Lamentations

We see in the book of Lamenations (most likely written by the prophet Jeremiah) a personal account of how sin has affected an individual. With such phrases and words as "deserted, bitter anguish, become unclean, without pity, I am in torment within, hunted me like a bird, see our disgrace etc" we see the condition of man.

I want to have this same disdain before my God concerning my sin. I don't want to live a life of apathy towards sin. I don't want my life to become careless and lazy. I don't want to be deceived and allow darkness to shroud my vision. I don't want sin to cause my to become spiritually calloused. I want to be spiritually alive. Spiritually alert. I want the Spirit to have free course in my life. I don't want to cover the power of the Spirit or in any way hinder what God wants to do in my life. I want to be a life changer, not another lifeless vessel seeking out the temporal trash of this age.

Only with a clear vision of my sin and its destructive forces do I truly see the power of the God that I serve. He is mighty to save and quick to forgive. This is called grace. It doesn't make sense and it sure is contrary to the human nature, but I'm truly thankful for grace. I don't deserve forgiveness, but with an outstretched arm, He saves me from the destruction that I should receive. Thank you Lord!

Jeremiah

Jeremiah has been called the weeping prophet by many. We read in 25:32, "Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth." V34 "Weep and wail you shepherds; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. ...v38...because of the Lord's fierce anger."

I think we would all agree that sin will eventually catch up with us. That which is done in the dark will be brought into the open by the light. The Lord sheds light on the hearts of all men, and they will be found out, those that do iniquity. Jeremiah is aware of the demise of man, and the nations that rebel against the Lord. His call is a call of repentance and turning. If we truly see the end of man, and his distance that he has caused between him and the Lord, our repentance will come easier. Jeremiah reminds us of the wrath that is to be unloaded by Lord due to the rebellion of the land.

Isaiah

We read throughout the book of Isaiah a number of different themes. One of the themes that stuck out to me was this thought on the "Day of the Lord." We find out that it's a terrible day. A day that God's wrath is poured out on sin. I don't necessarily believe that it's an ongoing day, I believe that it's a singular event, quite possibly part of the End Times series of events. I also believe that it could quite possibly occur right after Christ comes to take up, or rapture, His people home.

It's a day that doesn't necessarily have to occur, but will indeed occur due to the sin of the nations. Sin is rampant, not only here in the US, but globally. The sin of greed is apparent and we read of sins of abuse, moral decay, fighting, anger and rebellion throughout the newspaper headings. Today is the day to repent. May we find mercy in God's eyes...