Jeremiah 23

On Saturday, Jeremiah 23 was the next thing for me to read in my bible reading schedule. It really stuck out to me.

  

“What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord.

 ² Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them. ³ But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number. ⁴ Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the Lord have spoken!

 ⁵ “For the time is coming,”

Verses three and four really hit me.

Even though teen mania, the ones that were supposed to protect us and were supposed to help lead us to safety, they led some of us astray. But what God says is truth. I see it in the blog. I see it in the hurting people. He’s gathering the lost and the hurting up, He’s making it so we will be fruitful, so we will increase in number, and he will give us responsible shepherds. We will never be afraid again.

This is not only for people that were led astray buy abusive internships but for any Christian that was wronged and who’s faith was shaken by another’s harsh words or misguided actions. I believe that God has His hand on us, especially those who are hurting and broken. He accepts us when it seems like everyone else has rejected us. 

More Bible Verses I Am Fond Of

Genesis 50:19

But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in place of God? You intended to harm but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Psalm 54:4

Surely God is my help; The Lord is one who sustains me.

Psalm 54:7

For he has delivered me from all my troubles and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the rightcheous fall.

Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid, what can mortal man do to me?

Psalm 57:1

Have mercy on me, O God, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in you until the disaster has passed.

Proverbs 27:5-6

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted but and enemy multiplies kisses.

Proverbs 27:12

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer through it.

Proverbs 27:19

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects a man.

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith...

Hebrews 10:25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in habit of doing but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Psalm 62:1-2 My soul finds rest in God alone My salvation comes from him He alone is my rock and my salvation He is my fortress I will never be shaken

Exodus 4:11

Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and teach you what to say.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 63:3-4

Because your love is better than life my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live and in your name I will lift my hands.

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Mark: 7:6-7

These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. The worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.

Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Psalm 68:19-20

Praise is to the Lord, to God our savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the sovereign Lord comes escape from death.

Psalm 69:6

May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me.

Proverbs 1:33

But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm.

Mark 8:33

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter, "Get behind me Satan!" he said " You do not

have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Mark 8:36

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul.

Mark 8:50

Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with each other.

James 1:2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and will be given to him.

James 1:19-20

Dear brothers and sisters take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. For mans anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Psalm 73:21-26

Then I realized that my heart was bitter and I was torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorius destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Proverbs 3:25-26

You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Ecclesiasties 5:2

Dont make rash promises and dont be hasty in bringing matters before God.

Ecc 5:7

Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead.

Ecc 6:9

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless-like chasing the wind.

James 5:3

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.

Exodus 14:13

But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just be still and watch the Lord rescue you today.

Ecc 7:10

Don't long for "the good old days". This is not wise.

1 Peter 1:6

So be truly glad. There is a wonderful joy ahead even though you have to endure many trials for awhile.

1 Peter 1:8

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him and rejoice with a glorius inexpressible joy. 

Bible Verses I Am Fond Of

Psalm 3:3-4

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord and he answered me from his holy mountain.

Psalm 4:4

Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

1 Thessalonians 5:19

Do not stifle the holy spirit.

(stifle:to quell, crush, or end by force, to supress, curb or withhold)

Proverbs 5:24-25

Avoid all perverse talk;stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

Matt 9:12

...Healthy people don't need a doctor-sick people do.

Psalm 25:3

Noone who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who decieve others.

Psalm 25:21

May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up quarrels but LOVE makes up for all offenses.

Proverbs 10:18

Hiding hatred makes you a liar, slandering others makes you a fool.

Proverbs 10:19

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Proverbs 14:30

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

Proverbs 15:22

Plans go wrong for lack of advice. Many advisers bring success.

Mark 11:25

But when you are praying first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against so that your father in heaven will forgive your sins too.

Psalm 41:9

Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 41:12

In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your prescence forever.

Psalm 57:4

I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts, men who's teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

Psalm 46: 1-3

God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with surging.

Ephesians 4:29

When  you talk, do not say harmful things but say what people need- words that will help others become strong.

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to recieve salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the spirit's fire, do not treat phrophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. 

by Noelle Joi Curran on Wednesday, 16 February 2011 at 18:31

So, I've been reading the bible more and I'm also reading a Joyce Meyer book called Power Thoughts. There's three things I've read in the past twenty four hours that struck me personally.

1.) In Power Thoughts theres a section called "Don't Make It Personal". Meyer writes: "Automatically blaming ourselves when something goes wrong or thinking everything that goes wrong is intended against us as individuals is called 'personalizing' and it makes positive thinking very difficult."

Joyce just described my life. I worry too often. And when I dont have enough to worry about I look at other peoples' problems and somehow in some twisted way, I blame myself for them. Like silly things, if someone is in a bad mood or upset, I automatically think that its because of something that I did. Even if I hadn't seen or talked to the person for a long time. It started early in life. I remember in sunday school or school when the group was rowdy and loud and the teacher would chastise us as a group, I would feel so guilty for being bad even though I was sitting quietly and paying attention...

Another thing that hit me from Power Thoughts is how Joyce described 'polarizing', basicly feeling like a horrible human being over one innocent mistake made.

Ahgh....I totally do this!

I did this today even after reading this chapter.

The group leader for a group asked for me to do a tray talk while I was eating lunch and I told him that the hostesses would do it for him in the evening. They just had sack lunches and I wouldn't be able to demonstrate it anyway. But then I felt guilty because I probably should have done it. And I beat myself up about it throughout the rest of the shift...

Why do I do this?

Why do we do this?

Why do we freak out about the smallest little mistake?

It's a mistake. People make them all the time. And they learn from them...so why do I have such an obsession with not making mistakes...and why do I tear myself down so much when I do make them...all the mistakes I have made, big and small have made me learn something either about myself, about other people, or about life. It keeps me from taking risks. It keeps me from doing things that I know I would be good at.

I've always known that these were my problems. But I never really realized how much they bring me down....I need to change this. I like this book.

2.) And....yesterday I was reading my bible in Matthew chapter twenty six, the chapter right before Jesus is crucified. I was reading along like I do when I read this chapter when I got to the part of Judas. He was one of the twelve men chosen to follow him. He listened to his teaching, he watched him perform miracles....And he traded all that for thirty pieces of silver...

It brought tears to my eyes.

And then I got to verses 48-50:

48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend." 

He still called him friend.

He didn't scoff.

He didn't glare at him.

He wasn't angry.

He called him friend.

I don't know if this makes sense to you...but I dont know why that just hit me the way it did. 

So many times when I have someone hurt me, intentionally or unintentionally, it affects my view on them and affects my relationship with them. At least I think it does. I try to look past the hurt but theres always a piece of me that doesn't...

I am reading more about Jesus...and how he lived.

And I really want to be like Jesus.

I want to live like he did.

I want to love like he did.

The only difference is, Jesus was perfect. He never sinned.

And I'm just a faulty human. I make mistakes.

But I'm learning. I'm going to make more mistakes.

But I'm also going to learn more about Jesus.

I'm just falling in love with the way He lived.

Ahhh...man...tangents.

haha

And the last thing:

these lyrics:

I thought i did what's right

I thought i had the answer

I thought i chose the surest road

But that road brought me here

So i put up a fight

And told You how to help me

And just when i had given up

The truth has come clear

Chorus

For You know better than I

You know the way

I've let go, the need to know why

Cause You know better than I

If this has been a test

I cannot see the reason

But maybe knowin', I don't know

Is part of gettin through

I try to do what's best

And faith has made it easy

To see the best thing I can do

Is put my faith in You

Chorus

I saw one cloud and thought it was the sky

I saw a bird and thought that I could follow

But it was You who taught them how to fly

If I let you reach me, will You teach me

For You know better than I

You know the way

I've let go, the need to know why

I'll take what answers You supply

Cause You know better than I

This song is from the movie Joseph King of Dreams. I haven't been able to stop listening to it. It's a dreamworks film based on the story of Joseph in Genesis. They play the song when Joseph is in prison after being thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers, and wrongfully accused of seducing Potiphars wife....he was just an innocent boy that had a couple of dreams. And he was treated like a criminal...

But if it wasn't for being betrayed by his own flesh and blood, and thrown into prison for something he didnt do he wouldn't have been there to interpret Pharogh's dreams. He wouldn't have been there to save Egypt from seven years of famine.

God had great plans for Joseph even when he was in his lowest place he believed that. And God blessed him abundantly.

Yep....so thats what I've been thinking about in the past 35 hours....

God is so amazing.

(P.S. Thanks Dad, for getting me that Joyce Meyer book for my birthday!)

To All That Struggle

Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.

Heb 13:5 (RSV) "Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have."

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ...

James 4:6 ESV

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Questions, Plans, and Junk

Jer 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."

So often we do what WE want in life...or what THE WORLD wants. Why is this? Why do we rely so much on the world's standards? Why aren't our eyes on the bigger picture? HE knows the plans for my life. I can't make it up. Friends and family can't make it up. HE has a plan. Why do we put our trust in psychologists and Dr. Phil and Oprah??? Why do we apply the world's standards to our life? Why are we all obsessed with money and new things. They are meaningless.

I don't know...I just don't understand a lot of people. I don't get the point of a lot of things. I just know that I want to trust God with all of my heart. I want to trust that He has a plan for my life...he has a calling for me...and that someday all of these trials and questions will make sense. Meanwhile I am just trying to live for Him, and get through each day. I do trust Him. I trust that he is going get me through this trauma of all that happened with Honor Academy and stuff...I trust that he is going to get me through all my emotional damage from all that my parents have put me through these past four years. I trust that He knows where he wants me. And the only way I can fail is if I don't let God lead me...and if I don't put my life and my decisions in His hands.

I believe that he has a plan for my life. I don't know exactly what it is yet...but I know he knows what he's doing. And he's working with me each day. He is my counseler...He is my father. He is my light and my path. I am so sick of reliance on humans...and human explanations for why we are the way we are...And I'm sick of gossip...and judgement...and everything. I feel so different than everyone. Like I see something that nobody else sees. I have my weird side, sure. But I feel like I see things so differently than people in my life.

Geez, I've gone off on a rant...It's totally disorganized but oh well.

Anyway, do you get what I'm saying? I hope you do...because those were some scattered thoughts.