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Jeremiah 7:²⁶ Yet they did not listen to me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers.

Jeremiah 8:⁵Why then has this people turned away
in perpetual backsliding?
They hold fast to deceit;
they refuse to return.

John 13:¹⁴If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

In Jeremiah, the people had chosen not to repent. They knew very well that they were to serve and worship God alone, but they continued in their wicked ways. God has always desired His children to come back to Him with repentant hearts, but instead, they insist on going their own way. It is the same as if I were walking towards a cliff and my father were to call my name and call out to me, telling me to turn around, but instead, I never turn my head and continue on my path towards destruction. So what did God do to lead back such stiff necked people? He sent His only Son to live by example so that we will follow what He does so we can be back in relationship with the Father. That's the same as if my dad sent my brother, Lance to come and get me on my path, and walk with me to turn me around.

I want to be a follower of Christ. I think that I am still very stiffnecked in many ways. There are times I just don't stop myself from thinking things that are not of God. There are times when I do something that God is clearly saying, "Stop, turn back to me." How do I gain the discipline to be repentant and consistently turning back to God? I need to follow Jesus. I need to say to myself, "Is this where Jesus is stepping right now?" If Jesus isn't there, then I need to look to where He is leading me. I need to follow Him closely. I truly need to work on memorizing scripture. I feel like I don't have weapons in my arsenal. I don't take the time to prepare before the battle. Help me, O Lord, in this area.

Heavenly Father, I love You. I need You. I want to be more like You. Please help me to follow Jesus. Lord Jesus, please take me by the hand and bring me back to the Father when I start to stray. Thank You for Your word. Please engrave it upon my heart. Help me to memorize scripture, Lord. Please keep me from wandering away from You. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.