07/09/2023 - WENT BEYOND THE LIMIT

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So do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble. Jeremiah 11.14

When sin is intentional, it is more difficult to be forgiven, because the person did what their heart desired. This was not God’s will, but their own. God’s will is registered in the Bible, to which we must bow. In the temptations suffered by Jesus in the wilderness, He showed how we must stand firm in the Scriptures (read Matthew, chapter 4). By resisting the devil with the Word, Christ taught us how to proceed in the path of faith.

A person’s actions originate in their heart, as Jesus said: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things (Matthew 12.35). Who is the good man, if not the one who has the same attitude as the Master? He taught us: For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you (John 13.15). What the Lord teaches us in His Word is our best weapon against the enemy!

Anyone who surrenders to the devil, thinking that some mistakes considered minor do no harm and therefore can be accepted or practiced – will soon have a bad treasure inside them. Then, that person will respond to the evil one’s proposals in the way he wants. But the prudent person seeks to know God’s will and, when tempted, acts like Jesus – and the devil flees from him: Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4.7).

God knew that Jeremiah would waste time praying on behalf of a people who was not innocent. Captivity would be the fate of the rebels, since they did not wish to learn from the Spirit of God. Jesus spoke: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11.28-30). Do this and truly live!

So that the prophet would not waste his time praying for those who wanted the result of their secret desire that was now coming to light, the Most High forbade him to lift up the cry for the subjects of the southern kingdom. What a sad day! The Creator decided to close his ears to these supplications. This only happened because the people despised the Lord in every way. Never let this happen in your life. Right now, seek God in the Word (Isaiah 55:6).

If we go beyond the limits, we will also face difficult times. Then, whoever hears about what happened to us will know where the blame lies for the unpleasant situations. Nothing bad happens by chance, but rather because the devil found the door open. The Bible sums it up: Do not give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27). The wise learn good lessons from this statement, and thereby frees themselves from temptations sent by the enemy!

Knowing that we cannot mock the Lord, let us consecrate ourselves to Him and let the Holy Spirit intervene in our lives. God has a bright and good hope for us; therefore, we cannot frustrate Him. The Bible must be consulted at all times. Why not begin to change your life now? The Father is waiting to act!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares