Scripture:
Luke 21:3 "I tell you the truth", Jesus said, "This poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has".
Observation:
It is just before the end of Christ's life on earth. He is speaking at this point only about very important things. He stops His procession to the Last Supper to point out a widow woman putting two small coins into a collection box. He tells those with Him that this woman gave more than anyone because she gave her all, they only gave a little portion of their surplus.
Application:
We need to evaluate our giving, not by what we give, but by how much is left over when we give. This woman had nothing left and the others, who gave more, went home with plenty in their pockets. It was not a sacrifice to them. Giving all, as this woman did, requires extreme faith. There is no back up plan. God, at this point, has to provide. This is faith that stops Jesus and gets His attention. Rather than thinking how much we can afford to give, we need to think about how much we are walking home with.
Prayer:
Jesus, this woman caught your attention at one of the most stressful and busiest times of your life here on earth. Teach me to give. Help me to be quick to release to You and others what You have blessed me with. You are the best. Keep me on track and teach me to become a true giver.
Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Waiting for my Promise
Scripture:
Luke 18:29-30 "'Yes', Jesus replied, 'and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife, or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.'"
Observation:
Jesus is replying to Peter who said, "We've left our homes to follow you". He tells Peter that anyone who has given up houses, and people for the sake of the Kingdom, will be repaid many times over "in this life" and will have eternal life in the world to come. He promises Peter something awesome that I am claiming for my life.
Application:
Many times in the past 23 years we have left houses and people we loved for the sake of the gospel of the kingdom, yet we currently don't own a home and struggle somewhat financially. Each time I have stood on this verse, believing that one day, "in this life", we would have these things given back to us. God has always blessed us and taken incredible care of us, but we really need to own a home at this point in our lives. I am standing once again upon this promise of Jesus and believing He will provide this for us.
Prayer:
Father, You know my needs. I trust You and am waiting for this promise to take full effect in my life. I ask you for the miracle of home ownership once again. You are my God and I will trust You in all things. Please provide the miracle for my family. We will give you all the honor and glory.
Yours,
Jeff
Luke 18:29-30 "'Yes', Jesus replied, 'and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife, or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.'"
Observation:
Jesus is replying to Peter who said, "We've left our homes to follow you". He tells Peter that anyone who has given up houses, and people for the sake of the Kingdom, will be repaid many times over "in this life" and will have eternal life in the world to come. He promises Peter something awesome that I am claiming for my life.
Application:
Many times in the past 23 years we have left houses and people we loved for the sake of the gospel of the kingdom, yet we currently don't own a home and struggle somewhat financially. Each time I have stood on this verse, believing that one day, "in this life", we would have these things given back to us. God has always blessed us and taken incredible care of us, but we really need to own a home at this point in our lives. I am standing once again upon this promise of Jesus and believing He will provide this for us.
Prayer:
Father, You know my needs. I trust You and am waiting for this promise to take full effect in my life. I ask you for the miracle of home ownership once again. You are my God and I will trust You in all things. Please provide the miracle for my family. We will give you all the honor and glory.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Humility and Exaltation
Scripture:
Luke 14:11 "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted".
Observation:
All through Scripture, God speaks about humbling ourselves before Him. We are told that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. We are told that God hates a proud look. Jesus is speaking to a group of religious people who were trying to get the best seats at a banquet. He said it was better to take the lowest seat and let the owner upgrade you than to take the best and someone more important comes and you get bumped down.
Application:
God loves and gives grace to the humble. The meek will inherit the earth. We should not seek the best positions, places, etc. We are called to be the greatest servants of all. God tell us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand and that He would raise us up at the right time. As we serve with true humility, God sees and begins to honor us. When He does begin to honor us, we need to stay humble and choose the worst seats instead of feeling we deserve something better.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Help me to walk in humility and resist pride and arrogance. I want to serve You and others well. Help me never to think more of myself than I ought. I need You desperately! Help me be more like Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Let me have a true servant's heart.
Yours,
Jeff
Luke 14:11 "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted".
Observation:
All through Scripture, God speaks about humbling ourselves before Him. We are told that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. We are told that God hates a proud look. Jesus is speaking to a group of religious people who were trying to get the best seats at a banquet. He said it was better to take the lowest seat and let the owner upgrade you than to take the best and someone more important comes and you get bumped down.
Application:
God loves and gives grace to the humble. The meek will inherit the earth. We should not seek the best positions, places, etc. We are called to be the greatest servants of all. God tell us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand and that He would raise us up at the right time. As we serve with true humility, God sees and begins to honor us. When He does begin to honor us, we need to stay humble and choose the worst seats instead of feeling we deserve something better.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Help me to walk in humility and resist pride and arrogance. I want to serve You and others well. Help me never to think more of myself than I ought. I need You desperately! Help me be more like Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Let me have a true servant's heart.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, June 25, 2012
Living Radiant
Scripture:
Luke 11:36 "If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light".
Observation:
In this scripture, Jesus is talking about living in the light. He talks about keeping your light on a lamp post for all to see. He then shifts to talking about internal things. He says that if you eye is filled with light, your body will be filled with light. He says if we allow God's light into our lives and make sure we have no dark corners, our lives will become radiant, like a floodlight was filling us.
Application:
God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. When we are filled with Him, we will radiate light and live radiant lives. He wants to fill us completely, and for us to have no dark corners of our lives. When this happens, we will look like people who have a floodlight inside of them. We should light up every room we walk into. We should change the atmosphere of dark places because God's light is shining through us. We must get all darkness out of our lives and be filled with God and let His light shine through us.
Prayer:
Father, empty me of me and let my life be filled with You. Expose the dark corners of my life so that You can shine through in radiance. I want to light up the world with Your glorious light. Fill me today and let me be the person You want me to be. You are light and I want my life to be a floodlight of Your glory everywhere I go.
Yours,
Jeff
Luke 11:36 "If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light".
Observation:
In this scripture, Jesus is talking about living in the light. He talks about keeping your light on a lamp post for all to see. He then shifts to talking about internal things. He says that if you eye is filled with light, your body will be filled with light. He says if we allow God's light into our lives and make sure we have no dark corners, our lives will become radiant, like a floodlight was filling us.
Application:
God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. When we are filled with Him, we will radiate light and live radiant lives. He wants to fill us completely, and for us to have no dark corners of our lives. When this happens, we will look like people who have a floodlight inside of them. We should light up every room we walk into. We should change the atmosphere of dark places because God's light is shining through us. We must get all darkness out of our lives and be filled with God and let His light shine through us.
Prayer:
Father, empty me of me and let my life be filled with You. Expose the dark corners of my life so that You can shine through in radiance. I want to light up the world with Your glorious light. Fill me today and let me be the person You want me to be. You are light and I want my life to be a floodlight of Your glory everywhere I go.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, June 22, 2012
Staying in His Presence
Scripture:
Luke 2:37 "Then she lived as a widow to the age of 84. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer".
Observation:
This description is of Anna, a prophet who was in the Temple when Jesus was dedicated. She knew immediately that this was the Messiah that everyone had been waiting so long for. She was in tune with the Holy Spirit. When she was young, she was married to a man that died after only 7 years of marriage, from that point, she never left the Temple. From about the age of 25 to 84 she stayed in the Temple fasting, praying, and listening to the voice of God.
Application:
This woman inspires me because she stayed in the Temple close to 60 years day and night in prayer and fasting. She had one pursuit in life, knowing God and serving Him. No wonder she is one of the few people mentioned at the time of Jesus birth and dedication. The more time you spend in the presence of God, the more clearly you hear His voice. She was at the right place at the right time because she had been in the presence of the Lord. Today we can't live in the Temple, but the veil has been torn and we can live in His presence 24/7 by placing our focus on Him wherever we are.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk closer to You. Help me remain in prayer and fasting that I may know You more each day. I want to stay in Your presence when doing odd jobs, driving a bus, disciplining my children, cleaning the house, etc. etc. etc. I want to learn to be ever aware of Your awesome presence. Anna lived in the Temple for 60 years, I am the Temple of the living God, help me to be more aware of that fact and let me carry Your glory in my everyday life.
Yours,
Jeff
Luke 2:37 "Then she lived as a widow to the age of 84. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer".
Observation:
This description is of Anna, a prophet who was in the Temple when Jesus was dedicated. She knew immediately that this was the Messiah that everyone had been waiting so long for. She was in tune with the Holy Spirit. When she was young, she was married to a man that died after only 7 years of marriage, from that point, she never left the Temple. From about the age of 25 to 84 she stayed in the Temple fasting, praying, and listening to the voice of God.
Application:
This woman inspires me because she stayed in the Temple close to 60 years day and night in prayer and fasting. She had one pursuit in life, knowing God and serving Him. No wonder she is one of the few people mentioned at the time of Jesus birth and dedication. The more time you spend in the presence of God, the more clearly you hear His voice. She was at the right place at the right time because she had been in the presence of the Lord. Today we can't live in the Temple, but the veil has been torn and we can live in His presence 24/7 by placing our focus on Him wherever we are.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk closer to You. Help me remain in prayer and fasting that I may know You more each day. I want to stay in Your presence when doing odd jobs, driving a bus, disciplining my children, cleaning the house, etc. etc. etc. I want to learn to be ever aware of Your awesome presence. Anna lived in the Temple for 60 years, I am the Temple of the living God, help me to be more aware of that fact and let me carry Your glory in my everyday life.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The Lowly and Humble
Scripture:
Zephaniah 3:12 "Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord".
Observation:
Zephaniah had been prophesying utter destruction of everything and everyone. He prophesied destruction to many nations, then turned to Jerusalem and began prophesying the same about them. In the midst of his prophesies about destruction, there is this phrase that stands out. "Those who are left will be lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord." God says here that He will wipe out all but the lowly and humble because they still trust in the name of the Lord. God always looks out for the lowly and humble before Him.
Application:
God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. As God's people, we must learn from scriptures like these. We must humble ourselves before Him and seek Him diligently. He is our only hope! He is our everything. Without Him, we can do nothing. We are naturally wired toward pride and arrogance, not wanting to admit our need of God, but in god's eyes, He wants humility above all else. We must resist pride and humble ourselves before the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, I love You. I worship and honor You this morning. Help me to be the person You want me to be. Create in me a heart of humility that longs for Your presence. Teach me the ways of the lowly and humble. Show me how to walk in true humility. I need you desperately.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Zephaniah 3:12 "Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord".
Observation:
Zephaniah had been prophesying utter destruction of everything and everyone. He prophesied destruction to many nations, then turned to Jerusalem and began prophesying the same about them. In the midst of his prophesies about destruction, there is this phrase that stands out. "Those who are left will be lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord." God says here that He will wipe out all but the lowly and humble because they still trust in the name of the Lord. God always looks out for the lowly and humble before Him.
Application:
God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. As God's people, we must learn from scriptures like these. We must humble ourselves before Him and seek Him diligently. He is our only hope! He is our everything. Without Him, we can do nothing. We are naturally wired toward pride and arrogance, not wanting to admit our need of God, but in god's eyes, He wants humility above all else. We must resist pride and humble ourselves before the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, I love You. I worship and honor You this morning. Help me to be the person You want me to be. Create in me a heart of humility that longs for Your presence. Teach me the ways of the lowly and humble. Show me how to walk in true humility. I need you desperately.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Miraculous Signs
Scripture:
Mark 16:20 "And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs".
Observation:
I love this description of the disciples actions after the ascension of Christ. They "went everywhere", and everywhere they went, the Lord worked through them. God confirmed what they said by many miraculous signs. Jesus had just finished telling them that they were to go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone and that miraculous signs would follow them as they preached. They did what He said and He did what He said He would do. Miraculous signs were meant to be part of the preaching of the Gospel. We need to be able to demonstrate what we are preaching.
Application:
I believe that this generation needs signs and wonders to follow the preaching of the word more than ever. We need to seek God until He comes down in power and confirms our words with miraculous signs. I believe in doing things as Jesus said we would and should. We must seek Him until His power flows in our churches once again. A powerless Gospel is not acceptable.
Prayer:
Father, I want to see the day of Your power revealed in my generation. I want to see the lost coming to Christ in vast numbers. I want to see the harvest that has been prophesied over this region. Draw me back into your secret place and cause my heart to long for You again. I feel You pulling me and drawing me deeper with You. Help me to respond well.
Yours,
Jeff
Mark 16:20 "And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs".
Observation:
I love this description of the disciples actions after the ascension of Christ. They "went everywhere", and everywhere they went, the Lord worked through them. God confirmed what they said by many miraculous signs. Jesus had just finished telling them that they were to go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone and that miraculous signs would follow them as they preached. They did what He said and He did what He said He would do. Miraculous signs were meant to be part of the preaching of the Gospel. We need to be able to demonstrate what we are preaching.
Application:
I believe that this generation needs signs and wonders to follow the preaching of the word more than ever. We need to seek God until He comes down in power and confirms our words with miraculous signs. I believe in doing things as Jesus said we would and should. We must seek Him until His power flows in our churches once again. A powerless Gospel is not acceptable.
Prayer:
Father, I want to see the day of Your power revealed in my generation. I want to see the lost coming to Christ in vast numbers. I want to see the harvest that has been prophesied over this region. Draw me back into your secret place and cause my heart to long for You again. I feel You pulling me and drawing me deeper with You. Help me to respond well.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Watch for Him...He's Coming!
Scripture:
Mark 13:36-37 "Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!"
Observation:
Jesus is nearing the end of His life and is sharing with His disciples about His future and theirs. He tells them that He will go away, but will return again. He let's them know that they must remain alert and always be ready because He could come at any time. Jesus tells them not to be sleeping when He comes, but to be watching for Him as a gatekeeper watches for people coming.
Application:
Many Christians today are not looking for the great rapture of the church. People are going about their business like everything will continue forever as it always has been. The early church was looking for His return and working hard for Him, believing He was coming back quickly. Through the years, we have lost our passion and the expectancy of His return. We must get it back. He is coming soon and we must be working and watching for Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to be rapture ready at all times. Help me keep my eyes on You and on completing Your work. Help me live every day with eternity in mind. I want to live ready and watching. Keep the fire in me alive.
Looking for Your soon return,
Jeff
Mark 13:36-37 "Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!"
Observation:
Jesus is nearing the end of His life and is sharing with His disciples about His future and theirs. He tells them that He will go away, but will return again. He let's them know that they must remain alert and always be ready because He could come at any time. Jesus tells them not to be sleeping when He comes, but to be watching for Him as a gatekeeper watches for people coming.
Application:
Many Christians today are not looking for the great rapture of the church. People are going about their business like everything will continue forever as it always has been. The early church was looking for His return and working hard for Him, believing He was coming back quickly. Through the years, we have lost our passion and the expectancy of His return. We must get it back. He is coming soon and we must be working and watching for Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to be rapture ready at all times. Help me keep my eyes on You and on completing Your work. Help me live every day with eternity in mind. I want to live ready and watching. Keep the fire in me alive.
Looking for Your soon return,
Jeff
Monday, June 18, 2012
Faith and Forgiveness
Scripture:
Mark 11:24-25 "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."
Observation:
Jesus said that we can pray for anything, and if we have faith enough to believe we've received it, we can have it. These are powerful words that in faith, pentecostal, and charismatic circles, we hear very often. Though we hear them often, very seldom do we hear the rest of the story. The next verse starts with "but", which usually means you can forget what you just heard unless this part happens. Then He says we must forgive anyone we are holding a grudge against. Faith and forgiveness must go hand in hand!
Application:
We are great at preaching faith, but bad at practicing true forgiveness. We love to talk about faith and getting what we want from God, yet not so good at fulfilling the rest of the paragraph where it talks about forgiveness. We need to be people who walk in faith, but faith must be shown in the area of forgiveness. Holding a grudge against someone will inhibit our prayers and stop our faith from producing. We must never allow ourselves to hold grudges against anyone for any reason.
Prayer:
Father God, You are amazing! Thank You for sharing with me this morning. I want to walk in faith and forgiveness. Show me any people who I haven't fully forgiven and let me truly walk in forgiveness. I don't want anything in my life that hinders me from walking close to You. Teach me to live a life of constant and complete forgiveness.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Mark 11:24-25 "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."
Observation:
Jesus said that we can pray for anything, and if we have faith enough to believe we've received it, we can have it. These are powerful words that in faith, pentecostal, and charismatic circles, we hear very often. Though we hear them often, very seldom do we hear the rest of the story. The next verse starts with "but", which usually means you can forget what you just heard unless this part happens. Then He says we must forgive anyone we are holding a grudge against. Faith and forgiveness must go hand in hand!
Application:
We are great at preaching faith, but bad at practicing true forgiveness. We love to talk about faith and getting what we want from God, yet not so good at fulfilling the rest of the paragraph where it talks about forgiveness. We need to be people who walk in faith, but faith must be shown in the area of forgiveness. Holding a grudge against someone will inhibit our prayers and stop our faith from producing. We must never allow ourselves to hold grudges against anyone for any reason.
Prayer:
Father God, You are amazing! Thank You for sharing with me this morning. I want to walk in faith and forgiveness. Show me any people who I haven't fully forgiven and let me truly walk in forgiveness. I don't want anything in my life that hinders me from walking close to You. Teach me to live a life of constant and complete forgiveness.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Listening for His Voice
Scripture:
Habakkuk 2:1 "I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how He will answer my complaint".
Observation:
Habakkuk presents complaints to the Lord and then waits to hear God's reply. He had just complained that Israel's enemies were going to wipe them out and they would be led away into bondage somewhere. He was basically saying, "Are you really going to let this happen?" Then he climbs to his watchtower, stands at his guardpost and waits to hear God's reply. The next verse starts with "Then the Lord said to me". Maybe if we climb our watchtower, stand at our guardposts, and wait to hear from the Lord, then we will hear the voice of the Lord.
Application:
Today we love to pray, pray, pray, but are not good at listening for the Lord's voice. There needs to be times in our lives that we climb the watchtower and listen for a while to what the Lord is speaking. We desperately need to hear His voice, yet most of us don't make the time to listen. We must shift our prayer time to spend more time listening to the voice of God and doing what He says.
Prayer:
Lord, help me implement this into my life. Enable me to take some time to just listen to You speak. I want You to lead my church, my family, and my region. Help me to take the time to listen to what You are doing and want to do in the earth. I want to hear clearly the word of the Lord. Attune my ears to Your voice and let me know what the Spirit is saying to the church.
Yours,
Jeff
Habakkuk 2:1 "I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how He will answer my complaint".
Observation:
Habakkuk presents complaints to the Lord and then waits to hear God's reply. He had just complained that Israel's enemies were going to wipe them out and they would be led away into bondage somewhere. He was basically saying, "Are you really going to let this happen?" Then he climbs to his watchtower, stands at his guardpost and waits to hear God's reply. The next verse starts with "Then the Lord said to me". Maybe if we climb our watchtower, stand at our guardposts, and wait to hear from the Lord, then we will hear the voice of the Lord.
Application:
Today we love to pray, pray, pray, but are not good at listening for the Lord's voice. There needs to be times in our lives that we climb the watchtower and listen for a while to what the Lord is speaking. We desperately need to hear His voice, yet most of us don't make the time to listen. We must shift our prayer time to spend more time listening to the voice of God and doing what He says.
Prayer:
Lord, help me implement this into my life. Enable me to take some time to just listen to You speak. I want You to lead my church, my family, and my region. Help me to take the time to listen to what You are doing and want to do in the earth. I want to hear clearly the word of the Lord. Attune my ears to Your voice and let me know what the Spirit is saying to the church.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Teaching to Obey
Scripture:
Matthew 28:20 "Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of the age".
Observation:
When Jesus is ready to ascend into heaven to be seated at the right hand of power, He leaves this message to His disciples. He tells them to go into all the world making disciples of all nations. In all my years of quoting this verse, it has never really hit me as hard as it has today. When I think of discipleship and making disciples, I usually think of a class setting or a small group setting where we are imparting knowledge to people about the bible. Here, the focus is not on getting them information, but on giving them life change. "Teaching to Obey" rather than just teaching information.
Application:
Teaching is different than teaching to obey. Teaching is the imparting of information to a student. Teaching to obey is teaching life change. It is causing people who are walking in disobedience to begin to obey Him. Our teaching must cause people to want to "obey" the commands of Jesus and not just give them information.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to teach right and to teach so that people will "obey" your commands. Empower my teaching to cause a reaction of obedience to your commands. Help me to bring about true life change in the hearts of people.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 28:20 "Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of the age".
Observation:
When Jesus is ready to ascend into heaven to be seated at the right hand of power, He leaves this message to His disciples. He tells them to go into all the world making disciples of all nations. In all my years of quoting this verse, it has never really hit me as hard as it has today. When I think of discipleship and making disciples, I usually think of a class setting or a small group setting where we are imparting knowledge to people about the bible. Here, the focus is not on getting them information, but on giving them life change. "Teaching to Obey" rather than just teaching information.
Application:
Teaching is different than teaching to obey. Teaching is the imparting of information to a student. Teaching to obey is teaching life change. It is causing people who are walking in disobedience to begin to obey Him. Our teaching must cause people to want to "obey" the commands of Jesus and not just give them information.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to teach right and to teach so that people will "obey" your commands. Empower my teaching to cause a reaction of obedience to your commands. Help me to bring about true life change in the hearts of people.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Having an Abundance
Scripture:
Matthew 25:29 "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance."
Observation:
In this parable, people are given different amounts of silver by a master who was going away for a while. When the master returned, he asked for the money back. The one who had the most, doubled it, and the master took away from the one who had the least and gave it to the one who had the most. Jesus sums up the parable by saying that those who use well what they are given, will be given more and they will have an abundance.
Application:
Whatever you do for the Lord, do it with all your heart, mind and strength. By doing this He will give you more and you will have an abundance. Whatever God has entrusted you with, use it with diligence and excellence and He will increase it. Instead of complaining about what we don't have, we should use wisely what we do have, and God will increase it. Use every resource you have for the Kingdom of God.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are amazing and I love you! Help me to wisely invest what you have given me to produce the most possible fruit. I want to hear, "well done good and faithful servant" when I get to see You. Teach me to be more effective in every area of the ministry You have called me to.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 25:29 "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance."
Observation:
In this parable, people are given different amounts of silver by a master who was going away for a while. When the master returned, he asked for the money back. The one who had the most, doubled it, and the master took away from the one who had the least and gave it to the one who had the most. Jesus sums up the parable by saying that those who use well what they are given, will be given more and they will have an abundance.
Application:
Whatever you do for the Lord, do it with all your heart, mind and strength. By doing this He will give you more and you will have an abundance. Whatever God has entrusted you with, use it with diligence and excellence and He will increase it. Instead of complaining about what we don't have, we should use wisely what we do have, and God will increase it. Use every resource you have for the Kingdom of God.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are amazing and I love you! Help me to wisely invest what you have given me to produce the most possible fruit. I want to hear, "well done good and faithful servant" when I get to see You. Teach me to be more effective in every area of the ministry You have called me to.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, June 11, 2012
Living with the Trumpet in Mind
Scripture:
Matthew 24:31 "An he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world - from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven".
Observation:
According to Jesus, one day a trumpet will blast and the angels will gather his chosen ones from all over the earth. I Thessalonians also refers to this trumpet blast and gathering of God's people to Himself in the sky. Jesus goes on to say that it will happen at a time when we expect it the least. This means to me that we need to live our lives with the trumpet blast in mind. One day it will sound and our work here will be over.
Application:
We must live our lives so that, when the trumpet sounds, we are ready. We must live expecting at any moment to hear the sound of a trumpet. This helps us keep our focus and to be continually developing in our walk with God. Living "rapture ready" helps us to make the most of every opportunity. Each opportunity to witness then could be the last. Each opportunity to help someone could be our last. We must live with the trumpet in mind so that we can make the most out of every day for our king.
Prayer:
Keep my eyes on You and Your coming. Help me make the most of every day for Your kingdom. Help me lead someone to Christ today. I want to advance Your kingdom more and more each day. You are amazing!
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 24:31 "An he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world - from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven".
Observation:
According to Jesus, one day a trumpet will blast and the angels will gather his chosen ones from all over the earth. I Thessalonians also refers to this trumpet blast and gathering of God's people to Himself in the sky. Jesus goes on to say that it will happen at a time when we expect it the least. This means to me that we need to live our lives with the trumpet blast in mind. One day it will sound and our work here will be over.
Application:
We must live our lives so that, when the trumpet sounds, we are ready. We must live expecting at any moment to hear the sound of a trumpet. This helps us keep our focus and to be continually developing in our walk with God. Living "rapture ready" helps us to make the most of every opportunity. Each opportunity to witness then could be the last. Each opportunity to help someone could be our last. We must live with the trumpet in mind so that we can make the most out of every day for our king.
Prayer:
Keep my eyes on You and Your coming. Help me make the most of every day for Your kingdom. Help me lead someone to Christ today. I want to advance Your kingdom more and more each day. You are amazing!
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, June 8, 2012
Persistent Faith is Great Faith
Scripture:
Matthew 15: 28 "'Dear woman', Jesus said to her, 'your faith is great. Your request is granted'. And her daughter was instantly healed".
Observation:
This verse is found in the story Jesus told of a Gentile woman whose daughter was tormented by demons. She begged Jesus to come and heal her daughter and Jesus tried to get rid of her. He told her that she really didn't deserve her prayers to be answered because she was a gentile, yet she kept coming because she knew He was her only hope. Finally Jesus said it was done because of this woman's great faith.
Application:
Great faith is persistent faith! Just as this woman kept coming to Jesus and bothering Him until He healed her daughter, we should continue to come to the Lord with issues in our lives until He moves on our behalf. Many times we give up too early instead of pressing through in tough situations. We need to be people of persistent faith who keep coming to the Lord knocking at His door until the door is opened.
Prayer:
Father, I know in my life that I have given up too early on things before. I know that great faith is persistent faith like the woman in this story. Help me to walk in great faith so I can please You better. You are amazing! Thanks for this example of a woman who wouldn't give up until You did what she was asking for, then told her she had great faith. Help me spread the glory of God today everywhere I go.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 15: 28 "'Dear woman', Jesus said to her, 'your faith is great. Your request is granted'. And her daughter was instantly healed".
Observation:
This verse is found in the story Jesus told of a Gentile woman whose daughter was tormented by demons. She begged Jesus to come and heal her daughter and Jesus tried to get rid of her. He told her that she really didn't deserve her prayers to be answered because she was a gentile, yet she kept coming because she knew He was her only hope. Finally Jesus said it was done because of this woman's great faith.
Application:
Great faith is persistent faith! Just as this woman kept coming to Jesus and bothering Him until He healed her daughter, we should continue to come to the Lord with issues in our lives until He moves on our behalf. Many times we give up too early instead of pressing through in tough situations. We need to be people of persistent faith who keep coming to the Lord knocking at His door until the door is opened.
Prayer:
Father, I know in my life that I have given up too early on things before. I know that great faith is persistent faith like the woman in this story. Help me to walk in great faith so I can please You better. You are amazing! Thanks for this example of a woman who wouldn't give up until You did what she was asking for, then told her she had great faith. Help me spread the glory of God today everywhere I go.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Fear the Right Thing
Scripture:
Matthew 10:28 "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell".
Observation:
Jesus was sending out His twelve apostles to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast our demons. As He was sending them, He let them know that if they persecuted Him, they would also persecute those who come on His behalf. He was sending them out, knowing that persecution was coming to them. Jesus encouraged them by telling them that the only person to fear was the one who could put their body and soul in hell. He told them not to fear any man, but fear God.
Application:
Fear is a controlling spirit that tries to limit us from our full potential. Many times I have been trapped by the fear of man. In those instances I have been more afraid of man and his opinions, than what God was telling me to do. Jesus tells me to be more afraid of God than man because God can send me to hell. When we truly understand this teaching, our witness in this world will be unstoppable. We will boldly proclaim Christ in the marketplace without fear of man. We must step out of the fear of man and into the fear of God.
Prayer:
Father, help me to fear You more and people less. I want to be a bold witness for You. Help me to be less worried about what others think and more worried about what You think. Teach me to speak everything You give me without fear of how it will be received. Increase my fear of the Lord.
Forever Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 10:28 "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell".
Observation:
Jesus was sending out His twelve apostles to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast our demons. As He was sending them, He let them know that if they persecuted Him, they would also persecute those who come on His behalf. He was sending them out, knowing that persecution was coming to them. Jesus encouraged them by telling them that the only person to fear was the one who could put their body and soul in hell. He told them not to fear any man, but fear God.
Application:
Fear is a controlling spirit that tries to limit us from our full potential. Many times I have been trapped by the fear of man. In those instances I have been more afraid of man and his opinions, than what God was telling me to do. Jesus tells me to be more afraid of God than man because God can send me to hell. When we truly understand this teaching, our witness in this world will be unstoppable. We will boldly proclaim Christ in the marketplace without fear of man. We must step out of the fear of man and into the fear of God.
Prayer:
Father, help me to fear You more and people less. I want to be a bold witness for You. Help me to be less worried about what others think and more worried about what You think. Teach me to speak everything You give me without fear of how it will be received. Increase my fear of the Lord.
Forever Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Who Needs a Doctor?
Scripture:
Matthew 9:12 "When Jesus heard this, he said, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do'".
Observation:
Jesus had been invited to the home of a tax collector who was becoming one of his disciples. At the home were other tax collectors and sinners of all types. The religious people asked his disciples why their teacher would hang out with such scum of the earth. Jesus replied that healthy people don't need a doctor, sick people do. Jesus wasn't afraid to be around ungodly people. As a matter of fact, He did it quite often.
Application:
It seems the longer we are saved, the more separated we become from the ungodly of this world. We want to go to church and hang around only believers where we are safe and people understand us. We gather in holy huddles while the world is going to hell. Those who need us most, can't get to us because we don't want to associate with anyone who isn't saved. Maybe we feel they would rub off on us or something. Doctors have to risk germs, or they can't heal anyone. We are to be salt and light! If that is the case, then we need to get out of the salt shaker and get around some people who need light.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for spending most of my time around those who don't need You. Help me to see clearly how to make the greatest impact for You and Your kingdom through my life. I want to lead people to Christ and RESCUE as many as possible this year. Teach me how.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 9:12 "When Jesus heard this, he said, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do'".
Observation:
Jesus had been invited to the home of a tax collector who was becoming one of his disciples. At the home were other tax collectors and sinners of all types. The religious people asked his disciples why their teacher would hang out with such scum of the earth. Jesus replied that healthy people don't need a doctor, sick people do. Jesus wasn't afraid to be around ungodly people. As a matter of fact, He did it quite often.
Application:
It seems the longer we are saved, the more separated we become from the ungodly of this world. We want to go to church and hang around only believers where we are safe and people understand us. We gather in holy huddles while the world is going to hell. Those who need us most, can't get to us because we don't want to associate with anyone who isn't saved. Maybe we feel they would rub off on us or something. Doctors have to risk germs, or they can't heal anyone. We are to be salt and light! If that is the case, then we need to get out of the salt shaker and get around some people who need light.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for spending most of my time around those who don't need You. Help me to see clearly how to make the greatest impact for You and Your kingdom through my life. I want to lead people to Christ and RESCUE as many as possible this year. Teach me how.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
He Healed Them All
Scripture:
Matthew 4:24 "News about Him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic, or paralyzed - he healed them all".
Observation:
Matthew records that people came to Jesus with all kinds of sicknesses and diseases, and Jesus healed them ALL. It didn't matter whether the disease was big or small, He healed them all. Jesus came to take away suffering and pain. While He was on this earth, he was bringing his kingdom to this earth. In His kingdom, there is no suffering and Jesus took away suffering while He was here. Now He has gone away and has given us the job of finishing what He started.
Application:
God has given us everything we need to do the works that Jesus did. He has commanded us to do the works that Jesus did and even told us that we would do greater works than Jesus. We must learn to be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He will lead us into Divine appointments where healing can spring forth. I must seek Him until I see His kingdom come on earth in it's fullness. I want to see the day when He heals them all once again.
Prayer:
Lord, I believe that healing demonstrates the love and power of God better than anything else. It causes people to know You are real and that You love them. Would You restore healing to Your people until, like in the life of Christ, all are healed? Pour out Your Spirit in my life, teach me what I need to learn, help me to walk in complete obedience. I want to see sickness and disease destroyed.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Matthew 4:24 "News about Him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic, or paralyzed - he healed them all".
Observation:
Matthew records that people came to Jesus with all kinds of sicknesses and diseases, and Jesus healed them ALL. It didn't matter whether the disease was big or small, He healed them all. Jesus came to take away suffering and pain. While He was on this earth, he was bringing his kingdom to this earth. In His kingdom, there is no suffering and Jesus took away suffering while He was here. Now He has gone away and has given us the job of finishing what He started.
Application:
God has given us everything we need to do the works that Jesus did. He has commanded us to do the works that Jesus did and even told us that we would do greater works than Jesus. We must learn to be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He will lead us into Divine appointments where healing can spring forth. I must seek Him until I see His kingdom come on earth in it's fullness. I want to see the day when He heals them all once again.
Prayer:
Lord, I believe that healing demonstrates the love and power of God better than anything else. It causes people to know You are real and that You love them. Would You restore healing to Your people until, like in the life of Christ, all are healed? Pour out Your Spirit in my life, teach me what I need to learn, help me to walk in complete obedience. I want to see sickness and disease destroyed.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Monday, June 4, 2012
My Beloved Son
Scripture:
Matthew 3:17 "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy'".
Observation:
As John the Baptist was baptizing Jesus, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and God the Father spoke. All three members of the trinity are seen in this beautiful passage. This is just before Jesus is going to start His public ministry and His Father speaks word of encouragement to Him. It was also just before He would go through the wilderness temptation. God spoke publicly concerning His Son. God the Father sets a great example of how we should treat our children.
Application:
Just as God the Father prepared Jesus through speaking these powerful words, we must speak words of encouragement to our children. To instill confidence in our children, we must let them know they are dearly loved, and that they bring us great joy. It is easy to tell our kids everything they are doing wrong, but for them to face the temptation of the enemy and be prepared for a successful life, they must know we love them, support them, believe in them, and we are proud of them. We must speak over our children, or someone else will.
Prayer:
Father, help me to follow Your example. As You spoke over Your Son Jesus, let me speak over my two sons. Let them feel my love and support so they can handle the temptations that will come their way. Teach me to follow You closer, so they can see an example of a godly man through my life. My kids do bring me great joy, help me to speak out what is in my heart to them and give them the confidence they need for life.
Matthew 3:17 "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy'".
Observation:
As John the Baptist was baptizing Jesus, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and God the Father spoke. All three members of the trinity are seen in this beautiful passage. This is just before Jesus is going to start His public ministry and His Father speaks word of encouragement to Him. It was also just before He would go through the wilderness temptation. God spoke publicly concerning His Son. God the Father sets a great example of how we should treat our children.
Application:
Just as God the Father prepared Jesus through speaking these powerful words, we must speak words of encouragement to our children. To instill confidence in our children, we must let them know they are dearly loved, and that they bring us great joy. It is easy to tell our kids everything they are doing wrong, but for them to face the temptation of the enemy and be prepared for a successful life, they must know we love them, support them, believe in them, and we are proud of them. We must speak over our children, or someone else will.
Prayer:
Father, help me to follow Your example. As You spoke over Your Son Jesus, let me speak over my two sons. Let them feel my love and support so they can handle the temptations that will come their way. Teach me to follow You closer, so they can see an example of a godly man through my life. My kids do bring me great joy, help me to speak out what is in my heart to them and give them the confidence they need for life.
Friday, June 1, 2012
As Recorded in the Books
Scripture:
Revelation 20:12 "I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne, and the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according what they had done, as recorded in the books".
Observation:
In this passage, John is describing the Great White throne judgment, where everyone will be judged according to what they did in this life. These books apparently contain records of everything we have said or done in this lifetime. We are told elsewhere that every knee will bow and every tongues confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. It appears this is the place because here each individual will stand before him and give account for what they did on the earth.
Application:
Imagine living life with a video recorder around you that recorded everything you did or said. Imagine knowing everything you did was being recorded in heaven. The fact is, this is happening! Everything we do, or don't do, is being recorded in heaven and we will stand before God and give an account one day of these things. This is a very scary thought. A thought that should help me live a better life each day.
Prayer:
Father, as I look at this verse I am convicted about things in my life. Help me to live a life where I wouldn't be ashamed of any part of it being broadcast in front of You. Help me to walk in complete obedience in every area of my life. I want my books to be filled with good info that I would not be ashamed of.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Revelation 20:12 "I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne, and the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according what they had done, as recorded in the books".
Observation:
In this passage, John is describing the Great White throne judgment, where everyone will be judged according to what they did in this life. These books apparently contain records of everything we have said or done in this lifetime. We are told elsewhere that every knee will bow and every tongues confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. It appears this is the place because here each individual will stand before him and give account for what they did on the earth.
Application:
Imagine living life with a video recorder around you that recorded everything you did or said. Imagine knowing everything you did was being recorded in heaven. The fact is, this is happening! Everything we do, or don't do, is being recorded in heaven and we will stand before God and give an account one day of these things. This is a very scary thought. A thought that should help me live a better life each day.
Prayer:
Father, as I look at this verse I am convicted about things in my life. Help me to live a life where I wouldn't be ashamed of any part of it being broadcast in front of You. Help me to walk in complete obedience in every area of my life. I want my books to be filled with good info that I would not be ashamed of.
Sincerely,
Jeff
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