"There was no prosperity designed for them," none whatsoever. These people were in war with the Chaldeans. Yet, the prophets promised what they could not. The prophets gave a false hope that the war would end in their peace and all will be well. "They seduced God's people; they put a cheat upon them, led them into mistakes, and drew them aside out of that way of repentance and reformation which the other prophets were endeavoring to bring them into." Matthew Henry
Repentance and Reformation. The message holds true for today. I hear people in ministry saying that we have to go soft on people. Don't scare them away from God. What is the gospel truth? I think the prophet in our day who speaks the gospel truth is not the one who will get the bookings. The prophets who tickle the ears and tell their people: Here. Here are the steps to follow and life will all work out for you. Where are the people calling us to repentance and reformation?
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Dear Father, All I can deal with is my own sin. Deceivers and deceived are both alike, both judged. And I do both. Lord, have mercy.
PHOTO: It's a 100-year-old stagecoach stop that harbored both deceivers and deceived, truth tellers alike. Do we speak the truth to those whom we provide a safe harbor?
God's astounding Word, alive and sharper than a double edged sword. Today's reading was prophecy for ancient Israel, and an example for us today of what happens when we turn from God and live for ourselves, following feel good messages, false prophets, and self help programs.
ReplyDeleteLord Have Mercy!
Although today's word was for Israel, our hearts are similar. As soon as we get a little confidence in our own abilities, we forget the Lord, and flat out serve other gods. Lord, help us to return to You alone, to remember that You alone are Lord, and to revere You and the Way that You direct us.
ReplyDeleteBlessed Sunday, Pearls. It's the end of August--so hard to believe that fall 2014 is here. Days are short. Let us heed His Voice today as we hear it in our churches, in our hearts.
Lord, thank You for continuing to love us in Your mercy. Lord, I just pray for each of the Pearls today and our families. We return again and lay down all the entrapments. We confess our waywardness, our self focus, our finding worth in other things that take us away from our intended walk with You. Keep our eyes on You. Make our hearts clean so that we may remain in You and You in us. We are so much like Israel, prostituting other things and trading them for the real Deal of Your Love. Work miracles in each of our hearts today to help us forgive and find that it is our own heart that we malign when we hold onto grievances. Purify our hearts to see and serve You alone. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for your Grace. Thank you for the ability to return.