JEREMIAH 30-31:Yesterday we heard more of Jeremiah's struggle against false prophets. And now so many centuries later, in our day, the false message is what people desire to hear, even though the truth is actually better for us and much better for our preparation.

There is an often quoted verse from yesterday's reading. I think it is good to bear in mind that this was NOT spoken to the Jews left behind in Israel's land, but was part of the letter to the exiles in Babylon.

Jer. 29:11 NLT For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen.

I think it is great to pray to the Lord and ask that He would treat you the same way as the exiles in Babylon. I don't think it is good to rip this verse out of context and claim it as applying directly to you. However, regarding our future and hope, and how God listens to us when we pray, there are many other verses, especially in the New Testament, that we can claim.

PROVERBS 3a:In yesterday's reading we heard that following the path of wisdom is the way of common sense, and that leads one to avoid reckless sin of all kinds. It is best to follow the example of godly people. Lady Wisdom appears again in today's chapter in verses 13-18. Look for the pronouns 'her' and 'she' in most translations.

1CORINTHIANS 10:In chapter 8, we heard that Christians who have 'superior wisdom' sometimes need to give up their 'rights' for the sake of not causing their brothers and sisters to fall or be tempted. (Often not really 'rights', but privileges we get too possessive about.) And that led Paul in chapter 9 to talk of the rights he and Barnabas had given up for the Gospel.

NLT Translation notes:Jer. 31:17 There is hope for your future," says the LORD."Your children will come [back] again to their own land.====Prov. 3:13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,the one who gains understanding.14 For [she,] wisdom[,] is more profitable than silver,and her wages are better than gold.15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;nothing you desire can compare with [Lady Wisdom//her].18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;happy are those who hold [on to] her tightly.====1Cor. 10:4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and [by that, I mean that] that rock was Christ.20 No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are [actually] offered to demons, not to God. And I don't want you to participate with demons.24 Don't [just] be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.28 (But suppose someone tells you, "This meat was offered to an idol." [Then] Don't eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) [So now, someone is sure to ask, "[:/For] why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?["]

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.