Scripture:
Jeremiah 44:7 "And now the Lord of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel asks you: Why are you destroying yourselves?"
Observation:
From the context of this verse you can see that He is speaking about his people worshiping and serving the idols and false gods from the nations around them. Because of this God was saying He was about to force them into exile and cause another nation to destroy them. I notice here that God had said "he" was going to destroy them because of the things they had done. Here He says they are destroying themselves by bringing on God's judgment.
Application:
Sometimes we blame God, others, our family, or those around us for our problems. As God spoke through Jeremiah, so He could speak today. We tend to be people who like to do things our own way instead of doing it God's way, thus we are destroying ourselves. God wants to bless us, but we are destroying ourselves by not doing what He wants and not living a Christ-centered life. We must put away every idol and everything that pulls us away from God rather than destroy ourselves. Obedience is still better than sacrifice. We must learn to do things his way instead of our own.
Prayer:
Father, help me avoid destroying myself through disobedience to You and Your word. Keep my path straight and my heart open to listen to Your voice and follow with all my heart. I want to live in Your blessing and fulfill Your will for my life. Teach me to walk closer each day.
In Pursuit Forever,
Jeff
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Big IF!
Scripture:
Jeremiah 42:6 "Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we are sending you with our plea. For if we obey him, everything will turn out well for us".
Observation:
Jeremiah and only a few others are left in Judah after the exile to Babylon. The leaders who were left came to him and asked him to talk to the Lord about their future. They include the above statement when they are talking to him. They understood that if they obeyed the voice of the Lord that everything would go well with them, but that is the big IF. It turns out later in this same chapter that the Lord says he knows they will not obey, but will lean on their own understanding. He wanted to bless them , but they didn't pass the big IF test.
Application:
Most of us know what God is wants us to do, yet we have a problem with the big IF. We know that IF we follow him completely, we will be blessed, but it is hard to completely trust him when it seems He is making no sense. God loves and wants to bless His people, but we must pass the big IF test. God lays before us life and death and leads us with a choice, if we choose life, we live. Sometimes we need to think about the what if I don't obey Him and lose His blessing. That will help us keep on track.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty I bless Your Name. You are amazing and wonderful! Your grace is incredible and your favor is unstoppable. Thank you for loving me. Help me to always say yes and pass the big IF test. Help me not to think "IF" this makes sense to me, rather help me to simply obey. Obedience is still better than sacrifice.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 42:6 "Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we are sending you with our plea. For if we obey him, everything will turn out well for us".
Observation:
Jeremiah and only a few others are left in Judah after the exile to Babylon. The leaders who were left came to him and asked him to talk to the Lord about their future. They include the above statement when they are talking to him. They understood that if they obeyed the voice of the Lord that everything would go well with them, but that is the big IF. It turns out later in this same chapter that the Lord says he knows they will not obey, but will lean on their own understanding. He wanted to bless them , but they didn't pass the big IF test.
Application:
Most of us know what God is wants us to do, yet we have a problem with the big IF. We know that IF we follow him completely, we will be blessed, but it is hard to completely trust him when it seems He is making no sense. God loves and wants to bless His people, but we must pass the big IF test. God lays before us life and death and leads us with a choice, if we choose life, we live. Sometimes we need to think about the what if I don't obey Him and lose His blessing. That will help us keep on track.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty I bless Your Name. You are amazing and wonderful! Your grace is incredible and your favor is unstoppable. Thank you for loving me. Help me to always say yes and pass the big IF test. Help me not to think "IF" this makes sense to me, rather help me to simply obey. Obedience is still better than sacrifice.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Muddy Obedience
Scripture:
Jeremiah 38:6 "So the officials took Jeremiah fro his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard...There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it".
Observation:
Jeremiah did exactly what God told him to do and obeyed God all the way. He prophesied accurately and brought forth the word of the Lord. He was God's spokesman of the day! The problem is that people don't always like to hear what God truly has to say and he ended up in a muddy cistern, sinking into the mud as a punishment. Speaking God's word had gotten him thrown into prison and now into a muddy cistern. Doesn't sound like victorious living. God's rescue comes through and he is brought out of the muddy pit, but he still had to go through it.
Application:
Today it seems like we think that obeying God means everything will go easy and He will never allow you to go through any difficult situations. Throughout most of the Bible, those who did what God told them to do, ended up in bad situations. God always delivered them, but they had to go through some pretty rough stuff. God is the deliverer and always bring us out, but we must realize that obedience can get muddy. When obedience to God gets muddy, God always brings us out of the mud.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in complete obedience to You in every area of my life. Teach me to obey even when the results don't look right to me. Help me to lean on You and deliver Your words accurately like Jeremiah. When things go bad, help me to realize that it went bad for most of Your prophets, but You always brought them out.
Love Always,
Jeff
Jeremiah 38:6 "So the officials took Jeremiah fro his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard...There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it".
Observation:
Jeremiah did exactly what God told him to do and obeyed God all the way. He prophesied accurately and brought forth the word of the Lord. He was God's spokesman of the day! The problem is that people don't always like to hear what God truly has to say and he ended up in a muddy cistern, sinking into the mud as a punishment. Speaking God's word had gotten him thrown into prison and now into a muddy cistern. Doesn't sound like victorious living. God's rescue comes through and he is brought out of the muddy pit, but he still had to go through it.
Application:
Today it seems like we think that obeying God means everything will go easy and He will never allow you to go through any difficult situations. Throughout most of the Bible, those who did what God told them to do, ended up in bad situations. God always delivered them, but they had to go through some pretty rough stuff. God is the deliverer and always bring us out, but we must realize that obedience can get muddy. When obedience to God gets muddy, God always brings us out of the mud.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in complete obedience to You in every area of my life. Teach me to obey even when the results don't look right to me. Help me to lean on You and deliver Your words accurately like Jeremiah. When things go bad, help me to realize that it went bad for most of Your prophets, but You always brought them out.
Love Always,
Jeff
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
God's Desire
Scripture:
Jeremiah 36:3 "Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings".
Observation:
God is speaking through Jeremiah and telling him to write down every word He had given Jeremiah about the destruction that was coming if they didn't repent. Basically God is saying that He is giving them another opportunity to read all the prophecies that had been given in hopes they would repent and He wouldn't have to punish them. I love God's heart and desire here when He says, "Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings". It's like He is saying that His desire is to forgive, and heal them, but they had to repent in order for Him to do that.
Application:
The heart of God is so awesome! Even in judgment, you can see His mercy and His heart. He wants us to repent so that He can bless us. His love for us as His children causes Him to continue to give second chances until there is no hope of repentance. His desire is to bless his children, but his holiness demands action unless they repent. We must be quick to repent when sin is in our hearts. This was David's secret and we must follow it. When we realize we have sinned, we must be quick to repent, which will keep us in the blessing of God.
Prayer:
Lord, I love to see Your heart. Your desire is to bless and prosper Your people, but we are sometimes hard-headed and want to do things our own way. Forgive us for not walking in your paths better. Teach me to be a person who repents quickly. Your desire is to bless me, help me stay in the place where I can live under your blessing.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 36:3 "Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings".
Observation:
God is speaking through Jeremiah and telling him to write down every word He had given Jeremiah about the destruction that was coming if they didn't repent. Basically God is saying that He is giving them another opportunity to read all the prophecies that had been given in hopes they would repent and He wouldn't have to punish them. I love God's heart and desire here when He says, "Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings". It's like He is saying that His desire is to forgive, and heal them, but they had to repent in order for Him to do that.
Application:
The heart of God is so awesome! Even in judgment, you can see His mercy and His heart. He wants us to repent so that He can bless us. His love for us as His children causes Him to continue to give second chances until there is no hope of repentance. His desire is to bless his children, but his holiness demands action unless they repent. We must be quick to repent when sin is in our hearts. This was David's secret and we must follow it. When we realize we have sinned, we must be quick to repent, which will keep us in the blessing of God.
Prayer:
Lord, I love to see Your heart. Your desire is to bless and prosper Your people, but we are sometimes hard-headed and want to do things our own way. Forgive us for not walking in your paths better. Teach me to be a person who repents quickly. Your desire is to bless me, help me stay in the place where I can live under your blessing.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, March 26, 2012
One Heart and One Purpose
Scripture:
Jeremiah 32:39 "And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship Me forever, for their own good and the good of their descendants".
Observation:
Jeremiah had prophesied such destruction on God's people because of the idols they had followed and worshiped. Here he is telling the people that, even though their sin has brought the judgment of God, God will restore them to Himself one day. When they return to Him and to their land, He would give them one heart and on purpose, to worship Him forever. God goes on to say that this was for their own good and the good of their descendants.
Application:
Though we are not national Israel, we are the people of God. We are His children and this word is for us today. God still wants to give His people one heart and one purpose, to worship Him forever. The one thing God wants from us more than anything else is our worship. He is looking for a people who have one heart and one purpose, that God would be worshiped through their lives. We need to live out our lives as an act of worship to God in everything we do. People should see that we have one purpose and one heart and that everything in our lives revolves around that purpose. Worship is more than a song, it is a lifestyle of Christ being the center. It is having one heart and purpose in life, the worship of our God.
Prayer:
Lord, help me have one heart and one purpose, to bring You worship in everything I do. Be the center of my life and let my life bring You praise. Teach me to worship You with my everyday life. Give me and the people of Word of Life one heart and one purpose, to worship the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Jeremiah 32:39 "And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship Me forever, for their own good and the good of their descendants".
Observation:
Jeremiah had prophesied such destruction on God's people because of the idols they had followed and worshiped. Here he is telling the people that, even though their sin has brought the judgment of God, God will restore them to Himself one day. When they return to Him and to their land, He would give them one heart and on purpose, to worship Him forever. God goes on to say that this was for their own good and the good of their descendants.
Application:
Though we are not national Israel, we are the people of God. We are His children and this word is for us today. God still wants to give His people one heart and one purpose, to worship Him forever. The one thing God wants from us more than anything else is our worship. He is looking for a people who have one heart and one purpose, that God would be worshiped through their lives. We need to live out our lives as an act of worship to God in everything we do. People should see that we have one purpose and one heart and that everything in our lives revolves around that purpose. Worship is more than a song, it is a lifestyle of Christ being the center. It is having one heart and purpose in life, the worship of our God.
Prayer:
Lord, help me have one heart and one purpose, to bring You worship in everything I do. Be the center of my life and let my life bring You praise. Teach me to worship You with my everyday life. Give me and the people of Word of Life one heart and one purpose, to worship the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Friday, March 23, 2012
Have You Been in the Lord's Presence?
Scripture:
Jeremiah 23:18 "Have any of these prophets been in the Lord's presence to hear what he is really saying? Has even one of them cared enough to listen?"
Observation:
God is speaking to Jeremiah about the false prophets who were prophesying all the wonderful things that were to come. God slams the prophets for speaking their own words instead of the word of the Lord. He then says the words that are speaking to me today, "Have any of these prophets been in the Lord's presence to hear what he is really saying?"
Application:
You don't get words from the Lord without spending time in his presence. You don't get words from the Lord without listening to what He is saying. We must seek the Lord for Him to give us a word for His people. We must spend time with Him so that He can speak to us and we can deliver His words with His anointing. I must go after God stronger than ever and seek Him for a word for His people and not lean on the wisdom of man for preparing messages for Sunday.
Prayer:
Lord, let me give Your words of life to Your people this week and every week. Let my words truly be Your words and let Your heart be heard through my words. Let me accurately speak on Your behalf to Your people. I want to reflect You well and work with You to bring about Your best for Your people.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Jeremiah 23:18 "Have any of these prophets been in the Lord's presence to hear what he is really saying? Has even one of them cared enough to listen?"
Observation:
God is speaking to Jeremiah about the false prophets who were prophesying all the wonderful things that were to come. God slams the prophets for speaking their own words instead of the word of the Lord. He then says the words that are speaking to me today, "Have any of these prophets been in the Lord's presence to hear what he is really saying?"
Application:
You don't get words from the Lord without spending time in his presence. You don't get words from the Lord without listening to what He is saying. We must seek the Lord for Him to give us a word for His people. We must spend time with Him so that He can speak to us and we can deliver His words with His anointing. I must go after God stronger than ever and seek Him for a word for His people and not lean on the wisdom of man for preparing messages for Sunday.
Prayer:
Lord, let me give Your words of life to Your people this week and every week. Let my words truly be Your words and let Your heart be heard through my words. Let me accurately speak on Your behalf to Your people. I want to reflect You well and work with You to bring about Your best for Your people.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Fire in My Bones
Scripture:
Jeremiah 20:9 "But if I say I'll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, His word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it!"
Observation:
Jeremiah, at this point, had prophesied so much judgment and destruction on Israel that he had lost all his friends, people made fun of him, and he felt very alone. He wished he had never been born. He wished God had used someone else to deliver these strong warnings. In his place of discouragement and wanting to quit, he says that God's words were like fire shut up in his bones. He tried to hold it in, but he couldn't hold back what God was wanting to say. He said, "I can't do it!".
Application:
We need more men and women who have God's word in them like fire shut up in their bones. I know many times I have had people tell me, "you don't have to yell", or "why do you talk so fast and get so emotional?" Many times I have wrestled with God ans told him I want to calm down and deliver a calmer, more acceptable message. Then I stand up to preach and it is like a fire shut up in my bones that I can't hold back. I want to remain calm and under control, but His words flow out of me with passion and fire. I wrestle with this because I want people to be able to accept what I have to say and I want it in a manner that will work for them, yet when I stand to preach it's like rivers of living water begin to flow and I can't hold them back. I'm tired of this battle between my brain and my spirit. I'm gonna let the river flow.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for placing this verse in your word. I understand Jeremiah. This morning I say to You that I will let the river flow from within me and not be as concerned about what people think. I will let Your river flow through my life and will speak what You want, when you want it, and how you want it. Flow, river, flow! I'm not holding back any more.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 20:9 "But if I say I'll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, His word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it!"
Observation:
Jeremiah, at this point, had prophesied so much judgment and destruction on Israel that he had lost all his friends, people made fun of him, and he felt very alone. He wished he had never been born. He wished God had used someone else to deliver these strong warnings. In his place of discouragement and wanting to quit, he says that God's words were like fire shut up in his bones. He tried to hold it in, but he couldn't hold back what God was wanting to say. He said, "I can't do it!".
Application:
We need more men and women who have God's word in them like fire shut up in their bones. I know many times I have had people tell me, "you don't have to yell", or "why do you talk so fast and get so emotional?" Many times I have wrestled with God ans told him I want to calm down and deliver a calmer, more acceptable message. Then I stand up to preach and it is like a fire shut up in my bones that I can't hold back. I want to remain calm and under control, but His words flow out of me with passion and fire. I wrestle with this because I want people to be able to accept what I have to say and I want it in a manner that will work for them, yet when I stand to preach it's like rivers of living water begin to flow and I can't hold them back. I'm tired of this battle between my brain and my spirit. I'm gonna let the river flow.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for placing this verse in your word. I understand Jeremiah. This morning I say to You that I will let the river flow from within me and not be as concerned about what people think. I will let Your river flow through my life and will speak what You want, when you want it, and how you want it. Flow, river, flow! I'm not holding back any more.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
A Refuge in the Day of Trouble
Scripture:
Jeremiah 16:19 "Lord, You are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble! Nations from around the world will come to You and say, 'Our ancestors left us a foolish heritage, for they worshiped worthless idols'".
Observation:
Jeremiah was given some really strong words from the Lord to deliver to God's people. When he delivered the words, the people hated him for it. He was just trying to serve God and do what God asked, and was hated for it by all of God's people. In the midst of everyone hating him for his words, he cries out to God and tells him, "You are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble!". All through the Bible you can see God's people being attacked by their enemies and finding refuge in the Lord. God always protects what is His!
Application:
Jeremiah suffered persecution because he spoke up for God in the midst of a nation that had abandoned God. He was under constant attack by those who didn't like his message, simply because his message was true and they knew it in their hearts. In the midst of it, God is his refuge and strength. The place he could run to when he was persecuted. God is our protector. When we speak up for Him, He takes care of us. In the day of trouble, he is still a refuge. We must find that place of safety in Him.
Prayer:
Lord, You are my strength and fortress. You are my refuge in the day of trouble. You are my safe place I can run to when the enemy attacks. Help me to walk with You more and deeper. Teach me to find my refuge in You. You are my rock, my strength, and my deliverer! I love You Lord.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 16:19 "Lord, You are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble! Nations from around the world will come to You and say, 'Our ancestors left us a foolish heritage, for they worshiped worthless idols'".
Observation:
Jeremiah was given some really strong words from the Lord to deliver to God's people. When he delivered the words, the people hated him for it. He was just trying to serve God and do what God asked, and was hated for it by all of God's people. In the midst of everyone hating him for his words, he cries out to God and tells him, "You are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble!". All through the Bible you can see God's people being attacked by their enemies and finding refuge in the Lord. God always protects what is His!
Application:
Jeremiah suffered persecution because he spoke up for God in the midst of a nation that had abandoned God. He was under constant attack by those who didn't like his message, simply because his message was true and they knew it in their hearts. In the midst of it, God is his refuge and strength. The place he could run to when he was persecuted. God is our protector. When we speak up for Him, He takes care of us. In the day of trouble, he is still a refuge. We must find that place of safety in Him.
Prayer:
Lord, You are my strength and fortress. You are my refuge in the day of trouble. You are my safe place I can run to when the enemy attacks. Help me to walk with You more and deeper. Teach me to find my refuge in You. You are my rock, my strength, and my deliverer! I love You Lord.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Loving God's Word
Scripture:
Jeremiah 15:16 "When I discovered Your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear Your name, O Lord of Heaven's Armies".
Observation:
Jeremiah has been prophesying doom and gloom for Israel. It seems nobody liked him and nobody would even listen to him. They had chosen to do what they want and ignore the words God was bringing through Jeremiah. In this chapter Jeremiah was actually wishing he had died at birth rather than go through this terrible time in his life. In the midst of all his trouble, he reminds himself about how God's words bring him joy and are his heart's delight. He reminds himself that He bears the name of God and how good God's words are to him.
Application:
It was God's words that brought Jeremiah out of depression and loneliness. He devoured God's words. He couldn't get enough! He wanted God's words with intensity. May God give me the same hunger for the Word of God as I read it each morning. May the Word of God be my joy and my heart's delight. I want the Word of God to have that kind of influence in my life. I want to fall freshly in love with the word of God every day.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You so much for leading me into this daily wash. This has been the greatest blessing to me and Your word to me daily has become so valuable that I could never go without it. Almost every day You speak clearly to me and I am able to share it with someone that day. Your timing is amazing and You word is absolutely incredible. Keep it alive in me all the days of my life!
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 15:16 "When I discovered Your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear Your name, O Lord of Heaven's Armies".
Observation:
Jeremiah has been prophesying doom and gloom for Israel. It seems nobody liked him and nobody would even listen to him. They had chosen to do what they want and ignore the words God was bringing through Jeremiah. In this chapter Jeremiah was actually wishing he had died at birth rather than go through this terrible time in his life. In the midst of all his trouble, he reminds himself about how God's words bring him joy and are his heart's delight. He reminds himself that He bears the name of God and how good God's words are to him.
Application:
It was God's words that brought Jeremiah out of depression and loneliness. He devoured God's words. He couldn't get enough! He wanted God's words with intensity. May God give me the same hunger for the Word of God as I read it each morning. May the Word of God be my joy and my heart's delight. I want the Word of God to have that kind of influence in my life. I want to fall freshly in love with the word of God every day.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You so much for leading me into this daily wash. This has been the greatest blessing to me and Your word to me daily has become so valuable that I could never go without it. Almost every day You speak clearly to me and I am able to share it with someone that day. Your timing is amazing and You word is absolutely incredible. Keep it alive in me all the days of my life!
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, March 19, 2012
Racing Against Horses
Scripture:
Jeremiah 12:5 "If racing against men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?"
Observation:
God is amazing! He sees more in us than we could ever see in ourselves. When we are wondering how we will win this race against another person, He is seeing us race against horses. When we see little potential, He sees great potential. When we see limited resources, He sees unlimited resources. God has bigger things planned for you than what you are able to see. We must realize that He knows our potential better than we do. He knows what we are capable of, yet we limit ourselves with our stinkin' thinkin'.
Application:
We must humble ourselves under the hand of a mighty God and allow Him to raise us up. When we do this, we may end up racing against horses in His power instead of barely surviving a race against humans in our power. We must ask Him to change our mind so that we see things as He sees them. We are transformed by renewing our minds, therefore, we must change the way we think about things. We might see ourselves barely finishing a race against another person, God may see us racing against horses.
Prayer:
Father, open my eyes to see Your will clearly. Help me to see all that You want to do in my life. If you want me to build an ark, help me not spend my time in a kayak shop. Help me to see what You see in my life, as scary as that may be. I once again surrender to You and Your will in my life. I am Yours! Help me to be ready to race against the horses You may have in my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Jeremiah 12:5 "If racing against men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?"
Observation:
God is amazing! He sees more in us than we could ever see in ourselves. When we are wondering how we will win this race against another person, He is seeing us race against horses. When we see little potential, He sees great potential. When we see limited resources, He sees unlimited resources. God has bigger things planned for you than what you are able to see. We must realize that He knows our potential better than we do. He knows what we are capable of, yet we limit ourselves with our stinkin' thinkin'.
Application:
We must humble ourselves under the hand of a mighty God and allow Him to raise us up. When we do this, we may end up racing against horses in His power instead of barely surviving a race against humans in our power. We must ask Him to change our mind so that we see things as He sees them. We are transformed by renewing our minds, therefore, we must change the way we think about things. We might see ourselves barely finishing a race against another person, God may see us racing against horses.
Prayer:
Father, open my eyes to see Your will clearly. Help me to see all that You want to do in my life. If you want me to build an ark, help me not spend my time in a kayak shop. Help me to see what You see in my life, as scary as that may be. I once again surrender to You and Your will in my life. I am Yours! Help me to be ready to race against the horses You may have in my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Friday, March 16, 2012
A Fountain or a Cistern?
Scripture:
Jeremiah 2:13 "For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me - the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!"
Observation:
The Lord is speaking through Jeremiah concerning His people Israel whom He had done so much for in their history, yet they continued to prostitute themselves with other gods. God calls these two things "evil". The first thing he mentions is the fact that they had abandoned Him, the fountain of living water. Here God claims of Himself that he is a fountain that brings living water. Secondly he says they have done the evil of digging for themselves cracked cistern that can hold no water.
Application:
God is the source of living water. Jesus tells us in the NT that we would have rivers of living water flowing out of our bellies. Cracked cisterns refers to our ways of trying to contain yesterdays water. We can't! God wants our relationship with Him to be in constant motion like the flowing of a fountain. We must learn to flow with Him and let Him satisfy our thirsty souls instead of trying to save yesterdays water. We need to flow with Him today. A fountain will continue to run forever, a cistern can only hold a little bit, but we are wired to try to hold onto yesterdays flow of the Spirit instead of moving with Him today.
Prayer:
Father, you called building cisterns and not flowing with you evil. You are my supply, my source, my provider, my deliverer, my healer, my care-taker, my rock and my fortress. You are my everything! Help me to walk with You more fluidly instead of trying to capture yesterdays flow of water. Help me to walk in step with Your Spirit daily and to abide in the vine continually. Let me flow with the fountain and let the river of God flow through my life freshly every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 2:13 "For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me - the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!"
Observation:
The Lord is speaking through Jeremiah concerning His people Israel whom He had done so much for in their history, yet they continued to prostitute themselves with other gods. God calls these two things "evil". The first thing he mentions is the fact that they had abandoned Him, the fountain of living water. Here God claims of Himself that he is a fountain that brings living water. Secondly he says they have done the evil of digging for themselves cracked cistern that can hold no water.
Application:
God is the source of living water. Jesus tells us in the NT that we would have rivers of living water flowing out of our bellies. Cracked cisterns refers to our ways of trying to contain yesterdays water. We can't! God wants our relationship with Him to be in constant motion like the flowing of a fountain. We must learn to flow with Him and let Him satisfy our thirsty souls instead of trying to save yesterdays water. We need to flow with Him today. A fountain will continue to run forever, a cistern can only hold a little bit, but we are wired to try to hold onto yesterdays flow of the Spirit instead of moving with Him today.
Prayer:
Father, you called building cisterns and not flowing with you evil. You are my supply, my source, my provider, my deliverer, my healer, my care-taker, my rock and my fortress. You are my everything! Help me to walk with You more fluidly instead of trying to capture yesterdays flow of water. Help me to walk in step with Your Spirit daily and to abide in the vine continually. Let me flow with the fountain and let the river of God flow through my life freshly every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Totally Committed to Doing Good Deeds
Scripture:
Titus 2:14 "He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds".
Observation:
Paul is speaking to Titus who was overseeing the churches on the island of Crete. There were people coming in and trying to get the churches back into legalism and Paul was warning against it. in the midst of the letter, Paul begins to talk about Jesus and what He has done for us. He tells Titus that Christ died to free us from sin, to cleanse us and to make us His own, a group "totally committed to doing good deeds".
Application:
In the body of Christ we always tend to swing with the latest revelation instead of the solid word of God. Nowadays when you talk about good deeds or good works, people immediately want to correct you and let you know that it is about grace and not works. It is by grace we are saved, but good works should follow us once we become a believer. It is through good deeds that others can see and glorify our father in heaven. Here we are told to be "totally committed to doing good deeds". If Christ is in us, good deeds should follow us, just like they followed Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let my life count in Your Kingdom. Help me to be totally committed to good deeds. Help me make a practical difference in people's lives by helping them and doing good deeds. Help me to see needs and meet them and to find hurt and heal them. Let Your light shine in me in real and practical ways.
Yours,
Jeff
Titus 2:14 "He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds".
Observation:
Paul is speaking to Titus who was overseeing the churches on the island of Crete. There were people coming in and trying to get the churches back into legalism and Paul was warning against it. in the midst of the letter, Paul begins to talk about Jesus and what He has done for us. He tells Titus that Christ died to free us from sin, to cleanse us and to make us His own, a group "totally committed to doing good deeds".
Application:
In the body of Christ we always tend to swing with the latest revelation instead of the solid word of God. Nowadays when you talk about good deeds or good works, people immediately want to correct you and let you know that it is about grace and not works. It is by grace we are saved, but good works should follow us once we become a believer. It is through good deeds that others can see and glorify our father in heaven. Here we are told to be "totally committed to doing good deeds". If Christ is in us, good deeds should follow us, just like they followed Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let my life count in Your Kingdom. Help me to be totally committed to good deeds. Help me make a practical difference in people's lives by helping them and doing good deeds. Help me to see needs and meet them and to find hurt and heal them. Let Your light shine in me in real and practical ways.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Blessing Comes to the Humble
Scripture:
Isaiah 66:2b "I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word".
Observation:
The Lord is speaking through Isaiah and lets him know who He will bless. Israel had been terrible in their faithfulness to the Lord. They were full of pride and doing whatever they wanted instead of following the Lord their God. They were totally disobedient to the word of God and they knew it. Here in this passage God is speaking about how to get back on the side of His blessing. It comes through humility and contrite hearts. It also comes though trembling at His word.
Application:
Humility has always been very important to the Lord. Pride allows us to have some of the glory for the good stuff that happens in our lives. Humility gives God all the glory for every good thing that happens to us. God blesses the humble because they place their trust in Him instead of in themselves. He also blesses those who tremble at His word. He blesses those who take God and His Word very seriously. Really He blesses those who trust Him instead of themselves.
Prayer:
Lord, I humble myself before You. Help me to walk in Your power and not my own. Teach me to walk humbly before You and not to try to do everything on my own. I live for one thing, I want to hear well done good and faithful servant. Help me get there.
Amen,
Jeff
Isaiah 66:2b "I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word".
Observation:
The Lord is speaking through Isaiah and lets him know who He will bless. Israel had been terrible in their faithfulness to the Lord. They were full of pride and doing whatever they wanted instead of following the Lord their God. They were totally disobedient to the word of God and they knew it. Here in this passage God is speaking about how to get back on the side of His blessing. It comes through humility and contrite hearts. It also comes though trembling at His word.
Application:
Humility has always been very important to the Lord. Pride allows us to have some of the glory for the good stuff that happens in our lives. Humility gives God all the glory for every good thing that happens to us. God blesses the humble because they place their trust in Him instead of in themselves. He also blesses those who tremble at His word. He blesses those who take God and His Word very seriously. Really He blesses those who trust Him instead of themselves.
Prayer:
Lord, I humble myself before You. Help me to walk in Your power and not my own. Teach me to walk humbly before You and not to try to do everything on my own. I live for one thing, I want to hear well done good and faithful servant. Help me get there.
Amen,
Jeff
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Give the Lord No Rest
Scripture:
Isaiah 62:7 "Give the Lord no rest until He completes His work, until He makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth".
Observation:
In this passage Isaiah is prophesying once again to Israel and specifically Jerusalem. He is telling the people that God is going to work on their behalf and raise up Jerusalem again. As he is speaking this to them, he slips in this little phrase, "give the Lord no rest until He completes His work". He was telling them that God was going to overthrow their enemies, but they should give Him no rest until He does.
Application:
Giving the Lord no rest until He completes His work would be defined as. "pray hard until something happens and God's will is accomplished". I feel like sometimes we quit praying way too soon on things. Sometimes we pray, then when we don't see an answer, we give up or move on to something else. Here we are encouraged to continue praying and give God no rest until He changes the situation. In the NT we have the story of the persistent women who got what she wanted because she wore the king down, then we are told to pray that way. We need to be people of tenacity who don't give up until God answers.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to pray with tenacity and endurance. Help me to pray faith filled prayers and not to leave you alone until things change. Help me understand more how to seek You and Your will effectively. Help me to pray prayers that make You happy. I will give You no rest until I see Your hand revealed in certain areas of my life and ministry.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Isaiah 62:7 "Give the Lord no rest until He completes His work, until He makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth".
Observation:
In this passage Isaiah is prophesying once again to Israel and specifically Jerusalem. He is telling the people that God is going to work on their behalf and raise up Jerusalem again. As he is speaking this to them, he slips in this little phrase, "give the Lord no rest until He completes His work". He was telling them that God was going to overthrow their enemies, but they should give Him no rest until He does.
Application:
Giving the Lord no rest until He completes His work would be defined as. "pray hard until something happens and God's will is accomplished". I feel like sometimes we quit praying way too soon on things. Sometimes we pray, then when we don't see an answer, we give up or move on to something else. Here we are encouraged to continue praying and give God no rest until He changes the situation. In the NT we have the story of the persistent women who got what she wanted because she wore the king down, then we are told to pray that way. We need to be people of tenacity who don't give up until God answers.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to pray with tenacity and endurance. Help me to pray faith filled prayers and not to leave you alone until things change. Help me understand more how to seek You and Your will effectively. Help me to pray prayers that make You happy. I will give You no rest until I see Your hand revealed in certain areas of my life and ministry.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Lord Will Make it Happen
Scripture:
Isaiah 60:22 "The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen".
Observation:
Isaiah is delivering a prophecy to Israel. It is a prophetic message about the people of Israel coming back to their land from the ends of the earth where they had been scattered. The word says how God is going to bless them. At the very end of the message this one little phrase grabbed me, "I, The Lord, will make it happen". It is a great reminder this morning that what God speaks, will come to pass.
Application:
The word of the Lord never fails. He backs up His promises with, "I, The Lord, will make it happen". There are so many things the Lord has spoken to me throughout my days. So many words that have been promised. These things are in the Lord's hands. In His timing, He will make it happen. This lets me know that I can't force the will of God to happen. He will make it happen! God backs up His words. Therefore, the pressure is off of us to make it happen. He will make it happen!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for this tidbit this morning. I am Yours and You lead and guide my life. Thank you for the prophetic voice that has come through so many of your servants. Help me to relax and realize that "You, the Lord, will make it happen". Help me walk in confidence, not in myself and my abilities, but in the fact that You will make it happen.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Isaiah 60:22 "The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen".
Observation:
Isaiah is delivering a prophecy to Israel. It is a prophetic message about the people of Israel coming back to their land from the ends of the earth where they had been scattered. The word says how God is going to bless them. At the very end of the message this one little phrase grabbed me, "I, The Lord, will make it happen". It is a great reminder this morning that what God speaks, will come to pass.
Application:
The word of the Lord never fails. He backs up His promises with, "I, The Lord, will make it happen". There are so many things the Lord has spoken to me throughout my days. So many words that have been promised. These things are in the Lord's hands. In His timing, He will make it happen. This lets me know that I can't force the will of God to happen. He will make it happen! God backs up His words. Therefore, the pressure is off of us to make it happen. He will make it happen!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for this tidbit this morning. I am Yours and You lead and guide my life. Thank you for the prophetic voice that has come through so many of your servants. Help me to relax and realize that "You, the Lord, will make it happen". Help me walk in confidence, not in myself and my abilities, but in the fact that You will make it happen.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Friday, March 9, 2012
I Leave it all in the Lord's Hand
Scripture:
Isaiah 49:4 "I replied, 'But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my reward'".
Observation:
In this text, Isaiah seems to be struggling with feelings of uselessness. He seems to feel like he has been prophesying and nobody has been listening. He has been delivering God's words, yet there hasn't been a great response. He feels like he has spent everything he has for nothing and to no purpose. He then comes through with "Yet I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my reward".
Application:
Sometimes in life and ministry you can get to feeling like you have obeyed God's voice, done what you were suppose to, but the results you were expecting don't seem to happen. It is easy to let discouragement set in. When feeling that way, we must do what Isaiah did. We must do what God tells us to do and leave the results up to Him. We must look to the Lord for our reward. God doesn't see things like we do. We must listen to His voice, do what He says, and leave the results up to Him. Our confidence must not be in the results, or lack of results we see, but in the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, thank You once again for speaking to me this morning. You are incredible! Thank You for Your word and Your Spirit that still speak to Your people. Help me to walk in obedience, then, "leave it all in the Lord's hand". Give me strength today to complete every assignment You have for me.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Isaiah 49:4 "I replied, 'But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my reward'".
Observation:
In this text, Isaiah seems to be struggling with feelings of uselessness. He seems to feel like he has been prophesying and nobody has been listening. He has been delivering God's words, yet there hasn't been a great response. He feels like he has spent everything he has for nothing and to no purpose. He then comes through with "Yet I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my reward".
Application:
Sometimes in life and ministry you can get to feeling like you have obeyed God's voice, done what you were suppose to, but the results you were expecting don't seem to happen. It is easy to let discouragement set in. When feeling that way, we must do what Isaiah did. We must do what God tells us to do and leave the results up to Him. We must look to the Lord for our reward. God doesn't see things like we do. We must listen to His voice, do what He says, and leave the results up to Him. Our confidence must not be in the results, or lack of results we see, but in the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, thank You once again for speaking to me this morning. You are incredible! Thank You for Your word and Your Spirit that still speak to Your people. Help me to walk in obedience, then, "leave it all in the Lord's hand". Give me strength today to complete every assignment You have for me.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, March 8, 2012
God Answers to Nobody
Scripture:
Isaiah 46:10 "Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish".
Observation:
God is speaking through Isaiah and telling how He was going to destroy Babylon. He makes the statement that only He can tell the future and that everything He plans will come to pass. Lastly, he states that He does whatever He wishes. God doesn't have to ask anyone's opinion about how or what or when He does what He does. He is God and we are not. He is the Almighty. He is in control and makes His own decisions.
Application:
If God does whatever He wishes, then our best plan is to find out what He is doing and get involved in it. His plans are going to be established. His will is going to be done so rather than trying to twist God's arm to do whatever we want done, we should spend more time finding His heart and what He is doing in the earth and in our lives. Instead of "Thy Kingdom Come and Thy Will be Done", we like "My Kingdom Come and My Will be Done". His plan always happens! Try getting in line with His plan and watch your prayers be answered.
Prayer:
Lord, let me hear Your plans for my life, my family and my church. Help me walk with You more intimately and to hear your voice clearly. Give me more understanding and wisdom. I trust You as the Sovereign of the Universe. Let me finish well and complete every assignment You give me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 46:10 "Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish".
Observation:
God is speaking through Isaiah and telling how He was going to destroy Babylon. He makes the statement that only He can tell the future and that everything He plans will come to pass. Lastly, he states that He does whatever He wishes. God doesn't have to ask anyone's opinion about how or what or when He does what He does. He is God and we are not. He is the Almighty. He is in control and makes His own decisions.
Application:
If God does whatever He wishes, then our best plan is to find out what He is doing and get involved in it. His plans are going to be established. His will is going to be done so rather than trying to twist God's arm to do whatever we want done, we should spend more time finding His heart and what He is doing in the earth and in our lives. Instead of "Thy Kingdom Come and Thy Will be Done", we like "My Kingdom Come and My Will be Done". His plan always happens! Try getting in line with His plan and watch your prayers be answered.
Prayer:
Lord, let me hear Your plans for my life, my family and my church. Help me walk with You more intimately and to hear your voice clearly. Give me more understanding and wisdom. I trust You as the Sovereign of the Universe. Let me finish well and complete every assignment You give me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Arguing with God
Scripture:
Isaiah 45:9 "Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying 'Stop, you're doing it wrong!' Does the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be?'"
Observation:
Isaiah is prophesying to Israel about her condition. He addresses the fact that they are unhappy with God and the way He is doing things. He gives a beautiful illustration about clay that helps us understand even better what he is saying. God created us, He should have control over how we are used, where we serve Him, and how we live our lives. The clay doesn't tell the potter what to do, it just becomes what the potter intended.
Application:
We are God's workmanship. We have been created for good works. God has give us a hope and a future. He has given his own life for us and yet we don't trust Him. We argue with him about what we think He should be doing in our lives. We want to tell Him how He should work in our lives. In this verse we realize that we need to be quiet, submit to God and let Him shape us into His image. He is the potter and knows what need to be happening in our lives right now to make a better tomorrow.
Prayer:
Lord, Once again I hear you asking if I trust You. It is so easy to take over the reigns of life and work everything out without even consulting You about it. Help me to trust that You know what is best for me and my family. Help me to lean on You more every day and not argue with what You are doing in my life. Thanks for saving souls this week at Word of Life.
Yours,
Jeff
Isaiah 45:9 "Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying 'Stop, you're doing it wrong!' Does the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be?'"
Observation:
Isaiah is prophesying to Israel about her condition. He addresses the fact that they are unhappy with God and the way He is doing things. He gives a beautiful illustration about clay that helps us understand even better what he is saying. God created us, He should have control over how we are used, where we serve Him, and how we live our lives. The clay doesn't tell the potter what to do, it just becomes what the potter intended.
Application:
We are God's workmanship. We have been created for good works. God has give us a hope and a future. He has given his own life for us and yet we don't trust Him. We argue with him about what we think He should be doing in our lives. We want to tell Him how He should work in our lives. In this verse we realize that we need to be quiet, submit to God and let Him shape us into His image. He is the potter and knows what need to be happening in our lives right now to make a better tomorrow.
Prayer:
Lord, Once again I hear you asking if I trust You. It is so easy to take over the reigns of life and work everything out without even consulting You about it. Help me to trust that You know what is best for me and my family. Help me to lean on You more every day and not argue with what You are doing in my life. Thanks for saving souls this week at Word of Life.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, March 2, 2012
Quietness and Confidence
Scripture:
Isaiah 30:15 "Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength, but you would have none of it".
Observation:
Isaiah here tells God's people, who had been far from Him, that they must return to Him and rest in Him. God has always wanted to bless His children and take care of them, but He wants them to trust Him and rest in Him. He goes on to tell them that in quietness and confidence is your strength.
Application:
Quietness and confidence demonstrates our strength. When you are resting in the Lord, you can have quietness and confidence. When you are relying on your own plans, thoughts and desires, you have no confidence because you may not be in the will of God. When you are doing the will of the Father, He will always fight your battles. We must rest in Him and do what He tells us to do, then our confidence gets stronger and stronger. The issue of quietness here also says something to me. Those who are truly confident, don't have to say a lot. They don't feel they have to prove anything. Quietness says, I am resting in the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in confidence and quietness because I am resting in You. Many times in Scripture you talk about resting in the Lord. Help me to find that place of rest. It was a prophetic word for this year. Teach me more how to rest in You.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Isaiah 30:15 "Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength, but you would have none of it".
Observation:
Isaiah here tells God's people, who had been far from Him, that they must return to Him and rest in Him. God has always wanted to bless His children and take care of them, but He wants them to trust Him and rest in Him. He goes on to tell them that in quietness and confidence is your strength.
Application:
Quietness and confidence demonstrates our strength. When you are resting in the Lord, you can have quietness and confidence. When you are relying on your own plans, thoughts and desires, you have no confidence because you may not be in the will of God. When you are doing the will of the Father, He will always fight your battles. We must rest in Him and do what He tells us to do, then our confidence gets stronger and stronger. The issue of quietness here also says something to me. Those who are truly confident, don't have to say a lot. They don't feel they have to prove anything. Quietness says, I am resting in the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in confidence and quietness because I am resting in You. Many times in Scripture you talk about resting in the Lord. Help me to find that place of rest. It was a prophetic word for this year. Teach me more how to rest in You.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Eternal Rock
Scripture:
Isaiah 26:4 "Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock".
Observation:
Isaiah is singing this song to the Lord. Just before this verse is the familiar passage of scripture that says, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you". He says that we can trust the Lord because He is the eternal Rock. When I think of the eternal rock, I think of something that never moves and is permanent. We can trust him because He is not moved by the things that try to move us away from Him.
Application:
Nothing surprises God. He does not get upset about things like we do. He is the eternal rock we can trust. When I think of trusting someone, I want to trust someone who has proven themselves and been through lots of life experience. I trust people who have lived a long time and endured many things. God is the eternal Rock, who better to trust with my life? He was faithful, is faithful and will be faithful. He is trustworthy because he has endured from eternity past until now. I need to trust Him more.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You more. You have already proven yourself over and over, yet when trying times come I immediately want to rely on myself instead of on you. You are my rock! The one who never changes! The one constant of life. Teach me to walk with You and be a rock for someone else.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Isaiah 26:4 "Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock".
Observation:
Isaiah is singing this song to the Lord. Just before this verse is the familiar passage of scripture that says, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you". He says that we can trust the Lord because He is the eternal Rock. When I think of the eternal rock, I think of something that never moves and is permanent. We can trust him because He is not moved by the things that try to move us away from Him.
Application:
Nothing surprises God. He does not get upset about things like we do. He is the eternal rock we can trust. When I think of trusting someone, I want to trust someone who has proven themselves and been through lots of life experience. I trust people who have lived a long time and endured many things. God is the eternal Rock, who better to trust with my life? He was faithful, is faithful and will be faithful. He is trustworthy because he has endured from eternity past until now. I need to trust Him more.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You more. You have already proven yourself over and over, yet when trying times come I immediately want to rely on myself instead of on you. You are my rock! The one who never changes! The one constant of life. Teach me to walk with You and be a rock for someone else.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
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