Text: Jeremiah 29: 10-13
For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at
Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing
you to return to this place.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts
of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will
hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all
your heart.
God's promise is more than a hit and run encounter. He desires to speak to us through the pages of our Bibles. This requires meditation and seeking God with our whole hearts. Jesus told His followers, “If you abide in my Word then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32 NIV). Abide means to continue in, to tarry, to dwell, to remain. It is not reading the Scripture for information, but for transformation. There are many scholars who have read the Bible for information but have never entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This reminds me of the difference between the one who memorizes a menu at a restaurant and the one who enjoys the food. Only the latter gets fed.
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Seeking the Lord with all our heart denotes diligence in study of the word and prayer. To seek the face of God is to desire, examine or explore; to seek earnestly, diligently search for, wish for; to crave, investigate and pursue. When we study God's Word, listening and hearken to His voice with these in mind, we will come to know Him on a much more intimate leyel than a Bible scholar who has studied the words on the page but has never taken the time to converse with the Author Himself. Jesus told us that when we abide in God's Word, we will become a disciple, a learner, and an imitator of the Teacher himself (John 8:31). One thing that has been noticeable thrbugh the years is a Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to a person who isn't! Intimacy with God and the fullest possible fellowship and partnership with Him comes as we desire and seek to know Him, His plans, will and His ways. Spending time in praise, prayer, God’s word etc. is all about desire & passion for God.