Scripture:
Isaiah 66:9 "Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery? says the Lord. Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb? says your God".
Observation:
Isaiah has been prophesying about the rebirth and restoration of Israel. In this verse I see a characteristic of God that we can depend on today. In this verse, I see God as the one who finishes what He starts. He says, "Shall I bring to the time of birth and not cause delivery?" With God there are no miscarriages. What He starts, He will finish. What He says He will do, He will do.
Application:
When God has spoken a word to us as individuals, we must hold onto that word because He doesn't start something He doesn't plan on finishing. There may be some delays, but delay doesn't equal denial. There may be some pushing necessary and the pregnancy may go a little longer than expected, but what God starts He bring to delivery. He will bring to pass everything He has said will come to pass. He is faithful to His promises and will bring about His will in the earth. He is the all-powerful one! He will reign forever and ever!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for re-confirming Your word to me this morning. Thank you for speaking to me. I need Your word every day. Teach me to be more diligent in eating Your word daily. Help me to be more disciplined in my daily wash. I love it when You speak to me, but feel Like I haven't been as faithful recently as I should. Forgive me Lord. I love You with all my heart!
Jeffrey
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Word from The Lord
Scripture:
Isaiah 54:3 "For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities".
Observation:
Isaiah is prophesying that Israel will not always be put down and enslaved, but a better day is coming. He is letting them know that one day they will be incredibly blessed because Jesus was coming to pay for their sins. As part of this word to them he drops these words that I believe are a Rhema word to me today.
Application:
These words jumped off the page this morning and into my heart as a word from God directly to me. He is speaking to Israel in this context, but as I read it I realized it was directly for me today. I have been waiting patiently for the blessing of God in certain areas of my life and had told Cheryl it was going to start in October and increase in November. God has done it thus far and we have been amazed at His good hand that has been upon us the past month. I believe God is saying that Word of Life is about to burst at the seams and that we will be sending out people to other nations to spread the good news. I believe we will resettle, or, bring order back into ruined cities.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for the confirmation You gave me this morning. I believe You have spoken to me and will do whatever You put in my heart to do. Show me the path and keep me in a position to hear Your voice. I want to follow You all the way and fulfill Your plans for my life. Show me what to do and I will do it.
Love You,
Jeff
Isaiah 54:3 "For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities".
Observation:
Isaiah is prophesying that Israel will not always be put down and enslaved, but a better day is coming. He is letting them know that one day they will be incredibly blessed because Jesus was coming to pay for their sins. As part of this word to them he drops these words that I believe are a Rhema word to me today.
Application:
These words jumped off the page this morning and into my heart as a word from God directly to me. He is speaking to Israel in this context, but as I read it I realized it was directly for me today. I have been waiting patiently for the blessing of God in certain areas of my life and had told Cheryl it was going to start in October and increase in November. God has done it thus far and we have been amazed at His good hand that has been upon us the past month. I believe God is saying that Word of Life is about to burst at the seams and that we will be sending out people to other nations to spread the good news. I believe we will resettle, or, bring order back into ruined cities.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for the confirmation You gave me this morning. I believe You have spoken to me and will do whatever You put in my heart to do. Show me the path and keep me in a position to hear Your voice. I want to follow You all the way and fulfill Your plans for my life. Show me what to do and I will do it.
Love You,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Inscribed on His Hands
Scripture:
Isaiah 49:15-16 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet, I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; Your walls are continually before me".
Observation:
God says to Israel that He has not forgotten them. He relates it to a mother forgetting her nursing child. She will not forget her son, not matter what. God says He will not forget us. He says we are inscribed on the palms of His hands.
Application:
When I need to remember something, like groceries for my wife, or a phone number that is important, many times I will write it on my hand so I won't forget it. It is a really bad habit and I don't recommend writing on your hands, but God says He has written us on the palms of His hands. WOW! Think about it. God has not forgotten you, no matter where you are right now, you are still in the palm of His hands. Every time He reaches out, He sees your name. Every time He extends His hand to someone else, He sees your name! You may not feel His presence right this moment, but He has you written on the palms of His hands. He loves you and will never forget you! Hold on and wait for His timing, but you will make it through this current difficulty. He will not forget!
Prayer:
Lord, let me never forget this verse. Help me to know that You have not forgotten me. You have gone to great lengths to remember us. Thank you for letting me know today how much you love me and how you will never forget where I am or what I am doing. I love you Lord.
You're still the best!
Jeff
Isaiah 49:15-16 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet, I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; Your walls are continually before me".
Observation:
God says to Israel that He has not forgotten them. He relates it to a mother forgetting her nursing child. She will not forget her son, not matter what. God says He will not forget us. He says we are inscribed on the palms of His hands.
Application:
When I need to remember something, like groceries for my wife, or a phone number that is important, many times I will write it on my hand so I won't forget it. It is a really bad habit and I don't recommend writing on your hands, but God says He has written us on the palms of His hands. WOW! Think about it. God has not forgotten you, no matter where you are right now, you are still in the palm of His hands. Every time He reaches out, He sees your name. Every time He extends His hand to someone else, He sees your name! You may not feel His presence right this moment, but He has you written on the palms of His hands. He loves you and will never forget you! Hold on and wait for His timing, but you will make it through this current difficulty. He will not forget!
Prayer:
Lord, let me never forget this verse. Help me to know that You have not forgotten me. You have gone to great lengths to remember us. Thank you for letting me know today how much you love me and how you will never forget where I am or what I am doing. I love you Lord.
You're still the best!
Jeff
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Passing Through
Scripture:
Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you".
Observation:
God never promises that living the Christian life will be simple and nothing will ever go wrong. Many talk about a faith in God that will never allow anything bad to happen to you. Many talk about prosperity to the point that it seems, "Come to Jesus and you will be a millionaire and never have another problem". Sounds great, Sign me up! In this verse we read about "Passing Through". Passing through means that these things will happen to us, but that He will be with us and bring us out of them. They are not permanent positions for the child of God. Passing through problems is part of growth and maturity in God. It is in these times that we grow the most and learn to depend on Him more if we will stay the course and trust Him fully. The fact is, "He will be with you!" He will bring you out! He said "WHEN" you go through, not "IF". You will go through things, hold onto Him and He will bring you "THROUGH" every single time.
Application:
As humans, we love to run from our problems instead of confronting them, growing from them and becoming better people as a result. As Rick Warren says, "God is more concerned with your character, than your comfort". Hard times mature us in the Lord, don't rebuke them and try to get out of them, walk through them and watch the Lord bring you out. Don't lose faith in the midst of the trial. He will help you to "Pass Through" every trial you come against. Don't look for the easy way out because that is not usually how God works. He likes us to mature and learn to trust Him more and more so He allows things in our lives that will cause us to lean on Him. Don't run, lean closer in these times.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk through the water and the fire with the right attitude. Teach me to remain calm when it feels like everything is crumbling around me. teach me to walk with You through whatever adversity comes my way. You have promised that You will be with us "THROUGH" every trial, bad time, hard time, and pressure of life. I put my confidence in You this morning. I lean on You Lord. You are my rock and my salvation! I love you with all my heart. Thank you for you amazing word that help us grow and learn. Thank You for loving us so much.
Jeff
Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you".
Observation:
God never promises that living the Christian life will be simple and nothing will ever go wrong. Many talk about a faith in God that will never allow anything bad to happen to you. Many talk about prosperity to the point that it seems, "Come to Jesus and you will be a millionaire and never have another problem". Sounds great, Sign me up! In this verse we read about "Passing Through". Passing through means that these things will happen to us, but that He will be with us and bring us out of them. They are not permanent positions for the child of God. Passing through problems is part of growth and maturity in God. It is in these times that we grow the most and learn to depend on Him more if we will stay the course and trust Him fully. The fact is, "He will be with you!" He will bring you out! He said "WHEN" you go through, not "IF". You will go through things, hold onto Him and He will bring you "THROUGH" every single time.
Application:
As humans, we love to run from our problems instead of confronting them, growing from them and becoming better people as a result. As Rick Warren says, "God is more concerned with your character, than your comfort". Hard times mature us in the Lord, don't rebuke them and try to get out of them, walk through them and watch the Lord bring you out. Don't lose faith in the midst of the trial. He will help you to "Pass Through" every trial you come against. Don't look for the easy way out because that is not usually how God works. He likes us to mature and learn to trust Him more and more so He allows things in our lives that will cause us to lean on Him. Don't run, lean closer in these times.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk through the water and the fire with the right attitude. Teach me to remain calm when it feels like everything is crumbling around me. teach me to walk with You through whatever adversity comes my way. You have promised that You will be with us "THROUGH" every trial, bad time, hard time, and pressure of life. I put my confidence in You this morning. I lean on You Lord. You are my rock and my salvation! I love you with all my heart. Thank you for you amazing word that help us grow and learn. Thank You for loving us so much.
Jeff
Friday, November 20, 2009
Even Time is in His Hands
Scripture:
Isaiah 38:8 "I will cause the sun's shadow to move ten steps backward on the sundial of Ahaz! So the shadow on the sundial moved backward ten steps".
Observation:
Nothing is too difficult for our God! He is absolutely amazing! He can make planets move if He wants to. He can control the universe and make time stand still. He is all-powerful and nothing compares to Him. When I read something like this and know that it is true, I stand in awe of my God.
Application:
If we really believe that God could make the sundial go backward ten steps, why do we fret over the little things that go on in our lives. If He is able to change the rotation of planets as a sign for someone, what is He capable of in my life? Life would be so much different if we truly believed the word of God and understood that this God of all power for whom nothing is impossible, is our Father who loves us and wants to bless us. Do you truly believe God is all-powerful? Do you truly believe that He loves you? If we did, we would stop sweating the little things (anything below making the sundial move backward).
Prayer:
Father,
I love you and look to You to provide for all my needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. You are my source and my supply. Thank you for loving me and taking care of me. Teach me to walk a life of faith and obedience. I want to be pleasing to You. Help me not to miss my miracle due to lack of faith. I want to be in step with You every day of my life. Help me to see You for who You are.
You are Amazing!
Jeff
Isaiah 38:8 "I will cause the sun's shadow to move ten steps backward on the sundial of Ahaz! So the shadow on the sundial moved backward ten steps".
Observation:
Nothing is too difficult for our God! He is absolutely amazing! He can make planets move if He wants to. He can control the universe and make time stand still. He is all-powerful and nothing compares to Him. When I read something like this and know that it is true, I stand in awe of my God.
Application:
If we really believe that God could make the sundial go backward ten steps, why do we fret over the little things that go on in our lives. If He is able to change the rotation of planets as a sign for someone, what is He capable of in my life? Life would be so much different if we truly believed the word of God and understood that this God of all power for whom nothing is impossible, is our Father who loves us and wants to bless us. Do you truly believe God is all-powerful? Do you truly believe that He loves you? If we did, we would stop sweating the little things (anything below making the sundial move backward).
Prayer:
Father,
I love you and look to You to provide for all my needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. You are my source and my supply. Thank you for loving me and taking care of me. Teach me to walk a life of faith and obedience. I want to be pleasing to You. Help me not to miss my miracle due to lack of faith. I want to be in step with You every day of my life. Help me to see You for who You are.
You are Amazing!
Jeff
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Satan's Lies and Schemes
Scripture:
Isaiah 36:18 "Don't let Hezekiah mislead you by saying, 'The Lord will rescue us!' Have the gods of other nations ever saved their people from the king of Assyria?"
Observation:
The King of Assyria sent his chief of staff to Israel to make a peace treaty with them. He basically tells them that they have to do it because they are defenseless against Assyria. They are informed that Assyria has overtaken many of other nations and that they don't stand a chance against them. In attempting to use fear tactics, they tell the people of Israel not to listen to Hezekiah who would tell them that God would rescue them from the hand of the Assyrians. He tries to weaken their faith in the Lord by showing how others prayers were not answered.
Application:
We cannot listen to the voice of the enemy. He is filled with propaganda and lies about our God. He will tell you, "you have prayed for years about this, God hasn't answered you prayers. He doesn't love you". Satan is a master as getting people to stop walking in faith and believing God for miracles. He wants to make a peace treaty with you. You stop trusting in the Lord and he will ease the attack on you because it appears the Lord is not working on your behalf. This is all propaganda and lies from Satan. We must stand strong in the Lord and continue to trust His word when we see great things happen and when it appears nothing is happening. Don't listen to the deceiving lies of the enemy, listen to the voice of Almighty God. He is the only one who can defeat your enemies and bring blessing into your life.
Prayer:
Father in heaven,
You are amazing and I stand in awe of You. Help me not to listen to Satan's tactics when he whispers things like, "your faith isn't working, give up, things will never change". Teach me to follow Your word and walk a life of faith when things are good and when things are bad. Help me to live a life of strength and obedience that will bless the Kingdom of God. I will listen to Your voice above all others!
I Love You Much,
Jeffrey
Isaiah 36:18 "Don't let Hezekiah mislead you by saying, 'The Lord will rescue us!' Have the gods of other nations ever saved their people from the king of Assyria?"
Observation:
The King of Assyria sent his chief of staff to Israel to make a peace treaty with them. He basically tells them that they have to do it because they are defenseless against Assyria. They are informed that Assyria has overtaken many of other nations and that they don't stand a chance against them. In attempting to use fear tactics, they tell the people of Israel not to listen to Hezekiah who would tell them that God would rescue them from the hand of the Assyrians. He tries to weaken their faith in the Lord by showing how others prayers were not answered.
Application:
We cannot listen to the voice of the enemy. He is filled with propaganda and lies about our God. He will tell you, "you have prayed for years about this, God hasn't answered you prayers. He doesn't love you". Satan is a master as getting people to stop walking in faith and believing God for miracles. He wants to make a peace treaty with you. You stop trusting in the Lord and he will ease the attack on you because it appears the Lord is not working on your behalf. This is all propaganda and lies from Satan. We must stand strong in the Lord and continue to trust His word when we see great things happen and when it appears nothing is happening. Don't listen to the deceiving lies of the enemy, listen to the voice of Almighty God. He is the only one who can defeat your enemies and bring blessing into your life.
Prayer:
Father in heaven,
You are amazing and I stand in awe of You. Help me not to listen to Satan's tactics when he whispers things like, "your faith isn't working, give up, things will never change". Teach me to follow Your word and walk a life of faith when things are good and when things are bad. Help me to live a life of strength and obedience that will bless the Kingdom of God. I will listen to Your voice above all others!
I Love You Much,
Jeffrey
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Our Mighty One
Scripture:
Isaiah 33:21 "The Lord will be our Mighty One. He will be like a wide river of protection that no enemy can cross, that no enemy ship can cross over".
Observation:
Isaiah continues to tell about God's punishment that is coming because of the indifference in Israel's hearts, yet in the midst of it, He tells them that one day they are going to turn around and when they do He is going to bless them. He continues, even in His anger, to let them know that when they turn, He will be right there ready to bless them in a big way and fight their battles for them. in this verse He says He will be "The Mighty One". We need to see our Lord as "The Mighty One".
Application:
Continually in Isaiah we see the Lord telling Israel that judgment was coming to them, then He would shift and tell them that one day they were going to turn to Him and His blessing was coming to them. Knowing He is the Mighty One should cause us to serve Him with all our hearts. Knowing the great miracles of the Old Testament and New, we should have amazing confidence in our Lord, yet we don't truly see Him for what he is. We must begin to see the Lord as the Mighty One who can conquer every foe in our lives. He wants to be this in our lives, but we continue to take things into our own hands and live how we want to instead of allowing Him to lead us.
Prayer:
Lord, You truly are The Mighty One and I don't always see You for that. Many times I take control of things in my life instead of fully trusting You. You are amazing ! You have unbelievable grace and mercy on us while we struggle through life trying to figure this thing out. Help us to see You for who You are and who Your word declares You are, that we may walk in the true blessing our our Mighty God.
I Love You So Much!
Jeff
Isaiah 33:21 "The Lord will be our Mighty One. He will be like a wide river of protection that no enemy can cross, that no enemy ship can cross over".
Observation:
Isaiah continues to tell about God's punishment that is coming because of the indifference in Israel's hearts, yet in the midst of it, He tells them that one day they are going to turn around and when they do He is going to bless them. He continues, even in His anger, to let them know that when they turn, He will be right there ready to bless them in a big way and fight their battles for them. in this verse He says He will be "The Mighty One". We need to see our Lord as "The Mighty One".
Application:
Continually in Isaiah we see the Lord telling Israel that judgment was coming to them, then He would shift and tell them that one day they were going to turn to Him and His blessing was coming to them. Knowing He is the Mighty One should cause us to serve Him with all our hearts. Knowing the great miracles of the Old Testament and New, we should have amazing confidence in our Lord, yet we don't truly see Him for what he is. We must begin to see the Lord as the Mighty One who can conquer every foe in our lives. He wants to be this in our lives, but we continue to take things into our own hands and live how we want to instead of allowing Him to lead us.
Prayer:
Lord, You truly are The Mighty One and I don't always see You for that. Many times I take control of things in my life instead of fully trusting You. You are amazing ! You have unbelievable grace and mercy on us while we struggle through life trying to figure this thing out. Help us to see You for who You are and who Your word declares You are, that we may walk in the true blessing our our Mighty God.
I Love You So Much!
Jeff
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wait for His Help
Scripture:
Isaiah 30:18 "So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God, blessed are those who wait for His help".
Observation:
God has been rebuking Israel and speaking about their coming destruction. He is irritated at them for taking things into their own hands and doing things their own way when God has already given them their prescription for success. They were leaning on themselves and trying to do everything on their own. They were leaning on military might when they remembered the stories of how God had fought all their battles in the past. So in this verse the Lords says, "So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion". WOW! We left him and he is waiting for us to come to him. He wants to show love and compassion to his people, but he must wait till we come to him. Then he says, "blessed are those who wait for his help."
Application:
How often do we outrun God when we are in a pressure situation? How often do we work hard in our own strength instead of waiting on the Lord? He wants to bless His people, but He is waiting for us to come to Him instead of always trying to fix everything ourselves. God desires to show us love and compassion, but he is waiting for us to come to him. Don't wait one more minute, call out to him now and come to him for your future! Stop trying to fix everything on your own and spend more time crying out to him, then waiting for his help. You can achieve great things in life, but if you achieve them without God's help, they won't last. Combine your best efforts with waiting on God, and watch the results!
Prayer:
Lord, I come to You. You are my supplier! You are my source and I trust You to take care of me. I wait on You for my financial situation. I know You will take care of me. I will be diligent and wait on You at the same time. Thank you for meeting all my needs according to your riches in glory. You are awesome! Teach me to do better at waiting for You. You way is always so much better.
Love you,
Jeff
Isaiah 30:18 "So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God, blessed are those who wait for His help".
Observation:
God has been rebuking Israel and speaking about their coming destruction. He is irritated at them for taking things into their own hands and doing things their own way when God has already given them their prescription for success. They were leaning on themselves and trying to do everything on their own. They were leaning on military might when they remembered the stories of how God had fought all their battles in the past. So in this verse the Lords says, "So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion". WOW! We left him and he is waiting for us to come to him. He wants to show love and compassion to his people, but he must wait till we come to him. Then he says, "blessed are those who wait for his help."
Application:
How often do we outrun God when we are in a pressure situation? How often do we work hard in our own strength instead of waiting on the Lord? He wants to bless His people, but He is waiting for us to come to Him instead of always trying to fix everything ourselves. God desires to show us love and compassion, but he is waiting for us to come to him. Don't wait one more minute, call out to him now and come to him for your future! Stop trying to fix everything on your own and spend more time crying out to him, then waiting for his help. You can achieve great things in life, but if you achieve them without God's help, they won't last. Combine your best efforts with waiting on God, and watch the results!
Prayer:
Lord, I come to You. You are my supplier! You are my source and I trust You to take care of me. I wait on You for my financial situation. I know You will take care of me. I will be diligent and wait on You at the same time. Thank you for meeting all my needs according to your riches in glory. You are awesome! Teach me to do better at waiting for You. You way is always so much better.
Love you,
Jeff
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Father of Pride
Scripture:
Isaiah 14:13 "For you said to yourself, 'I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God's stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north'".
Observation:
Most scholars would agree that Isaiah 14:13-21 describe Lucifer, or Satan as we better know him. In this verse we see his desire to ascend to heaven and set his throne above God's stars. From the beginning, Satan has wanted to be equal with God. He was created beautiful and thought he could be equal with God. It was his pride that got him kicked out of heaven and it is our pride that will cause God Himself to resist us. God hates pride!
Application:
Why does God hate pride? Is it just because it reminds Him of Satan from the beginning? I believe that God hates pride because it says that He is not good enough at providing for us. The bible is full of references about pride. Pride is simply saying, "I can handle this better than You God, so I'll take control here". All of us have some level of pride because we all like to be in control of our lives. It is difficult to let God fully have control, because it makes us feel out of control and we usually feel we know better what we need than God does. Humility is realizing that you can't makes it without God in your life. This is where God wants us! he wants us totally dependent upon Him. It is then that He begins to bless us.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing! I am sorry for allowing pride into my life and taking things into my own hands instead of fully trusting You. Teach me to trust You more. Satan is the father of pride and I want nothing to do with anything from him. Help me to lean on You more and on my own self less. I need You in my life to lead, guide, direct, empower, help etc. The list goes on and on. I can't make life work without You at the controls. Take control Father, I will follow.
Jeff
Isaiah 14:13 "For you said to yourself, 'I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God's stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north'".
Observation:
Most scholars would agree that Isaiah 14:13-21 describe Lucifer, or Satan as we better know him. In this verse we see his desire to ascend to heaven and set his throne above God's stars. From the beginning, Satan has wanted to be equal with God. He was created beautiful and thought he could be equal with God. It was his pride that got him kicked out of heaven and it is our pride that will cause God Himself to resist us. God hates pride!
Application:
Why does God hate pride? Is it just because it reminds Him of Satan from the beginning? I believe that God hates pride because it says that He is not good enough at providing for us. The bible is full of references about pride. Pride is simply saying, "I can handle this better than You God, so I'll take control here". All of us have some level of pride because we all like to be in control of our lives. It is difficult to let God fully have control, because it makes us feel out of control and we usually feel we know better what we need than God does. Humility is realizing that you can't makes it without God in your life. This is where God wants us! he wants us totally dependent upon Him. It is then that He begins to bless us.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing! I am sorry for allowing pride into my life and taking things into my own hands instead of fully trusting You. Teach me to trust You more. Satan is the father of pride and I want nothing to do with anything from him. Help me to lean on You more and on my own self less. I need You in my life to lead, guide, direct, empower, help etc. The list goes on and on. I can't make life work without You at the controls. Take control Father, I will follow.
Jeff
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
He Has Given Me Victory
Scripture:
Isaiah 12:2 "See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory".
Observation:
Chapters 11 and 12 are talking about the coming of the Messiah. It says that when He comes, He will bring total peace on the earth, even in nature. This occurs during the millennium, or thousand year reign of Jesus on this earth. This is still a future event, but He has already come and fulfilled parts of this prophecy. This verse puts the total emphasis on the power of the Lord and not in our own power. We need to lean on the Lord in every situation of life.
Application:
Notice Isaiah says, "God has come to save me". We love to read books and try to save ourselves, yet we are unfruitful. It is the Lord who saves us and not we ourselves. He goes on the say, "I will trust in Him and not be afraid". When we truly trust the Lord, we will have no fear. We will know He will take care of us. He closes out by saying "The Lord God is my strength and song; He has given me victory". In today's world there are a million books on how to get the victory through thinking right, speaking right and doing the right things. Books sell by the millions about how to get victory in life when real victory comes, not when we are strong, but when we let the Lord fight our battles and allow Him to give us the victory. The battle is the Lord's! He is powerful! Let Him do the fighting!
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to lean on You an trust in You to defend me, fight for me and win the victory. You are my strength and song. You are my victory! Thank You for caring enough for me that you said you are my victory. Teach me to seek You more and allow You to work in my life more. I want You to have total control in my life.
You're the best!
Jeff
Isaiah 12:2 "See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory".
Observation:
Chapters 11 and 12 are talking about the coming of the Messiah. It says that when He comes, He will bring total peace on the earth, even in nature. This occurs during the millennium, or thousand year reign of Jesus on this earth. This is still a future event, but He has already come and fulfilled parts of this prophecy. This verse puts the total emphasis on the power of the Lord and not in our own power. We need to lean on the Lord in every situation of life.
Application:
Notice Isaiah says, "God has come to save me". We love to read books and try to save ourselves, yet we are unfruitful. It is the Lord who saves us and not we ourselves. He goes on the say, "I will trust in Him and not be afraid". When we truly trust the Lord, we will have no fear. We will know He will take care of us. He closes out by saying "The Lord God is my strength and song; He has given me victory". In today's world there are a million books on how to get the victory through thinking right, speaking right and doing the right things. Books sell by the millions about how to get victory in life when real victory comes, not when we are strong, but when we let the Lord fight our battles and allow Him to give us the victory. The battle is the Lord's! He is powerful! Let Him do the fighting!
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to lean on You an trust in You to defend me, fight for me and win the victory. You are my strength and song. You are my victory! Thank You for caring enough for me that you said you are my victory. Teach me to seek You more and allow You to work in my life more. I want You to have total control in my life.
You're the best!
Jeff
Friday, November 6, 2009
God Responds to Repentance
Scripture:
Hosea 14:4 "The Lord says, Then I will heal you of you faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever".
Observation:
God has spent many chapters prior to this issuing decrees about impending disaster on His people because of their rebellion and idolatry. As chapter 14 begins he says, "Return, O Israel to the Lord Your God". As Israel returns, He promises them that He will heal them of the faithlessness, he will love them with no bounds, and His anger will be gone forever. Wow, what a God! He is the forgiver of every sin, the healer of every heart. All He wants is for His people to follow Him. His love is so incredible that He will overlook years of disobedience for one moment of obedience. We are so undeserving of His amazing Grace and love.
Application:
Understanding His love for us, why do we continue in sin and doing things that are displeasing to Him. When you have felt the incredible love of God, it should eradicate all desire for sinful behavior, yet today people come to the Lord for forgiveness and walk right back into the world. When we come face to face with the love of God, it should cause us to walk in a higher level of righteousness. Let us live a life that is pleasing to Him and realize the great love and forgiveness He has shown to us.
Prayer:
Lord, let me not take You for granted. Let me live a life that pleases You and demonstrates my love for You. You have rescued me, forgiven me, loved me and accepted me over and over again. You are the greatest example in the world of love, acceptance and forgiveness. You never hold a grudge! Let my life become a mirror that I may reflect that same love for others.
Love You.
Jeff
Hosea 14:4 "The Lord says, Then I will heal you of you faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever".
Observation:
God has spent many chapters prior to this issuing decrees about impending disaster on His people because of their rebellion and idolatry. As chapter 14 begins he says, "Return, O Israel to the Lord Your God". As Israel returns, He promises them that He will heal them of the faithlessness, he will love them with no bounds, and His anger will be gone forever. Wow, what a God! He is the forgiver of every sin, the healer of every heart. All He wants is for His people to follow Him. His love is so incredible that He will overlook years of disobedience for one moment of obedience. We are so undeserving of His amazing Grace and love.
Application:
Understanding His love for us, why do we continue in sin and doing things that are displeasing to Him. When you have felt the incredible love of God, it should eradicate all desire for sinful behavior, yet today people come to the Lord for forgiveness and walk right back into the world. When we come face to face with the love of God, it should cause us to walk in a higher level of righteousness. Let us live a life that is pleasing to Him and realize the great love and forgiveness He has shown to us.
Prayer:
Lord, let me not take You for granted. Let me live a life that pleases You and demonstrates my love for You. You have rescued me, forgiven me, loved me and accepted me over and over again. You are the greatest example in the world of love, acceptance and forgiveness. You never hold a grudge! Let my life become a mirror that I may reflect that same love for others.
Love You.
Jeff
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Meeting God Face to Face
Scripture:
Hosea 12:4 "Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face".
Observation:
Hosea is telling the descendants of Jacob about the punishment that is coming their way. He is prophesying destruction for Israel. In the midst of his harsh prophetic words, he brings Jacob into the picture and talks about him. Jacob became Israel at this encounter. His life, past present and future was changed when he wrestled with God at Bethel. He wept and pleaded for a blessing and he got it. The text says that at Bethel he met God face to face. The nation of Israel started with a face to face encounter with God.
Application:
A face to face encounter with God will change everything! Every person needs a face to face with God at some point in their life. When you have encountered Him, everything changes. You will never be the same again! Truly Jacob was a changed man. Several times in my life I have had God encounters that changed me forever. Once you have tasted of that, there is nothing else that satisfies. The sad thing here is that, even though he encountered God face to face, the generations after him fell away. Every generation needs a face to face experience with god or what he did for grandpa will wear off. Seek Him until you have a face to face! It is worth the pursuit.
Prayer:
Lord, let me encounter You again. Fall fresh in my life. I want to know You more and more. I need your presence, your power and your anointing. I seek you this morning as a desperate man in need of water. Lord, forgive my complacency and let me seek You more each day. I want another face to face with my Father. I love you Lord.
Jeff
Hosea 12:4 "Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face".
Observation:
Hosea is telling the descendants of Jacob about the punishment that is coming their way. He is prophesying destruction for Israel. In the midst of his harsh prophetic words, he brings Jacob into the picture and talks about him. Jacob became Israel at this encounter. His life, past present and future was changed when he wrestled with God at Bethel. He wept and pleaded for a blessing and he got it. The text says that at Bethel he met God face to face. The nation of Israel started with a face to face encounter with God.
Application:
A face to face encounter with God will change everything! Every person needs a face to face with God at some point in their life. When you have encountered Him, everything changes. You will never be the same again! Truly Jacob was a changed man. Several times in my life I have had God encounters that changed me forever. Once you have tasted of that, there is nothing else that satisfies. The sad thing here is that, even though he encountered God face to face, the generations after him fell away. Every generation needs a face to face experience with god or what he did for grandpa will wear off. Seek Him until you have a face to face! It is worth the pursuit.
Prayer:
Lord, let me encounter You again. Fall fresh in my life. I want to know You more and more. I need your presence, your power and your anointing. I seek you this morning as a desperate man in need of water. Lord, forgive my complacency and let me seek You more each day. I want another face to face with my Father. I love you Lord.
Jeff
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
God has Feelings Too
Scripture:
Hosea 7:15 "I trained them and made them strong, yet now they plot evil against me".
Observation:
Hosea is calling Israel to repentance. He is letting them know that God is tired of their wandering off to other gods and worshiping them. He is telling them that judgment is coming from the Lord and that the Lord is fed up with their actions. In all of that, we see this verse which shows a little how God feels when we don't serve Him properly. As a pastor, I have felt this many times. It seems in ministry that those you give you life for and work with the most turn their backs on you and plot evil against you when they are strong.
Application:
It is wonderful to understand that God himself has human emotions and feels what we feel. When I am feeling bad about investing my life into people and then they turn on me and plot evil against me, I can look to my Lord and realize that many times He feels the exact same way. This verse gives me strength today to continue to serve people, knowing that the same people who I am giving my life for will hurt me in return. I hear the Lord saying, "I feel it also Jeff, I will be with you as you are with Me. I will comfort you with my word and care for you in your times of need. I am your inheritance".
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me this morning. You are my inheritance and what I do, I do for you. Help me to handle better the rejection I feel when people turn away from me that I have given of myself for. Teach me to grow in Your word and hear You voice clearer every day. I love You Lord and want to be more like You.
Jeff
Hosea 7:15 "I trained them and made them strong, yet now they plot evil against me".
Observation:
Hosea is calling Israel to repentance. He is letting them know that God is tired of their wandering off to other gods and worshiping them. He is telling them that judgment is coming from the Lord and that the Lord is fed up with their actions. In all of that, we see this verse which shows a little how God feels when we don't serve Him properly. As a pastor, I have felt this many times. It seems in ministry that those you give you life for and work with the most turn their backs on you and plot evil against you when they are strong.
Application:
It is wonderful to understand that God himself has human emotions and feels what we feel. When I am feeling bad about investing my life into people and then they turn on me and plot evil against me, I can look to my Lord and realize that many times He feels the exact same way. This verse gives me strength today to continue to serve people, knowing that the same people who I am giving my life for will hurt me in return. I hear the Lord saying, "I feel it also Jeff, I will be with you as you are with Me. I will comfort you with my word and care for you in your times of need. I am your inheritance".
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me this morning. You are my inheritance and what I do, I do for you. Help me to handle better the rejection I feel when people turn away from me that I have given of myself for. Teach me to grow in Your word and hear You voice clearer every day. I love You Lord and want to be more like You.
Jeff
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A Famine in the Land
Scripture:
Amos 8:11-12 "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it".
Observation:
God has been rebuking Israel through his prophet Amos. He has been talking about the physical destruction that is coming upon them and in the midst of it, He talks about a famine. This famine is not of food and water, but of hearing the word of the Lord. Not hearing the word of the Lord is seen by God as part of the destruction of a nation. It says that God would send a famine on the land. Why would God send a famine to Israel of hearing the word of the Lord. The answer: What you are hungry for, you will go after.
Application:
Sometimes we go through spiritual famines in our lives. These are those times that we don't seem to be hearing from the Lord. It seems the heavens are brass and our prayers are going nowhere. The answer to a famine is to begin to eat and drink of the word of the Lord. Sometimes God wants to place hunger in us by not letting us hear from Him. The desired result is that we would seek Him more diligently. God wants us to seek Him and if He has to use a famine to get you hungry, He will! Instead of running away from God and thinking He is not answering your prayer, simply pursue Him with even more passion in your famine. Read the Word, do your daily wash, cry out to Him in prayer.
Prayer:
Lord, don't let us die in the famine, but teach us to seek You more in bad times. Help us to trust in You to a greater level and to believe that You will not allow us to go through more than we can bear. When famine comes, into our lives, let us turn to You and not away. Lord, let America realize we are in a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Let pastors and preachers begin to get hungry for your word again. Let the word of the Lord flow freely in America again. Let the priests not be afraid to preach the whole council of God nor afraid to lose people if they preach the truth. Let You leaders be bold again!
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Amos 8:11-12 "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it".
Observation:
God has been rebuking Israel through his prophet Amos. He has been talking about the physical destruction that is coming upon them and in the midst of it, He talks about a famine. This famine is not of food and water, but of hearing the word of the Lord. Not hearing the word of the Lord is seen by God as part of the destruction of a nation. It says that God would send a famine on the land. Why would God send a famine to Israel of hearing the word of the Lord. The answer: What you are hungry for, you will go after.
Application:
Sometimes we go through spiritual famines in our lives. These are those times that we don't seem to be hearing from the Lord. It seems the heavens are brass and our prayers are going nowhere. The answer to a famine is to begin to eat and drink of the word of the Lord. Sometimes God wants to place hunger in us by not letting us hear from Him. The desired result is that we would seek Him more diligently. God wants us to seek Him and if He has to use a famine to get you hungry, He will! Instead of running away from God and thinking He is not answering your prayer, simply pursue Him with even more passion in your famine. Read the Word, do your daily wash, cry out to Him in prayer.
Prayer:
Lord, don't let us die in the famine, but teach us to seek You more in bad times. Help us to trust in You to a greater level and to believe that You will not allow us to go through more than we can bear. When famine comes, into our lives, let us turn to You and not away. Lord, let America realize we are in a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Let pastors and preachers begin to get hungry for your word again. Let the word of the Lord flow freely in America again. Let the priests not be afraid to preach the whole council of God nor afraid to lose people if they preach the truth. Let You leaders be bold again!
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
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