The Word of God, The Word of Men

S. Let the prophets who have dreams tell their dreams, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully . . . "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? . . . "Therefore," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me . . . But you must not mention 'a message from the LORD' again, because everyone's own word becomes a message from God. So you distort the words of the living God, the LORD Almighty, our God. - Jeremiah 23:28, 29, 30, 36 (TNIV)

O. God has some harsh words for the prophets and priests. It has become their practice to marvel at each others dreams, words, and ideas. They go on repeating these dreams, words, and ideas to anyone who will listen. Clearly they had an audience. These were words the people welcomed and praised them for. God's words have a specific result; it is a fire and hammer to the stubborn hearts of people.

A. Jesus, how are my words? Am I speaking what you talk to me about? Or do I simply repeat the dreams, words, and ideas of others? It is certainly tempting to re-use the words of other pastors. They range from simple, wise, powerful, to unique. They certainly sound good and seem to be helpful. Even my own words sound pretty good from time to time. I want to speak your words and teach your Word. I hear Jesus asking me to "turn now, each of you" . . . in other words, follow through on the time of personal revival so that I would be certain where my strength, words, and actions come from.

P. Here we go Jesus. I want to make a renewed commitment to Prayer, Purity, and Purpose. Help me Jesus in my unbelief. Continue to correct and discipline me through your word.

A Call to Personal Revival

S. Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 15:19-20 (TNIV)

O. In Jeremiah 15:15-18 we see Jeremiah's trust, devotion, delight, and frustration with God. He longs for God's presence and work in the midst of a religious system and nation that has turned its back on God. Verse 19 is the foundation of God's prescription for Jeremiah. Personal revival.

A. I have been confronted by three ideas lately. Prayer... through the difficulty of circumstances and the movement of prayer at CBC. Purpose... a consistent reminder about avoiding Pharisaical living. In other words, to love justice, mercy, and walk humbly with God. Purity... a call to holiness. I came across www.theburningheartcontract.com last night which summarized these things into those words. It also has a possible track for a 21 day personal revival. Then I read the verses above today about personal revival. I definitely hear Jesus calling me to a new season of life with him. I am worried about not being faithful for the 21 days, and whether, if I make it, it really makes a difference. I think I am going to start next Monday.

P. Jesus, thanks for speaking so clearly through people, circumstances, your Word, and your Spirit. I hear you calling me to restoration and revival. Thank you for the example of the students meeting in D.C. for prayer and fasting. Help me see clearly the things that may cause me to trip up in the next 25 days.