Scripture:
Deuteronomy 33:29 "How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will stomp on their backs!"
Observation:
In the New Covenant, we are spiritual Israel. When we see the blessing given to Israel in the Old, we can claim them for ourselves as we have been grafted into the tree. Here we see Moses speaking of God's blessings on Israel. He says, "How blessed You are". He goes on the talk about how God defeats the enemies of Israel. I love the words, "How blessed you are!"
Application:
Sometimes when things aren't going like we want them to, we feel discouraged and even feel like God doesn't like us any more. We need to constantly remember "how blessed we are". Jesus gave His life for us, we have access to the Father, He has fogiven our sins and healed our bodies. We are blessed! If He never did another thing for us, we are blessed! We need to be better at realizing how blessed we are instead of complaining about what we do't have at the given time.
Prayer:
Lord, let me never forget how blessed I am. I never want to take You for granted. I want to serve You out of a heart of thanksgiving for all You have done for me. You truly are the best!
Jeff
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Oh, that You would choose life
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 30:19 "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!"
Observation:
God set blessings on obedience for the people of Israel and He set curses on disobedience. In Deut. 28 we see those blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. The blessings for wholly following the Lord were incredible, but the curses for disobedience were terrible. In chapter 30 you can hear the voice of God as He says, "Oh, that you would choose life". He really wants to bless his people, but he can't unless they choose like His way.
Application:
God's heart wants to bless us tremendously! He wants to bless our socks off, but we with hold our own blessings by our disobedience. Hear the heart of God that says, "Oh, that they would choose life!" He desperately wants us to make right choices so that He can bless us. The problem is our disobedience. He wants our obedience so He can bless us, but we choose not to obey. Therefore we don't see His blessings. We must hear the voice of God today that says, Oh, that you would choose life".
Prayer:
Father,
Help me make right choices today that You can bless. I want to follow You wholeheartedly and want my life to reflect Yours. I choose life and desire Your blessing.
Yours,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 30:19 "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!"
Observation:
God set blessings on obedience for the people of Israel and He set curses on disobedience. In Deut. 28 we see those blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. The blessings for wholly following the Lord were incredible, but the curses for disobedience were terrible. In chapter 30 you can hear the voice of God as He says, "Oh, that you would choose life". He really wants to bless his people, but he can't unless they choose like His way.
Application:
God's heart wants to bless us tremendously! He wants to bless our socks off, but we with hold our own blessings by our disobedience. Hear the heart of God that says, "Oh, that they would choose life!" He desperately wants us to make right choices so that He can bless us. The problem is our disobedience. He wants our obedience so He can bless us, but we choose not to obey. Therefore we don't see His blessings. We must hear the voice of God today that says, Oh, that you would choose life".
Prayer:
Father,
Help me make right choices today that You can bless. I want to follow You wholeheartedly and want my life to reflect Yours. I choose life and desire Your blessing.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, July 22, 2011
Give Generously to the Poor
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 15:10 "Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do".
Observation:
God cares about the poor. It is demonstrated all through the Bible. He wants His children to take care of the poor. In this scripture, He shows us that He not only wants us to give to the poor, but to give generously and not grudgingly.
Application:
Many times today we see people in need, but are very reluctant to give. We talk about how that person could have a job if they wanted to or how they are abusing the system. We talk about not giving to them unless we give them a financial seminar. The Bible tells us to give generously to the poor and not grudgingly. As believers, we should be givers to God and to the poor. This doesn't sit right in people's hearts today because we are taught that people are poor because they have made bad decisions or something like that. We talk about "enabling" that person by giving to them. The word of God says "give generously" to them. There is a blessing to be received when you give to the poor
Prayer:
Father, let me be a giver to the poor. You love the poor and your heart is constantly with them in the Word of God. Help me to be more like You in this area. Teach me not to give grudgingly to the poor, but to help them with a clear heart.
Your Son,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 15:10 "Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do".
Observation:
God cares about the poor. It is demonstrated all through the Bible. He wants His children to take care of the poor. In this scripture, He shows us that He not only wants us to give to the poor, but to give generously and not grudgingly.
Application:
Many times today we see people in need, but are very reluctant to give. We talk about how that person could have a job if they wanted to or how they are abusing the system. We talk about not giving to them unless we give them a financial seminar. The Bible tells us to give generously to the poor and not grudgingly. As believers, we should be givers to God and to the poor. This doesn't sit right in people's hearts today because we are taught that people are poor because they have made bad decisions or something like that. We talk about "enabling" that person by giving to them. The word of God says "give generously" to them. There is a blessing to be received when you give to the poor
Prayer:
Father, let me be a giver to the poor. You love the poor and your heart is constantly with them in the Word of God. Help me to be more like You in this area. Teach me not to give grudgingly to the poor, but to help them with a clear heart.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Living Long and Prosperous
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 5:33 "Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy'.
Observation:
When the children of Israel were on their way into the promised land, God gave them a simple plan to follow so they could have long and prosperous lives. His plan was to "stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow". He said when they did that simple thing He would bless them and cause them to be prosperous.
Application:
Obedience is better than sacrifice! God loves it when His children obey Him fully and completely. When we obey Him we are trusting Him with our lives and He loves this. God is not hard to please. Just do things the way He wants you to and he will bless Your life and make you prosperous. We have many teaching about how to get prosperity today, but the crux of the matter is simply, "obey God in every area of your life". As I tell my children often, "obedience brings blessing".
Prayer:
Lord, I want to obey You fully and completely. Help me to follow you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. You are my God and I want to be the best servant I can. Be my master. Speak to me and I will follow You.
Yours,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 5:33 "Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy'.
Observation:
When the children of Israel were on their way into the promised land, God gave them a simple plan to follow so they could have long and prosperous lives. His plan was to "stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow". He said when they did that simple thing He would bless them and cause them to be prosperous.
Application:
Obedience is better than sacrifice! God loves it when His children obey Him fully and completely. When we obey Him we are trusting Him with our lives and He loves this. God is not hard to please. Just do things the way He wants you to and he will bless Your life and make you prosperous. We have many teaching about how to get prosperity today, but the crux of the matter is simply, "obey God in every area of your life". As I tell my children often, "obedience brings blessing".
Prayer:
Lord, I want to obey You fully and completely. Help me to follow you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. You are my God and I want to be the best servant I can. Be my master. Speak to me and I will follow You.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, July 18, 2011
This Great Wilderness
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 2:7 "For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. he has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing".
Observation:
In the beginning of Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting Israel's wandering in the wilderness. He is re-telling the story of all God did for His people. It should have only taken 11 days to walk through the wildness into the Promised Land, but the people of God took forty years because of their disobedience. Even during this time of God's punishment, it says, "He has watched your every step through this great wilderness". It says "the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing". Even during the time of their punishment and 40 year wilderness excursion, God was with the people of Israel and prospered them.
Application:
God sees everything. He knows all! Even when we feel like we are in a wilderness, He is right there with us. He provides for us, even when we don't deserve it. This morning I feel like this was a Rhema word for me personally. It was a reminder to me that He is with me and has watched everything that has ever happened in my life. He knows every detail and He has been with me through every difficulty. He has had His eye on me through every step of my life!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me this morning. You are faithful! You are good and I love you. Help me to always see the positive in every situation. Help me to be a person of faith. Thanks for reminding me that You are with me and I have never once slipped out of your sight. You are amazing!
Your Son,
jeff
Deuteronomy 2:7 "For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. he has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing".
Observation:
In the beginning of Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting Israel's wandering in the wilderness. He is re-telling the story of all God did for His people. It should have only taken 11 days to walk through the wildness into the Promised Land, but the people of God took forty years because of their disobedience. Even during this time of God's punishment, it says, "He has watched your every step through this great wilderness". It says "the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing". Even during the time of their punishment and 40 year wilderness excursion, God was with the people of Israel and prospered them.
Application:
God sees everything. He knows all! Even when we feel like we are in a wilderness, He is right there with us. He provides for us, even when we don't deserve it. This morning I feel like this was a Rhema word for me personally. It was a reminder to me that He is with me and has watched everything that has ever happened in my life. He knows every detail and He has been with me through every difficulty. He has had His eye on me through every step of my life!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me this morning. You are faithful! You are good and I love you. Help me to always see the positive in every situation. Help me to be a person of faith. Thanks for reminding me that You are with me and I have never once slipped out of your sight. You are amazing!
Your Son,
jeff
Thursday, July 14, 2011
For Lazarus Sake
Scripture:
John 12:9 "Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there: and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead".
Observation:
In John 11, Jesus raised His friend Lazarus from being dead four days. It is an amazing story! In chapter 12, people are coming to Jesus by the droves to see Him, but also to see Lazarus, the one who was raised from the dead. I see here that one simple testimony has great power. This story says that "A Great Number" of Jews came because of Lazarus and his testimony.
Application:
When a great miracle happens, we need to be carriers of the story. We need to let the word spread about what God has done for us. Most people won't be convinced about Jesus through an apologetic debate about His divinity or a scholarly speech about who he is. Most people come to Jesus because they heard through a friend what Jesus had done in their life. We need to be better about sharing our stories because multitudes will come out to hear a miracle testimony.
Prayer:
Lord, let my light shine. Let me share the story today of something You have done in my life. Help me be better at sharing my faith with others. Let people come to Christ today "for Jeff's sake", because of the story I share with someone about what God has done for me. Help me tell my story that others may know You better.
Your Son,
jeff
John 12:9 "Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there: and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead".
Observation:
In John 11, Jesus raised His friend Lazarus from being dead four days. It is an amazing story! In chapter 12, people are coming to Jesus by the droves to see Him, but also to see Lazarus, the one who was raised from the dead. I see here that one simple testimony has great power. This story says that "A Great Number" of Jews came because of Lazarus and his testimony.
Application:
When a great miracle happens, we need to be carriers of the story. We need to let the word spread about what God has done for us. Most people won't be convinced about Jesus through an apologetic debate about His divinity or a scholarly speech about who he is. Most people come to Jesus because they heard through a friend what Jesus had done in their life. We need to be better about sharing our stories because multitudes will come out to hear a miracle testimony.
Prayer:
Lord, let my light shine. Let me share the story today of something You have done in my life. Help me be better at sharing my faith with others. Let people come to Christ today "for Jeff's sake", because of the story I share with someone about what God has done for me. Help me tell my story that others may know You better.
Your Son,
jeff
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
What are We Working For?
Scripture:
John 6:27 "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on Him".
Observation:
The multitude had followed Jesus because He fed 5,000 men, not including women and children, with five loaves and two fish. He sees right through it and tells them that they were following Him because He put food in their stomachs and not because of who has was. He goes on to talk about what we labor for and what we are after in life. He tells them not to work for food that perishes, but for food that is everlasting.
Application:
Most of what we work for in life is only temporary. We work hard for cars that will die after a few years. We work hard for houses that we can lose with a downturn in the economy. We work for "things" that are not eternal and spend little time working on eternal things. The only "things" that are eternal and going to heaven or hell are people. Jesus is saying that our lives should be about people and about the importance of our own souls. Are we working so hard for the wrong stuff?
Prayer:
Father, help me keep the main thing, the main thing. Help me to work for eternal rewards instead of temporary. Teach me to spend my time wisely for the Kingdom of God. Let me work for You completely. may my life be consumed by the things that You are consumed by. I surrendur to Your will in my life. I want to be about Your business and not my own busyness.
Love,
Jeff
John 6:27 "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on Him".
Observation:
The multitude had followed Jesus because He fed 5,000 men, not including women and children, with five loaves and two fish. He sees right through it and tells them that they were following Him because He put food in their stomachs and not because of who has was. He goes on to talk about what we labor for and what we are after in life. He tells them not to work for food that perishes, but for food that is everlasting.
Application:
Most of what we work for in life is only temporary. We work hard for cars that will die after a few years. We work hard for houses that we can lose with a downturn in the economy. We work for "things" that are not eternal and spend little time working on eternal things. The only "things" that are eternal and going to heaven or hell are people. Jesus is saying that our lives should be about people and about the importance of our own souls. Are we working so hard for the wrong stuff?
Prayer:
Father, help me keep the main thing, the main thing. Help me to work for eternal rewards instead of temporary. Teach me to spend my time wisely for the Kingdom of God. Let me work for You completely. may my life be consumed by the things that You are consumed by. I surrendur to Your will in my life. I want to be about Your business and not my own busyness.
Love,
Jeff
Friday, July 8, 2011
God's Food
Scripture:
Numbers 28:2 "Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered to my instructions".
Observation:
God was instituting a sacrificial system in Israel to provide for the atonement of their sins. He was about to give them dates, times, and procedures for offering Him sacrifices. As He was implementing this, He makes a statement that is powerful, "the offering you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food". God tells them that their special gifts to Him are pleasing to Him and are His food. From this I see that God loves to be first in our lives and to be honored by us. It is a sweet aroma to Him and His food when His children bring Him special gifts. What we do for the Lord is His food and smells good to Him.
Application:
I realize we are under grace and because of Jesus we are no longer under this old sacrificial system, but I also see how pleased God is when His people bring Him special gifts and sacrifices. It is special to the Lord when His people place Him first above everything else in their lives. He is thrilled when His people live His way and honor Him with their gifts. Though we don't have to offer sacrifices according to the verses that follow in Numbers, God is honored when we give our all for Him. It is His food and a sweet aroma to Him. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. God has seen it and it has blessed Him!
Prayer:
Lord, let my life bring you glory. I know You have seen the sacrifices in my life and it has been a pleasing aroma. You have seen the sacrifices and it has fed You good food. Thanks for letting me know this morning how special sacrifice is to You. I know that obedience is better than sacrifice, but in my obedience I know You see the sacrifice. Help me obey You better and offer You my life as a special offering.
Yours Completely,
Jeff
Numbers 28:2 "Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered to my instructions".
Observation:
God was instituting a sacrificial system in Israel to provide for the atonement of their sins. He was about to give them dates, times, and procedures for offering Him sacrifices. As He was implementing this, He makes a statement that is powerful, "the offering you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food". God tells them that their special gifts to Him are pleasing to Him and are His food. From this I see that God loves to be first in our lives and to be honored by us. It is a sweet aroma to Him and His food when His children bring Him special gifts. What we do for the Lord is His food and smells good to Him.
Application:
I realize we are under grace and because of Jesus we are no longer under this old sacrificial system, but I also see how pleased God is when His people bring Him special gifts and sacrifices. It is special to the Lord when His people place Him first above everything else in their lives. He is thrilled when His people live His way and honor Him with their gifts. Though we don't have to offer sacrifices according to the verses that follow in Numbers, God is honored when we give our all for Him. It is His food and a sweet aroma to Him. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. God has seen it and it has blessed Him!
Prayer:
Lord, let my life bring you glory. I know You have seen the sacrifices in my life and it has been a pleasing aroma. You have seen the sacrifices and it has fed You good food. Thanks for letting me know this morning how special sacrifice is to You. I know that obedience is better than sacrifice, but in my obedience I know You see the sacrifice. Help me obey You better and offer You my life as a special offering.
Yours Completely,
Jeff
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Be Zealous for the Lord
Scripture:
Numbers 25:11 "Phinehas son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest has turned my anger away from the Israelites by being as zealous among them as I was. So I stopped destroying all Israel as I had intended to do in my zealous anger".
Observation:
The people of Israel has prostituted themselves with Moabite women and the gods that they served. They had turned away from the living God to worship and serve the gods of the Moabites because they had soul ties with the women of Moab. God became very angry and began to destroy the people of Israel. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron the priest, chased a man and woman who were guilty and thrust a spear through both of them. This stopped the plague and God said He stopped it because Phinehas was as zealous as the Lord. God realized that someone hated sin as much as He did.
Application:
Phinehas was zealous for the Lord. He stood for right and fought against sin. God worked on his behalf and saved Israel because one man had the heart of God. Zealousness can sometimes get you into trouble if it is done in a wrong way, but God does love to see his people zealous for Him. He is looking for a people who are zealous enough to hate sin and love righteousness. His heart is after those who have His heart which hates sin and loves righteousness. We need to get a little more zealous concerning the things of the Lord and maybe God would spare our generation.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome in power! You are incredible in all Your doings! You hate sin and love righteousness! Help me to be more like You. There is a song we used to sing in church that I heard again this week and have been singing that says, "I wanna be more like You, Jesus, I wanna be more like You. I wanna be a vessel You work through. I want to be more like You". That is my prayer today Lord. Make me more like You.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Numbers 25:11 "Phinehas son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest has turned my anger away from the Israelites by being as zealous among them as I was. So I stopped destroying all Israel as I had intended to do in my zealous anger".
Observation:
The people of Israel has prostituted themselves with Moabite women and the gods that they served. They had turned away from the living God to worship and serve the gods of the Moabites because they had soul ties with the women of Moab. God became very angry and began to destroy the people of Israel. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron the priest, chased a man and woman who were guilty and thrust a spear through both of them. This stopped the plague and God said He stopped it because Phinehas was as zealous as the Lord. God realized that someone hated sin as much as He did.
Application:
Phinehas was zealous for the Lord. He stood for right and fought against sin. God worked on his behalf and saved Israel because one man had the heart of God. Zealousness can sometimes get you into trouble if it is done in a wrong way, but God does love to see his people zealous for Him. He is looking for a people who are zealous enough to hate sin and love righteousness. His heart is after those who have His heart which hates sin and loves righteousness. We need to get a little more zealous concerning the things of the Lord and maybe God would spare our generation.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome in power! You are incredible in all Your doings! You hate sin and love righteousness! Help me to be more like You. There is a song we used to sing in church that I heard again this week and have been singing that says, "I wanna be more like You, Jesus, I wanna be more like You. I wanna be a vessel You work through. I want to be more like You". That is my prayer today Lord. Make me more like You.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Only What God Speaks
Scripture:
Numbers 22:38 "Balaam replied, 'Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want, I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.'"
Observation:
Balaak was prepared to pay Balaam anything he wanted if Balaam would just curse Israel. Balaak knew that what Balaam cursed was cursed and what he blessed was blessed. Balaam spoke the best words any prophet, pastor, leader, could speak. "I have no power to say whatever I want, I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth". He realized that he could speak other things, but his words would be powerless unless the Lord had ordered his words.
Application:
I want to be a person who speaks or preaches messages put in my mouth by God and not out of my own spirit or flesh. Many people today just operate out of the mind and say "good words" that may not be "God words". May we go back to seeking the Lord until we have a message burning in our hearts from Him. The church is always better off hearing what God is speaking instead of what a pastor or leader thinks needs to be spoken. Many people today would have taken Balaak's money and spoke the words he wanted him to because it would appear to be God's blessing financially. Appearance is not reality. We must know we are hearing from God and speak what He is speaking.
Prayer:
Father, when I speak, let it be the oracles of God. Let Your voice be heard clearly through my voice. Let me say what You want me to say and only what You want me to say. Give me ears to hear Your voice clearly that I may speak Your word with accuracy. You are amazing and I want to be a mouthpiece for You.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Numbers 22:38 "Balaam replied, 'Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want, I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.'"
Observation:
Balaak was prepared to pay Balaam anything he wanted if Balaam would just curse Israel. Balaak knew that what Balaam cursed was cursed and what he blessed was blessed. Balaam spoke the best words any prophet, pastor, leader, could speak. "I have no power to say whatever I want, I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth". He realized that he could speak other things, but his words would be powerless unless the Lord had ordered his words.
Application:
I want to be a person who speaks or preaches messages put in my mouth by God and not out of my own spirit or flesh. Many people today just operate out of the mind and say "good words" that may not be "God words". May we go back to seeking the Lord until we have a message burning in our hearts from Him. The church is always better off hearing what God is speaking instead of what a pastor or leader thinks needs to be spoken. Many people today would have taken Balaak's money and spoke the words he wanted him to because it would appear to be God's blessing financially. Appearance is not reality. We must know we are hearing from God and speak what He is speaking.
Prayer:
Father, when I speak, let it be the oracles of God. Let Your voice be heard clearly through my voice. Let me say what You want me to say and only what You want me to say. Give me ears to hear Your voice clearly that I may speak Your word with accuracy. You are amazing and I want to be a mouthpiece for You.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Accessing God's Presence
Scripture:
Numbers 20:6 "Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them".
Observation:
Moses and Aaron did three things that brought the presence of the Lord to them so they could hear His voice. First they turned away from the people, second they went to the Tabernacle, and third they fell face down on the ground. I see a progression here that is worthy of looking deeper into as we desire the presence of God in our lives.
Application:
God's presence came to Moses and Aaron when they did three things. His voice was heard after these things were done. First, they turned away from the people. Turning away from the people and turning toward God is so important if you want to really experience His presence. People mean well and will tell you all kinds of nice things, but we must long for the presence and voice of God enough that we turn away from people and set time apart for our relationship with God. Secondly, we must go the Tabernacle. We don't have a literal tabernacle at this time, but we should go to a place where we plan on meeting with the Lord. This could be a variety of places. It is just anywhere that is a special place for you to meet with God. Third, we must humble ourselves before Him. Moses and Aaron bowed on their faces before the Lord. If we want the presence of God in our lives, we must turn away from people, go to a place to meet with God and humble ourselves before Him. At that point, He has our full attention and will speak to us as He did with Moses and Aaron.
Prayer:
Father, let me hear your voice clearer than ever. Help me to set aside the time to meet with you and humble myself before you. I want Your direction in my life and have set aside the next few weeks to seek You. I want to find You more than ever before.
Your Son,
Jeff
Numbers 20:6 "Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them".
Observation:
Moses and Aaron did three things that brought the presence of the Lord to them so they could hear His voice. First they turned away from the people, second they went to the Tabernacle, and third they fell face down on the ground. I see a progression here that is worthy of looking deeper into as we desire the presence of God in our lives.
Application:
God's presence came to Moses and Aaron when they did three things. His voice was heard after these things were done. First, they turned away from the people. Turning away from the people and turning toward God is so important if you want to really experience His presence. People mean well and will tell you all kinds of nice things, but we must long for the presence and voice of God enough that we turn away from people and set time apart for our relationship with God. Secondly, we must go the Tabernacle. We don't have a literal tabernacle at this time, but we should go to a place where we plan on meeting with the Lord. This could be a variety of places. It is just anywhere that is a special place for you to meet with God. Third, we must humble ourselves before Him. Moses and Aaron bowed on their faces before the Lord. If we want the presence of God in our lives, we must turn away from people, go to a place to meet with God and humble ourselves before Him. At that point, He has our full attention and will speak to us as He did with Moses and Aaron.
Prayer:
Father, let me hear your voice clearer than ever. Help me to set aside the time to meet with you and humble myself before you. I want Your direction in my life and have set aside the next few weeks to seek You. I want to find You more than ever before.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, July 1, 2011
Follow the Cloud
Scripture:
Numbers 9:17 "Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp".
Observation:
God led the children of Israel through the wilderness. He was their leader and He let His will be known. He showed them exactly where He wanted them to set up camp and when He wanted them to tear down camp and move. They sometimes would set up camp for a night, sometimes for a year, but always they followed the cloud and set up where God said to. He took care of them daily and provided for them as they followed His through the wilderness.
Application:
I wish following the Lord was that easy today. For them, they saw the cloud move and they knew to move. For us, we have to follow His word and listen for His voice, which sometimes is very clear and sometimes is not so clear. It would be easier to follow Him if we could simply set up camp where He stopped and move when the fire moved. Today, God wants us to seek Him out and follow after Him, listening for His voice. Now it is up to us to seek Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let your voice become clearer and clearer to me. I want to be a good follower and will be as I know Your will in every situation of life. I seek You this morning and will continue to seek You. You are the best!
Jeff
Numbers 9:17 "Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp".
Observation:
God led the children of Israel through the wilderness. He was their leader and He let His will be known. He showed them exactly where He wanted them to set up camp and when He wanted them to tear down camp and move. They sometimes would set up camp for a night, sometimes for a year, but always they followed the cloud and set up where God said to. He took care of them daily and provided for them as they followed His through the wilderness.
Application:
I wish following the Lord was that easy today. For them, they saw the cloud move and they knew to move. For us, we have to follow His word and listen for His voice, which sometimes is very clear and sometimes is not so clear. It would be easier to follow Him if we could simply set up camp where He stopped and move when the fire moved. Today, God wants us to seek Him out and follow after Him, listening for His voice. Now it is up to us to seek Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let your voice become clearer and clearer to me. I want to be a good follower and will be as I know Your will in every situation of life. I seek You this morning and will continue to seek You. You are the best!
Jeff
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