Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
Psalm 139:16

 Recommended Reading: Acts 16:6-10

The longest and most detailed illustration of a confused soul in the Bible is the story of Job. At the beginning of his story all was well. Then everything fell apart in his life—he lost it all. Then he spent 37 chapters dialoguing with friends about what had happened. Then at the end of his story he listened to the wisdom of God, and his eyes were opened (and his life restored). Two things made a difference: time and listening to God.

Who among us does not encounter and experience things we don’t understand? It happens often—sometimes daily. Waiting (time) doesn’t mean passivity; it means active faith in God’s purposes and plans. It means walking by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). The active part of waiting is seeking God for wisdom and understanding.

God knows our future even before we take the steps that lead us there. Indeed, “the Lord directs [our] steps” (Proverbs 16:9). If you experience confusion, patiently seek the Lord and trust that He is working out His plans for you.

God’s purposes always have God’s provision.
John Blanchard

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

 Recommended Reading: Esther 2:1-18

The ability to see, with both eyes, an object clearly from twenty feet away is referred to as 20/20 vision. (In Europe, it is called 6/6 since they use a distance of six meters instead of twenty feet.) While not everyone has 20/20 vision, it is often said that hindsight is always 20/20. That is, we may not be able to see everything clearly as it happens, but after the fact we can see things much more clearly.

While hindsight is not always perfect, from a biblical perspective it means that we sometimes have to wait to see what God’s purpose was in allowing something to happen. There are certainly enough biblical examples to prove that premise. Job, Joseph, David, Daniel, Esther, Paul, and others were puzzled at what God allowed to happen in their lives—but soon came to see God’s hand at work. Especially Esther who saved the Jewish people from genocide in Persia.

When God allows circumstances in your life, the purpose of which is not clear, remember the examples and promises of Scripture: “All things work together for good.”

Contentment is an embracing of the providence of God.
George Seevers

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
1 Corinthians 12:18

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 139:13-14

Although the phrase is ancient and, therefore, the origin uncertain, one of the earliest uses of “green with envy” came from the pen of William Shakespeare. In Othello, Iago warns Othello, “Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”

Why do we envy others? Why does jealousy sneak in like a silent fog, clouding our vision of God’s blessings? It is because we fail to appreciate that God has blessed each person with unique gifts and abilities to be discovered and enjoyed by each one. The psalmist David wrote that God created each of us “fearfully and wonderfully,” in a “marvelous” way (Psalm 139:14). Therefore, our gifts and blessings are unique to us, as are those blessings God has given others. Paul wrote about gifts another way, likening us to the individual parts of the human body (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). Each part is unique and important and should be honored as such.

Whenever you feel a twinge of envy or jealousy, let it remind you to thank God for how He has made and blessed you. Then put your blessings to use for Him and others!

Hem your blessings with praise, lest they unravel.
Unknown

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:14

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 103:11-14

Most believers live with a sense of sanctified dissatisfaction. We want to emulate the emotions, attitudes, reactions, and habits of Christ. We long to perfectly please Him. But we’re not perfect, nor will we be until we get to heaven. This holy dissatisfaction should evermore prompt us toward greater personal holiness. But we must also realize God knows all about our imperfections, and He isn’t surprised when we fail.

The great hymn, “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” by Henry Lyte has a wonderful phrase to encourage us. The second stanza says: “Praise Him for His grace and favor to our fathers in distress! Praise Him still the same for ever, slow to chide, and swift to bless!”

Whenever you stumble or fall, confess your sin quickly and ask for God’s help in the future. We should keep growing. But don’t keep beating yourself up over forgiven sin. Remember—He knows our frame, that we are dust. But in His wondrous grace, He is slow to chide and swift to bless.

Fatherlike He tends and spares us; well our feeble frame He knows. In His hands He gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes.
Henry Lyte

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

 Recommended Reading: John 21:15-19

On the television broadcast of an international tennis tournament, one commentator asked his partner, “How would you rate [name’s] serve on a scale of one to ten?” The other commentator answered, “8.5. And, by the way, I don’t believe in a perfect 10.”

And that certainly applies to the Christian life. If we were perfect and never sinned, there would be no need for the grace of God. But all who are honest will admit to seeking forgiveness from God for a failure that has been confessed before. At some point, we wonder how much forgiveness God is willing to give us. How many times is God willing to pardon our imperfections? How many second chances do we get? Thankfully, there is no limit to the grace of God: “But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20). When Jonah, one of God’s prophets, disobeyed God, “the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time” (Jonah 3:1). Jonah got a second chance.

If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9). Our past, present, and future are covered by God’s grace.

Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin.
Haldor Lillenas

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

 Recommended Reading: Genesis 50:19-21

The oldest Baptist congregation in America, founded in 1638, still meets today in Providence, Rhode Island. Providence was founded by a Puritan theologian named Roger Williams, who, after advocating for the separation of church and state, was exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636. The new community he founded was named Providence to recognize God’s gracious direction in leading them there.

Providence is not a biblical word but has evolved into an idea that refers to God’s rule over the affairs of His creation. It is akin to the biblical idea of God’s sovereignty—God’s righteous rule over the affairs of men. For example, God “changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21). And, in Christ, “all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17, NASB). Such an idea motivated Paul to write Romans 8:28, giving us confidence that God uses everything in our life for good.

Because God is good and sovereign, we can trust Him to work out His divine plans and purposes for creation—including for us personally.

Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.
Augustine

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:6

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 126

Beneil Dariush is an Iranian-born MMA fighter. Last year he won an important match, and during the post-fight interview he addressed his countrymen in Iran. “I need to dedicate this fight to my people in Iran,” he said. “I know you’re struggling. I know you’re fighting for freedom. I know it’s a tough struggle. I want you guys to know we’re praying for you, and we love you.”

Then he said, “Let me tell you one more thing…. There is true freedom, a freedom that no one can take from you in the name of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Don’t ever forget that.”[1]

We never know when we’ll have an opportunity to say a word for the Lord or to present the Gospel. When God leads you to share Christ with someone, obey immediately. He will give you the words you need. God can help you plant a seed in someone’s heart, even if you don’t immediately see the results. Let’s not miss any opportunities!

Success in witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.
Bill Bright

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.
Acts 24:25

 Recommended Reading: Acts 24:22-27

When we procrastinate in an endeavor or decision, we’re yielding to sluggishness at the expense of change. It sometimes seems impossible to make ourselves move forward. But we must, especially in terms of the Gospel. We learn that from Felix in Acts 24.

Billy Graham once preached, “There never was a more convenient season for Felix. We never read that he ever responded to the Gospel of Christ. He procrastinated too long, and Felix tonight, as far as we know, is in hell.”

Graham continued, “I spoke to a man in Moody Church one Monday night…. He was trembling as he stood there under mighty conviction. And I said, ‘Sir, won’t you give your heart to Christ?’ He said, ‘Not tonight. I’ll give my life to Christ on Friday night’…. On Friday morning, a stray bullet from a policeman’s gun went through that man’s head, and he died and never came to Christ.”⁴

Don’t allow procrastination to impact your spiritual life. Today is the day of salvation!

To procrastinate the business of salvation is the real madness.
Timothy Dwight

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge.
Psalm 141:8

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 73:25-28

Our meager mind cannot comprehend the bottomless, limitless, measureless reign of Almighty God. His ways are past finding out; His majesty is incalculable; His power is inexhaustible; His lifespan is without beginning of days or ending of ages. He is eternal, Three in One and One in Three, the Source and Sustainer of all that exists, visible and invisible.

That means we have the privilege of living with mystery. We can’t interpret every situation as He knows it to be. Pastor Philip Doddridge (1702-1751) wrote, “What mysteries, Lord, in Thee combine!”

Because we are human, we can’t understand all of God’s plans and ways, but we can trust His sovereignty. In addition to His holiness, His purity, and His power are the attributes of love and goodness. He is good in His essence, and all His qualities are good and loving. He cares! He cares about the details of our life. When things seem to go wrong, we can say, “But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge.”

What mysteries, Lord, in Thee combine! Jesus, once mortal, yet divine! The first, the last, the end, the head, the source of life among the dead.
Philip Doddridge

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?
Matthew 11:3

 Recommended Reading: Matthew 11:1-6

There’s a difference between doubt and unbelief. The latter involves the heart. Doubt is a matter of a rational mind asking good questions, often during periods of stress. John the Baptist had such a moment in Matthew 11. It didn’t upset Jesus. God isn’t scared by our doubts. He can use our doubts to draw us closer to Himself. He has solid answers for honest questions.

If your children or grandchildren are asking questions—or if you are—don’t panic. Learn to search out the answers. Josh Rasmussen is a philosopher who went from Christianity to atheism. But his honest questions led him to evidence that drove him back to God. “The biggest threat to the discovery of God, and to productive truth seeking more broadly,” Rasmussen wrote, “is blind faith…. Seek truth. Follow the evidence. Align with reason…You may come to discover that the foundation of reality is greater than you had imagined.”[1]

When people fight their way through their doubts to the conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord, they have attained to a certainty that those who unthinkingly accept things can never reach.
William Barclay

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.
Hebrews 12:15

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 32:3-5

Many Southern home gardeners have made the mistake of planting mint to enjoy in their iced tea in the summer. After a few years they dig up the mint and then discover a year later that they didn’t dig up the mint. It’s still growing and spreading. Mint is one of many decorative yard species that are hard to eradicate once they gain a foothold—especially those that spread by extending their roots (rhizomes) underground. Leaving even a sliver of root in the ground will guarantee that your yard will be continually “defiled.”

Speaking of roots that defile—the writer to the Hebrews warned about a “root of bitterness” that can spring up and defile many. In other words, bitterness is an invasive spiritual species that can spread quickly throughout a group of people. Moses warned the Israelites about letting their hearts turn away from God in pursuit of idols, becoming a “root among you that produces such bitter poison” (Deuteronomy 29:18, NIV).

Don’t be bitter. Rip up bitterness by the root! Stay focused on God’s love, grace, and forgiveness—and extend the same to everyone you are around.

Difficulties make us either better or bitter.
Unknown

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation.
Psalm 18:2

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 91:14-16

An American missionary to Africa asked a tribal chief why the churches in Africa saw God work so many miracles. The chief replied, “In America, you have blessed insurance; in Africa, we have only blessed assurance!”

Insurance protects against catastrophic loss or injury and is prudent, especially if the law mandates it. But there is a danger in putting our trust in man-made forms of protection instead of trusting in God’s protection. There are biblical warnings to that effect: trusting in horses, chariots, and horsemen “because they are very strong” instead of looking to “the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 31:1). When we become a Christian, we enter into the family of God, thereby coming under the protection of God Himself. The apostle Paul wrote that there is nothing that can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39).

Begin each day by affirming your trust in God’s provision and protection. Never doubt that His goodness and mercy are following you each day (Psalm 23:6).

A sovereign Protector I have, unseen, yet forever at hand; unchangeably faithful to save, almighty to rule and command.
Augustus M. Toplady

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

 Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-15

Jesus was a Jew, so when He taught, He used typically Jewish literary styles. For example, He used comparisons for purposes of illustration. In Matthew 13 there are eight kingdom parables, seven of which compare the kingdom of heaven to ordinary things: agriculture, seeds, treasure, a fishing net, and the like. Jesus illustrated something complex by comparing it to something familiar.

The apostle Paul also used a comparison to illustrate how we are to forgive others. We are to forgive others “as God in Christ forgave you.” The question then becomes, how did God in Christ forgive us? He forgave us unconditionally, willingly, generously, permanently, graciously, completely, sacrificially…and the list goes on. That means we are to forgive others the same way. If that sounds daunting, it is. But it also provides insight into the depth of God’s love for us and the love He expects us to extend to others in the form of forgiveness.

As God forgives others, so must we. Rather than resentment, let forgiveness be our response to any who have offended us.

True forgiveness breaks a man, and he must forgive.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:6

 Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:29

“You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). These familiar words of Jesus suggest that our life is to accomplish the two benefits of salt: seasoning (attractiveness) and preservation. Paul applied the salt metaphor to speech when it came to relating to nonbelievers: Our speech should be graceful (kind, compassionate, encouraging, understanding)—seasoned with salt.

How might the two uses of salt—seasoning and preservation—apply to our speech when relating to those who might be opposed to our beliefs or actions? Seasoning suggests speech that adds an attractive flavor to the conversation or dialogue. And preservation suggests doing whatever we can, not just to preserve a relationship but to strengthen it. As Paul wrote in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” “All men” includes everyone we encounter—even those who may have done us wrong. Let us speak only “what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

Look for an opportunity to encourage someone today with gracious words that are “flavorful” and that strengthen the relationship.

It is bad to think ill, but it is worse to speak it.
Matthew Henry

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Psalm 4:4

 Recommended Reading: Romans 12:17-21

The list of circumstances in life in which we may be tempted to anger is endless. And because those events happen frequently, it pays to be prepared. How should we respond when we feel anger rising up? The timeless advice of “Take a breath; count to ten” could have easily had its origin in Psalm 4:4.

David wrote Psalm 4 in response to an unknown circumstance in his life—something he called “distress” (verse 1). He seems to have been persecuted by a group he called “sons of men” (verse 2)—a generic term, but at least suggesting a “relationship” matter. And in verse 4 he seems to pen advice to himself (or others in similar circumstances): Do not sin by lashing out or retaliating. Instead, step back and meditate on what has happened; be still when you are tempted to say or do something you will surely regret. Jesus took it a step further: Instead of retaliating, “do good to those who hate you” (Matthew 5:44).

When anger rises, let it be a motivation not to sin. Step back, consider, and pray for understanding and guidance and for a way to replace harm with goodness.

Anger is just one letter short of danger.
Unknown

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7

 Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:26-27

A case can be made for pride being the oldest sin. Paul said as much when he wrote that it was this sin that condemned the devil (1 Timothy 3:6). And in Isaiah 14:13-15, we have the description of Satan expressing his fivefold intent to be like God. Satan’s failure was his unwillingness to submit to God, an unwillingness that God opposed.

The apostle James warned that Satan might tempt Christians to be prideful, resulting in God’s opposition (James 4:1-7). Why would Satan tempt us to be prideful? Because pride can lead us to a failure to submit to God. Any time we are tempted to sin against God, we can be sure that Satan is fueling that temptation. So what should we do when that happens? Two things—which are the two sides of the same coin of victory: (1) Submit to God and (2) resist the devil (James 4:7). When we are tempted to sin, we resist the devil by submitting to God. And when we submit and resist, the devil “will flee from [us].”

Satan is always looking for a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). Stop him in his tracks by resisting him and submitting to God.

Nothing is more powerful to overcome temptation than the fear of God. 
John Calvin

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

 Recommended Reading: James 1:13-15

Jesus Christ was tempted to sin. For example, He underwent three major temptations from Satan after fasting for forty days (Matthew 4:1-11). But He resisted not only those temptations but others as well (Hebrews 4:15).

How did Jesus resist temptation and not sin? By taking “the way of escape” that God provided—in His case, biblical refutations from Deuteronomy to all of Satan’s lies. And because He “suffered” during temptations, “He is able to aid those [us] who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Because temptations don’t come from God (James 1:13), He is more than willing to provide a “way of escape” so that, like Jesus, we can avoid falling into sin.

First Corinthians 10:13 promises that God will provide a way of escape. Our task is to find the way and take it. If you don’t immediately see the way God has provided, ask Him to reveal it (James 1:2-5).

[We must] pray constantly for His enabling grace to say no to temptation, of choosing to take all practical steps to avoid known areas of temptation and flee from those that surprise us.
Jerry Bridges

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

 Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 31:6

Eagles usually build their nests high in the branches of a tall tree. In the winter, when icy rain, sleet, or snow falls, the parents and eaglet(s) are left exposed. In such weather, one of the parents will gather the baby eagle(s) under their wings and provide shelter through the storm.

On our own “stormy nights,” God is with us. The apostle Peter reminded his readers that it is possible to love, worship, and follow the Lord whom we have never seen (1 Peter 1:8). Peter may have been remembering Jesus’ words in John 20:29: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We sometimes think that because we can’t see the Lord, He cannot meet our needs. But Paul wrote that the One who gave us His Son will surely meet all our other needs (Romans 8:32). The best way to be assured of God’s presence is to be in His presence daily through prayer, Bible study, and worship.

Read and pray a promise of God today and be reminded of His presence with you.

Anxious care is out of place in a heavenly Father’s presence. 
Kenneth Wuest

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

The oil of joy.
Isaiah 61:3

 Recommended Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3

A woman in South Carolina pulled into an auto shop for an oil change, but on the way home her engine light came on, and the car stopped running. It turned out the shop employee had installed the wrong filter. It fell off, causing the oil to drain from the engine.

The joy of the Holy Spirit is the oil of a healthy heart. Guilt is the wrong filter in our life. When our joy and gladness drain from our mind, we need to pull into the divine repair shop for a tune up. When we recognize and confess our sin, God restores the joy we have in our relationship with Him.

An old hymn says, “Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.” Ask the Lord to look under the hood of your heart. Is there a bad habit? A hidden sin? Have you neglected His Word? Developed a hardened heart? Damaged a relationship? The Lord knows how to give much needed tune ups to our heart.

May the oil of joy cycle through your spirit today!

The joy of the Lord is your strength, and as your Master was anointed with the oil of gladness in his work, so must you be.
Charles Spurgeon

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Ephesians 5:2

 Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

One day Victoria Pierce of Nashville opened her front door and her dog raced in, yelping and covered with skunk spray. With Victoria chasing him, the dog ran through every room, rubbing himself against every cushion, rug, and piece of upholstered furniture. The whole house had to be decontaminated.

The stench of sin is worse than all the foul odors of earth. When we dishonor the commands of Scripture, it’s a stench rising to heaven. Ecclesiastes 10:1 says, “Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.”

Only the Bible tells us how to rid our life of the foul effects of sin. We must confess and turn from them, letting the Lord bathe us in grace. The apostle Paul said, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14). When sin stinks up your life, turn in confession to the Lord; He will forgive.

We can never be cleansed until we confess we are dirty.
Max Lucado

https://www.davidjeremiah.org