Fri.’s Devo - God’s Heart

Read: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17: Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27 Jeremiah was at the end of his words to the people. They thought they were wise because they had God’s word but he told them that their teachers had twisted the law by adding lies to it. The time was coming where they would stumble over their own words and be trapped by their own traps. They were not wise but frauds. God would give their wives to others and their farms to strangers. They gave the people promises of peace when God was saying that destruction was coming. Jeremiah told them that when these things happen, the people will would to move from Jerusalem to the fortified cites for protection. Then they would realize their sins brought this upon them. When these things finally happen God mourns as he punishes his people. It does not make him happy to bring their destruction. He wishes they had turned on their own and he had not had to do this to them. The people will not be able to trust each other during this time. They will be tested through the fires of adversity and their hearts will be exposed. Being from Louisiana, this reminds me of what happened to New Orleans during Katrina. New Orleans was a city of voodoo and Marti Gras. They had a parade every week-end to celebrate a different foreign god. The day Katrina hit there was a parade scheduled where I heard they were going to demonstrate homosexual acts on the float. They never got to have that parade but they have not given up their celebrations or learned their lesson. They didn’t consider why Katrina hit or examine their sins. But, their city has still not rebuilt or totally recovered from Katrina and now Ivan hit again. God told the people of Jerusalem that they had boasted in their wisdom and power and riches but they should only boast in knowing him and understanding that the Lord is the one who demonstrates his love by bringing justice and righteousness to the earth. The time was coming when God would punish the pagan nations also. In Colossians, Paul explains that we are new creatures of a new kingdom. We should think about that kingdom more than the one we are living in. Our new life is hidden in Christ. We have to put to death our past evil desires so we can put on our new nature which his God’s. Getting to know him renews us. We are all the same in his kingdom. God chose us to be holy and we can choose to put on his garments of mercy, love, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We can choose to forgive. The message of Christ is rich and fulfilling. We are commanded to counsel each other in its wisdom. God loves us to sing songs to him and as his representative to be thankful. Lord, may we represent you in a way that makes you smile. May we think of you more and your kingdom more than we think of this world. Give us your vision.