Scripture:
Proverbs 3:27 "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act".
Observation:
Solomon is simply saying that when we have the power to do good to people, we need to do it. God places us in positions so that He can bless people through our lives. When we have the power to act, it is because He placed us where we are and is trusting us to do good to those who deserve it.
Application:
How many opportunities have I missed to do good to someone who deserves it? How many times could I have spoken a kind word or done a kind gesture to someone? God has put me in a position to be a blessing and do good to people who deserve it. I need to act on it and use that position to bless as many people as possible.
Prayer:
Father, show me opportunities to do good to people. Help me to be a blesser of people and an encourager. You have blessed my life and placed me in a position to do good to people. Help me do it. Teach me to hear your voice and show me the opportunities You place in front of me every day. I want my life to be a blessing to others.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Greatest Honor
Scripture:
II Corinthians 6:1 "As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain".
Observation:
Paul describes himself in terms of being a fellow worker with God. It is as if he and God worked together to bring about God's will on earth. In the context, he was talking about reconciling people to God as though God were making His appeal through us. He understood that God worked together with him as he was leading people to Christ and reconciling them to God.
Application:
When I am ministering on Christ's behalf, I am a co-worker of God. I am never alone when I am working for Him. He is working together with me to reconcile people back to Him. What a blessing and the greatest honor in the world! We get to work together with God to bring about His will on the earth. When we are ministering, we are doing it through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of God will speak through us, and the job will get done.
Prayer:
Father, what an honor to work with You to bring about Your will on the earth. Cleanse my heart and mind, so I can be a better fellow worker with you. Help me represent You well and speak on Your behalf. Work with me to build Your kingdom on this earth in greater dimensions than ever before. I want You to flow with me and work through my life. Let me be an empty vessel You can fill and use for Your glory.
Love You,
Jeff
II Corinthians 6:1 "As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain".
Observation:
Paul describes himself in terms of being a fellow worker with God. It is as if he and God worked together to bring about God's will on earth. In the context, he was talking about reconciling people to God as though God were making His appeal through us. He understood that God worked together with him as he was leading people to Christ and reconciling them to God.
Application:
When I am ministering on Christ's behalf, I am a co-worker of God. I am never alone when I am working for Him. He is working together with me to reconcile people back to Him. What a blessing and the greatest honor in the world! We get to work together with God to bring about His will on the earth. When we are ministering, we are doing it through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of God will speak through us, and the job will get done.
Prayer:
Father, what an honor to work with You to bring about Your will on the earth. Cleanse my heart and mind, so I can be a better fellow worker with you. Help me represent You well and speak on Your behalf. Work with me to build Your kingdom on this earth in greater dimensions than ever before. I want You to flow with me and work through my life. Let me be an empty vessel You can fill and use for Your glory.
Love You,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Ever increasing Glory
Scripture:
II Corinthians 3:18 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is spirit".
Observation:
Paul is speaking of the glory of the New Covenant. He talks about how the glory of the Old Covenant caused Moses' face to shine and for him to need to wear a veil in front of the people because of God's glory on him. Now he says we have unveiled faces and are reflectors of the Lord's glory. He says we are being transformed in his likeness with ever-increasing glory.
Application:
Can I say that I am being transformed into the likeness of Christ with ever-increasing glory or have I gotten satisfied with where I am in my relationship with Him? After reading this verse, I want to become a better reflector of the glory of the Lord. I want his glory to be ever-increasing in my life. I want to be transformed into His likeness as the verse says. We must stay away from things that diminish his glory and likeness in our lives and begin to allow Him to shine through us more and more each day.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be a glory reflector! I want to shine for You. Help me to live a life that you can shine on. Teach me to become a better Christ-follower and become more like Him every day. Let Your glory be ever-increasing in my life, that you may be glorified in and through my life.
Yours,
Jeff
II Corinthians 3:18 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is spirit".
Observation:
Paul is speaking of the glory of the New Covenant. He talks about how the glory of the Old Covenant caused Moses' face to shine and for him to need to wear a veil in front of the people because of God's glory on him. Now he says we have unveiled faces and are reflectors of the Lord's glory. He says we are being transformed in his likeness with ever-increasing glory.
Application:
Can I say that I am being transformed into the likeness of Christ with ever-increasing glory or have I gotten satisfied with where I am in my relationship with Him? After reading this verse, I want to become a better reflector of the glory of the Lord. I want his glory to be ever-increasing in my life. I want to be transformed into His likeness as the verse says. We must stay away from things that diminish his glory and likeness in our lives and begin to allow Him to shine through us more and more each day.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be a glory reflector! I want to shine for You. Help me to live a life that you can shine on. Teach me to become a better Christ-follower and become more like Him every day. Let Your glory be ever-increasing in my life, that you may be glorified in and through my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Stand Firm
Scripture:
I Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain".
Observation:
Paul has been talking in the previous verses about death and resurrection. He talked about how mortal will put on immortality. Then he says, "Therefore", because of the resurrection, let nothing move you. Give yourselves to the work of the Lord because your labor is not in vain. God wants His people to stand firm and not give up so easily. He wants people who will remain faithful through the hard things of life and not give up when things don't go their way.
Application:
Lately, God has been speaking to me about standing firm. He keeps saying "hold onto what I sent you to do". He keeps reminding me that my reward is in heaven and that He is with me. This verse today strengthens my resolve to continue to finish what I came here to start. As we do what he wants us to do, He lets us know that our work is not in vain. He is in control and as we submit to Him, He will direct our paths and give us the strength we need to do what He tells us to do.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for the encouragement this morning. You are always faithful! May Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Strengthen your body that they may fulfill the great commission and realize in the process that their work is not in vain.
Love,
Jeff
I Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain".
Observation:
Paul has been talking in the previous verses about death and resurrection. He talked about how mortal will put on immortality. Then he says, "Therefore", because of the resurrection, let nothing move you. Give yourselves to the work of the Lord because your labor is not in vain. God wants His people to stand firm and not give up so easily. He wants people who will remain faithful through the hard things of life and not give up when things don't go their way.
Application:
Lately, God has been speaking to me about standing firm. He keeps saying "hold onto what I sent you to do". He keeps reminding me that my reward is in heaven and that He is with me. This verse today strengthens my resolve to continue to finish what I came here to start. As we do what he wants us to do, He lets us know that our work is not in vain. He is in control and as we submit to Him, He will direct our paths and give us the strength we need to do what He tells us to do.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for the encouragement this morning. You are always faithful! May Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Strengthen your body that they may fulfill the great commission and realize in the process that their work is not in vain.
Love,
Jeff
Friday, November 19, 2010
More than Talk
Scripture:
I Corinthians 4:20 "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power".
Observation:
Paul has been talking to the Corinthians about following different men instead of following Jesus. They were being persuaded by gifted speakers division was coming in the church. Paul tells them that when he comes, he will see who is arrogant and who has power. Paul was saying, the proof is in the pudding. You can be a great speaker, but if the power of God isn't there to back up what you are saying, it is just words that don't produce much.
Application:
If God's kingdom is not about words, but power, why do we lean on our own understanding and try to rationalize everything? Why does the church of Jesus Christ seem powerless these days? Is it because we have eloquent speakers, but lack the power of the gospel. Paul said the Kingdom of God was a matter of power. We need the power of God in our lives if our testimony is going to stand. We must seek God until He comes in power to confirm His word.
Prayer:
O Lord send the power just now. O Lord send the power just now. O Lord send the power just now, and baptize everyone. I want to see You power to save, heal, deliver and make new. I ask You to pour out Your Spirit and bring forth the revival we so desperately need. Awaken the church that bears Your name and let the power be turned on. Revive me Lord and let your power flow through my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Corinthians 4:20 "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power".
Observation:
Paul has been talking to the Corinthians about following different men instead of following Jesus. They were being persuaded by gifted speakers division was coming in the church. Paul tells them that when he comes, he will see who is arrogant and who has power. Paul was saying, the proof is in the pudding. You can be a great speaker, but if the power of God isn't there to back up what you are saying, it is just words that don't produce much.
Application:
If God's kingdom is not about words, but power, why do we lean on our own understanding and try to rationalize everything? Why does the church of Jesus Christ seem powerless these days? Is it because we have eloquent speakers, but lack the power of the gospel. Paul said the Kingdom of God was a matter of power. We need the power of God in our lives if our testimony is going to stand. We must seek God until He comes in power to confirm His word.
Prayer:
O Lord send the power just now. O Lord send the power just now. O Lord send the power just now, and baptize everyone. I want to see You power to save, heal, deliver and make new. I ask You to pour out Your Spirit and bring forth the revival we so desperately need. Awaken the church that bears Your name and let the power be turned on. Revive me Lord and let your power flow through my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Despised of the World
Scripture:
I Corinthians 1:28 "God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Corinthian people and telling them that God's wisdom supersedes the world's wisdom. He talks about how God chooses the simple things to confound the wise. God will demonstrate to the world that He is God! He will use simple people who carry a powerful anointing to show that the wisdom of the world is nothing compared to the power of God.
Application:
Sometimes God asks me to do things that don't make sense to me. Sometimes He asks me to step out in faith and believe Him for things that I can't understand. When I fall to my own understanding, I fall miserably, but when I lean on Him and don't ask questions, He comes through every time. When I walk in obedience to what makes no sense to me, God always confuses the wise and makes them say, "there must be a God in heaven". God is looking for people today who are willing to look like a fool for Him in order that He will confuse the wisdom of the wise.
Prayer:
Father, I want to see You work in power. My region is very intellectual and is full of very wise people in human wisdom. Your wisdom far exceeds human wisdom and You use simple, willing vessels to reveal Your glory through. My region needs to see a demonstration of Your power. Come in power to this area and reveal Your glory! Come and move in our midst until the wise are confounded. Do what only You can do! I Love Serving You,
Jeff Jacob
I Corinthians 1:28 "God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Corinthian people and telling them that God's wisdom supersedes the world's wisdom. He talks about how God chooses the simple things to confound the wise. God will demonstrate to the world that He is God! He will use simple people who carry a powerful anointing to show that the wisdom of the world is nothing compared to the power of God.
Application:
Sometimes God asks me to do things that don't make sense to me. Sometimes He asks me to step out in faith and believe Him for things that I can't understand. When I fall to my own understanding, I fall miserably, but when I lean on Him and don't ask questions, He comes through every time. When I walk in obedience to what makes no sense to me, God always confuses the wise and makes them say, "there must be a God in heaven". God is looking for people today who are willing to look like a fool for Him in order that He will confuse the wisdom of the wise.
Prayer:
Father, I want to see You work in power. My region is very intellectual and is full of very wise people in human wisdom. Your wisdom far exceeds human wisdom and You use simple, willing vessels to reveal Your glory through. My region needs to see a demonstration of Your power. Come in power to this area and reveal Your glory! Come and move in our midst until the wise are confounded. Do what only You can do! I Love Serving You,
Jeff Jacob
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Humility is the Key
Scripture:
Psalm 149:4 "For the Lord takes delight in his people; He crowns the humble with salvation".
Observation:
The Word of God tells us that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Humility is one of the main characteristics of a follower of Christ. It starts with humility, when we humble ourselves before Him and admit we are sinners and deserve punishment. It finishes with humility as we bow before Him and worship in eternity. It was pride that caused Lucifer to fall and it is what destroys most people today. God lifts up the humble.
Application:
We have become a very proud people. We think we can do life without God having to do much because we have got it under control. We like to be the masters of our own destiny. We like to plan out our lives and tell God what He needs to do. He is looking for a people who will humble themselves and realize that His plans are better than your own. He is looking for a humble people that He can crown, while we are striving after crowns to demonstrate our pride.
Prayer:
Lord God, let a spirit of humility come upon my life. I want to be fully reliant on You and to live a life that pleases You. Show me the way and help me to walk in it. I want to walk in tune with You Spirit. I want to hear Your voice clearly. I want to live in Your presence.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Psalm 149:4 "For the Lord takes delight in his people; He crowns the humble with salvation".
Observation:
The Word of God tells us that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Humility is one of the main characteristics of a follower of Christ. It starts with humility, when we humble ourselves before Him and admit we are sinners and deserve punishment. It finishes with humility as we bow before Him and worship in eternity. It was pride that caused Lucifer to fall and it is what destroys most people today. God lifts up the humble.
Application:
We have become a very proud people. We think we can do life without God having to do much because we have got it under control. We like to be the masters of our own destiny. We like to plan out our lives and tell God what He needs to do. He is looking for a people who will humble themselves and realize that His plans are better than your own. He is looking for a humble people that He can crown, while we are striving after crowns to demonstrate our pride.
Prayer:
Lord God, let a spirit of humility come upon my life. I want to be fully reliant on You and to live a life that pleases You. Show me the way and help me to walk in it. I want to walk in tune with You Spirit. I want to hear Your voice clearly. I want to live in Your presence.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Great is our God
Scripture:
Psalm 147:5 "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit".
Observation:
God is great and mighty in power. There is no greater power or authority in the universe, yet many times we live our lives like He is weak or He doesn't love us. Sometimes we look as if things are hopeless in our lives, when we serve the most powerful God in the world. Nothing is beyond His understanding according to this verse. He created knowledge and He understands all things.
Application:
If God is great, mighty and full of understanding, then why do I struggle to trust Him more completely? God wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul mind and strength. He wants us to seek Him. He is great and mighty, but his people must seek Him in order to see the day of great things. We must pursue this awesome God of incredible power and understanding. He is worthy of the hunt!
Prayer:
Father, You are the all-powerful God. You are full of wisdom and knowledge. I long to see the greatness of Your power in my life. I long to see You move in the earth as You have in past times. I long to see you heal the sick and raise the dead as a testimony to the world that You are God. Awaken Your church to realize You are powerful and mighty. Awaken You church to walk in the power and might of their God. I long for You!
Jeff
Psalm 147:5 "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit".
Observation:
God is great and mighty in power. There is no greater power or authority in the universe, yet many times we live our lives like He is weak or He doesn't love us. Sometimes we look as if things are hopeless in our lives, when we serve the most powerful God in the world. Nothing is beyond His understanding according to this verse. He created knowledge and He understands all things.
Application:
If God is great, mighty and full of understanding, then why do I struggle to trust Him more completely? God wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul mind and strength. He wants us to seek Him. He is great and mighty, but his people must seek Him in order to see the day of great things. We must pursue this awesome God of incredible power and understanding. He is worthy of the hunt!
Prayer:
Father, You are the all-powerful God. You are full of wisdom and knowledge. I long to see the greatness of Your power in my life. I long to see You move in the earth as You have in past times. I long to see you heal the sick and raise the dead as a testimony to the world that You are God. Awaken Your church to realize You are powerful and mighty. Awaken You church to walk in the power and might of their God. I long for You!
Jeff
Friday, November 12, 2010
Give Thanks to the Lord
Scripture:
Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever".
Observation:
This Psalm repeats the phrase "His love endures forever", after every statement. The Psalmist wants us know that God's love endures forever. When things are good, His love endures, when things are not so good, His love endures. The love of God remains forever. This scripture tells us the give thanks to the Lord because He is good. A thankful heart will keep your perspective right. We must remain thankful for all the Lord has done for us instead of expecting Him to do what we want, when we want, and then being upset if He doesn't give us what we want.
Application:
God wants His people to have a thankful heart. If He never did another thing for us, we should be thankful for what He has already done. Thanksgiving is coming up and it is a time for Americans to remember what our forefathers did for us. How much more should be be thankful for all our heavenly father has done for us? God is good! We must give Him thanks for this on an every day basis. We must live every day in great appreciation for all the Lord has done for us. We must be thankful people.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for all you have done in my life. You have blessed me beyond measure. You have always taken care of me. You set me in a great family. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you on a daily basis. Forgive me for taking you for granted and expecting things of you. Teach me to be a thankful person for all you have done and continue to do in my life. If you never did another thing, You have already done enough for me to be thankful the rest of my life.
You are awesome!
Jeff
Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever".
Observation:
This Psalm repeats the phrase "His love endures forever", after every statement. The Psalmist wants us know that God's love endures forever. When things are good, His love endures, when things are not so good, His love endures. The love of God remains forever. This scripture tells us the give thanks to the Lord because He is good. A thankful heart will keep your perspective right. We must remain thankful for all the Lord has done for us instead of expecting Him to do what we want, when we want, and then being upset if He doesn't give us what we want.
Application:
God wants His people to have a thankful heart. If He never did another thing for us, we should be thankful for what He has already done. Thanksgiving is coming up and it is a time for Americans to remember what our forefathers did for us. How much more should be be thankful for all our heavenly father has done for us? God is good! We must give Him thanks for this on an every day basis. We must live every day in great appreciation for all the Lord has done for us. We must be thankful people.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for all you have done in my life. You have blessed me beyond measure. You have always taken care of me. You set me in a great family. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you on a daily basis. Forgive me for taking you for granted and expecting things of you. Teach me to be a thankful person for all you have done and continue to do in my life. If you never did another thing, You have already done enough for me to be thankful the rest of my life.
You are awesome!
Jeff
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Arise O Lord
Scripture:
Psalm 132:8 "Arise O Lord, and come to Your resting place; you and the ark of your might".
Observation:
David had desired for a long time to build God a place to be worshipped. He longed to build a temple for the Lord. He loved God and wanted God to be lifted up and honored above all else. Just before this verse it says David couldn't sleep day or night until he had built a place for God. When David died, the temple was built and here the Psalmist is praying, "Arise O Lord and come to Your resting place. The place David wanted so badly to build you.
Application:
As David longed to build a house for the Lord and the Psalmist later desired God to arise in that place in all His strength, I long to build a place where God is lifted up and He will arise in all His strength and might. I believe we need an encounter again with the Power of God. I believe we need God to visit us in power. The church has been powerless for many years, yet we serve the all-powerful God. I say with the Psalmist, "Arise, O Lord, and come to Your church. Arise you and the ark of your strength, or tangible presence of God".
Prayer:
Arise O Lord and demonstrate your power once again in the body of Christ. I want to see You high and lifted up and your people alive and vibrant in their faith again. Let your church long for You like David did. Let your presence fill our churches again. Let those who come in know they have had an encounter with the living God. Arise O Lord and fill your people with strength. Heal your people and encourage them.
Amen,
Jeff
Psalm 132:8 "Arise O Lord, and come to Your resting place; you and the ark of your might".
Observation:
David had desired for a long time to build God a place to be worshipped. He longed to build a temple for the Lord. He loved God and wanted God to be lifted up and honored above all else. Just before this verse it says David couldn't sleep day or night until he had built a place for God. When David died, the temple was built and here the Psalmist is praying, "Arise O Lord and come to Your resting place. The place David wanted so badly to build you.
Application:
As David longed to build a house for the Lord and the Psalmist later desired God to arise in that place in all His strength, I long to build a place where God is lifted up and He will arise in all His strength and might. I believe we need an encounter again with the Power of God. I believe we need God to visit us in power. The church has been powerless for many years, yet we serve the all-powerful God. I say with the Psalmist, "Arise, O Lord, and come to Your church. Arise you and the ark of your strength, or tangible presence of God".
Prayer:
Arise O Lord and demonstrate your power once again in the body of Christ. I want to see You high and lifted up and your people alive and vibrant in their faith again. Let your church long for You like David did. Let your presence fill our churches again. Let those who come in know they have had an encounter with the living God. Arise O Lord and fill your people with strength. Heal your people and encourage them.
Amen,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Waiting and Hope
Scripture:
Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope".
Observation:
When God speaks, it will come to pass. Our job is not to question, but to wait patiently and to trust in his word. Twice the Psalmist says he waits for the Lord, then he closes the thought with "and in His word I do hope". The one thing we can trust and place our hope in is the Word of God. It does not lie and cannot fail.
Application:
Trusting God and waiting on Him can be frustrating. He is never late, but seldom early. What do we do when we are waiting for Him to work in our lives? We should be placing our hope in His word and not in ourselves. His word is powerful and will come to pass if we remain in faith, hope and trust. Wait on the Lord and hope in His word. He will bring it to pass.
Prayer:
Lord, here I am again asking for patience, endurance and trust. I want to wait confidently for Your words to come to pass. Teach me to have hope while waiting on the fulfillment of all You have called me to do. I want to trust You more and lean on my own understanding less and less.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope".
Observation:
When God speaks, it will come to pass. Our job is not to question, but to wait patiently and to trust in his word. Twice the Psalmist says he waits for the Lord, then he closes the thought with "and in His word I do hope". The one thing we can trust and place our hope in is the Word of God. It does not lie and cannot fail.
Application:
Trusting God and waiting on Him can be frustrating. He is never late, but seldom early. What do we do when we are waiting for Him to work in our lives? We should be placing our hope in His word and not in ourselves. His word is powerful and will come to pass if we remain in faith, hope and trust. Wait on the Lord and hope in His word. He will bring it to pass.
Prayer:
Lord, here I am again asking for patience, endurance and trust. I want to wait confidently for Your words to come to pass. Teach me to have hope while waiting on the fulfillment of all You have called me to do. I want to trust You more and lean on my own understanding less and less.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Reaping in Joy
Scripture:
Psalm 126:5 "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy".
Observation:
The Psalmist shares a little insight about sowing and reaping that we often neglect. We constantly hear about sowing in good ground, sowing by faith, reaping what we sow, etc, but here it takes a little different twist. Here it shows sowing when it is painful and bringing tears. His word for them is that they will reap in joy.
Application:
The time of sowing is not easy under any circumstances. Sowing is hard work and brings pain. Reaping brings forth joy in our hearts because the work has paid off and the harvest is coming in. Sowing in tears is difficult! It would be much easier if God would bring in the harvest while we were sowing so we could see the final results to encourage us in the process. The sad thing is that when we are sowing, we can see nothing happening and must trust that what we sowed, we will reap. I feel like I have been sowing a long time and haven't seen the harvest come into its fullness yet.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust that every seed I sow will produce eventually. Help me understand this principle better. I want to come forth with joy in the harvest. I want to walk by faith, not sight, and know that I have sown in tears and will reap in joy. I am more than ready for the season of joy! I love You Lord, and I am Yours forever. Thank You for the recent signs of a joyful harvest coming.
You're the Best,
Jeff
Psalm 126:5 "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy".
Observation:
The Psalmist shares a little insight about sowing and reaping that we often neglect. We constantly hear about sowing in good ground, sowing by faith, reaping what we sow, etc, but here it takes a little different twist. Here it shows sowing when it is painful and bringing tears. His word for them is that they will reap in joy.
Application:
The time of sowing is not easy under any circumstances. Sowing is hard work and brings pain. Reaping brings forth joy in our hearts because the work has paid off and the harvest is coming in. Sowing in tears is difficult! It would be much easier if God would bring in the harvest while we were sowing so we could see the final results to encourage us in the process. The sad thing is that when we are sowing, we can see nothing happening and must trust that what we sowed, we will reap. I feel like I have been sowing a long time and haven't seen the harvest come into its fullness yet.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust that every seed I sow will produce eventually. Help me understand this principle better. I want to come forth with joy in the harvest. I want to walk by faith, not sight, and know that I have sown in tears and will reap in joy. I am more than ready for the season of joy! I love You Lord, and I am Yours forever. Thank You for the recent signs of a joyful harvest coming.
You're the Best,
Jeff
Monday, November 8, 2010
Trust in the Lord
Scripture:
Psalm 125:1 "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
Observation:
Trusting God means allowing Him to be in control and lead the direction of our lives. When we truly trust Him, we live above fear, stress, anxiety, etc. Peace fills our lives. Many are moved by situations and circumstances, but those who trust in the Lord cannot be moved, no matter how bad the situation looks.
Application:
I want to be like Mount Zion and not be moved by what I see, hear, touch, taste, or feel. I want to be moved only by the Word of God and faith. I want to trust the Lord more and become more a man of faith than I have been. I want to walk more by faith and less by sight. I want God to truly be in control of every part of my life.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust You more and stop taking things into my own hands. Help me to walk as Jesus did and only do what I see You doing and only say what I hear You saying. Help me walk in Your ways and trust that You have my life under Your control. You are my father and I want to trust You like a little child trusts his father.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 125:1 "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
Observation:
Trusting God means allowing Him to be in control and lead the direction of our lives. When we truly trust Him, we live above fear, stress, anxiety, etc. Peace fills our lives. Many are moved by situations and circumstances, but those who trust in the Lord cannot be moved, no matter how bad the situation looks.
Application:
I want to be like Mount Zion and not be moved by what I see, hear, touch, taste, or feel. I want to be moved only by the Word of God and faith. I want to trust the Lord more and become more a man of faith than I have been. I want to walk more by faith and less by sight. I want God to truly be in control of every part of my life.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust You more and stop taking things into my own hands. Help me to walk as Jesus did and only do what I see You doing and only say what I hear You saying. Help me walk in Your ways and trust that You have my life under Your control. You are my father and I want to trust You like a little child trusts his father.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Purity and God's Word
Scripture:
Psalm 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
Observation:
Psalm 119 is a powerful chapter full of insight and wisdom concerning God's word. Every verse in the longest chapter of the bible talks about the word of the Lord, the scriptures, God's commands, etc. This verse tells me that a young man can stay on the path of purity by living according to God's word. I want my sons to walk the path of purity, therefore I must help them live according to the word of God.
Application:
God's word is powerful and the more we get of it, the better we will live. When temptation comes, it is the Word of God that will keep us from falling. I want to teach my sons the power of the Word of God. I want them to know that God is able to keep them from falling into temptation when it comes. The Word of God is crucial as a mirror to look into and we must apply it to our lives every day.
Prayer:
Father, help me better train my sons in the word of God. I want them to be strong and able to face all manner of temptation, but i know their strength will only come from knowing Your Word. I ask You for ideas to make it desirable for a young man. Watch over my sons and keep the pure I pray.
You Son,
Jeff
Psalm 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
Observation:
Psalm 119 is a powerful chapter full of insight and wisdom concerning God's word. Every verse in the longest chapter of the bible talks about the word of the Lord, the scriptures, God's commands, etc. This verse tells me that a young man can stay on the path of purity by living according to God's word. I want my sons to walk the path of purity, therefore I must help them live according to the word of God.
Application:
God's word is powerful and the more we get of it, the better we will live. When temptation comes, it is the Word of God that will keep us from falling. I want to teach my sons the power of the Word of God. I want them to know that God is able to keep them from falling into temptation when it comes. The Word of God is crucial as a mirror to look into and we must apply it to our lives every day.
Prayer:
Father, help me better train my sons in the word of God. I want them to be strong and able to face all manner of temptation, but i know their strength will only come from knowing Your Word. I ask You for ideas to make it desirable for a young man. Watch over my sons and keep the pure I pray.
You Son,
Jeff
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Fear and blessing
Scripture:
Psalm 115:13 "He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly".
Observation:
God is no respecter of persons. He treats people equally, not matter what their background is. He takes the lowly and makes them important. In this passage it says that God blesses those who fear Him, both great and lowly. His blessing isn't only for the high and mighty, but for the lowly. The fear of the Lord bring about God's blessing, no matter what your background has been.
Application:
As I read through the Psalms again, i am amazed at how much the Psalmist talks about the fear of the Lord. He understand the fear of the Lord and how God blesses those who fear Him. There seems to be a continual theme of the fear of the Lord, which, I believe, we have lost in the church today. I welcome and want the fear of the Lord in my life. Jesus said not to fear those who can hurt you physically, but rather Him who can take your life. I want to fear God more than man.
Prayer:
Father teach me to fear you and give you the respect your deserve. There seems to be great blessing for those who fear you. Help me fear you more than I fear anyone else and to honor you above everyone else. I love you Lord, give me strength today.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 115:13 "He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly".
Observation:
God is no respecter of persons. He treats people equally, not matter what their background is. He takes the lowly and makes them important. In this passage it says that God blesses those who fear Him, both great and lowly. His blessing isn't only for the high and mighty, but for the lowly. The fear of the Lord bring about God's blessing, no matter what your background has been.
Application:
As I read through the Psalms again, i am amazed at how much the Psalmist talks about the fear of the Lord. He understand the fear of the Lord and how God blesses those who fear Him. There seems to be a continual theme of the fear of the Lord, which, I believe, we have lost in the church today. I welcome and want the fear of the Lord in my life. Jesus said not to fear those who can hurt you physically, but rather Him who can take your life. I want to fear God more than man.
Prayer:
Father teach me to fear you and give you the respect your deserve. There seems to be great blessing for those who fear you. Help me fear you more than I fear anyone else and to honor you above everyone else. I love you Lord, give me strength today.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Benefits of Fearing God
Scripture:
Psalm 112:2 "Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed".
Observation:
The above verse is just a part of what the Psalmist declares of those who fear the Lord. God desires to be feared, but the promises of what happens in your life once you step into the fear of the Lord is amazing. The children of those who really fear the Lord will be blessed and prosperous in everything they touch.
Application:
My parents have been faithful to the Lord and followed Him wholeheartedly their entire married lives. They have feared the Lord and tried to do exactly what God would have them do in every situation. Their children have been blessed and successful in what ever they put their hand to. The next generation is blessed because of the fear of the lord in my mom and dad. I want to pass on the blessing to my children by walking in the fear of the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, let Joshua and Jordan be successful and prosperous because dad feared and walked with You. I have seen how You bless generations and families and I want my family to be blessed. Help me stay on track and walking in the fear of the Lord. You are holy and awesome!
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 112:2 "Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed".
Observation:
The above verse is just a part of what the Psalmist declares of those who fear the Lord. God desires to be feared, but the promises of what happens in your life once you step into the fear of the Lord is amazing. The children of those who really fear the Lord will be blessed and prosperous in everything they touch.
Application:
My parents have been faithful to the Lord and followed Him wholeheartedly their entire married lives. They have feared the Lord and tried to do exactly what God would have them do in every situation. Their children have been blessed and successful in what ever they put their hand to. The next generation is blessed because of the fear of the lord in my mom and dad. I want to pass on the blessing to my children by walking in the fear of the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, let Joshua and Jordan be successful and prosperous because dad feared and walked with You. I have seen how You bless generations and families and I want my family to be blessed. Help me stay on track and walking in the fear of the Lord. You are holy and awesome!
Your Son,
Jeff
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