Scripture:
Jeremiah 46:28 "Do not fear O Jacob My servant, says the Lord, For I am with you; for I will make a complete end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but I will not make a complete end of you. I will rightly correct you, for I will not leave you wholly unpunished".
Observation:
God is so awesome! He never gives up on His own. He "rightly corrects" us. God does correct His children, but His correction never means He has given up on you. He talks in this verse about totally destroying the nations that He has driven Israel to, but that He won't totally destroy Israel. He may punish His children when they run after other gods or don't serve Him, but He always comes back to them to give them another chance.
Application:
Knowing this characteristic of God causes many Christians to feel like they can live any way they want and God will always accept them. This is no way to live! God wants us to live according to His word. He wants to bless us and prosper everything we do, but He can't when we walk in disobedience. This characteristic of God should drive us to walking closer to Him every day instead of seeing how much we can get away with knowing God is not going to give up too easily on us. We must be people who pursue holiness first and foremost, without holiness, nobody will see God.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk in Your ways better each day. Show me Your paths, that I may walk in Your blessings. I want Your hand of blessing and not Your hand of discipline. You are my rock, my salvation, and my deliverer! I love you with all my heart.
Your Son,
Jeffrey
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sowing and Reaping
Scripture:
Jeremiah 44:23 "Because you have burned incense and because you have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord or walked in His law, in His statues or in His testimonies, therefore this calamity has happened to you, as at this day".
Observation:
The book of Jeremiah and the word of the Lord in this book constantly remind me that the laws of sowing and reaping are very true. When we sow bad seed, we will get bad fruit. You can't get around it! Jeremiah is constantly telling the people that they are going to pay for their worship of other gods. He reminds them of their waywardness and lets them know that punishment is coming. It seems like today most Christians don't believe God still punishes disobedience. We look at God as the Santa Clause in the sky who only brings wonderful gifts to His children. Punishment of children lets the child know they are loved and that the parent wants to see them mature into an adult who takes responsibility. God does chasten those He loves, that they may grow. He is the giver of every perfect gift, but He also knows how to discipline His children.
Application:
God loves us, but He loves us enough to try to get us back on track when we get off. He loves us enough to let things go wrong when we are not properly relating to Him. We cannot look at every bad thing that happens to us as being from the devil and every good thing as being from God. We must realize there is a law of sowing and reaping. Sometimes things are not good because we have an evil enemy. Sometimes things are not good because we have slipped up in our walk with God. We need to pray until we discern the difference.
Prayer:
Lord, let us walk close enough to You that we know the difference. Let us always hear Your still small voice beckoning us home. Let us understand Your discipline and grow thereby. Help us to walk in righteousness and truly experience Your incredible blessing. When we take a wrong step, do whatever it takes to wake us up and get us back on the trail. Keep us from falling into wrong thinking. I love You Lord and I appreciate the words of Your servant Jeremiah.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 44:23 "Because you have burned incense and because you have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord or walked in His law, in His statues or in His testimonies, therefore this calamity has happened to you, as at this day".
Observation:
The book of Jeremiah and the word of the Lord in this book constantly remind me that the laws of sowing and reaping are very true. When we sow bad seed, we will get bad fruit. You can't get around it! Jeremiah is constantly telling the people that they are going to pay for their worship of other gods. He reminds them of their waywardness and lets them know that punishment is coming. It seems like today most Christians don't believe God still punishes disobedience. We look at God as the Santa Clause in the sky who only brings wonderful gifts to His children. Punishment of children lets the child know they are loved and that the parent wants to see them mature into an adult who takes responsibility. God does chasten those He loves, that they may grow. He is the giver of every perfect gift, but He also knows how to discipline His children.
Application:
God loves us, but He loves us enough to try to get us back on track when we get off. He loves us enough to let things go wrong when we are not properly relating to Him. We cannot look at every bad thing that happens to us as being from the devil and every good thing as being from God. We must realize there is a law of sowing and reaping. Sometimes things are not good because we have an evil enemy. Sometimes things are not good because we have slipped up in our walk with God. We need to pray until we discern the difference.
Prayer:
Lord, let us walk close enough to You that we know the difference. Let us always hear Your still small voice beckoning us home. Let us understand Your discipline and grow thereby. Help us to walk in righteousness and truly experience Your incredible blessing. When we take a wrong step, do whatever it takes to wake us up and get us back on the trail. Keep us from falling into wrong thinking. I love You Lord and I appreciate the words of Your servant Jeremiah.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Restorer
Scripture:
Jeremiah 27:22 "They shall be carried to Babylon, and there they shall be until the day that I visit them, says the Lord. Then I will bring them up and restore them to this place".
Observation:
Judgment, at this point, is being prophesied by Jeremiah and is coming to God's people. God says of the vessels of the Lord's temple that they will be carried away, but that they will return. Sometimes God allows things to happen in our lives because of our disobedience, but He always has a plan for restoration. He never judges us to hurt us, but to restore us. God always sees the restoration, even while He is allowing us to go through some things.
Application:
God has a plan. If you feel like the devil has stolen from you, God has a plan for restoration. If you feel like God hasn't been answering your prayers, God has a restoration plan already! He never allows us to stay in bondage. He knows it is coming before it comes, but He already has a plan for the deliverance of His people. Whatever you are going through, God has a plan of restoration. Maybe you have lost everything recently, God had a plan of restoration before it was lost. Depend on Him. Even if you are reaping what you have sown, He is a restorer!
Prayer:
Lord, let this word dwell in our hearts richly. Help me realize You always have a plan for deliverance and restoration. I want to trust You more in my life. You are awesome and I love the fact that You always have a plan.
Love you Much,
Jeff Jacob
Jeremiah 27:22 "They shall be carried to Babylon, and there they shall be until the day that I visit them, says the Lord. Then I will bring them up and restore them to this place".
Observation:
Judgment, at this point, is being prophesied by Jeremiah and is coming to God's people. God says of the vessels of the Lord's temple that they will be carried away, but that they will return. Sometimes God allows things to happen in our lives because of our disobedience, but He always has a plan for restoration. He never judges us to hurt us, but to restore us. God always sees the restoration, even while He is allowing us to go through some things.
Application:
God has a plan. If you feel like the devil has stolen from you, God has a plan for restoration. If you feel like God hasn't been answering your prayers, God has a restoration plan already! He never allows us to stay in bondage. He knows it is coming before it comes, but He already has a plan for the deliverance of His people. Whatever you are going through, God has a plan of restoration. Maybe you have lost everything recently, God had a plan of restoration before it was lost. Depend on Him. Even if you are reaping what you have sown, He is a restorer!
Prayer:
Lord, let this word dwell in our hearts richly. Help me realize You always have a plan for deliverance and restoration. I want to trust You more in my life. You are awesome and I love the fact that You always have a plan.
Love you Much,
Jeff Jacob
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The King is Coming!
Scripture:
Jeremiah 23:5 "Behold the days are coming says the Lord, That I will raise to David a Branch of Righteousness; A king shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth."
Observation:
Jeremiah continues to blast God's people for not following Him completely. In chapter 23 he lets them know that one day a righteous king will come forth from David's descent who will save Judah and Israel. This is a Messianic prophecy speaking of the second coming of Jesus Christ. Hundreds of years before His first coming, Jeremiah was speaking of him, yet his first coming didn't fulfill all this scripture. Before Jesus ascended to heaven he said he would come again. We are waiting for that second coming today and I believe we are closer than we could even imagine. This time Jesus will come in power and great might. The world will tremble before Him. He will reign and rule this earth with righteousness.
Application:
Jesus will come again and we need to be ready. We must be about our father's business! We need to be laboring for Him when He comes back. He is coming! Let's get the world prepared. Let's make sure our hearts are cleansed and pure. The church has almost stopped talking about the second coming of Christ, but it is this exact doctrine that helps purify the church. If you knew the king of righteousness was coming tomorrow, how would you live differently today? Why not live that way today anyway?
Prayer:
Lord, let us live with the second coming close in our minds. Let us walk closer to You than ever before. I want to know You more this year than I ever have. Speak to me Lord and I will listen. I will follow! I want to be ready and have fulfilled my mission when you come again. Thanks for the reminder this morning.
Jeff
Jeremiah 23:5 "Behold the days are coming says the Lord, That I will raise to David a Branch of Righteousness; A king shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth."
Observation:
Jeremiah continues to blast God's people for not following Him completely. In chapter 23 he lets them know that one day a righteous king will come forth from David's descent who will save Judah and Israel. This is a Messianic prophecy speaking of the second coming of Jesus Christ. Hundreds of years before His first coming, Jeremiah was speaking of him, yet his first coming didn't fulfill all this scripture. Before Jesus ascended to heaven he said he would come again. We are waiting for that second coming today and I believe we are closer than we could even imagine. This time Jesus will come in power and great might. The world will tremble before Him. He will reign and rule this earth with righteousness.
Application:
Jesus will come again and we need to be ready. We must be about our father's business! We need to be laboring for Him when He comes back. He is coming! Let's get the world prepared. Let's make sure our hearts are cleansed and pure. The church has almost stopped talking about the second coming of Christ, but it is this exact doctrine that helps purify the church. If you knew the king of righteousness was coming tomorrow, how would you live differently today? Why not live that way today anyway?
Prayer:
Lord, let us live with the second coming close in our minds. Let us walk closer to You than ever before. I want to know You more this year than I ever have. Speak to me Lord and I will listen. I will follow! I want to be ready and have fulfilled my mission when you come again. Thanks for the reminder this morning.
Jeff
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Devouring God's Word
Scripture:
Jeremiah 15:16 "When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear Your name".
Observation:
Jeremiah has been prophesying the coming destruction of the people of Israel because they have been unfaithful to God. They have continued through the years to live how they wanted and serve other gods and now the One True God is going to punish them for their sins. In the midst of this message, Jeremiah speaks up for himself and talks to the Lord. As he begins, we get some insight into his relationship with God. He says, "when I discovered Your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my delight". Apparently, Jeremiah loved the word of God. He devoured it and it was his joy.
Application:
We need to fall in love with the Word of God again. Doing this daily wash has caused me to fall in love with the Word of God again. I can see it working my life and I love His word more than ever. As Jeremiah, we today are a generation that is far from God. People say they love God, but have no fruit of the Spirit in their lives. They say they are serving God, but their life doesn't show it in any way. We have become like the people Jeremiah is prophesying to. We need to see that even in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, you can serve God by falling in love with His words and devouring them. Jeremiah was promised that he would avoid the destruction coming because of His love for the Lord and true service to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let me fall more and more in love with Your word. Let me live by it, walk in it, listen to it, and apply it in my life. I want to be more like You. I want to be where Jesus was talking about when He said, "If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it will be done for you". Teach me to abide in Your word and to have your word abide in me. You are my rock and my salvation, in Your I trust!
Jeff
Jeremiah 15:16 "When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear Your name".
Observation:
Jeremiah has been prophesying the coming destruction of the people of Israel because they have been unfaithful to God. They have continued through the years to live how they wanted and serve other gods and now the One True God is going to punish them for their sins. In the midst of this message, Jeremiah speaks up for himself and talks to the Lord. As he begins, we get some insight into his relationship with God. He says, "when I discovered Your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my delight". Apparently, Jeremiah loved the word of God. He devoured it and it was his joy.
Application:
We need to fall in love with the Word of God again. Doing this daily wash has caused me to fall in love with the Word of God again. I can see it working my life and I love His word more than ever. As Jeremiah, we today are a generation that is far from God. People say they love God, but have no fruit of the Spirit in their lives. They say they are serving God, but their life doesn't show it in any way. We have become like the people Jeremiah is prophesying to. We need to see that even in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, you can serve God by falling in love with His words and devouring them. Jeremiah was promised that he would avoid the destruction coming because of His love for the Lord and true service to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let me fall more and more in love with Your word. Let me live by it, walk in it, listen to it, and apply it in my life. I want to be more like You. I want to be where Jesus was talking about when He said, "If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it will be done for you". Teach me to abide in Your word and to have your word abide in me. You are my rock and my salvation, in Your I trust!
Jeff
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Clever at Doing Wrong / No Idea how to do Right
Scripture:
Jeremiah 4:22 "My people are foolish and do not know me, says the Lord. They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!"
Observation:
Israel had been rejecting the one true God and following other gods for quite some time. God was in heaven wanting to be their god and for them to be His people. He wanted to bless His children, but needs them to walk in obedience in order to do so. He is prophesying through Jeremiah that another country will come and kick them out of the land He gave them. In the midst of his prophecy against them he throws in these words, "They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!" These words jumped out at me today because I see the exact same thing is so prevalent today.
Application:
We are so much like the children of Israel. We love God when we are in trouble and need to get out, but struggle to serve Him when things are okay. People today are truly clever at doing wrong. People have become experts at scheming, lying, and doing whatever it takes to get ahead, but don't have a clue how to live right. We need the voice of a Jeremiah to speak up in this generation. I see so many who are experts at doing wrong, but can't seem to live right for their life. This must change! We need to learn the discipline of doing right, no matter how it affects the outcome. We must have integrity and character even if it hurts us. We must become experts on how to "live right".
Prayer:
Lord, I see our generation in line with where Jeremiah's generation was. We have become clever at dong wrong, but most today don't know how to do right. Teach me how to make a real difference in people's lives so they want to live right. Help me communicate Your truth clearly and teach people how to live right lives before God. I need Your anointing as never before because people don't want to be told they are living wrong before God. They want to do whatever they want and want You to bless it. Help me Lord I pray.
Jeff
Jeremiah 4:22 "My people are foolish and do not know me, says the Lord. They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!"
Observation:
Israel had been rejecting the one true God and following other gods for quite some time. God was in heaven wanting to be their god and for them to be His people. He wanted to bless His children, but needs them to walk in obedience in order to do so. He is prophesying through Jeremiah that another country will come and kick them out of the land He gave them. In the midst of his prophecy against them he throws in these words, "They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!" These words jumped out at me today because I see the exact same thing is so prevalent today.
Application:
We are so much like the children of Israel. We love God when we are in trouble and need to get out, but struggle to serve Him when things are okay. People today are truly clever at doing wrong. People have become experts at scheming, lying, and doing whatever it takes to get ahead, but don't have a clue how to live right. We need the voice of a Jeremiah to speak up in this generation. I see so many who are experts at doing wrong, but can't seem to live right for their life. This must change! We need to learn the discipline of doing right, no matter how it affects the outcome. We must have integrity and character even if it hurts us. We must become experts on how to "live right".
Prayer:
Lord, I see our generation in line with where Jeremiah's generation was. We have become clever at dong wrong, but most today don't know how to do right. Teach me how to make a real difference in people's lives so they want to live right. Help me communicate Your truth clearly and teach people how to live right lives before God. I need Your anointing as never before because people don't want to be told they are living wrong before God. They want to do whatever they want and want You to bless it. Help me Lord I pray.
Jeff
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Young Bride
Scripture:
Jeremiah 2:2 "Go and shout this message to Jerusalem. This is what the Lord says: I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness".
Observation:
Jeremiah is rebuking Israel and Judah for leaving the Lord and running after other gods. He is prophesying about Israel being exiled because they had left their first love and pursued worthless idols. In that speech, the Lord says, "I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the wilderness". God is saying that He hasn't forgotten how Israel loved Him and how much it meant to Him. He knows when we are really in love with Him and when we are just going through the motions. He longs to be your god and for you to be His own special possession.
Application:
Are you loving the Lord like a young bride loves her husband? Are you trying as hard to please Him today as you were years ago? Have you settled into the marriage and fallen out of love? God wants us to love Him passionately. He wants us to obey Him fully out of our incredible love for Him. He has remained faithful to His end of the wedding vows, have we remained faithful to our end? He says that in the beginning Israel followed Him, even through the wilderness. Are we still ready to follow the Lord through the wilderness or do we abandon Him when things don't feel good any more?
Prayer:
Lord, bring us back to our first love. Bring us back to that place of wanting to serve You wholeheartedly. You have done all You can do on You end, let us arise and fall in love with You again. Let my heart be enraptured with You. Bring me back to the place of passionate pursuit and total abandonment and commitment to Your will and purposes. I love You lord.
Jeff
Jeremiah 2:2 "Go and shout this message to Jerusalem. This is what the Lord says: I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness".
Observation:
Jeremiah is rebuking Israel and Judah for leaving the Lord and running after other gods. He is prophesying about Israel being exiled because they had left their first love and pursued worthless idols. In that speech, the Lord says, "I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the wilderness". God is saying that He hasn't forgotten how Israel loved Him and how much it meant to Him. He knows when we are really in love with Him and when we are just going through the motions. He longs to be your god and for you to be His own special possession.
Application:
Are you loving the Lord like a young bride loves her husband? Are you trying as hard to please Him today as you were years ago? Have you settled into the marriage and fallen out of love? God wants us to love Him passionately. He wants us to obey Him fully out of our incredible love for Him. He has remained faithful to His end of the wedding vows, have we remained faithful to our end? He says that in the beginning Israel followed Him, even through the wilderness. Are we still ready to follow the Lord through the wilderness or do we abandon Him when things don't feel good any more?
Prayer:
Lord, bring us back to our first love. Bring us back to that place of wanting to serve You wholeheartedly. You have done all You can do on You end, let us arise and fall in love with You again. Let my heart be enraptured with You. Bring me back to the place of passionate pursuit and total abandonment and commitment to Your will and purposes. I love You lord.
Jeff
Monday, December 14, 2009
God's Promises
Scripture:
Obadiah 17 "But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place. And the people of Israel will come back to reclaim their inheritance."
Observation:
Obadiah is a vision given to Obadiah about what was coming to Edom for how they treated Israel as they were being taken into exile. Here God is telling Edom that Israel is going to return, and when they do, Edom is going to be in trouble. God had promised Israel the land and even though Israel had been exiled, His promise remain true. When God promises something, it will come to pass. There may be temporary setbacks, but God will prove faithful to His word.
Application:
This helps me to realize that God's promises never fail. They will come to pass! He knows the beginning from the end and He is faithful to do what He said He would do. So many times, people give up too quickly on God's promises. Maybe they start tithing and don't see results as quickly as they would like and feel like, "it didn't work", so they quit. Who knows if they were not one week from a breakthrough and just gave up too soon? Maybe they were praying for someone and didn't see a change so they quit praying. When God promises something, you can rest assured it will come to pass. We just have to stand in faith and believe it is coming into our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, help me learn to wait on Your promises and not faint in the process. You are a faithful God who loves His children. Your words are true and life giving. I love and appreciate You more than I can express. Help me to endure the times when the promises haven't come through yet. Help me Holy Spirit to walk through whatever comes my way with a pure heart while I wait for the promise.
Yours,
Jeff
Obadiah 17 "But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place. And the people of Israel will come back to reclaim their inheritance."
Observation:
Obadiah is a vision given to Obadiah about what was coming to Edom for how they treated Israel as they were being taken into exile. Here God is telling Edom that Israel is going to return, and when they do, Edom is going to be in trouble. God had promised Israel the land and even though Israel had been exiled, His promise remain true. When God promises something, it will come to pass. There may be temporary setbacks, but God will prove faithful to His word.
Application:
This helps me to realize that God's promises never fail. They will come to pass! He knows the beginning from the end and He is faithful to do what He said He would do. So many times, people give up too quickly on God's promises. Maybe they start tithing and don't see results as quickly as they would like and feel like, "it didn't work", so they quit. Who knows if they were not one week from a breakthrough and just gave up too soon? Maybe they were praying for someone and didn't see a change so they quit praying. When God promises something, you can rest assured it will come to pass. We just have to stand in faith and believe it is coming into our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, help me learn to wait on Your promises and not faint in the process. You are a faithful God who loves His children. Your words are true and life giving. I love and appreciate You more than I can express. Help me to endure the times when the promises haven't come through yet. Help me Holy Spirit to walk through whatever comes my way with a pure heart while I wait for the promise.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Lord is Good!
Scripture:
Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him".
Observation:
Nahum is a book warning Ninevah that judgment is coming from the Lord. Nahum continually tells Ninevah that God is going to release His wrath and anger at them and they will be utterly destroyed. They are seen as the enemies of the Lord. In the midst of raging about what is going to happen to Ninevah, we see this verse tucked in to Israel. The Lord always brings comfort to His people in any situation. In the midst of 3 chapters of prophesied destruction it says, "The Lord is Good". He closes this with "He is close to those who trust Him". God is always good to His people and close to those who trust Him.
Application:
I believe we are as close to the Lord today as we really want to be. The word tells us to "draw near to Him and He will draw near to us". God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good! We love to say it, but do we believe it? Do we really believe He is close to those who trust Him? I want a life that is close to the Lord and from this scripture I see that it goes hand in hand with trusting Him. I want to trust Him more for who He is for He is good.
Prayer:
Lord, let me trust You more today than I did yesterday. I want to come nearer to you every day. You are good and I want to be in Your presence more and more. I love You and long to be nearer to You. You are my rock, my fortress and my deliverer! I will trust in You.
Jeff
Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him".
Observation:
Nahum is a book warning Ninevah that judgment is coming from the Lord. Nahum continually tells Ninevah that God is going to release His wrath and anger at them and they will be utterly destroyed. They are seen as the enemies of the Lord. In the midst of raging about what is going to happen to Ninevah, we see this verse tucked in to Israel. The Lord always brings comfort to His people in any situation. In the midst of 3 chapters of prophesied destruction it says, "The Lord is Good". He closes this with "He is close to those who trust Him". God is always good to His people and close to those who trust Him.
Application:
I believe we are as close to the Lord today as we really want to be. The word tells us to "draw near to Him and He will draw near to us". God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good! We love to say it, but do we believe it? Do we really believe He is close to those who trust Him? I want a life that is close to the Lord and from this scripture I see that it goes hand in hand with trusting Him. I want to trust Him more for who He is for He is good.
Prayer:
Lord, let me trust You more today than I did yesterday. I want to come nearer to you every day. You are good and I want to be in Your presence more and more. I love You and long to be nearer to You. You are my rock, my fortress and my deliverer! I will trust in You.
Jeff
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Blessed Hope
Scripture:
Titus 2:13 "Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ".
Observation:
Paul is writing to Titus and telling him how to live right in verse 11 and 12. He then goes on and tells why, "looking for the blessed hope". Living with the Blessed Hope in mind is the only way to live the Christian life. When we keep the return of the Lord in mind, we will focus on the right things.
Application:
If you really believe that Jesus might come back today, would you live the day any differently than usual? If you really believe that Jesus was coming tomorrow, how would you live differently today? We must learn to live with eternity in our hearts and an eye on the coming of the Lord. When this happens, our lives will line up with the will of God. We must stay in the the right mindset, so we don't get overrun by the things of this world.
Prayer:
Lord, keep my eyes on the sky and help me live every day to the fullest for Your kingdom. Keep me looking up and getting ready for Your return. Let my life count for eternity Lord.
Love you,
Jeff
Titus 2:13 "Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ".
Observation:
Paul is writing to Titus and telling him how to live right in verse 11 and 12. He then goes on and tells why, "looking for the blessed hope". Living with the Blessed Hope in mind is the only way to live the Christian life. When we keep the return of the Lord in mind, we will focus on the right things.
Application:
If you really believe that Jesus might come back today, would you live the day any differently than usual? If you really believe that Jesus was coming tomorrow, how would you live differently today? We must learn to live with eternity in our hearts and an eye on the coming of the Lord. When this happens, our lives will line up with the will of God. We must stay in the the right mindset, so we don't get overrun by the things of this world.
Prayer:
Lord, keep my eyes on the sky and help me live every day to the fullest for Your kingdom. Keep me looking up and getting ready for Your return. Let my life count for eternity Lord.
Love you,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Suffering Persecution
Scripture:
II Timothy 3:12 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution".
Observation:
Many people today preach a gospel that says if you come to Jesus, you will never have another problem. You'll be rich, powerful, healthy and wise! This message is wonderful to hear and people get excited when they hear it. I love the Apostle Paul! He says the opposite, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution". WOW! Isn't that uplifting? The truth is that we will suffer persecution in this world, but God will bring us through every trial as we lean on Him. He will deliver His people!
Application:
When bad things happen, and they will, you don't always have to rebuke the devil. Sometimes you have to go through some stuff in this life. Persecution and difficult times really develop our character and God is very concerned with our character. God is faithful and won't allow us to go through more than we can bear, but He will allow us to go through some tough things which will help shape us if we will let it. We must stay on the potter's wheel and allow the process to help us grow. We must remain strong in faith and know our God will deliver us from every persecution.
Prayer:
Lord, let us be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Let us face persecution straight on and know You will help us. You are the best. Teach us to walk through every problem with faith in You alone!
Love,
Jeff
II Timothy 3:12 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution".
Observation:
Many people today preach a gospel that says if you come to Jesus, you will never have another problem. You'll be rich, powerful, healthy and wise! This message is wonderful to hear and people get excited when they hear it. I love the Apostle Paul! He says the opposite, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution". WOW! Isn't that uplifting? The truth is that we will suffer persecution in this world, but God will bring us through every trial as we lean on Him. He will deliver His people!
Application:
When bad things happen, and they will, you don't always have to rebuke the devil. Sometimes you have to go through some stuff in this life. Persecution and difficult times really develop our character and God is very concerned with our character. God is faithful and won't allow us to go through more than we can bear, but He will allow us to go through some tough things which will help shape us if we will let it. We must stay on the potter's wheel and allow the process to help us grow. We must remain strong in faith and know our God will deliver us from every persecution.
Prayer:
Lord, let us be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Let us face persecution straight on and know You will help us. You are the best. Teach us to walk through every problem with faith in You alone!
Love,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A Pure Vessel
Scripture:
II Timothy 2:21, "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work".
Observation:
Paul is writing a letter to his young friend Timothy who was getting started in ministry. He speaks of every wealthy house having "expensive utensils" that they would use if company is coming over and "inexpensive utensils" that they use every day. In this verse he is telling Timothy that if he can keep his life pure, he will be a special utensil for honorable use. His life will be clean and ready for use by the Master. Purity does matter! God looks for the pure in heart, then fills them up and uses them for His glory.
Application:
The good stuff gets put in a China closet and pulled out when guests come over. It must remain pure and clean because it is for serving our best people. In the same way, God wants us to remain pure so that when He has a situation that needs dealt with, He can call on us and He knows we will be close enough to Him to hear His voice. Not enough is being said today about purity, but it is crucial in the Kingdom. God truly desires "pure" vessels that are not contaminated so that He may pour through them. Does God get glory from your life? Are you living a life that makes God say, "I'm pulling out my fine china on this situation?" Let's purify ourselves and make ourselves ready for the Master's use.
Prayer:
Purify me Lord. Purify my heart, my mind, my motives, my dreams and ambitions. Purify my life in every area. I want to be ready for the Master's use. Lord, let my life continually be in a place with You where You can call on me for anything You need accomplished on this earth.
I Love You Lord,
Jeffrey Jacob
II Timothy 2:21, "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work".
Observation:
Paul is writing a letter to his young friend Timothy who was getting started in ministry. He speaks of every wealthy house having "expensive utensils" that they would use if company is coming over and "inexpensive utensils" that they use every day. In this verse he is telling Timothy that if he can keep his life pure, he will be a special utensil for honorable use. His life will be clean and ready for use by the Master. Purity does matter! God looks for the pure in heart, then fills them up and uses them for His glory.
Application:
The good stuff gets put in a China closet and pulled out when guests come over. It must remain pure and clean because it is for serving our best people. In the same way, God wants us to remain pure so that when He has a situation that needs dealt with, He can call on us and He knows we will be close enough to Him to hear His voice. Not enough is being said today about purity, but it is crucial in the Kingdom. God truly desires "pure" vessels that are not contaminated so that He may pour through them. Does God get glory from your life? Are you living a life that makes God say, "I'm pulling out my fine china on this situation?" Let's purify ourselves and make ourselves ready for the Master's use.
Prayer:
Purify me Lord. Purify my heart, my mind, my motives, my dreams and ambitions. Purify my life in every area. I want to be ready for the Master's use. Lord, let my life continually be in a place with You where You can call on me for anything You need accomplished on this earth.
I Love You Lord,
Jeffrey Jacob
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Praying for You
Scripture:
II Thessalonians 1:11 "So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do".
Observation:
Here we see Paul telling the Thessalonians how he prays for them. He is basically asking God to... 1. enable them to live a life worthy of his call. 2. give them power to accomplish what their faith prompts them to do. I see Paul's heart here praying for them to be rooted and grounded in the faith. Paul didn't just encourage them verbally to live right, he took it to God and prayed about the people he led to the Lord.
Application:
How much do we truly pray for those around us. Sometimes we throw a little prayer someone's way. We even tell people, "say a little prayer for me when you think about it". Beyond just the prayers for people physical needs, how often do we pray for people to grow spiritually? Are we asking God to help people live a life worthy of His calling? Are we praying that God would strengthen people ad give them power to accomplish what He puts in their hearts to do? This is crucial to people's spiritual growth. They need someone praying for them! May we become people who pray, not just for people's physical, but their spiritual needs as well.
Prayer:
Lord, I hear You speaking to me. Thursday You spoke to me about prayer in 2010, yesterday you confirmed it again, and now it is once again confirmed. Thank You for speaking clearly to me on this. Show me the times, the places, and the order for these times of prayer. I want to lead Word of Life into Your best for them and into Your will. I love You. Thank you for allowing me to hear Your voice.
Jeff
II Thessalonians 1:11 "So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do".
Observation:
Here we see Paul telling the Thessalonians how he prays for them. He is basically asking God to... 1. enable them to live a life worthy of his call. 2. give them power to accomplish what their faith prompts them to do. I see Paul's heart here praying for them to be rooted and grounded in the faith. Paul didn't just encourage them verbally to live right, he took it to God and prayed about the people he led to the Lord.
Application:
How much do we truly pray for those around us. Sometimes we throw a little prayer someone's way. We even tell people, "say a little prayer for me when you think about it". Beyond just the prayers for people physical needs, how often do we pray for people to grow spiritually? Are we asking God to help people live a life worthy of His calling? Are we praying that God would strengthen people ad give them power to accomplish what He puts in their hearts to do? This is crucial to people's spiritual growth. They need someone praying for them! May we become people who pray, not just for people's physical, but their spiritual needs as well.
Prayer:
Lord, I hear You speaking to me. Thursday You spoke to me about prayer in 2010, yesterday you confirmed it again, and now it is once again confirmed. Thank You for speaking clearly to me on this. Show me the times, the places, and the order for these times of prayer. I want to lead Word of Life into Your best for them and into Your will. I love You. Thank you for allowing me to hear Your voice.
Jeff
Thursday, December 3, 2009
A Quiet Life
Scripture:
I Thessalonians 4:11 "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before".
Observation:
In this text, God gives us a way of living and tells us to make it our goal. Goals give you a direction and a target. Without a goal, you don't know if you are accomplishing anything. Here God tells us to make a goal of living a quiet life, minding our own business and working with our hands. He goes on to say that then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live. Our faith in God should affect the way we live. Our lives should be be quiet, we should mind our own business and work, then we will be a good witness in the world.
Application:
The world is looking for something real, something they can believe in. They are looking for something that works. When they see believers lives that are no different than their own, they are not impressed with Christianity, but when they see us living differently than them, they will want what we have. What are most people missing and wanting desperately? They want a peaceful and quiet life. Most people don't know what a quiet life is, but when they see it, they want it. If we want to win the world to Jesus and be a good example for Him we must: live a quiet life, mind our own business and be diligent in our work.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be real, through and through. May the life I live be quiet and full of peace, a life that this world can't live. let me always have a good work ethic and help keep my mind on my own business and out of everyone else's. I want this world to see that serving You is awesome and will truly bring peace into their lives.
You're the Best!
Jeff
I Thessalonians 4:11 "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before".
Observation:
In this text, God gives us a way of living and tells us to make it our goal. Goals give you a direction and a target. Without a goal, you don't know if you are accomplishing anything. Here God tells us to make a goal of living a quiet life, minding our own business and working with our hands. He goes on to say that then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live. Our faith in God should affect the way we live. Our lives should be be quiet, we should mind our own business and work, then we will be a good witness in the world.
Application:
The world is looking for something real, something they can believe in. They are looking for something that works. When they see believers lives that are no different than their own, they are not impressed with Christianity, but when they see us living differently than them, they will want what we have. What are most people missing and wanting desperately? They want a peaceful and quiet life. Most people don't know what a quiet life is, but when they see it, they want it. If we want to win the world to Jesus and be a good example for Him we must: live a quiet life, mind our own business and be diligent in our work.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be real, through and through. May the life I live be quiet and full of peace, a life that this world can't live. let me always have a good work ethic and help keep my mind on my own business and out of everyone else's. I want this world to see that serving You is awesome and will truly bring peace into their lives.
You're the Best!
Jeff
Pleasing God or Pleasing People?
Scripture:
I Thessalonians 2:4 "For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Thessalonian people, remembering his time with them. As he is reconnecting with them, he asks them to remember that he and his workers did not come with and trickery, deceit or wrong motives. He is bringing back to their remembrance the hard work they have done while with them. When it comes to motives of the heart he says, "Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts".
Application:
God knows the motives of our hearts. What we do must be to please Him and Him alone. When ministering, we must do it out of a pure conscience and pure motives. God can look through impure motives to see what we are really all about. He knows all! People will try to control you, tell you how things must be done, and honestly try to help you in the Kingdom, but our first priority must be to hear from God and do accordingly, no matter whether people like us or they don't like us. Keeping you heart right before the Lord is crucial in ministry. Maintaining your personal prayer and devotional life is crucial if you are going to minister for the Lord. Watch your motives, they will make you of break you! Keep them pure!
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be a God pleaser and not a man pleaser. I want my heart to remain pure before You and to accomplish Your will for my life. I love You and want to serve You with pure heart and motives. I don't want to be swayed by anyone but You. Show me Your ways, teach me Your truths and I will do my best to follow accordingly. You are my everything! There is nothing else but You.
Yours,
Jeff
I Thessalonians 2:4 "For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Thessalonian people, remembering his time with them. As he is reconnecting with them, he asks them to remember that he and his workers did not come with and trickery, deceit or wrong motives. He is bringing back to their remembrance the hard work they have done while with them. When it comes to motives of the heart he says, "Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts".
Application:
God knows the motives of our hearts. What we do must be to please Him and Him alone. When ministering, we must do it out of a pure conscience and pure motives. God can look through impure motives to see what we are really all about. He knows all! People will try to control you, tell you how things must be done, and honestly try to help you in the Kingdom, but our first priority must be to hear from God and do accordingly, no matter whether people like us or they don't like us. Keeping you heart right before the Lord is crucial in ministry. Maintaining your personal prayer and devotional life is crucial if you are going to minister for the Lord. Watch your motives, they will make you of break you! Keep them pure!
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be a God pleaser and not a man pleaser. I want my heart to remain pure before You and to accomplish Your will for my life. I love You and want to serve You with pure heart and motives. I don't want to be swayed by anyone but You. Show me Your ways, teach me Your truths and I will do my best to follow accordingly. You are my everything! There is nothing else but You.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
God's Requirements
Scripture:
Micah 6:8 "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God".
Observation:
Micah sums up what it takes to have the blessing and favor of God on your life. He had been talking about judgment that was coming because of their disobedience and how to avert it. He talked about offering massive sacrifices to get God's favor back, then he sums it up so simply. God is not hard to please and you don't have to wonder what pleases Him. Simply, "do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God". If we can do these three, the blessing of God comes into our lives.
Application:
These three things sound simple, but they are difficult to live by. Doing what is right means doing the right thing when doing other things would be so much easier. The right thing is seldom the easy thing. We are programmed to look for the easy way out of every problem, but God wants us to "do the right thing". Loving mercy is also difficult because we are also programmed to love justice and revenge instead of mercy and grace. It is more natural humanly to get revenge on someone than it is to forgive and have mercy working in our lives. Lastly, pride is when we feel we can do things better than God. He wants us to walk humbly with Him which means we must totally and completely trust and obey Him. These three will make you a winner in God's kingdom, but they are tough to live out every day.
Prayer:
Lord, You have told us what is good. You have made it so simple, yet we complicate it so much. Teach me to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You. I ask You to help me in these three areas. Help me be a person of character and integrity in every area of life. Help me to love those who hate me and do good to those who spitefully use me. Help me show mercy to all. Help me to walk humbly with You. I desperately need You in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Micah 6:8 "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God".
Observation:
Micah sums up what it takes to have the blessing and favor of God on your life. He had been talking about judgment that was coming because of their disobedience and how to avert it. He talked about offering massive sacrifices to get God's favor back, then he sums it up so simply. God is not hard to please and you don't have to wonder what pleases Him. Simply, "do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God". If we can do these three, the blessing of God comes into our lives.
Application:
These three things sound simple, but they are difficult to live by. Doing what is right means doing the right thing when doing other things would be so much easier. The right thing is seldom the easy thing. We are programmed to look for the easy way out of every problem, but God wants us to "do the right thing". Loving mercy is also difficult because we are also programmed to love justice and revenge instead of mercy and grace. It is more natural humanly to get revenge on someone than it is to forgive and have mercy working in our lives. Lastly, pride is when we feel we can do things better than God. He wants us to walk humbly with Him which means we must totally and completely trust and obey Him. These three will make you a winner in God's kingdom, but they are tough to live out every day.
Prayer:
Lord, You have told us what is good. You have made it so simple, yet we complicate it so much. Teach me to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You. I ask You to help me in these three areas. Help me be a person of character and integrity in every area of life. Help me to love those who hate me and do good to those who spitefully use me. Help me show mercy to all. Help me to walk humbly with You. I desperately need You in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Ruler from Everlasting
Scripture:
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting".
Observation:
I love the Word of God. It is accurate to the letter. As we approach this Christmas season, we must remember that Jesus was the promised one who would come. It says of Jesus that He would come out of Bethlehem, a small and insignificant place, but that He would be the ruler of all. It also says of Him that He His going forths are from everlasting. Hundreds of years before Christ, Micah prophesied that He would come from Bethlehem, and that He would be from everlasting.
Application:
If God knew that Jesus was coming to earth and would be born in the insignificant little town of Bethlehem, how much does He know about you? He spoke of this hundreds of years before Jesus came. If this is true, then He knew I was coming also. He knew where I would be born, and what my life would become. He knows the beginning from the end and time is no issue with Him. He is from everlasting and yet is concerned about the little details of our lives. He is amazing! Jesus came, just as the prophecy said, and will yet rule the nations of the earth with a rod of iron. His Word never fails and you can trust Him fully.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for showing me a little glimpse today of how awesome You are. I love You and give You my life once again for Your service. Use my life Lord to bring You glory. You never cease to amaze me.
Yours Forever!
Jeff
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting".
Observation:
I love the Word of God. It is accurate to the letter. As we approach this Christmas season, we must remember that Jesus was the promised one who would come. It says of Jesus that He would come out of Bethlehem, a small and insignificant place, but that He would be the ruler of all. It also says of Him that He His going forths are from everlasting. Hundreds of years before Christ, Micah prophesied that He would come from Bethlehem, and that He would be from everlasting.
Application:
If God knew that Jesus was coming to earth and would be born in the insignificant little town of Bethlehem, how much does He know about you? He spoke of this hundreds of years before Jesus came. If this is true, then He knew I was coming also. He knew where I would be born, and what my life would become. He knows the beginning from the end and time is no issue with Him. He is from everlasting and yet is concerned about the little details of our lives. He is amazing! Jesus came, just as the prophecy said, and will yet rule the nations of the earth with a rod of iron. His Word never fails and you can trust Him fully.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for showing me a little glimpse today of how awesome You are. I love You and give You my life once again for Your service. Use my life Lord to bring You glory. You never cease to amaze me.
Yours Forever!
Jeff
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