A prayer for the day

Today - I desire to be more like Jesus.  I want to be more integrous.  I want to be more righteous with my words and my thoughts.  I want to be a leader in action.  I want to have faith and trust that God will do what he says I will do.  I want to be willing to sacrifice.

Jesus, I look to you today.  Thank you for your word which has spoken to my this morning.  I know that you love me and care for me.  I know that you have enough grace to cover my sin and shame and that you and I will be in relationship forever.

Jesus, I lift to you my disobedience - help me to obey.  I lift to you my selfishness and indulgence - help me to be content.  I lift to you my stubbornness - help me to be gentle and willing to hear what others have to say.

Jesus, I give you my family.  I pray that Donia's back would be healed today.  I thank you for her - that she is such a wonderful woman.  I thank you for her strength and wisdom.  I thank you for the beauty that she has.  I pray that as we consider our lives together in 2009 we would follow your leading and wisdom.  I pray that we would always be able to look back with confidence because we have trusted you.  I ask that you would continue to paint our perspective - that you would firmly etch your way and thoughts into our minds.  When we stray, when we think we are wise, please show us our folly.  Jesus, please mold Jenna and Owen into the followers of you.  I pray that from an early age you would save them.  I ask that you would extend grace to them.  I pray that you show them how much they need you.  I pray that you would keep them from harm.  Please help them to help others, to care for others and to be willing to give their lives away.  Give Donia and I great wisdom and patience as we assist in their growth process.

Jesus, I give you my ministry.  I pray that you would give me great wisdom.  I pray that you would help me to move forward with vision and action.  I ask that you would help us find the right youth pastor soon.  And I pray that Winter Retreat would be fantastic.

May I ever be a bright and shining light for you.  

Your son...Isaac

Super (natural)

It is interesting how supernaturaul Jesus' beginnings are:

• Virgin Birth
• Angel appearing to Joseph to lead him to still marry Mary
• The Magi from the east who saw the star
• The dream warning to the Magi (not to go back to Herod)
• The dream warning to Joseph (that he needed to go to Egypt)
• The dream while Joseph was in Egypt (letting him know he could return home)
• The dream warning that led Joseph to live in Nazereth 

I realize as I am studying this that I easily can forget how above everything God is.  He is not limited to the normal laws of earthly life.  Nor does he have to function in a way that makes sense to us.

Also, this passage brings alive the importance of prophecy.  Jesus' birth was foretold through the prophets, and these were not just simple or general prophecies, but were indeed specific.

I am challenged today to see God as bigger.  I am challenged to know him more fully.  I am challenged to let my expectations be larger than what is natural or normal.

God, would you please show yourself to me today?  I love you...

Trusting the Bosses of Life

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13:1

Today in my reading Ihave come upon this appropiate passage.  It is one that is familiar, but how much I "know" it doesn't mean that I live it out.  Nor does it mean that I understand the far-reaching implications of its truth.  The bottom line is that God is in control.  

I have often wondered how Paul would have written like if he were a part of a democracy.  Winston Churchill is quoted as saying:

Democracy is the worst form of government, except all the rest.

We live in an interesting place - we have the freedom, right and, some would say, the obligation to cast our opinion in on the matter of governmental offices.  So, although God uses whatever means nessecary, in the end he uses our perceptions and thoughts to provide the outcome he sees as correct.

Regardless of our opinion, however, it is His will that is done.  And once his will is done, than we have nothing to do except to submit to his wisdom and plan, which is far superior to any advice I have to offer.

Jesus, today I need to listen to these words and take them to heart.  you have placed me in situations of submission for your own purposes.  I ask that I would exhibit trust in you as I wade through the place of life you have me in.

In my weakness

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.  That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

These words are towards the end of raw segment of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.  As he has served and given, he has had it all thrown back in his face.  Apparently negative words about Paul had been passed on to Paul.  He then "vented" his frustration to them.

I find strength in these words.  While I haven't endured the same sort of persecution as Paul, nor the criticism, I do find pastoring to be full of betrayal.  People are fickle.  People just don't know the struggle at times.  People let us down.  (as I write this, however, I am reminded of many who consistently bless me)

Paul is admitting that he has weaknesses, but in his weakness, Jesus is made strong and mighty.  I pray that would be the same with me.

Jesus - you know my weaknesses.  You know how often I fail you.  You know when I stumble and drop the ball.   I pray that in spite of me, you would be made strong.  I pray that as I follow you today - that you would watch over me.  I lift up my family today and ask that each of us would follow hard after you.  I pray that we would walk in your grace.  I pray that we would each be reminded of your amazing love today.

Please give me your grace today.  Please settle me and enable me to live as you would like.

The Results - how do we react?

 12 But do people know where to find wisdom?

      Where can they find understanding?

 13 No one knows where to find it,

      for it is not found among the living.

 14 ‘It is not here,’ says the ocean.

      ‘Nor is it here,’ says the sea.

.....................................................................................................................

 20 “But do people know where to find wisdom?

      Where can they find understanding?

 21 It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity.

      Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it.

 22 Destruction and Death say,

      ‘We’ve heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found.’

JOB 28:12-14, 20-22

Wisdom is the knowledge of which way to go.

Our country is obviously at a crossroad.  Some are panicked right now because the President-elect doesn't hold the same values as them.  Some are overjoyed.

We don't understand the mind of God - we don't know all of the whys.  We don't see history laid out before us.  But, the one thing we as Christians can bank on - God's purposes will always come about.  God hasn't forgotten his agenda.  He didn't miss this portion of history!  No!  he is on the move, Job states:

23 “God alone understands the way to wisdom;

      he knows where it can be found,

 24 for he looks throughout the whole earth

      and sees everything under the heavens.

 25 He decided how hard the winds should blow

      and how much rain should fall.

 26 He made the laws for the rain

      and laid out a path for the lightning.

 27 Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it.

      He set it in place and examined it thoroughly.

 28 And this is what he says to all humanity:

   ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom;

      to forsake evil is real understanding.’”

JOB 28:23-28

I am thrilled!  I am thrilled to serve God!  Our country as a designated piece of land with laws and regulations doesn't serve God!  People serve God and our God is in control!

He knows the beginning from the end.  He is truly the author and the perfecter of our faith!  We shouldn't falter - nor should we be too overjoyed over the outcome of human voting for imperfect and limited systems of voting.  Instead, let us bow in humility to God and rejoice over him - our Lord, the bestower of wisdom.

Jesus, I love you.  Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

Humble Power

His Spirit made the heavens beautiful,

      and his power pierced the gliding serpent.

 These are just the beginning of all that he does,

      merely a whisper of his power.

      Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?

Job 26:13-14

And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

Mark 15:19-20

In our reading this morning these two passages were assigned.  The stark contrast between the two amazes me anew.  The God of the universe - the creator of all things - the one who holds all power in his hands - the one who gives life and sustains life and who takes life away is also the one who subjected himself to extreme persecution, torment and then death.

Job declares the omnipotence of God.  And Mark records the humility of God.

Jesus, today I see that you are power under control.  You are subjected to the will of the Father and it was (is) his will that man be drawn back to him.  It is only through your sacrifice that I am graced even to start to understand your love for me.

You live inside of me, which means that the God of the universe is inside of me, not so that I can move in a way or pray in a way the blesses me, but so that I have the ability to act according to the Father - so that they may know your truth and life.  Jesus thank you for always being my friend - but I will not take for granted that you wish for me to remain in submission to everything that you are and say.

What are my standing orders today my Lord?  Speak to me.  Help to do the little things right.  I pray that I would be a man of character today.  I pray that I would adequately present you to those who are around me.  I know that you will give me the insight to know how to do that and when.

I bless your name today...I give you honor and glory...I have you my life...

I need peace

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

Jesus, I see your ability to calm the most difficult storms.  You are the bringer of peace to your people.  You said that you would leave us with peace.  I pray that I would walk into that peace right now.  I lift up to you the coming weekend - all of my doubt and fear - I pray that you would take it.  All of my apprehension - please remove it and replace it with faith.

I would like to be able to walk in a deep calm, even though the things around me are troubled.  Would you please give me the spirit of peace?

I love you and am committed to serve you today.  Would you please help the concert be a success?  Would you please help us to get people there?  

I love you.

1 Lord, my heart is not proud;

      my eyes are not haughty.

   I don’t concern myself with matters too great

      or too awesome for me to grasp.

 2 Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,

      like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.

      Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

 3 O Israel, put your hope in the Lord—

      now and always.

Psalm 131

While ascending to Jerusalem, the people would recite Psalm 131 - why?

This morning I am sick and not feeling well at all.  As I work to go up unto his presence, I sense that the Lord would want to quiet my soul and give me rest.  He would like for me to be in a humble and contrite condition so that I am able to receptive towards his word.

Jesus, today i need to be strengthened by you.  I ask that you would strengthen me and give me rest.

Dangerous Trust

...I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.

Ezra 8:21b-23

Do I trust the Lord with my life?  Ezra had made a declaration of who God was - and then he chose to trust the Lord.  He trusted God when it wasn't easy.  He trusted God when it was dangerous to do so.

Dangerous trust.  Will I allow the Lord to lead me into dangerous areas of life or ministry?  Will I trust him to be my salvation, my provision and sustainer?

I can choose to allow God to be who he is, or I could never take dangerous steps of faith.

Jesus, today I ask that you would fill me with faith so that I would be willing to take the steps that you are asking me to take.  I love you and confess that I need you and not just need you to stick around a bit, I desperately need you.

Today, I will launch forward into the assignments ahead of me with faith.  Even if I fell alone, exposed or vulnerable, I will move ahead!

Including through invitation

12 Then he turned to his host.“When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”

-Luke 14:12-14

The invitation of the Lord is for everyone, not for the people that we normally think it should be for.  It is amazing how we make judgements on who should be included in our lives, or to what extent they should be included.  Jesus is asking us to invite the uninvited - to open up the best of our lives for the "worst" of people.  Jesus, I ask you today to show me where I need to do this.  What people are you asking me to include?  How can I be more inclusive?  How can my capacity for people increase?  At the end of my life, I wish to be one who's reward is greater than just the obvious or natural outcomes of my "easy" circle of relationships.

Jesus, today, I ask that I would be someone who is focused on you.  As a result, may I bring others into your presence and into your light.  I ask that you would use me to be a light into the darkness of the abandoned, the forgotten and the overlooked.  I pray that I would actively include all around me to your kingdom.  I pray that i would choose to be sensitive to your leading.  I pray that I would be sensitive enough to not miss what you are doing.  Lord, give me a sweet and engaging spirit.  may I be like you are - loving and inviting and caring and able to speak into every life.  Holy Spirit, fill me today.

devotions

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.They will continue to grow stronger...

Psalm 84:5-7

Joy.  I want to carry the joy of the Lord with me today.  I wish to walk with my eyes forward - trusting the Lord to fulfill what he has promised.  I know that it easy for me to become focused on circumstances or happenings.  However, I know that joy and contentment can only come as I am striving to see the bigger picture of God.

Jesus, today I will rejoice with what today is for me.  You have given me the gift of today.  I won't squander the opportunities I have to enjoy you - to express you and to give you more of me.

Thank you for the opportunity to be around the flag pole with the students today.  Thank you for the chance to pray with the students.  Thanks for the chance to connect with Mikey again.  I pray that you would give me chances to connect with him.  I pray that he might be drawn to you through me.  I pray that even though I might be inconvenienced or challenged, I would be one that gives you away to others.  

Thank you for the fact that we had more donuts than we needed.  It was wonderful to give away donuts to the students who were threatening a Satan/Hitler worshipping meeting next Wednesday.  May you bless them and draw them to you.

Jesus, would you make us a people of prayer.  Would you birth that within us?  Help me to be one who models that...and who pursues that with our church.

Jesus, I love you and am committed to you again.

Thirsty?

"Come!" say the Spirit and the Bride. 

   Whoever hears, echo, "Come!" 

   Is anyone thirsty? Come! 

   All who will, come and drink, 

   Drink freely of the Water of Life!

Revelation 22:17

Thirst.

We won't last three days without water.  Our souls are the same.  We have a need to be satisfied - to be quenched.  I would suggest that it is the same desperate longing that our need for water is.  We have a real need - a real hole inside of us that we try to fill with all sorts of things.  We look for approval from other people, we try to have enough fun, we indulge in all sorts of pleasures and at the end, always come up short.  Just as the roller coaster ride gives ninety seconds of reprieve from our mundane lives, so do our hopes at being satisfied.

There is only one who can satisfy this thirst.  There is only one who can truly fill the void.

"Is anyone thirsty?  Come!"

Jesus, today I choose to be a carrier of your water.  I choose to be one who brings the bowl of your living water to those around me.  I choose to be your hands and feet.  I choose to be one who carries committed and sacrificial love to all in my life.

I pray that you would equip me to accomplish what I set out today to accomplish.  I ask that you would give me strength, courage and patience.  I pray that I would be an active listener - even when it isn't convenient or easy.

Make me your instrument today.

A fellow life-giver

"I am making everything new!" - Revelation 21:5a

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son." - Revelation 21:6

Oh Lord, allow me to be a life giver with you.  I would like to be "in order" in my life so that I can participate with the giving of the life that you have to offer all around.  

I know that there are those who are desperate for you - desperate for your life and forgiveness.  I pray that I would walk in it in such a way that allows you to shine through me.

Help me to be obedient to you today.  

Your people are saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right,’ but it is they who are not doing what’s right.

Ezekial 33:17

This morning I am struck with how much of a servant I am to be.  I know that the Lord is constantly calling me to deeper levels of faith and service to him.  I know that it doesn't stop when I have overcome one hurdle, or when I have accomplished one task.

It is an ongoing struggle to give him control.  I realize that he has called me to be in the place that I am - moving forward by dying to myself, dying to my will, my way and my perspective.  Jesus, please help me as I continue to move forward.

I want to hear your voice and truly respond to it.  I wish to be known as one who follows you completely and wholly.  You know what is before me now.  I ask for your wisdom, your direction and insight.  I am aware that you are the one who is arranging things correctly; that you are using the maneuvering of men for your ultimate goals.

Give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: What sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn’t shepherds feed their sheep? 

Ezekial 34:2b

Lord, please help me to see my life as giving to others.  I truly want to serve and not be served.  I ask that I would be able to see all of my life in that way.  I know that you have places of signifigance for me...but those places are for your glory and use.

May I be a shepherd who always gives my life away:

• For my family
• For my "flock'
• For my friends

I pray that this would stand out in small, real ways.  I pray that today I would find ways to connect with others where they are at.  I pray that I would be a good servant to my wife and kids today.  I pray that I would adequately shepherd the students.  I pray that I would be disciplined with my tongue, so that I build up those around me.

I give you this day.  I pray that I might glorify you with it.

I love you!

Life submitted to the Creator

You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.
Revelation 4:11

May my life be one that utters these words. Of course, I pray that I would proclaim these words in song and in prayer. But more than that, I pray that my life would declare that.

• My thought life - what I allow myself to dwell on - does it bring glory to him?
• My talking life - do I allow myself to gossip, do I tear others down behind their back? Do I speak more often than I should? Am I being an excellent listener?
  
• My physical life - am I constantly disciplining my body - beating it into submission to Christ?
• My secret life - would I allow others to take a free look at any time at my life - or would I bring shame to the name of my creator?
• My giving life - do I see my life as something to be given away to others? Or am I interpreting events, circumstances and opportunities through a selfish filter?

Jesus, I ask that I would grow today. I ask that as you and work through this day together, we would make progress in answering these questions. I declare today that I want to move forward, to become more like you.

I lift up all of the youth who are a part of THRIVE. I ask that you bless each one of them with your presence and your mercy. I pray that you would open their eyes to your love, your purposes and plans. I ask that there would be an overwhelming sense of passion that would arise. I pray that you would strike a deep desire for you in each of their hearts! I pray that you would change our hearts! I pray that you would change our hearts! I pray that we would respond to your voice of correction! I pray for deep repentance! I pray for an attitude of sorrow for our sins!

Lord, I pray that as a result of humility and hunger - we would see the harvest come in! I pray that we would bring more and more to a saving knowledge of you! May we make believers and disciples right in Hillsboro! I pray for an overwhelming move of your spirit! I pray for your kingdom to come in passion and fury! Jesus, move your hand of mercy to save! Save us from us!

Make us desperate! I pray that this year would be EPIC. I pray that this year would be overwhelming - as we pursue you!

A decided heart

I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Revelation 3:19

The Lord is calling an indictment against the church of Laodicea. Jesus isn't pleased with the indifference and lukewarm attitude that existed among them.

As I read about who Jesus is and grow in my understanding of what he calls us to, I realize more and more that it is a radical and instrisuve call to live for Him and with him. This strikes against values of our culture - we love comfort and relaxation. We also have a hard time drawing firm lines of truth. Much of our time and energy is spend on trying to remain comfortable - being indifferent.

Jesus' words here are convicting and truly powerful against us.

Am I indifferent? Do I carry traces of unwillingness to die for him and to him? Are there areas of my life that I do not throw at his feet. Am I more interested in comfort and relaxation and less inclined towards truth?

Jesus, I ask that on this weekend away, you would guide and teach me. I pray that you would cast vision for what you would like my life to look like this fall. I pray that you would give me your heart! I pray that you would change my heart so that I look more like you! so that I am a servant who embraces the difficult, the humble and the lowly tasks - all for the sake of you my king.

I love you. Jesus, I love you. May you be the God of my family's life. I pray that you would richly bless Donia with love and life today. I pray that you would continue to minister to her heart and that you would continue to draw her to yourself. I pray that she would continue to find joy in you. I pray that your word would speak to her today. I ask that you would watch over her mind and spirit.

Jesus, great lover of me - I life you my children. I pray that they would follow you. I pray that they would understand your grace and your passion for their lives. I pray that they would run towards you early and often. I pray that they would come to know your love for them at a young age. I ask that you would invest your Spirit deeply into their hears and minds. I ask that you would give them a rich calling at an early age. I ask that you would give them a ministry to their peers. I ask that you would release a worshiping heart within both of them.

I ask that or family's lives would bring glory to your name. I ask that you would root out any stinky spirits! Bind us together in love and unity. May we have the mind of Christ and the heart of Christ and be able to see what is truth, what is right and what is important to you!

Thank you for your never ending blessings! Thank you for always providing for us! Thank you for always taking us down the road that you need us to be on. I pray that we would always following your leading! Thank you for giving us love and laughter and peace and grace! Thank you for how much you have transformed each of us! Thank you for never letting us down! Thank you for being the wonderful God of the Universe! Thank you!

I will love you forever - Jesus, my Lord, my king and everything!

Pursuing Truth

You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars
Revelation 2:2b

Jesus is talking to the early churches. It is amazing to me that there were those who were already trying to pervert the gospel for their own gain. I see the same thing to be true today.

It is amazing how many people work really hard to convince others that following Jesus is all about us gaining more in this life.

It is up to us to examine the claims of leaders. It is up to me as a leader to make sure that I am leading others towards truth and righteousness, not selfish interpretations that I may be more comfortable with.

Just this last year I sensed that the Lord was calling to me to address some of the more difficult concepts within Christianity. I did more thinking, study and prayer on Hell and God's wrath.

It isn't easy to work to be a discerning and careful Christian. From day one there have be people who work to distract from what God has called us to live by.

Jesus, today I will be discerning and careful about the influence that I allow in my life. I know there are teachers and leaders out there who I am drawn to, but I also know that they can error and mislead others. May I be one who is driven by your cross and your gift of eternal life for the sinner.

Today, I will follow what has been faithfully passed on to me - Jesus and him crucified. I pray that I would live as a citizen of Heaven - one that has been granted freedom from sin and punishment.

Living on my knees

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave."
Revelation 1:17-18

I feel just a smidgen of what John must have felt. In the moments where I truly acknowledge how vast and wide and significant and truly-other and awesome Jesus is, I dare not breathe without permission. Jesus you are everything to me. You are my purpose, my meaning and my full hope! Today, I live on my knees before you.

I pray that today I would see you for who you are! Alive and beautiful and able to conquer all things! I pray that you would birth and release faith in my heart! I pray you would reign in me and through me! I pray that I would have opportunity to share you with others, to love others as you love them and to care for those in need today.

Thank you for my lovely wife, for my children and for the life that you have given us! I pray that we would not just live in blessing unto ourselves and the end of comfort or happiness, but that we would strive to be a blessing to others. I pray that all people around us would know us as a blessing - of hope, compassion, truth and love.

Lids and Shepherds

My people have been lost sheep.
Their shepherds have led them astray
and turned them loose in the mountains.
They have lost their way
and can’t remember how to get back to the sheepfold.

Jeremiah 50:6

Leadership is something that we can all see, but few of us want to take responsibility for. We know it when there is effective and transforming leadership, but when we are called to lead, we often buck the responsibility. We look for other reasons for failure and try to assign blame to others.

For instance, my first reaction to chastisement over leaving my clothes lying around is to blame my children for distracting me. I use them as a scapegoat for my fault and irresponsibility.

Jeremiah draws attention here to the real problem - the shepherds who lead. Why do organizations wander, go astray and find themselves in trouble? It is a lack of leadership. John Maxwell calls this the "Law of the Lid" - the leader is the lid on the jar of potential - only as the leader grows, will the organization grow.

I see this to be true in my own leadership. I haven't seen growth in those I am leading, unless I myself am growing.

Jesus, today I pray that I would continue to grow as a leader. Help me to become who I am supposed to be. Thank you for never neglecting me.

False Hope

Then Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, but the people believe your lies. 16 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: ‘You must die. Your life will end this very year because you have rebelled against the Lord.’”

Jeremiah 28:15-16

Context.

Often within Christianity we here quoted the verses that follow this strange judgment upon Hananiah - a false prophet:

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Hananiah uttered words that resemble how we often quote this verse. He prophesied that Judah would be rescued from captivity in only 2 years. Jeremiah called him on his error and then prophesied that Hananiah would be dead within the year.

I have to put myself in Hananiah's shoes. His people had just been overtaken - their sin had ultimately caught up with them and the people who were once known for being released from bondage and captivity were now walking in chains once again. Hananiah's heart must have been breaking. I am sure that deep down he wanted to sooth the fears of the desperate mothers, the weary soldiers, the widows and the orphans.

And so he stepped out unwisely. He tried to speak for the Lord. On his strength, no doubt fueled by his emotion, he proclaimed an optimistic claim of release and freedom.

I can see myself doing exactly what he did. I want people to feel better. I would like there to be shortcuts for my history of sin. I would "speak" into existence what was never God's heart or voice.

It would be easier not to be Jeremiah - who was called to utter the difficult and true words of God. Intertwined into his proclamations were hope, but they were properly braided along with discipline and correction.

Lord, help me to hear what your voice is. Please help me to hear what your timing is. Help me to be one that proclaims your hope in the context of cleansing and repentance. I pray that I would always be able to walk that line. Jesus, today I love you! Speak to me and help me to listen.