Scripture:
Nehemiah 12:43 "Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy, The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away".
Observation:
SO often throughout the Bible I hear about the incredible joy that would come to those who were serving God with all their hearts. Here, as the wall of Jerusalem was being dedicated, the joy of the Lord could be heard a long way away. It says it was because God had given the people cause for great joy. There was an incredible celebration as the sacrifices were made.
Application:
We are told that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In this passage the joy was there because of what the Lord had done for them. As New Testament Christians, we should be living in a state of continual joy because of what the Lord has done for us. He has delivered us, healed us fixed our ruined lives, given us hope and a future. He has restored us, blessed us and seated us in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. How much more does He have to do in order for us to walk in great joy? Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians. Right after love comes joy! We must get our joy back and allow following Jesus to be fun again.
Prayer:
Lord, I want Your joy in my life again. Somehow the happy go lucky individual I once was has been weighed down with a load of care and concern. Teach me the childlike faith I once had and give me the song in my heart again. I know Your joy and walked in it thoroughly for many years. I want it back in my life! I need You Lord more than ever before. Fill me with Your Spirit and teach me to leave my cares with You. Let my joy be FULL. I want to be a joyful person because I believe your best representatives are filled with joy and I want to represent You well.
You Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
First Fruits
Scripture:
Nehemiah 10:35 "We promise to bring the first part of every harvest to the Lord's Temple year after year - whether it be a crop from the soil or from our fruit trees".
Observation:
The people had seen the hand of God in the re-building of the wall of Jerusalem and they had heard the Law read by Ezra. Now it was their turn. Would they commit to it or would they not? This verse is one of many here where the people are making a commitment and promise to God. They want to do what God has asked of them. God asks for the first of everything in the Old Testament. He wanted the first of the fruit, the vegetables, the wine, the sheep, etc. God has always wanted to be first in the lives of his people.
Application:
God's word is very clear about how much He loves us. He gave all for us to become His children. What does He want in return? He wants to be first in our lives. He wants no other gods or idols in our lives. He wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, then for us to love our neighbor as ourselves. He wants us to place Him at the top of the list instead of just making a little room for Him if it is convenient on Sunday. We must come back to our first love and serve God with gladness. We must surrender all and lay down our own pursuits to follow his voice. He wants to be number one in our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, help me re-align my life to have You above all else. I want You in Your rightful place, at the top and center of my life. I want to live the life You have planned for me and not pursue my own agenda and plans. I surrender to You this morning. Be first in my life! I love You and want to offer myself as firstfruits for Your pleasure and glory.
Your Son,
Jeff
Nehemiah 10:35 "We promise to bring the first part of every harvest to the Lord's Temple year after year - whether it be a crop from the soil or from our fruit trees".
Observation:
The people had seen the hand of God in the re-building of the wall of Jerusalem and they had heard the Law read by Ezra. Now it was their turn. Would they commit to it or would they not? This verse is one of many here where the people are making a commitment and promise to God. They want to do what God has asked of them. God asks for the first of everything in the Old Testament. He wanted the first of the fruit, the vegetables, the wine, the sheep, etc. God has always wanted to be first in the lives of his people.
Application:
God's word is very clear about how much He loves us. He gave all for us to become His children. What does He want in return? He wants to be first in our lives. He wants no other gods or idols in our lives. He wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, then for us to love our neighbor as ourselves. He wants us to place Him at the top of the list instead of just making a little room for Him if it is convenient on Sunday. We must come back to our first love and serve God with gladness. We must surrender all and lay down our own pursuits to follow his voice. He wants to be number one in our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, help me re-align my life to have You above all else. I want You in Your rightful place, at the top and center of my life. I want to live the life You have planned for me and not pursue my own agenda and plans. I surrender to You this morning. Be first in my life! I love You and want to offer myself as firstfruits for Your pleasure and glory.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ask and You Shall Receive
Scripture:
Ezra 7:6 "He came up to Jerusalem from Babylon, and the king gave him everything he asked for, because the gracious hand of the Lord his God was on him".
Observation:
God really blessed the people of Judah as they were coming out of Babylonian captivity. When they were completing the temple, they were given everything they needed. There was huge amounts of gold and silver given to them. They were given massive amounts of rams, cattle, etc to sacrifice. This verse tells us the reason: 1. He ask for it! 2. the gracious hand of God was on him.
Application:
As a believer, the good hand of God is already on my life. Jesus died to give me access to the very throne of God and I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. Everything I need is already in the hands of my God and every need is easily met when He gets involved. The good hand of God was upon Ezra and he got everything he asked for. My problem is that I tend to trust God, but don't like to ask for help. Jesus said "Ask, and it will be given". James said "we have not because we ask not". I need to learn to ask.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to be more bold about asking for help. The things You have called me to do are far beyond my present resources and we barely make it each month now. I need to change in this area. I ask You to let the good hand of the Lord be on my life and teach me to be bold enough to ask for help when it is needed. Ezra got what he asked for. I just always feel weird asking. Teach me this that we may advance Your kingdom in a stronger way.
Jeff
Ezra 7:6 "He came up to Jerusalem from Babylon, and the king gave him everything he asked for, because the gracious hand of the Lord his God was on him".
Observation:
God really blessed the people of Judah as they were coming out of Babylonian captivity. When they were completing the temple, they were given everything they needed. There was huge amounts of gold and silver given to them. They were given massive amounts of rams, cattle, etc to sacrifice. This verse tells us the reason: 1. He ask for it! 2. the gracious hand of God was on him.
Application:
As a believer, the good hand of God is already on my life. Jesus died to give me access to the very throne of God and I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. Everything I need is already in the hands of my God and every need is easily met when He gets involved. The good hand of God was upon Ezra and he got everything he asked for. My problem is that I tend to trust God, but don't like to ask for help. Jesus said "Ask, and it will be given". James said "we have not because we ask not". I need to learn to ask.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to be more bold about asking for help. The things You have called me to do are far beyond my present resources and we barely make it each month now. I need to change in this area. I ask You to let the good hand of the Lord be on my life and teach me to be bold enough to ask for help when it is needed. Ezra got what he asked for. I just always feel weird asking. Teach me this that we may advance Your kingdom in a stronger way.
Jeff
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
When God makes Your Enemies Pay for your Vision
Scripture:
Ezra 6:8 "Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of this Euphrates river so that the work will not be interrupted".
Observation:
Judah had been started to rebuild their Temple as they returned home from exile and were stopped by the king of Babylon. After some time, they began to build again and the governor of the region sent word again to the king. This time the people of Jerusalem sent a word asking the king to look through his records and see a decree by a former king to help them build their temple. He found it and immediately got on their side, giving them all the resources they needed to get the job done. God moved on one man's heart and His temple was paid for and everything furnished. The ones who were their enemies, were paying for the Temple of their God to be rebuilt. This is God at work! He is amazing!
Application:
When God is really working in your life and you are submitted to Him, His blessing will overtake you so that even your enemies are giving into your life. Bosses that don't even like you are made to give you a riase by someone above them. When the blessing of God falls on your life, even your enemies will be forced to bless you. God is able! Many times we think, "that was great for them back then, but God doesn't do that anymore". He still does it that His name may be glorified.
Prayer:
Father, there are ten acres of land somewhere in Ashburn that some developer is sitting on. You have given this land to our church. Work on the hearts of the developers and have them give us the land for a tax write off and let it cost your people nothing. I know you are the same yesterday, today and forever. Let it happen quickly, that we may give You praise. I want to build you a place in this city for your name to be glorified. Make it come to pass I pray.
Your Son,
jeff
Ezra 6:8 "Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of this Euphrates river so that the work will not be interrupted".
Observation:
Judah had been started to rebuild their Temple as they returned home from exile and were stopped by the king of Babylon. After some time, they began to build again and the governor of the region sent word again to the king. This time the people of Jerusalem sent a word asking the king to look through his records and see a decree by a former king to help them build their temple. He found it and immediately got on their side, giving them all the resources they needed to get the job done. God moved on one man's heart and His temple was paid for and everything furnished. The ones who were their enemies, were paying for the Temple of their God to be rebuilt. This is God at work! He is amazing!
Application:
When God is really working in your life and you are submitted to Him, His blessing will overtake you so that even your enemies are giving into your life. Bosses that don't even like you are made to give you a riase by someone above them. When the blessing of God falls on your life, even your enemies will be forced to bless you. God is able! Many times we think, "that was great for them back then, but God doesn't do that anymore". He still does it that His name may be glorified.
Prayer:
Father, there are ten acres of land somewhere in Ashburn that some developer is sitting on. You have given this land to our church. Work on the hearts of the developers and have them give us the land for a tax write off and let it cost your people nothing. I know you are the same yesterday, today and forever. Let it happen quickly, that we may give You praise. I want to build you a place in this city for your name to be glorified. Make it come to pass I pray.
Your Son,
jeff
Friday, August 20, 2010
Praise and Worship
Scripture:
II Chronicles 29:30 "King Hezekiah and the officials ordered the Levites to praise the Lord with the psalms written by David and by Asaph the seer. So they offered joyous praise and bowed down in worship".
Observation:
King Hezekiah understood how to relate to God and how to have God forgive, heal, restore, and make all things news. He understood that the first thing that needed to happen was for cleanse the Levites and once they were cleansed they needed to get praise and worship going in the Temple as quickly as possible. Once the praise and worship started, the sacrifices were coming behind as they were restoring Moses pattern of worship give to him from God Himself.
Application:
I see a progression that Hezekiah used to bring God's favor and blessing back onto Judah. He started with cleansing, went into praise and worship, then began to sacrifice. When we come into the Lord's presence as NT believers, it is still a good pattern to follow. We should start out by cleansing ourselves and repenting of things we know we shouldn't have have. Next we need to move into vibrant praise and heartfelt worship. From there we should offer ourselves as a sacrifice. All of this before we ask God for anything. We must learn to put ourselves into a position that God can bless. Hezekiah asked for joyous praise and for worship where we would bow down.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me how to come into Your presence effectively and the way You want me to. I want Your blessing on my life. I need You Lord to speak to me every day of my life. Show me how to be in the position for You to bless me that way.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Chronicles 29:30 "King Hezekiah and the officials ordered the Levites to praise the Lord with the psalms written by David and by Asaph the seer. So they offered joyous praise and bowed down in worship".
Observation:
King Hezekiah understood how to relate to God and how to have God forgive, heal, restore, and make all things news. He understood that the first thing that needed to happen was for cleanse the Levites and once they were cleansed they needed to get praise and worship going in the Temple as quickly as possible. Once the praise and worship started, the sacrifices were coming behind as they were restoring Moses pattern of worship give to him from God Himself.
Application:
I see a progression that Hezekiah used to bring God's favor and blessing back onto Judah. He started with cleansing, went into praise and worship, then began to sacrifice. When we come into the Lord's presence as NT believers, it is still a good pattern to follow. We should start out by cleansing ourselves and repenting of things we know we shouldn't have have. Next we need to move into vibrant praise and heartfelt worship. From there we should offer ourselves as a sacrifice. All of this before we ask God for anything. We must learn to put ourselves into a position that God can bless. Hezekiah asked for joyous praise and for worship where we would bow down.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me how to come into Your presence effectively and the way You want me to. I want Your blessing on my life. I need You Lord to speak to me every day of my life. Show me how to be in the position for You to bless me that way.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Seeking God Leads to Prosperity
Scripture:
II Chronicles 26:5 "He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper".
Observation:
Uzziah was a good king who reigned for 52 years. That's a long time! He did what was right in the sight of the Lord until he felt comfortable enough to burn incense at the incense altar. From that point on he had leprosy. While he was seeking God properly, God made him prosper.
Application:
The last couple days the Lord has had me on this area of prosperity, which I usually tend to avoid because I don't like the way the prosperity message has been spread in the body of Christ. In this passage though, I again see God making someone prosper because they sought Him and obeyed Him. We must be people who seek the Lord and obey His voice. When we do, I believe He will prosper us in every area of life. I believe God wants to bless His children, but his children must be in a blessable condition. God seekers and obeyers seem to bring about His blessing.
Prayer:
Father, I want to seek You more and obey You more completely. Help me to follow You wholeheartedly, not that I may be blessed, but that I may know You more intimately. My hunger for You is growing again. I love You and want to know You more every day. Come Holy Spirit and work in my life. Bring about Your will in me and my family. I surrender to You and Your calling on my life.
Yours Completely,
Jeff
II Chronicles 26:5 "He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper".
Observation:
Uzziah was a good king who reigned for 52 years. That's a long time! He did what was right in the sight of the Lord until he felt comfortable enough to burn incense at the incense altar. From that point on he had leprosy. While he was seeking God properly, God made him prosper.
Application:
The last couple days the Lord has had me on this area of prosperity, which I usually tend to avoid because I don't like the way the prosperity message has been spread in the body of Christ. In this passage though, I again see God making someone prosper because they sought Him and obeyed Him. We must be people who seek the Lord and obey His voice. When we do, I believe He will prosper us in every area of life. I believe God wants to bless His children, but his children must be in a blessable condition. God seekers and obeyers seem to bring about His blessing.
Prayer:
Father, I want to seek You more and obey You more completely. Help me to follow You wholeheartedly, not that I may be blessed, but that I may know You more intimately. My hunger for You is growing again. I love You and want to know You more every day. Come Holy Spirit and work in my life. Bring about Your will in me and my family. I surrender to You and Your calling on my life.
Yours Completely,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Obedience and Prosperity
Scripture:
II Chronicles 24:20 "Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, 'This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord's commands and keep yourselves from prospering?'"
Observation:
Throughout scripture one can see a correlation between prosperity and serving the Lord with all your heart. Almost everyone in the OT who really followed the Lord and obeyed him fully also had great prosperity. In this case, Zechariah says it plainly, "Why do you disobey the Lord's commands and keep yourselves from prospering?" If disobedience keeps us from prospering, then obedience should cause us to prosper.
Application:
God is a good God who loves to bless His children and lavish them with good things. It is not His will for His children to be broke, busted and disgusted. He loves to prosper His children, but He also has conditions. He expects obedience and obedience brings blessing. When I disobey God, I can closing the windows of heaven that I have been trying to get open over my life. Obedience is not for the purpose of controlling us and making us have miserable lives, obedience is so that the blessing of God can flow unhindered in our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, there are things I know I should have done by now which I haven't. I have disobeyed and I ask You to forgive me. I will do my best to go back and complete every assignment You have given me. I need help in order to complete these assignments. Please send me the help I need to make it easier to obey Your voice. Sometimes I feel like You have given me things to do that take many people to accomplish, but I don't have the people so I wait on accomplishing them. I will begin by myself and look to You to provide the manpower to pull them off. Help me obey You.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
II Chronicles 24:20 "Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, 'This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord's commands and keep yourselves from prospering?'"
Observation:
Throughout scripture one can see a correlation between prosperity and serving the Lord with all your heart. Almost everyone in the OT who really followed the Lord and obeyed him fully also had great prosperity. In this case, Zechariah says it plainly, "Why do you disobey the Lord's commands and keep yourselves from prospering?" If disobedience keeps us from prospering, then obedience should cause us to prosper.
Application:
God is a good God who loves to bless His children and lavish them with good things. It is not His will for His children to be broke, busted and disgusted. He loves to prosper His children, but He also has conditions. He expects obedience and obedience brings blessing. When I disobey God, I can closing the windows of heaven that I have been trying to get open over my life. Obedience is not for the purpose of controlling us and making us have miserable lives, obedience is so that the blessing of God can flow unhindered in our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, there are things I know I should have done by now which I haven't. I have disobeyed and I ask You to forgive me. I will do my best to go back and complete every assignment You have given me. I need help in order to complete these assignments. Please send me the help I need to make it easier to obey Your voice. Sometimes I feel like You have given me things to do that take many people to accomplish, but I don't have the people so I wait on accomplishing them. I will begin by myself and look to You to provide the manpower to pull them off. Help me obey You.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Take Your Positions
Scripture:
II Chronicles 20:17 "But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!"
Observation:
Jehoshaphat had walked humbly before the Lord and had been pleasing in the Lord's sight. He had called on the name of the Lord and now enemy armies were coming against him. God gives him this word, "You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand and watch the Lord's victory". God was going to fight their enemies, but He wanted them to get in their positions and prepare for battle. God always asks us to be part of the process when He is going to defeat our enemies.
Application:
Life would be easier if God would just destroy all our enemies and fix everything all the time without asking us to be part of the process. Our obedience is crucial to God destroying our enemies. He wants us to take steps of faith that we may see the salvation of the Lord. He asks us to show up for the battle, get in position, then watch Him. These are steps of faith in Him and obedience to His word. Our obedience is essential to Him defeating our enemies. He always asks us to do something.
Prayer:
Father, help me to "take my position" in the battle and do what You ask me to do. Help me not make excuses or delay what you want me to do. Teach me to be strong and trust You fully and completely. I want to see You kingdom come and Your will done. As you ask me to take my place in the battle, give me strength to do my part so you can do your part.
Your SOn,
Jeff
II Chronicles 20:17 "But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!"
Observation:
Jehoshaphat had walked humbly before the Lord and had been pleasing in the Lord's sight. He had called on the name of the Lord and now enemy armies were coming against him. God gives him this word, "You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand and watch the Lord's victory". God was going to fight their enemies, but He wanted them to get in their positions and prepare for battle. God always asks us to be part of the process when He is going to defeat our enemies.
Application:
Life would be easier if God would just destroy all our enemies and fix everything all the time without asking us to be part of the process. Our obedience is crucial to God destroying our enemies. He wants us to take steps of faith that we may see the salvation of the Lord. He asks us to show up for the battle, get in position, then watch Him. These are steps of faith in Him and obedience to His word. Our obedience is essential to Him defeating our enemies. He always asks us to do something.
Prayer:
Father, help me to "take my position" in the battle and do what You ask me to do. Help me not make excuses or delay what you want me to do. Teach me to be strong and trust You fully and completely. I want to see You kingdom come and Your will done. As you ask me to take my place in the battle, give me strength to do my part so you can do your part.
Your SOn,
Jeff
Friday, August 13, 2010
God's Amazing Favor
Scripture:
II Chronicles 9:8 "Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for him. Because God loves Israel and desires this kingdom to last forever, he has made you king over them so you can rule them with justice and righteousness".
Observation:
In this verse I see God's amazing favor! When God put his hand on Solomon's life, He did it right. Solomon was blessed with unbelievable wealth, crazy favor, wisdom found nowhere else on the earth, and so much more. When God delights in someone, he will place them where they can make the most impact for his kingdom. It was God who placed Solomon where he was. It was God who taught him all things. It was God who blessed him, promoted him, trained him, etc.
Application:
Today we love to relish in our accomplishments and what we have done with our lives. We like to think we are doing well today because we took control of our destiny and worked hard. We can work hard all the time, but when God's favor comes on a life, He will raise them up for His glory! It all starts and stops with God. When He sees my love for Him and devotion to Him, He raises me up, so that my life will bring Him glory. It is all about Him! From start to finish, out lives are really not about us, but about Him. When He bring favor on our lives, we will only be able to give credit to the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, I love You and once again surrender my life into Your hands. You created me and shaped me. You called me and have led me. You are my source, my rock, my delivered, my strong tower. You are my everything! Let my life bring Your glory. Let the way I live bring your glory. Let the way I speak bring You glory. Let my family bring Your glory. Let my life bring honor to Your name and make you look good!
Yours,
Jeff
II Chronicles 9:8 "Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for him. Because God loves Israel and desires this kingdom to last forever, he has made you king over them so you can rule them with justice and righteousness".
Observation:
In this verse I see God's amazing favor! When God put his hand on Solomon's life, He did it right. Solomon was blessed with unbelievable wealth, crazy favor, wisdom found nowhere else on the earth, and so much more. When God delights in someone, he will place them where they can make the most impact for his kingdom. It was God who placed Solomon where he was. It was God who taught him all things. It was God who blessed him, promoted him, trained him, etc.
Application:
Today we love to relish in our accomplishments and what we have done with our lives. We like to think we are doing well today because we took control of our destiny and worked hard. We can work hard all the time, but when God's favor comes on a life, He will raise them up for His glory! It all starts and stops with God. When He sees my love for Him and devotion to Him, He raises me up, so that my life will bring Him glory. It is all about Him! From start to finish, out lives are really not about us, but about Him. When He bring favor on our lives, we will only be able to give credit to the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, I love You and once again surrender my life into Your hands. You created me and shaped me. You called me and have led me. You are my source, my rock, my delivered, my strong tower. You are my everything! Let my life bring Your glory. Let the way I live bring your glory. Let the way I speak bring You glory. Let my family bring Your glory. Let my life bring honor to Your name and make you look good!
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Be Instant in Season and Out of Season
Scripture:
II Chronicles 5:11 "All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether or not they were on duty that day."
Observation:
Here we see that Solomon has taken over as king of Israel. One of his first acts was to build the Temple of the Lord as his father had told him to do. Once the building was completed, he brought in the Ark of the Covenant. The priests were sent to bring it back to Jerusalem and this little verse was thrown into the story. All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether they were on duty that day or not.
Application:
Paul told Timothy to be ready in season and out of season. As a minister of the Gospel, I should be ready and purified at all times and ready for the master's use. It says the priests had purified themselves whether they were on duty or not. We must live lives that are ready at all times if God needs to use us. We should be in a constant state of preparedness. We must remain pure whether or not we we are ministering that day or not. May we learn to walk in the Spirit at all times and not just before we have to minister.
Prayer:
Father, I love You and want to be ready in season and out of season. I want to be a pure an ready vessel in the hands of the master. Help me to walk before You with integrity of heart, ready for your use at 2 am, 6 am or noon every day. I want to be in constant fellowship with You.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Chronicles 5:11 "All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether or not they were on duty that day."
Observation:
Here we see that Solomon has taken over as king of Israel. One of his first acts was to build the Temple of the Lord as his father had told him to do. Once the building was completed, he brought in the Ark of the Covenant. The priests were sent to bring it back to Jerusalem and this little verse was thrown into the story. All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether they were on duty that day or not.
Application:
Paul told Timothy to be ready in season and out of season. As a minister of the Gospel, I should be ready and purified at all times and ready for the master's use. It says the priests had purified themselves whether they were on duty or not. We must live lives that are ready at all times if God needs to use us. We should be in a constant state of preparedness. We must remain pure whether or not we we are ministering that day or not. May we learn to walk in the Spirit at all times and not just before we have to minister.
Prayer:
Father, I love You and want to be ready in season and out of season. I want to be a pure an ready vessel in the hands of the master. Help me to walk before You with integrity of heart, ready for your use at 2 am, 6 am or noon every day. I want to be in constant fellowship with You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Magnificent
Scripture:
II Chronicles 2:5 "This must be a magnificent Temple because our God is greater than all other gods".
Observation:
As Solomon prepared to build the Temple for God which his father David had prepared him for, he made sure it was going to be magnificent. He wanted to build something for God that demonstrated that God was above every other god in the world. He wanted only the absolute best, made with the absolute best artisans and builders.
Application:
Does what we do bring our God honor? Does the way we work, the way we act, the way we live, demonstrate the magnificence of God? As believers, we should want the absolute best for our God. Our lives should be lives of excellence because we want to bring glory to the most magnificent god in the universe. Let's live in excellence and give God the greatest honor possible with our lives.
Prayer:
Father, help me to give You my absolute best. Tech me to live a life that will bring You great glory. I may not be able to build You another Temple, but my body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Help me to present it to You the best I possibly can, that You may be glorified.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Chronicles 2:5 "This must be a magnificent Temple because our God is greater than all other gods".
Observation:
As Solomon prepared to build the Temple for God which his father David had prepared him for, he made sure it was going to be magnificent. He wanted to build something for God that demonstrated that God was above every other god in the world. He wanted only the absolute best, made with the absolute best artisans and builders.
Application:
Does what we do bring our God honor? Does the way we work, the way we act, the way we live, demonstrate the magnificence of God? As believers, we should want the absolute best for our God. Our lives should be lives of excellence because we want to bring glory to the most magnificent god in the universe. Let's live in excellence and give God the greatest honor possible with our lives.
Prayer:
Father, help me to give You my absolute best. Tech me to live a life that will bring You great glory. I may not be able to build You another Temple, but my body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Help me to present it to You the best I possibly can, that You may be glorified.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A Father's Instruction
Scripture:
I Chronicles 28:9 "And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever".
Observation:
David is instructing his son Solomon. He is preparing Solomon to reign as king. As he is giving him advice about building the Temple and appointing leaders, etc. he takes this opportunity to remind his son about the importance of knowing God. he tell Solomon to learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. He says to worship and serve him with all his heart and mind. As he is preparing his son to reign, he is telling him who is really in charge. He is really telling his son that the most important thing in his life isn't the kingdom, but his relationship with God.
Application:
Fathers tend to train their sons in many areas. We love to train them in sports and working on cars and outdoors stuff, but how often do we really demonstrate to our children the importance of putting God first in everything we do. I want to leave my sons a legacy of a life well lived for my King, but I also want them to follow. We must encourage the next generation to know the god of their fathers.
Prayer:
Father, help me today to instruct my sons in the ways of God. Help me raise my boys and train them to call on You and to worship and serve you with all their heart, soul and mind. Help me be an example to them that they can follow. I want to be as real example of a man of God to my sons. Let them know you intimately.
Jeff
I Chronicles 28:9 "And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever".
Observation:
David is instructing his son Solomon. He is preparing Solomon to reign as king. As he is giving him advice about building the Temple and appointing leaders, etc. he takes this opportunity to remind his son about the importance of knowing God. he tell Solomon to learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. He says to worship and serve him with all his heart and mind. As he is preparing his son to reign, he is telling him who is really in charge. He is really telling his son that the most important thing in his life isn't the kingdom, but his relationship with God.
Application:
Fathers tend to train their sons in many areas. We love to train them in sports and working on cars and outdoors stuff, but how often do we really demonstrate to our children the importance of putting God first in everything we do. I want to leave my sons a legacy of a life well lived for my King, but I also want them to follow. We must encourage the next generation to know the god of their fathers.
Prayer:
Father, help me today to instruct my sons in the ways of God. Help me raise my boys and train them to call on You and to worship and serve you with all their heart, soul and mind. Help me be an example to them that they can follow. I want to be as real example of a man of God to my sons. Let them know you intimately.
Jeff
Monday, August 9, 2010
Singing in the Spirit
Scripture:
I Chronicles 25:1 "David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Juduthun to proclaim God's messages to the accompaniment of lyres, and cymbals."
Observation:
David and his commanders appointed musicians and singers to proclaim God's messages in song. It is interesting that army commanders were part of appointing singer who would proclaim God's messages in song. There is a correlation between warfare and worship. They knew that as God's messages were proclaimed in song, the army would be able to defeat any enemy.
Application:
Some of our strongest warfare is done through worship and intercession. We must become people who sing prophetically and play spontaneously. If it was important enough in the OT for commanders in the army to do it, we must see it as important as well. Paul tells us to sing in the Spirit. We must incorporate the prophetic and the musical once again in the body of Christ, then we will be successful in the Spirit realm.
Prayer:
Lord teach me more about worship and intercession. I want to grow in You and learn how to defeat the enemy of my soul every time. I believe there is a key here, but want more revelation.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Chronicles 25:1 "David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Juduthun to proclaim God's messages to the accompaniment of lyres, and cymbals."
Observation:
David and his commanders appointed musicians and singers to proclaim God's messages in song. It is interesting that army commanders were part of appointing singer who would proclaim God's messages in song. There is a correlation between warfare and worship. They knew that as God's messages were proclaimed in song, the army would be able to defeat any enemy.
Application:
Some of our strongest warfare is done through worship and intercession. We must become people who sing prophetically and play spontaneously. If it was important enough in the OT for commanders in the army to do it, we must see it as important as well. Paul tells us to sing in the Spirit. We must incorporate the prophetic and the musical once again in the body of Christ, then we will be successful in the Spirit realm.
Prayer:
Lord teach me more about worship and intercession. I want to grow in You and learn how to defeat the enemy of my soul every time. I believe there is a key here, but want more revelation.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Real leadership
Scripture:
I Chronicles 21:17b "Let Your Hand, O Lord my God, be against me and my father's house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued".
Observation:
God is about to judge Israel because David had numbered them. The angel of the Lord was ready to begin destruction and David stands up and asks him to spare the people and let the judgment fall on him. he was ready to take full responsibility for his actions and not see innocent people suffer because of his decisions.
Application:
As leaders, we are called to take full responsibility for our actions. David was a great example of this because he asked the Lord to punish him personally instead of punishing the nation. He could have said nothing and nobody would have known, but he stands up and admits his mistakes. he not only admits, but asks God to ppunish him fully for it. Leaders must take responsibility for their actions. We must not let judgment fall on those we lead, rather, we must be responsible.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to lead like David led. Teach me to put my people ahead of myself. I want to serve You completely and fully. Help me to lay down my life for the sheep. Help us on this outreach today. Help me keep my attitude right and see Your glory in North Fork today. let souls be saved!
Amen
I Chronicles 21:17b "Let Your Hand, O Lord my God, be against me and my father's house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued".
Observation:
God is about to judge Israel because David had numbered them. The angel of the Lord was ready to begin destruction and David stands up and asks him to spare the people and let the judgment fall on him. he was ready to take full responsibility for his actions and not see innocent people suffer because of his decisions.
Application:
As leaders, we are called to take full responsibility for our actions. David was a great example of this because he asked the Lord to punish him personally instead of punishing the nation. He could have said nothing and nobody would have known, but he stands up and admits his mistakes. he not only admits, but asks God to ppunish him fully for it. Leaders must take responsibility for their actions. We must not let judgment fall on those we lead, rather, we must be responsible.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to lead like David led. Teach me to put my people ahead of myself. I want to serve You completely and fully. Help me to lay down my life for the sheep. Help us on this outreach today. Help me keep my attitude right and see Your glory in North Fork today. let souls be saved!
Amen
Friday, August 6, 2010
Building a Dynasty
Scripture:
I Chronicles 18:17 "Beniah son of Jehoiada was captain of the King's bodyguard. And David's sons served as the king's chief assistants".
Observation:
As the amazing story is being told about David and his incredible reign, there is one little part of a verse that is very interesting. David's sons served as his chief assistants. David evidently had a strong relationship with his sons. He was a great father who raised his children to follow the Lord, but the "how" is so important. He made his sons his chief assistants. They helped their dad do whatever he had to do. They didn't serve somewhere else in the palace, they served right alongside their dad.
Application:
Building a dynasty doesn't happen overnight, nor does it happen by accident. it is intentional. David understood that time with his sons and personally teaching them would reap great rewards. He had been promised that his family would rule and reign in Israel and he was preparing his sons to rule. He prepared them, not by giving them big jobs, but by serving. He taught them to assist before throwing them into larger leadership positions. Being dad's chief assistant meant being with dad much more than most. Being with your father is crucial to your development as a man.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me this morning. Help me be a great father for Joshua and Jordan. Help me to raise them right and train them to be all you want them to be. Let them see my life and want to serve with me. Help me be an example for them of what a Godly man really is. Let my sons become great in Your kingdom and help me make the right investment in them to make it happen.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 18:17 "Beniah son of Jehoiada was captain of the King's bodyguard. And David's sons served as the king's chief assistants".
Observation:
As the amazing story is being told about David and his incredible reign, there is one little part of a verse that is very interesting. David's sons served as his chief assistants. David evidently had a strong relationship with his sons. He was a great father who raised his children to follow the Lord, but the "how" is so important. He made his sons his chief assistants. They helped their dad do whatever he had to do. They didn't serve somewhere else in the palace, they served right alongside their dad.
Application:
Building a dynasty doesn't happen overnight, nor does it happen by accident. it is intentional. David understood that time with his sons and personally teaching them would reap great rewards. He had been promised that his family would rule and reign in Israel and he was preparing his sons to rule. He prepared them, not by giving them big jobs, but by serving. He taught them to assist before throwing them into larger leadership positions. Being dad's chief assistant meant being with dad much more than most. Being with your father is crucial to your development as a man.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me this morning. Help me be a great father for Joshua and Jordan. Help me to raise them right and train them to be all you want them to be. Let them see my life and want to serve with me. Help me be an example for them of what a Godly man really is. Let my sons become great in Your kingdom and help me make the right investment in them to make it happen.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Lord of Heaven's Armies
Scripture:
I Chronicles 11:9 "And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord of Heaven's Armies was with him".
Observation:
As David is becoming king, this little verse describes what actually happened. David became more and more powerful because the Lord of Heaven's Armies was with him. From this verse, I observe that the Lord has armies at his disposal on behalf of those whose hearts are pure before him. When He is with you, you cannot be defeated, when He is against you, you cannot win!
Application:
I want the Lord of Heaven's Armies to be on my side. It is Him that makes a person more and more powerful. God has armies of warriors at his disposal, I want to be on His side and have these armies fighting on my behalf. May we live lives that are so Godly that the commander of heaven's armies fights on our behalf, then we will never lose.
Prayer:
Lord of Heaven's Armies, teach me to walk with You. Teach me to live a life that pleases You and that you will honor. I want Your forces working with me and not against me. Show me areas of my life that don't have your blessing and give me power to change them. When you bless something, it is blessed. Help me live a surrendered life before You.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Chronicles 11:9 "And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord of Heaven's Armies was with him".
Observation:
As David is becoming king, this little verse describes what actually happened. David became more and more powerful because the Lord of Heaven's Armies was with him. From this verse, I observe that the Lord has armies at his disposal on behalf of those whose hearts are pure before him. When He is with you, you cannot be defeated, when He is against you, you cannot win!
Application:
I want the Lord of Heaven's Armies to be on my side. It is Him that makes a person more and more powerful. God has armies of warriors at his disposal, I want to be on His side and have these armies fighting on my behalf. May we live lives that are so Godly that the commander of heaven's armies fights on our behalf, then we will never lose.
Prayer:
Lord of Heaven's Armies, teach me to walk with You. Teach me to live a life that pleases You and that you will honor. I want Your forces working with me and not against me. Show me areas of my life that don't have your blessing and give me power to change them. When you bless something, it is blessed. Help me live a surrendered life before You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
24/7 Worship
Scripture:
I Chronicles 9:33 "The musicians, all prominent Levites, lived at the Temple. They were exempt from all other responsibilities since they were on duty alt all hours".
Observation:
God's children had been exiled to Babylon and were returning in groups to Jerusalem and the other cities. As they returned, the Levites, priests, etc. came first to re-establish worship before others came. On their way back we read this little verse that tells us the musicians lived at the Temple and were exempt from all other duties as priests because they were on duty at all hours. Worship with musical instruments was going on at all times. These people had no other responsibilities except worship God with instruments 24/7.
Application:
God loves our worship! He desires His people to worship Him. As we read the book of Revelation, we see that worship goes on in heaven 24/7 for eternity. We need to take a deeper look at worship and understand that God desires worshippers who will worship Him 24/7. He wants more than worship for 25 minutes on Sunday morning. He desires our worship! God is so awesome and deserves our worship and praise in every possible way. may the body of Christ once again see the importance of worship and give ourselves fully to worshipping our God.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to worship You more fully. Show me how You want to be worshipped. I don't want to worship my way, but I want to worship You Your way. Take me out of tradition and teach me how worship takes place in heaven. I want to learn to become the best worshipper of my God that I can. You deserve the worship you desire!
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 9:33 "The musicians, all prominent Levites, lived at the Temple. They were exempt from all other responsibilities since they were on duty alt all hours".
Observation:
God's children had been exiled to Babylon and were returning in groups to Jerusalem and the other cities. As they returned, the Levites, priests, etc. came first to re-establish worship before others came. On their way back we read this little verse that tells us the musicians lived at the Temple and were exempt from all other duties as priests because they were on duty at all hours. Worship with musical instruments was going on at all times. These people had no other responsibilities except worship God with instruments 24/7.
Application:
God loves our worship! He desires His people to worship Him. As we read the book of Revelation, we see that worship goes on in heaven 24/7 for eternity. We need to take a deeper look at worship and understand that God desires worshippers who will worship Him 24/7. He wants more than worship for 25 minutes on Sunday morning. He desires our worship! God is so awesome and deserves our worship and praise in every possible way. may the body of Christ once again see the importance of worship and give ourselves fully to worshipping our God.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to worship You more fully. Show me how You want to be worshipped. I don't want to worship my way, but I want to worship You Your way. Take me out of tradition and teach me how worship takes place in heaven. I want to learn to become the best worshipper of my God that I can. You deserve the worship you desire!
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, August 2, 2010
He Heeded Their Prayer
Scripture:
I Chronicles 5:20 "for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him".
Observation:
In the midst of a long line of genealogies comes this brief interlude with a quick story about the half tribe of Manasseh. All the story really says is that God gave them victory when they cried out to Him. In the midst of the battle, they cried out to God. They then trusted God and He defeated their enemies.
Application:
When the battle gets stronger, our usual reaction is to run the other way as fast as possible. When we go through hard times, it seems easier to run than to face our enemies. Here we see a group that, in the midst of battle, cried out to the Lord and it says that He heeded their prayer because they put their trust in Him. All God is looking for is us to trust Him and cry out to Him in our despair. He wants to work on our behalf, but He wants us to acknowledge our need of Him. He wants us to depend on Him instead of on our own resources and battle plans. Sometimes we have to be in a place of utter despair before we cry out to God. Let's learn to cry out to Him when things are going well and when things are not.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to cry out to You when trouble arises instead of trying to fix everything on my own. I need you right now in a big way and I cry out to You. You are God over all creation and You have all resources. Nothing is too difficult for You. I need a breakthrough financially for our church, Hearts for the Harvest and our family. I need You Lord and I put my trust in You.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 5:20 "for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him".
Observation:
In the midst of a long line of genealogies comes this brief interlude with a quick story about the half tribe of Manasseh. All the story really says is that God gave them victory when they cried out to Him. In the midst of the battle, they cried out to God. They then trusted God and He defeated their enemies.
Application:
When the battle gets stronger, our usual reaction is to run the other way as fast as possible. When we go through hard times, it seems easier to run than to face our enemies. Here we see a group that, in the midst of battle, cried out to the Lord and it says that He heeded their prayer because they put their trust in Him. All God is looking for is us to trust Him and cry out to Him in our despair. He wants to work on our behalf, but He wants us to acknowledge our need of Him. He wants us to depend on Him instead of on our own resources and battle plans. Sometimes we have to be in a place of utter despair before we cry out to God. Let's learn to cry out to Him when things are going well and when things are not.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to cry out to You when trouble arises instead of trying to fix everything on my own. I need you right now in a big way and I cry out to You. You are God over all creation and You have all resources. Nothing is too difficult for You. I need a breakthrough financially for our church, Hearts for the Harvest and our family. I need You Lord and I put my trust in You.
Yours,
Jeff
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)