Scripture:
Hebrews 3:13 "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'today', so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness".
Observation:
In the context, the author of Hebrews was talking about the unbelief that kept God's people from entering the promised land for forty years. He tells the Hebrews that, "as long as it is called 'today', they should encourage each other so that they won't be hardened by the lies that come with sin. He says we need daily encouragement.
Application:
Sometimes we wonder why good people stray away from the Lord. Maybe it's because nobody was encouraging them daily. It is easy to get tripped up by sin's deceitfulness. We must be on guard and have some people who we are accountable to and who keep us accountable. We must encourage each other so that sin doesn't win in our lives.
Prayer:
Father, help me encourage someone today to continue following You. Help me build encouraging relationships. I don't want to be hardened by sin and I don't want to see others hardened by sin. Help me get this right in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
God's Judgment
Scripture:
Lamentations 4:13 "But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous".
Observation:
Throughout Lamentations we see God's judgment coming on His people because of their disobedience. This particular verse shows the deeper reason why God's judgment came on the nation. It says it was not because of the sins of the nation, but because of the sins of the prophets and priests.
Application:
If God judged nations in the Old Testament because of their prophets and priests, we should understand how seriously God takes those who preach and teach in His name. Prophets and priests must rise up and preach the truth, lest judgment come on our great nation. We must have a cleansing in America from the top to the bottom, but it must start at the House of God.
Prayer:
Father, forgive my half-heartedness. Help me to accurately divide the word of truth and to teach and preach accurately what you want me to say. I want to be your voice. Cleanse my life and give me my passion for you back.
Yours,
Jeff
Lamentations 4:13 "But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous".
Observation:
Throughout Lamentations we see God's judgment coming on His people because of their disobedience. This particular verse shows the deeper reason why God's judgment came on the nation. It says it was not because of the sins of the nation, but because of the sins of the prophets and priests.
Application:
If God judged nations in the Old Testament because of their prophets and priests, we should understand how seriously God takes those who preach and teach in His name. Prophets and priests must rise up and preach the truth, lest judgment come on our great nation. We must have a cleansing in America from the top to the bottom, but it must start at the House of God.
Prayer:
Father, forgive my half-heartedness. Help me to accurately divide the word of truth and to teach and preach accurately what you want me to say. I want to be your voice. Cleanse my life and give me my passion for you back.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
We are Not Consumed
Scripture:
Lamentations 3:22-23 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Observation:
The author had just spent three chapters talking about how the Lord had abandoned His people for their sins. He was ranting for a long time about how the Lord had forsaken them. Suddenly his attitude and perspective changed and he said, "because of the the Lord's great love we are not consumed". His perspective went from accusing the Lord, to realizing they deserved worse and the Lord could have delivered worse. Simply the fact that they were not consumed was something to praise God about.
Application:
Things may not be very good. They might be really terrible right now, but they could always be worse. God could have consumed us for our sins, but He hasn't. His compassions are new every morning and His faithfulness is great. Sometimes we need to step back and thank God for not giving us what we rightfully deserve. He hasn't consumed us, therefore we should praise Him. This is humility.
Prayer:
Lord, help me with my perspective on things. Help me to see all You have done for me simply in not allowing me to be consumed. Give me strength today for all you have called me to do. Help me to hear your voice clearly and to react to it accordingly.
Your Son,
Jeff
Lamentations 3:22-23 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Observation:
The author had just spent three chapters talking about how the Lord had abandoned His people for their sins. He was ranting for a long time about how the Lord had forsaken them. Suddenly his attitude and perspective changed and he said, "because of the the Lord's great love we are not consumed". His perspective went from accusing the Lord, to realizing they deserved worse and the Lord could have delivered worse. Simply the fact that they were not consumed was something to praise God about.
Application:
Things may not be very good. They might be really terrible right now, but they could always be worse. God could have consumed us for our sins, but He hasn't. His compassions are new every morning and His faithfulness is great. Sometimes we need to step back and thank God for not giving us what we rightfully deserve. He hasn't consumed us, therefore we should praise Him. This is humility.
Prayer:
Lord, help me with my perspective on things. Help me to see all You have done for me simply in not allowing me to be consumed. Give me strength today for all you have called me to do. Help me to hear your voice clearly and to react to it accordingly.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, October 24, 2014
Hope, Even in Judgment
Scripture:
Jeremiah 46:28 "Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you, declares the Lord. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished".
Observation:
Jeremiah had been bringing a message of disaster for the people of Judah. This was the Lord speaking and letting His people know that judgment was coming because they had broken covenant and were worshiping other gods. Here the Lord lets them know that He won't completely destroy them, but will only discipline them in due measure.
Application:
God is a just God and He will judge the nations one day. Even in His judgment, we can have hope. After all the judgment passages leading up to this verse, God let's His people know that He isn't going to completely destroy them but will discipline them in a just way. He promises not to overdo it. There is hope for us, even in the midst of God's judgment. He is a merciful God.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are amazing and I love you! Your grace and mercy never cease to amaze me. You love Your people with an everlasting love. You give us hope, even in judgment. Thank you for all you do for your children.
Love,
Jeff Jacob
Jeremiah 46:28 "Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you, declares the Lord. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished".
Observation:
Jeremiah had been bringing a message of disaster for the people of Judah. This was the Lord speaking and letting His people know that judgment was coming because they had broken covenant and were worshiping other gods. Here the Lord lets them know that He won't completely destroy them, but will only discipline them in due measure.
Application:
God is a just God and He will judge the nations one day. Even in His judgment, we can have hope. After all the judgment passages leading up to this verse, God let's His people know that He isn't going to completely destroy them but will discipline them in a just way. He promises not to overdo it. There is hope for us, even in the midst of God's judgment. He is a merciful God.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are amazing and I love you! Your grace and mercy never cease to amaze me. You love Your people with an everlasting love. You give us hope, even in judgment. Thank you for all you do for your children.
Love,
Jeff Jacob
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Lies We Tell
Scripture:
Jeremiah 42:6 "Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God".
Observation:
The people of Judah asked Jeremiah to go to the Lord on their behalf and ask what they should do. In this verse they say that they will obey whatever the Lord says so that it may go well with them. They talk about how they will respond, yes, to whatever the Lord says, yet when he told them what the Lord said, they said he was lying.
Application:
Many times we say things like, "I surrender all", or "I'll go and do whatever you want Lord". These words easily fall from our mouths, but are harder to follow through on. When we make statements of commitment to the Lord, we should be willing to follow through and do what He says. We often lie to the Lord of heaven and earth. Our intentions are usually right, but our actions don't follow.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to speak lies in your presence. Help me to walk out the commitments I make to You and follow through with obedience. I truly want to serve You well. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Strengthen my inner man so that I won't lie to You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 42:6 "Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God".
Observation:
The people of Judah asked Jeremiah to go to the Lord on their behalf and ask what they should do. In this verse they say that they will obey whatever the Lord says so that it may go well with them. They talk about how they will respond, yes, to whatever the Lord says, yet when he told them what the Lord said, they said he was lying.
Application:
Many times we say things like, "I surrender all", or "I'll go and do whatever you want Lord". These words easily fall from our mouths, but are harder to follow through on. When we make statements of commitment to the Lord, we should be willing to follow through and do what He says. We often lie to the Lord of heaven and earth. Our intentions are usually right, but our actions don't follow.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to speak lies in your presence. Help me to walk out the commitments I make to You and follow through with obedience. I truly want to serve You well. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Strengthen my inner man so that I won't lie to You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Difficult Ministry
Scripture:
Jeremiah 38:4 "Then the officials said to the king, 'This man should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin'".
Observation:
Jeremiah was given a very difficult message from the Lord. He was telling the people the truth and exactly what the Lord wanted him to tell them, but it got him in much trouble. He was put in prison and in a cistern and left to die because of the message the Lord gave him. The officials wanted him dead for discouraging the troops and the people with his message. Jeremiah wasn't giving a politically correct message and was paying for it.
Application:
Sometimes in ministry we are called to say hard things that people don't like. Will we let the applause of man be more important than the approval of God? It is difficult to say what nobody else is saying. It is tough to say what God wants said sometimes. Jesus said difficult things. Paul said difficult things. John the baptist said difficult things. Sometimes as followers of Jesus, we will be called upon to say difficult things. May God give us the backbone to stand up and let our voice be heard, even when people don't want to hear it.
Prayer:
Father, help me to accurately speak what You are speaking. I want to hear what You are saying and speak it forth clearly and passionately. Help me to say what needs said to who it needs said and not to be afraid of their disapproval.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 38:4 "Then the officials said to the king, 'This man should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin'".
Observation:
Jeremiah was given a very difficult message from the Lord. He was telling the people the truth and exactly what the Lord wanted him to tell them, but it got him in much trouble. He was put in prison and in a cistern and left to die because of the message the Lord gave him. The officials wanted him dead for discouraging the troops and the people with his message. Jeremiah wasn't giving a politically correct message and was paying for it.
Application:
Sometimes in ministry we are called to say hard things that people don't like. Will we let the applause of man be more important than the approval of God? It is difficult to say what nobody else is saying. It is tough to say what God wants said sometimes. Jesus said difficult things. Paul said difficult things. John the baptist said difficult things. Sometimes as followers of Jesus, we will be called upon to say difficult things. May God give us the backbone to stand up and let our voice be heard, even when people don't want to hear it.
Prayer:
Father, help me to accurately speak what You are speaking. I want to hear what You are saying and speak it forth clearly and passionately. Help me to say what needs said to who it needs said and not to be afraid of their disapproval.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Have You Answered the Call?
Scripture:
Jeremiah 35:17 "Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says, 'Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer'".
Observation:
God is speaking through Jeremiah concerning Jerusalem. He tells Jeremiah to tell the people that God was going to bring disaster on them because they did not listen to Him. He says, "I called to them, but they did not answer". God wants his people to reply when He calls and change when He tells them to. He doesn't like to speak in vain, but likes His words to be attended to.
Application:
How many times have we not listened to what God was putting in our hearts. So many times, God has put something in my spirit to do and I have not done it. We must train ourselves to do what He says and to answer His call. God is looking for a people who will be completely His and who will say yes to His words. We must answer the call!
Prayer:
Lord, first, help me answer the call You have given me. Second, let my ears be open and attentive to your words. Third, help me to do whatever you speak to my heart. Help me to fulfill your words and the desires of your heart.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 35:17 "Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says, 'Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer'".
Observation:
God is speaking through Jeremiah concerning Jerusalem. He tells Jeremiah to tell the people that God was going to bring disaster on them because they did not listen to Him. He says, "I called to them, but they did not answer". God wants his people to reply when He calls and change when He tells them to. He doesn't like to speak in vain, but likes His words to be attended to.
Application:
How many times have we not listened to what God was putting in our hearts. So many times, God has put something in my spirit to do and I have not done it. We must train ourselves to do what He says and to answer His call. God is looking for a people who will be completely His and who will say yes to His words. We must answer the call!
Prayer:
Lord, first, help me answer the call You have given me. Second, let my ears be open and attentive to your words. Third, help me to do whatever you speak to my heart. Help me to fulfill your words and the desires of your heart.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, October 16, 2014
His Word is Like Fire in My Bones
Scripture:
Jeremiah 20:9 "But if I say, 'I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,' his word is like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in, I cannot".
Observation:
Jeremiah was given some really bad news for the people he was prophesying to. He was bringing news that God was mad at his people and that he was going to send armies in to destroy them. Jeremiah was declaring destruction of God's people by their enemies because of their false gods. Nobody would wants to deliver the messages he was delivering, yet he said he couldn't hold it in because God's word was like fire in his bones that he could not hold back.
Application:
When I speak, I want to speak as one with fire shut up in my bones. I want God's word to be in me and for it to come out like fire shut up in my bones. I want to deliver the messages God gives me with boldness and authority. I want to speak His words and not my own. I want to deliver His message the way he wants it delivered as well.
Prayer:
Father, let your word be in me like a fire shut up in my bones. Let it pour out of me the way You want it to. Let me speak forth your words and not my own. Put your words in my mouth and your fire in my heart. I want to be an instrument you can use and a vessel you can trust.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 20:9 "But if I say, 'I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,' his word is like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in, I cannot".
Observation:
Jeremiah was given some really bad news for the people he was prophesying to. He was bringing news that God was mad at his people and that he was going to send armies in to destroy them. Jeremiah was declaring destruction of God's people by their enemies because of their false gods. Nobody would wants to deliver the messages he was delivering, yet he said he couldn't hold it in because God's word was like fire in his bones that he could not hold back.
Application:
When I speak, I want to speak as one with fire shut up in my bones. I want God's word to be in me and for it to come out like fire shut up in my bones. I want to deliver the messages God gives me with boldness and authority. I want to speak His words and not my own. I want to deliver His message the way he wants it delivered as well.
Prayer:
Father, let your word be in me like a fire shut up in my bones. Let it pour out of me the way You want it to. Let me speak forth your words and not my own. Put your words in my mouth and your fire in my heart. I want to be an instrument you can use and a vessel you can trust.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
God Knows All
Scripture:
Jeremiah 17:10 "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what they deserve".
Observation:
God is speaking with Jeremiah about His judgement on Judah for their continued sin. As He is speaking judgment, He tells us about His ability to see and know all. He says, "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind". He not only searches the heart and examines the mind, He also rewards accordingly. God is a just God and we will stand before Him. The books will be opened and we will be judged.
Application:
God is not only a graceful giver of good things, He is also the judge of all the earth. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord one day. We must live our lives in His grace, yet constantly aware that we will stand before Him one day and be judged. He knows all and sees all. Nothing escapes His view. He will reward according to our deeds. We need to live every day in the light of that truth.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, you are the judge of the living and the dead. You are Holy and Righteous. Help me live with a clear understanding of who You are. Teach me to walk in righteousness. Help me live a life that will hear "well done good and faithful servant". Help me fulfill your will for my life every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 17:10 "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what they deserve".
Observation:
God is speaking with Jeremiah about His judgement on Judah for their continued sin. As He is speaking judgment, He tells us about His ability to see and know all. He says, "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind". He not only searches the heart and examines the mind, He also rewards accordingly. God is a just God and we will stand before Him. The books will be opened and we will be judged.
Application:
God is not only a graceful giver of good things, He is also the judge of all the earth. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord one day. We must live our lives in His grace, yet constantly aware that we will stand before Him one day and be judged. He knows all and sees all. Nothing escapes His view. He will reward according to our deeds. We need to live every day in the light of that truth.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, you are the judge of the living and the dead. You are Holy and Righteous. Help me live with a clear understanding of who You are. Teach me to walk in righteousness. Help me live a life that will hear "well done good and faithful servant". Help me fulfill your will for my life every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Vicarious Repentance
Scripture:
Jeremiah 14:20 "We acknowledge our wickedness, Lord, and the guilt of our ancestors; we have indeed sinned against you".
Observation:
Jeremiah records the response of God's people when they see that He is going to destroy them. They began to repent, not only for their sins, but the sins of their ancestors. They acknowledged the sins of the their ancestors and realized that their sins must be repented of.
Application:
I call this vicarious repentance. When God, as a righteous judge, begins to bring judgment on people, His people must begin to vicariously repent. Maybe we haven't done anything wrong, but our forefathers have and we are receiving their judgment. We must learn to repent of things our nation has done, our parents have done, etc. as God reveals them to us. We need to always repent of our sins, but we also must repent of the sins of others sometimes.
Prayer:
Father, forgive my nation. Have mercy on the United States. Forgive our sins as we have turned away from you. We have put you out of our nation and we repent for our actions. Please forgive our nation and breathe the wind of your spirit across this nation one again. Here our cry oh Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 14:20 "We acknowledge our wickedness, Lord, and the guilt of our ancestors; we have indeed sinned against you".
Observation:
Jeremiah records the response of God's people when they see that He is going to destroy them. They began to repent, not only for their sins, but the sins of their ancestors. They acknowledged the sins of the their ancestors and realized that their sins must be repented of.
Application:
I call this vicarious repentance. When God, as a righteous judge, begins to bring judgment on people, His people must begin to vicariously repent. Maybe we haven't done anything wrong, but our forefathers have and we are receiving their judgment. We must learn to repent of things our nation has done, our parents have done, etc. as God reveals them to us. We need to always repent of our sins, but we also must repent of the sins of others sometimes.
Prayer:
Father, forgive my nation. Have mercy on the United States. Forgive our sins as we have turned away from you. We have put you out of our nation and we repent for our actions. Please forgive our nation and breathe the wind of your spirit across this nation one again. Here our cry oh Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, October 10, 2014
God's Words or Ours?
Scripture:
Jeremiah 1:9 "The the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'I have put my words in your mouth.'"
Observation:
Jeremiah was a great prophet. He was one of the major prophets in Israel's history. He spoke on behalf of the Lord his God to God's people and to surrounding nations. In this passage you see why his words were so powerful. God put His words into Jeremiah's mouth. His mouth was touched by God and used for God's purposes.
Application:
I want to speak the words of the Lord and not my own. I want God to touch my mouth so that it is cleansed, sanctified, and given completely to Him for His purposes. I desire for God to put His words into my mouth. When I minister in any way, I want the words to be from God and not just good words I choose.
Prayer:
Touch my mouth Lord and put your words in it. When I speak, teach, touch, pray etc. let your words fill my mouth and let Your will be accomplished in my life. Help me hear your voice more clearly and to speak what You say with all my heart. When I open my mouth, I want you to speak through me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 1:9 "The the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'I have put my words in your mouth.'"
Observation:
Jeremiah was a great prophet. He was one of the major prophets in Israel's history. He spoke on behalf of the Lord his God to God's people and to surrounding nations. In this passage you see why his words were so powerful. God put His words into Jeremiah's mouth. His mouth was touched by God and used for God's purposes.
Application:
I want to speak the words of the Lord and not my own. I want God to touch my mouth so that it is cleansed, sanctified, and given completely to Him for His purposes. I desire for God to put His words into my mouth. When I minister in any way, I want the words to be from God and not just good words I choose.
Prayer:
Touch my mouth Lord and put your words in it. When I speak, teach, touch, pray etc. let your words fill my mouth and let Your will be accomplished in my life. Help me hear your voice more clearly and to speak what You say with all my heart. When I open my mouth, I want you to speak through me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Reminder on How to Live
Scripture:
Titus 3:1-2 "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone".
Observation:
Paul is writing to his son in the faith Titus. He is encouraging him to remain faithful and to teach sound doctrine as well as to appoint people into leadership positions who are living a lifestyle that will back up their ministry. Here he give a list of things Titus is to remind the people of. Be subject to authority, be obedient, do good, don't slander, be a peacemaker, be considerate and be gentle.
Application:
If we would take this reminder about how to live and put it into practice each day, we would have wonderful lives. Basically it is telling us to obey authority and live in peace. When we do that, life is much less stressful and things always seem to work out so much better. He reminds us to treat people with honor and to live a good life. We need to implement these reminders in to our daily lives.
Prayer:
Lord, let me lead a simple life of submission and good works. Help me to serve You well and represent You well on this earth. Teach me to walk in peace with all men and to be considerate of others. Help me have a gentle spirit through troubled times.
Yours,
Jeff
Titus 3:1-2 "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone".
Observation:
Paul is writing to his son in the faith Titus. He is encouraging him to remain faithful and to teach sound doctrine as well as to appoint people into leadership positions who are living a lifestyle that will back up their ministry. Here he give a list of things Titus is to remind the people of. Be subject to authority, be obedient, do good, don't slander, be a peacemaker, be considerate and be gentle.
Application:
If we would take this reminder about how to live and put it into practice each day, we would have wonderful lives. Basically it is telling us to obey authority and live in peace. When we do that, life is much less stressful and things always seem to work out so much better. He reminds us to treat people with honor and to live a good life. We need to implement these reminders in to our daily lives.
Prayer:
Lord, let me lead a simple life of submission and good works. Help me to serve You well and represent You well on this earth. Teach me to walk in peace with all men and to be considerate of others. Help me have a gentle spirit through troubled times.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Obtaining Favor From God
Scripture:
Isaiah 66:2 "Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? Declares the Lord. These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word".
Observation:
Isaiah clearly tells us that God looks with favor on those who have a humble and contrite spirit and who tremble at His word. The favor of God doesn't come on those who work hard and self-promote. It comes on those who take God's word seriously and are humble and contrite. God will use a humble and contrite person over a prideful person every time.
Application:
We should be humble and contrite people. When we are, God will pour His favor over our lives and we will walk in His blessing. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. He doesn't like pride and arrogance. We should also tremble at His word. We should live life in the fear of Him who made us.
Prayer:
Father God, You word is valuable to me. Help me to love your word more and more. Teach me your truths as I walk through these Daily Washes. Help me to walk humbly before You at all times and not to get prideful.
You are amazing!
Jeff
Isaiah 66:2 "Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? Declares the Lord. These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word".
Observation:
Isaiah clearly tells us that God looks with favor on those who have a humble and contrite spirit and who tremble at His word. The favor of God doesn't come on those who work hard and self-promote. It comes on those who take God's word seriously and are humble and contrite. God will use a humble and contrite person over a prideful person every time.
Application:
We should be humble and contrite people. When we are, God will pour His favor over our lives and we will walk in His blessing. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. He doesn't like pride and arrogance. We should also tremble at His word. We should live life in the fear of Him who made us.
Prayer:
Father God, You word is valuable to me. Help me to love your word more and more. Teach me your truths as I walk through these Daily Washes. Help me to walk humbly before You at all times and not to get prideful.
You are amazing!
Jeff
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Rend the Heavens
Scripture:
Jeremiah 64:1 "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!"
Observation:
Jeremiah cried out to the Lord. Apparently there was a season of time where God had somewhat withdrawn His presence from His people. Jeremiah was passionately saying we need You to come down oh God and make the mountains tremble at Your presence. In other words, "we need You to show Yourself strong once again".
Application:
I want to cry out with Jeremiah this morning. America needs God to rend the heavens and come down! We need an awakening in our nation. We need God to come down and reveal His power to this land once again. He has done it in the past and I am hungry for Him to do it again. We need an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our land.
Prayer:
Father, open the heavens and come down in the Washington DC area. Send forth another great awakening. Draw men to Yourself. Demonstrate Your power and Your might. Let Your presence and glory fill the earth once again, that all may see the goodness of God.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 64:1 "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!"
Observation:
Jeremiah cried out to the Lord. Apparently there was a season of time where God had somewhat withdrawn His presence from His people. Jeremiah was passionately saying we need You to come down oh God and make the mountains tremble at Your presence. In other words, "we need You to show Yourself strong once again".
Application:
I want to cry out with Jeremiah this morning. America needs God to rend the heavens and come down! We need an awakening in our nation. We need God to come down and reveal His power to this land once again. He has done it in the past and I am hungry for Him to do it again. We need an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our land.
Prayer:
Father, open the heavens and come down in the Washington DC area. Send forth another great awakening. Draw men to Yourself. Demonstrate Your power and Your might. Let Your presence and glory fill the earth once again, that all may see the goodness of God.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, October 3, 2014
The Lord Comforts His People
Scripture:
Isaiah 49:13 "Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones".
Observation:
The Lord, in the context, was talking about the restoration of Israel. They had been deported from their land and God was saying He was going to bring them home. He tells Israel here that He comforts his people and has compassion on His afflicted ones. God allows things to go on in our lives and uses them to teach us, but He always brings us back and has compassion on us.
Application:
God wants us to be assured and happy. He wants us to be confident that no matter what we are going through, we can rejoice and burst into song because of His faithfulness. He will bring us out of whatever we are currently going through. He sees our affliction and won't leave us there. He is a deliverer! He will bring us out of captivity and into freedom. We can go ahead and shout because victory is coming.
Prayer:
Lord, in the difficult times, let me know that You are with me and that You do comfort the afflicted. Help me stay cheerful because You are faithful and will always bring me out. Let me walk in the comfort and compassion of God at all times.
Yours,
Jeff
Isaiah 49:13 "Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones".
Observation:
The Lord, in the context, was talking about the restoration of Israel. They had been deported from their land and God was saying He was going to bring them home. He tells Israel here that He comforts his people and has compassion on His afflicted ones. God allows things to go on in our lives and uses them to teach us, but He always brings us back and has compassion on us.
Application:
God wants us to be assured and happy. He wants us to be confident that no matter what we are going through, we can rejoice and burst into song because of His faithfulness. He will bring us out of whatever we are currently going through. He sees our affliction and won't leave us there. He is a deliverer! He will bring us out of captivity and into freedom. We can go ahead and shout because victory is coming.
Prayer:
Lord, in the difficult times, let me know that You are with me and that You do comfort the afflicted. Help me stay cheerful because You are faithful and will always bring me out. Let me walk in the comfort and compassion of God at all times.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Direction from God
Scripture:
Isaiah 48:17 "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."
Observation:
God, through Jeremiah the prophet, had been telling Israel how much they had not listened to His voice and how they had not followed Him. He was upset that they were putting their trust in gods made with their own hands. He then says to them, "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go".
Application:
God wants to teach us what is best for us and to direct us in the way we should go. He desires a relationship with His people. He wants us to look to Him for direction and teaching. He wants to be our God and for us to be His people. He knows what is best for our lives and what we need each day. We must learn to seek Him diligently because He does have everything we need. Learn to seek His wisdom and direction.
Prayer:
Lord, I want You to direct my paths and teach me what is best for me and my family. I ask you every morning in our time of prayer for these two things. Guide me, I pray and lead me into your will. Show me the way and I will follow. Make Your will known clearer and clearer. Order my steps Father.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 48:17 "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."
Observation:
God, through Jeremiah the prophet, had been telling Israel how much they had not listened to His voice and how they had not followed Him. He was upset that they were putting their trust in gods made with their own hands. He then says to them, "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go".
Application:
God wants to teach us what is best for us and to direct us in the way we should go. He desires a relationship with His people. He wants us to look to Him for direction and teaching. He wants to be our God and for us to be His people. He knows what is best for our lives and what we need each day. We must learn to seek Him diligently because He does have everything we need. Learn to seek His wisdom and direction.
Prayer:
Lord, I want You to direct my paths and teach me what is best for me and my family. I ask you every morning in our time of prayer for these two things. Guide me, I pray and lead me into your will. Show me the way and I will follow. Make Your will known clearer and clearer. Order my steps Father.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Turn To Me
Scripture:
Isaiah 45:22 "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other".
Observation:
God is speaking through Isaiah concerning the people of God and of the world creating images of their own hands and then praying to them. He tells them how much nonsense that is, then tells them to "turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other". Turning to Him is repentance. God wants all to repent and realize there is no other way except through Him.
Application:
God's will is for everyone to repent and be saved. He desires relationship with all the earth. He wants relationship with His creation and has gone to great extremes to have that. Our job as believers is now to give Him the desire of His heart. We must pray and declare to all the world the good news of Jesus Christ. We need to catch our Father's heart for the ends of the earth to turn to Him. We are carriers of His good news.
Prayer:
Father, give me more of a heart to make sure that every person you have created has heard about you and has been given the opportunity to turn and repent of their sins. Empower my church with a vision of reaching every lost person in our region and in all the earth, Raise up evangelists who will carry the good news to the ends of the earth.
Yours,
Jeff
Isaiah 45:22 "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other".
Observation:
God is speaking through Isaiah concerning the people of God and of the world creating images of their own hands and then praying to them. He tells them how much nonsense that is, then tells them to "turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other". Turning to Him is repentance. God wants all to repent and realize there is no other way except through Him.
Application:
God's will is for everyone to repent and be saved. He desires relationship with all the earth. He wants relationship with His creation and has gone to great extremes to have that. Our job as believers is now to give Him the desire of His heart. We must pray and declare to all the world the good news of Jesus Christ. We need to catch our Father's heart for the ends of the earth to turn to Him. We are carriers of His good news.
Prayer:
Father, give me more of a heart to make sure that every person you have created has heard about you and has been given the opportunity to turn and repent of their sins. Empower my church with a vision of reaching every lost person in our region and in all the earth, Raise up evangelists who will carry the good news to the ends of the earth.
Yours,
Jeff
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