Scripture:
Proverbs 1:3 "Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just and fair".
Observation:
When the author uses the words "their purpose", he is referring to wisdom and discipline. He is saying that wisdom and discipline help people live disciplined and successful lives. Wisdom is awesome and will benefit you greatly, but discipline is what puts wisdom into practice. Many times, wisdom tells us what to do, but we don't have the discipline to implement it in our lives.
Application:
Discipline is a word we all hate because we all need a little more of it. It is making us do the things we need to do. Success comes from wisdom and discipline. If we want to be successful, we must ask God for the discipline to implement the wise things He teaches us.
Prayer:
Father, help me lead a more disciplined life. Help me implement the wisdom You have already given me. Help me make the changes necessary to lead a successful life. I need You help in this. I feel like I usually know what to do, but have a hard time making myself do it.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, August 31, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
They Shall Speak
Scripture:
Psalm 145:11 "They shall speak of the glory of the kingdom, and talk of thy power",
Observation:
Just prior to this verse, it says that the saints will bless the Lord. Then it says they will talk of to glory of his kingdom and of His power. The Psalmist tells us that the righteous will tell of God's power and of His kingdom. His kingdom is awesome and we have the blessing of being part of it. his power is incredible and we have it working on our behalf.
Application:
As God's people, we have a commission to declare the glory of God's Kingdom in all the world. We are to talk of His power in all the earth. You can't speak without opening your mouth! You have to say something. We are to speak up as God's representatives on this earth. We can't let insecurity, backwardness, or any other things stop us from speaking about our God. We find ways to speak about the weather, the sports teams, our kids, but we seldom talk to the world about our God. This needs to change.
Prayer:
Father, let bold believers arise who are not ashamed of You and Your power. Let a generation arise who will speak up about Your power. Take away our timidity for You have not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.
Love Always,
Jeff
Psalm 145:11 "They shall speak of the glory of the kingdom, and talk of thy power",
Observation:
Just prior to this verse, it says that the saints will bless the Lord. Then it says they will talk of to glory of his kingdom and of His power. The Psalmist tells us that the righteous will tell of God's power and of His kingdom. His kingdom is awesome and we have the blessing of being part of it. his power is incredible and we have it working on our behalf.
Application:
As God's people, we have a commission to declare the glory of God's Kingdom in all the world. We are to talk of His power in all the earth. You can't speak without opening your mouth! You have to say something. We are to speak up as God's representatives on this earth. We can't let insecurity, backwardness, or any other things stop us from speaking about our God. We find ways to speak about the weather, the sports teams, our kids, but we seldom talk to the world about our God. This needs to change.
Prayer:
Father, let bold believers arise who are not ashamed of You and Your power. Let a generation arise who will speak up about Your power. Take away our timidity for You have not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.
Love Always,
Jeff
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Let Me Know the Way
Scripture;
Psalm 143:8 "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee".
Observation:
The Psalmist asks the Lord cause him to hear God's lovingkindness in the morning because he trusts God. Then he asks God to cause him to know the way to walk. The Psalmist wanted God to make clear where and how he should walk. He lifted his soul up to God and asked God to show him the direction for his life. He wasn't asking God to bless his plans, but asking God to let him see God's direction.
Application:
Sometimes we tend to make our plans and simply ask God to bless them. It is extremely important to walk on God's agenda and fulfill His will for our lives. His plan is always going to be better than our plan, yet many times we don't ask Him to make his direction clear. I need to seek the Lord more and get His direction of where I need to walk and what I need to do.
Prayer:
Father, open my ears to hear Your voice. Cause me to know where You want me to walk and what You want me to do. I want to be in the center of Your will and not out on my own journey. Let my life fulfill Your plans in my generation. Show me Your will in every area and I will walk accordingly. Make Your will known to me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 143:8 "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee".
Observation:
The Psalmist asks the Lord cause him to hear God's lovingkindness in the morning because he trusts God. Then he asks God to cause him to know the way to walk. The Psalmist wanted God to make clear where and how he should walk. He lifted his soul up to God and asked God to show him the direction for his life. He wasn't asking God to bless his plans, but asking God to let him see God's direction.
Application:
Sometimes we tend to make our plans and simply ask God to bless them. It is extremely important to walk on God's agenda and fulfill His will for our lives. His plan is always going to be better than our plan, yet many times we don't ask Him to make his direction clear. I need to seek the Lord more and get His direction of where I need to walk and what I need to do.
Prayer:
Father, open my ears to hear Your voice. Cause me to know where You want me to walk and what You want me to do. I want to be in the center of Your will and not out on my own journey. Let my life fulfill Your plans in my generation. Show me Your will in every area and I will walk accordingly. Make Your will known to me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Give Thanks To God
Scripture:
Psalm 136:1 "Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for He is good; For His lovingkindness endureth forever".
Observation:
The Psalmist declares that God is good and that His lovingkindness lasts forever. He reminds us that we should be people who thank God regularly for all he does in our lives. The rest of the Psalm tells all that God had done for the people of Israel and what they had to give thanks for.
Application:
If God never did another thing for me, I would be able to look back on my life and that Him for all he has done. It is very frustrating to do things for unappreciative people. When you feel like your good deeds are not appreciated, you don't really want to do more. What is appreciated, get repeated! We need to show God that same appreciation for all He has done in our lives. Think about where you are right now and where God has brought you from. Think about what could have happened in your life if it wasn't for the Lord. Thank Him for it.
Prayer:
Lord, You have done so much for me. You have blessed my life over and over. You have helped me through so many difficult situations. You have upheld me when people were talking about me. You have sustained me when things were tough. You have been a rock, a hiding place, a refuge, my healer, my strength, my deliverer, my rescue, my help, and my everything! Thank you!!!
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 136:1 "Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for He is good; For His lovingkindness endureth forever".
Observation:
The Psalmist declares that God is good and that His lovingkindness lasts forever. He reminds us that we should be people who thank God regularly for all he does in our lives. The rest of the Psalm tells all that God had done for the people of Israel and what they had to give thanks for.
Application:
If God never did another thing for me, I would be able to look back on my life and that Him for all he has done. It is very frustrating to do things for unappreciative people. When you feel like your good deeds are not appreciated, you don't really want to do more. What is appreciated, get repeated! We need to show God that same appreciation for all He has done in our lives. Think about where you are right now and where God has brought you from. Think about what could have happened in your life if it wasn't for the Lord. Thank Him for it.
Prayer:
Lord, You have done so much for me. You have blessed my life over and over. You have helped me through so many difficult situations. You have upheld me when people were talking about me. You have sustained me when things were tough. You have been a rock, a hiding place, a refuge, my healer, my strength, my deliverer, my rescue, my help, and my everything! Thank you!!!
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Build and Keep the House Lord!
Scripture:
Psalm 127:1 "Except the Lord build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchmen waketh but in vain".
Observation:
The Psalmist realized that he could work hard to build something and it could be destroyed in a moment. He realized that unless God was in the building and in the keeping, that what he was building was in vain because it would come to nothing.
Application:
Sometimes, as God's people we are working hard, but getting nowhere because we are relying on our own strength. We can put alarm systems in our homes and our cars, but we still have to worry unless the Lord is our protction. We are to put our trust in the Lord God Almighty, who doesn't sleep or slumber. We need God to build the house and God to protect the house.
Prayer:
Father, let me labor in the areas You are laboring. Let my labor not be in vain, but let me do what You want me to do at all times. Watch over the work of my hands as I try to build Your Kingdom. Let me do what You want done. Let me hear your voice clearly and be on Your agenda, not my own.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 127:1 "Except the Lord build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchmen waketh but in vain".
Observation:
The Psalmist realized that he could work hard to build something and it could be destroyed in a moment. He realized that unless God was in the building and in the keeping, that what he was building was in vain because it would come to nothing.
Application:
Sometimes, as God's people we are working hard, but getting nowhere because we are relying on our own strength. We can put alarm systems in our homes and our cars, but we still have to worry unless the Lord is our protction. We are to put our trust in the Lord God Almighty, who doesn't sleep or slumber. We need God to build the house and God to protect the house.
Prayer:
Father, let me labor in the areas You are laboring. Let my labor not be in vain, but let me do what You want me to do at all times. Watch over the work of my hands as I try to build Your Kingdom. Let me do what You want done. Let me hear your voice clearly and be on Your agenda, not my own.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Blessed!
Scripture:
Psalm 112:2 "His seed shall be mighty upon the earth: The generation of the upright shall be blessed".
Observation:
Here the psalmist tells us that God's seed will be mighty on the earth and that the generation of the upright will be blessed. This is a promise of God. He says, "shall be" about both, not "may be". When we serve God and walk uprightly, we can expect to be mighty and blessed.
Application:
Most people don't feel very mighty when they wake up in the morning. Few people wake up saying, I am mighty and blessed because of my relationship with God. The fact is, the Scripture says we will have these things and we need to grab them by faith and begin to walk in them. We are mighty in God and we are blessed, because his word says we are and not because we feel mighty and blessed.
Prayer:
Father, let me truly walk in all You have for me. Let me walk in Your might and see Your blessing on my generations. You truly are mighty, now let Your servant walk in that might.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 112:2 "His seed shall be mighty upon the earth: The generation of the upright shall be blessed".
Observation:
Here the psalmist tells us that God's seed will be mighty on the earth and that the generation of the upright will be blessed. This is a promise of God. He says, "shall be" about both, not "may be". When we serve God and walk uprightly, we can expect to be mighty and blessed.
Application:
Most people don't feel very mighty when they wake up in the morning. Few people wake up saying, I am mighty and blessed because of my relationship with God. The fact is, the Scripture says we will have these things and we need to grab them by faith and begin to walk in them. We are mighty in God and we are blessed, because his word says we are and not because we feel mighty and blessed.
Prayer:
Father, let me truly walk in all You have for me. Let me walk in Your might and see Your blessing on my generations. You truly are mighty, now let Your servant walk in that might.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, August 21, 2015
God Treads Down Our Enemies
Scripture:
Psalm 108:13 "Through God we shall do valiantly: For he it is that will tread down our adversaries".
Observation:
The Psalmist knew that it was God who defeated all of his enemies. He knew that his own might and power were nothing if God wasn't on his side. He realized that God, not man, made him valiant and that his victories came from God alone. It is we that do valiantly, but only through God. He causes us to be valiant, not ourselves.
Application:
We must realize that everything good thing in our lives comes from God. It is He that treads down our adversaries. We can try to be brave and valiant, but it is only through God that we can truly be valiant. We can have a good positive mental attitude all day long and still not be valiant. We are valiant when we are fully submitted to God. He is valiant and when we really walk with Him, we will be valiant.
Prayer:
Father, work valiantly through my life. You are the center of my life. Help me keep my focus on You and not myself and my own emotions and feelings. You are the source of every good thing. Help me to know Your voice better and to walk in Your power. Let me be valiant through You.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 108:13 "Through God we shall do valiantly: For he it is that will tread down our adversaries".
Observation:
The Psalmist knew that it was God who defeated all of his enemies. He knew that his own might and power were nothing if God wasn't on his side. He realized that God, not man, made him valiant and that his victories came from God alone. It is we that do valiantly, but only through God. He causes us to be valiant, not ourselves.
Application:
We must realize that everything good thing in our lives comes from God. It is He that treads down our adversaries. We can try to be brave and valiant, but it is only through God that we can truly be valiant. We can have a good positive mental attitude all day long and still not be valiant. We are valiant when we are fully submitted to God. He is valiant and when we really walk with Him, we will be valiant.
Prayer:
Father, work valiantly through my life. You are the center of my life. Help me keep my focus on You and not myself and my own emotions and feelings. You are the source of every good thing. Help me to know Your voice better and to walk in Your power. Let me be valiant through You.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, August 20, 2015
When God Delivers, He Does it Right
Scripture:
Psalm 105:37 "And he brought them forth with silver and gold; and there was not one feeble person among His tribes".
Observation:
God had watched His people serve as slaves in Egypt. He saw them being mistreated, abused, hurt and He heard their cries. When He came down to deliver them from the slavery of Egypt, He did it right. He led them out of Egyptian bondage with lots of silver and gold. They plundered the Egyptians! Also, after years of slavery, there was not a feeble person among them. He blessed them financially and healed all of their bodies.
Application:
When God delivers, He does it right! God can turn around any situation and quickly let it become a blessing. He can change the entire course of your life immediately and take you from poverty to wealth in a day. He is able to heal your body of every sickness and disease. He is amazing and His love for us is incredible. The children of Israel suffered many years under persecution before God brought them out. When we are going through hard times, we must remember that God will bring us out in style, but it may not be when we want Him to.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me how incredible You are this morning. Thank You for reminding me that You still deliver with mighty and miraculous power. Help me to walk in faith and know that You will deliver everything You have promised in Your time. You are awesome!
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 105:37 "And he brought them forth with silver and gold; and there was not one feeble person among His tribes".
Observation:
God had watched His people serve as slaves in Egypt. He saw them being mistreated, abused, hurt and He heard their cries. When He came down to deliver them from the slavery of Egypt, He did it right. He led them out of Egyptian bondage with lots of silver and gold. They plundered the Egyptians! Also, after years of slavery, there was not a feeble person among them. He blessed them financially and healed all of their bodies.
Application:
When God delivers, He does it right! God can turn around any situation and quickly let it become a blessing. He can change the entire course of your life immediately and take you from poverty to wealth in a day. He is able to heal your body of every sickness and disease. He is amazing and His love for us is incredible. The children of Israel suffered many years under persecution before God brought them out. When we are going through hard times, we must remember that God will bring us out in style, but it may not be when we want Him to.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me how incredible You are this morning. Thank You for reminding me that You still deliver with mighty and miraculous power. Help me to walk in faith and know that You will deliver everything You have promised in Your time. You are awesome!
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
God is Too Good
Scripture:
Psalm 103:5 "Who satisfieth they desire with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle".
Observation:
Just above this verse, in verse 2 it says, "forget not all His benefits". Verse five is one of those benefits. One of the benefits of serving God is that He satisfies our desires with good things and renews our youth like eagles. God takes good care of His children.
Application:
Because God takes good care of us and gives us so many benefits, we need to walk in gratitude continually before Him. Sometimes we get unthankful because we don't see things happening as quickly as we would like or because it appears God hasn't answered our prayers. We must stand in faith and know that He will satisfy us with good things and renew our youth as we walk with Him. It may not be when we think He should, but He is faithful and will reward his children.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing and You are so good to Your children. Thank You for satisfying my life with good things. You have blessed me over and over again. You have been faithful to me throughout my entire life. You have done so much for me that You make it easy to serve You. Let my heart always be thankful.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 103:5 "Who satisfieth they desire with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle".
Observation:
Just above this verse, in verse 2 it says, "forget not all His benefits". Verse five is one of those benefits. One of the benefits of serving God is that He satisfies our desires with good things and renews our youth like eagles. God takes good care of His children.
Application:
Because God takes good care of us and gives us so many benefits, we need to walk in gratitude continually before Him. Sometimes we get unthankful because we don't see things happening as quickly as we would like or because it appears God hasn't answered our prayers. We must stand in faith and know that He will satisfy us with good things and renew our youth as we walk with Him. It may not be when we think He should, but He is faithful and will reward his children.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing and You are so good to Your children. Thank You for satisfying my life with good things. You have blessed me over and over again. You have been faithful to me throughout my entire life. You have done so much for me that You make it easy to serve You. Let my heart always be thankful.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Staying Young
Scripture:
Psalm 92:14 "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and green".
Observation:
The Psalmist says that the righteous will still bring forth fruit and be full of sap and green in their old age. I love to see older people who are still young at heart and full of life. I love to see older people who can still relate to a young generation and who stay fresh. When I get old, I want to still be bringing forth fruit.
Application:
The goal is not really staying young, but being righteous. It says that the righteous will bring forth fruit in their old age. As we set our sights on living a righteous life, God will make sure that we remain young at heart and still bearing fruit. The goal is righteousness,the fruit is staying fruitful and alive.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in righteousness all the days of my life. Help me to always be able to relate with the younger generations. Let me walk before You in righteousness and let my life be fruitful. I want to be leading people to Christ and shining for You late in life.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 92:14 "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and green".
Observation:
The Psalmist says that the righteous will still bring forth fruit and be full of sap and green in their old age. I love to see older people who are still young at heart and full of life. I love to see older people who can still relate to a young generation and who stay fresh. When I get old, I want to still be bringing forth fruit.
Application:
The goal is not really staying young, but being righteous. It says that the righteous will bring forth fruit in their old age. As we set our sights on living a righteous life, God will make sure that we remain young at heart and still bearing fruit. The goal is righteousness,the fruit is staying fruitful and alive.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in righteousness all the days of my life. Help me to always be able to relate with the younger generations. Let me walk before You in righteousness and let my life be fruitful. I want to be leading people to Christ and shining for You late in life.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, August 17, 2015
Call for Favor
Scripture:
Psalm 90:17 "And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
Observation:
The Psalmist tells the Lord that he wants the favor of the Lord to be upon his life. He asks for favor and he also asks that the Lord would establish the work of his hands. He realized that he needed to work hard, but that only the Lord could establish his work and make it strong.
Application:
We need the favor of God on our lives. When there is favor, the work of our hands gets established and becomes strong. When favor is on our lives, we will see God's kingdom established through our lives. We can work really hard, but if God's favor is not on our lives, we are just working and staying busy. When God's favor comes into our lives, things get established and become strong.
Prayer:
Father, let Your favor be upon my life as it was so many characters in the Bible. Establish the work of my hands with Your blessing. Let the work of my hands be strengthened and established on You as the rock of all. I don't want to work in vain, but want the works that I do to be established by You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 90:17 "And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
Observation:
The Psalmist tells the Lord that he wants the favor of the Lord to be upon his life. He asks for favor and he also asks that the Lord would establish the work of his hands. He realized that he needed to work hard, but that only the Lord could establish his work and make it strong.
Application:
We need the favor of God on our lives. When there is favor, the work of our hands gets established and becomes strong. When favor is on our lives, we will see God's kingdom established through our lives. We can work really hard, but if God's favor is not on our lives, we are just working and staying busy. When God's favor comes into our lives, things get established and become strong.
Prayer:
Father, let Your favor be upon my life as it was so many characters in the Bible. Establish the work of my hands with Your blessing. Let the work of my hands be strengthened and established on You as the rock of all. I don't want to work in vain, but want the works that I do to be established by You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, August 13, 2015
The Strength of My Heart
Scripture;
Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart faileth; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever".
Observation:
The Psalmist realized his weakness and God's strength. He realized that his own strength and his body would fail him, but that God was his strength and his portion. He knew that only God could give him the strength he needed to do what he needed to do.
Application:
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, tired and fatigued. Sometimes I feel exactly what the Psalmist was saying. In those times, I must remember that God is my strength and that I am not on my own. It is God who gives me what I need to keep going forward. He is truly the portion I need to keep moving forward and not to give in to weakness and tiredness.
Prayer:
Father, I put my trust in You. When my flesh and my heart fail, You are my strength and my portion. You are the one who gives me all I need to do Your will in my lifetime. Thank You for not leaving me to do things in my own strength, but giving me the strength to accomplish Your will.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart faileth; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever".
Observation:
The Psalmist realized his weakness and God's strength. He realized that his own strength and his body would fail him, but that God was his strength and his portion. He knew that only God could give him the strength he needed to do what he needed to do.
Application:
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, tired and fatigued. Sometimes I feel exactly what the Psalmist was saying. In those times, I must remember that God is my strength and that I am not on my own. It is God who gives me what I need to keep going forward. He is truly the portion I need to keep moving forward and not to give in to weakness and tiredness.
Prayer:
Father, I put my trust in You. When my flesh and my heart fail, You are my strength and my portion. You are the one who gives me all I need to do Your will in my lifetime. Thank You for not leaving me to do things in my own strength, but giving me the strength to accomplish Your will.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
You Brought Us Out
Scripture:
Psalm 66:12 "Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place".
Observation:
The Psalmist saw God as the one who brought His people out of every distressing situation. He actually believes God caused men to ride over their heads, BUT he says, God brought us out into a wealth place. He doesn't negate the fact that they went through some really difficult times, but gives God praise because God did bring them out and into a wealthy place.
Application:
I feel like I have been through fire and water and like people have ridden over my head at times. I am looking for God to bring me into a wealthy place. I do believe that God blesses His people and does cause His people to prosper. I am looking for God to bring me into a wealthy place.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the multitude of Your blessings in the past several months. You have brought us through some very difficult times and have worked miraculously on my behalf. It is getting really tough again and I sincerely ask You to bring me, my family, and my church into a wealthy place. Let my family be debt free this year. I know You bless Your people and raise them up. Do it in my life I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 66:12 "Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place".
Observation:
The Psalmist saw God as the one who brought His people out of every distressing situation. He actually believes God caused men to ride over their heads, BUT he says, God brought us out into a wealth place. He doesn't negate the fact that they went through some really difficult times, but gives God praise because God did bring them out and into a wealthy place.
Application:
I feel like I have been through fire and water and like people have ridden over my head at times. I am looking for God to bring me into a wealthy place. I do believe that God blesses His people and does cause His people to prosper. I am looking for God to bring me into a wealthy place.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the multitude of Your blessings in the past several months. You have brought us through some very difficult times and have worked miraculously on my behalf. It is getting really tough again and I sincerely ask You to bring me, my family, and my church into a wealthy place. Let my family be debt free this year. I know You bless Your people and raise them up. Do it in my life I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
When My Heart is Overwhelmed
Scripture:
Psalm 61:2 "From the end of the earth will I call into thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I".
Observation:
The Psalmist here is crying out to the Lord. He knew where to turn when things were going bad. He knew to call unto the Lord. He says to the Lord that when his heart is overwhelmed, he wants the Lord to lead him to the rock that is higher than he is. He knew that God could lead him to a safe place when he cried out to the Lord.
Application:
We need to learn when we are overwhelmed, to call on God. He is the answer for whatever our needs are. He can lead us out of our current problems and situations. I need some time today to call on the Lord because my heart is overwhelmed right now with much stuff.
Prayer:
Father, as the Psalmist did, I call unto thee when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Show me what to do in my current situation. Teach me how to walk in love, patience, understanding, yet boldness for You and Your ways. Show me the right path in dealing with my current situation. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I and let me see from Your perspective.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 61:2 "From the end of the earth will I call into thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I".
Observation:
The Psalmist here is crying out to the Lord. He knew where to turn when things were going bad. He knew to call unto the Lord. He says to the Lord that when his heart is overwhelmed, he wants the Lord to lead him to the rock that is higher than he is. He knew that God could lead him to a safe place when he cried out to the Lord.
Application:
We need to learn when we are overwhelmed, to call on God. He is the answer for whatever our needs are. He can lead us out of our current problems and situations. I need some time today to call on the Lord because my heart is overwhelmed right now with much stuff.
Prayer:
Father, as the Psalmist did, I call unto thee when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Show me what to do in my current situation. Teach me how to walk in love, patience, understanding, yet boldness for You and Your ways. Show me the right path in dealing with my current situation. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I and let me see from Your perspective.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, August 10, 2015
I Will Call Upon God
Scripture:
Psalm 55:16 "As for me, I will call upon God; and Jehovah will save me".
Observation:
The Psalmist here was complaining to God about his enemies and wanting God to destroy them. He was speaking of their wickedness and how terrible they were. In the midst of it, he makes the statement that says, "As for me, I will call upon God; and Jehovah will save me". I love the confidence the Psalmist has when he says, "Jehovah will save me". He knew God would save him.
Application:
We need to ask in faith, with nothing waivering. James tells us when we ask God, we must ask in faith or expect to receive nothing. God wants to bless His people, but His people must call on Him and expect to receive what they ask for.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in faith and to ask for the things that I need in life. Teach me to be a person of great faith and let me know that You will save me when I call. I call upon You to build my church, my home and my city into what You want them to be.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 55:16 "As for me, I will call upon God; and Jehovah will save me".
Observation:
The Psalmist here was complaining to God about his enemies and wanting God to destroy them. He was speaking of their wickedness and how terrible they were. In the midst of it, he makes the statement that says, "As for me, I will call upon God; and Jehovah will save me". I love the confidence the Psalmist has when he says, "Jehovah will save me". He knew God would save him.
Application:
We need to ask in faith, with nothing waivering. James tells us when we ask God, we must ask in faith or expect to receive nothing. God wants to bless His people, but His people must call on Him and expect to receive what they ask for.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in faith and to ask for the things that I need in life. Teach me to be a person of great faith and let me know that You will save me when I call. I call upon You to build my church, my home and my city into what You want them to be.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, August 7, 2015
Bridle My Mouth
Scripture:
Psalm 39:1 "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me".
Observation:
In this verse I see wisdom in the Psalmist. It seems like it was a period when his enemies were working overtime and his wisdom said, "I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue". He knew that when pressure is on and our enemies are attacking, that it is natural to sin with our tongue. He put a bridle on it before it got him in trouble.
Application:
We all need to bridle our tongues in times of pressure. Usually, the first thing that happens when we are under pressure is that we sin with our tongues. We will say things we don't really mean and then hope we can take them back. We must bridle our tongues in advance, then we won't get ourselves in trouble by saying something we wish we wouldn't have.said.
Prayer:
Father, help me to bridle my tongue when pressure is on. Help me to think before I speak. I know when I am tired, I tend to lose my cool quicker and say things I wish I hadn't. Help me be wise and know when to rest and when to bridle my tongue. When I need to speak up and say something, please give me strength to say it as well.
Love,
Jeff
Psalm 39:1 "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me".
Observation:
In this verse I see wisdom in the Psalmist. It seems like it was a period when his enemies were working overtime and his wisdom said, "I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue". He knew that when pressure is on and our enemies are attacking, that it is natural to sin with our tongue. He put a bridle on it before it got him in trouble.
Application:
We all need to bridle our tongues in times of pressure. Usually, the first thing that happens when we are under pressure is that we sin with our tongues. We will say things we don't really mean and then hope we can take them back. We must bridle our tongues in advance, then we won't get ourselves in trouble by saying something we wish we wouldn't have.said.
Prayer:
Father, help me to bridle my tongue when pressure is on. Help me to think before I speak. I know when I am tired, I tend to lose my cool quicker and say things I wish I hadn't. Help me be wise and know when to rest and when to bridle my tongue. When I need to speak up and say something, please give me strength to say it as well.
Love,
Jeff
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Abundantly Satisfied
Scripture:
Psalm 36:8 "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; And thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasure".
Observation;
From this Psalm, I see how good God is to His people. It says we will be satisfied with the fatness of His house and we will drink from the river of God's pleasure. God's house is unbelievable and we, as His children will be abundantly satisfied with it. God has a river of pleasure He loves us to drink from. He wants to bless His children. Sometimes we are not in a position to be blessed.
Application:
God loves to bless His children like I love to bless mine. I love to bless my children and let them eat of the fatness of God's blessing. I love to bring pleasure to my children. God is the same way. He loves to bring pleasure to His children. He loves to see His children blessed and doesn't get a thrill out of seeing them going through trials and tribulations.
Prayer:
Father, let nothing block me from walking in alignment with You. I want to be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Your house. I want to drink from the river of Your pleasure. Let me be in the right place spiritually so that You can bless my life in that way.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 36:8 "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; And thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasure".
Observation;
From this Psalm, I see how good God is to His people. It says we will be satisfied with the fatness of His house and we will drink from the river of God's pleasure. God's house is unbelievable and we, as His children will be abundantly satisfied with it. God has a river of pleasure He loves us to drink from. He wants to bless His children. Sometimes we are not in a position to be blessed.
Application:
God loves to bless His children like I love to bless mine. I love to bless my children and let them eat of the fatness of God's blessing. I love to bring pleasure to my children. God is the same way. He loves to bring pleasure to His children. He loves to see His children blessed and doesn't get a thrill out of seeing them going through trials and tribulations.
Prayer:
Father, let nothing block me from walking in alignment with You. I want to be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Your house. I want to drink from the river of Your pleasure. Let me be in the right place spiritually so that You can bless my life in that way.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Jehovah Delivers From Affliction
Scripture:
Psalm 34:19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but Jehovah delivereth him out of them all."
Observation:
The Psalmist here tells us that there will be afflictions when we are righteous, but that the Lord, Jehovah, will deliver us out of them all. He doesn't promise that bad things won't happen, he simply tells us that bad things can be expected, but that the Lord will deliver His people out of the afflictions.
Application:
Many people get upset at God when something bad happens to them. They feel like God hasn't taken good care of them. Sometimes we feel like God isn't doing His job when we go through trying times. God tells us here that we can expect afflictions in our lives, but that He will deliver us out of them all. Instead of being mad at Him for letting them come, we must trust Him because He will deliver us out of them ALL.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are the God who delivers Your people out of ALL of our afflictions. You always come through for those who are Yours. Thank You for always coming through on Your end of the deal. Help me to remain faithful when I don't see the deliverance at the time I think I should.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 34:19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but Jehovah delivereth him out of them all."
Observation:
The Psalmist here tells us that there will be afflictions when we are righteous, but that the Lord, Jehovah, will deliver us out of them all. He doesn't promise that bad things won't happen, he simply tells us that bad things can be expected, but that the Lord will deliver His people out of the afflictions.
Application:
Many people get upset at God when something bad happens to them. They feel like God hasn't taken good care of them. Sometimes we feel like God isn't doing His job when we go through trying times. God tells us here that we can expect afflictions in our lives, but that He will deliver us out of them all. Instead of being mad at Him for letting them come, we must trust Him because He will deliver us out of them ALL.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are the God who delivers Your people out of ALL of our afflictions. You always come through for those who are Yours. Thank You for always coming through on Your end of the deal. Help me to remain faithful when I don't see the deliverance at the time I think I should.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
To Behold His Glory
Scripture:
Psalm 27:4 "One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, and to inquire in his temple".
Observation:
The Psalmist here had one desire. He had one passion. He sought after one thing. He wanted to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. He wanted to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. The Psalmist wanted to be where God was. He wanted to hear God's voice and to follow it.
Application:
Sometimes we can get so busy that we forget about God. Sometimes we can even get so busy doing God's things that we forget to spend time with Him. Sometimes we need to step back and take the time out of our schedule to simply behold the glory of the Lord and be in His presence where we can inquire of Him. We need to desire and seek after being in God's presence like the Psalmist.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to follow Your voice with all my heart. I want to be a God-seeker. I want to be like David, who sought after Your presence and wanted to spend time in Your Temple. Help me to push aside some things that drain my time and to pursue You more.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 27:4 "One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, and to inquire in his temple".
Observation:
The Psalmist here had one desire. He had one passion. He sought after one thing. He wanted to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. He wanted to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. The Psalmist wanted to be where God was. He wanted to hear God's voice and to follow it.
Application:
Sometimes we can get so busy that we forget about God. Sometimes we can even get so busy doing God's things that we forget to spend time with Him. Sometimes we need to step back and take the time out of our schedule to simply behold the glory of the Lord and be in His presence where we can inquire of Him. We need to desire and seek after being in God's presence like the Psalmist.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to follow Your voice with all my heart. I want to be a God-seeker. I want to be like David, who sought after Your presence and wanted to spend time in Your Temple. Help me to push aside some things that drain my time and to pursue You more.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, August 3, 2015
He Restores My Soul
Scripture:
Psalm 23:3 "He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake".
Observation:
The 23rd Psalm is probably one of the most well known and most quoted pieces of Scripture. In verse 3 it tells us the Jehovah restores my soul. Restoration is what happens when something was useful and got old or worn out. Our soul is our mind, will and emotions. This tells me that when we are worn out in our soul, God restores our mind, will and emotions.
Application:
Sometimes I get tired "emotionally" and feel like I'm losing my "will" to fight. Sometimes we get tired in our thought life and worn out. God is the restorer of our souls. In His presence, He restores our mind, will and emotions. We can get up in the morning and determine we are going to take control of our emotions, but when we give it to God, he will give us the strength and He will restore us.
Prayer:
Father, I have been so tired lately. I feel exhausted physically, emotionally and mentally. Restore my soul this morning. I look to You to do Your great work of restoring my soul. Guide me in the paths of righteousness and help me to get the rest I need today and this week. You are my strength.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 23:3 "He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake".
Observation:
The 23rd Psalm is probably one of the most well known and most quoted pieces of Scripture. In verse 3 it tells us the Jehovah restores my soul. Restoration is what happens when something was useful and got old or worn out. Our soul is our mind, will and emotions. This tells me that when we are worn out in our soul, God restores our mind, will and emotions.
Application:
Sometimes I get tired "emotionally" and feel like I'm losing my "will" to fight. Sometimes we get tired in our thought life and worn out. God is the restorer of our souls. In His presence, He restores our mind, will and emotions. We can get up in the morning and determine we are going to take control of our emotions, but when we give it to God, he will give us the strength and He will restore us.
Prayer:
Father, I have been so tired lately. I feel exhausted physically, emotionally and mentally. Restore my soul this morning. I look to You to do Your great work of restoring my soul. Guide me in the paths of righteousness and help me to get the rest I need today and this week. You are my strength.
Your Son,
Jeff
Sunday, August 2, 2015
He Lifts Me Up
Scripture:
Psalm 18:48 "He rescueth me from mine enemies; Yea, thou liftest me up above them that rise up against me; Thou deliverest me from the violent man".
Observation:
The Psalmist here gives God praise because God rescues him from his enemies, He lifts him up above those who rise against him, and he delivers him from the violent man. He is giving God praise for taking good care of him. The Psalmist realized that when man rises against us, that God will lift us up above them.
Application:
We don't have to fight back when people rise up against us. God will cause us to rise above them who rise against us when we remain faithful to Him. God does rescue His people and He does cause us to rise above those who rise against us. Therefore, we have nothing to fear when we walk with Him in humility and live according to His ways.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing. Thank You for speaking to me this morning. You will cause me to rise above those who are against me and You will deliver me from violent men. Let You hand be evident in my life daily and let faith in You continue to grow in my life, knowing You have control of everything that happens to me.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 18:48 "He rescueth me from mine enemies; Yea, thou liftest me up above them that rise up against me; Thou deliverest me from the violent man".
Observation:
The Psalmist here gives God praise because God rescues him from his enemies, He lifts him up above those who rise against him, and he delivers him from the violent man. He is giving God praise for taking good care of him. The Psalmist realized that when man rises against us, that God will lift us up above them.
Application:
We don't have to fight back when people rise up against us. God will cause us to rise above them who rise against us when we remain faithful to Him. God does rescue His people and He does cause us to rise above those who rise against us. Therefore, we have nothing to fear when we walk with Him in humility and live according to His ways.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing. Thank You for speaking to me this morning. You will cause me to rise above those who are against me and You will deliver me from violent men. Let You hand be evident in my life daily and let faith in You continue to grow in my life, knowing You have control of everything that happens to me.
Yours,
Jeff
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