Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:16) One of man’s greatest needs is the wisdom that comes from God.  There seems to be a yearning in the hearts of all human beings for something better than what is offered in this fleshly world.  Unfortunately, man seems to look in all of the wrong places, and Satan is willing to fill the void. Such was true in the days of Jeremiah.  The people looked for answers and false prophets were willing to peddle their wares.  Their foolish counsel gave the people a false sense of security.  There are two characteristics of these false teachers that parallel those of the 21stCentury: 1) they received their counsel from the wrong source, and 2) they offered a false hope. Jeremiah says: They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the LORD.  Their teachings came from private speculations and personal intuition.  Such subjective counsel is attractive to the masses.  In 2023 it is popular to be “spiritual”.  However, “spiritual” is loosely defined as whatever pleases the individual.  The modern “come as you are”, “live as you please” religion focuses on what pleases man rather than God.  It we intend to truly be spiritual we must acknowledge the commandments of the Lord. (I Corinthians 14:37)   Jeremiah then added:  They continually say to those who despise Me, 'The LORD has said, "You shall have peace"'.  (Jeremiah 23:17)  Modern religions are designed to make one feel good about themselves. The counsel that comes from God offers peace only to those who painfully acknowledge their faults.  Truth can be painful, but beneficial. Thus, we must “test the spirits” (I John 3:1), For who has stood in the counsel of the LORD, And has perceived and heard His word? Who has marked His word and heard it? (Jeremiah 23:18) By George Slover

"Yet behold, there shall be left in it a remnant who will be brought out, both sons and daughters; surely they will come out to you, and you will see their ways and their doings. Then you will be comforted concerning the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, all that I have brought upon it. (Ezekiel 14:22)

Imagine looking in the “want ads” of your local newspaper in the “help wanted” section and finding an opening that read: “needed, a prophet, a watchman sent to the exiles of Judah.”  In this job description you are told that your audience will be a rebellious people who will liken your sermons to a lovely song, but will refuse to apply the message.  Your mission will include predictions of a heathen nation that will totally destroy the cities, temple, and homes of these prideful Jews.  Many of them would be exiled to a faraway land.  Would you take the job?

These prophecies of doom and gloom would have been discouraging.  Ezekiel surely must have contemplated the futility of preaching to those who would not listen.  The faithful ones would have been frightened with the prospect of losing their homes and shrines of religious tradition.  It would have been a dark picture indeed. Therefore, God gave them a glimpse of the future and, revealed to them his purpose.  This incite would bring them consolation.

There would be the consolation of knowing God is just.  Abraham appealed to the justice of God:  "Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18:25)  There is consolation in knowing that God has a righteous object in all of his actions, and that “good” will triumph over evil.  A God-fearing remnant will be spared, and the wicked will be ultimately punished.

There is consolation in knowing that God is merciful.  The ultimate effect of the coming judgment would be to purge Israel of evil.  A child cannot always see the end results of the lessons taught by the parents, but hopefully in time of maturity they will look back with appreciation for the special character they have developed.  Hopefully, the disciplines of life will make us into a special people – God’s people!

Let us be assured that God is just in all of his designs and deeds.  If his ways seem hidden, wait patiently for one day we will see it has all been good.

BY George Slover
 

where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:11)

There must have been quite a “melting pot” of disciples in the church at Colosse.  Among those named were Greeks, Jews, circumcised, uncircumcised, Scythian, slave, and free.  Just who are these people?  What is the essence of the message in this text?

The various classes of people named in the text represent the various, national, ritualistic, cultural, and social classes found in this ancient church.  Each of these classes marked sharp distinctions among them.  But in Christ all such divisions are obliterated.  Thus, those of Abraham’s seed could not boast of superiority over the Greeks.  There was no advantage for the Gentile to conform to Judaism in the ritual of circumcision.  The gospel lifts both the barbarian and the Scythian (considered to be a worse type of barbarian) into the dignity of Christian fellowship.  Christ has placed both the bondman and free on the same level.  Christ is all and in all!

Christ gave them a common access to God.  In fact he is the only way to God.  He is the common redeemer and intercessor.  There is no need for additional grace or supplement of the law.

Christ gave them common requirements.  Their entire focus was to be on imitating Him and being His disciple.  Christ was to be the whole of their lives, ruling every facet from their homes, to school, to the market place.

Christ gave them a common motive.  The operative word is love marked by a spirit of gentleness, forbearance, and meekness.  It is manifested by a humble and forgiving disposition.  There was no room for self-pride that promoted the social distinctions of the day.

The message of Paul to the Colossians must reach our hearts today.  We must remember who we are- God’s children.  Remember how we arrived at such a status – by God’s grace.  And remember to treat our fellow Christians in the same way God treated us – with mercy.  It may be challenging, but it must be done for the cause of Christ.

By George Slover

“But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-25)
 
The key word is “care”.   The Greek word merimnao is most often used in the negative sense.  It means to be anxious, or to be filled with anxiety, or worry.  
 
We often think of this word in the context Jesus’ personal ministry.  "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.” (Matthew 6:25)   Here Jesus exhorts us to not worry.  Instead of anxious care, God wants us to pray and place our burdens on Him.  (Philippians 4:6; I Peter 5:6,7)  Jesus says, "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)  In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus warns of how such “cares” can choke out the word and destroy the desired fruit (Luke 8:14) 
 
But, in the verse above we are commanded to have that anxious care for others.  Here, God says don’t be divided, but be totally focused upon the needs and cares of your brother.  If he has occasion to rejoice, don’t envy him, but rejoice with him.  If he suffers, don’t belittle, but cry with him.  The word “care” also carries with it the idea of being torn away or distracted.  The Corinthians were exhorted to get their minds detracted from their selfish ambitions and have diligent concern for one another.
 
 Corinth was not the only place where such an attitude is needed.  Local churches, communities, even the world needs people with this trait.  Such folks are hard to find.  The few that have such devotion are precious indeed!  “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 2:20-21)
 
By George Slover


 

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)

Most of us know that when Paul wrote his letter to Philippi, he was a prisoner in Rome.  The recent misfortunes of those close to me have caused me to reflect on the hardships of Paul.  Paul’s remarkable attitude and wonderful optimism is impressive.  He is not really a prisoner, but free.  How is that possible?

First, he does not allow circumstances to rule his life.  His life is subject to God, not men.  Paul had prayed for opportunities to come to Rome.  
(Romans 15:30-32)  Though it seems a strange way to answer his prayer, as a prisoner Paul had arrived in Rome.  For this Paul was grateful no matter what the circumstances.  He never allowed occasions or surroundings to rule his life.  Only God rules, only his fellowship really counts.  What a great attitude!

Second, that which seems evil presents him with opportunities for good.  We all have a plan about how life should turn out.  Some have the fortune of making dreams and fulfilling those dreams.  However, many are not afforded such an opportunity.  Sudden tragedy turns their world upside down.  For Paul, imprisonment gave opportunity to preach to the Praetorian Guard. These soldiers were drawn to this suffering servant and his remarkable faith.  For two whole years he preached the kingdom of God.  We should never think that we could serve God better, if circumstances were better than they are.

Third, his example of courage inspired others to boldness in proclaiming the gospel.  Tragedies, if handled properly, can embolden others who find themselves in a similar dilemma.  An example is better than a command.  The sight of a suffering saint, patient, contented, happy, does more to encourage the brethren than a hundred sermons!  Such is visible proof of the power of Christ!

Unfortunately, I find myself enslaved to the circumstances of life.  If I could just learn to bask in God’s sweet fellowship, seek opportunities for good in the midst of evil, then like Paul, I will no longer be enslaved, but free in Christ!

By George Slover