Scripture:
John 9:4-5 "We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world".
Observation:
Jesus tells His followers that He must do the works of the Father who sent Him while it was day because night was coming and you can't work at night. The He adds, "While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world". While He was in the world, He was the Light of the world. Now we are the light of the world.
Application:
While He was alive on this earth, Jesus was the light of the world. While here, He told us that we were the light of the world. Matthew tells us that we are the light of the world and that our good deeds should shine and glorify our Father in heaven. While He was here on earth, He shined as a light, He then left that job for us as His followers. We must shine!
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to reflect You well. I want my life to shine in darkness, bringing light to multitudes. As Christ shined forth Your light and truth, let my life shine forth your light and truth. You are amazing and I want to light up the world for You.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Know the Gift
Scripture:
John 4:10 "Jesus answered and said to her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink', you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water'".
Observation:
Jesus was talking to a woman at a well who had a bad reputation. He asked her for a drink and she was saying that they shouldn't even be talking to each other, let alone asking for a drink. Jesus replies to her by saying, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is" asking you. He was letting her know that He had more to offer her than she realized.
Application:
Sometimes we don't realize the gift of God and who Jesus is. Jesus came to bring us the gift of salvation from our sins and to restore us to the Father. We must realize and recognize the gift and the who. We often don't realize that the greater one truly lives within us. We often don't realize that the Holy Spirit is truly with us today. When we realize it, we will live differently.
Prayer:
Father, let me live my life by the power of Your Spirit. Help me to walk in the gift of God and to know Jesus better. I love you and don't want to neglect the gift of Christ and what He wants to do in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
John 4:10 "Jesus answered and said to her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink', you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water'".
Observation:
Jesus was talking to a woman at a well who had a bad reputation. He asked her for a drink and she was saying that they shouldn't even be talking to each other, let alone asking for a drink. Jesus replies to her by saying, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is" asking you. He was letting her know that He had more to offer her than she realized.
Application:
Sometimes we don't realize the gift of God and who Jesus is. Jesus came to bring us the gift of salvation from our sins and to restore us to the Father. We must realize and recognize the gift and the who. We often don't realize that the greater one truly lives within us. We often don't realize that the Holy Spirit is truly with us today. When we realize it, we will live differently.
Prayer:
Father, let me live my life by the power of Your Spirit. Help me to walk in the gift of God and to know Jesus better. I love you and don't want to neglect the gift of Christ and what He wants to do in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Face to Face
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 34:10 "Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face".
Observation:
Moses had just died and went to be with His Father. Joshua was taking over and his story is beginning. In the text it is almost like an editorial comment that simply tells us that since then, nobody had known God like Moses, face to face. Moses knew the Lord, face to face. He walked with Him and talked with Him. He encountered Him often.
Application:
I want to know the Lord like Moses did. I want to know Him face to face. I want to walk with Him and talk with Him. I want to hear His heart and know His ways. I long to be in His presence. I believe there is so much more than what I have experienced in God and I am seeking Him today for more. I want to know Him intimately. There is a strong desire in my heart as His return approaches, to know Him more and more.
Prayer:
I want to know You. I want to follow You. I want to hear Your voice and see Your face. I long for You oh God. You are the source of life and every good thing. Meet me in my quiet times. Speak to me in my dreams. Share Your heart with me for the world. Show me things to come. I am Yours and I desire to know You more.
Yours,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 34:10 "Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face".
Observation:
Moses had just died and went to be with His Father. Joshua was taking over and his story is beginning. In the text it is almost like an editorial comment that simply tells us that since then, nobody had known God like Moses, face to face. Moses knew the Lord, face to face. He walked with Him and talked with Him. He encountered Him often.
Application:
I want to know the Lord like Moses did. I want to know Him face to face. I want to walk with Him and talk with Him. I want to hear His heart and know His ways. I long to be in His presence. I believe there is so much more than what I have experienced in God and I am seeking Him today for more. I want to know Him intimately. There is a strong desire in my heart as His return approaches, to know Him more and more.
Prayer:
I want to know You. I want to follow You. I want to hear Your voice and see Your face. I long for You oh God. You are the source of life and every good thing. Meet me in my quiet times. Speak to me in my dreams. Share Your heart with me for the world. Show me things to come. I am Yours and I desire to know You more.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, March 27, 2015
Our Faith is in the Lord
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed".
Observation:
Moses was talking to Joshua and preparing him to take the people of Israel into the Promised Land. I see here that his emphasis is not on Joshua being a great leader nor on anything relating to Joshua. His emphasis is on the Lord. He promises Joshua that the Lord goes ahead of him and is with him. He tells him that the Lord will not fail him or forsake him and because of that, he has no reason to fear.
Application:
What God is able to do in and through our lives is so much greater than we can imagine. When we make our lives about the Lord and not ourselves, He will go before us and be with us. He will not fail or forsake us and we have nothing to fear. When we make life about ourselves, the opposite is true; He doesn't have to be with us and go before us. When we make life about us and are on our agenda, we are on our own. We must keep Christ at the center of everything in our lives, when we do, we can expect success.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank You for sharing with me this morning. Help me stay on Your plan and not my own. I want to walk in Your blessing and see you prosper every area of my life. Thank You for working out the details on our new house and for blessing us immensely. You are amazing!
Yours,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed".
Observation:
Moses was talking to Joshua and preparing him to take the people of Israel into the Promised Land. I see here that his emphasis is not on Joshua being a great leader nor on anything relating to Joshua. His emphasis is on the Lord. He promises Joshua that the Lord goes ahead of him and is with him. He tells him that the Lord will not fail him or forsake him and because of that, he has no reason to fear.
Application:
What God is able to do in and through our lives is so much greater than we can imagine. When we make our lives about the Lord and not ourselves, He will go before us and be with us. He will not fail or forsake us and we have nothing to fear. When we make life about ourselves, the opposite is true; He doesn't have to be with us and go before us. When we make life about us and are on our agenda, we are on our own. We must keep Christ at the center of everything in our lives, when we do, we can expect success.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank You for sharing with me this morning. Help me stay on Your plan and not my own. I want to walk in Your blessing and see you prosper every area of my life. Thank You for working out the details on our new house and for blessing us immensely. You are amazing!
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, March 26, 2015
The Blessings of Obedience
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 28:13 "The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above and not beneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully".
Observation:
God makes some pretty big promises to His people in this passage. Of course they are dependent on the fact that His people will follow Him completely and do what He tells them to do. If they do their part, God promises that they will be the head and not the tail and that they will be above only and not beneath. He basically tells them that they will always be at the top of whatever they are doing.
Application:
God still delights in blessing obedience to Him and His ways. His people, who are truly serving Him and following His paths, can expect to be blessed. We should be at the top of the company, the job, the government, etc. God's loves to put those at the top who will give honor to His name. Walking with God has is privileges.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making me the head and not the tail. Thank You for keeping me above only and not beneath. Thank You for raising my expectations this morning in the area of Your blessing. I thank You for promotion, increase and the blessing and favor of God coming stronger and stronger on my life.
You are amazing!
Jeff
Deuteronomy 28:13 "The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above and not beneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully".
Observation:
God makes some pretty big promises to His people in this passage. Of course they are dependent on the fact that His people will follow Him completely and do what He tells them to do. If they do their part, God promises that they will be the head and not the tail and that they will be above only and not beneath. He basically tells them that they will always be at the top of whatever they are doing.
Application:
God still delights in blessing obedience to Him and His ways. His people, who are truly serving Him and following His paths, can expect to be blessed. We should be at the top of the company, the job, the government, etc. God's loves to put those at the top who will give honor to His name. Walking with God has is privileges.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making me the head and not the tail. Thank You for keeping me above only and not beneath. Thank You for raising my expectations this morning in the area of Your blessing. I thank You for promotion, increase and the blessing and favor of God coming stronger and stronger on my life.
You are amazing!
Jeff
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
God Turns Curses into Blessings
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 23:5 "Nevertheless, the Lord your God was not willing to listen to Balaam, but the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you".
Observation:
In this text, I see the love of the Lord. He loved Israel so much that turned the curse of Balaam into a blessing. They were trying to pay Balaam to pronounce a curse on God's people, but God wouldn't let him. God turned around and made him bless His people. God has the ability to make your enemies bless you.
Application:
God's love is incredible. He truly wants to bless His people and will go out of His way to do it. He will turn a curse into a blessing for those who love Him and are called for His purposes. Pursuing God with all our heart has it's benefits. He is a good God who will defend His people and turn bad things into good things on our behalf.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your love. You amaze me by how much You love me. I have let You down over and over again, but You stand firm and bless me continually. You are good! I want to be more like You. I want my life to reflect You. Thank You for turning curses into blessings.
Your Son,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 23:5 "Nevertheless, the Lord your God was not willing to listen to Balaam, but the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you".
Observation:
In this text, I see the love of the Lord. He loved Israel so much that turned the curse of Balaam into a blessing. They were trying to pay Balaam to pronounce a curse on God's people, but God wouldn't let him. God turned around and made him bless His people. God has the ability to make your enemies bless you.
Application:
God's love is incredible. He truly wants to bless His people and will go out of His way to do it. He will turn a curse into a blessing for those who love Him and are called for His purposes. Pursuing God with all our heart has it's benefits. He is a good God who will defend His people and turn bad things into good things on our behalf.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your love. You amaze me by how much You love me. I have let You down over and over again, but You stand firm and bless me continually. You are good! I want to be more like You. I want my life to reflect You. Thank You for turning curses into blessings.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
The Lord Fights Our Battles
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 "He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you'".
Observation:
God told Israel that as they were approaching battle, they should not be afraid or intimidated because of the enemies because it was Him that would be fighting. He was not going to leave them on their own, it was His battle and He would defeat their enemies. He told them that He would fight for them, therefore there was nothing to fear.
Application:
As New Testament believers, God also want to fight our battles, but we must trust Him. We tend to live our lives and fight our battles independent of God, but He wants to defeat our enemies. He wants us to trust Him in every area of our lives. When He defeats our enemies, we should honor Him and demonstrate our appreciation to Him. He wants to fight our battles, but He is restrained when we start fighting on our own without Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust You more. You are my defender, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. You are the one who has already defeated my enemies. Help me to walk a walk that is pleasing to you and that You will bless. Defeat my enemies and bring about victory in my life. I will declare Your victory to the ends of the earth.
Yours,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 "He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you'".
Observation:
God told Israel that as they were approaching battle, they should not be afraid or intimidated because of the enemies because it was Him that would be fighting. He was not going to leave them on their own, it was His battle and He would defeat their enemies. He told them that He would fight for them, therefore there was nothing to fear.
Application:
As New Testament believers, God also want to fight our battles, but we must trust Him. We tend to live our lives and fight our battles independent of God, but He wants to defeat our enemies. He wants us to trust Him in every area of our lives. When He defeats our enemies, we should honor Him and demonstrate our appreciation to Him. He wants to fight our battles, but He is restrained when we start fighting on our own without Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust You more. You are my defender, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. You are the one who has already defeated my enemies. Help me to walk a walk that is pleasing to you and that You will bless. Defeat my enemies and bring about victory in my life. I will declare Your victory to the ends of the earth.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, March 23, 2015
Blameless
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 18:13 "You shall be blameless before the Lord your God".
Observation:
God was speaking to the people of Israel about going into the Promised Land. As they were getting ready to go in, He was giving them commands about how to possess is and live in it. He told them to get rid of everything the previous people had concerning worship of other gods and to worship Him only. He wanted them "blameless" before Him so that He could bless them.
Application:
God still wants His people to walk "blameless" before Him. He has now given us the power of His Spirit to help us live blameless before Him. We are not on our own to make this happen. God doesn't ask for blamelessness to make us miserable people, but so that He can bless us exceedingly. He wants to be able to pour His blessings, but cannot bless ungodliness. This is the heart of living blameless.
Prayer:
Father, help me live blameless before You. I see Your heart to bless me when I walk in obedience and want to live there. Empower me to live a life that pleases You completely. May Your Name be exalted through my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 18:13 "You shall be blameless before the Lord your God".
Observation:
God was speaking to the people of Israel about going into the Promised Land. As they were getting ready to go in, He was giving them commands about how to possess is and live in it. He told them to get rid of everything the previous people had concerning worship of other gods and to worship Him only. He wanted them "blameless" before Him so that He could bless them.
Application:
God still wants His people to walk "blameless" before Him. He has now given us the power of His Spirit to help us live blameless before Him. We are not on our own to make this happen. God doesn't ask for blamelessness to make us miserable people, but so that He can bless us exceedingly. He wants to be able to pour His blessings, but cannot bless ungodliness. This is the heart of living blameless.
Prayer:
Father, help me live blameless before You. I see Your heart to bless me when I walk in obedience and want to live there. Empower me to live a life that pleases You completely. May Your Name be exalted through my life.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Little by Little
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 7:22 "The Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you".
Observation:
God is speaking about entrance into the Promised Land in this verse. As His people enter into it, there will be lots of enemies to conquer. He told them not to try to kick everyone out instantly, but to do it "little by little" because then they would have a wild animal problem. Little by little, they could settle the land and occupy it as they defeated a city.
Application:
God is not against "little by little" growth. The Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon. He wants us to live in the Promised Land, but also wants us to know that we posses it little by little. As we grow in the Lord, "little by little" we learn His promises, implement His lifestyle, and inherit the promises. God isn't on our time table, He doesn't mind "little by little", but He also doesn't like disobedience. We must follow Him completely. but realize there will be times when we are growing little by little.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to be discouraged with the "little by little" things in life. Help me not to judge success by quick results, but in the little by little. Help me to be the person You want me to be and to see Your blessing in my life little by little.
You are awesome,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 7:22 "The Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you".
Observation:
God is speaking about entrance into the Promised Land in this verse. As His people enter into it, there will be lots of enemies to conquer. He told them not to try to kick everyone out instantly, but to do it "little by little" because then they would have a wild animal problem. Little by little, they could settle the land and occupy it as they defeated a city.
Application:
God is not against "little by little" growth. The Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon. He wants us to live in the Promised Land, but also wants us to know that we posses it little by little. As we grow in the Lord, "little by little" we learn His promises, implement His lifestyle, and inherit the promises. God isn't on our time table, He doesn't mind "little by little", but He also doesn't like disobedience. We must follow Him completely. but realize there will be times when we are growing little by little.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to be discouraged with the "little by little" things in life. Help me not to judge success by quick results, but in the little by little. Help me to be the person You want me to be and to see Your blessing in my life little by little.
You are awesome,
Jeff
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Lack of Faith Equals Rebellion
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 1:26 "Yet you were not willing to go up, but rebelled against the command of the Lord your God".
Observation:
When the people of Israel were told there were giants and strong cities in the Promised Land, they decided that they could not defeat them instead of believing God would give them what He promised them. God had told them to go and take possession of the land, but they didn't think they could do it. In this text, God calls that rebelling against Him.
Application:
Faith pleases God. When we trust His word and what He has to say about something, He is pleased. When we shudder in fear about things He has said we can do, it is like rebellion to God. If God says it...we can do it! Anything else is considered rebellion and I don't want to rebel against God.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to walk in fearless faith. Help me to accomplish all You want me to in my life. Let me not wimp out when You give me an assignment, but help me walk by faith to accomplish all You put in my heart. Let me hear Your voice more clearly each day and let me accomplish Your will as I hear it.
Love,
Jeff
Deuteronomy 1:26 "Yet you were not willing to go up, but rebelled against the command of the Lord your God".
Observation:
When the people of Israel were told there were giants and strong cities in the Promised Land, they decided that they could not defeat them instead of believing God would give them what He promised them. God had told them to go and take possession of the land, but they didn't think they could do it. In this text, God calls that rebelling against Him.
Application:
Faith pleases God. When we trust His word and what He has to say about something, He is pleased. When we shudder in fear about things He has said we can do, it is like rebellion to God. If God says it...we can do it! Anything else is considered rebellion and I don't want to rebel against God.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to walk in fearless faith. Help me to accomplish all You want me to in my life. Let me not wimp out when You give me an assignment, but help me walk by faith to accomplish all You put in my heart. Let me hear Your voice more clearly each day and let me accomplish Your will as I hear it.
Love,
Jeff
Monday, March 16, 2015
What You Don't Drive Out Becomes a Problem to You
Scripture:
Numbers 33:55 "But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live".
Observation:
As God's people were about to enter the Promised land, He told them to totally eliminate the inhabitants of the land. They were told not to bargain with them or let any of them live. If they didn't totally get rid of them, they would later become a problem for them and a pain in their side. What isn't eliminated becomes trouble later.
Application:
The promised land is a type of salvation for us believers. It is a wonderful place God has prepared for us, but we have to kick out the former inhabitants of our lives. We have to eliminate everything of the "old man". Our old ways, habits, and lifestyle have to be put to death if we are going to truly inhabit the Promised land. If we don't, these old things will come back to haunt us later in our lives. Old things must pass away and all things become new.
Prayer:
Father, I don't want any old baggage in my relationship with You. I want to truly walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Help me not to let the old man rule my life, but to be completely submitted to You in every area. Guide me I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Numbers 33:55 "But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live".
Observation:
As God's people were about to enter the Promised land, He told them to totally eliminate the inhabitants of the land. They were told not to bargain with them or let any of them live. If they didn't totally get rid of them, they would later become a problem for them and a pain in their side. What isn't eliminated becomes trouble later.
Application:
The promised land is a type of salvation for us believers. It is a wonderful place God has prepared for us, but we have to kick out the former inhabitants of our lives. We have to eliminate everything of the "old man". Our old ways, habits, and lifestyle have to be put to death if we are going to truly inhabit the Promised land. If we don't, these old things will come back to haunt us later in our lives. Old things must pass away and all things become new.
Prayer:
Father, I don't want any old baggage in my relationship with You. I want to truly walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Help me not to let the old man rule my life, but to be completely submitted to You in every area. Guide me I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Commissioning
Scripture:
Numbers 27:18-20 "So the Lord said to Moses, 'Take Joshua the son of Nun, man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight. You shall put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation of the sons of Israel may obey him'"
Observation:
Moses realized he was about to be taken from leading the people of Israel. He had led them through the wilderness for forty years and God let him know he was going to see the promised land, then He would take him. Moses told the Lord that someone needed to lead Israel when he was gone and the Lord told him to commission Joshua in front of everyone and to give him some authority. The people needed to see that Moses and the Lord were pleased with Joshua's leadership and that they supported him.
Application:
It is important that we commission and send forth people that are full of the Spirit and who have been recognized by the congregation and leadership. Joshua was filled with the Spirit, but the people also needed to see that Moses also believed in Joshua's leadership. Joshua had been Moses' assistant for a long time and was one of the two spies who brought back a faith-filled report of the land. The people had been against Joshua in the past, so they needed to see that Moses supported him. We must release people into ministry with our blessing for them to be effective.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to raise up spiritual sons and daughters who can be recognized by the congregation and sent out to work for You. Help me to properly recognize them. Let me be one who raises up and releases mighty people for Your kingdom.
Your Son,
Jeff
Numbers 27:18-20 "So the Lord said to Moses, 'Take Joshua the son of Nun, man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight. You shall put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation of the sons of Israel may obey him'"
Observation:
Moses realized he was about to be taken from leading the people of Israel. He had led them through the wilderness for forty years and God let him know he was going to see the promised land, then He would take him. Moses told the Lord that someone needed to lead Israel when he was gone and the Lord told him to commission Joshua in front of everyone and to give him some authority. The people needed to see that Moses and the Lord were pleased with Joshua's leadership and that they supported him.
Application:
It is important that we commission and send forth people that are full of the Spirit and who have been recognized by the congregation and leadership. Joshua was filled with the Spirit, but the people also needed to see that Moses also believed in Joshua's leadership. Joshua had been Moses' assistant for a long time and was one of the two spies who brought back a faith-filled report of the land. The people had been against Joshua in the past, so they needed to see that Moses supported him. We must release people into ministry with our blessing for them to be effective.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to raise up spiritual sons and daughters who can be recognized by the congregation and sent out to work for You. Help me to properly recognize them. Let me be one who raises up and releases mighty people for Your kingdom.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, March 13, 2015
Speak God's Words
Scripture:
Numbers 23:12 "He replied, 'Must I not be careful to speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?'"
Observation:
Balaam had been asked to come and curse the children of Israel on behalf of Balak. Balaam had some powerful encounters with God and was told that he could not speak except the speak what God told him to speak. When Balak continues to ask him to speak against the people of Israel, Balaam says, "Must I not be careful to speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?"
Application:
For those, like myself, who speak constantly on the Lord's behalf, we need to make sure we are speaking the word of the Lord and not just something good. We need to have some encounters with God that leave us wanting to only speak His words, as He wants them spoken. I want to be a person who speaks the words God puts in my mouth and not just good words from my own mouth.
Prayer:
Father, let Your words be on my lips and let me speak only what You put in my mouth. Open my ears to hear Your voice clearly so that I can convey to Your people what You want to say. Speak through me Holy Spirit, I give myself to You. Let me not mess up what You want to say.
Your Son,
Jeff
Numbers 23:12 "He replied, 'Must I not be careful to speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?'"
Observation:
Balaam had been asked to come and curse the children of Israel on behalf of Balak. Balaam had some powerful encounters with God and was told that he could not speak except the speak what God told him to speak. When Balak continues to ask him to speak against the people of Israel, Balaam says, "Must I not be careful to speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?"
Application:
For those, like myself, who speak constantly on the Lord's behalf, we need to make sure we are speaking the word of the Lord and not just something good. We need to have some encounters with God that leave us wanting to only speak His words, as He wants them spoken. I want to be a person who speaks the words God puts in my mouth and not just good words from my own mouth.
Prayer:
Father, let Your words be on my lips and let me speak only what You put in my mouth. Open my ears to hear Your voice clearly so that I can convey to Your people what You want to say. Speak through me Holy Spirit, I give myself to You. Let me not mess up what You want to say.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Do Not Fear
Scripture:
Numbers 21:34 "But the Lord said to Moses, 'Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon,'"
Observation:
Moses and the people of Israel had just defeated the Amorites and dispossessed them from their cities. As God's people moved forward, they came upon Sihon, king of the Amorites, and God tells Moses not to fear him because God had already given Moses his land. God reminds Moses of past success and victory, then tells him he can expect it again.
Application:
There's an old gospel song that says, "He'll do it again". Sometimes, in the midst of difficulties, we need to be reminded of what God has done in the past and to realize that He can and will do it again. People of faith remember what they have seen the Lord do in the past and they expect it again. As we rehearse what God has done in the past, our faith for what He will do in the future increases. We have nothing to fear! Christ has vanquished every enemy and won the victory long ago.
Prayer:
Father, help me walk by faith and not by feelings, emotions, or fear. Let me remember what I have seen You do in the past and know You've got my back in every situation. You are my God and I will trust in You. Have Your way in my life. Guide me and lead me into Your complete and perfect will.
Yours,
Jeff
Numbers 21:34 "But the Lord said to Moses, 'Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon,'"
Observation:
Moses and the people of Israel had just defeated the Amorites and dispossessed them from their cities. As God's people moved forward, they came upon Sihon, king of the Amorites, and God tells Moses not to fear him because God had already given Moses his land. God reminds Moses of past success and victory, then tells him he can expect it again.
Application:
There's an old gospel song that says, "He'll do it again". Sometimes, in the midst of difficulties, we need to be reminded of what God has done in the past and to realize that He can and will do it again. People of faith remember what they have seen the Lord do in the past and they expect it again. As we rehearse what God has done in the past, our faith for what He will do in the future increases. We have nothing to fear! Christ has vanquished every enemy and won the victory long ago.
Prayer:
Father, help me walk by faith and not by feelings, emotions, or fear. Let me remember what I have seen You do in the past and know You've got my back in every situation. You are my God and I will trust in You. Have Your way in my life. Guide me and lead me into Your complete and perfect will.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Pride Leads to Death
Scripture:
Numbers 16:31-32 "As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split open; and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions".
Observation:
Korah had challenged Moses, saying that all the congregation was as holy as Moses and Aaron were. He felt they were all equal and could all hear the voice of the Lord. Moses let God decide between them and God did it by opening the ground and letting Korah, his family and his followers go straight into Sheol. God doesn't like spiritual pride.
Application:
We must never think we are better than someone else. We must be cautious about spiritual pride and thinking we know better than someone else what needs to happen or what God would want. In today's church there is a strong disrespect for spiritual authority. Everyone feels they have the right to judge the pastor's decisions, leadership abilities, etc. This is dangerous ground. We are to honor spiritual authority and serve them well rather than question every decision they make.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk humbly before You. Help me to honor spiritual authority in the earth. Teach me to never think higher of myself than I ought. I want to serve You well and make Your name be praised.
Your Son,
Jeff
Numbers 16:31-32 "As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split open; and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions".
Observation:
Korah had challenged Moses, saying that all the congregation was as holy as Moses and Aaron were. He felt they were all equal and could all hear the voice of the Lord. Moses let God decide between them and God did it by opening the ground and letting Korah, his family and his followers go straight into Sheol. God doesn't like spiritual pride.
Application:
We must never think we are better than someone else. We must be cautious about spiritual pride and thinking we know better than someone else what needs to happen or what God would want. In today's church there is a strong disrespect for spiritual authority. Everyone feels they have the right to judge the pastor's decisions, leadership abilities, etc. This is dangerous ground. We are to honor spiritual authority and serve them well rather than question every decision they make.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk humbly before You. Help me to honor spiritual authority in the earth. Teach me to never think higher of myself than I ought. I want to serve You well and make Your name be praised.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Self-limitation
Scripture:
Numbers 13:31 "But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us'".
Observation:
Twelve spies had walked through the land that God had promised the children of Israel. Ten came back with a bad report and two came back with a good report. The people listened to the bad report of how they could never defeat the people who dwelt there. These ten, and the rest of the people of Israel, caused themselves 40 years of wandering in a desert because they didn't believe God would destroy their enemies.
Application:
Sometimes we limit ourselves and limit God in the process. God may want to do something in our lives, but we feel under-prepared, not ready, or that the task it too big. We must see it this way, if we were ready, and felt totally confident, God would get no glory for our accomplishment. We must not limit God by limiting ourselves. If He says we can do something... We can do it!
Prayer:
Father, help me to stop limiting You by limiting myself. Help me to see through your eyes and trust you at greater levels. I don't want my lack of faith to hinder what You want to do in my life. Help me walk with You and fulfill everything You want me to.
Yours,
Jeff
Numbers 13:31 "But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us'".
Observation:
Twelve spies had walked through the land that God had promised the children of Israel. Ten came back with a bad report and two came back with a good report. The people listened to the bad report of how they could never defeat the people who dwelt there. These ten, and the rest of the people of Israel, caused themselves 40 years of wandering in a desert because they didn't believe God would destroy their enemies.
Application:
Sometimes we limit ourselves and limit God in the process. God may want to do something in our lives, but we feel under-prepared, not ready, or that the task it too big. We must see it this way, if we were ready, and felt totally confident, God would get no glory for our accomplishment. We must not limit God by limiting ourselves. If He says we can do something... We can do it!
Prayer:
Father, help me to stop limiting You by limiting myself. Help me to see through your eyes and trust you at greater levels. I don't want my lack of faith to hinder what You want to do in my life. Help me walk with You and fulfill everything You want me to.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, March 9, 2015
Don't Complain Against God
Scripture:
Numbers 11:1 "Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp".
Observation:
The people of Israel were going through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. On the journey they began to complain about how it would be better to have stayed in Egypt. They were not happy with how the Lord was providing for them and they let Him know it. The Lord sent fire from heaven to let them know He was not happy with their complaining.
Application:
If we really believe that the Lord is in control of our lives and is our provider, then complaining to Him about our circumstances is actually telling Him He doesn't know what He is doing and that we are smarter than Him. Part of trusting Him is accepting His provision and doing the best we can with it. God doesn't appreciate when we complain about how He is taking care of us. Faith and patience inherit God's promises, not faith and complaining.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to complain about the way You provide for me. Help me do better with what You do provide. Teach me to be a better steward of Your provision and not to complain about it. I want to walk is godliness with contentment.
Yours,
Jeff
Numbers 11:1 "Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp".
Observation:
The people of Israel were going through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. On the journey they began to complain about how it would be better to have stayed in Egypt. They were not happy with how the Lord was providing for them and they let Him know it. The Lord sent fire from heaven to let them know He was not happy with their complaining.
Application:
If we really believe that the Lord is in control of our lives and is our provider, then complaining to Him about our circumstances is actually telling Him He doesn't know what He is doing and that we are smarter than Him. Part of trusting Him is accepting His provision and doing the best we can with it. God doesn't appreciate when we complain about how He is taking care of us. Faith and patience inherit God's promises, not faith and complaining.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to complain about the way You provide for me. Help me do better with what You do provide. Teach me to be a better steward of Your provision and not to complain about it. I want to walk is godliness with contentment.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Invoking God's Name
Scripture:
Numbers 6:24-27 "The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them".
Observation:
God told Moses and Aaron precisely how to invoke His name on the children of Israel. God told them that when they did this, He would bless them. God promised that, when they followed His pattern of blessing, He would do His part and bless His people.
Application:
When we do things God's way, we get God's results. When we follow God's pattern, we can expect God's blessings. I feel like I need to begin to invoke God's name on the people I serve each week. I want the congregation I serve to walk in the blessing of God. I want to release the blessing of God on those under my care, in a way God responds to. I want to bless people right.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to begin blessing Your people, Your way. Let the people of Word of Life be blessed beyond measure because Your name has been invoked on them. Thanks for sharing this with me today.
Yours,
Jeff
Numbers 6:24-27 "The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them".
Observation:
God told Moses and Aaron precisely how to invoke His name on the children of Israel. God told them that when they did this, He would bless them. God promised that, when they followed His pattern of blessing, He would do His part and bless His people.
Application:
When we do things God's way, we get God's results. When we follow God's pattern, we can expect God's blessings. I feel like I need to begin to invoke God's name on the people I serve each week. I want the congregation I serve to walk in the blessing of God. I want to release the blessing of God on those under my care, in a way God responds to. I want to bless people right.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to begin blessing Your people, Your way. Let the people of Word of Life be blessed beyond measure because Your name has been invoked on them. Thanks for sharing this with me today.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, March 6, 2015
The First Goes to God
Scripture:
Numbers 3:13 "For all the firstborn are mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast. They shall be Mine; I am the Lord".
Observation:
God had ordered a counting of every male in every tribe. As the count was happening He said He wanted the firstborn because they had been sanctified by Him when He struck down the firstborn of all Egypt. He demanded the firstborn of everything that came out of the womb. God wants the first.
Application:
I always say, "when the first goes to God, the rest is blessed". God wants the first place in our lives and hearts. He wants to be first priority in our lives. Nothing in Israel was as important as their firstborn sons, and God said that He wanted the firstborn sons. God truly wants to be first in our lives, this shows that we trust Him completely. We must let God be first in our time, finances, relationships, business, etc. He wants to be first.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to keep You as the first priority in my life. I want to live a life that You want to bless. I want to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" and to see all the other things added by You. You are amazing and I love You.
Yours,
Jeff
Numbers 3:13 "For all the firstborn are mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast. They shall be Mine; I am the Lord".
Observation:
God had ordered a counting of every male in every tribe. As the count was happening He said He wanted the firstborn because they had been sanctified by Him when He struck down the firstborn of all Egypt. He demanded the firstborn of everything that came out of the womb. God wants the first.
Application:
I always say, "when the first goes to God, the rest is blessed". God wants the first place in our lives and hearts. He wants to be first priority in our lives. Nothing in Israel was as important as their firstborn sons, and God said that He wanted the firstborn sons. God truly wants to be first in our lives, this shows that we trust Him completely. We must let God be first in our time, finances, relationships, business, etc. He wants to be first.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to keep You as the first priority in my life. I want to live a life that You want to bless. I want to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" and to see all the other things added by You. You are amazing and I love You.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Open My Mind
Scripture:
Luke 24:45 "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures".
Observation:
The disciples were speaking with Jesus after His resurrection and they were in absolute amazement. They were talking with Him, seeing Him, eating with Him, etc. He reminded them that He had told them about His resurrection before He died. Then these words were used, "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures".
Application:
The disciples has walked and talked with Christ for three and a half years. They knew Him better than anyone could, yet He needed to open their understanding of the Scriptures for them. I want my mind opened like the disciples got it, so that I can better understand God's word. If He did it for them, He can do it for me.
Prayer:
Open my mind, that I might understand Your Word better. Open my mind like You did Your disciples. Teach me Your word and let me have full understanding. I long to know You more and to fulfill your mission on the earth. Open my mind to see it clearer.
Your Son,
Jeff
Luke 24:45 "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures".
Observation:
The disciples were speaking with Jesus after His resurrection and they were in absolute amazement. They were talking with Him, seeing Him, eating with Him, etc. He reminded them that He had told them about His resurrection before He died. Then these words were used, "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures".
Application:
The disciples has walked and talked with Christ for three and a half years. They knew Him better than anyone could, yet He needed to open their understanding of the Scriptures for them. I want my mind opened like the disciples got it, so that I can better understand God's word. If He did it for them, He can do it for me.
Prayer:
Open my mind, that I might understand Your Word better. Open my mind like You did Your disciples. Teach me Your word and let me have full understanding. I long to know You more and to fulfill your mission on the earth. Open my mind to see it clearer.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Wisdom and Discretion
Scripture:
Luke 20:26 "And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, the became silent".
Observation:
The teachers of the Law were continually trying to catch Jesus doing something, or teaching something, wrong, but they couldn't. Jesus was smooth. He used wisdom and discretion. He said exactly what needed to be said at exactly the right time. He gave them just enough information to make them think, but not enough to cause an early trial and death.
Application:
Jesus told His disciples to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. He wants us to be wise in our dealing with people like He was. Just like He knew exactly what to share at what time and to what persons, He wants us to operate the same way. We should ask God for wisdom as we walk through this life.
Prayer:
Father, let your wisdom flow through me. Show me how to respond in each situation. Show me when to speak and when to be silent. Teach me how to walk in wisdom and discretion. Let me hear your voice more clearly and act how You would want me to in all situations.
Yours,
Jeff
Luke 20:26 "And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, the became silent".
Observation:
The teachers of the Law were continually trying to catch Jesus doing something, or teaching something, wrong, but they couldn't. Jesus was smooth. He used wisdom and discretion. He said exactly what needed to be said at exactly the right time. He gave them just enough information to make them think, but not enough to cause an early trial and death.
Application:
Jesus told His disciples to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. He wants us to be wise in our dealing with people like He was. Just like He knew exactly what to share at what time and to what persons, He wants us to operate the same way. We should ask God for wisdom as we walk through this life.
Prayer:
Father, let your wisdom flow through me. Show me how to respond in each situation. Show me when to speak and when to be silent. Teach me how to walk in wisdom and discretion. Let me hear your voice more clearly and act how You would want me to in all situations.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
For the Sake of the Kingdom
Scripture:
Luke 18:29-30 "And He said to them, 'Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life'".
Observation:
The disciples were asking Jesus about all they had forsaken to follow Him. His response was the above verse. He basically tells them that those who forsake things for the purpose of His kingdom, will receive many times more in this life and eternal life after that. He says that God rewards those who forsake much for the kingdom
Application:
God promises to take care of those who forsake a lot for His kingdom. He promises that many times more of what they gave up in this life and promises eternal life in the life to come. Sometimes the price seems high when serving Jesus, but I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread. God does take care of those who sell out completely for Him. We must stand on these promises when it seems we have sacrificed too much.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for taking care of me and my family. You have always provided for us as we have pursued Your purposes and the advancement of Your kingdom. Help me to keep my eyes on You in the good times and in the bad times, knowing that You will take care of those who have left all to follow You.
Yours,
Jeff
Luke 18:29-30 "And He said to them, 'Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life'".
Observation:
The disciples were asking Jesus about all they had forsaken to follow Him. His response was the above verse. He basically tells them that those who forsake things for the purpose of His kingdom, will receive many times more in this life and eternal life after that. He says that God rewards those who forsake much for the kingdom
Application:
God promises to take care of those who forsake a lot for His kingdom. He promises that many times more of what they gave up in this life and promises eternal life in the life to come. Sometimes the price seems high when serving Jesus, but I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread. God does take care of those who sell out completely for Him. We must stand on these promises when it seems we have sacrificed too much.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for taking care of me and my family. You have always provided for us as we have pursued Your purposes and the advancement of Your kingdom. Help me to keep my eyes on You in the good times and in the bad times, knowing that You will take care of those who have left all to follow You.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, March 2, 2015
Humility
Scripture:
Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted".
Observation:
Jesus had just told a story to His followers about a man giving a feast. He told them when you arrives, don't go sit down at one of the important tables, but go to the lowly tables. You would rather have the higher ups come get you and move you up than to have them come and ask you to move because someone more important was coming.
Application:
The path of humility is always that path that God blesses. I believe humility is one of the greatest outward manifestations of God working in a person. Christ taught much about humility and walked in great humility Himself. The more we walk with Him, the less we need to sit in the high places. The more we walk with Him, the more we don't care about getting honor here on earth. Better humility now than exaltation now and being humbled later.
Prayer:
Lord, You gave us the best example in history of walking in humility. You had everything in heaven and gave it up to come to serve humanity. You came as a servant and walked with the sinners and tax collectors. Help me to walk more like You every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted".
Observation:
Jesus had just told a story to His followers about a man giving a feast. He told them when you arrives, don't go sit down at one of the important tables, but go to the lowly tables. You would rather have the higher ups come get you and move you up than to have them come and ask you to move because someone more important was coming.
Application:
The path of humility is always that path that God blesses. I believe humility is one of the greatest outward manifestations of God working in a person. Christ taught much about humility and walked in great humility Himself. The more we walk with Him, the less we need to sit in the high places. The more we walk with Him, the more we don't care about getting honor here on earth. Better humility now than exaltation now and being humbled later.
Prayer:
Lord, You gave us the best example in history of walking in humility. You had everything in heaven and gave it up to come to serve humanity. You came as a servant and walked with the sinners and tax collectors. Help me to walk more like You every day.
Yours,
Jeff
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