Reflection question:
-God says that the punishment is because:
"they have stiffened their necks, refusing to hear my words."
Do you ever have "stiff-necked moments"?
What makes it hardest to hear and believe God?
PS: Have a good weekend, dear friends.
I've said it before - but I sure want you to know:
I am so thankful to be journeying with you through this book.
-God says that the punishment is because:
"they have stiffened their necks, refusing to hear my words."
Do you ever have "stiff-necked moments"?
What makes it hardest to hear and believe God?
PS: Have a good weekend, dear friends.
I've said it before - but I sure want you to know:
I am so thankful to be journeying with you through this book.
I love the image of the potter reshaping me. I think God does do this in our lives. He shapes us by our experiences. Verse 12, "We will continue with our own plans." Wow! I think it is so hard sometimes to know if what I am planning is God's plan or just what I want to do. I have always wanted to go on a medical mission trip. I connected with a group and thought it would happen, but now it seems to have stalled out. So... is this just Gods way of telling me that this group is not the one he wants me to work with? Or am I just not patient enough. Chapter 18 is very negative again. Chapter 19. I am glad to see that God has never asked for human sacrifice. Of course I have stiff necked moments, sometimes days. God always finds a way to bring me back to him. Thanks be to God.
ReplyDelete:) I love that potter image, too, Bev. Thank you for your comments.
DeleteStiffneck moments=yep. Just the other day while I was out for a run, I was contemplating how the book of Jeremiah has focused on how the people have not turned from their evil ways and what I, myself, do that may not be pleasing in the eyes of God. Even though I try hard not to, I find myself occasionally being judgmental, wanting certain material possessions, and simply looking out for my own well-being among other faults that I have. That said, from what I've read in Jeremiah about God bringing about destruction upon those who have not listened to His word, I feel it would be very difficult for me to get into God's graces. Even when I pray, I find myself asking for things even if it is praying for something for someone else, and I feel selfish cause in the end it is what I want and would make me feel better. Hopefully, God understands, will forgive and love me all the same.
ReplyDeleteAmy - I have no doubt in my mind that God LOVES to hear your prayers - no matter what they are about. The gift of grace is SO amazing....God's great love for us no matter what we do or how we mess up.
DeleteI love Hebrews 4:16 - Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Oh yes, I can identify with stiff necked attitudes. I am sure that God is disappointed with me when I get that way-- it is like my brain knows better, but like the bible says, the heart is deceitful. I am so thankful for grace and the redemptive power of Christ. I keep striving to be in step with Christ and his leading--it is so easy to want to run ahead and forge the way, or to lag behind and not follow the path set before me.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie! Thanks be to Jesus for grace! Amen, amen! :)
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