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Consume The Word

In the message "When We Hear His Voice" we saw that despite many calls
and pleas from Jeremiah, the people of Israel failed to repent and turn
toward God. After many years of rejection, God finally turned them over
to their own evil desires; "Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand
before Me, My heart would not go out to this people" (Jeremiah 15:1).

Jeremiah was in a very lonely position. He had faithfully preached
God's message to his fellow countrymen but received only rejection in
return: "{I am} a man with whom the whole land strives and
contends...everyone curses me" (Jeremiah 15:10). This rejection caused
him to also feel rejected by God. He had forgotten God's true purpose
and sought to remind God of his all-consuming devotion.

Jeremiah 15:15-16
"Do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for Your sake.
When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's
delight, for I bear Your name, O Lord God Almighty."

Jeremiah hungered for God's Word and often thought of his next "meal"
with the Lord. Though he was frustrated, Jeremiah loved God and desired
to serve Him. God saw the devotion in Jeremiah's heart and realigned
his path toward faithful service; "I will restore you that you may serve
Me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesman"
(Jeremiah 15:19).

What type of devotion and hunger does God see when He looks inside our heart?

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to take an extended hiking trip
with my son. We hiked 120 miles in ten days and ate mostly nuts,
raisins, and peanut butter. As we hiked along the beautiful trails of
Northern Maine - through woods, across streams, and over mountains - I
spent many hours thinking of scripture verses. But I confess I spent
many more hours thinking about pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. By
the end of the trail, I had a DEEP hunger for pizza; a longing that made
my mouth water; a hunger which had to be filled...immediately!

We must approach God's Word with this same anticipation and hunger. We
must recognize the world's diet as being filled with empty "snacks"
which ruin our appetite for real Food! The Word of God is a nourishing
and satisfying meal which deserves our full attention as well as our
appreciation. We ought to sit down and eagerly clean our plates - not
play with our food and nibble around the edges.

Let's pray for an increased hunger - a focused hunger which is satisfied
only in our Heavenly Father. Let's commit to being a well nourished
Child of God and passionately consume The Word.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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