Scripture:
Numbers 21:34 "Do not be afraid of him, for I have handed him over to you, along with all his people and his land. Do the same to him as you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon".
Observation:
King Og of Bashan, who this scripture is written about was in the line of the giants. He was an enormous man and a valiant warrior. Moses wasn't a warrior and his people were not trained for battle, but on the word of the Lord, they would march. God tells Moses not to be afraid of Og because God had handed him over to Moses. Once something is done in God's eyes, it is done! Once God handed him over to Moses, he just had to walk that direction because God had already done the work.
Application:
A word from God changes everything! Moses' natural reaction to fighting a "giant" king with and inexperienced army would have been to run the other direction, but God gave him the confidence he needed. When God really speaks, and we know it, nothing can deter us from our destiny. We need to hear His voice and do what He is saying, then we will have victory in our lives. Moses knew that without God on his side, he would fail in this battle. He also knew that when God says something, it is going to happen.
Prayer:
Lord, I want a word from You. I need to hear Your voice and walk confidently after that. Open my ears that I may hear clearly what You have to say to the church. Help me to be tuned in correctly and walking in alignment. Give me the confidence I need to do what you call me to do.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Allotment of the Priest
Scripture:
Numbers 18:20 ""Your priests will receive no allotment of land or share of property among the people of Israel. I am your share and allotment".
Observation:
All of the people of Israel were to receive an allotment of land when they got to the promised land. Each tribe would have a particular area. It wasn't so with the priests. They didn't get any allotment of land because God said He was their share and allotment. They were very blessed, but were not allowed to buy land for themselves. They ate incredibly well and received the tithes of the people to live off of, but God wanted to be their share and allotment.
Application:
Though we are not Old Testament people, there are very real shadows and thoughts that God wants us to understand to know Him better. In the New Covenant, we are a kingdom of priests to whom God wants to be our share and allotment. God wants us to have satisfaction in Him. He wants to be seen as our provider. God takes care of His own, but He wants His own to look to him as their great and present reward.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be satisfied in You. I want You to be my share and allotment. Your presence is what I want more than anything else. I want to see Your glory. I want to see revival in my generation. Help me to get my satisfaction in You and nowhere else.
Yours Forver,
jeff
Numbers 18:20 ""Your priests will receive no allotment of land or share of property among the people of Israel. I am your share and allotment".
Observation:
All of the people of Israel were to receive an allotment of land when they got to the promised land. Each tribe would have a particular area. It wasn't so with the priests. They didn't get any allotment of land because God said He was their share and allotment. They were very blessed, but were not allowed to buy land for themselves. They ate incredibly well and received the tithes of the people to live off of, but God wanted to be their share and allotment.
Application:
Though we are not Old Testament people, there are very real shadows and thoughts that God wants us to understand to know Him better. In the New Covenant, we are a kingdom of priests to whom God wants to be our share and allotment. God wants us to have satisfaction in Him. He wants to be seen as our provider. God takes care of His own, but He wants His own to look to him as their great and present reward.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be satisfied in You. I want You to be my share and allotment. Your presence is what I want more than anything else. I want to see Your glory. I want to see revival in my generation. Help me to get my satisfaction in You and nowhere else.
Yours Forver,
jeff
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Faith Moves Quickly
Scripture:
Numbers 13:30 "But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. 'Let's go at once to take the land,' he said. 'We can certainly conquer it!'".
Observation:
Moses had sent out 12 spies into the land God had promised them. 10 spies came back after investigation with the report that the people were huge, the walls were fortified and they will kill us if we try to go against them. The people, as people always do, gathered around the bad news and choose to believe the 10 spies. The people were in an uproar and then a man of faith stepped up and quieted the crowd. Caleb said "let's go at once and take the land. We can certainly conquer it!
Application:
Caleb and Joshua saw the same enemies that everyone else saw, but they also saw the power of their God and of obedience to Him. They understood that God could defeat any army and loved them enough to do it. Knowing God's power and love should make us step out in faith quickly like Caleb. We can either be people of fear or people of faith, but we cannot be both. God's desires a people of faith.
Prayer:
Lord, increase my faith and always let my response be one of faith and trust in my God. You are unfailing, everlasting and amazingly powerful, yet sometimes I allow fear to control my decisions instead of faith. Help me to grow in faith.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Numbers 13:30 "But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. 'Let's go at once to take the land,' he said. 'We can certainly conquer it!'".
Observation:
Moses had sent out 12 spies into the land God had promised them. 10 spies came back after investigation with the report that the people were huge, the walls were fortified and they will kill us if we try to go against them. The people, as people always do, gathered around the bad news and choose to believe the 10 spies. The people were in an uproar and then a man of faith stepped up and quieted the crowd. Caleb said "let's go at once and take the land. We can certainly conquer it!
Application:
Caleb and Joshua saw the same enemies that everyone else saw, but they also saw the power of their God and of obedience to Him. They understood that God could defeat any army and loved them enough to do it. Knowing God's power and love should make us step out in faith quickly like Caleb. We can either be people of fear or people of faith, but we cannot be both. God's desires a people of faith.
Prayer:
Lord, increase my faith and always let my response be one of faith and trust in my God. You are unfailing, everlasting and amazingly powerful, yet sometimes I allow fear to control my decisions instead of faith. Help me to grow in faith.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Multiplication of Ministry
Scripture:
Numbers 11:17 "I will come down and talk to you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone".
Observation:
Moses was leading a huge group of complaining people and couldn't take it any more. Just above it says he became very aggravated with the people. God's solution to Moses' aggravation with whining people was to put some of the Spirit of Moses on 70 elders who would help him bear the weight of the responsibility for the people. God multiplied Moses' ministry effectiveness by getting 70 other people involved in serving the needs of the people.
Application:
God loves to expand our leadership base. Several times in His word He expands the leadership base to better serve the people when leaders are getting worn out. As a leader, it is easy to get worn out and the solution is usually to involve more people in leadership. The growth of our church will completely depend on how well we can multiply ministry by involving new leaders. We must also make sure that the same Spirit that is on my life is upon them. They can't flow in another spirit.
Prayer:
Father, help me to raise up new leaders to evenly distribute the load. I know this is important for our church and that it is the only way we will grow to be all You want for us. Help me to implement this multiplication of ministry better and to serve the needs of our church better. I want our church to serve you with excellence.
Your Son,
Jeff
Numbers 11:17 "I will come down and talk to you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone".
Observation:
Moses was leading a huge group of complaining people and couldn't take it any more. Just above it says he became very aggravated with the people. God's solution to Moses' aggravation with whining people was to put some of the Spirit of Moses on 70 elders who would help him bear the weight of the responsibility for the people. God multiplied Moses' ministry effectiveness by getting 70 other people involved in serving the needs of the people.
Application:
God loves to expand our leadership base. Several times in His word He expands the leadership base to better serve the people when leaders are getting worn out. As a leader, it is easy to get worn out and the solution is usually to involve more people in leadership. The growth of our church will completely depend on how well we can multiply ministry by involving new leaders. We must also make sure that the same Spirit that is on my life is upon them. They can't flow in another spirit.
Prayer:
Father, help me to raise up new leaders to evenly distribute the load. I know this is important for our church and that it is the only way we will grow to be all You want for us. Help me to implement this multiplication of ministry better and to serve the needs of our church better. I want our church to serve you with excellence.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, September 21, 2012
Let the Spirit Guide You
Scripture:
Galatians 5:16 "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what the sinful nature craves".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Galatians and telling them not to believe those who are telling them to go back to the Law of Moses. Someone had come in telling them they needed to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses. Paul is responding and saying "not since Jesus". Paul tells them to go about holiness in a new way. He says, "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives". When the Holy Spirit guides your life, He will lead you into truth and get you away from ungodliness.
Application:
Everyone struggles with the sinful nature to some degree, but those who are constantly and continually walking in the Spirit will overcome quickly. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him lead our lives, we won't be doing what the sinful nature craves. Life the way God wants it for us is more about following the voice of the Holy Spirit and less about the do's and don'ts of religion. When we let Him guide us, it is not even a struggle. We need to focus more on listening to Him and doing what He says, this way we know we will be living right.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I want to be filled completely by You. I want you to lead me and guide me into fulfilling God's will for my life. Teach me to hear your voice more clearly. Help me to see what you see and feel what you feel. Guide me into all truth I pray.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Galatians 5:16 "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what the sinful nature craves".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Galatians and telling them not to believe those who are telling them to go back to the Law of Moses. Someone had come in telling them they needed to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses. Paul is responding and saying "not since Jesus". Paul tells them to go about holiness in a new way. He says, "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives". When the Holy Spirit guides your life, He will lead you into truth and get you away from ungodliness.
Application:
Everyone struggles with the sinful nature to some degree, but those who are constantly and continually walking in the Spirit will overcome quickly. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him lead our lives, we won't be doing what the sinful nature craves. Life the way God wants it for us is more about following the voice of the Holy Spirit and less about the do's and don'ts of religion. When we let Him guide us, it is not even a struggle. We need to focus more on listening to Him and doing what He says, this way we know we will be living right.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I want to be filled completely by You. I want you to lead me and guide me into fulfilling God's will for my life. Teach me to hear your voice more clearly. Help me to see what you see and feel what you feel. Guide me into all truth I pray.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Abraham's Promise is Mine
Scripture:
Galatians 3:29 "And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you".
Observation:
Abraham was told by God that he was to leave his country and go to a place God would show him. He told Abraham that He would make him into a great nation and that He would bless him and make him a blessing. God told Abraham that He would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him. He said that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him. Now Paul tells us that we are Abraham's heirs and that God's promise to Abraham belongs to us as well.
Application:
Abraham was a very wealthy individual who had the blessing of God on his life in a big way. Everything he touched was blessed supernaturally by God. According to Galatians, I am am heir of Abraham and an heir of the promise God made to Abraham. I am so much more blessed than I have lived out in my personal life. The blessing of Abraham rests on me and I am blessed. Now I must believe it and live in it.
Prayer:
Father, I receive the blessing of Abraham and his descendants. I realize that I am an heir according to the promise. I realize that his blessing comes to me. Thank You for showing me this today. Help me to believe it and walk in it. I want my life blessed like Abraham's was. I want to be a blessing to the nations of the world and to those around me. I want those who bless me to be blessed.
Thanks,
Jeff
Galatians 3:29 "And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you".
Observation:
Abraham was told by God that he was to leave his country and go to a place God would show him. He told Abraham that He would make him into a great nation and that He would bless him and make him a blessing. God told Abraham that He would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him. He said that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him. Now Paul tells us that we are Abraham's heirs and that God's promise to Abraham belongs to us as well.
Application:
Abraham was a very wealthy individual who had the blessing of God on his life in a big way. Everything he touched was blessed supernaturally by God. According to Galatians, I am am heir of Abraham and an heir of the promise God made to Abraham. I am so much more blessed than I have lived out in my personal life. The blessing of Abraham rests on me and I am blessed. Now I must believe it and live in it.
Prayer:
Father, I receive the blessing of Abraham and his descendants. I realize that I am an heir according to the promise. I realize that his blessing comes to me. Thank You for showing me this today. Help me to believe it and walk in it. I want my life blessed like Abraham's was. I want to be a blessing to the nations of the world and to those around me. I want those who bless me to be blessed.
Thanks,
Jeff
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
God's Blessing for Obedience
Scripture:
Leviticus 26:3,5 "If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands...Your threshing season will overlap with the grape harvest, and your grape harvest will overlap with the season of planting grain. You will eat your fill and live securely in the land".
Observation:
God told the children of Israel that there were blessings if they obeyed his decrees and there were curses if they disobeyed them. He promised them that if they would obey him, He would cause their crops to come in so fast that they would be planting while still harvesting. He wants His people to be careful in following Him and to do things His way instead of their own.
Application:
God is looking for our obedience to His word above all else. When we obey, He blesses. It's as simple as that. I want to live under the incredible blessing and favor of the Lord, therefore, I know I must walk a life of obedience to Him. If I want His blessing, I must walk in complete obedience to the Lord. He even promises that we can live in the land securely. I want security for my family.
Prayer:
Father, help me live a life that is pleasing to You. I realize that you bless the obedient and want to be under your blessing. Show me the areas of my life that need work and change. You are the best and I want to serve You well.
Yours,
Jeff
Leviticus 26:3,5 "If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands...Your threshing season will overlap with the grape harvest, and your grape harvest will overlap with the season of planting grain. You will eat your fill and live securely in the land".
Observation:
God told the children of Israel that there were blessings if they obeyed his decrees and there were curses if they disobeyed them. He promised them that if they would obey him, He would cause their crops to come in so fast that they would be planting while still harvesting. He wants His people to be careful in following Him and to do things His way instead of their own.
Application:
God is looking for our obedience to His word above all else. When we obey, He blesses. It's as simple as that. I want to live under the incredible blessing and favor of the Lord, therefore, I know I must walk a life of obedience to Him. If I want His blessing, I must walk in complete obedience to the Lord. He even promises that we can live in the land securely. I want security for my family.
Prayer:
Father, help me live a life that is pleasing to You. I realize that you bless the obedient and want to be under your blessing. Show me the areas of my life that need work and change. You are the best and I want to serve You well.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The Lord's Will
Scripture:
Leviticus 24:12 "They kept the man in custody until the Lord's will in the matter should become clear to them".
Observation:
This verse is found in the midst of a story being told about crime and punishment. The Law of Moses was very clear on most situations and they didn't need to know the will of God on matters because it was spelled out for them. Other crimes, they needed to seek the will of the Lord to know what to do. I love this story because it shows how Israel needed to know the will of God just like we do. It also hows us that God can speak to us and show us what to do when the written Word of God is silent on something.
Application:
Any area where we know the written will of God in, we don't even need to pray about. If God's will is silent on an area, we must pursue Him until His will is known on that subject. Immediately after this verse it says, "The Lord said to Moses..." God will make His will known to us if we are willing to seek Him out and ask Him. He doesn't delight in making Himself hard to follow. He gives us the written will of God in the Bible and his voice to guide us where the Bible is silent. Great package deal!!!
Prayer:
Lord, I want to hear Your voice more clearly. I want Your will in my life. I want the matters of my life to become clear as this verse says they will. I ask You to help me to seek out Your counsel on every part of my life. I want to finish well the days you have planned for my life. I don't want to miss out on one of them because I wasn't hearing from You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Leviticus 24:12 "They kept the man in custody until the Lord's will in the matter should become clear to them".
Observation:
This verse is found in the midst of a story being told about crime and punishment. The Law of Moses was very clear on most situations and they didn't need to know the will of God on matters because it was spelled out for them. Other crimes, they needed to seek the will of the Lord to know what to do. I love this story because it shows how Israel needed to know the will of God just like we do. It also hows us that God can speak to us and show us what to do when the written Word of God is silent on something.
Application:
Any area where we know the written will of God in, we don't even need to pray about. If God's will is silent on an area, we must pursue Him until His will is known on that subject. Immediately after this verse it says, "The Lord said to Moses..." God will make His will known to us if we are willing to seek Him out and ask Him. He doesn't delight in making Himself hard to follow. He gives us the written will of God in the Bible and his voice to guide us where the Bible is silent. Great package deal!!!
Prayer:
Lord, I want to hear Your voice more clearly. I want Your will in my life. I want the matters of my life to become clear as this verse says they will. I ask You to help me to seek out Your counsel on every part of my life. I want to finish well the days you have planned for my life. I don't want to miss out on one of them because I wasn't hearing from You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, September 13, 2012
God's Fire on God's Sacrifice
Scripture:
Leviticus 9:24 "Fire blazed forth from the Lord's presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground".
Observation:
God gave Moses extremely detailed instructions about building the Tabernacle and for sacrifices and offerings for God's people and the priests. Moses and Aaron followed the Lord's directions with all their heart. They did exactly as the Lord spoke to them to do. When they completed the job and everything was dedicated properly to the Lord, fire blazed from the Lord's presence and consumed the burnt offering. The people saw it and knew God was happy with their offerings, yet in awe of His power.
Application:
When God gives directions, He means for them to be accomplished exactly how He says to do them. He is a God of order. He wants us to do what we do with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. The fire let the people that God was pleased with their offerings. As we surrender our lives to God, His fire and anointing will fall on our lives. When we do things His way, we get His results. When we do things in our own human wisdom, we get human results. As for me, I want God results in my life. I want to do things His way.
Prayer:
Father, help me to fully and completely follow Your voice in my life. I love You and want to be fully surrendered to You in every area. Help me not to miss a detail of what You want in my life. I offer myself this morning as a sacrifice to You. May it be acceptable and may Your fire fall on it!
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Leviticus 9:24 "Fire blazed forth from the Lord's presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground".
Observation:
God gave Moses extremely detailed instructions about building the Tabernacle and for sacrifices and offerings for God's people and the priests. Moses and Aaron followed the Lord's directions with all their heart. They did exactly as the Lord spoke to them to do. When they completed the job and everything was dedicated properly to the Lord, fire blazed from the Lord's presence and consumed the burnt offering. The people saw it and knew God was happy with their offerings, yet in awe of His power.
Application:
When God gives directions, He means for them to be accomplished exactly how He says to do them. He is a God of order. He wants us to do what we do with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. The fire let the people that God was pleased with their offerings. As we surrender our lives to God, His fire and anointing will fall on our lives. When we do things His way, we get His results. When we do things in our own human wisdom, we get human results. As for me, I want God results in my life. I want to do things His way.
Prayer:
Father, help me to fully and completely follow Your voice in my life. I love You and want to be fully surrendered to You in every area. Help me not to miss a detail of what You want in my life. I offer myself this morning as a sacrifice to You. May it be acceptable and may Your fire fall on it!
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Fresh Wood Each Morning
Scripture:
Leviticus 6:12 "Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire."
Observation:
This is part of the law of the burnt offering. It tells the people of Israel that the fire must be kept burning day and night and it must never go out. The priests were instructed to bring new wood every morning so that the fire would never go out. With this offering, if you miss one morning, the fire would go out and need re-started, which was against the will of God.
Application:
The spiritual fire in our hearts must never go out as well. If we are to stay on fire for God, we must add wood to the fire every morning. These "daily wash" devotionals have been an awesome way for me personally to keep the fire burning every morning. It allows me every day to feel like God has spoken to me about something in my walk with Him, which keeps the flame of our relationship alive. It is also my early morning prayer walk that keeps the fire going each day. These two keep my fire from going out.
Prayer:
Lord, keeping the fire burning wasn't your responsibility. It was the responsibility of the priests. Help me to hunger and thirst after You and to be diligent about keeping my fire burning. Sometimes I get tired and don't do as good, then I feel it spiritually. Help me stay on track through my daily prayer and daily wash in the word.
Your Son,
Jeff
Leviticus 6:12 "Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire."
Observation:
This is part of the law of the burnt offering. It tells the people of Israel that the fire must be kept burning day and night and it must never go out. The priests were instructed to bring new wood every morning so that the fire would never go out. With this offering, if you miss one morning, the fire would go out and need re-started, which was against the will of God.
Application:
The spiritual fire in our hearts must never go out as well. If we are to stay on fire for God, we must add wood to the fire every morning. These "daily wash" devotionals have been an awesome way for me personally to keep the fire burning every morning. It allows me every day to feel like God has spoken to me about something in my walk with Him, which keeps the flame of our relationship alive. It is also my early morning prayer walk that keeps the fire going each day. These two keep my fire from going out.
Prayer:
Lord, keeping the fire burning wasn't your responsibility. It was the responsibility of the priests. Help me to hunger and thirst after You and to be diligent about keeping my fire burning. Sometimes I get tired and don't do as good, then I feel it spiritually. Help me stay on track through my daily prayer and daily wash in the word.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Offering God Your Best
Scripture:
Leviticus 3:1 "If you present an animal from the herd as a peace offering to the Lord, it may be a male or a female, but it must have no defects".
Observation:
As we begin the book of Leviticus, I see here that as all of the offerings are ordered and explained to God's people, God always requires it to be without blemish and have no defects. As we enter the book of Leviticus we realize that God wants us to offer our very best to Him. He doesn't want offerings that are defective. He wants the very best for our offerings. He doesn't want the leftovers when it is being offered to Him.
Application:
Many times today we offer God our leftovers. We plan our schedule and if there is any leftover time, we will do something for the Lord. We spend our money, then give the leftovers to God. It's like we say, "Okay God, here is what I am going to do...you can make your plans around mine". God has never wanted to be second place in anyone's life. He wants our best to be given to Him, then He will bless the rest. As you give your best to God, He blesses it, multiplies it, and gives back to us. He doesn't want our leftovers, He wants the best of our lives.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for offering You leftovers. Help me to offer You my very best. Teach me to give sacrificially of my time, talents and treasures. As I do, would You open the windows of heaven and take care of my life and family.
Love You Much,
jeff
Leviticus 3:1 "If you present an animal from the herd as a peace offering to the Lord, it may be a male or a female, but it must have no defects".
Observation:
As we begin the book of Leviticus, I see here that as all of the offerings are ordered and explained to God's people, God always requires it to be without blemish and have no defects. As we enter the book of Leviticus we realize that God wants us to offer our very best to Him. He doesn't want offerings that are defective. He wants the very best for our offerings. He doesn't want the leftovers when it is being offered to Him.
Application:
Many times today we offer God our leftovers. We plan our schedule and if there is any leftover time, we will do something for the Lord. We spend our money, then give the leftovers to God. It's like we say, "Okay God, here is what I am going to do...you can make your plans around mine". God has never wanted to be second place in anyone's life. He wants our best to be given to Him, then He will bless the rest. As you give your best to God, He blesses it, multiplies it, and gives back to us. He doesn't want our leftovers, He wants the best of our lives.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for offering You leftovers. Help me to offer You my very best. Teach me to give sacrificially of my time, talents and treasures. As I do, would You open the windows of heaven and take care of my life and family.
Love You Much,
jeff
Monday, September 10, 2012
The God of Peace will be with You
Scripture:
II Corinthians 13:11 "Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you".
Observation:
Paul tells the Corinthians that if they do these few things, the God of love and peace will be with them. Paul had been very displeased with their behavior and how much sin was in the church. He wanted them to get it right before he came back there for a third time. He gives them four things, then says that if they do these, the God of peace will be with them. The four things: By joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. and Live in harmony and peace.
Application:
When we do our part, God does His. Here we can clearly see our part and His part. Our part is to simply be joyful, grow, encourage each other and live in harmony and peace. God's part of this equation, He will be with us! That is powerful and worthy of my attention. When God is with you, your enemies tremble and run the other way. When God is with you, great things happen. I want God to be with me, therefore, I need to work on being joyful, growing to maturity, encouraging others and living in harmony and peace.
Prayer:
Father, I want you to be with me at all times. I love your presence and want to walk with You in intimacy. Help me to live out my part of the deal as I pursue You each day. I want to be with You. I want to know You more. Let my life radiate Your goodness. Help me in these four areas I pray.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
II Corinthians 13:11 "Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you".
Observation:
Paul tells the Corinthians that if they do these few things, the God of love and peace will be with them. Paul had been very displeased with their behavior and how much sin was in the church. He wanted them to get it right before he came back there for a third time. He gives them four things, then says that if they do these, the God of peace will be with them. The four things: By joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. and Live in harmony and peace.
Application:
When we do our part, God does His. Here we can clearly see our part and His part. Our part is to simply be joyful, grow, encourage each other and live in harmony and peace. God's part of this equation, He will be with us! That is powerful and worthy of my attention. When God is with you, your enemies tremble and run the other way. When God is with you, great things happen. I want God to be with me, therefore, I need to work on being joyful, growing to maturity, encouraging others and living in harmony and peace.
Prayer:
Father, I want you to be with me at all times. I love your presence and want to walk with You in intimacy. Help me to live out my part of the deal as I pursue You each day. I want to be with You. I want to know You more. Let my life radiate Your goodness. Help me in these four areas I pray.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Friday, September 7, 2012
We Will Be Judged
Scripture:
II Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body".
Observation:
Paul tells the Corinthians that we will "all" be judged by Christ and will receive whatever we deserve based on what we did in this earthly body. Every one of us will stand before Christ one day and give an account of what we did while we were on this earth. That day doesn't have to be a day of grief and sorrow, wishing we had done more or better. That day can also be a day of rejoicing where we hear the words, "well done good and faithful servant". This day, judgment day, is the most important day in each of our personal histories.
Application:
Most of us live like we will never have to give an account of what we did with our lives. We must begin living for that day instead of living to please ourselves today. We must live lives that will make that day worthwhile. Eternity future will be based on that judgment day and how we lived our lives on this earth. We must live with this day in our minds at all times. If we have to endure something right now for a short time on this earth, we must endure as good soldiers because it won't last forever and we will be judged on how we did.
Prayer:
Lord God, Help me stay eternity focused. You have placed eternity in our hearts, help me to live like it. Let me live my life in a way that pleases you and builds your kingdom here on earth. On judgment day I want to hear, "well done good and faithful servant". Lead me into this Holy Spirit I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
II Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body".
Observation:
Paul tells the Corinthians that we will "all" be judged by Christ and will receive whatever we deserve based on what we did in this earthly body. Every one of us will stand before Christ one day and give an account of what we did while we were on this earth. That day doesn't have to be a day of grief and sorrow, wishing we had done more or better. That day can also be a day of rejoicing where we hear the words, "well done good and faithful servant". This day, judgment day, is the most important day in each of our personal histories.
Application:
Most of us live like we will never have to give an account of what we did with our lives. We must begin living for that day instead of living to please ourselves today. We must live lives that will make that day worthwhile. Eternity future will be based on that judgment day and how we lived our lives on this earth. We must live with this day in our minds at all times. If we have to endure something right now for a short time on this earth, we must endure as good soldiers because it won't last forever and we will be judged on how we did.
Prayer:
Lord God, Help me stay eternity focused. You have placed eternity in our hearts, help me to live like it. Let me live my life in a way that pleases you and builds your kingdom here on earth. On judgment day I want to hear, "well done good and faithful servant". Lead me into this Holy Spirit I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Overwhelming Glory
Scripture:
II Corinthians 3:10 "In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Corinthian people and talks about the glory that was on the Old Covenant. He shares how Moses had to place a veil over his face because the glory of the Lord was upon him. Then he says that we should expect "far greater glory" because we have the Spirit, which is not fading away. He says that the glory on our lives should make the old glory on Moses look like almost nothing. He calls it "overwhelming glory".
Application:
Paul teaches us that all of us who are saved have the veil removed and both see and reflect God's glory. This is how we are changed into his glorious image 3:18. We should look more and more like Christ every day of our lives, yet we become stagnant in our relationship with Him and content with living inglorious lives. We need to seek God more and more until we see His glory as Moses did, then we can reflect it better.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I want to see Your glory. I want to reflect your glory in my life that others are pointed to you. I want my light to shine brightly for You. I want to walk in "overwhelming glory" the rest of the days of my life. I don't believe Paul was just talking about something impossible. If it is available, I want it. Let me reflect you well.
Your Servant,
Jeff
II Corinthians 3:10 "In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Corinthian people and talks about the glory that was on the Old Covenant. He shares how Moses had to place a veil over his face because the glory of the Lord was upon him. Then he says that we should expect "far greater glory" because we have the Spirit, which is not fading away. He says that the glory on our lives should make the old glory on Moses look like almost nothing. He calls it "overwhelming glory".
Application:
Paul teaches us that all of us who are saved have the veil removed and both see and reflect God's glory. This is how we are changed into his glorious image 3:18. We should look more and more like Christ every day of our lives, yet we become stagnant in our relationship with Him and content with living inglorious lives. We need to seek God more and more until we see His glory as Moses did, then we can reflect it better.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I want to see Your glory. I want to reflect your glory in my life that others are pointed to you. I want my light to shine brightly for You. I want to walk in "overwhelming glory" the rest of the days of my life. I don't believe Paul was just talking about something impossible. If it is available, I want it. Let me reflect you well.
Your Servant,
Jeff
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Take Out the Guessing Game
Scripture:
Exodus 40:38 "The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys".
Observation:
The people of Israel had it so easy when it comes to doing the Lord's will during the time of the Exodus. You didn't have to be super-spiritual to know where the Lord wanted you to be. If the cloud started moving, you needed to move and everyone could see the cloud. If Israel's leaders decided not to follow the cloud, the people would immediately know it, this brought accountability. This took the guessing game out of following the Lord. He guided them very accurately for many years.
Application:
I wish God made it this easy to follow Him today. We are called to live lives of faith, which basically means we can't see the cloud, but still have to follow it. I would love for God to take out the guessing game as to whether I was following Him completely or not. When we can't see Him, we must seek Him all the more. This is what He wants. He wants us to seek Him and His will for us, therefore He doesn't make it as easy as back then.
Prayer:
Father, I want your will for my life to be more clear every day. I would love for the guessing game to be gone and for a cloud to lead me around all day everyday. I would love for you to speak to me from the cloud every day and let me know what to do each day. Teach me to pursue You more. Help me to seek after You more desperately. I want to know You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Exodus 40:38 "The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys".
Observation:
The people of Israel had it so easy when it comes to doing the Lord's will during the time of the Exodus. You didn't have to be super-spiritual to know where the Lord wanted you to be. If the cloud started moving, you needed to move and everyone could see the cloud. If Israel's leaders decided not to follow the cloud, the people would immediately know it, this brought accountability. This took the guessing game out of following the Lord. He guided them very accurately for many years.
Application:
I wish God made it this easy to follow Him today. We are called to live lives of faith, which basically means we can't see the cloud, but still have to follow it. I would love for God to take out the guessing game as to whether I was following Him completely or not. When we can't see Him, we must seek Him all the more. This is what He wants. He wants us to seek Him and His will for us, therefore He doesn't make it as easy as back then.
Prayer:
Father, I want your will for my life to be more clear every day. I would love for the guessing game to be gone and for a cloud to lead me around all day everyday. I would love for you to speak to me from the cloud every day and let me know what to do each day. Teach me to pursue You more. Help me to seek after You more desperately. I want to know You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Incredible Furnishings
Scripture:
Exodus 37:24 "The entire lampstand, along with its accessories, was made from seventy five pounds of pure gold".
Observation:
The lampstand in the tabernacle of Moses was made of 75 pounds of pure gold! Wow! This was just one of the many gold furnishings in the house of the Lord. When God told them what He wanted, it was extravagant. When He had them build a tabernacle, He wanted it to be amazing and nothing but the best was to be used. This was a place for God to meet with man and God wanted it to be done right. Cost was not a factor.
Application:
When we love someone, it isn't a problem to spend money on them, giving them the most special things we can. Today, when we do things for God, we make sure not to spend too much money because it might look like we wasted God's money. We want it to look as cheap as possible so people know we got the best deal possible for God's money. From God's buildings in the Old Testament, I would say that God likes extravagance in our worship of Him. God is worthy of our best.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for giving You the least I can instead of giving extravagantly. Help me become a better giver and one that blesses You with nothing but my very best. I want You honored in and through my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Exodus 37:24 "The entire lampstand, along with its accessories, was made from seventy five pounds of pure gold".
Observation:
The lampstand in the tabernacle of Moses was made of 75 pounds of pure gold! Wow! This was just one of the many gold furnishings in the house of the Lord. When God told them what He wanted, it was extravagant. When He had them build a tabernacle, He wanted it to be amazing and nothing but the best was to be used. This was a place for God to meet with man and God wanted it to be done right. Cost was not a factor.
Application:
When we love someone, it isn't a problem to spend money on them, giving them the most special things we can. Today, when we do things for God, we make sure not to spend too much money because it might look like we wasted God's money. We want it to look as cheap as possible so people know we got the best deal possible for God's money. From God's buildings in the Old Testament, I would say that God likes extravagance in our worship of Him. God is worthy of our best.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for giving You the least I can instead of giving extravagantly. Help me become a better giver and one that blesses You with nothing but my very best. I want You honored in and through my life.
Yours,
Jeff
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