Scripture:
Revelation 17:14 "They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is the Lord of lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers".
Observation:
This is showing how ten kings will set themselves against the Lamb, Jesus Christ, but with all their power, the Lamb will triumph over them. He is the Lord of lords and king of kings! No power is greater than our God. I love the second part as well, "and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers". I want to be in that crew of called, chosen and faithful followers who triumph over the kings of the earth.
Application:
No matter what we are currently going through, we must keep our eyes on fact that "the Lamb will Triumph". We must not allow ourselves to get down and discouraged because the Lord God we serve is greater than all other opposition. In the end, He will triumph...in the end we will triumph with Him. We will overcome with our precious Lamb! In the end...WE WIN!
Prayer:
Father, show me how to be in the "called, chosen and faithful followers" crew that triumphs over the power of the enemy. I want to live my life focused on You. Help me live out every day fulfilling Your will in the earth.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Not Shrinking From Death
Scripture:
Revelation 12:11 "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death".
Observation:
John is speaking about those who triumphed over Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. He says of them that they "did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death". Many times we preach about the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, but they also overcame because they did not fear death. They were more in love with Jesus than they were their own lives.
Application:
We tend to live our lives with our own comfort, protection and blessing in mind. Everything revolves around us and we give Jesus a part of our lives. He wants our whole lives. He wants to be the center of our lives to the point that we obey Him completely and don't fear death. What can Satan do to you when you don't love your life and fear death? Nothing. The greatest warriors are those who are not afraid to die. Am I afraid to die for my Lord? Would I love my life too much to lay it down? Great questions.
Prayer:
Father God, I want to love You more than my own life. I want to serve you no matter what the cost. You are everything to me. Help me to live completely for You and Your purposes instead of my own purposes.
Yours,
Jeff
Revelation 12:11 "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death".
Observation:
John is speaking about those who triumphed over Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. He says of them that they "did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death". Many times we preach about the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, but they also overcame because they did not fear death. They were more in love with Jesus than they were their own lives.
Application:
We tend to live our lives with our own comfort, protection and blessing in mind. Everything revolves around us and we give Jesus a part of our lives. He wants our whole lives. He wants to be the center of our lives to the point that we obey Him completely and don't fear death. What can Satan do to you when you don't love your life and fear death? Nothing. The greatest warriors are those who are not afraid to die. Am I afraid to die for my Lord? Would I love my life too much to lay it down? Great questions.
Prayer:
Father God, I want to love You more than my own life. I want to serve you no matter what the cost. You are everything to me. Help me to live completely for You and Your purposes instead of my own purposes.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
A Great Multitude
Scripture:
Revelation 7:9 "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands".
Observation:
John was in heaven and saw a beautiful picture of an innumerable group of people who were from every nation of the earth. They were worshiping God and blessing Him. They were singing about salvation because they had been saved.
Application:
Sometimes it seems not many are being saved in our little corner of the earth, but the Kingdom of God is global and around the earth today there are more people coming to Christ than at any time in history. God's will is for every tribe and nation to come into relationship with Him. I have a unique opportunity to touch nations for the Lord because of the location of our church and the make up of our church. I want to see a great multitude of people in Northern, VA from every nation and tribe being saved so we can help build this picture John saw in the Spirit.
Prayer:
Father, you are amazing and I worship You this morning. Help us build a house of prayer for all nations. Show me the way to reach the nations for your glory. Open doors and send people to our church from every nation, tribe and tongue. When they come, let them meet Christ in a real, personal and powerful way.
Your Servant,
Jeff
Revelation 7:9 "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands".
Observation:
John was in heaven and saw a beautiful picture of an innumerable group of people who were from every nation of the earth. They were worshiping God and blessing Him. They were singing about salvation because they had been saved.
Application:
Sometimes it seems not many are being saved in our little corner of the earth, but the Kingdom of God is global and around the earth today there are more people coming to Christ than at any time in history. God's will is for every tribe and nation to come into relationship with Him. I have a unique opportunity to touch nations for the Lord because of the location of our church and the make up of our church. I want to see a great multitude of people in Northern, VA from every nation and tribe being saved so we can help build this picture John saw in the Spirit.
Prayer:
Father, you are amazing and I worship You this morning. Help us build a house of prayer for all nations. Show me the way to reach the nations for your glory. Open doors and send people to our church from every nation, tribe and tongue. When they come, let them meet Christ in a real, personal and powerful way.
Your Servant,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
We Will Reign on The Earth
Scripture:
Revelation 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth".
Observation:
Just before this, Jesus was the only one found worthy to open the scrolls in heaven. It says he was worthy because with his blood he purchased people for God from every tongue, tribe and nation. He says of these people that they have become a kingdom and priests and that they will reign on the earth.
Application:
It's hard to imagine God's people ruling and reigning on the earth. It's hard to imagine myself reigning on earth, yet God says it will come to pass. God sees more in us than we see in ourselves. He could have chosen better, more qualified people to reign on the earth, but He chose us. He chose imperfect, messed up flesh to reign and rule in the future. How did we get this opportunity? Because Jesus paid the price for our sins and purchased us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to develop into the person You want me to be. Teach me to walk in faith and not sight. I want my life to bring You praise. Train me to reign on the earth and fulfill all You have desired for my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Revelation 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth".
Observation:
Just before this, Jesus was the only one found worthy to open the scrolls in heaven. It says he was worthy because with his blood he purchased people for God from every tongue, tribe and nation. He says of these people that they have become a kingdom and priests and that they will reign on the earth.
Application:
It's hard to imagine God's people ruling and reigning on the earth. It's hard to imagine myself reigning on earth, yet God says it will come to pass. God sees more in us than we see in ourselves. He could have chosen better, more qualified people to reign on the earth, but He chose us. He chose imperfect, messed up flesh to reign and rule in the future. How did we get this opportunity? Because Jesus paid the price for our sins and purchased us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to develop into the person You want me to be. Teach me to walk in faith and not sight. I want my life to bring You praise. Train me to reign on the earth and fulfill all You have desired for my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 25, 2013
Open the Door
Scripture:
Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me".
Observation:
Jesus is speaking here to through John to the people of Laodicea. He just told them to be either hot or cold, but not lukewarm because if they were, He would spew them out of His mouth. Then He turns and says He is at the door knocking and that whoever opens the door, He would come in and eat with them. We must open the door to fellowship with Christ. He's waiting.
Application:
I need to open the door more often for fellowship time with Christ. I want to know His more and to have fellowship with Him more. He never busts down the door, but waits for us to open it. He is more than willing and strongly desires to fellowship with us, but we must open that door.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to open the door more to fellowship with You. You are incredible and want to be in Your presence more and more as the end approaches. Help me to respond when you knock. Help my ears to be open to hear your knocking so that I can open the door to fellowship with You. I need You desperately in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me".
Observation:
Jesus is speaking here to through John to the people of Laodicea. He just told them to be either hot or cold, but not lukewarm because if they were, He would spew them out of His mouth. Then He turns and says He is at the door knocking and that whoever opens the door, He would come in and eat with them. We must open the door to fellowship with Christ. He's waiting.
Application:
I need to open the door more often for fellowship time with Christ. I want to know His more and to have fellowship with Him more. He never busts down the door, but waits for us to open it. He is more than willing and strongly desires to fellowship with us, but we must open that door.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to open the door more to fellowship with You. You are incredible and want to be in Your presence more and more as the end approaches. Help me to respond when you knock. Help my ears to be open to hear your knocking so that I can open the door to fellowship with You. I need You desperately in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, November 23, 2013
No Greater Joy
Scripture:
III John 4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth".
Observation:
John is writing to his friend Gaius a brief letter. In his introduction he basically tells him he is proud of him for walking in the truth, then he says "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth". Gaius' relationship with God made his spiritual father happy.
Application:
As a minister, the greatest joy is when you hear what your children are doing for God. Through 25 years of life and ministry, my greatest joy comes when I hear what my sons and daughters are doing for God. Some of them I led to Christ, some I discipled along their way, but so many of them bring me great joy. Ministry is not easy, but it can be very rewarding when you see your sons and daughters, your spiritual grandchildren and your spiritual great grandchildren serving God passionately around the world. My takeaway today is to keep serving people with all my heart because as I give them all I have, God will raise them up and they will bring great joy to me down the road.
Prayer:
Father, you are worthy of all my praise. Thanks you for allowing me to see spiritual children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May this continue and flourish as I walk with You. My greatest joy is seeing the generations after me carry your torch.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
III John 4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth".
Observation:
John is writing to his friend Gaius a brief letter. In his introduction he basically tells him he is proud of him for walking in the truth, then he says "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth". Gaius' relationship with God made his spiritual father happy.
Application:
As a minister, the greatest joy is when you hear what your children are doing for God. Through 25 years of life and ministry, my greatest joy comes when I hear what my sons and daughters are doing for God. Some of them I led to Christ, some I discipled along their way, but so many of them bring me great joy. Ministry is not easy, but it can be very rewarding when you see your sons and daughters, your spiritual grandchildren and your spiritual great grandchildren serving God passionately around the world. My takeaway today is to keep serving people with all my heart because as I give them all I have, God will raise them up and they will bring great joy to me down the road.
Prayer:
Father, you are worthy of all my praise. Thanks you for allowing me to see spiritual children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May this continue and flourish as I walk with You. My greatest joy is seeing the generations after me carry your torch.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Friday, November 22, 2013
Love One Another
Scripture:
II John 5 "And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another".
Observation:
In this verse we see the heart of everything God is about and what His commands are all about. Jesus said that if we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbors as ourselves, that we would be fulfilling all the Law and Prophets. God is love, so when we show love we are giving the world a picture of God. Loving one another is at the heart of what God wants His church to be about.
Application:
Sometimes it is easier to love the sinner than to love God's people. This is probably because we have high expectations of God's people and low expectations from the world. When this happens, we will always feel like the world treat us better than the body of Christ. We must lower our expectations and love without expectations and without any strings attached. When the church gets good at loving one another, the world will see our love and be drawn to Christ.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to love Your people more and better than I ever have before. You are amazing and I appreciate you more than you know. Help me to love with your kind of love and the kind that will bring the world into Your kingdom.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
II John 5 "And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another".
Observation:
In this verse we see the heart of everything God is about and what His commands are all about. Jesus said that if we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbors as ourselves, that we would be fulfilling all the Law and Prophets. God is love, so when we show love we are giving the world a picture of God. Loving one another is at the heart of what God wants His church to be about.
Application:
Sometimes it is easier to love the sinner than to love God's people. This is probably because we have high expectations of God's people and low expectations from the world. When this happens, we will always feel like the world treat us better than the body of Christ. We must lower our expectations and love without expectations and without any strings attached. When the church gets good at loving one another, the world will see our love and be drawn to Christ.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to love Your people more and better than I ever have before. You are amazing and I appreciate you more than you know. Help me to love with your kind of love and the kind that will bring the world into Your kingdom.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
God's Seed
Scripture:
I John 3:9 "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed is in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God".
Observation:
John is telling the difference between those who really love God and serve Him and those who don't. He is trying to correct some false teaching and some people who claim to be Christians, but whose lives don't show it. He tells God's people, that when God's seed is in you at salvation, you will not continue to sin. If God's seed is in you, you will be like God and hate what God hates. God hates sin.
Application:
If there is continual sin in our lives that we are not convicted about, we need to check our relationship to God. If the Holy Spirit really lives in us, we should be becoming more "holy" as He is. According to this verse, if we are born of God, we will not continue in sin. There may be slip ups and mistakes, but our lifestyle should be coming out of sin and not excusing it.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, teach me to live a life that demonstrates that the seed of God is within me. Let Your light shine in my life. Help me to walk in constant communion with You. Show me Your ways and let my everyday life bring You glory.
Yours,
Jeff
I John 3:9 "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed is in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God".
Observation:
John is telling the difference between those who really love God and serve Him and those who don't. He is trying to correct some false teaching and some people who claim to be Christians, but whose lives don't show it. He tells God's people, that when God's seed is in you at salvation, you will not continue to sin. If God's seed is in you, you will be like God and hate what God hates. God hates sin.
Application:
If there is continual sin in our lives that we are not convicted about, we need to check our relationship to God. If the Holy Spirit really lives in us, we should be becoming more "holy" as He is. According to this verse, if we are born of God, we will not continue in sin. There may be slip ups and mistakes, but our lifestyle should be coming out of sin and not excusing it.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, teach me to live a life that demonstrates that the seed of God is within me. Let Your light shine in my life. Help me to walk in constant communion with You. Show me Your ways and let my everyday life bring You glory.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
The Lord is not Slow
Scripture:
II Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance".
Observation:
Peter is writing in this context about the coming of the Lord. He is telling people that everything Jesus said while on earth would come to pass. People apparently were feeling like Jesus was not coming back and were upset because He had not done what He promised. Peter takes that and shows them that his slowness is not because He isn't coming, but because of His love for people. He doesn't want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Application:
In my heart of hearts, I feel like the patience of God is running out and that very soon His promises will be revealed in the earth and the culmination of things like we know them will be begin. Right now we are in a period of grace because God's desire is to see everyone saved. He is giving the world the opportunity to repent. Our response to this must be to offer our lives as living sacrifices to Him and to bring the message of repentance to the whole world while His grace holds off His soon return.
Prayer:
Father, I feel like things are advancing rapidly in the earth and that Your return is soon. Help me be ready and to help as many as possible be ready. I realize You are not slow, rather, patient. Let me be a minister of reconciliation for Your Kingdom.
Yours,
Jeff
II Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance".
Observation:
Peter is writing in this context about the coming of the Lord. He is telling people that everything Jesus said while on earth would come to pass. People apparently were feeling like Jesus was not coming back and were upset because He had not done what He promised. Peter takes that and shows them that his slowness is not because He isn't coming, but because of His love for people. He doesn't want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Application:
In my heart of hearts, I feel like the patience of God is running out and that very soon His promises will be revealed in the earth and the culmination of things like we know them will be begin. Right now we are in a period of grace because God's desire is to see everyone saved. He is giving the world the opportunity to repent. Our response to this must be to offer our lives as living sacrifices to Him and to bring the message of repentance to the whole world while His grace holds off His soon return.
Prayer:
Father, I feel like things are advancing rapidly in the earth and that Your return is soon. Help me be ready and to help as many as possible be ready. I realize You are not slow, rather, patient. Let me be a minister of reconciliation for Your Kingdom.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 18, 2013
The End of All Things is Near
Scripture:
I Peter 4:7 "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray."
Observation:
Peter is writing to believers who were going to be facing persecution. Throughout the letter, he is telling them how to endure persecution. As he is telling them these things, he drops in this little portion telling them that the end of all things is near. If the end of all things was near in Peter's day, then the end of all things is very near in our day.
Application:
I personally believe very strongly that we are coming strongly into the last days. I feel like the end of all things as we know it is very near and that we need to be ready for what is coming. We are told here that because the end of all things is near, we should be alert and sober so we can pray. In the last days, we need to be able to hear clearly from the Lord. We need to be looking up and watching and praying, anticipating His return.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, when I look around me realize that the end of all things is near. I see it everywhere I look these days. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and be nearer in prayer than ever. Help me reach more people this year than any other year as the day approaches. Let me represent you well on this earth.
Yours,
Jeff
I Peter 4:7 "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray."
Observation:
Peter is writing to believers who were going to be facing persecution. Throughout the letter, he is telling them how to endure persecution. As he is telling them these things, he drops in this little portion telling them that the end of all things is near. If the end of all things was near in Peter's day, then the end of all things is very near in our day.
Application:
I personally believe very strongly that we are coming strongly into the last days. I feel like the end of all things as we know it is very near and that we need to be ready for what is coming. We are told here that because the end of all things is near, we should be alert and sober so we can pray. In the last days, we need to be able to hear clearly from the Lord. We need to be looking up and watching and praying, anticipating His return.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, when I look around me realize that the end of all things is near. I see it everywhere I look these days. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and be nearer in prayer than ever. Help me reach more people this year than any other year as the day approaches. Let me represent you well on this earth.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Endure Hardship
Scripture:
Hebrews 12:7 "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?"
Observation:
The author of Hebrews speaks to us about enduring hardship. He says that hardship comes into our lives and that we should treat it like we are being disciplined by our father. In other words we are to accept it, humble ourselves through it and not get angry about it. He tells us that the fact that we are going through discipline lets us know that we are still God's children.
Application:
When things don't seem to be going right, it doesn't mean God isn't with you. Sometimes it means He is being a good parent to you and disciplining you so that you will be better off later. Discipline never feels good at the time, but it is extremely beneficial. We must learn that hardships come to make us stronger, not to weaken us. Perspective is everything!
Prayer:
Lord, let me have proper perspective today. Help me to see this difficult time in my life through the right lens. I want to walk with You every day and be the man you want me to be. You are an incredible father. Help me be a great son.
Yours,
Jeff
Hebrews 12:7 "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?"
Observation:
The author of Hebrews speaks to us about enduring hardship. He says that hardship comes into our lives and that we should treat it like we are being disciplined by our father. In other words we are to accept it, humble ourselves through it and not get angry about it. He tells us that the fact that we are going through discipline lets us know that we are still God's children.
Application:
When things don't seem to be going right, it doesn't mean God isn't with you. Sometimes it means He is being a good parent to you and disciplining you so that you will be better off later. Discipline never feels good at the time, but it is extremely beneficial. We must learn that hardships come to make us stronger, not to weaken us. Perspective is everything!
Prayer:
Lord, let me have proper perspective today. Help me to see this difficult time in my life through the right lens. I want to walk with You every day and be the man you want me to be. You are an incredible father. Help me be a great son.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 11, 2013
Nothing is Hidden from God
Scripture:
Hebrews 4:13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account".
Observation:
The author of Hebrews is speaking about the Word of God and saying how powerful it is. Then he loves to talking about nothing in all creation is hidden from God. He sees everything! We also see that we will give an account one day to the one who knows every detail and nothing is hidden from.
Application:
We can hide things from people and get away with it sometimes, but we can hide nothing from the eyes of the living God. We will stand before Him one day and give an account for everything we did or didn't do. We must live our lives knowing this and realizing that every hidden thing will be revealed and every lie will also be revealed. May the fear of God enter our hearts once again.
Prayer:
Father, Your eyes see every detail. You know all and choose to love us anyway. One day we will give an account to You. I want to give a good account. Help me to live pure, honest, clean before You every day of my life. I'm reminded of the song this morning that says, "Give us clean hands. Give us pure hearts".
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Hebrews 4:13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account".
Observation:
The author of Hebrews is speaking about the Word of God and saying how powerful it is. Then he loves to talking about nothing in all creation is hidden from God. He sees everything! We also see that we will give an account one day to the one who knows every detail and nothing is hidden from.
Application:
We can hide things from people and get away with it sometimes, but we can hide nothing from the eyes of the living God. We will stand before Him one day and give an account for everything we did or didn't do. We must live our lives knowing this and realizing that every hidden thing will be revealed and every lie will also be revealed. May the fear of God enter our hearts once again.
Prayer:
Father, Your eyes see every detail. You know all and choose to love us anyway. One day we will give an account to You. I want to give a good account. Help me to live pure, honest, clean before You every day of my life. I'm reminded of the song this morning that says, "Give us clean hands. Give us pure hearts".
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Friday, November 8, 2013
The Desire to Bless
Scripture:
Genesis 48:9 "Then Israel said, 'Bring them to me so I may bless them'".
Observation:
Israel knew he had been blessed by God and when he was, he was told that he would be a blessing. In this story he asks Joseph to bring his sons to him so they could be blessed by their grandfather. He knew he had the power to bless them and they would be blessed. He knew what he spoke over them would come to pass. He had a desire to bless his grandchildren.
Application:
Israel went looking for people to bless. He wanted his generations to be blessed and he knew he was the key. We need to understand better the power of the blessing. We should bless our children and grandchildren. Just as Israel wanted to "be a blessing", we should as well. Who can I bless today?
Prayer:
Father, you have blessed me and I want to be a blessing today. Help me to speak Your words over people's lives that they may be blessed. Teach me more about this I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 48:9 "Then Israel said, 'Bring them to me so I may bless them'".
Observation:
Israel knew he had been blessed by God and when he was, he was told that he would be a blessing. In this story he asks Joseph to bring his sons to him so they could be blessed by their grandfather. He knew he had the power to bless them and they would be blessed. He knew what he spoke over them would come to pass. He had a desire to bless his grandchildren.
Application:
Israel went looking for people to bless. He wanted his generations to be blessed and he knew he was the key. We need to understand better the power of the blessing. We should bless our children and grandchildren. Just as Israel wanted to "be a blessing", we should as well. Who can I bless today?
Prayer:
Father, you have blessed me and I want to be a blessing today. Help me to speak Your words over people's lives that they may be blessed. Teach me more about this I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 7, 2013
God's Amazing Grace
Scripture:
Genesis 45:20 "Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours".
Observation:
Joseph had revealed himself to his brothers and Pharaoh found out they were there. Joseph forgave them for all they had done to him in selling him into slavery and faking his death. These guys deserved the death sentence, but they were given the best of all Egypt. They went from "blessed" in Israel in their father's house to "superblessed" by probably the strongest man in the world at the time. They deserved punishment and received grace!
Application:
When God forgives us, He does it right. He doesn't just forgive us, but brings us to Himself, calls us His children, and blesses us beyond measure. His grace is amazing! He doesn't look at what you have done, but at who you are and, just like Joseph, how you are related to Him. We are His children and He loves us incredibly.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the reminder that Your grace is amazing today. You don't give us the sentence we deserve, but give us the blessing we don't deserve. You are incredible!
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Genesis 45:20 "Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours".
Observation:
Joseph had revealed himself to his brothers and Pharaoh found out they were there. Joseph forgave them for all they had done to him in selling him into slavery and faking his death. These guys deserved the death sentence, but they were given the best of all Egypt. They went from "blessed" in Israel in their father's house to "superblessed" by probably the strongest man in the world at the time. They deserved punishment and received grace!
Application:
When God forgives us, He does it right. He doesn't just forgive us, but brings us to Himself, calls us His children, and blesses us beyond measure. His grace is amazing! He doesn't look at what you have done, but at who you are and, just like Joseph, how you are related to Him. We are His children and He loves us incredibly.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the reminder that Your grace is amazing today. You don't give us the sentence we deserve, but give us the blessing we don't deserve. You are incredible!
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Joseph Raised up
Scripture:
Genesis 41:40 "You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you".
Observation:
When God decides to raise a person up, He does and amazing job of it. Joseph was in a nation that was not his own. He was in prison days before this for a crime he did not commit. Suddenly God raised up Joseph at least twenty years after the dreams he had at seventeen years old. God took him instantly from the prison to being equal with the the most powerful man in the world at that time in a moment.
Application:
God's promotion timetable is never quite like ours. Many times He will give a dream or a vision and it will be many years in between the vision and the victory. No matter where we are today, tomorrow can be completely different if we follow after the Lord. This man's life went from a prison to a palace in a day. We must trust that God knows what He is doing in our lives and that the things He has promised will come to pass if we don't faint.
Prayer:
Father, help me to keep the faith when things don't appear to be going like I think they should. Help me to walk with you daily and know that You will do everything You have shown me. Teach me to walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that greater days are coming.
Yours Faithfully,
Jeff
Genesis 41:40 "You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you".
Observation:
When God decides to raise a person up, He does and amazing job of it. Joseph was in a nation that was not his own. He was in prison days before this for a crime he did not commit. Suddenly God raised up Joseph at least twenty years after the dreams he had at seventeen years old. God took him instantly from the prison to being equal with the the most powerful man in the world at that time in a moment.
Application:
God's promotion timetable is never quite like ours. Many times He will give a dream or a vision and it will be many years in between the vision and the victory. No matter where we are today, tomorrow can be completely different if we follow after the Lord. This man's life went from a prison to a palace in a day. We must trust that God knows what He is doing in our lives and that the things He has promised will come to pass if we don't faint.
Prayer:
Father, help me to keep the faith when things don't appear to be going like I think they should. Help me to walk with you daily and know that You will do everything You have shown me. Teach me to walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that greater days are coming.
Yours Faithfully,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
When God is With You
Scripture:
Genesis 39:23 "The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did".
Observation:
In this story about Joseph you can see the hand of God working in this man's life in amazing ways. Whenever he is in a bad situation, it says, 'The lord was with Joseph'. He came out of every bad situation because the Lord was with him. God always brought Joseph to the top of those around him. When God is with you, even bad situations are turned to good.
Application:
When God is with you, even your enemies seem to give you promotions and raises. When God is with you as He was with Joseph, bad things happen, but even in the bad things, God brings promotion and blessing your way. I want the blessing of God on my life. I want to live a life where incredible odds are beaten every time because God is with me. How do I get God to be with me? He already is, but He also said seek me and you will find me when you seek for me with all your heart. The answer...seek Him more in every situation.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are faithful. It is amazing how you were with Joseph and you blessed him in the midst of terrible happenings. I want You to be with me every day. I want Your presence in my life. I want to walk with You and talk with You. I am Yours.
Love,
Jeff
Genesis 39:23 "The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did".
Observation:
In this story about Joseph you can see the hand of God working in this man's life in amazing ways. Whenever he is in a bad situation, it says, 'The lord was with Joseph'. He came out of every bad situation because the Lord was with him. God always brought Joseph to the top of those around him. When God is with you, even bad situations are turned to good.
Application:
When God is with you, even your enemies seem to give you promotions and raises. When God is with you as He was with Joseph, bad things happen, but even in the bad things, God brings promotion and blessing your way. I want the blessing of God on my life. I want to live a life where incredible odds are beaten every time because God is with me. How do I get God to be with me? He already is, but He also said seek me and you will find me when you seek for me with all your heart. The answer...seek Him more in every situation.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are faithful. It is amazing how you were with Joseph and you blessed him in the midst of terrible happenings. I want You to be with me every day. I want Your presence in my life. I want to walk with You and talk with You. I am Yours.
Love,
Jeff
Friday, November 1, 2013
A Hundredfold Blessing
Scripture:
Genesis 26:12 "Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him".
Observation:
When Isaac is being described in Genesis, it talks about how wealthy he had gotten and it directly speaks of that fact that God had blessed him and made him rich. In this passage we see that Isaac planted crops and in the same year had a hundredfold harvest. When God decides to bless someone, He does it well. He made Isaac so rich and powerful that those around him became nervous.
Application:
I am generally pretty hard on prosperity preachers because I don't want people to serve God so that they can get rich. At the same time I can't deny that God's blessing does produce wealth. It is seen all through the Bible. There are those who had God's blessing on their lives, who did not get wealthy, but in an honest evaluation, most of those who were blessed of God also became quite wealthy. Things just worked well for them and God made everything they did prosper. I'm still not a prosperity preacher, but I do believe God still blesses His people in this way as we do His will.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me the truth about prosperity. Show me the right position to have. I don't want to misuse or wrongly teach Your Word on this topic. Keep me on the right course, but I also do ask you to bless me, my family, my church and my ministry financially.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 26:12 "Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him".
Observation:
When Isaac is being described in Genesis, it talks about how wealthy he had gotten and it directly speaks of that fact that God had blessed him and made him rich. In this passage we see that Isaac planted crops and in the same year had a hundredfold harvest. When God decides to bless someone, He does it well. He made Isaac so rich and powerful that those around him became nervous.
Application:
I am generally pretty hard on prosperity preachers because I don't want people to serve God so that they can get rich. At the same time I can't deny that God's blessing does produce wealth. It is seen all through the Bible. There are those who had God's blessing on their lives, who did not get wealthy, but in an honest evaluation, most of those who were blessed of God also became quite wealthy. Things just worked well for them and God made everything they did prosper. I'm still not a prosperity preacher, but I do believe God still blesses His people in this way as we do His will.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me the truth about prosperity. Show me the right position to have. I don't want to misuse or wrongly teach Your Word on this topic. Keep me on the right course, but I also do ask you to bless me, my family, my church and my ministry financially.
Yours,
Jeff
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