Scripture:
I Kings 10:24 "And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind".
Observation:
God had put such wisdom into Solomon that the whole earth wanted to be in his presence. God blessed him with so much wisdom that people stood in line just to hear the words he spoke.
Application:
When God begins to give you wisdom, the world will take notice of it. When God does things, He does them right. We need to seek the Lord and ask Him to give us wisdom and understanding like Solomon had. When God gives it, He really does an amazing job.
Prayer:
Father, I ask You for wisdom today. Help me to walk in Your wisdom and receive direction from You in every area of my life. Teach me Your ways and help me to walk in Your wisdom. Give me understanding to know what I should do in each situation I find myself in.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Monday, May 29, 2017
God Gives Wisdom
Scripture:
I Kings 4:29 "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand of the seashore".
Observation:
It tells us here that the incredible wisdom and understanding that Solomon had came directly from the Lord. It even says that the breadth of his mind was like the sand of the seashore. God gave Solomon incredible wisdom and a mind that was nearly unlimited. The beauty of it is that it was totally from God.
Application:
God will give us what we need to do His will in our lives. He has all resources and nothing is beyond Him. He gives His children all they need to do what He wants them to do. We must go to God, who can not only provide for our needs, but develop our minds to do incredible things. Inventions, ideas, creativity, and imagination all belong to the Lord. If we will use it for Him, He will bless it and make our mind like the sand of the seashore.
Prayer:
Father, increase my wisdom and understanding. Help me to use the faculties You have given me effectively and increase them for Your glory. I want to bring You honor with my life, my mind, and everything I have.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Kings 4:29 "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand of the seashore".
Observation:
It tells us here that the incredible wisdom and understanding that Solomon had came directly from the Lord. It even says that the breadth of his mind was like the sand of the seashore. God gave Solomon incredible wisdom and a mind that was nearly unlimited. The beauty of it is that it was totally from God.
Application:
God will give us what we need to do His will in our lives. He has all resources and nothing is beyond Him. He gives His children all they need to do what He wants them to do. We must go to God, who can not only provide for our needs, but develop our minds to do incredible things. Inventions, ideas, creativity, and imagination all belong to the Lord. If we will use it for Him, He will bless it and make our mind like the sand of the seashore.
Prayer:
Father, increase my wisdom and understanding. Help me to use the faculties You have given me effectively and increase them for Your glory. I want to bring You honor with my life, my mind, and everything I have.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, May 26, 2017
Way of Escape
Scripture:
I Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it".
Observation:
Paul tells the Corinthians here that they don't have to give in to temptation. He lets them know that all temptation is common to man, but that God is faithful and He won't tempt you beyond what you can handle, but will also give you a way of escape so that we can endure it.
Application:
\
Temptation cannot overtake us. May people fell like they are powerless when it comes to temptation and live defeated lives because they can't seem to get the victory over certain areas of their lives. We must understand when we are tempted that there is a way of escape. Our job is to stop looking at the temptation and start looking for the way of escape. God promises us here that He will provide a way of escape. We just need to go that direction.
Prayer:
Father, let me walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Help me to be led by the Spirit and to live an overcoming life in every area. Cause me to always see the way of escape and take it. I want to live a life that represents You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it".
Observation:
Paul tells the Corinthians here that they don't have to give in to temptation. He lets them know that all temptation is common to man, but that God is faithful and He won't tempt you beyond what you can handle, but will also give you a way of escape so that we can endure it.
Application:
\
Temptation cannot overtake us. May people fell like they are powerless when it comes to temptation and live defeated lives because they can't seem to get the victory over certain areas of their lives. We must understand when we are tempted that there is a way of escape. Our job is to stop looking at the temptation and start looking for the way of escape. God promises us here that He will provide a way of escape. We just need to go that direction.
Prayer:
Father, let me walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Help me to be led by the Spirit and to live an overcoming life in every area. Cause me to always see the way of escape and take it. I want to live a life that represents You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
I Will Not Be Dominated
Scripture:
I Corinthians 6:12 "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything".
Observation:
Paul is telling the Corinthians that everything is lawful, but somethings are not wise or helpful. Some choices we make are not necessarily unlawful, but they are not good for us. Paul finishes by saying "I will not be dominated by anything". He is saying that he won't allow anything to control him, but he will exhibit self-control.
Application:
We should take the word of Paul and not allow anything in this world to dominate us. We were made in the image of God and we need to make a decision to not allow things into our lives that are destructive and that will end up dominating our lives. We can't allow addictions, habits, or lifestyles that are going to kill us in the long run. We must be determined that if we see anything in our lives that we are getting dependent on, we must eliminate it. We are to be controlled by nothing but the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to identify bad habits in my life that need corrected. Help me to live a life that is not dominated by anything or anyone but You. You are the center of my life and I want to please You first and foremost. Empower me to live a life that bring You honor and praise.
Yours,
Jeff
I Corinthians 6:12 "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything".
Observation:
Paul is telling the Corinthians that everything is lawful, but somethings are not wise or helpful. Some choices we make are not necessarily unlawful, but they are not good for us. Paul finishes by saying "I will not be dominated by anything". He is saying that he won't allow anything to control him, but he will exhibit self-control.
Application:
We should take the word of Paul and not allow anything in this world to dominate us. We were made in the image of God and we need to make a decision to not allow things into our lives that are destructive and that will end up dominating our lives. We can't allow addictions, habits, or lifestyles that are going to kill us in the long run. We must be determined that if we see anything in our lives that we are getting dependent on, we must eliminate it. We are to be controlled by nothing but the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to identify bad habits in my life that need corrected. Help me to live a life that is not dominated by anything or anyone but You. You are the center of my life and I want to please You first and foremost. Empower me to live a life that bring You honor and praise.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Heart Struck
Scripture:
II Samuel 24:10 "But David's heart truck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, 'I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly'".
Observation:
David had numbered the people of Israel and Judah to see how many and how powerful they were. This would allow David to have confidence in his army instead of in God, who he had leaned on his whole life. He knew it was wrong before the Lord, but he did it anyway. The bible records that David's heart struck him. His heart punched him, grabbed him, got his attention.
Application:
Just like David, our heart should strike us when we do wrong before the Lord. There should be extreme conviction when we sin or disobey God. When you are walking with God, you will always be very sensitive to what pleases Him. When our walk fades and we begin going through the motions, our heart no longer strikes us when we do wrong. If our heart is not striking us once in a while, we need to check our relationship with God to make sure we are walking closely with Him.
Prayer:
Father God, grab my heart when I do wrong. Grab my heart before I do wrong. Let my heart be stricken with the things that displease You. I want my life to bring you blessing and honor, when it doesn't, strike my heart and let me respond correctly.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Samuel 24:10 "But David's heart truck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, 'I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly'".
Observation:
David had numbered the people of Israel and Judah to see how many and how powerful they were. This would allow David to have confidence in his army instead of in God, who he had leaned on his whole life. He knew it was wrong before the Lord, but he did it anyway. The bible records that David's heart struck him. His heart punched him, grabbed him, got his attention.
Application:
Just like David, our heart should strike us when we do wrong before the Lord. There should be extreme conviction when we sin or disobey God. When you are walking with God, you will always be very sensitive to what pleases Him. When our walk fades and we begin going through the motions, our heart no longer strikes us when we do wrong. If our heart is not striking us once in a while, we need to check our relationship with God to make sure we are walking closely with Him.
Prayer:
Father God, grab my heart when I do wrong. Grab my heart before I do wrong. Let my heart be stricken with the things that displease You. I want my life to bring you blessing and honor, when it doesn't, strike my heart and let me respond correctly.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, May 22, 2017
He Delights in Me
Scripture:
II Samuel 22:20 "He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me."
Observation:
In this song, David was telling how awesome God was and how many times God had delivered him, saved him, rescued him and fought his battles. It is a song of worship and praise for all the Lord had done for him. In the midst of a song full of praise, you see how David felt about his relationship with God. he said, "He delighted in me". David believed that God was delighted in him and was super-strong because of it.
Application:
Many of us love the Lord, believe in the Lord and cry out to the Lord, but we have a poor understanding of how the Lord feels about us. Can we say like David that the Lord "delighted in me". Do we really feel like God is delighted with us or do we feel like He simply puts up with us. The fact is, He is delighted with His children. he delights in us and we can walk in confidence because of it.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in the confidence in our relationship like David did. I know in my head that You delight in me, but sometimes I don't feel it in my heart. Thank you for reminding me this morning that You delight in me and giving me confidence to walk in that.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 22:20 "He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me."
Observation:
In this song, David was telling how awesome God was and how many times God had delivered him, saved him, rescued him and fought his battles. It is a song of worship and praise for all the Lord had done for him. In the midst of a song full of praise, you see how David felt about his relationship with God. he said, "He delighted in me". David believed that God was delighted in him and was super-strong because of it.
Application:
Many of us love the Lord, believe in the Lord and cry out to the Lord, but we have a poor understanding of how the Lord feels about us. Can we say like David that the Lord "delighted in me". Do we really feel like God is delighted with us or do we feel like He simply puts up with us. The fact is, He is delighted with His children. he delights in us and we can walk in confidence because of it.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in the confidence in our relationship like David did. I know in my head that You delight in me, but sometimes I don't feel it in my heart. Thank you for reminding me this morning that You delight in me and giving me confidence to walk in that.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, May 19, 2017
The Right Place and the Right Time
Scripture:
II Samuel 11:1 "In the Spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem".
Observation:
This verse opens the chapter where David sees Bathsheba and calls for her and sleeps with her. She got pregnant by him and he had her husband killed. From there, a curse was on David's family from that time forward. David was not where he was suppose to be. It was the time of the year when kings went out to war and David was resting in his palace. He should have been fighting, but he sent his guys to take care of it. He let his guard down and sin entered in, which destroyed his family.
Application:
We need to always be faithful the be where God wants us to be. We must do the things that are before us. When we have some success, it is not time to sit back and relax, but to continue doing what God has called us to do. When we are doing what God wants us to do, we will not be tempted with sin and things that can destroy us. We must remain vigilant at all times because we have an enemy who is always seeking whom he mat devour.
Prayer:
Father, help me to stay on focus, especially when things are going well. Help me to be where You want me to be at all times. Help me to walk with You, hear Your voice and stay on track throughout my life. I want to finish well. I want the next 20 years of my life to be the most productive for You and Your kingdom.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 11:1 "In the Spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem".
Observation:
This verse opens the chapter where David sees Bathsheba and calls for her and sleeps with her. She got pregnant by him and he had her husband killed. From there, a curse was on David's family from that time forward. David was not where he was suppose to be. It was the time of the year when kings went out to war and David was resting in his palace. He should have been fighting, but he sent his guys to take care of it. He let his guard down and sin entered in, which destroyed his family.
Application:
We need to always be faithful the be where God wants us to be. We must do the things that are before us. When we have some success, it is not time to sit back and relax, but to continue doing what God has called us to do. When we are doing what God wants us to do, we will not be tempted with sin and things that can destroy us. We must remain vigilant at all times because we have an enemy who is always seeking whom he mat devour.
Prayer:
Father, help me to stay on focus, especially when things are going well. Help me to be where You want me to be at all times. Help me to walk with You, hear Your voice and stay on track throughout my life. I want to finish well. I want the next 20 years of my life to be the most productive for You and Your kingdom.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Restoration
Scripture:
II Samuel 9:7 "And David said to him, 'Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathon, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always'",
Observation:
David went looking for a descendant of his covenant brother who had died. He found out there was one son who was still living and David went to him and showed kindness to him. He restored to him the land of his father and brought him to eat at the kings table. David went overboard to make sure he blessed Jonathon's son because of all Jonathon had meant to David.
Application:
When you love someone, you bring restoration to them by whatever means possible. We to be people who bring restoration to people who feel like they deserve to die. We are called to be people who restore what is broken and heal what is hurt. We need to seek out those who need restoration and give them what they don't even feel they deserve.
Prayer:
Father, let me be an instrument of restoration today. Help me to restore what is broken in people's lives and let me be an instrument of blessing and generosity to those who feel they don't deserve it. Give me opportunity today to be a blessing to those around me and to those who You place in my path.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Samuel 9:7 "And David said to him, 'Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathon, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always'",
Observation:
David went looking for a descendant of his covenant brother who had died. He found out there was one son who was still living and David went to him and showed kindness to him. He restored to him the land of his father and brought him to eat at the kings table. David went overboard to make sure he blessed Jonathon's son because of all Jonathon had meant to David.
Application:
When you love someone, you bring restoration to them by whatever means possible. We to be people who bring restoration to people who feel like they deserve to die. We are called to be people who restore what is broken and heal what is hurt. We need to seek out those who need restoration and give them what they don't even feel they deserve.
Prayer:
Father, let me be an instrument of restoration today. Help me to restore what is broken in people's lives and let me be an instrument of blessing and generosity to those who feel they don't deserve it. Give me opportunity today to be a blessing to those around me and to those who You place in my path.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Blessed By His Presence
Scripture:
II Samuel 6:11 "And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household".
Observation:
When David was trying to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to the City of David, Uzzah reached out and touched it to stabilize it. When he did, the Lord struck him down. David decided to leave the Ark at the home of Obed-edom. Three months later, David received word that Obed-edom's house was being blessed. There was some physical evidence of the blessing of God where the Ark was.
Application:
The Ark in the Old Testament, was where the presence of God was. When the presence of God was with Obed-edom, he was blessed in ways that caused people to take note of it. We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and people should be able to see the blessing on our lives. Does my life look different than others because the presence of the Lord is with me? Do I look blessed when others see me? If not, I need to seek God about where His blessing is on my life.
Prayer:
Father, let Your blessing be evident in my life like it was in Obed-edom's. Somehow, people could see that You were blessing him. Let my life shine for You and let Your presence go with me everywhere I go. May Your hand be upon my life and I say like Jabez, "Oh that You would bless me indeed". Let Your blessing fall on my life.
Yours
Jeff
II Samuel 6:11 "And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household".
Observation:
When David was trying to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to the City of David, Uzzah reached out and touched it to stabilize it. When he did, the Lord struck him down. David decided to leave the Ark at the home of Obed-edom. Three months later, David received word that Obed-edom's house was being blessed. There was some physical evidence of the blessing of God where the Ark was.
Application:
The Ark in the Old Testament, was where the presence of God was. When the presence of God was with Obed-edom, he was blessed in ways that caused people to take note of it. We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and people should be able to see the blessing on our lives. Does my life look different than others because the presence of the Lord is with me? Do I look blessed when others see me? If not, I need to seek God about where His blessing is on my life.
Prayer:
Father, let Your blessing be evident in my life like it was in Obed-edom's. Somehow, people could see that You were blessing him. Let my life shine for You and let Your presence go with me everywhere I go. May Your hand be upon my life and I say like Jabez, "Oh that You would bless me indeed". Let Your blessing fall on my life.
Yours
Jeff
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
How Could You?
Scripture:
II Samuel 1:14 "David said to him, 'How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?'"
Observation:
A young Amalakite came to David and reported to him that Saul was dead. He said he knew it because as he came upon Saul, he found him nearly dead and Saul asked him to kill him and end his agony. He thought David would love to hear the news that the person who was trying to kill him was dead, instead, David was upset and had him killed for being the person who killed the man God had anointed as king.
Application:
David believed, as we should, that God is in control and He raises up and puts down. He trusted God that when the time was right, he would be king. Until then, he was suppose to submit to the leadership over him. We need to learn from this to support those in authority over us until God raises us up. We need to be careful to not take things into our own hands, but to trust God to deliver us and raise us up instead of fighting for position.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust You more. Work in my life and help me to submit to those who are in authority over me. Help me to speak only positive of those who You have placed over my life. You are my rock and my fortress. You are my strength and my song.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 1:14 "David said to him, 'How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?'"
Observation:
A young Amalakite came to David and reported to him that Saul was dead. He said he knew it because as he came upon Saul, he found him nearly dead and Saul asked him to kill him and end his agony. He thought David would love to hear the news that the person who was trying to kill him was dead, instead, David was upset and had him killed for being the person who killed the man God had anointed as king.
Application:
David believed, as we should, that God is in control and He raises up and puts down. He trusted God that when the time was right, he would be king. Until then, he was suppose to submit to the leadership over him. We need to learn from this to support those in authority over us until God raises us up. We need to be careful to not take things into our own hands, but to trust God to deliver us and raise us up instead of fighting for position.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust You more. Work in my life and help me to submit to those who are in authority over me. Help me to speak only positive of those who You have placed over my life. You are my rock and my fortress. You are my strength and my song.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, May 15, 2017
Full Recovery
Scripture:
I Samuel 30:18-19 "David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all".
Observation:
When the Amalekites took all of David and his men's wives, children, animals, and possessions, he cried out to the Lord and strengthened himself in the Lord. He then went after them and recovered all that was taken, small and great. God gave David back everything that was taken from him.
Application:
When the enemy comes in and tries to steal, kill and destroy, we need to come to the Lord and cry out to Him like David did, then get up, shake it off, and go after whatever was taken. When God is in the process, all will be recovered. He doesn't just get back some of what the enemy takes, He gets back all of it, small and great. We must trust the Lord and go after what was taken by faith. Our enemy is already defeated and has no rights to our stuff.
Prayer
Father, help me to go after with intensity what the enemy has tried to take away from me. Help me to walk in faith and power. Teach me when to cry out to the Lord and when to fight the enemy. I want to see everything recovered that the enemy has stolen from my life.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 30:18-19 "David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all".
Observation:
When the Amalekites took all of David and his men's wives, children, animals, and possessions, he cried out to the Lord and strengthened himself in the Lord. He then went after them and recovered all that was taken, small and great. God gave David back everything that was taken from him.
Application:
When the enemy comes in and tries to steal, kill and destroy, we need to come to the Lord and cry out to Him like David did, then get up, shake it off, and go after whatever was taken. When God is in the process, all will be recovered. He doesn't just get back some of what the enemy takes, He gets back all of it, small and great. We must trust the Lord and go after what was taken by faith. Our enemy is already defeated and has no rights to our stuff.
Prayer
Father, help me to go after with intensity what the enemy has tried to take away from me. Help me to walk in faith and power. Teach me when to cry out to the Lord and when to fight the enemy. I want to see everything recovered that the enemy has stolen from my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Let The Lord Judge
Scripture:
I Samuel 24:12 "May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you".
Observation:
Saul was hunting David down to kill him. When David had the opportunity to kill Saul, he didn't take it, but spared his life. Here is is talking to Saul about that event and told him these powerful words, "May the Lord judge between me and you...but my hand shall not be against you".
Application:
David determined that he would honor the leadership God had put in place and if God wanted them removed, God would remove them. He refused to take things into his own hands and fully trusted God to avenge him of those trying to kill him. We must learn to give our situations to the Lord and let Him judge. Our job is to submit to those above us and then trust God to defend us when necessary. Our job is to walk in integrity and trust God for our personal lives.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing and I trust You with my life, my future, and my everything. Help me to never fight for myself, but to honor You and let You fight my battles. Help me never promote myself or fight my own battles, but to let You defend me and fight on my behalf. Not my will, but Yours be done.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Samuel 24:12 "May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you".
Observation:
Saul was hunting David down to kill him. When David had the opportunity to kill Saul, he didn't take it, but spared his life. Here is is talking to Saul about that event and told him these powerful words, "May the Lord judge between me and you...but my hand shall not be against you".
Application:
David determined that he would honor the leadership God had put in place and if God wanted them removed, God would remove them. He refused to take things into his own hands and fully trusted God to avenge him of those trying to kill him. We must learn to give our situations to the Lord and let Him judge. Our job is to submit to those above us and then trust God to defend us when necessary. Our job is to walk in integrity and trust God for our personal lives.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing and I trust You with my life, my future, and my everything. Help me to never fight for myself, but to honor You and let You fight my battles. Help me never promote myself or fight my own battles, but to let You defend me and fight on my behalf. Not my will, but Yours be done.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, May 12, 2017
Past Victories Provide for Present Circumstances
Scripture:
I Samuel 21:9 "And the priest said, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you take that, take it, for there is none but that here'. And David said, 'There is none like that; give it to me'".
Observation:
David was running for his life from King Saul. He was innocent, but hated by Saul because of jealousy. As he was running and hiding, we needed some weapons for his defense. He asked Ahimilech if he had a sword David could use and the only one he had was the sword with which David had beheaded Goliath. God had it there as a reminder to David of what He had done in the past through David.
Application:
Sometimes our past victories will provide what we need for our present circumstances. There are times we need to look back and recount the blessings of the Lord. Sometimes we have to look back at how He has brought us through in the past to give us faith for the future. May God remind us today of past victories and may they help us realize that God is with us and will come through again and again.
Prayer:
Father, help me to realize that You have come through for me time and time again. Help me to remember all the things today that You have done for me through the years. Help me to know that You are with me and that You have my back at all times. Increase my faith.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Samuel 21:9 "And the priest said, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you take that, take it, for there is none but that here'. And David said, 'There is none like that; give it to me'".
Observation:
David was running for his life from King Saul. He was innocent, but hated by Saul because of jealousy. As he was running and hiding, we needed some weapons for his defense. He asked Ahimilech if he had a sword David could use and the only one he had was the sword with which David had beheaded Goliath. God had it there as a reminder to David of what He had done in the past through David.
Application:
Sometimes our past victories will provide what we need for our present circumstances. There are times we need to look back and recount the blessings of the Lord. Sometimes we have to look back at how He has brought us through in the past to give us faith for the future. May God remind us today of past victories and may they help us realize that God is with us and will come through again and again.
Prayer:
Father, help me to realize that You have come through for me time and time again. Help me to remember all the things today that You have done for me through the years. Help me to know that You are with me and that You have my back at all times. Increase my faith.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, May 11, 2017
God Was With Him
Scripture:
I Samuel 18:14 "And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him".
Observation:
Everyone, including Saul, could see that the Lord was with David. He was successful in everything he did because the Lord was with him. It was a noticeable trait in his life. People could tell that the Lord was with him. It was something evident to all.
Application:
David's success caused people to know that the Lord was with him. It couldn't have just been his success that let everyone know God was with him. The greatest trait available in our lives would be to have the Lord be with us and for that to be evident to everyone around us because they can see the blessing of God on our lives. I want the Lord to be in and upon everything I do. I want to live a life so that people would say, "God was with him".
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to follow You completely. Help me to hear Your voice accurately. Help me to walk in obedience in every area. I want Your hand to be evident on my life. I want to live my life in such a way that people around me would say that the Lord was with him.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Samuel 18:14 "And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him".
Observation:
Everyone, including Saul, could see that the Lord was with David. He was successful in everything he did because the Lord was with him. It was a noticeable trait in his life. People could tell that the Lord was with him. It was something evident to all.
Application:
David's success caused people to know that the Lord was with him. It couldn't have just been his success that let everyone know God was with him. The greatest trait available in our lives would be to have the Lord be with us and for that to be evident to everyone around us because they can see the blessing of God on our lives. I want the Lord to be in and upon everything I do. I want to live a life so that people would say, "God was with him".
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to follow You completely. Help me to hear Your voice accurately. Help me to walk in obedience in every area. I want Your hand to be evident on my life. I want to live my life in such a way that people around me would say that the Lord was with him.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
When God Regrets
Scripture:
I Samuel 15:35 "And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel".
Observation:
Saul disobeyed God in a few different areas. He did what he thought was right and acceptable instead of what God had told him to do. He was more controlled by what people thought than about doing what the Lord had told him to do. God regretted making Saul king.
Application:
When we make decisions without consulting the Lord or when man's opinion of us is more important than God's opinion of us, we are in trouble. We must always seek the Lord and His will above all else. We never want to be in the place where God regrets putting us in the position we are in. I want God to be happy that He put me where I am, not regretting putting me there.
Prayer:
Father, I don't want you to have any regrets in making me a leader. I want to serve You well all the days of my life. Help me to walk humbly before You and to continually seek You all the days of my life. Teach me to follow closely to all You give me to do. I want my life to please You above all else.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 15:35 "And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel".
Observation:
Saul disobeyed God in a few different areas. He did what he thought was right and acceptable instead of what God had told him to do. He was more controlled by what people thought than about doing what the Lord had told him to do. God regretted making Saul king.
Application:
When we make decisions without consulting the Lord or when man's opinion of us is more important than God's opinion of us, we are in trouble. We must always seek the Lord and His will above all else. We never want to be in the place where God regrets putting us in the position we are in. I want God to be happy that He put me where I am, not regretting putting me there.
Prayer:
Father, I don't want you to have any regrets in making me a leader. I want to serve You well all the days of my life. Help me to walk humbly before You and to continually seek You all the days of my life. Teach me to follow closely to all You give me to do. I want my life to please You above all else.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, May 4, 2017
HOPE
Scripture:
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope".
Observation:
Just prior to this Paul tells the Romans that the gentiles will hope in Christ and His rule. Here it tells us that God is the the God of hope and that He can fills us with all joy and peace so that we can abound in hope.
Application:
God wants us to "abound in hope". Many times I don't feel much hope. Hope is anticipation of a coming event. God wants to give us hope. He wants us to walk in not only hope, but to abound in hope. He wants us to be filled with hope because He is the God of hope. When people tell you not to get your hopes us, we need to tell them, my hopes are high because God is the the God of hope.
Prayer:
Father, fill my live with peace, joy and hope. You are the God of all hope and You give hope to Your kids. Help me to walk in that hope and to bring hope to others.
Yours,
Jeff
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope".
Observation:
Just prior to this Paul tells the Romans that the gentiles will hope in Christ and His rule. Here it tells us that God is the the God of hope and that He can fills us with all joy and peace so that we can abound in hope.
Application:
God wants us to "abound in hope". Many times I don't feel much hope. Hope is anticipation of a coming event. God wants to give us hope. He wants us to walk in not only hope, but to abound in hope. He wants us to be filled with hope because He is the God of hope. When people tell you not to get your hopes us, we need to tell them, my hopes are high because God is the the God of hope.
Prayer:
Father, fill my live with peace, joy and hope. You are the God of all hope and You give hope to Your kids. Help me to walk in that hope and to bring hope to others.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
LIFE
Scripture:
Romans 8:11 "If the Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
Observation:
Paul is talking in this section about the difference between living in the Spirit and living in the flesh. Here he takes it to another level when he tells them that the Spirit gives life to the body. His Spirit lives in us and gives life to our mortal bodies. The physical is affected by the spiritual. Regeneration affects, not only the spirit, but the body as well.
Application:
God has declared himself to be a healer from the beginning. He always has been and always will be the healer. Just like we grab hold of salvation for our spirit, we must learn to grab hold of healing for our bodies. If the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us, why are we sick and our bodies broken down all the time. The healer lives inside of us. We must learn to walk with Him and receive life into our mortal bodies.
Prayer:
Father, give life to my mortal body. Take away every pain and let me live in divine health. I know You are never sick, hurting or in pain. Help me to grab hold of Your promises and live them out in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Romans 8:11 "If the Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
Observation:
Paul is talking in this section about the difference between living in the Spirit and living in the flesh. Here he takes it to another level when he tells them that the Spirit gives life to the body. His Spirit lives in us and gives life to our mortal bodies. The physical is affected by the spiritual. Regeneration affects, not only the spirit, but the body as well.
Application:
God has declared himself to be a healer from the beginning. He always has been and always will be the healer. Just like we grab hold of salvation for our spirit, we must learn to grab hold of healing for our bodies. If the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us, why are we sick and our bodies broken down all the time. The healer lives inside of us. We must learn to walk with Him and receive life into our mortal bodies.
Prayer:
Father, give life to my mortal body. Take away every pain and let me live in divine health. I know You are never sick, hurting or in pain. Help me to grab hold of Your promises and live them out in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)