Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Are you more like Jonah or Jeremiah?

The following is today's devotional from Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Which prophet are you more like? Jeremiah? Or Jonah? Both of these men spoke to sinful people. But Jonah delivered God's Word from an angry heart. He didn’t want his audience to get the message and repent.

On the other hand, Jeremiah delivered his message in tears. His heart was broken for the people who had strayed from the Lord.

This illustrates what Paul says in 1 Corinthians: “If I had the gift of prophecy, but don’t exercise that gift in love, I am nothing.”

When you find yourself having to confront someone with the truth, what’s the attitude of your heart? Is it one of anger and revenge? Or does your heart break as you deliver your message out of obedience and love?

Ask God to give you a tender, compassionate heart like Jeremiah.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Caryn! I think I saw your hubby praying over the live stream for the conference. :) My husband is there this year with the other pastors from our church. I am so excited for him. I was able to listen to a couple of the speakers. So encouraging!

Caryn said...

What a great thing to hear that my hubby was caught praying:-)! I'm also very excited for all the pastors. It's such a great conference to get equipped to shepherd their flocks well.

Pam said...

I am Jeremiah usually....but there is one person I am a Jonah to and I feel convicted on this point. Thanks for that reminder Caryn!

Pam said...

I am usually Jeremiah but there is one person in my life that has hurt me time and time again and that is not walking with God although they pretended to do so in the past for personal gain. I find myself being Jonah to that person and I am convicted by your words. Thank you Caryn!

Unknown said...

Pastor Eric Mason had me in tears... I can't wait for Mark to get home to hear all about it. :)

ellen said...

Your post reminded me of a pastor/seminary professor we used to call the "weeping prophet" because he could not NOT cry EVERY time (and I mean that literally) he spoke God's word to His people. I loved that man. I need more of a heart like his.