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Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans For Us Are Good; Giving Us Hope And A Future.Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.INTRODUCTION Everyone is encouraged by leaders who stir us to move ahead, who believe we can do the tasks they have given us, and who will be with us all the way. God was that kind of leader for these captives and is also that kind of leader for us. He knows the future, and his plans for us are good and full of hope. As long as God, who knows the future, directs our agendas and goes with us as we fulfill his mission, we can have boundless hope. This does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering, or hardship. That is a guaranteed part of life in this sinful world. But it does mean that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are "thoughts of peace, and not of evil." [Jer. 29:11] It declares that while God's hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me. DA 57 COMMENTARY A Personal And Individual Love God loves you personally. You are His creation, handcrafted by Him before the earth began. He knows you specifically - the number of hairs on your head and every hue and shade of color in your irises. He knew your name long before you entered this world, and He has a specific plan and purpose for you. He didn't set out to make you like someone else, because He wants the unique worship that only you can offer. If we're honest, it's easy to look at other people and say, "Wow, I wish I were more like them." But God is saying to you today, I took care to make you exactly the way you are. Though we are all made differently, we have something massive in common. God loves each of us individually and intimately, in remarkable and specific ways. Take a moment today to slow down and dwell on this powerful truth. God knows your name. He knows your story. Look up and say yes to His love and plans for you. Dear God, You created me on purpose and for a purpose. Therefore, I can stop trying to be like everyone else. Instead, I can rest confidently in the plans You have for my life. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] ILLUSTRATION I'm a fan of tomatoes. This spring, I planted four different kinds: heirloom, Early Girl, Sun Gold, and Roma. The starter plants I placed in my gardening beds weren't much bigger than my palm. I had no idea how they would do and tried to make growing conditions perfect. I added organic mulch to the soil and placed a shiny green tomato cage over each plant. Bright sun and regular watering caused an abundance of growth. The plants were so huge and heavy with fruit that they bent the tomato cages sideways. Each afternoon, I filled a mixing bowl with the day's bounty. But the plants were doing exactly what they were made to do: grow, grow, GROW. Sometimes, I forget that Jesus wants me to prosper. I get sidetracked with worries about my family, friends, and work. My ability to navigate life with wisdom and clarity seems to be overrun by my struggles with anxiety and fear. But He has plans for me anyway. Jesus is preparing the soil of my life with goodness and mercy. He is lifting me with His grace and truth. He wants the fruit of His Spirit to flourish in every area of my life. Jesus is the Spring of Living Water (John 7:3 8). He wants me to grow, grow, GROW. Susanna Foth Aughtmon Faith Step: Take a walk near a garden or park. Notice the growth in nature. With each step, praise Jesus for an area in your life that He is growing in you with His grace and truth. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] CLOSING THOUGHT The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange. PP 129 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans For Us Are Good; Giving Us Hope And A Future: https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240403-0905.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240112-0729.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230518-1135.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230101-0846.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200716-0903.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20131104-1716.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20081020-1229.html Isaiah 55:8, 9 - Gods Thoughts and Ways are Higher than Our Thoughts and Ways. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230713-1150.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |