Scripture:
Jeremiah 45:5 "And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh, says the Lord. But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go".
Observation:
The prophet Jeremiah is speaking to Baruch and tells him not to seek great things for himself. He is basically told that being alive is the greatest thing he will be able to get because God was going to bring adversity on all flesh. The prophet starts by asking a question, "Do you seek great things for yourself?" Then he replies from the Lord, "Do not seek them".
Application:
We must learn to be content in all things. Always seeking greater things is a great recipe for discontentment. We should be thankful for our very lives. If we have them, we are doing good. We must be seekers of God and not seekers of things! He wants to be the center of our lives and we must trust Him to take care of us and provide what we need. Jesus told us not to store up treasures on earth which is temporary, but to store up treasures in heaven that are permanent.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to store up treasures in heaven and to be content with where you have me on the earth. I want to be a seeker of God and not a seeker of things. I want to build Your kingdom. Help me to keep my eyes on You and to be content in all things on the earth. Heaven is my permanent home. Help me to prepare well for it.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Obedience
Scripture:
Jeremiah 35:8 "Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters".
Observation:
The Rechabites were given a test. They had been told not to drink wine for any reason all their days. Some "men of God" came by with some wine to give them and they passed the test. Their reply to being given some wine to drink was that they were commanded by Jonadab not to drink any wine and they would not. Their resolve to do what they were told to was amazing. They could have argued doctrine and shown how other mighty men of God had drank wine, but they simply obeyed the word.
Application:
We don't like simple obedience. We have grown up in an era that has taught us to question authority and obey only if you totally agree with the individual. When given a command, our natural response is to look for a way out of it or an argument against it because we don't like to be told what to do. We fight for our rights instead of walking in obedience to the word of the Lord. We must learn that obedience is better than sacrifice. God doesn't have to explain everything to us for us to obey. We should obey simply because He is God.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk in submission to Your authority. Help me to have the backbone of the people in this story. They would not drink because they had been told not to and they obeyed, even when seemingly spiritual people brought it to them. I want their resolve in my life to obey the things I know You have told me to do. I need Your strength every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 35:8 "Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters".
Observation:
The Rechabites were given a test. They had been told not to drink wine for any reason all their days. Some "men of God" came by with some wine to give them and they passed the test. Their reply to being given some wine to drink was that they were commanded by Jonadab not to drink any wine and they would not. Their resolve to do what they were told to was amazing. They could have argued doctrine and shown how other mighty men of God had drank wine, but they simply obeyed the word.
Application:
We don't like simple obedience. We have grown up in an era that has taught us to question authority and obey only if you totally agree with the individual. When given a command, our natural response is to look for a way out of it or an argument against it because we don't like to be told what to do. We fight for our rights instead of walking in obedience to the word of the Lord. We must learn that obedience is better than sacrifice. God doesn't have to explain everything to us for us to obey. We should obey simply because He is God.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk in submission to Your authority. Help me to have the backbone of the people in this story. They would not drink because they had been told not to and they obeyed, even when seemingly spiritual people brought it to them. I want their resolve in my life to obey the things I know You have told me to do. I need Your strength every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Is There Anything Too hard for God?
Scripture:
Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"
Observation:
Jeremiah was in a place of not understanding how the Lord could do what he was prophesying. He was questioning how God could do what He was saying. The word of the Lord comes to him and confirm and says, "Is there anything too hard for Me?" This is the God who put the stars in space and keeps everything in orbit!
Application:
Many times when I have been praying about something, I will hear the still, small voice of the Lord whisper, "is there anything too hard for Me?", or "what can I not do?". God is the God of infinite power who can change the world as we know it in a moment. With one word he could destroy the entire planet. He is the all-powerful God! There is no other like Him! I would apply this by saying that God is all-powerful and we must talk to Him as such. We should pray big prayers because He is a big God. He is not afraid or big prayers. He loves it because they are prayers of faith!
Prayer:
Lord,You are mighty, majestic and powerful! There is none like You. You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. You reign over all the earth. Reign in my life. Reign in my church. Reign in my city. Let revival come to northern VA. Pour out Your Spirit in power and touch this region with a mighty move of God. Let hearts be turned back to You. Bless Your church in every way and let it be effective again.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"
Observation:
Jeremiah was in a place of not understanding how the Lord could do what he was prophesying. He was questioning how God could do what He was saying. The word of the Lord comes to him and confirm and says, "Is there anything too hard for Me?" This is the God who put the stars in space and keeps everything in orbit!
Application:
Many times when I have been praying about something, I will hear the still, small voice of the Lord whisper, "is there anything too hard for Me?", or "what can I not do?". God is the God of infinite power who can change the world as we know it in a moment. With one word he could destroy the entire planet. He is the all-powerful God! There is no other like Him! I would apply this by saying that God is all-powerful and we must talk to Him as such. We should pray big prayers because He is a big God. He is not afraid or big prayers. He loves it because they are prayers of faith!
Prayer:
Lord,You are mighty, majestic and powerful! There is none like You. You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. You reign over all the earth. Reign in my life. Reign in my church. Reign in my city. Let revival come to northern VA. Pour out Your Spirit in power and touch this region with a mighty move of God. Let hearts be turned back to You. Bless Your church in every way and let it be effective again.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Future and a Hope
Scripture:
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope".
Observation:
Jeremiah writes this from the Lord as God is saying to the people that they will be in exile for 70 years. He is reminding them that it won't last forever, but that He needs to get their attention and get them to turn back to Him. Even when they have been disobedient and wandered from Him, God is telling them that He has plans to give them hope and a future. God's plans for them were thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give them a future and a hope.
Application:
God may allow us to go through some things that are not easy. He may not always rush in to save the day, but His overall plans and thoughts toward us are amazing! He wants to give us hope and a future. When there is no hope of a better tomorrow, we stop living. When we see no future, we are dying quickly. God gives His people hope and a future. We must realize when we are going through trying times that God has a purpose and He will give us a future and a hope. Hope will keep you going, don't lose hope!
Prayer:
Father, You are good and Your mercy endures forever. Israel messed up so many times ad You continued to demonstrate selfless love to them. You continued to give them a future and a hope in the midst of their punishment. You do all things well and continue today to give your people a future and a hope. Thank you for sending us Your Spirit to guide us into all truth.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope".
Observation:
Jeremiah writes this from the Lord as God is saying to the people that they will be in exile for 70 years. He is reminding them that it won't last forever, but that He needs to get their attention and get them to turn back to Him. Even when they have been disobedient and wandered from Him, God is telling them that He has plans to give them hope and a future. God's plans for them were thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give them a future and a hope.
Application:
God may allow us to go through some things that are not easy. He may not always rush in to save the day, but His overall plans and thoughts toward us are amazing! He wants to give us hope and a future. When there is no hope of a better tomorrow, we stop living. When we see no future, we are dying quickly. God gives His people hope and a future. We must realize when we are going through trying times that God has a purpose and He will give us a future and a hope. Hope will keep you going, don't lose hope!
Prayer:
Father, You are good and Your mercy endures forever. Israel messed up so many times ad You continued to demonstrate selfless love to them. You continued to give them a future and a hope in the midst of their punishment. You do all things well and continue today to give your people a future and a hope. Thank you for sending us Your Spirit to guide us into all truth.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Restoration is always on God's Mind
Scripture:
Jeremiah 27:22 "They shall be carried to Babylon, and there, they shall be until the day that I visit them, says the Lord. Then I will bring them up and restore them to this place".
Observation:
Jeremiah has been speaking powerful words to Judah and all the surrounding nations because they had forsaken Him. He speaks of a deportation of God's people to Babylon for 70 years. Verse 21 talks about the vessels in the house of God. God says that they will be taken to Babylon and will stay there until He restores them to their proper place. Even in judgment, God is thinking about the restoration that will come later. He is making provision for their restoration!
Application:
God is awesome! Even when He is punishing His people in Jeremiah, He is thinking about their return. Even when He is about to let enemy armies carry away His people into a foreign country, He is thinking about their return and making provision for their worship. God loves it when His people return to Him! He is always waiting with blessing for those who are away from Him to return. He prepares ahead of time for their return. Like the story of the prodigal son, the father said "kill the fatted calf". Basically it was the one that he had been preparing for His son's return.
Prayer:
Lord, You are faithful when we are not. Even in judgment, You remember Your people and make provision for their return to You. Teach me to love like that! Teach me to be more like You. Let Your face shine on my life and let me reflect Your glory to the world. help me to witness to someone today.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 27:22 "They shall be carried to Babylon, and there, they shall be until the day that I visit them, says the Lord. Then I will bring them up and restore them to this place".
Observation:
Jeremiah has been speaking powerful words to Judah and all the surrounding nations because they had forsaken Him. He speaks of a deportation of God's people to Babylon for 70 years. Verse 21 talks about the vessels in the house of God. God says that they will be taken to Babylon and will stay there until He restores them to their proper place. Even in judgment, God is thinking about the restoration that will come later. He is making provision for their restoration!
Application:
God is awesome! Even when He is punishing His people in Jeremiah, He is thinking about their return. Even when He is about to let enemy armies carry away His people into a foreign country, He is thinking about their return and making provision for their worship. God loves it when His people return to Him! He is always waiting with blessing for those who are away from Him to return. He prepares ahead of time for their return. Like the story of the prodigal son, the father said "kill the fatted calf". Basically it was the one that he had been preparing for His son's return.
Prayer:
Lord, You are faithful when we are not. Even in judgment, You remember Your people and make provision for their return to You. Teach me to love like that! Teach me to be more like You. Let Your face shine on my life and let me reflect Your glory to the world. help me to witness to someone today.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, February 18, 2011
My Deliverer and Redeemer
Scripture:
Jeremiah 15:21 "I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible".
Observation:
Jeremiah had been prophesying some terrible events that were going to come to pass on Israel and Judah. In the midst of all the bad things God is planning for them, He talks about their return to Him and how He will then deliver them and redeem them. God's love and forgiveness is amazing! The same group He is speaking judgment to, He says, if they return, He will deliver them and redeem them.
Application:
Sometimes people feel like they have gone too far for God to rescue them. Israel and Judah had forsaken the Lord and served other gods. They had been terrible toward the Lord after all He had done for them. Yet God is still there telling them that if they will turn to Him, He will deliver them from their enemies. We need to see this amazing forgiveness as part of who our God is. He wants His children to worship and serve Him alone and will stop all attacks on the person who wants Him fully.
Prayer:
Lord, You are still delivering and redeeming those who don't deserve it. Those who, by their actions, have denied You, You are just waiting for them to come home. Your love is incredible and Your ability to forgive your children is unthinkable. Let me be more like You. Let Your light shine through me and let my life bring You praise!
Jeff
Jeremiah 15:21 "I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible".
Observation:
Jeremiah had been prophesying some terrible events that were going to come to pass on Israel and Judah. In the midst of all the bad things God is planning for them, He talks about their return to Him and how He will then deliver them and redeem them. God's love and forgiveness is amazing! The same group He is speaking judgment to, He says, if they return, He will deliver them and redeem them.
Application:
Sometimes people feel like they have gone too far for God to rescue them. Israel and Judah had forsaken the Lord and served other gods. They had been terrible toward the Lord after all He had done for them. Yet God is still there telling them that if they will turn to Him, He will deliver them from their enemies. We need to see this amazing forgiveness as part of who our God is. He wants His children to worship and serve Him alone and will stop all attacks on the person who wants Him fully.
Prayer:
Lord, You are still delivering and redeeming those who don't deserve it. Those who, by their actions, have denied You, You are just waiting for them to come home. Your love is incredible and Your ability to forgive your children is unthinkable. Let me be more like You. Let Your light shine through me and let my life bring You praise!
Jeff
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Glory in the Lord
Scripture:
Jeremiah 9:23-24 "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory glory in his riches; But let him that glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, For in these I delight, says the Lord".
Observation:
God loves humility and hates pride. Here He says that we should not glory in anything we have done for ourselves, rather, our glory should be in the Lord. Without Him, we can do nothing. We can glory in the fact that we know Him and understand Him. He wants us to understand his lovingkindeness, judgment, and righteousness. God delights in His people understanding Him and living for Him.
Application:
America has become a very proud nation. Pride always goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. We are proud of our accomplishments and our knowledge. We glory in our accomplishments and have forsaken our God. We must humble ourselves and shift our lives from being self-centered to being God-centered. We must seek the Lord while He may be found. If we must glory, it must be in the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Maker of the heavens and the earth. You are awesome! Your word blesses me every day. Help me to glory only in You. Father, it said in this verse that we should glory in the fact that we understand You. I want to understand You better. Teach me every day more about You. Teach me Your ways. Show me Your truth and let me understand You better. Let Your word come alive to me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 9:23-24 "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory glory in his riches; But let him that glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, For in these I delight, says the Lord".
Observation:
God loves humility and hates pride. Here He says that we should not glory in anything we have done for ourselves, rather, our glory should be in the Lord. Without Him, we can do nothing. We can glory in the fact that we know Him and understand Him. He wants us to understand his lovingkindeness, judgment, and righteousness. God delights in His people understanding Him and living for Him.
Application:
America has become a very proud nation. Pride always goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. We are proud of our accomplishments and our knowledge. We glory in our accomplishments and have forsaken our God. We must humble ourselves and shift our lives from being self-centered to being God-centered. We must seek the Lord while He may be found. If we must glory, it must be in the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Maker of the heavens and the earth. You are awesome! Your word blesses me every day. Help me to glory only in You. Father, it said in this verse that we should glory in the fact that we understand You. I want to understand You better. Teach me every day more about You. Teach me Your ways. Show me Your truth and let me understand You better. Let Your word come alive to me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Words of Fire
Scripture:
Jeremiah 5:14 "Therefore thus says the Lord God of Hosts: 'because you speak this word, Behold I will make My words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them'".
Observation:
God is pronouncing judgment on Israel and Judah because they had once again forsaken Him. He is speaking of all the calamity He was going to bring on them and He was going to use Jeremiah to speak this truth to the people. I'm sure Jeremiah was not exactly desiring to deliver these messages bacuse he knew he would be hated for them, but God didn't leave him helpless, He gave him a message. God told Him that, because He spoke the true word of the Lord, his words would be like fire and the people like wood. God was going to back up what Jeremiah said with conviction.
Application:
When we speak on God's behalf, we need God's power to back up what we are saying or it is just words. When God gets involved in the delivery of His message, it is powerful. When we are just communicating good teaching in our own power, it is ineffective to bring about change. When the power of the Holy Spirit brings the words to life it is like fire that consumes the wood. It will light people up! We must seek God and ask Him to make our words powerful tools in His hands.
Prayer:
Whenever I speak on your behalf, let my words be like fire and the peoples hearts like dry wood. Let hearts be changed and lives be moved because my words are Your words and they are spoken by the power of Your Spirit. You take communication to a whole new level. Let Your hand rest upon me every time I witness, preach, teach, etc. that people may experience Your touch in their lives.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 5:14 "Therefore thus says the Lord God of Hosts: 'because you speak this word, Behold I will make My words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them'".
Observation:
God is pronouncing judgment on Israel and Judah because they had once again forsaken Him. He is speaking of all the calamity He was going to bring on them and He was going to use Jeremiah to speak this truth to the people. I'm sure Jeremiah was not exactly desiring to deliver these messages bacuse he knew he would be hated for them, but God didn't leave him helpless, He gave him a message. God told Him that, because He spoke the true word of the Lord, his words would be like fire and the people like wood. God was going to back up what Jeremiah said with conviction.
Application:
When we speak on God's behalf, we need God's power to back up what we are saying or it is just words. When God gets involved in the delivery of His message, it is powerful. When we are just communicating good teaching in our own power, it is ineffective to bring about change. When the power of the Holy Spirit brings the words to life it is like fire that consumes the wood. It will light people up! We must seek God and ask Him to make our words powerful tools in His hands.
Prayer:
Whenever I speak on your behalf, let my words be like fire and the peoples hearts like dry wood. Let hearts be changed and lives be moved because my words are Your words and they are spoken by the power of Your Spirit. You take communication to a whole new level. Let Your hand rest upon me every time I witness, preach, teach, etc. that people may experience Your touch in their lives.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, February 14, 2011
Fountain or Cistern?
Scripture:
Jeremiah 2:13 "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns - broken cisterns that can hold no water".
Observation:
Jeremiah is giving one of his first messages as a prophet to the people. In this word he says that God is the "fountain of living waters" and that the people have made themselves "broken cisterns that can hold no water". A cistern is something that holds water. Usually it contains rain water, that once was fresh, but after sitting a while stagnates and becomes bad. These people were not only a cistern, but a cistern that would hold no water because it is broken.
Application:
God desires us to have a living relationship with Him. He is the fountain of living water. Jesus told us he would be in us like a fountain of living water. A fountain produces life everywhere it goes, a cistern produces death and disease. A fountain produces clean water and a cistern produces dirty, contaminated water. As the Spirit of God leads our lives, He brings life, as we lead ourselves we will end up in death.
Prayer:
Father, You are the giver of every good thing. You give us a river, let me not be satisfied with yesterday's water. let me drink freely of Your Spirit every day and not become stagnant. Be a fountain of living water in me and let me give out that water to others. Help me to lead someone to Christ today.
Jeff
Jeremiah 2:13 "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns - broken cisterns that can hold no water".
Observation:
Jeremiah is giving one of his first messages as a prophet to the people. In this word he says that God is the "fountain of living waters" and that the people have made themselves "broken cisterns that can hold no water". A cistern is something that holds water. Usually it contains rain water, that once was fresh, but after sitting a while stagnates and becomes bad. These people were not only a cistern, but a cistern that would hold no water because it is broken.
Application:
God desires us to have a living relationship with Him. He is the fountain of living water. Jesus told us he would be in us like a fountain of living water. A fountain produces life everywhere it goes, a cistern produces death and disease. A fountain produces clean water and a cistern produces dirty, contaminated water. As the Spirit of God leads our lives, He brings life, as we lead ourselves we will end up in death.
Prayer:
Father, You are the giver of every good thing. You give us a river, let me not be satisfied with yesterday's water. let me drink freely of Your Spirit every day and not become stagnant. Be a fountain of living water in me and let me give out that water to others. Help me to lead someone to Christ today.
Jeff
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Pride and Arrogance
Scripture:
Obadiah 12 "You should not have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands. You should not have rejoiced when the people of Judah suffered such misfortune. You should not have spoken arrogantly in that terrible time of trouble".
Observation:
Obadiah is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It is simply a rant against Edom for the way they treated Judah. Edom had been a thorn in Judah's side for many years, helping other nations attack them, etc. God speaks through Obadiah a rebuke to Edom and tells of their coming judgment as a nation. God's wrath was coming on them. In the above verse, we see a little of God's reasons why. One of the things was that they spoke arrogantly in a time of terrible trouble. God despises pride and arrogance.
Application:
Once again we come to the fact that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Our God is never pleased with pride in any fashion. He wants a humble people who love Him and express their need for Him. When the enemy tries to get you walking in pride, resist the temptation and choose humility. God will bless you for it.
Prayer:
Father, You are showing me so much about pride and humility. Help me grasp it! I want to walk humbly before You and fulfill Your plans for my life. You are my all in all. Without You, I am sunk. My life is Yours. My family is Yours. My everything is Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Obadiah 12 "You should not have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands. You should not have rejoiced when the people of Judah suffered such misfortune. You should not have spoken arrogantly in that terrible time of trouble".
Observation:
Obadiah is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It is simply a rant against Edom for the way they treated Judah. Edom had been a thorn in Judah's side for many years, helping other nations attack them, etc. God speaks through Obadiah a rebuke to Edom and tells of their coming judgment as a nation. God's wrath was coming on them. In the above verse, we see a little of God's reasons why. One of the things was that they spoke arrogantly in a time of terrible trouble. God despises pride and arrogance.
Application:
Once again we come to the fact that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Our God is never pleased with pride in any fashion. He wants a humble people who love Him and express their need for Him. When the enemy tries to get you walking in pride, resist the temptation and choose humility. God will bless you for it.
Prayer:
Father, You are showing me so much about pride and humility. Help me grasp it! I want to walk humbly before You and fulfill Your plans for my life. You are my all in all. Without You, I am sunk. My life is Yours. My family is Yours. My everything is Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Lowly and Humble
Scripture:
Zephaniah 3:12 "Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord".
Observation:
Zephaniah is a strong prophet with a loud voice of utter destruction coming to God's people, then to the nations around them. In the midst of all the devastation he said God would bring is this simple little verse, "Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord". All through scripture we see that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Humility is huge in God's eyes. He will bypass a hundred proud people to bless one humble person who trusts in the Lord.
Application:
The prophet said, "it is they who trust in the name of the Lord". The humble and lowly are the ones who really trust in the name of the Lord. When pride steps into our lives, God actually opposes us. When we realize we are sunk without Him, we are blessed. When we promote His and not ourselves, He takes care of us. I want to be a person who trusts in the name of the Lord and the key is humility.
Prayer:
Father, teach me more about humility. You always bless the humble and resist the proud. Help me understand this better. Show me the difference between confidence in You, pride and humility. Teach me more. I want to understand this better. Thank You for this nugget of truth today. You're the best!
Jeff
Zephaniah 3:12 "Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord".
Observation:
Zephaniah is a strong prophet with a loud voice of utter destruction coming to God's people, then to the nations around them. In the midst of all the devastation he said God would bring is this simple little verse, "Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord". All through scripture we see that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Humility is huge in God's eyes. He will bypass a hundred proud people to bless one humble person who trusts in the Lord.
Application:
The prophet said, "it is they who trust in the name of the Lord". The humble and lowly are the ones who really trust in the name of the Lord. When pride steps into our lives, God actually opposes us. When we realize we are sunk without Him, we are blessed. When we promote His and not ourselves, He takes care of us. I want to be a person who trusts in the name of the Lord and the key is humility.
Prayer:
Father, teach me more about humility. You always bless the humble and resist the proud. Help me understand this better. Show me the difference between confidence in You, pride and humility. Teach me more. I want to understand this better. Thank You for this nugget of truth today. You're the best!
Jeff
Monday, February 7, 2011
Yet I will rejoice
Scripture:
Habakkuk 3:18 "yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation".
Observation:
The verse before this statement says, "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty". Habakkuk was saying that no matter how bad it gets, he will rejoice in the Lord, the God of his salvation. When everything in life was going the wrong direction, Habakkuk said, yet I will rejoice in God. WOW!
Application:
Sometimes we go through times where it feels like everything is going bad. Our initial reaction is generally to get down and definitely not to rejoice in the Lord. Here the author helps us see that God is God whether our present circumstances are good or bad. He deserves our praise when we feel good and things are going good as well as when things are going bad. He is still God! We must begin to rejoice in the Lord, even when is seems life is drying up and nothing is going right. That is spiritual maturity!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to rejoice when I see things going great as well as rejoice when nothing seems to be going right. Teach me to be faithful in my praise to You. You are worthy of praise no matter what I am going through. Teach me to rejoice in difficult times, knowing You are my God and You will bring me through.
Yours,
Jeff
Habakkuk 3:18 "yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation".
Observation:
The verse before this statement says, "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty". Habakkuk was saying that no matter how bad it gets, he will rejoice in the Lord, the God of his salvation. When everything in life was going the wrong direction, Habakkuk said, yet I will rejoice in God. WOW!
Application:
Sometimes we go through times where it feels like everything is going bad. Our initial reaction is generally to get down and definitely not to rejoice in the Lord. Here the author helps us see that God is God whether our present circumstances are good or bad. He deserves our praise when we feel good and things are going good as well as when things are going bad. He is still God! We must begin to rejoice in the Lord, even when is seems life is drying up and nothing is going right. That is spiritual maturity!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to rejoice when I see things going great as well as rejoice when nothing seems to be going right. Teach me to be faithful in my praise to You. You are worthy of praise no matter what I am going through. Teach me to rejoice in difficult times, knowing You are my God and You will bring me through.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, February 4, 2011
Finishing Well
Scripture:
II Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful".
Observation:
Paul was approaching the end of his life and he knew it. He was writing his final letter to his son in the faith Timothy about enduring hardship as a good soldier and being faithful in the ministry. In this, he tells Timothy that he was had fought the good fight, finished the race, and remained faithful. He was confident that he had given his very best and was expecting a great reward in heaven. He lived a life that he could honestly say was fully devoted to the Lord.
Application:
Will we have the confidence that Paul had at the end of his life? Will we be able to say that we have finished well? In a race, the most important thing is the finish line. It really doesn't matter what happens on the track during the race. What matters is what happens at the finish line. At the finish line you can look back and see how you did. Hopefully we will be able to look back near the end and say with confidence that we have finished the race, fought the good fight and remained faithful. We should live our lives wanting to hear "well done, good and faithful servant" at the finish line.
Prayer:
Lord, You know me. You know that I want to live a life that pleases You. I want to hear well done good and faithful at the end of it. I want my life to impact eternity for as many as You want me to. I want to finish with the confidence of Paul who knew he run the race well.
Forever Yours,
Jeff
II Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful".
Observation:
Paul was approaching the end of his life and he knew it. He was writing his final letter to his son in the faith Timothy about enduring hardship as a good soldier and being faithful in the ministry. In this, he tells Timothy that he was had fought the good fight, finished the race, and remained faithful. He was confident that he had given his very best and was expecting a great reward in heaven. He lived a life that he could honestly say was fully devoted to the Lord.
Application:
Will we have the confidence that Paul had at the end of his life? Will we be able to say that we have finished well? In a race, the most important thing is the finish line. It really doesn't matter what happens on the track during the race. What matters is what happens at the finish line. At the finish line you can look back and see how you did. Hopefully we will be able to look back near the end and say with confidence that we have finished the race, fought the good fight and remained faithful. We should live our lives wanting to hear "well done, good and faithful servant" at the finish line.
Prayer:
Lord, You know me. You know that I want to live a life that pleases You. I want to hear well done good and faithful at the end of it. I want my life to impact eternity for as many as You want me to. I want to finish with the confidence of Paul who knew he run the race well.
Forever Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, February 3, 2011
What are you willing to endure for the Gospel?
Scripture:
II Timothy 2:10 "So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen".
Observation:
Paul is writing to Timothy from a jail cell and is preparing him to suffer for Jesus Christ. He tells Timothy to endure suffering like a good soldier and then tells him why. Paul says he is willing to endure "ANYTHING" if it will bring salvation and eternal glory to someone else. Here you see Paul's heart. He is totally unselfish as he is willing to endure anything for others to come to Christ. He has Christ at the Core and everything else is meaningless.
Application:
What are we willing to endure for the Gospel? What is the point that we would say, "no Lord"? At what point of suffering would we say, "okay Lord, I've had enough. I am done." Paul had been beaten, abused, hurt, mistreated and is now in prison for Christ and is saying he is willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation to someone. We need to realize that there is a higher purpose in our lives than feeling good and having nice stuff. We must put Christ at the Core and live a life that pleases Him. His will must be paramount and everything else must come to nothing.
Prayer:
Lord, rearrange my perspective. Let me see life as Paul did with an eternal perspective. Help me to be driven by eternity and let my life count for eternal things. Help me to set my affections on things above instead of things on this earth. Teach me to live with Paul's level of devotion to You and Your purposes in the earth.
Love,
Jeff
II Timothy 2:10 "So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen".
Observation:
Paul is writing to Timothy from a jail cell and is preparing him to suffer for Jesus Christ. He tells Timothy to endure suffering like a good soldier and then tells him why. Paul says he is willing to endure "ANYTHING" if it will bring salvation and eternal glory to someone else. Here you see Paul's heart. He is totally unselfish as he is willing to endure anything for others to come to Christ. He has Christ at the Core and everything else is meaningless.
Application:
What are we willing to endure for the Gospel? What is the point that we would say, "no Lord"? At what point of suffering would we say, "okay Lord, I've had enough. I am done." Paul had been beaten, abused, hurt, mistreated and is now in prison for Christ and is saying he is willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation to someone. We need to realize that there is a higher purpose in our lives than feeling good and having nice stuff. We must put Christ at the Core and live a life that pleases Him. His will must be paramount and everything else must come to nothing.
Prayer:
Lord, rearrange my perspective. Let me see life as Paul did with an eternal perspective. Help me to be driven by eternity and let my life count for eternal things. Help me to set my affections on things above instead of things on this earth. Teach me to live with Paul's level of devotion to You and Your purposes in the earth.
Love,
Jeff
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Godliness with Contentment
Scripture:
I Timothy 4:6 "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth".
Observation:
In the verse just preceding this one, Paul tells Timothy that there are those who teach and act very spiritual, but bring division and only want to get wealthy from preaching the Gospel. Paul then tells Timothy that true godliness, with contentment is great wealth. After this verse, he says that we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing with us when we go. True godliness with contentment is actually worth more than any money can buy.
Application:
Money cannot make anyone happy. There are many rich people in the world's eyes who are very miserable people, yet the lie goes on that money will make things better. Money will never make you better, contentment will make you better. Learning to be content in all situations. Whether you have much or little, you can learn to be content and thankful for what you have. This brings about true joy in the Lord. Real joy is found in serving Jesus and others. Learn to be content where you are on the way to where you are going.
Prayer:
Teach me to walk in Your ways and to live the way You want me to. Thank you for the incredible way you have blessed my life. You have blessed me in so many ways and sometimes I am not appreciative for it. Forgive me for not being content in You. Help me to be godly and content, that I may bring glory to Your name. Thanks for speaking to me this morning.
Your Servant,
Jeff
I Timothy 4:6 "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth".
Observation:
In the verse just preceding this one, Paul tells Timothy that there are those who teach and act very spiritual, but bring division and only want to get wealthy from preaching the Gospel. Paul then tells Timothy that true godliness, with contentment is great wealth. After this verse, he says that we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing with us when we go. True godliness with contentment is actually worth more than any money can buy.
Application:
Money cannot make anyone happy. There are many rich people in the world's eyes who are very miserable people, yet the lie goes on that money will make things better. Money will never make you better, contentment will make you better. Learning to be content in all situations. Whether you have much or little, you can learn to be content and thankful for what you have. This brings about true joy in the Lord. Real joy is found in serving Jesus and others. Learn to be content where you are on the way to where you are going.
Prayer:
Teach me to walk in Your ways and to live the way You want me to. Thank you for the incredible way you have blessed my life. You have blessed me in so many ways and sometimes I am not appreciative for it. Forgive me for not being content in You. Help me to be godly and content, that I may bring glory to Your name. Thanks for speaking to me this morning.
Your Servant,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A Pure Heart, A Clear Conscience, and Genuine Faith
Scripture:
I Timothy 1:5 "The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith".
Observation:
Here Paul tells Timothy why he is writing this letter. He wants to see God's people filled with love. He adds three things that love comes from. He says love comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith. If a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith are the root, love will be the fruit.
Application:
Love comes from God and the more real we are in our faith, the more Christ will love through us. We should be people who are constantly seeking to become more like Christ. We must have a pure heart - all the right motives, a clear conscience - not doing anything that goes against our conscience, and genuine faith - faith that is real. When we live in this arena, love will flow naturally from us because we are the real deal. We can live the life God wants us to live.
Prayer:
Father, purify my heart. Make me real through and through. I want Christ at the Core of who I am. I want love to flow out of me as it does from You. Help me to walk closer to you and to hear Your voice me clearly.
Love,
Jeff
I Timothy 1:5 "The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith".
Observation:
Here Paul tells Timothy why he is writing this letter. He wants to see God's people filled with love. He adds three things that love comes from. He says love comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith. If a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith are the root, love will be the fruit.
Application:
Love comes from God and the more real we are in our faith, the more Christ will love through us. We should be people who are constantly seeking to become more like Christ. We must have a pure heart - all the right motives, a clear conscience - not doing anything that goes against our conscience, and genuine faith - faith that is real. When we live in this arena, love will flow naturally from us because we are the real deal. We can live the life God wants us to live.
Prayer:
Father, purify my heart. Make me real through and through. I want Christ at the Core of who I am. I want love to flow out of me as it does from You. Help me to walk closer to you and to hear Your voice me clearly.
Love,
Jeff
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