Emeth

Jeremiah 23:28-29
²⁸ Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?" declares the LORD. ²⁹ "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?


// THOUGHTS:

.. In context of the lying prophets that were prophesying "in God's name" to the people of Israel; making them believe that it's from God through dreams or what not
.. The Lord told the ones "who has my (His) word.." to speak it faithfully (in truth and in firmness of God's Word) - to be the ones to speak what God really has to say
.. To the listening ear, a whole lot of discernment is necessary to distinguish which ones are "of God" and which ones are not.

.. However, we can distinguish which ones that are of God based on v. 29 "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
.. God's Word is like FIRE - it consumes, it purifies; removing all impurities
.. God's Word is like a HAMMER - it breaks hard hearts into pieces, tear down walls that hinder our relationship with Him

.. We can set apart what messages there are "of God" according to the sensitive discernment that God gives us through the Holy Spirit.
.. And through distinguishing the message whether it is like fire or a hammer that either purifies, cleanses (fire) or tears down hard stuff into pieces (hammer).
.. Of course, there's more to the Word of God; but in context of this passage, these are 2 of them.

// BELLE:

.. I need to be ultra sensitive to the messages that I receive that may seem to be coming "from God" - to test whether they are really of God.
.. People can easily tell me, "God told me this and that..." or "This is what God said about this..." but if I'm not sensitive, I could be easily sucked into it; believing that it is what "God said"
.. I need to root myself more and more in the truth of God's Word - digging through His Scriptures day and night that I may be sharpened by the standards of God's Word; knowing His character, His promises, His commands, His will, etc.
.. I need to be faithful in speaking the truth of God's Word - to not be biased with my own opinions or other people's opinions, commentary, and such - but to stick to what the Word says. Let other people's thoughts and commentary about the Word be a confirmation of what God has already told me by my time spent alone with Him.
.. May I be continuously be part of the "grain" and not the "straw" in Jesus' name.

.. God's Word of Truth will prevail - regardless what people say "God has told them" - therefore, I can trust in the Word with all my heart. People may say one thing, but if the real truth of God says another, the Word wins! Just got to wait for God's manifestation to bring it to reality. Believe and trust in the truth of God's Word and see His power unfold.

.. God can speak to us in any way He wants to - through a dream, a vision, other people, of course His word, etc...
.. However, it is important to distinguish things "of God". It is easy to say it is what God says because I dreamed of it; or this is what I felt, or anything natural or supernatural occurrences. God's Word of Truth and His divine guidance (whether He manifests through those dreams or what not) will confirm and affirm that what we are doing and speaking to others about is really OF GOD.

// Lord, how great is Your word that never changes. Help me to be so sensitive to know which ones are of You and which ones are not - though they seem so real. Help me to live my life as part of the grain and not the straw who speak falsely about Your Word. Please guide me as I read Your truth that I will understand Your Word as You instruct and no based on what I hear from other people's opinions. Speak to me clearly and thank You that You remain the same. I can know you through Your Word - who You are - that I may be able to test which ones are of You. Holy Spirit be my guide as your promise says. Thank you Lord, in Jesus' name, amen.