Scripture:
Isaiah 22:12-13 "The Lord, the Almighty, called you on that day to weep and to wail, to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth. But see, there is joy and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine! 'Let us eat and drink'' you say, 'for tomorrow we die!'"
Observation:
The prophet Isaiah is giving the word of the Lord to Jerusalem about destruction that is coming and He condemns their response. They were told of judgment and destruction coming on them and they responded by throwing a party and celebrating on their way out. God told them this so that they would repent of their sins and turn to Him and He would have delivered them, but they didn't get it. Instead of turning from sin and asking God to save them, they sinned more. God has nothing against celebrations, He instituted many of them for Israel, but celebrating when you should be repenting and weeping before God is wrong in His eyes.
Application:
I believe God is trying to wake America up by lifting His hand of protection on us as a nation. He is allowing things to come against us so that we will turn to Him in repentance and ask His blessing again. The beginning of judgment has begun against America, but if our leadership will repent and turn to God, it can still change. Instead of weeping and mourning and turning back to God, it seems America is going the course of Israel and celebrating instead of humbling ourselves. May God have mercy on us.
Prayer:
Father, As for me and mine, I humble myself before you and ask you to have mercy on us. Help me be the man of God You want me to be. I see judgment coming to my nation, so please give grace and mercy to this nation. Cause our leaders to repent and come to You completely. Start another great awakening here I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, May 31, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
What God Plans...Will Come to Pass
Scripture:
Isaiah 14:24 "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen".
Observation:
In this passage, God is speaking to Isaiah concerning the nations that are around them and how He has promised to bring judgment on them. As He is declaring His judgment on these nations, his little saying pops up about God. "As I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen". In this case it meant war and destruction was coming to some surrounding countries, but overall it is a statement about the faithfulness of God.
Application:
When God says something...It is going to happen. What He has planned and purposed will come to pass. We can trust God in this. If we continue in Him, He will bring about His plans and purposes in our lives. What God plans...will come to pass! If God said it...it is going to happen as long as we continue to seek after Him with a pure heart. We must learn to trust God and take Him at His word. When we don't see the answer coming, we must hold on...He will do what He says He will do.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You more each day. You are faithful and you do what you say you are going to do from destroying nations to raising up Your people. You are amazing! I ask You to help me walk by faith and not by sight.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 14:24 "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen".
Observation:
In this passage, God is speaking to Isaiah concerning the nations that are around them and how He has promised to bring judgment on them. As He is declaring His judgment on these nations, his little saying pops up about God. "As I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen". In this case it meant war and destruction was coming to some surrounding countries, but overall it is a statement about the faithfulness of God.
Application:
When God says something...It is going to happen. What He has planned and purposed will come to pass. We can trust God in this. If we continue in Him, He will bring about His plans and purposes in our lives. What God plans...will come to pass! If God said it...it is going to happen as long as we continue to seek after Him with a pure heart. We must learn to trust God and take Him at His word. When we don't see the answer coming, we must hold on...He will do what He says He will do.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You more each day. You are faithful and you do what you say you are going to do from destroying nations to raising up Your people. You are amazing! I ask You to help me walk by faith and not by sight.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
You Did It For Me
Scripture:
Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'".
Observation:
Jesus is speaking of a future time of judgment when he talks about this. He says that at the judgment he will talk to people about their works. He uses Himself in the communication. He tells the people that they had fed Him, clothed Him, blessed Him, etc. and they asked when they had done that to Him. His reply was that when we did it to the least of these, we did it to Him.
Application:
When we get ahold of this principle, we will realize that what we do for others and how we treat them, we are treating Jesus. When we help others, we are helping Jesus. When we serve others, we are serving Jesus. We need to treat all people as we would treat Jesus if He was right there with us.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to serve my generation. When I get to heaven, I want to hear, well done good and faithful servant. That's my life goal! I love You.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'".
Observation:
Jesus is speaking of a future time of judgment when he talks about this. He says that at the judgment he will talk to people about their works. He uses Himself in the communication. He tells the people that they had fed Him, clothed Him, blessed Him, etc. and they asked when they had done that to Him. His reply was that when we did it to the least of these, we did it to Him.
Application:
When we get ahold of this principle, we will realize that what we do for others and how we treat them, we are treating Jesus. When we help others, we are helping Jesus. When we serve others, we are serving Jesus. We need to treat all people as we would treat Jesus if He was right there with us.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to serve my generation. When I get to heaven, I want to hear, well done good and faithful servant. That's my life goal! I love You.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Keep Watch
Scripture:
Matthew 24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come".
Observation:
Jesus is near the end of His life on earth and is talking to his disciples about the signs of the end times. He is talking about His return when He says, "keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come". He wants us to live prepared and watching for His return. He wants us to live life in such a way that no matter when He comes, He will find us doing His will. He wants us, especially since we are so much closer to the end of things, to live a life that is keep an eye on heaven and living as if Jesus could come back at any moment".
Application:
We do not know what day of hour the Lord will return, but we do know the season and we are living in that season now. World events are unfolding daily that show us clearly that we are living in the time of the end. Now is the time to keep watch and live expecting the coming of the Lord. We must live with an awareness of His coming and keeping watch for His return. We must examine our lives and ask if there is anything we are doing that we wouldn't want Him to see when He returns. Keeping our eyes on Him and living in the understanding that He is definitely coming soon is the only way to live.
Prayer:
Father, help me be a watchman on the wall, looking for the return of my king. Help me see things unfolding and be able to communicate with others the urgency of the moment we live in. Holy Spirit, guide my life each day and let me live a life pleasing to Jesus and advancing Your kingdom.
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come".
Observation:
Jesus is near the end of His life on earth and is talking to his disciples about the signs of the end times. He is talking about His return when He says, "keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come". He wants us to live prepared and watching for His return. He wants us to live life in such a way that no matter when He comes, He will find us doing His will. He wants us, especially since we are so much closer to the end of things, to live a life that is keep an eye on heaven and living as if Jesus could come back at any moment".
Application:
We do not know what day of hour the Lord will return, but we do know the season and we are living in that season now. World events are unfolding daily that show us clearly that we are living in the time of the end. Now is the time to keep watch and live expecting the coming of the Lord. We must live with an awareness of His coming and keeping watch for His return. We must examine our lives and ask if there is anything we are doing that we wouldn't want Him to see when He returns. Keeping our eyes on Him and living in the understanding that He is definitely coming soon is the only way to live.
Prayer:
Father, help me be a watchman on the wall, looking for the return of my king. Help me see things unfolding and be able to communicate with others the urgency of the moment we live in. Holy Spirit, guide my life each day and let me live a life pleasing to Jesus and advancing Your kingdom.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, May 20, 2013
If You Believe
Scripture:
Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer".
Observation:
In context, Jesus was approaching Jerusalem and was hungry. He saw a fig tree and wanted fruit. When He saw no fruit on the tree, He cursed the tree told it that it would never produce fruit again and it immediately withered. The disciples were amazed and Jesus told them that this was nothing. If they believed, they could speak to a mountain and tell it to be thrown into the sea and it would happen. He then makes this simple statement, "If you believe, you will received whatever you ask for in prayer."
Application:
This is a powerful promise that Jesus makes to His disciples. It sounds simple, but "believing" apparently is not as easy as we think it is. He tells us very clearly that if we believe, we will receive whatever we ask for. Therefore, our believing must not be at the right level to obtain the promise Jesus made because many of our prayer don't get answers. I want my faith to increase. I want to walk by faith and call things that are not as though they were. I want to see this promise of Jesus fulfilled in and through my life.
Prayer:
Father, I want to believe You more. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to become the person of faith You want me to be. I want to see results in my prayer life. Teach me to pray effectively and to believe wholeheartedly.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer".
Observation:
In context, Jesus was approaching Jerusalem and was hungry. He saw a fig tree and wanted fruit. When He saw no fruit on the tree, He cursed the tree told it that it would never produce fruit again and it immediately withered. The disciples were amazed and Jesus told them that this was nothing. If they believed, they could speak to a mountain and tell it to be thrown into the sea and it would happen. He then makes this simple statement, "If you believe, you will received whatever you ask for in prayer."
Application:
This is a powerful promise that Jesus makes to His disciples. It sounds simple, but "believing" apparently is not as easy as we think it is. He tells us very clearly that if we believe, we will receive whatever we ask for. Therefore, our believing must not be at the right level to obtain the promise Jesus made because many of our prayer don't get answers. I want my faith to increase. I want to walk by faith and call things that are not as though they were. I want to see this promise of Jesus fulfilled in and through my life.
Prayer:
Father, I want to believe You more. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to become the person of faith You want me to be. I want to see results in my prayer life. Teach me to pray effectively and to believe wholeheartedly.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, May 17, 2013
As You Go
Scripture:
Matthew 10:7 "As you go, proclaim this message: 'the kingdom of heaven has come near'. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give".
Observation:
Jesus gave his disciples authority to cast out devils and to heal the sick. He tells them to go out proclaiming the kingdom of heaven has come near. He doesn't tell them to pray for the sick, to pray for the dead, to pray for the lepers and to pray for people with demons... He gave them authority and told them to go and do it. He tells them that they had freely received and that they were to freely give these things away.
Application:
We are the disciples of Christ and have been given the same authority and commission. We are to go out in His authority and let the world know that the kingdom of heaven is near. We are told to heal the sick, cleanse the leper and raise the dead. We are told to cast out demons. Jesus said his disciples were to GO, and as they GO, these things would happen. 2/3 of God is GO. As we GO in His name, we have His authority and power to back us up. The more we GO, the more of the power of God we will see in action. Going can be across the street or around the world, but it is specifically GOing to proclaim His kingdom is near, then the other stuff follows.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome! I want to go out in Your name more and establish Your kingdom in new areas of the earth. I want to bring the message "the kingdom of heaven is near" to as many people as possible before my life ends. As I go this summer to Costa Rica, would You establish Your kingdom there in the hearts and lives of people.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 10:7 "As you go, proclaim this message: 'the kingdom of heaven has come near'. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give".
Observation:
Jesus gave his disciples authority to cast out devils and to heal the sick. He tells them to go out proclaiming the kingdom of heaven has come near. He doesn't tell them to pray for the sick, to pray for the dead, to pray for the lepers and to pray for people with demons... He gave them authority and told them to go and do it. He tells them that they had freely received and that they were to freely give these things away.
Application:
We are the disciples of Christ and have been given the same authority and commission. We are to go out in His authority and let the world know that the kingdom of heaven is near. We are told to heal the sick, cleanse the leper and raise the dead. We are told to cast out demons. Jesus said his disciples were to GO, and as they GO, these things would happen. 2/3 of God is GO. As we GO in His name, we have His authority and power to back us up. The more we GO, the more of the power of God we will see in action. Going can be across the street or around the world, but it is specifically GOing to proclaim His kingdom is near, then the other stuff follows.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome! I want to go out in Your name more and establish Your kingdom in new areas of the earth. I want to bring the message "the kingdom of heaven is near" to as many people as possible before my life ends. As I go this summer to Costa Rica, would You establish Your kingdom there in the hearts and lives of people.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Two Gates
Scripture:
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it".
Observation:
Jesus is speaking here and is telling us that there are two paths and two gates, one is wide and large and is traveled by many people. The other is narrow and small and not many people find this one. In other words, you can go the way everyone else is going in life or you can make the choice to be different than the rest of the crowd and live a life pleasing to Christ Jesus. Real life is found by following the narrow road that is less traveled, but the one God wants us on.
Application:
As believers, we should not be on the same path as the rest of the world. We should be on a path that others don't seem to understand because it is not the normal. We should not be going with the flow of the rest of the world. We should be on a different path, one not as many are going down. It is easy to be like everyone else and live according to the patterns of this world, but God's true sons and daughters must travel a path that most won't understand, but in the end it will bring life.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk on the narrow path that leads to life. Help me not make my decisions based on the way most of the world thinks, but rather help me make the decisions You want for my life. I want to be more influenced by You than by everyone around me who is striving to live for the temporal and not the eternal.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it".
Observation:
Jesus is speaking here and is telling us that there are two paths and two gates, one is wide and large and is traveled by many people. The other is narrow and small and not many people find this one. In other words, you can go the way everyone else is going in life or you can make the choice to be different than the rest of the crowd and live a life pleasing to Christ Jesus. Real life is found by following the narrow road that is less traveled, but the one God wants us on.
Application:
As believers, we should not be on the same path as the rest of the world. We should be on a path that others don't seem to understand because it is not the normal. We should not be going with the flow of the rest of the world. We should be on a different path, one not as many are going down. It is easy to be like everyone else and live according to the patterns of this world, but God's true sons and daughters must travel a path that most won't understand, but in the end it will bring life.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk on the narrow path that leads to life. Help me not make my decisions based on the way most of the world thinks, but rather help me make the decisions You want for my life. I want to be more influenced by You than by everyone around me who is striving to live for the temporal and not the eternal.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Treasures in Heaven
Scripture:
Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal".
Observation:
Jesus is teaching at the sermon on the Mount and He begins to speak about possessions and treasures here on earth. He basically tells us that we shouldn't work hard for treasures here on earth because they can easily disappear. They can be naturally corrupted or can get stolen. Treasures in heaven can never be corrupted and never be stolen. He wants us to live for eternity instead of living for today. This short life on earth is not a contest to see who can accumulate the most things, but a prelude to eternity, where we will be rewarded based on what we did on this earth.
Application:
In this day and hour we live in a very selfish society who have made the accumulation of things it's top priority. To go against this is to rebel against everything society teaches us these days. It is not easy to focus on eternity when everyone around you is living for today. It is tough not to be dragged into the ways of this world and its thinking, but we must keep our eyes on Jesus and realize everything here on earth will burn one day and the only thing that will last is what we did for Christ. Heaven is amazing and eternal, we need to invest there!
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to keep focused on eternity and not simply on the pleasures of this life on earth. I want to store up treasure in heaven through building Your kingdom here on earth. Show me how to do it more effectively. Help me keep my focus on eternal things instead of temporal.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal".
Observation:
Jesus is teaching at the sermon on the Mount and He begins to speak about possessions and treasures here on earth. He basically tells us that we shouldn't work hard for treasures here on earth because they can easily disappear. They can be naturally corrupted or can get stolen. Treasures in heaven can never be corrupted and never be stolen. He wants us to live for eternity instead of living for today. This short life on earth is not a contest to see who can accumulate the most things, but a prelude to eternity, where we will be rewarded based on what we did on this earth.
Application:
In this day and hour we live in a very selfish society who have made the accumulation of things it's top priority. To go against this is to rebel against everything society teaches us these days. It is not easy to focus on eternity when everyone around you is living for today. It is tough not to be dragged into the ways of this world and its thinking, but we must keep our eyes on Jesus and realize everything here on earth will burn one day and the only thing that will last is what we did for Christ. Heaven is amazing and eternal, we need to invest there!
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to keep focused on eternity and not simply on the pleasures of this life on earth. I want to store up treasure in heaven through building Your kingdom here on earth. Show me how to do it more effectively. Help me keep my focus on eternal things instead of temporal.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Baptized with Fire
Scripture:
Matthew 3:11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire".
Observation:
John the baptist was out baptizing in the Jordan river and prophesying at the same time. He was speaking to the people and telling them that his baptism was for repentance, but that one was coming who would baptize in the the Holy Spirit and fire. He was speaking of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Of all the things he could have said about Jesus, he said this one. He could have said, one is coming who will heal your sicknesses, pay the price for your sins, etc., but he said that He would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Application:
We generally see the main purpose of Christ was to pay for man's sins, bring about atonement, redeem the world back to God, etc. John the baptist, who Jesus called the greatest prophet and more than a prophet, said one of Jesus' main missions was to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. We tend to give so much emphasis to Jesus dying on the cross to forgive our sins, which is huge for our relationship to God, but we should give the same priority to the words of John the Baptist and seek to understand that Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Prayer:
Father, the baptism in your Spirit and fire has become such a minor piece of your church. There is little emphasis given any more about being baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire. Help me to present you clearly and accurately. Jesus, baptize me in your Holy Spirit and fire today and baptize my church in your Spirit and fire this weekend.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 3:11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire".
Observation:
John the baptist was out baptizing in the Jordan river and prophesying at the same time. He was speaking to the people and telling them that his baptism was for repentance, but that one was coming who would baptize in the the Holy Spirit and fire. He was speaking of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Of all the things he could have said about Jesus, he said this one. He could have said, one is coming who will heal your sicknesses, pay the price for your sins, etc., but he said that He would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Application:
We generally see the main purpose of Christ was to pay for man's sins, bring about atonement, redeem the world back to God, etc. John the baptist, who Jesus called the greatest prophet and more than a prophet, said one of Jesus' main missions was to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. We tend to give so much emphasis to Jesus dying on the cross to forgive our sins, which is huge for our relationship to God, but we should give the same priority to the words of John the Baptist and seek to understand that Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Prayer:
Father, the baptism in your Spirit and fire has become such a minor piece of your church. There is little emphasis given any more about being baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire. Help me to present you clearly and accurately. Jesus, baptize me in your Holy Spirit and fire today and baptize my church in your Spirit and fire this weekend.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, May 13, 2013
Love is a Powerful Force
Scripture:
Song of Songs 8:6 "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame".
Observation:
The book of Song of Songs is a story of romantic love between two individuals. When the author speaks of love, he tells us about the power of love. He says it is as strong as death and as unyielding as the grave. Love is a powerful force and cannot be entered into casually. It burns like a blazing fire or a mighty flame.
Application:
We need to be cautious with love. It is powerful, strong and pulls even the strongest down. For love, powerful men have become weak and lost everything they had worked for all their lives. For love, people have lost their families, their futures and everything that once was dear to them. We need to be very cautious when it comes to this area because our heart usually jumps into it before our head has time to process it and once it grabs, it doesn't let go.
Prayer:
Father, love is a powerful force on the earth. You said it was as strong as death. Teach me to love you, my wife and my family strongly so love is in it's proper place. Let my love for you and Cheryl increase like a mighty flame till I meet the grave.
Your Son,
Jeff
Song of Songs 8:6 "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame".
Observation:
The book of Song of Songs is a story of romantic love between two individuals. When the author speaks of love, he tells us about the power of love. He says it is as strong as death and as unyielding as the grave. Love is a powerful force and cannot be entered into casually. It burns like a blazing fire or a mighty flame.
Application:
We need to be cautious with love. It is powerful, strong and pulls even the strongest down. For love, powerful men have become weak and lost everything they had worked for all their lives. For love, people have lost their families, their futures and everything that once was dear to them. We need to be very cautious when it comes to this area because our heart usually jumps into it before our head has time to process it and once it grabs, it doesn't let go.
Prayer:
Father, love is a powerful force on the earth. You said it was as strong as death. Teach me to love you, my wife and my family strongly so love is in it's proper place. Let my love for you and Cheryl increase like a mighty flame till I meet the grave.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, May 10, 2013
God's Desire from the Beginning
Scripture:
Revelation 21:3 "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God'".
Observation:
Throughout the Bible from the beginning you can hear one theme repeated over and over. You can hear the continual call of God saying, "I want you to be my people and I want to be your God". It seems that from the beginning, God's desire has been to have a people He could bless and be with. He has always wanted a people who will serve Him completely so that He may walk among them and be their God. In the end, God's desire is finally manifested completely and He is satisfied. The next verse says that He then takes all pain away from His people.
Application:
Throughout the centuries God has been looking for a resting place. He has been looking for a people who will be completely His so that He can truly be their God and bring His blessing into their lives. He wants relationship with His people. He wants to walk with and talk with His people. He wants to heal His people and take amazing care of them. He has nothing but our best interest in His mind, yet we remain half-hearted followers of Christ. When will He recieve our full and complete devotion?
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for pursuing me and drawing me into relationship with You. I want to know You more. I want to hear Your heart and be who You wants me to be. Teach me Your ways and show me how to live my life each day in a way that is pleasing to You. I will be Your people and You will be my God!
Forever,
Jeff
Revelation 21:3 "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God'".
Observation:
Throughout the Bible from the beginning you can hear one theme repeated over and over. You can hear the continual call of God saying, "I want you to be my people and I want to be your God". It seems that from the beginning, God's desire has been to have a people He could bless and be with. He has always wanted a people who will serve Him completely so that He may walk among them and be their God. In the end, God's desire is finally manifested completely and He is satisfied. The next verse says that He then takes all pain away from His people.
Application:
Throughout the centuries God has been looking for a resting place. He has been looking for a people who will be completely His so that He can truly be their God and bring His blessing into their lives. He wants relationship with His people. He wants to walk with and talk with His people. He wants to heal His people and take amazing care of them. He has nothing but our best interest in His mind, yet we remain half-hearted followers of Christ. When will He recieve our full and complete devotion?
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for pursuing me and drawing me into relationship with You. I want to know You more. I want to hear Your heart and be who You wants me to be. Teach me Your ways and show me how to live my life each day in a way that is pleasing to You. I will be Your people and You will be my God!
Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Satan's Day is Coming
Scripture:
Revelation 20:2 "He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years".
Observation:
Just before this verse an angel comes down with a chain and the keys to the Abyss, where Satan will spend one thousand years as Christ rules on the earth. The angel seizes the dragon and puts him in the Abyss for a thousand years. During this time, there will be perfect peace on the earth and it will be more like the garden of Eden.
Application:
Satan will one day be locked away and Christ will reign for a thousand years here on the earth. Knowing that you win the war sometimes makes it easier to fight in the battle and keep on going. When you know your enemy is going to be defeated, you can have more confidence presently in your battle with him. We need to remember that the Christ who one day defeats Him now lives in us. We can have confidence in Christ that we will overcome in the future, but also that current battles can be won. We serve the winner!
Prayer:
Lord, I can't wait for the day when Satan in locked up for a thousand years and You reign. I look forward to that day when you bring peace on the earth, but I also realize that you have all authority now and that you live in me now. Help me to walk in the authority that binds Satan now and releases the blessing of God now.
Yours,
Jeff
Revelation 20:2 "He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years".
Observation:
Just before this verse an angel comes down with a chain and the keys to the Abyss, where Satan will spend one thousand years as Christ rules on the earth. The angel seizes the dragon and puts him in the Abyss for a thousand years. During this time, there will be perfect peace on the earth and it will be more like the garden of Eden.
Application:
Satan will one day be locked away and Christ will reign for a thousand years here on the earth. Knowing that you win the war sometimes makes it easier to fight in the battle and keep on going. When you know your enemy is going to be defeated, you can have more confidence presently in your battle with him. We need to remember that the Christ who one day defeats Him now lives in us. We can have confidence in Christ that we will overcome in the future, but also that current battles can be won. We serve the winner!
Prayer:
Lord, I can't wait for the day when Satan in locked up for a thousand years and You reign. I look forward to that day when you bring peace on the earth, but I also realize that you have all authority now and that you live in me now. Help me to walk in the authority that binds Satan now and releases the blessing of God now.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Here Comes the Judge
Scripture:
Revelation 16:7 "And I heard the altar respond, 'Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments'".
Observation:
John has just seen the beginning of God's wrath in a vision. Angels are pouring out their bowls of God's judgment on the earth and great devastation is everywhere. In the midst of it, a voice comes from the altar saying "true and just are your judgements". I see here that God is truly a holy God and He is a just God which means that justice must be done. Justice means that there must be punishment for sins committed. There is a day coming when the judge of all the earth will pour out judgment on the earth.
Application:
Today we hear so much about the love of God, which is true and completely accurate, but we don't hear about the justness and holiness of God which demands punishment for sin. God will judge the earth one day, which I personally believe will be very soon. In the body of Christ, we need to thank God for His grace, but not use it for an excuse to sin. We should balance the love of God with the fear of God because indeed He is to be feared and will be feared again one day in the near future. Israel and it's surrounding nations saw God as a powerful God who was holy and not to be messed with. We would do well to see Him in a similar way.
Prayer:
Father, You are holy, righteous and just. Help me to communicate this truth to others and to live a life that demonstrates Your holiness and shows the way for others to follow. Keep me on the right path every day of my life and let me serve You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
Yours,
Jeff
Revelation 16:7 "And I heard the altar respond, 'Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments'".
Observation:
John has just seen the beginning of God's wrath in a vision. Angels are pouring out their bowls of God's judgment on the earth and great devastation is everywhere. In the midst of it, a voice comes from the altar saying "true and just are your judgements". I see here that God is truly a holy God and He is a just God which means that justice must be done. Justice means that there must be punishment for sins committed. There is a day coming when the judge of all the earth will pour out judgment on the earth.
Application:
Today we hear so much about the love of God, which is true and completely accurate, but we don't hear about the justness and holiness of God which demands punishment for sin. God will judge the earth one day, which I personally believe will be very soon. In the body of Christ, we need to thank God for His grace, but not use it for an excuse to sin. We should balance the love of God with the fear of God because indeed He is to be feared and will be feared again one day in the near future. Israel and it's surrounding nations saw God as a powerful God who was holy and not to be messed with. We would do well to see Him in a similar way.
Prayer:
Father, You are holy, righteous and just. Help me to communicate this truth to others and to live a life that demonstrates Your holiness and shows the way for others to follow. Keep me on the right path every day of my life and let me serve You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Patient Endurance and Faithfulness
Scripture:
Revelation 13:10c "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people".
Observation:
John is speaking about the outpouring of wrath on the earth. He is speaking about those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life when he says that God's people are called to have patient endurance and faithfulness during this time. The things that gets you through tremendously difficult times is patient endurance and faithfulness.
Application:
I have been talking to people recently about how to pastor people when your nation is under the judgment of God. Unless revival comes hard and strong, I believe the U.S. is in for extremely difficult times as God is not pleased with our nation. During these times, God's people need to have patient endurance and faithfulness more than at other times. As we walk into the time of God's judgment, we need to walk completely faithful to God and endure whatever comes our way with a good attitude. We must be determined to follow God's ways and live life His way no matter how hard it gets.
Prayer:
Father, strengthen us for the day of judgment. Help us be ready to exhibit patient endurance and faithfulness in extremely stressful times. Let the body be prepared. Cause pastors and leaders to begin to talk about these things. Give Your people strength to face every trouble. Help me to stay the course and walk out Your plans for my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Revelation 13:10c "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people".
Observation:
John is speaking about the outpouring of wrath on the earth. He is speaking about those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life when he says that God's people are called to have patient endurance and faithfulness during this time. The things that gets you through tremendously difficult times is patient endurance and faithfulness.
Application:
I have been talking to people recently about how to pastor people when your nation is under the judgment of God. Unless revival comes hard and strong, I believe the U.S. is in for extremely difficult times as God is not pleased with our nation. During these times, God's people need to have patient endurance and faithfulness more than at other times. As we walk into the time of God's judgment, we need to walk completely faithful to God and endure whatever comes our way with a good attitude. We must be determined to follow God's ways and live life His way no matter how hard it gets.
Prayer:
Father, strengthen us for the day of judgment. Help us be ready to exhibit patient endurance and faithfulness in extremely stressful times. Let the body be prepared. Cause pastors and leaders to begin to talk about these things. Give Your people strength to face every trouble. Help me to stay the course and walk out Your plans for my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, May 6, 2013
Salvation, Power, Kingdom, and Authority
Scripture:
Revelation 12:10 "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down'."
Observation:
The apostle John saw this scene while in the Spirit and wrote it for us. He demonstrates that when Satan is thrown down from heaven to earth, the salvation, power, kingdom and authority come in fullness. This is not a future experience, Satan was thrown down from heaven in what we would call the beginning. Satan was thrown down to the earth, where he currently causes trouble, but heaven has all authority, power, etc. because he has been thrown down.
Application:
For us, this means that Satan is working hard on the earth today, but God's Kingdom (His reign and rule) is coming in stronger and strong measures here on the earth. This is why we cry, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done". Satan is already defeated and God's kingdom has all salvation, power, kingdom and authority. We must be about spreading His rule and reign throughout the earth, defeating Satan at every turn. We are in a battle, we will win!
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Satan is a defeated foe, help me understand that better and not give him credit he doesn't have. Help me walk in Salvation, Power, Kingdom and Authority here on earth during my lifetime and then join you there in heaven. I want to advance your rule and reign throughout the earth.
Your Son,
Jeff
Revelation 12:10 "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down'."
Observation:
The apostle John saw this scene while in the Spirit and wrote it for us. He demonstrates that when Satan is thrown down from heaven to earth, the salvation, power, kingdom and authority come in fullness. This is not a future experience, Satan was thrown down from heaven in what we would call the beginning. Satan was thrown down to the earth, where he currently causes trouble, but heaven has all authority, power, etc. because he has been thrown down.
Application:
For us, this means that Satan is working hard on the earth today, but God's Kingdom (His reign and rule) is coming in stronger and strong measures here on the earth. This is why we cry, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done". Satan is already defeated and God's kingdom has all salvation, power, kingdom and authority. We must be about spreading His rule and reign throughout the earth, defeating Satan at every turn. We are in a battle, we will win!
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Satan is a defeated foe, help me understand that better and not give him credit he doesn't have. Help me walk in Salvation, Power, Kingdom and Authority here on earth during my lifetime and then join you there in heaven. I want to advance your rule and reign throughout the earth.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, May 3, 2013
Wake Up!
Scripture:
Revelation 3:2 "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of God".
Observation:
John is on the isle of Patmos and receives a revelation of Jesus. In this section, he is writing to the seven churches of Asia and particularly to the church of Sardis. John says to them that they have a reputation of being alive, but they were really dead. He tells the church to wake up and strengthen those who are about to die. We always tend to look back at the early church and think they were amazing and that we should want to be like them, but many of the early churches really had issues. Makes me feel a little better about the state of the church today.
Application:
This word came strong to me personally this morning. He said they had a reputation of being alive, but they were asleep with unfinished business in God's kingdom. I believe there is a wake up call going through the church today and many will miss it. God is wanting the church to wake up and be strong in these last days. I personally need to wake up and strengthen those who are about to die spiritually. I need to wake up and get back stronger about God's business.
Prayer:
Lord, help me wake up and get stronger in Your kingdom. I hear the alarm clock, help me not to hit the snooze button, but to get up and get busy for Your kingdom. Help me reach souls and speak to someone about Christ today. Help me be alert to the spiritual needs of those around me.
Yours Forever,
Jeff Jacob
Revelation 3:2 "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of God".
Observation:
John is on the isle of Patmos and receives a revelation of Jesus. In this section, he is writing to the seven churches of Asia and particularly to the church of Sardis. John says to them that they have a reputation of being alive, but they were really dead. He tells the church to wake up and strengthen those who are about to die. We always tend to look back at the early church and think they were amazing and that we should want to be like them, but many of the early churches really had issues. Makes me feel a little better about the state of the church today.
Application:
This word came strong to me personally this morning. He said they had a reputation of being alive, but they were asleep with unfinished business in God's kingdom. I believe there is a wake up call going through the church today and many will miss it. God is wanting the church to wake up and be strong in these last days. I personally need to wake up and strengthen those who are about to die spiritually. I need to wake up and get back stronger about God's business.
Prayer:
Lord, help me wake up and get stronger in Your kingdom. I hear the alarm clock, help me not to hit the snooze button, but to get up and get busy for Your kingdom. Help me reach souls and speak to someone about Christ today. Help me be alert to the spiritual needs of those around me.
Yours Forever,
Jeff Jacob
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 10:10 "If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success".
Observation:
King Solomon was incredibly wise because His wisdom came from God. Basically this verse says that when our tools are dull, we have to work harder. Skill would take the time to sharpen the axe, knowing that a sharper axe will produce more in less time and that the time it takes to sharpen will make everything easier and production will increase. He understood that being well trained and using your head is smarter than just working yourself to death when there is an easier way.
Application:
All my life I've heard, "work smarter, not harder". This verse makes that very clear. I need to evaluate what I'm doing with my time and see how I can work smarter instead of harder. I have been working hard for a long time and people have tried to help me, but I am too busy to receive help because the job needs to get done. Rather than taking the time to train someone thoroughly, I seem to think it is faster to just do it myself. Later I end up in the same situation because nobody has been trained to do the work. My axe is dull and I need to take time to sharpen.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me today. I feel like I work so hard, yet see so little results. I need your help in this area. Help me to slow down and get better at truly training others so work doesn't fall back on me all the time. Guide me Holy Spirit. I need You.
Yours,
Jeff
Ecclesiastes 10:10 "If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success".
Observation:
King Solomon was incredibly wise because His wisdom came from God. Basically this verse says that when our tools are dull, we have to work harder. Skill would take the time to sharpen the axe, knowing that a sharper axe will produce more in less time and that the time it takes to sharpen will make everything easier and production will increase. He understood that being well trained and using your head is smarter than just working yourself to death when there is an easier way.
Application:
All my life I've heard, "work smarter, not harder". This verse makes that very clear. I need to evaluate what I'm doing with my time and see how I can work smarter instead of harder. I have been working hard for a long time and people have tried to help me, but I am too busy to receive help because the job needs to get done. Rather than taking the time to train someone thoroughly, I seem to think it is faster to just do it myself. Later I end up in the same situation because nobody has been trained to do the work. My axe is dull and I need to take time to sharpen.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me today. I feel like I work so hard, yet see so little results. I need your help in this area. Help me to slow down and get better at truly training others so work doesn't fall back on me all the time. Guide me Holy Spirit. I need You.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Life Happens
Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 9:11 "I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all".
Observation:
As Solomon was reflecting on life in all his God-given wisdom, he came to this observation: life happens, sometimes its good and sometimes its bad. He realized that people with the best educations don't always get the best jobs and that the people who are under-educated often got the great jobs and made great money. He basically is saying that life happens to everyone; the rich, the poor, the wise, and the fool. Sometimes we go through bad things in life that we can't explain. Sometimes there is no "why?" this happened to me. Life simply happens to everyone.
Application:
No matter how hard we try... life happens. We can't take the element of chance out of anything. We could pay for the best education in a certain area, then not be able to get a job in that area. We can be the best at something and never get recognized while others, not as qualified, get the best positions. In all this, life happens, therefore we shouldn't stress out about things not going the way we thought they would. We are children of God and we must trust Him and allow Him to lead our lives and to show us the way. Even in this though...life happens and we must keep a good attitude, love God and others, and deal with what comes without comparing ourselves to others wondering why they may seem blessed and we are not.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to stress out about why things have not gone the way I would like them to. Help me to realize that life happens and we are to trust You no matter what and not try to decipher every little thing in life as to why it is not going well or why it is going great. Help me trust You enough to not have to figure every detail of life out. Help me deal with the fact that life happens.
Yours,
Jeff
Ecclesiastes 9:11 "I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all".
Observation:
As Solomon was reflecting on life in all his God-given wisdom, he came to this observation: life happens, sometimes its good and sometimes its bad. He realized that people with the best educations don't always get the best jobs and that the people who are under-educated often got the great jobs and made great money. He basically is saying that life happens to everyone; the rich, the poor, the wise, and the fool. Sometimes we go through bad things in life that we can't explain. Sometimes there is no "why?" this happened to me. Life simply happens to everyone.
Application:
No matter how hard we try... life happens. We can't take the element of chance out of anything. We could pay for the best education in a certain area, then not be able to get a job in that area. We can be the best at something and never get recognized while others, not as qualified, get the best positions. In all this, life happens, therefore we shouldn't stress out about things not going the way we thought they would. We are children of God and we must trust Him and allow Him to lead our lives and to show us the way. Even in this though...life happens and we must keep a good attitude, love God and others, and deal with what comes without comparing ourselves to others wondering why they may seem blessed and we are not.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to stress out about why things have not gone the way I would like them to. Help me to realize that life happens and we are to trust You no matter what and not try to decipher every little thing in life as to why it is not going well or why it is going great. Help me trust You enough to not have to figure every detail of life out. Help me deal with the fact that life happens.
Yours,
Jeff
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