Scripture:
Luke 9:6 "So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere".
Observation:
Jesus gave his disciples authority over demons and to heal the sick. They were to preach the kingdom of God as they went. After Jesus told them what to do, you see their response. "So they set out and went...proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere". I love the fact that they "set out and went" immediately. They didn't sign up for the next 25 classes on proclaiming and healing. They just went out and started doing what Jesus told them to do.
Application:
As NT believers we are given the same authority and told to go out into all the world and preach the gospel everywhere. Instead of just going and doing what Jesus told us to do, we try to rationalize and spiritualize everything. We feel that is for the evangelist and it's just not my gift. We must get past this and "set out" to go from village to village proclaiming and healing. We need to be a people who take Jesus as His word and do what He asks us to do. He already gave us authority, we must use it.
Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to see the simplicity of simply obeying your word and doing what it says. Help me not to make excuses, but to proclaim the message of Your kingdom everywhere I go. I want to lead someone to Christ today Lord. Help me do it for the expansion of Your Kingdom.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
It Will Be Given
Scripture:
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you".
Observation:
Jesus makes a statement here in the form of a promise. He tells us to give, and it will be given to us. He goes on to tell more. He says what is given us will be a good measure, pressed down shaken together and running over. In other words, when we give, we can expect to be given to in abundance. Lastly He says that with the measure you use, it will be given to you.
Application:
God loves a cheerful giver. He wants His people to be giving people because He is a giving God. When we give, we are being like Him. We need to remember that with the measure we give to God and others, it will be measured back to us. Many people want the blessings, but don't sow enough seed to have a good harvest. The bottom line is that we need to be givers and not takers. Givers are blessed with more!
Prayer:
God, give me a giving heart. Help me to live a life of blessing You and others. I love to give and want to increase my giving. Help me be in the position to give more and more. I have given much and am trusting You to help me give more. I want to be more like You every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you".
Observation:
Jesus makes a statement here in the form of a promise. He tells us to give, and it will be given to us. He goes on to tell more. He says what is given us will be a good measure, pressed down shaken together and running over. In other words, when we give, we can expect to be given to in abundance. Lastly He says that with the measure you use, it will be given to you.
Application:
God loves a cheerful giver. He wants His people to be giving people because He is a giving God. When we give, we are being like Him. We need to remember that with the measure we give to God and others, it will be measured back to us. Many people want the blessings, but don't sow enough seed to have a good harvest. The bottom line is that we need to be givers and not takers. Givers are blessed with more!
Prayer:
God, give me a giving heart. Help me to live a life of blessing You and others. I love to give and want to increase my giving. Help me be in the position to give more and more. I have given much and am trusting You to help me give more. I want to be more like You every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Blessed for Believing
Scripture:
Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her".
Observation:
Elizabeth had just met Mary and her son John the Baptist jumped in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit upon Mary walking in the door. She realized that something very powerful had taken place in Mary's life and her own life as well. She said to Mary, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her". She realized that Mary had a part in this promise.
Application:
Just as Mary had to believe the things which the angel had told her and was blessed for it, we must also believe the promises of God are for us and will come to pass. Faith is so important in our lives. We must be people of faith who truly believe God will do what He says He will do. We are blessed when we believe what God says will come to pass. The promises of God are twofold, He promises them, but we must believe His word and act on them.
Prayer:
Father God, teach me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to believe to the point of action, the things You have put in my heart. Help me walk by faith and believe You will do what You say You will do.
Yours,
Jeff
Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her".
Observation:
Elizabeth had just met Mary and her son John the Baptist jumped in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit upon Mary walking in the door. She realized that something very powerful had taken place in Mary's life and her own life as well. She said to Mary, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her". She realized that Mary had a part in this promise.
Application:
Just as Mary had to believe the things which the angel had told her and was blessed for it, we must also believe the promises of God are for us and will come to pass. Faith is so important in our lives. We must be people of faith who truly believe God will do what He says He will do. We are blessed when we believe what God says will come to pass. The promises of God are twofold, He promises them, but we must believe His word and act on them.
Prayer:
Father God, teach me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to believe to the point of action, the things You have put in my heart. Help me walk by faith and believe You will do what You say You will do.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
The Tithe is Not Mine
Scripture:
Exodus 27:30 "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord".
Observation:
God makes it clear here that a tithe of everything belongs to God. The first ten percent doesn't even belong to us, it belongs to God. The first ten percent of everything belongs to Him and it is holy, therefore we shouldn't touch it. Taking any part of the tithe then, would truly be robbing God according to Malachi.
Application:
God wants to be first in our lives. He wants us to submit to Him in every area and for Him to be first in our hearts and lives. When it comes to the tithe, the first ten percent belongs to God and doesn't belong to us. When we use it for something else, we are using His money which is holy. Most of us would never steal from God, but not tithing truly is stealing from God. It is His and not ours! You can't give away what doesn't belong to you and we can't give away what belongs to God.
Prayer:
Father, teach me more each day about keeping You first in my life. Help me keep you first in my time, my talents and my treasures. Help me to honor You completely with my tithes and offerings. I want my life to bring you glory.
Your Son,
Jeff
Exodus 27:30 "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord".
Observation:
God makes it clear here that a tithe of everything belongs to God. The first ten percent doesn't even belong to us, it belongs to God. The first ten percent of everything belongs to Him and it is holy, therefore we shouldn't touch it. Taking any part of the tithe then, would truly be robbing God according to Malachi.
Application:
God wants to be first in our lives. He wants us to submit to Him in every area and for Him to be first in our hearts and lives. When it comes to the tithe, the first ten percent belongs to God and doesn't belong to us. When we use it for something else, we are using His money which is holy. Most of us would never steal from God, but not tithing truly is stealing from God. It is His and not ours! You can't give away what doesn't belong to you and we can't give away what belongs to God.
Prayer:
Father, teach me more each day about keeping You first in my life. Help me keep you first in my time, my talents and my treasures. Help me to honor You completely with my tithes and offerings. I want my life to bring you glory.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, February 24, 2014
God's Laws Work
Scripture:
Leviticus 24:19-20 "Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury".
Observation:
God's Law in this area was pretty simple, yet very profound. I can't help but to believe our crime rates would change if we went back to God's laws. If people knew that hurting another person was going to result in them being hurt with the same injuries, I think they would be very careful about not hurting them too much. Doing it God's way would radically change everything very quickly.
Application:
In the Law it was said to do to others what they have done to you, but when Jesus came along, He said, do to others what you want them to do to you. This golden rule is absolutely powerful. In the same manner that the Law would keep people from hurting others, Jesus' rule would actually cause people to experience joy because they are being treated with respect, care, concern, etc. God's laws work!
Prayer:
Lord, help me live by your golden rule more and more in my life. Help me to treat others as I want to be treated. Help me recognize the needs of others and serve them well. I want to be more like You!
Yours,
Jeff
Leviticus 24:19-20 "Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury".
Observation:
God's Law in this area was pretty simple, yet very profound. I can't help but to believe our crime rates would change if we went back to God's laws. If people knew that hurting another person was going to result in them being hurt with the same injuries, I think they would be very careful about not hurting them too much. Doing it God's way would radically change everything very quickly.
Application:
In the Law it was said to do to others what they have done to you, but when Jesus came along, He said, do to others what you want them to do to you. This golden rule is absolutely powerful. In the same manner that the Law would keep people from hurting others, Jesus' rule would actually cause people to experience joy because they are being treated with respect, care, concern, etc. God's laws work!
Prayer:
Lord, help me live by your golden rule more and more in my life. Help me to treat others as I want to be treated. Help me recognize the needs of others and serve them well. I want to be more like You!
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
The Presence of the Lord
Scripture:
Leviticus 9:23 "Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people".
Observation:
There were many rules to be followed and offerings to be offered before God decided to show His glory to the people. The high priest had to offer every type of sacrifice and offering, cleansing himself for this moment of ordination as priest. They had to offer offerings on behalf of the people, then, when they came out, the glory of the Lord appeared. They did what was prescribed by the Lord and He showed up powerfully.
Application:
Jesus blood was better than the blood of calves and goats. It provided a better sacrifice for our sins and gave us access into the very presence of God. Hebrews says we can come boldly into the throne of grace and obtain mercy and favor. Jesus cleared the way for us to serve as priests in His kingdom and our sacrifices and offerings have already been paid at Calvary. We must not step up and enter His glory. We must begin to realize what we have available to us and access it. I want to see the glory of the Lord in greater measure in my life.
Prayer:
Father God, I want to see your glory like Moses, Aaron and the children of Israel did. I want your fire to fall. Jesus paid the price, we have access, now help m enter into your glory. I want to truly be a tabernacle of Your presence on the earth. I know I am theologically, but I want to walk in it completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
Leviticus 9:23 "Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people".
Observation:
There were many rules to be followed and offerings to be offered before God decided to show His glory to the people. The high priest had to offer every type of sacrifice and offering, cleansing himself for this moment of ordination as priest. They had to offer offerings on behalf of the people, then, when they came out, the glory of the Lord appeared. They did what was prescribed by the Lord and He showed up powerfully.
Application:
Jesus blood was better than the blood of calves and goats. It provided a better sacrifice for our sins and gave us access into the very presence of God. Hebrews says we can come boldly into the throne of grace and obtain mercy and favor. Jesus cleared the way for us to serve as priests in His kingdom and our sacrifices and offerings have already been paid at Calvary. We must not step up and enter His glory. We must begin to realize what we have available to us and access it. I want to see the glory of the Lord in greater measure in my life.
Prayer:
Father God, I want to see your glory like Moses, Aaron and the children of Israel did. I want your fire to fall. Jesus paid the price, we have access, now help m enter into your glory. I want to truly be a tabernacle of Your presence on the earth. I know I am theologically, but I want to walk in it completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Fire on the Altar
Scripture:
Leviticus 6:9 "The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar".
Observation:
This command was given concerning the burnt offering. The fire for the burnt offering was never to go out. The priest were to take out the ashes every morning to a special place, but they were commanded never to let the fire on the altar go out.
Application:
God wants us to always have fire on the altar of our hearts. In order to do that, we must come to Him every morning and take out the ashes of yesterday's fire. We must ask Him for fresh fire daily from His presence. Ashes are the leftovers of yesterday's fire. There was a special place for them, but they couldn't mess up or substitute for today's fire. It's great to talk about what God did yesterday, but we need a fresh move of God every day. We want to be in close relationship with Him every day and not let our love grow cold. The only way to keep fire on the altar is to spend time daily with the Lord in prayer and in His word.
Prayer:
Lord, let my fire never go out. Renew me every morning as I walk and pray as well as when I open your word. Help me to live each day in the red hot fire of Your Spirit. I want the fire of God to burn in my life every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Leviticus 6:9 "The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar".
Observation:
This command was given concerning the burnt offering. The fire for the burnt offering was never to go out. The priest were to take out the ashes every morning to a special place, but they were commanded never to let the fire on the altar go out.
Application:
God wants us to always have fire on the altar of our hearts. In order to do that, we must come to Him every morning and take out the ashes of yesterday's fire. We must ask Him for fresh fire daily from His presence. Ashes are the leftovers of yesterday's fire. There was a special place for them, but they couldn't mess up or substitute for today's fire. It's great to talk about what God did yesterday, but we need a fresh move of God every day. We want to be in close relationship with Him every day and not let our love grow cold. The only way to keep fire on the altar is to spend time daily with the Lord in prayer and in His word.
Prayer:
Lord, let my fire never go out. Renew me every morning as I walk and pray as well as when I open your word. Help me to live each day in the red hot fire of Your Spirit. I want the fire of God to burn in my life every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, February 17, 2014
Atonement
Scripture:
Leviticus 1:4 "You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you".
Observation:
God told Moses to tell the people that they were to present offerings to the Lord. In this passage there are instructions about the burnt offering which was an animal that had to be a male and it had to be without defect. The people were to lay their hands on the head of the animal, then sacrifice it. This would bring atonement and the animal would be killed instead of the person. In Genesis, God said that the soul that sins would die. Here we see the sins being transferred through laying on of hands and the death of the animal is an atonement for the sins of the people.
Application:
When John the baptist saw Jesus coming to him he declared, "Behold the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world". Jesus lived a perfect sinless life and was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Instead of atoning for one person's sin, the blood of Jesus was enough to atone for all who would ever come to Him. He paid the price for our sins and we are accepted because of Him. We should live our lives every day thanking God for sending His Son Jesus to atone for our sins. Our sins were nailed to the cross of Calvary and we are free to walk in victory over sin because of the sacrifice Christ made for us. We must live in a way that says, "I appreciate Your sacrifice".
Prayer:
Lord, help me to never take your sacrifice for granted. Help me to walk every day thanking You for going to the cross on my behalf. Help me also understand better that my sins have been paid for be the blood of Christ and that I am free from the slavery that sin produces. Help me to live a life that appreciates the blood shed on Calvary.
Yours,
Jeff
Leviticus 1:4 "You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you".
Observation:
God told Moses to tell the people that they were to present offerings to the Lord. In this passage there are instructions about the burnt offering which was an animal that had to be a male and it had to be without defect. The people were to lay their hands on the head of the animal, then sacrifice it. This would bring atonement and the animal would be killed instead of the person. In Genesis, God said that the soul that sins would die. Here we see the sins being transferred through laying on of hands and the death of the animal is an atonement for the sins of the people.
Application:
When John the baptist saw Jesus coming to him he declared, "Behold the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world". Jesus lived a perfect sinless life and was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Instead of atoning for one person's sin, the blood of Jesus was enough to atone for all who would ever come to Him. He paid the price for our sins and we are accepted because of Him. We should live our lives every day thanking God for sending His Son Jesus to atone for our sins. Our sins were nailed to the cross of Calvary and we are free to walk in victory over sin because of the sacrifice Christ made for us. We must live in a way that says, "I appreciate Your sacrifice".
Prayer:
Lord, help me to never take your sacrifice for granted. Help me to walk every day thanking You for going to the cross on my behalf. Help me also understand better that my sins have been paid for be the blood of Christ and that I am free from the slavery that sin produces. Help me to live a life that appreciates the blood shed on Calvary.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, February 14, 2014
The James and John Syndrome
Scripture:
Mark 10:35 "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. 'Teacher', they said, 'we want you to do for us whatever we ask'".
Observation:
James and John came to Jesus with a statement that blows me away. "We want you to do for us whatever we ask". The way this is recorded in Scripture makes it sound like Jesus was a genie in a bottle who was suppose to give them whatever they wished for. No matter what they asked for next, if I was Jesus, there is no way I would give it to them because the entire request sounds selfish. Wrong motives never produce right results.
Application:
Many people today have the same statement for Jesus. They come to Him totally for what they can get out of Him instead of just being willing to serve Him. Today's generation says, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask, and if we don't, we won't serve You". We need to be a people who are committed to Christ and the extension of His kingdom without asking Him to constantly be giving us what we desire. We can't serve Jesus only as long as He gives us everything we want. That's not love!
Prayer:
Lord, teach me not to be like James and John. Help me stay focused on Your kingdom and not on my own. Yes, I have needs and would like them met, but I want to be about fulfilling Your will above my own. I want to turn their words around and say, "I want to do whatever YOU ask".
Your Son,
Jeff
Mark 10:35 "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. 'Teacher', they said, 'we want you to do for us whatever we ask'".
Observation:
James and John came to Jesus with a statement that blows me away. "We want you to do for us whatever we ask". The way this is recorded in Scripture makes it sound like Jesus was a genie in a bottle who was suppose to give them whatever they wished for. No matter what they asked for next, if I was Jesus, there is no way I would give it to them because the entire request sounds selfish. Wrong motives never produce right results.
Application:
Many people today have the same statement for Jesus. They come to Him totally for what they can get out of Him instead of just being willing to serve Him. Today's generation says, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask, and if we don't, we won't serve You". We need to be a people who are committed to Christ and the extension of His kingdom without asking Him to constantly be giving us what we desire. We can't serve Jesus only as long as He gives us everything we want. That's not love!
Prayer:
Lord, teach me not to be like James and John. Help me stay focused on Your kingdom and not on my own. Yes, I have needs and would like them met, but I want to be about fulfilling Your will above my own. I want to turn their words around and say, "I want to do whatever YOU ask".
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, February 13, 2014
The Reality of Hell
Scripture:
Mark 9:48 "where the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched".
Observation:
Jesus was talking to His disciples about offending the little ones who believed in Him. He went on to have a discourse on hell. Jesus said that it is better to pluck your eye out, cut your hand off, or cut your foot off than to be thrown into hell. He was basically saying that hell was so bad that you would be better off with temporary physical pain than to experience eternal torment. Jesus here described hell as a place where worms eat you and never die and where the fire is never quenched.
Application:
If we really believed in a place like what is described above, we would do everything possible to rescue those who were headed there. Nobody would want their friend, relative, or anyone else to experience the horrors of hell. In my heart, I know I must do more to rescue those around me from that awful place. We must be about the king's business. It is not His will for anyone to experience this place. We must do our best to set up road blocks to stop people who are headed there.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to see hell as You do. I want to help rescue as many as possible from that terrible place that You created for Satan and his angels. Keep this ever before me as I preach Your gospel. Help me expand your kingdom and influence on the earth.
Yours,
Jeff
Mark 9:48 "where the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched".
Observation:
Jesus was talking to His disciples about offending the little ones who believed in Him. He went on to have a discourse on hell. Jesus said that it is better to pluck your eye out, cut your hand off, or cut your foot off than to be thrown into hell. He was basically saying that hell was so bad that you would be better off with temporary physical pain than to experience eternal torment. Jesus here described hell as a place where worms eat you and never die and where the fire is never quenched.
Application:
If we really believed in a place like what is described above, we would do everything possible to rescue those who were headed there. Nobody would want their friend, relative, or anyone else to experience the horrors of hell. In my heart, I know I must do more to rescue those around me from that awful place. We must be about the king's business. It is not His will for anyone to experience this place. We must do our best to set up road blocks to stop people who are headed there.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to see hell as You do. I want to help rescue as many as possible from that terrible place that You created for Satan and his angels. Keep this ever before me as I preach Your gospel. Help me expand your kingdom and influence on the earth.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Pride is a Killer
Scripture:
Mark 6:26 "The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not refuse her".
Observation:
John the Baptist was killed because the King had too much pride to change his mind in front of people. He had made an oath in front of his dinner guests, then, even though he knew it was wrong and was very distressed about it, he had John the Baptist be headed. Pride is a killer. This king didn't want to look bad in front of others or to look like he wasn't a man of his word, therefore he went against his own convictions and had a man murdered.
Application:
How often are our decisions made out of pride or to save face? How many times do we think about what others think of us rather than doing what we know is the right thing? Pride is a killer and we need to walk in enough humility to say, "I was wrong". I know when I make a decision, I struggle with implementing certain things because I know it will make a certain person feel bad. Even when I know it is the right thing, I don't do it sometimes because I value the relationship over doing the right thing. Right things must be done.
Prayer:
Lord, Help me to do the right things. Help me say the hard things and do the hard things. Teach me to choose what I know is right over what I know will make people happy. Give me strength to say what needs said in all situations.
Yours,
Jeff
Mark 6:26 "The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not refuse her".
Observation:
John the Baptist was killed because the King had too much pride to change his mind in front of people. He had made an oath in front of his dinner guests, then, even though he knew it was wrong and was very distressed about it, he had John the Baptist be headed. Pride is a killer. This king didn't want to look bad in front of others or to look like he wasn't a man of his word, therefore he went against his own convictions and had a man murdered.
Application:
How often are our decisions made out of pride or to save face? How many times do we think about what others think of us rather than doing what we know is the right thing? Pride is a killer and we need to walk in enough humility to say, "I was wrong". I know when I make a decision, I struggle with implementing certain things because I know it will make a certain person feel bad. Even when I know it is the right thing, I don't do it sometimes because I value the relationship over doing the right thing. Right things must be done.
Prayer:
Lord, Help me to do the right things. Help me say the hard things and do the hard things. Teach me to choose what I know is right over what I know will make people happy. Give me strength to say what needs said in all situations.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Early Morning Prayer
Scripture:
Mark 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed".
Observation:
Jesus, was the Son of God. He was actually God in the flesh, yet He got up early in the morning while it was still dark to pray to His father in heaven. It appears from scripture that this was a pattern for Him. He went away from everyone and found a quiet place to be with His Father. He felt it was necessary to take time to spend with His Father, how much more should we?
Application:
If Jesus, being the Son of God, needed to get up early and go away by Himself to pray, how much more should we? We need to follow His pattern of early morning prayer. It is beautiful to talk to God and hear from Him before your day gets out of control. When we meet Him in the morning, our day tends to be much more productive. When you give God the first of anything, the rest is blessed. Give Him the first part of each day and watch the blessing of God come upon your day.
Prayer:
Father, I love my time with You. Help me to keep it a priority in life. Help me to discipline my life and got to bed early so I can get up early and seek You. I want to follow all your patterns and fulfill Your will for my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Mark 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed".
Observation:
Jesus, was the Son of God. He was actually God in the flesh, yet He got up early in the morning while it was still dark to pray to His father in heaven. It appears from scripture that this was a pattern for Him. He went away from everyone and found a quiet place to be with His Father. He felt it was necessary to take time to spend with His Father, how much more should we?
Application:
If Jesus, being the Son of God, needed to get up early and go away by Himself to pray, how much more should we? We need to follow His pattern of early morning prayer. It is beautiful to talk to God and hear from Him before your day gets out of control. When we meet Him in the morning, our day tends to be much more productive. When you give God the first of anything, the rest is blessed. Give Him the first part of each day and watch the blessing of God come upon your day.
Prayer:
Father, I love my time with You. Help me to keep it a priority in life. Help me to discipline my life and got to bed early so I can get up early and seek You. I want to follow all your patterns and fulfill Your will for my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, February 7, 2014
I Need Your Presence
Scripture:
Exodus 33:15 "Then Moses said to him, 'If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here'".
Observation:
Moses was being told by God about the land He had promised him and his people. It was a beautiful land filled with milk and honey. It would be the best place for the children of Israel to live. In the process of God telling Moses to go for it, Moses shows incredible insight and says, "If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here". He knew that the presence of God makes the difference.
Application:
God's presence is always with us, but sometimes He manifests His presence in more tangible and powerful ways. Moses knew that the people needed to see the glory of the Lord in some way if they were going to trust Him. We need the presence of the Lord to go with us and before us into every part of our lives. We should desire the presence of God and long for Him. When His presence is with us, enemies are destroyed and good things happen.
Prayer:
Lord, I want your presence with me today. I ask you to manifest your presence in the important meeting today I have concerning land. Give us favor I pray and let the presence of God be overwhelming in the meeting today. Show Your glory and let the greatness of God be seen. Give me the words to speak and the anointing to speak them in.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Exodus 33:15 "Then Moses said to him, 'If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here'".
Observation:
Moses was being told by God about the land He had promised him and his people. It was a beautiful land filled with milk and honey. It would be the best place for the children of Israel to live. In the process of God telling Moses to go for it, Moses shows incredible insight and says, "If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here". He knew that the presence of God makes the difference.
Application:
God's presence is always with us, but sometimes He manifests His presence in more tangible and powerful ways. Moses knew that the people needed to see the glory of the Lord in some way if they were going to trust Him. We need the presence of the Lord to go with us and before us into every part of our lives. We should desire the presence of God and long for Him. When His presence is with us, enemies are destroyed and good things happen.
Prayer:
Lord, I want your presence with me today. I ask you to manifest your presence in the important meeting today I have concerning land. Give us favor I pray and let the presence of God be overwhelming in the meeting today. Show Your glory and let the greatness of God be seen. Give me the words to speak and the anointing to speak them in.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, February 6, 2014
God's Desire
Scripture:
Exodus 29:46 "They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God".
Observation:
God brought His children out of Egyptian slavery for a purpose. It was not just because they cried out to Him, but because He wanted to be their God and for them to be His people. He has always longed to have a people who are fully committed to Him. He brought them out so that He could dwell among them. He longs to be close with His people. We wants to be their God and have relationship with Him. This has always been His desire.
Application:
If God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt simply to dwell among them, be their God and for them to know Him, how much does He want personal relationship with us today? He longs for interaction with His people. He wants to be close and has now opened the door through Jesus Christ to allow everyone to walk with Him and have a relationship with Him. We simply have to desire that relationship and begin to pursue Him and He will meet us and take us the rest of the way.
Prayer:
Lord God, I want to walk with You and be your son. I want to know you as father in a deeper way. You have gone to great lengths to be my God and for me to be Your son. Help me to realize the path is open into your presence because of the blood of Jesus.
Yours,
Jeff
Exodus 29:46 "They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God".
Observation:
God brought His children out of Egyptian slavery for a purpose. It was not just because they cried out to Him, but because He wanted to be their God and for them to be His people. He has always longed to have a people who are fully committed to Him. He brought them out so that He could dwell among them. He longs to be close with His people. We wants to be their God and have relationship with Him. This has always been His desire.
Application:
If God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt simply to dwell among them, be their God and for them to know Him, how much does He want personal relationship with us today? He longs for interaction with His people. He wants to be close and has now opened the door through Jesus Christ to allow everyone to walk with Him and have a relationship with Him. We simply have to desire that relationship and begin to pursue Him and He will meet us and take us the rest of the way.
Prayer:
Lord God, I want to walk with You and be your son. I want to know you as father in a deeper way. You have gone to great lengths to be my God and for me to be Your son. Help me to realize the path is open into your presence because of the blood of Jesus.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Bring Me and Offering
Scripture:
Exodus 25:2 "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give".
Observation:
God was speaking to Moses about the building of the Tabernacle, which was going to require a huge amount of precious metals and gems. It was very costly because most of the instruments and parts of the Tabernacle were to be made or overlaid with gold. God told Moses to tell the people to bring an offering from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. This was a freewill offering. All the people were to tithe on everything, then they also had opportunities like this to give above their tithe a special offering for the building of the Tabernacle.
Application:
Tithing is part of walking with God and is a huge step of faith. Above tithing, there is times when God's kingdom needs special offerings to do what needs done for the Kingdom. These offerings are from everyone whose heart is prompted to give. We need to be in the place with God where we can sense His promptings and follow accordingly. When he prompts, we need to respond quickly and completely. These promptings must be from the Holy Spirit and not just from an emotional appeal of a man.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me teach your people well about tithes and offerings. Help me to present a true understanding of giving to the Lord and receiving the blessing of the Lord. Bless the people I serve incredibly this year as we all walk in obedience to Your voice in the are of giving.
Your Son,
Jeff
Exodus 25:2 "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give".
Observation:
God was speaking to Moses about the building of the Tabernacle, which was going to require a huge amount of precious metals and gems. It was very costly because most of the instruments and parts of the Tabernacle were to be made or overlaid with gold. God told Moses to tell the people to bring an offering from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. This was a freewill offering. All the people were to tithe on everything, then they also had opportunities like this to give above their tithe a special offering for the building of the Tabernacle.
Application:
Tithing is part of walking with God and is a huge step of faith. Above tithing, there is times when God's kingdom needs special offerings to do what needs done for the Kingdom. These offerings are from everyone whose heart is prompted to give. We need to be in the place with God where we can sense His promptings and follow accordingly. When he prompts, we need to respond quickly and completely. These promptings must be from the Holy Spirit and not just from an emotional appeal of a man.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me teach your people well about tithes and offerings. Help me to present a true understanding of giving to the Lord and receiving the blessing of the Lord. Bless the people I serve incredibly this year as we all walk in obedience to Your voice in the are of giving.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Little by Little
Scripture:
Exodus 23:30 "Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land".
Observation:
God was speaking to Moses about going into the promised land. He told him that if He gave them the entire land immediately, they wouldn't be able to possess it and wild animals would come in to possess it. Therefore, He gave them the land little by little until they could handle the takeover of the promised land.
Application:
Sometimes we think we are ready for something that God knows we are not ready for. Sometimes He gives us our dreams little by little because we are not yet ready to take on all of it. Little by little we take possession of the promises of God in our lives. We can't get frustrated and live in frustration because we don't feel like we are inheriting everything God told us would come. We must realize there is a time of preparation and growth before we can handle the fullness of our destiny. Little by little we will see our dreams fulfilled. God knows best when to send His promotions.
Prayer:
Father, help me realize that little by little is okay and that I don't need to rush your destiny in my life. Help me to be content in every area of life while holding on to the dreams You have given me. Help me not to rush into my dreams too quickly and take on things I am not ready for yet. You know best so lead me.
Yours,
Jeff
Exodus 23:30 "Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land".
Observation:
God was speaking to Moses about going into the promised land. He told him that if He gave them the entire land immediately, they wouldn't be able to possess it and wild animals would come in to possess it. Therefore, He gave them the land little by little until they could handle the takeover of the promised land.
Application:
Sometimes we think we are ready for something that God knows we are not ready for. Sometimes He gives us our dreams little by little because we are not yet ready to take on all of it. Little by little we take possession of the promises of God in our lives. We can't get frustrated and live in frustration because we don't feel like we are inheriting everything God told us would come. We must realize there is a time of preparation and growth before we can handle the fullness of our destiny. Little by little we will see our dreams fulfilled. God knows best when to send His promotions.
Prayer:
Father, help me realize that little by little is okay and that I don't need to rush your destiny in my life. Help me to be content in every area of life while holding on to the dreams You have given me. Help me not to rush into my dreams too quickly and take on things I am not ready for yet. You know best so lead me.
Yours,
Jeff
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