Sometimes a rude awakening is what we
need. Other times God speaks gently and that is enough to speak volumes to us.
Sometimes it’s an entirely different approach. Today God broke my heart in the
reading. God talked about how Israel and Judah both had prostituted themselves
to false worship, idols and images made of wood and stone. He told them that
they had no need for Him, unless something was wrong. It was in the hurting
moments Israel and Judah would run wildly back to God. Sadly I have seen that
play out in my own life too many times.
What really hit me is a truth that I
struggle with too often. If your minister is anything like me, and I bet he is,
he struggles with this too. Read these words again … “The priests did not ask, ‘Where
is the Lord?’ Those who taught my word ignored me, the rulers turned against
me, and the prophets spoke in the name of Baal, wasting their time on worthless
idols.” (Jeremiah 2:8 NLT) Now I cannot say I have ever turned specifically
over to other objects, idols, and materials in intentional worship, but as a
teacher of God’s Word, as a leader in ministry, I have certainly found myself
distant from God. Sadly it is so easy to do. The Bible becomes a text book.
Prayer becomes something you do and often the power of it is forgotten. And
quickly distance is built between my heart and God’s, even though I am talking,
teaching, and praying about Him all the time.
Please pray that God is continually
renewing the fire and passion your ministers have for God. Please pray that
they are seeking Him more than they are seeking anything else in this life.
Please pray that their leadership in your church is based on the firm
foundation that is God. If they do not do this, there is no way strength will
build in your church.
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