Jeremiah 4-7

People aren't listening to God in Jeremiah 4-7, and from the sounds of it, I'm not sure they're even aware that they aren't listening.

It happens, you know.  It's part of our humanness.  We keep on keepin' on for way too long without realizing what we're really doing to ourselves.  When that happens, at best, life is just "okay," but it could be so much better, so much more.

Jeremiah's just the messenger.  He's not making this stuff up.  It's coming straight from God, but people aren't taking him (or God) seriously.  

Today I just want to name the mistakes and mess-ups Jeremiah describes in our reading.  I want to know them and examine them.  I want to use them for direction and faith building in our own lives... 

God's people are in trouble because...

• They refuse to "repent" (Jeremiah 5:3).
• God's word "is not in them" (Jeremiah 5:13).
• They have "eyes but do not see, ears but do not hear" (Jeremiah 5:21).
• Their ways are sinful, and depriving them of good (Jeremiah 5:25).

As I read, I realize these offenses are certainly not specific to the days of Jeremiah.  We can learn from Jeremiah's words telling us where we often go wrong.  They are so applicable to life.

We can intentionally soak in God's advice.  He tells us exactly what to do...

Stand at the crossroads and look;

  ask for ancient paths,

  ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

  and you will find rest for your souls.

Jeremiah 6:16

ASK GOD.

That's what he wants us to do in our lives and with our lives.  

Every day, really, is full of crossroads.  We have to decide which way we will go.

By asking God which way to go, God is able to fulfill His biggest and best promises in us. 

A prayer for today-

  

Dear God,

Thank You for Your grace and Your forgiveness.  Thank You that when we ask, You fill our lives with Your direction and Your good.

Forgive me for all the ways I fail to ask for Your direction in life.

Open my eyes and my ears to You, Lord.  Keep my heart open-wide to You, Lord.  Show me Your way.

I pray for _________________ who is/are at a difficult crossroads right now.  Fill __________________ with Your presence, Your power, Your direction, and Your goodness.

You, Lord, are the way and the truth and the life we all need.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

In Christ's love,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.