Scripture:
Psalm 149:4 "For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory".
Observation:
In this chapter, the Psalmist is encouraging God's people to praise Him. As he is telling us to praise Him, this verse comes out. He says that the Lord "takes delight in His people". This jumped out to me as I was reading it. According to this verse, God not only loves us, He delights in us.
Application:
There is a difference when someone is happy and when they are delighted. Delighted is a stronger word denoting extreme satisfaction. We bring extreme satisfaction to God and He crowns us with victory. Sometimes we feel like God doesn't like us, but according to this verse, He is delighted in us and gives us victory. We should be confident in the love of God. He takes delight in us. We must now live like we believe that.
Prayer:
Father, I a delighted with you as well. You are amazing and have been so good to me. Thank you for blessing my life over and over again. Teach me to walk in your victory and in the confidence of your delight.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, August 29, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Who Should I Trust?
Scripture:
Psalm 146:3 "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save."
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us that our trust must be in God and not human beings. He says that princes cannot save. They can make plans, attack enemies, fight for victory, but ultimately it is God who saves, no matter who or what your enemy is.
Application:
I am guilty of putting my trust in humans way too much. It is only God who is fully trustworthy. It is only God who delivers us from our enemies. Our trust needs to turn away from trusting people and turn toward the Lord. He is faithful and can be trusted. He has the power that we humans do not. He has the power to save.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You more. Help me not to lean on my own understanding and the understanding of other mere men. I look to You and want to trust You alone. You are worthy of my trust. Increase my trust level.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 146:3 "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save."
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us that our trust must be in God and not human beings. He says that princes cannot save. They can make plans, attack enemies, fight for victory, but ultimately it is God who saves, no matter who or what your enemy is.
Application:
I am guilty of putting my trust in humans way too much. It is only God who is fully trustworthy. It is only God who delivers us from our enemies. Our trust needs to turn away from trusting people and turn toward the Lord. He is faithful and can be trusted. He has the power that we humans do not. He has the power to save.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You more. Help me not to lean on my own understanding and the understanding of other mere men. I look to You and want to trust You alone. You are worthy of my trust. Increase my trust level.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
I Called...You Answered
Scripture:
Psalm 138:3 "When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me".
Observation:
David is telling of the goodness of God and describes him in this way, "When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me". God is the God who answers, but he doesn't only answer, he will embolden us if we let him. He will give us strength and cause us to be bold. When we call... He will answer.
Application:
How frustrating it is when we are waiting for a call from someone and it doesn't seem to come for a long time. God sometimes is wanting to work on our behalf, but he is waiting for our call. We seem to ask him last, after we have tried everything, we both God. He wants us to come to Him first and foremost. When He answers, we receive strength. We are emboldened for Him.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be bold for you. I am calling this morning and I know You will answer. Embolden me as I carry your word to my generation. I want to be as bold as a lion and as gentle as a dove. Answer my recent calls to you I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 138:3 "When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me".
Observation:
David is telling of the goodness of God and describes him in this way, "When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me". God is the God who answers, but he doesn't only answer, he will embolden us if we let him. He will give us strength and cause us to be bold. When we call... He will answer.
Application:
How frustrating it is when we are waiting for a call from someone and it doesn't seem to come for a long time. God sometimes is wanting to work on our behalf, but he is waiting for our call. We seem to ask him last, after we have tried everything, we both God. He wants us to come to Him first and foremost. When He answers, we receive strength. We are emboldened for Him.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be bold for you. I am calling this morning and I know You will answer. Embolden me as I carry your word to my generation. I want to be as bold as a lion and as gentle as a dove. Answer my recent calls to you I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
A Place for God
Scripture:
Psalm 132:4-5 "I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob".
Observation:
David desperately wanted one thing. He wanted to build a place for God to dwell. He desired with everything in him to build God a place of honor and a place to be worshiped. He didn't want to sleep himself until he was able to take care of this issue. He wanted God to have a place. He wanted to build God a physical building that could be called God's house.
Application:
In the New Testament we are called the Temple of the Lord. Our bodies are called the Temple of the Lord because God's presence resides in us. What David longed for, we have, yet we don't value it. David had everything money could buy, but desired one thing. That one thing, we have and don't appreciate it. We need to take a minute to thank God for allowing us to be His Temple and we need to take care of his temple.
Prayer:
Father, you don't dwell in physical temples, but in the hearts of your people. Help me to realize the significance of having you dwelling in me. Help me grasp in my mind and spirit a life with the God of the universe truly living within me. Open my eyes. I want to give you a place.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Psalm 132:4-5 "I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob".
Observation:
David desperately wanted one thing. He wanted to build a place for God to dwell. He desired with everything in him to build God a place of honor and a place to be worshiped. He didn't want to sleep himself until he was able to take care of this issue. He wanted God to have a place. He wanted to build God a physical building that could be called God's house.
Application:
In the New Testament we are called the Temple of the Lord. Our bodies are called the Temple of the Lord because God's presence resides in us. What David longed for, we have, yet we don't value it. David had everything money could buy, but desired one thing. That one thing, we have and don't appreciate it. We need to take a minute to thank God for allowing us to be His Temple and we need to take care of his temple.
Prayer:
Father, you don't dwell in physical temples, but in the hearts of your people. Help me to realize the significance of having you dwelling in me. Help me grasp in my mind and spirit a life with the God of the universe truly living within me. Open my eyes. I want to give you a place.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Friday, August 22, 2014
Give God the Glory
Scripture:
Psalm 115:1 "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness".
Observation:
The Psalmist gives us insight into what truly honors God. He says here, "not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory". He realized that it was God who was to be glorified and not we ourselves. Because of God's love and faithfulness to us, we should give him all the glory for the things that happen in our lives.
Application:
When I think about God and all he has done in my life, I know that only He can get the glory. We must realize that without God we can do nothing and that with God nothing is impossible. We must also recognize him and give Him all the glory. He is worthy to be praised. Without him, our lives would be useless. He deserves all the glory for every good thing in our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, to your name be the glory for every good thing in my life. It is only because of your blessing that any good thing has happened. You are amazing and I see your hand in my life. Thank you for taking care of me and working continually on my behalf.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 115:1 "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness".
Observation:
The Psalmist gives us insight into what truly honors God. He says here, "not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory". He realized that it was God who was to be glorified and not we ourselves. Because of God's love and faithfulness to us, we should give him all the glory for the things that happen in our lives.
Application:
When I think about God and all he has done in my life, I know that only He can get the glory. We must realize that without God we can do nothing and that with God nothing is impossible. We must also recognize him and give Him all the glory. He is worthy to be praised. Without him, our lives would be useless. He deserves all the glory for every good thing in our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, to your name be the glory for every good thing in my life. It is only because of your blessing that any good thing has happened. You are amazing and I see your hand in my life. Thank you for taking care of me and working continually on my behalf.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Hunger and Thirst
Scripture:
Psalm 107:9 "for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things".
Observation:
The Psalmist realized the goodness of God. He realized and recorded God's faithfulness to those who fear Him. He had apparently seen the love of God and how God takes care of the hungry and thirsty. In this I also see that God doesn't just fill the hungry, but He fills the hungry with good things. God always goes the extra mile to make sure He does things well.
Application:
When we hunger and thirst after God, He will fill us with good things. When I read the Psalms, I see people who sought after God for everything in life. When their enemies came at them, they ran to the Lord. When things were bad around them, they sought the Lord. We need to remain hungry and thirsty, even when things are going good because God satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Prayer:
Lord, I am hungry for You and thirsty for You to speak to me. I need you today to speak to me and direct my path. Show me the next steps for our church. Fill my life with more of You and let me see the day of good things. I need you today Lord.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 107:9 "for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things".
Observation:
The Psalmist realized the goodness of God. He realized and recorded God's faithfulness to those who fear Him. He had apparently seen the love of God and how God takes care of the hungry and thirsty. In this I also see that God doesn't just fill the hungry, but He fills the hungry with good things. God always goes the extra mile to make sure He does things well.
Application:
When we hunger and thirst after God, He will fill us with good things. When I read the Psalms, I see people who sought after God for everything in life. When their enemies came at them, they ran to the Lord. When things were bad around them, they sought the Lord. We need to remain hungry and thirsty, even when things are going good because God satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Prayer:
Lord, I am hungry for You and thirsty for You to speak to me. I need you today to speak to me and direct my path. Show me the next steps for our church. Fill my life with more of You and let me see the day of good things. I need you today Lord.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Till the Word of the Lord Proved Him True
Scripture:
Psalm 105:18-19 "They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true".
Observation:
The Psalmist is speaking here about the life of Joseph. Joseph endured terrible things while waiting for the fulfillment of what God had shown him when he was young. He had spoken it years and tears before it came to pass. There was much trouble in his life between the vision and the fulfillment of the vision.
Application:
Sometimes God shows us things that are far in the future of our lives. As we pursue Him each day, those things come to pass in HIS timing. Sometimes we get tired and feel like giving up, but the God we serve does come through on His promises if we walk and do not faint. What Joseph spoke, eventually did come to pass and the word of the Lord proved true. With faith and patience we inherit the promises.
Prayer:
Father, help me with this today. I need faith and patience today. The promises and visions I've been standing on, seem to be delayed and I feel frustrated. Help me know what to do in every situation. I want my life to bring You glory, but right now I don't feel like it is doing that very much. I need you today.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 105:18-19 "They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true".
Observation:
The Psalmist is speaking here about the life of Joseph. Joseph endured terrible things while waiting for the fulfillment of what God had shown him when he was young. He had spoken it years and tears before it came to pass. There was much trouble in his life between the vision and the fulfillment of the vision.
Application:
Sometimes God shows us things that are far in the future of our lives. As we pursue Him each day, those things come to pass in HIS timing. Sometimes we get tired and feel like giving up, but the God we serve does come through on His promises if we walk and do not faint. What Joseph spoke, eventually did come to pass and the word of the Lord proved true. With faith and patience we inherit the promises.
Prayer:
Father, help me with this today. I need faith and patience today. The promises and visions I've been standing on, seem to be delayed and I feel frustrated. Help me know what to do in every situation. I want my life to bring You glory, but right now I don't feel like it is doing that very much. I need you today.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Promises for My Children
Scripture:
Psalm 102:28 "The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you".
Observation:
The Psalmist here tells us that the children of God's servants will live in his presence. I see a promise here that, as I have served the Lord with all my heart, my children will live in the presence of God. It says that my kids children will be established before God. I look at this as a promise concerning my sons today.
Application:
I believe that both my sons will live in the presence of God. Because I have served the Lord with my life, I believe my children will walk in joy, peace, and will be sensitive to the voice and the presence of God. I believe my grandchildren will be established before the Lord. This means both of my sons children will be blessed because they will be brought up in the presence of the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, show my sons Your glory. Let them live in Your presence. Let your glory surround them every day and let them know You intimately. Let them be strong in You and let their children be blessed and established because of their relationship with You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 102:28 "The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you".
Observation:
The Psalmist here tells us that the children of God's servants will live in his presence. I see a promise here that, as I have served the Lord with all my heart, my children will live in the presence of God. It says that my kids children will be established before God. I look at this as a promise concerning my sons today.
Application:
I believe that both my sons will live in the presence of God. Because I have served the Lord with my life, I believe my children will walk in joy, peace, and will be sensitive to the voice and the presence of God. I believe my grandchildren will be established before the Lord. This means both of my sons children will be blessed because they will be brought up in the presence of the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, show my sons Your glory. Let them live in Your presence. Let your glory surround them every day and let them know You intimately. Let them be strong in You and let their children be blessed and established because of their relationship with You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, August 18, 2014
Staying Fresh and Green
Scripture:
Psalm 92:12a,14 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree...They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green".
Observation:
The Psalmist here tells us that the righteous will flourish like a palm tree and that in their old age they will continue to bear fruit and be fresh. It seems like when people really walk with God, their old age remains productive. They lead people to Christ and continue to grow in Him throughout the years. They have purpose beyond retirement. They stay fresh.
Application:
If we stay on the earth, we will all grow old. Growing old doesn't mean we have to get bitter, angry and resentful. We can grow old gracefully and continue to flourish and produce fruit. The key is righteousness. Remaining focused on God and His will instead of focusing on ourselves. Living life for Him instead of ourselves keeps us fresh and fruit-producing. It keeps us flourishing. I want to flourish in my old age.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to serve You every day of my life. I want to live in a way that blesses You and your Kingdom. Help me walk in righteousness and bear fruit till the end of my life. Keep me fresh and green till I enter the fullness of your kingdom.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 92:12a,14 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree...They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green".
Observation:
The Psalmist here tells us that the righteous will flourish like a palm tree and that in their old age they will continue to bear fruit and be fresh. It seems like when people really walk with God, their old age remains productive. They lead people to Christ and continue to grow in Him throughout the years. They have purpose beyond retirement. They stay fresh.
Application:
If we stay on the earth, we will all grow old. Growing old doesn't mean we have to get bitter, angry and resentful. We can grow old gracefully and continue to flourish and produce fruit. The key is righteousness. Remaining focused on God and His will instead of focusing on ourselves. Living life for Him instead of ourselves keeps us fresh and fruit-producing. It keeps us flourishing. I want to flourish in my old age.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to serve You every day of my life. I want to live in a way that blesses You and your Kingdom. Help me walk in righteousness and bear fruit till the end of my life. Keep me fresh and green till I enter the fullness of your kingdom.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, August 8, 2014
Put Your Hope In God
Scripture:
Psalm 42:11 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God".
Observation:
The Psalmist here is speaking to his own soul and telling his soul what to do. I love this because his soul doesn't dictate to him how he is going to be, rather, he speaks to his soul and tells it what to do. He tells his soul to put it's hope in God because praise was going to come again. The Psalmist didn't let his soul rule him, he ruled his soul.
Application:
Our soul, our mind will and emotions, can really give us false information if we let it. It will tell you that you're not feeling good so its going to be a terrible day, etc. We need to rule our emotions and not let our emotions rule us. We need to tell our emotions to be still because our faith is in God, who we will praise again.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing and always give us what we need. Your mercies are new every morning! You are amazing, wonderful and beyond comprehension. Help me to rule my soul better and manage my emotions with faith.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 42:11 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God".
Observation:
The Psalmist here is speaking to his own soul and telling his soul what to do. I love this because his soul doesn't dictate to him how he is going to be, rather, he speaks to his soul and tells it what to do. He tells his soul to put it's hope in God because praise was going to come again. The Psalmist didn't let his soul rule him, he ruled his soul.
Application:
Our soul, our mind will and emotions, can really give us false information if we let it. It will tell you that you're not feeling good so its going to be a terrible day, etc. We need to rule our emotions and not let our emotions rule us. We need to tell our emotions to be still because our faith is in God, who we will praise again.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing and always give us what we need. Your mercies are new every morning! You are amazing, wonderful and beyond comprehension. Help me to rule my soul better and manage my emotions with faith.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, August 7, 2014
The Blessing of Helping the Weak
Scripture:
Psalm 41:1 "Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble".
Observation:
David wrote this Psalm. He understood that God takes care of those who take care of the weak and hurting. He understood that when we regard the weak, God delivers us when we get in trouble. He will fight for those who are taking care of the weak.
Application:
When we take care of the the poor, needy, weak, helpless, etc., we are doing the work of God. He loves to help those who can't help themselves. When we do this, we are truly being His hands extended to those in need. When our lives are about helping those who can't help themselves, we can expect God to take care of our issues. As we are doing His work, He will take care of us and deliver us from all trouble. Maybe instead of rebuking the devil so much, we should begin to help those who can't help themselves and watch God take care of our issues.
Prayer:
Lord, give me a heart after you like David. Show me how to better take care of the poor, needy, broken, etc. Help me to regard the weak as You would. Let my heart break with what breaks your heart.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 41:1 "Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble".
Observation:
David wrote this Psalm. He understood that God takes care of those who take care of the weak and hurting. He understood that when we regard the weak, God delivers us when we get in trouble. He will fight for those who are taking care of the weak.
Application:
When we take care of the the poor, needy, weak, helpless, etc., we are doing the work of God. He loves to help those who can't help themselves. When we do this, we are truly being His hands extended to those in need. When our lives are about helping those who can't help themselves, we can expect God to take care of our issues. As we are doing His work, He will take care of us and deliver us from all trouble. Maybe instead of rebuking the devil so much, we should begin to help those who can't help themselves and watch God take care of our issues.
Prayer:
Lord, give me a heart after you like David. Show me how to better take care of the poor, needy, broken, etc. Help me to regard the weak as You would. Let my heart break with what breaks your heart.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Righteous Never Forsaken
Scripture:
Psalm 37:25 "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."
Observation:
David had observed something is his years of watching people. He said that from youth to being old he had never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. Throughout life this was his observation.
Application:
When we walk in righteousness, we can expect to see the hand of God revealed in our lives. When we follow God's path for our lives, we will observe the same in our lives. God said He will never leave us nor forsake us. We can trust Him. He will always come through and our children will not be begging for bread. God is faithful to us as we follow him in righteousness.
Prayer:
Father, I want to serve You well all the days of my life. I want to hear well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord. I also thank you for this promise and ask you to take care of my family. I want my family to see your provision for us. I want my sons to see your goodness every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 37:25 "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."
Observation:
David had observed something is his years of watching people. He said that from youth to being old he had never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. Throughout life this was his observation.
Application:
When we walk in righteousness, we can expect to see the hand of God revealed in our lives. When we follow God's path for our lives, we will observe the same in our lives. God said He will never leave us nor forsake us. We can trust Him. He will always come through and our children will not be begging for bread. God is faithful to us as we follow him in righteousness.
Prayer:
Father, I want to serve You well all the days of my life. I want to hear well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord. I also thank you for this promise and ask you to take care of my family. I want my family to see your provision for us. I want my sons to see your goodness every day.
Yours,
Jeff
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