October 11

Today's Reading

I have two observations from Jeremiah today. First, it contains one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible: "5 This is what the Lord says:
'Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,
who rely on human strength
and turn their hearts away from the Lord.
6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert,
with no hope for the future.
They will live in the barren wilderness,
in an uninhabited salty land.
7 'But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.'" Second, Jeremiah is a treasure chest for visual learners. Several times, including today with the potter and the clay, God teaches Jeremiah (and us) through great visuals.

1 Thessalonians. Paul urged us to "11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others." Then he spoke of the day in the future when Christ returns. Some will be alive here on earth at the time and will rise to meet Him in the air. I observed long ago that many American Christians somehow believe that Christ will return before we face any type of real persecution. Why do we think that God would spare us when His followers through the centuries have endured difficulties and even death because they loved Him?

Psalms. "13 Oh, that my people would listen to me!
Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!
14 How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!
How soon my hands would be upon their foes!" Food for thought!

Proverbs. Jesus spoke of humility when He said that it is better to take a seat far away from the head table and be told by the host, "Come up here for a better seat!" The other way around is humiliating and embarrassing.

What thoughts do you have today?