Jeremiah 40-44, Psalm 138
Jeremiah 42:19-22 (NLT)
“‘Listen, you remnant of Judah. The Lord has told you: ‘Do not go to Egypt!’ Don’t forget this warning I have given you today. For you were not being honest when you sent me to pray to the Lord your God for you. You said, ‘Just tell us what the Lord our God says, and we will do it!’ And today I have told you exactly what he said, but you will not obey the Lord your God any better now than you have in the past. So you can be sure that you will die from war, famine, and disease in Egypt, where you insist on going.’”
In Jeremiah 42:19–22, Jeremiah exposes the hypocrisy in the hearts of the military leaders who asked him to pray to the Lord to show them what to do and where to go. The Lord told them what to do, but He knew in their hearts that they were not sincere and were not speaking truthfully. Father-God told them they would disobey Him, go to Egypt anyway, and die there.
These verses remind believers that the Lord knows what is in our hearts. Father-God can tell when we are being insincere, even when we ask Him for help and guidance. Believers need to make sure they are truly open to the Lord’s direction because they may receive guidance that is contrary to their personal desires. We must trust and align ourselves with the plans of the Lord if we want to remain obedient to Him. These verses also remind believers that failing to follow the Lord’s guidance can lead to terrible consequences. If believers rely only on their own judgment and solutions, they will suffer the consequences of those choices.
What I love about these verses is that the Lord had foreknowledge that the request from the military leaders was not sincere, yet He still gave them guidance. The Lord also knew they would not obey Him and would instead do what they wanted, but He still wanted to offer them the opportunity to repent of their disobedience and follow His guidance. The Lord is merciful to His people, and even when He knows what is in our hearts and what our actions will be, He still gives us opportunities to repent and align ourselves with His will.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who always offers His people the opportunity for repentance—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Elf Girl in the City
S. Brenda Elfgirl - I was told I am an elf in a parallel life, and I live in the Arizona desert exploring what this means. I've had this blog for a while and I write about the things that interest me. My spiritual teacher told me that my journey in life is about balancing "the perfect oneness of a sweetness heart and the effulgent soul". My inner and outer lives are like parallel lines that will one day meet, but only when there is a new way of thinking. Read on as I try to find the balance.
Thank you for viewing / reading my blog posts! I appreciate it!
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Day 137 Bible Readings - Jeremiah 39:15-18 (NLT)
Jeremiah 37-39, Psalm 132
Jeremiah 39:15-18 (NLT)
“The Lord had given the following message to Jeremiah while he was still in prison: ‘Say to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’’”
In Jeremiah 39:15–18, the Lord told Jeremiah what would happen to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, who rescued him when he was near death in the pit-like dungeon. Father-God first told Jeremiah to tell Ebed-Melech that Jeremiah’s prophetic words would come true and that it was His will. Then the Lord said He would rescue Ebed-Melech because he had spoken to King Zedekiah about Jeremiah’s wrongful imprisonment. The king agreed and gave Ebed-Melech thirty men to pull Jeremiah out of the pit-dungeon.
Ebed-Melech took a great risk by appealing to the king about Jeremiah’s plight and showed his trust in the God of Israel. As a reward, the Lord promised to rescue Ebed-Melech, and he would remain safe during the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.
These verses remind believers that the Lord rewards people who trust in Him. Father-God saw the faithfulness of Ebed-Melech and delivered him from death during the siege of Jerusalem. The Lord rewards those who act on their faith despite potential risks.
What I take from these verses is that a believer always needs to act and speak righteously, even in the face of danger. Ebed-Melech had only minor power, but he was still able to persuade the king to stop the persecution of Jeremiah. These verses also remind me that the Lord sees our acts of kindness, and we will be rewarded for them.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who rewards those who put their trust in Him—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Jeremiah 39:15-18 (NLT)
“The Lord had given the following message to Jeremiah while he was still in prison: ‘Say to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’’”
In Jeremiah 39:15–18, the Lord told Jeremiah what would happen to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, who rescued him when he was near death in the pit-like dungeon. Father-God first told Jeremiah to tell Ebed-Melech that Jeremiah’s prophetic words would come true and that it was His will. Then the Lord said He would rescue Ebed-Melech because he had spoken to King Zedekiah about Jeremiah’s wrongful imprisonment. The king agreed and gave Ebed-Melech thirty men to pull Jeremiah out of the pit-dungeon.
Ebed-Melech took a great risk by appealing to the king about Jeremiah’s plight and showed his trust in the God of Israel. As a reward, the Lord promised to rescue Ebed-Melech, and he would remain safe during the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.
These verses remind believers that the Lord rewards people who trust in Him. Father-God saw the faithfulness of Ebed-Melech and delivered him from death during the siege of Jerusalem. The Lord rewards those who act on their faith despite potential risks.
What I take from these verses is that a believer always needs to act and speak righteously, even in the face of danger. Ebed-Melech had only minor power, but he was still able to persuade the king to stop the persecution of Jeremiah. These verses also remind me that the Lord sees our acts of kindness, and we will be rewarded for them.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who rewards those who put their trust in Him—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Monday, May 18, 2026
Day 136 Bible Readings - Jeremiah 36:29-31 (NLT)
Jeremiah 34-36, Psalm 131
Jeremiah 36:29-31 (NLT)
“Then say to the king, ‘This is what the Lord says: You burned the scroll because it said the king of Babylon would destroy this land and empty it of people and animals. Now this is what the Lord says about King Jehoiakim of Judah: He will have no heirs to sit on the throne of David. His dead body will be thrown out to lie unburied—exposed to the heat of the day and the frost of the night. I will punish him and his family and his attendants for their sins. I will pour out on them and on all the people of Jerusalem and Judah all the disasters I promised, for they would not listen to my warnings.’”
In Jeremiah 36:29–31, the Lord tells Jeremiah what will happen to King Jehoiakim after he burned the scrolls of Jeremiah. The Lord’s judgment will come upon the king, and none of his heirs will sit on the throne of David. The king’s body will be desecrated and will not receive a proper burial. His family, attendants, and the people of Jerusalem and Judah will experience all the disasters that the Lord promised.
These verses remind believers that any human attempt to suppress or destroy prophecy will not negate the prophecy. If we ignore the Lord’s warnings, it can lead to the fulfillment of those warnings. The Bible contains the wisdom we need to live good lives, and if we ignore its guidance, it can lead to destruction. Even though the king ignored Jeremiah’s warning by burning the scrolls, the warning still came true. The warnings from Father-God are calls to repentance so that people can change their ways, because the Lord is always merciful. Father-God gives us many chances to change before He takes action to correct us.
When I read these verses, I am reminded how merciful the Lord is. He gave the people of Israel many prophetic warnings to change their ways and repent. Father-God did not want to correct or punish His people, nor did He want their destruction. The Lord wanted them to repent, change, and obey His laws. The Lord warns us because our actions affect our children and future generations. Father-God’s care for us extends not only to us, but also to our children and families. To believe in Jesus Christ means we serve someone who is merciful and wants the best for us and our families.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who cares not just for you but also for your family and future descendants—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Jeremiah 36:29-31 (NLT)
“Then say to the king, ‘This is what the Lord says: You burned the scroll because it said the king of Babylon would destroy this land and empty it of people and animals. Now this is what the Lord says about King Jehoiakim of Judah: He will have no heirs to sit on the throne of David. His dead body will be thrown out to lie unburied—exposed to the heat of the day and the frost of the night. I will punish him and his family and his attendants for their sins. I will pour out on them and on all the people of Jerusalem and Judah all the disasters I promised, for they would not listen to my warnings.’”
In Jeremiah 36:29–31, the Lord tells Jeremiah what will happen to King Jehoiakim after he burned the scrolls of Jeremiah. The Lord’s judgment will come upon the king, and none of his heirs will sit on the throne of David. The king’s body will be desecrated and will not receive a proper burial. His family, attendants, and the people of Jerusalem and Judah will experience all the disasters that the Lord promised.
These verses remind believers that any human attempt to suppress or destroy prophecy will not negate the prophecy. If we ignore the Lord’s warnings, it can lead to the fulfillment of those warnings. The Bible contains the wisdom we need to live good lives, and if we ignore its guidance, it can lead to destruction. Even though the king ignored Jeremiah’s warning by burning the scrolls, the warning still came true. The warnings from Father-God are calls to repentance so that people can change their ways, because the Lord is always merciful. Father-God gives us many chances to change before He takes action to correct us.
When I read these verses, I am reminded how merciful the Lord is. He gave the people of Israel many prophetic warnings to change their ways and repent. Father-God did not want to correct or punish His people, nor did He want their destruction. The Lord wanted them to repent, change, and obey His laws. The Lord warns us because our actions affect our children and future generations. Father-God’s care for us extends not only to us, but also to our children and families. To believe in Jesus Christ means we serve someone who is merciful and wants the best for us and our families.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who cares not just for you but also for your family and future descendants—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Day 135 Bible Readings for May 17 – Jeremiah 31:15-17 (NLT)
Jeremiah 30-33, Psalm 130
Jeremiah 31:15-17 (NLT)
“This is what the Lord says: ‘A cry is heard in Ramah—deep anguish and bitter weeping. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted—for her children are gone.’ But now this is what the Lord says: ‘Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. ‘Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy. There is hope for your future,’ says the Lord. ‘Your children will come again to their own land.’”
In Jeremiah 31:15–17, the Lord gave Jeremiah a poetic image of Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted. Rachel was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, the wife of Jacob, and is considered one of the matriarchs of Israel. Ramah was near where Rachel was buried, and it became the staging point for the deportation of the people of Israel to Babylon. Rachel wept symbolically as she saw the descendants of her children being deported to Babylon. But the Lord tells Jeremiah that the children of Israel will return to their own land.
These verses remind believers that Father-God has foreknowledge of future events and reveals them through His prophets. These verses also became a future prophecy connected to events after the birth of Jesus Christ. King Herod the Great ordered the killing of the male infants in Bethlehem, and the gospel writer quoted these verses in Gospel of Matthew 2:18 as the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophetic words.
While the second part of these verses was fulfilled when the people of Israel returned from Babylonian exile, some believers also see a further fulfillment connected to the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948.
I love these prophecies from the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the New Testament and even in the modern world. The fulfillment of these prophetic verses reminds me that the Lord is sovereign and has foreknowledge of future events. It also reminds me that I can rely on the Lord’s promises because the Bible records Father-God’s faithfulness throughout history. The fact that prophetic words spoken in Jeremiah still resonate thousands of years later reminds me that Christ is alive and still watching over His people today just as He has throughout history.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who is still alive and continues to care for His people—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Jeremiah 31:15-17 (NLT)
“This is what the Lord says: ‘A cry is heard in Ramah—deep anguish and bitter weeping. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted—for her children are gone.’ But now this is what the Lord says: ‘Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. ‘Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy. There is hope for your future,’ says the Lord. ‘Your children will come again to their own land.’”
In Jeremiah 31:15–17, the Lord gave Jeremiah a poetic image of Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted. Rachel was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, the wife of Jacob, and is considered one of the matriarchs of Israel. Ramah was near where Rachel was buried, and it became the staging point for the deportation of the people of Israel to Babylon. Rachel wept symbolically as she saw the descendants of her children being deported to Babylon. But the Lord tells Jeremiah that the children of Israel will return to their own land.
These verses remind believers that Father-God has foreknowledge of future events and reveals them through His prophets. These verses also became a future prophecy connected to events after the birth of Jesus Christ. King Herod the Great ordered the killing of the male infants in Bethlehem, and the gospel writer quoted these verses in Gospel of Matthew 2:18 as the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophetic words.
While the second part of these verses was fulfilled when the people of Israel returned from Babylonian exile, some believers also see a further fulfillment connected to the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948.
I love these prophecies from the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the New Testament and even in the modern world. The fulfillment of these prophetic verses reminds me that the Lord is sovereign and has foreknowledge of future events. It also reminds me that I can rely on the Lord’s promises because the Bible records Father-God’s faithfulness throughout history. The fact that prophetic words spoken in Jeremiah still resonate thousands of years later reminds me that Christ is alive and still watching over His people today just as He has throughout history.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who is still alive and continues to care for His people—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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