PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 10:26-31
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“What is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” (Matthew 10:27)
Early each morning I spend extended time journaling with Jesus.
I’ve done this for years, and this is how my messages are formed.
I don’t dare say it is Jesus whispering in me ear, but it seems that way.
The Lord has taught me so much in this personal time, and I’ve shared much of it.
But sometimes what I sense the Lord saying is challenging or unsettling.
If I said THAT I would get in trouble, people would not agree or like it.
Fear is a very real for me: fear of what people think, fear of being wrong.
Fear of speaking out, fear of not speaking out, fear of the consequences.
Jesus urges me to keep my focus on the love and care of God my Father.
I am valued more than many sparrows, and so are the people I am speaking to.
His message blessed me immensely, and he wants to share that blessing with others.
Humility and grace… proclaim what you hear with humility and grace.
Let the authority lie in the Spirit of Jesus, and not in my arrogant confidence.
Humbly share what I sense the Lord saying to me, trusting him to speak through me!
PRAYER
Lord, tell me what to say, and what not to say. Keep me humble and gracious. And help me to stay focused on God’s loving care, and to share that in my message as well.
I know I can be fearful at times therefore these words of Jesus are such a comfort: “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” I know that my Jesus cares for me. Help me Lord to trust and not be anxious. Right now my life is relatively tame – yet challenges remain as regards to the application of biblical teaching to daily living. Help me to be gracious and not judgmental or overbearing – as if I have a handle on the truth fully but knowing this – my Jesus is faithful – He’s worked in me and He’s ready to work in others by his HS. Let that be enough – continue to use me Lord to plant seeds of hope!
All too often I depend upon myself and my fears for standing up. I need to remember and go forward that it is by His power I am able to stand up for Jesus. It is He who leads and guides me and enables me to say the words that I need to say. He knows my name and He enables me by His Spirit. I just need to rely on Him and not on my own powers/ability. I need to remember that He is with me – Emmanuel.
1 Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.
2 Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.
3 Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
4 Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.
5 Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.