Claiming God's Promises

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Claiming God’s Promises

“Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9, ESV)

This message was not in my plan to share with you today. Nor had it been in my thoughts before 7:30 yesterday morning. An entirely different message was planned for delivery, having worked on it for days. However, it was not coming together well. There was unrest and much distraction. As revealed to me the prior morning, the Holy Spirit had a better plan in mind.

You can have a plan. And it can be a good and beneficial plan- one that blesses others and brings glory to God. However, it may not be within God’s timing, or, He may will for a completely different course. Therefore, we need to always be listening- always sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, discernment, and timing. We need to stay surrendered to His leading, to change course should He give that instruction. Though I don’t know who He intends to reach today, I obediently give you His message. 

Oh Hey, It’s Jeremiah 29:11

“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” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

This promise was made to Jeremiah after God instructed him to go and prophesy to all the nations (Jeremiah 1). He prophesied for over 40 years, from approximately 627/626 B.C. until shortly after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

This scripture is often misused by many Christians and unbelievers. Applying it to their own agendas, their belief is in God’s promise of help in whatever plans they make for their lives.

As many claim this promise for themselves, they remove Jeremiah and the context surrounding the command that God was making specifically to him. It’s as if to say, “Whatever I fancy for myself, God promises that He will always help me accomplish what (or who) I desire, and make me a success.” 

But that’s not what this scripture means.

Jeremiah 29:11 Is Not For You

First, this specific promise is not for you nor me, but for Jeremiah. While it reveals God’s faithful love, protection, and provision for all believers who are in Christ, this scripture it not a promise we can claim for ourselves.

If read in third-person: “God knows the plans that God has for Jeremiah…plans to prosper Jeremiah and not harm him, plans to give Jeremiah hope and a future.”

Second, to try and claim this promise for our own plans lacks humility and surrender to Holy and Almighty God.

This scripture is not about us and what we want our life to be, for God will not bless our plans made outside of Him.

The Deeper Dive

We need to read the beginning chapter of Jeremiah to fully understand it. The Lord said to Jeremiah:

“You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you” (Jeremiah 1:7). 

In Jeremiah 1:17, the Lord tells the prophet, “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you.” And when God gives a command to us, He follows it by giving the assurance of His power, strength, and protection. It doesn’t mean we will never experience persecution, suffering, and painful moments. But when we do, God will take our hand and lead us through, but we must trust Him.  

As God promises to be with Jeremiah, He also promises to rescue Him (Jeremiah 1:8). We often misuse that scripture as well, claiming that whatever we want to do outside of God, He will always rescue us from the consequences of our wrongdoing or foolishness. This isn’t true. He may rescue us in grace and mercy, not giving us what we deserve, as it relates to His plan and purpose. However, all sinful decisions have a cost. God cannot ignore sin, and those costs may be realized while on earth through His loving discipline or a lost opportunity (Hebrews 12:6, ESV).  

In the misuse of Jeremiah 29:11, some tend to also misuse Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” 

This doesn’t say, “Commit to the Lord whatever you want to do,” but “whatever you do” as assigned by God.

The above is from the NIV which is one of the translations I read, but the translation for this scripture doesn’t seem to truly capture the intended meaning from the original Greek and Hebrew.

I believe part of the problem in misuse of scripture is in the biblical translation being read. The Message, which isn’t a translation but rather a rendering from Eugene Peterson, reads: “Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.” The wording leads the reader to erroneously believe that God can be used to help achieve whatever one’s heart desires.

A literal, word-for-word translation of the Greek and Hebrew, such as ESV, is the translation that I prefer with this specific scripture: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” 

In short, the biblical translation you read matters. The other issue is following prosperity gospel teachings, where God’s Word is selfishly used to gain health, wealth, and prosperity.

Also, reading God’s Word in full context is essential. This is why it’s important to be in the Word regularly. This helps us best understand the character and nature of God, His purpose, plan, and promises.

Regarding plans to prosper, give hope and a future, believers in Christ are given the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He provides us with supernatural power, peace, joy, wisdom, guidance, and comfort. We are also given an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11, ESV), as the future plans of spiritual prosperity and eternal life are ours through Christ Jesus. However, this is not a promise for those who deny Jesus as their Lord and Savior (John 3:18, NIV).

Success As Defined By God 

He knows the plans He has for each of us…plans to prosper us. God is not against giving us healthy relationships, financial resources, accomplishments, memorable experiences, good health, and earthly comforts. However, we’re not guaranteed these blessings, nor are we entitled to them. Jesus said that the Father “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45, NIV). It’s a blessing when we don’t have all the comforts of this world, for Paul encourages, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NASB1995).

God’s utmost desire for each of us is to be increasingly transformed into the likeness of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. And it’s our trials and tribulations that are the tools that shape us into His image.

And we can pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me. Thank you for the treasure of your Spirit that indwells within me, and the unsearchable riches that are found in you as our Savior, King, Shepherd, and Bridegroom. Lead and guide us in all your wisdom, revealing truth in all things. It’s in your powerful and almighty name, I pray. Amen.

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Health  

This Week’s Health Pick

The Health Benefits of Raw Garlic

Eating one raw garlic clove daily boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, and provides potent antioxidant benefits. Raw garlic, especially when crushed, releases allicin, a compound with antibacterial properties that aids in reducing inflammation and promoting cardiovascular health.

How to Consume

To maximize the medicinal benefits (specifically allicin production), you should crush or mince the raw garlic and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before eating, as this activates the compounds.

Important Precautions

• Side Effects: Raw garlic can cause bad breath, body odor, heartburn, or stomach irritation in some individuals.

• Blood Thinning: Garlic has natural anti-platelet properties. If you are on blood-thinning medication (like warfarin or aspirin), consult a doctor, as it can heighten their effects.

• Pre-Surgery: Discontinue consuming large amounts of raw garlic at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

In case you missed it, you can check out last week’s devotional and health article below. Or click here for the full archive.

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_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}