Scripture:
II Samuel 18:33 "The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: 'O my son Absalom! My son, mt son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you - O Absalom, my son, my son!'"
Observation:
Absalom, David's son, had been trying to take over the kingdom from his father. He spent much time winning the hearts of the people by pointing out everything wrong in the kingdom of his father. David was a great king, but his very own son wanted the kingdom. Eventually Absalom took the men of Israel on a manhunt to kill David and take the kingdom. In this manhunt Absalom is killed and David's life is preserved. David hears the news of his son's death and goes into deep grieving. He is grieving over the son who was trying to kill him.
Application:
A father's heart would rather die than to see their son die. David loved a son who was betraying him. He would not rejoice in his son's death, even though his son had betrayed him. Only God can put that kind of love in a person. Though I don't like this story, it does show me the heart of a father who always wants what's best for his children and doesn't want anything bad to happen to them. If David loved a son who was trying to kill him, how much more does our heavenly father love us?
Prayer:
Lord, let me love how You love. Teach me to be a lover of people who reflects You in all of my life. As I said in my prayer walk this morning, make me a soul winner today. Help me to be sensitive to Your voice.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Banished
Scripture:
II Samuel 14:14 "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him".
Observation:
This woman from Tekoa was sent by Joab, the king's closest friend and confidant, to deliver a message that would cause David to take Absalom back. Absalom had spent over three years banished from the kingdom for killing Amnon and Joab felt David needed to let him come back home. In her speaking to David, the woman from Tekoa says, "God.. devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him".
Application:
God loves us and doesn't want us to be banished from Him. It is not His desire for any of us to be separated from Him. He devises ways to get the banished back home where they belong. In seeing this trait of God, I need to see others the same way. If God is always trying to get the banished back, I must have the same ideals. Restoration of relationship is always at the heart of God and should be in our hearts as well.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to have Your heart that welcomes the banished back home and actually devises plans so they don't remain banished. Help me to love those who have hurt me and to welcome them into my life. Teach me to love like You love and to desire what You desire. You are amazing! Help me be more like You today.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Samuel 14:14 "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him".
Observation:
This woman from Tekoa was sent by Joab, the king's closest friend and confidant, to deliver a message that would cause David to take Absalom back. Absalom had spent over three years banished from the kingdom for killing Amnon and Joab felt David needed to let him come back home. In her speaking to David, the woman from Tekoa says, "God.. devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him".
Application:
God loves us and doesn't want us to be banished from Him. It is not His desire for any of us to be separated from Him. He devises ways to get the banished back home where they belong. In seeing this trait of God, I need to see others the same way. If God is always trying to get the banished back, I must have the same ideals. Restoration of relationship is always at the heart of God and should be in our hearts as well.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to have Your heart that welcomes the banished back home and actually devises plans so they don't remain banished. Help me to love those who have hurt me and to welcome them into my life. Teach me to love like You love and to desire what You desire. You are amazing! Help me be more like You today.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A Time for Rest and a Time for War
Scripture:
II Samuel 11:1 "In the Spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and beseiged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem."
Observation:
This is how the familiar story of Davd and Bathsheeba begins. It was the Spring time when kings went out to war, but this Spring, David decided to let his troops go and he stayed home. While he was home and his troops were fighting hard against their enemies, he noticed Bathsheeba, sent for her and had sexual relations with her. When David should have been on the battlefield, he was home. When he was inactive, his mind raced with other ways to have some excitement. This choice to relax when he should have been in battle caused him terrible consequences.
Application:
Rest is good and very necessary. If I have ever felt like I need rest it is now, but rest is different than inactivity. David was not doing what he should have been doing and in doing this, he opened the door to the enemy in his personal life. There is a time for rest and an time for war. This was the time for war and David was inactive in his calling as king. We must be able to understand the times and seasons. We want to rest at the the right time and fight at the right time. This way our inactivity will not brnig about bad results.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are faithful and good to your people. Teach me to know the times and seasons. Give me strength to fight when it's time to fight and rest when it's time to rest. Teach me to stay focused on the main thing, so that other things don't distract my attention. I want my life to please you.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
II Samuel 11:1 "In the Spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and beseiged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem."
Observation:
This is how the familiar story of Davd and Bathsheeba begins. It was the Spring time when kings went out to war, but this Spring, David decided to let his troops go and he stayed home. While he was home and his troops were fighting hard against their enemies, he noticed Bathsheeba, sent for her and had sexual relations with her. When David should have been on the battlefield, he was home. When he was inactive, his mind raced with other ways to have some excitement. This choice to relax when he should have been in battle caused him terrible consequences.
Application:
Rest is good and very necessary. If I have ever felt like I need rest it is now, but rest is different than inactivity. David was not doing what he should have been doing and in doing this, he opened the door to the enemy in his personal life. There is a time for rest and an time for war. This was the time for war and David was inactive in his calling as king. We must be able to understand the times and seasons. We want to rest at the the right time and fight at the right time. This way our inactivity will not brnig about bad results.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are faithful and good to your people. Teach me to know the times and seasons. Give me strength to fight when it's time to fight and rest when it's time to rest. Teach me to stay focused on the main thing, so that other things don't distract my attention. I want my life to please you.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Blessing of the Lord
Scripture:
II Samuel 7:29 "Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever".
Observation:
God had just spoken to David through Nathan the prophet about the blessing of God coming on David's generations. When David hears it, he goes into prayer and is speaking with the Lord when he asked God to bless his house. David knew, and said it near the end, that if God would bless his house, it would be blessed forever. David understood the blessing of God and wanted it badly on his family.
Application:
A few years ago "The Prayer of Jabez" became very popular. It was simply a prayer doing exactly what David did hear, asking God to bless them. The blessing of God is a powerful thing in the lives of His people. Men of God in the bible understood this and strongly desired God's blessing. Today, we must begin to desire the blessing of God to be on our lives and families.
Prayer:
Father, bless my family! Bless Cheryl and my boys. May your hand of favor be upon our lives and may we complete everything for which we were born. May the lives of my family bring You glory! Bless my life I pray. Help me to walk as You would like and let Yoru blessings flow.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 7:29 "Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever".
Observation:
God had just spoken to David through Nathan the prophet about the blessing of God coming on David's generations. When David hears it, he goes into prayer and is speaking with the Lord when he asked God to bless his house. David knew, and said it near the end, that if God would bless his house, it would be blessed forever. David understood the blessing of God and wanted it badly on his family.
Application:
A few years ago "The Prayer of Jabez" became very popular. It was simply a prayer doing exactly what David did hear, asking God to bless them. The blessing of God is a powerful thing in the lives of His people. Men of God in the bible understood this and strongly desired God's blessing. Today, we must begin to desire the blessing of God to be on our lives and families.
Prayer:
Father, bless my family! Bless Cheryl and my boys. May your hand of favor be upon our lives and may we complete everything for which we were born. May the lives of my family bring You glory! Bless my life I pray. Help me to walk as You would like and let Yoru blessings flow.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
No Fault in Him
Scripture:
I Samuel 29:3b "He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him".
Observation:
David was prepared to go to battle with Achish of the Philistines. He had been fleeing from Saul for a long time and took a rest in his enemies region. Even as a man living in his enemy's territory after being anointed king of Israel, King Achish basically says that he trustes David to go and fight with them because he has found no fault in him for a year. David had a reputation of honesty and truth, even from his enemies.
Application:
Just as David became a man of truth, even when he was being treated totally unfairly, we need to be people of truth and integrity. People should be able to trust us completely. Our actions, in good times and in bad times, should cause people to trust us. Our lives are open books, people should read about truth in them. When our enemies see us, may they say, "I have found no fault in him". May our reputation be like David's.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for speaking to me this morning. You are amazing and I appreciate you! Help me to live a life of integrity and character so that, even those who don't like me, can never question my walk with You. Help my life to speak out like David's. I want to be a pure reflection of You.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 29:3b "He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him".
Observation:
David was prepared to go to battle with Achish of the Philistines. He had been fleeing from Saul for a long time and took a rest in his enemies region. Even as a man living in his enemy's territory after being anointed king of Israel, King Achish basically says that he trustes David to go and fight with them because he has found no fault in him for a year. David had a reputation of honesty and truth, even from his enemies.
Application:
Just as David became a man of truth, even when he was being treated totally unfairly, we need to be people of truth and integrity. People should be able to trust us completely. Our actions, in good times and in bad times, should cause people to trust us. Our lives are open books, people should read about truth in them. When our enemies see us, may they say, "I have found no fault in him". May our reputation be like David's.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for speaking to me this morning. You are amazing and I appreciate you! Help me to live a life of integrity and character so that, even those who don't like me, can never question my walk with You. Help my life to speak out like David's. I want to be a pure reflection of You.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Lord's Anointed
Scripture:
I Samuel 26:11 "But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord's anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let's go".
Observation:
Saul, the king anointed by God through the prophet Samuel, was chasing David for a long time wanting to kill him. At this point David came into Saul's camp at night while everyone was asleep and Abishai, David's servant wanted to kill him and get revenge. David stops Abishai and tells him that he should not lay a hand on the Lord's anointed. I see here that David remained submissive to God's will, even when God's choice for a king was trying to kill him.
Application:
What God has ordered, we need to submit to. If God has a person in a position of authority, we need to treat it as David did. He wasn't going to let Saul kill him, but he also wasn't going to try to destroy Saul because he knew God had anointed Saul to be king at that time. David did not want to interfere with the hand of God working. He trusted God and we must do the same. If we really believe that God orders our steps, we would treat our employers differently. We would see them as God's oversight in our lives at this point. We must come to the place where we trust God with our lives.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be submissive to your will and not take things into my own hands. You are perfect and know what is best for me. Help me take my battles to prayer instead of in my own hands. You are trustworthy and you do take vengeance on Your enemies. Help me trust You more, even in the things I don't understand.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 26:11 "But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord's anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let's go".
Observation:
Saul, the king anointed by God through the prophet Samuel, was chasing David for a long time wanting to kill him. At this point David came into Saul's camp at night while everyone was asleep and Abishai, David's servant wanted to kill him and get revenge. David stops Abishai and tells him that he should not lay a hand on the Lord's anointed. I see here that David remained submissive to God's will, even when God's choice for a king was trying to kill him.
Application:
What God has ordered, we need to submit to. If God has a person in a position of authority, we need to treat it as David did. He wasn't going to let Saul kill him, but he also wasn't going to try to destroy Saul because he knew God had anointed Saul to be king at that time. David did not want to interfere with the hand of God working. He trusted God and we must do the same. If we really believe that God orders our steps, we would treat our employers differently. We would see them as God's oversight in our lives at this point. We must come to the place where we trust God with our lives.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be submissive to your will and not take things into my own hands. You are perfect and know what is best for me. Help me take my battles to prayer instead of in my own hands. You are trustworthy and you do take vengeance on Your enemies. Help me trust You more, even in the things I don't understand.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Lord Was With Him
Scripture:
I Samuel 18:14 "In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him".
Observation:
I see here a clear cconnection between David's extreme success and the fact that the Lord was with him. David had been anointed by Samuel and from that time the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. David was one of those people who had incredible success in every area of life. The key was that the Lord was with him. David was a seeker of God. He was a man who was after God's heart. He fully loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him well.
Application:
When the Lord is with you, you can expect great success. As a child of God, I realize that the Lord is always with me. He is always there and never leaves or forsakes us. In David's life it says that the Lord was with him, which is why he had great success. Success follows being a lover of God. When you area a lover of God, He will fight your battles and order your steps. He will make you prosperous and successful. They key is that you can't love God just to get his blessing. You must love Him for who He is and the blessing will follow. This will be tested!
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I love you and want to walk with You as David walked. I want to know You deeper and be who You want me to be. Help me to serve You well. I want my life to show the world that there is a God who loves His children and blesses them immensely. I want to make You look good!
Love Always,
Jeff
I Samuel 18:14 "In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him".
Observation:
I see here a clear cconnection between David's extreme success and the fact that the Lord was with him. David had been anointed by Samuel and from that time the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. David was one of those people who had incredible success in every area of life. The key was that the Lord was with him. David was a seeker of God. He was a man who was after God's heart. He fully loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him well.
Application:
When the Lord is with you, you can expect great success. As a child of God, I realize that the Lord is always with me. He is always there and never leaves or forsakes us. In David's life it says that the Lord was with him, which is why he had great success. Success follows being a lover of God. When you area a lover of God, He will fight your battles and order your steps. He will make you prosperous and successful. They key is that you can't love God just to get his blessing. You must love Him for who He is and the blessing will follow. This will be tested!
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I love you and want to walk with You as David walked. I want to know You deeper and be who You want me to be. Help me to serve You well. I want my life to show the world that there is a God who loves His children and blesses them immensely. I want to make You look good!
Love Always,
Jeff
Thursday, November 15, 2012
So I Gave in to Them
Scripture:
I Samuel 15:24 "Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I have sinned. I violated the Lord's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men, so I gave in to them'".
Observation:
Saul had been commanded by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites. He decided to destroy alomist everything, but to save the best flock to bring back as an offering to God for His blessings and victory. It seemed like a good thing to do and his men were apparently telling him it was a good idea, but it was not what God had asked of them. In his explanation to Samuel about what had happened, Saul says he was afraid of the men so he gave in to them.
Application:
How many times do we give in to what we know is not God's best because we are afraid of man and what they might think about us? Saul lost his kingdom because he didn't fully follow the Lord's commands. He lost everything because of partial obedience and he even had a great explanation of how he was doing it for the Lord, in order to bring the best sacrifices and offering to the Lord. The bottom line is that obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings disaster. We must follow through on what the Lord asks us to do and not be afraid of man.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for Your word. It speaks to me daily and empowers my life. Help me to not give in on things I know I have heard from You. Help me to finish the work you have for me with excellence and to fulfill Your desire for my life. I surrender to You and Your will. Strengthen me to follow it completely and not fear any person.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
I Samuel 15:24 "Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I have sinned. I violated the Lord's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men, so I gave in to them'".
Observation:
Saul had been commanded by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites. He decided to destroy alomist everything, but to save the best flock to bring back as an offering to God for His blessings and victory. It seemed like a good thing to do and his men were apparently telling him it was a good idea, but it was not what God had asked of them. In his explanation to Samuel about what had happened, Saul says he was afraid of the men so he gave in to them.
Application:
How many times do we give in to what we know is not God's best because we are afraid of man and what they might think about us? Saul lost his kingdom because he didn't fully follow the Lord's commands. He lost everything because of partial obedience and he even had a great explanation of how he was doing it for the Lord, in order to bring the best sacrifices and offering to the Lord. The bottom line is that obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings disaster. We must follow through on what the Lord asks us to do and not be afraid of man.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for Your word. It speaks to me daily and empowers my life. Help me to not give in on things I know I have heard from You. Help me to finish the work you have for me with excellence and to fulfill Your desire for my life. I surrender to You and Your will. Strengthen me to follow it completely and not fear any person.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Rejecting God
Scripture:
I Samuel 10:19 "But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your disasters and calamities. And you have said, 'No, appoint a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans".
Observation:
God is speaking through Samuel to Israel at this point. He has just anointed Saul to be king because the people wanted a king like all of the other nations around them. They wanted to be like everyone else. Just one problem, God always wanted to be Israel's king. He didn't want them to have another king besides Him, but because of their constant whining about wanting a king, He gave them one. In desiring another king for their nation, God said that they were rejecting Him.
Application:
How many times do we reject God because we do things our own way instead of His? How many times do we reject God by trying to figure everything out on our own instead of asking Him? He desires to be our king still today, but we often reject Him by taking everything into our own hands and being our own king. We often reject His leadership because we think we know better what we should do. I don't want to reject God's leadership in my life any more. I want to follow Him fully and completely.
Prayer:
Father, I know it is easier to say these things than it is to live them, but with Your help on this I know I can do it. I want You to lead my life. I don't want to continue rejecting You because I am not doing what You want. Help me to follow You more closely than ever before in my life. You are awesome and I love you.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Samuel 10:19 "But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your disasters and calamities. And you have said, 'No, appoint a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans".
Observation:
God is speaking through Samuel to Israel at this point. He has just anointed Saul to be king because the people wanted a king like all of the other nations around them. They wanted to be like everyone else. Just one problem, God always wanted to be Israel's king. He didn't want them to have another king besides Him, but because of their constant whining about wanting a king, He gave them one. In desiring another king for their nation, God said that they were rejecting Him.
Application:
How many times do we reject God because we do things our own way instead of His? How many times do we reject God by trying to figure everything out on our own instead of asking Him? He desires to be our king still today, but we often reject Him by taking everything into our own hands and being our own king. We often reject His leadership because we think we know better what we should do. I don't want to reject God's leadership in my life any more. I want to follow Him fully and completely.
Prayer:
Father, I know it is easier to say these things than it is to live them, but with Your help on this I know I can do it. I want You to lead my life. I don't want to continue rejecting You because I am not doing what You want. Help me to follow You more closely than ever before in my life. You are awesome and I love you.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, November 9, 2012
Guardian Redeemer
Scripture:
Ruth 4:14 "Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!"
Observation:
The women who were friends of Naomi were speaking about Boaz being her family guardian redeemer and how he has rescued her family's lives. Naomi had felt before that God has forsaken her and left her alone with no way of being taken care of all her life. Now Boaz is taking great care of her and she will be taken care of the rest of her life.
Application:
God is in control! He loves us and will take care of us when we are committed to Him. There will be times, like with Naomi, when we feel like He is not doing a good job taking care of us, but He is there and will never leave us or forsake us. He is Good!!! He always comes through, even when it feels like the last minute.
Prayer:
Lord, let me know you more. Help me to trust You more in my life. Teach me your ways and help me to grow in You more every day. You are amazing. You took care of Naomi and you still take care of us today.
Yours,
Jeff
Ruth 4:14 "Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!"
Observation:
The women who were friends of Naomi were speaking about Boaz being her family guardian redeemer and how he has rescued her family's lives. Naomi had felt before that God has forsaken her and left her alone with no way of being taken care of all her life. Now Boaz is taking great care of her and she will be taken care of the rest of her life.
Application:
God is in control! He loves us and will take care of us when we are committed to Him. There will be times, like with Naomi, when we feel like He is not doing a good job taking care of us, but He is there and will never leave us or forsake us. He is Good!!! He always comes through, even when it feels like the last minute.
Prayer:
Lord, let me know you more. Help me to trust You more in my life. Teach me your ways and help me to grow in You more every day. You are amazing. You took care of Naomi and you still take care of us today.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
So Your Daily Life Will Win Respect
Scripture:
I Thessalonians 4:11-12 "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so you will not be dependent on anybody".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Thessalonians and is giving them practical things to do in following the Lord until He comes again. He lets them know that Jesus is coming again, and also tells them how to live between now and then. He tells us to live a quiet life, mind your own business and work hard so that our daily lives earn the respect of those around us.
Application:
Our daily lives need to be earning the respect of those around us. They should look at our lives and not tell us what a great preacher we are, but how great of lives we live. He tells us that quiet, peaceful lives earn respect from those around us. We should have more peace than those unbelievers around us because the Prince of Peace lives in us. May our every day lives earn the respect of those around us.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to live a quiet and peaceful life that brings you glory and earns the respect of the community around me. I want my life to be a life well-lived. Help me to have your attitude, thoughts and ways. Teach me to walk closer with you, that I may reflect you in the simplest parts of my everyday life.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Thessalonians 4:11-12 "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so you will not be dependent on anybody".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Thessalonians and is giving them practical things to do in following the Lord until He comes again. He lets them know that Jesus is coming again, and also tells them how to live between now and then. He tells us to live a quiet life, mind your own business and work hard so that our daily lives earn the respect of those around us.
Application:
Our daily lives need to be earning the respect of those around us. They should look at our lives and not tell us what a great preacher we are, but how great of lives we live. He tells us that quiet, peaceful lives earn respect from those around us. We should have more peace than those unbelievers around us because the Prince of Peace lives in us. May our every day lives earn the respect of those around us.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to live a quiet and peaceful life that brings you glory and earns the respect of the community around me. I want my life to be a life well-lived. Help me to have your attitude, thoughts and ways. Teach me to walk closer with you, that I may reflect you in the simplest parts of my everyday life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
May Your Love Increase
Scripture:
I Thessalonians 3:12 "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and everyone else, just as ours does for you".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Thessalonians and telling them how proud he is of them. He tells them how he has heard about their love for each other and their faith. He is like a proud daddy talking about his kids. He says how proud he is of them, but then goes on to ask God to increase them even more in it. He says, "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow". This is powerful stuff!
Application:
Love God and love others are the two commands that make up the greatest commands according to Jesus. God is love, therefore when we grow in God, we grow in love. It can also be said that if we grow in love, we grow in God. Love is the most god-like attribute we can exhibit to those around us. When we get ahold on this four letter word, our world will be turned upside down and the kingdom of God will grow exponentially. I want my love to increase and overflow more and more.
Prayer:
Father, help me love like you love. Teach me your ways. Show me how to love everyone better. I want to increase in this area because I believe it is the godliest attribute we can have. I want to be like my father who is love.
Yours,
Jeff
I Thessalonians 3:12 "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and everyone else, just as ours does for you".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Thessalonians and telling them how proud he is of them. He tells them how he has heard about their love for each other and their faith. He is like a proud daddy talking about his kids. He says how proud he is of them, but then goes on to ask God to increase them even more in it. He says, "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow". This is powerful stuff!
Application:
Love God and love others are the two commands that make up the greatest commands according to Jesus. God is love, therefore when we grow in God, we grow in love. It can also be said that if we grow in love, we grow in God. Love is the most god-like attribute we can exhibit to those around us. When we get ahold on this four letter word, our world will be turned upside down and the kingdom of God will grow exponentially. I want my love to increase and overflow more and more.
Prayer:
Father, help me love like you love. Teach me your ways. Show me how to love everyone better. I want to increase in this area because I believe it is the godliest attribute we can have. I want to be like my father who is love.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, November 2, 2012
We Will Possess
Scripture:
Judges 11:24 "Will you not take what your god Chemosh gives you? Likewise, whatever the Lord our God has given us, we will possess".
Observation:
Jephthah was a mighty warrior. As he conquered the Amorites, they asked what right they had to take over the land. He told them that whatever their god gave them, they should be able to keep, but whatever the Lord God of Israel gave His people, they should be able to possess. His idea was, whichever god demonstrates in battle that he is stronger, should get the land. I love his determination in that, if God gave you something, you need to possess it.
Application:
Jesus died to give us so much more than what we act like we possess. I want to say with Jephthah, "whatever the Lord our God has given us, we will possess". We must possess peace, joy, and love! We must possess healing, deliverance, and walking in the power of the Spirit. We must possess the blessings of our God. He has given us so much, we need to possess everything He has paid such a high price to get us. We are partakers of the divine nature. We have access to God at any time. We must possess it!
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to possess what I profess. I want to live a remarkable life that shines forth for a remarkable God. You have given me so much, help me to use it properly and to possess everything Jesus died to give to me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Judges 11:24 "Will you not take what your god Chemosh gives you? Likewise, whatever the Lord our God has given us, we will possess".
Observation:
Jephthah was a mighty warrior. As he conquered the Amorites, they asked what right they had to take over the land. He told them that whatever their god gave them, they should be able to keep, but whatever the Lord God of Israel gave His people, they should be able to possess. His idea was, whichever god demonstrates in battle that he is stronger, should get the land. I love his determination in that, if God gave you something, you need to possess it.
Application:
Jesus died to give us so much more than what we act like we possess. I want to say with Jephthah, "whatever the Lord our God has given us, we will possess". We must possess peace, joy, and love! We must possess healing, deliverance, and walking in the power of the Spirit. We must possess the blessings of our God. He has given us so much, we need to possess everything He has paid such a high price to get us. We are partakers of the divine nature. We have access to God at any time. We must possess it!
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to possess what I profess. I want to live a remarkable life that shines forth for a remarkable God. You have given me so much, help me to use it properly and to possess everything Jesus died to give to me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Exhausted, yet keeping up the pursuit
Scripture:
Judges 8:4 "Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the puruit, came to the Jordan and crossed it".
Observation:
Here I see Gideon and his warriors in puruit of their enemies. They have been in battle for a while and are exhausted, but it says here that they were "keeping up the pursuit". They continued to go after the enemy through their exhaustion and refused to quit or give up.
Application:
Sometimes in life there are battles that we face that exhaust us. Those who win those battles are those who refuse to run, but rather keep up the pursuit until the enemy is vanquished and victory comes. It is easy to run away when things get difficult. When you have given all you have and fought with all your might, sometimes you have to "keep up the pursuit". When God says you will have the victory, it will come if we don't faint.
Prayer:
Father God, You are worthy of all my praise! Thanks for speaking to me this morning. Help me to keep up the pursuit until the enemy is defeated. Give me strength to keep on fighting until we see You will accomplished. You are amazing. Thanks for refreshing me today.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Judges 8:4 "Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the puruit, came to the Jordan and crossed it".
Observation:
Here I see Gideon and his warriors in puruit of their enemies. They have been in battle for a while and are exhausted, but it says here that they were "keeping up the pursuit". They continued to go after the enemy through their exhaustion and refused to quit or give up.
Application:
Sometimes in life there are battles that we face that exhaust us. Those who win those battles are those who refuse to run, but rather keep up the pursuit until the enemy is vanquished and victory comes. It is easy to run away when things get difficult. When you have given all you have and fought with all your might, sometimes you have to "keep up the pursuit". When God says you will have the victory, it will come if we don't faint.
Prayer:
Father God, You are worthy of all my praise! Thanks for speaking to me this morning. Help me to keep up the pursuit until the enemy is defeated. Give me strength to keep on fighting until we see You will accomplished. You are amazing. Thanks for refreshing me today.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
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