October 24

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

Pray: “You better listen up.” My mother used to say that to us as young children. It meant that whatever she was saying was important and if we didn’t listen (and obey!), it would probably result in us getting into some sort of trouble. Jeremiah speaks to the people and says to them, “‘Listen to this message from the Lord…’” (Jeremiah 44:24). As you pray today, listen up! The Lord is speaking something important.

Read: Have you ever read something in the Bible and wondered why it was there? I confess I have, and on more than one occasion. There are passages I don’t understand. Perhaps that's why, when I read something I’ve read dozens of times before, all of a sudden it makes sense and something “clicks” in my spirit. Paul tells us that “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful…” There are no pieces of Scripture that are not useful, no pieces uninspired. Perhaps it is you and I who are simply not prepared to hear what God might want to say when we read certain things. I hope as I read Scripture that the Lord will prepare my heart for whatever He wants to say to me. I hope the same for you.

Edify: I recently read an article about how pastors cause/contribute to division by engaging in online debates about controversial topics. To be sure, we should not be silent about such things, but online debates limited to 140 characters or a post buried in a thread is probably not the place. I think the author of the article would also agree that his point is not limited to pastors, but to all persons, especially followers of Jesus. Paul would even instruct Timothy of such things: “Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people…Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.” It’s a good word for us to remember the next time we go scrolling through the social media feeds.

Practice: Our New Testament reading begins with the statement, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts.” Too many good Christians (men and women) try to walk away from youthful lusts. They try to meander away from sinful things. They attempt to go around pitfalls. Paul is quite clear (and other places in Scripture are equally as clear). If you are serious about getting away from sin, and especially “youthful lusts” (i.e. sexual sins), you…must…RUN!!! Run for you life, for your marriage, for you family, for your career, for your eternity! You can’t stroll away from such things. The power of temptation is too great. It’s possible to escape, but only if you’re willing to lace up and run the distance.