Scripture:
Exodus 12:13 "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt".
Observation:
This is the institution of the Passover meal. The last of the plagues on Egypt was the killing of all the firstborns in Egypt. In one night God was going to take the lives of every firstborn of every family and even the animals. The Israelites were to take blood from a lamb and place it on the doorposts and lintel of their homes. When the death angel came by, if he saw the blood, he would pass over that home and go the the next. This way all the Israelite people were safe from the destruction.
Application:
This verse says that no destructive plague will touch you when Egypt is struck. Here we see that when blood is applied, there is protection. As new testament believers, the blood of Jesus has been applied to our lives as the perfect Passover lamb. No plague coming on the earth will be able to take us out because there is blood on our lives. The blood of Jesus is powerful and we need to apply it to our lives daily.
Prayer:
Lord, I apply the blood of Jesus to my life, my family and my church. Protect like only You can. I trust You to guard my life from every attack. I thank You for blessing my life in so many ways. You are amazing!
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
A Distinction
Scripture:
Exodus 8:23 "I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow".
Observation:
Moses was proclaiming a plague of flies over the land of Egypt. He was telling Pharaoh to let his people go so they could worship God in the wilderness and Pharaoh was lot listening. After several plagues, God made a distinction and no longer sent the plagues everywhere. God protected His people from the wrath He was pouring out on Egypt. His people were not touched by the plagues while Egypt was being crushed.
Application:
God makes a distinction between those who are His and those who are not. He distinguishes His people from the rest and protects them. He is looking through the world today for those whose hearts are completely His. He is drawing His people to Himself that He may protect them. As God's people, the world should see a difference in our lives and theirs. They should see that God protects us, keeps us, and blesses us.
Prayer:
Lord, let me walk a walk that is pure before You. I want to see Your goodness revealed in my life in such measure that it distinguishes me from the world. Let the world see Your goodness through my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Exodus 8:23 "I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow".
Observation:
Moses was proclaiming a plague of flies over the land of Egypt. He was telling Pharaoh to let his people go so they could worship God in the wilderness and Pharaoh was lot listening. After several plagues, God made a distinction and no longer sent the plagues everywhere. God protected His people from the wrath He was pouring out on Egypt. His people were not touched by the plagues while Egypt was being crushed.
Application:
God makes a distinction between those who are His and those who are not. He distinguishes His people from the rest and protects them. He is looking through the world today for those whose hearts are completely His. He is drawing His people to Himself that He may protect them. As God's people, the world should see a difference in our lives and theirs. They should see that God protects us, keeps us, and blesses us.
Prayer:
Lord, let me walk a walk that is pure before You. I want to see Your goodness revealed in my life in such measure that it distinguishes me from the world. Let the world see Your goodness through my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
I Will Teach You What To Say
Scripture:
Exodus 4:12 "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say".
Observation:
Moses had been arguing with God about going back to Egypt to lead his people out of slavery and into freedom. He told God that Pharaoh would never listen to him because he was slow of speech. He felt he could not accomplish what God was asking him to do. God said to him, "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say". When God calls a person, He gives them what they need to accomplish His will.
Application:
Many times I feel like God has called me to do things that are far beyond what I am capable of. I look at my leadership skills and think, "I don't have what it takes to lead and to accomplish what God is calling me to accomplish". This story gives me hope because Moses thought he didn't have the skills needed to accomplish what God was calling him to do and God gave him what he needed to obey the Lord. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Prayer:
Father, help me to lean more on You each day. Only You can take me where I know You want me and the church and ministry I lead to go. I ask You to give me what I need to accomplish what You have put in my heart. You are my strength and source.
Yours,
Jeff
Exodus 4:12 "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say".
Observation:
Moses had been arguing with God about going back to Egypt to lead his people out of slavery and into freedom. He told God that Pharaoh would never listen to him because he was slow of speech. He felt he could not accomplish what God was asking him to do. God said to him, "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say". When God calls a person, He gives them what they need to accomplish His will.
Application:
Many times I feel like God has called me to do things that are far beyond what I am capable of. I look at my leadership skills and think, "I don't have what it takes to lead and to accomplish what God is calling me to accomplish". This story gives me hope because Moses thought he didn't have the skills needed to accomplish what God was calling him to do and God gave him what he needed to obey the Lord. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Prayer:
Father, help me to lean more on You each day. Only You can take me where I know You want me and the church and ministry I lead to go. I ask You to give me what I need to accomplish what You have put in my heart. You are my strength and source.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Oppression and Multiplication
Scripture:
Exodus 1:12 "But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites".
Observation:
The people of Israel were in Egypt and a king had come up who did not remember Joseph and the wonderful things he had done for Egypt. The Israelites were sent there by God to protect them through a terrible time of famine on their land. In the land of Egypt, God continued His promise that the people of Israel would be blessed and multiply greatly. The Egyptians got nervous because the Israelites were growing so large and began oppressing them. The more they oppressed, the more the the Israelites grew and the stronger they got.
Application:
God has a way of making us strong, even when it seems like everything is against us. He has a way of multiplying and blessing in the midst of persecution. The church is the only institution in the world that grows stronger when persecuted. The more they persecute, the stronger the church gets. When we go through tough times, we should look up because our God can bless us in the midst of great persecution.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are amazing! Thank you for giving us examples in scripture where you blessed Your people in the midst of terrible times. As we walk into the last days, help us keep our eyes on You and realize that You are able to bless us in the worst of situations. You are incredible!
Your Son,
Jeff
Exodus 1:12 "But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites".
Observation:
The people of Israel were in Egypt and a king had come up who did not remember Joseph and the wonderful things he had done for Egypt. The Israelites were sent there by God to protect them through a terrible time of famine on their land. In the land of Egypt, God continued His promise that the people of Israel would be blessed and multiply greatly. The Egyptians got nervous because the Israelites were growing so large and began oppressing them. The more they oppressed, the more the the Israelites grew and the stronger they got.
Application:
God has a way of making us strong, even when it seems like everything is against us. He has a way of multiplying and blessing in the midst of persecution. The church is the only institution in the world that grows stronger when persecuted. The more they persecute, the stronger the church gets. When we go through tough times, we should look up because our God can bless us in the midst of great persecution.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are amazing! Thank you for giving us examples in scripture where you blessed Your people in the midst of terrible times. As we walk into the last days, help us keep our eyes on You and realize that You are able to bless us in the worst of situations. You are incredible!
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, January 24, 2014
Producing Fruit
Scripture:
Matthew 21:43 "Therefore I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit".
Observation:
Jesus was addressing the chief priests and the Pharisees at this time. He was explaining to them that the Jews had been given an opportunity to oversee God's Kingdom and had failed in accomplishing what He wanted. He tells them that the Kingdom will be taken away from them and given to a people who will produce it's fruit. God has given the Kingdom to us Gentiles so that we will produce it's fruit.
Application:
God was looking for the Jews to produce something that they had not produced. Therefore, He took the kingdom from them and gave it to us Gentiles so that we would "produce fruit". Though grace is a free gift given to us, God is still looking for fruit. He wants us to produce, not just consume. He has given us the task of producing fruit for His kingdom. This is our mandate! This is our task. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost is fruit of the Kingdom in operation. We must advance His kingdom and let it rule and reign in our hearts.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be a producer and not just a consumer of your grace. I want to be part of those who produce much for Your kingdom. Help me live in such a way that I am fully yielded to You and Your Kingdom. Let You Kingdom grow and produce fruit in my life and through my life to others.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 21:43 "Therefore I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit".
Observation:
Jesus was addressing the chief priests and the Pharisees at this time. He was explaining to them that the Jews had been given an opportunity to oversee God's Kingdom and had failed in accomplishing what He wanted. He tells them that the Kingdom will be taken away from them and given to a people who will produce it's fruit. God has given the Kingdom to us Gentiles so that we will produce it's fruit.
Application:
God was looking for the Jews to produce something that they had not produced. Therefore, He took the kingdom from them and gave it to us Gentiles so that we would "produce fruit". Though grace is a free gift given to us, God is still looking for fruit. He wants us to produce, not just consume. He has given us the task of producing fruit for His kingdom. This is our mandate! This is our task. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost is fruit of the Kingdom in operation. We must advance His kingdom and let it rule and reign in our hearts.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be a producer and not just a consumer of your grace. I want to be part of those who produce much for Your kingdom. Help me live in such a way that I am fully yielded to You and Your Kingdom. Let You Kingdom grow and produce fruit in my life and through my life to others.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Unforgiveness Has Serious Consequences
Scripture:
Matthew 18:35 "This is how your heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart".
Observation:
Jesus told a story about a man who had been forgiven much, but couldn't forgive someone who owed him a much less amount. When the man was caught, he was turned over to the jailers to be tortured until he paid back all he owed. Then Jesus says the above statement, "this is how your heavenly Father will treat you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart". This is serious business. He is saying that God will allow you to be tortured when unforgiveness remains in your heart.
Application:
When we can't forgive someone who has sinned against us, we can expect things to go terribly wrong in our lives. Jesus, in another teaching, says that if we can't forgive others, God can't forgive us. This is scary Scripture! We must be a people who are quick to forgive those who offend us. We cannot walk in God's blessing when unforgiveness is in our heart. He has forgiven us for so much. We must also forgive others.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in complete forgiveness with everyone who offends me. Teach me to act as you would toward those who hurt me. I want to walk in blessing and not give room to the enemy through unforgiveness.
Forever Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 18:35 "This is how your heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart".
Observation:
Jesus told a story about a man who had been forgiven much, but couldn't forgive someone who owed him a much less amount. When the man was caught, he was turned over to the jailers to be tortured until he paid back all he owed. Then Jesus says the above statement, "this is how your heavenly Father will treat you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart". This is serious business. He is saying that God will allow you to be tortured when unforgiveness remains in your heart.
Application:
When we can't forgive someone who has sinned against us, we can expect things to go terribly wrong in our lives. Jesus, in another teaching, says that if we can't forgive others, God can't forgive us. This is scary Scripture! We must be a people who are quick to forgive those who offend us. We cannot walk in God's blessing when unforgiveness is in our heart. He has forgiven us for so much. We must also forgive others.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in complete forgiveness with everyone who offends me. Teach me to act as you would toward those who hurt me. I want to walk in blessing and not give room to the enemy through unforgiveness.
Forever Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
The Value of the Kingdom
Scripture:
Matthew 13:45-46 "Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it".
Observation:
Jesus compared the Kingdom of heaven to a merchant who found a pearl that was so valuable that he decided to sell everything he had to go and buy it. He is saying that God's kingdom is is worth whatever you have to pay for it. It is worth the ultimate sacrifice. It is more valuable than any other thing. It is eternal.
Application:
We must value our relationship with Christ. He paid the ultimate price for us. What He offers us at salvation is worth the sacrifice of everything else in our lives. You can't place a value on the Kingdom because nothing else even compares to it. We have something more precious than we know and we should honor our relationship with God by giving Him our all.
Prayer:
Father, your kingdom is of the ultimate value. You are worth everything to me and you paid the ultimate sacrifice by sending Your Son Jesus to die in my place. Help me never take you for granted. Thank you for working so strongly in my life lately and for blessing me supernaturally. You are amazing!
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 13:45-46 "Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it".
Observation:
Jesus compared the Kingdom of heaven to a merchant who found a pearl that was so valuable that he decided to sell everything he had to go and buy it. He is saying that God's kingdom is is worth whatever you have to pay for it. It is worth the ultimate sacrifice. It is more valuable than any other thing. It is eternal.
Application:
We must value our relationship with Christ. He paid the ultimate price for us. What He offers us at salvation is worth the sacrifice of everything else in our lives. You can't place a value on the Kingdom because nothing else even compares to it. We have something more precious than we know and we should honor our relationship with God by giving Him our all.
Prayer:
Father, your kingdom is of the ultimate value. You are worth everything to me and you paid the ultimate sacrifice by sending Your Son Jesus to die in my place. Help me never take you for granted. Thank you for working so strongly in my life lately and for blessing me supernaturally. You are amazing!
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Secret Christianity Doesn't Work
Scripture:
Matthew 10:32-33 "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heave. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven".
Observation:
According to Jesus, public acknowledgement of Him is very important. Christ doesn't want His followers to be ashamed of Him and His teachings. He wants bold disciples who won't disown Him even in the fiercest trials and tribulations. When His people wimp out and disown Him, He says He will disown them. He wants His church to go public!
Application:
When someone comes to Christ, they should be encouraged to go and tell someone what they have done. This helps them to acknowledge Christ publicly and strengthens their commitment to Him. Jesus wants His name publicly proclaimed and when we do our part, He proclaims us before His Father in heaven. As for me, I want my name being proclaimed before the Father in heaven on a regular basis. May the church come out of the closet and begin to proclaim Christ everywhere.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have been quiet about You when I knew I should say something. Holy Spirit empower me to proclaim Christ everywhere I go. Help the church to not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but be bold. We want to be proclaimed before the father and not disowned by the Father.
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 10:32-33 "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heave. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven".
Observation:
According to Jesus, public acknowledgement of Him is very important. Christ doesn't want His followers to be ashamed of Him and His teachings. He wants bold disciples who won't disown Him even in the fiercest trials and tribulations. When His people wimp out and disown Him, He says He will disown them. He wants His church to go public!
Application:
When someone comes to Christ, they should be encouraged to go and tell someone what they have done. This helps them to acknowledge Christ publicly and strengthens their commitment to Him. Jesus wants His name publicly proclaimed and when we do our part, He proclaims us before His Father in heaven. As for me, I want my name being proclaimed before the Father in heaven on a regular basis. May the church come out of the closet and begin to proclaim Christ everywhere.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have been quiet about You when I knew I should say something. Holy Spirit empower me to proclaim Christ everywhere I go. Help the church to not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but be bold. We want to be proclaimed before the father and not disowned by the Father.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, January 20, 2014
Ask, Seek and Knock
Scripture:
Matthew 7:8 "For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be open".
Observation:
Jesus is doing His most famous and largest teaching we have recorded in scripture. As part of it, He tells His audience, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you". He follows us by saying that Everyone who asks, seeks and knocks receives what they were looking for. We need to ask, seek and knock more.
Application:
Jesus taught us to ask, seek and knock, then said when we do that we will receive, find and the door will be open to us. How many times in my life have I been guilty of not asking the Lord for the things I need in this life? How many times have prayers gone unspoken when we really have needs? I am guilty of not asking, seeking and knocking because I sometimes feel it is selfish to ask, seek and knock. I need to ask more, seek more and knock more in my life. I have promises when I do.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, forgive me for mot asking the God of all provision when I have had needs in my life. Forgive me for not seeking You more and for not knocking at Your door when I have needs. I will come to You as my father and ask when I need something rather than just be frustrated trying to work things out on my own.
Thanks,
Jeff
Matthew 7:8 "For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be open".
Observation:
Jesus is doing His most famous and largest teaching we have recorded in scripture. As part of it, He tells His audience, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you". He follows us by saying that Everyone who asks, seeks and knocks receives what they were looking for. We need to ask, seek and knock more.
Application:
Jesus taught us to ask, seek and knock, then said when we do that we will receive, find and the door will be open to us. How many times in my life have I been guilty of not asking the Lord for the things I need in this life? How many times have prayers gone unspoken when we really have needs? I am guilty of not asking, seeking and knocking because I sometimes feel it is selfish to ask, seek and knock. I need to ask more, seek more and knock more in my life. I have promises when I do.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, forgive me for mot asking the God of all provision when I have had needs in my life. Forgive me for not seeking You more and for not knocking at Your door when I have needs. I will come to You as my father and ask when I need something rather than just be frustrated trying to work things out on my own.
Thanks,
Jeff
Thursday, January 16, 2014
The Earth is the Lord's
Scripture:
Genesis 47:11 "So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed".
Observation:
When Israel was re-locating to Egypt where his son Joseph was second in charge, God gave such favor to Joseph that Pharaoh gave his family property in the best part of the land. It doesn't say they bought the best land, rather Pharaoh "gave" them the best land. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof! When God wants to bless you with property, he can cause rulers of ungodly nations to have favor on you and give you the best of the land.
Application:
God takes care of what He sets up. God had been working for years to put everything in this family's lives in place so that He could bless them and take care of them in a difficult time. When the time came for them to be taken care of, they received the "best" land and it was "given" to them. We must believe as Hebrews says, that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We must believe that God will do for us what He did for Israel and Joseph.
Prayer:
Lord, our church is looking for property for the purpose of building Your Kingdom. We don't have the money to purchase in this expensive area, but this earth belongs to You and you could have someone "give" us a piece of the "best" land in this region. Let it come to pass and we will build You a place where You can be worshiped 24 hours a day every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 47:11 "So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed".
Observation:
When Israel was re-locating to Egypt where his son Joseph was second in charge, God gave such favor to Joseph that Pharaoh gave his family property in the best part of the land. It doesn't say they bought the best land, rather Pharaoh "gave" them the best land. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof! When God wants to bless you with property, he can cause rulers of ungodly nations to have favor on you and give you the best of the land.
Application:
God takes care of what He sets up. God had been working for years to put everything in this family's lives in place so that He could bless them and take care of them in a difficult time. When the time came for them to be taken care of, they received the "best" land and it was "given" to them. We must believe as Hebrews says, that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We must believe that God will do for us what He did for Israel and Joseph.
Prayer:
Lord, our church is looking for property for the purpose of building Your Kingdom. We don't have the money to purchase in this expensive area, but this earth belongs to You and you could have someone "give" us a piece of the "best" land in this region. Let it come to pass and we will build You a place where You can be worshiped 24 hours a day every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
God Sent Me Here
Scripture:
Genesis 45:8 "'So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.'"
Observation:
When Joseph was revealing himself to his brothers who had sold him into slavery, he told them they didn't send him there, but God did. He realized at this point that the slave time, prison time, and the years of absolute frustration in his life were from God to get him into a position for his dreams to be realized and for his family to be preserved. He realized that God's hand was on his life throughout the entire time and that God had a plan all along.
Application:
When our lives are fully surrendered to Christ, we can trust that, no matter how bad the current situation is, God has a plan. God is continually working in our lives to bring about His purposes and sometimes we have to go through some bad stuff in order to get where He needs us so his will can be accomplished. May I live in the constant understanding that, even though I don't understand why certain things happen, God does. My life belongs to Him and His will is going to be accomplished in my life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not be frustrated with present situations, but to realize that You are continually working things in my life. Teach me to trust You more each day. Help me to see clearly that, even though things may be difficult at times, You are working to get me where I need to be so Your will can be accomplished in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Genesis 45:8 "'So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.'"
Observation:
When Joseph was revealing himself to his brothers who had sold him into slavery, he told them they didn't send him there, but God did. He realized at this point that the slave time, prison time, and the years of absolute frustration in his life were from God to get him into a position for his dreams to be realized and for his family to be preserved. He realized that God's hand was on his life throughout the entire time and that God had a plan all along.
Application:
When our lives are fully surrendered to Christ, we can trust that, no matter how bad the current situation is, God has a plan. God is continually working in our lives to bring about His purposes and sometimes we have to go through some bad stuff in order to get where He needs us so his will can be accomplished. May I live in the constant understanding that, even though I don't understand why certain things happen, God does. My life belongs to Him and His will is going to be accomplished in my life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not be frustrated with present situations, but to realize that You are continually working things in my life. Teach me to trust You more each day. Help me to see clearly that, even though things may be difficult at times, You are working to get me where I need to be so Your will can be accomplished in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
I Cannot Do It... but God
Scripture:
Genesis 41:16 "'I cannot do it', Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires'".
Observation:
Joseph walked with God through many years of difficult situations. He had come to know that it was God and God alone that should get the glory for things done in our lives. He understood his humanness. He knew the ability to interpret dreams did not belong to Him, but to God. I love his words, "I cannot do it... but God will". He knew that without God, he was useless to the Pharaoh. He knew it was God who gave interpretations. He also knew, through many years of walking with God through tough situations that God could be trusted.
Application:
We need to understand our humanness better. Like Joseph, we must be able to say, "I cannot do it". We also must realize that we serve an all-powerful God who CAN do anything and uses his servants to work through. Realizing I can't do something and knowing that without God it is impossible is actually a really good place to be.
Prayer:
God, I cannot do the things You have put in my heart to do. I know I don't have what it takes in me on a human level, but I also know that You are the God of the impossible! You are amazing and nothing is too difficult for You. Help me rely on You more and less on me.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 41:16 "'I cannot do it', Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires'".
Observation:
Joseph walked with God through many years of difficult situations. He had come to know that it was God and God alone that should get the glory for things done in our lives. He understood his humanness. He knew the ability to interpret dreams did not belong to Him, but to God. I love his words, "I cannot do it... but God will". He knew that without God, he was useless to the Pharaoh. He knew it was God who gave interpretations. He also knew, through many years of walking with God through tough situations that God could be trusted.
Application:
We need to understand our humanness better. Like Joseph, we must be able to say, "I cannot do it". We also must realize that we serve an all-powerful God who CAN do anything and uses his servants to work through. Realizing I can't do something and knowing that without God it is impossible is actually a really good place to be.
Prayer:
God, I cannot do the things You have put in my heart to do. I know I don't have what it takes in me on a human level, but I also know that You are the God of the impossible! You are amazing and nothing is too difficult for You. Help me rely on You more and less on me.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, January 10, 2014
Awareness of His Presence
Scripture:
Genesis 28:16 "When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it'".
Observation:
Jacob had an encounter with God as he was sleeping with a rock for a pillow. Most of us would think we had a weird dream because we had a bad pillow. Jacob knew he had encountered God in a very real way. He even decided to become a tither at that point. The sad commentary here is the second part of the verse, "and I was not aware of it".
Application:
God is ever-present with us, yet He goes unnoticed by us most of the time. He is omni-present, everywhere, yet only in the big encounters do we realize He is with us. I don't want to be unaware of God's presence being with me. I want to be fully aware at all times that God is with me and to walk in that confidence 24/7. I love the powerful encounters when He manifests His presence, but I want to know His abiding presence at all times.
Prayer:
Lord, during this 21 day fast and continually after that, make me more aware of Your presence. Help me realize you are with me when I feel it and when I don't. I want to be more aware of your presence every day. Walk with me. Talk with me. I want to know You more.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 28:16 "When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it'".
Observation:
Jacob had an encounter with God as he was sleeping with a rock for a pillow. Most of us would think we had a weird dream because we had a bad pillow. Jacob knew he had encountered God in a very real way. He even decided to become a tither at that point. The sad commentary here is the second part of the verse, "and I was not aware of it".
Application:
God is ever-present with us, yet He goes unnoticed by us most of the time. He is omni-present, everywhere, yet only in the big encounters do we realize He is with us. I don't want to be unaware of God's presence being with me. I want to be fully aware at all times that God is with me and to walk in that confidence 24/7. I love the powerful encounters when He manifests His presence, but I want to know His abiding presence at all times.
Prayer:
Lord, during this 21 day fast and continually after that, make me more aware of Your presence. Help me realize you are with me when I feel it and when I don't. I want to be more aware of your presence every day. Walk with me. Talk with me. I want to know You more.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, January 9, 2014
A Walk With God that is Clearly Seen by All
Scripture:
Genesis 26:28 ""We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, 'There ought to be a sworn agreement between us' - between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you".
Observation:
The blessing on Isaac's life was so apparent that his enemies wanted to make a treaty of peace with him. They could see clearly that his life wasn't normal, but blessed by a supernatural God. It was so strong in their eyes that they wanted to make a treaty with him because they never wanted to be in opposition to him. They realized his God could destroy them easily.
Application:
I want to live a life that brings God glory like this. A life so blessed that people are afraid to be your enemy. A life that nobody can deny is blessed by a supernatural God. God was so clearly seen in Isaac's life that his enemies were afraid of him. I want those around me, friend and foe, to see the hand of God operating in my life. I want to walk with God is a way that is clearly seen by all. I want God to be lifted up through my life.
Prayer:
Father, I want to walk with You in such a way that your blessing is clearly evident to everyone around me. I want my life to bring You glory like Isaac's did. Teach me to walk by faith and draw near to me as I draw near to You. You are my life. Live big in me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Genesis 26:28 ""We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, 'There ought to be a sworn agreement between us' - between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you".
Observation:
The blessing on Isaac's life was so apparent that his enemies wanted to make a treaty of peace with him. They could see clearly that his life wasn't normal, but blessed by a supernatural God. It was so strong in their eyes that they wanted to make a treaty with him because they never wanted to be in opposition to him. They realized his God could destroy them easily.
Application:
I want to live a life that brings God glory like this. A life so blessed that people are afraid to be your enemy. A life that nobody can deny is blessed by a supernatural God. God was so clearly seen in Isaac's life that his enemies were afraid of him. I want those around me, friend and foe, to see the hand of God operating in my life. I want to walk with God is a way that is clearly seen by all. I want God to be lifted up through my life.
Prayer:
Father, I want to walk with You in such a way that your blessing is clearly evident to everyone around me. I want my life to bring You glory like Isaac's did. Teach me to walk by faith and draw near to me as I draw near to You. You are my life. Live big in me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Make Me Successful Today
Scripture:
Genesis 24:12 "Then he prayed, 'Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham'".
Observation:
Abraham's servant had been sent out on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He was to go to Abraham's relatives to find her. At this point he wasn't even sure if he was in the right place. They didn't have maps and GPS like we have today. He prayed a prayer before he started and said to the Lord, "make me successful today". He wanted this decision to be in God's hands and not his own.
Application:
God loves it when His people look to Him for direction, answers, truth, decisions, and life in general. Like Abraham's servant, we need to seek the Lord and make sure what we are doing is God's will. The servant wanted to be successful, but successful meant finding the person God had chosen as a wife for Isaac. When we ask God for success, it can never be for our own profit. He makes His will successful. When we want His will above all else, success will come.
Prayer:
Lord, thanks You for speaking to me this morning. I want to be successful today at doing all Your want accomplished. Interrupt my day with Your will. Let me be on Your agenda and not my own. Open my ears to hear clearer what you are saying to me. I want to be in line with Your desires for my life.
Your Son,
JeffGPS
Genesis 24:12 "Then he prayed, 'Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham'".
Observation:
Abraham's servant had been sent out on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He was to go to Abraham's relatives to find her. At this point he wasn't even sure if he was in the right place. They didn't have maps and GPS like we have today. He prayed a prayer before he started and said to the Lord, "make me successful today". He wanted this decision to be in God's hands and not his own.
Application:
God loves it when His people look to Him for direction, answers, truth, decisions, and life in general. Like Abraham's servant, we need to seek the Lord and make sure what we are doing is God's will. The servant wanted to be successful, but successful meant finding the person God had chosen as a wife for Isaac. When we ask God for success, it can never be for our own profit. He makes His will successful. When we want His will above all else, success will come.
Prayer:
Lord, thanks You for speaking to me this morning. I want to be successful today at doing all Your want accomplished. Interrupt my day with Your will. Let me be on Your agenda and not my own. Open my ears to hear clearer what you are saying to me. I want to be in line with Your desires for my life.
Your Son,
JeffGPS
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
God is With You
Scripture:
Genesis 21:22 "At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, 'God is with you in everything you do'".
Observation:
Abimelek and Phicol were asking Abraham to be kind to them. From being around Abraham, they came to understand that God was with him in everything he did. As unbelievers, they still knew that God was with Abraham in everything he did and they wanted to be on Abraham's good side.
Application:
One of the greatest things the world can notice about God's people is that He is with us in everything we do. I have to ask myself, "Am I living a life that would cause my enemies to notice that God is with me in everything I do?" Abraham walked with God and wasn't perfect, but he obeyed God and followed the Lord in his life and God was with him. I want to walk with God that way.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be with you and you with me in everything I do. I want to know You more each day and to walk with You in intimacy. I want the ungodly around me to have no excuse because they see God working in my life on a daily basis. I want to glorify Your name.
Your Son,
Jeff
Genesis 21:22 "At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, 'God is with you in everything you do'".
Observation:
Abimelek and Phicol were asking Abraham to be kind to them. From being around Abraham, they came to understand that God was with him in everything he did. As unbelievers, they still knew that God was with Abraham in everything he did and they wanted to be on Abraham's good side.
Application:
One of the greatest things the world can notice about God's people is that He is with us in everything we do. I have to ask myself, "Am I living a life that would cause my enemies to notice that God is with me in everything I do?" Abraham walked with God and wasn't perfect, but he obeyed God and followed the Lord in his life and God was with him. I want to walk with God that way.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be with you and you with me in everything I do. I want to know You more each day and to walk with You in intimacy. I want the ungodly around me to have no excuse because they see God working in my life on a daily basis. I want to glorify Your name.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, January 6, 2014
The God Who Sees Me
Scripture:
Genesis 15:13 "She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me', for she said, 'I have now seen the one who sees me'".
Observation:
Hagar had fled from Sarai and Abram because she was being mistreated by Sarai. She was pregnant and alone and God came to her. She did what her master ordered her to do and now was in trouble for it. at this encounter with God, she named the Lord "The God who sees me". She realized God was watching out for her no matter where she was and what situation she was in.
Application:
God is still "The God who sees me". He is still watching over His people. He knows every hurt, every frustration and every problem we are facing. He sees every wrong treatment, every time we are falsely accused, and He knows every detail of our lives. When we are going through difficult times, it is comforting to know God as "The God who sees me". We must remember that He sees all and keeps good records.
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for showing me this today. You are the one who sees everything and knows everything. Nothing that has happened to me in the past has gone past your radar. Help me be a man who trust You more and more.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 15:13 "She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me', for she said, 'I have now seen the one who sees me'".
Observation:
Hagar had fled from Sarai and Abram because she was being mistreated by Sarai. She was pregnant and alone and God came to her. She did what her master ordered her to do and now was in trouble for it. at this encounter with God, she named the Lord "The God who sees me". She realized God was watching out for her no matter where she was and what situation she was in.
Application:
God is still "The God who sees me". He is still watching over His people. He knows every hurt, every frustration and every problem we are facing. He sees every wrong treatment, every time we are falsely accused, and He knows every detail of our lives. When we are going through difficult times, it is comforting to know God as "The God who sees me". We must remember that He sees all and keeps good records.
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for showing me this today. You are the one who sees everything and knows everything. Nothing that has happened to me in the past has gone past your radar. Help me be a man who trust You more and more.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, January 3, 2014
God Never Forgets
Scripture:
Genesis 8:1 "But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded".
Observation:
God had told Noah to do into the ark because He was going to flood the earth. God closed the door and they were stuck in that vessel for a long, long time. Chapter 8 begins with the words, "But God remembered Noah". When God says something, it will come to pass. It may feel like He has forgotten us, but He never forgets.
Application:
Don't worry so much about promises that haven't yet come to pass. God will remember His promises. He doesn't forget! As people, it is easy to be in a situation a long time and feel like God has forgotten us, but he never forgets. He will remember His promise at the right time if we are faithful in the process of time. The word of the day is, remain faithful...what He promised will come to pass.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be faithful while waiting on the promises You have given me. Teach me that your timing and my timing are totally different and that You know best what needs to happen and when. You are amazing and I want to trust You more in areas that it seems You may have forgotten.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 8:1 "But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded".
Observation:
God had told Noah to do into the ark because He was going to flood the earth. God closed the door and they were stuck in that vessel for a long, long time. Chapter 8 begins with the words, "But God remembered Noah". When God says something, it will come to pass. It may feel like He has forgotten us, but He never forgets.
Application:
Don't worry so much about promises that haven't yet come to pass. God will remember His promises. He doesn't forget! As people, it is easy to be in a situation a long time and feel like God has forgotten us, but he never forgets. He will remember His promise at the right time if we are faithful in the process of time. The word of the day is, remain faithful...what He promised will come to pass.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be faithful while waiting on the promises You have given me. Teach me that your timing and my timing are totally different and that You know best what needs to happen and when. You are amazing and I want to trust You more in areas that it seems You may have forgotten.
Yours,
Jeff
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