Scripture:
Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."
Observation:
Jesus had just asked Zaccheus, a terrible person who robbed taxes from people, if He could go over to his house to eat. Jesus went into the house of this man that the world hated and was eating with him. Many didn't want Him to be around this aweful sinner, but Jesus said, "The Son of Man cam to seek and save the lost".
Application:
Jesus didn't just hang out in the temple only talking to those who were already converted. He hung out with absolute sinners and people the world hated. He was not afraid to be seen with criminals. The more we become like Christ, the more we will have a heart to seek and to save the lost. We must be about the business Jesus was about and should have the same heart as He had.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be a witness today to someone. Put someone in my path that needs You. Let me be about seeking and saving the lost. Let Word of Life seek and save the lost.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
More Blessed than Mary
Scripture:
Luke 11:27-28 "As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, 'God bless your mother - the womb from which you came, and the breast that nursed you!' Jesus replied, 'But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice'".
Observation:
Many people honor and esteem Mary for being the mother of the Lord. She is called "blessed" all over the world. In this verse, a woman is calling out about how blessed Mary is for being the mother of Jesus. Jesus tells her that those who put into practice the word of God are more blessed than Mary. We have the opportunity to be more blessed than Mary. WOW!
Application:
I notice in this scripture that it is not just those who listen to the word of God, bot those who put it into practice in their lives that are really blessed, and their blessing is more than Mary. We must work on being a people who put God's word into practice in our lives. There is a huge difference in hearing the word and doing the word. Those who do the word are blessed, those who hear the word are not. The key words are "put into practice".
Prayer:
Father, Let me "put into practice" the things I hear from Your word. I want to grow in You and in your word. I realize that those who put your word into practice are blessed exceedingly. Help me to put your word into practice and produce much fruit.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Luke 11:27-28 "As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, 'God bless your mother - the womb from which you came, and the breast that nursed you!' Jesus replied, 'But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice'".
Observation:
Many people honor and esteem Mary for being the mother of the Lord. She is called "blessed" all over the world. In this verse, a woman is calling out about how blessed Mary is for being the mother of Jesus. Jesus tells her that those who put into practice the word of God are more blessed than Mary. We have the opportunity to be more blessed than Mary. WOW!
Application:
I notice in this scripture that it is not just those who listen to the word of God, bot those who put it into practice in their lives that are really blessed, and their blessing is more than Mary. We must work on being a people who put God's word into practice in our lives. There is a huge difference in hearing the word and doing the word. Those who do the word are blessed, those who hear the word are not. The key words are "put into practice".
Prayer:
Father, Let me "put into practice" the things I hear from Your word. I want to grow in You and in your word. I realize that those who put your word into practice are blessed exceedingly. Help me to put your word into practice and produce much fruit.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wisdom
Scripture:
Luke 7:35 "But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it".
Observation:
Jesus is speaking about the generation in which He was living. We was saying how they really don't make sense. Then He comes across with this simple statement that grabbed me this morning. "wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it". This is a valuable nugget of truth with much depth in it. You can have the highest degrees available to man, but your life will show whether you have wisdom or not. True wisdom will be seen by all in the way you live your life.
Application:
We can say we have wisdom, but our lives will be heard more than our words. Wisdom is proved by our lives, not our speach. We must learn to walk in wisdom and apply it to our lives. The implementation of wisdom is crucial because it is how people know we are wise. When your life is well-ordered, wisdom is shown to be right because things always seem to work out better for you. The application of wisdom cannot be argued with. Prove it with your life, then tells others about it.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to walk with the wise. Help me to walk in wisdom and live a life that is wise. Help me to implement wisdom in every area of my life. Let my life speak louder than my preaching.
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Luke 7:35 "But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it".
Observation:
Jesus is speaking about the generation in which He was living. We was saying how they really don't make sense. Then He comes across with this simple statement that grabbed me this morning. "wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it". This is a valuable nugget of truth with much depth in it. You can have the highest degrees available to man, but your life will show whether you have wisdom or not. True wisdom will be seen by all in the way you live your life.
Application:
We can say we have wisdom, but our lives will be heard more than our words. Wisdom is proved by our lives, not our speach. We must learn to walk in wisdom and apply it to our lives. The implementation of wisdom is crucial because it is how people know we are wise. When your life is well-ordered, wisdom is shown to be right because things always seem to work out better for you. The application of wisdom cannot be argued with. Prove it with your life, then tells others about it.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to walk with the wise. Help me to walk in wisdom and live a life that is wise. Help me to implement wisdom in every area of my life. Let my life speak louder than my preaching.
I Love You Lord,
Jeff
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sabbath Rest
Scripture:
Leviticus 25:21 "Then I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years".
Observation:
In this passage the Lord is speaking about the Sabbath year. He said that His people should sow for six years and let the land rest the seventh year. The people were thinking, "How are we going to eat in the seventh year?" God said, I will command My blessing on the sixth year and it will produce enough for three years.
Application:
It is amazing that today this chapter was in my reading because today I am starting a Sabbatical, or, period of rest from ministry for the next eight weeks. In the past 10 years, I would not have been able to take a Sabbatical because I would have to worry how the church was going to survive and pay the bills while I was away. My board and I made a decision to do a Sabbath of rest for our pastors several months ago. God has provided supernaturally in the past four months and I am able to go away without the stress of wondering if the church will survive financially. We have literally seen this promise manifested in our church since we decided to honor Sabbath rest. God provides when we do what is Biblical and scriptural. He honors Sabbath rest.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for confirming once again how awesome You are and how Your promises never fail. You are amazing and I love You more every day! Let this time of Sabbath be honoring to You and let Your blessing continue to flow at Word of Life while I am away. You are amazing!
Your Son,
Jeff
Leviticus 25:21 "Then I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years".
Observation:
In this passage the Lord is speaking about the Sabbath year. He said that His people should sow for six years and let the land rest the seventh year. The people were thinking, "How are we going to eat in the seventh year?" God said, I will command My blessing on the sixth year and it will produce enough for three years.
Application:
It is amazing that today this chapter was in my reading because today I am starting a Sabbatical, or, period of rest from ministry for the next eight weeks. In the past 10 years, I would not have been able to take a Sabbatical because I would have to worry how the church was going to survive and pay the bills while I was away. My board and I made a decision to do a Sabbath of rest for our pastors several months ago. God has provided supernaturally in the past four months and I am able to go away without the stress of wondering if the church will survive financially. We have literally seen this promise manifested in our church since we decided to honor Sabbath rest. God provides when we do what is Biblical and scriptural. He honors Sabbath rest.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for confirming once again how awesome You are and how Your promises never fail. You are amazing and I love You more every day! Let this time of Sabbath be honoring to You and let Your blessing continue to flow at Word of Life while I am away. You are amazing!
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Be Holy
Scripture:
Leviticus 11:45 "For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy".
Observation:
In this passage I see the main reason God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt was so that He could be their God and that they may be His people. This has been His heart from the beginning. He wants to have a people who look to Him as God and who are his people. As the people of God, He expects His people to be holy even as He is holy.
Application:
God expects holiness in His people. He wants us to be completely His and for us to be like Him in holiness. We need more teaching and preaching on holiness today. The church found out that legalism was wrong and the pendulum swong to grace until most people feel they can live any way they want because God loves them and accepts them and their sinful lives. God does love us, but He also hates our sin and wants us to step away from it and avoid sin like the plague. He expects holiness from his people and we should give it to Him.
Prayer:
Father, You are holy and I worship You for that. I want to be a better reflection of who You are. Help me to walk in holiness and fulfill Your plans for my life. Be my God and let me be Yours completely. I don't want a legalistic list of do's and don'ts. I want holiness from the heart that love God 100% and loves my neighbors 100%.
Yours,
Jeff
Leviticus 11:45 "For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy".
Observation:
In this passage I see the main reason God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt was so that He could be their God and that they may be His people. This has been His heart from the beginning. He wants to have a people who look to Him as God and who are his people. As the people of God, He expects His people to be holy even as He is holy.
Application:
God expects holiness in His people. He wants us to be completely His and for us to be like Him in holiness. We need more teaching and preaching on holiness today. The church found out that legalism was wrong and the pendulum swong to grace until most people feel they can live any way they want because God loves them and accepts them and their sinful lives. God does love us, but He also hates our sin and wants us to step away from it and avoid sin like the plague. He expects holiness from his people and we should give it to Him.
Prayer:
Father, You are holy and I worship You for that. I want to be a better reflection of who You are. Help me to walk in holiness and fulfill Your plans for my life. Be my God and let me be Yours completely. I don't want a legalistic list of do's and don'ts. I want holiness from the heart that love God 100% and loves my neighbors 100%.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Fire Always Falls on Sacrifice
Scripture:
Leviticus 9:23-24 "And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces".
Observation:
In the previous chapters and reading you see the law concerning sacrifices. You see every detail of what a sacrifice and an offering are to look like. You saw the priests being consecrated and set apart for the work of the Lord. You saw great preparation and sacrifice in preparing to offer sacrifice to the Lord. When it finally happens, the fire of God fell on it and consumed it. The fire always falls on sacrifice and preparation.
Application:
As the priests of the Old Testament prepared themselves and sanctified themselves for the priestly ministry, so we must set ourselves apart for the Lord. We are called a "kingdom of priests" in the New Testament. We need to be set apart for the service of the Lord. We need to be set apart from the common pursuits of this world and offer our lives on the altar of sacrifice. When our lives are on the altar, the fire will fall. We must offer our lives continually to the Lord and then let His fire fall upon us.
Prayer:
Lord, I want Your fire to fall! I want to see your glory like they saw it in this text. We have worked and sacrificed in this region for 10 years now and our anniversary weekend is coming up. Let holy fire fall this weekend. Let revival start in our church this weekend. Consume the sacrifice and let your fire fall on the lives of our people and those who attend this weekend. I lay Word of Life on the altar this morning and ask You to let your fire fall on her.
Your Son,
Jeff
Leviticus 9:23-24 "And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces".
Observation:
In the previous chapters and reading you see the law concerning sacrifices. You see every detail of what a sacrifice and an offering are to look like. You saw the priests being consecrated and set apart for the work of the Lord. You saw great preparation and sacrifice in preparing to offer sacrifice to the Lord. When it finally happens, the fire of God fell on it and consumed it. The fire always falls on sacrifice and preparation.
Application:
As the priests of the Old Testament prepared themselves and sanctified themselves for the priestly ministry, so we must set ourselves apart for the Lord. We are called a "kingdom of priests" in the New Testament. We need to be set apart for the service of the Lord. We need to be set apart from the common pursuits of this world and offer our lives on the altar of sacrifice. When our lives are on the altar, the fire will fall. We must offer our lives continually to the Lord and then let His fire fall upon us.
Prayer:
Lord, I want Your fire to fall! I want to see your glory like they saw it in this text. We have worked and sacrificed in this region for 10 years now and our anniversary weekend is coming up. Let holy fire fall this weekend. Let revival start in our church this weekend. Consume the sacrifice and let your fire fall on the lives of our people and those who attend this weekend. I lay Word of Life on the altar this morning and ask You to let your fire fall on her.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, June 13, 2011
Fire on the Altar
Scripture:
Leviticus 6:13 "A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out".
Observation:
On the altar of the burnt offering, the fire was never to go out. Daily, the priests would have to dispose properly of the ashes, bu the fire was never to go out. It actually says three times in six verses that the fire shall not go out. It must have been important.
Application:
The altar of the burnt offering was continually burning because there needed to be continual daily sacrifice for the nation. The fire produced smoke and incense created a beautiful aroma that went up before the Lord. Our lives need to be a continual sweet smelling incense to the Lord and the fire of God should never go out of our heart. We need to keep our daily devotional and prayer time alive and burning within us. Fire needs to be tended in order to continue. We have the ability to increase and decrease our fire level by adding the right stuff of offering our lives to the Lord. We must offer our lives on the altar of sacrifice in order to keep the flame burning.
Prayer:
Lord, never let my fire die. I want my life to be a sweet smelling incense of continual offering to You. Walk with me and talk with me. I offer you my life and ask you to receive this offering and bless it with your fire.
Sincerely,
Jeff Jacob
Leviticus 6:13 "A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out".
Observation:
On the altar of the burnt offering, the fire was never to go out. Daily, the priests would have to dispose properly of the ashes, bu the fire was never to go out. It actually says three times in six verses that the fire shall not go out. It must have been important.
Application:
The altar of the burnt offering was continually burning because there needed to be continual daily sacrifice for the nation. The fire produced smoke and incense created a beautiful aroma that went up before the Lord. Our lives need to be a continual sweet smelling incense to the Lord and the fire of God should never go out of our heart. We need to keep our daily devotional and prayer time alive and burning within us. Fire needs to be tended in order to continue. We have the ability to increase and decrease our fire level by adding the right stuff of offering our lives to the Lord. We must offer our lives on the altar of sacrifice in order to keep the flame burning.
Prayer:
Lord, never let my fire die. I want my life to be a sweet smelling incense of continual offering to You. Walk with me and talk with me. I offer you my life and ask you to receive this offering and bless it with your fire.
Sincerely,
Jeff Jacob
Friday, June 10, 2011
Forsaken
Scripture:
Mark 14:50 "Then they all forsook Him and fled".
Observation:
Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples. Judas had gone during this time and betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He brings them to Jesus and betrays Jesus with a kiss. The disciples realize what is going on and Mark records that "they all forsook Him and fled". It never ceases to amaze me that Jesus had thousands following Him while He was healing their sick, few when He was teaching deeper truths, and all fled when He was faced with the cross. All had forsaken Him after all He had done for them.
Application:
Many people want the miracles and the crowds, but few want to follow Jesus into being forsaken by all. Many today desire to be "mightily used" by God and enjoy "successful" ministry. The truth is that to be like Jesus, we will have times when we feel forsaken. We can read this and know that Jesus has experienced being forsaken by those He was giving His life for. He knows our pain when we feel forsaken. He understands the grief and will walk with us through it. People will forsake you and let you down. Prepare beforehand to love them anyway like Jesus did.
Prayer:
Lord, You were forsaken by everyone. Thousands wanted to follow You when the going was good and the miracles were flowing, but nobody wanted to follow You to the cross. Help me to follow You through every part of life. When I feel forsaken, let me remember what You did for us by giving us and example.
Your Son,
Jeff
Mark 14:50 "Then they all forsook Him and fled".
Observation:
Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples. Judas had gone during this time and betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He brings them to Jesus and betrays Jesus with a kiss. The disciples realize what is going on and Mark records that "they all forsook Him and fled". It never ceases to amaze me that Jesus had thousands following Him while He was healing their sick, few when He was teaching deeper truths, and all fled when He was faced with the cross. All had forsaken Him after all He had done for them.
Application:
Many people want the miracles and the crowds, but few want to follow Jesus into being forsaken by all. Many today desire to be "mightily used" by God and enjoy "successful" ministry. The truth is that to be like Jesus, we will have times when we feel forsaken. We can read this and know that Jesus has experienced being forsaken by those He was giving His life for. He knows our pain when we feel forsaken. He understands the grief and will walk with us through it. People will forsake you and let you down. Prepare beforehand to love them anyway like Jesus did.
Prayer:
Lord, You were forsaken by everyone. Thousands wanted to follow You when the going was good and the miracles were flowing, but nobody wanted to follow You to the cross. Help me to follow You through every part of life. When I feel forsaken, let me remember what You did for us by giving us and example.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Do for us whatever we ask
Scripture:
Mark 10:35 "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask'".
Observation:
Jesus ends up replying to them and asking what they want. They tell Him that they want to sit at His right and left hand when they entered the Kingdom of Heaven. The words, "do for us whatever we ask", jumped off the page at me this morning. Our human nature is so strong and because of it we sometimes say things that reveal our heart. Here we see the heart of James and John revealed when they say "do for us whatever we ask.
Application:
Many people today come to Christ the same way, "Do for me whatever I ask or I'm out of here" is the motto of many Christians. The "what's in it for me?" attitude has permeated the church. We seldom do anything simply in obedience to the Lord unless we see some benefit for us. As a pastor, I see many people upset with God because He didn't give them what they wanted. Jesus is not our Santa Clause in the sky. We are to humble ourselves under His mighty hand and trust Him to give us what we need instead of whatever we want. Don't try to control Jesus into making Him do whatever you want Him to.
Prayer:
Lord, I have my list of what I want from You, but today I yield that list to You and trust You will give me what is best for me. Help me live a surrendered life that asks for the will of God to be done and not my own will. As Jesus said in the garden, "Not my will, but thine be done".
Sincerely,
Jeff
Mark 10:35 "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask'".
Observation:
Jesus ends up replying to them and asking what they want. They tell Him that they want to sit at His right and left hand when they entered the Kingdom of Heaven. The words, "do for us whatever we ask", jumped off the page at me this morning. Our human nature is so strong and because of it we sometimes say things that reveal our heart. Here we see the heart of James and John revealed when they say "do for us whatever we ask.
Application:
Many people today come to Christ the same way, "Do for me whatever I ask or I'm out of here" is the motto of many Christians. The "what's in it for me?" attitude has permeated the church. We seldom do anything simply in obedience to the Lord unless we see some benefit for us. As a pastor, I see many people upset with God because He didn't give them what they wanted. Jesus is not our Santa Clause in the sky. We are to humble ourselves under His mighty hand and trust Him to give us what we need instead of whatever we want. Don't try to control Jesus into making Him do whatever you want Him to.
Prayer:
Lord, I have my list of what I want from You, but today I yield that list to You and trust You will give me what is best for me. Help me live a surrendered life that asks for the will of God to be done and not my own will. As Jesus said in the garden, "Not my will, but thine be done".
Sincerely,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Defilement
Scripture:
Mark 7:15 "There is nothing that enters a man from the outside which can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man".
Observation:
The Pharisees had approached Jesus because His disciples were not washing their hands properly before they ate. Jesus told them that nothing that goes into a man can make him defiled. He was really declaring all things clean when it comes to eating, but was also letting them know that defilement comes from the inside out. Out of the heart come the bad things in life.
Application:
A pure heart will keep us from being defiled. Jesus taught us that out of the heart flow evil things. We need God to clean our hearts, because our actions follow our heart. When the heart is dirty, the actions will soon be dirty. WHen the heart is clean, the actions will follow.
Prayer:
Lord, let my heart be pure before You. Let me actions be right because my heart is right. I want to live a life that gives You praise and honor.
Your Son,
Jeff
Mark 7:15 "There is nothing that enters a man from the outside which can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man".
Observation:
The Pharisees had approached Jesus because His disciples were not washing their hands properly before they ate. Jesus told them that nothing that goes into a man can make him defiled. He was really declaring all things clean when it comes to eating, but was also letting them know that defilement comes from the inside out. Out of the heart come the bad things in life.
Application:
A pure heart will keep us from being defiled. Jesus taught us that out of the heart flow evil things. We need God to clean our hearts, because our actions follow our heart. When the heart is dirty, the actions will soon be dirty. WHen the heart is clean, the actions will follow.
Prayer:
Lord, let my heart be pure before You. Let me actions be right because my heart is right. I want to live a life that gives You praise and honor.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
As Many as Touched Him
Scripture:
Mark 6:56 "Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made whole".
Observation:
Wherever Jesus went, crowds followed. He healed their sick, taught them and even fed them when they were hungry. When He went into cities or villages, they would bring the sick into the marketplaces so that they could touch Him when He walked by. As they touched Him, they were made whole. The same Spirit that worked through Christ is suppose to be working through His followers. When I look around me, I don't see lines of sick people trying to touch me. Something must be wrong.
Application:
I want to see the Spirit of God working through the people of God once again. Jesus said that greater works than what He did, His disciples would do. We must seek the Lord until we see what He promised. I want to see more sick people healed. Everywhere Jesus went, healing naturally followed. May it be said of His followers that everywhere they go, people get healed. I don't know exactly what has hindered Christ's followers from being more like Him in this area, but I want to seek Him until I find out.
Prayer:
Lord, restore power to Your people that we may be more effective for You. Fill me fresh with Your Holy Spirit and let me fulfill Your will for my life. You are amazing and I love you with all my heart. Teach me to hear Your voice clearer and to walk in Your power. I want to represent You well on the earth.
Yours,
Jeff
Mark 6:56 "Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made whole".
Observation:
Wherever Jesus went, crowds followed. He healed their sick, taught them and even fed them when they were hungry. When He went into cities or villages, they would bring the sick into the marketplaces so that they could touch Him when He walked by. As they touched Him, they were made whole. The same Spirit that worked through Christ is suppose to be working through His followers. When I look around me, I don't see lines of sick people trying to touch me. Something must be wrong.
Application:
I want to see the Spirit of God working through the people of God once again. Jesus said that greater works than what He did, His disciples would do. We must seek the Lord until we see what He promised. I want to see more sick people healed. Everywhere Jesus went, healing naturally followed. May it be said of His followers that everywhere they go, people get healed. I don't know exactly what has hindered Christ's followers from being more like Him in this area, but I want to seek Him until I find out.
Prayer:
Lord, restore power to Your people that we may be more effective for You. Fill me fresh with Your Holy Spirit and let me fulfill Your will for my life. You are amazing and I love you with all my heart. Teach me to hear Your voice clearer and to walk in Your power. I want to represent You well on the earth.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, June 6, 2011
Quick and Complete Obedience
Scripture:
Mark 1:20 "And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him".
Observation:
In this text and in verse 18 of the same chapter, Jesus calls some men to come and follow Him. In both cases they immediately left what they were doing and followed Him. In this particular verse we see James and John fishing with their father and his hired workers. When Jesus called, they immediately left the family business, their father, their income, their entire livelihood and followed Him. Their obedience was quick and complete.
Application:
James and John obeyed quickly and completely. They immediately left the boat they were on to follow Jesus. Today, when Jesus speaks to us, we usually spend a lot of time trying to figure out if it was really Him, contemplating the positives and negatives of obedience, and calculating the risk factor involved before we commit to anything. I believe Jesus wants to see this generation learn childlike faith and quick obedience. When He speaks, we must move quickly and completely.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to walk with You and obey You quickly and completely. I know I tend to try to figure everything out and how it will work before I obey many times. I want childlike faith again that obeys without being able to figure everything out. I want to respond with quick and complete obedience.
Your Son,
Jeff
Mark 1:20 "And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him".
Observation:
In this text and in verse 18 of the same chapter, Jesus calls some men to come and follow Him. In both cases they immediately left what they were doing and followed Him. In this particular verse we see James and John fishing with their father and his hired workers. When Jesus called, they immediately left the family business, their father, their income, their entire livelihood and followed Him. Their obedience was quick and complete.
Application:
James and John obeyed quickly and completely. They immediately left the boat they were on to follow Jesus. Today, when Jesus speaks to us, we usually spend a lot of time trying to figure out if it was really Him, contemplating the positives and negatives of obedience, and calculating the risk factor involved before we commit to anything. I believe Jesus wants to see this generation learn childlike faith and quick obedience. When He speaks, we must move quickly and completely.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to walk with You and obey You quickly and completely. I know I tend to try to figure everything out and how it will work before I obey many times. I want childlike faith again that obeys without being able to figure everything out. I want to respond with quick and complete obedience.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Jealous God
Scripture:
Exodus 34:14 "(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)".
Observation:
God has no problem making it known that He is a jealous God and that He wants to be first in people's lives. He wants no other gods in the lives of His people. He has always wanted to be their God and for them to be His people. This text actually says that His name is "Jealous". He wants to be first and wants no seconds!
Application:
God is a good, loving, kind, compassionate, forgiving, god! His character is amazing. He is faithful to us beyond description, but He also wants us to be faithful to Him. He wants to be first place in our lives. He wants to be the center of our lives, for He is jealous. We need to evaluate whether He is truly first in our lives. What is competing with Him for our time and attention? We must live lives that are fully surrendered to Him in every area.
Prayer:
Father, I want my life to be centered on You. It seems like my life gets so busy on so many things, which are usually good things, that I don't feel like I am able to spend enough time with You. I ask you to help me to keep You first and say no to others. I miss my time with You. Draw me again into You presence. Fill me again with You Spirit. I want and long for more of You in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Exodus 34:14 "(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)".
Observation:
God has no problem making it known that He is a jealous God and that He wants to be first in people's lives. He wants no other gods in the lives of His people. He has always wanted to be their God and for them to be His people. This text actually says that His name is "Jealous". He wants to be first and wants no seconds!
Application:
God is a good, loving, kind, compassionate, forgiving, god! His character is amazing. He is faithful to us beyond description, but He also wants us to be faithful to Him. He wants to be first place in our lives. He wants to be the center of our lives, for He is jealous. We need to evaluate whether He is truly first in our lives. What is competing with Him for our time and attention? We must live lives that are fully surrendered to Him in every area.
Prayer:
Father, I want my life to be centered on You. It seems like my life gets so busy on so many things, which are usually good things, that I don't feel like I am able to spend enough time with You. I ask you to help me to keep You first and say no to others. I miss my time with You. Draw me again into You presence. Fill me again with You Spirit. I want and long for more of You in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Generational Ministry
Scripture:
"And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests".
Observation:
When God called Aaron to walk with Moses and be a priest, He also called Aaron's sons. Aaron's sons were actually anointed together with their father from the beginning. The priestly ministry was to be a generational ministry that would be passed on from father to son. I see here that the sons didn't wait until their father died to inherit the ministry, but that they were part of the ministry from the beginning.
Application:
I have two sons. I want them both to be used mightily for the glory of God. I want them to follow the Lord every day of their lives and to be examples to others of the goodness of God. I realize that today we are all priests unto the Lord, but I do want my sons to be part of the ministry and I want to train them well to serve the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, make me the father You want me to be for my sons. Show me how to involve them in ministry, yet choose for themselves what to do with their lives as an occupation. Let ministry be seen as a great joy to my wife and sons. Let it not be seen as a negative on their lives, but an incredible positive. Let me light shine in my family that my children will want what daddy has and want to serve the Lord that daddy serves.
Love You Lord,
Jeff
"And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests".
Observation:
When God called Aaron to walk with Moses and be a priest, He also called Aaron's sons. Aaron's sons were actually anointed together with their father from the beginning. The priestly ministry was to be a generational ministry that would be passed on from father to son. I see here that the sons didn't wait until their father died to inherit the ministry, but that they were part of the ministry from the beginning.
Application:
I have two sons. I want them both to be used mightily for the glory of God. I want them to follow the Lord every day of their lives and to be examples to others of the goodness of God. I realize that today we are all priests unto the Lord, but I do want my sons to be part of the ministry and I want to train them well to serve the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, make me the father You want me to be for my sons. Show me how to involve them in ministry, yet choose for themselves what to do with their lives as an occupation. Let ministry be seen as a great joy to my wife and sons. Let it not be seen as a negative on their lives, but an incredible positive. Let me light shine in my family that my children will want what daddy has and want to serve the Lord that daddy serves.
Love You Lord,
Jeff
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