Hope in the Darkness odb.org | Wenesday October 31, 2018 By Poh Fang Chia
Read: Jeremiah 31:16–26 | Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 22–23; Titus 1
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25
According to legend, Qu Yuan was a wise and patriotic Chinese government official who lived during the time known as the Warring States period (475–246 bc). It has been said that he tried repeatedly to warn his king about an impending threat that would destroy the country, but the king rejected his advice. Eventually, Qu Yuan was exiled. When he learned about the fall of his beloved country to the foe he had warned about, he ended his life.
Qu Yuan’s life resembles some aspects of the life of the prophet Jeremiah. He too served kings who scorned his warnings, and his country was ravaged. However, while Qu Yuan gave in to his despair, Jeremiah found genuine hope. Why the difference?
Jeremiah knew the Lord who offers the only true hope. “There is hope for your descendants,” God had assured His prophet. “Your children will return to their own land” (Jeremiah 31:17). Although Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 bc, it was later rebuilt (see Nehemiah 6:15).
At some point, we all find ourselves in situations that can cause us to despair. It could be a bad medical report, a sudden job loss, a shattered family. But when life knocks us down, we can still look up—for God is on the throne! He holds our days in His hands, and He holds us close to His heart.
Lord, fill me up with hope and give me a tangible reminder today that things will turn out right in Your way, in Your time.
The world hopes for the best, but the Lord offers the best hope. John Wesley
Is Jesus the Messiah? Messianic Prophecies - 7 His Ministry (2) - To continue in Jerusalem NKWA.LIFE | Monday, October 29, 2018 By Nkwa.Life Outreach Ministry
Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Mat 21:1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
Mat 21:2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.
Mat 21:3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."
Mat 21:4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
Mat 21:5 "Say to Daughter Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"
Mat 21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
Mat 21:7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
Mat 21:8. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
Mat 21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
#Yes you came to Jerusalem many times but the prophetic day of your triumphant entry came! Lord take us where you will - whether in obscurity or with public acclaim. Whether we be hailed or unnoticed, work your will in us. Whether in Galilee or Jerusalem May we go where you will lead in Jesus Name!!#
Why Doesn’t God Reject Sinners? CROSSWALK.COM | Wednesday, October 10, 2018 By Daily Hope with Rick Warren
“[God] will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve . . . The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:9-10, 13 NLT).
The Bible says there is no condemnation for our sin once we place our faith in Jesus, but it does not say there are no consequences. Every time you disobey God, you hurt yourself and you hurt other people. You lose your fellowship with Christ. You lose your effectiveness and joy here on Earth. You lose rewards in heaven.
But you do not lose your salvation. Why is that? Why doesn’t God just kick us out when we blow it? Why doesn’t God reject believers when we sin?
God’s love is unconditional.
God doesn’t say, “I love you if” or “I love you because”—just “I love you... period!” God will never stop loving you, because you are a recipient of his grace.
Lamentations 3:22 says, “[God’s] compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction” (TLB).
Your salvation isn’t based on your performance.
The Bible says, “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5 NLT). You can’t earn your way into heaven, buy your way into heaven, work your way to heaven, or bluff your way to heaven. The only way you ever have any hope of getting into heaven is by the grace of God.
Jesus has already taken your punishment.
The law of double jeopardy in our criminal justice system says you cannot be tried for the same crime twice. That’s true in God’s book, too. People are not punished for the same crime or the same sin twice.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus stretched his arms out on the cross and took the punishment for your sin. He served your term. The price is paid in full—all you have to do is accept the gift of forgiveness and salvation that he offers!
Jesus understands your human weaknesses.
God is sympathetic and understanding. He knows your frailties, your faults, and how you’re wired. And he is patient with you.
“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus lived in human flesh for 33 years, so he understands your weaknesses.
God doesn’t keep grudges.
The Bible says, “[God] will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. . . . The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:9-10, 13 NLT). If you are a believer, God is not angry with you. Why? Because all of the punishment was taken on the cross.
You may be thinking, “You don’t know how far I’ve fallen. You don’t know what I’ve done.” No, I don’t. But God does. If you think you’ve strayed too far from God, this is what God says to you: “Come back to me, you unfaithful children, and I will forgive you for being unfaithful” (Jeremiah 3:22 NCV).
