I can’t believe we are past the two-hundred-twenty day threshold and you are still with me—welcome back, I’m glad you’re here. Today, we read Jeremiah 25–27.
Courage for the Journey
Life takes courage. Every day we wake up and have to decide to keep moving forward. It’s not always easy. As I’ve mentioned before, thirty-nine years ago, a motor vehicle accident that broke my neck and back and left me with a lifelong disability changed my life. From day one on this new journey, I decided I would overcome each new challenge and figure out a new way forward. This resilience has served me well. But there are days when it feels like giving up would be easier.

The Bible is a powerful source of moral support in those moments. Today, we read Jeremiah had been prophesying for twenty-three years, and still the people weren’t listening (Jeremiah 25:3). I imagine some were thinking, “That old coot has been saying this for years and nothing bad has happened—why bother?”
Faith That Endures
Many people today have grown weary of waiting for Jesus to return and have lost faith. But Scripture reminds us not to lose heart: “Let us not grow weary in doing good…” (Galatians 6:9). Jesus will return, and we are called to remain faithful (Hebrews 9:28; Titus 2:13).

I believe the Holy Spirit comforts and guides a person who has submitted to the Lord, so their faith renews daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). Jeremiah kept showing up, day after day, even though no one was changing. That kind of persistence only comes from divine strength.

We also read about Uriah, another prophet who spoke the truth but fled to Egypt when things got tough (Jeremiah 26:20–21). Sadly, that didn’t save him—they tracked him down and killed him (Jeremiah 26:23). His story reminds me that running from our calling doesn’t protect us. Instead, we must rely on the Spirit to renew us and choose to power through each day.
Clarity and Conviction
While waiting for a job offer, I’ve been upgrading my skill set and building a website to showcase my abilities. Working with AI has taught me that clarity is everything. You must be specific. This principle applies to raising children, witnessing to non-believers, and even preaching. They say the devil is in the details—but I’m learning the truth is there too.

Sometimes it feels like you’re stuck in a loop. You’re not being clear, so people keep repeating what they thought you wanted. Maybe that’s how it felt for Jeremiah. The people heard his warnings, gave a beggar some food, and thought they’d done enough. But Jeremiah kept saying, “Your sins are many—repent!” (Jeremiah 25:5–6). They helped another beggar, gave a few coins, and hoped that would silence him. But the next day, there he was again. Eventually, they just changed where they ate lunch to avoid him.

That’s how it works with AI, with children, and often with preaching. People think, “I already admitted I’m a sinner and prayed a prayer—why do you keep telling me to repent?” Well, repentance isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily posture. Scripture says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…” (1 John 1:9). We must continue to ask God to forgive us and refine us.
Christ’s Finished Work
Christ died once for all sins (1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 9:26–28). We don’t want to put Him back on the cross. He completed His part when He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The question isn’t what more Jesus needs to do—it’s what else we need to do to grow in sanctification.

Fixing the same problem week after week can become a habit—and, we stop having that problem. When God convicted me to stop smoking, I had to resist at first. Now, I have no desire. But when I hear a sermon on repentance, I sometimes think, “Geez, what more do you want me to give up?” That’s the right question. Not just giving up, but refining.
What’s Next for You?
Maybe you’ve stopped sinning in many areas, but still look at inappropriate images or listen to questionable lyrics. Let’s work on that. Maybe you’ve given all that up and are happier for it—but you still only attend church as an observer. Perhaps the next step is to volunteer.

If you’re like my wife and me, you may already serve in many areas. But how often do we see someone who needs Jesus and just don’t take the time to witness? If we’re still on this earth, I believe God has chosen not to bring us home yet because there’s still more for us to do (Philippians 1:22–24).

So, what is it He wants you to do next? That’s a question we each need to answer with clarity and conviction. Be specific. Have courage.

Tomorrow, we will read Jeremiah 28-30.