Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    God is very merciful and patient with people. But, there comes a time when He says it is time to bring judgement that results from the stubbornness of people.  God told His people that He would be merciful to them only if they would stop their evil thoughts and deeds. They must stop exploiting foreigners and orphans, and they must stop worshiping idols and murdering each other. They were foolishly thinking that because they had the Temple that they were safe. They were stealing, killing, committing adultery, lying and burning incense to Baal, and then going to the Temple and saying they were safe.
    God told Jeremiah to quit praying and weeping for the people.  The people are hurting themselves with their sinful practices.  The people refused to listen to God and kept doing whatever they wanted, following their stubborn desires of their evil hearts.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    A proud theme of people over the generations has been the cry of doing whatever they want, when they want and however they want.  People insist on doing what makes them happy and gives immediate pleasure.  I keep seeing this theme over and over as I read the prophets.  I see it over and over in the modern world. There is a deception that says people can do anything they want and there will never be any consequences.  If bad things happen as a result of behavior, then someone should fix it and take away the consequences.  There is no acceptance of personal accountability. This is a lie. I must always be careful to not be caught up in this deception.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the truth of personal accountability to God. God has shown Himself in many ways.  We have the Bible that teaches us God’s truths. There are many people who twist the truths of the Bible to permit them to do anything they want. People must see the truth and quit listening to the deceptions of the forces of evil.  There really will be a time of accountability for the decisions people make in life. Trust God and submit to Him before it is too late.