Thursday, June 18
Read Jeremiah 4
Think About It:
As we read through Jeremiah 4, we see the same pattern repeated throughout God’s Word. There is hope if we return to God, but there is disaster if we harden our hearts and refuse to repent. “Break up your fallow ground” is the practice of making sure our heart is aligned with His Word. “Above all else, guard your heart” and be quick to repent every day. If there is anyone who has offended us, we must be quick to forgive, but more than that, we should pray for that person. When we look into the Word of God, His Spirit will show us how to pray for those who have irritated us… and sometimes, we learn our irritation indicates we need to change, even though we would like to believe they are the one in need of change.
- Stop for a moment and ask the LORD to show you if there is anyone in your life you haven’t fully forgiven. Write down any names that come to mind. Then pray for them. If you find it difficult to form the words for a prayer, read Ephesians 1:15-23 and put their name in those verses and sincerely pray for them the way Paul prayed for those in Ephesus. You may have to pray it by faith, believing nothing is impossible for God. He hears your prayer; He knows how to turn people’s hearts in the right direction, and He loves us all the same.
Family Time:
- Pay special attention to the “if” and “lest” in verses 1 through 4. When people continuously make themselves an enemy of God and refuse His generous way out, the fury and consequences described are full of sadness.
- Think about why Jesus came.
