What Do You Expect From God?

What do you expect from GOD?

Prayer

Jeremiah 29:9 – 12 For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. (10)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. (11) 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. (12) Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Purpose: To give hope to all who are suffering through dire situations and feel alone with diminishing hope. GOD hear your prayers, and have great expectations for you life.

Intro: Jeremiah wrote a letter to the captives who were carried away into Babylon and serving King Nebuchadnezzar. This is in response to the announcement made unto priest in Jerusalem by Hananiah the prophet. Hananiah told the captives and the priest that GOD will free His children in two full years, and this prophesy from him cause the people to relax in their captivity. They begin to build houses, plant gardens, blending in with the community, and had hopes to gain a truce with an unmerciful nation. However, in Jeremiah’s letter to the captives, he sternly warned them that GOD would truly fulfill his word. After not before seventy years past, the children of Israel will not find mercy from Babylonian people as a payment for their consisted sins.

Understand, GOD has extended His mercy toward His people, but what do you expect from GOD if you continue to sins. Plus to add to the confusion, Hananiah, aimlessly and without any inspiration from GOD, prophesy a lie using the LORD’s name in vain. Hananiah did not have a reason to lie on the LORD or to the people, but it is amazing what one would say to raise themselves up and make you comfortable in your sins. (explain briefly) Jeremiah shouted, “Not so,” because all of us have to account for our sins, although, GOD is merciful, you will be punished for your sins. Jeremiah made clear, yes, you will be punished for your sins, but there will be a day that GOD will judge your faithfulness and you integrity. I am aware that the Bible did not say “judge”, but “visit”; and this word “Visit” is translated from the Hebrew word Paqad (paw-kad) meaning to oversee, to judge, to punish or to reckon. This means the day GOD come to visit after you go through your trials he will decide if you will be bless, or continue to suffer. (explain briefly)

My brother and my sisters if you continue to live in your sins, no matter how well the preacher preach (and they sometimes preach well without any inspiration from GOD), and how often one going our religious ritual routine, there will be a time GOD will make you pay for your sins.

Galatians 6:6 – 8 Let him that is thought in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. (7) Be not deceived GOD is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

This clearly means you will pay for your iniquities, but after the punishment, GOD will come to judge or visit your faithfulness and you integrity; and decide to bless you, or let you continue to suffer.

Now, if GOD comes and visit you today to check you faithfulness and integrity. What do you expect for GOD?

(understand)

1. GOD’s thought on peace

a. Willing to perform His good word (v. 10)

Look at this statement, “Perform His good word.” The word “perform” is translated from the Hebrew word “quwn” (koow) meaning to confirm, make good, continue, and strengthen. The word “good” is translated from the Hebrew word “towb” (tobe) meaning the best, better bountiful, favour. The word “word” is translated from the Hebrew word “dabar” (daw-baw) meaning a cause, care, commandment, provision. Let us put this together; GOD is willing to confirm to us to making good on His promise to continue to strengthen us through the best cause, better care, bountiful commandment, and favour upon your provision in your life. You do not have to tell me that is peace.

b. Return you to your place

This simple means to return you to starting point or the point you when outside his will.

The former United States Treasurer Ivy Baker Priest quoted, "The World is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning." (Explain all briefly)