Speak For Yourself

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 14:14 And the Lord said to me, "The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.

OBSERVATION: False prophets were telling the people what they wanted to hear -- a popular message. They were prophesying peace and prosperity. They said they didn't have to worry about the sword or about famine. It was a kind of a 'don't worry, be happy' kind of message.
The problem is: it wasn't true. God was saying just the opposite. The sword was coming. Famine was coming. The prophets were prophesying lies and their prophesies, or their positive confessions, could not stop God from His planned outcome. All it did was confuse the people and cause them to fail to prepare.

APPLICATION: This has always happened and, I suppose, always will. People think by just putting a 'thus saith the Lord' on their statements that they are speaking for God or obligating God in some way. Just as in this case, false prophets will be held accountable and responsible for their words. (Just read the next two verses.)
This also goes for those in the positive confession camp, as if God is indebted to fulfill their false words.
Don't play games with God. Listen to Him. Know His word. Do what He says. Honor Him as God.

PRAYER: God, Your word counts, not my word. Your word will come to pass, not my word. Unlike these false prophets, make every word that comes out of my mouth be founded on the truth or Your word. Amen.