Daily Devotional for October 15, 2015
Jeremiah 3
Scripture:
11 The Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.
12 Go, proclaim this message toward the north: “ ‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord , ‘I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord , ‘I will not be angry forever.
13 Only acknowledge your guilt— you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,’ ” declares the Lord
14 “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord , “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion.
15 Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.
Observation:
Since I was not raised in a church environment, I didn’t take my first missions trip until I was in my 20s. I was a young youth pastor and was looking forward to learning from more experienced leaders about how to lead trips. Unfortunately, I had passport issues which caused me to miss the main flight with everyone else. The organizers of the trip were somewhat glad this occurred due to a few students who also had issues receiving their passport on time. In that instant, I transitioned from learner to leader. Having never traveled internationally, I was expected to be the leader for some students who were on their first missions trip as well. Fortunately, I was able to prepare effectively and the trip went well, God was honored, and lives were changed.
I am thankful that God has promised to give us shepherds who will lead us with knowledge and understanding. As we surrender our heart and life to the Lord, we need shepherds to assist us on this discipleship journey. I am thankful for pastors, mentors, and teachers who have devoted their life to helping us fulfill God’s plan for our life. Today, express appreciation to God for the leaders He has placed around you. In addition, take a moment to tell the pastors, mentors, and teachers how much you appreciate them. You can write a note, send a card, send a text, give them a call, or tell them face to face. Never underestimate the power of a word of encouragement.
Application:
- Personal Application: Show appreciation to God for the pastors, mentors, and teachers in your life. Thank those leaders for their sacrifice and commitment that is helping you become a Spirit-Empowered Man.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Express the importance of having good leaders around them. Encourage them to pray for good godly leaders. Pray for them and the influences in their life.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Pray for the pastors, mentors, and teachers in your church. Ask God to bless them and fill them with wisdom and understanding as they lead.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray for the leaders that are influencing your family. Pray that your family will be able to discern and find leaders that are godly, Spirit-filled, and full of wisdom and understanding.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, October 11 – Sunday, October 18:
- Sunday, October 11: Colossians 4
- Monday, October 12: Philemon
- Tuesday, October 13: Jeremiah 1
- Wednesday, October 14: Jeremiah 2
- Thursday, October 15: Jeremiah 3
- Friday, October 16: Jeremiah 4
- Saturday, October 17: Jeremiah 5
- Sunday, October 18: Jeremiah 6
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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