A Church with a Heart for our Community

August 20th Thursday

Greetings to you – accepted, forgiven, and anointed by Almighty God – in the wonderful, beautiful, and powerful name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! Another beautiful morning in the Kingdom…with a fresh opportunity to rejoice and be glad in the activity of our Creator-God. I trust that you had a good night’s rest and are ready for the adventures that this day will bring. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to speak peace, hope, and joy to your soul…may He quiet you fears and anxiety…may His healing presence minister to you.

This morning I am drawn to God’s Word…and in particular to the book of Jeremiah. There has been much unrest, everything that could go wrong did go wrong and the people were discouraged and looking for answers from a reliable source. They were about to enter a time of captivity and exile…life seemed empty and unfulfilling.,,they were losing heart…they were losing sight of God. In this context, along comes Jeremiah with a message from God–a promise of a plan, or plans to change the circumstances.

Listen to these words…”You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and I will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:13-14a  NIV.  Don’t lose your heart…your passion…your hope – what a powerful and timely message. We are living in a time where there is much grief and sorrow for what has been lost and we seem to be in captivity to an enemy we cannot see. God’s message is relevant…”I have got plans – do not give up – do not lose heart – do not lose touch with Me!”

Now listen to a cry from God’s heart…“Oh! Ephraim is my dear, dear son, my child in whom I take pleasure! Every time I mention his name, my heart bursts with longing for him! Everything within me cries out for him, softly and tenderly I wait for him.” GOD’s Decree.  Jeremiah 31:20  The Message. “Ephraim” represents the people of Israel…God’s children. So it is possible and I believe permissible to put your name in its place. Imagine if you will that this morning in the midst of your grief, doubts, fears, and isolation – you could a message from God – “Oh! (your name) my dear, dear son/daughter, my child in whom I take pleasure….softly and tenderly I wait for him/her.”

Yes, believe it – God has plans for you, you bring Him pleasure, don’t lose heart!

Just a little something to think about…may your day be blessed!