September 2, Reading 2 – Jeremiah 2

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Israel was the first-fruits of God’s harvest of the world. They were like Adam and Eve again in the Garden. Am I appalled, as I should be, when Christians exchange our Glory for the worthless beliefs of today? (verses 11,12)

SJA Notes

* God Above, please teach us from Your word today.

“But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.”

Our God is jealous for our worship. Because He is God, it is rightfully His. He is Creator, Sustainer, Life-Giver.

We see writ clear in these old testament books how strongly God feels about His people moving away from Him.

There is no profit in idolatry.

That which is no god is no god to worship.

Let us be encouraged and convicted to root out any falseness is our devotions, any weakness toward the idols of this age, any praise and worship to what is NOT GOD.

Because our God has saved us from sin, the Devil and death.

What else have we to do?

* Father God,

You know our hearts, how we so easily forget and wander off the narrow road. Our steps away, here a little there a little.

Please remind us today and each day of our desperate and utter need for You.

We need You Lord today, as much as the unbeliever needs You for salvation – We Your people need You Lord God, for Your faithfulness, Your steadfast love, Your mercy and grace without end.

Please be our rock and refuge today.

Amen.

September 1, Reading 2 – Jeremiah 1

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Jeremiah, like John the Baptist, is called from the womb. (Luke 1:13-17) However, Jeremiah is over 30 when he hears God’s call. Think about verses 17-19.

SJA Notes

* God Above, please shine Your light on us today, Your word written on our hearts by Your Spirit.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;”

Our God did not come to create the world and roll a dice, letting things play out in some random number generator architecture.

We believe our God formed each of us in our mother’s wombs – That He plays an active role today, and has each day backwards to creation, and _will_ each day forward through to the final day.

And God’s word tells us that there is very deep truth – That as well as being active within time, God has us in His mind outside of time.

We are bound in time. This creation is bound in time. Our lives are so wrapped around the passage of time that it can be hard to comprehend the idea of outside of time.

Jesus Himself says in Matthew 25,

“Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

In Revelation 13 we read of the Lamb’s book of life where the names of the saints have been written in from before the foundation of the world.

Our God has had us in His mind from before creation! We were in His thoughts! Outside of time!

Big weighty thoughts. Let’s be encouraged to wrestle with them as we come upon them in God’s word.

* Father God,

Thank You that we can trust in Your word.

Please help us wrestle with Your word, how to go about it in our lives.

Please humble us today Lord God.

Amen.