Scripture:
Hebrews 5:7 "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission".
Observation:
Jesus, while He was on earth, prayed fervently to his Father with many tears. He allowed His emotions to be part of His prayer time. He was heard though, not because of his tears and fervency, but because of His reverent submission.
Application:
God is more impressed by our submission to Him than He is by our fervent prayers. He delights in blessing those who submit to His will and follow His ways. I have watched people pray for hours and hours at extreme volumes of intensity, which is admirable, but because they didn't do what God wanted in their personal lives, their prayers were not heard. We must obey God in all areas, then prayer is much easier.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for showing me this about submission today. Teach me to submit every area of my life to You. Help me to live a fully surrendered life. As I submit to You, I know You will hear my prayers. I love fervent emotional prayers, but I realize they are only as powerful as my submission to You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Faithfulness
Scripture:
Hebrews 3:2 "He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house".
Observation:
This passage is speaking about Jesus and how He became our high priest. When thinking of the characteristics of Christ's life, we seldom think of faithfulness, but He was extremely faithful to the calling of His Father. He was faithful to the one who appointed Him. He did what He was told by His Father and was raised up to the ultimate place of authority because of that faithfulness.
Application:
Is faithfulness what we long to be remembered for? At our funerals, we will all be remembered for something. Maybe we will be remembered as loving, kind, generous, funny, etc. We want to be remembered for so many things, but does faithfulness hit the list of things we long to be? As followers of Christ, faithfulness to the call of God and His will should be our ultimate goal and what we are known for.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be faithful to all You call me to do. Help me to leave nothing undone that You have called me to do. Come alongside and help me to be faithful in all things and trustworthy.
Your Son,
Jeff
Hebrews 3:2 "He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house".
Observation:
This passage is speaking about Jesus and how He became our high priest. When thinking of the characteristics of Christ's life, we seldom think of faithfulness, but He was extremely faithful to the calling of His Father. He was faithful to the one who appointed Him. He did what He was told by His Father and was raised up to the ultimate place of authority because of that faithfulness.
Application:
Is faithfulness what we long to be remembered for? At our funerals, we will all be remembered for something. Maybe we will be remembered as loving, kind, generous, funny, etc. We want to be remembered for so many things, but does faithfulness hit the list of things we long to be? As followers of Christ, faithfulness to the call of God and His will should be our ultimate goal and what we are known for.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be faithful to all You call me to do. Help me to leave nothing undone that You have called me to do. Come alongside and help me to be faithful in all things and trustworthy.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Acknowledge Who God is
Scripture:
Lamentations 5:19 "You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation".
Observation:
In the midst of a book lamenting all the things that had happened and that God had allowed to happen to His people because of their sin, the author places this statement. He says that God reigns forever and that His throne endures from generation to generation. He acknowledges who God is, even though he is upset with what God has allowed.
Application:
Just as God's people in captivity and their land in destruction, sometimes we find ourselves in bad situations of our own making. Sometimes we do things that cause us to be separated from God. God hates sin, yet we continue to sin and bring problems into our lives because of it. In the midst of the problems we have caused ourselves, we must acknowledge God for who He is. He reigns and His throne endures all generations. He deserves our worship, even when we don't deserve him.
Prayer:
Father, when I feel distanced from You because of my own choices, help me to run to You in worship and not away in disgrace. Let me live a life of worship and praise because You are worthy and not because of anything I feel. Help me to acknowledge who You are in everything I do. You are worthy and I bless Your name!
Your Son,
Jeff
Lamentations 5:19 "You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation".
Observation:
In the midst of a book lamenting all the things that had happened and that God had allowed to happen to His people because of their sin, the author places this statement. He says that God reigns forever and that His throne endures from generation to generation. He acknowledges who God is, even though he is upset with what God has allowed.
Application:
Just as God's people in captivity and their land in destruction, sometimes we find ourselves in bad situations of our own making. Sometimes we do things that cause us to be separated from God. God hates sin, yet we continue to sin and bring problems into our lives because of it. In the midst of the problems we have caused ourselves, we must acknowledge God for who He is. He reigns and His throne endures all generations. He deserves our worship, even when we don't deserve him.
Prayer:
Father, when I feel distanced from You because of my own choices, help me to run to You in worship and not away in disgrace. Let me live a life of worship and praise because You are worthy and not because of anything I feel. Help me to acknowledge who You are in everything I do. You are worthy and I bless Your name!
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
New Every Morning
Scripture:
Lamentations 3:22-23 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness".
Observation:
The author knows that his people had walked away from God and done exceedingly terrible things. He knew that his people had not followed the ways of the Lord, nor done what God wanted them to. He knew that they deserved judgment, but he also knew about God's faithfulness and love. He knew that God loved them and that was why they were not consumed in His anger. He understood that God's compassions are new every morning.
Application:
Even when we have done wrong, we can be confident that God's mercies or compassions are new every morning and that His faithfulness can always be depended on. We can stand assured that, even when we deserve judgement, that God is a God of mercy and compassion and that He will not give us what we deserve. He need to thank God for this, but also not use it as an excuse to live however we want. Our appreciation of His faithfulness should cause us to serve Him more and better.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your incredible mercy and grace. You give us what we don't deserve and don't give us what we do deserve. Your mercies are new every morning and your faithfulness is awesome. Thank You for making every day a new day. Help me to serve You better each day.
Yours,
Jeff
Lamentations 3:22-23 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness".
Observation:
The author knows that his people had walked away from God and done exceedingly terrible things. He knew that his people had not followed the ways of the Lord, nor done what God wanted them to. He knew that they deserved judgment, but he also knew about God's faithfulness and love. He knew that God loved them and that was why they were not consumed in His anger. He understood that God's compassions are new every morning.
Application:
Even when we have done wrong, we can be confident that God's mercies or compassions are new every morning and that His faithfulness can always be depended on. We can stand assured that, even when we deserve judgement, that God is a God of mercy and compassion and that He will not give us what we deserve. He need to thank God for this, but also not use it as an excuse to live however we want. Our appreciation of His faithfulness should cause us to serve Him more and better.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your incredible mercy and grace. You give us what we don't deserve and don't give us what we do deserve. Your mercies are new every morning and your faithfulness is awesome. Thank You for making every day a new day. Help me to serve You better each day.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Transformed
Scripture:
Philemon 11 "Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me".
Observation:
Paul is writing to Philemon about his runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus had run away from Philemon in the past and ended up meeting Paul. Paul sent him back to Philemon with a message asking Philemon to receive him back as a brother. Paul describes Onesimus by saying he was useless, but now he is useful.
Application:
I love seeing things go from useless to useful. I love shows on television where they take something very old that appears useless, and restore it and bring it back to life. God does the same thing in our lives when we give Him opportunity. He will take the messed up person with a lot of wear and tear, and transform them into something of great value.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see people for who they can be instead of who they are. I want to see You transform lives from being useless into being useful. Bring restoration in and through my life as only You can do I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Philemon 11 "Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me".
Observation:
Paul is writing to Philemon about his runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus had run away from Philemon in the past and ended up meeting Paul. Paul sent him back to Philemon with a message asking Philemon to receive him back as a brother. Paul describes Onesimus by saying he was useless, but now he is useful.
Application:
I love seeing things go from useless to useful. I love shows on television where they take something very old that appears useless, and restore it and bring it back to life. God does the same thing in our lives when we give Him opportunity. He will take the messed up person with a lot of wear and tear, and transform them into something of great value.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see people for who they can be instead of who they are. I want to see You transform lives from being useless into being useful. Bring restoration in and through my life as only You can do I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, October 26, 2015
Guilty, Yet Not Forsaken
Scripture:
Jeremiah 51:5 "For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by their God, the Lord Almighty, though their land is full of guilt before the Holy One of Israel".
Observation:
Jeremiah is speaking forth a prophetic word against Babylon, letting them know that God used them to bring about punishment for His people, but that now they were going to be judged and Israel and Judah would be restored. God says here that, even though the land is full of guilt, they have not been forsaken by their God. God knew the guilt of the people of Israel and Judah, but He also would not forsake them.
Application:
God says He will never leave us nor forsake us. Sometimes, when we do wrong, we tend to feel like God has forsaken us and will never hear our prayers again. God is a merciful God who doesn't hold our past mistakes against us. Though, at times, we know we are guilty, He does not forsake us. His desire is for His people to walk with Him and listen to His voice, but even when we mess up, He is faithful!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for showing me Your unfailing love. You are incredible! Help me to love the way You love. Help me to represent You better each day. Thank You for loving be when I feel like I have messed up horribly.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 51:5 "For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by their God, the Lord Almighty, though their land is full of guilt before the Holy One of Israel".
Observation:
Jeremiah is speaking forth a prophetic word against Babylon, letting them know that God used them to bring about punishment for His people, but that now they were going to be judged and Israel and Judah would be restored. God says here that, even though the land is full of guilt, they have not been forsaken by their God. God knew the guilt of the people of Israel and Judah, but He also would not forsake them.
Application:
God says He will never leave us nor forsake us. Sometimes, when we do wrong, we tend to feel like God has forsaken us and will never hear our prayers again. God is a merciful God who doesn't hold our past mistakes against us. Though, at times, we know we are guilty, He does not forsake us. His desire is for His people to walk with Him and listen to His voice, but even when we mess up, He is faithful!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for showing me Your unfailing love. You are incredible! Help me to love the way You love. Help me to represent You better each day. Thank You for loving be when I feel like I have messed up horribly.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, October 24, 2015
God's Faithfulness Even in His Punishment
Scripture:
Jeremiah 46:28 "Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, for I am with you, says the Lord. I will completely destroy the nations to which I have exiled you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished".
Observation:
God was speaking to his people and letting them know that, because of them running away from Him and serving other gods, He had to punish them by exiling them to another nation. He let them know that he was punishing them by using other nations to put them into captivity, but that in the end he would judge the nations He used to punish His people and that they would return and be blessed.
Application:
Sometimes God allows us to go through some things temporarily so that we will turn back completely to Him. Then He will punish those who punished us. He will allow consequences for our sins, but then will make sure we return home to serve Him. The bottom line is that He wants us to be fully committed to Him and Him alone. When other things compete with Him in our lives, He will let us go for a while and fee the pain associated with not doing things His way, then He will bring us home again. best choice... never leave Him!
Prayer:
Father, help me to follow You closely all the days of my life. Let me live in Your blessing and see Your mighty hand upon my life. I love You and want to serve You completely. I don't want to serve any worthless idols, just You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 46:28 "Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, for I am with you, says the Lord. I will completely destroy the nations to which I have exiled you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished".
Observation:
God was speaking to his people and letting them know that, because of them running away from Him and serving other gods, He had to punish them by exiling them to another nation. He let them know that he was punishing them by using other nations to put them into captivity, but that in the end he would judge the nations He used to punish His people and that they would return and be blessed.
Application:
Sometimes God allows us to go through some things temporarily so that we will turn back completely to Him. Then He will punish those who punished us. He will allow consequences for our sins, but then will make sure we return home to serve Him. The bottom line is that He wants us to be fully committed to Him and Him alone. When other things compete with Him in our lives, He will let us go for a while and fee the pain associated with not doing things His way, then He will bring us home again. best choice... never leave Him!
Prayer:
Father, help me to follow You closely all the days of my life. Let me live in Your blessing and see Your mighty hand upon my life. I love You and want to serve You completely. I don't want to serve any worthless idols, just You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, October 23, 2015
Listening to God
Scripture:
Jeremiah 42:3 "Pray that the Lord your God will show us what to do and where to go".
Observation:
A group of warriors came to Jeremiah asking him to pray to the Lord and ask Him what they should do and where they should go. He did as they asked and gave them the word of the Lord. They felt he was lying to them and therefore didn't listen. They went and did what was in their heart instead of obeying the word of the Lord and they were destroyed when they could have been saved by doing it God's way.
Application:
Many times we ask God for direction and he gives it to us, but when He gives it to us, we don't follow through on what he said. When we ask God for direction, He will give it to us, but we must learn to be obedient to what He says. he is not trying to hurt us, but put us into a place where He can bless us. We must remember that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
Prayer:
Lord God, teach me to listen fully and completely to You on all things. Help me to follow you when it makes sense and when it doesn't in my eyes. help me to listen to You over all the other voices speaking to me. Direct my life. Guide my life. When You do, help me to obey and follow completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 42:3 "Pray that the Lord your God will show us what to do and where to go".
Observation:
A group of warriors came to Jeremiah asking him to pray to the Lord and ask Him what they should do and where they should go. He did as they asked and gave them the word of the Lord. They felt he was lying to them and therefore didn't listen. They went and did what was in their heart instead of obeying the word of the Lord and they were destroyed when they could have been saved by doing it God's way.
Application:
Many times we ask God for direction and he gives it to us, but when He gives it to us, we don't follow through on what he said. When we ask God for direction, He will give it to us, but we must learn to be obedient to what He says. he is not trying to hurt us, but put us into a place where He can bless us. We must remember that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
Prayer:
Lord God, teach me to listen fully and completely to You on all things. Help me to follow you when it makes sense and when it doesn't in my eyes. help me to listen to You over all the other voices speaking to me. Direct my life. Guide my life. When You do, help me to obey and follow completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Truth Prevails
Scripture:
Jeremiah 40:4 "But I am going to take off your chains and let you go. If you want to come with me to Babylon, you are welcome. I will see that you are well cared for. But if you don't want to come, you may stay here. The whole land is before you - go wherever you like".
Observation:
Jeremiah stood for God and was punished for it. he told the true word of God when all the other prophets were speaking good positive messages, he was saying that Jerusalem would be destroyed. He was imprisoned, put in a cistern and a dungeon, but in the end, when his words came true, he was set free and given the option to do whatever he wanted.
Application:
Sometimes saying the truth is not easy. Sometimes it is easier to just say what people want to hear instead of what they need to hear. We need to be more like Jeremiah who would only say what God wanted him to say. When we are honest and right with God and doing His will, we will be blessed in the long run. We may be persecuted in the process, but God will honor those who honor Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to speak the truth in love. Help me to declare Your word. Help me to speak your words with clarity and boldness. At the same time, bless my life and family. As I honor You, bless my life and family.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 40:4 "But I am going to take off your chains and let you go. If you want to come with me to Babylon, you are welcome. I will see that you are well cared for. But if you don't want to come, you may stay here. The whole land is before you - go wherever you like".
Observation:
Jeremiah stood for God and was punished for it. he told the true word of God when all the other prophets were speaking good positive messages, he was saying that Jerusalem would be destroyed. He was imprisoned, put in a cistern and a dungeon, but in the end, when his words came true, he was set free and given the option to do whatever he wanted.
Application:
Sometimes saying the truth is not easy. Sometimes it is easier to just say what people want to hear instead of what they need to hear. We need to be more like Jeremiah who would only say what God wanted him to say. When we are honest and right with God and doing His will, we will be blessed in the long run. We may be persecuted in the process, but God will honor those who honor Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to speak the truth in love. Help me to declare Your word. Help me to speak your words with clarity and boldness. At the same time, bless my life and family. As I honor You, bless my life and family.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
God's Desire
Scripture:
Jeremiah 36:3 "Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings".
Observation:
Jeremiah had prophesied much disaster over and over to the people of Judah. He was constantly telling them that their sins were going to be punished and that God was going to send the Babylonians to wipe them out. In the midst of all these prophetic words about God destroying Judah is this simple text that tells us God's heart in what was coming. "Perhaps they will repent... Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings". He was constantly hoping they would repent so that He didn't have to go through with their punishment.
Application:
God doesn't get pleasure out of punishing people. His desire is always that people would repent of their sins and turn to Him so that He can forgive them and bless them. We need to understand God's heart in judgment is always to forgive and restore. When we understand His love for us, repentance should come easy.
Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for showing me your love and desire in the midst of your judgment. You truly love Your people and desire to bless them, yet You are righteous and must judge sin. Help me to walk in Your blessing and be quick to repent. Help me to always run to You, knowing You are quick to forgive and bless.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 36:3 "Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings".
Observation:
Jeremiah had prophesied much disaster over and over to the people of Judah. He was constantly telling them that their sins were going to be punished and that God was going to send the Babylonians to wipe them out. In the midst of all these prophetic words about God destroying Judah is this simple text that tells us God's heart in what was coming. "Perhaps they will repent... Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings". He was constantly hoping they would repent so that He didn't have to go through with their punishment.
Application:
God doesn't get pleasure out of punishing people. His desire is always that people would repent of their sins and turn to Him so that He can forgive them and bless them. We need to understand God's heart in judgment is always to forgive and restore. When we understand His love for us, repentance should come easy.
Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for showing me your love and desire in the midst of your judgment. You truly love Your people and desire to bless them, yet You are righteous and must judge sin. Help me to walk in Your blessing and be quick to repent. Help me to always run to You, knowing You are quick to forgive and bless.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Make Your Name Famous
Scripture:
Jeremiah 32:20 "You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt - things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day."
Observation:
God is telling Jeremiah that He is going to expel His people from their land for following other gods and not following Him. He also tells him that He is going to bring them back again into the land and bless them exceedingly in the future, that He has not given up on them. Jeremiah tells the Lord how awesome He is. He says, "You have made your name famous to this day".
Application:
God is doing so much around the world. His Spirit is being poured out in extreme measures and He is becoming more and more famous around the world. In my area, it seems His fame is diminishing instead of increasing. I want God to make His name famous in Loudoun County Virginia. Father come and make Your name famous here.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are incredible and your name is worthy of all praise. Let revival and an awakening come so strong here in Northern Va. that only You can get the credit. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done here. Make Your name famous in the Washington DC are once again. Come and move powerfully among your people here I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 32:20 "You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt - things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day."
Observation:
God is telling Jeremiah that He is going to expel His people from their land for following other gods and not following Him. He also tells him that He is going to bring them back again into the land and bless them exceedingly in the future, that He has not given up on them. Jeremiah tells the Lord how awesome He is. He says, "You have made your name famous to this day".
Application:
God is doing so much around the world. His Spirit is being poured out in extreme measures and He is becoming more and more famous around the world. In my area, it seems His fame is diminishing instead of increasing. I want God to make His name famous in Loudoun County Virginia. Father come and make Your name famous here.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are incredible and your name is worthy of all praise. Let revival and an awakening come so strong here in Northern Va. that only You can get the credit. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done here. Make Your name famous in the Washington DC are once again. Come and move powerfully among your people here I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, October 19, 2015
Pray for the Place You Live
Scripture:
Jeremiah 29:7 "And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare".
Observation:
Jeremiah tells the people who have been taken into exile that they should work for the peace and prosperity of the place they had been exiled because the welfare of the enemies who took them is determines their welfare.
Application:
When we are in bad situations at work, home, etc., we should pray to the Lord for the blessing of God there. Even if the situation is terrible, as it was for Israel, we should pray for the peace and prosperity of those around us. Even when you hate the place where you are now, you should pray for the peace and prosperity because their welfare determines your welfare. This is great stuff! When we are in a place we really don't want to be, we should remember that their success equals our success and brings favor.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I pray for the blessing of Loudoun County Virginia. I know at times I have hated the cost of living and wished I had been called elsewhere, but today I pray for the success of our county in every area. May Your blessing come upon this region in huge ways. Loudoun's welfare equals my welfare.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 29:7 "And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare".
Observation:
Jeremiah tells the people who have been taken into exile that they should work for the peace and prosperity of the place they had been exiled because the welfare of the enemies who took them is determines their welfare.
Application:
When we are in bad situations at work, home, etc., we should pray to the Lord for the blessing of God there. Even if the situation is terrible, as it was for Israel, we should pray for the peace and prosperity of those around us. Even when you hate the place where you are now, you should pray for the peace and prosperity because their welfare determines your welfare. This is great stuff! When we are in a place we really don't want to be, we should remember that their success equals our success and brings favor.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I pray for the blessing of Loudoun County Virginia. I know at times I have hated the cost of living and wished I had been called elsewhere, but today I pray for the success of our county in every area. May Your blessing come upon this region in huge ways. Loudoun's welfare equals my welfare.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, October 16, 2015
Like a Great Warrior
Scripture:
Jeremiah 20:11 "But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior, before Him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten".
Observation:
Jeremiah had been prophesying destruction of God's people for a long time and they were tired of hearing it. They were coming against him to shut him up. He was one man prophesying against a whole nation that had gone astray, yet he stood with boldness and declared the word of the Lord. He understood that the Lord was standing beside him like a great warrior. He understood that he could not be defeated when God was on his side.
Application:
When we are walking in right standing with God, we can expect the same kind of faith to rise up within us. God will protect and provide for His people, but His people must be in right relationship with Him. He is more than able to take care of those who rise up against us. We must ask God in increase our faith to be like Jeremiah's.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to know in my heart that You are with me and that my enemies will fail because You are by my side. Strengthen and increase my faith daily. You are amazing and I should trust You more and worry less. I want to walk closer to You each day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 20:11 "But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior, before Him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten".
Observation:
Jeremiah had been prophesying destruction of God's people for a long time and they were tired of hearing it. They were coming against him to shut him up. He was one man prophesying against a whole nation that had gone astray, yet he stood with boldness and declared the word of the Lord. He understood that the Lord was standing beside him like a great warrior. He understood that he could not be defeated when God was on his side.
Application:
When we are walking in right standing with God, we can expect the same kind of faith to rise up within us. God will protect and provide for His people, but His people must be in right relationship with Him. He is more than able to take care of those who rise up against us. We must ask God in increase our faith to be like Jeremiah's.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to know in my heart that You are with me and that my enemies will fail because You are by my side. Strengthen and increase my faith daily. You are amazing and I should trust You more and worry less. I want to walk closer to You each day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Influence
Scripture:
Jeremiah 15:19 "This is how the Lord responds: 'If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!'"
Observation:
God speaks to Jeremiah here and lets him know that he is to be the one who influences, not the one who gets influenced. God desires his people to be the ones who make an impact and influence others, rather than simply being the ones who get influenced by those around them.
Application:
We are God's ambassadors. We are to be people who influence the world around us. We are not to be influenced by the ways of this world, rather, we are to be the ones influencing others. We must ask ourselves if we are being influenced or are we influencing our culture. We must realize that God gives us His power to be influential. We must ask ourselves if our lives are truly influential and making a difference in our society. As God's ambassadors, we must have influence.
Prayer:
Father, make me influential. Let me speak Your words, with Your power, and bring about change that is needed around me. Help me to follow Your voice and fulfill Your will. Let me not be changed into the mold of the world, but help me to change the mold.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 15:19 "This is how the Lord responds: 'If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!'"
Observation:
God speaks to Jeremiah here and lets him know that he is to be the one who influences, not the one who gets influenced. God desires his people to be the ones who make an impact and influence others, rather than simply being the ones who get influenced by those around them.
Application:
We are God's ambassadors. We are to be people who influence the world around us. We are not to be influenced by the ways of this world, rather, we are to be the ones influencing others. We must ask ourselves if we are being influenced or are we influencing our culture. We must realize that God gives us His power to be influential. We must ask ourselves if our lives are truly influential and making a difference in our society. As God's ambassadors, we must have influence.
Prayer:
Father, make me influential. Let me speak Your words, with Your power, and bring about change that is needed around me. Help me to follow Your voice and fulfill Your will. Let me not be changed into the mold of the world, but help me to change the mold.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Lying Prophets
Scripture:
Jeremiah 14:15 "Therefore, this is what the Lord says: I will punish these lying prophets, for they have spoken in my name even though I never sent them. They say that no war or famine will come, but they themselves will die by war and famine!"
Observation:
Jeremiah is filled with pictures of God very upset because He is ready to send destruction for the disobedience of His people, yet those who are suppose to be His prophets are telling the people that everything is okay and that only good things will happen. God detests prophets who speak what He didn't tell them to speak. He hates when they say everything is good when it is not. God has nothing good to say about those who always prophesy that good things are coming.
Application:
We live in a dark world with many terrible things going on around us. If you walk into most churches today you will hear a message of peace, peace. They will tell us that God is love and would never allow anything bad to happen to any of us. God hates it when his spokespeople don't represent Him well. He is a holy God and we must search our hearts to hear a word from Him before we speak.
Prayer:
Father, let me rightly convey Your word to Your people. Help me to accurately speak on Your behalf. If You are angry, let me convey it. If You are pleased, let me convey it accurately. Help me not to be like the prophets of Jeremiah's day, but to speak the truth in love.
Your Son,
Jeff
Jeremiah 14:15 "Therefore, this is what the Lord says: I will punish these lying prophets, for they have spoken in my name even though I never sent them. They say that no war or famine will come, but they themselves will die by war and famine!"
Observation:
Jeremiah is filled with pictures of God very upset because He is ready to send destruction for the disobedience of His people, yet those who are suppose to be His prophets are telling the people that everything is okay and that only good things will happen. God detests prophets who speak what He didn't tell them to speak. He hates when they say everything is good when it is not. God has nothing good to say about those who always prophesy that good things are coming.
Application:
We live in a dark world with many terrible things going on around us. If you walk into most churches today you will hear a message of peace, peace. They will tell us that God is love and would never allow anything bad to happen to any of us. God hates it when his spokespeople don't represent Him well. He is a holy God and we must search our hearts to hear a word from Him before we speak.
Prayer:
Father, let me rightly convey Your word to Your people. Help me to accurately speak on Your behalf. If You are angry, let me convey it. If You are pleased, let me convey it accurately. Help me not to be like the prophets of Jeremiah's day, but to speak the truth in love.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
There is No one Like Our God
Scripture:
Jeremiah 10:6 "Lord, there is no one like You! For you are great, and your name is full of power".
Observation:
God had been speaking to Jeremiah about His people and how they have gone after other gods to worship them. He had told Jeremiah that these worthless idols were created by man to be worshiped by man. Jeremiah interrupts God and makes this statement, "there is on one like You! For You are great, and your name is full of power".
Application:
We must realize that our God is great and full of power. We must realize that things we create, can't save us, heal us, or deliver us from our troubles. Man's creations can be wonderful, but they don't have the power that God has. There truly is no one like our God! He is amazing! He created us, and we need to worship Him for who He is.
Prayer:
Father, I love You and appreciate all You have done in my life. You have brought me from darkness into You marvelous light. You have delivered me so many times from the power of the enemy. You are my strength and my song. You are my life! Apart from You, I can do nothing, but with You... All things are possible.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Jeremiah 10:6 "Lord, there is no one like You! For you are great, and your name is full of power".
Observation:
God had been speaking to Jeremiah about His people and how they have gone after other gods to worship them. He had told Jeremiah that these worthless idols were created by man to be worshiped by man. Jeremiah interrupts God and makes this statement, "there is on one like You! For You are great, and your name is full of power".
Application:
We must realize that our God is great and full of power. We must realize that things we create, can't save us, heal us, or deliver us from our troubles. Man's creations can be wonderful, but they don't have the power that God has. There truly is no one like our God! He is amazing! He created us, and we need to worship Him for who He is.
Prayer:
Father, I love You and appreciate all You have done in my life. You have brought me from darkness into You marvelous light. You have delivered me so many times from the power of the enemy. You are my strength and my song. You are my life! Apart from You, I can do nothing, but with You... All things are possible.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Monday, October 12, 2015
Speaking Truth
Scripture:
Jeremiah 6:14 "The offer superficial treatments for my people's mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace".
Observation:
God is speaking here through Jeremiah and calling out the prophets and priests of his day. He tells them that they are offering superficial treatments for mortal wounds and giving assurance of peace when there is no peace. God wants His servants to speak truth. He wants His people to hear the truth and not simply something that will sooth them in their sin.
Application:
As a pastor, I stand before people every week and declare the word of the Lord. I must bring the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I must make sure I am truly giving the clear word of the Lord and not just something that sounds good and makes people feel good. We can't offer superficial treatments for people's mortal wounds. I must bring the truth about people's sin and not give false assurances to people either.
Prayer:
Father, help me to represent You well. Help me to speak what You want spoken and to do it in the way You want it done. Let my life reflect You well to those around me. Help me to speak the truth in love and to lead people to You.
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 6:14 "The offer superficial treatments for my people's mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace".
Observation:
God is speaking here through Jeremiah and calling out the prophets and priests of his day. He tells them that they are offering superficial treatments for mortal wounds and giving assurance of peace when there is no peace. God wants His servants to speak truth. He wants His people to hear the truth and not simply something that will sooth them in their sin.
Application:
As a pastor, I stand before people every week and declare the word of the Lord. I must bring the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I must make sure I am truly giving the clear word of the Lord and not just something that sounds good and makes people feel good. We can't offer superficial treatments for people's mortal wounds. I must bring the truth about people's sin and not give false assurances to people either.
Prayer:
Father, help me to represent You well. Help me to speak what You want spoken and to do it in the way You want it done. Let my life reflect You well to those around me. Help me to speak the truth in love and to lead people to You.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Don't Be Afraid of the People
Scripture:
Jeremiah 1:8 "And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!"
Observation:
When God was calling Jeremiah, He knew what would be needed for the type of ministry Jeremiah would have. Jeremiah was being called to a very strong prophetic ministry where he would be speaking to the nation of Israel. His message was to be very strong and it would be tough to say what needed said.
Application:
When God calls you and anoints you for ministry, He will also give you what you need in order to do it. Sometimes in ministry, it is hard to say the things you need to say because you fear what people will think. God tells us not to be afraid of what people think, rather, be afraid of what He thinks. As a minister of the Gospel, I need to be bold as a lion, declaring the word of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, embolden me to speak Your word. Let me hear Your voice clearly and speak up. Let me be a vessel You can speak through, whatever You want to say. Help me not to fear what people will think,
Yours,
Jeff
Jeremiah 1:8 "And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!"
Observation:
When God was calling Jeremiah, He knew what would be needed for the type of ministry Jeremiah would have. Jeremiah was being called to a very strong prophetic ministry where he would be speaking to the nation of Israel. His message was to be very strong and it would be tough to say what needed said.
Application:
When God calls you and anoints you for ministry, He will also give you what you need in order to do it. Sometimes in ministry, it is hard to say the things you need to say because you fear what people will think. God tells us not to be afraid of what people think, rather, be afraid of what He thinks. As a minister of the Gospel, I need to be bold as a lion, declaring the word of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, embolden me to speak Your word. Let me hear Your voice clearly and speak up. Let me be a vessel You can speak through, whatever You want to say. Help me not to fear what people will think,
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, October 9, 2015
Learning to do Good
Scripture:
Titus 3:14 "Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive".
Observation:
Paul told Titus that he must teach the people he was leading to learn to do good by meeting people's urgent needs. He said that this way they will not be unproductive. He knew that when people feel productive, they also feel good about themselves and their lives. We all want to live productive lives.
Application:
We need to do what Paul told Titus and start meeting the urgent needs of those around us. As we do, we will feel more productive, which in turn makes us feel better about life, etc. When we get about helping others, our own problems seem smaller and life starts getting better all around. When we live life focused on ourselves, we will be miserable. I want to be productive and fulfilled.
Prayer:
Lord, let me help someone today who has an urgent need. Help me to reach out to those who don't have and to lead a productive life. Let my life count for your kingdom.
Yours,
Jeff
Titus 3:14 "Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive".
Observation:
Paul told Titus that he must teach the people he was leading to learn to do good by meeting people's urgent needs. He said that this way they will not be unproductive. He knew that when people feel productive, they also feel good about themselves and their lives. We all want to live productive lives.
Application:
We need to do what Paul told Titus and start meeting the urgent needs of those around us. As we do, we will feel more productive, which in turn makes us feel better about life, etc. When we get about helping others, our own problems seem smaller and life starts getting better all around. When we live life focused on ourselves, we will be miserable. I want to be productive and fulfilled.
Prayer:
Lord, let me help someone today who has an urgent need. Help me to reach out to those who don't have and to lead a productive life. Let my life count for your kingdom.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Asking and Seeking God
Scripture:
Isaiah 65:1 "I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, 'Here I am! Here I am!' to a nation that did not call on my name".
Observation:
God is speaking through Isaiah and tells the people that He was totally ready to respond to their needs, but nobody bothered to ask Him or His opinion. He was ready to be found by them, but nobody was looking for Him. Sometimes, God is ready to work, but we don't ask Him or seek Him.
Application:
James tells us that we have not because we don't ask or because we ask with wrong motives. We must realize that God wants to help us in our distresses, but that often we don't even bother coming to Him for help. We often try to work out everything in our own way. He wants us to come to Him with our problems, but we are not seeking Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to call on You and seek You first in my life. I don't want to hear that You had answers for me, but I didn't seek You. Help me God in my life right now. I need to hear Your voice clearly. I need Your direction. I want Your input. I desire You to lead me into all truth.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 65:1 "I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, 'Here I am! Here I am!' to a nation that did not call on my name".
Observation:
God is speaking through Isaiah and tells the people that He was totally ready to respond to their needs, but nobody bothered to ask Him or His opinion. He was ready to be found by them, but nobody was looking for Him. Sometimes, God is ready to work, but we don't ask Him or seek Him.
Application:
James tells us that we have not because we don't ask or because we ask with wrong motives. We must realize that God wants to help us in our distresses, but that often we don't even bother coming to Him for help. We often try to work out everything in our own way. He wants us to come to Him with our problems, but we are not seeking Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to call on You and seek You first in my life. I don't want to hear that You had answers for me, but I didn't seek You. Help me God in my life right now. I need to hear Your voice clearly. I need Your direction. I want Your input. I desire You to lead me into all truth.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Overwhelmed
Scripture:
Isaiah 61:10 "I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels".
Observation:
Isaiah describes what salvation should be like for us. We should be overwhelmed with joy! We should be clothed in salvation and have a robe called righteousness. Revelation says that the white bridal garments are the righteous acts of the saints. Our lives should look stunning to those around us.
Application:
I want to be radiant with joy again. Sometimes through the difficulties of life, we lose our joy. Joy and peace were the hallmarks of my life, but I have let the enemy steal them recently. I want to be radiant for my Lord when He comes again. I am making a decision to take back my joy and to be radiant again in my Lord's salvation.
Prayer:
Father, I love You and want to live a life of radiance! Let my light shine! Let joy and peace be my hallmarks again. Let Your love fill my life. Let Your joy fill my life and let me see the day of overwhelming joy.
Yours,
Jeff
Isaiah 61:10 "I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels".
Observation:
Isaiah describes what salvation should be like for us. We should be overwhelmed with joy! We should be clothed in salvation and have a robe called righteousness. Revelation says that the white bridal garments are the righteous acts of the saints. Our lives should look stunning to those around us.
Application:
I want to be radiant with joy again. Sometimes through the difficulties of life, we lose our joy. Joy and peace were the hallmarks of my life, but I have let the enemy steal them recently. I want to be radiant for my Lord when He comes again. I am making a decision to take back my joy and to be radiant again in my Lord's salvation.
Prayer:
Father, I love You and want to live a life of radiance! Let my light shine! Let joy and peace be my hallmarks again. Let Your love fill my life. Let Your joy fill my life and let me see the day of overwhelming joy.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, October 5, 2015
An Ever-flowing Spring
Scripture:
Isaiah 58:11 "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring".
Observation:
God says to us here, that those who follow Him will receive water when they are thirsty and have their strength restored. He let's us know that we will be like a well-watered garden and a spring that flows forever. When we are "guided" by the Lord we can expect our strength to be renewed and to produce fruit. We can expect to be satisfied in life.
Application:
Sometimes, when I get tired and frustrated, I don't feel like a well-watered garden. I don't feel like an ever-flowing spring. At these times I must take a step back and see if I am being led by the Lord. When I'm being led by self, I over work and get frustrated. When I'm led by the Lord, I prosper and enjoy life. The question really is, "Am I being led by the Lord?"
Prayer:
Lord, you know my heart is to serve You faithfully. You know I have laid down my life for You, yet sometimes I feel very empty and unfruitful. Help me to hear Your voice and do what You want, not just what I see needs done. Help me to live out Your plans for my life and not to get overburdened with things You haven't called me to do. Teach me to lead well. I want to be an ever-flowing spring.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 58:11 "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring".
Observation:
God says to us here, that those who follow Him will receive water when they are thirsty and have their strength restored. He let's us know that we will be like a well-watered garden and a spring that flows forever. When we are "guided" by the Lord we can expect our strength to be renewed and to produce fruit. We can expect to be satisfied in life.
Application:
Sometimes, when I get tired and frustrated, I don't feel like a well-watered garden. I don't feel like an ever-flowing spring. At these times I must take a step back and see if I am being led by the Lord. When I'm being led by self, I over work and get frustrated. When I'm led by the Lord, I prosper and enjoy life. The question really is, "Am I being led by the Lord?"
Prayer:
Lord, you know my heart is to serve You faithfully. You know I have laid down my life for You, yet sometimes I feel very empty and unfruitful. Help me to hear Your voice and do what You want, not just what I see needs done. Help me to live out Your plans for my life and not to get overburdened with things You haven't called me to do. Teach me to lead well. I want to be an ever-flowing spring.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, October 2, 2015
He Knows What's Best for Me
Scripture:
Isaiah 48:17 "This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow'".
Observation:
God says here that He is the Holy One and He teaches us what is good for us and leads us along the paths we should follow. God is saying, like the title of the old television show, "Father Knows Best". Our Father knows what is good for us and wants to lead us into that.
Application:
If I love and trust my Father, then I listen to His advice. I need to listen to God's voice every day of my life. Sometimes I think I know better than God what is good for me. He wants me to trust Him as my creator, that He knows what is best for my life and which path to follow. I need to listen more instead of trying in my flesh to work everything out.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to be a better listener than a talker. You have every answer to every question in my life. You are the source of all wisdom, yet I tend to try to live life and make decisions based on what I think. You know much better than me. Help me to follow Your voice and walk on Your path. You do know what is best for me.
Yours,
Jeff
Isaiah 48:17 "This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow'".
Observation:
God says here that He is the Holy One and He teaches us what is good for us and leads us along the paths we should follow. God is saying, like the title of the old television show, "Father Knows Best". Our Father knows what is good for us and wants to lead us into that.
Application:
If I love and trust my Father, then I listen to His advice. I need to listen to God's voice every day of my life. Sometimes I think I know better than God what is good for me. He wants me to trust Him as my creator, that He knows what is best for my life and which path to follow. I need to listen more instead of trying in my flesh to work everything out.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to be a better listener than a talker. You have every answer to every question in my life. You are the source of all wisdom, yet I tend to try to live life and make decisions based on what I think. You know much better than me. Help me to follow Your voice and walk on Your path. You do know what is best for me.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, October 1, 2015
He Can Be Found
Scripture:
Isaiah 45:19 "I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what it true and declare only what is right".
Observation:
God is speaking through Isaiah and tells Israel that He would not have told Israel to seek Him if He could not be found. God doesn't tell us to do things that are possible. God tells us many times in His word that we will find Him when we seek for Him with all our heart. He wants us to pursue Him and to seek Him, then He will let us find Him.
Application:
I'm seeing the days when my sons were little and we would play hide and seek. I would hide and they would seek for me. I didn't want it to be too easy to find me, but I also didn't want them to give up. Therefore I made it where they would have to do some seeking before I let them find me. God does the same, He is not purposely staying away from us, He just wants us to pursue and seek after Him. He is worth the pursuit.
Prayer:
Father, help me to pursue You more and more. I've been getting thirsty for You to move again in my life. I want to know You more and to understand You better. I want to see Your power and glory in my life. When I played hide and seek with my boys, I would give them clues. Give me some clues in the midst of my pursuit. I want to find You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Isaiah 45:19 "I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what it true and declare only what is right".
Observation:
God is speaking through Isaiah and tells Israel that He would not have told Israel to seek Him if He could not be found. God doesn't tell us to do things that are possible. God tells us many times in His word that we will find Him when we seek for Him with all our heart. He wants us to pursue Him and to seek Him, then He will let us find Him.
Application:
I'm seeing the days when my sons were little and we would play hide and seek. I would hide and they would seek for me. I didn't want it to be too easy to find me, but I also didn't want them to give up. Therefore I made it where they would have to do some seeking before I let them find me. God does the same, He is not purposely staying away from us, He just wants us to pursue and seek after Him. He is worth the pursuit.
Prayer:
Father, help me to pursue You more and more. I've been getting thirsty for You to move again in my life. I want to know You more and to understand You better. I want to see Your power and glory in my life. When I played hide and seek with my boys, I would give them clues. Give me some clues in the midst of my pursuit. I want to find You.
Your Son,
Jeff
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