Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

Day 197

October 01, 2025 • Aneel Aranha • Season 3 • Episode 197

0:00 | 16:16

Explore Jeremiah 14-16, Psalm 76, and 2 Corinthians 13, discovering how God calls us to examine our faith honestly and pursue peace even through trials and testing.

Day 197 – Worthy, Not Worthless Words

Jeremiah 14–16
Psalm 76
2 Corinthians 13

It's usually easier to see what's wrong with someone else. We notice a friend's sharp tone long before we hear our own. Today's readings turn the mirror around. In Jeremiah 14, drought has dried up the land. Even the doe abandons her newborn fawn because there's no grass. Jeremiah prays for his people, and God tells him to stop. Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Him, His heart would not go out to them. In chapter 15, Jeremiah pours out his pain. He remembers when God's words were his joy and his heart's delight. Then he accuses God of being like a deceptive brook, a spring that fails. God doesn't scold him. He calls him back. If you repent, I will restore you. If you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. In chapter 16, God asks Jeremiah to live his message with no wife, no children, and no feasts. Psalm 76 reminds us that God alone is to be feared. And Paul closes his letter with a challenge. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Read side by side, these chapters show that even faithful servants need to keep coming home to God.

At the heart of these chapters is a simple idea. Serving God faithfully never exempts us from returning to Him. The people He uses most are the ones who examine their own hearts as honestly as they read everyone else's.

So where does this leave us today? Let's make it practical.

First, give Paul's test ten honest minutes today. Ask God to show you one attitude, habit, or conversation from this past week that didn't match what you believe. Then deal with it before you go to bed.

Second, listen to your own words today, especially about people who aren't in the room. If something worthless starts coming out, stop mid-sentence. Then replace it with something worthy.

Third, think back to a season when God's Word was your joy and delight. What did you do back then? Maybe it was a morning routine, a favorite passage, or a quiet walk with Him. Pick one and do it again today.

Before the day gets busy, remember this. Test yourself before you trust yourself. The honest look inward is where restoration begins.

Thank you for joining me today. May God give you a humble heart, a clean conscience, and words that build others up. Until tomorrow, keep coming back to Him, and let Him keep making you new.