Thought for October 8, 2024

•  1769: James Cook lands in New Zealand
• 1871: Forest fire destroys Peshtigo Wisconsin killing 1200-2500 people
• 1871: Great Chicago Fire kills 200 and destroys 4 square miles
• 1906: First "permanent" wave for hair demonstrated in London
• 1918: Alvin York kills 25 Germans and captures 132
• 1933: Coit Tower dedicated to firemen in San Francisco
• 1934: Bruno Hauptmann indicted for killing Lindbergh baby
• 1945: Microwave oven patented
• 1956: Don Larsen pitches a perfect game in the World Series
• 2001: President Bush announces formation of the Department of Homeland Security
• Born: Eddie Rickenbacker, Jim Eliot [missionary], Pepper Rogers, Chevy Chase, Sigourney Weaver, Bill Elliott, CeCe Winans, Matt Damon, Johnny Ramone, Bruno Mars, George Bright
• Died: John Hancock, Frankiln Pierce, Al Davis [Raiders], YA Title, Whitey Ford

Thought:

Still in chapter 1 of Jeremiah. Yesterday, God told Jeremiah that He had known him before he was in his mother's womb; that He had set him apart for holy work; and that he had an assignment as prophet to the nations. Today, I am reading Jeremiah's response in 1:6. I love this verse because it tells me that like Moses and like Larry, Jeremiah's first reaction was an excuse for why he could not answer God's call. Have you ever tried to recruit volunteers? Then you know the list of excuses--not enough time, not enough training, others are better suited, not enough skill or knowledge, already have too many things on my plate, I served before and have done my part. 

When I was in the law practice, we knew that lawyers had developed lists of excuses which they kept at their desks. A judge might set a filing date and the lawyer would look at his list of excuses and ask for a delay. A client might want something done, and the lawyer looked at the list of excuses to see how to buy time to complete the project. I am sure if you have built a house or had major home projects, you are familiar with the excuses. 

Jeremiah says: I am too young, I don't have enough experience, and I am not gifted in speech. Makes me recall the excuses Moses offered to the Lord. 

Now look at God's response to Jeremiah's excuses: Don't be afraid, I am with you. God goes further in verse 7--you don't have to know anything Jeremiah. I will tell you where to go and I will tell you what to say. Think about that for a moment. If God sends me on an assignment, I don't have to know exactly where, I just need to start walking. That was Abram's response. God said go to a land I will show you. God did not give a street address or a GPS location. He simply said that He would show Abram where to go and where to stop. Peter did not spend weeks preparing his sermon for Pentecost--God gave him the words. God reiterates this in 1:9--God is not asking me to speak my words, but rather to speak His words. 

What a challenge! When God calls, I have no excuses. I just need to say "yes, Lord." Jesus asked the question, "why do you call me Lord and then not do what I commanded." I need to hear that question and respond every day.

Blessings

Larry