Author: Wade McRoberts

I'm a follower of Jesus Christ. I graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976 and served in the Air Force for 29 years. I flew the A-7D, the A-10A, the F-117A, and the F-16C. After retirement in 2005, I worked as a defense contractor. I was diagnosed with ALS in April, 2018. I received my tracheostomy in December, 2019, and have been breathing with the aid of a ventilator since. I have lost total use of my limbs, and write using a tablet with eye-gaze technology. I want to share my journey with you and share the hope that I have in the Lord Jesus!
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King David’s Prayer

” . . . For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know. For this reason You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods? For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O LORD, have become their God . . . ”  (2 Samuel 7:21-24, NASB)

The Bible passage above is from a prayer by King David.  It follows a revelation from God through the Prophet Nathan that is known as the Davidic Covenant.  David thanks God for the blessings He will bestow on David’s descendants.  And what are those?  First, God promises that David’s son, who will be Solomon, would build “a house for My name,” the Temple, in Jerusalem.  (2 Samuel 7:13)  God’s second promise:  “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”  (v. 16)  The fulfillment of this promise?  The Messiah, Jesus, Who will sit on David’s throne for eternity!

King David shows gratitude to God:  “You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”  Further, David thanks God on behalf of Israel, for He redeemed them from slavery in Egypt, and set them apart from every other nation.  King David says that Israel is “Your own people forever, and You, O LORD, have become their God.”

2 Samuel 7:22 There Is No God Beside You (black)
2 Samuel 7:22 image.  Found at Knowing Jesus, https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Samuel/7/22

How is Israel different from all other nations?  For one thing, God gave His laws and statutes to Israel, through Moses, to pass on to the rest of the world.  God’s people (to include Jesus-followers) are supposed to set the example, and display adherence to God’s laws.  

Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?  If you are, and I am, someday we’ll see the fulfillment of God’s Davidic Covenant for ourselves, Jesus seated on David’s throne forever!  What a time that will be! 

Worship:  “Gadol Adonai (Great Is the Lord),” from Praise to Our God 5 Concert
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Sanctification

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.  (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, NASB)

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessolonica, he strives to encourage his flock amongst heavy persecution.  Their Roman masters were jealous of this new god, Jesus, hence the persecution.  In the Bible verses above, his message is one of how one should live his/her life.  Specifically, it’s a message of sanctification. 

The best definition of sanctification I’ve heard is “set apart.”  We followers of Jesus are to be different, or set apart from everybody else.  A synonym for sanctification is “holiness.”  God is the ultimate picture of holiness.  God is so holy that He cannot tolerate any sin around Him.  That’s why His plan of salvation is for us sinners to put our trust and hope in His Son, Jesus Christ.  When God looks at us sinners, He sees Jesus instead.  Try as we might, once we’re saved, we still sin.  We all need Jesus as our Advocate! 

1 Thessalonians 4:7 God Has Not Called Us For The Purpose Of Impurity (yellow)
1 Thessalonians 4:7 image.  Found at Knowing Jesus, https://images.knowing-jesus.com/i/1-thessalonians-4-7-god-has-not-called-us-for-the-purpose-of-impurity-yellow-12165

Paul begins by urging the church to act according to his instructions, that is, Jesus’ instructions.  He encourages them in that they already act accordingly, but tells them that they can do even better!  The “will of God [is for] your sanctification.” So what comprises sanctification?  First is moral purity.  We’re to remember that our bodies (“vessels”) are the temples of the Holy Spirit, God in us!  We should want God to be honored while he dwells in us, so we must take care not to defile our tabernacles. 

Second, “that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things.”  God hates when His people cheat one another, or other people.  He is the Avenger!  

Finally, “God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.”  God wants us to be pure.  He desires purity in our hearts, and in our actions.  We’ll never be as sanctified, as holy, as we need to be, until we get to heaven.  That’s why we all need Jesus! 

Worship:  “Take My Life/Holiness,” by Scott Underwood
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How to Pray for our Nation

I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land . . . Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”  (Daniel 9:4-6, 18-19, NASB)

The book of Daniel takes place during the Babylonian exile, and the subsequent conquest by the Persians of that empire.  This is the same Daniel who endured the Lion’s Den.  Daniel received favor, and was appointed to high positions in the courts of the kings of Babylon and the Medo-Persian Empire.  Today’s snippet takes place during the reign of King Darius of Persia.  This Bible passage features a prayer for national repentance for the nation of Judah, and is a great model as we pray for our Nation. 

Daniel had noticed the number of years that the Prophet Jeremiah had said that the exile would last (70 years), had almost run its course.  Daniel therefore fasted and prayed, and chapter 9 contains that prayer.  Notice how he acknowledges Judah’s sins, but also his responsibility in those sins:  “We have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.”  It’s important that you and I identify with the transgressions of our Nation, as well as our own sins. 

Daniel continues:  “Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.”  Who are our modern-day prophets?  Many of our pastors.  We need to pay attention to them!

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Daniel 9:3-5 image.  Found at Chasing the Wind, https://chasingthewind.net/tag/daniel-9/

Last, Daniel prays for a desired end state.  In this case, he prays for the resettlement of the city of Jerusalem and the restoration of the Holy Temple, because he’s aware that the 70 years of exile and Jerusalem’s desolation are almost complete.  Daniel also admits to the Lord that the people don’t deserve what he’s asking for, but it’s by God’s love and mercy that He will abide by His word! 

On a recent walk through the Bible, I made a list of the great national prayers.  In addition to Daniel 9, we see them also in Ezra 9; Nehemiah 1; 1 Kings 8:22-53 & 2 Chronicles 6:12-42; 2 Kings 19 (King Hezekiah’s prayer) & Isaiah 37; Psalm 85; and Jeremiah 14.  It’s interesting that these prayers follow much the same format:  Personal and national repentance, a desired outcome, and acknowledgment that we don’t deserve God’s mercy in the outcome.

I am guilty of sins against God.  I’ve not done all I can to straighten out the transgressions perpetrated in our land.  Please forgive me, Lord!  I pray for liberty and justice for all, and for revival and a Great Awakening in our land, that people would turn back to God.  And like God’s gift of salvation, I and we are not deserving.  Only by His grace can we approach Him, trust in His Son, and be saved!  In Jesus alone is our Hope! 

Worship:  “At Your Feet,” by Casting Crowns
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Psalm 3

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah . . . I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.  (Psalm 3:3-4, 6-8, NASB)

While listening to music on Pandora on Friday morning, I heard The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of “Thou, O Lord,” and I had to write about Psalm 3 (Holy Spirit?).  The title of Psalm 3 is “Morning Prayer of Trust in God.”  It’s described as “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.”  I’ve included my highlighted portions in the text above.  

Absalom, King David’s son, decided that he would succeed his father as king of Israel, even though God had told David that his successor would be Solomon.  Absalom got the support of several influential people, including from David’s court, and proclaimed himself king.  When King David heard the news, fearing Absalom would kill him, he decided to escape to the east of the Jordan River, with those who were loyal to him.  The psalm reflects his trust in God in dire circumstances. 

David proclaims that God is a “shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.”  To declare God as one’s Shield is the ultimate in protection; it doesn’t get any better than that!  God is David’s Glory.  God is the One he boasts in, and Nobody else!  When he feels like he can no longer go on, God is the “One who lifts [his] head.”  When David cries out to the Lord, He answers “from His holy mountain.”

23995592628_35091cf091_b
“The Lifter of My Head,” found at Being Woven, https://beingwoven.org/2018/10/01/the-lifter-of-my-head/

Further, David says he “will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.”  Why not?  Because King David trusts in the Lord to strike “all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.”  David trusts in God completely to deliver him from his enemies.  He had had much experience with running from his foes (King Saul) and he knew in Whom he could trust! 

Finally, King David states that God is the ultimate source of salvation; and he prays “blessings be upon Your people.”  What impresses me is that despite the dangerous circumstances in which  David finds himself, he takes the time to pray for others.  That’s selflessness! 

King David’s lessons to us?  No matter the circumstances, we can put our trust in the Lord.  He is our Protector.  Second, God hears the prayers of His people, and He answers.  Third, even when we find ourselves in a bind, we should pray for others.  When we do that, it might take our minds off ourselves.  And last, “Salvation belongs to the LORD.”  God’s plan of salvation requires that we place our faith, hope and trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  There is no Other by Whom we may be saved! 

Worship:  “Thou, O Lord,” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
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Humble Yourselves and Pray

‘”Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives, your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives, which they committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? But they have not become contrite even to this day, nor have they feared nor walked in My law or My statutes, which I have set before you and before your fathers.” ’ “Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am going to set My face against you for woe, even to cut off all Judah. And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have set their mind on entering the land of Egypt to reside there, and they will all meet their end in the land of Egypt; they will fall by the sword and meet their end by famine.'”  (Jeremiah 44:9-12, NASB)

The Prophet Jeremiah received many messages from God, which He told Jeremiah to pass on to the kings of Judah and to the people.  God’s patience with His people was wearing thin, and He was about to send the Babylonian armies of King Nebuchadnezzar against them, and send a remnant of people who wouldn’t be killed into exile.  The Bible passage above is one of those warnings from God.  I believe it has implications for us today. 

Jeremiah begins with God speaking.  God is reminding Judah of the “wickedness” of her ancestors, the kings, and themselves.  Further, God tells them, “they have not become contrite even to this day, nor have they feared nor walked in My law or My statutes, which I have set before you and before your fathers.”  

The Pilgrims sailed to a new land to escape religious persecution in England.  After their arrival at Plymouth, they made a covenant with God, and compared themselves to “a city on a hill,” whose light shines brightly.  Our Founding Fathers and Mothers often compared our Nation to Israel, and thought of America as the Promised Land.  They believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and understood that if our people strayed from Him there would be consequences. 

James 4:10 image.  Found at Knowing Jesus, 
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Humble-Yourself

Continuing in our text, God tells Judah of the consequences of its wickedness:  “I am going to set My face against you for woe, even to cut off all Judah.”  Pretty scary!  It’s frightening to fall into the hands of the Living God, yet that’s what happens when His people turn their backs on Him.  And we as a Nation, individually and collectively, have done just that.  

What will be the consequences?  Or are we seeing them already?  Plagues (COVID-19)?  Weather (Ian)?  Other widespread disasters (9/11)?  We probably have yet to see the full extent of God’s anger.  But there is good news:  Jesus!  Many, including myself, are praying for revival in our land, for a Great Awakening.  The Bible tells us that “If . . . my people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  (2 Chronicles 7:13-14)  We all need Jesus.  In Him is my Hope. 

Worship:  “Pray,” by Darlene Zschech
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Grounded in Love

. . . I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.  (Ephesians 3:14-21, NASB)

The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the church at Ephesus while incarcerated in a Roman prison.  What love he must have had to write to the church while suffering persecution, to share the love of Christ Jesus with them!  In the Bible verses above, Paul writes of the infinite love of our Savior.

Paul begins by praising God, “that He would grant [us], according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in [our] hearts through faith.”  The moment we pray to ask Jesus Christ to be our Savior, God sends the Holy Spirit to reside in us, to be our Helper, Teacher, and Guide.  If we realize He’s there, we are “strengthened with [His] power.”  I call the Spirit “the Forgotten Person of the Trinity.”  I think most of us forget He’s there.  With God’s help, I’ve tried to incorporate Him into my prayer life, to unleash the power Paul speaks of. 

Next, Paul prays “that [we], being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.”  Why?  So that we “may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”  Christ Jesus loves us infinitely, beyond our knowledge.  I do know that He loves us so much that He left the majesty of His heavenly home, and came to the earth He created, to suffer horrific torture and crucifixion, to die as a substitute for us, to take the punishment we all deserve.  But Paul says there is much more that we don’t know! His love is so great, that we “may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”

What Does it Mean That God Is Able to Do More Than All We Ask?
Ephesians 3:20 image.  Found at Crosswalk, https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-does-it-mean-that-god-is-able-to-do-more-than-all-we-ask.html

Last, Paul gives glory to God, “who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”  We Jesus-followers have immense power in us!  There’s so much power in us that we can’t even imagine what God can do for us.  I think it’s an issue of faith.  Jesus said that if we had faith as tiny as a mustard seed, we could command a mountain to move.  If I had enough faith, I would ask God, and He would heal my ALS. He would grant healing and salvation to everyone for whom I pray.  He would heal our Nation.  He would bring justice throughout this unjust world.  Father, please help my faith! 

Worship:  “Hear Our Praises,” by Hillsong Worship
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I AM

Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.”  (Exodus 3:13-15, NASB)

The book of Exodus details the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, and the beginning of their journey through the wilderness of Sinai enroute to the Promised Land.  The Bible passage above relates the story of Moses at the burning bush. 

Moses had grown up in Pharaoh’s household, but he longed to be with his people, the Hebrews.  One day he encountered an Egyptian mistreating one of his countrymen, and he killed the Egyptian.  Soon after, he came across two Israelis fighting, and went to break it up.  One of the Hebrews asked if Moses was going to kill him like he did the Egyptian.  Having been discovered, Moses fled to the Sinai Peninsula.  He got married there, and that’s where the story of the burning bush picks up. 

Moses was out tending the sheep of his father-in-law, Jethro.  He heard the voice of the Angel of the LORD, and when he answered, noticed a bush aflame, but not being consumed.  God told him He wanted Moses to go to Pharaoh to tell him to release the Israelites so they could worship Him, and He wanted Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt.  Moses objected, saying he wasn’t qualified, and the portion above is part of his conversation with God. 

Exodus 3:14 image.  Found at On Scripture, https://onscripture.blog/2022/02/02/the-hidden-name-of-god-bible-study-part-3-c/

God tells Moses to go to the Israelites to tell them he’s spoken with God.  Moses asks God if they ask him Who sent him, what should be his reply?  God then answers, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”  “I AM” means that God has always been.  He Who created the earth and the sea and all that is in them, and the universe, and you and me, was and is, and will be, hereafter and forever!  The notes in my electronic Bible says this about “I AM”:  “Related to the name of God, YHWH, rendered LORD, which is derived from the verb HAYAH, to be.”  (bible.com, note on Exodus 3:14)  So anytime we see the name of God rendered “LORD”, we should think of YHWH (pronounced in the English-speaking world as “Yahweh”), which means “I AM.”

I AM is the eternal, everlasting, God, Who was, and Who is, and Who is to come.  Since the dawn of creation and time, I AM had a plan of redemption, of saving us imperfect humans from our sins.  That plan was to send His Son, Jesus, to the earth, to die on the cross, and to be a substitute to take the punishment we all deserve.  God is an eternal being, and so are we.  God requires we put our trust in Jesus while we’re on earth, to spend eternity with Him in heaven.  In Jesus I’ve placed my hope and trust! 

Worship:  “Great I AM,” by Paul Wilbur
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Blindfolded

. . . since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  (2 Corinthians 4:1-6, NASB)

The Apostle Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth was meant to correct some misconceptions within that body.  In the portion above, Paul gives a defense of his ministry. 

He begins by saying that since he has received mercy, he has left behind the sins of his previous life, and wants to set a Godly example for living for others to follow. 

Next, Paul tells us that since he’s out in the open with his example, if some people don’t get it, it’s because God has “veiled” them from the truth.  Some are blindfolded from seeing what they should, because “the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”  Why does God allow this to happen?  I don’t know.  The King of the universe doesn’t want anyone to perish, but He doesn’t mandate what we decide.  It could be that God gives them over to Satan when they’ve had ample opportunity to hear the Gospel.  In any case, God uses some unbelievers to further His plan. 

God, Memes, and Image: But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. II Cor 4:3-4
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 image.  Found at Meme, https://me.me/i/but-even-if-our-gospel-is-veiled-it-is-veiled-16813885

Paul concludes this section in the defense of his ministry by stating that it’s not about himself, but he preaches “Christ Jesus as Lord.”  My late mentor, Brigadier General Dick Abel used to say, “It’s all about Jesus, and it’s all about grace.”  Words to live by!  Also, the advice I give to people who are looking for a church is to make sure the pastor teaches from the Bible.  In too many secular churches, the minister gives his or her own opinions, but doesn’t preach “Christ Jesus as Lord.”

We all need to pay attention to those who don’t know Jesus.  Whether they’ve been “veiled” or not, we have to do our part to make sure they have heard the Gospel, and give them the opportunity to make an informed decision.  It’s up to us to plant the seeds.  God will do the rest!  “It’s all about Jesus, and it’s all about grace.”! 

Worship: “I Will Never Be the Same Again,” by Hillsong Worship

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Heal Me O Lord

Thus says the LORD . . . “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit. The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds” . . . Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise.  (Jeremiah 17:5, 7-10, 14, NASB)

More from the Prophet Jeremiah!  In this passage, he writes to convict the Kingdom of Judah of its deceitful heart.  Both collectively and individually, Judah had gone astray from the God of Israel, and had worshiped the idols of the surrounding nations.  We’re told that God is jealous for the attention of His people, and this would not stand.  From the time of Moses until the last days of Judah, God had warned all Israel of the consequences of idolatry. 

Jeremiah begins this segment with “Thus says the LORD,” so listen up!  God says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.”  So if “blessed” = “happy,” then we’ll be happy if we put our trust in God.  Indeed!  God next compares the person who trusts in the Lord with “a tree planted by the water.”  The healthy tree isn’t afraid of heat or drought; “its leaves will be green”; and it will always give fruit.  So the person who trusts in the Lord won’t falter when the going gets tough, and will be consistent in his Godly attitude. 

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed...

Jeremiah 17:14 image.  Found at Praise Jesus Today, http://www.praisejesustoday.com/heal-me-o-lord/

Next, God talks about the human heart:  “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”  The Bible tells us to guard our hearts, because that’s the origin of all sorts of evil.  We’re also told to bridle our tongues, because with our mouths we reveal what’s in our hearts.  God answers His own question:  “I,  the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.”  Jesus said that the Greatest Commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.”  (Mark 12:30)  Coincidence?  I think not!  We’re to love God with everything we are. 

Last, we hear from Jeremiah:  “Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise.”  God has the final say on healing and salvation.  I’m still waiting for healing from my ALS.  God may not heal me in this life, but He can.  He doesn’t heal everyone.  And that’s okay with me, because He has the plan, and it’s better than mine (mind you, I’d prefer to sit up, get out of this bed, and walk away, but it’s up to Him!)!  I’ve put my trust in the Lord, and I know my destination when I’m done with this life!  “For You are my praise!”


Worship:  “Healing is in Your Hands,” by Christy Nockels

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Desolation

Thus says the LORD, “Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and there speak this word and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on David’s throne, you and your servants and your people who enter these gates. Thus says the LORD, “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place. For if you men will indeed perform this thing, then kings will enter the gates of this house, sitting in David’s place on his throne, riding in chariots and on horses, even the king himself and his servants and his people. But if you will not obey these words, I swear by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that this house will become a desolation. ’ ”  (Jeremiah 22:1-5, NASB)

Jeremiah was a prophet in the last days of the Kingdom of Judah.  He prophesied in the days of King Josiah and Josiah’s son, King Jehoiakim, until the defeat and exile of Judah to Babylon.  (Jeremiah 1:2-3)  The Bible passage above is from one of Jeremiah’s warnings to Jerusalem if they don’t shape up.

The “king of Judah” refers to Jehoiakim, who was evil in the sight of God (Jehoiakim’s father, Josiah, is described as being the most wholehearted king of all time over Israel and Judah).  God tells Jeremiah to warn the king to “do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”  God’s people had been consistently told to be just and righteous; to be kind to the stranger (because they had been strangers in the land of Egypt); and to provide for orphans and widows.  But Judah had fallen away from justice and righteousness. 

Jeremiah 22:3 image.  Found at World Challenge, https://www.worldchallenge.org/jeremiah-223

God’s warning is clear:  Repent, and Judah’s kings would continue to sit on the throne of David; or continue in their ways, and “this house will become a desolation.”  Unfortunately, Judah did not turn from its ways, and God kept His promise.  Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, utterly destroying the city, and carried the people of Judah off into exile. 

Our Nation faces a similar choice today.  We’ve turned our backs on God.  We can turn back to Him, or face the consequences.  God’s people must lead in this effort to “do justice and righteousness,” and be kind to people.  As I’ve said, God wants our hearts.  If we give Him our hearts, everything else will fall into place! 

Worship:  “I Give You My Heart,” by Hillsong Worship 
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