08/27/2026
Today's Devotions: Jeremiah 52. Revelation 1. Psalm 143-144. "The Call of Papa" This will be a personal devotion today for our Children and Grandchildren; and my readers of course!!! We end the Book of Jeremiah today. Jeremiah is called in Jeremiah 1:5 "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations." The purpose of the Book of Jeremiah is to urge GOD'S people to turn from their sins and turn back to GOD. Rob McKeown /Papa had the same call for the Youth in Costa Mesa and Woodburn, and as Lead Pastor in Silverton. He is called to lead the lost.... to JESUS! For 40 years Jeremiah served as GOD'S spokesman to Judah, but when he spoke, nobody listened. Do you feel that way? You're trying to convey how JESUS has given you Peace and Joy; but family and friends just don't get it! I know Papa felt that way often. Yes, often. It says in Jeremiah that he was rejected by his neighbors (11:19-20), his family (12:6), the false priests and prophets (20:1-2, 28:1-7), his friends (20:10), his audience (26:8), and the Kings of Judah (36:23). Papa got saved in College, and everything he had planned for his life changed. He thought he would become an Architect. Btw...Yes, he played basketball; at 6'9" he is often asked the question "did you play basketball?" Well of course he did!!! Papa left the Secular College and went to Bible College. (Icthus Bible School in Salem, Oregon). That's where his life changed again!! He met me, your Glamma! We married, had Lindi Rae, and Papa graduated from Bible School. He decided to continue his Education with the goal of becoming a Pastor. He decided on Costa Mesa Bible College in California. Now called Vanguard University. That was good for me, all my family was in California! I was going HOME!! He Graduated with a Degree in Biblical Studies. While in College he was a Part-time Youth Pastor in Huntington Beach ⛱️ , California. Good times AND we had Robert!! The plan after College was to leave Married Student Housing, and move into the Church Parsonage. I've spoken of this previously so won't go into the sad details. I'll just say the Pastor's changed their mind and then offered us a Garage!! No kidding! Talk about NOT feeling valued.😔😪 Ministry is difficult...sometimes. But oh the JOY when you lead someone to JESUS!!! So Papa has a degree in Biblical Studies and about to be Homeless! Oh my! Believe it or not he was hired by a Geotechnical Engineer, because he had the degree. Yes, not a degree in Engineering, but a degree shows discipline and hard work. Education is never a waste. We moved back to Oregon in 1993 to be near his Parents. Papa continued in the field of GeoEngineering, and had a great job. But of course the story doesn't end there, Papa had a call to Pastor. It took approximately 10 yrs to be back in Ministry. Continuing in Jeremiah, throughout his life he stood alone; declaring GOD'S messages of doom, announcing the new covenant, and weeping over the fate of his beloved country. In the eyes of the World he was not successful. But in GOD'S eyes? Oh yes! He was obedient and faithful to the call of GOD!! GOD has called each of us. ❤️ We need to commit to being successful in GOD'S eyes.