How to Persevere for the Long Run

Clarence Bernard “Brick” Owens

Clarence Bernard “Brick” Owens

Prophet Jeremiah

The word of the Lord came to me saying, “before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” Jeremiah 1:4-6

After the Babylonian army had withdrawn from Jerusalem because of the Pharaoh's army, Jeremiah started to leave the city to go to the territory of Benjamin to get his share of the property among the people there. But when he reached the Benjamin Gate, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah, son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, arrested him and said, “You are deserting to the Babylonians.” Jeremiah 37:11-13

Then King Zedekiah sent for him and had him brought to the place where he asked him privately, “Is there any word from the Lord?” “Yes,” Jeremiah replied, “you will be handed over to the king of Babylon.” Jeremiah 37:17

So they took Jeremiah and put him in the cistern of Malkijah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern; it had no water in it, only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. Jeremiah 38:6

Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I give you an answer, will you not kill me? Even if I did give you counsel, you would not listen to me.” Jeremiah 38:15

STAND BY YOUR CONVICTIONS

“Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.” Jeremiah 1:18

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

MAKE RIGHT CHOICES

Religious people can continue to be free to “advocate” and “teach” their beliefs. What’s missing? Any mention of “exercising” those beliefs?

MAINTAIN PERSONAL CHARACTER

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:4

“Character... refers to the enduring marks left by life.”

DO NOT COMPROMISE

“That’s not true. ” Jeremiah said “That’s not true!” Jeremiah said. “I am not deserting to the Babylonians.” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. They were angry with Jeremiah and had him beaten and imprisoned in the house of Johnathan the secretary which they had made into a prison. Jeremiah 37:14-15

England ended religious freedom in 1660

Then say, “so will Babylon sink to rise no more because of the disaster I will bring upon her and her people will fail.” The words of Jeremiah end here. Jeremiah 51:64

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:19

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13

KNOW GOD WILL HELP

Clarence Bernard “Brick” Owens

Prophet Jeremiah