Scripture:
Hosea 10:12 "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Jehovah, till he come and rain righteousness upon you".
Observation:
God is speaking through Hosea at this point and telling his people they need to sow righteousness and reap kindness. He tells them to break up their ground and see God until He comes and rains righteousness on them. It seems here that righteousness is both something we do and something that comes to us.
Application:
We are righteous because of the blood of Christ, who is our righteousness. Yet, we need to sow into righteousness. We need to plant some righteous seeds until Christ rains it down on us. It is also on us to break up our hard, fallow ground. We must prepare ourselves to live righteously by seeking God and pursuing Him. We are righteous through Christ, but we still need to seek God and He will lead us into right living.
Prayer:
Lord, break up my fallow ground. During this fasting time, take away everything that is not right and replace it with more of You. Fill me with Your Spirit and Your righteousness. Let me walk with You at a deeper level. Help me to sow righteousness today.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Knowledge Beats Sacrifice
Scripture:
Hosea 6:6 "For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings."
Observation:
God was talking about His people whoring with other gods. He wanted His people to return to Him. Here we hear the heart of God for His people. He says He desires goodness more than sacrifice and knowing Him over burnt offerings. In other words, He wants relationship above religion.
Application:
God wants a relationship with us. He wants us to know Him more than He wants us to attend church on Sunday. Church attendance and everything that goes with it, does not guarantee we are right with God. Those things should be the result of knowing God. We should serve Him and want to grow in Him because we know Him, not so that he will be impressed by our sacrifice.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to know You. I want to hear Your voice and walk in Your paths. You desire goodness above sacrifice and knowing You above offerings. Help me to desire the same and to know You more each day. I love you Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Hosea 6:6 "For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings."
Observation:
God was talking about His people whoring with other gods. He wanted His people to return to Him. Here we hear the heart of God for His people. He says He desires goodness more than sacrifice and knowing Him over burnt offerings. In other words, He wants relationship above religion.
Application:
God wants a relationship with us. He wants us to know Him more than He wants us to attend church on Sunday. Church attendance and everything that goes with it, does not guarantee we are right with God. Those things should be the result of knowing God. We should serve Him and want to grow in Him because we know Him, not so that he will be impressed by our sacrifice.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to know You. I want to hear Your voice and walk in Your paths. You desire goodness above sacrifice and knowing You above offerings. Help me to desire the same and to know You more each day. I love you Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 27, 2017
Extreme Obedience
Scripture:
Hosea 1:2 "When Jehovah spake at the first by Hosea, Jehovah said unto Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredom and children of whoredom; for the land doth commit great whoredom, departing from Jehovah. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; and she conceived, and bare him a son."
Observation:
Apparently this was at the beginning of Hosea's ministry because it says when Jehovah spoke at first by Hosea. His calling to ministry required extreme obedience. He was told to marry a prostitute as an example of Israel. It simply says, "so he went and took Gomer". Apparently he didn't question, he simply obeyed.
Application:
Can God trust us to do what He says, even when it doesn't seem to make sense? We must learn to be people of extreme obedience. When God speaks, we must be willing to act on what He tells us. This week I need to practice quick and extreme obedience. I need to obey first and ask questions later.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to implement extreme and quick obedience in to my life. I want to serve you well. Help me to walk in the Spirit each day and fulfill Your will for my life that day.
Yours,
Jeff
Hosea 1:2 "When Jehovah spake at the first by Hosea, Jehovah said unto Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredom and children of whoredom; for the land doth commit great whoredom, departing from Jehovah. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; and she conceived, and bare him a son."
Observation:
Apparently this was at the beginning of Hosea's ministry because it says when Jehovah spoke at first by Hosea. His calling to ministry required extreme obedience. He was told to marry a prostitute as an example of Israel. It simply says, "so he went and took Gomer". Apparently he didn't question, he simply obeyed.
Application:
Can God trust us to do what He says, even when it doesn't seem to make sense? We must learn to be people of extreme obedience. When God speaks, we must be willing to act on what He tells us. This week I need to practice quick and extreme obedience. I need to obey first and ask questions later.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to implement extreme and quick obedience in to my life. I want to serve you well. Help me to walk in the Spirit each day and fulfill Your will for my life that day.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Subjected to Ordinances
Scripture:
I Peter 2:13-14 "Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well."
Observation:
God tells us here through Peter, that we should be subjected, or submitted, to every ordinance of man. He says we authorities, even ungodly authorities, were put there by God to bring vengeance on those that deserve it and praise for them that do well."
Application:
Sometimes as believers, we act like we are above the laws of the jurisdictions we live in. Sometimes we feel like the law only applies when we like it, understand it, or agree with it. Scripturally, we are to obey the laws of the land we live in and submit to them. Christfollowers should get praise from our authorities because we are walking in submission to what they say. We should be the example for others of humble submission to the laws of our land.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in ways that bring you glory and honor. Help me to submit to the authorities You have placed over my life. Teach me to make You and Your kingdom look good to those around me. I want to walk with you all the days of my life and to exalt Your name.
Yours,
Jeff
I Peter 2:13-14 "Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well."
Observation:
God tells us here through Peter, that we should be subjected, or submitted, to every ordinance of man. He says we authorities, even ungodly authorities, were put there by God to bring vengeance on those that deserve it and praise for them that do well."
Application:
Sometimes as believers, we act like we are above the laws of the jurisdictions we live in. Sometimes we feel like the law only applies when we like it, understand it, or agree with it. Scripturally, we are to obey the laws of the land we live in and submit to them. Christfollowers should get praise from our authorities because we are walking in submission to what they say. We should be the example for others of humble submission to the laws of our land.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in ways that bring you glory and honor. Help me to submit to the authorities You have placed over my life. Teach me to make You and Your kingdom look good to those around me. I want to walk with you all the days of my life and to exalt Your name.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Set My Face
Scripture:
Daniel 9:3 "And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes."
Observation:
Daniel was led by the Lord into a time of prayer and fasting. When we went in, he went all in. He began to seek the Lord in prayer, supplications, fasting, and sackcloth. He "set his face". In other words, he was all in. He was committed to this time of prayer and seeking God.
Application:
There needs to be times in our lives where we push everything away and seek the Lord in prayer, supplications, and fasting. We need to have times set in our lives where we really set our face to seeking the Lord. He is incredible and worth the pursuit.
Prayer:
Father, draw me in to your presence and draw my to times of prayer and fasting. I want to be completely yours. Help me to set my face to be your servant and to knowing Your will. I want to know You more each day. Draw me Holy Spirit into Your presence. I want to hear from You.
Yours,
Jeff
Daniel 9:3 "And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes."
Observation:
Daniel was led by the Lord into a time of prayer and fasting. When we went in, he went all in. He began to seek the Lord in prayer, supplications, fasting, and sackcloth. He "set his face". In other words, he was all in. He was committed to this time of prayer and seeking God.
Application:
There needs to be times in our lives where we push everything away and seek the Lord in prayer, supplications, and fasting. We need to have times set in our lives where we really set our face to seeking the Lord. He is incredible and worth the pursuit.
Prayer:
Father, draw me in to your presence and draw my to times of prayer and fasting. I want to be completely yours. Help me to set my face to be your servant and to knowing Your will. I want to know You more each day. Draw me Holy Spirit into Your presence. I want to hear from You.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
God Humbles the Proud
Scripture:
Daniel 4:37 "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar , praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those that walk in pride he is able to abase."
Observation:
Nebuchadnezzar had been taken by God from being king to acting like an animal in the field. He went from kingship to literally being like a wild animal. He was then restored to his role as king. When restored, he praised, extolled and honored the king of heaven. He saw God's ability personally and gave him praise for it.
Application:
God always humbles the proud and gives grace to the humble. God is able to bring anyone down from their high place. He is God and nobody is above Him. He can lift up and He can put down. He is amazing! May we praise Him before we are humbled by Him.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I honor You today. You are incredible and I worship You. May Your name be praised in every nation of the earth and may Your kingdom ever increase. Let my life be a life that honors You and gives You praise. Help me to walk in humility and to know Your power.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Daniel 4:37 "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar , praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those that walk in pride he is able to abase."
Observation:
Nebuchadnezzar had been taken by God from being king to acting like an animal in the field. He went from kingship to literally being like a wild animal. He was then restored to his role as king. When restored, he praised, extolled and honored the king of heaven. He saw God's ability personally and gave him praise for it.
Application:
God always humbles the proud and gives grace to the humble. God is able to bring anyone down from their high place. He is God and nobody is above Him. He can lift up and He can put down. He is amazing! May we praise Him before we are humbled by Him.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I honor You today. You are incredible and I worship You. May Your name be praised in every nation of the earth and may Your kingdom ever increase. Let my life be a life that honors You and gives You praise. Help me to walk in humility and to know Your power.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Friday, November 17, 2017
Cleansed for Use
Scripture:
Ezekiel 45:18 "This saith the Lord Jehovah: In the first month, in the first day of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish; and thou shalt cleanse the sanctuary,"
Observation:
As God showed Ezekiel the Temple and how He wanted to be worshiped, He let him know that it was very important to follow exactly what God said to him. God wanted everything cleansed before it was used. He wanted the sanctuary cleaned before the first sacrifice took place.
Application:
God is a god of order. He is very precise in what He does and how He does it. Here, He laid out exactly what He wanted to happen when it came to worship. He is a very detailed God and we are to do things His way. God always cleanses something before He uses it for His glory. We must allow Him to cleanse our lives, so He can flow through us and use us. We must offer ourselves to Him as an offering.
Prayer:
Father, I offer You my life. Take me, heal me, cleanse me and use me for Your glory. I am Yours. I offer myself to You again today for Your purposes. Help me to stay on Your plan and not my own. I want to serve You well and not just fulfill my own purposes. I want to do things Your way and not just a way I figure out on my own.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Teach My People
Scripture:
Ezekiel 44:23 "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean."
Observation:
God was telling the priests that their job was to teach the difference between what was holy and what was common. He also wanted them to teach what was clean and unclean. He wanted His people to know right from wrong and for them to follow Him according to His ways.
Application:
In today's society, church leaders try to give people what they want instead of what they need. We want people to come to our churches, so we don't teach on sin and obedience, we just want to give them messages that will build them up and encourage them to come back. God wants His priests to tell the people what is right and wrong, what is clean and unclean, what is holy and unholy.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to teach the ways of God clearly and accurately. I want You to come to the church You have entrusted to me. Help me to teach right and wrong. Help me to accurately divide the word of truth. Open my ears to hear and declare what You want for Your people.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 44:23 "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean."
Observation:
God was telling the priests that their job was to teach the difference between what was holy and what was common. He also wanted them to teach what was clean and unclean. He wanted His people to know right from wrong and for them to follow Him according to His ways.
Application:
In today's society, church leaders try to give people what they want instead of what they need. We want people to come to our churches, so we don't teach on sin and obedience, we just want to give them messages that will build them up and encourage them to come back. God wants His priests to tell the people what is right and wrong, what is clean and unclean, what is holy and unholy.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to teach the ways of God clearly and accurately. I want You to come to the church You have entrusted to me. Help me to teach right and wrong. Help me to accurately divide the word of truth. Open my ears to hear and declare what You want for Your people.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
And They Shall Know
Scripture:
Ezekiel 39:28 "And they shall know that I am Jehovah their God, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them unto their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there."
Observation:
God's desire here, by allowing His people to go into captivity and then bringing them back home and restoring them, was that they shall KNOW that He is God. Throughout the Old and New Testament, we see God doing works, "so that they will know that I am God". He wants His people to KNOW He is God.
Application:
God doesn't want us to waiver back and forth like the wind and waves in our faith. He wants us to KNOW Him. He wants us not to always question our faith, but to know He is God and He will deliver us. He wants His people to walk in confidence and faith that is based on who He is and what He has done in our lives and in history.
Prayer:
Lord, You have proven to me over and over throughout my life that You are God. You have blessed my life incredibly and I have witnessed countless miracles. Help me to walk more confident in my relationship with You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 39:28 "And they shall know that I am Jehovah their God, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them unto their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there."
Observation:
God's desire here, by allowing His people to go into captivity and then bringing them back home and restoring them, was that they shall KNOW that He is God. Throughout the Old and New Testament, we see God doing works, "so that they will know that I am God". He wants His people to KNOW He is God.
Application:
God doesn't want us to waiver back and forth like the wind and waves in our faith. He wants us to KNOW Him. He wants us not to always question our faith, but to know He is God and He will deliver us. He wants His people to walk in confidence and faith that is based on who He is and what He has done in our lives and in history.
Prayer:
Lord, You have proven to me over and over throughout my life that You are God. You have blessed my life incredibly and I have witnessed countless miracles. Help me to walk more confident in my relationship with You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
The Spirit Within
Scripture:
Ezekiel 36:27 "And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them."
Observation:
This is a prophecy about Israel returning to its God-given land after being exiled, it so beautifully demonstrates some NT ideas to us. When the people come back to their land, God says He will put His Spirit within them and cause them to follow His ways and laws.
Application:
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit comes into all of those who are children of God. Jesus said the Spirit would no longer be upon you, but IN you. Think about the fact that the Spirit of the living God lives in us for a moment. If that is true, then we have the power to do whatever is necessary to live in obedience to our Father and to fulfill His will in the earth. We are not left powerless, but He has put His own Spirit in us.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in the Spirit daily and not to be led by my flesh. Jesus died so Your Spirit could help me live life the way You want me to. You have opened the way for the incredible Spirit-filled life. Help me to to walk in the power of Your Spirit and to realize what tools I have to do Your will.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 36:27 "And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them."
Observation:
This is a prophecy about Israel returning to its God-given land after being exiled, it so beautifully demonstrates some NT ideas to us. When the people come back to their land, God says He will put His Spirit within them and cause them to follow His ways and laws.
Application:
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit comes into all of those who are children of God. Jesus said the Spirit would no longer be upon you, but IN you. Think about the fact that the Spirit of the living God lives in us for a moment. If that is true, then we have the power to do whatever is necessary to live in obedience to our Father and to fulfill His will in the earth. We are not left powerless, but He has put His own Spirit in us.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in the Spirit daily and not to be led by my flesh. Jesus died so Your Spirit could help me live life the way You want me to. You have opened the way for the incredible Spirit-filled life. Help me to to walk in the power of Your Spirit and to realize what tools I have to do Your will.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, November 10, 2017
And They Shall Know
Scripture:
Ezekiel 25:11 "and I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am Jehovah."
Observation:
In this entire portion of scripture, God is railing against the nations that have been bad to Israel and Judah. As He is giving out his judgments and how He is going to wipe them away, He always says, "they shall know that I am Jehovah." God wants His name known in all the earth.
Application:
God wants His name to be known in all the earth. He wants the whole world to know He is Jehovah. Even in judgment, He wants those He is judging to know He is Jehovah. Throughout the enire Bible I see God doing things so that the world may know that He is God. This is one thing we can help Him with. We need to let the world know He is God.
Prayer:
Father, today, help me to be a witness for You. Help me to make the most of every opportunity to bring You into conversation. I am with You. I want the world to know You are God and there is none like You.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 25:11 "and I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am Jehovah."
Observation:
In this entire portion of scripture, God is railing against the nations that have been bad to Israel and Judah. As He is giving out his judgments and how He is going to wipe them away, He always says, "they shall know that I am Jehovah." God wants His name known in all the earth.
Application:
God wants His name to be known in all the earth. He wants the whole world to know He is Jehovah. Even in judgment, He wants those He is judging to know He is Jehovah. Throughout the enire Bible I see God doing things so that the world may know that He is God. This is one thing we can help Him with. We need to let the world know He is God.
Prayer:
Father, today, help me to be a witness for You. Help me to make the most of every opportunity to bring You into conversation. I am with You. I want the world to know You are God and there is none like You.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 9, 2017
I Sought For a Man
Scripture:
Ezekiel 22:30 "And I sought for a man among them, that should build up a wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none."
Observation:
God was talking about bringing judgement upon His people because of their going after other gods and prostituting themselves with other gods. He was preparing to destroy them and it says, he "sought a man among them, that should build up a wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land". God went looking for someone who was willing to stand between His judgment and the people, but couldn't find anyone.
Application:
We call this standing in the gap, or intercession. It is standing between God and His judgment for sin. In America, we have walked away from God and are serving the gods of pleasure and good feelings. We need men and women who will stand before the Lord on our behalf to pray for our country. May He not only find one, but multitudes standing in the gap and praying for our nation that is going downhill quickly.
Prayer:
Father, this morning I stand in the gap for the US. Forgive us for our sin and transgression. Forgive us for the murder of unborn babies. Forgive us for our lack of prayer and love for God. Forgive us for being lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Come and revive this nation.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
And You Shall Know
Scripture:
Ezekiel 20:42 "And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country which I sware to give unto your fathers."
Observation:
God tells His people they will know that He is Jehovah when He brings them into the promised land. They had rebelled against Him and followed after others gods. The Lord told them He would send them into Egypt, but He also told them they would come out and go into the Promised Land. His purpose - then you shall know that I am Jehovah."
Application:
There are some things that happen in our lives that can only be explained by saying "it's a God thing." When God decides to bless us, He does so in such a manner that our only explanation is that God is good and takes good care of His children. His purpose is that we will know He is the Lord. We must know deep down that He is the Lord, no matter how we feel at the present time.
Prayer:
Lord, I know You are Jehovah. You don't have to prove anything to me. You are incredible and I bless Your name. You don't have to do anything to show me You are God, but I love it when You do. Have Your way in my life and let me be a reflection of You to those I come into contact with.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 20:42 "And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country which I sware to give unto your fathers."
Observation:
God tells His people they will know that He is Jehovah when He brings them into the promised land. They had rebelled against Him and followed after others gods. The Lord told them He would send them into Egypt, but He also told them they would come out and go into the Promised Land. His purpose - then you shall know that I am Jehovah."
Application:
There are some things that happen in our lives that can only be explained by saying "it's a God thing." When God decides to bless us, He does so in such a manner that our only explanation is that God is good and takes good care of His children. His purpose is that we will know He is the Lord. We must know deep down that He is the Lord, no matter how we feel at the present time.
Prayer:
Lord, I know You are Jehovah. You don't have to prove anything to me. You are incredible and I bless Your name. You don't have to do anything to show me You are God, but I love it when You do. Have Your way in my life and let me be a reflection of You to those I come into contact with.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
The Poor and the Needy
Scripture:
Ezekiel 16:49 "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: Pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and the needy".
Observation:
Here, Ezekiel is speaking for the Lord and says that Sodom, though it is remembered for its sexual sin, also was wealthy, prosperous, at ease, and didn't take care of the poor and needy. God spoke against them strongly for not strengthening the hand of the poor and needy.
Application:
God always wants us to be thinking of those who don't have enough. When we take care of the poor and needy, God loves it. He is blessed when we help strengthen those who can't help themselves. We should always be looking for those we can help instead of only those who can help us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see the poor and needy like You do. Teach me to treat them as You would. Help me to discern when to help and when not to help. Teach me to love like You love. I am Yours and I ask You to make me more like You today.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 16:49 "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: Pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and the needy".
Observation:
Here, Ezekiel is speaking for the Lord and says that Sodom, though it is remembered for its sexual sin, also was wealthy, prosperous, at ease, and didn't take care of the poor and needy. God spoke against them strongly for not strengthening the hand of the poor and needy.
Application:
God always wants us to be thinking of those who don't have enough. When we take care of the poor and needy, God loves it. He is blessed when we help strengthen those who can't help themselves. We should always be looking for those we can help instead of only those who can help us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see the poor and needy like You do. Teach me to treat them as You would. Help me to discern when to help and when not to help. Teach me to love like You love. I am Yours and I ask You to make me more like You today.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 6, 2017
God Hates False Prophecy
Scripture:
Ezekiel 13:23 "Therefore ye shall no more see false visions, nor divine divinations: and I will deliver my people out of your hand; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah."
Observation:
In this chapter, as well as most of Ezekiel, the Lord rails against false prophets who prophesy wrongly in the name of the Lord. God wants His people delivered from those who prophesy falsely. God takes this extremely seriously.
Application:
When we prophesy to people, we need to be accurate about what we are saying. Misrepresenting the Lord is dangerous ground. There are many today who are claiming "thus saith the Lord", who are not accurately representing the word of the Lord. We will all stand before the Lord one day, may we hear him say, "well done" instead of, "get away from me", You wrongly represented me.
Prayer:
Father, open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my eyes to truly see what You are doing at all times. Give me confidence in hearing Your voice so that I can deliver the words You speak accurately. Help me not to speak out of my own spirit, but to speak on Your behalf. Flow through me accurately and let me represent you well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 13:23 "Therefore ye shall no more see false visions, nor divine divinations: and I will deliver my people out of your hand; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah."
Observation:
In this chapter, as well as most of Ezekiel, the Lord rails against false prophets who prophesy wrongly in the name of the Lord. God wants His people delivered from those who prophesy falsely. God takes this extremely seriously.
Application:
When we prophesy to people, we need to be accurate about what we are saying. Misrepresenting the Lord is dangerous ground. There are many today who are claiming "thus saith the Lord", who are not accurately representing the word of the Lord. We will all stand before the Lord one day, may we hear him say, "well done" instead of, "get away from me", You wrongly represented me.
Prayer:
Father, open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my eyes to truly see what You are doing at all times. Give me confidence in hearing Your voice so that I can deliver the words You speak accurately. Help me not to speak out of my own spirit, but to speak on Your behalf. Flow through me accurately and let me represent you well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, November 4, 2017
God's Judgment
Scripture:
Ezekiel 7:26 "Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumor shall be upon rumor; and they shall seek a vision of the prophet; but the Law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the elders."
Observation:
When God was going to judge Israel and Judah for their continual disobedience and continually seeking after other gods, He said they would seek a vision of the prophet, but the Law would perish and counsel. People knew when they were in trouble and had done wrong to go to the prophet who would tell them how to get right with God. In this case, God said he would take away the prophet, the counsel, and the priest, so they wouldn't now how to restore their relationship with Him.
Application:
It is a terrible thing to stop hearing the word of the Lord. When we stop hearing from God, we are in dangerous territory. Fortunately we have the written word of God and therefore are not as bad off as Israel in Ezekiel's time. We never want to lose the ability to hear the voice of the Lord and His counsel. When we lose that, we lose everything.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are incredible and I thank you for loving me. May I always cherish Your words, receive Your rebukes, and walk in godly counsel. Teach me to walk before You humbly and in the fear of the Lord. I never want to lose Your guidance. Speak to me daily. I want to hear and respond.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 7:26 "Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumor shall be upon rumor; and they shall seek a vision of the prophet; but the Law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the elders."
Observation:
When God was going to judge Israel and Judah for their continual disobedience and continually seeking after other gods, He said they would seek a vision of the prophet, but the Law would perish and counsel. People knew when they were in trouble and had done wrong to go to the prophet who would tell them how to get right with God. In this case, God said he would take away the prophet, the counsel, and the priest, so they wouldn't now how to restore their relationship with Him.
Application:
It is a terrible thing to stop hearing the word of the Lord. When we stop hearing from God, we are in dangerous territory. Fortunately we have the written word of God and therefore are not as bad off as Israel in Ezekiel's time. We never want to lose the ability to hear the voice of the Lord and His counsel. When we lose that, we lose everything.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are incredible and I thank you for loving me. May I always cherish Your words, receive Your rebukes, and walk in godly counsel. Teach me to walk before You humbly and in the fear of the Lord. I never want to lose Your guidance. Speak to me daily. I want to hear and respond.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, November 3, 2017
Talking with God
Scripture:
Ezekiel 3:22 "And the hand of Jehovah was there upon me; and He said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee."
Observation:
God told Ezekiel he wanted to meet with Him and talk to Him. He told Ezekiel to go to the plain, a place away from everyone, and He would talk to him there. God wanted his undivided attention.
Application:
God still speaks, but sometimes we are too busy to take time to get away from all the noise and spend time in His presence. Sometimes we need to set apart time and a place to go and meet with God. We need a place to go and speak with the Lord that is away from all social networks, where we can be alone with God.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for not taking more time to spend in Your presence listening to You and conversing with You. I want to hear Your voice, but I am guilty of not taking time away to hear what You want to speak. Help me to set aside time and place to meet with You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 3:22 "And the hand of Jehovah was there upon me; and He said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee."
Observation:
God told Ezekiel he wanted to meet with Him and talk to Him. He told Ezekiel to go to the plain, a place away from everyone, and He would talk to him there. God wanted his undivided attention.
Application:
God still speaks, but sometimes we are too busy to take time to get away from all the noise and spend time in His presence. Sometimes we need to set apart time and a place to go and meet with God. We need a place to go and speak with the Lord that is away from all social networks, where we can be alone with God.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for not taking more time to spend in Your presence listening to You and conversing with You. I want to hear Your voice, but I am guilty of not taking time away to hear what You want to speak. Help me to set aside time and place to meet with You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, November 2, 2017
A Sacrifice of Praise
Scripture:
Hebrews 13:15 "Through Him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name."
Observation:
The author of Hebrews tells us we should offer up a continual sacrifice of praise. We should be confessing his name at all times. This is a sacrifice we must offer continually and without reservation. God wants our praise at all times.
Application:
We are not to praise God only when things are going wonderful in our lives. A sacrifice is something that costs you. Praise isn't a sacrifice when everything is going great. It is a sacrifice when nothing seems to be going well. We must learn that God is worthy of praise, whether He is doing what we want Him to in our lives. My praise cannot be determined by my feelings, but by my faith.
Prayer:
Lord, let my faith be stronger. Help me to praise you in the storm. Teach me to continually have praise on my lips. I want my life to honor You. When I don't feel like it, help me to praise You. You are worthy of all my praise.
Yours,
Jeff
Hebrews 13:15 "Through Him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name."
Observation:
The author of Hebrews tells us we should offer up a continual sacrifice of praise. We should be confessing his name at all times. This is a sacrifice we must offer continually and without reservation. God wants our praise at all times.
Application:
We are not to praise God only when things are going wonderful in our lives. A sacrifice is something that costs you. Praise isn't a sacrifice when everything is going great. It is a sacrifice when nothing seems to be going well. We must learn that God is worthy of praise, whether He is doing what we want Him to in our lives. My praise cannot be determined by my feelings, but by my faith.
Prayer:
Lord, let my faith be stronger. Help me to praise you in the storm. Teach me to continually have praise on my lips. I want my life to honor You. When I don't feel like it, help me to praise You. You are worthy of all my praise.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Provoke unto Love
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:24 "and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works."
Observation:
The author is talking about the New Covenant available through the blood of Jesus. Then he says, "and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works." Basically, understanding what Jesus did for us should cause us to provoke love and good works from those around us.
Application:
I want my life to provoke others. When I think of the word "provoke", I think to push or encourage others. My life should encourage others towards love and good works. I want my life to cause people to want the same. My life should cause others to want to walk in love and good works.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be an example to others of love and good works. Let my light shine in order to provoke others toward You. Help me to follow You closely and to do Your will above everything else. Let my life make a difference to those around me and be an encouragement.
Your Son,
Jeff
Hebrews 10:24 "and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works."
Observation:
The author is talking about the New Covenant available through the blood of Jesus. Then he says, "and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works." Basically, understanding what Jesus did for us should cause us to provoke love and good works from those around us.
Application:
I want my life to provoke others. When I think of the word "provoke", I think to push or encourage others. My life should encourage others towards love and good works. I want my life to cause people to want the same. My life should cause others to want to walk in love and good works.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be an example to others of love and good works. Let my light shine in order to provoke others toward You. Help me to follow You closely and to do Your will above everything else. Let my life make a difference to those around me and be an encouragement.
Your Son,
Jeff
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