SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
Scripture: Jeremiah 7:16-21, Jeremiah 8:7

It is amazing that when we see the sin of the land then we know that eventually those people will have to forfeit their prosperity. They cannot keep it. Look at the lament in Jeremiah 8:7 which says, “Even the stork in the heavens Knows her appointed times; And the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow Observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the Lord.” What a statement to heed! Why don’t we yet see the wealth transfer and experience the measure of what God wants to do coming forth? This verse unfolds one important reason why. God says it is because His people do not know the judgment of the Lord. God is ready to judge, He is ready to change things. The paths of judgment create an opportunity for this transfer. We know that from Proverbs 8 and a number of other places in Scripture. We also know from what Jeremiah observed. I picture God saying to us in this hour, ‘My people do not know the appointed times of the judgment of the Lord.’ What can we do to change this? Let’s read the Book carefully and get to know the judgment of the Lord, and not ascribe to the feel-good message that all judgment is past. We have three books to read that will help: The Sure Mercies of David, Jesus and Justice, and God’s Layered Love. We also publish this daily Bible studies all year long most of which teach and train saints to walk with the Judge. We make them available on the internet at www.wordatwork.org. The birds know their timing but God’s people do not know the judgment of the Lord. What a painful reproach! Truth always hurts when it gets this close to home. Isn’t it time that we begin to learn the judgment of the Lord. I suspect the time is now!