A Divine Mulligan

“And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, ‘As the Lord lives,’ even as they taught my people to swear by Baal, then they shall be built up in the midst of my people. But if any nation will not listen, thenContinue reading “A Divine Mulligan”

The Right Side of the Fence

“Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from theirContinue reading “The Right Side of the Fence”

Heavenly Protection

“Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the men of Anathoth, who seek your life, and say, “Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, or you will die by our hand”— therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: “Behold, I will punish them. The young men shall die by the sword, their sons andContinue reading “Heavenly Protection”

When Time Runs Out

“Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble.” (Jeremiah 11:14, ESV) Prior to my call to the full-time ministry, I worked in manufacturing and engineering management positions. Having many yearsContinue reading “When Time Runs Out”

The Heart and Lasting Change

“Again the Lord said to me, “A conspiracy exists among the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have brokenContinue reading “The Heart and Lasting Change”

The Definition of Stupid

“For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the Lord; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.” (Jeremiah 10:21, ESV) Albert Einstein stated, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” When I was working as a consultant in manufacturing processContinue reading “The Definition of Stupid”

Being Weird

“Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity.” (Jeremiah 10:1–3, ESV) Years ago, I wasContinue reading “Being Weird”

Boldly Boasting

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice,Continue reading “Boldly Boasting”

Biblical Illiteracy

“Even the stork in the heavens knows her times, and the turtledove, swallow, and crane keep the time of their coming, but my people know not the rules of the Lord. “How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us’?” (Jeremiah 8:7–8, ESV) Is nature wiser than people?Continue reading “Biblical Illiteracy”

Foolish Refusal to Repent

“You shall say to them, Thus says the Lord: When men fall, do they not rise again? If one turns away, does he not return? Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return.” (Jeremiah 8:4–5, ESV) In 1973 I attended the United States ArmyContinue reading “Foolish Refusal to Repent”