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Are you ready to travel

It’s summertime,  and many of us at one time or another this summer will be packing our bags to go on a trip. We will plan out what we need to take with us and how much money we need to take with us. We may even plan an itinerary in advance fir what we are going to do.

We will make our preparations.

http://bible.com/116/jer.10.17-18.nlt
Pack your bags and prepare to leave; the siege is about to begin. For this is what the Lord says: “Suddenly, I will fling out all you who live in this land. I will pour great troubles upon you, and at last you will feel my anger.”

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Boast! Yes, Be Bold, Stand Firm!

http://bible.com/116/jer.9.23-25.nlt
This is what the Lord says:
“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,
or the powerful boast in their power,
or the rich boast in their riches.
But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone:
that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.
I, the Lord , have spoken!
“A time is coming,” says the Lord , “when I will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit—

Life Application Notes
————————————
“People tend to admire four qualities in others: human wisdom, power (strength), kindness, and riches. But God puts a higher priority on knowing him personally and living a life that reflects his justice and righteousness. What do you want people to admire most about you?”

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He knows you, you are set apart

He who has ears,  hear what the Word of God says –

http://bible.com/116/jer.1.5.nlt
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

You are special and unique. Everything in creation has a purpose and is of use in fulfilling God’s purpose.

And you, friend are set apart and appointed.

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Don’t follow your heart, follow Christ

Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

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Secret Motives

Jeremiah 17:10 NLT
But I, the Lord , search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
——————————————–

Yes, the Lord searches our hearts.

People around us can only see our actions, so our actions matter in how they can influence and be an example to others –

But more important is the state of our heart, because our attitude, our reason behind the actions is what matters to God.

That is why a person with a cold, dead heart that shows up every Sunday for church because it is his civic duty to be a good example, may be in a much worse state with God than that homeless addict who is trying his hardest to get his life cleaned up to serve the Lord, but who outwardly serves as a warning to others about the dangers of drugs and addiction.

Yes, the Lord uses both as an example to teach us about the dangers of this world of tricks and traps. Some traps are easy to see and recognize, like addiction – but some are more sly and clever, like pride.

This is why our hearts are where the work that matters happens.

Soften our hearts, Lord. Help us to know your love, trust your love, show your love, and be your love today.

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Tapped into the Vine

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
“But blessed are those who trust in the lord and have made the lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Proverbs 11:30 ESV
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

…

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
——————————————–

I am tapped into the true vine, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

And this Holy Spirit that guides me and teaches me, He is the water that nourishes my soul so that this new creation inside me is alive and growing.

And when I am alive and growing, these living waters that fill my vessel spill out onto others around me, through these actions in my body that are a result of His will, not my own.

So any souls won are won by Christ who lives in me, not won by me – and this is why I lay down any crowns at the feet of Christ instead of proudly claiming any crowns as by my own works. He chooses, He calls, He extends grace.

I am simply a vessel, hoping each day to be equipped and ready for service, lifting my life as a sacrifice of praise to my Lord and Savior, who I love dearly, because He first loved me, and He rescued me, and now He lives with me, and guides me, in a renewed life that I never deserved.