DATE POSTED
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Jeremiah 23:28-40 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I can hardly imagine how much the hearts of the prophets must have been impacted by the messages given by God for them to deliver. Think about it, if you were given a message for a small group of friends, I feel pretty sure that you wouldn’t think twice about delivering that message. For your home church, that may be just as easy for you to deliver that message. But how about giving that same message before a crowd where other denominational leaders may be present, as well as many political leaders from your state? Might be a bit more challenging, right? But in our Scripture referenced today, God issued a word for Jeremiah to deliver to ‘prophets’. Now, Jeremiah was also a prophet, so he would be delivering this message to his contemporaries, and God wants them to be aware that He will not stand for false prophets any longer. No doubt, Jeremiah did some soul searching and questioning of God to make sure that no fingers were being pointed at him, before ever hitting the road to deliver this critical message from God! However, I feel like this is a moving example for those of us that move to a new area, and we begin searching for a new church, or while on vacation and we look for a church to visit. Unfortunately, our world has not learned a whole lot from what God said in His Word, for there are still pastors and churches who meld in much too much of the world’s ideals so they could, presumably, attract more of the world’s population. But can’t the people simply go to a movie theater or live show somewhere to get that kind of wishy-washy environment? When the Holy Spirit is tapping on the heart of a sinner to know Christ, or a believer to return to Him, don’t you think that they will opt to attend a local church instead of places like I gave in my example above? But how then will they know a legitimate, Holy Spirit empowered, and Bible teaching church? Is it the quiet one down the street, or perhaps the popular one on the other side of town, or should they travel to the next town where you’ve heard a lot about the good life groups and lots of programs they have? In addition to asking the Holy to guide you to a church where He knows you will grow in your faith, I believe that you can also use some of the principles from our Scripture today:
Vs 28 – God insisted that His ‘True Messengers preach every Word that He declares’. Try attending a church that preaches through every verse in the Bible. You will find some messages that will take you to another level of joy, and some that may really mash your toes because of truths that you need to adopt into your Christian lifestyle. They might even apply these principles to current day events to help you discern right from wrong in a biblical and Godly sense, rather than a political and worldly view;
Vs 35 – Take your tools to church with you. It is important that you have your Bible in your lap and that you follow along with what is being taught. The pastor in front of that church is human just like you, and some have been known to fail, just like you do at times. A good orator could make everything they say sound very believable, but when you are holding them accountable by reading the same Scriptures they are preaching from, you stand a better chance of ensuring that the reference in vs 28 is a reality – that they are True Messengers of the God you went there to worship and learn about.
As you leave that place of worship, examine the message in light of vs 35: What is the Lord’s answer delivered through the Word that day. And/or What is the Lord saying to you through the Word preached that day. If you struggle with this, contact that pastor and ask for clarification, or contact another pastor in whom you have already developed a good confidence level, and discuss the matter with him. Think about this dear friend: While on the internet, you do everything possible to make sure you are on a legitimate site and not a fake site developed under false pretenses in order to steal your confidential information. Emails you receive are much the same – legitimate or are they spam or junk? Why should you do anything less in selecting a church, or attending one, or in listening to the teaching/preaching of God’s Word from that church?

PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, You have taught us everything we need to know for salvation, righteousness and for living in obedience with Your Word. Yet we have allowed the world to soften our grip on obedience and the boldness to stand firm in spite of any worldly repercussion. We need more of You in every walk of life while here on earth Lord. Please continue to work on us and develop us into the children You would have represent You here on earth. Whether its false prophets or uncommitted Christians, I believe Your Word would indicate that both are tasteless in Your mouth and You would spit us out. Just as we could be good, committed, longtime employees, help us to be even more committed to our stance with You. Others need to see Jesus in us, otherwise we look more like the False Prophets You spoke of through Jeremiah. Please have Your will and way in my life, and also in the lives of those who recommit themselves to you after this reminder today. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. One of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals or subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you make every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!