August 30, 2026 -- Jeremiah 7:11 -- Putting yourself out there

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Has this house, which is called by My Name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 7:11 ESV
 
Jesus quoted this text when He cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:13). The words are strong condemnation against the people of God. A den of robbers is a place where thieves go to split their profits. A den of robbers is a place that thieves figure is safe from the pursuing authorities or fellow thieves. The point is the people had neglected to honour the temple of the LORD as holy. Even as the LORD is holy. They were acting as if God could not see the abomination of their ways. An abomination is something vile, disgusting, sickening and rebellious against the perfections of the Living God.
 
The temple is the LORD’s house. When you enter someone else’s house, you want to make sure you follow the rules and habits of the home. It is part of being a good guest. You know that some homes require you remove your shoes. Other times, especially if it was a rainy and muddy day, you automatically remove your soiled shoes. It is a courtesy. You sit where the host directs you. Perhaps in the kitchen. Maybe in the living room. But it is the host who decides this. So it is with the Lord’s house. People are appropriately attired. It is God’s house, not a beach or a backyard. People are called upon to observe the rules of God’s house. It is a grand and mighty privilege to meet with the Living God. We do not command Him. We do not summon Him. We do not tell Him what to do and what not to do. We are the supplicants; the ones seeking an audience with the Glorious One Who alone lives in unapproachable Light. He has made the way open for relationship with Himself. So, in humble awe, we meet with our King following His protocols.
 
The LORD Himself sees everything you do and everything in you. How are you prepared for worship today? Are you going to the house of the Lord? Are you going with joy? Are you neglecting to go to worship God—have you made idols in your life to serve them instead? If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ, He has cleansed your heart—like He cleansed the temple in Jerusalem. The question now is, with what are you filling your heart?
 
Spirit of God expose to me the true condition of my heart. Reveal to me the competing priorities which easily trump my soul’s greatest need—which is to know Jesus as the Treasure of my Soul. I know I was designed to bring honour, praise and glory to God. Any other endeavor will leave me twisted, like when I try to use a butter knife to turn a screw. Since this is the purpose You have ordained for my life, help me to serve Jesus without reservation or complaint. As I do O God, my Father, let the magnificence of Your grace, demonstrated to me in Christ, be my all in all. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/FgFn7fFLVG8?si=cMoAgCyjI6FqqMWe Your Grace Still Amazes Me
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.