Trusting the LORD brings clarity about yourself and others (Jer 16:19-17:10)

 Jer 16:19-17:10

key verse:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. Jer 17:9-10

Divisions

• A) Jeremiah acknowledges God's character and receives God's plan (Jer 16:19-21)
• B) Sin runs deep until the Lord intervenes with crisis and calamity (Jer 17:1-4)
• C) God knows where our trust is and rewards accordingly (Jer 17:5-10)

A) Jeremiah acknowledges God's character and receives God's plan (Jer 16:19-21)

19) LORD, personal strength, fortress, refuge

19-20) Gospel truth; nations confess, "our ancestors left us a foolish heritage, worshiped worthless idols, made gods with their hands - obviously not real. "

• For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 1 Peter 1:18
• This week in BSF we studied Revelation 5.  In Revelation 5, only Jesus was found worthy to open God’s scroll because He,  the Lamb who had been slain, shed His blood on the cross to buy back people for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation. He delivers them from sin’s slavery and makes them a kingdom and priests to serve God. 
• The Lord brought me to the application of of believing God and speaking. Searching for this I came to The Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. I've been thinking of Christine Foster's conversion into faith as a result of God's calling on my life and Greg/Rich, I just referenced this today. 

21) LORD, "I will show power, might, at last they will know and understand that I am the Lord."

• Lord, help me to minister to my family and make the room for you to be revealed in their life. Give us eyes that see, ears that hear and heart that understands. 

B) Sin runs deep until the Lord intervenes with crisis and calamity (Jer 17:1-4)

1-2) sin of Judah carved into hearts, in children, idol worship everywhere

3-4) LORD hands over holy mountain/wealth/treasure/idols to enemies, slipped away, captives

C) God knows where our trust is and rewards accordingly (Jer 17:5-10)

5-6) LORD says cursed who trust mere humans and turn hearts away from LORD, shrubs in desert (Matthew 13:22 (ESV), Mark 4:17 (ESV)

7-8) Blessed who trust/hope/confidence in LORD,  trees/river, deep roots - heat, drought no problem - always fruitful and green 

9-10) human heart deceitful/desperately wicked - LORD searches all hearts, secret motives/rewards according to actions

• You know/understand my thoughts - Psalm 139:1-2
• God will repay each one according to his deeds - Romans 2:6
• LORD does not see as man does, he sees the heart - 1 Sam 16:7, Proverbs 21:2
• Let the Word of God do it's work within your heart Heb 4:12-13
• Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds. (Psalm 7:9)

As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Not just old testament, but applies to us today:

• For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. - Matthew 16:27
• "Churches will know that that I am the One who searches minds and hearts and will repay each of you according to your deeds." - Jesus Rev 2:23
• God knows Proverbs 24:12, Job 34:21
• Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Gal 6:7-8
• For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Cor 5:10
• And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27

As I'm preparing for Alpha tomorrow, ministering to my father in law and have a hopeful heart for Sammy, Paul, Darren, Cassy, Missy, KC, Winn, Benjamin, Check, Joshua... I'm grateful for the call of God on our lives. His loving mercy and kindness, endures. Yesterday at church we celebrated the days of Elijah:

Rev 22:12 - Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. 

The hardest part of ministry is loving people even when they are hard hearted, unrighteous and vile because it reveals the reality of our own hearts. 

• God's Word is a mirror when we don't look our best, it's a plumb line when we're leaning on our strength, it's a cold shower to sober us up, it's the shock of lightening that blows up a tree, it's the vault that's impenetrable, without faith eyes that see. (poem based on Rev 22:11-12)

The easiest part of ministry is loving people who are made right with God, practice righteousness and continue to be holy. 

• God's Word is a window into possibility when nothing is left, it's clear way of rescue when I'm this close to death, it's a pure drink of water from a bubbling brook, it's how life was intended, it's how love really works (poem based on Rev 22:11-12)

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Thankful obedience is our acceptable worship, leads us to understanding

The most important parable Jesus gave was to explain how people hear God's word (seed) and understand it (taken to heart in "good soil").  Preparation of the soil and good timing increases the likelihood of proper growth in Christian life. At church, we always sing songs, hymns and spiritual songs before receiving the message about Christ. One of my favorite songs in Joy to the World. The verse, "Let every heart prepare Him room, Let heaven and nature sing - Joy to the World." 

God is our natural environment, everything in life is better with Him in us, we find we are in Him. Yet we must "prepare Him room" in our hearts. Singing truth about who God is and who we are in concert with other believers is a way this happens. People can "hear" praise and worship but not see "heaven and nature" sing. When we stop ourselves from singing we are tempted to judge and not let the word of Christ dwell in our hearts. We can get trapped in the same distracting thoughts and attitudes and miss out on being healed. Jesus describes this effect here:

• For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’  Matthew 13:15

I remember years ago in a prayer meeting, we were singing a new song, "be my everything." It has easy to accept and receive statements of "God in my living, there in my breathing, God in my waking, God in my sleeping, God in my resting, there in my working,  God in my thinking, God in my speaking...Be my everything, be my everything, Be my everything, be my everything" I found myself singing this song to God in heaven with my heart full of gratitude. The second verse has harder to accept and received statements, that highlights our frailty and inability to fulfill our hopes and dreams. "God in my hoping, there in my dreaming, God in my watching, God in my waiting." So we go on with life and through the ups and downs we ask God, be my everything. "God in my laughing, there in my weeping, God in my hurting, God in my healing, Be my everything, be my everything, Be my everything, be my everything." 

As I worshiped God through this song I couldn't hold back the tears. Because our whole life culminates in the bridge, "Christ in me, Christ in me, Christ in me, the hope of glory, You are everything. Christ in me, Christ in me, Christ in me, the hope of glory, Be my everything" 

• The the negative and positive response to God's word is explained in the parable of the soils from Moses (Deuteronomy 29:4) to the prophets (Isaiah 6:9-10, Ezekiel 12:2, Jeremiah 5:21) and taught by Jesus in all the Gospels (Matthew 13: Mark 4:12, Luke 8:10, John 12:40). The Church in gives us this reality post resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 28:26-27, Romans 11:8). 

Yet when we offer ourselves to God as a living sacrifice our heart, mind, and world opens up.

• The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. Isaiah 50:4, Romans 12:1-3
• And he will startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not been told; they will understand what they had not heard about. Isaiah 52:15. 
• Christine Foster opened her new Bible on the way to BSF the day after she received Jesus as Lord and Savior. God revealed as Psalm 91:1 to her "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust'”. Psalm 91 is considered a song of comfort in Judaism. It is also interpreted as a victory for the Messiah and those who are perfected by him. 
• Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. Isaiah 57:1

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Faith connected to the renewed mind, brings hope to every situation (2 Cor 10:3-5, Proverbs 21:22,

How to Renew Your Mind and Live with Hope for Every Situation - Bill Johnson Sermon | Bethel Church

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 (NKJV)

A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold. Proverbs 21: 22 (NKJV)

• Proverbs 21 is captioned "the LORD Considers the Heart", Proverbs 21:1) the heart placed in God's hands is like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. 
• Put this together with 1 Corinthians 2:16 & Romans 12:1-3, we get "The renewed mind creates a context for faith, like the banks of a river create a context for the river flowing." - The mind trained by Faith, the ascended life (James 3:13-18). Wisdom comes from heeding God's word and obeying (Jeremiah 23:18). Spirit and mind are sometimes used inter changeably (Isaiah 40:13, Romans 11:34). Our most important responsibility is to what we think about Jesus (Luke 10:22).
• We see ourselves as right, but LORD examines our heart, righteousness and justice please him (Proverbs 21:2-3)
• Sinful: haughty eyes, proud heart and evil action (4), hasty shortcuts, love pleasure (5, 17,20), lying (6), violence, unjust (7), guilty walk a crooked path (8,16) , quarrelsome (9,19), evil desire/wicked/traitor (unmerciful) (10,12,18), scoffer, mocker (11,24), deaf to poor (13), evildoer/worker of iniquity (15), lazy (25), covetous greed (26), wrong motives (27), false witness, bluffs (28,29)
• Wise: good planning, diligent (5), innocent, pure (8), instructed, common sense, thoughtful, virtuous (11,16, 29), just, joyful, godly (15), wealth and luxury (20), follows/pursues righteousness, mercy/unfailing-love (21), conquer/brings down strongholds (22), guarded words (23), benevolent giver (26), credible witness (28), trusts LORD (30), prepared (31)
• Trust is the issue: Mark 10:24 (AMPC), And the disciples were amazed and bewildered and perplexed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how hard it is for those who trust (place their confidence, their sense of safety) in riches to enter the kingdom of God!
• Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Heb 13:5
• You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24
• For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs...As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Tim 6:10-17

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11: 6 (NKJV)

The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 (NKJV), 2 Timothy 2:19-26 shows the results of giving our lives to the Lord. 

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Crowns of reward for those who lovingly trust in Christ Jesus

BSF lesson 9 on Rev 4:2-6 talks about John's vision of God on His throne. We see each elder dressed in white (purity), wearing a crown of gold (victory in Christ. All believers are promised pure white garments of righteousness, crowns of reward and glory in Christ. 

• Unapproachable light: 1 Timothy 6:16
• Heavenly rewards: 2 Timothy 4:7-8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 19:7-8
• Mount Sinai: Exodus 19:16
• Fear of God: Exodus 19:17-19; 20:18-21; Deuteronomy 5:23-27
• Mercy and access: Romans 5:1-2; Hebrews 4:14-16
• Seven: Leviticus 25:8-9; 1 Samuel 2:5; Zechariah 4:10; Revelation 1:4; 3:1
• Spirit of the Lord: Isaiah 11:2 

Kim and I were talking about the "types of crowns" and found this great resource in Got Questions (This also makes me think about the helmet of salvation. We win the battle of the mind (Eph 6:17), when we see God has already fought our battle. Lord God is "clothed" in righteousness, bringing justice and salvation for his own. Isaiah 59:17; The Lord put on righteousness as his armor, wore the helmet of salvation and clothed himself with robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion (to bring justice). Isaiah 61:10; Overwhelming joy in the Lord God! He dressed me with clothing of salvation and a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 63:1-3 The Lord's clothing stained red, announcing your salvation - the Lord has power to save! (Revelation 19:13)

James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). The question then is how do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). As His children we must keep His commandments, obeying Him, always remaining faithful. So, as we endure the inevitable trials, pains, heartaches, and tribulations—as long as we live—may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and receive the crown of life that awaits us.

1) The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate [disciplined] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (NKJV). All things on this earth are subject to decay and will perish. Jesus urges us to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). This is analogous to what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).

2) The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

3) The Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8) “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ which is what gives us a right to it, and without which it cannot be obtained. Because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity (Philippians 3:20). This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing, a fervent desire to be with the Lord.

4) The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4) “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness. Recall Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Galatians 1:5). It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NKJV).

5) The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Just as things such as air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what is required for our spiritual lives. He is the One who provides “living water.” He is the “bread of life” (John 4:10, 6:35). We know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25).

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What happens when we trust God with everything (Isaiah 30:15-25)

Reading God becomes like clothing to me (Job 30:18, Matthew 16:24-28) and thinking about Christ is greater in the rest he gives (Hebrews 3:7-4:13) the Lord brought me to see the blessing in Isaiah 30:15-25

This is what the Sovereign Lord,

    the Holy One of Israel, says:

“Only in returning to me

    and resting in me will you be saved.

In quietness and confidence is your strength...(yet we run from God in terror)

...So the Lord must wait for you to come to him

    so he can show you his love and compassion.

For the Lord is a faithful God.

    Blessed are those who wait for his help. - Isaiah 30:15,18

Jesus said, "come to me with your burdens and I will give you rest for your souls." if we come to him burdened and leave still burdened we haven't prayed, we've only complained. 

O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, (Zion can also refer to those who are "pure in heart")

    you will weep no more.

He will be gracious if you ask for help.

    He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.

Though the Lord gave you adversity for food

    and suffering for drink,

he will still be with you to teach you. (the Lord disciplines those he loves Heb 12)

    You will see your teacher with your own eyes.

Your own ears will hear him.

    Right behind you a voice will say,

“This is the way you should go,”

    whether to the right or to the left. (absolute clarity - be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray, above all love each deeply because love covers a multitude of sins)

Then you will destroy all your silver idols

    and your precious gold images.

You will throw them out like filthy rags,

    saying to them, “Good riddance!”

Then the Lord will bless you with rain at planting time. There will be wonderful harvests and plenty of pastureland for your livestock. The oxen and donkeys that till the ground will eat good grain, its chaff blown away by the wind. In that day, when your enemies are slaughtered and the towers fall, there will be streams of water flowing down every mountain and hill.

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