Daily Manna

“This is what the Lord says: When people fall down, don’t they get up again? When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back? They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around. I listen to their conversations and don’t hear a word of truth. Is anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”? No! All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse...

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land. But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here! But I will be merciful only if you 1. stop your evil thoughts and deeds  2. and start treating each other with justice;  3. only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows;  4. only if you stop your murdering; and ...

“Make this announcement to Israel, and say this to Judah: Listen, you foolish and senseless people, with eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear. Have you no respect for Me? Why don’t you tremble in My presence?  I, the Lord, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set. But My people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and abandoned Me. They do not say from the heart, ‘Let us live in awe...

“This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns. ‭‭The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Then we will no longer be immature like...

“I thought to Myself, I would love to treat you as My own children! I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land— the finest possession in the world. I looked forward to your calling Me ‘Father,’ and I wanted you never to turn from me. But you have been unfaithful to Me, you people of Israel! You have been like a faithless wife who leaves her husband. I, the Lord, have spoken. My wayward children, says the Lord, come back to Me, and I will heal your wayward hearts. Yes, we’re coming, the people reply, for you...