Scripture:
Ezekiel 44:4 "I looked and I saw that the glory of the Lord filled the temple of the Lord, and I fell face down on the ground".
Observation:
Ezekiel was privileged to have many powerful encounters with the Lord. He saw many visions and dreams. In this vision, he has just received all the details of what the Temple will look like down to all the decorations and dimensions of everything. Next he sees the glory of the Lord filling the temple and his reaction was awesome. He fell on his face to the ground. He had already had many powerful visions and God had shown him so much, but when he saw the glory of the Lord, he hit the deck face down. This is what happens every time someone gets a glimpse of the glory of the Lord.
Application:
When we experience the glory of the Lord, our lives will be changed. WE will be humbled in His presence. Worship is not a problem when we have tasted of His glory and awesomeness. Immediately upon seeing the glory of the Lord, we want to fall on our faces and repent of every sin in our lives. We need to see His glory again. Those who have seen His glory, have never been the same. Their lives have changed forever. I know when I say His glory and majesty, my life was changed. One glimpse of his glory and you will never again doubt God's power. Ask the Lord to show you His glory today!
Prayer:
Lord, Show me Your glory one more time. I want to know You more. I want to walk with You and talk with You. I want to work for You and fulfill Your will in my life. I surrender to You every area of my life. Take me Lord and use me for Your glory. Show me Your ways. Teach me Your paths. I want to know You more.
Jeff
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The Precision of God's Temple
Scripture:
Ezekiel 40-42
Observation:
In these three chapters, Ezekiel is taken to Jerusalem and carried to the Temple Mount. He was shown what the new temple would be like when they returned and rebuilt it. The vision of this Temple was so precise and accurate! It showed every dimension and every detail that would need to go into the Temple. God was showing Ezekiel "Precisely" what He wanted.
Application:
God is a god of precision and detail. He doesn't just haphazardly throw a building together and call it a Temple. He was concerned with every detail. He wanted it to be exactly as He described, down to the utensils that would be used. In the New Testament, our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. If He cared about every detail of the Old Testament Temple, He also cares about our lives. If our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we need to take care of them with precision and detail. We should offer Him a fine tuned instrument to live in and work through.
Prayer:
Lord, You were so detailed about the building with Your name on it. You were precise about what You wanted. Now my body is the Temple of Your Spirit. Help me to take better care of it and offer to You a body that You would be honored with. Help me, after this fast, to eat right and exercise regularly, that You may be honored by the temple I present to You. The temple in the OT brought Your glory, may my temple bring You glory.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 40-42
Observation:
In these three chapters, Ezekiel is taken to Jerusalem and carried to the Temple Mount. He was shown what the new temple would be like when they returned and rebuilt it. The vision of this Temple was so precise and accurate! It showed every dimension and every detail that would need to go into the Temple. God was showing Ezekiel "Precisely" what He wanted.
Application:
God is a god of precision and detail. He doesn't just haphazardly throw a building together and call it a Temple. He was concerned with every detail. He wanted it to be exactly as He described, down to the utensils that would be used. In the New Testament, our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. If He cared about every detail of the Old Testament Temple, He also cares about our lives. If our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we need to take care of them with precision and detail. We should offer Him a fine tuned instrument to live in and work through.
Prayer:
Lord, You were so detailed about the building with Your name on it. You were precise about what You wanted. Now my body is the Temple of Your Spirit. Help me to take better care of it and offer to You a body that You would be honored with. Help me, after this fast, to eat right and exercise regularly, that You may be honored by the temple I present to You. The temple in the OT brought Your glory, may my temple bring You glory.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, January 25, 2010
Speak the Message
Scripture:
Ezekiel 37:10 "So I spoke the message as He commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood on their feet - a great army".
Observation:
Ezekiel had a vision of Israel being a valley of dry bones and was told to prophesy to the bones that they would live and become a great army. It is one thing to believe for God to raise the dead who have been dead a few minutes, but Ezekiel was given the message that these bones in the dessert would live again.! Of course it was a picture or an object lesson, but most of us would really question whether we should prophesy to dry bones saying they will live. Though he probably doesn't understand, he does as he was told and speaks prophetically and he sees the bones come together, flesh come into them and finally the breath of life was breathed back into them again. This was a picture of what would happen to Israel.
Application:
When God says it, speak it! When God give you a message, sometimes, if things don't appear to be happening, it is difficult to give that message. We are called to be obedient to God, not to understand everything He tells us to do. When He asks us to do or say something, we need to be ready to obey at all times, whether it makes sense to us or not. God's thoughts are above our thoughts and His ways are above our ways. Obedience speaks to dry bones and they live. Rational thinking says it is way too late!
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to hear from You clearer. Teach us to obey and do what You say whether it makes sense to us or not. You know tomorrow like we know yesterday and understand everything that is coming. Help us to obey when You speak and not rule it out because it doesn't make sense to us. You are the all-powerful God and I worship You this morning. Thank You for speaking to me through this daily wash. Speak to me this last week of our fast. I want to hear Your voice and be led by You and You alone. I trust You and will obey.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 37:10 "So I spoke the message as He commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood on their feet - a great army".
Observation:
Ezekiel had a vision of Israel being a valley of dry bones and was told to prophesy to the bones that they would live and become a great army. It is one thing to believe for God to raise the dead who have been dead a few minutes, but Ezekiel was given the message that these bones in the dessert would live again.! Of course it was a picture or an object lesson, but most of us would really question whether we should prophesy to dry bones saying they will live. Though he probably doesn't understand, he does as he was told and speaks prophetically and he sees the bones come together, flesh come into them and finally the breath of life was breathed back into them again. This was a picture of what would happen to Israel.
Application:
When God says it, speak it! When God give you a message, sometimes, if things don't appear to be happening, it is difficult to give that message. We are called to be obedient to God, not to understand everything He tells us to do. When He asks us to do or say something, we need to be ready to obey at all times, whether it makes sense to us or not. God's thoughts are above our thoughts and His ways are above our ways. Obedience speaks to dry bones and they live. Rational thinking says it is way too late!
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to hear from You clearer. Teach us to obey and do what You say whether it makes sense to us or not. You know tomorrow like we know yesterday and understand everything that is coming. Help us to obey when You speak and not rule it out because it doesn't make sense to us. You are the all-powerful God and I worship You this morning. Thank You for speaking to me through this daily wash. Speak to me this last week of our fast. I want to hear Your voice and be led by You and You alone. I trust You and will obey.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pride: One Thing God Hates
Scripture:
Ezekiel 28:17 "Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So I threw you to the ground and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings."
Observation:
In this passage we see God speaking to the king of Tyre. From the references to Eden and how he was created, we come to understand that God is speaking about Lucifer or Satan. Satan's downfall was not his beauty, his success, or his power. It was his pride! From the beginning, God has not tolerated pride. Pride caused the fall of Satan and pride causes most falls today. Pride causes us to think we can do it on our own without God's help. Pride causes us to think we don't need anyone or anything. God hates this because it denies our need of Him. One thing God wants from His people is for us to cry out to Him and acknowledge our need of Him.
Application:
"God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble". Pride actually puts us in opposition to God. "Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God, and He will raise you up". Serving God causes us to function exactly opposite to the world's system, which is Satan's. God says, humble yourself and express your need for Him instead of taking things into your own hands and telling God you can take care of it. He wants His people to depend on Him! Pride says I don't need God and this is one of the things God hates the most. Let's walk humbly before our God and let Him raise us up.
Prayer:
Lord, I need You today more than ever. You are my strength, my rock and my deliverer. You are my salvation and the life within me. You are worthy of my praise! Forgive me for often taking things into my own hands and not relying on You more. Teach me to trust You and let You work instead of moving out ahead of You. Thank you for speaking to me this morning
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 28:17 "Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So I threw you to the ground and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings."
Observation:
In this passage we see God speaking to the king of Tyre. From the references to Eden and how he was created, we come to understand that God is speaking about Lucifer or Satan. Satan's downfall was not his beauty, his success, or his power. It was his pride! From the beginning, God has not tolerated pride. Pride caused the fall of Satan and pride causes most falls today. Pride causes us to think we can do it on our own without God's help. Pride causes us to think we don't need anyone or anything. God hates this because it denies our need of Him. One thing God wants from His people is for us to cry out to Him and acknowledge our need of Him.
Application:
"God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble". Pride actually puts us in opposition to God. "Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God, and He will raise you up". Serving God causes us to function exactly opposite to the world's system, which is Satan's. God says, humble yourself and express your need for Him instead of taking things into your own hands and telling God you can take care of it. He wants His people to depend on Him! Pride says I don't need God and this is one of the things God hates the most. Let's walk humbly before our God and let Him raise us up.
Prayer:
Lord, I need You today more than ever. You are my strength, my rock and my deliverer. You are my salvation and the life within me. You are worthy of my praise! Forgive me for often taking things into my own hands and not relying on You more. Teach me to trust You and let You work instead of moving out ahead of You. Thank you for speaking to me this morning
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, January 21, 2010
God Fights for His People
Scripture:
Ezekiel 25:8-9a "Because Moab and Seir say, 'Look! The house of Judah is like all the nations,' therefore, behold, I will clear the territory of Moab of cities".
Observation:
I am using this particular verse, but really this word is from the entire chapters of Ezekiel 25-27. In the beginning of Ezekiel, we were listening to God declare how he was going to punish Judah and Israel. How He was going to destroy them for prostituting themselves with other gods. We heard of His anger toward His people because of their disobedience. In this section, God turns His anger toward the surrounding countries of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre for how they treated His people.
Application:
God loves His people and will deal with them harshly when He needs to, but watch out for the person or nation who comes against them and speaks badly of them or treats them wrong. God will discipline His children at times, but He still watches over them to make sure nobody else is going to hurt them. He says, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay". When somebody comes against you, realize that God is going to take vengeance on them. He sees how you are treated and will pay back in His time and His way. We have to trust Him with this. Sometimes it is easier to defend ourselves and fight back, but once we do, we forfeit God being able to bring justice His way. I would much rather Him take care of my business. I just have to trust He will.
Prayer:
Lord, Your truly love your children. Your love is amazing! You are able to discipline us when we do wrong, yet love us enough to fight those who fight against us. Thank you for loving us like you do.
Jeff
Ezekiel 25:8-9a "Because Moab and Seir say, 'Look! The house of Judah is like all the nations,' therefore, behold, I will clear the territory of Moab of cities".
Observation:
I am using this particular verse, but really this word is from the entire chapters of Ezekiel 25-27. In the beginning of Ezekiel, we were listening to God declare how he was going to punish Judah and Israel. How He was going to destroy them for prostituting themselves with other gods. We heard of His anger toward His people because of their disobedience. In this section, God turns His anger toward the surrounding countries of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre for how they treated His people.
Application:
God loves His people and will deal with them harshly when He needs to, but watch out for the person or nation who comes against them and speaks badly of them or treats them wrong. God will discipline His children at times, but He still watches over them to make sure nobody else is going to hurt them. He says, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay". When somebody comes against you, realize that God is going to take vengeance on them. He sees how you are treated and will pay back in His time and His way. We have to trust Him with this. Sometimes it is easier to defend ourselves and fight back, but once we do, we forfeit God being able to bring justice His way. I would much rather Him take care of my business. I just have to trust He will.
Prayer:
Lord, Your truly love your children. Your love is amazing! You are able to discipline us when we do wrong, yet love us enough to fight those who fight against us. Thank you for loving us like you do.
Jeff
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
God is looking For Someone
Scripture:
Ezekiel 22:30 "I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one".
Observation:
Ezekiel continues to rant and rave about he coming destruction for God's people because of their disobedience and worshipping other gods. He compares Israel with a prostitute because they are going after other gods instead of the one who gave them life and everything they needed. In God's discourse about destroying Israel He says that He looked for a person who would live righteously and for someone to stand in the gap in the wall because He truly did not want to destroy Jerusalem. His desire is not to destroy, but when He looks and can't find one person living holy, He has to destroy instead of bless.
Application:
In 2010 I want to be the one standing in the gap in the wall. I want to be the one who is living righteous and stopping the judgment that is coming on America. America has prostituted herself with the gods of this world. Now is the time for God's people to pray, live righteously, and stand in the gap on behalf of our nation. Our government has made some terrible decisions and we deserve punishment, but let's be the ones who are standing in the gap. God doesn't want to bring judgment. He is looking for someone who will stand in the gap in the wall and live righteously.
Prayer:
Lord, I will stand in the gap in the wall. I want to live a life that is pleasing to You. Forgive America for her sins of pride, self-reliance and going after other gods. Forgive us for allowing our children to be murdered in the name of abortion. Forgive us for not living holy and pure lives. When you look at the gap in the wall, I want to be standing there. Help me I pray.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Jeff
Ezekiel 22:30 "I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one".
Observation:
Ezekiel continues to rant and rave about he coming destruction for God's people because of their disobedience and worshipping other gods. He compares Israel with a prostitute because they are going after other gods instead of the one who gave them life and everything they needed. In God's discourse about destroying Israel He says that He looked for a person who would live righteously and for someone to stand in the gap in the wall because He truly did not want to destroy Jerusalem. His desire is not to destroy, but when He looks and can't find one person living holy, He has to destroy instead of bless.
Application:
In 2010 I want to be the one standing in the gap in the wall. I want to be the one who is living righteous and stopping the judgment that is coming on America. America has prostituted herself with the gods of this world. Now is the time for God's people to pray, live righteously, and stand in the gap on behalf of our nation. Our government has made some terrible decisions and we deserve punishment, but let's be the ones who are standing in the gap. God doesn't want to bring judgment. He is looking for someone who will stand in the gap in the wall and live righteously.
Prayer:
Lord, I will stand in the gap in the wall. I want to live a life that is pleasing to You. Forgive America for her sins of pride, self-reliance and going after other gods. Forgive us for allowing our children to be murdered in the name of abortion. Forgive us for not living holy and pure lives. When you look at the gap in the wall, I want to be standing there. Help me I pray.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Jeff
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Obedience Brings Life
Scripture:
Ezekiel 20:13 "But the people of Israel rebelled against me, and they refused to obey my decrees there in the wilderness. They wouldn't obey my regulations even though obedience would have given them life".
Observation:
Israel continued to rebel against the Lord and constantly turned back to serving idols and the gods of the surrounding lands. God Almighty desired only one thing, that they would serve and worship him as the one who has set them apart. All he wanted was for them to hold up their end of the covenant. He wanted to see them walk in the blessings of obedience, but they wouldn't serve him faithfully.
Application:
God wants to be first place in our lives. He has given everything, including His own Son, so that we can have relationship with him. He has given us His spirit to guide, convict, lead, and empower us to be able to live a life that is pleasing to him. I believe the Lord is saying to us today that we are like the children of Israel. He desires to bless and prosper us, but we don't want to live the way He prescribes. We must become people who obey our God and have LIFE! Obey and live!
Prayer:
Teach me to obey You when it is easy and when it is hard. Teach me to honor You in all I do and not run after other things that will take me away from the purposes You have called me for. You are my creator, my God, and my friend. Work with me and develop my life that it may bring You glory.
Jeff
Ezekiel 20:13 "But the people of Israel rebelled against me, and they refused to obey my decrees there in the wilderness. They wouldn't obey my regulations even though obedience would have given them life".
Observation:
Israel continued to rebel against the Lord and constantly turned back to serving idols and the gods of the surrounding lands. God Almighty desired only one thing, that they would serve and worship him as the one who has set them apart. All he wanted was for them to hold up their end of the covenant. He wanted to see them walk in the blessings of obedience, but they wouldn't serve him faithfully.
Application:
God wants to be first place in our lives. He has given everything, including His own Son, so that we can have relationship with him. He has given us His spirit to guide, convict, lead, and empower us to be able to live a life that is pleasing to him. I believe the Lord is saying to us today that we are like the children of Israel. He desires to bless and prosper us, but we don't want to live the way He prescribes. We must become people who obey our God and have LIFE! Obey and live!
Prayer:
Teach me to obey You when it is easy and when it is hard. Teach me to honor You in all I do and not run after other things that will take me away from the purposes You have called me for. You are my creator, my God, and my friend. Work with me and develop my life that it may bring You glory.
Jeff
Monday, January 18, 2010
Turn Back and Live
Scripture:
Ezekiel 18:32 "I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!"
Observation:
Ezekiel is prophesying to a rebellious people who had prostituted themselves with other gods. He was bringing a message of judgment to them because they had walked away from the God who had created them and done so many mighty miracles for them. God had done so much for Israel, yet they walked away from Him and served other gods. Ezekiel is telling them that they are going to be destroyed because of their disobedience and in the middle of it you can still hear the voice of the Lord speaking, "I don't want you to die...Turn back and live!" It is never God's desire to punish His people. He would much rather bless, than punish!
Application:
Our God is a God of love, grace, forgiveness and much patience. We must walk in the knowledge of His love and demonstrate our love for Him more each day. His heart for us is always to bless and prosper us, but He also cannot tolerate sin. When you feel like you are on God's operating table and He is chastising you, realize He would much rather you turn and live. Let's always be quick to "turn back and live".
Prayer:
Lord, I want to please You with my life. I want everything I do to bring You glory. You are my rock, my fortress, my deliverer and my salvation! You are my everything. Help me to live a life that pleases You. When I mess up, help me to see Your love and forgiveness. Thank You for speaking to me today.
I love You,
Jeff
Ezekiel 18:32 "I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!"
Observation:
Ezekiel is prophesying to a rebellious people who had prostituted themselves with other gods. He was bringing a message of judgment to them because they had walked away from the God who had created them and done so many mighty miracles for them. God had done so much for Israel, yet they walked away from Him and served other gods. Ezekiel is telling them that they are going to be destroyed because of their disobedience and in the middle of it you can still hear the voice of the Lord speaking, "I don't want you to die...Turn back and live!" It is never God's desire to punish His people. He would much rather bless, than punish!
Application:
Our God is a God of love, grace, forgiveness and much patience. We must walk in the knowledge of His love and demonstrate our love for Him more each day. His heart for us is always to bless and prosper us, but He also cannot tolerate sin. When you feel like you are on God's operating table and He is chastising you, realize He would much rather you turn and live. Let's always be quick to "turn back and live".
Prayer:
Lord, I want to please You with my life. I want everything I do to bring You glory. You are my rock, my fortress, my deliverer and my salvation! You are my everything. Help me to live a life that pleases You. When I mess up, help me to see Your love and forgiveness. Thank You for speaking to me today.
I love You,
Jeff
Saturday, January 16, 2010
When God Says Something, Believe It!
Scripture:
Ezekiel 12:22-23 "Son of Man, You've heard the proverb they quote in Israel: 'Time passes, and prophecies come to nothing.' Tell the people, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will put an end to this proverb, and you will soon stop quoting it.' Now give them this new proverb to replace the old one: 'The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled!'"
Observation:
Throughout the Old Testament we continually read how angry God gets when He is not taken seriously. When God speaks, something is going to happen. Because God is eternal, time is unlimited with Him. His timing is not always our timing. When He says it, it will happen, just maybe not when we think it should. In this passage, the people were saying how the prophecies were not coming to pass and even made up a saying about it. God finally steps on and say, here is a new saying for you: "The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled".
Application:
Never give up on God! Whenever you think the word he gave you will never happen, hold on a little longer, your breakthrough is coming. If He said it, it will happen. Don't give up on your prophetic word. In God's timing, it will come!
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to remain faithful when things are not going the way we want them to and we are not seeing Your word fulfilled in our timing. Teach us to walk humbly before You and trust You fully and completely. I need You and have been struggling with not seeing the results I know You told me would come. Teach me to wait.
Jeff
Ezekiel 12:22-23 "Son of Man, You've heard the proverb they quote in Israel: 'Time passes, and prophecies come to nothing.' Tell the people, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will put an end to this proverb, and you will soon stop quoting it.' Now give them this new proverb to replace the old one: 'The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled!'"
Observation:
Throughout the Old Testament we continually read how angry God gets when He is not taken seriously. When God speaks, something is going to happen. Because God is eternal, time is unlimited with Him. His timing is not always our timing. When He says it, it will happen, just maybe not when we think it should. In this passage, the people were saying how the prophecies were not coming to pass and even made up a saying about it. God finally steps on and say, here is a new saying for you: "The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled".
Application:
Never give up on God! Whenever you think the word he gave you will never happen, hold on a little longer, your breakthrough is coming. If He said it, it will happen. Don't give up on your prophetic word. In God's timing, it will come!
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to remain faithful when things are not going the way we want them to and we are not seeing Your word fulfilled in our timing. Teach us to walk humbly before You and trust You fully and completely. I need You and have been struggling with not seeing the results I know You told me would come. Teach me to wait.
Jeff
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Visions of God
Scripture:
Ezekiel 1:1 "On July 31st if my thirtieth year, while I was with the Judean exiles beside the Kebar river in Babylon, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God".
Observation:
God knew the condition of the people of Judah who were in exile and He knew the condition of Ezekiel. He knew He had to shake Ezekiel up a little bit to get him to speak to God's people. He allowed Ezekiel to see things that very few have ever seen. He saw the glory of the Lord, the cherubim and seraphim, he saw the four headed creatures, etc. God showed Ezekiel many things to confirm His word to him and to help him speak to a wicked and perverse generation. A revelation of God will give you the strength to confront any obstacle and do whatever it takes to accomplish His will. When you have seen Him in all of his glory, your life will be forever changed.
Application:
I am not a person who runs around seeking signs and wonders. I believe they should follow me! Anyway, I am a person who wants to have personal encounters with my God. Every time God has revealed Himself to me in my life, I have received strength for what is ahead. Every time I have had a personal encounter with Him, I have been radically changed. I long to be where Ezekiel was, in the presence of God. I want God to speak to me like He did to Ezekiel. I want to have the Spirit of God come on me like He did Ezekiel. I want to know my God more each day.
Prayer:
Lord, show me Your glory! I want to see visions of You like Ezekiel did. I want to encounter You and hear Your voice clearer. During this 21 day fast, I want to experience Your presence more than ever before. The world we live in is dark and getting darker, I need Your presence. I want to see visions of my God and walk with Him. I want the Spirit of God to come upon me like it did Ezekiel. I want to speak on Your behalf. I love You Lord. Show me Your glory! I want to know You deeper.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 1:1 "On July 31st if my thirtieth year, while I was with the Judean exiles beside the Kebar river in Babylon, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God".
Observation:
God knew the condition of the people of Judah who were in exile and He knew the condition of Ezekiel. He knew He had to shake Ezekiel up a little bit to get him to speak to God's people. He allowed Ezekiel to see things that very few have ever seen. He saw the glory of the Lord, the cherubim and seraphim, he saw the four headed creatures, etc. God showed Ezekiel many things to confirm His word to him and to help him speak to a wicked and perverse generation. A revelation of God will give you the strength to confront any obstacle and do whatever it takes to accomplish His will. When you have seen Him in all of his glory, your life will be forever changed.
Application:
I am not a person who runs around seeking signs and wonders. I believe they should follow me! Anyway, I am a person who wants to have personal encounters with my God. Every time God has revealed Himself to me in my life, I have received strength for what is ahead. Every time I have had a personal encounter with Him, I have been radically changed. I long to be where Ezekiel was, in the presence of God. I want God to speak to me like He did to Ezekiel. I want to have the Spirit of God come on me like He did Ezekiel. I want to know my God more each day.
Prayer:
Lord, show me Your glory! I want to see visions of You like Ezekiel did. I want to encounter You and hear Your voice clearer. During this 21 day fast, I want to experience Your presence more than ever before. The world we live in is dark and getting darker, I need Your presence. I want to see visions of my God and walk with Him. I want the Spirit of God to come upon me like it did Ezekiel. I want to speak on Your behalf. I love You Lord. Show me Your glory! I want to know You deeper.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Same Forever
Scripture:
Lamentations 5:19 "But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation".
Observation:
Lamentations is a lament of God punishing Israel for it's disobedience. They are wailing in the streets, there is no money, no food and they are destitute. Everyone has given up on God, yet the prophet speaks us in all his lamenting and says, "you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation". The prophet was able to see history as a pattern and knew that when Israel had repented, that He would turn His heart back toward them and rescue them from their problems. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! We must learn to have confidence in who He is instead of being run over by our own feelings.
Application:
Knowing that God is the same forever and never changes should give us confidence and hope for a better future. We need to be people who are not controlled by our emotions or feelings, rather we need to be controlled by faith in our hearts. We have a God that never changes! He will do what He says He will do, yet we must walk by faith and not feelings. When things are not looking as good as you would like them to, realize this is only a test and will not last forever. If God is the same from generation to generation, then we can look at history and realize that He will take care of His people. Trust Him more each day, because He does not change. Seek Him and you will find Him when you seek for Him with all of your heart.
Prayer:
You are amazing! You never change! I can rely on You to always react the right way, to make the right decisions and do the right things. On this earth, we have human relationships that cause us to doubt people. They let us down, disappoint us and hurt us. Therefore, we find it difficult to trust. Lord, let Your people trust You again with our lives. I want to walk with You deeper every day. I want Your will for my life and my family every day. Let me walk in the confidence and hope that You will always see us through when we remain faithful to You.
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Lamentations 5:19 "But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation".
Observation:
Lamentations is a lament of God punishing Israel for it's disobedience. They are wailing in the streets, there is no money, no food and they are destitute. Everyone has given up on God, yet the prophet speaks us in all his lamenting and says, "you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation". The prophet was able to see history as a pattern and knew that when Israel had repented, that He would turn His heart back toward them and rescue them from their problems. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! We must learn to have confidence in who He is instead of being run over by our own feelings.
Application:
Knowing that God is the same forever and never changes should give us confidence and hope for a better future. We need to be people who are not controlled by our emotions or feelings, rather we need to be controlled by faith in our hearts. We have a God that never changes! He will do what He says He will do, yet we must walk by faith and not feelings. When things are not looking as good as you would like them to, realize this is only a test and will not last forever. If God is the same from generation to generation, then we can look at history and realize that He will take care of His people. Trust Him more each day, because He does not change. Seek Him and you will find Him when you seek for Him with all of your heart.
Prayer:
You are amazing! You never change! I can rely on You to always react the right way, to make the right decisions and do the right things. On this earth, we have human relationships that cause us to doubt people. They let us down, disappoint us and hurt us. Therefore, we find it difficult to trust. Lord, let Your people trust You again with our lives. I want to walk with You deeper every day. I want Your will for my life and my family every day. Let me walk in the confidence and hope that You will always see us through when we remain faithful to You.
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Monday, January 11, 2010
Worth the Wait
Scripture:
Lamentations 3:25 "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him".
Observation:
Lamentations is not a fun book to read. It is a continual lamenting about the condition of Israel, God's people. They messed up and He punished them. In the first three chapters there is little if anything positive mentioned, but here in the middle of raving about how terrible things are is a verse that gives hope. It tells us that the Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. This is a reminder that God always honors patience.
Application:
I think patience is the hardest thing most believers struggle with. We live in a society of instant everything and this has caused us to struggle even more with patience. Here is one more verse that confirms how much God appreciates patience. When we refuse to take things into our own hands, God is always faithful to defend us. When we wait on Him patiently, He always rewards us. God is good to those who are willing to wait on Him. He is seldom early, but never late, so wait on the Lord patiently and He will be good to you. You have that promise!
Prayer:
Lord, show me the importance of learning to wait on You. It seems to come up much in my Daily Wash recently. I believe You are speaking to me. Help me not to push things through when I want them to happen, but to wait on You. You are my source and provider! You will take care of me! I Love you more every day!
Jeff
Lamentations 3:25 "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him".
Observation:
Lamentations is not a fun book to read. It is a continual lamenting about the condition of Israel, God's people. They messed up and He punished them. In the first three chapters there is little if anything positive mentioned, but here in the middle of raving about how terrible things are is a verse that gives hope. It tells us that the Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. This is a reminder that God always honors patience.
Application:
I think patience is the hardest thing most believers struggle with. We live in a society of instant everything and this has caused us to struggle even more with patience. Here is one more verse that confirms how much God appreciates patience. When we refuse to take things into our own hands, God is always faithful to defend us. When we wait on Him patiently, He always rewards us. God is good to those who are willing to wait on Him. He is seldom early, but never late, so wait on the Lord patiently and He will be good to you. You have that promise!
Prayer:
Lord, show me the importance of learning to wait on You. It seems to come up much in my Daily Wash recently. I believe You are speaking to me. Help me not to push things through when I want them to happen, but to wait on You. You are my source and provider! You will take care of me! I Love you more every day!
Jeff
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Retaliation
Scripture:
I Peter 3:9 "Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it."
Observation:
Peter is talking to people who were facing persecution to a degree we have never had to experience. We tend to make excuses for our anger and attitude when someone doesn't treat us right. Learning not to retaliate is one of the hardest things to learn as a Christian because your human nature wants to insult and retaliate back. This never goes anywhere, but Peter reminds us that God has called us to bless those who persecute us. He closes with saying God will bless you for it.
Application:
Whenever I hear messages about the blessing of God and how to get it, I don't think I have ever heard a preacher say, "the way to get the blessing of God on your life is to not retaliate when people insult you and not to repay evil for evil". Peter says this brings the blessing of God. We must remember that God keeps accurate records and we must trust Him to repay evil. We must be people of blessing, no matter what people do to us. Our nature wants to fight back and we can even reason it with our thinking, but it is not God's way. When we humble ourselves, He lifts us up. He will fight your battles, He just may not do it when or how you wants Him to. Learn to speak blessing at all times and let Him deal with your persecutors.
Prayer:
Lord, hear I go again talking about trust. Teach me to trust You more. When people say and do hurtful things, help me to trust that You are in control and Your will is going to be accomplished. Help me remember that You keep great records and know every time I have ever been treated wrong. Help me to keep my mouth speaking blessing, even when it is hard.
I love You Lord,
Jeff
I Peter 3:9 "Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it."
Observation:
Peter is talking to people who were facing persecution to a degree we have never had to experience. We tend to make excuses for our anger and attitude when someone doesn't treat us right. Learning not to retaliate is one of the hardest things to learn as a Christian because your human nature wants to insult and retaliate back. This never goes anywhere, but Peter reminds us that God has called us to bless those who persecute us. He closes with saying God will bless you for it.
Application:
Whenever I hear messages about the blessing of God and how to get it, I don't think I have ever heard a preacher say, "the way to get the blessing of God on your life is to not retaliate when people insult you and not to repay evil for evil". Peter says this brings the blessing of God. We must remember that God keeps accurate records and we must trust Him to repay evil. We must be people of blessing, no matter what people do to us. Our nature wants to fight back and we can even reason it with our thinking, but it is not God's way. When we humble ourselves, He lifts us up. He will fight your battles, He just may not do it when or how you wants Him to. Learn to speak blessing at all times and let Him deal with your persecutors.
Prayer:
Lord, hear I go again talking about trust. Teach me to trust You more. When people say and do hurtful things, help me to trust that You are in control and Your will is going to be accomplished. Help me remember that You keep great records and know every time I have ever been treated wrong. Help me to keep my mouth speaking blessing, even when it is hard.
I love You Lord,
Jeff
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Patient Endurance
Scripture:
James 1:12 "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him".
Observation:
James is speaking just prior to this about the testing of your faith and remaining strong during the tough times. Here we see that the blessing of God is a result of enduring testing and temptation. When we endure testing and temptation while standing firm in our faith, we increase the blessing of God in our lives. It also says that we will receive the crown of life that God has promised those of us who love Him.
Application:
Endurance is probably one of the hardest things to get in the Christian life. We like to think that following God means we will never have a problem. When we hear about endurance it means that there must be something in the Christian life that we have to endure and you only endure things that are not pleasant. If you want the blessing of God in your life, you must come to the place where God can trust that you will serve Him in the good times and in the bad times and that temptation won't make you fall. When you endure trials and temptations, you are letting the Lord know He can trust you in the thick and thin of life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me learn endurance. I want to live in the blessing of God and realize that endurance is a key to inheriting that blessing. I love quick results, but You love it when we continue to persevere when we are not seeing the results we want. Forgive me for trying to get ahead of you and make things happen on my own. I love you and trust you.
Jeff
James 1:12 "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him".
Observation:
James is speaking just prior to this about the testing of your faith and remaining strong during the tough times. Here we see that the blessing of God is a result of enduring testing and temptation. When we endure testing and temptation while standing firm in our faith, we increase the blessing of God in our lives. It also says that we will receive the crown of life that God has promised those of us who love Him.
Application:
Endurance is probably one of the hardest things to get in the Christian life. We like to think that following God means we will never have a problem. When we hear about endurance it means that there must be something in the Christian life that we have to endure and you only endure things that are not pleasant. If you want the blessing of God in your life, you must come to the place where God can trust that you will serve Him in the good times and in the bad times and that temptation won't make you fall. When you endure trials and temptations, you are letting the Lord know He can trust you in the thick and thin of life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me learn endurance. I want to live in the blessing of God and realize that endurance is a key to inheriting that blessing. I love quick results, but You love it when we continue to persevere when we are not seeing the results we want. Forgive me for trying to get ahead of you and make things happen on my own. I love you and trust you.
Jeff
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Divine Discipline
Scripture:
Hebrews 12:7 "As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by it's father?"
Observation:
Just prior to this verse it tells us that the disciplines those He loves. If a father really loves his children, he wants what is best for them. He wants them to do well in every area of life and has to discipline them so they will become mature and learn to do what is right. If you don't discipline a child, you are not doing them a favor! If you discipline them, you are loving them enough to help them be successful in life. God disciplines those He loves and we must endure it if we want to become mature followers of Christ.
Application:
After being taught a strong prosperity message for a long time we have made God like the Santa Clause of the sky who only brings good gifts and blesses his children. Even Santa puts coal in stockings of those who were naughty. When you feel the discipline of God, don't run away, but welcome it and grow from it. He is disciplining you because He loves you and wants you to grow up. If we only do what feels good, we will never become better people. It is pain that brings gain! Endure the hard times and grow strong. Never give up on God! He may be allowing something difficult in your life to mature you as a father does his child.
Prayer:
Lord, teach us that being disciplined by You is not failure or your disappointment of us. Rather, we are disciplined because you love us. Help me endure discipline and learn from it. I don't want to continue to go around the same old mountains. I want to excel in life and grow into maturity. Make me stronger every day. I want Your discipline in my life.
Thanks Dad,
Jeff
Hebrews 12:7 "As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by it's father?"
Observation:
Just prior to this verse it tells us that the disciplines those He loves. If a father really loves his children, he wants what is best for them. He wants them to do well in every area of life and has to discipline them so they will become mature and learn to do what is right. If you don't discipline a child, you are not doing them a favor! If you discipline them, you are loving them enough to help them be successful in life. God disciplines those He loves and we must endure it if we want to become mature followers of Christ.
Application:
After being taught a strong prosperity message for a long time we have made God like the Santa Clause of the sky who only brings good gifts and blesses his children. Even Santa puts coal in stockings of those who were naughty. When you feel the discipline of God, don't run away, but welcome it and grow from it. He is disciplining you because He loves you and wants you to grow up. If we only do what feels good, we will never become better people. It is pain that brings gain! Endure the hard times and grow strong. Never give up on God! He may be allowing something difficult in your life to mature you as a father does his child.
Prayer:
Lord, teach us that being disciplined by You is not failure or your disappointment of us. Rather, we are disciplined because you love us. Help me endure discipline and learn from it. I don't want to continue to go around the same old mountains. I want to excel in life and grow into maturity. Make me stronger every day. I want Your discipline in my life.
Thanks Dad,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Motivate One Another
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:24 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works".
Observation:
The writer of Hebrews is talking about our response to what Jesus did on the cross. It should drive us to good works! We should be people who are looking for ways to be a blessing to others. Our minds should be filled with ways to motivate people to do acts of love and good works.
Application:
I am going to spend my day looking for opportunities to motivate people toward acts of love and good works. This is an action verse, which requires us to do something. I don't want to be a hearer and not a doer of the word. Ask yourself, "how can I motivate people toward love and good works today?", then go and do it.
Prayer:
Lord, today was a simple verse, but it is so powerful. You word is truth and as we do what it says, we will be transformed. I want to fulfill Your will on this earth for my life. Help me to do today what you have put in my heart. Let me be an encourager today toward love and good works!
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Hebrews 10:24 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works".
Observation:
The writer of Hebrews is talking about our response to what Jesus did on the cross. It should drive us to good works! We should be people who are looking for ways to be a blessing to others. Our minds should be filled with ways to motivate people to do acts of love and good works.
Application:
I am going to spend my day looking for opportunities to motivate people toward acts of love and good works. This is an action verse, which requires us to do something. I don't want to be a hearer and not a doer of the word. Ask yourself, "how can I motivate people toward love and good works today?", then go and do it.
Prayer:
Lord, today was a simple verse, but it is so powerful. You word is truth and as we do what it says, we will be transformed. I want to fulfill Your will on this earth for my life. Help me to do today what you have put in my heart. Let me be an encourager today toward love and good works!
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
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