Devotions'14-15 (cont)

This year, I'm not going to start another read-through-the-Bible devotional like I have the past couple of years.   But, I will try to finish up the rest of the "Life Principles Daily Bible".   Based on my sharing about how "being still" is so important to living joyfully, I wanted to have an entry for Devotions so that this area would not be neglected this year.  I will use this as a continuation of the Jan 2, 2014 entry for recording notes for this year.

2-Jan:

• Isaiah 59:2 clearly shows how our sins can affect our relationship with God:  "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."  In contrast, for their obedience, God said to the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35:19, they "shall not lack a man to stand for Me always"
• God's faithfulness, despite His People's unfaithfulness, is once again shown in His declaration in Isaiah 5:18, that despite the discipline that will be coming, "even in those days" that will not be completely destroyed.  The "remnant" is evidence of God's love and faithfulness.
• Col 4:17 says to take heed to the ministry we have been called to, that we may fulfill it - that's pretty clearly stated!
• Jeremiah 15:1 gives honor to Moses and Samuel (even though neither were "perfect"), in contrast to the unfaithfulness of the people.  I want to be counted among those who are counted as righteous, like Moses and Samuel  
• Jeremiah 17:8 very much reminds me of Psalm 1, of a tree firmly rooted that has no fear of the heat and drought, but will continue to be green bear fruit.   What a beautiful picture.
• In Jeremiah 21:5, God said that He Himself would war against His People, even in anger and wrath and great indignation for their sin and lack of repentance, not heeding the warnings of the prophets.  May I never cause God to be that angry against me.  Amen.
• 2 Thes 1:9 actually clearly states that there is "the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,"  contrary to those who say there is no eternal hell.  And the worst part of it, is eternal separation from God
• Jer 26:24 shows God's protection of Jeremiah from death before his time
• Jer 29:10-14 is used as the passage to remind us that "disappointments are inevitable but discouragement is a choice".   God is for us, we have hope, and we can always go to Him in prayer.
• Jer 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."  - God promises to answer our prayers; and He can reveal to us "great and mighty things".  Reminds me of my focus for 2015, which seems to indicate that prayer plays a part in "telling of the wondrous works of God"
• Jer 33:20-22 was confusing when I first read it; but, knowing that God is faithful even when His people are not; re-reading carefully, and looking up supplemental material; what this verse is actually saying is that His covenant is as sure as day and night