who to trust

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1472Jeremiah 17

There are only two options presented here.  Either one trusts in the LORD and becomes like a tree planted by water, or one trusts in man and becomes like a shrub in the desert.  Jeremiah is feeling the brunt of the people’s rejection of the LORD, and of his ministry.  His only recourse is to turn to the LORD in prayer for healing and deliverance.  He dare not trust any of the men around him because the LORD has kindled an eternal fire for them – which shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.  It will destroy those who trusted in men with double destruction.

LORD, we trust in you.  We rely on you.  We pray to you.  Deliver us.

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draw me after you

Posted on July 21, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1435Song of Solomon 1:1-8

This love song begins with an invitation from the bride.  She wants to spend more time with her betrothed. They are both shepherds, and she wants to bring her flocks to rest at noon beside his, so they can spend more time together.  Solomon’s response seems to indicate that she already knows where he is.  They are drawn to each other.

LORD, may our love for each other show in the way we seek each other’s presence.

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standing alone

Posted on July 21, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1432Jeremiah 15:10-16:21

The price that Jeremiah paid for his loyalty to the LORD was shame and isolation.  The people rejected him, and even when they did not – the LORD demanded that he not participate with them.  He could not marry, and he was not allowed to mourn the dead.  He knew that the words from the LORD were true, and precious, but those words brought persecution and loneliness to him.  Never assume that if you are in the center of God’s will things will go well for you.  Never assume that if things are going well for you it means you are in God’s will.

LORD, give us the courage to stand with you – even if we must stand alone.

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the end of the matter

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1429Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Wise words can fix us firmly in a secure position, and they can also motivate us to move in the right direction.  But we should also heed the warning tacked on at the end of the book.  Even this endeavor can become an idol if we let it.  Study and writing can be a great tool, but makes a wearisome god.  Fear the LORD, and keep his commandments.  This is our whole duty because when all is said and done, only our relationship with him matters for eternity.

LORD, help us to know and to share wisdom, but most importantly, help us to know and share you.

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weary of relenting

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1430Jeremiah 14-15:9

Jeremiah has seen enough destruction and despair.  He cries out for the LORD to rescue his people from the famine and sword, but God refuses.  The LORD is weary of relenting.  The shame and hopelessness must continue until the people are ready to be his again.  This is not going to be a popular message.  But the world must know that the God of grace is also a God of justice.  His objective is not just our rescue from pain, but our rescue from sin.

LORD, rescue us.  Begin within our black hearts.

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remember

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1427Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8

Youth is called the days of light, and old age the days of darkness.  The Preacher encourages his students to enjoy and take advantage of the days of light, but to remember that the days of darkness will be many.  Youth is vanity. It will not last.  In no time at all, the dust will return to the earth, and the breath (a better translation than spirit here)* will return to God who gave it.  So, remember your creator too.  A relationship with him is your only hope.  Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life.

LORD, our time is short.  Keep us close to you.

___________________

*http://www.afterlife.co.nz/2012/bible/spirit-in-man/

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bad underwear

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1425Jeremiah 13

 

Proud, disobedient and rebellious Judah is likened to bad underwear which is good for nothing and must be discarded. The loincloth episode showed Jeremiah what the LORD felt about his people in a sad time.  When will we – who call ourselves by the LORD’s name – understand that our situation is similar?  We boast of a relationship with the LORD while at the same time we have trusted in lies (25).  It has made us about as useful as bad underwear.

LORD, cleans us, sanctify us for your use again. 

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diversify

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1369Ecclesiastes 11:1-8

We do not know the future, and we cannot tell what one thing will give us success and lifelong security.  So, the Preacher instructs us not to put all our eggs in one basket.  Instead of waiting for that one sure thing, invest in seven — or even eight – different plans.  Diversify.  Looking back over my life so far, I can see that the times when I had it the toughest were those when I was convinced that I had to do a certain thing, and it only. When that one thing did not immediately succeed, I was discouraged.  The Preacher told his students to stop trying to figure out the will and work of God.  Instead, he instructs them to try it all, and enjoy life to its fullest.

LORD, give us wisdom – not the ability to know the future – but the ability to live well in the present.

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desolation, then compassion

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1370Jeremiah 11:18-12:17

Jeremiah discovers that the men of Anathoth have conspired to murder him.  He is outraged, and prays that the LORD will destroy them.  Then, the LORD shows Jeremiah that Judah has done the same thing to their God.  The LORD will pluck them out of the land, making it desolate, but then he will have mercy on them, and bring them back.  This is the way our loving God is.  Even his wrath is mixed with compassion.

LORD, forgive us, restore us.  Our treachery was so great it cost the life of your Son on the cross.   Bring us back.

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dead flies and bad apples

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1341Ecclesiastes 10

The Philosopher considers the reality of life that the wrong people in the wrong places, or the wrong choices at the wrong times – can lead to disaster.  It’s like dead flies in scented oil, or (to use a more modern analogy) like bad apples, spoiling the whole barrel.  The wrong person in leadership, or the careless traveller or lazy builder can make things worse.  So, even though everything is at the mercy of chance, we can make things worse by being foolish.  We should seek to live wisely, and increase our chances of living well.

LORD, we seek wisdom from you.  Teach us how to lead, where to go, how to build.  We do not trust ourselves to make the right choices.

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