Written on 07/28/2019
BIBLE PASSAGES
Numbers 30:2-36:13
Jeremiah 1:1-2:28
Matthew 5:33-37
James 4:1-12
“Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded: A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.’” – Numbers 30:1-2
“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.” - Jeremiah 1:5
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” Jeremiah 1:6-10
“For My people have done two evil things: They have abandoned Me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! – Jeremiah 2:13
In today’s society we are so over committed and consistently making excuses for why we can or cannot do something. The problem is that we are not single focused and have limited, if any, understanding of doing that which God actually spoke to our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Most of what believers do today is what the institution and programs tell them to do. We feel pressured to perform for a fallen institutional system instead of pleasing Him. We wrestle in our minds that if we say “No”, then we will feel guilty. We need to STOP this type of behavior and begin to do only what the Holy Spirit directs us to do.
We must be a people that quits giving God excuses and putting Him off when He has already spoken to us through His Word and through the Holy Spirit. Fear tends to be the number one faith killer in every area of our life. If God is for us, who can be against us?
Before we say agree to anything, we need to make sure God has directed it for our lives. We should be saying, “No” more to the fallen institutional system, so that we can accomplish all that God has for us. God is not interested in the quantity of what we do, but the quality and by the directive of the Holy Spirit. Everything else we do outside of these parameters is done in vain. That is why it is said that we are led by the Holy Spirit and filled to overflowing by the Holy Spirit.
There can be no mistake with a life that takes God seriously when it comes to commitments and obedience to the Holy Spirit when He speaks. Stop giving God excuses and get serious about what God has asked you to do.
It is time that all of us return to God. We need to cling to Him. He has a fountain of living water that will never run dry.
Questions for Reflection:
▪ How many times have I given excuses to God for doing what He has spoken to me?
▪ How mindful am I when I say, “Yes” and “No” to things?
▪ How seriously do I view my commitments and vows?
▪ Am I overcommitted in my life?
▪ What changes do I need to make in my life to become “single focused”?
▪ Do I understand the significance that God knew me before He put me in my mother’s womb?
▪ Do I think I am too young or old (or something else) for God to be able to use me?
▪ Have I abandoned God?
▪ Am I able to look back on my life and see God’s leading?
▪ What has God told me to do that He is still waiting for my obedience?
▪ Where has my faith journey brought me?
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