“The Lord gave me a message. He said, ‘I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.’ ‘O Sovereign Lord ‘ I said, ‘I can’t speak for you!  I’m too young!’ ‘Don’t say that,’ the Lord replied, ‘you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ Then the Lord touched my mouth and said, ‘See, I have put my words in your mouth!'” Jeremiah 1:4-9 NLT

You have a divine calling — I had a plan in mind for you before your birth.   

I placed My hand on your shoulder, commissioning you for a special task. 

Your highest honor in life is to be endowed with a heavenly purpose.

Above all else, make it your supreme ambition to be true to your vocation.

I promise you a divine reward –I will not forget your work on My behalf.

Treasure the pleasure of My company as you serve Me day by day.

Anticipate the joy of living with Me in My home eternally. 

Look forward to the compensation of My words of commendation.

I provide divine empowerment — I overcome your feelings of inadequacy.

Weak?  I am strong.  Ineloquent?  Use My words.  Incapable?  Lean on Me.   

Not up to My assignment?  Whatever I ask of you, I help you accomplish. 

I guarantee divine protection — whatever happens, I will take care of you. 

Don’t be afraid of your audience — their scowls don’t compare to My smile.

Don’t quake at delivering unpopular messages — you’re in good company.

Don’t flinch when people laugh at you — one day, they’ll cry before Me.

Don’t run anywhere . . . unless it’s into My everlasting arms.

I am your Fortress — giving you nerves of steel and a moral backbone.

I am your Rock in a quicksand world — stronger than any hostile force.

Deliver My divine message — an unsteady, hurting world needs to hear it. 

Worried about running out of anything to say?  Share My eternal Word.

Anxious about creatively holding others’ attention?  Preach Scripture. 

Wondering where to get ideas?  Let Jesus be the theme of every sermon.

Follow My divine directions — you have your orders . . . now obey them.

Let Me choose the coordinates – then bloom where you’re planted.

Be concerned about divine success — not success by the world’s standards. 

Doubting you’re making headway at the task I’ve given you?  Persevere.

Wondering if you’re making any difference?  Stay focused on the cross.

Discouraged by sparse results?  Jeremiah preached 40 years without any.

Work conscientiously for Me ~ your Boss’ smile will amply repay you.       

                                                      

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond