Heralds Digest

“Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you." Jeremiah‬ ‭7:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The disappointing experience of prophet Jeremiah in the business of intercession implied that God dearly hold on to the condition for effectual prayer. Intercession on behalf a person or people does not absolve the intended beneficiary from the demand for humility. Humility attracts grace that teaches denial of all forms of ungodliness, while pride cover up unrighteousness with religious activities and obligations. Adopting a christian name or associating with a bible-based organization will never provide what only a humble and a contrite heart can withdraw from the throne of grace. It is only a wasteful watch that care little about human responsibilities, compared to the expectation for God's intervention, in all of life's affairs.

“Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” Jeremiah‬ ‭6:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jer.6.16.nkjv The motive behind ungodly legislation and the manifestation of spurious restrictions against the preaching of the gospel message, and the practicing of godly manners, in most nations of the world, represent a clear rejection of godliness. The nation of Jerusalem clearly demonstrated her rebelliously liberal mindsets by their rejection of the commandments of the Lord. While liberalism in relationships among men encourages peaceful coexistence, a liberal mindset in our relationship with God is wasteful. Man is limited in his knowledge of good and bad; and absolute confidence in God's leading is the only prerequisite to salvation. In spite of the multiplicity of negative influences in the society, worthwhile ways stand out to embr...

“Do you not fear Me?’ says the LORD. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence, Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it? And though its waves toss to and fro, Yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.us/114/jer.5.22.nkjv Powerful elements in every system of life are like the mighty ocean, which are envied for their dynamic current and influencing waves. The ocean is acknowledged to possess the capacity to cease anyone and anything within its bounds, but no one care to query the enforcement of these bounds. Likewise, the sense of reign is easily interpreted as the ability to control people and resources within a specific sphere of influence. These powerful elements, sometimes in the homes, our societies, within government or institutional affairs, and even in all religious assemblies, are easily irritated by a suggestive change of opinion from subordinates...

““And when you are plundered, What will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, Though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, Though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; Your lovers will despise you; They will seek your life.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭4:30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jer.4.30.nkjv Human body represents a centre of attraction for decoration and display of beauty. Being wonderfully made, a beautiful outlook of man expectedly gives the glory back to God. Since the body appears to be the window to the heart of man, the living presentation of the body as holy sacrifice to God is requested as a reasonable service. Therefore, an holy sacrifice to God cannot attract the defilement from worldliness, and decorations that promote sexual attraction. When the Holy Spirit remains the one and only lover of the soul, the body becomes reserved for spiritual attractions. Obviously, the love of worldly amusement and pleasures have little good to off...

“And you shall swear, ‘The LORD lives,’ In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; The nations shall bless themselves in Him, And in Him they shall glory.”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jer.4.2.nkjv Just as the call to the men of Judah and Jerusalem in the days of prophet Jeremiah, God is calling men today to righteousness and not to religion. The nations are quick to celebrate the God of prosperity who is committed to the upkeep of the body in wealth and wellness. Meanwhile, the attributes of God have no penetrating influence on the attitute and hearts of people with empty praises. God demands worshippers whose hearts welcome the relevance of His absolute truth, total judgment and complete righteousness in all relationships. Diplomacy and all forms of lie often lay the foreskins of insincerity and unrighteousness over the heart of man. These fallow grounds need the hammer of God's grace for the needful seed of righteousness to be sown. Therefore, a humble hear...

“Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, And from the multitude of mountains; Truly, in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jer.3.23.nkjv Every sheep loves the message of salvation, and especially when it promises freedom from deprivation, destruction, and damnation. Unfortunately, many fake shepherds have developed different ways of screwing up the undiscerning sheep with messages of empty deliverance. While true deliverance comes from mount Zion with the privilege of holiness, there are many hills and multitude of mountains where prosperity flows without salvation from sin. Fake mountains are easily detected by their flamboyant projection of human personalities, besides an undistracted focus on the LORD Jesus Christ who is our Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer, Baptizer and the coming King. Therefore, a sincere shepherd singularly devotes his ministry in leading the sheep to the true Saviour; and not to himself.

“Will you not from this time cry unto me, 'My Father, you are the Guide of my youth?'". ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jer.3.4.nkjv Exposure of children to life and activities outside the home, where the influence of the father is consistently sustained, often promote a sense of independence in the heart of kids. As long as the in-door keeping of children is not healthy for their mental and emotional development, fathers have the responsibility of consistent review of the healthy opinions available to their children on various issues of life. Unfortunately, most youths are deceived to ignore godly counsels of their fathers, due to ungodly counsels flying around on the streets and in the social media. Like the experience of the children of Israel with the Heavenly Father, the opinions of the children of God are easily formed by their familiarity with practices and procedures, rather than their consistent fellowship with the Prince of peace. However, the Lo...