Scripture:
II Corinthians 9:10 "For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you."
Observation:
Paul is talk with the Corinthians about giving an offering toward those who are suffering in Jerusalem. As he is talking about their giving, he throws in this verse saying that it is God who gives seed to the farmer and bread to eat. He goes on to say that God will provide and increase your resources and produce a harvest of generosity in you.
Application:
According to this verse, if you truly want to be a giver, God will give you the resources to be able to do it. He gives seed to the sower and bread for food. As we ask god to bless our resources, we must be willing to sow seed. Farmers may only have seed in the springtime, which doesn't look like much. They have to take the little they have and put it in the earth by faith or it will never produce a greater crop. They put the seed in, then wait and work with the area to make sure it is in good condition to grow. They don't see any results quickly, but one day a sprout comes through the ground and they realize their investment is going to bear fruit. When we give to the Lord, sometimes we don't see the fruit for a while, but God does give seed to the sower and bread for food. he also increases our resources. We must trust Him to do this!
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to be trust you with my harvest. I have sown much through the years and believe fully that there is a great harvest coming in my life. Sometimes I get frustrated waiting for that day. Help me trust, like the farmer does, that a sprout will come out of the ground and produce will come after that. I want to be a sower of more and more, please provide the seed and resources so I can do it.
Love,
Jeff
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Fixing Your Gaze
Scripture:
II Corinthians 4:18 "So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things which we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever".
Observation:
Paul went through many trials and tribulations as he ministered the gospel of Jesus Christ. He endured afflictions from without and within. In this verse, he is sharing what he did to keep the right attitude in difficult times. He fixed his gaze on things that cannot be seen instead of looking deeply at where he was at the time.
Application:
What are you focused on? What we are focused on will generally determine how well we do in adversity. When you are going through a difficult time, if you choose to focus on the problem, you will get depressed, anxious, and worried. The other alternative is to focus on the eternal. If we focus on the eternal it will help us endure the present. If we can remain with our gaze fixed on eternity, life has a totally different perspective. If you are focused on eternity, your current afflictions seems much less powerful. If you focus on eternity and live with eternity in your heart, the current trials are much less destructive. We tend to focus on what is going on in our lives right now, Paul focused on what would be happening in eternity. I want to live a life focused on hearing the Lord say, "well done thou good and faithful servant".
Prayer:
Lord, keep my perspective right. I want to serve You and not get sidetracked by the hurts that ministry often brings. I want to keep eternity focused so that I don't get sidetracked by current difficulties. Help me to fix my gaze on You and how I will spend eternity. You are amazing! Help me to walk in this life so that my life points others to eternity as well. I give you my current problems and ask for you to deliver me, but this morning I am thankful that I know my account in heaven is full.
Yours,
Jeff
II Corinthians 4:18 "So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things which we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever".
Observation:
Paul went through many trials and tribulations as he ministered the gospel of Jesus Christ. He endured afflictions from without and within. In this verse, he is sharing what he did to keep the right attitude in difficult times. He fixed his gaze on things that cannot be seen instead of looking deeply at where he was at the time.
Application:
What are you focused on? What we are focused on will generally determine how well we do in adversity. When you are going through a difficult time, if you choose to focus on the problem, you will get depressed, anxious, and worried. The other alternative is to focus on the eternal. If we focus on the eternal it will help us endure the present. If we can remain with our gaze fixed on eternity, life has a totally different perspective. If you are focused on eternity, your current afflictions seems much less powerful. If you focus on eternity and live with eternity in your heart, the current trials are much less destructive. We tend to focus on what is going on in our lives right now, Paul focused on what would be happening in eternity. I want to live a life focused on hearing the Lord say, "well done thou good and faithful servant".
Prayer:
Lord, keep my perspective right. I want to serve You and not get sidetracked by the hurts that ministry often brings. I want to keep eternity focused so that I don't get sidetracked by current difficulties. Help me to fix my gaze on You and how I will spend eternity. You are amazing! Help me to walk in this life so that my life points others to eternity as well. I give you my current problems and ask for you to deliver me, but this morning I am thankful that I know my account in heaven is full.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, September 28, 2009
Rely on God
Scripture:
II Corinthians 1:9 "In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God, who raises the dead".
Observation:
If anyone could rely on himself it would be the Apostle Paul. He had an incredible education. He had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. He was at one point caught away into the third heaven. This guy had seen it all! In this chapter he was explaining to the Corinthians why his travel plans had been messed up. As part of that he says he thought he was going to die, but as a result stopped relying on himself, but began to rely on God who raises the dead.
Application:
We are a generation that feels like we can help ourselves and educate ourselves out of anything. It is only in extreme emergencies that we even call out to God. At that point, we realize we can't fix whatever is going on and we need God to intervene. We have become accustomed to relying on ourselves for everything and only relying on God in emergency situations. I know God is speaking to me this morning about trusting Him and relying on Him instead of my own ideas, plans and strategies. If He truly raises the dead, then I can rely on Him for everything else, including the simple things.
Prayer:
Lord, I hear You speaking to me and I want to rely on You more. Teach me how to do this more every day. I want to fulfill Your will so bad that I tend to work myself to the bone trying to accomplish Your will for my life, my church and my community, yet it doesn't appear to be accomplishing as much as I would like it to. Teach me to rely on You more and me less. I need you to intervene in my life right now. You are what I live for and I have committed my everything to You. Help me now and show yourself strong in my life.
I Love You,
Jeff
II Corinthians 1:9 "In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God, who raises the dead".
Observation:
If anyone could rely on himself it would be the Apostle Paul. He had an incredible education. He had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. He was at one point caught away into the third heaven. This guy had seen it all! In this chapter he was explaining to the Corinthians why his travel plans had been messed up. As part of that he says he thought he was going to die, but as a result stopped relying on himself, but began to rely on God who raises the dead.
Application:
We are a generation that feels like we can help ourselves and educate ourselves out of anything. It is only in extreme emergencies that we even call out to God. At that point, we realize we can't fix whatever is going on and we need God to intervene. We have become accustomed to relying on ourselves for everything and only relying on God in emergency situations. I know God is speaking to me this morning about trusting Him and relying on Him instead of my own ideas, plans and strategies. If He truly raises the dead, then I can rely on Him for everything else, including the simple things.
Prayer:
Lord, I hear You speaking to me and I want to rely on You more. Teach me how to do this more every day. I want to fulfill Your will so bad that I tend to work myself to the bone trying to accomplish Your will for my life, my church and my community, yet it doesn't appear to be accomplishing as much as I would like it to. Teach me to rely on You more and me less. I need you to intervene in my life right now. You are what I live for and I have committed my everything to You. Help me now and show yourself strong in my life.
I Love You,
Jeff
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Way Out
Scripture:
I Corinthians 10:13 "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure".
Observation:
I hear people all the time making excuses for their sin. "Well this is just my little hang up", "I can't seem to get victory over this one area of my life" and "God must think it's okay because He hasn't delivered me from it yet". In this verse Paul clearly tells us that no temptation will be more than we can stand because God will give us a way out. This eliminates all excuses! God wants us to endure and always gives us a way out of every situation, it is then our choice to follow the way out or give in to the temptation. No more, "well, I just always fall in that area". God always gives a way out, we must decide to take it.
Application:
If God gives us a way out of temptation, we must take it every time. We must stop making excuses for our sin and begin overcoming the temptations and walking in victory in our lives. This verse promises us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. It is now our job to walk away and not make excuses.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that you will give strength to those who need it. I pray that your people would stop taking the easy way and start taking the way out you have provided. You are amazing and I am tired of seeing your people living so far below the level you have called us to. Empower the church to live godly in this world, to reach their neighbors, and to defeat temptation in every area of life. Give your people the heart of a conqueror!
I love you,
Jeff
I Corinthians 10:13 "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure".
Observation:
I hear people all the time making excuses for their sin. "Well this is just my little hang up", "I can't seem to get victory over this one area of my life" and "God must think it's okay because He hasn't delivered me from it yet". In this verse Paul clearly tells us that no temptation will be more than we can stand because God will give us a way out. This eliminates all excuses! God wants us to endure and always gives us a way out of every situation, it is then our choice to follow the way out or give in to the temptation. No more, "well, I just always fall in that area". God always gives a way out, we must decide to take it.
Application:
If God gives us a way out of temptation, we must take it every time. We must stop making excuses for our sin and begin overcoming the temptations and walking in victory in our lives. This verse promises us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. It is now our job to walk away and not make excuses.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that you will give strength to those who need it. I pray that your people would stop taking the easy way and start taking the way out you have provided. You are amazing and I am tired of seeing your people living so far below the level you have called us to. Empower the church to live godly in this world, to reach their neighbors, and to defeat temptation in every area of life. Give your people the heart of a conqueror!
I love you,
Jeff
Thursday, September 24, 2009
I Discipline My Body
Scripture:
I Corinthians 9:27 "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified".
Observation:
In this passage, Paul speaks of disciplining his body and bringing it into subjection. In the context he is talking about winning a race and preparing for it. We are to run the race to win, which means disciplining our bodies and controlling them instead of our bodies controlling us. Our spirit is meant to be in charge, not our body, yet most of us allow our bodies to control us.
Application:
We all look up to great athletes and admire their discipline and understand that they can compete the way they can because they have paid a price we were not willing to pay. They get paid the big bucks because of their discipline. None of us likes discipline and bringing our bodies under subjection, but we should also remember that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is time for me to bring my body and my appetite under subjection. God wants us to be in control of our bodies and not for our bodies to control us.
Prayer:
Lord, I hear You speaking to me through this today. I know I need to discipline my body, eat better, get exercise and get some rest. It seems there is never time to do what I know I need to do. I admire those who have control over their lives and use their time wisely. Those who put up good boundaries to keep their lives in balance are way ahead of the game. I haven't been feeling very good lately and I know you are speaking to me to get back to good eating and exercise. Help me to discipline my body. I want to last a long time building Your kingdom. I need you to help me with disciplining my body.
I love you Lord,
Jeff
I Corinthians 9:27 "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified".
Observation:
In this passage, Paul speaks of disciplining his body and bringing it into subjection. In the context he is talking about winning a race and preparing for it. We are to run the race to win, which means disciplining our bodies and controlling them instead of our bodies controlling us. Our spirit is meant to be in charge, not our body, yet most of us allow our bodies to control us.
Application:
We all look up to great athletes and admire their discipline and understand that they can compete the way they can because they have paid a price we were not willing to pay. They get paid the big bucks because of their discipline. None of us likes discipline and bringing our bodies under subjection, but we should also remember that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is time for me to bring my body and my appetite under subjection. God wants us to be in control of our bodies and not for our bodies to control us.
Prayer:
Lord, I hear You speaking to me through this today. I know I need to discipline my body, eat better, get exercise and get some rest. It seems there is never time to do what I know I need to do. I admire those who have control over their lives and use their time wisely. Those who put up good boundaries to keep their lives in balance are way ahead of the game. I haven't been feeling very good lately and I know you are speaking to me to get back to good eating and exercise. Help me to discipline my body. I want to last a long time building Your kingdom. I need you to help me with disciplining my body.
I love you Lord,
Jeff
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Foolishness
Scripture:
I Corinthians 1:27 "Instead, God choose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful".
Observation:
God loves to take a nobody and make them a somebody. He loves to take a loser and make them a winner. They become trophies of His grace! He enjoys confounding the world by taking the least and making them the greatest. He will take a person of low intelligence and put them in a place where the intelligent can't explain how they do what they are doing. He takes the powerless and makes them powerful.
Application:
Sometimes we feel inadequate in our surroundings. We feel like we are not educated enough, not disciplines enough, not trained enough, don't make enough money, not ready for God to use us. He is saying the opposite. He takes the foolish and confounds the wise! Sometimes we beat ourselves up trying to live up to the world's standards. We feel like they won't look up to us if we aren't "Superman". God says the opposite of what the world tells us. He loves to take someone who isn't qualified, trained and ready in the world's eyes and lift them up as a trophy of his grace. Don't lean on you own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. We must stop looking at ourselves and take a good hard look at our god. He is incredible!
Prayer:
Lord, teach us not to see as the world sees, but to look through the glasses of your spirit. Help us to not compare ourselves with the world, but to seek our god. Help us realize that He gets a thrill out of taking a nobody and using them to confound the world. Help us realize that in our weakness, He is made strong. Take our foolishness and use it to bring you glory. Take my life Lord and use it for your glory that ashburn and northern va would say, "He is foolish, but we can't argue what God is saying through him". I offer you my life to confound the world Lord.
Jeff
I Corinthians 1:27 "Instead, God choose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful".
Observation:
God loves to take a nobody and make them a somebody. He loves to take a loser and make them a winner. They become trophies of His grace! He enjoys confounding the world by taking the least and making them the greatest. He will take a person of low intelligence and put them in a place where the intelligent can't explain how they do what they are doing. He takes the powerless and makes them powerful.
Application:
Sometimes we feel inadequate in our surroundings. We feel like we are not educated enough, not disciplines enough, not trained enough, don't make enough money, not ready for God to use us. He is saying the opposite. He takes the foolish and confounds the wise! Sometimes we beat ourselves up trying to live up to the world's standards. We feel like they won't look up to us if we aren't "Superman". God says the opposite of what the world tells us. He loves to take someone who isn't qualified, trained and ready in the world's eyes and lift them up as a trophy of his grace. Don't lean on you own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. We must stop looking at ourselves and take a good hard look at our god. He is incredible!
Prayer:
Lord, teach us not to see as the world sees, but to look through the glasses of your spirit. Help us to not compare ourselves with the world, but to seek our god. Help us realize that He gets a thrill out of taking a nobody and using them to confound the world. Help us realize that in our weakness, He is made strong. Take our foolishness and use it to bring you glory. Take my life Lord and use it for your glory that ashburn and northern va would say, "He is foolish, but we can't argue what God is saying through him". I offer you my life to confound the world Lord.
Jeff
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Lord
Scripture:
Psalm 146:8 "The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly".
Observation:
The Psalmist is speaking of the greatness of God when he come to this passage. He says the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. He causes those who couldn't see, to be able to see. He really does lift up those who are weighed down and He loves to the godly.
Application:
If God is able to cause the blind to see, then there is nothing too difficult for Him. If we can put our trust in a god who is all-powerful, then we will begin to live our lives differently. We will not be weighed down as much because we will truly believe that He will lift us up. If we believe He loves the godly, then we will know we are loved and not continue in feelings of rejection by God and others. We must put our complete faith and trust in our God, or His great power is not going to work in our lives. If you are down, He WILL lift you up. Get up! In Jesus Name!
Prayer:
Lord, I love you and put my trust in You again. You are the lifter of my head. I know you love me, help me to be confident in that love. I know you will lift me up, help me be confident in that. I know you open the eyes of the blind, help me trust that you will open the eyes of the blind in those who don't believe in you. You are my confidence and I trust you more every day.
Jeff
Psalm 146:8 "The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly".
Observation:
The Psalmist is speaking of the greatness of God when he come to this passage. He says the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. He causes those who couldn't see, to be able to see. He really does lift up those who are weighed down and He loves to the godly.
Application:
If God is able to cause the blind to see, then there is nothing too difficult for Him. If we can put our trust in a god who is all-powerful, then we will begin to live our lives differently. We will not be weighed down as much because we will truly believe that He will lift us up. If we believe He loves the godly, then we will know we are loved and not continue in feelings of rejection by God and others. We must put our complete faith and trust in our God, or His great power is not going to work in our lives. If you are down, He WILL lift you up. Get up! In Jesus Name!
Prayer:
Lord, I love you and put my trust in You again. You are the lifter of my head. I know you love me, help me to be confident in that love. I know you will lift me up, help me be confident in that. I know you open the eyes of the blind, help me trust that you will open the eyes of the blind in those who don't believe in you. You are my confidence and I trust you more every day.
Jeff
Friday, September 18, 2009
Guard my Lips
Scripture:
Psalm 141:3 "Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips."
Observation:
The Psalmist David writes this Psalm with great understanding. The tongue is the hardest thing in our bodies to take control of. He asks the Lord to take control of what he says. He realized that in his own flesh, he could never take control of what he would say. He asked the Lord to guard his lips.
Application:
Out mouths get us into more trouble than any other part of our bodies. Our mouths constantly seem to say things we wish we could take back. We need to give God total control of our mouths and what we say. "The power of death and life are in our tongue". Therefore what we speak is extremely important. If we understood the power of our words, we would be very cautious how we use them. The best thing we can do is to give control of our mouths to the Lord and let Him use them for good and not for evil. We need to constantly ask the Lord to guard our lips from speaking things opposed to what He wants for us.
Prayer:
Lord, I give you my mouth. Use it for your glory and not to destroy people. I give control of my tongue to You. Teach me to speak only what You would have me speak. Teach me to count my words and be careful how I use them. You gave me this mouth to bring You glory, let me not use it for any other reason. Guard my lips and let them refrain from saying things that don't need said. Help me today in this I pray.
Jeff
Psalm 141:3 "Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips."
Observation:
The Psalmist David writes this Psalm with great understanding. The tongue is the hardest thing in our bodies to take control of. He asks the Lord to take control of what he says. He realized that in his own flesh, he could never take control of what he would say. He asked the Lord to guard his lips.
Application:
Out mouths get us into more trouble than any other part of our bodies. Our mouths constantly seem to say things we wish we could take back. We need to give God total control of our mouths and what we say. "The power of death and life are in our tongue". Therefore what we speak is extremely important. If we understood the power of our words, we would be very cautious how we use them. The best thing we can do is to give control of our mouths to the Lord and let Him use them for good and not for evil. We need to constantly ask the Lord to guard our lips from speaking things opposed to what He wants for us.
Prayer:
Lord, I give you my mouth. Use it for your glory and not to destroy people. I give control of my tongue to You. Teach me to speak only what You would have me speak. Teach me to count my words and be careful how I use them. You gave me this mouth to bring You glory, let me not use it for any other reason. Guard my lips and let them refrain from saying things that don't need said. Help me today in this I pray.
Jeff
Thursday, September 17, 2009
You Saw Me!
Scripture:
Psalm 139:16 "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed".
Observation:
God knows every detail of our lives before we are ever born. The days of our lives were recorded in His book before we were ever even thought of. What an incredible thought! He knew how many times I would mess things up, yet He chose to love me and accept me. He knew when I would get off track, yet He demonstrates His love to me constantly. Every day of my life was recorded before birth.
Application:
This scripture lets me know that God already knows my days before they come. He knows what I will do, where I will go and who I will talk to. He ordains our steps and knows our hearts. He saw us before we were born. Because of this, I can trust my God more every day. He knows me, yet He loves me is the mystery of the ages. When I stress out about what is going on in my life I can take refuge in the fact that God knows and won't allow more to be put on me than I can handle. He knows what we can handle better than we do. If we really believe this, we can truly rest in Him.
Prayer:
Lord, You knew me, yet You loved me enough to give Your very best for me. You will never cease to amaze me! You knew where I would be today, who I would talk to today, and what would happen in my life today. You also know my tomorrow and the next day. They are already recorded in You book. Help me not to stress out, but to trust that You know what you are doing and will not allow me to endure more than I can bear. Thank you for your incredible love, mercy and grace,
Jeff
Psalm 139:16 "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed".
Observation:
God knows every detail of our lives before we are ever born. The days of our lives were recorded in His book before we were ever even thought of. What an incredible thought! He knew how many times I would mess things up, yet He chose to love me and accept me. He knew when I would get off track, yet He demonstrates His love to me constantly. Every day of my life was recorded before birth.
Application:
This scripture lets me know that God already knows my days before they come. He knows what I will do, where I will go and who I will talk to. He ordains our steps and knows our hearts. He saw us before we were born. Because of this, I can trust my God more every day. He knows me, yet He loves me is the mystery of the ages. When I stress out about what is going on in my life I can take refuge in the fact that God knows and won't allow more to be put on me than I can handle. He knows what we can handle better than we do. If we really believe this, we can truly rest in Him.
Prayer:
Lord, You knew me, yet You loved me enough to give Your very best for me. You will never cease to amaze me! You knew where I would be today, who I would talk to today, and what would happen in my life today. You also know my tomorrow and the next day. They are already recorded in You book. Help me not to stress out, but to trust that You know what you are doing and will not allow me to endure more than I can bear. Thank you for your incredible love, mercy and grace,
Jeff
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Your Name and Your Fame
Scripture:
Psalm 135:13 "Your name, O Lord, endures forever; your fame O Lord, is known to every generation".
Observation:
Our Lord's name endures forever. People have tried to eliminate out God, destroy His people, destroy His word, but never successfully. His name will continues forever and actually become more popular every year. His name is known in more languages than probably any other name. It endures forever! His fame goes to every generation. Some things die out after only one generation. Some really good things last a few generations, but the fame of the Lord has lasted for many, many generations and He is more popular today than ever before. Our God is incredible. He is known in every generation and His name will endure forever.
Application:
We should always keep in mind the awesomeness of our God. He is amazing! When we pray, we should realize that many generations have called out to Him and He has answered their prayers. We should realize that when we call on His name, He hears. His name endures forever and his fame from generation to generation. When we pray, we are talking to the greatest power in the universe.
Prayer:
Lord, may we know the awesomeness of our God. You name is truly great and endures forever and your fame is great from generation to generation. How could a God so awesome love a person like me? You will never cease to amaze me and I thank you for it!
Jeff
Psalm 135:13 "Your name, O Lord, endures forever; your fame O Lord, is known to every generation".
Observation:
Our Lord's name endures forever. People have tried to eliminate out God, destroy His people, destroy His word, but never successfully. His name will continues forever and actually become more popular every year. His name is known in more languages than probably any other name. It endures forever! His fame goes to every generation. Some things die out after only one generation. Some really good things last a few generations, but the fame of the Lord has lasted for many, many generations and He is more popular today than ever before. Our God is incredible. He is known in every generation and His name will endure forever.
Application:
We should always keep in mind the awesomeness of our God. He is amazing! When we pray, we should realize that many generations have called out to Him and He has answered their prayers. We should realize that when we call on His name, He hears. His name endures forever and his fame from generation to generation. When we pray, we are talking to the greatest power in the universe.
Prayer:
Lord, may we know the awesomeness of our God. You name is truly great and endures forever and your fame is great from generation to generation. How could a God so awesome love a person like me? You will never cease to amaze me and I thank you for it!
Jeff
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Harmony
Scripture:
Psalm 133:2 "For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe".
Observation:
Harmony, or unity as others translate this verse, is crucial to walking in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Harmony is precious and needs to be sought after as fine gold. Harmony doesn't mean that everybody has identical voices, it just means they are all singing the same thing in different pitches. They are all on key, but their voices don't sound alike. Conformity is not as important to harmony as togetherness is.
Application:
We can all be different, yet when harmony takes place, we can make a great sound together. This sound is precious and valuable. Everybody doesn't have to be the same and see things the same way to be in harmony. We can be different, but have the same vision and direction. When the church of Jesus Christ is able to come together as one, we will see an incredible increase of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God is waiting for His church to be unified. We see it rising and churches working together more now than ever, but we have a long way to go. Be a person who puts aside small differences for the greater good of harmony.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be a unifier in life. I want to walk in the anointing and have the flow of the Holy Spirit at work in me continually. Show me how better to bring harmony to those around me. You have placed me here in Ashburn, VA for a purpose and part of that is to bring unity and harmony in the body of Christ. Show me the way and I will walk in it.
I love you Lord,
Jeff
Psalm 133:2 "For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe".
Observation:
Harmony, or unity as others translate this verse, is crucial to walking in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Harmony is precious and needs to be sought after as fine gold. Harmony doesn't mean that everybody has identical voices, it just means they are all singing the same thing in different pitches. They are all on key, but their voices don't sound alike. Conformity is not as important to harmony as togetherness is.
Application:
We can all be different, yet when harmony takes place, we can make a great sound together. This sound is precious and valuable. Everybody doesn't have to be the same and see things the same way to be in harmony. We can be different, but have the same vision and direction. When the church of Jesus Christ is able to come together as one, we will see an incredible increase of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God is waiting for His church to be unified. We see it rising and churches working together more now than ever, but we have a long way to go. Be a person who puts aside small differences for the greater good of harmony.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be a unifier in life. I want to walk in the anointing and have the flow of the Holy Spirit at work in me continually. Show me how better to bring harmony to those around me. You have placed me here in Ashburn, VA for a purpose and part of that is to bring unity and harmony in the body of Christ. Show me the way and I will walk in it.
I love you Lord,
Jeff
Monday, September 14, 2009
Forgiveness and Fear
Scripture:
Psalm 130:3-4 "Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you".
Observation:
If the Lord kept a record of sins, nobody could survive. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Only Jesus lived a life worthy of heaven. The rest of us come through grace and faith. The Psalmist here connects forgiveness and fear together. It seems in the natural, that the person who forgives you over and over is not teaching us to fear them. Generally we associate punishment with fear. Fear means to have great respect for, to honor, or to be in awe of. Here we are in awe of God because of His incredible forgiveness.
Application:
Don't take His forgiveness for granted. If He kept a record of our sins, none of us would make heaven. He has the ability to destroy our lives and send us to hell, but chooses to forgive us and allow us unmerited favor. God is incredibly loving, incredibly forgiving, and incredibly merciful. May we learn to be more like Him. If you want people to respect and honor your life, choose to be a forgiving person.
Prayer:
Lord, here I sit again in awe of You! You could judge us for every sin, yet you withhold judgment and offer forgiveness to us over and over again. If you kept a record of my sins, I would be in a bad situation, but you, O Lord, don't keep a record of our sins. You cast them in the sea of forgetfulness. I honor, respect and am in awe of you this morning. I give you my day. Use it for your glory.
Jeff
Psalm 130:3-4 "Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you".
Observation:
If the Lord kept a record of sins, nobody could survive. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Only Jesus lived a life worthy of heaven. The rest of us come through grace and faith. The Psalmist here connects forgiveness and fear together. It seems in the natural, that the person who forgives you over and over is not teaching us to fear them. Generally we associate punishment with fear. Fear means to have great respect for, to honor, or to be in awe of. Here we are in awe of God because of His incredible forgiveness.
Application:
Don't take His forgiveness for granted. If He kept a record of our sins, none of us would make heaven. He has the ability to destroy our lives and send us to hell, but chooses to forgive us and allow us unmerited favor. God is incredibly loving, incredibly forgiving, and incredibly merciful. May we learn to be more like Him. If you want people to respect and honor your life, choose to be a forgiving person.
Prayer:
Lord, here I sit again in awe of You! You could judge us for every sin, yet you withhold judgment and offer forgiveness to us over and over again. If you kept a record of my sins, I would be in a bad situation, but you, O Lord, don't keep a record of our sins. You cast them in the sea of forgetfulness. I honor, respect and am in awe of you this morning. I give you my day. Use it for your glory.
Jeff
Friday, September 11, 2009
My Helper
Scripture:
Psalm 121:1-2 "I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth".
Observation:
You can look to the mountains, the seas, other gods, drugs, alcohol, sex or anything else to help you in a situation, but it is wise to figure out that real help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Application:
Why do we look to the things around us for help instead of truly calling on the name of the Lord when we are in trouble? Why is it easier to trust ourselves than to trust our God? It is easier to look to something we can see than to something we can't see with our eyes, and God is waiting there with all the resources of heaven to meet our needs. He made heaven and earth and surely knows how to get us out of the problems we have created for ourselves. We must learn to look to the Lord first, then allow Him to lead us to the earthly resources. I hear the Lord crying out, "trust Me".
Prayer:
Lord, I look to You this morning to help me through this day. You are my rock and my fortress, my god in whom I trust. Go before me today. lead me into all truth and let me see Your salvation. We need a breakthrough financially and I know you are the maker of heaven and earth. I look to You this morning and ask you to help me once again. I love you Lord.
Jeff
Psalm 121:1-2 "I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth".
Observation:
You can look to the mountains, the seas, other gods, drugs, alcohol, sex or anything else to help you in a situation, but it is wise to figure out that real help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Application:
Why do we look to the things around us for help instead of truly calling on the name of the Lord when we are in trouble? Why is it easier to trust ourselves than to trust our God? It is easier to look to something we can see than to something we can't see with our eyes, and God is waiting there with all the resources of heaven to meet our needs. He made heaven and earth and surely knows how to get us out of the problems we have created for ourselves. We must learn to look to the Lord first, then allow Him to lead us to the earthly resources. I hear the Lord crying out, "trust Me".
Prayer:
Lord, I look to You this morning to help me through this day. You are my rock and my fortress, my god in whom I trust. Go before me today. lead me into all truth and let me see Your salvation. We need a breakthrough financially and I know you are the maker of heaven and earth. I look to You this morning and ask you to help me once again. I love you Lord.
Jeff
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
My Strength
Scripture:
Psalm 118:14 "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation".
Observation:
Strength and salvation are from no other place except the Lord. As believers, our strength doesn't come from who we know, how educated we are or our position in this world; it comes from knowing our Lord and placing our trust in Him. He wants to be our strength, song and salvation, but we must come to Him for that.
Application:
I feel like God is saying the He wants to be the source of my strength and my song. He wants to be my salvation. Sometimes I attempt things, even good and godly things in my own strength. The Lord is saying to me to trust him more and allow Him to be my strength and song. You can't force yourself to have a song in your heart. It is either there, or it is not. You can set the platform for it to be there though. You can express your love tot he Lord through song, and it will begin to be your song throughout the day. God wants to be your song and he wants to give you a song every day. When there is a song in your heart, your day goes so much better. Let the Lord put a song in your heart today.
Prayer:
Here I am again Lord asking You to help me trust you more. You are my strength and song. Help me trust you more today than I did yesterday. Help me confront the things in my life that I am doing in my own strength and learn to trust You more.
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Psalm 118:14 "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation".
Observation:
Strength and salvation are from no other place except the Lord. As believers, our strength doesn't come from who we know, how educated we are or our position in this world; it comes from knowing our Lord and placing our trust in Him. He wants to be our strength, song and salvation, but we must come to Him for that.
Application:
I feel like God is saying the He wants to be the source of my strength and my song. He wants to be my salvation. Sometimes I attempt things, even good and godly things in my own strength. The Lord is saying to me to trust him more and allow Him to be my strength and song. You can't force yourself to have a song in your heart. It is either there, or it is not. You can set the platform for it to be there though. You can express your love tot he Lord through song, and it will begin to be your song throughout the day. God wants to be your song and he wants to give you a song every day. When there is a song in your heart, your day goes so much better. Let the Lord put a song in your heart today.
Prayer:
Here I am again Lord asking You to help me trust you more. You are my strength and song. Help me trust you more today than I did yesterday. Help me confront the things in my life that I am doing in my own strength and learn to trust You more.
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Dominion on the Earth
Scripture:
Psalm 115:16 "The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to man".
Observation:
The Psalmist gives us a little couplet here that is actually a very profound statement with much theological implication. The highest heavens belong to God, but He has placed us here on earth to rule and have dominion on the earth. When God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in the Garden of Eden and gave them dominion on the earth over every other thing here. When man sinned, he was separated from God and lost his place of dominion. When Jesus died and rose again, he re-established man's place of dominion on the earth by conquering death, hell and the grave.
Application:
This scripture tells me that God has given the earth, and dominion over it to man. If that is the case, then we have given way too much control to the enemy. He is occupying territory that doesn't belong to him. As the body of Christ, we must take back the territory that has been taken away from us. Now is the time for us to realize our authority in Christ and walk by faith accordingly. We have authority and resources we are not using. God has given us so much more than what we are settling for.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing me again the place of authority You have given man. You have delegated authority on earth to us and we have not stepped up to the plate and used it. Forgive me for not taking the authority You died to give me on the earth. Lord, my church needs land to build on, and You have given the earth to us. I ask You to give us the 10 acres You put in my heart for us to build on. I also take dominion of my family's finances. You died ans resurrected to give us authority in these realms and this morning I take back my place. Teach me to prosper and every area of life.
I Love You,
Jeff
Psalm 115:16 "The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to man".
Observation:
The Psalmist gives us a little couplet here that is actually a very profound statement with much theological implication. The highest heavens belong to God, but He has placed us here on earth to rule and have dominion on the earth. When God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in the Garden of Eden and gave them dominion on the earth over every other thing here. When man sinned, he was separated from God and lost his place of dominion. When Jesus died and rose again, he re-established man's place of dominion on the earth by conquering death, hell and the grave.
Application:
This scripture tells me that God has given the earth, and dominion over it to man. If that is the case, then we have given way too much control to the enemy. He is occupying territory that doesn't belong to him. As the body of Christ, we must take back the territory that has been taken away from us. Now is the time for us to realize our authority in Christ and walk by faith accordingly. We have authority and resources we are not using. God has given us so much more than what we are settling for.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing me again the place of authority You have given man. You have delegated authority on earth to us and we have not stepped up to the plate and used it. Forgive me for not taking the authority You died to give me on the earth. Lord, my church needs land to build on, and You have given the earth to us. I ask You to give us the 10 acres You put in my heart for us to build on. I also take dominion of my family's finances. You died ans resurrected to give us authority in these realms and this morning I take back my place. Teach me to prosper and every area of life.
I Love You,
Jeff
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Living A Steadfast Life of Blessing
Scripture:
Psalm 107:19 "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses".
Observation:
Psalm 107 tells the story of the people of Israel and how they continually walked away from God and went to other gods, did not listen to Him, and refused His ways. They would end up in trouble and "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses". Over and over they would mess up, walk away from the Lord and bad things would happen, then they would cry out and He would rescue them.
Application:
I want to live the kind of life that I don't have to keep running to God to get me out of the messes I have made in my disobedience. I want to live a life of blessing and favor and get off the roller coaster of life. I want to live a steadfast life of obedience and joy. When Israel would walk away, they would pay for it, but they never seemed to learn their lesson. In their distress, they would come back to the Lord and He would forgive them. I want to be a person who lives in the blessing of My Father and doesn't have to keep coming back asking forgiveness.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live a steadfast and immovable life of blessing and obedience. I don't want to be on the roller coaster of ups and downs, blessings and cursings. I want to live a life that continually grows closer to You. Help me to walk strong every day through the power of Your Holy Spirit. I want to live a life that will make the world jealous. Help me never walk away and do things that are outside of Your will.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 107:19 "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses".
Observation:
Psalm 107 tells the story of the people of Israel and how they continually walked away from God and went to other gods, did not listen to Him, and refused His ways. They would end up in trouble and "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses". Over and over they would mess up, walk away from the Lord and bad things would happen, then they would cry out and He would rescue them.
Application:
I want to live the kind of life that I don't have to keep running to God to get me out of the messes I have made in my disobedience. I want to live a life of blessing and favor and get off the roller coaster of life. I want to live a steadfast life of obedience and joy. When Israel would walk away, they would pay for it, but they never seemed to learn their lesson. In their distress, they would come back to the Lord and He would forgive them. I want to be a person who lives in the blessing of My Father and doesn't have to keep coming back asking forgiveness.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live a steadfast and immovable life of blessing and obedience. I don't want to be on the roller coaster of ups and downs, blessings and cursings. I want to live a life that continually grows closer to You. Help me to walk strong every day through the power of Your Holy Spirit. I want to live a life that will make the world jealous. Help me never walk away and do things that are outside of Your will.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, September 4, 2009
God's Timing
Scripture:
Psalm 105:19 "Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph's character".
Observation:
Joseph went through many trials over about 17 years after he had some dreams about his future. He had great dreams, then went through some really terrible circumstances. Eventually, his dreams came to pass. Here, the Word tells us there was a time set for his dreams to come true and until then, the Lord tested his character.
Application:
God gives us dreams and visions about our future. The Holy Spirit was sent to "show us things to come". Sometimes when we don't see the vision or dreams come as fast as we would like, we get frustrated and ready to give up. Joseph ended up being second in charge of the most powerful nation on the earth at the time. He went through much on his way to his dream, but the dream came to pass. On the way to your dream, don't fail the character test. I believe many people fail to see their dreams come to pass because they fail the character test on the way. The greater the ministry or plan God has for your life, the greater the testing time. God wants to know you can handle and appreciate the blessing before He gives it to you. Don't resist the test, be faithful and the Lord will raise you up at the right time.
Prayer:
Lord, I know You gave me dreams and visions for ministry and what we would do here and around the world but sometimes I get frustrated because things are not moving along as quickly as I think they should. I feel like I am failing the test of patience and endurance. I know I am right where You want me to be, but get frustrated because things are not progressing fast enough. Give me the strength to pass every test and walk into the destiny I know You have for me. I have seen the visions and dreams, now help me endure the tests on the way there.
I Love You Lord,
Jeffrey
Psalm 105:19 "Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph's character".
Observation:
Joseph went through many trials over about 17 years after he had some dreams about his future. He had great dreams, then went through some really terrible circumstances. Eventually, his dreams came to pass. Here, the Word tells us there was a time set for his dreams to come true and until then, the Lord tested his character.
Application:
God gives us dreams and visions about our future. The Holy Spirit was sent to "show us things to come". Sometimes when we don't see the vision or dreams come as fast as we would like, we get frustrated and ready to give up. Joseph ended up being second in charge of the most powerful nation on the earth at the time. He went through much on his way to his dream, but the dream came to pass. On the way to your dream, don't fail the character test. I believe many people fail to see their dreams come to pass because they fail the character test on the way. The greater the ministry or plan God has for your life, the greater the testing time. God wants to know you can handle and appreciate the blessing before He gives it to you. Don't resist the test, be faithful and the Lord will raise you up at the right time.
Prayer:
Lord, I know You gave me dreams and visions for ministry and what we would do here and around the world but sometimes I get frustrated because things are not moving along as quickly as I think they should. I feel like I am failing the test of patience and endurance. I know I am right where You want me to be, but get frustrated because things are not progressing fast enough. Give me the strength to pass every test and walk into the destiny I know You have for me. I have seen the visions and dreams, now help me endure the tests on the way there.
I Love You Lord,
Jeffrey
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Unfailing Love
Scripture:
Psalm 100:5 "For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation".
Observation:
God is an incredibly loving and faithful God. There is no god who can compare to Him. His love is "unfailing". Human love fails often. We let down the people we love and leave them hurt, but God's love never fails. His faithfulness doesn't last for a month, a year, or even a decade, it continues to each generation.
Application:
As God works in my life, I should become more like Him. If He is good, I need to be good. If He has unfailing love, I should endeavor to demonstrate love unfailing. If He is faithful to each generation, I need to be someone who demonstrates faithfulness. We should desire to be more like our father every day. Our father is amazing in His love, goodness and faithfulness. He loved us while we were yet sinners. He believes in us when others have given up long ago. Goodness, love and faithfulness are fruit of the Spirit. When God is truly working in our hearts, we should begin to produce these things. I want to live a life where people see the goodness, love and faithfulness of my father.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be more like You. I want Your Spirit in me at greater dimensions that I may become more like You. Your characteristics of goodness, love and faithfulness, I want in my life and I want to demonstrate to the world. Live through me. Love through me. Work on me until I can be a good representative of You on the earth. I know there are times when I make You look bad and I don't want that to happen any more. I want people to see my life and bring You glory.
I love You Lord,
Jeff
Psalm 100:5 "For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation".
Observation:
God is an incredibly loving and faithful God. There is no god who can compare to Him. His love is "unfailing". Human love fails often. We let down the people we love and leave them hurt, but God's love never fails. His faithfulness doesn't last for a month, a year, or even a decade, it continues to each generation.
Application:
As God works in my life, I should become more like Him. If He is good, I need to be good. If He has unfailing love, I should endeavor to demonstrate love unfailing. If He is faithful to each generation, I need to be someone who demonstrates faithfulness. We should desire to be more like our father every day. Our father is amazing in His love, goodness and faithfulness. He loved us while we were yet sinners. He believes in us when others have given up long ago. Goodness, love and faithfulness are fruit of the Spirit. When God is truly working in our hearts, we should begin to produce these things. I want to live a life where people see the goodness, love and faithfulness of my father.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be more like You. I want Your Spirit in me at greater dimensions that I may become more like You. Your characteristics of goodness, love and faithfulness, I want in my life and I want to demonstrate to the world. Live through me. Love through me. Work on me until I can be a good representative of You on the earth. I know there are times when I make You look bad and I don't want that to happen any more. I want people to see my life and bring You glory.
I love You Lord,
Jeff
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Break Out in Praise
Scripture:
Psalm 98:4 "Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!"
Observation:
Psalm 98 is a Psalm of praise and excitement. The Psalmist is thrilled with His God and wants to shout out His praise. He wants the entire earth to shout our to God and to break forth in praise. To "break forth" speaks of something inside that breaks out or erupts from within.
Application:
Don't hold your praise on the inside, let it break forth out of you. Your God has done marvellous things, let praise erupt from deep inside you. There is something about a shout of praise that will release you like nothing else on the earth. When you allow the high praises of God to break forth from your lips, you will experience victory.
Prayer:
Lord, don't let me hold back Your praise, but let me shout it from the housetops. You are worthy of a demonstration of my praise. You are worthy of a shout of praise. help me never forget what You have done for me, but to be excited enough about it to shout Your praises.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 98:4 "Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!"
Observation:
Psalm 98 is a Psalm of praise and excitement. The Psalmist is thrilled with His God and wants to shout out His praise. He wants the entire earth to shout our to God and to break forth in praise. To "break forth" speaks of something inside that breaks out or erupts from within.
Application:
Don't hold your praise on the inside, let it break forth out of you. Your God has done marvellous things, let praise erupt from deep inside you. There is something about a shout of praise that will release you like nothing else on the earth. When you allow the high praises of God to break forth from your lips, you will experience victory.
Prayer:
Lord, don't let me hold back Your praise, but let me shout it from the housetops. You are worthy of a demonstration of my praise. You are worthy of a shout of praise. help me never forget what You have done for me, but to be excited enough about it to shout Your praises.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
My Fortress and My Rock
Scripture:
Psalm 95:22 "But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge".
Observation:
The Psalmist has once again been asking the Lord why He doesn't punish the wicked and why they get away with so much wrong doing. Throughout the Psalm I see this pattern; a Psalmist will speak out his complaints and ask God questions, then turn around and declare his trust in the Lord and his knowing that God will judge in the end. Here he calls the Lord his fortress and his rock.
Application:
When I think about a fortress, it brings to my mind a place that is safe from every enemy. It has big walls to keep the enemies out and to protect the people inside. God is our fortress. He is strong and protects us from our enemies. He is a safe place to run when you are in trouble. He is also a rock. When I think about a rock it brings a picture of something solid that will support you when you step on it. When you walk through a creek, you step on the rocks to keep you from slipping. Rocks are a symbol of strength throughout history. A rock is something that is a strong foundation you can trust. When you build a house, you want it to be on a rock. The Lord wants to be our fortress where we can hide and our rock we can depend on and trust in.
Prayer:
Teach me Lord to trust You more. You are my rock and my fortress. I run to You this morning with all the weights and cares of life and ministry and I place them at Your feet. I come to my fortress for shelter this morning, let me hide in You. I come to my rock this morning. Let me stand strong on Your foundation. Let me not be moved in any situation from complete trust in You. I love you Lord!
Jeff
Psalm 95:22 "But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge".
Observation:
The Psalmist has once again been asking the Lord why He doesn't punish the wicked and why they get away with so much wrong doing. Throughout the Psalm I see this pattern; a Psalmist will speak out his complaints and ask God questions, then turn around and declare his trust in the Lord and his knowing that God will judge in the end. Here he calls the Lord his fortress and his rock.
Application:
When I think about a fortress, it brings to my mind a place that is safe from every enemy. It has big walls to keep the enemies out and to protect the people inside. God is our fortress. He is strong and protects us from our enemies. He is a safe place to run when you are in trouble. He is also a rock. When I think about a rock it brings a picture of something solid that will support you when you step on it. When you walk through a creek, you step on the rocks to keep you from slipping. Rocks are a symbol of strength throughout history. A rock is something that is a strong foundation you can trust. When you build a house, you want it to be on a rock. The Lord wants to be our fortress where we can hide and our rock we can depend on and trust in.
Prayer:
Teach me Lord to trust You more. You are my rock and my fortress. I run to You this morning with all the weights and cares of life and ministry and I place them at Your feet. I come to my fortress for shelter this morning, let me hide in You. I come to my rock this morning. Let me stand strong on Your foundation. Let me not be moved in any situation from complete trust in You. I love you Lord!
Jeff
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