1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,560
Day 216, or August the 4th.

2
00:00:04,560 --> 00:00:07,820
Return to God and serve Him.

3
00:00:07,820 --> 00:00:12,680
Our thoughts today are rooted in Jeremiah chapter 15 verse 19.

4
00:00:12,680 --> 00:00:18,620
Therefore, this is what the LORD says, If you repent, I will restore you that you may

5
00:00:18,620 --> 00:00:20,040
serve me.

6
00:00:20,040 --> 00:00:25,460
If you utter worthy, not worthless words, you will be my spokesman.

7
00:00:25,460 --> 00:00:31,680
Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.

8
00:00:31,680 --> 00:00:35,200
And now the big picture surrounding this verse.

9
00:00:35,200 --> 00:00:39,240
Jeremiah tells the people of Judah that they are in trouble because they have broken their

10
00:00:39,240 --> 00:00:42,600
covenant or agreement with God.

11
00:00:42,600 --> 00:00:47,080
God has kept His side, but they have broken theirs.

12
00:00:47,080 --> 00:00:51,280
Memories are short and the rebellious action of their fellow Israelites, who are now no

13
00:00:51,280 --> 00:00:57,040
longer living in the north of the land, has faded as the people of Judah proceed to make

14
00:00:57,040 --> 00:01:02,640
lifestyle changes which will result in judgment from God.

15
00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:08,680
They are cold and distant, but Jeremiah still reminds them that God will forgive them if

16
00:01:08,680 --> 00:01:10,480
they return to Him.

17
00:01:10,480 --> 00:01:15,760
They must have thought that as they are at least outwardly religious, then God will forgive

18
00:01:15,760 --> 00:01:16,760
them.

19
00:01:16,760 --> 00:01:22,200
They will have to learn the hard way that God looks on the heart and not only at actions

20
00:01:22,200 --> 00:01:26,440
performed in His name.

21
00:01:26,440 --> 00:01:29,720
And now our action step for today.

22
00:01:29,720 --> 00:01:35,080
The God of covenants tells His people that He will restore them, but they must first

23
00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:37,040
return to Him.

24
00:01:37,040 --> 00:01:42,400
As His people, they will speak wisely when they speak as His representatives, and they

25
00:01:42,400 --> 00:01:47,840
must be the good influence in society rather than letting their godless neighbours take

26
00:01:47,840 --> 00:01:49,880
centre stage.

27
00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:54,600
God's people must be influential for His sake today.

28
00:01:54,600 --> 00:01:59,360
When believers are amongst the movers and shakers of our land, then we can truly be

29
00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:02,960
the salt and light that we ought to be.

30
00:02:02,960 --> 00:02:05,920
The first step is to return to God.

31
00:02:05,920 --> 00:02:12,560
Then we will be restored just like John promises many centuries later in 1 John chapter 1 verse

32
00:02:12,560 --> 00:02:13,880
9.

33
00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:20,400
But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse

34
00:02:20,400 --> 00:02:23,040
us from all wickedness.

35
00:02:23,040 --> 00:02:24,680
Don't waste another minute.

36
00:02:24,680 --> 00:02:37,400
We reconcile back to God and then shine for Him wherever you are.