It’s a tragedy when we base decisions on a source that we assume is trustworthy. But sometimes something unforeseen, or behind the scenes subtly leads us down the wrong path. One of the worst and often given pieces of advice by well-meaning people is to “just follow your heart.” We assume that our hearts would never lead us astray. But as Jeremiah warned, if we understand only one thing about the heart, it’s that it is deceitful. Our sick and wicked heart has its finger on the scales. No matter how we rationalize or justify, our heart is both literally and figuratively self-centered. People have abandoned their spouses and families in the name of following their heart. 

Following our heart is no guarantee of a good choice or a successful life. If you want to get where you want to go find a guide that is trustworthy and beyond reproach. Follow Christ and die to those things that would ultimately take you down the wrong path. 

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:

• Can you think of a time when following your heart might have led to destructive consequences? 
• How do you think our hearts mislead us? 
• How can we protect ourselves from our hearts AND protect our hearts as it says in Proverbs 4:23?

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 

Explain – what does the passage mean? 

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” 

Other than Jesus, the person I respect more than any other in all of history is Jeremiah. No one else comes close. God chose this man to deliver a message that no one wanted to hear, and for decades Jeremiah’s ministry caused him pain. His prophecy declared that Israel was going to be captured and in captivity for 70 years. He was thrown into prison for the message, then blamed when the message came true. He was depressed and cried a lot, but he never quit. He wanted to, but the message burned so much in him that quitting was always second to moving forward.

Jeremiah truly served God for what seemed to be nothing. If I have an ounce of grit in ministry, it comes from desiring the heart of Jeremiah. Not that he was a macho beefcake. No, he was just faithful, tough, and able to take a beating for the cause of Christ, simply because the message was bigger than the man. God’s will was bigger than Jeremiah. One of the ingredients of a follower of Christ is a sense of belonging to something greater than yourself. It gives a backbone, stability, and courage.

The message was not all bad though. Surrounding this passage, God declares that disobedience brings suffering. But these verses give hope and scream, “Deliverance is coming!”. Listen, the world is not always going to be bad. Sickness and death are not always going to consume us. In the midst of pain, deliverance is in sight.

Jeremiah is the longest book in the Bible in content, but with a simple message.

• God is Sovereign Lord
• Disobedience brings suffering
• Deliverance is available in Christ

Pastor Stephen Williams

The chapter is penned from the perspective of Israel, realizing too late how important this suffering servant actually was. Take some time today to reflect on this powerful passage of Servant as Savior and thank God for all that this unassuming and understated messiah did for you and me. 

Jon Price, Associate Pastor

Isaiah 44:24

I wasn’t where I should have been and I was caught! I was red-faced and humiliated at my guilt! I’m sure you know the feeling. 

Israel continued year after year, king after king, in their sin. They knew better. They had heard the warnings of judgment but refused to repent and turn to the Lord. In this chapter, Isaiah’s audience is discouraged. As a part of God’s judgment, they had been taken into captivity by the Babylonians. The prophet gave them comfort and hope by reminding them of God’s character. As the Supreme Lord, He has power over all. As Redeemer, He can give the worthless value. And as Creator, He can make all things new. 

We are all guilty and deserve the judgment of God. Just like the time I got caught and was punished, my sin carried a heavy weight of guilt. I can’t help but be overwhelmed when I shift focus from my sin to the hope found in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:7 says “ In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Jesus our Lord, Creator, and Redeemer has it all covered.

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions: 

• Which piece of God’s character do you need to focus on today?

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 

Explain – what does the passage mean? 

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Mindy Jordan, Women’s Ministry Leader

Isaiah 40:28-31

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;     they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I’ve had the opportunity to fly in huge and small jets, itty-biddy two-seater prop planes, and even a helicopter. I know nothing about flying, so I must trust the pilot to make take-offs and landings come out even.

I have often taken off in “my” flight plan of life and only had fuel to get almost there. Hi – I’m Jim – and I’m a workaholic. He who burns the candle at both ends is not as bright as he thinks. I am well experienced with weak, tired, and weary. Some of it is caused by life, but most of it is caused by me. Fully trusting God is a never-ending struggle. Learning to rest in Him is a great comfort, but many times we don’t get there until we have exhausted ourselves.  “Come unto me and I will give you rest…” seems out of reach.

Do you trust your pilot? If God is your co-pilot – change seats!

He doesn’t sleep, get tired, and – He knows what He’s talking about. He knows what He’s doing, He knows where He’s going and how He will take us there. He even knows the weathers of life we will go through. He has the flight plan, the checklist, the understanding, the credentials, and the experience. So, to fly high like an eagle, grab your instructions from the seat in front of you (Bible) and trust God!

Take a few moments, rest, and worship with this song from Isiah 40.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfDVHVZ60qU

• In what areas do you find it challenging to trust your pilot?  

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 

Explain – what does the passage mean? 

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Jim Sellers, Minister of Music and YAH Director

There are times in my life when I feel like I am “on a roll” as a Christian. When my church attendance has been solid, when I’ve read my Bible so many consecutive days in a row, or maybe even help out a homeless guy by feeding him and sharing the gospel. While all of these things are all part of a Christian walk, I start to feel prideful of my faith and maybe even think I’m doing better than a lot of other Christians. The awareness of my own sin and brokenness fade away into the background. In times like this I take a step back and meditate on the glory and perfection of our Lord. No amount of good works or “correct Christian behavior” can compare to the holiness and glory of God. When you take a diamond that may look flawless on the outside and lay it against a perfectly black background and have the right light upon it, you see every flaw and imperfection that was invisible before.
I challenge you today to stop and really meditate on the awesomeness of God. We were made to glorify Him in everything we do, and it starts with realizing how broken we are and how perfect He is.

Consider using the HEAR method while spending time with the passage above. 

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?