Weekly Roundup: Sunday, February 2, 2025
This week, I have been living with the prophet Jeremiah from the Old Testament. His story reminds me that reluctant prophets make the most faithful preachers.
He was a man who never asked for the burden he carried. He felt unready, too small for the task. Yet a voice within gave him no rest. He had to speak hard truths to those who wielded power. He was Jeremiah, and he never thought he could stand up to kings and priests. But in the end, he did.
His words were not polished. His mission was not grand in the eyes of men. But people heard him because he was sincere. He spoke of storms and losses. He warned rulers who wore fine robes that they were leading their people astray. They mocked him and locked him away. Still, he spoke truth to power, never for applause or gain, but because he had no choice. The weight of what he knew pressed on his soul.
Reluctance made his message ring louder. He did not seek favor or pretend to have all the answers. When he faced backlash, he looked to the One who had called him. That was enough to keep him going. He was not strong by nature, but a power greater than himself fueled his voice.
Sometimes, we doubt our place in the world. Like Jeremiah, we think we are too small to speak up and fearful to challenge the powerful. But the reluctant prophet often tells the most profound truths. When she finds the courage to open her mouth, she does it for something far greater than her glory. And in the quiet after the storm, when all is stripped away, people remember those true words. Sometimes, that is what changes the course of a nation.
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
God of truth and grace, Teach us to speak with courage—even when our voices tremble. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: Courage is born in humility. When we trust a power greater than ourselves, we find the strength to speak up—even against the odds.
A Question to Consider: Why might humility and a sense of personal limitation actually strengthen someone’s capacity to deliver a hard message?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
My wife asked me to go get 6 cans of Sprite from the grocery store. I realized when I got home that I had picked 7 up!
What do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk!
Leadership Reflection:
Jeremiah faced setbacks and loneliness, but he persevered. Over time, he discovered that great purpose often finds those who don’t seek fame or power. Humility became his strength. He admitted his fears and asked for help, turning to a higher purpose when his resolve faltered. This humility gave him a credibility that louder, more self-assured voices lacked.
Ultimately, Jeremiah’s story reminds us that genuine leadership grows from sincerity, not ambition. True leaders might feel scared, uncertain, or even reluctant, but they speak up when it matters most. Their honesty, resilience, and empathy inspire those around them to keep hope alive—even in the most challenging times.
Today's leaders can lead through uncertainty and inspire renewed hope by choosing humility, maintaining purpose, and speaking truth with compassion. Let’s be that type of leader!
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. by John Mark Comer
John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way is a practical guide to following Jesus in everyday life, built around three core ideas:
Be with Jesus: Spend time through prayer, silence, and rest in His presence. It’s about cultivating a real, daily relationship with Him.
Become like Him: Let Jesus shape your character. This happens gradually as you surrender to Him and practice being formed by the Holy Spirit.
Do as He did: Live like Jesus by serving others, spreading the gospel, and seeking justice. It’s about putting faith into action.
Comer blends biblical wisdom, historical practices, and modern insights to show how we can align our lives with Jesus through spiritual disciplines. It’s not about perfection but about progress—a lifelong journey of becoming more like Him for the good of the world.
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
(If you like true crime)
Articles that caught my eye
Something Extraordinary Is Happening All Over the World
Your FOMO Is Trying to Tell You Something
No, You Don’t Get an A for Effort
The Benefit of Doing Things You’re Bad At
In the Kitchen
20 Of Grandma's Favorite Super Bowl Recipes
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
March 20 / 10am - 2:30pm
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, this workshop will provide resources from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving to help understand the disease, manage behaviors and handle stress. This event is free and includes lunch, but spaces are limited. Contact Mildred Smith at msmith@gfumc.com to register for this event.
Happening in North Georgia
February 23 / 4pm / Gainesville First UMC
Hitch up your wagons! Saddle up your horses! You won’t want to miss “The Best of the Wild West!”. The Believers Concert Band’s next performance celebrates all things western – the ranches, the hoedowns, the bandanas, cowboy boots and jeans! Join us and the Gainesville Ballet Company as we admire the Yellow Rose of Texas, wade in the Shenandoah River, dance throughout Oklahoma, and charge across the Ponderosa!
Wear your favorite Western attire or come as you are, but plan on an afternoon of toe tappin’ and havin’ yourself a gallopin’ good time!
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed.” - William Faulkner
May the God who strengthens the reluctant and empowers the humble stir our hearts to speak truth with compassion and boldness. Amen.
