Monday, February 12, 2018

THE PRIZE

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 39-41

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

This statue of Cola Di Rienzo was erected in 1877 near Campidoglio, Italy, where he was killed. Di Rienzo was an Italian medieval politician and popular leader in the mid-14th century. As far as we know, the people of Jerusalem did not make sculptures of their most famous leaders, otherwise there would’ve been statues of David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and Josiah. These men all accomplished great things, unlike the king in today’s reading who was disgraced and executed by the Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verses: Jeremiah 39:18

“…For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the Lord.

 

Our key verse gives us the eternal perspective of God as He sees the future deliverance of His people. This should help us to realize that when we put our trust in God, regardless of present circumstances, we’ll eventually win the “Gold”.

Chapter 39 – After 18 months of siege, the Babylonians broke through Jerusalem’s walls, burned the city, captured King Zedekiah, killed his sons in front of him, blinded him and took him to Babylon in chains, never to return to Jerusalem. Such was the end of one who had repeatedly heard the Word of God but ignored it. Zedekiah brought this on himself. God had done His best through Jeremiah to warn the King (2 Kings 25:4-7).

Chapters 40 & 41 show us why Jeremiah won God’s prize for his life. The Babylonians released him from Zedekiah’s prison and offered him position, land and freedom in Babylon, but he chose to stay home and minister to those left behind in the ruins of their country, where wicked and violent men such as Ishmael were creating continued havoc. Our choices also should be to stay where we are most needed, serving the Lord faithfully.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that I will consistently do my very best to win the prize of life, here and now, as well as eternally. Lord, Your Word tells me that my works will be “revealed by fire.” The “wood, hay and straw” will be burned up, but the “gold, silver and precious stones” will remain (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). I’m asking for grace to “strive for the prize.” In the Name of the One Who has gone before me, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I cannot help but recall the first gathering ever of the leaders of various Christian denominations in the history of communist Russia and the former 14 additional republics of the Soviet Union. Undeservedly, I was invited to be the speaker at two nights of this conference. With the help of a Finnish ministry, we had earlier released across the Soviet Union the first ever Christian-produced TV series in the Russian language on prime time television. I had the privilege on these telecasts of interviewing leading scientists, philosophers, etc. about God’s creation. The USSR was officially atheist, and our goal was to create doubt in the minds of those who believed that God did not exist. As was the case with Jeremiah, pastors had been severely persecuted. One pastor I met had badly twisted fingers on his right hand. I asked him what happened. He said that the local authorities had broken his fingers, one at a time, to try to make him deny his faith in God, but he refused. I felt like crawling under the table at which we were sitting. I was not worthy to be in his presence, let alone be the guest preacher. I weep at the memory.

Yours for striving for the “gold” that will remain through the fire,

David

P.S. Prior to the invasion of Iraq (Chaldea/Babylon) by the American coalition of nations, billboards were everywhere which pictured the brutal dictator, Saddam Hussein, with his hero, Nebuchadnezzar.

Saddam Hussein and King Nebuchadnezzar on a billboard in Iraq. This modern would-be emperor tortured and murdered tens of thousands of his people. He allowed his sons to have “rape rooms” to which they took any woman that they wanted. This was evil personified!

9 thoughts on “Monday, February 12, 2018

  1. Amen! Reading the book, “Is This The End?” by Dr. David Jeremiah. Well researched and informative of present world situations. Jeremiah loved his people and homeland and endured much. Like your song Beverlee.

    “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” (James 5:10).

  2. God cares for his people; He protected Jeremiah from those that wanted to kill him. As we look to Him and trust in His ways; He holds us in “The Palm of His hand”. Glory to God in the Highest!

  3. Romans 12:21 TY Lord for this Scripture!
    prayers of healing for Janet, a lifeguard’s mom, she is in the hospital, severe infection in the stomach, prayers of thanks for her son cleaning out her house while she is in the hospital! PRAISE THE LORD!
    prayers for Kaylin & family; very severe mental health issues, pray that proper intervention happens to keep ill people safe! Pray that the medical team will move to keep family quiet and safe and on a health care plan ..
    pray for a financial a breakthrough to happen in my life, need to get affairs in order,help family/friends and go upgrades in my home, TY Lord

    yesterday one home had the water pipe break, our homes are very old and that is why I need funds to upgrade, Praise the Lord for all the blessings He has given us this day!

    DO NOT BE OVERCOME WITH EVIL BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD!
    ROMANS 12:21

  4. I have been watching medical documentaries. It is just mind boggling to know what some individuals suffer through and puts my own ailments into perspective. I pray for every individual who is struggling especially those with Proteus Syndrome, Batten Disease and infant and childhood cancer. Prayers for everyone dealing with medical distress–Abigail and Mandy–and their parents siblings, and family members, in particular. May God heal You with His miracle touch and Breath of the Holy Spirit.

    • And to the family of baby Zane–may you hold his memory dear and be comforted by the love you shared with him. Know he is safe in the arms of Jesus in heaven.

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