Daily Devotional for October 19, 2015
Jeremiah 7
Scripture:
3 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place.
4 Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD!”
5 If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly,
6 if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm,
7 then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.
Observation:
When I pray for my boys at bed time, I use a few phrases in every prayer. In one of those phrases I ask God to help my boys to, “always help people, always protect people, and always be kind to people.” I believe that, as a man, I have the responsibility to help, protect, and look after those around me. I intend on passing that responsibility down to my kids.
Helping and protecting others is something that God has asked us to do. In fact, many times in scripture God has encouraged His people to look out for orphans (or the fatherless), widows, and strangers (or sojourners/foreigners/aliens). We see this again in this chapter. God has warned His people to not oppress the alien, the fatherless, or the widow. This challenge continues for us today. As Spirit-Empowered Men, we must always be aware of those who are in need. God has asked us to look after the widows, the fatherless, and those who are new to the area. I encourage you to connect with your local church and ask your pastor how you can serve. This may be volunteering at a local outreach/ministry or giving in an offering devoted to those who need it. Ask God what you can do to help those who need it most.
Application:
- Personal Application: Be continually praying for those around you that are in need of help. While you are fulfilling your primary responsibility of taking care of your own family, ask God if there is a local ministry that you can serve or give to. I recommend partnering with your local church or community outreach to assist those who need it most.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Discuss with them the importance of looking after those who need it most. Ask them if they would like to give an offering or serve a local ministry together as a family. Pray with them about this.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to protect those who need protecting. Take a few minutes to pray for anyone you know that may be a widow, fatherless, or new to an area. Ask God if there is any way you can help them.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that the Lord will keep their heart sensitive to those who need help.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, October 11 – Sunday, October 18:
- Sunday, October 18: Jeremiah 6
- Monday, October 19: Jeremiah 7
- Tuesday, October 20: Jeremiah 8
- Wednesday, October 21: Jeremiah 9
- Thursday, October 22: Jeremiah 10
- Friday, October 23: Jeremiah 11
- Saturday, October 24: Jeremiah 12
- Sunday, October 25: Jeremiah 13
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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