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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

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Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
Psalm 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18
Matthew 13:44-46

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mouthing off

"If you bring forth the precious without the vile, you shall be My mouthpiece." —Jeremiah 15:19

Jeremiah was shooting off his mouth to God. This was acceptable to God. We can tell Him how hurt, depressed, and lonely we feel. Nevertheless, we are not allowed to blame God for our problems. The Lord has been perfectly faithful to us, and we should never deny this.

When Jeremiah started accusing God of being "a treacherous brook" and not abiding with him, the Lord stopped Jeremiah from further mouthing off (Jer 15:19). The Lord told him to repent of that last "vile" remark, or he would no longer be used as God's mouthpiece.

The Lord will not permit us to judge anyone, including Himself (Mt 7:1). Expressing our pain is legitimate, but it is unacceptable to blame someone else for it — especially God. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps 111:10). "If we deny Him He will deny us. If we are unfaithful He will still remain faithful, for He cannot deny Himself" (2 Tm 2:12-13).

Prayer:  Father, give me the awesome fear of You.

Promise:  "The reign of God is like a buried treasure which a man found in a field." —Mt 13:44

Praise:  Continuing to judge and "bad mouth" her husband, Cathy was literally silenced until she repented and changed her way.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape on Do Not Judge Others on audio AV 58-1 or video V-58.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2009

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