“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.” Jeremiah 23:21

Today, as in Jeremiah’s day, the church is full of people who teach, preach, correct, judge, counsel, pray, guide, and make bold proclamations in the name of God. Yet they have not been called of God, nor have they been given divine wisdom to say the things they do. Sometimes such people are devious; too often, they are just misguided. Be certain of your call, and be in tune with the Spirit to discern false teaching.

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35

Jesus isn’t weeping over Lazarus, as the mourners thought. Even though He is about to do a great miracle, Jesus is weeping because he loves his friends and their sorrow breaks His heart. He loves us all as well, and our sorrow still breaks the heart of Christ, whom God raised so that we, like Lazarus, might also have a second life in Christ.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26

Man’s religion has complicated faith beyond recognition. Christ set the example, and His call to us is simple.

Focus on Jeremiah 20:7-18

Though he is obedient to his call, Jeremiah laments his unpopular ministry. He cannot see the purpose. God doesn’t call us to ministry for worldly prosperity or comfort, but to do as He asks, believing that God’s plan is perfect.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will bring on this city and on all her towns all the doom that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their necks that they might not hear My words.’” Jeremiah 19:15

If we do not open our hearts to the Spirit and refuse to listen to what God has to say to us, we invite judgment on ourselves. God will allow us to make our own choices, but He must also allow us to reap what we sow.

“Come and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.” Jeremiah 18:18b

God warned the nation of Israel, through Jeremiah, to repent of iniquity and be saved, yet they continued in sin. They had wickedness in their hearts toward the one who warned them. Let us beware that these evil thoughts are not entertained in our hearts or minds against a brother or sister who is a servant of the Lord.

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”  Jeremiah 17:7

Place your heart and desires in the Lord who loves you. The eyes of your heart will be opened to see the good and your soul will know peace. The fruit of the Spirit can be yours to enjoy and share. You are building a foundation for your house that can endure the storm when it comes.

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28

It is a comfort to have the promise of eternal life and to know that there is safety with our incredibly wonderful Savior! Here is the promise He made to us: Eternal life with all the beauty and wonders that Jesus has gone to prepare for us (1 John 2:25 and John 14:2).

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

Sin was rampant all around Jeremiah and destruction was coming, yet Jeremiah was trusting in the Lord. God’s words were his joy and delight, as they can be to us, if we are called by His name.

“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd.” John 10: 16

Jesus promises that Jews and Greeks that love, obey, and trust Him are one flock. We are believers, as the Lord has given opportunity, and we should strive to love and care for each other and work together with the gifts we have received.