Bible in 90 Days - Checking in!

I am up to Day 57 in the Bible in 90 Days reading program. I continue to be very grateful for this program and how it has encouraged me in my walk with Him.

The past week has found me in the book of Jeremiah. While much of what I've read in my daily emails has been encouraging me to get through Jeremiah, I haven't found it difficult to read this book. Yes, at times it can be hard to grasp. When God talks of dispersing His people, allowing them to fall into the hands of their enemies, it can he hard. His words can sound harsh. But, at the same time, God is still willing to forgive His people. For those who express genuine remorse and follow His decrees, God promises them that He will bring them back to the land of their fathers.

How often does God say that of me? I am hard-hearted, willful, stubborn, jealous, easily-led-astray - the list could go on and on. And yet, He welcomes me back, again and again. He asks me to learn from my mistakes, to remember my failures and not repeat them. But He does welcome me back. Gladly. Wholeheartedly.

"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people."
-Jeremiah 31:33 (NIV)

Yes, Lord, keep Your laws in my mind and write them upon my heart. Allow me to be one of Your people.

So, while it can be difficult to read the words of Jeremiah - the talk of destruction, death, punishment - there are redeeming words to be found there as well. Words of hope, love, and patience.