"...that Evilmerodach king of Babylon, in the year he became king, released Jehoiachin of Judah from prison; and he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon."

Nine hundred forced miles in a march from Judah, incarcerated in ghetto like prison barracks, slaves to the king, now seeing some grace extended to them by the new Babylonian king. The Lord seemed to be working in hearts, soon to accomplish His perfect will to release the captives back to freedom to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The long 70-year time out would eventually come to an end, the Lord having plans for His people, for hope and good. At times we may feel like we are in a period of waiting, time of captivity, yet having the hope of Gods promises. Trust in Him with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.

Pastor Russell

"...Nebuchadnezzar the captain of the guard carried away into exile."

The fall of Jerusalem had come, now what was left was the defeated Israelites to be taken into captivity. The long 900-mile journey would be tenuous, to say the least, with young and the infirm. So too, today the long journey to captivity is one littered with heartbreak because of sin. Hard times because of hardened hearts, lack of peace, and the innocent pay a price, being separated from the love of God. Pray, be ready to give an answer of the hope that that lies within you, to a world lost and dying without Him.

Pastor Russell

"In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and in trust is your strength"

In all the dizzying pace of the ongoings around them, the prophet asks Israel that they would re-focus their attention upon the Lord. Like many today, we experience overload as we face deadlines, decisions, pressure on and off the job, at home, with finances not to mention family, and plethora of other things. Take a moment, a deep breath, remember the words we find in Hebrews, "let us lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance, the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).

Pastor Russell

"So he stayed among the people." ...."and stayed with him among the people who were left in the land."

Jeremiah, even though his message from the Lord had been rejected over and over, showed a fierce loyalty that would not be deterred. His heart for the people, reminds us of God's heart for the lost, one that was not willing that any should perish, but desired that all would come to everlasting life in Him. It seems that to the very end, he stuck with the people, always praying and hoping for the best. As Jesus came to freely give His life, so too Jeremiah, while having the lay of the land before him, choose to be with the people, ministering in the love of God.

Pastor Russell

"If you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord."

As we continue to read through the word of God, the Lord is sure to reveal His wisdom and knowledge through many portions of scripture to us. Many facets and a multidimensional image becomes clearer as He puts it all together for us. The old and the new testaments continue to portray a loving and gracious God. Continue to seek Him through His word.

Pastor Russell

"Thy kingdom come."

A portion of prayer from the mouth of our Lord, reveals His heart and the heart of the faithful remnant. So desirous of those who awaited the restoration of the nation of Judah. Many centuries before, the sin of the people led to defeat and to captivity. The loss of self-rule and autonomy brought a yearning in the heart of the Jew. Babylonian captivity, would bring the Persians, then the Greeks, the Romans would follow, along with the dispora, a scattering throughout the world. Only until 1948, would the Jew come back into the land, yet godless for the better part, still estranged from the Saviour. The faithful still avert their eyes to heaven, awaiting the coming of the Lord.

Pastor Russell

"During Jehoiakim's reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he changed his mind and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar."

After three years, Jehoiakim grew tired of being the king's flunky. No good was to come as he was extorted time after time, with Babylon reaping all the wealth from Judah. Jehoiakim must have been surprised as the Lord allowed even more enemies to come into the land. What was the problem? It may have been, although there was change of mind, there was no change of the heart. Like many today, there may be a mindset of I'm ok, I'm here, I go through all the motions, yet there may be little forward traction, and sadly for some it's even a reversal of forward progress. Some have flipped flopped. Where are our hearts at today?

Pastor Russell

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

At times as we have walked with the Lord for a while, we may have a tendency to put things on cruise control. Our walk and ministry may become routine and almost without thought. Forget the days of excitement, it's oh someone else will get it, or I'll get there with a few minutes to spare and do my thing. Gone is the desire to be available and be stretched with other "less" desirable ministry opportunities. We may have deviated from the youthful zeal, to a place of not really acknowledging Him. Where are you at today?

Pastor Russell

"And before him there was no other king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him."

Josiah clears the bar set by any other king who came before him. And it all comes down to one thing, it was his heart. It's amazing for us to note that a such a tiny little organ like the heart could have such a impact for good, or more likely, for God. One thing for us to emulate, is the heart that is so sold out to the Lord, that we may be those described as having hearts fully turned to God.

Pastor Russell

"Go inquire of the Lord for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found,"

Like hidden treasure, God's word re-surfaced for another go around with His people. Largely ignored, forgotten about, cast aside, now the heart of the king convicted, that they perish without the word of God. Like so many in the world today, ignoring God's word and His offers to help, we stand at a precipice of destruction, His offer still good today for grace, help and mercy in times of need. Continue to pray and urge others around you to embrace all that the Lord has.

Pastor Russell

"God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart."

At times the Lord allows tests to come our way. They may be times of abundance, or leanness, it could be great strength or infirmities. God allows testing to come our way, looking to see how we respond. Could it be growing faith and trust, or giving into the easy way or the attractive way, drawn away. With the king as well as with all of us, the tests come to prove our worth, our mettle, our doing our best in Him.

Pastor Russell

"But they did not listen, and Manasseh seduced them to do evil more than the nations the Lord destroyed before the sons of Israel."

Manasseh became the poster boy of bad behavior before the Lord, leading astray much of the children of Judah. His un-submissive spirit and rebellious nature and out and out rebellion become a reminder for us today of the fleshly nature within all people, including Christians. I know it all, so you got to do it my way, let's break the rules, let's whisper and cause some descension, the list goes on. But let's pray the Spirit would have His way, as we surrender ourselves to Him day by day and that His love would cover a multitude of sin.

Pastor Russell