Week Eight - Day One: End of Day

Early in our exercises, we reflected on Jeremiah 29:11-14. Let’s look back at that passage tonight.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

(11) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (12) Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (14) I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

This passage is being written to the Israelites while they are in captivity. They have lost their land, their government and very nearly their identity. What part did God play in this loss? (See the end of the paragraph. I’m setting us up for next week’s continuing discussion of God’s sovereignty.) But this is a profoundly hopeful passage. What kind of plans does God have for them … and for us? And notice the great promise of verse 13. But also notice the qualifier to that promise.

1. Let’s rededicate ourselves tonight to pursuing God by drawing a circle around each day, beginning and ending with Him.
2. Let’s pray The Lord’s Prayer.

   Matthew 6:9-13

   “‘Our Father in heaven,
         hallowed be your name,

   (10) your kingdom come,
         your will be done,
         on earth as it is in heaven.

   (11) Give us today our daily bread.

   (12) And forgive us our debts,
         as we also have forgiven our debtors.

   (13) And lead us not into temptation,
         but deliver us from the evil one.’

3. Lights out!