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THE LORD’S ANGER

Jeremiah 52:3a “For through the anger of the Lord this came about in Jerusalem and Judah until He cast them out from His presence.”

 YOU DON’T WANT TO GO THERE

 Zedekiah was a wicked king, and it cost him everything.  His city was destroyed.  His family was destroyed.  He lost his eyes and was carried off into exile.  All this happened despite the fact Jeremiah warned him. He fell into the anger of the Lord.

That is not something you want to do.  God will tolerate only so much.  He is a long suffering and patient God, but He is also holy and just.  Are you pushing God to the limit?  Are you spitting in His face and defying Him? You had best stop and repent.  God is still on His throne.

TEACHING MOMENT

Do you tolerate your children defying you?  I bet not.  As parents, we are to teach them to obey us.  Why? Do we just need little slaves to do our bidding around the house?  Of course not.  We teach them obedience so they will know to obey God.  He also demands obedience.  He expects it from His children.  Your children are no different.

I truly believe the discipline of our children prepares them to respond to God’s discipline quickly.  Our children need to know that God has standards that are not negotiable.  He has set laws that everyone will one day adhere to.

Are you in need of some time to repent before a holy and righteous God?  Do it now.  I will wait….  Are you done? Good.  Keep your slate clean before Him. Let Him reveal your sins to you so you, in turn, can confess those to Him.  Then, and only then, you will be able to approach Him and do His will.

Father, You convict me each and every time I turn to You.  Your holiness convicts me of my unholiness.  Your purity convicts me of my impurities.  Thank You Father!

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I NEED A BREAK

 Jeremiah 47:6 “‘Ah, sword of the Lord, how long will you not be quiet? Withdraw into your sheath; be at rest and stay still.’”

O GOD, PLEASE STOP

In chapter 47 Jeremiah is delivering a prophecy against the Philistines.  When God delivers a prophecy through His prophet, you can bet it comes true.  And it did.  They were destroyed.  This verse today, though, struck me.  They are begging for God to stop.  They needed relief.

Have you ever felt that way?  Perhaps it seems the world is crashing down all around you. I am NOT saying you are being judged by God.  But I am saying God is allowing things to come into your life and in the midst of that you cry out to God to please stop it all. You need rest.  You need relief.  You need peace.

TEACHING MOMENT

Okay, this is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak.  These are times when you can truly teach your children how to walk with God.  As a believer, nothing can touch you unless the Lord allows it.  You may feel He has deserted you, but He hasn’t.  He is still right there.  Cry out to Him.  Let your kids be a part of that cry to Him.

AND when He answers, make sure your children know it.  They need to see God at work.  They will grow to expect it.  They will learn to rely on Him.  We cannot promise them a trouble-free life.  Wouldn’t that be nice?  But it is not possible.  So, instead, we give them the One who is the trouble breaker.

Do you feel like a Philistine today?  Do you need God to step in and give you some rest? First, ask Him what He wants you to learn in the moment.  Then pray for His comfort and gentle touch.  That’s really all you need.

O gentle Father, when I feel deserted remind me You are there. When I feel all alone, show me Your presence.  Thank You, Father, for Your comforting words and wisdom.

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