May 3, 2011

AN INNOCENT LAMB

Key Verse
"He who dwells in this city will die by the sword and by famine and by pestilence; but he who goes out and falls away to the Chaldeans who are besieging you will live, and he will have his own life as booty." (Jeremiah 21:9)
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Central Truth

No matter what, especially when times are tough, you should trust the Lord. Trust that He does what He says and that He has a plan that is much greater than you could ever imagine.


Reflections

This section of God's Word is particularly meaningful to me because these verses shed light on God's plan for our lives. I know you've heard this, but God does have a plan for you. And no matter what, you should never doubt that. Are you going through a rough patch in your life? You need to know that God will raise you up from your valleys. I'm not saying you shouldn't do anything. If the problem can be fixed by prayer and the Word, then by all means do it. You have to fight, you have to "Make War" as Tedashii would say. Fight the good fight, and let the Lord transform you into a better person, one who can be a light to others all around the world.

In 2000 my little sister, Gracie, was born. We were best friends. In 2003 we moved here, to Dallas, and she enjoyed life. But in May of 2005 she was taken into the hospital for a "stomach ache." She actually had appendicitis. She was treated, although it was painful. She felt great for a week, but then she was back in the hospital again, this time for an unknown sickness. That was early June 2005. On June 3 she left us and went to God. Now, I was very confused, being a 9-year-old boy and all. I knew my parents were devastated. But by the grace of God we survived.

A year later, a little boy named Jake was sitting in a hospital bed with the same disease that had been the end of my sister; but this time, the doctors knew how to treat it. If you are experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one, do not live to hate God or question His doings. He has a plan. And if you are suffering with a problem at work or another problem, remember that good things will come of it for you or for others. The life of a young boy was saved that day by the life of an innocent lamb. Sound familiar?

Discussion Questions

1. What are you going through that is tough in your life?

2. Are you blaming your troubles on God?

3. Who can help keep you accountable or help you through this tough time?

4. How has God shown you His plan in your life?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

JEREMIAH 20-24 (MAY 2-6)

Read Jeremiah 22:13-16.

How did the king in verse 13 deal with his workers?

How was his father different (verse 15)?

Do you think the first builder was focused on himself or others? What about his father?

Who are you typically focused on? What does that typically look like?

Activity:
Have every person make a list of seven things, one for each day, that they can do to be focused on others this week.

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.
  1. Shannon

    May 3, 2011 06:27 AM

    Thank you Sam for a great devotional. Thanks for leading us back to thinking about the innocent lamb that saved us with his life. What a great love!

  2. Lamp

    May 3, 2011 06:48 AM

    Great story! Thank you Lamp

  3. Scott Michael

    May 3, 2011 07:40 AM

    Thanks Sam for reminding me of just how much God loves me and that His plan for me is perfect. Praying that today we will trust Him with everything and obey His commands. God is so good and completely in control.

  4. Jennifer Royall

    May 3, 2011 08:10 AM

    Samuel: Our hearts are full to see you acknowledge the grace of God in our lives. May you continue "to grow in stature and wisdom in the sight or God and men." Mom

  5. Melissa McDonald

    May 3, 2011 08:20 AM

    Sam, praying you will be a bright light and courageous leader in your school that needs both. God has already used Gracie's story to change, possibly save, many. I can see the faithfulness and hope it has produced in you. Thanks for the encouragement this morning! BTW, you have an awesome mom. I lean on her too. Mrs. M

  6. Michelle Copeland

    May 3, 2011 08:38 AM

    Sam, You are the man!!! Dude your devotion was incredible. You are full of wisdom and maturity that only comes from God. A gift to you!!! After going through the fire , He has refined you and bright you are! Thank you for the reminder that God is bigger than our problems and to TRUST in His plan. Jeremiah 29:11 We need to be reminded of this everyday! Thanks for blessing us today with your godly perspective and wisdom! Blessings, Michelle Copeland

  7. Patricia Simmons

    May 3, 2011 08:50 AM

    Sam, Your spiritual maturity is well beyond your physical age. God is using you in a might way. Your devotional touched my heart today...I'll bet your best friend Gracie is very proud of the young man you have become. May God continue to bless you and bless your family.

  8. Eric Colton

    May 3, 2011 08:52 AM

    Sam...I'm so proud of you. Thank you for this heartfelt and meaningful devotional. I'm grateful for you. Keep going...

  9. Chris Bryan

    May 3, 2011 09:32 AM

    Hi Sam, I just wanted to say thank you for your message today. We have a little boy named Alex, and I pray that we can raise him to have the love and faith in our Father that you showed in your message. Thanks for making my day :) Chris

  10. Annholland

    May 3, 2011 09:33 AM

    Thank you for your inspiring story . You have alot of faith and knowledge of Gods love at such a youn age. Keep being a light to others in this world.

  11. Blake Holmes

    May 3, 2011 09:40 AM

    Sam, Thanks for your words of encouragement this morning. I appreciate your honesty, openness and words of exhortation to remain faithful despite our circumstances. Psalm 31:24

  12. Kim Cummings

    May 3, 2011 10:23 AM

    Sam - What incredible encouragement your story is. Thank you for sharing. I can always use a reminder that God is in control and his plan is always better thank mine, even in the hard times.

  13. Ashley Marie Eckstein

    May 3, 2011 02:20 PM

    Sam, What a great devo! "The life of a young boy was saved that day by the life of an innocent lamb. Sound familiar?"

  14. Scott coy

    May 3, 2011 06:46 PM

    Outstanding Sam. Great word today. Jesus is doing great things in you and He is using your words to encourage many today to be faithful . Thank you, Scott Coy

  15. Doris Wiseman

    May 3, 2011 08:18 PM

    Sam your wonderful message helped me so much today. My daughter Susan passed away on August 23, 2010. It is hard to lose a loved one but as a Christian I, like you can't way to met up with her again in heaven

  16. Kassidy Hadley's Nana

    June 1, 2011 10:54 PM

    Samuel, You are a fine young man with strength of character. I am blessed by the presence of God reflected in your life. Peace be with you. June 1, 2011

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