August 8, 2021: SOAP #4266:  Jeremiah 1-2; John 10

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 10:8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. 9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth.

OBSERVATION: In this first chapter of the book of Jeremiah, we read about a powerful and personal encounter the prophet had with God.  God had an assignment.  The prophet doubted his ability to carry out the assignment.  It would be hard for him to carry God’s word to the people; he did not know how to speak; he was only a child. 

God also had serious doubts about the prophet’s abilities!  Obviously, God was not depending on the prophet’s abilities.  God was counting on His Own Presence to be with Jeremiah!  God would even place His words in the prophet’s mouth.  The prophet’s mouth would now belong to God and would speak God’s words!!!  Jeremiah would not need to get input from others as to what his message should be.  God would give him the message!  

APPLICATION:  When God gives me an assignment, He is not counting on my abilities or on my resources.  He is not counting on me to be able to get my message from a lesson plan or a book.  He is not counting on me to be able to convince other people to “support” my ministry.  If it is His assignment, He will supply.  It does not please God when I act like God is not able to provide and I have to convince other people to give.  It is true that God will often use other people to support HIS work, but He does the convincing.  When presenting the ministry and needs to others, I must be careful not to present God as unable to provide for His assignments.  I am a child of the KING; I am not a beggar!  It is my privilege to work for One who has no lack and provides for my every need. 

When people try to convince me to send them money, I wonder why God is not providing their needs?  Are they not doing God’s will?  Why is their faith in God so lacking?  Their faith in me seems to be greater than their faith in God!  There is no doubt that they are facing a great need…so great that only God has the resources to meet.  My assignment is to help their faith in God to grow! 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Our relationship is based on faith.  Without faith it is impossible to please you.  May my faith be every growing.  Amen

Pastor Leon      
Making friends for time and eternity!