A Daily Devotion for Monday, March 16
- ontrakk
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Jeremiah 29:4-7, 11
This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I find these verses especially helpful considering all of the time I spend in scripture leaning into God for support, peace, courage, etc. It is as if God is saying, “…And in the meantime….get busy and live your best life.” I do not need to wear my heart on my sleeve at all times. God still expects me to be productive, loving and generous. I do not get time off from my life as a Christian because I am struggling with something I have no control over. Like the Israelites held as captives in Babylon, we must never forget our God or our life with Him.
Holy Lord, help me to remember I am yours, and you have not left me behind. No matter what life hands me, I am to live out your will for me. Give me courage and direction, as you never fail to do. I am so very thankful. Amen
Becky, transforming
Jeremiah 28:4-7,11
God provides instructions, not only for those who were waiting in exile so very long ago, but for us, now. I think these particular instructions are to make the very best of the situation we are currently in even if it is a difficult time. It’s not by accident, difficult as it may seem, God is present and working his plan. We need to be faithful wherever we land and pray for our society until our knees bleed.
Heavenly Father, thank you for being with me wherever I am and whatever situation I am in. Help me to make a difference in this crazy earthly world. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:4-7, 11
“Bloom where you are planted,” so the saying goes. It is difficult to watch what seems to be happening all around us. I read sobering thoughts from Peter Mommsen this morning that suggest our culture has lost all sense of Jeremiah’s message. As an example he cited the collapse of marriage and relentlessly falling fertility rates that are now well
below replacement in many countries. I would add the pervasive polarization that seemingly drives a wedge into everything such that even simple truths can no longer be agreed upon. This morass bears no resemblance to “Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may…
Jeremiah 29:4-7. Jeremiah 29:11. Wherever We Are
I loved the thought for the day in today's devotion--"God can use me to make difference wherever I am." You have heard me say that my goal in retirement was to make a difference. Even though we moved to a new tte, it really wasn't hard to find opportunities for volunteer work. No matter where you are--even somewhere new, God is there with you. Just look around and listen; he will help guide you.
Prayer: Gracious God, Thank you. You have led me to many new opportunities and have helped make my retirement days rich and fulfilling. AMEN