Day 216, or August the 4th.
Return to God and serve Him.
Our thoughts today are rooted in Jeremiah chapter 15 verse 19.
Therefore, this is what the LORD says, If you repent, I will restore you that you may
serve me.
If you utter worthy, not worthless words, you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
And now the big picture surrounding this verse.
Jeremiah tells the people of Judah that they are in trouble because they have broken their
covenant or agreement with God.
God has kept His side, but they have broken theirs.
Memories are short and the rebellious action of their fellow Israelites, who are now no
longer living in the north of the land, has faded as the people of Judah proceed to make
lifestyle changes which will result in judgment from God.
They are cold and distant, but Jeremiah still reminds them that God will forgive them if
they return to Him.
They must have thought that as they are at least outwardly religious, then God will forgive
them.
They will have to learn the hard way that God looks on the heart and not only at actions
performed in His name.
And now our action step for today.
The God of covenants tells His people that He will restore them, but they must first
return to Him.
As His people, they will speak wisely when they speak as His representatives, and they
must be the good influence in society rather than letting their godless neighbours take
centre stage.
God's people must be influential for His sake today.
When believers are amongst the movers and shakers of our land, then we can truly be
the salt and light that we ought to be.
The first step is to return to God.
Then we will be restored just like John promises many centuries later in 1 John chapter 1 verse
9.
But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all wickedness.
Don't waste another minute.
We reconcile back to God and then shine for Him wherever you are.