Weekly Recap #33 - (Part 2) Jeremiah 10-30

Before I get started with this week's recap....I have a question?!?  

How many of you read the recap each week?  

It helps me to take the notes for my own benefit....but I'm just curious as to how many of you use the recap, too!!

Anyway....let's get started because there's a lot to talk about this week!!!

 I really liked this verse because so many times I make plans....and God changes them....letting me know WHO is in charge of my life....

Jeremiah 10:23

I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own.  We are not able to plan our own course.  

In Chapter 12, Jeremiah asked a question of the Lord that many of us ask today....

Jeremiah 12:1

Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case to you.  So let me bring you this complaint:  Why are the wicked so prosperous?  Why are evil people so happy?

If you're gonna talk the talk, then you've gotta walk the walk...

Jeremiah 12:2b

Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts.

In Jeremiah 14, God held back the rain....

14:2 - "Judah wilts"

14:3 - "all the wells are dry"

14:4 - "the ground is parched and cracked for lack of rain"

The people asked the Lord was He confused and they tried to manipulate Him by questioning His love, wisdom and power - still  claiming to be His people - but would not turn from their sins.

The Lord forbid Jeremiah to intercede, telling him in 14:11 - do not pray for these people anymore.

In Chapter 15...Jeremiah asked God to intervene on his behalf because of his persecutors.

I thought this was a great verse....

Jeremiah 15:16a

When I discovered your words, I devoured them.  They are my joy and my heart's delight....

In Chapter 16, Jeremiah was forbidden to marry.

Jeremiah 16:1

Do not get married or have children in this place.

This might have to be one of my new "signature verses".....

Jeremiah 16:19

Lord, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble.

God's declaration to Jeremiah....

Jeremiah 16:21b

At last they will know and understand that I am the Lord.

Great verse....

Jeremiah 17:7

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

Even when we think that nobody knows....God does....

Jeremiah 17:10

"But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.  I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."

Have you ever been in this situation?

Jeremiah 18:18

The people plotted against Jeremiah saying, "Let's spread rumors about him and ignore what he says."

In Chapter 20, Jeremiah was arrested and whipped and placed in stocks for the things he was prophesying to the people.   

Jeremiah was often depressed because of the "gloom and doom" that he had to prophesy to the people. 

He complained to God that his words all spoke of "violence and destruction."  Many of the messages he brought made him a household joke.  But - Jeremiah knew this was his calling from God - so even though he wished he could quit speaking about the coming disaster....he knew there was no way he could....

Jeremiah 20:9

But if I say, I'll never mention the Lord, or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire.  It's like a fire in my bones.  I am worn out trying to hold it in!  I can't do it!!!

(I love that verse!!!)

As we continue to read thru the book of Jeremiah....all I can feel is sorrow and compassion for poor Jeremiah....

Jeremiah 20:18

Why was I ever born?

My entire life has been filled with trouble, sorrow and shame.

In Chapter 26, the Lord tells Jeremiah to tell His people that if they will turn from their evil ways, that He would change His mind and not pour out His disaster on them.  After Jeremiah spoke the Lord's words to the people in front of the Temple,  the priests and prophets and all the people mobbed Jeremiah shouting, "Kill him"!  Some of the wise old men stood and spoke to all the people assembled there and they came to Jeremiah's rescue.  Ahikam stood up for Jeremiah and persuaded the court not to turn him over to the mob to be killed. 

Now....we come upon my very favorite verses.....
In Chapter 29, Jeremiah wrote a letter to the exiles in Babylon telling them they would be in captivity for 70 years....but then the Lord would come and do for them all the good things He had promised and He would bring them home again.
Then He told them....
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.  "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."


I had never paid a lot of attention to verse 14.  I've shared before that when God was prompting me to quit my job....4 years ago this past week....that Jeremiah 29:11 kept running thru my mind.  As I read verse 14....it seemed to just put all the pieces together....
Jeremiah 29:14
"I will be found by you," says the Lord.
(I've grown so much closer to the Lord in the last 4 years)

"I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.
(The fortunes restored had nothing to do with earthly treasures....but spiritual ones)
I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land."
(He took me out of the public work place where He had previously placed me....and brought me home!!)


Ain't God good?
Oh, YES....HE most certainly is!!!


In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!