Scripture:
Malachi 3:2 "But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap".
Observation:
Malachi tells us that when God comes, he will purify his people like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. Fire refines silver and gold and makes it more valuable. Soap takes dirt away and cleanses. God wants his people to be pure and clean. He does the work, but we have to desire for him to work in us.
Application:
Doing this daily wash and using the S.O.A.P. format has been the most rewarding experience of my spiritual life. I am just completing my sixth year of doing my daily devotionals this way. It has truly been like SOAP for me in that it has a way of speaking to me about so many different areas of life. Reading through the Bible annually has been so good for me and I would recommend to anyone who wants God to work in your life.
Prayer:
Thanks You Lord for showing me this six years ago! You have worked in my life through reading your word and applying it daily. Your word is life to me and strength to my spirit. Help me to stay on track and let your SOAP continue to cleanse my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Do Not Be Unfaithful
Scripture:
Malachi 2:16 "The man who hates and divorces his wife, says the Lord, the God of Israel, does violence to the one he should protect, says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful".
Observation:
Just before this God speaks and says that the people were flooding him with tears and wailing before Him, but that He would not hear their cries because they had been unfaithful to their marriage covenant. Here he says to be on guard and not be unfaithful. I hear strong words about the marriage covenant and hurting the one we are suppose to protect.
Application:
God doesn't like divorce and hate in marriages. He is very strong when it comes to covenants we make and wants us to fulfill our covenants and be faithful to them as He is faithful to our covenant with him. We must be on guard in the area of faithfulness and not let anything bring division in our marriages.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in faithfulness to the covenants I make on this earth. Help me to be a better husband to Cheryl and a better father to my sons. Help me not to hurt the ones I am meant to protect. Guide me day by day into being the husband you want me to be to my wife.
Your Son,
Jeff
Malachi 2:16 "The man who hates and divorces his wife, says the Lord, the God of Israel, does violence to the one he should protect, says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful".
Observation:
Just before this God speaks and says that the people were flooding him with tears and wailing before Him, but that He would not hear their cries because they had been unfaithful to their marriage covenant. Here he says to be on guard and not be unfaithful. I hear strong words about the marriage covenant and hurting the one we are suppose to protect.
Application:
God doesn't like divorce and hate in marriages. He is very strong when it comes to covenants we make and wants us to fulfill our covenants and be faithful to them as He is faithful to our covenant with him. We must be on guard in the area of faithfulness and not let anything bring division in our marriages.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in faithfulness to the covenants I make on this earth. Help me to be a better husband to Cheryl and a better father to my sons. Help me not to hurt the ones I am meant to protect. Guide me day by day into being the husband you want me to be to my wife.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, December 29, 2014
Through the Fire
Scripture:
Zechariah 13:9 "I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God'".
Observation:
Zechariah is prophesying about a future time when a remnant in Israel will return to the Lord and follow Him wholeheartedly. He says about them that God will bring them through the fire and will refine them like silver or gold. He then shows His intention from the beginning, "These are my people" and they say, "The Lord is our God".
Application:
God wants a relationship with us at a deep level that affects every are of our lives. He also wants His people to walk in holiness and in a way that pleases Him. In this verse He says He will bring them through the fire to purify them. We must realize that God shows us His love for us when He lets us go through the fire. He wants us cleansed and purified. We can't hate the fire, but welcome it and know it will work in us something good.
Prayer:
Father, Let me not reject your fire in my life. Help me to welcome your work in me, even when that hurts. Purify my life that I may truly be one of Your people who reflects your glory. I want to know you more intimately than ever before.
Your Son,
Jeff
Zechariah 13:9 "I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God'".
Observation:
Zechariah is prophesying about a future time when a remnant in Israel will return to the Lord and follow Him wholeheartedly. He says about them that God will bring them through the fire and will refine them like silver or gold. He then shows His intention from the beginning, "These are my people" and they say, "The Lord is our God".
Application:
God wants a relationship with us at a deep level that affects every are of our lives. He also wants His people to walk in holiness and in a way that pleases Him. In this verse He says He will bring them through the fire to purify them. We must realize that God shows us His love for us when He lets us go through the fire. He wants us cleansed and purified. We can't hate the fire, but welcome it and know it will work in us something good.
Prayer:
Father, Let me not reject your fire in my life. Help me to welcome your work in me, even when that hurts. Purify my life that I may truly be one of Your people who reflects your glory. I want to know you more intimately than ever before.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, December 27, 2014
The Rule of Our King
Scripture:
Zechariah 9:10 "He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth".
Observation:
Zechariah, just before this, gives us a picture of the Triumphal Entry of Christ as He was nearing his death on the cross. It said He would come in humility and riding on a donkey's colt. The picture, then shifts to Messiah's future rule where He will rule over all the earth. He will bring peace to all nations and will rule the world with righteousness.
Application:
In His first coming, Jesus came as the suffering servant. In his second coming, He will come as ruler and judge over all the earth. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord in the future. When I look at this, I realize that it is better to bow now than to bow later. Right now we have the option of bowing before King Jesus. In the future, we won't have and option. I want His rule of peace now in my life, therefore I surrender my all to him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are incredible and Your kingdom knows no end. I submit myself to your lordship today and every day. Help me to follow You completely in my life. I want your rule of peace in my life every day. I don't want to wait to bow until I have to. I bow now.
Yours,
Jeff
Zechariah 9:10 "He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth".
Observation:
Zechariah, just before this, gives us a picture of the Triumphal Entry of Christ as He was nearing his death on the cross. It said He would come in humility and riding on a donkey's colt. The picture, then shifts to Messiah's future rule where He will rule over all the earth. He will bring peace to all nations and will rule the world with righteousness.
Application:
In His first coming, Jesus came as the suffering servant. In his second coming, He will come as ruler and judge over all the earth. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord in the future. When I look at this, I realize that it is better to bow now than to bow later. Right now we have the option of bowing before King Jesus. In the future, we won't have and option. I want His rule of peace now in my life, therefore I surrender my all to him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are incredible and Your kingdom knows no end. I submit myself to your lordship today and every day. Help me to follow You completely in my life. I want your rule of peace in my life every day. I don't want to wait to bow until I have to. I bow now.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, December 26, 2014
The Day of Small Things
Scripture:
Zechariah 4:10 "Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?"
Observation:
The angel of the Lord was speaking with Zechariah about Zerubbabel rebuilding the Temple of the Lord. He said that Zerubbabel would bring out the capstone and there would be shouting and cause for celebration. He then states, "Who dares despise the day of small things?" A man coming with a capstone in his hand doesn't look like much, but it is a sign of great things to come.
Application:
Sometimes life doesn't happen like we wished it would and sometimes we feel like we are behind the curve and not being blessed like we had planned. We thought we would be at a certain place in life by now, but we are not there yet. Sometimes we have to look at the day of small things and stop despising it. We must look at it and know God is in control. We must realize that greater things are coming and where we are now may be exactly where God needs us. What seems like nothing much now, may turn into something great later. We can't despise the day of small things.
Prayer:
Father, help me not compare myself with others. Help me to not despise the day of small things. Teach me to trust You each day and know that You are with me and that everything You have put in my heart will come to pass in Your timing and not my own. Help me enjoy every day, wherever it may take me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Zechariah 4:10 "Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?"
Observation:
The angel of the Lord was speaking with Zechariah about Zerubbabel rebuilding the Temple of the Lord. He said that Zerubbabel would bring out the capstone and there would be shouting and cause for celebration. He then states, "Who dares despise the day of small things?" A man coming with a capstone in his hand doesn't look like much, but it is a sign of great things to come.
Application:
Sometimes life doesn't happen like we wished it would and sometimes we feel like we are behind the curve and not being blessed like we had planned. We thought we would be at a certain place in life by now, but we are not there yet. Sometimes we have to look at the day of small things and stop despising it. We must look at it and know God is in control. We must realize that greater things are coming and where we are now may be exactly where God needs us. What seems like nothing much now, may turn into something great later. We can't despise the day of small things.
Prayer:
Father, help me not compare myself with others. Help me to not despise the day of small things. Teach me to trust You each day and know that You are with me and that everything You have put in my heart will come to pass in Your timing and not my own. Help me enjoy every day, wherever it may take me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Expecting Much and Getting Little... Why?
Scripture:
Haggai 1:9 "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away, Why? declares the Lord Almighty. Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house".
Observation:
God speaks through Haggai and tells the people that they are sowing much and reaping little, putting on clothes and not getting warm, and earning wages that are going through holes in their pockets. He said the reason for this was because they were focused on building their own houses while the house of God was in ruins. He wanted His people to rebuild His house instead of only thinking of their own and they were under a curse because of it.
Application:
We may not be able to do a direct comparison of this story to today, but the idea can really be seen in our spiritual lives. re we building our own houses while God's house is in ruin? Are we so busy working for ourselves that we have no time to work for God? Are we giving God our leftovers or giving God our best? WE may not be building His physical Temple, but are we as focused on building His kingdom as we are our own lives?
Prayer:
Father, help me stayed focused on You and Your kingdom. Help me to stay about Your business and trust you to take care of my business. You are awesome and worthy of great praise. I love you Lord and give myself afresh to You today.
Yours,
Jeff
Haggai 1:9 "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away, Why? declares the Lord Almighty. Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house".
Observation:
God speaks through Haggai and tells the people that they are sowing much and reaping little, putting on clothes and not getting warm, and earning wages that are going through holes in their pockets. He said the reason for this was because they were focused on building their own houses while the house of God was in ruins. He wanted His people to rebuild His house instead of only thinking of their own and they were under a curse because of it.
Application:
We may not be able to do a direct comparison of this story to today, but the idea can really be seen in our spiritual lives. re we building our own houses while God's house is in ruin? Are we so busy working for ourselves that we have no time to work for God? Are we giving God our leftovers or giving God our best? WE may not be building His physical Temple, but are we as focused on building His kingdom as we are our own lives?
Prayer:
Father, help me stayed focused on You and Your kingdom. Help me to stay about Your business and trust you to take care of my business. You are awesome and worthy of great praise. I love you Lord and give myself afresh to You today.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
The Lord is With You
Scripture:
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing".
Observation:
Zephaniah had been speaking about the destruction of the earth in the fierce wrath of God, who was not happy with those who would not come to Him and worship Him. He then begins to speak about a remnant in Israel who would come back to Him in humility. Of them He says He is with them as a mighty warrior. Of them, He says He will rejoice over them with singing. He would delight in them.
Application:
God loves a humble heart that looks to Him in every situation. He rejoices when His people put their trust in Him and not in themselves. When we walk humbly before Him, we can expect Him to be with us. We can expect the Mighty Warrior to fight our battles when we walk humbly before Him and trust Him completely. He delights and sings over those who worship Him only and trust Him only. He wants to be the center of our lives.
Prayer:
Father, be the center of my life. Teach me to walk before you humbly and in a way that pleases You. You are my everything! You are what my life is about. You are my purpose, my passion and my plans. Let my worship and my life be pleasing in your sight.
Yours,
Jeff
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing".
Observation:
Zephaniah had been speaking about the destruction of the earth in the fierce wrath of God, who was not happy with those who would not come to Him and worship Him. He then begins to speak about a remnant in Israel who would come back to Him in humility. Of them He says He is with them as a mighty warrior. Of them, He says He will rejoice over them with singing. He would delight in them.
Application:
God loves a humble heart that looks to Him in every situation. He rejoices when His people put their trust in Him and not in themselves. When we walk humbly before Him, we can expect Him to be with us. We can expect the Mighty Warrior to fight our battles when we walk humbly before Him and trust Him completely. He delights and sings over those who worship Him only and trust Him only. He wants to be the center of our lives.
Prayer:
Father, be the center of my life. Teach me to walk before you humbly and in a way that pleases You. You are my everything! You are what my life is about. You are my purpose, my passion and my plans. Let my worship and my life be pleasing in your sight.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, December 22, 2014
Repeat!
Scripture:
Habakkuk 3:2 "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy".
Observation:
Habakkuk called on the Lord. He told the Lord that he had heard of his fame and his incredible deeds he had done in the past. He looks back in order to look forward. He looks back to what God had done and then says, "Repeat them in our day". He asks God to repeat his deeds from the past and to have mercy instead of wrath.
Application:
I feel this morning like saying to God, "I have heard and seen you move and work in the past. You are truly incredible! His the repeat button and do it again in my life and in my generation". I want to see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my generation. I want to see you move in whole regions at once. I want the glory of the Lord to fall on my region as it has in regions in the past. Repeat!!!
Prayer:
Oh God, pour out Your Spirit one more time in the United States. In your wrath remember mercy. Let your glory fall like a tsunami and fill northern Virginia. Hit the repeat button and bring revival to my generation. I know we have had two great awakenings, send a third.
Your Son,
Jeff
Habakkuk 3:2 "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy".
Observation:
Habakkuk called on the Lord. He told the Lord that he had heard of his fame and his incredible deeds he had done in the past. He looks back in order to look forward. He looks back to what God had done and then says, "Repeat them in our day". He asks God to repeat his deeds from the past and to have mercy instead of wrath.
Application:
I feel this morning like saying to God, "I have heard and seen you move and work in the past. You are truly incredible! His the repeat button and do it again in my life and in my generation". I want to see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my generation. I want to see you move in whole regions at once. I want the glory of the Lord to fall on my region as it has in regions in the past. Repeat!!!
Prayer:
Oh God, pour out Your Spirit one more time in the United States. In your wrath remember mercy. Let your glory fall like a tsunami and fill northern Virginia. Hit the repeat button and bring revival to my generation. I know we have had two great awakenings, send a third.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, December 19, 2014
With Him in Battle
Scripture:
Revelation 17:14 "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of Lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers".
Observation:
This passage is talking about a war between the Lamb and mystery Babylon. In this battle, the Lamb, Jesus, is victorious, then it says these words, "and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers". We not only have the honor of serving him now, but will war with him in ages to come.
Application:
Are we faithful followers? If so, we will be part of this army that defeats enemies an establishes the fullness of the Kingdom of God on the earth in the end of time as we know it. The text lets us know that he is King of kings and Lord of lords, but it also places us in the scene as his faithful followers. We may suffer through some stuff in this life now, but one say we will rule and reign with him. Be strong now...things get better.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a faithful follower of Christ the Lamb. Help me make right decisions and to follow the leading of Your Spirit. Train my hands for battle and my heart to obey. I look forward to serving with you in battle my commander in chief. We will win in the end!
Yours for war,
Jeff
Revelation 17:14 "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of Lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers".
Observation:
This passage is talking about a war between the Lamb and mystery Babylon. In this battle, the Lamb, Jesus, is victorious, then it says these words, "and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers". We not only have the honor of serving him now, but will war with him in ages to come.
Application:
Are we faithful followers? If so, we will be part of this army that defeats enemies an establishes the fullness of the Kingdom of God on the earth in the end of time as we know it. The text lets us know that he is King of kings and Lord of lords, but it also places us in the scene as his faithful followers. We may suffer through some stuff in this life now, but one say we will rule and reign with him. Be strong now...things get better.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a faithful follower of Christ the Lamb. Help me make right decisions and to follow the leading of Your Spirit. Train my hands for battle and my heart to obey. I look forward to serving with you in battle my commander in chief. We will win in the end!
Yours for war,
Jeff
Thursday, December 18, 2014
King of the Nations
Scripture:
Revelation 15:3 "and sang the song of God's servant Moses and of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations'".
Observation:
Revelation is probably the greatest book in the Bible where we see worship. It is all throughout this beautiful book because it is what happens in heaven throughout eternity. In this verse, God's people are singing a song where we read "Just and true are your ways, King of the nations".
Application:
Although at this present time, God is not worshiped all over the earth, one day He will be. One day He will be king of the nations! He will reign and rule over all the earth. We have the opportunity to serve Him now. Others will serve Him later, but everyone will bow before Him one day. I want to worship Him now with s much passion as I will then.
Prayer:
Father, You are the king of the nations. You are the ruler of this world and one day the world will stand in awe and realize it. May Your name be praised now and forever. Let my life bring you praise in every nation of the world.
Yours,
Jeff
Revelation 15:3 "and sang the song of God's servant Moses and of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations'".
Observation:
Revelation is probably the greatest book in the Bible where we see worship. It is all throughout this beautiful book because it is what happens in heaven throughout eternity. In this verse, God's people are singing a song where we read "Just and true are your ways, King of the nations".
Application:
Although at this present time, God is not worshiped all over the earth, one day He will be. One day He will be king of the nations! He will reign and rule over all the earth. We have the opportunity to serve Him now. Others will serve Him later, but everyone will bow before Him one day. I want to worship Him now with s much passion as I will then.
Prayer:
Father, You are the king of the nations. You are the ruler of this world and one day the world will stand in awe and realize it. May Your name be praised now and forever. Let my life bring you praise in every nation of the world.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Reward Day is Coming
Scripture:
Revelation 11:18 "The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who revere your name, both small and great".
Observation:
At the seventh trumpet, John said that the 24 elders fell down and worshiped God and that the Kingdom of the world had become the kingdom of Christ. He then tells us that it was time for judging and for rewarding. He is going to judge those who deserve judgment and reward those who deserve rewards.
Application:
Reward day is coming! There are amazing rewards for serving God during this lifetime. One day we will be rewarded for our obedience during our lives here on this earth. Though times may get difficult here, we are promised a better place where we will be rewarded for what we have done in this life. Our focus must not be on our present situations, but on the reward that follows a life of obedience.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to live the life you desire for me to live. Help me to keep my focus on eternity instead of simply living in the present and doing things based on that. I want to serve You well during my days here on this earth. Help me keep an eternal perspective at all times.
Your Son,
Jeff
Revelation 11:18 "The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who revere your name, both small and great".
Observation:
At the seventh trumpet, John said that the 24 elders fell down and worshiped God and that the Kingdom of the world had become the kingdom of Christ. He then tells us that it was time for judging and for rewarding. He is going to judge those who deserve judgment and reward those who deserve rewards.
Application:
Reward day is coming! There are amazing rewards for serving God during this lifetime. One day we will be rewarded for our obedience during our lives here on this earth. Though times may get difficult here, we are promised a better place where we will be rewarded for what we have done in this life. Our focus must not be on our present situations, but on the reward that follows a life of obedience.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to live the life you desire for me to live. Help me to keep my focus on eternity instead of simply living in the present and doing things based on that. I want to serve You well during my days here on this earth. Help me keep an eternal perspective at all times.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
All Are Created to Worship
Scripture:
Revelation 7: 9-10 "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing whites robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne,and to the Lamb'".
Observation:
In Revelation we see some awesome pictures of heaven and the worship that takes place there. In this occurrence, we see people from every nation, language, people group and tongue, worshiping God and giving praise to the Lamb. I see the emphasis in Revelation that all people were created to worship. This isn't just for some.
Application:
If heaven is going to be filled with people from every tribe, tongue and nation, then we must be about our father's business of getting the Gospel to every people group on the planet. His message must be preached in every part of the globe. It is truly the heart of God and as we grow in Him, it must become our heart as well. We must love people of all ethnicities and nations as Christ does.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be about the expansion of Your kingdom in all the earth. I want to help get your message around the globe and into every people group. Give me the resources and I will do my best to expand your influence throughout the earth.
Your Son,
Jeff
Revelation 7: 9-10 "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing whites robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne,and to the Lamb'".
Observation:
In Revelation we see some awesome pictures of heaven and the worship that takes place there. In this occurrence, we see people from every nation, language, people group and tongue, worshiping God and giving praise to the Lamb. I see the emphasis in Revelation that all people were created to worship. This isn't just for some.
Application:
If heaven is going to be filled with people from every tribe, tongue and nation, then we must be about our father's business of getting the Gospel to every people group on the planet. His message must be preached in every part of the globe. It is truly the heart of God and as we grow in Him, it must become our heart as well. We must love people of all ethnicities and nations as Christ does.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be about the expansion of Your kingdom in all the earth. I want to help get your message around the globe and into every people group. Give me the resources and I will do my best to expand your influence throughout the earth.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, December 15, 2014
They Will Reign
Scripture:
Revelation 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth".
Observation:
John saw the twenty four elders worshiping God in heaven. They were saying that Jesus was worthy to open the scrolls because he had purchased men for God from every tribe, every language and every nation. He says of these people who were purchased by Christ that "they will reign on the earth". I see here that God's heart is for every tongue, every tribe and every nation. I also see his intention is that they will one day rule the earth.
Application:
One day we will reign on the earth. How we live our lives here now determines how we will live in eternity. If we are faithful in a little here on earth, we will rule over much in the future. I want to live a life of obedience to Christ here and now, then reign and rule with Him eternally. I don't want to just squeak into heaven. I want to be trained for reigning.
Prayer:
Father, help me be faithful in the little You have blessed me with. Help me be one You can trust here on earth now so that we can rule together in the future. I want to serve You well and accomplish your will completely with my life before I get to heaven.
Your Son,
Jeff
Revelation 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth".
Observation:
John saw the twenty four elders worshiping God in heaven. They were saying that Jesus was worthy to open the scrolls because he had purchased men for God from every tribe, every language and every nation. He says of these people who were purchased by Christ that "they will reign on the earth". I see here that God's heart is for every tongue, every tribe and every nation. I also see his intention is that they will one day rule the earth.
Application:
One day we will reign on the earth. How we live our lives here now determines how we will live in eternity. If we are faithful in a little here on earth, we will rule over much in the future. I want to live a life of obedience to Christ here and now, then reign and rule with Him eternally. I don't want to just squeak into heaven. I want to be trained for reigning.
Prayer:
Father, help me be faithful in the little You have blessed me with. Help me be one You can trust here on earth now so that we can rule together in the future. I want to serve You well and accomplish your will completely with my life before I get to heaven.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, December 13, 2014
I Will Rise
Scripture:
Micah 7:8 "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light".
Observation:
Micah has hope in the Savior and let's Israel know that even though they are going to go through some difficult days, they will rise. He gives a prophetic warning to Israel's enemies and let's them know that. though they will be down, they will rise. There was a deep confidence that God would one day turn things around.
Application:
Sometimes when we fall, we feel like we will never get up. When bad things happen, we feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. God is an expert at breaking through at the last moment and restoring His people. We must have that confidence that says, "though I fall, I will rise!" We must anticipate and know that God will see us through. We get what we expect. Israel expected God to have mercy and they knew they would rise again.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to have stronger faith in You. Teach me your ways. Help me to know in my heart when I am down, that I will rise because my God is going to pull me through. Increase my confidence in You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Micah 7:8 "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light".
Observation:
Micah has hope in the Savior and let's Israel know that even though they are going to go through some difficult days, they will rise. He gives a prophetic warning to Israel's enemies and let's them know that. though they will be down, they will rise. There was a deep confidence that God would one day turn things around.
Application:
Sometimes when we fall, we feel like we will never get up. When bad things happen, we feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. God is an expert at breaking through at the last moment and restoring His people. We must have that confidence that says, "though I fall, I will rise!" We must anticipate and know that God will see us through. We get what we expect. Israel expected God to have mercy and they knew they would rise again.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to have stronger faith in You. Teach me your ways. Help me to know in my heart when I am down, that I will rise because my God is going to pull me through. Increase my confidence in You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, December 12, 2014
But As For Me
Scripture:
Micah 3:8 "But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin".
Observation:
Micah had been rebuking Samaria and Judah for the way they had been living and the things they had been doing. He was rebuking their prophets for prophesying falsely and telling people everything was going to be okay. He then says of himself, "But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might".
Application:
Just like Micah there are times in our lives when we need to stand against the crowd and do things nobody else is doing. There are times when we have to stand against what most churches and "prophets" are saying. When we stand up to confront false teaching, etc. God will fill us with His power and strength to do what He is calling us to do. If the whole nation is going away from the truth, we must stand and say, "but as for me". When we do, we will be filled with whatever we need from the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk on your path. Help me to hear your voice clearly. Teach me to walk with you and when I hear things that are not right, to know the difference. When it feels like everyone has walked away, may I be able to say, "but as for me, I am filled with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with justice and might" to do and say what God is calling me to.
Micah 3:8 "But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin".
Observation:
Micah had been rebuking Samaria and Judah for the way they had been living and the things they had been doing. He was rebuking their prophets for prophesying falsely and telling people everything was going to be okay. He then says of himself, "But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might".
Application:
Just like Micah there are times in our lives when we need to stand against the crowd and do things nobody else is doing. There are times when we have to stand against what most churches and "prophets" are saying. When we stand up to confront false teaching, etc. God will fill us with His power and strength to do what He is calling us to do. If the whole nation is going away from the truth, we must stand and say, "but as for me". When we do, we will be filled with whatever we need from the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk on your path. Help me to hear your voice clearly. Teach me to walk with you and when I hear things that are not right, to know the difference. When it feels like everyone has walked away, may I be able to say, "but as for me, I am filled with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with justice and might" to do and say what God is calling me to.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
God's Concerns and Ours
Scripture:
Jonah 4:10-11 "You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it of make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left - and also many animals".
Observation:
God had place a fast growing plant to give Jonah shade in the heat of the day. God destroyed the same plant he had grow up and Jonah got mad. He wished he had never been born. He was also upset because Nineveh had repented before the Lord and he didn't feel they deserved it. God lets Jonah know that he was more concerned about the 120,000 people who needed a shepherd than about a plant.
Application:
Sometimes our concerns are not the same as God's concerns. We are often concerned about the little things of life and can't see past them. We are concerned about the next paycheck, what we are going to wear, and what people are going to think of us. God is concerned about people coming to know Him. His concerns are the most important. When we take care of His concerns, He will take care of ours.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be concerned about what You are concerned about. Let my life be fully surrendered to You. You are awesome and I want to serve You well. Help me to lift my eyes and see things from Your perspective. Let me know your heart.
Yours,
Jeff
Jonah 4:10-11 "You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it of make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left - and also many animals".
Observation:
God had place a fast growing plant to give Jonah shade in the heat of the day. God destroyed the same plant he had grow up and Jonah got mad. He wished he had never been born. He was also upset because Nineveh had repented before the Lord and he didn't feel they deserved it. God lets Jonah know that he was more concerned about the 120,000 people who needed a shepherd than about a plant.
Application:
Sometimes our concerns are not the same as God's concerns. We are often concerned about the little things of life and can't see past them. We are concerned about the next paycheck, what we are going to wear, and what people are going to think of us. God is concerned about people coming to know Him. His concerns are the most important. When we take care of His concerns, He will take care of ours.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be concerned about what You are concerned about. Let my life be fully surrendered to You. You are awesome and I want to serve You well. Help me to lift my eyes and see things from Your perspective. Let me know your heart.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Staying in God's Love While We Wait
Scripture:
Jude 20-21 "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life".
Observation:
Jude tells us what to do while we wait for the return of Jesus Christ. He tells us to stay in God's love by doing two things. He tells us to build ourselves up in our most holy faith and also tells us to pray in the Holy Spirit. These two things will keep us in God's love while we wait for the return of Christ.
Application:
We must daily build ourselves up in our most holy faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Therefore, we must remain in God's word, which builds up our faith as we wait for Christ to return. We also need to pray in the Holy Spirit. Praying in the Holy Spirit causes us to pray mysteries and for us to pray the perfect will of God rather than our own will. We must have daily time in the Spirit and time in the word as we wait. Doing this, we will stay in God's love.
Prayer:
Lord, develop my quiet time stronger and stronger as I wait for your return. I want to know your heart. I want to hear your voice. Let your word speak to me daily and let Your Spirit pray through me daily. Help me to walk in the love of God every day of my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Jude 20-21 "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life".
Observation:
Jude tells us what to do while we wait for the return of Jesus Christ. He tells us to stay in God's love by doing two things. He tells us to build ourselves up in our most holy faith and also tells us to pray in the Holy Spirit. These two things will keep us in God's love while we wait for the return of Christ.
Application:
We must daily build ourselves up in our most holy faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Therefore, we must remain in God's word, which builds up our faith as we wait for Christ to return. We also need to pray in the Holy Spirit. Praying in the Holy Spirit causes us to pray mysteries and for us to pray the perfect will of God rather than our own will. We must have daily time in the Spirit and time in the word as we wait. Doing this, we will stay in God's love.
Prayer:
Lord, develop my quiet time stronger and stronger as I wait for your return. I want to know your heart. I want to hear your voice. Let your word speak to me daily and let Your Spirit pray through me daily. Help me to walk in the love of God every day of my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Love and Obedience
Scripture:
II John 6 "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love".
Observation:
John tells us what love is. He says it is walking in obedience to God's commands. The main and greatest command: Love. We are commanded to love our enemies and everyone around us. We are to be people of love according to scripture. Love is the primary fruit of the Spirit.
Application:
Love should be the center and core of everything we do. God is love and if we are of God, then we are of love. As God's people, one of the greatest tests of our spirituality is not being able to quote lots of scripture, but am I able to love everyone. When we love everyone, we are becoming more like our father and growing in Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to love well. Help me to have love at the center of my life. Let love be the primary characteristic of my life. I want to walk in Your love and be a demonstration of Your love to the world.
Your Son,
Jeff
II John 6 "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love".
Observation:
John tells us what love is. He says it is walking in obedience to God's commands. The main and greatest command: Love. We are commanded to love our enemies and everyone around us. We are to be people of love according to scripture. Love is the primary fruit of the Spirit.
Application:
Love should be the center and core of everything we do. God is love and if we are of God, then we are of love. As God's people, one of the greatest tests of our spirituality is not being able to quote lots of scripture, but am I able to love everyone. When we love everyone, we are becoming more like our father and growing in Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to love well. Help me to have love at the center of my life. Let love be the primary characteristic of my life. I want to walk in Your love and be a demonstration of Your love to the world.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, December 8, 2014
God's Judgment
Scripture:
Amos 8:11 "The days are coming, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I will send a famine through the land - not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord".
Observation:
When God decided to bring judgment on Israel, He stopped allowing them to hear His voice. Many would think, "What kind of punishment is that?" In God's mind, not hearing His voice, is the worst of judgments. When we can't hear from Him, our lives are going to really get messed up. When a nation doesn't hear from God, it will go into chaos. When we stop hearing the word of the Lord, our lives will become messed up.
Application:
I love doing my daily wash using the SOAP pattern. Daily I hear the Lord from His word and it brings correction, instruction, and encouragement. I love my time with God and don't know what I would do if I couldn't hear His word. My life would go into chaos. I need to hear His voice daily for guidance.
Prayer:
Lord, let me never have a famine of hearing your words. I want to walk with You and talk with You as friend with friend. Thank you for showing me that You see not hearing from the Lord as a serious judgment on sin. This is awesome! You are incredible. I love you.
Jeff
Amos 8:11 "The days are coming, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I will send a famine through the land - not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord".
Observation:
When God decided to bring judgment on Israel, He stopped allowing them to hear His voice. Many would think, "What kind of punishment is that?" In God's mind, not hearing His voice, is the worst of judgments. When we can't hear from Him, our lives are going to really get messed up. When a nation doesn't hear from God, it will go into chaos. When we stop hearing the word of the Lord, our lives will become messed up.
Application:
I love doing my daily wash using the SOAP pattern. Daily I hear the Lord from His word and it brings correction, instruction, and encouragement. I love my time with God and don't know what I would do if I couldn't hear His word. My life would go into chaos. I need to hear His voice daily for guidance.
Prayer:
Lord, let me never have a famine of hearing your words. I want to walk with You and talk with You as friend with friend. Thank you for showing me that You see not hearing from the Lord as a serious judgment on sin. This is awesome! You are incredible. I love you.
Jeff
Friday, December 5, 2014
Faith and Victory
Scripture:
I John 5:4 "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith".
Observation:
John tells us that everyone who is born of God is an overcomer of the things of this world. The world pulls at us and tries to get us to pull away from God. Whoever is born of God, overcomes this! Where does this victory over the world come from? Our faith. Faith in Christ and His work on the cross makes us victors over the world and whatever tries to separate us from Christ.
Application:
Sometimes we work so hard at defeating the enemy and overcoming the wrong in our lives that we overlook the simple truth of the Gospel. It is not screaming at the enemy and warfare that makes us an overcomer, it is our faith. Simply placing our faith in Christ and His work on the cross makes us overcomers. Rather than increasing our spiritual warfare, we need to increase our faith.
Prayer:
Father, increase my faith. Help me to walk by faith in what Jesus did on the cross. Teach me to live by faith instead of sight. Let faith arise in my life and let me walk in victory every day.
Yours,
Jeff
I John 5:4 "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith".
Observation:
John tells us that everyone who is born of God is an overcomer of the things of this world. The world pulls at us and tries to get us to pull away from God. Whoever is born of God, overcomes this! Where does this victory over the world come from? Our faith. Faith in Christ and His work on the cross makes us victors over the world and whatever tries to separate us from Christ.
Application:
Sometimes we work so hard at defeating the enemy and overcoming the wrong in our lives that we overlook the simple truth of the Gospel. It is not screaming at the enemy and warfare that makes us an overcomer, it is our faith. Simply placing our faith in Christ and His work on the cross makes us overcomers. Rather than increasing our spiritual warfare, we need to increase our faith.
Prayer:
Father, increase my faith. Help me to walk by faith in what Jesus did on the cross. Teach me to live by faith instead of sight. Let faith arise in my life and let me walk in victory every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Walking in the Light
Scripture:
I John 1:6-7 "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin".
Observation:
John basically tells us that we must walk in the light with Christ and have fellowship with each other. He tells us that there is no way to walk in fellowship with God and walk in darkness. When we walk with God, darkness will not be part of our lives. When we walk with God, our lives reflect it and we are purified from sin.
Application:
Darkness and light have nothing to do with each other. When light comes, darkness disappears. As children of God, our lives are to reflect God's light. We are to have fellowship with Him. The only way to truly walk in the light is to have continual fellowship with God. As we have fellowship with God, we become more like Him and in Him there is no darkness. We must learn to walk more consistently in the light and spend more time with our Father.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to fellowship with you more and more. I want to walk with You, talk with You, and simply be with You. Help me to walk in the light and let there be no darkness in my life. I want to shine for You. Help me to remain in fellowship with You at a stronger level.
Yours,
Jeff
I John 1:6-7 "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin".
Observation:
John basically tells us that we must walk in the light with Christ and have fellowship with each other. He tells us that there is no way to walk in fellowship with God and walk in darkness. When we walk with God, darkness will not be part of our lives. When we walk with God, our lives reflect it and we are purified from sin.
Application:
Darkness and light have nothing to do with each other. When light comes, darkness disappears. As children of God, our lives are to reflect God's light. We are to have fellowship with Him. The only way to truly walk in the light is to have continual fellowship with God. As we have fellowship with God, we become more like Him and in Him there is no darkness. We must learn to walk more consistently in the light and spend more time with our Father.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to fellowship with you more and more. I want to walk with You, talk with You, and simply be with You. Help me to walk in the light and let there be no darkness in my life. I want to shine for You. Help me to remain in fellowship with You at a stronger level.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Declare a Holy Fast
Scripture:
Joel 2:15 "Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly".
Observation:
God is speaking in this text about how He had sent swarms of locusts that had destroyed all Judah's crops and left them devastated. He tells them in verse 12 to "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning".
Application:
There is a time in our lives where we see things going wrong and we need God's intervention. He loves it when we turn to Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. He loves it when we turn our gaze upon Him and seek Him whole heartedly. There are times when we need to turn to the Lord with prayer and fasting, humbling ourselves before Him.
Prayer:
Lord, I turn to You and not away. I need help in my life right now. Show me what to do in each situation in my life right now. I need your guidance, your wise counsel, and your strong right arm. You are amazing and I love you deeply. Help me live according to Your plans and purposes for my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Joel 2:15 "Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly".
Observation:
God is speaking in this text about how He had sent swarms of locusts that had destroyed all Judah's crops and left them devastated. He tells them in verse 12 to "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning".
Application:
There is a time in our lives where we see things going wrong and we need God's intervention. He loves it when we turn to Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. He loves it when we turn our gaze upon Him and seek Him whole heartedly. There are times when we need to turn to the Lord with prayer and fasting, humbling ourselves before Him.
Prayer:
Lord, I turn to You and not away. I need help in my life right now. Show me what to do in each situation in my life right now. I need your guidance, your wise counsel, and your strong right arm. You are amazing and I love you deeply. Help me live according to Your plans and purposes for my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
At Peace with Him
Scripture:
II Peter 3:14 "So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him".
Observation:
Peter tells us how we should live since we are looking for the soon return of the Lord and for the Day of the Lord. He says that since we are looking forward to His return, we should, "make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him". I see here a correlation between being found spotless, blameless and being at peace with the Lord.
Application:
When we focus on walking spotless and blameless, our peace with God increases dramatically. Whenever we are walking in sin and hoping for God's mercy and grace, we will never be at peace with Him. We always have a guilty conscience and are never at peace when sin is present in our lives. As we wait and look for His second coming, we need to focus on walking out our salvation with fear and trembling. We need to be walking as spotless and blameless as possible.
Prayer:
Father, I know You accept me as a sinner saved by grace, but I want to walk in a way that pleases You more and more as I see the day approaching. Help me to grow in You more this year than ever. Help me to walk pure and blameless before You and to be at peace with You, accomplishing all You desire for my life here on earth as I anticipate heaven.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Peter 3:14 "So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him".
Observation:
Peter tells us how we should live since we are looking for the soon return of the Lord and for the Day of the Lord. He says that since we are looking forward to His return, we should, "make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him". I see here a correlation between being found spotless, blameless and being at peace with the Lord.
Application:
When we focus on walking spotless and blameless, our peace with God increases dramatically. Whenever we are walking in sin and hoping for God's mercy and grace, we will never be at peace with Him. We always have a guilty conscience and are never at peace when sin is present in our lives. As we wait and look for His second coming, we need to focus on walking out our salvation with fear and trembling. We need to be walking as spotless and blameless as possible.
Prayer:
Father, I know You accept me as a sinner saved by grace, but I want to walk in a way that pleases You more and more as I see the day approaching. Help me to grow in You more this year than ever. Help me to walk pure and blameless before You and to be at peace with You, accomplishing all You desire for my life here on earth as I anticipate heaven.
Your Son,
Jeff
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