Day 224: Jer 2:18 - 4:31

In the book of jeremiah we see the prophet very precisely comparing the nation of Israel to an unfaithful bride. Of course, throughout the Bible, we can see that the people of Israel are a picture of the modern day church. It's sad to say that the church in many ways has turned into a very unfaithful bride. The church has found a new lover and left God in the back room. Many churches have decided that their numbers or money or fame is really what God would want them to have. They try to "reach" as many people as they can by making everything as seeker friendly and convenient as possible. The church has taken the black-and-white, all-or-nothing Gospel and turned it into a much softer, easier group of suggestions that people are welcome to try out if they "feel led." The point is, God is waiting for His unfaithful bride to return. The church needs to quit focusing on itself and turn its eyes towards the Creator - the only One who truly knows and loves His children.

- Lord, help me to be faithful to You. And I pray that you bring the church back to the place where it belongs in Your heart. I know that it's not something that happens instantly with no real effort, but I pray that You give me the know-how to be a part of a ministry that will be an example and show others how to come back to Your arms. -