Scripture:
II Kings 23:25 "Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him".
Observation:
Josiah became king at 8 years of age, he ruled for 18 years, then discovered the Law of Moses. He had it read and his life was radically changed. When the above verse says that he turned to the Lord with ALL his heart, soul and might, it wasn't kidding. This guy got ahold of the Word of God and went on a righteous rampage! He destroyed all the idols, temple, priests, etc that belonged to any other gods than the Lord. He cleaned house in a big way!
Application:
I love to hear about people who have been radically saved. It seems today that many people decide to follow Jesus, but not many have one of these experiences where they are radically changed, where they are nothing like the person they were before. I am looking for people to be so completely saved that we would write about the way they turned to the Lord with ALL their heart, soul, mind and strength. Maybe I'm just a radical myself, but I believe that Jesus wants to change everything in our lives when we come to Him. I believe old things are passed away and all things become new. I am crying out to the Lord to see some people really grab hold of God and seek Him until everything changes.
Prayer:
Lord, make me a radical for you. Teach me to seek You stronger than ever before. I need you in my life more now than ever. Thanks for convicting me and drawing me recently. Keep working in my life I pray. Make me more like You. Show me how I can better please You. I want to serve You with ALL my heart, soul, mind and strength. Keep working on me!
Jeff
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
God's Unseen Army
Scripture:
II Kings 19:35 "And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses - all dead".
Observation:
Hezekiah had prayed for God's intervention against Assyria. He had cried out to the Lord and been faithful to the Lord. The Lord had told him through Isaiah that because he had prayed, God would answer. The Lord sent an army of angels and killed 185,000 warriors in a single night while they slept. Unbelievable? We serve an "unbelievable" God.
Application:
When we are living right and spending time in prayer, leaning on the Lord for His intervention in our lives, we can expect the unbelievable. We can expect the impossible. When we go through bad times, we need to realize the awesome power of God and His ability to turn any situation in a moment, then pray to Him like Hezekiah prayed. He cried out desperately to the Lord in sackcloth and ashes. He humbled himself and demonstrated his humility before the Lord. As we do this in our lives, we also need to realize that God has an unseen army that can destroy any other army, and problem, etc. The angels of God are ministering spirits sent to work on our behalf. These guys are incredible! Yet we usually act like we have no defense. God's got the resources, we just need to humble ourselves and cry out to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, increase my faith. Let me see You and Your army as you really are. Allow me to see through Your eyes, every situation I am going through. You are limitless! You are powerful! Your angels are amazing! Release some of them to me this morning to encourage and lift up my heart. I need You in my life Lord. You are incredible.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Kings 19:35 "And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses - all dead".
Observation:
Hezekiah had prayed for God's intervention against Assyria. He had cried out to the Lord and been faithful to the Lord. The Lord had told him through Isaiah that because he had prayed, God would answer. The Lord sent an army of angels and killed 185,000 warriors in a single night while they slept. Unbelievable? We serve an "unbelievable" God.
Application:
When we are living right and spending time in prayer, leaning on the Lord for His intervention in our lives, we can expect the unbelievable. We can expect the impossible. When we go through bad times, we need to realize the awesome power of God and His ability to turn any situation in a moment, then pray to Him like Hezekiah prayed. He cried out desperately to the Lord in sackcloth and ashes. He humbled himself and demonstrated his humility before the Lord. As we do this in our lives, we also need to realize that God has an unseen army that can destroy any other army, and problem, etc. The angels of God are ministering spirits sent to work on our behalf. These guys are incredible! Yet we usually act like we have no defense. God's got the resources, we just need to humble ourselves and cry out to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, increase my faith. Let me see You and Your army as you really are. Allow me to see through Your eyes, every situation I am going through. You are limitless! You are powerful! Your angels are amazing! Release some of them to me this morning to encourage and lift up my heart. I need You in my life Lord. You are incredible.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Unaddressed Issues
Scripture:
II Kings 15:34 "Jotham did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight. He did everything his father, Uzziah, had done. But he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there. He rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple of the Lord".
Observation:
As we read through II Kings, we continually read about the Kings of Judah something very similar to what is described above. We read how they did everything pleasing to the Lord, but there were some things in their kingdom that never got dealt with. It is like the Lord is saying to them, you did good, but you still don't get it. God really wanted the pagan shrines destroyed, yet none of his servants would do it. Sometimes we can do all the right things, but God is concerned about the things we don't do.
Application:
You can live a great life and do what pleases the Lord in every area, but God looks for obedience. Sometimes what doesn't get done is as important as what gets done. How many things in life have we felt the Lord tell us we need to deal with, yet we haven't done anything about them? Sometimes the unaddressed issues are more important than we feel they are. When God speaks to you about something, respond quickly and do something about it. Absolute and immediate obedience is the only way to live for God.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for speaking to me again this morning. Help me to do everything You have put in my heart. Help me to finish the work You have given me to do and leave nothing undone of what you put in my heart. Give me strength to live right, but also to leave no unaddressed issues in my life.
You are the Best!
Jeff
II Kings 15:34 "Jotham did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight. He did everything his father, Uzziah, had done. But he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there. He rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple of the Lord".
Observation:
As we read through II Kings, we continually read about the Kings of Judah something very similar to what is described above. We read how they did everything pleasing to the Lord, but there were some things in their kingdom that never got dealt with. It is like the Lord is saying to them, you did good, but you still don't get it. God really wanted the pagan shrines destroyed, yet none of his servants would do it. Sometimes we can do all the right things, but God is concerned about the things we don't do.
Application:
You can live a great life and do what pleases the Lord in every area, but God looks for obedience. Sometimes what doesn't get done is as important as what gets done. How many things in life have we felt the Lord tell us we need to deal with, yet we haven't done anything about them? Sometimes the unaddressed issues are more important than we feel they are. When God speaks to you about something, respond quickly and do something about it. Absolute and immediate obedience is the only way to live for God.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for speaking to me again this morning. Help me to do everything You have put in my heart. Help me to finish the work You have given me to do and leave nothing undone of what you put in my heart. Give me strength to live right, but also to leave no unaddressed issues in my life.
You are the Best!
Jeff
Monday, July 26, 2010
Good Instruction is Important
Scripture:
II Kings 12:2 "All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him".
Observation:
Joash was seven years old when he became king. He had been hidden in the Lord's Temple and was alive when the next king was needed. He reigned forty good years in Jerusalem. He was considered a king who did good and followed the Lord. Though he was king, Joash's strength came from the instruction of Jehoiada the priest. As he followed the priest and learned from his instruction, he was blessed in leading the nation.
Application:
Society today has developed in our hearts a mistrust of people. We don't trust leaders. We don't trust pastors, priests, or anyone else except ourselves. It is good to put your trust in the Lord, but God also uses teachers, pastors, priests, etc. in our lives to instruct us biblically. Joash was blessed because he listened to the instruction of a priest. Though we shouldn't blindly follow anyone, we would do well to begin to listen to others who may be more experienced in certain areas than us.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be taught and to have a spiritual mentor in my life. I thank you for Pastor Garcia who has taught me so much of your word and how to deal with situations. Help me to show him my appreciation more today and to re-establish a mentoring relationship with him. Place in my life others who I can trust to instruct me in life.
Thanks,
Jeff
II Kings 12:2 "All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him".
Observation:
Joash was seven years old when he became king. He had been hidden in the Lord's Temple and was alive when the next king was needed. He reigned forty good years in Jerusalem. He was considered a king who did good and followed the Lord. Though he was king, Joash's strength came from the instruction of Jehoiada the priest. As he followed the priest and learned from his instruction, he was blessed in leading the nation.
Application:
Society today has developed in our hearts a mistrust of people. We don't trust leaders. We don't trust pastors, priests, or anyone else except ourselves. It is good to put your trust in the Lord, but God also uses teachers, pastors, priests, etc. in our lives to instruct us biblically. Joash was blessed because he listened to the instruction of a priest. Though we shouldn't blindly follow anyone, we would do well to begin to listen to others who may be more experienced in certain areas than us.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be taught and to have a spiritual mentor in my life. I thank you for Pastor Garcia who has taught me so much of your word and how to deal with situations. Help me to show him my appreciation more today and to re-establish a mentoring relationship with him. Place in my life others who I can trust to instruct me in life.
Thanks,
Jeff
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Faith sees big things among little things
Scripture:
I Kings 18:44 "Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, 'I saw a little cloud about the size of a man's hand rising from the sea'".
Observation:
Elijah had sent his servant 7 times to see if there was rain coming. He had declared it, and knew it was coming. 6 times he came back and had seen no clouds. Elijah would send him back out. The 7th time he returns and says he saw a cloud the size of a man's hand rising from the sea. Immediately Elijah tells his servant to hurry so the rain doesn't stop him. He knew a storm was coming quickly. It had not rained in 3 1/2 years. his faith saw a storm in a cloud the size of a man's hand.
Application:
If it had not rained in 3 1/2 years and I saw a cloud the size of a man's hand, I don't think I would be telling people to hurry because a rainstorm was coming quickly. I would probably be praying for the cloud to increase in size and for God to send the rain. Elijah saw something small and knew big things were coming. We must train ourselves to see the big possibilities instead of the little realities. Faith sees through the eyes of God and not our present situations.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to be a man of true faith. I want to be able to see little things like a small cloud and begin declaring that a rainstorm is coming. i want to walk with You and hear Your voice more clearly. Help me be the man of God You want me to be. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. Sight says it's just a little cloud. Faith says, hurry and get out of here a rainstorm is coming. Teach me to live a live of faith.
Love,
Jeff
I Kings 18:44 "Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, 'I saw a little cloud about the size of a man's hand rising from the sea'".
Observation:
Elijah had sent his servant 7 times to see if there was rain coming. He had declared it, and knew it was coming. 6 times he came back and had seen no clouds. Elijah would send him back out. The 7th time he returns and says he saw a cloud the size of a man's hand rising from the sea. Immediately Elijah tells his servant to hurry so the rain doesn't stop him. He knew a storm was coming quickly. It had not rained in 3 1/2 years. his faith saw a storm in a cloud the size of a man's hand.
Application:
If it had not rained in 3 1/2 years and I saw a cloud the size of a man's hand, I don't think I would be telling people to hurry because a rainstorm was coming quickly. I would probably be praying for the cloud to increase in size and for God to send the rain. Elijah saw something small and knew big things were coming. We must train ourselves to see the big possibilities instead of the little realities. Faith sees through the eyes of God and not our present situations.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to be a man of true faith. I want to be able to see little things like a small cloud and begin declaring that a rainstorm is coming. i want to walk with You and hear Your voice more clearly. Help me be the man of God You want me to be. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. Sight says it's just a little cloud. Faith says, hurry and get out of here a rainstorm is coming. Teach me to live a live of faith.
Love,
Jeff
Monday, July 19, 2010
Lifetime Obedience
Scripture:
I Kings 15:5 "For David had done what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and had obeyed the Lord's commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite".
Observation:
David enjoyed a long reign as king and had died. Several of his descendants had reigned after him. Many years later the Lord continued to allow David's descendants to rule in Jerusalem. God was so impressed with David's life that He made sure one of David's descendants remained on the throne in Jerusalem for many years. Even when these kings would go after other gods, the Lord would keep them in power because of the heart of their forefather David. There was incredible blessing and favor on David's house because of his obedience to the Lord. Here it says that David obeyed all the Lord's commands except concerning Uriah. That's a pretty good track record. His generations were blessed because of his obedience.
Application:
As I have said many times, "obedience brings blessing". When you faithfully and consistently obey the Lord, the blessing of God always follows. God recognized who is totally obedient to Him. He knows whether He can trust you to do what He puts in your heart. Complete obedience is the key that unlocks the blessing of God on your generations. David lived a lifetime of obedience. We need to live the same way every day. Lifetime obedience.
Prayer:
Father, I want to obey You for the long haul. I want to run the marathon of obedience to You, not the sprint. I want to be one You can trust. Help me not to make excuses for why I can't do what You have spoken to me to do. Give me the strength to do all that You are putting in my heart to do. You are awesome.
Jeff
I Kings 15:5 "For David had done what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and had obeyed the Lord's commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite".
Observation:
David enjoyed a long reign as king and had died. Several of his descendants had reigned after him. Many years later the Lord continued to allow David's descendants to rule in Jerusalem. God was so impressed with David's life that He made sure one of David's descendants remained on the throne in Jerusalem for many years. Even when these kings would go after other gods, the Lord would keep them in power because of the heart of their forefather David. There was incredible blessing and favor on David's house because of his obedience to the Lord. Here it says that David obeyed all the Lord's commands except concerning Uriah. That's a pretty good track record. His generations were blessed because of his obedience.
Application:
As I have said many times, "obedience brings blessing". When you faithfully and consistently obey the Lord, the blessing of God always follows. God recognized who is totally obedient to Him. He knows whether He can trust you to do what He puts in your heart. Complete obedience is the key that unlocks the blessing of God on your generations. David lived a lifetime of obedience. We need to live the same way every day. Lifetime obedience.
Prayer:
Father, I want to obey You for the long haul. I want to run the marathon of obedience to You, not the sprint. I want to be one You can trust. Help me not to make excuses for why I can't do what You have spoken to me to do. Give me the strength to do all that You are putting in my heart to do. You are awesome.
Jeff
Friday, July 16, 2010
Don't Rush the Process
Scripture:
I Kings 6:38 "The entire building was completed in every detail by midautumn, in the month of Bul, during the eleventh year of his reign. So it took seven years to build the Temple".
Observation:
Solomon was told be his father David that he was to build a temple for the Lord. David had laid out the plans and given him the details. Solomon did an excellent job building the Temple for the Lord. He took his time and made sure it was done right. The entire inside of the building was covered in gold. He worked on this project for seven years!
Application:
Today, everything is about speed and ease. We need to build faster and the easiest possible way we can. We want to exert the least energy possible and still get the building built. We would rather build simple and not sweat the details of life. It takes too long! Most of us, given the same task, would have finished the building is a relatively short amount of time. The building was actually quite small. Solomon took his time and made sure every detail was exactly what the Lord would want. The Lord is more concerned with quality than quantity! He wants to know, did you obey me and do what I told you to do, or did you do it your own way and save time and money? We must slow down and stop rushing the process. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must take our time, stop rushing and build something great for God.
Prayer:
Lord, help me focus on quality and not be so concerned about getting things done so quickly. In our day and age, speed is everything and sometimes we forsake quality while pursuing speed. teach me to slow down and enjoy the process. I love you Lord. Thanks for speaking to me today!
Jeff
I Kings 6:38 "The entire building was completed in every detail by midautumn, in the month of Bul, during the eleventh year of his reign. So it took seven years to build the Temple".
Observation:
Solomon was told be his father David that he was to build a temple for the Lord. David had laid out the plans and given him the details. Solomon did an excellent job building the Temple for the Lord. He took his time and made sure it was done right. The entire inside of the building was covered in gold. He worked on this project for seven years!
Application:
Today, everything is about speed and ease. We need to build faster and the easiest possible way we can. We want to exert the least energy possible and still get the building built. We would rather build simple and not sweat the details of life. It takes too long! Most of us, given the same task, would have finished the building is a relatively short amount of time. The building was actually quite small. Solomon took his time and made sure every detail was exactly what the Lord would want. The Lord is more concerned with quality than quantity! He wants to know, did you obey me and do what I told you to do, or did you do it your own way and save time and money? We must slow down and stop rushing the process. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must take our time, stop rushing and build something great for God.
Prayer:
Lord, help me focus on quality and not be so concerned about getting things done so quickly. In our day and age, speed is everything and sometimes we forsake quality while pursuing speed. teach me to slow down and enjoy the process. I love you Lord. Thanks for speaking to me today!
Jeff
Thursday, July 15, 2010
God's Blessing: Geting what you didn't ask for
Scripture:
I Kings 3:13 "And I will also give you what you did not ask for - riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!"
Observation:
Solomon had just become king and was nervous about ruling over the people God had entrusted to his father David. Solomon respected David and his walk with the Lord. Solomon had seen his father's relationship with the Lord and began seeking the Lord as his father David had done. God speaks to Solomon in a dream and asks him what he wants. Solomon replied that he wanted an understanding hear to rule God's people well. Because of this reply, God granted his request as well as making him the extremely wealthy and famous. Because his heart was pure, he got what he didn't ask for.
Application:
God knows the desires of our hearts. He know why we do the things we do and say the things we say. He knows all and knows what he can trust you with. God blesses those with a pure heart who are not after money, but after God's will and after doing all they can to do things His way. When God sees a heart after him and after truth, He blesses it and gives you what you didn't ask for. People that have walked with god for a long time and truly been submitted to Him will always testify of God's miraculous provision in their lives. So many times God has given me what I didn't ask for. He is amazing!
Prayer:
Lord, I want to walk in integrity and character. I want those who know me best to respect me most. I want to be the real thing through and through. Help me walk before you humbly and let me see your goodness every day of my life. You have amazed me over and over again. Thanks for blessing us this week. You always come through!
Your the best!
Jeff
I Kings 3:13 "And I will also give you what you did not ask for - riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!"
Observation:
Solomon had just become king and was nervous about ruling over the people God had entrusted to his father David. Solomon respected David and his walk with the Lord. Solomon had seen his father's relationship with the Lord and began seeking the Lord as his father David had done. God speaks to Solomon in a dream and asks him what he wants. Solomon replied that he wanted an understanding hear to rule God's people well. Because of this reply, God granted his request as well as making him the extremely wealthy and famous. Because his heart was pure, he got what he didn't ask for.
Application:
God knows the desires of our hearts. He know why we do the things we do and say the things we say. He knows all and knows what he can trust you with. God blesses those with a pure heart who are not after money, but after God's will and after doing all they can to do things His way. When God sees a heart after him and after truth, He blesses it and gives you what you didn't ask for. People that have walked with god for a long time and truly been submitted to Him will always testify of God's miraculous provision in their lives. So many times God has given me what I didn't ask for. He is amazing!
Prayer:
Lord, I want to walk in integrity and character. I want those who know me best to respect me most. I want to be the real thing through and through. Help me walk before you humbly and let me see your goodness every day of my life. You have amazed me over and over again. Thanks for blessing us this week. You always come through!
Your the best!
Jeff
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Doing right and Being Innocent
Scripture:
II Samuel 22:21 "The lord rewarded me for doing right; He restored me because of my innocence".
Observation:
David is singing a song of praise to the Lord. He has just been restored to the place of authority in the kingdom, his enemies have been defeated, God has won his battles, and he is giving god praise. While praising the Lord, he throws in these words, "The Lord rewarded me for doing right; He restored me because of my innocence." David believed that rewards come from doing right and innocence causes God to work on your behalf.
Application:
God is a god of love and mercy. He sometimes blesses us when we don't deserve it. Hebrews says He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. God keeps good records, and the innocent will be restored sooner or later. We should live lives of doing good and being innocent. When you live doing right and being innocent, life is much easier. We need to learn to live right and trust God to defend us in our innocence. He is faithful!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live a life of innocence. Teach me to do right, no matter what it looks like, how it feels, or what the consequences are. I want to live right before you every day of my life. Defend me from my enemies and honor my innocence as you did for David. I love you with all my heart!
Jeff
II Samuel 22:21 "The lord rewarded me for doing right; He restored me because of my innocence".
Observation:
David is singing a song of praise to the Lord. He has just been restored to the place of authority in the kingdom, his enemies have been defeated, God has won his battles, and he is giving god praise. While praising the Lord, he throws in these words, "The Lord rewarded me for doing right; He restored me because of my innocence." David believed that rewards come from doing right and innocence causes God to work on your behalf.
Application:
God is a god of love and mercy. He sometimes blesses us when we don't deserve it. Hebrews says He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. God keeps good records, and the innocent will be restored sooner or later. We should live lives of doing good and being innocent. When you live doing right and being innocent, life is much easier. We need to learn to live right and trust God to defend us in our innocence. He is faithful!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live a life of innocence. Teach me to do right, no matter what it looks like, how it feels, or what the consequences are. I want to live right before you every day of my life. Defend me from my enemies and honor my innocence as you did for David. I love you with all my heart!
Jeff
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Grace and Mercy
Scripture:
II Sam. 19:28 "All my relatives and I could expect only death from you, my Lord, but instead you have honored me by allowing me to eat at your own table! What more can I ask?"
Observation:
David had made a promise to Jonathon that he would show mercy on his descendants. In honor of that commitment, David showed mercy to Mephibosheth, Jonathon's son. He chose to have crippled Mephibosheth stay in his own house and eat at his own table. Normally kings would have killed all the descendant of the previous king so that there wouldn't be any uprisings from the family, but David showed great love and mercy.
Application:
Just as David showed mercy to Mephibosheth, Jesus has done the same for us. We don't deserve His love and grace, but He gives it anyway. We are part of a lineage of sinners, yet he loves us and demonstrated that by giving His life for us. We deserve punishment, but God continues to pour out His love and acceptance. As Mephibosheth said, "What more can I ask?" What more can we ask for? Our heavenly father has blessed us with undeserved grace and mercy, we should honor him with our lives.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your grace and mercy in my life. I know I have messed things up more than a few times, yet you continue to love me and show me mercy and grace. I was born into a lineage that deserves judgment, but you give grace. You are amazing, help me to love like you love. help me to forgive like you forgive. Teach me to be more like you.
Yours,
Jeff
II Sam. 19:28 "All my relatives and I could expect only death from you, my Lord, but instead you have honored me by allowing me to eat at your own table! What more can I ask?"
Observation:
David had made a promise to Jonathon that he would show mercy on his descendants. In honor of that commitment, David showed mercy to Mephibosheth, Jonathon's son. He chose to have crippled Mephibosheth stay in his own house and eat at his own table. Normally kings would have killed all the descendant of the previous king so that there wouldn't be any uprisings from the family, but David showed great love and mercy.
Application:
Just as David showed mercy to Mephibosheth, Jesus has done the same for us. We don't deserve His love and grace, but He gives it anyway. We are part of a lineage of sinners, yet he loves us and demonstrated that by giving His life for us. We deserve punishment, but God continues to pour out His love and acceptance. As Mephibosheth said, "What more can I ask?" What more can we ask for? Our heavenly father has blessed us with undeserved grace and mercy, we should honor him with our lives.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your grace and mercy in my life. I know I have messed things up more than a few times, yet you continue to love me and show me mercy and grace. I was born into a lineage that deserves judgment, but you give grace. You are amazing, help me to love like you love. help me to forgive like you forgive. Teach me to be more like you.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, July 12, 2010
David's Response to Absalom's Actions
Scripture:
II Samuel 18:5 "And the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: 'For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.' And all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders".
Observation:
Absalom, King David's own son, had terribly insulted his father. He was trying to kill him so that he could take over the kingdom. He had gathered an army together to destroy David and his men. David's men, knowing they are about to be attacked are discussing their battle plan and David tells them to deal gently, don't kill, Absalom. David was called a man after God's own heart for many reasons and this is one of them. The bottom line is that he trusted God to take care of his enemies. Many times we have seen that David had opportunities to kill those who were chasing him, but he felt his life belonged to the Lord and God was in control so he didn't respond, but let the Lord fight his battles.
Application:
Sometimes we are so quick to defend ourselves from attacks that come at us instead of knowing we are walking with the Lord and allowing Him to fight our battles. What if we decided to let the Lord defend us instead of defending ourselves? What if we lose many battles we could have won because we took things into our own hands because we were hurt? I believe, when we are being falsely accused, we need to seek the face of God and not revenge on those who are coming against us. This sounds like David's battle plan and it sounds like Jesus battle plan.
Prayer:
Lord, here I am again talking to You about trust. I want to trust you to totally take care of me, including dealing with those who arise against me. I want to know that you will fight my battles and take care of me when it feels like everyone is against me. Help me always have the mind and attitude of my Savior who loves His enemies and does good to those who spitefully use Him.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Samuel 18:5 "And the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: 'For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.' And all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders".
Observation:
Absalom, King David's own son, had terribly insulted his father. He was trying to kill him so that he could take over the kingdom. He had gathered an army together to destroy David and his men. David's men, knowing they are about to be attacked are discussing their battle plan and David tells them to deal gently, don't kill, Absalom. David was called a man after God's own heart for many reasons and this is one of them. The bottom line is that he trusted God to take care of his enemies. Many times we have seen that David had opportunities to kill those who were chasing him, but he felt his life belonged to the Lord and God was in control so he didn't respond, but let the Lord fight his battles.
Application:
Sometimes we are so quick to defend ourselves from attacks that come at us instead of knowing we are walking with the Lord and allowing Him to fight our battles. What if we decided to let the Lord defend us instead of defending ourselves? What if we lose many battles we could have won because we took things into our own hands because we were hurt? I believe, when we are being falsely accused, we need to seek the face of God and not revenge on those who are coming against us. This sounds like David's battle plan and it sounds like Jesus battle plan.
Prayer:
Lord, here I am again talking to You about trust. I want to trust you to totally take care of me, including dealing with those who arise against me. I want to know that you will fight my battles and take care of me when it feels like everyone is against me. Help me always have the mind and attitude of my Savior who loves His enemies and does good to those who spitefully use Him.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, July 9, 2010
God Gets the Glory
Scripture:
II Samuel 8:6, 13 "the Lord made David victorious wherever he went".
Observation:
David was having victory after victory, conquering all of his enemies and any threats to his kingdom. He had just subdues the Philistines, who had been a plague to Israel for generations. His army seemed untouchable! He was defeating every enemy and bringing them into submission to him and his country. Twice in describing his victories, the Bible declares "the Lord made David victorious wherever he went". David, and everybody else, knew who made David victorious. He didn't take the glory, but God received all the glory.
Application:
When things are going really good, it is easy to begin to feel like you are doing great and you are able to conquer any enemy. We become self-reliant because things are going well and begin to think we can do anything. David realized without God, he couldn't' win a single battle. He knew it was the Lord that made him victorious. We must give God all the glory when good things happen. He is on the throne and working on behalf of his people. Don't forget God when things appear to be going great. The blessing will remain as long as God gets the glory.
Prayer:
Lord, keep us in remembrance of the fact that it is You who controls our destiny. You lift up and you put down. You are amazing, awesome, and powerful! Help me to be totally reliant on You and to give you all the glory when good things happen. You are worthy of my praise!
Your Son,
Jeff
II Samuel 8:6, 13 "the Lord made David victorious wherever he went".
Observation:
David was having victory after victory, conquering all of his enemies and any threats to his kingdom. He had just subdues the Philistines, who had been a plague to Israel for generations. His army seemed untouchable! He was defeating every enemy and bringing them into submission to him and his country. Twice in describing his victories, the Bible declares "the Lord made David victorious wherever he went". David, and everybody else, knew who made David victorious. He didn't take the glory, but God received all the glory.
Application:
When things are going really good, it is easy to begin to feel like you are doing great and you are able to conquer any enemy. We become self-reliant because things are going well and begin to think we can do anything. David realized without God, he couldn't' win a single battle. He knew it was the Lord that made him victorious. We must give God all the glory when good things happen. He is on the throne and working on behalf of his people. Don't forget God when things appear to be going great. The blessing will remain as long as God gets the glory.
Prayer:
Lord, keep us in remembrance of the fact that it is You who controls our destiny. You lift up and you put down. You are amazing, awesome, and powerful! Help me to be totally reliant on You and to give you all the glory when good things happen. You are worthy of my praise!
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A Critical Spirit Stops God's Blessing
Scripture:
II Samuel 6:23 "So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life".
Observation:
David had just finished bringing the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. In the process of bringing it back, he leaped and danced and shouted with all of his might. His wife Michal, Saul's daughter despised him for making himself look undignified. She had never seen her father, the previous king, act like this in front of the people. After her critical spirit is seen, this little verse tells the rest of her story. Not being able to bear a child was a curse and if you couldn't have children, it was a sign that God's blessing was not on your life.
Application:
I believe with all my heart that a critical, judgmental spirit, will stop the blessing of God in your life. A spirit of looking down on others is the fastest way to stop God's blessing. I honestly believe that many people can't figure out why they are not blessed and why they can't seem to succeed. I believe there are many who look down on others, judging the way they worship, the way they pray, the way they act, and don't understand why the blessing of God is not in their life. We must learn to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling and not get tied up in what others are doing.
Prayer:
Lord God,
Forgive me for the times I know I have been critical. I want to allow my voice to bring forth your words. Help me bite my tongue when a critical thought comes. I love you and want to become all you want me to be. Help me never get a critical or judgmental spirit.
Your Son wanting to be more like his father,
Jeff
II Samuel 6:23 "So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life".
Observation:
David had just finished bringing the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. In the process of bringing it back, he leaped and danced and shouted with all of his might. His wife Michal, Saul's daughter despised him for making himself look undignified. She had never seen her father, the previous king, act like this in front of the people. After her critical spirit is seen, this little verse tells the rest of her story. Not being able to bear a child was a curse and if you couldn't have children, it was a sign that God's blessing was not on your life.
Application:
I believe with all my heart that a critical, judgmental spirit, will stop the blessing of God in your life. A spirit of looking down on others is the fastest way to stop God's blessing. I honestly believe that many people can't figure out why they are not blessed and why they can't seem to succeed. I believe there are many who look down on others, judging the way they worship, the way they pray, the way they act, and don't understand why the blessing of God is not in their life. We must learn to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling and not get tied up in what others are doing.
Prayer:
Lord God,
Forgive me for the times I know I have been critical. I want to allow my voice to bring forth your words. Help me bite my tongue when a critical thought comes. I love you and want to become all you want me to be. Help me never get a critical or judgmental spirit.
Your Son wanting to be more like his father,
Jeff
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Favor
Scripture:
II Samuel 3:36 "This pleased the people very much. In fact, everything the king did pleased them"!
Observation:
David was God's anointed King. Saul had been after David's life for a long time and Saul had finally died. There were some skirmishes here and there, but David kept getting more and more favor among the people. As he was mourning the death of Abner, he we receiving favor among the people.
Application:
Great favor with people, I believe, comes from having great favor with God. Jesus grew up and grew in favor with God and with man. When the favor of God comes on your life, even your enemies will start to like you or they will be taken out of the way. God's favor is powerful! As we pursue favor with God, He will give us favor with man. We must live in a way that brings God's favor into our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to walk in divine favor as David had on his life. It brought him through several years of difficulty and brought him all the way to the top. Joseph had your favor on his life and he prospered everywhere he went. I long for your favor. Let is reign down on me I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 3:36 "This pleased the people very much. In fact, everything the king did pleased them"!
Observation:
David was God's anointed King. Saul had been after David's life for a long time and Saul had finally died. There were some skirmishes here and there, but David kept getting more and more favor among the people. As he was mourning the death of Abner, he we receiving favor among the people.
Application:
Great favor with people, I believe, comes from having great favor with God. Jesus grew up and grew in favor with God and with man. When the favor of God comes on your life, even your enemies will start to like you or they will be taken out of the way. God's favor is powerful! As we pursue favor with God, He will give us favor with man. We must live in a way that brings God's favor into our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to walk in divine favor as David had on his life. It brought him through several years of difficulty and brought him all the way to the top. Joseph had your favor on his life and he prospered everywhere he went. I long for your favor. Let is reign down on me I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Strength is in the Lord
Scripture:
I Samuel 30:6 "David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God".
Observation:
David had led his men into battle and while they were at battle winning a victory for the Lord, the enemy had plundered their hometown. All of their wives and children had been taken away and burned the city to the ground. David's men were angry with him and began talking about stoning him. They wanted to attack and kill him who had just led them into victory, but in the process David found strength in the Lord his God.
Application:
When things got bad for David, he knew where to turn for strength. When everyone was against him, he knew to turn to the Lord and that he would find strength in Him. We must learn that our strength is found in the Lord. It is He who gives us life and breath. It is He who knows us better than anyone else. In Him there is strength to face every challenge, every obstacle and every battle. Without Him, we cannot receive the strength we need. We must learn to cry out to the Lord instead of trying to take care of everything with our own hands. We must come to the place where our life is hidden in God with Christ and He is the center of everything.
Prayer:
Father, you are amazing. You strengthen those who are weak. You give life to the dead. You lift up the hands that hang down. You give hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless. You are amazing! Help me, when people and things are against me to keep my trust in You and receive my strength from You alone. You are my source and I love you more each day.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Samuel 30:6 "David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God".
Observation:
David had led his men into battle and while they were at battle winning a victory for the Lord, the enemy had plundered their hometown. All of their wives and children had been taken away and burned the city to the ground. David's men were angry with him and began talking about stoning him. They wanted to attack and kill him who had just led them into victory, but in the process David found strength in the Lord his God.
Application:
When things got bad for David, he knew where to turn for strength. When everyone was against him, he knew to turn to the Lord and that he would find strength in Him. We must learn that our strength is found in the Lord. It is He who gives us life and breath. It is He who knows us better than anyone else. In Him there is strength to face every challenge, every obstacle and every battle. Without Him, we cannot receive the strength we need. We must learn to cry out to the Lord instead of trying to take care of everything with our own hands. We must come to the place where our life is hidden in God with Christ and He is the center of everything.
Prayer:
Father, you are amazing. You strengthen those who are weak. You give life to the dead. You lift up the hands that hang down. You give hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless. You are amazing! Help me, when people and things are against me to keep my trust in You and receive my strength from You alone. You are my source and I love you more each day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, July 5, 2010
When God Doesn't Answer
Scripture:
I Samuel 28:6 "He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams of by sacred lots or by the prophets".
Observation:
Samuel was the prophet that Saul had for many many years. He was God's revelation to Saul to lead Israel. Samuel had died and Saul couldn't get an answer from the Lord. He tried everything to hear from God, but the heavens were silent. God had refused to answer him. God doesn't always answer when or how we think he should.
Application:
When Saul couldn't get a word from God, he went to a medium and asked her to bring up the spirit of Samuel so he could inquire of him what to do. Instead of waiting on God, he took things into his own hands and sought another way to hear from God. Our walk with God must be strong enough that even when he doesn't answer, we don't do something that we are going to regret later. We must have patience. The New Testament tells us that "with faith and patience we inherit the promises". Never go ahead of God when he is silent, wait to hear His voice.
Prayer:
Father, sometimes I get frustrated with not hearing Your voice enough. I want to live a life that brings you praise so I want to make sure that I am doing what you want me to. Teach me to wait upon the Lord. Teach me not to walk until I know I have heard from you. Help me not to plan things and prepare things unless I know you have asked me to.
Wanting to hear clearer,
Jeff
I Samuel 28:6 "He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams of by sacred lots or by the prophets".
Observation:
Samuel was the prophet that Saul had for many many years. He was God's revelation to Saul to lead Israel. Samuel had died and Saul couldn't get an answer from the Lord. He tried everything to hear from God, but the heavens were silent. God had refused to answer him. God doesn't always answer when or how we think he should.
Application:
When Saul couldn't get a word from God, he went to a medium and asked her to bring up the spirit of Samuel so he could inquire of him what to do. Instead of waiting on God, he took things into his own hands and sought another way to hear from God. Our walk with God must be strong enough that even when he doesn't answer, we don't do something that we are going to regret later. We must have patience. The New Testament tells us that "with faith and patience we inherit the promises". Never go ahead of God when he is silent, wait to hear His voice.
Prayer:
Father, sometimes I get frustrated with not hearing Your voice enough. I want to live a life that brings you praise so I want to make sure that I am doing what you want me to. Teach me to wait upon the Lord. Teach me not to walk until I know I have heard from you. Help me not to plan things and prepare things unless I know you have asked me to.
Wanting to hear clearer,
Jeff
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Purity Brings Confidence
Scripture:
I Samuel 24:15 "May the Lord therefore judge which of us is right and punish the guilty one. He is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power".
Observation:
Saul had been hunting David to kill him. While hiding in a cave, David was given the opportunity to kill Saul and only cut off a piece of his robe instead. As David is explaining this to Saul, he makes the above statement. David knows he is innocent and pure, which gives him confidence that God is his advocate and will rescue him David knew that God would bring him victory in this because he knew his heart was pure.
Application:
Confidence in God comes from knowing you are right with Him. When you know beyond any shadow of a doubt that you are walking in purity before the Lord, you will have great confidence in him. Likewise, when you are hiding sin and living a halfway Christian life, you have no confidence in God because there is some doubt whether he will rescue you or not. David knew God, but he also knew himself. he knew he had been walking uprightly and that God would bless that behavior. We must live lives of purity, because where there is purity, there is power and confidence in God.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be pure in every way. Cleanse me from anything that would hinder my relationship with You. You are my advocate and my rescuer. I want to walk in confidence that only comes from purity. I love you Lord and want to be a servant you can totally trust.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 24:15 "May the Lord therefore judge which of us is right and punish the guilty one. He is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power".
Observation:
Saul had been hunting David to kill him. While hiding in a cave, David was given the opportunity to kill Saul and only cut off a piece of his robe instead. As David is explaining this to Saul, he makes the above statement. David knows he is innocent and pure, which gives him confidence that God is his advocate and will rescue him David knew that God would bring him victory in this because he knew his heart was pure.
Application:
Confidence in God comes from knowing you are right with Him. When you know beyond any shadow of a doubt that you are walking in purity before the Lord, you will have great confidence in him. Likewise, when you are hiding sin and living a halfway Christian life, you have no confidence in God because there is some doubt whether he will rescue you or not. David knew God, but he also knew himself. he knew he had been walking uprightly and that God would bless that behavior. We must live lives of purity, because where there is purity, there is power and confidence in God.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be pure in every way. Cleanse me from anything that would hinder my relationship with You. You are my advocate and my rescuer. I want to walk in confidence that only comes from purity. I love you Lord and want to be a servant you can totally trust.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, July 2, 2010
Gifts are not a Sign of Spirituality
Scripture:
I Samuel 19:24 "He tore off his clothes and lay naked on the ground all day and all night, prophesying in the presence of Samuel. The people who were watching exclaimed, 'What? Is even Saul a prophet?'"
Observation:
Saul's disobedience had caused the Lord to look for someone else to anoint as King over Israel. God was displeased with Saul. At the point of this scripture, Saul was trying to kill David and was full of murder, a distressing Spirit was sent by God to disturb him. Saul was on his way to kill David and the Spirit of God came upon him and he began to prophesy. Others even thought he was a prophet. He prophesied all day and night.
Application:
Because someone can prophesy accurately, it does not mean that God has put His stamp of approval on their lifestyle. God's anointing does not mean God's approval of a person's life. God uses people who we would probably never use for His purposes. Always be cautious about the person who is mightily used under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, yet lacks fruit. They can be used of God, yet not even make it to heaven themselves. Many will say, "Lord, Lord, didn't we do great things in Your name" and He will say, "depart from me, I never knew you". Spirituality is seen in fruit, not gifts. Let God work fruit into your life and pursue the gifts at the same time, but don't feel like you've arrived because God uses you a little bit. He has used donkeys in the past and He continues to do so.
Prayer:
Lord, help me pursue the right things. I want the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life. I want to be a person who can flow in the gifts of the Spirit for the building of Your kingdom, but i really want more fruit in my life. I want to live a life above reproach. Help me to be a man of God that people can see, not just gifts, but much fruit.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 19:24 "He tore off his clothes and lay naked on the ground all day and all night, prophesying in the presence of Samuel. The people who were watching exclaimed, 'What? Is even Saul a prophet?'"
Observation:
Saul's disobedience had caused the Lord to look for someone else to anoint as King over Israel. God was displeased with Saul. At the point of this scripture, Saul was trying to kill David and was full of murder, a distressing Spirit was sent by God to disturb him. Saul was on his way to kill David and the Spirit of God came upon him and he began to prophesy. Others even thought he was a prophet. He prophesied all day and night.
Application:
Because someone can prophesy accurately, it does not mean that God has put His stamp of approval on their lifestyle. God's anointing does not mean God's approval of a person's life. God uses people who we would probably never use for His purposes. Always be cautious about the person who is mightily used under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, yet lacks fruit. They can be used of God, yet not even make it to heaven themselves. Many will say, "Lord, Lord, didn't we do great things in Your name" and He will say, "depart from me, I never knew you". Spirituality is seen in fruit, not gifts. Let God work fruit into your life and pursue the gifts at the same time, but don't feel like you've arrived because God uses you a little bit. He has used donkeys in the past and He continues to do so.
Prayer:
Lord, help me pursue the right things. I want the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life. I want to be a person who can flow in the gifts of the Spirit for the building of Your kingdom, but i really want more fruit in my life. I want to live a life above reproach. Help me to be a man of God that people can see, not just gifts, but much fruit.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Lord Rescues His People
Scripture:
I Samuel 17:47 "And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues His people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us".
Observation:
David is facing the giant Goliath who was nine feet tall and a battle machine. David was young and inexperienced, but he knew his Lord. As they are coming toward each other in the fight Goliath tries to intimidate David, but David never flinches. David understood how God operates and how God delivers his people. He knew deep inside that God would give Israel the victory because nobody can defy the living God and live. David told Goliath, not about his skill, but that everybody would know there is a God in Israel who rescues his people.
Application:
David exhibited a trust in God that was very deep. He knew His God would deliver them. He knew the enemy would fall. How did he know all this and nobody else could see it? Because he knew his God. We must have the same trust in God and know Him deeper than ever before. The enemy is attacking stronger now than ever and the world is shaking as the last days approach. We must know deep inside that God rescues HIS people. The only way to know that confidently is to know him more intimately. All Israel knew about God, but David KNEW GOD. We must move from knowing about God to KNOWING GOD.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to know You like David knew you. I want to understand your ways, your thoughts, your desires and what breaks your heart. I want to hear your voice and be sensitive to your spirit. When the enemy comes in like a flood, I want to know that You will raise up a standard against him, not out of knowledge, but out of personal relationship. be my God and I will be your son.
I Love You Father,
Jeff
I Samuel 17:47 "And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues His people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us".
Observation:
David is facing the giant Goliath who was nine feet tall and a battle machine. David was young and inexperienced, but he knew his Lord. As they are coming toward each other in the fight Goliath tries to intimidate David, but David never flinches. David understood how God operates and how God delivers his people. He knew deep inside that God would give Israel the victory because nobody can defy the living God and live. David told Goliath, not about his skill, but that everybody would know there is a God in Israel who rescues his people.
Application:
David exhibited a trust in God that was very deep. He knew His God would deliver them. He knew the enemy would fall. How did he know all this and nobody else could see it? Because he knew his God. We must have the same trust in God and know Him deeper than ever before. The enemy is attacking stronger now than ever and the world is shaking as the last days approach. We must know deep inside that God rescues HIS people. The only way to know that confidently is to know him more intimately. All Israel knew about God, but David KNEW GOD. We must move from knowing about God to KNOWING GOD.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to know You like David knew you. I want to understand your ways, your thoughts, your desires and what breaks your heart. I want to hear your voice and be sensitive to your spirit. When the enemy comes in like a flood, I want to know that You will raise up a standard against him, not out of knowledge, but out of personal relationship. be my God and I will be your son.
I Love You Father,
Jeff
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