October 10

Jeremiah 14:11-16:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 25:1-5

Pray: Father give me new eyes and new ears today. Help me to see value in people and help me to love people enough to be truthful with them. Help me to submit and trust those in spiritual authority. Bring Your order out of the chaos in this world and let Your will always prevail.

Read: (Jeremiah 15:19) This is how the Lord responds: "If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!"

Edify: Results. We all want results. We want to put an effort in and see progress or success come out of those efforts. Jeremiah is often referred to as the "weeping prophet" because he saw no fruit from his efforts. But rather than give up and move on, he remained faithful. While false prophets were promising peace, Jeremiah remained faithful to share the destruction that was to come. No matter how harsh, Jeremiah remained a truth-teller. 

Practice: What's your favorite news source? Most often we gravitate to words or news that we agree with or want to hear. Our culture has created spaces that allow us to only hear what we want to hear. As Christ followers we have to be "set apart." Practice today sharing truthful words with those around you. Sharing the truth in love with people will build relationships far beyond today's troubles. Choose people in your household, workplace or community and practice "truth-telling." In sharing the truth, people will see your genuine care for them. Fight the passive nature of telling people what they want to hear. Rather, share what they may need to hear.