We have not listened to the voice of the Lord our God in all the words of those prophets he sent us; 

but, each following the dictates of our evil heart, we have taken to serving alien gods, and doing what is displeasing to the Lord our God.

Baruch 1:21-22

Today’s reading from the prophet Baruch is a call to repentance and conversion, so that we can receive forgiveness of our sins and restoration in Christ Jesus.

It is a clear reminder to us, to me, as the Body of Christ, that I have left the ways of the LORD to follow after the foolish ways of man.

For the LORD says clearly in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways.”

Yes, still, a lot of us Christians (including me!) have too often and quickly forgotten this truth of God’s Word.

We call it to mind when we want to receive some extraordinary favour from Him.

But at the point when this Word challenges us to the core, dissecting the secret thoughts and desires of our hearts and actions, we are quick to forget it.

Oh how fortunate we would be if only we allowed the Holy Spirit of God to counsel us and direct our every step.

Indeed, this is our true fortune and inheritance already in Christ. For He promised us before His death that He would send to us the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, Who would lead us to all truth…and remind us of all that He has taught us.

So today, let us repent from following any other ways outside the way of God.

Let us invite the Holy Spirit afresh into our hearts and lives and ask HIM to take complete control of our lives.

Amen!

Prayer

Holy Spirit of the Living God, I come before You today to say LORD, I am sorry.

I am sorry LORD for having failed You in ways too numerous to recall.

I am sorry for being impatient to listen to and trust Your voice.

For the many times I’ve gone my own way, following the walks of men, I repent.

Forgive me GOD.

Today, I come surrendering my heart before You.

LORD, I want to be taught by You. Teach me to learn how to learn from You.

Yes LORD, as You teach me, may I learn and obey You.

I surrender especially to You at this moment the creeping impatience of my heart as I wait for Your Word to be accomplished in my life.

Forgive me LORD and protect me from going astray as I wait dilligently on You.

Fortify me with Your grace and mercy and align my thoughts and ways perfectly to Yours, o my GOD.

In Jesus Name I ask all of this.

Amen.