Daily Devotional for November 6, 2015
Jeremiah 25
Scripture:
1 The word came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
2 So Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people of Judah and to all those living in Jerusalem:
3 For twenty-three years–from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day–the word of the LORD has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.
4 And though the LORD has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention.
Observation:
What! For twenty-three years Jeremiah spoke on behalf of the Lord to the people. For twenty-three years the people did not listen to the messages he spoke. I have had rough seasons where is seems like things are just not working out. I cannot imagine what twenty-three years of being ignored and not seeing any success in the work of your hands feels like. I am challenged and encouraged by Jeremiah’s resolve to obey the Lord. In fact, there was a season in my ministry where every night I declared to the Lord, “It’s not supposed to be like this!” That season lasted less than a year for me. I don’t know if I would have had the endurance to last as long as Jeremiah did.
Don’t give up, stay the course, or keep on truckin’, are phrases that are much easier to say than to fulfill; however, when the Lord calls you and puts a word in your heart, something special happens. God places a resilience and tenacity in you to accomplish what He has called you to. Don’t grow weary in doing what is right. Continue honoring God and serving others. Let this chapter be an encouragement to you today. Through the help of the Holy Spirit you can do it.
Application:
- Personal Application: Life and ministry are not promised to be easy. If studying Scripture has taught us anything, we know that God will never leave us if we are wholeheartedly serving Him. Therefore, stay the course. Continue doing what is right, what is just, and what honors God. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, you can do it.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Let this be a pep talk for never giving up in doing what is right, what is just, and what honors God. Continue honoring God with your life and He will help you. Ask your family members if there are any areas that are tough for them. Pray with them for endurance through these areas.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask the Lord for the endurance to do what is right, just, and what honors Him along this discipleship journey.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that the Lord will guard your family from discouragement along the way. Pray for endurance in doing what is right, just, and honoring to God.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, November 1 – Sunday, November 8:
- Sunday, November 1: Jeremiah 20
- Monday, November 2: Jeremiah 21
- Tuesday, November 3: Jeremiah 22
- Wednesday, November 4: Jeremiah 23
- Thursday, November 5: Jeremiah 24
- Friday, November 6 Jeremiah 25
- Saturday, November 7: Jeremiah 26
- Sunday, November 8: Jeremiah 27
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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