2-24-06 Jeremiah 7:24

Jeremiah 7:24 (KJ21)
But they hearkened not nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward.

Jeremiah 7:24 (NAS)
Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward.

Jeremiah 7:24 (NIVUS)
But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.

Jeremiah 7:24 (NLT)
But my people would not listen to me. They kept on doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward.

As an adult, you believe you are in charge of your own life and do not really have to answer to anyone. Of course, you also realize that this simply is not true. Most of us are under the authority of someone--a boss, a pastor, a husband and ultimately Adonai, the Most High God. You must decide if you will pay attention and obey your superiors. You must listen to consider, and consent to the guidelines that they set for you.

This may cause you to stretch in certain areas and to bend in others. You must decide that you will yield, even if you do not want to do so. Giving a listening ear to God those in authority will cause you to broaden and expand.

If you listen to your lustful imaginations and follow after your own evil purposes, you will not be blessed. Such counsel, originating in your unrenewed mind and heart will move you backwards and not forward. You will find that you are always behind and not at the forefront. However, if you walk in God's plans and purposes for your life, you will be honored and respected.