“This is what the Lord says:
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”” Jeremiah 17:5-10
God who knows us,
Jeremiah gives his listeners no opportunity to misunderstand Your message and warning. He delivers it clearly in black and white. Choose God and be like a green well watered tree. Continue disobedience and be like a thirsty scrubby bush.
Then in case they think they can give the appearance of looking good . . . Jeremiah reminds them that You are God not a man, and can read and see even their secret thoughts and feelings. And You, God know mans heart and mind can persuade him to sin.
I know my own mind is prone to wander sometimes and sometimes I am shocked by my own feelings of jealousy or wanting to get my own back! Paul, writing in the New Testament,suggests ways to counter these things with the help of Your Spirit. To rejoice and become gentle. Not to worry but pray when we do Ask, petition and give thanks to You, God. Then Your peace which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. We should think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. Leave no room for anything else! And what we have learned from You God we should learn to put into practice. (Philippians 4-9).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 24th August 2025
Lord you have my heart
And I will search for yours
Jesus take my life and lead me on.
Lord you have my heart
And I will search for yours
Let me be to you a sacrifice.
And I will praise you Lord
(Ladies) I will praise you Lord
(Men) And I will sing of love come down
(Ladies) I will sing of love come down
(Men) And as you show your face
(Ladies) Show your face
(Together) We’ll see your glory here.
Lyrics: Martin James Smith