment.

1. Divine Protection - from the mob
2. Divine Provision - citizenship of Rome
3. Divine Possibility - witness to the Sanhedrin

Just as God promised He will be with us as we witness in His will.

Walk with the Lord and be a witness in His will!!!

Willing To Reach All Men! - Acts 21:15-26

Paul was willing to yield rights in any area as long as he did not violate God's Word in order to gain a hearing with the unsaved.

1. Report
2. Rejoicing
3. Request
4. Reply

Paul did not argue that the Jews could not keep their customs during this transition time as long as they did not trust these religious rituals for salvation or impose their desire on others.

Be willing to be flexible to "become all things to all men" in order to win them to Jesus Christ.

Walk with the Lord and be willing to reach all men!!!

Acts 20:25-38

The verses of this passage are Paul's last words to the Ephesian elders before he leaves for Jerusalem, and from there he ends up in Rome as a prisoner, possibly never again a free man.

There are some interesting phrases here in this section. One of them is that Paul said that because of continuous preaching that he was innocent of the blood of all men. If one who heard Paul would end up in Hell, it would not be the fault of Paul. I could not say that altogether, but I carry gospel tracts that warn men of the coming disaster if they don't turn to Christ. Do you warn people of that kind of coming disaster?

Paul also warned the elders that there would be men who would come in with false doctrine twisting the truth into lies. He called these men wolves. We still have these kind of people with us today. Would you recognize the truth over a half-truth or a total doctrinal lie?

Paul goes on to commend these elders to God and the Word of His grace. Before he leaves them, he declares that he coveted no ones silver or gold. Shame on those preachers who seem to be in the ministry for only the money. They will have the greater condemnation. He quotes the words of the Lord Jesus that it is better to give than to receive. Then there is the sorrowful farewell to their beloved Apostle. I want to be loved like that, don't you?

Worship In The Local Church! - Acts 20:1-12

Paul conducted a farewell worship service for the local church.

1. The Lord's Day
2. The Lord's People
3. The Lord's Supper
4. The Lord's Message
5. The Lord's Power

God has designed for believers to function as a body in the local church setting. My worship experience should contain these same elements.

Walk with the Lord and worship in the local church !!!

Be Affirmed In The Truth! - Acts 19:1-10

Paul's apostleship is affirmed as he lays hands on these early converts of John the Baptist.

1. Peter to the Jews - Acts 2
2. Peter to the Samaritans - Acts 8
3. Peter to the Gentiles - Acts 10
4. Paul to the Jews - Acts 18

These "sign gift" experiences were designed to affirm the truth of the apostles' message. I have the Word of God now complete to affirm the truth!

Walk with the Lord and be affirmed in the truth!!!

Acts 18:1-17

Many Christians have heard of the term "tentmaker" and maybe don't understand what that means. This is used for a missionary or Christian worker who goes into a foreign country and finds a job for sustaining income to be able to preach and win people to Christ. This could be true of Pastors who serve country churches here in the U.S. where there is not enough incoming funds to sustain the Pastor. This is a worthy occupation. In verse three of this passage we find Paul does this so he wouldn't be a burden to the Corinthian people.

There was also a principle that Paul worked by called "the Jew first", and then to the Gentiles. Here in verse six he shook his garments and said to the Jews, "Your blood be upon your own heads, I go to the Gentiles."

Corinth was a wicked city and the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision that he was not to be afraid for He had much people in that city. Although we don't get this in visions and dreams anymore, there are ways that God can affirm a servant as to where to go. I rely on people giving me names or suggestions of people to see. Usually in the morning, I ask the Lord where I am to go that day. Then I seem to come up with something. Are you ever moved to do anything that way?

Be A Berean Christian! - Acts 17:10-

The believers at Berea were more noble because they searched the Scriptures daily.

1. Ready Mindset - positive, inclination to learn.
2. Research Mindset - desire to understand, comprehend.
3. Receptive Mindset - desire to believe and obey.

Be a faithful student of the Word!
1. Read / Hear
2. Study
3. Memorize
4. Meditate
5. Obey

Walk with the Lord and be a Berean Christian!!!

Give The Gospel Guided By God's Glory! - Acts 16:14-24

Today's passage shows us that just giving the Gospel by any available means is not pleasing to God. Paul rebuked the demon possessed girl and sought to distance himself from her "preaching".

1. Response - Lydia was saved
2. Report - Demon possessed girl reports of salvation
3. Rebuke - Paul rebukes the girl

The message of the girl was true but her testimony as the messenger and manner of giving it under demonic influence was not permitted by Paul. We are to give the Gospel guided by God's glory!

Walk with the Lord and give the Gospel guided by God's Glory!!!

Acts 15:30-41

A letter is delivered to the church in Antioch with the results of the Jerusalem conference. It was determined that God clearly accepted the Gentile believers without the need to put them under the bondage of the law of circumcision or the Mosaic laws concerning food.

It is James who determines that the following things should be kept for their physical body's sake in the area of health and sexual purity. They were not to eat blood nor meat from strangled animals and were required to keep themselves pure and free from sexual sins such as fornication.

Now in the rest of these verses, Paul puts together a group of believers to travel back to where they had previously preached to see how the new converts were doing in their Christian walk and to encourage them to stay faithful.

Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement over John Mark, who had left them during their first missionary trip when they had trouble in another place. They could not come to an agreement, so it was decided to split and create two teams. I would not make a comment as to who was right except that John Mark was Barnabas' nephew. It is best if the Lord's workers can come to a working agreement for their betterment and for those who are looking on. It may also be due to how workers for the Lord feel about their family ties in their assessment of their work. In either case, God used it for good by multiplying the effect of their work through two teams instead of one!

Stay Faithful! - Acts 14:14-28

In spite of opposition and persecution, the disciples stayed faithful to God!

1. Death to self - die to praise and criticism
2. Discipleship - preach the Word
3. Determination - persistence to do right
4. Distribution - ordained elders

Four steps to help me stay faithful!

Walk with the Lord and stay faithful to Him!!!

Respond Right To Resistance! - Acts 13:42-52

As the apostles shared the Gospel they began to experience resistance especially from the religious leaders.

1. Unbelief
2. Envy
3. Discord

When I face reaction, I should respond the same way as the apostles responded to this resistance.

1. Fearlessness - confidence and continuance
2. Flexibility - went to Gentiles
3. Faithfulness - shook off the dust

Walk with the Lord and respond right to resistance!!!

Acts 13:14-25

Paul being very familiar with scripture knew that salvation was first offered to the Jew and then God expanded it to include the Gentiles. (Romans 1:16) So when he and his fellow workers begin their ministry in a new city they always started first in the Jewish synagogue if there was one. It is ironic though that after the reading of the Law (the first five books of Moses) and the Prophets, that Paul and his companions are asked to speak. In this particular passage we have a very concise message beginning with the Israelites in Eygpt, and through the wilderness, covering the time of the Judges and then the kingships of Saul and David. From David, Paul seized the opportunity to bring in Christ, David's greater Son. He then remarks about the statement of John the Baptist where he says that he is not worthy to loosen the sandals of Christ.

With this, I want to state a principle that I have about preaching. My principle is to get to Christ as soon as possible and don't get too far away from Him in the rest of the message. However in my verse by verse studies, I can't always follow this principle.

Another principle I use is to get people to know they need to go to Heaven and Christ is the only way. Jesus said: "I am the way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Experience The Power Of Prayer! - Acts 12:12-25

The power of prayer was experienced by the early church. As they prayed God did miraculous things.

1. Saints Unified - together in prayer
2. Faith Fortified - astonished
3. Word Multiplied - Word grew
4. God Glorified - greater power than Herod

I need and desire these results in my life! Be faithful to seek the Lord in prayer personally and corporately!

Walk with the Lord and experience the power of prayer!!!

Verify The Message! - Acts 11:1-15

In this time of transition, special signs were given in order to affirm the messenger and the message. This was for the authority of truth for unbelievers and the unity of truth for believers.

1. Same Messenger - Peter
2. Same Message - Gospel of Christ
3. Same Movement - Tongues in the power of the Spirit

We now verify truth by the Word of God.

1. Character of Messenger - Word of God
2. Content of Message - Word of God
3. Comparison of Fruit - Word of God

Walk with the Lord and verify the message!!!

Acts 10:23-33

In these verses we find Peter in obedience to a former command by the Holy Spirit to go to the house of this Gentile, Captain Cornelius. If we read the former verse we would find Peter, a strict Jewish man needed to be taught a transitory lesson that God was about to transfer the Gospel from the Jewish economy to the Gentiles. Paul had already been converted to be the Apostle to the Gentiles in the previous chapter. After this Peter would go back to Jerusalem, and Paul would carry the Gospel to the regions beyond as Christ exhorts us in Acts 1:8.

One thing I noticed from verses 25 and 26 is that Cornelius fell down at Peter's feet and worshiped him. I also want to call attention to Peter's answer to him, "Stand up, I also am a man." How much of the worship of mere man is done in the name of Christianity today? This is contrary to true Bible Christianity. Even an angel in the book of Revelation would not allow John to worship him.

Peter came to Cornelius to show him and his household the true way of prayer and worship and the rest of the chapter tells us the true way is Christ who said: "I am the way the Truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father (God) except through Me." Have you found that way?

Seek More Grace! - Acts 10:1-8

God's grace continues extending now to the Gentiles. Cornelius was a good man but salvation is not by our goodness but by God's grace.

1. Dedicated Man - soldier, leader
2. Devout Man - desire to please God and help others
3. Destitute Man - still lacking salvation
4. Directed Man - humility brought grace

Cornelius responded to the grace given to him and God gave more grace to direct him to Peter.

Walk with the Lord and seek more grace!!!

Be A Ready Disciple! - Acts 9:10-22

When Ananias was called upon to minister to Saul he was ready.

1. Attentiveness - heard God's direction
2. Alertness - alert to possible danger of Saul
3. Availability - changed plans to do God's will
4. Affection - showed compassion toward Saul (went to him, put hands on him, called him "brother")

Be ready to do God's will today!

Walk with the Lord and be a ready disciple!!!

Acts 8:26-40

It is quite interesting to find that the evangelist Philip was already doing a great work with the Samaritans when he is given a command to go to see one man traveling back to Africa after worshiping in Jerusalem. We could ask: Why not send someone else to this one lone man? We humans tend to be short-sighted in our thoughts. Through this Ethiopian, God would reach into the continent of Africa. We are told that there are Christians there today that date back to the influence of this one lone man.

Philip is open to the direction of the Spirit of God and obeys. I too want to be open to the direction of the Spirit and ask that each day as I leave the house in the morning. You would be surprised who I meet and why. I could name two instances yesterday alone. I have coined a phrase that God doesn't do accidents.

I am sure it was no coincidence that he was reading Isaiah chapter 53 about the crucifixion of Christ. He was led by the Spirit to be in this very place and God used Philip to help guide him into the truth of Jesus dying for his sins. After this he returned back home to Africa. I can almost imagine Paul Harvey up in Heaven telling "the rest of the story." Simply fiction of course, but an interesting thought.

Rejoice in Persecution! - Acts 8:1-13

Persecution that would seem to hurt the Church usually helps it.

1. Deepens the message - takes the message beyond surface observers and seekers to those who might otherwise never have a powerful witness.
2. Widens the message - scatters believers to new areas of witness.
3. Strengthens the message - shows true believers, brings unity, corporate care.

Instead of bewailing persecution see the benefits and and major on taking advantage of those.

Walk with the Lord and rejoice in persecution!!!

Learn From The Life Of Moses! - Acts 7:17-29

Stephen shares the story of Moses.

1. The Miracle of Moses - Moses birth and upbringing
2. The Meekness of Moses - Moses chose God and His people over Egypt
3. The Misunderstanding of Moses - People thought Moses would care more for the Egyptians

Moses was miraculously protected at birth, preserved in infancy and provided for in youth. Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God over the treasures of Egypt. Moses went ahead of God's plan and was rejected at first by God's people.

Like Moses I must see that my "light affliction" which is "but for a moment" is nothing compared to the "eternal weight of glory" that awaits.

Walk with the Lord and learn from the life of Moses!!!

Acts 6:1-15

It was a wonderful time in the early history of the Church when many sold their possessions and laid everything at the Apostles feet. You would think that this was ultimate peace and blessing for the Christian Church in its infancy. However, already in chapter five we have the story of Annanias and Sapphira who were not quite convinced that they should do it that way. Their sin was once of pretense and deception. Along with it was a "look" of faith that God could take care of them. They were not required to do this, yet they wanted to make it look like they were in agreement when in fact they weren't.

Now in chapter six, there is a new problem for this infant church. Whether it was real or supposed, there seemed to be partiality, a neglect to a certain group of widows. To fix this problem, seven men were chosen to administer to the needs of the widows and to see that everything was fair. This was the first group of men who are called Deacons in the Church of today. Out of these men, one whose name was Stephen seemed to be more outstanding than the rest. It was noted in verse eleven that he was full of faith and power. Of course we know that the power came from God's Holy Spirit. Men were in opposition but they were not able to resist him. There are times when we are used by the Spirit of God and we too might run into some kind of trouble. But God will take care of us if we stand firm for Him.

Avoid Spiritual Blindness! - Acts 5:24-32

The Jewish religious leaders were spiritually blind.

1. Blind to God's truth - "doctrine"
2. Blind to God's love - "this man's blood"
3. Blind to God's power - "Holy Ghost"

Spiritual blindness is self inflicted. Pride, selfishness and the fear of man bring spiritual blindness.

Walk with the Lord and avoid spiritual blindness!!!

Face Opposition With Joy! - Acts 4:23-37

The disciples were being opposed by the religious leaders. Instead of giving up, they faced the opposition with joy and developed greater resolve to follow Christ.

1. Perspective of the Scriptures
2. Prayer in the Spirit
3. Participation with the saints

The Word of God gave the proper perspective to the difficulties they were facing. Prayer allowed them to share their cares and sense the presence and help of God. Involvement with other believers gave practical help, accountability and encouragement.

Walk with the Lord and face opposition with joy!!!

Acts 4:1-12

Isn't it interesting that people were very disappointed when they did things and spoke to the people in the name of Jesus. I want to refer here to Philippians 2:9-11. Here the name of Jesus is above every name. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. I find it ironic that this name Jesus is as much despised today as it was then.

In chapter three Peter caused a man who was crippled from his mother's womb to walk, but he made it clear that it was in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter then elaborates to them that Jesus that was rejected by the builders in Israel has become the Head of the corner, or the most important stone when a building was in construction. This is a direct prophetic quotation from Psalm 118:22 one thousand years before Jesus appeared. This was repeated by Jesus concerning Himself in Matt 21:42. It was here in Acts 4:11, and again in Ephesians 2:20 and I Peter 2:7. This shows the importance of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now my last remark is verse 12 which I must say there is no hope of salvation in any other name or religion whereby we get saved and go to Heaven. We must have Christ if we are to have any hope of going to Heaven. Why not take Him as your Savior today?

Share Christ's Miracle Power! - Acts 3:1-11

Peter and John went to pray and had an opportunity to witness.

1. Faithful to pray - Peter and John went to prayer meeting as usual.
2. Compassion on the way - Peter and John met a lame man who needed Christ.
3. Boldly gave what they had away - Peter and John shared the person and power of Christ.

People we see each day in our everyday life need Christ. Be a faithful, compassionate bold witness for Christ.

Walk with the Lord and share Christ's miracle power!!!

Acts 1:12-26

Jesus' disciples had just seen Him go into Heaven after commanding them to be witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. By the way this is our command too. Are we up to it? Are we doing it?
After that we see them all with one accord in prayer and supplication. By the way things happen when Christian believers pray with one purpose in mind and that is to glorify God, and get this business done.

The next business at hand was to fill the place as an apostle where Judas who walked next to Jesus for three years but never had a change of heart, and finally sinned against Christ by betraying Him to the enemies. They finally had to make a choice from two men who walked continually with Christ during the years of His ministry. The choice by lot fell on Mattias who became the twelveth disciple. That was the last of the era of casting lots to choose men. From now on, the Holy Spirit was to move people in choices of servants and services. Since I brought this up, has the Holy spirit ever moved you to do anything for God and Christ? Please ponder this last question. God needs men who are led along by the Spirit of God.

Right Relationships! - Jeremiah 50:1-7; 17-20

Jeremiah teaches us about the sovereign God and His relationships.

1. God's relationship to sin is hatred and separation
2. God's relationship to sinners is love and opportunity for redemption
3. God's relationship to Himself is unchanging truth and holiness.

My relationships should reflect that of my heavenly Father! Hate sin and stay away from it! Love sinners and with compassion seek to reach them with the Gospel! Be true and faithful and love God with all my heart!

Walk with the Lord and in right relationships!!!

Stay Devoted To God! - Jeremiah 35:1-6;12-19

Jeremiah used a family named the Rechabites as an example. This family was rewarded for their devotion.

1. Devotion - Jonodab
2. Dedication - no wine, no house, no field
3. Determination - even in hardship and temptation

My devotion to God is the root of my consistent obedience that brings the fruit of reward.

Walk with the Lord and stay devoted to Him!!!

Jeremiah 33:1-13

Let's look at verse three of this chapter: "Call unto Me and I will show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." We Gentile Christians like to make this verse our own, and the truth is that God is great to anyone who calls upon Him. I would never scold anyone for that. However, Jeremiah was not speaking this to Gentile Christians. We can apply this truth to our situation today. The real truth of this passage of scripture is that Jeremiah's later words speak of the wonderful things are in store for the nation of Israel when their proper Lord reigns and He WILL reign over the whole world for a thousand years.

This prophesy is not true of modern Israel. Today the nation of Israel is like the dry bones with NO life as spoken of in chapter 37 of Ezekiel. There will be a day, yet future, in which God will breathe His Spirit upon that nation and it will live. Until this time we are in the time where God is winning people to Himself through acceptance of Jesus Christ. Are we winning people to Christ in this present day of grace? Have you accepted Christ as your own personal Savior?

Casting Cares! - Jeremiah 32:16-27

Jeremiah cries out to God in prayer casting his burden upon the Lord.

1. Omnipotent - He does great work
2. Loving - He does good work
3. Just - He does right work
4. Omniscient - He does knowledgeable work
5. Faithful - He does consistent work

Trust God to care for my needs and burdens. Bring them to Him in prayer rely on His caring qualities in every situation.

Walk with the Lord and cast your care upon Him!!!

Learn From God's Discipline! - Jeremiah 31:15-30

Jeremiah used the testimony of Israel to describe the process of discipline.

1. "I was turned" - confrontation about sin
2. "I repented" - confession of sin
3. "I was instructed" - conformation of mind and life to forsake sin

Embrace God's process of discipline in my life. Learn to regularly examine my life in order to purify my heart.

Walk with the Lord and learn from God's discipline!!!

Jeremiah 29:1-14

The verses today are the content of a letter Jeremiah was to send to the captives carried away to Babylon. I will go over some of these contents below.

The first is that there would be a time of seventy years that they would be captives, which was the actual reign of the Babylonian kings. While they were there they were to carry on normal lives. They were to seek the peace of the city where they were living. God's people are to be a peaceful people. Even we who are Christians who are citizens of Heaven, not belonging to this world are to be a productive peace loving people.

While they were in Babylon, they were not to listen to false prophets that promised them things they could not produce. We do find this in our society today too. I will not elaborate on this.

The promise of the seventy years after the Babylonian kings was fulfilled under Cyrus the King of Persia who was pre-named by Isaiah before he was born. The last verse could have two fulfillments. It could be the days of Cyrus and it could be when Christ comes again to reign. The last thing I can say is much of this has been fulfilled by our Sovereign God. Also what promises of God that are for us will also come true in due time if we only base our hope in Him.

Bow Before The Sovereign God! - Jeremiah 27:1-15

Jeremiah spoke to the people about the sovereignty of God.

1. God is sovereign in His position.
2. God is sovereign in His power.
3. God is sovereign in His purpose.

Do not try to overrule God in my life but cooperate with Him!

Walk with the Lord and bow before the sovereign God!!!

Learn Lessons Of Discipline! - Jeremiah 24:1-10

Those in Israel who submitted to God's discipline would be blessed. Those who refused to cooperate were judged.

1. Consideration - God challenged them to cooperate
2. Choice - Some chose to submit others chose to go their own way
3. Consequences - Submission brings blessing and rebellion brings judgment

Even in discipline by heathen nations or instruments the way of blessing is always submission.
Yield to God even if I do not understand His ways.

Walk with the Lord and learn the lessons of discipline!!!

Jeremiah 22:24 - 23:6

Beginning in Jeremiah 22:24 to the end of that chapter I see that God is a sovereign God. It is said that he sets up kings and takes them down. I am thinking about this in regards to our upcoming election for the President of the USA. I am also thinking of the fact that I am better off to fall in line with Him than to follow the course of this world. The judgment of Coniah would be that he would be childless ending the present kingship of Judah.

Then in chapter 23, first of all we have a judgment placed upon the pastors of Judah. Instead of caring for the people as true shepherds, they were feeding themselves. This could be true of so called ministers and pastors in the Church today. I fall into this category and I must be careful to be a giver of food for the sheep of Christ and not a taker.

The last section we read today is that in Israel in the latter days beyond the church age there is One coming who is named the Branch, Jesus Christ who will be the Chief Shepherd of Israel. He will take care of Israel and set up shepherds who will be true shepherds feeding the flock. This One will be called THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. All will fall into place under Him. Why not give Him the first place in your life now?

Stay In The Battle! - Jeremiah 20:7-18

Jeremiah was tempted to quit! He was faithful to God but was rejected by men.

1. Jeremiah's Distress
2. Jeremiah's Discouragement
3. Jeremiah's Deliverance

In the time of distress and discouragement I must remember the same truths that he did.

1. The Lord is with me
2. The Lord remembers me
3. The Lord will deliver me

Walk with the Lord and stay in the battle!!!

Don't Procrastinate! - Jeremiah 15:1,2,11-16

God has deadlines. Israel had crossed the deadline for repentance and would face judgment.

1. Deadline of discipline - "be sure your sin will find you out"
2. Deadline of death - "And as it is appointed unto men once to die"
3. Deadline of display - "I will come again"

God gives mercy. God gives grace. God gives warnings. God brings judgment.
Do not linger when God has given instruction. Do not wait for a more convenient time. Behold now is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation!

Walk with the Lord and do not procrastinate!!!

Jeremiah 13:1-11

Many times God would use Jeremiah to speak to the people using picture language. We sometimes call it typical language. The object HE used was a girdle. Girdles were belts around the waist, used to tuck in a long robe when the man would work, run or go out to fight in a battle.

First Jeremiah was to put it on. It fit well and could be used as I explained above. Next Jeremiah was to go to the river bank, dig a hole, and bury the girdle. Later when he went to dig it up, it was completely ruined and good for nothing. Now what is the lesson we learn from this little picture story?

The first lesson is that there is a certain kind of usefulness in every Christian. It is to keep things in control just like a belt around a person's waist is to hold in the flowing robe. Collectively the Church is to be that in a sinful world.

Now as this girdle, if found in the wrong place could be marred and useless, so also a Christian found in the wrong place could be worthless in regards to holding in (restraining) the evil of the world. The same application could be to the whole Church in the evil world. We must not lose sight of the fact that we are a different and sanctified people in this sinful world. If we are to do anything, we must remain that way. If we give way and mingle with the ways of the world we can do nothing to keep in check the evil of the world. Israel was to do the same and as a nation they failed miserably. I am afraid that much of the same could be said of Christianity today.

Stay Focused On The True God! - Jeremiah 10:14-23

Jeremiah demonstrated the folly of following idols and the resulting judgment from God.

1. Idolatry is dumb - It doesn't make sense to worship something that you made.
2. Idolatry is dead - There is no living relationship with an idol.
3. Idolatry is doomed - The end of idolatry is death and judgment.

Do not foolishly follow idols but stay focused on the true God!

Walk with the Lord and stay focused on the true God!

Take Your Medicine! - Jeremiah 8:20-9:9

Balm of Gilead refers to a medicine made from an evergreen tree. Jeremiah asks a rhetorical question, "Is there no balm in Gilead?". Spiritually speaking, the people were sick yet they refused what would bring about their healing. Yes, the medicine is available but not being applied. Our spiritual balm of Gilead is the Lord Jesus Christ!

1. The availability of the medicine - Christ is available to all
2. The aim of the medicine - victory over sin
3. The application of the medicine - faithful teaching, hearing and obeying of Christ!

To be a healthy Christian I must faithfully "take my medicine". Find and follow God's prescription every day!

Walk with the Lord and take your medicine!!!

Jeremiah 7:1-11

Jeremiah was told to stand in God's house and proclaim the Word of the Lord. He was giving the Word of God to all who come into the gates of the Temple. Why there and not on the streets? It was because all kinds of things were going on in the Temple in those days. There was even the burning of incense to the god called Baal. There were lying words that could not profit anyone. There was the worship of other gods. They were told to amend their ways.

When they stood in the Temple with the pretense of standing before God, it was a direct insult to God not to do according to what God wanted them to do, or how He wanted them to conduct their lives.

Here I would like to use a few New Testament phrases not directing them at Israel but the American Church of God. The first is John 8:32 "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." The question is free to do what? Only to obey God and His ways.

Another is this: Galatians 5:13 "For brethren ye have been called to liberty, only do not use liberty as an occasion to the flesh" (the sinful part of us). We may sing these words: "Sweet Land of liberty," but we can also use this as an excuse to please the sinful part of our humanity. In this light,we may be no better than the people to whom Jeremiah was speaking to.

Avoid Spiritual Blindness! - Jeremiah 5:20-31

Israel and Judah became spiritually blind in their rebellion.

1. Blind to God's power - v.22 - God's authority as creator.
2. Blind to God's provision - v.24 - God's ability to care for their needs.
3. Blind to God's practice - v.29 - God's affection and jealousy.

What "blind spots" do I have? I must learn to fear the Lord - stay motivated to please Him! I must grow in the quality of fearing the Lord - move from not wanting judgment to cherished fellowship. I must grow in the quantity of fearing God!

Walk with the Lord and avoid spiritual blindness!!!

Jeremiah 1:11 - 19

In these verses Jeremiah is commissioned by God to be a prophet. In our verses there are some symbols, such as the almond tree known in that day as the hastening tree or the tree with the earliest fruit of the season. God used this to say how quick He would judge Jerusalem for her sins.
Next was a seething pot, or what we would call a cauldron of boiling water ready to throw meat into. This represented the fact that armies of the Babylonians were converging on Jerusalem. It was all because of the peoples worship of multiple gods, and not the sovereign God of Israel.
Now God tells Jeremiah to belt up his loins, and be ready for a battle. He was to go to a fierce people, and if we read the rest of the book we will find out how fierce they were. When someone tells the people how wrong they are, they can get that way even to kill us when Cain killed Abel.
Now we have some more symbols as to how God's protective power would be to Jeremiah. He uses terms like, a defensed city, an iron pillar, and brazen walls. God would do all that for Jeremiah while he told the people how wrong they were and judgement was coming.
Now in application if God has commissioned us for anything. He will give the fortitude and backing and inner strength to carry it out. I can personally testify of this.