Verse of the Day 4/17

Through the Bible - 1Samuel 24-26, Luke 17:1-19

Good morning,
I watched the Democratic Presidential Debate last night which took place in Philadelphia. Having been to Philadelphia and Washington D.C. you can't help but see our Christian heritage in the writings and actions of our founding fathers.
Jeremiah had to feel the same way.
In yesterday's devotional I related to Lam. 3:22 -23 on a personal level, however, the book was actually "a cry for Israel". Jeremiah was commisioned by God to be a prophet not only to Israel, but to "the nations" (Jer. 1:5). He is still being so today.
Read the following verses and see if they hit home.
Jer 2:11 Has a nation changed its gods,
Which are not gods?
But My people have changed their Glory
For what does not profit. NKJV
During the debate, there were references to "religion" and "faith" but no call to turn to it. Many of the things going on in Washington, many of the battles in the courts are trying to suppress God.
Today's verse comes a couple of verses later in the chapter:
Jer 2:13 'For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that can hold no water. NKJV
Regarding the "two evils", MacArthur writes, "First, Isael had abandoned the Lord, the source of spiritual salvation and sustenance. Secondly, Israel turned to idolatrous objects of trust; Jeremiah compared these with underground water storage devices for rainwater, which were broken and let water seep out, thus proving useless."
If Christians don't hold on to their faith, their God, what will they turn to, where will it lead them?
This nation doesn't need to turn to a political party or candidate for hope but to God in the person of Jesus Christ.
Ps 39:7 "And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You. NKJV
What are some of the broken cisterns of today? What do people "glory in" today instead of Jesus Christ?
Draw near to the "Fountain of living waters".
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Jer 2:1-14

1 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 "Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying, 'Thus says the Lord:
"I remember you,The kindness of your youth,The love of your betrothal,When you went after Me in the wilderness,In a land not sown. 3 Israel was holiness to the Lord,The firstfruits of His increase.All that devour him will offend;Disaster will come upon them," says the Lord.'"
4 Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob and all the families of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the Lord:
"What injustice have your fathers found in Me,That they have gone far from Me,Have followed idols,And have become idolaters? 6 Neither did they say, 'Where is the Lord,Who brought us up out of the land of Egypt,Who led us through the wilderness,Through a land of deserts and pits,Through a land of drought and the shadow of death,Through a land that no one crossedAnd where no one dwelt?' 7 I brought you into a bountiful country,To eat its fruit and its goodness.But when you entered, you defiled My landAnd made My heritage an abomination. 8 The priests did not say, 'Where is the Lord?'And those who handle the law did not know Me;The rulers also transgressed against Me;The prophets prophesied by Baal,And walked after things that do not profit.
9 "Therefore I will yet bring charges against you," says the Lord,"And against your children's children I will bring charges. 10 For pass beyond the coasts of Cyprus and see,Send to Kedar and consider diligently,And see if there has been such a thing. 11 Has a nation changed its gods,Which are not gods?But My people have changed their GloryFor what does not profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this,And be horribly afraid;Be very desolate," says the Lord. 13 'For My people have committed two evils:They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,And hewn themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that can hold no water.

NKJV