READING:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 23-26
Two-year plan: Isaiah 56-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
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I am stating up front that this devotion will be shorter than usual. There’s a reason for that – I want us to hear the Word of God, let it sink in in its simplicity, and challenge us.
In Jeremiah’s day, false teachers arose who prophesied “even though I [God] did not speak to them” (Jer 23:21). They were not, however, getting away with something. They might have fooled some of the Israelites, but they had not fooled God.
God was, according to Jeremiah, everywhere–both close and far. In fact, He asked, “’Am I a God who is only near’—this is the Lord’s declaration—’and not a God who is far away?’” (Jer 23:23). Because this God is both near and far, His next questions are easily answered: “’Can a person hide in secret places where I cannot see him?’ —the Lord’s declaration. ‘Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?’ —the Lord’s declaration” (Jer 23:24). No false prophet sinned without God’s knowing it, even if the people didn’t recognize it.
The answers to God’s questions remain the same today. He does indeed fill the heavens and the earth. We cannot hide in places where He cannot see us. Those simple truths ought to change the way we live today.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you trying to hide anything today?
PRAYER: “God, help me to live with full integrity.”
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 27-31
Two-year plan: Isaiah 59-60, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
MEMORIZATION VERSE (August 16-31)
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15)