October 24- A Series Of Messages

October 24, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17;
Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:6-8

Jeremiah 44:24-47:7

Here are a series of messages that the Lord has for various people and nations. 

To the Jews in Egypt:

Although they felt that they could flee to Egypt and escape the hand of the Babylonians, they will not be able to run from Nebuchadnezzar. In addition, because they have not given up their devotion to the Queen of Heaven, God will use the Babylonians to punish the Israelites.  Only a few will survive the mayhem that will come upon the land of Egypt.

To Baruch (Jeremiah's friend and assistant):

Although he is not going to have an easy life because of the judgment God is bringing upon his people in Judah, Baruch's life will be preserved. God is going to be with Baruch, even in the midst of his sighing.

To Egypt:

Although Egypt likes to suppose that her army will overflow the land like a flood from the Nile in Springtime and she and her allies will defeat all enemies, in reality Egypt will be defeated by Babylon. 

About King Nebuchadnezzar's attack on Egypt: 

The Pharaoh is a loudmouth who missed his opportunity. The city of Memphis will be destroyed without a single survivor left. Egypt's famous mercenaries will turn and flee from the Babylonians. The Babylonians will come with axes and cut down the people like trees. Egypt will be humiliated and handed over to men from the north.

To Amon (the god of Thebes):

God will punish the idol gods of Egypt. He will also punish the rulers and the Pharaoh for trusting these gods.

To Israel:

God will bring Israel home again from distant lands in the future. They will have peace and quiet one day and will not have anything to fear. God will destroy the nations to which the Israelites have been exiled.  First, God must discipline Israel. God cannot let them go unpunished.

To the Philistines:

The Philistines will be destroyed.  Their time is up.  An army from the north will come and destroy them. The city of Gaza will be demolished. The city of Ashkelon and the people living by the sea must be destroyed by the sword of the Lord.

What do you think about God being able to tell the future in advance and more importantly, His willingness to tell us the future in advance?  What does this tell you about Him?

2 Timothy 2:22-3:17

How must a person who is going to be a Christian leader and teacher behave?  The first thing Paul suggests to Timothy is to RUN from anything that stimulates youthful lust!  How many leaders have been destroyed by a sex scandal?  Way too many have.  But FOLLOW anything that makes you want to do what is right.

Here are other suggestions to Timothy from Paul:

• Pursue faith, love, and peace.
• Be a companion of those with pure hearts.
• Don't get involved with foolish arguments.
• Be kind to people.
• Teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.
• Know that in the last days there will be difficult times.
• People will only love themselves and money.
• They will be disrespectful to parents.
• They will consider nothing sacred.
• They will be unloving and unforgiving and given to slandering others.
• They will have no self-control.
• They will act as if they are religious, but have no power in their faith.
• Stay away from these sorts of people.

Paul sets himself as an example to Timothy of true faith and confirmed purpose from God. Suffering is part of the program.  Did you hear this, people? Persecution should be expected. Everyone who lives a godly life will suffer. At the same time, it will appear that the evil will flourish.

Do you realize this as you come up against problems?  Do you take these words to heart? Can you take Paul's suggestions to Timothy and apply them to your life?  How?

Rely on the truth found in the Scriptures. 

"Scripture is inspired by God (God breathed) and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

True dat! This is why consistent Bible reading and study can transform your life.

Psalm 94:1-23

This psalm speaks of God eventually judging the earth and making all things right. What a relief!

Proverbs 26:6-8

Don't trust a fool.

What did you see today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton