The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • Purpose in Your Heart

    “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

    Daniel 1:8

    The book of Daniel tells of Daniel and his three friends. The happenings in these lives are some of the more familiar events in the Bible. Most people have heard these “stories” often. However, it is important to understand that these are not just “stories”, but historical occurrences in actual people’s lives.

    Daniel was most likely born during the reign of the last good king of Judah, Josiah, and lived while the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel spoke. If you remember, King Josiah sought the Lord, removed idol worship, and repaired the house of the Lord. While the repair of the Temple was taking place, they found a book of the Law of Moses (see 2 Chronicles 34:14). After hearing God’s Word, King Josiah read it to all of the people in Judah. “And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:31). There was a change in the king’s life. He chose to serve God.

    Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were most likely taken during the first siege of Nebuchadnezzar when many nobles and princes were taken captive (about nineteen years before Jerusalem fell). Remember that God allowed Babylon to come up against Jerusalem because they had predominately forsaken God for idol worship).

    King Nebuchadnezzar wanted the best of the young men of Judah to be set aside, to teach them the things of the Chaldeans. It appears the objective here was to make them forget everything about their previous life in Judah, becoming as the Babylonians. We read of four particular young men: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Each of these young men obviously had parents who had not forsaken God (notice the meanings of their names below), but who still served Him in spite of the idolatry around them. Keep in mind that they heard the Word of the Lord read, and hearing it had obviously made a difference in their hearts and lives as well. The names of these four young men were changed. It appears that the name changes were to make them forget the God of their youth, and instead acknowledge the false gods of Babylon. Notice what their names mean and what their names were changed to:

    • Daniel means God is my judge; Daniel was changed to Belteshazzar:Prince of Baal, Bel will protect
    • Hananiah means God is Gracious; Hananiah was changed to Shadrach: illuminated by the sun-god
    • Mishael means Who is like God; Mishael was changed to Meshach: who is like the moon-god and
    • Azariah means God is my Help; Azariah was changed to Abednego: servant of Nego

    Their new names honored Babylonian gods.

    When King Nebuchadnezzar gave the order to eat the king’s meat and drink his wine, and their names, which had honored God, were taken from them, these young men recognized that their commitment to God was being challenged. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). When Daniel purposed in his heart to obey God rather than man, recognize what God did. “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs” (Daniel 1:9).

    In Daniel’s asking the prince of the eunuchs to permit these four young men to eat vegetables and drink water for ten days instead of the king’s choice foods, it was to allow the Lord to have a chance to prove Himself (see Daniel 1:10-16). When these young men appeared in better condition than any of the others did, they were allowed to continue their diet for the three years. Read what God did for them when they choose to walk in the ways of God. “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). Even more than that, see what was discovered when they were presented to King Nebuchadnezzar. “19. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm” (Daniel 1:19-20). Because of their decision, choosing to remain faithful to God’s Word, God blessed them. “And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus” (Daniel 1:21). Especially notice God allowed Daniel to live through the entire captivity.

    These four young men had been born in a land where they had learned of God. They were carried away to a pagan land. There, they chose to continue to serve God.

    Today, most people have been born into a pagan land. It is your choice: to trust in Christ and “purpose in your heart” to live for Him, or to live like the pagans.

    Have you “purposed in your heart” to obey God and His Word, in spite of the condition of the world around you?

  • Repent and Turn

    “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”

    Ezekiel 18:30

    Ezekiel was taken captive by the Babylonians in the second taking of the people. God called Ezekiel to speak specifically to the children of the captives in Babylon. The children would live there, but after seventy years would be allowed to return to the land of Israel. “And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear” (Ezekiel 3:11). Ezekiel was to give the Words from God. The people had to choose if they would receive the message and act upon it, or not.

    One important message God gave to Ezekiel was a warning with a specific call to His people: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30). Ruin means “stumbling block; it is an obstacle, a cause of falling or sinning”. They must understand that God would judge each life. It was up to each individual person (“every one”) to repent and turn from his or her sin (transgressions). God did not want sin to be their “ruin”; the obstacle between them and God. In turning from sin, they were to turn to Him – the same as it is today. Remember: the people of Israel were evicted from their land because of their sin against God, forsaking Him for idol worship, and refusing to repent (see 2 Chronicles 36:14-21). The obstacle of the people’s sin separated between them and God. However, the children who came after them would not be held accountable for their parents’ sins. Each one of them had the choice: the choice to repent and turn to God, or refuse to repent and remain in sin.

    Remember what they should have already known. God did not want the people to die in their sins. He had made a provision for them, if they would only hear and obey. Each person had a choice: life or death. Moses had presented the choice to them many years before.

    “14. But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

    15. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

    16. In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live…

    17. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

    18. I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land…

    19. … I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:14-19).

    Moses had presented them with the choice as to how they would live here on earth and in the land God had promised His people. Ezekiel was reminding them of the same choice. Moreover, Ezekiel wanted the people to understand that this decision related to more than this earthly life in the here and now. There was an eternity to consider.

    God never changes. God wanted to save people in the Old Testament times, New Testament times, and He still wants to save people today. However, God allows each person to choose – to believe, or to not believe. Understand that every person is a sinner before a holy and righteous God (see Romans 3:23). Moreover, all of man’s righteousness is as filthy rags in God’s sight (see Isaiah 64:6). But we should recognize how to have life eternal. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Whosoever believes in Jesus can have life! Instead of choosing continual sin, one must choose Jesus by faith: then he or she can have life. God wants all to understand: He judges each individual person on his or her response to Him. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

    One must receive the righteousness of Jesus, who takes our sin and replaces it with His righteousness: “For he hath made him (Jesus)to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). That comes by belief.

    Just as Moses told the people: “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it” (Deuteronomy 30:14). Paul recalled the same thing, quoting it in Romans: “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).

    God leaves the choice with each individual as to whether he or she will believe. What happens if one chooses to reject the gift of salvation that Jesus offers? “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

    What do you choose?

    To turn from sin, receiving everlasting life.

    Or

    Have you chosen to have the wrath of God abide upon you?

    Choose to Live by turning from sin: How to be saved.

  • Ezekiel, a Watchman

    “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.”

    Ezekiel 33:7

    God called Ezekiel five years after he had been captured from Jerusalem and carried into Babylon (see Ezekiel 1:1-2). God would send Ezekiel to warn His people of pending judgment for sin. “1. And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. 2. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me” (Ezekiel 2:1-2). Take note that God told Ezekiel to stand, giving him God’s Word, and he was then filled with God’s Spirit which would enable Ezekiel to do the task at hand. In that calling, like other prophets before him, he was warned that the people would not hear him. “But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted” (Ezekiel 3:7). Take note that God said they were “impudent and hardhearted.” Impudent means “powerful and able to resist. It can have a connotation of stubbornness, impudence, and being unyielding see Ezekiel 2:4; 3:7-8)”. Hardhearted means “inflexible, obstinate, hardened, stubborn of heart: the totality of man’s inner or or immaterial nature”. This sounds like it would be an extremely difficult task!

    Why would the people not hear? Then in turn, why would God not hear them?

    • “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 12:2). They were a rebellious people.
    • “Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols” (Ezekiel 20:16).
    • “Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them” (Ezekiel 8:18).

    To add to the difficulty of Ezekiel’s task, God said Ezekiel would be dumb (unable to speak) for a period of time. “26. And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. 27. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 3:26-27). Until Ezekiel could speak again, God had Ezekiel act out several signs of warnings (see Ezekiel 4-5). God let Ezekiel know that the dumbness would be removed. In the meantime, Ezekiel was one of the signs that was given to the Israelite people who were already in captivity. “In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 24:27). That dumbness of Ezekiel would be removed when Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon. “21. And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity … that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten. 22. Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb” (Ezekiel 33:21-22). God opened Ezekiel’s mouth so he could speak again.

    God called Ezekiel to be a watchman to the house of Israel. The first time, He was to give them a warning from God (see Ezekiel 3:16-27). Before God opened Ezekiel’s mouth, God called Ezekiel to give another warning, however it included a promise of restoration one day (see Ezekiel 33:22). “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me” (Ezekiel 33:7). If Ezekiel was not faithful to declare God’s Word to the people, Ezekiel would be accountable for their lives (see Ezekiel 33:8-9).

    Christians live in a world today where most people do not want to hear about God. However, we can share the good news of Jesus with others. We should follow the example of Paul. “5. For our gospel came not unto you in word only …as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Paul not only shared the Gospel message, but lived a Christ-like life. The people heard, saw, and turned from idols to serve the living God by believing in Jesus. This faith in Jesus, delivers from the “wrath to come”.

    Do you live a life where others can see Jesus in you, then able to hear as you share the Gospel message?

    The Gospel Message

  • The Woman at the Well

    “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

    Luke 19:10

    Jesus spoke to people right where they were. We can read that Jesus explained the Gospel message to the Samaritan woman by water, which she had come to draw. “4. And he must needs go through Samaria. … 6. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour” (John 4:4, 6). Notice that Jesus knew that He needed to go through Samaria. Even though Jesus came first to the Jews, understand that He did not come exclusively for the Jews. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

    When this woman who lived in Samaria went to the well to draw water, Jesus asked for a drink. “9. Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.11. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?” (John 4:9-11). This woman recognized that Jesus was not a Samaritan, but she did not know who Jesus was. He began to explain to her. “13. Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14). She answered like most people who want temporary needs met. “The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw” (John 4:15). Instead of meeting her temporary, physical need, Jesus wanted to give her lasting salvation. However, this woman needed to recognize her lasting need. “16. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.17. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18. For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly” (John 4:16-18). It is at this point that she is beginning to understand that this man was different. “The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet” (John 4:19). She began to explain that she had a religion (see verse 20). However, Jesus explained to her that a religion would not do. “21. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:21-22). This woman was focusing on a religious practice in a place. Jesus turned her attention to the Father, God. Worship was not in rituals or ceremonies (religious practices), but real worship must be in spirit and in truth. “23. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). God seeks people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. However, when this woman did not know how to do this, she told Him what she did know. “25. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he” (John 4:25-26). She did not need a religion. She needed a relationship with Jesus.

    Jesus told this woman what she needed; living water that only comes by faith in Jesus. Jesus then let her know that He knew everything about her, helping her belief. Although she was not a Jew, she was watching for the Messiah – and He presented Himself to her, personally. What did she do with that information? “28. The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29. Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:28-29). She not only believed but went back to town and told everyone. They came and met Jesus for themselves.

    What happened because of the woman’s witness? “39. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 40. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. 41. And many more believed because of his own word; 42. And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:39-42). The Samaritan Woman believed, “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman” (John 4:39).

    Have you forsaken religion for a relationship with Jesus, then telling others of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world?

    Learn how to meet Jesus: How to be saved.

  • Words of Encouragement

    “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

    Jeremiah 29:11

    Jeremiah always delivered the messages God gave him faithfully, even when it was difficult for him. He chose to obey God, calling Judah to repent and return to God. Jeremiah had little, if any, hope of God’s people truly repenting and returning to God, yet he faithfully obeyed. What courage! As you read the book of Jeremiah, you will understand that the people did not repent, so God allowed the enemy to take them captive and destroy Jerusalem. Jeremiah witnessed the destruction of his beloved city, and his people carried captive to a foreign land.

    God gave Jeremiah a message to send to the people who were taken captive before God allowed the Babylonians to besiege Jerusalem. They were words of encouragement that are read by many even today.

    Read some of the letter that Jeremiah sent to the Jews of the first captivity. “Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon” (Jeremiah 29:1). We are to understand that this is the first carrying away of captives by Babylon (see Jeremiah 29:2). Read the message. “4. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; 5. Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; 6. Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. 7. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace” (Jeremiah 29:4-7). First, he wanted them to understand they would be in Babylon for a while, so they needed to take up residence. They were to build houses, plant gardens, get married, and have families. Most importantly, they were to pray unto the Lord. They were not to listen to the false prophets who were speaking among them. “8. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. 9. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 29:8-9). The Israelites were to understand that they would be there for seventy years. After that seventy years, their discipline would end, and God would allow them to return back to the land God had promised them. “10. For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive” (Jeremiah 29:10-14). God loved His people and did not want them to have troubles, but His people needed to learn that they had to seek God with all of their hearts – and then they would find him. God had a plan and a reason for that captivity. During their time in Babylon, God’s people finally learned to seek the Lord.

    The following verse is quoted often today: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). This is a very encouraging verse. However, I would like you to consider something. In order for God’s people to come to this place in their relationship with God, they had to be taken captive from their homes because they had refused to repent of their sin and turn to God. It was only in their captivity, when they finally repented, that God was able to give them these encouraging words. “12. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12-13). It would be good for us to repent and turn from sin much sooner than the Israelites did. It would prevent much heartache. “10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:10-13). Time is short. Repent and believe today!

    Have you chosen the things of this world instead of repenting and trusting in Jesus?

    Trust in Jesus: How to be saved

  • Jeremiah’s Help in a Time of Need

    “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

    Hebrews 6:10

    Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed God’s Words to the kings and the people, warning them of the coming destruction and captivity, if they did not repent and return to God. When the people failed to repent, God allowed the Babylonians to besiege Jerusalem. Jeremiah witnessed the captivity of Judah by Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem, the city where God had chosen to place His name. Even through all of this, Jeremiah continually shared the Word of the Lord with the people. We should recognize that at times he suffered and was rejected. This helps us understand why Jeremiah is known as the “Weeping Prophet”. Often, his life was in danger. However, we never read that Jeremiah quit God.

    Remember a few of the times Jeremiah was unjustly imprisoned, and God’s protection, allowing him to continue delivering God’s Words to the people and the kings.

    • Jeremiah was put in the stocks: (Jeremiah 20:1-2).
    • Jeremiah was shut up in the court of the prison in the king’s house: (Jeremiah 32:2-3).
    • Jeremiah was falsely accused, they smote him, and put him in prison: (Jeremiah 37:13-15).
    • He was in prison when Jerusalem was taken by Babylon (see Jeremiah 38:28).

    Probably the most familiar time we remember is when Jeremiah was lowered into a dungeon (probably an old cistern) where he sunk in the mire. Read some of when Jeremiah was in the dungeon: “1. Then Shephatiah … heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying, 2. Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live … 4. Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death … 5. Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand … 6. Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon … that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire” (Jeremiah 38:1-6). Jeremiah was put into a “dungeon” (probably an empty cistern) where there was no water.

    “7. Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon… 8. Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king, saying, 9. My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city” (Jeremiah 38:7-9). This man, Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, had compassion for Jeremiah. He wanted to spare Jeremiah’s life.

    “10. Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. 11. So Ebedmelech took the men with him… and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. 12. And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. 13. So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison” (Jeremiah 38:10-13). Although Jeremiah was still in prison, his life was no longer under threat of death and starvation. Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison until Jerusalem was taken by Babylon (see Jeremiah 38:28).

    What makes this event so interesting?

    Babylon besieged Jerusalem for about eighteen months before they took they city. Many died before and during this taking of Jerusalem (to remember the tragic invasion, read Jeremiah 52 and Lamentations). So with the fear of death and destruction, God gave Jeremiah a special word of encouragement to give to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, the man who had saved Jeremiah’s life. “15. Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 16. Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee. 17. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. 18. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 39:15-18). God understood that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian was afraid during the days that Babylon besieged the city. To help this man understand that Jeremiah was a true prophet of God, God promised that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian would be spared. This was because he took care of Jeremiah, God’s man, and Ebedmelech the Ethiopian had put his trust in God.

    Read a couple of verses that should help us understand the importance of this act. Jesus said the following to his disciples when he sent them out to preach to the people: “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). Ebedmelech the Ethiopian received his life in Jeremiah’s day for helping Jeremiah.

    The writer of Hebrews encourages us with the following: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). Even today, we are to minister to other Christian’s in Jesus’ name.

    These verses help us understand that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian did a good thing by helping the prophet Jeremiah. And God let him know by sparing his life during that terrible time, “because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD”.

    Have you put your trust in the Lord and remembered to minister to other Christians in Jesus’ name?

  • Allow God to Work in You

    “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure”

    Philippians 2:13

    Jeremiah was of the lineage of the priests, yet God ordained Jeremiah as a prophet before he was even born. Jeremiah spoke during the days of the last five kings of Judah. While Josiah was king, he began eliminating idolatry and cleaning out the Temple. While repairing the Temple, a copy of the Law was found. King Josiah read the law, leading Judah to one final time of repentance and reformation. King Josiah was the last good king.

    There were many good things happening in the land of Judah when God called Jeremiah. However, the days were not always good. The final four kings of Judah were terrible men! They led the people away from God and into idolatry. Jeremiah spoke during these years as well. Jeremiah preached until they were carried away captive during the reign of King Zedekiah. This tells us that God called Jeremiah during the final years of Judah’s existence. He prophesied for the final forty years of their time in the land of promise before Jerusalem was destroyed and the Temple burned.

    However, there is something especially unusual that we read at the beginning of the book of Jeremiah. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). God called Jeremiah to be His prophet before God even formed him in the womb, and God had already sanctified him. Sanctified means “to pronounce clean; consecrated (set apart) to God.” The word ordained means “putting forth a voice.” God had set Jeremiah apart to serve Him by speaking God’s Words to the nations (including us today).

    However, like most people, Jeremiah’s initial response was, “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child” (Jeremiah 1:6). Most people feel quite inadequate when God calls upon them to do something for Him – but keep in mind that God also knew you before you were formed in the womb (see Psalm 139:13-16 for an understanding of this). Moreover, if God did not know you could do it, He would not have asked. (“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” Philippians 2:13.)

    God responded to Jeremiah much as He would probably respond to any who think they cannot do what God called them to do. (Think back to Moses for a minute; remember, he too, did not think he could do what God asked. Nevertheless, review God’s response in Exodus 4:10-12.) Read what God said to Jeremiah. “7. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jeremiah 1:7-9). God called, prepared, sent, and promised to be with Jeremiah. God encouraged Jeremiah just as he had encouraged many before him.

    The messages God gave Jeremiah to speak were often difficult for him to deliver, but we can read from God’s Word that Jeremiah was always faithful. He delivered messages calling Judah to repent and return to God. He was not even afraid to speak the words of God to the kings of the land. Jeremiah prophesied for over forty years.

    We are to remember what the Bible teaches. God never gives us anything to do that He will not help us complete, if we will only trust Him (just like Jeremiah and many other people in the Bible).

    • Read how Moses encouraged Joshua who was to lead: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
    • Remember that God encouraged Joshua. “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).
    • Paul encouraged Timothy, a young preacher in the New Testament. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
    • Even today, we are encouraged. “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).

    God is not limited. If God calls someone, no matter their age, God can use them. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). We are to recognize the call God has upon our lives and remain faithful to Him and the commands He gives us through His Word, the Bible. God will probably never give us a task as difficult as Jeremiah’s, yet we are still to be faithful. Be encouraged to make it your goal to allow God to work in you and do of His good pleasure.

    Have you recognized the plan God has for your life, and are you allowing God to work in you?

  • Learn to Walk Faithfully

    “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:”

    Colossians 2:6

    Christians are to understand that once becoming a Christian there must be a moving forward in the Christian life. It begins with a consistent walk, becoming established in the faith. “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). Reading the Bible, is a great place to learn how to walk as a Christian (see 1 Peter 2:2). Then, one begins to grow in that Christian life.

    Paul compared the Christian life to a race. “24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). These verses instruct that a Christian life is to be continually moving forward, striving for the goal at the end. With that moving forward, Paul said he kept his body in subjection. He understood the importance of keeping his life true to the Word of God so that he would never lose that Christian testimony. However, he also understood it took much work, and he knew it was a continual process of moving forward in his relationship with Jesus. “13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul continually moved forward in his growth in Christ. Have you ever heard the saying that “if you are not moving forward, you are moving backward”? It is very true. If Christians do not continually read their Bible, pray, and live according to God’s Word, they digress in that growing process, becoming ineffective Christians.

    Peter also reminded Christians that scoffers will come. “3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Scoffers means “to deride; to mock; a mocker, scoffer, spoken of impostors or false prophets.” Not only will there be mockers, impostors, and false prophets, but also there will be men who question Jesus’ promise of returning for the church. Nevertheless, read the assurance we find in God’s Word. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus will come again, but He is waiting for any, and all who will, to be saved. Remember also what Paul wrote: “12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). See also: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). There is even a crown for Christians who love Jesus’ appearing.

    These teachings are not new, just reminders. “17. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18). Grow means “to exceed; increase.” God’s Word is full of warnings: to beware, and to not be led away by error, or even by complacency (remember: “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” Hebrews 2:1.) Instead, Christians are called to continually “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” When one grows in grace, that life is transformed. This then causes that Christian to love and seek after God and the things of God. By growing in the knowledge of Jesus, one is continually moving forward in that relationship. That is what Peter was encouraging Christians to do. Read the warning for one who does not grow (or ceases to grow): “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9).

    Christians are to understand that once becoming a Christian, they are not finished – for there is a growing process that must take place. Remember also the examples we have in Peter and Paul. Paul understood that he became the mighty man of God he was because of the grace of God (see 1 Corinthians 15:10). However, it also took the labor of Paul to endure, thereby growing in Christ.

    Remember: A Christian is never to stop growing in the Lord.

    Have you progressed in your Christian life, becoming more like Christ?

  • Forgiveness and Mercy

    “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

    Psalm 86:5

    King Josiah was a good king. He chose to do what was right. We can read that he was even compared back to King David, and that Josiah “turned not aside to the right hand or to the left” (see 2 Kings 22:2). Turned not aside means “being faithful to God; to veer neither to the right nor to the left.” But see what other information we are given in Second Chronicles. “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father …”(2 Chronicles 34:3). It is because he sought God while he was yet young that set the course for his life.

    The nation of Judah had just endured two of their worst kings: Manasseh and Amon. Because of the sins of King Manasseh, God declared the people would be judged, allowing only a remnant to be saved (see 2 Kings 21:9-16). However, because King Josiah sought God and led the people to seek after God, the judgment was delayed for a time.

    What was it about Josiah that spared him and caused God to delay his judgment?

    Josiah became king when he was only eight years old, and in the eighth year of that reign he began to seek after God. In the twelfth year of his reign, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem (and even into Israel in the north) from the idol worship by destroying the idols and their places of worship (see 2 Chronicles 34:3-7). In the eighteenth year of his reign, he sent men to repair the house of the Lord (the Temple). While they were repairing the Temple, the priest “found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses” (2 Chronicles 34:14b). When this book was read to the king, he rent his clothes. Read why he did this: “for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:21b). Although it was in King Josiah’s heart to seek after God, making many great reformations and even repairing the Temple, when Josiah heard what was written in God’s Word, he recognized they deserved God’s wrath. He wanted to hear from God. God revealed that Jerusalem and Judah would be destroyed for her great sin before God, but God had a special word for King Josiah because he inquired of the Lord. “27. Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. 28. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again” (2 Chronicles 34:27-28). God spared King Josiah from the judgment to come because Josiah humbled his heart before God.

    Did you notice that the king was not spared because of all of the great deeds and reformations that he made trying to please God? The king was in the process of bringing the people back to the worship of God after eliminating the idol worship. However, when the king heard God’s Words from the Law of Moses (the first five books in the Bible), then he recognized the sin against God. Immediately, King Josiah repented: “humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.” It was then that God heard and spared Josiah.

    Understanding the importance of hearing God’s Word, King Josiah called together all of the people, great and small, and read to them God’s Word. “And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:31). Josiah’s heart was changed. He walked after the Lord.

    Recognition of sin came to King Josiah when he heard God’s Word read, and he then displayed true repentance. Josiah then recognized what he must do. He had to seek God: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5). It was then he understood God’s forgiveness and mercy.

    Jesus taught the importance of God’s Word: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Without hearing the Word of God, no one would know to believe upon Jesus to have everlasting life or how to then please God in this world. Read what else Jesus declared. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). The Bible is all about Jesus.

    Read your Bible.

    Then you will be able to tell others what the Bible has to say.

    Have you committed to reading the Bible every day, recognizing the importance of God’s Word?

  • Live by Faith

    “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”

    Habakkuk 2:4

    What is faith? Many speak of their “faith” today. But not many mention what that faith is. Or where it is placed. We can learn many things about the faith as described in the Bible. Faith means “a term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; Christian faith; a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel…” Notice that faith is belief in Jesus and His Gospel (His atoning death, burial, resurrection, and His return one day). But faith is much more than that. It is also the appropriating what God has for each individual life, resulting in the transformation of that person’s character and that person’s way of life.

    Read some insight we have on faith mentioned in the Old Testament. “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

    • Upright means “ethically; a moral life; to declare right.”
    • Just means “lawful; righteous; God himself is the standard for ethics and morality.”

    Consider one who is lifted up and is not upright. This is one who has chosen to live as they so choose. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). This death can be speaking of more than this life; it can also speak of eternity. Remember what Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). The Bible teaches us that there is either eternal death or eternal life. The difference is belief in Jesus, which makes one just before God (see Romans 5:8-9). Becoming just (righteous) is obtained by faith in Jesus. This helps us understand that Habakkuk 2:4 describes two peoples: one who is “not upright”(one who is lost and apart from Christ); and one who is “just” (one who has received the righteousness of Christ by faith). The one who continues “not upright” will end up in eternal death.

    Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament three times, helping us understand it even better. The first time Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted is in the book of Romans. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). The book of Romans explains that justification before God is by faith in Jesus, alone. This is salvation.

    The second place Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted is in Galatians. “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). The book of Galatians teaches one who has trusted in Jesus how to then live that life out of faith while living here on this earth. Read the following example of this: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). A Christian no longer chooses to please self, but to please Jesus, who “gave himself for me.” We read in Habakkuk that the “just” will live by his faith. Once one has obtained faith by belief in Jesus (salvation), each Christian is to learn to live his faith in Jesus. A Christian must “hold fast” to the things that are to be learned from the Bible (see 2 Timothy 1:13). Once we learn these things and begin to live by them, what happens to that Christian life? The righteousness of God is then revealed in that Christian’s life.

    The third time Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament is in the book of Hebrews. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). Understand what happens if a Christian becomes fearful and does not move forward in their Christian walk by faith. God is not pleased when a Christian does not continue forward in their Christian walk but draws back (this means they go into apostasy – forsaking the ways and truths of God’s Word). To encourage Christians, we can read of a whole chapter listing people who forsook the pleasures of this world to seek after and follow God and His Word (see Hebrews 11). Read the key to living by faith: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

    Once a Christian understands how to live and walk by faith, what will they have? “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). These things should help every Christian understand the importance of living by faith and not forsaking the teachings found in God’s Word. Why is it important to live by faith? “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Each Christian’s goal should be to be found “unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

    Have you believed in Jesus by faith?

    Have you chosen to appropriate that faith into your life by continually living for Him?

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