Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-30-25

Loving the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds is the greatest commandment (Ex 20:1; Mat 22:37).  It was the greatest in the beginning when it was given to Moses and it will be the greatest commandment at the end of earth’s time.  Human beings were created to be worshipers—those who honor, respect, and obediently demonstrate love for God.  We must never lose track of the fact that worship is a lifestyle of Oneness with the triune God [Father, Son, Holy Spirit].  We worship God and Jesus is Lord—the One who possesses authority, ultimate power, and control over ALL creation (Ro 10:9; Phil 2:11; 1 Cor 12:3).

In our passage today, we find ourselves at the end of God’s Word and the lesson is about worship—John is instructed by the angels to worship the Lord. The early church was being persecuted, so the Apostle John is given a vision to help the people stay the course and not fall away from their worship of God.  Nothing this world has to offer deserves our worship.  Only the Lord God is trustworthy and true; everything else is sinking sand or fleeting.  So our hope must be built on the Lord. The Truth will always bring us security.

Jesus wants us to be prepared and, as the Living Word of God, he has been made Wisdom for us.  We must heed what the Lord has already spoken.  We must willingly put into practice the holy living that pleases the Father. 

Revelation 22:6-9 NLT   

Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon [suddenly].”

Jesus Is Coming

“Look, I am coming soon [suddenly]! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”

I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”

Prayer:  Father, so many amazing prophecies have been fulfilled and come to past, but the best is yet to come—the return of the Lord for his Church.  Help us to remain steadfast and faithful as we worship and serve you each day.  Prepare our hearts for the  days ahead and keep us ready for your sudden appearance.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-29-25

Although it is seldom used in our present culture, repentance is a word Jesus uses at least 19 times in Scripture.  For example, in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “…I did not come to call the righteous [those conforming to God’s standard/will], but sinners to repentance” (9:13b).  God is love and repentance allows us to draw closer to Him.

Repentance in Hebrew isteshuvah, pronounced teh-SHOO-vah which means “to return.”  We may like to think of repentance as simply, “I’m sorry, God,” but it is much more than an apology for one’s thoughts or actions; it is a decision to embrace an entire change of direction. Our human nature must decrease, so the God-life can increase.  

In our relationship with God, we are either moving closer to God through our love walk or we are not.  Love is more than a feeling; love is a choice!  We can choose to love God and his righteous standard, the world’s unrighteous standard, or our own selfish standard.  We must choose Jesus who is God’s righteous standard of Love.  When we venture off God’s path of Love, we must repent and reroute.

In our passage today, Jesus reminds his disciples he is the fulfillment of God’s standard.  He helps the disciples understand the reality of his being and the plans God has to express his love for an unrighteous humanity.  So, Jesus offers forgiveness of sin and an invitation to repentance.  To help us, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to empower us.  Jesus then ascends to heaven, because his work to bring redemption is complete.  Jesus came to earth as a servant, but he ascends as Lord and Ruler.  If we choose Jesus and invite him to be Lord, the Spirit helps us listen, understand, serve, and draw closer to God each day. 

Today is celebrated as ascension day or Holy Thursday—40 days following the resurrection of Jesus—and his return to heaven back into the divine glory of the Father.  In the power of the Spirit, we [human beings] are left with the choice to worship the Lord as we learn to live in his holy Love.  To choose otherwise leaves us separated from God—a state of spiritual death.

Luke 24:44-53 NLT

44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,[all people] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.

49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

The Ascension

50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for this lesson on your ascension back to heaven and the promise you have made to glorify those who choose to connect to the love of Christ.  You are our eternal life-link, Lord, and we are so grateful.  Help us to trust in the work of the Spirit to lead us closer to you each day.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-28-25

John and I were married nine years before we had our sons and started our parenting journey; so, we were very excited when our baby boys were born.  As I held first one and then three years later the other, I looked at them and wondered what their future would be like and what God had planned for them.  Although it was a mystery for many years, God was faithful to open the right doors at the right time and equip them for the work he had planned for them.  It has been wonderful to watch God’s hand upon their lives.  We can trust God’s Word to bring goodness.

In our passage today, Joseph and Mary have no idea what God has planned for His Son.  Oh, this couple knows the baby is a miracle, but how this child will grow, develop, and serve God is a mystery to them. Their journey requires tremendous faith and trust in God’s promises.  

Joseph and Mary take the child to Jerusalem for a dedication service. When the prophecy of Simeon is spoken, this beautiful couple stand in amazement.  Simeon knows Jesus is God’s gift, the world’s Messiah, and he will reveal God to the world.  The Way to Peace with God has come.  

While the family is at the Temple, the prophet Anna beholds the Son of God who has been sent to rescue; she is filled with praise, and joins in the dedication celebration. Believers know Jesus is God’s Gift for salvation, too, so we join in the celebration and pray for unbelieving souls to one day see the Light!

Luke 2:25-38 NLT  The Prophecy of Simeon

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
    as you have promised.

30 

I have seen your salvation [Gift],

31 

    which you have prepared for all people [Messiah].

32 

He is a light to reveal God to the nations, [revelation]
    and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

The Prophecy of Anna

36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for this beautiful testimony of how Simeon and Anna were waiting for their promised Messiah and the joy and peace that filled their souls at his revelation.  As believers, our hearts should be filled with peace and overflow with joy because of all the Son has provided for the rescue of our souls.  Now, we wait eagerly, Lord, for you to return and gather your spiritual family.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-27-25

I have experienced the opportunity to learn so many great lessons these past five years.  I’m talking about truly overwhelming and unsettling lessons that have invited me into a much deeper place of trust with God. I know I have gain many victories for which I praise the Lord, but more ways to go deeper with Him are yet to come for every child made in the image of God.  Messiah will return [second coming] for his disciples—the glorious Bride/Church—those willing to learn, apply, and produce the fruit of His holy presence. 

God’s holiness places a demand on his children to step up into his strength and power.  As God’s children, growth comes by trusting the Lord to save us through the struggle.  Israel means, “One who wrestles with God!”

Each lesson God has brought to me, reminds me of our faithful Lord who always provides a Way.  He is present with us, because he is faithful and holy in his Promise to shepherd and guide us as we cast each mountain into the sea! (Mk 11:23). A mountain is often interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles through faith and unwavering belief in God’s power to save.  

In our passage from the psalter today, we are reminded about the holiness of our Majestic Lord! Human or unholy means and efforts, will never bring us into the holy presence of God. The Lord said to Moses, “…You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” [Lev. 19:2].

Psalm 93 NLT

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty.
    Indeed, the Lord is robed [clothed] in majesty and armed with strength.
The world stands firm [is established by God]
    and cannot be shaken.

Your throne [kingdom], O Lord, has stood from time immemorial.
    You yourself are from the everlasting past.

The floods have risen up, O Lord.
    The floods [currents] have roared like thunder;
    the floods [currents] have lifted their pounding waves [representing chaos].

But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
    mightier than the breakers on the shore—
    the Lord above is mightier than these! [more powerful; God controls the chaos]

Your royal laws [testimonies] cannot be changed.
    Your reign [house], O Lord, is holy forever and ever.

Prayer:  Lord, your strength and power is a challenge for us to understand.  We confess we wrestle with your ways of making us your holy people.  But, you are faithful to find the Ways that empower us to make righteous decisions and to follow your Word.  Thank you, Lord, for loving us the Way you do.  You make us more than conquerors.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-23-25

As human beings, we need God’s help to keep us living righteously by turning away from greed and pride. We need to choose to live by God’s righteousness—justice—as individuals, as well as a nation. Peace can only be found in divine justice. Only God is eternally fair and just; only men and women who follow God will seek to lead in fairness and justice to bring order out of chaos. Otherwise, any measure of peace we secure in the world will never last.

In our passage today, Solomon writes about the power of God’s wisdom, Word, and the discipline of prayer to guide human lives. This world can be a challenge to navigate in good times and extremely difficult in chaotic times. Therefore, Solomon’s advice to his son is to follow Wisdom—the Lord.

Righteous wisdom—practical knowledge that involves ethical choices pleasing to God—protects us from following our sinful tendencies. The Holy Spirit fills, shelters, and protects the faithful. We are God’s creation, so it only makes sense we must seek to know, be guided, and understand the wisdom of our Maker. Biblical integrity is about divine wholeness and when we seek God’s ways, we set a righteous course for living.

As we step into Memorial Day weekend, let’s remember and praise the Lord for our country’s peacemakers who gave their lives to defend one nation under God. As a nation, may we be an example of justice and fairness in the world. We need to set a moral standard, economic standard, and a legal standard that honors righteousness. Righteous living is always right. Lawless living is always wrong, because it is rebellion against our Creator who sets the boundaries.

May we care more about pleasing God and living by his righteous standard [the fear/awe of God] than bending low to please or appease people—because many in the world have lost their way and actually work to pervert God’s glorious standard for his creation. As we honor our men and women who died protecting our freedom, may we understand their Help to defend our country actually came from God. The fight will always be to stay on God’s path that leads to true and eternal freedom for all.

Proverbs 2:6-8 NLT
6
For the Lord grants wisdom!
    From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
    He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

He guards the paths of the just
    and protects those who are faithful to him.

Prayer: Lord, we want to thank you for your love and protection that has been provided by men and women willing to lay down their lives to protect the path toward freedom. It is with gratitude we remember our fallen peacemakers, whom your Word says are your true children. We pray for these heroes’ families, because of their sacrifice, as well. As we consider your holy purpose for life—to draw all people to yourself—we pray for our country to exalt you. We pray and press on to the high call you have set before us to be a Light in the world. Peace always comes with a price; our peace with you came through the death of your Son. May peace and justice ring from our nation, because we choose your righteous standard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-22-25

There has only been one time in leadership when I have found myself in a conflict with someone that required me to separate and choose to agree to disagree. No matter how hard I tried, I simply could not find a place of peace to stand with this person. It was my reality as a human being. Miraculously, God used that conflict and separation for his Kingdom purposes.

God’s Word portrays real people—warts and all—and somehow God grooms them to be righteous leaders. Let’s face it, our biblical characters have real struggles and need the saving work of the Lord, too. At times, they fall short of spiritual maturity—Abraham, Moses, David, etc. God does not hide the fact that every human being he ever used had feet of clay.

In our passage today, Paul and Barnabas part ways. They go toe-to-toe in an argument that cannot be resolved. They meet an impasse. These two men of God find themselves in such a disagreement, no peace can be found. So, instead of two missionaries going in one direction, four missionaries go in two directions covering more territory with the Gospel. God’s will always prevails.

Acts 15:36-41 NLT Paul and Barnabas Separate
36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

Prayer: Lord, we know that you cause everything to work together for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose for them. Even when the reality of human flesh rises up, it does not thwart your plans. You always find a way to spread the Good News. Thank you for your mercy and love, as well as knowing our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-21-25

Yesterday, I went over to take a closer look at our essentially empty house; still in post-hurricane Helene condition. The flood water is long gone, but the house is void of life; it’s simply a shell. There are no good smells coming from the area that once was the kitchen. There’s no laughter ringing through the rooms; just an eery silence. It’s still a house, it is just completely vacant and no longer contains the evidence of energized life. (Note: Truthfully, there is still noise coming from John’s busy garage! lol!) I look forward to seeing God take this shell of a house and making it the Haley’s Home once again.

Our hearts are like a house. There can be a lot of junk occupying our hearts; stuff we know should be removed and stuff for which we are oblivious to the dangers. A clean heart/house is one aspect of the salvation Jesus offers. Yet, there is so much more to God’s plan. God wants a transformed heart/a house rebuilt in the nature of Christ’s righteous image, filled with life-giving characteristics and motives, and habitually producing the fruit of the Spirit.

If all it took was to be emptied of evil to guarantee salvation in Messiah’s Kingdom, we would not need further repentance or growth. Obviously, we need our hearts filled with God’s presence and we do that by sowing and living in his goodness. We cannot just be emptied of evil; we need to fill that void with God to prevent the return of evil (Matthew 12:43-45). Knowing the process of salvation does not bring eternal life. We must consistently LIVE the plan of salvation that God has put into place under the authority of Christ.

In our passage for today, a scholar of the Torah comes to test the knowledge of Jesus regarding Yahweh’s commands. This “expert” asks a question and the Creator of all cleverly answers this question with another question. Jesus knows the expert has the correct orthodoxy [right belief], but to have divine life we must, “Do it!” If you have taken the first step and asked Jesus to clean your heart, remember step two is habitually living life each day in the Spirit, so God’s goodness fills your heart. Then, evil has no place to set up his house. Not sorry…no vacancy!

Luke 10:25-28 NLT The Most Important Commandment
25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the cleansing work salvation brings to our hearts. Thank you, as well, for the work of the Holy Spirit who helps us accomplish your purpose in our lives. Help us to put into practice your righteous acts of love—how we love you and others. By doing so, we will enjoy a taste of eternal life while on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-20-25

I enjoy the ability to meet and form new relationships with people. There is something so wonderfully unique about each individual made in God’s image. Although not every person shares my priorities or sees life the way I do, God helps me extend a measure of kindness and respect and it is usually [typically] received.

When it comes to relationships with the people of God and living as the Church—embodying the values of Jesus and seeking to live them out in practical ways each day—I treasure these relationships as they usually [frequently] bring me so much joy. I have an opportunity to work together with diverse people, share strengths while accepting weaknesses, and above all demonstrate God’s love with those who share a similar purpose—Kingdom living and work in the fear [respect and awe] of the Lord.

The Kingdom of God comes with remarkable spiritual blessings that impact and affect our souls. To live in God’s Kingdom realm is to experience Christ’s righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Because we are connected to Christ, believers experience a shared grace and divine presence. We wear the robe or mantel of Christ’s anointing and we can work together as a Body to get things done in the shalom [wholeness] of God.

In our passage today, David enjoys this spiritual harmony in God’s shalom. There is nothing missing and nothing broken in God’s presence; all things are brought to a place of peace under the Lordship of Yahweh. Praise erupts in the divine presence and power is released to accomplish God’s righteous will. Joy unspeakable fills human souls. Oh, and that sweet peace the world cannot give…yes, please!

The Church is to live as carriers of God’s shalom. We usually [as a standard practice] cooperate vs. demand our own way, share favor vs. compete or take, and forgive to bring healing; all of these elements of Kingdom living are ongoing while we live in a fallen world. Having the spiritual blessings of living in God’s daily Kingdom care is a taste of heaven while we are exiled here on earth. So, let God’s spiritual blessings fill you, today, because the energy the Spirit brings refreshes every dry soul. Be a fountain of JOY!

Psalm 133 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.

How wonderful and pleasant it is
    when brothers live together in harmony!

For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
    that was poured over Aaron’s head,
    that ran down his beard
    and onto the border of his robe.

Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
    that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
    even life everlasting.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for pronouncing your blessing over our lives. May we choose to live in your spiritual blessing and share those wonderful gifts with others we meet each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-15-25

In daily life, we can always identify a few hard-hearted people who lack compassion, are unkind, or even cruel. Typically, these folks are insensitive and unconcerned about the feelings or suffering of others; they are focused on protecting self. They press on like they answer to no one and are entitled to demand their own way. That may be true in the hearts of unbelievers, but it should never be the attitude or emotional display of Christ’s disciples.

There are many reasons for a person to become hard-hearted; one of which is some form of traumatic experience. God loves people and is compassionate about these wounds left behind, but wants to heal and deliver his children from sowing unrighteous seeds out of their pain. In the midst of facing these traumatic situations, believers must never become hard-hearted—lack the ability to accept God’s grace and help.

The very nation that had the greatest knowledge of God’s love and deliverance was living in rebellion—Israel knew they were dishonoring God, but chose to do it anyway. God does not let his people become imprisoned in this place. Israel is bound by their hard hearts, so God plans to confront this issue by sending the prophet Ezekiel with the Word. The Spirit comes into Ezekiel and speaks to his heart; he eats [absorbs and applies] the Word and then goes to give God’s message to the people.

The Lord always prepares his messengers of the Truth. God tells Ezekiel how the people will respond to the message he is commissioned to bring Israel. It is not Ezekiel’s responsibility to control or react to how the people will respond; he is simply to share the message. So, God sends Ezekiel to warn them the Lord is aware of their rebellious ways. Ezekiel will be dishonored, as well, but he is not to respond in fear or join in their rebellion. In fact, our passage teaches God makes Ezekiel righteously obstinate [standing like a wall for Truth] who will not fail to deliver God’s message.

It is the work of the enemy to use our most challenging and even traumatic experiences in life to lure us into dishonoring God and his love. When God’s Spirit speaks in our hearts, we must listen and respond with active faith. Every messenger of God must eat the Word and put it into practice in his or her life before being able to effectively share the Truth with others.

Ezekiel 2:8-3:11 NLT
2:8 Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.”

9 Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me. It held a scroll, 10 which he unrolled. And I saw that both sides were covered with funeral songs, words of sorrow, and pronouncements of doom.

3:1 The voice said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. 3 “Fill your stomach with this,” he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

4 Then he said, “Son of man, go to the people of Israel and give them my messages. 5 I am not sending you to a foreign people whose language you cannot understand. 6 No, I am not sending you to people with strange and difficult speech. If I did, they would listen!
7 But the people of Israel won’t listen to you any more than they listen to me! For the whole lot of them are hard-hearted and stubborn. 8 But look, I have made you as obstinate and hard-hearted as they are. 9 I have made your forehead as hard as the hardest rock! So don’t be afraid of them or fear their angry looks, even though they are rebels.”

10 Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. 11 Then go to your people in exile and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Do this whether they listen to you or not.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making us, as believers, strong and focused in delivering your message of love to the world. We know your confronting message about sin or unbelief will not always be well received or welcomed, but we must share it anyway. Please protect our hearts and make us bold and courageous like Ezekiel with the Truth. Holy Spirit, help us to release your message of love each day to someone who needs to hear it. Our call is to share the message as you take us to the people who need you. Make believers faithful to our commission as we call upon your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-14-25

Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry began in 627 BC and ended around 582 BC. He spent most of his time in Jerusalem. God had prophesied he was bringing judgment upon the southern kingdom of Judah—a judgment the people had already seen come to pass for the northern kingdom. But the people refused to repent and turn back to honoring the commands of God.

Biblical history teaches us, in 732-722 BC, God used Assyria as an agent to punish the northern kingdom of Israel for apostasy. Likewise, in 605-586 BC, God used Babylon as an agent to punish the southern kingdom of Judah. This was all an outworking of God’s judgment. The people were scattered like sheep. However, God faithfully promised to one day redeem and restore Israel despite all the suffering. Jeremiah provides us with the clearest glimpse of the new covenant God intended to make with his people.

God Word teaches, as human beings, we will reap what we sow; it is a principle. It is true for believers and it is true for unbelievers. If we sow righteous deeds we will reap abundant righteousness. If we sow unrighteousness, we will reap destruction. In our text, we see this principle come to fruition, because in 612 BC Assyria fell and in 539 BC Babylon fell.

God has always been willing to forgive when people repent. Therefore, a repentant remnant was preserved, would return to Jerusalem, and would be used in a new beginning with God. Hope would once again rise to the surface for God’s people when he promised to send the Messiah from the line of David to rule his people. Forgiveness was made available and living in Christ’s righteousness was given as a future promise.

Jeremiah 50:17-20 NLT Hope for God’s People
17 
“The Israelites are like sheep
    that have been scattered by lions.
First the king of Assyria ate them up.
    Then King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon cracked their bones.”
18 
Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    the God of Israel, says:
“Now I will punish the king of Babylon and his land,
    just as I punished the king of Assyria.
19 
And I will bring Israel home again to its own land,
    to feed in the fields of Carmel and Bashan,
and to be satisfied once more
    in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead.
20 
In those days,” says the Lord,
    “no sin will be found in Israel or in Judah,
    for I will forgive the remnant I preserve.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the reminder today about the principle of sowing and repeating. You are not mocked; your Word will come to fruition and accomplish everything it was sent to do. We pray for our lives to produce and harvest good things. We know we cannot sow disobedience and expect to reap a blessing. Holy Spirit, please guide us toward righteousness and producing the fruit of Christ’s character. In Jesus’ name. Amen.