Matters of Faith: Weekly Column by Rev. J. Loren Russell.

 

Jeremiah 29:7 NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

On this final Sunday in the year 2023, it seems appropriate to look at the new year with great expectancy. The concept of a new blessing from an old method and living life at 100% is birthed from the heart of a loving God who wants only what’s best for all of us. 

Jeremiah shares an old concept with a new twist. There is a formula here if you look closely. This concept is personified on a three-point foundation; a love of God, a love for community, and a willingness to work collaboratively. 

The plans the Lord had for the Israelites in captivity was contingent upon them not listening to the false prophets and understanding that the Lord was using their situation and their circumstances to prepare them for a mighty blessing. Jeremiah tells them to prepare themselves by;

• Building houses and living in them,

• Planting gardens and eating the produce,

• Taking wives and having children with the inhabitants of those cities,

• Finding husbands for their daughters and wives for their sons,

• Having grandchildren,

• Working to bring peace in whatever city they found themselves,

• Asking God to bless that city and their people,

• Avoid being misled and deceived by false prophets,

• “And seek the peace of the city where [the Lord has] caused [them] to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace, [they] will have peace” (Jer. 29:7).

Notice that their blessings began with the thoughts or plans that the Lord had for them. Their peace is tied to the peace of their kidnappers. That’s where they establish community and a willingness to work collaborative for their mutual benefit. 

Jesus taught a new blessing from this old method. He said in Matthew 5:43-45, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” The Lord’s love never blinks. Living at 100% requires sharing your blessings with others. Jesus proved Himself to be a friend even to the most despicable of us. Would we dare to do any less? 

This new year, let’s strive to live at 100%, receiving a new blessing from an old method. 

Be Blessed, and Happy New Year! 

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ the Matters of Faith YouTube Channel. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177