Holding Firm
Greetings in the Lord!
Today's word comes from Jeremiah chapter 38:
"Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jehucat son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah heard what Jeremiah was telling all the people when he said, "This is what the Lord says: 'Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live.' And this is what the Lord says: 'This city will certainly be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.'"
"Then the officials said to the king, "This man should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin."
"He is in your hands," King Zedekiah answered. "The king can do nothing to oppose you." So they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern of Malkijah, the king's son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern; it had no water in it, only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud."
~Have you ever had the opportunity to be a conscientious objector and been criticized for it?...even imprisoned for it? When the security of a nation is at risk, even a life and death struggle, officials may attempt to act one way "for the good of the people" while people of faith may clearly feel another way, then what? Is it justified to be imprisoned as a matter of principle like Jeremiah? Jeremiah was seen as a traitor, not just a dissenter. However, it is interesting that King Zedekiah kept requesting to hear what Jeremiah had to say...even though he was not strong enough to follow through with the words Jeremiah gave. I discern that today the Lord is saying that with the rising and falling of kings and governments all throughout the world, that we must be attuned to the Spirit and stand firm to what the Lord is saying. Imprisonment and persecution is a strong tool the enemy likes to use to keep the status quo, but nevertheless, the Lord will strengthen our hands and keep our knees steady in this hour if we are committed to preaching the word He has put in our hearts and mouths. The Lord will give the victory if we are willing to enter the battle. And just like King Zedekiah, the people in office really do want to hear what the Lord is saying--but how will they know to ask unless you stand up and hold firm to speak?
Since I know this bogsite is viewed by people all over the world, I am discerning that today's word is especially for people in those countries that are undecided this day on who and what they should be supporting in their governments, etc. Pray for discernment and for the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, to guide and fill you with godly convictions and the strength to stand up and speak and walk them out with a holy boldness. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen~
~Be blessed and be a blessing.
Today's word comes from Jeremiah chapter 38:
"Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jehucat son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah heard what Jeremiah was telling all the people when he said, "This is what the Lord says: 'Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live.' And this is what the Lord says: 'This city will certainly be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.'"
"Then the officials said to the king, "This man should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin."
"He is in your hands," King Zedekiah answered. "The king can do nothing to oppose you." So they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern of Malkijah, the king's son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern; it had no water in it, only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud."
~Have you ever had the opportunity to be a conscientious objector and been criticized for it?...even imprisoned for it? When the security of a nation is at risk, even a life and death struggle, officials may attempt to act one way "for the good of the people" while people of faith may clearly feel another way, then what? Is it justified to be imprisoned as a matter of principle like Jeremiah? Jeremiah was seen as a traitor, not just a dissenter. However, it is interesting that King Zedekiah kept requesting to hear what Jeremiah had to say...even though he was not strong enough to follow through with the words Jeremiah gave. I discern that today the Lord is saying that with the rising and falling of kings and governments all throughout the world, that we must be attuned to the Spirit and stand firm to what the Lord is saying. Imprisonment and persecution is a strong tool the enemy likes to use to keep the status quo, but nevertheless, the Lord will strengthen our hands and keep our knees steady in this hour if we are committed to preaching the word He has put in our hearts and mouths. The Lord will give the victory if we are willing to enter the battle. And just like King Zedekiah, the people in office really do want to hear what the Lord is saying--but how will they know to ask unless you stand up and hold firm to speak?
Since I know this bogsite is viewed by people all over the world, I am discerning that today's word is especially for people in those countries that are undecided this day on who and what they should be supporting in their governments, etc. Pray for discernment and for the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, to guide and fill you with godly convictions and the strength to stand up and speak and walk them out with a holy boldness. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen~
~Be blessed and be a blessing.
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