Jeremiah 7:5-7 – “For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor, ⁶ if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, ⁷ then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, three words filled my mind: Why, If, Then.  

Jeremiah 4:1 begins with the call to Repentance.   Everything in God’s kingdom begins at the Gate of Repentance.   He said, Repent, and return! In that is “putting away” that which is not life-giving.  THEN, the promises, provisions, and presence of God would be their companion.

Jeremiah 7:5 says, “IF (that pesky word), we amend our ways (hearts) and our doings (actions).”   We are the temple of God!   IF requires action on our part.

Jeremiah 12 is filled with the perplexity of life and its seeming unfairness. WHY? (v 2).  When we read verses 1-2, we cannot help but be amazed.   Out of those verses comes the challenge of verse 5, which speaks of facing life with and without God. Which is our way?

Then, I was challenged in the Book of Acts about the Church, the Family of God, and the Harvest.  The harvest will not be reached, and our assignment will not be completed by church attendance or even giving sermons in church.   This Gospel of the King and Kingdom is a life manifested, not an action we take. It is exposing others to the Christ in us.

How did the church become a mega-church in Jerusalem?  It wasn’t the great oratory, innovative activities, the splendor of the facilities, or the programs.  It was Jesus in them touching people where they were (geographically and spiritually). They filled Jerusalem with their doctrine (teaching, message, experience).  They demonstrated a life of difference, not indifference. (Acts 5:28-29).

In Acts 4:4, we find that 5,000 men were saved because of one miracle. I wonder how much a miracle would affect us today and for how long?

The Gospel consumed them. Acts 5:42 – “And they did not cease to teach DAILY in the temple and at home and to preach concerning our Lord Jesus Christ.”

If what we have spiritually is not impacting those around us, has it impacted us?   Maybe that would be a good barometer for self-examination.  Do those around us want what we have?  Do they seek God because of what they see in us?   Do they?

LORD, help us to become who You have designed us to be!