Jeremiah 1:1 These are the words of Yirmeyahu the son of Hilkiyahu, one of the cohanim living in ‘Anatot, in the territory of Binyamin. 2 The word of Adonai came to him during the days of Yoshiyahu the son of Amon, king of Y’hudah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It also came during the days of Y’hoyakim the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y’hudah, continuing until the eleventh year of Tzidkiyahu the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y’hudah, right up until the time Yerushalayim was carried away captive, in the fifth month.
4 Here is the word of Adonai that came to me:
5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you;
before you were born, I separated you for myself.
I have appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”
6 I said, “Oh, Adonai Elohim, I don’t even know how to speak! I’m just a child!” 7 But Adonai said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m just a child.’
“For you will go to whomever I send you,
and you will speak whatever I order you.
8 Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you, says Adonai,
to rescue you.”
9 Then Adonai put out his hand and touched my mouth, and Adonai said to me,
“There! I have put my words in your mouth.
10 Today I have placed you over nations and kingdoms
to uproot and to tear down,
to destroy and to demolish,
to build and to plant.” (Complete Jewish Bible)
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Have you ever been in a situation where you just don’t know what to say? Over the years I have listened to many people share their stories of hurt and betrayal. Often I am at a loss for words. The hard conversations though, are when someone needs to hear something they may not want to hear. That is when I have to rely most on God’s power to give me the words to say. Jeremiah was called by God to spend his life speaking truths that would be rejected at every turn. I’m sure Jeremiah felt inadequate. Jeremiah used his youth as an excuse "I am too young" he said (verse 6). How often do we feel inadequate to share God’s word of life with someone else! Yet God gives to us the same assurance Jeremiah received: “I have put my words in your mouth” (v. 9). We are never left alone to deliver God’s truth without the resources we need. God supplies us with the words, the attitude, and the understanding through the power of His Holy Spirit. Is God calling you to a task that seems overwhelming? Be assured, friend, God has given you His power to accomplish it!
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Hymn for Today: "Guide Me, O Great Jehovah" by William Williams.
1. Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
2. Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
Thought for Today: but those who hope in Adonai will renew their strength,
they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings;
when they are running they won’t grow weary,
when they are walking they won’t get tired. (Isaiah 40:31)(Complete Jewish Bible).
Please pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Angola.
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