Joel 3:1-2

January 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land” (Joel 3:1-2).

These two verses prompt 2 different and opposite responses from me. First, I say hallelujah to the idea that God will restore Judah and Jerusalem. 

Second, I say yikes to the idea that God will gather the nations for judgment because they have scattered the people and divided the land. The US is currently pushing a two-state solution to the conflict. This is a peace plan that divides the land and will bring judgment on all the nations involved. 

Father, thank you for your kindness and your faithfulness. There is none like you. Amen. 

Filed Under: covanent, devotional thoughts, Joel, Land Promises, Old Testament

Jeremiah 51:5

October 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by their God, the Lord of hosts, but the land of the Chaldeans is full of guilt against the Holy One of Israel.” (Jeremiah 51:5)

This word of assurance may seem unbelievable since Israel is still in captivity. How could they feel anything but forsaken?

Of course, our feelings have some value – we were created as emotional beings – but we are not to be driven by our feelings. At times, our feelings may tell us the wrong thing, particularly if we are in a difficult situation. We have to allow truth to guide us.

When Israel was in Babylon, they had not been abandoned by God. No doubt it felt like they had been abandoned, but they hadn’t. In those circumstances, the only thing they had to go on was faith. They had to believe what God had said and kept saying.

We will find ourselves in circumstances that suggest God has abandoned us … but He hasn’t.

Father, help me believe in you without wavering. Amen.

Filed Under: covanent, devotional thoughts, Jeremiah, Old Testament

Jeremiah 50:17-20

October 12, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“Israel is a hunted sheep driven away by lions. First the king of Assyria devoured him, and now at last Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has gnawed his bones. Therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing punishment on the king of Babylon and his land, as I punished the king of Assyria. I will restore Israel to his pasture, and he shall feed on Carmel and in Bashan, and his desire shall be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and in Gilead. In those days and in that time, declares the Lord, iniquity shall be sought in Israel, and there shall be none, and sin in Judah, and none shall be found, for I will pardon those whom I leave as a remnant.” (Jeremiah 5:17-20)

While God uses the nations of the world to accomplish His purposes, He does not give them free rein to do as they please. When they go too far, there is a price to be paid. We see this in 50:39-40. Babylon will be destroyed and never inhabited again.

Also, Israel will be returned to their land. However, all of this prophecy has not been fulfilled yet. For “iniquity shall be sought in Israel, and there shall be none, and sin in Judah, and none shall be found.” So, we have something to look forward to.

I look forward to the day that Israel doesn’t sin, and I don’t sin. Amen.

Filed Under: covanent, devotional thoughts, Jeremiah, Old Testament

Jeremiah 49:19

October 11, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“Behold, like a lion coming up from the jungle of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly make him run away from her. And I will appoint over her whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who will summon me? What shepherd can stand before me?”

Chapter 49 focuses on the surrounding nations that have come under God’s judgment. Verse 19 is focused on Edom’s inability to resist the mighty hand of God. Note the three questions offered in this verse: “For who is like me? Who will summon me? What shepherd can stand before me?” In a word, nobody! These questions are designed to solicit a single response, reminding the hearer of God’s sovereign rule over the earth.

The lion imagery is intended to illustrate God’s activity in the details of life. He is not a sovereign ruler who remains at a distance. In fact, he is an all powerful who is involved in the very fine details of life.

Father, thank you that you are not only aware of what’s happening here, but you are involved in those things. Amen.

Filed Under: covanent, devotional thoughts, Jeremiah, Old Testament, Sovereignty

Jeremiah 47:6-7

October 9, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“Ah, sword of the Lord! How long till you are quiet? Put yourself into your scabbard; rest and be still! How can it be quiet when the Lord has given it a charge? Against Ashkelon and against the seashore, he has appointed it.” (Jeremiah 47:6-7)
‭‭
In this prophetic word, the Lord is pouring out his judgment on the Philistines in Gaza and Ashkelon. The consequences are so heavy that a question arises: “Ah, sword of the Lord! How long till you are quiet?” The answer: “How can it be quiet when the Lord has given it a charge?” In other words, I can’t be quiet; there is work to be done!

The imagery is interesting. The sword represents the judgment of God on the Philistines. As an image, the sword is an inanimate object. Yet, it remains busy in the Lord’s work as long as there is work to be done.

My thoughts race to the guy in the mirror, asking if he is equally faithful. Does he labor for the Lord as long as there is work?

Father, help me to have the spirit of the sword of the Lord: I can’t be quiet or rest as long as there is work to be done. Amen.

Filed Under: covanent, devotional thoughts, Old Testament, Prophecy
Next Page »