Read – Ezekiel 35:1-36:15What does it say?
Ezekiel prophesied against Mount Seir because its inhabitants harbored hatred toward God’s people and treated them cruelly, while Israel’s future restoration was prophesied.

What does it mean?
As descendants of Jacob, Israel inherited the Promised Land and the blessings of being God’s chosen people. The Edomites, descendants of Esau who lived in the region of Mount Seir, had passed down animosity toward Israel since the days of their forefathers. The Sovereign Lord observed Edom speak and act against His people while elevating their godless, self-centered values. Edom, along with all other nations against Israel, will be judged; their mountains and inhabitants will be left desolate. The people of Israel, on the other hand, will enjoy permanent restoration to the Lord and to their land during the millennial reign of Christ. The mountains of Israel will elevate the Sovereign Lord.

How should I respond?
When you drive into the mountains, you notice the highest peak first. Similarly, what we choose to elevate is obvious to others, even at a distance. Our own values and desires can sometimes occupy the highest priorities in our lives, robbing God of His rightful place. What are you elevating today? Ask God to help you surrender each “mountain range” of your life to His control so you can enjoy the freedom and hope of your new life in Christ. He is still Sovereign ruler of all – elevate Him as such today.

Read – Ezekiel 33:21-33What does it say?
The Lord opened Ezekiel’s mouth after the fall of Jerusalem. Those in the ruins of the city did detestable things, and those in exile did not put the Lord’s words into practice.

What does it mean?
The people of Judah had been separated for almost 13 years. While the Israelites in Jerusalem violently opposed Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry, many exiles in Babylon regularly went to Ezekiel but treated his prophecies like a form of entertainment. They said the right things regarding devotion to God but allowed greed to linger in their hearts. Ezekiel’s prophecies regarding the fall of Jerusalem were already proven true. God then told Ezekiel exactly what would become of those who survived the siege so everyone would know that He was the Lord and Ezekiel was His prophet.

How should I respond?
As Bible-believing Christians, we’re quick to recognize people who oppose God. However, we’re not as aware of our own tendency to approach corporate worship as a time to socialize, network, or be entertained. What message has God put in front of you this week through your pastor’s preaching, your small group lesson, or a Christian song? Did you heed the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or have you allowed disobedience to linger in your heart? Each person is accountable for his or her response to God’s Word. Merely listening to God’s Word does not produce change; you must do what it says – James 1:22-25.

Read – Ezekiel 31

What does it say?
Ezekiel compared Egypt and Assyria to great cedar trees. Pharaoh would be brought down, just as the ruler of nations had cut down Assyria.

What does it mean?
Ezekiel prophesied Pharaoh’s death allegorically. Egypt, like Assyria before her, towered above surrounding nations, dictating everything that happened in the region. But because of Assyria’s pride, the Lord orchestrated her downfall by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. Even though Egypt had been Assyria’s close ally when conquered by Babylon, Pharaoh apparently learned nothing from her demise; he arrogantly thought he and Egypt were untouchable. No one is above accountability to the Sovereign Lord.

How should I respond?
You may have heard someone say, “Learn from the mistakes of others, you’ll never live long enough to make them all yourself!” So often, though, we think we can head down the same disastrous path we’ve watched others tread, yet with better results. That kind of thinking is either foolish or delusional. What warning can you currently take from observing someone else’s life? It might be a spiritual, financial, or practical issue. Maybe a sinful attitude is clouding your judgment. How have you seen that same attitude cause someone else to fall? Learn from their mistake before you pay the price.|Further reading: Ezekiel 32

Read – Ezekiel 29

What does it say?
Ezekiel prophesied against Egypt, who would be plundered by Nebuchadnezzar, suffer 40 years of desolation, and never again rule over other nations.

What does it mean?
Judah had looked to Egypt for support during Nebuchadnezzar’s siege on Jerusalem. But Pharaoh was a false friend, making promises to God’s people then abandoning them when pressure came to bear. Rather than bow to the God of Israel as Sovereign Lord, Pharaoh claimed to be a god, even taking credit for Egypt’s greatest resource, the Nile River. The destruction of Egypt accomplished three purposes: Pharaoh’s mortality was exposed; the Babylonian army was rewarded as God’s instrument of judgment; and the people of Israel were reminded to depend on the Lord instead of any other power.

How should I respond?
Dependence on the Lord does not mean it’s wrong to accept help from friends or family. As a matter of fact, He often guides us through the godly wisdom and aid of others. The problem comes when we look to those people first as a source of safety, provision or security. To whom do you reach out before you pray? This week, talk to God right away about whatever issues arise and wait to see what resources He provides on your behalf. He may very well send the resolution before you look elsewhere. “The moment we recognize our complete weakness and our dependence on Him will be the very moment that the Spirit of God will exhibit His power” – Oswald Chambers.

Read – Ezekiel 26What does it say?
The Sovereign Lord would bring Nebuchadnezzar against Tyre. The city would be sought, but it would never again be found.

What does it mean?
Like Ammon in the previous chapter, Tyre sought to prosper by Jerusalem’s ruin. Both cities had lucrative trade routes: Tyre by sea and Jerusalem by caravan. When Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, Tyre anticipated a monopoly on trade, but the Lord would direct Babylon to turn its fury on Tyre as well. Unlike Jerusalem, nothing from Tyre would remain or ever be rebuilt. One of Ezekiel’s main themes, the Sovereignty of God, is repeated seven times in this chapter – each time emphasizing the finality and authority of what God said.

How should I respond?
Today’s passage offers evidence of the reliability of God’s Word. People can still walk through the ancient ruins of Tyre today. The city ceased to exist, just as God said it would. Today, God communicates with believers through the Bible. As His written word, Scripture should have the final authority for how we respond and live. Even on issues that aren’t addressed by a direct command, the Bible speaks to attitudes and character traits and gives principles that guide our decision-making. What is He saying to you through His Word this week? When God speaks, it’s the final word on the matter.

Read – Ezekiel 24What does it say?
Ezekiel used a parable of a boiling pot to warn Jerusalem of the coming judgment. Then, Ezekiel’s wife died.

What does it mean?
Ezekiel’s personal life became part of God’s warning to Jerusalem. The sudden death of Ezekiel’s wife served as an example of how God would take away the temple. Just as Ezekiel’s wife was a joy and blessing to him, the temple held great meaning in Jewish life. The Jewish people, however, had neglected God and lived wickedly for so long that He had to bring judgment to get their attention. Power, greed, and manipulation had distracted them from God’s purpose for their lives. The Lord was bringing destruction to the very heart of Jerusalem.

How should I respond?
The authority of God’s Word is largely rejected in our society. People think they can believe whatever they want and do whatever they want without negative consequences. Even believers can get distracted from God’s purpose. When that happens, He may allow a huge shakeup in your life to get your attention and bring you closer to Him. Are you completely surrendered to the Lord today? How are you actively standing firm on your convictions and faith? Ask God to help you pay attention to what’s most important – His Word and His purpose.

Read – Ezekiel 22What does it say?
God looked for a man to stand in the gap on behalf of the land, but no one could be found. Jerusalem had forgotten the Sovereign Lord.

What does it mean?
Jerusalem was guilty of every sin imaginable – from dishonoring parents to committing murder for hire. In times past, godly kings like Hezekiah and Josiah led the people to seek and obey the Lord, but no such man was found. Jerusalem’s princes, priests, officials and prophets neglected their individual responsibility and accountability for their God-given positions of authority. When the leaders failed to observe the most basic principles of God’s law, the entire city became morally and ethically depraved (Exodus 20:8-12). The inhabitants of God’s holy city had forgotten to whom they belonged.

How should I respond?
America has spiritual amnesia. As a whole, we’ve forgotten the scriptural principles upon which our nation was founded; we’ve forgotten God. Christians need to “stand in the gap” for our nation. Following Jesus is a way of life. Because He paid the price for our sin with His own life, we owe Him our allegiance – we belong to Him. So it stands to reason that the teaching of Scripture should dictate everything we think, say, and do throughout the day. That kind of authenticity will lead the way for others to follow Christ. Don’t confine God to certain situations – seek and obey Him in everything you do.

Read – Ezekiel 20:1-31What does it say?
Instead of answering the elders’ inquiry, the Lord confronted the house of Israel’s history of rebellion.

What does it mean?
The Lord spared and delivered His chosen people time after time even though they continuously rebelled. Disobedience requires judgment; so He allowed each generation to suffer the consequences of their sinful choices. God finally stopped intervening altogether, letting them immerse completely in idolatry and paganism. God’s people failed to properly represent His name to the surrounding nations. Despite their actions, the Lord protected His name by acting with mercy, grace, and justice. The elders in captivity still had the audacity to ask the Lord about their present circumstances.

How should I respond?
By definition, a Christian is a person who follows Christ and displays His character. Each of us would have to admit failing to adequately represent His name at times. Human nature is selfish; we often demand our own way, and then we ask God why our lives seem out of control. All the while, people who do not have a relationship with Jesus watch us vacillate between obedience and rebellion to God’s Word. What would happen if you focused on obedience to the Lord more than blessings from Him? God will defend His name and character – how will you be an example of His grace today?

Read – Ezekiel 17

What does it say?
Ezekiel told a parable of a vine that would be uprooted because it sent its roots out for water, even though it was in good soil with abundant water, able to produce good fruit.

What does it mean?
Nebuchadnezzar controlled Jerusalem by taking its leaders and King Jehoiachin captive to Babylon, making Zedekiah a puppet king. Jerusalem lived in peace as long as the treaty with Babylon was kept. But Zedekiah revolted against God’s will by allying with Egypt, breaking his oath to Nebuchadnezzar. Seeking military support made sense in terms of human logic, but it was not God’s plan, which would succeed no matter what. Zedekiah’s attempt to manipulate the situation resulted in his captivity and Jerusalem’s destruction, causing both to miss God’s miraculous work among His people.

How should I respond?
Human nature leads us to function based on two motivating forces: logic and emotion. While both are God-given, believers are called to filter their thoughts and feelings through Scripture and prayer. Submitting to God’s plan may or may not line up with our personal preferences. We seldom see how God is working in the background to accomplish His purposes for our good. How many times might you have missed a great work of God in your life because you refused to cooperate with His plan? Ask God to help you trust Him today rather than try to manipulate your circumstances.

Read – Ezekiel 15

What does it say?
The Sovereign Lord would set His face against His people. Because of their unfaithfulness, He would desolate their land.

What does it mean?
In this, the first of three consecutive parables, Ezekiel compares Israel to a vine (Isaiah 5:1-7). The purpose of a vine is to bear fruit. If a vine doesn’t produce fruit while being cultivated by the gardener, it certainly won’t after being charred by fire. If God’s people weren’t going to produce the fruit of righteousness, what purpose did they serve? Although Judah thought Jerusalem was spared when they surrendered to Babylon, God would send Nebuchadnezzar back, causing the total destruction of the city. The Lord, who controls all, would make this wild vine like fuel empowering other nations.

How should I respond?
Your purpose as a follower of Christ is to produce spiritual fruit. Daily surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit results in Christ-like characteristics (Galatians 5:22-23). Of course, the opposite is also true – when you’re consumed with pleasing yourself rather than the Lord, the “fruit” in your life reflects your sinful nature (Gal. 5:16-21). Think back over the last 24 hours; what kind of “fruit” did you produce? Which fruit of the Spirit is currently lacking in your life? Ask God to help you recognize and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit today. Fruit that pleases the Lord has to be intentionally cultivated.

Read – Ezekiel 13

What does it say?
The Sovereign Lord pronounced woe against both false prophets who prophesied peace and lying women who disheartened the righteous while encouraging the wicked.

What does it mean?
False prophets contradicted God’s coming judgment as prophesied by Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Rather than confront Judah’s eroding morals, these men hid the evil, “whitewashing” the corruption and giving God’s people a false sense of security. Certain women also took advantage of people’s fears by selling charms and casting spells for good luck. Spiritual enemies were already walking freely in the streets of Jerusalem, slowly destroying them with lies. Seven times in this chapter God called Himself, “The Sovereign Lord,” and three times He said they would know, “I am the Lord.” The God of Israel is the Sovereign Lord of all eternity.

How should I respond?
When Scripture repeats something, we should pay particular attention. One day, the whole world will recognize Jesus as Sovereign Lord. Satan, however, is the master deceiver. He tries to convince us that we are okay just as we are, but ignoring or covering up spiritual deficiencies will not make them go away. What lies have you entertained about yourself or God because they make you feel comfortable? Anything that directly opposes Scripture is a lie. Rejecting Jesus or His teachings does not change who He is. How will your life demonstrate that He is the Sovereign Lord today?

Read – Philippians 2

What does it say?
Believers should have the mind of Christ, doing all things humbly and without complaining.

What does it mean?
Paul presented Christ as the believer’s life pattern. Since the Philippian believers had chosen to follow Jesus, they were also called to have the same mindset as Christ. Even though He was Lord, Jesus lived with the attitude of a servant, looking out for the needs of other people. For these early believers, having that mindset meant living in faithful, humble obedience to God’s will. Paul demonstrated what that looked like by joyfully pouring out his life for the sake of the gospel and for the church of Jesus Christ.

How should I respond?
The mindset of our society is about as far from the mindset of Jesus as it can get. In general, people argue, complain, demand their own way, and put their own desires above everything else. If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ, then it makes sense to follow the pattern He set. Do you have a habit of helping and serving others, or do you tend to be oblivious to the needs of your neighbors and coworkers? How often throughout a day do you complain rather than pitch in to solve the issue? How will you model the mind of Christ today?

Read – Ezekiel 10

What does it say?
The man in linen retrieved burning coals from among the wheels to scatter over the city. Then the cherubim rose with the wheels, taking the glory of the Lord with them.

What does it mean?
Ezekiel’s vision reached its climax, symbolically depicting the heartbreaking events that would soon take place in Jerusalem. God’s wrath, represented by the burning coals, would consume the city, which happened when the Babylonian army set fire to Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:8-9). The destruction of the Lord’s holy city was possible only because His presence would no longer reside in His temple or with His people. The Lord would not live in a house defiled by idol worship. So, the presence of the Lord climbed onto His chariot and rode out of the temple and out of Jerusalem (11:22-25).

How should I respond?
Christians are the dwelling place of the Lord – His temple (1 Cor. 6:19). The Holy Spirit resides within followers of Christ, promising never to leave (John 14:16-17). We cause Him to grieve when we allow things into our hearts and minds that are contrary to the character of God (Eph. 4:30-32). What is the condition of your “temple” today? Is it a place the Spirit of the Lord feels comfortable calling home? Or do you have doors you try to keep locked? Ask the Lord to show you any ungodly attitude or habit that has taken up residence in your heart – then be determined to clean it out.|Further reading: Ezekiel 11:22-25

Read – Ezekiel 8

What does it say?
The Spirit lifted Ezekiel between Heaven and Earth to see the glory of the Lord and the detestable things the people of Israel were doing. God would not have pity on them.

What does it mean?
The exiled elders of Israel went to Ezekiel for information concerning Jerusalem’s fate. God used a vision to show why judgment was necessary. Today’s passage details idolatry in the temple, which was rationalized by accusing God of abandonment. Their appeals to Egyptian and Babylonian gods for protection were done in the dark, as if their actions could be hidden from the Lord. Each act of idolatry became more brazen. Even the priests turned their backs on God’s altar, openly worshipping the sun instead of seeking God’s mercy on the people’s behalf. Their rebellion was not trivial to the Lord.

How should I respond?
It’s not unusual for kind, compassionate, moral people to consider their sin as trivial compared to the violent and evil behavior that’s become common in our society. God, however, never rationalizes any sin. The longer you entertain a sinful thought, the more likely it is to manifest itself as full-blown rebellion against God and His Word. What wrong attitude might be festering in a dark corner of your heart? What sin have you tried to rationalize or hide from family and friends? Will you confess it right now? Be aware throughout the day that no thought or action can be hidden from God.

Read – Ezekiel 7

What does it say?
The Sovereign Lord declared that a day of disaster and doom was near. He would judge Israel according to her conduct and unleash His anger on their detestable practices.

What does it mean?
Ezekiel’s message was issued like a herald announcing a dire verdict, “The end has come!” God had warned Israel repeatedly to repent from their sins. Micah’s prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem had fallen on deaf ears for generations (Micah 3:12). God’s people took advantage of His mercy in delaying judgment, continuing to worship idols and seek wealth more than His law. Israel’s sin had finally come to full bloom. God’s patience reached an end. By the time Jerusalem’s inhabitants took the warnings to heart, it was too late; His judgment was both just and final. All of their silver and gold wouldn’t protect them from Nebuchadnezzar’s army or save them from plague and starvation. The chains that would bind them and lead them into Babylonian captivity were the direct results of their own disobedience.

How should I respond?
It’s a prevalent idea in today’s world that the God described in the Old Testament is an angry and vengeful God. The Bible actually teaches the exact opposite. God has the right to judge our sin immediately, but He chooses to be patient, compassionately drawing us to Christ (2 Peter 3:9). God’s patience will not last forever; the end will come and He will judge unrepentant sin. Anyone who has not turned from sin to follow Christ will be eternally separated from Him (Matt. 24:14-31). All the wealth and good deeds in the world will be worthless when that day comes. How have you responded to God’s mercy? Take God’s warning to heart; then share it with someone else.

Read – Ezekiel 5

What does it say?
Ezekiel shaved his head and beard. He burned one part with fire, struck another with a sword, and scattered the remaining third to the wind, but a few hairs were tucked away.

What does it mean?
The shaving of Ezekiel’s head and beard was the fourth sign of God’s coming judgment. God had placed Israel in a specific position for a special task. They were the nation through which God would reveal Himself to the world. Their covenant with the one true God set them apart, but Israel and Judah both rejected God’s purpose to the point that they were worse than the surrounding pagan nations. The divisions of Ezekiel’s hair provided a vivid illustration of Jerusalem’s fate. God’s mercy, however, would preserve a remnant of the nation, symbolized by the few hairs tucked into Ezekiel’s robe.

How should I respond?
Believers in Christ are set apart from the world. This doesn’t mean we avoid interacting with those who are not followers of Christ. Unbelievers should be drawn to Christ by seeing a difference in the way we live. So how does that actually happen? When you surrender moment by moment to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you allow Christ to live through you. If you refuse His instruction, God may discipline you as a means to guide you back into His plan. Is there a specific area in your life that doesn’t honor the Lord? Ask God to help you live today set apart for His purpose.

Read – Ezekiel 2:1-3:15

What does it say?
God called Ezekiel to be a prophet and handed him a scroll containing His Word to consume. He was commissioned to be a spiritual watchman to the rebellious Israelites.

What does it mean?
Ezekiel, whose name means “strengthened by God,” was empowered by the Lord to serve as His prophet. God prepared Ezekiel by filling him with His Spirit and His message. Once digested, God’s Word became a burning passion, causing godly anger over his nation’s rebellion toward the Lord. Ezekiel’s success would not be measured by the people’s response, but by his faithfulness to accurately and faithfully deliver the Lord’s message.

How should I respond?
As a believer, you have been personally called and commissioned by God to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world (Mark 16:15). Like Ezekiel, you need the Lord to strengthen you through His Word for the task. The Holy Spirit will continually fill and empower you as you faithfully study, internalize, and apply Scripture to your daily life. Remember, your mission field begins right where you live, work, and play. What spiritual truth is God currently asking you to digest? With whom do you need to share that truth? Will you offer an obedient heart in serving Him today?|Further reading: Ezekiel 3:16-27

Read – Lamentations 5

What does it say?
God’s people in Judah admitted their sin, asking God to see their disgrace and restore them.

What does it mean?
During the siege of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar showed no mercy, regardless of age, gender, or status. The people left in the city, as well as those taken to Babylon, had lost their land and their rights. Their desperate prayer finally showed a proper perspective between their sin and God’s divine nature. He was still the Sovereign Lord who ruled Heaven and Earth from His eternal throne; He alone could save them. The recognition of their transgressions was so great that they feared He had finally disowned them. Their only hope was God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.

How should I respond?
It’s human nature to look to God more earnestly when you’re desperate than when life seems under control. In fact, we can become so comfortable in His blessings that we incrementally inch away from His standards and will. When that is paired with decreased time in Scripture, prayer, and with God’s people – you may jolt to awareness, feeling very distant from Christ. Our sin offends God’s holiness, but that doesn’t mean He abandons us. He never moves. Jesus’ sacrifice closed the gulf created by sin; we close the gap of disobedience by returning to Him in repentance. What issue of disobedience do you need to confess to the Lord? Don’t wait until you’re desperate.

Read – Lamentations 4

What does it say?
In the streets of Jerusalem, the princes lay on ash heaps, children starved to death, and priests were declared “unclean.” Zion’s punishment, however, would one day end.

What does it mean?
The unimaginable had happened – enemies had entered Jerusalem. For those who had ignored God’s warnings and hadn’t surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar as He commanded, the daily scenes in the streets were also unthinkable. What caused such unbelievable tragedy? Unrepentant sin. The people had become vile because their leaders no longer looked to the Lord. Rather than recognize Jerusalem as a symbol of God’s grace and blessing, they falsely assumed that the city itself would be their security. One hope remained for the nation – that God would keep His promise to deliver the exiles at the end of 70 years.

How should I respond?
The spiritual landscape of America is in sharp decline. Men and women who openly profess faith in Christ are unelectable in many parts of the country. As a people, we put our security in our own military power and status as a nation rather than on the generations of blessings from an Almighty God. What can you, as one person, do in the midst of such blatant rejection of God? Start with personal obedience to the Lord. What sinful thought, attitude, or behavior needs to be eradicated from your life? Then pray for your local, state, and national leaders. Get involved in your church’s efforts to effect change in your community. Stop now and thank the Lord for His mercy on our nation. The prayers and obedience of God’s people may yet stave off the unimaginable

Read – Lamentations 2

What does it say?
The right hand of the Lord came against Jerusalem as His enemy. The prophets’ false messages failed to expose Israel’s sin, leading to their enemies’ gloating in the temple.

What does it mean?
Because God’s people had repeatedly rejected Him, He became their enemy. Prophets had given self-serving messages benefiting their own agendas. Even the temple had become a place of religious ritual and tradition rather than a holy house of worship, so the Lord allowed it to be overrun by Babylonian soldiers. Generations of her enemies had longed for the day they would see Jerusalem destroyed. God’s people finally acknowledged their sin, although it took utter tragedy. In sorrow and exile, Judah called out to the Lord for relief and retribution on her enemies.

How should I respond?
We live in a time when the destruction of our culture is the motivating force of some. What would happen if God completely withdrew His hand of protection from our nation? Worse yet, what if He came against us as an enemy? If our country doesn’t look to the Lord, recognizing His blessings, He may allow circumstances that give us nowhere else to turn. To be a friend of God requires obediently responding to the truths revealed in Scripture. Who is in need of hearing that truth? Determine right now to lovingly tell them about Jesus. How will you demonstrate today that you’re God’s friend, not His foe?

Read – Jeremiah 52

What does it say?
Destruction came to Jerusalem as had been prophesied by Jeremiah. Nevertheless, God provided a glimpse of hope in the midst of despair.

What does it mean?
The account of Jerusalem’s fall undoubtedly proved that Jeremiah’s prophecies were authentic and accurate. Judah suffered greatly as a result; leaders were executed, thousands were taken into exile, and the city was pillaged. Yet, after being held captive for 37 years, a former king of Judah named Jehoiachin was released from prison and treated kindly for the rest of his life. The favor shown to Jehoiachin provided hope. God had kept His word concerning their judgment and would do the same regarding the restoration of His people. God’s promise to the Davidic line was being kept.

How should I respond?
Where do you find hope when your world seems bleak and grim? As a believer in Christ, you possess the greatest hope from the source of eternal hope (Rom. 15:13). As you spend time in Scripture, your faith is strengthened, giving you assurance that God will fulfill every one of His promises. You choose how to spend your time each day. Will you make a commitment to fill your heart and mind with the Word of God daily? If so, the hope of Christ will abound in your life. The Lord is faithful and will fill you with His love, peace, and joy as you yield your life to Him.

Read – Jeremiah 47-48

What does it say?
Jeremiah prophesied the annihilation of the heathen nations of Philistia and Moab.

What does it mean?
According to Jeremiah’s warning, God’s wrath was about to be unleashed on the Philistines and Moabites. Israel’s combative relationship with the Philistines is well documented; but the greater part of today’s passage details the prophecy against Moab. Their offenses included worshiping idols and false gods, relying on their own achievements and treasures, and being proud and arrogant. Everything they worshiped, trusted, and prided themselves on was worthless in their day of judgment. God was going to judge His chosen people severely. How much worse would it be for Philistia and Moab?

How should I respond?
Sadly, much of present day society has been duped into trusting in manmade religions, good deeds, power, and wealth. None of these things satisfy God’s holiness in dealing with sin; He requires justice. Anyone not covered by the righteousness of Christ will be left to face the judgment of God. In that final day, mercy and grace will no longer be offered, and one’s own merits will amount to nothing. Who in your family or among your friends and acquaintances needs to receive Jesus? Ask the Lord to burden your heart and use you to bring them to faith in Christ before it is too late.|Further reading: Jeremiah 49

Read – Jeremiah 45

What does it say?
Baruch expressed great sorrow after writing the prophecy dictated by Jeremiah. The Lord told him that he would live, but he was not to seek great things for himself.

What does it mean?
Baruch was the scribe who had written the Lord’s message on a scroll, as dictated by Jeremiah (Chapter 36). The prophecy caused sorrow to overwhelm both the prophet and the scribe, but apparently for different reasons (8:21-9:1). God addressed the root cause of Baruch’s anguish – how God’s judgment would affect his own plans. The blinders on Baruch’s eyes gave him a limited and selfish perspective, but God’s plans were much bigger than one man’s personal aspirations. The Lord was rebuilding His people through whom the Messiah would come as Savior of the world.

How should I respond?
At some point, each of us has looked at something God has allowed and thought, “How does this affect me?” While that thought is part of human nature, it’s also a symptom of a huge misunderstanding in current Christian thinking. For the most part, we live in our own little bubbles, focused on what’s best for us. But as a follower of Christ, He asks you to live for something bigger than a personal agenda. How is God changing your world by uprooting and rebuilding something or someone? Will you respond in faith, looking for God’s purpose? Remember today … it’s not about you!

Read – Jeremiah 42

What does it say?
The remnant of Judah asked Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord, promising to do all He commanded, but then they refused to obey.

What does it mean? |Today’s reading is an example of what not to do in a crisis. The people were afraid of retaliation from Babylon, so they wanted to run to Egypt, thinking they would be safe there. They did not stop to inquire of the Lord through Jeremiah until after their plan was in motion. Jeremiah’s instructions required complete trust in God as their Protector. The reply was not what they wanted to hear. Their reaction proved that they were only asking for God’s approval of their plan. Even direct instructions from the Lord would not stop them from doing what they wanted to do.

How should I respond?
Sound familiar? Have you come up with a plan of action in the middle of a crisis and then stopped to pray? Too many times we make decisions and ask God to bless them rather than stopping first to ask God what His plan is. God promises to guide and protect us, but we must be willing to follow Him even when His directions are counterintuitive. What decision or crisis are you currently facing? How are you praying? Is it, “Bless my plan,” or “Lord, what is Your plan?” Take a moment to prepare your heart and mind to face today’s challenges. Ask God to help you trust and follow His plan.

Read – Jeremiah 39

What does it say?
When Nebuchadnezzar laid siege on Jerusalem, he captured Zedekiah, killed his sons, and put out his eyes. Jeremiah was set free, just as God had promised him.

What does it mean?
Although both Jeremiah and Zedekiah were fearful of Nebuchadnezzar, a stark contrast is seen between their reactions to God’s message and the consequences of their individual choices. Zedekiah didn’t trust God enough to give up control and obey the Lord. He lost far more than he feared he would because he resisted God’s message. Jeremiah, however, allowed fear to drive him toward God. He chose to trust God in spite of the dire situation. The Lord rewarded Jeremiah with an outcome that was more than he could have ever hoped for – freedom.

How should I respond?
Every decision we make has a consequence. The Bible is like a roadmap that guides us through the choices of each hill and valley in life. When we choose to ignore His Word and go out on our on, we are responsible for the consequences of our words and actions. When we turn to God in trust and obedience, He handles the consequences. What situation are you trying to control? How might you be ignoring the Lord’s instructions from Scripture? God will never call you to do anything that is contrary to His will or His Word. How will you demonstrate trust and obedience today?

Read – Jeremiah 37

What does it say?
King Zedekiah imprisoned Jeremiah after he prophesied the destruction of the city.

What does it mean?
Zedekiah wanted Jeremiah to pray on behalf of the kingdom of Judah. But Zedekiah’s religion was superficial; he wanted God’s blessing without repentance. On the other hand, Jeremiah’s willingness to sacrifice all to deliver God’s message demonstrated more than commitment to a religious creed. He had a true relationship with the living Lord. Even though he was beaten and imprisoned, Jeremiah chose to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

How should I respond?
Do you identify with one of the people in this chapter? Are you outwardly religious or inwardly committed to Christ? Man-made religion focuses on what you do, whereas a relationship with Jesus focuses on who you are in Christ. God desires to have a relationship with you. He wants you to know Him through reading the Bible and talking with Him in prayer. The more you experience His love, the more willing you’ll be to serve the Lord no matter the cost. How can you choose to serve God wholeheartedly today? Determine to follow Christ, not a mere religious creed.

Read – Jeremiah 35

What does it say?
God contrasts the faithful obedience of the Recabites to their ancestor’s command with the direct disobedience of the Israelites to His call.

What does it mean?
The Recabites were nomadic descendants of Jethro who followed a code of conduct similar to the Nazarites. Even though their lifestyle was harsh and humble, they kept their vow. Knowing the Recabites would refuse the wine, Jeremiah used the situation to give the people of Judah an object lesson on obedience. The faithful obedience of the Recabites is contrasted with the disobedience of Judah and Jerusalem to the Lord’s instructions. If these nomads could obey the commands of a human leader, how much more should the people of Judah have obeyed the commands of the Lord?

How should I respond?
What are your family traditions? Some of them may be fun or silly, while others pass down important aspects of character and morality. Shouldn’t we be even more intent on obeying God’s Word than on keeping earthly traditions? The Lord gives us boundaries and commands to protect and guide us. The truths in Scripture point to a living relationship with Christ both today and eternally. How might you be disobeying God in some area of your life? What blessing of the Lord or aspect of your salvation have you taken for granted? Choose to obey God’s call and pass on a spiritual family tradition.

Read – Jeremiah 33

What does it say?
The Lord reminded Jeremiah that a time of peace and prosperity would come again to Israel and Judah. God reaffirmed His covenant with David and the promise of a Savior.

What does it mean?
God wanted Jeremiah to understand that His covenant promises would not be broken, despite the siege of Jerusalem. Once again, the Lord shared with Jeremiah the future healing of the land and restoration of His people. Captivity was the temporary consequence of their rejection of Him. Joy, prosperity, and peace would again reign in Jerusalem, as would David’s descendants. God’s message foreshadowed the eternal reign of David’s greatest Seed, the Messiah. In answer to Jeremiah’s prayer for understanding, the Lord revealed His glorious plans for His people.

How should I respond?
God still offers to give understanding. Just as He told Jeremiah, “Call to me,” God desires for us to seek Him when we lack understanding. Even better, He desires to answer us. Where do you turn for answers to your questions about life? It’s impossible to understand all the complexities of this life on your own. But as a follower of Christ, you are intimately connected to the One who knows how it all fits together. Will you call to Him today? His answer might be the reiteration of a promise or a revelation of His character. Regardless, He promises to be found by those who genuinely seek Him (Deut. 4:29; Matt. 7:7-8).

Read – Jeremiah 31

What does it say?
God promised the house of Israel that He would provide restoration, forgiveness of their sins, and a New Covenant.

What does it mean?
The New Covenant God promised to make with Israel is not a standard of conduct, like the old covenant Moses received. It is an internalization of God’s law in the hearts and minds of His people. Under the New Covenant, the sins of the nation would no longer be simply covered by the sacrificial blood of bulls and goats; God will forgive their sin and “will remember their sins no more.” The superior nature of the New Covenant completely removes the condemnation and guilt of sin. The New Covenant will be fulfilled with Israel during the Millennium. The nation of Israel will be restored to God and will again be known throughout the world as God’s people. This covenant will allow an intimacy with God that they could never experience under the old covenant.

How should I respond?
The New Covenant was enacted by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Through faith in Christ, every believer participates in this covenant by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Rather than follow a list of rules, Christians follow the internal prompting of the Holy Spirit, Who discloses the righteous nature of God and convicts of sin. Under the New Covenant, our sin can never exhaust God’s mercy and forgiveness. God is faithful and will forgive our sin when we confess it to Him and turn from it. Once forgiven, He will never bring up the record of our failures again because our punishment was placed on Christ at the cross. God calls us to forgive others just as He has forgiven us. God poured out His mercy on us when we deserved it the least. Who do you find difficult to forgive? Will you share the forgiveness you’ve received in Christ with someone in your life who desperately needs it?

Read – Jeremiah 29

What does it say?
Jeremiah’s letter warned against false prophets and promised that God’s plan was good.

What does it mean?
While the exiles were captive in Babylon, false prophets gave false hope regarding the length of their captivity. Their teaching completely ignored the purpose behind God’s judgment. Jeremiah’s letter explained God’s true plan – to cause His people to return to Him. Judah had not remained faithful to the Lord during years of enjoying His blessings, nor had they responded to His warnings. Although His people were in captivity, God promised that when the people finally looked for Him, they would find Him. True to His covenant, God was taking care of His people, even though it seemed otherwise. All their hope rested in the fact that His plans for their future were far better than their own.

How should I respond?
Times of hardship are not always caused by disobedience; God sometimes allows suffering for our benefit. God’s plan is always to draw us closer to Him. If His goodness and blessings are not enough to bring us closer to Him, then He may use difficult circumstances. Either way, He promises that His plans for us are always good. What painful situation is God using to shape your character and future? How might you be looking for hope in anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ? Ask God to open your eyes to His plan. The old statement is true: God is good … all the time.

Read – Jeremiah 27

What does it say?
God told Jeremiah to give a message to the people of Judah and her king: they must submit to Nebuchadnezzar or be destroyed.

What does it mean?
The Lord instructed Jeremiah to go to extreme measures to get Judah’s attention. Because their focus had been on false prophets instead of the Lord, He told them to do the unimaginable – submit to the pagan king, Nebuchadnezzar. It definitely did not make sense to them at that time, but God had a bigger plan. He was going to allow painful circumstances in the lives of His people to correct their theology and restore their relationship with Him. As Creator, God can do as He pleases, but His actions were based on love, not vindictiveness.

How should I respond?
Everything that touches your life has been sifted through the loving hands of God the Father. While He is not the cause of all painful circumstances, He has allowed them. When you can’t see God’s purpose, trust His heart. He loves you and views your life from an eternal perspective. In order to draw you closer, the Lord sometimes allows trials to shape your character, remove sin, or bring glory to His name. In what impossible circumstance do you need to trust God? Doing so will impact the lives of those around you for His honor and glory.

Read – Jeremiah 25:1-14

What does it say?
For 23 years the people of Judah continually rejected God’s messages through His prophet Jeremiah, provoking God’s anger and His judgment against them.

What does it mean?
God had shown mercy to the Jewish people by sending His prophets over and over again. With each one, though, they continued to disobey the law, worship idols, and reject God’s warnings. Still, His judgment was not immediate. Rather than respond to His mercy, they continued to disobey, reflecting attitudes of stubbornness and pride. God’s longsuffering of their rebellion had come to an end, and they would suffer 70 years of captivity in Babylon. After that time, God would free them and judge the Babylonian Empire for the ruthless treatment of His people.

How should I respond?
Stop and evaluate your own rebellion. We too sometimes choose stubbornness and pride instead of obedience to the Lord. What other attitudes hinder you from experiencing closeness with God? How has the Lord put the same message in front of you time after time? Have you listened and followed through, or have you just let it go in one ear and out the other? Thankfully, God is merciful and patient. Because He desires a close relationship with you, He will not allow you to continue in rebellion. How will you respond to His mercy?|Further reading: Jeremiah 25:15-38

Read – Jeremiah 24

What does it say?
God showed Jeremiah two baskets of figs representing the people of Judah. The Lord would destroy the unfaithful, but would give the faithful a new heart to know Him

What does it mean?
God’s desire has always been to have a relationship with His people. He has done whatever was necessary to display his unending, steadfast commitment to loving and caring for them, even in their unfaithfulness. God made it clear that He would purge the land of evil by removing and destroying those who turned Jerusalem against Him. But God still had a people. The remnant would return to the land and be restored to God. One day they would be devoted to knowing Him with their whole hearts. They would be His people, and He would be their God. There would be no place for idolatry.

How should I respond?
God still requires His people to have a whole-hearted commitment to Him. The Holy Spirit prompts us to remove influences that make us callous to sin. The Lord wants to purge anything from your heart that takes a higher priority than your relationship with Him. Sometimes, there is a gentle nudging. At other times, He convicts with more significant force. He will do whatever it takes to bring you to a place of complete commitment to Him. What is the Lord doing right now to bring you to such a place? God’s love is steadfast, and His commitment to you never wavers. How will you respond?

Read – Jeremiah 23:1-8

What does it say?
God promised to punish the shepherds who scattered and destroyed His people. He will gather the remnant and place them under a wise and righteous Davidic King.

What does it mean?
A shepherd’s role was clear: protect the flock. The leaders who were to shepherd God’s flock not only neglected their basic needs, they actually put the people in harm’s way. The line of kings through David was now cut off, but God promised to restore that line through a great future King. The Righteous Branch of David – the Messiah – will deliver Israel from their enemies. When He returns, King Jesus will justly and wisely reign over a united Israel for a thousand years.

How should I respond?
Men often fail, but Jesus has never failed and never will. Is your trust and hope placed in Him or in human leaders? Regardless of the care or neglect of the leadership you are under, you can experience the peace and love of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. As the Messiah, He has initiated the greatest rescue and victory of all time – salvation from sins and the hope of eternal life. Have you acknowledged Jesus as your King? How will His imminent return affect your thoughts and plans today?

Read – Jeremiah 21:11-22:10

What does it say?
Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem unless the king and the people pursued what was just and right.

What does it mean?
The laws of Israel and Judah addressed their relationship with God and their relationships with one another. Their continual disregard for His covenant was leading God’s people to destruction. They chose to ignore His warnings and continued to pursue selfish desires. The complete annihilation of the city would be the consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. Even people from surrounding nations would recognize the ruins of Jerusalem as the Lord’s judgment against His people and their worship of other gods. God’s greatness would be proclaimed, even in disaster.

How should I respond?
God is worthy to be praised, regardless of the situation. We can get distracted by negative circumstances and forget to look for His greatness in the midst of it. Do you limit your praise of God to situations that fit your liking? We can be confident that He is the same amazing God in the good times and the bad. Are you in the midst of difficultly right now, or do you know someone close to you who is? How can you choose to bless His name today, regardless of the situation? Ask God to give you eyes that are open to seeing Him work and a heart willing to praise Him … regardless.

Read – Jeremiah 20

What does it say?
Jeremiah was physically punished for prophesying God’s impending wrath. In prayer, he both complained to the Lord and praised His name for deliverance.

What does it mean?
No one had more reason to be discouraged in ministry than Jeremiah. His prayer in this passage is a roller coaster of emotions. He felt ill prepared by God for the rejection and abuse he had endured and wanted to quit, but he found it impossible to stay quiet. As he prayed for vengeance, Jeremiah came to better understand God’s heart regarding Judah – their increasing wickedness had to be dealt with, but the high cost to His beloved people and city was heart-wrenching. Is it any wonder he lamented being born in such sorrowful times? At the height of the prayer, Jeremiah remembered God’s promises for his ministry (1:19; 15:20), leading him again to worship the Lord.

How should I respond?
Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy; in fact, He warned that it would be difficult (John 16:33). Are you discouraged when you don’t see results in your ministry efforts or when someone publicly ridicules your faith? How can you keep from being disheartened when you’re tempted to give up? Listen to music that focuses your mind on the Lord; nurture relationships with other believers for mutual encouragement. Most importantly, search Scripture for promises and meditate on them through prayer. Having a godly mindset will help you stand firm and focused during challenging times.

Read – Jeremiah 18-19

What does it say?
Jeremiah saw the potter smash his clay pot and start over because his work was not forming what he had intended. God could rightfully do the same with Judah.

What does it mean?
The relationship of the clay to the potter is one of total submission. Jeremiah saw that the potter had every right to smash and reshape the lump since the clay did not mold to the potter’s intentions. After all, it was his clay and his design. Likewise, the Lord was justified in building up or reshaping His creation, specifically the house of Israel, as He determined. Of course, it would pain the potter to destroy the work that he had started. God was also grieved that His daughter Israel had become so hopelessly wicked that He needed to crush the nation and rebuild from the exiled remnant.

How should I respond?
Would a lump of clay question the potter’s design (Isaiah 29:16)? Just as a potter forms clay into a beautiful and useful vessel, God’s specific plan for you unfolds through obedience to His Word. Turning away from His commands shapes your life into something other than God’s perfect design, something harmful to you. Because He loves you, the Lord will always try to bring you back to Him through discipline and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He may even allow you to suffer the natural consequences of sinful choices. Are you submitting daily to God’s will for your life? How will you be a vessel that brings Him honor and glory today?

Read – Jeremiah 16

What does it say?
God restricted Jeremiah from marrying or having children. Jeremiah was also not to attend funerals or occasions of feasting with the wicked, disobedient people of Judah.

What does it mean?
Most Hebrew men were married before the age of twenty. So God’s instructions for His prophet to forego marriage and family certainly raised questions. The Lord required His prophet to give up an important part of Judean culture as a sign to God’s people that normal family relationships would be severed in the horrible times ahead. The additional restrictions to abstain from times of celebration and mourning pictured the absence of joyous occasions and a total lack of godly comfort. The restrictions on Jeremiah’s human relationships left him without family or friends. Each restriction, however, had a purpose that forced Jeremiah to rely on the Lord alone.

How should I respond?
God’s plan for your life may be very different from what you have pictured. Following Christ sometimes requires sacrificing something that seems good for you. In those moments, it isn’t a matter of right and wrong, but of good and best (Philippians 1:10). God may call you to remain unmarried, to move across or out of the country, or take a job that pays less. What has God asked of you that goes against your culture or family traditions? Whatever it is, you can be certain that it is not random … He has a purpose.

Read – Jeremiah 14:1-15:9

What does it say?
The devastation of the drought and famine caused the people of Judah to cry out to God. Jeremiah appealed to God on their behalf, and He spoke regarding their rebellion.

What does it mean?
There are several accounts in the Old Testament of God’s using drought and famine as discipline to turn His people back to Him. In this instance, the people of Judah acknowledged that only God could bring rain. They expected His help, appealing to God’s goodness and His covenant with them. The Lord saw their hearts, though, and knew that their repentance was not sincere. They were not genuinely broken over their sin. They had, in fact, deserted Him – not the other way around. As a result, they believed lies from the false prophets as their nation headed toward horrible destruction.

How should I respond?
If you have a friend who only calls you when he or she has a need, then you have a glimpse of how God viewed the nation of Judah in today’s passage. At one time or another you’ve probably been guilty of the same thing. Have you, as God’s child, neglected your relationship with Him, only to plead for help when things go wrong? While God promises to care for His people, He may show His love through discipline if you choose to ignore His commands. It takes genuine repentance to restore full health to the relationship. Are you truly seeking God today or just looking for His blessings?

Read – Jeremiah 12

What does it say?
Jeremiah knew the Lord was righteous but questioned why the wicked prospered. God would forsake Judah, allowing enemies to lay waste to their land.

What does it mean?
What Jeremiah knew to be true about the Lord didn’t seem to match what he saw happening. Like Job and David before him, he questioned why people without regard for God seemed to have His blessing. The righteous were suffering from the drought sent by the Lord as judgment on sin, while the unrighteous appeared to be unaffected. God didn’t directly answer Jeremiah’s concern. Instead, He prepared Jeremiah for the more difficult road ahead. The Lord was going to deal righteously with His faithless people as well as their enemies, in His time and in His way. God’s compassion is not limited to His chosen people but will be extended to anyone who calls on His name.

How should I respond?
The world offers all kinds of answers to the question, “Why do things happen the way they do?” Some believe in fate – a cosmic power that controls a person’s future. Karma is an Eastern religious belief that a person’s own actions determine whether good or bad things happen to him. Others think life unfolds purely from good or bad luck. But as followers of Christ, we trust in the preeminence of God – that nothing can prevent His plan from taking place. Ask God to help you trust His sovereignty, even in those circumstances that don’t make sense.

Read – Jeremiah 11

What does it say?
The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. God announced judgment on those who did not obey His covenant.

What does it mean?
The Lord’s covenant with the Israelites seemed simple, “Obey Me.” They would enjoy a unique relationship as God’s chosen people if they would just follow Him. He promised a life and a land that overflowed with His blessing. But God’s people broke their covenant with the Lord by worshipping false gods and refusing to listen to His Word or His prophet. Why would they make such a choice? They stubbornly chose to follow what their own hearts wanted instead of submitting their hearts to God. The all-seeing and all-knowing Lord would have to correct His people through judgment. When that day came, God would ignore their pleas for help and any intercession on their behalf. Disobedience left the once strong nations of Israel and Judah broken.

How should I respond?
The Lord’s call on your life can be expressed by one simple request: “Obey Me.” So why do we sometimes find it difficult to obey? Genuine obedience comes from the inside out. An outward change in behavior cannot be permanent if your heart is unchanged. God wants to give you a heart like His. Committing to prayer and Bible study each day helps you to grow more like Christ. How have you seen God change your heart as a result of being in His Word? Where do you still need to be more obedient to Him? Only Jesus Christ can change our hearts. What do you need to give over to Him today?

Read – Jeremiah 10:1-16

What does it say?
Jeremiah contrasted handcrafted gods with the one true God. No one could compare to the eternal King of nations, the Lord Almighty.

What does it mean?
Jeremiah’s poetic comparison demonstrated the huge divide between the people’s notions of what a god should look like and their Creator God. The contrasts proved God alone as worthy of worship. Their idols couldn’t communicate with them, help or protect them. Ironically, they bowed down to an image that had to be carried from one place to another. Man-made idols have no life or breath, but God’s breath sustains all. God knows all and rules over all; He is unique, powerful, wise, and eternal. Jeremiah couldn’t fathom the foolishness of choosing false gods over the one true God.

How should I respond?
All over the world, people still bow down to handcrafted images. Yet the eternal King alone sits on His throne, deserving our worship. What religious images or ideas on the world stage compete with the God of the Bible for worship? How concerned are you that many people attempt to fill the emptiness in their lives with something other than the one true God? Today’s passage is a call to action. What will you do today to actively proclaim God as the only one worthy of worship? Keep your eyes open and your spirit ready to point others to Him. There is no substitute for our incomparable, Almighty God!

Read – Jeremiah 7:1-29

What does it say?
The Lord sent Jeremiah to the temple with a message: if God’s people would obey Him, they could live in the land. Otherwise, He would remove them from His presence.

What does it mean?
Despite their outward show of religious activity, the people of Judah were not fooling God. They deceived themselves by assuming that their sacrifices and offerings at the temple appeased God and offered them protection and security. In reality, they had disobeyed His instructions and had drifted far away from Him. God desired a genuine commitment to Him rather than to their traditions. God continued to deliver a clear message: if they continued to disregard His correction, He would allow the destruction of the temple, His dwelling place, and would remove them from their land.

How should I respond?
You can’t fool God. Neither can you impress the Lord with religiosity while allowing sin to go unchecked. He desires whole-hearted commitment to Him alone. We can become distracted from that sole devotion by trying to keep up appearances at church or in our community. Authentic Christianity requires an honest evaluation of whether you are truly committed to the Lord or simply going through religious motions. In what area of your life have you drifted away from Him? God already knows everything, so why not be truthful before the Lord right now? Choosing to do otherwise is just self-deception. |Further reading: Jeremiah 7:30-8:3

Read – Jeremiah 5

What does it say?
God challenged Jeremiah to find just one person who was just and sought the truth, yet he found no one. God announced that His just judgment was on its way.

What does it mean?
Not one person in Judah had chosen to heed Jeremiah’s warnings of judgment. God’s instructions regarding how to live were designed to protect His people and teach them to deal fairly with one another. They not only overstepped those boundaries but actually embraced wicked people and harmful behavior. In His divine justice, God would send the Babylonians as judgment on Judah’s choice to abandon Him. Still, the Lord graciously and faithfully purposed not to completely destroy them. Their relationship with God could be rebuilt.

How should I respond?
Like a parent who must sometimes discipline the child he loves, God serves both as our Father and our Judge. He is not unduly harsh, but He is just. The Lord lovingly sets up boundaries for our protection. We should expect His discipline when we step past those boundaries. His mercy and justice are perfectly balanced. He never fails to forgive and restore us when we confess our wrongdoing. Which of God’s boundaries might you have overstepped this week? What ramifications followed? Today, humbly ask God for mercy. He is always willing to give you a fresh start.

Read – Jeremiah 4:5-31

What does it say?
Jeremiah warned God’s people that disaster was on its way due to their disobedience. He challenged them to turn to Him with hearts moved to repentance.

What does it mean?
Jeremiah urged Judah to turn to the Lord in repentance. God’s chosen people had lost all discernment between good and evil. As a matter of fact, they were very skilled in doing evil and ignorant of what was good. They needed to understand fully the consequences of abandoning the Lord and His commands. No punishment was too harsh if it meant recapturing their unfaithful hearts. God’s warnings reinforced His desire for His people to repent and turn to Him for rescue. Ignoring the warnings of God’s prophet would seal Judah’s fate.

How should I respond?
Good parents teach their children from a young age to avoid danger. We understand that parents lovingly warn and discipline their kids to keep them out of harm’s way. God’s warnings in Scripture are no different. Because God loves us, He warns us about the devastating consequences of disobedience. The Lord says, “Do not” in order to protect us from harm. What biblical warning have you ignored? What are the likely consequences? Ask God to help you recognize where your heart has gone astray. His Word is a gift to guide our choices. Will you choose to heed His warnings today?