Jeremiah 26 - 6.19.23

Scripture

Jeremiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT

“Perhaps they will listen and turn from their evil ways. Then I will change my mind about the disaster I am ready to pour out on them because of their sins.”

Observation

Jeremiah gets another message from God to relay to the people of Judah. It’s a message to get the people of Judah to turn from their sinful ways. It’s basically God’s final warning to them. God is being so patient with the people of Judah here. He really doesn’t want to destroy the people and their city. His heart is for them to turn from their sinfulness and have a restored relationship with Him.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”-2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭

Application

We serve a God who gives us multiple chances. But how many chances do we need?!

As sinful and wicked as the people of Judah have been in this passage, (and the chapters prior), God is still willing to forgive them and spare them from the upcoming disaster He has in store for them, if they turn from their wicked ways. But will they listen to God’s advice for them, and repent from their wicked ways? I guess we will have to wait and see when we continue reading in the book of Jeremiah.

Yes, we do serve a God who is loving, forgiving, merciful, and is abounding in grace. But when is enough, enough? How many chances will He give us before He decides that we will never learn from our mistakes. When will God decide that my life just isn’t quite bearing the fruit He thought it would, and so He will prune me away from the vine, and throw me in the fire to be burned? 🤔

“Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.”-John‬ ‭15‬:‭6‬

We all know people who want to live it up now, then think they can wait ‘til the last minute and then they will give their lives to Jesus. But, tomorrow is not guaranteed. What if your life ended today? Would you know where your eternal destination is? Don’t take for granted God’s patience, love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace for us. Turn from your sinfulness and run to Jesus! You never know if this could be the last chance He gives us before taking you from this world. Know that God wants to spare you from the upcoming disaster that awaits those who reject Him. Know that He loves you and is waiting for You to come to Him. He is waiting with open arms. ❤️

Prayer

Thank You God for your patience, love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Forgive me for taking those characteristics of Yours for granted. When I mess up, help me to learn from my mistakes, turn from my sins, and run back to You. Please don’t let the enemy get a foothold on me because of my sin. Give me the boldness like Jeremiah in this passage to urge others to repent from their sinful lifestyles so they can avoid Your wrath. Help me to share with them the love You have for them. May they know and believe in Jesus because of it. I pray this in Your Holy and precious name, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi‬‬

Psalm 86 - 6.16.23

Scripture

Psalm 86:7

When I am in distress, I call to you,
    because you answer me.

Observation

David had cried out to God in the past, and God had answered. He had found God to be faithful to come through in his times of need and distress, and so his habit was to call on God in those times.

I’m reminded of my own experience with God. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve had a moment of crisis where God came through when I called on him. Every time he has proven himself to be my “ever-present help in time of need.” He comes through with provision when I have a need, with guidance when I’m not sure what to do, with peace and rest when I’m stressed and worn out. He always comes through!

Yet, like the Israelites, despite all God has done there are times I’m tempted to tough things out in my own strength or to turn to empty things for relief instead of God. David’s example is the one I want to follow!

Application

Call on God when I’m in distress… every time.

Prayer

God, you’ve never failed me! I have no reason to look anywhere else in my moments of distress. Forgive me for the times I look to other things or people to help me without coming to you first. You are all I need. You are everything. Thank you for always being with me, always being faithful to meet my needs. Amen.

-Levi Thompson

Hebrews 7 - 06.15.23

SCRIPTURE —Hebrews 7:23-25a NLT

“There were many priests under the old system,

for death prevented them from remaining in office. BUT—

because Jesus lives FOREVER, His priesthood lasts FOREVER.

Therefore HE is able, once and forever, to save those [to the uttermost]

who come to God through him.”

OBSERVATION:

Here we are introduced to Melchizedek (whose story appeared briefly in the book of Genesis 14:18-20)- and we learn what distinguished and set him apart in human history. Melchizedek was King of Salem [later Jerusalem].

His name means King of Righteousness AND His title means King of Peace.

He was both a King AND a Priest.

God set up Priesthood through the tribe of the Levites [Aaron, the brother of Moses being the first Priest]. Melchizedek has no recorded genealogy of parenthood, birth, or death-this is why we see the scripture:

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 7:17 NLT)

However, we should not draw any specific conclusions around Melchizedek regarding the lack of records on his genealogy, birth, and death—other than God saw fit to leave out these details for His own purposes.

What IS important here is the understanding of the passing away

of the Old  “imperfect” system— to Jesus!

The old system of sacrifices made by human priests

only partially and temporarily “covered” sin,

but it did not even come close to partially or temporarily “removing” sin.

Nor did it to any degree or for any length of time bring deliverance from sin.

But Jesus is ABLE [ root word-dunamis- Power] to SAVE to the Uttermost—

Jesus IS the “embodiment of “Righteousness” and “Peace” as our High Priest.

Warren Wiersbe explains in his commentary:

“It is only THROUGH the Work on the Cross that Righteousness and Peace could have ‘Kissed each other’”.

“Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and Peace have kissed!”

(Psalms 85:10 NLT)

APPLICATION:

Share the GOOD NEWS

This last week I was SO excited that I was certified in a specialized debriefing process to assist victims who have undergone trauma. It was an intense training and education process to undergo—but I knew this would be able to help so many people.

I immediately shared this “good news” with several of my close friends.

Now I can’t help but say to myself? Of course this debriefing process is a “good thing” BUT—Jesus is SO much better! The Good News of Jesus Outshines ANY News we have or want to share—be at a new recipe, a new job, our achievements, or family achievements.

Don’t get me wrong—sharing our achievements and family’s achievements are fun and celebrating with each other is a Joyful and fulfilling part of our life. BUT—Jesus needs AND deserves to have the very FIRST place in my Heart of Celebration.

There is no GOOD NEWS that rivals the Good News of Jesus!

This last Sunday we received small postcards with the Good News written out in an easy way SO anyone can hand it out, share it, or use it as a simple “memory card” to share the Gospel with someone this week!

How is everyone doing with their challenge?

I’ve spoken with a few people, but haven’t had the opportunity to share the full Gospel yet. I Know Jesus has someone who needs to hear this.

The one I was going to contact is out of town. But—I’m not going to let this week go by without sharing the Good News with someone.

How about you?

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus,

I am so deeply Sorry that I am not focused on sharing your Good News. This is not something bad to share. This is telling someone the absolute Greatest News that ever existed of ALL time! The God of the universe-Creator of ALL things—Knows who they are—sees them—and Loves them—and wants to invite them into a deep and personal—saving-eternal— relationship Today. 

Give me eyes to see the One. YOU say the Harvest is RIPE. Father, send MORE workers into the Field.

In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen.

Tina L Kudelka