Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Deliverance and a new future
Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 30: 1 - 10
Jeremiah 30: 3
The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land, I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the Lord.”

DEVOTION

Are we currently in a plateau of life? Tired and not sure what is next. No light ahead in the tunnel. No hopeful voice to be heard. Everything seems monotonous with no change in sight. Most, if not all, of us have been through this valley and it is not pleasant. We pray, fast, keep positive thoughts but nothing seems to make a difference. Perhaps sin has carried us too far. Maybe there is a place that is beyond God’s reach and an end to His grace. Anxious thoughts… Disturbing thoughts grip all of us. 
Israel might have had similar thoughts. A group of people who had been chosen by God… Who witnessed God’s extraordinary providence through the ten plagues, parting of the red sea, heavenly rain of manna and quail, and many more miraculous acts are being captured and sold as slaves to Babylon due to their spiritual decline and disobedience to God’s commands.
But God still has a message for them. He assures them through prophet Jeremiah that He will bring the people back to the land that He promised them. (v3) He promises that the descendants of Israel and Judah will once again experience peace and security and that they will serve the Lord their God. (v9-10)
Similarly, God has a message for you. There is no sin that can take you far away from His grace. There is no end to His mercy, and nothing can separate you from His love. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will deliver you and guide you. If only, you would listen and choose to seek and return to Him. Just as the prodigal son’s father was waiting for him, our Heavenly Father is waiting with open arms to welcome and clothe us in His grace. Let us heed His call and run back to Him.

PRAYER

Our Father, forgive us our sins and help us to experience your loving embrace. Help our lives to be a testimony of your grace.

Thought for the day

“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.” – Jerry Bridges

Noel George - Long Island Mar Thoma Church, New York

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