Scripture:
II Thessalonians 1:11 "So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do".
Observation:
Paul's prayer for the Thessalonian people was great! He prayed that God would give them the power to accomplish all the good things their faith prompted them to do. Our faith should prompt us to do some things and God's power is there to help us accomplish those things. Faith requires action, action requires power, power requires God. We need Him!
Application:
As our faith prompts us to do certain actions, the power of God will be there to give us the strength to do it. We must be willing to put our faith to work. Works do not save us, but faith without works is dead. As we are prompted to do things for the Lord, let's do them, knowing that He will give us the power we need to accomplish what He has put in our heart.
Prayer:
Lord, grant me the power to put into action the things my faith has prompted me to do. I want to do all that You have pre-planned for me to do in my life. I want to finish the course with excellence. Thank You for reminding me that what You put in my heart, You are able to perform.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
God's Requirements
Scripture:
Micah 6:8 "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God".
Observation:
As the prophet is giving Israel a strong word from the Lord, He interrupts with this short little phrase that describes what God wants from Him people. He gives three things that will help us walk in the blessed life. We are to do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly before God. Three simple words that, if they are heeded, will save you a lot of trouble in life.
Application:
Though these three sound simple, they are not that easy.
1. Doing what is right sounds simple, but it also means not doing what is convenient. The right thing is usually the hard thing to do. The right thing is usually the one that our flesh fights hard against.
2. Loving mercy sounds easy enough, but we are prone to be people who want justice for others and mercy for ourselves. The same mercy we want for ourselves, we need to give away to others.
3. Walking humbly before God means that we admit we don't have everything figured out and that we need Him desperately.
Prayer:
Father, help me to do the right thing, evn when the right thing hurts. Help me to love mercy like You do. Teach me to walk humbly before You. I need You Lord more every day. I want to live a life that pleases You completely.
Yours,
Jeff
Micah 6:8 "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God".
Observation:
As the prophet is giving Israel a strong word from the Lord, He interrupts with this short little phrase that describes what God wants from Him people. He gives three things that will help us walk in the blessed life. We are to do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly before God. Three simple words that, if they are heeded, will save you a lot of trouble in life.
Application:
Though these three sound simple, they are not that easy.
1. Doing what is right sounds simple, but it also means not doing what is convenient. The right thing is usually the hard thing to do. The right thing is usually the one that our flesh fights hard against.
2. Loving mercy sounds easy enough, but we are prone to be people who want justice for others and mercy for ourselves. The same mercy we want for ourselves, we need to give away to others.
3. Walking humbly before God means that we admit we don't have everything figured out and that we need Him desperately.
Prayer:
Father, help me to do the right thing, evn when the right thing hurts. Help me to love mercy like You do. Teach me to walk humbly before You. I need You Lord more every day. I want to live a life that pleases You completely.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, January 27, 2011
But as For Me
Scripture:
Micah 3:8 "But as for me, I am filled with power - with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel's sin and rebellion."
Observation:
Micah was declaring judgment against Israel's leaders and even false prophets. In the midst of telling them the bad things that were coming, he breaks out with this sentence which I love. He says, "But as for me, I am filled with power - with the Spirit of the Lord". It is a great thing to know who you are in the Lord. One of my dreams in life is to see a group of people truly understand who they are in God and the power that is available to them. Knowing this is a huge life-changer. Knowing that the power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me is huge. Most of us know it in our heads, but don't live like it from our hearts.
Application:
The prophet Micah knew who he was in the Lord and who had filled him. He had understanding about being filled with the Spirit of the Lord that we need to take hold of. We must seek the Lord until we know with all our hearts that the whole world could be against us, "But as for me, I am filled with power". In these last days when times are going to get more and more difficult we must be able to say these words with confidence because we know our God intimately.
Prayer:
Lord, You have already filled me with Your Spirit. Help me to understand that better and to walk deeper with You. Raise my confidence level in You and let me understand more clearly, "It is Christ in you the hope of glory". I want to shine for You Lord and make Your name known in all the earth.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Micah 3:8 "But as for me, I am filled with power - with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel's sin and rebellion."
Observation:
Micah was declaring judgment against Israel's leaders and even false prophets. In the midst of telling them the bad things that were coming, he breaks out with this sentence which I love. He says, "But as for me, I am filled with power - with the Spirit of the Lord". It is a great thing to know who you are in the Lord. One of my dreams in life is to see a group of people truly understand who they are in God and the power that is available to them. Knowing this is a huge life-changer. Knowing that the power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me is huge. Most of us know it in our heads, but don't live like it from our hearts.
Application:
The prophet Micah knew who he was in the Lord and who had filled him. He had understanding about being filled with the Spirit of the Lord that we need to take hold of. We must seek the Lord until we know with all our hearts that the whole world could be against us, "But as for me, I am filled with power". In these last days when times are going to get more and more difficult we must be able to say these words with confidence because we know our God intimately.
Prayer:
Lord, You have already filled me with Your Spirit. Help me to understand that better and to walk deeper with You. Raise my confidence level in You and let me understand more clearly, "It is Christ in you the hope of glory". I want to shine for You Lord and make Your name known in all the earth.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Let the Potter Do His Work
Scripture:
Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand".
Observation:
Isaiah, and several other biblical authors refer to God as the potter and us as the clay. This is a great analogy because God truly wants to develop us into the individuals He wants us to be. Many times we plan out our lives and dream about what we will become and who we will be while God is saying, "Hey, I created you, let me work on you. I have a plan for your life as well and it will be easier for you if you develop into who I want you to be".
Application:
God wants to be the potter and He has in His mind what He wants us to become. Somehow, we have to shift our actions from planning, doing, then asking God's blessing, to asking God's will, finding it, then planning and doing it. We must desire God's will for our lives and not our own. Any time we dream, it should be God's dreams for us. We need to "seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness" then let all these others things be added to us. We need to live "Christ-centered" lives, then we will experience His blessings at a whole new measure. Let the potter be the potter and stop trying to control Him.
Prayer:
Dear Potter, I often try to shape myself into who I want to become. I often try to bypass the work of your hands and take care of things myself. You have a plan for my life. Help me to seek after You first, then plan my day, my future, my life! Your plan is better than mine and I trust You in that. This morning I put my life back on the potter's wheel and ask You to shape me. I am Yours!
Your Son (Still on the wheel),
Jeff
Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand".
Observation:
Isaiah, and several other biblical authors refer to God as the potter and us as the clay. This is a great analogy because God truly wants to develop us into the individuals He wants us to be. Many times we plan out our lives and dream about what we will become and who we will be while God is saying, "Hey, I created you, let me work on you. I have a plan for your life as well and it will be easier for you if you develop into who I want you to be".
Application:
God wants to be the potter and He has in His mind what He wants us to become. Somehow, we have to shift our actions from planning, doing, then asking God's blessing, to asking God's will, finding it, then planning and doing it. We must desire God's will for our lives and not our own. Any time we dream, it should be God's dreams for us. We need to "seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness" then let all these others things be added to us. We need to live "Christ-centered" lives, then we will experience His blessings at a whole new measure. Let the potter be the potter and stop trying to control Him.
Prayer:
Dear Potter, I often try to shape myself into who I want to become. I often try to bypass the work of your hands and take care of things myself. You have a plan for my life. Help me to seek after You first, then plan my day, my future, my life! Your plan is better than mine and I trust You in that. This morning I put my life back on the potter's wheel and ask You to shape me. I am Yours!
Your Son (Still on the wheel),
Jeff
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Priests of the Lord
Scripture:
Isaiah 61:6 "But you shall be named the Priests of the Lord, You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast."
Observation:
Isaiah 61 is a Messianic prophecy. It is speaking of Jesus, the Messiah. When Jesus began His ministry, He used Isaiah 61 as His first preaching text and said it was fulfilled in their ears that day. As part of this talk of the Messiah it also says that "You shall be named the Priests of the Lord". The priests are the ones who do the work of the temple and are able to sacrifice and come into the presence of the Lord.
Application:
In Peter, we are called a royal priesthood and a holy nation. When Jesus died, the veil of the Temple was torn in two pieces and access was given to us into the Holy of Holies. Now we are priests of the Lord who can enter his presence without fear, yet many times we want to be like the children of Israel and let Moses go talk with God and tell us what He said. We have access and we have been told to enter boldly into His presence, let's go!
Prayer:
Lord, as a priest, I have access to Your presence. I want to live there. I want to walk closer to You than ever before. I want to know Your heart and what You want of me and my life. I want to know Your plans, Your secrets, and what this world is coming to. I want to step into my position as a priest and offer You the best sacrifices. I want You more and more in my life. Teach me to walk in the presence of God at all times.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 61:6 "But you shall be named the Priests of the Lord, You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast."
Observation:
Isaiah 61 is a Messianic prophecy. It is speaking of Jesus, the Messiah. When Jesus began His ministry, He used Isaiah 61 as His first preaching text and said it was fulfilled in their ears that day. As part of this talk of the Messiah it also says that "You shall be named the Priests of the Lord". The priests are the ones who do the work of the temple and are able to sacrifice and come into the presence of the Lord.
Application:
In Peter, we are called a royal priesthood and a holy nation. When Jesus died, the veil of the Temple was torn in two pieces and access was given to us into the Holy of Holies. Now we are priests of the Lord who can enter his presence without fear, yet many times we want to be like the children of Israel and let Moses go talk with God and tell us what He said. We have access and we have been told to enter boldly into His presence, let's go!
Prayer:
Lord, as a priest, I have access to Your presence. I want to live there. I want to walk closer to You than ever before. I want to know Your heart and what You want of me and my life. I want to know Your plans, Your secrets, and what this world is coming to. I want to step into my position as a priest and offer You the best sacrifices. I want You more and more in my life. Teach me to walk in the presence of God at all times.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, January 21, 2011
God's Faithful Love
Scripture:
Isaiah 54:10 "For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then My faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you".
Observation:
God's faithful love is amazing! His word is true and does not lie or fail. If He says it, you can believe it! Many times when a person says they love us and will never leave us it doesn't mean that much because we have seen so much divorce, separation, etc. When the God of the Universe makes a promise like this, it is trustworthy. God's love for us will remain, no matter what happens and His covenant of blessing will never be broken.
Application:
Sometimes we feel like we have messed up and failed God, then we immediately feel like He doesn't love us anymore and won't accept us. Satan wants us to think that salvation is a revolving door that you are in and out of, questioning the love and grace of God. Satan wants us to feel distant from God. God wants us to know that He is close to us and His faithful love is unstoppable. God takes covenant very seriously and here talks about His covenant of blessing will never be broken. We must stop letting ourselves believe that God doesn't love us because we mess up at times.
Prayer:
Lord, let your word go deep into my heart. Let me see You for who You are. You are faithful, even when I fail You. You continue your covenant because of who You are, not because of me. You are amazing and I want to be more like You. Faithful! Teach me to love, when love hurts and doesn't do what I think they should. Help me to walk in Your grace. I want to reflect You well.
Jeff
Isaiah 54:10 "For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then My faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you".
Observation:
God's faithful love is amazing! His word is true and does not lie or fail. If He says it, you can believe it! Many times when a person says they love us and will never leave us it doesn't mean that much because we have seen so much divorce, separation, etc. When the God of the Universe makes a promise like this, it is trustworthy. God's love for us will remain, no matter what happens and His covenant of blessing will never be broken.
Application:
Sometimes we feel like we have messed up and failed God, then we immediately feel like He doesn't love us anymore and won't accept us. Satan wants us to think that salvation is a revolving door that you are in and out of, questioning the love and grace of God. Satan wants us to feel distant from God. God wants us to know that He is close to us and His faithful love is unstoppable. God takes covenant very seriously and here talks about His covenant of blessing will never be broken. We must stop letting ourselves believe that God doesn't love us because we mess up at times.
Prayer:
Lord, let your word go deep into my heart. Let me see You for who You are. You are faithful, even when I fail You. You continue your covenant because of who You are, not because of me. You are amazing and I want to be more like You. Faithful! Teach me to love, when love hurts and doesn't do what I think they should. Help me to walk in Your grace. I want to reflect You well.
Jeff
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
I WiIl Be Your God
Scripture:
Isaiah 46:4 "I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you".
Observation:
God is awesome! From the beginning He has wanted a have a people who would be His and that He could truly be their God. His commitment to us as His children, is amazing. The people of Israel left Him over and over, but He continued to go after them and bring them back to Himself. Here He makes the promise that He will be your God throughout your lifetime. He wants, not only to care for us, but to carry us.
Application:
We have a God, not made by human hands, but who made human hands. He makes incredible promises to His people and longs to truly be their God. He is true to His word and does what He says He will, yet we struggle to trust Him and still like to look to ourselves instead of to Him. We must learn to trust Him with our lives. He created us and knows us better than anyone else. We have an incredible God! We must learn to trust Him and know that He has our backs.
Prayer:
Father, the more I know you, the more I want to know you. The more I seek You, the more I find You. The more I explore you, the happier I am. You are amazing! Thank you for promising to be my God throughout my lifetime. Thank you for teaching me to depend on You for everything. You comfort me and I appreciate it. Help me represent you better each day!
Jeff
Isaiah 46:4 "I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you".
Observation:
God is awesome! From the beginning He has wanted a have a people who would be His and that He could truly be their God. His commitment to us as His children, is amazing. The people of Israel left Him over and over, but He continued to go after them and bring them back to Himself. Here He makes the promise that He will be your God throughout your lifetime. He wants, not only to care for us, but to carry us.
Application:
We have a God, not made by human hands, but who made human hands. He makes incredible promises to His people and longs to truly be their God. He is true to His word and does what He says He will, yet we struggle to trust Him and still like to look to ourselves instead of to Him. We must learn to trust Him with our lives. He created us and knows us better than anyone else. We have an incredible God! We must learn to trust Him and know that He has our backs.
Prayer:
Father, the more I know you, the more I want to know you. The more I seek You, the more I find You. The more I explore you, the happier I am. You are amazing! Thank you for promising to be my God throughout my lifetime. Thank you for teaching me to depend on You for everything. You comfort me and I appreciate it. Help me represent you better each day!
Jeff
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
God is Not Hiding
Scripture:
Isaiah 45:19 "I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true".
Observation:
God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel. He tells them about the folly of serving and going after idols, then He begins to declare some things about Himself. In this verse, He first says, "I publicly proclaim bold promises". God spoke clearly to the people of Israel, telling them everything He wanted and everything that would happen if the did or did not obey. He never hid His will from them. Next He says that He never would have told them to seek Him if He could not be found.
Application:
God wants to be found by us. He doesn't delight in hiding His will for our lives from us. Rather, He delights in His people hearing His word and responding to it. Many times in the scriptures He says to seek Him and He will be found by us when we seek Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. I want to find Him in His fullness. I want to know Hi more intimately. He has given us a guide to Himself, a treasure map called the Bible. Let's dig in it and find Him in all His fullness.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for letting me see this. Thank You for not hiding Your will from me, but wanting me to seek You. Help me to complete this time of fasting and prayer with diligent seeking. I want to know You more and become more like You. Thank you for making the way clear and speaking to us clearly.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 45:19 "I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true".
Observation:
God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel. He tells them about the folly of serving and going after idols, then He begins to declare some things about Himself. In this verse, He first says, "I publicly proclaim bold promises". God spoke clearly to the people of Israel, telling them everything He wanted and everything that would happen if the did or did not obey. He never hid His will from them. Next He says that He never would have told them to seek Him if He could not be found.
Application:
God wants to be found by us. He doesn't delight in hiding His will for our lives from us. Rather, He delights in His people hearing His word and responding to it. Many times in the scriptures He says to seek Him and He will be found by us when we seek Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. I want to find Him in His fullness. I want to know Hi more intimately. He has given us a guide to Himself, a treasure map called the Bible. Let's dig in it and find Him in all His fullness.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for letting me see this. Thank You for not hiding Your will from me, but wanting me to seek You. Help me to complete this time of fasting and prayer with diligent seeking. I want to know You more and become more like You. Thank you for making the way clear and speaking to us clearly.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Opened Eyes and Unplugged Ears
Scripture:
Isaiah 35:5 "And when He comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf".
Observation:
Isaiah is prophesying about the coming of the Messiah. This prophecy was fulfilled in the life of Christ, the eyes of the blind were opened and the ears of the deaf unplugged. Seeing and hearing are two incredibly important senses that God has given us. Though we may or may not be blind or deaf physically, many are blind and deaf spiritually and don't know how to see what God is doing or hear what He is saying.
Application:
Jesus came to take down the wall of separation between us and the Father. He came to give us access into the Holy of Holies where we can commune with God as friend to friend. Sin separated man from God, Jesus put us back together. He wants us to be able to see what God is doing and hear God's voice. We must pursue Him and seek Him with all our heart, then He will be found by us. I want my spiritual eyes opened and ears unplugged more and more.
Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to see You at work in my life, my church and my region. Open my eyes to see where You want me to go and what You want me to do. Open my ears to hear your voice clearly. As we fast this week, let me hear Your faintest whisper and commune with me I pray. I want to know You more!
Thank You,
Jeff
Isaiah 35:5 "And when He comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf".
Observation:
Isaiah is prophesying about the coming of the Messiah. This prophecy was fulfilled in the life of Christ, the eyes of the blind were opened and the ears of the deaf unplugged. Seeing and hearing are two incredibly important senses that God has given us. Though we may or may not be blind or deaf physically, many are blind and deaf spiritually and don't know how to see what God is doing or hear what He is saying.
Application:
Jesus came to take down the wall of separation between us and the Father. He came to give us access into the Holy of Holies where we can commune with God as friend to friend. Sin separated man from God, Jesus put us back together. He wants us to be able to see what God is doing and hear God's voice. We must pursue Him and seek Him with all our heart, then He will be found by us. I want my spiritual eyes opened and ears unplugged more and more.
Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to see You at work in my life, my church and my region. Open my eyes to see where You want me to go and what You want me to do. Open my ears to hear your voice clearly. As we fast this week, let me hear Your faintest whisper and commune with me I pray. I want to know You more!
Thank You,
Jeff
Friday, January 14, 2011
Planned Generosity
Scripture:
Isaiah 32:8 "But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity".
Observation:
Spontaneous generosity is great, but planned generosity is ever greater. We should live a generous people because our God is generous. He didn't give just a little, He gave His only Son and continues to give though we don't deserve it. Really generous people, plan their generosity, then stand firm in it. They will plan on giving, then follow through. God has pre-planned generosity and so should we.
Application:
To have pre-planned generosity, we must be people who are diligent with our finances. We must have our books in order, or we will never be able to help anyone. Just like we have goals for our lives and where we want to be at a certain time, we should also have generosity goals. If we are always behind financially, we will never be able to give generously to any cause. Cut the credit cards, live on a budget, and pre-plan your generosity.
Prayer:
My Father,
You are so good! You pre-planned Your generosity from the foundations of the world. Isaiah lived 700 years before Christ, yet spoke of Him often because You had already pre-planned sending Him. Help me get to a place where I can help others more financially. I want to be more generous.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 32:8 "But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity".
Observation:
Spontaneous generosity is great, but planned generosity is ever greater. We should live a generous people because our God is generous. He didn't give just a little, He gave His only Son and continues to give though we don't deserve it. Really generous people, plan their generosity, then stand firm in it. They will plan on giving, then follow through. God has pre-planned generosity and so should we.
Application:
To have pre-planned generosity, we must be people who are diligent with our finances. We must have our books in order, or we will never be able to help anyone. Just like we have goals for our lives and where we want to be at a certain time, we should also have generosity goals. If we are always behind financially, we will never be able to give generously to any cause. Cut the credit cards, live on a budget, and pre-plan your generosity.
Prayer:
My Father,
You are so good! You pre-planned Your generosity from the foundations of the world. Isaiah lived 700 years before Christ, yet spoke of Him often because You had already pre-planned sending Him. Help me get to a place where I can help others more financially. I want to be more generous.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Your Ears Will Hear Him
Scripture:
Isaiah 30:21 "Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left".
Observation:
God doesn't get honor by hiding His will from us. He wants to speak to us more than we want to listen, we are just too busy with other things to hear the voice of the Lord. Our ears are filled with other voices and there is no seeking after His voice. I like that the prophet says, "Your own ears will hear Him". Israel seemed to always let the prophets hear from God and bring them a word, but God doesn't desire that. He desires each person to hear His voice clearly.
Application:
I need to hear the voice of God in my life. During this time of fasting and prayer, it seems I can hear more clearly. I need to seek the Lord more intently in my life by setting aside times for prayer and hearing His voice. I honestly want to follow, but sometimes am too busy to listen. I am intrigued by the verse that tells us that Jesus said nothing unless He heard the Father say it. I want to say less and less of what I think, and more and more of what God has to say.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me Your ways. Teach me to hear your voice more clearly and accurately. Your word said my ears would hear you and I want that to be an every day event. I want to hear Your voice! Give me the discipline to get away with You to allow You to speak to me. I need it Lord. Let me hear Your voice concerning my family, my church, my area and the world.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 30:21 "Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left".
Observation:
God doesn't get honor by hiding His will from us. He wants to speak to us more than we want to listen, we are just too busy with other things to hear the voice of the Lord. Our ears are filled with other voices and there is no seeking after His voice. I like that the prophet says, "Your own ears will hear Him". Israel seemed to always let the prophets hear from God and bring them a word, but God doesn't desire that. He desires each person to hear His voice clearly.
Application:
I need to hear the voice of God in my life. During this time of fasting and prayer, it seems I can hear more clearly. I need to seek the Lord more intently in my life by setting aside times for prayer and hearing His voice. I honestly want to follow, but sometimes am too busy to listen. I am intrigued by the verse that tells us that Jesus said nothing unless He heard the Father say it. I want to say less and less of what I think, and more and more of what God has to say.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me Your ways. Teach me to hear your voice more clearly and accurately. Your word said my ears would hear you and I want that to be an every day event. I want to hear Your voice! Give me the discipline to get away with You to allow You to speak to me. I need it Lord. Let me hear Your voice concerning my family, my church, my area and the world.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Fixed Thoughts and Perfect Peace
Scripture:
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!"
Observation:
Isaiah is singing a song of praise to the Lord. He declares that all who trust in God will also have perfect peace, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him. True trust always brings peace because, no matter how bad the present situation is, you "TRUST" that God will take care of it. The ways to trust more is to keep my thoughts fixed on Him. One way to keep my thoughts fixed on Him is to sing a song of praise.
Application:
Singing songs of praise, like this one above, helps us keep our thoughts on the Lord. Fixing our thoughts on the Lord causes us to trust Him more. Lastly, when we trust Him more, our peace comes naturally. God wants to the center of our lives. When He is, everything else works out and trust is established. Rather than worrying about everything in life, learn to focus and trust.
Prayer:
Lord, You are my God! You are my rock and salvation! You are my deliverer! You always come through ad never leave me nor forsake me! You love me as your child and care for my every need. Why do I struggle trusting You more deeply? Why do I worry about things so much? Teach me to trust You on a deeper level. I will do my best to sing songs of praise and remain fixed and focused on You.
Yours,
Jeff
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!"
Observation:
Isaiah is singing a song of praise to the Lord. He declares that all who trust in God will also have perfect peace, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him. True trust always brings peace because, no matter how bad the present situation is, you "TRUST" that God will take care of it. The ways to trust more is to keep my thoughts fixed on Him. One way to keep my thoughts fixed on Him is to sing a song of praise.
Application:
Singing songs of praise, like this one above, helps us keep our thoughts on the Lord. Fixing our thoughts on the Lord causes us to trust Him more. Lastly, when we trust Him more, our peace comes naturally. God wants to the center of our lives. When He is, everything else works out and trust is established. Rather than worrying about everything in life, learn to focus and trust.
Prayer:
Lord, You are my God! You are my rock and salvation! You are my deliverer! You always come through ad never leave me nor forsake me! You love me as your child and care for my every need. Why do I struggle trusting You more deeply? Why do I worry about things so much? Teach me to trust You on a deeper level. I will do my best to sing songs of praise and remain fixed and focused on You.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Remnant
Scripture:
Isaiah 24:16 "We hear songs of praise from the ends of the earth, songs that give glory to the Righteous One".
Observation:
Isaiah has been prophesying about destruction coming on Jerusalem, Tyre, and to the ends of the earth. At the end he sees the earth and it is desolate. There are few people left and the earth was ravaged. A remnant survives and the prophet declares that praise is arising from the ends of the earth giving God glory. He realizes that a remnant held onto the Lord their God and the remnant was around the world.
Application:
Sometimes we feel like the whole world is going to hell and there are none left that love the Lord. Elijah felt like he was the only one left serving God, but God told him there were 7000 who would not bow their knee. In the midst of a culture that seems to be going downhill at a great rate and people that don't want to serve the God of their fathers, realize that there is a remnant who are going after God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Continue to praise Him, you are not alone!!!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see the bigger picture. Help me to see that your people are still praising You and that You are still in control, even when it looks like the enemy is running over our land. Thank You for reminding me that there is a remnant of those who will still be praising You through absolutely anything. May Your Name be glorified in all the earth. You are worthy of all praise, glory and honor.
Jeff
Isaiah 24:16 "We hear songs of praise from the ends of the earth, songs that give glory to the Righteous One".
Observation:
Isaiah has been prophesying about destruction coming on Jerusalem, Tyre, and to the ends of the earth. At the end he sees the earth and it is desolate. There are few people left and the earth was ravaged. A remnant survives and the prophet declares that praise is arising from the ends of the earth giving God glory. He realizes that a remnant held onto the Lord their God and the remnant was around the world.
Application:
Sometimes we feel like the whole world is going to hell and there are none left that love the Lord. Elijah felt like he was the only one left serving God, but God told him there were 7000 who would not bow their knee. In the midst of a culture that seems to be going downhill at a great rate and people that don't want to serve the God of their fathers, realize that there is a remnant who are going after God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Continue to praise Him, you are not alone!!!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see the bigger picture. Help me to see that your people are still praising You and that You are still in control, even when it looks like the enemy is running over our land. Thank You for reminding me that there is a remnant of those who will still be praising You through absolutely anything. May Your Name be glorified in all the earth. You are worthy of all praise, glory and honor.
Jeff
Monday, January 10, 2011
Extreme Obedience
Scripture:
Isaiah 20:2 "the Lord told Isaiah son of Amoz, 'take off the burlap you have been wearing, and remove your sandals'. Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot".
Observation:
Isaiah was a man that was very familiar with the voice of God. He knew the voice of God and did according to what he heard. In this instance he was told to take off his clothes and walk around naked and barefoot. The next verse says that he did this for three years. This is extreme obedience and knowing you have heard the word of the Lord. This was done as a message to Egypt and Ethiopia that they would look like this after they were invaded by other nations.
Application:
Isaiah was a man of extreme obedience. I know if I thought I heard God tell me to do the same, I would rebuke the devil for speaking to me. Isaiah knew he had heard from the Lord and responded "YES", I will do it. God doesn't ask us to do things like this today, but what is He asking for that we have failed to obey? What areas have I said "NO" to God in? I want to be a person of extreme obedience who walks with God and does what He says without delay or denial.
Prayer:
Father, help me to obey and follow through on Your words to me. Give me the strength to do what You have called me to do. I want to obey You in every detail of what You have spoken. Give me the support system I need to accomplish all You have given me to do with excellence. I want to always say "YES".
Yours,
Jeff
Isaiah 20:2 "the Lord told Isaiah son of Amoz, 'take off the burlap you have been wearing, and remove your sandals'. Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot".
Observation:
Isaiah was a man that was very familiar with the voice of God. He knew the voice of God and did according to what he heard. In this instance he was told to take off his clothes and walk around naked and barefoot. The next verse says that he did this for three years. This is extreme obedience and knowing you have heard the word of the Lord. This was done as a message to Egypt and Ethiopia that they would look like this after they were invaded by other nations.
Application:
Isaiah was a man of extreme obedience. I know if I thought I heard God tell me to do the same, I would rebuke the devil for speaking to me. Isaiah knew he had heard from the Lord and responded "YES", I will do it. God doesn't ask us to do things like this today, but what is He asking for that we have failed to obey? What areas have I said "NO" to God in? I want to be a person of extreme obedience who walks with God and does what He says without delay or denial.
Prayer:
Father, help me to obey and follow through on Your words to me. Give me the strength to do what You have called me to do. I want to obey You in every detail of what You have spoken. Give me the support system I need to accomplish all You have given me to do with excellence. I want to always say "YES".
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, January 7, 2011
Shout and Sing for Joy
Scripture:
Isaiah 12:6 "Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you".
Observation:
The prophet tells the people to shout aloud and sing for joy because the Lord was among them. A shout and a joyful song are not just an emotional expression that Pentecostals use, rather they are commanded as a form of worship in the Word of God. God's greatness should make us want to shout and sing. He is amazing!
Application:
Another observation about a shout and a song is that you cannot remain depressed when you begin to shout and sing for joy. As a person begins to truly sing to the Lord, joy comes. It is not only that we are so full of joy that we sing, but also we sing, which bring us to a state of joy. Put a praise or worship song on in the morning and begin to sing with it, it will stay with you all day and you will have a better day!
Prayer:
Lord, Keep me reminded that the God of all the earth and the universe is in control of my life and knows what He is doing. Help me to shout and sing Your praises, not only in church, but in my everyday life. Put a song in my heart today and every day. You are the best.
Jeff
Isaiah 12:6 "Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you".
Observation:
The prophet tells the people to shout aloud and sing for joy because the Lord was among them. A shout and a joyful song are not just an emotional expression that Pentecostals use, rather they are commanded as a form of worship in the Word of God. God's greatness should make us want to shout and sing. He is amazing!
Application:
Another observation about a shout and a song is that you cannot remain depressed when you begin to shout and sing for joy. As a person begins to truly sing to the Lord, joy comes. It is not only that we are so full of joy that we sing, but also we sing, which bring us to a state of joy. Put a praise or worship song on in the morning and begin to sing with it, it will stay with you all day and you will have a better day!
Prayer:
Lord, Keep me reminded that the God of all the earth and the universe is in control of my life and knows what He is doing. Help me to shout and sing Your praises, not only in church, but in my everyday life. Put a song in my heart today and every day. You are the best.
Jeff
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Let the Light Shine
Scripture:
Isaiah 9:2 "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned".
Observation:
Isaiah was prophesying about the coming Messiah who would deliver Israel from her oppressors. He said of this person that the people in darkness had seen a "great light". Jesus came to earth and declared Himself to be the light of the world. Later He said that we are the light of the world. He came to light up the world, and left us to finish His work.
Application:
The world is getting darker and darker. The way to fight the darkness is not by rebuking it, but by turning on the light. The people around our lives must see a "great light" when they see us. By using the words "great light", the prophet was also saying that there are different levels of light. Is my life a "great light", a little light, or barely shimmering? I want to live a life that lights up the world and anyone I come in contact with.
Prayer:
Father, let your light shine in my life and let it be great! I want my life to count for something better than just surviving and keeping the bills paid. I want to light up my world. Help me to see how and teach me to let Your light shine through my life. It is Your light that is "great light". Unless You flow through me, it will just be a little light. Shine Jesus Shine!!! Light up the earth through Your people.
Love You Much,
Jeff
Isaiah 9:2 "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned".
Observation:
Isaiah was prophesying about the coming Messiah who would deliver Israel from her oppressors. He said of this person that the people in darkness had seen a "great light". Jesus came to earth and declared Himself to be the light of the world. Later He said that we are the light of the world. He came to light up the world, and left us to finish His work.
Application:
The world is getting darker and darker. The way to fight the darkness is not by rebuking it, but by turning on the light. The people around our lives must see a "great light" when they see us. By using the words "great light", the prophet was also saying that there are different levels of light. Is my life a "great light", a little light, or barely shimmering? I want to live a life that lights up the world and anyone I come in contact with.
Prayer:
Father, let your light shine in my life and let it be great! I want my life to count for something better than just surviving and keeping the bills paid. I want to light up my world. Help me to see how and teach me to let Your light shine through my life. It is Your light that is "great light". Unless You flow through me, it will just be a little light. Shine Jesus Shine!!! Light up the earth through Your people.
Love You Much,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A Woe We Can Live With
Scripture:
Isaiah 5:20 "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter".
Observation:
A woe is a strong word of warning or caution. It implies that something bad is going to happen. Who this woe comes on is very interesting. He says to to those who call good evil and evil good. In our society today many people are calling good evil and evil good. People who stand for righteousness are made to look evil for being narrow-minded and those who accept anything and everything are looked up to because they are open-minded.
Application:
We live in a world full of people exactly as described by Isaiah. If God doesn't judge America, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. Politicians and influencers in our society have worshipped at the god called "tolerance". We must never allow ourselves to call evil good and good evil. As we approach the last days, we need some Isaiah's who will preach the truth when the truth is unpopular. We must grow stronger and stronger in God's word so we don't get deceived.
Prayer:
Father, we need a revival in America today. I ask You to pour out Your Spirit as in the first and second great awakening. Give our leaders wisdom and guidance as they lead us. Show them the truth. Allow prophets like Isaiah to arise and speak to our leaders. Let my discernment grow, that I be not mislead.
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Isaiah 5:20 "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter".
Observation:
A woe is a strong word of warning or caution. It implies that something bad is going to happen. Who this woe comes on is very interesting. He says to to those who call good evil and evil good. In our society today many people are calling good evil and evil good. People who stand for righteousness are made to look evil for being narrow-minded and those who accept anything and everything are looked up to because they are open-minded.
Application:
We live in a world full of people exactly as described by Isaiah. If God doesn't judge America, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. Politicians and influencers in our society have worshipped at the god called "tolerance". We must never allow ourselves to call evil good and good evil. As we approach the last days, we need some Isaiah's who will preach the truth when the truth is unpopular. We must grow stronger and stronger in God's word so we don't get deceived.
Prayer:
Father, we need a revival in America today. I ask You to pour out Your Spirit as in the first and second great awakening. Give our leaders wisdom and guidance as they lead us. Show them the truth. Allow prophets like Isaiah to arise and speak to our leaders. Let my discernment grow, that I be not mislead.
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Willing and Obedient
Scripture:
Isaiah 1:19 "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land".
Observation:
Isaiah begins his writings by telling Israel that they are a rebellious nation who has turned away from God. In the midst of it once again, God shows his grace and tells them that if they are willing and obedient that they would eat from the best of the land. God wants His children to be two things: willing - having a willing heart to do whatever God asks; obedient - doing the things that God asks. It is easy to be willing, but hard to obey.
Application:
Doing the hard things is the test of our love for God. Obeying when we don't understand and even when obedience doesn't seem to be working out for us. God's ways are not our ways and His thought are not like ours. We must move from being people with good intentions who have a willing heart, to being people of action who obey His every word. God is looking for people who are not only willing, but obedient to His every word. These people will eat from the best of the land. God blesses obedience!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in obedience to your word. Teach me to follow You closely. In 2011 I want to me and my family to eat from the best of the land. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and walk with You completely. Help me to not only be willing, but obedient in every area, when it feels good and when it doesn't.
Jeff
Isaiah 1:19 "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land".
Observation:
Isaiah begins his writings by telling Israel that they are a rebellious nation who has turned away from God. In the midst of it once again, God shows his grace and tells them that if they are willing and obedient that they would eat from the best of the land. God wants His children to be two things: willing - having a willing heart to do whatever God asks; obedient - doing the things that God asks. It is easy to be willing, but hard to obey.
Application:
Doing the hard things is the test of our love for God. Obeying when we don't understand and even when obedience doesn't seem to be working out for us. God's ways are not our ways and His thought are not like ours. We must move from being people with good intentions who have a willing heart, to being people of action who obey His every word. God is looking for people who are not only willing, but obedient to His every word. These people will eat from the best of the land. God blesses obedience!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in obedience to your word. Teach me to follow You closely. In 2011 I want to me and my family to eat from the best of the land. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and walk with You completely. Help me to not only be willing, but obedient in every area, when it feels good and when it doesn't.
Jeff
Monday, January 3, 2011
Declare a holy fast!
Scripture:
Joel 1:14 "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord".
Observation:
Joel was prophesying about the army that was going to come upon God's people because they had not served Him properly. He summons the nation to a time of fasting and prayer and tells them to weep and wail and cry out to God on behalf of their nation.
Application:
When things get bad in a nation, a city, a subdivision, a family, or in one's individual life, it is probably time to call a holy fast and call out to the Lord. Many times the last things we do is to cry out to God. We try everything else and when nothing works we call out to God. He wants us to call out to Him before we are in trouble. Assemble people to pray and fast before things get bad.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for confirming this 21 days of fasting in my heart. We need to seek You more! Help me to assemble the people and call for a time of fasting and weeping for our region. Give me ideas of how to get more people involved. I want this fast to be an awesome time of seeking You.
Jeff
Joel 1:14 "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord".
Observation:
Joel was prophesying about the army that was going to come upon God's people because they had not served Him properly. He summons the nation to a time of fasting and prayer and tells them to weep and wail and cry out to God on behalf of their nation.
Application:
When things get bad in a nation, a city, a subdivision, a family, or in one's individual life, it is probably time to call a holy fast and call out to the Lord. Many times the last things we do is to cry out to God. We try everything else and when nothing works we call out to God. He wants us to call out to Him before we are in trouble. Assemble people to pray and fast before things get bad.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for confirming this 21 days of fasting in my heart. We need to seek You more! Help me to assemble the people and call for a time of fasting and weeping for our region. Give me ideas of how to get more people involved. I want this fast to be an awesome time of seeking You.
Jeff
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