Welcome to Youngsville Free Methodist Church

I learned some things about the book of Lamentations today that made it easier for me to read and understand.   Maybe it will help you too.

A few stray thoughts this morning, as we come to the end of Jeremiahs messages.

Yes, these are the worst of times, no doubt.   Everything is falling apart, and the nations are in crisis.   But don’t despair, there is a silver lining.

Three nations surrounding Judah who are just as rebellious and lost as Judah is.  Jeremiah speaks of how each of them will soon be conquered.

Stubborn resistance to God’s plan always leads to destruction.  There can’t b an example  more clear than what we read today.

I think that we often make the same mistake the Habakkuk made, but Chapter 2:3 helps reframe the issue.

Do you know what image comes to my mind as I read today’s selection?  Two lions fighting over a dead antelope.

I am filled with horror as I read how Jerusalem fell, and how king Zedekiah was forced to watch as his children were killed, and how his own eyes were then gouged out.   It’s like watching a wild animal attack defenseless prey for no other reason than to see it die.   

In today’s passage there are three clear responses to God’s request.  Only one of the three is rewarded, obviously that’s how we should act.

Buying houses and flipping them has become a national obsession here in the U.S., and everyone knows that property never loses its value….right?   Except maybe when a rogue nation is taking over the country and cancelling all land ownership.    What a crazy time to buy property.

In the midst of trial and difficulty, God reveals the reality of a time in the future when there will be peace, prosperity and great joy.   Is there a contemporary revelation for us?

People often say “I will admit that the Bible is true if ______ happens”.   Or, “I will repent when _______ happens”.   Today’s reading shows us why that isn’t a good policy.

Good Morning

As I was reading and doing some quick research, I discovered that there were  actually 4 different times when Judah was  overrun and exiled.  I don’t think I realized that before.    Daniel and his companions were taken in the first exile.  By the third or fourth one, people had resorted to cannibalism.

I love Jeremiah’s prayer in 10:23-24 “correct me Lord, but please be gentle”   I am so thankful that God is both merciful and gentle, because I am so often in need of correction.

I’m not sure how anyone could read what God is threatening to do and not make some immediate changes.   I don’t think it applies to me, and I am looking over my life to make sure I’m not drifting….that’s how scary this is.

“Plow up the hard ground of your heart” says the Lord through Jeremiah.  His words are good advice for us today.

A young man without  qualifications is directed to speak to entire nations.  Apart from Isaiah he remains the most popular Old Testament Prophet.  Here’s what he had to say:

Some interesting thoughts percolate this morning as I read this short prophesy by Zephaniah, who is generally unfamiliar to us.   Many people wouldn’t be able to say with certainty that Zephaniah was a book of the Bible, and yet there is a wonderful message here.

This is a wonderful picture of true repentance.  Josiah is a great role model for us.

The first part of Hezekiah’s ministry is seasoned with humility and wisdom.   But success appears to have corrupted him, here’s what he did:

I really admire Hezekiah, but I don’t ever want to do what he did here…

A humble and repentant man cries out to God, admitting his sin and the sin of his nation.  He asks God for help, and in Chapters 65 and 66 we hear God’s reply.

Will the temple be rebuilt before the Lord returns?   As I read this passage I wonder if it might be.

I find several very familiar references in today’s reading, and chapter 58 has really got me thinking….

Along with the wonderful description of Jesus  seen in this passage, I have a bunch of stray thoughts as well.

A second account of Hezekiah’s victory over the Assyrian king Sennacherib.   These psalms reflect our emotion when in trouble, and when we are delivered

Another “mind-blowing” prophecy from God through Isaiah.   God names the man who will conquer the kingdom that will conquer the kingdom in place now.   Yes, that’s right…two kingdoms from now, by name.   And it happened, just like God said.   When Isaiah spoke this name, the man hadn’t been born yet.

Read the Bible, and  let it rock your world.    It is widely accepted that an ancient Greek named Pythagoras first proposed that the earth was round.  He lived around 500 BC.   Aristotle developed that same theory later…he lived around 350 BC.     Our friend the prophet Isaiah lived at least 200 years before them, in 700 BC….and in 40:22 he identifies that the earth is a circle.   Boom.

If you’ve ever had a problem you can’t see your way around, this passage is for you.    Don’t forget, every “mountain top experience” was once just a mountain to be climbed.

Yes, the message that Isaiah delivers is grim, but God doesn’t leave his people without hope.   He promises to restore Israel (and us!) to an even greater glory than we had before.