Scripture:
Hosea 10:12 "Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you".
Observation:
God speaks here and tells the people of Israel that they must begin sowing righteousness, which will cause us to reap unfailing love. He tells them to seek the Lord until He showers righteousness on them. Hosea basically gives us a farming example to say that if we plant righteousness, we will reap unfailing love. This is so opposite from what most believe today.
Application:
God's love is not conditional, but it sure helps when He sees us living righteous lives. He loves is when His people seek Him. There seems to be an equation here, seek God and He will shower righteousness, then righteousness brings about God's unfailing love. It starts with learning to be a seeker of God. We must become seekers of God with all of our hearts.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for not seeking You more. Teach me Your ways. Help me to seek You more and to live a life that You want to bless. Help me to pursue You and Your righteousness, knowing that everything else will be added when that happens.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, November 30, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Knowledge... We Need It
Scripture:
Hosea 4:6 "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. 'Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children'".
Observation:
Hosea is told here that God's people are destroyed because of a lack on knowledge and because they have rejected knowledge. God wants His people to use the knowledge they have been given and to increase in it. He expects His people to listen to His voice, which is the voice of knowledge.
Application:
We must be people who are ever-growing in knowledge. God has given us wonderful brains and He expects us to develop and use the knowledge He gives us. If God gave us brains, we need to do our best to use them for His glory. We should never be satisfied with our present level of knowledge because our God is infinite and there is always more to learn.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a seeker of knowledge. Help me to discipline my life to be one who continually seeks to grow intellectually and spiritually. You are worth the pursuit!
Yours,
Jeff
Hosea 4:6 "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. 'Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children'".
Observation:
Hosea is told here that God's people are destroyed because of a lack on knowledge and because they have rejected knowledge. God wants His people to use the knowledge they have been given and to increase in it. He expects His people to listen to His voice, which is the voice of knowledge.
Application:
We must be people who are ever-growing in knowledge. God has given us wonderful brains and He expects us to develop and use the knowledge He gives us. If God gave us brains, we need to do our best to use them for His glory. We should never be satisfied with our present level of knowledge because our God is infinite and there is always more to learn.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a seeker of knowledge. Help me to discipline my life to be one who continually seeks to grow intellectually and spiritually. You are worth the pursuit!
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Like Stars in the Heavens
Scripture:
Daniel 12:3 "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever".
Observation:
Daniel is given a word here from the Lord that is a blessing for us today. He is told that those who are wise, which was Daniel definitely, would shine like the brightness of the heavens. He was told that those who lead many to righteousness would be like stars forever.
Application:
When we live with eternity in mind, our lives will be changed dramatically. When we live for the rewards of the future instead of the pleasures of the now, our lives will be blessed. We should think about eternity more, where we will shine forever and ever, instead of living for the pleasures of now.
Prayer:
Father, keep me focused on eternity. Let my life be about bringing many to righteousness. Help me to see what You see and feel what You feel for those around me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Daniel 12:3 "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever".
Observation:
Daniel is given a word here from the Lord that is a blessing for us today. He is told that those who are wise, which was Daniel definitely, would shine like the brightness of the heavens. He was told that those who lead many to righteousness would be like stars forever.
Application:
When we live with eternity in mind, our lives will be changed dramatically. When we live for the rewards of the future instead of the pleasures of the now, our lives will be blessed. We should think about eternity more, where we will shine forever and ever, instead of living for the pleasures of now.
Prayer:
Father, keep me focused on eternity. Let my life be about bringing many to righteousness. Help me to see what You see and feel what You feel for those around me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, November 23, 2015
Not Because of My Righteousness
Scripture:
Daniel 9:18 "Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy",
Observation:
Daniel understood that his righteousness was like dirty rags in the eyes of God. He knew he couldn't bend God's arm in prayer because he had lived a righteous life. He knew that if God was to answer him, it was because of God's mercy and not his righteousness. He came to God in humility.
Application:
When we approach the Lord, we must realize that, even our righteousness is only because of His Son. We must come with humility before the Lord, knowing that we don't deserve His mercy. When we come to Him, it is not based on our merits or good deeds, but based on His mercy. We deserve nothing, yet He gave us everything. How awesome is God!
Prayer:
Father, let me remember at all times that I can't merit Your favor, grace or mercy. It is given simply because of who You are. You are amazing and I love You much. Thanks for reminding me that I can access You, not based on my deeds, but by You mercy and grace.
Your Son,
Jeff
Daniel 9:18 "Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy",
Observation:
Daniel understood that his righteousness was like dirty rags in the eyes of God. He knew he couldn't bend God's arm in prayer because he had lived a righteous life. He knew that if God was to answer him, it was because of God's mercy and not his righteousness. He came to God in humility.
Application:
When we approach the Lord, we must realize that, even our righteousness is only because of His Son. We must come with humility before the Lord, knowing that we don't deserve His mercy. When we come to Him, it is not based on our merits or good deeds, but based on His mercy. We deserve nothing, yet He gave us everything. How awesome is God!
Prayer:
Father, let me remember at all times that I can't merit Your favor, grace or mercy. It is given simply because of who You are. You are amazing and I love You much. Thanks for reminding me that I can access You, not based on my deeds, but by You mercy and grace.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Where's God When I'm In The Fire?
Scripture:
Daniel 3:25 "He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods'".
Observation:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had determined that they would not bow down to any God except Yahweh. Because of this, they were thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. When the king looked into the furnace, he say four men, and the fourth looked like the son of a god. When they were at their worst, God was right there protecting them.
Application:
No matter what we go through, God will never leave us nor forsake us. He is faithful and will deliver us when we are persecuted due to our obedience to Him. We can rest assured that God will walk with us through every fiery trial. Rather than thinking God has departed us when things are tough, we need to see that God is with us and will deliver us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see You as You are. You are the deliverer. You are the God who walks with His people through every trial in our lives. Open my eyes to see You in the midst of the trial. Help me to keep my focus on You and to follow Your voice no matter what situation I find myself in.
Yours,
Jeff
Daniel 3:25 "He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods'".
Observation:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had determined that they would not bow down to any God except Yahweh. Because of this, they were thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. When the king looked into the furnace, he say four men, and the fourth looked like the son of a god. When they were at their worst, God was right there protecting them.
Application:
No matter what we go through, God will never leave us nor forsake us. He is faithful and will deliver us when we are persecuted due to our obedience to Him. We can rest assured that God will walk with us through every fiery trial. Rather than thinking God has departed us when things are tough, we need to see that God is with us and will deliver us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see You as You are. You are the deliverer. You are the God who walks with His people through every trial in our lives. Open my eyes to see You in the midst of the trial. Help me to keep my focus on You and to follow Your voice no matter what situation I find myself in.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, November 20, 2015
God's Favor
Scripture:
Daniel 1:9 "Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel".
Observation:
Daniel was brought into captivity with the rest of his countrymen, but he was seen by the captors as valuable for learning and leadership so he was set aside to become an aid to the leadership. When he asked for special exception concerning his food, the Bible records, "God caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel".
Application:
When God decides to show favor on your life, even your enemies will like you. When God decides to show favor on your life, you will be raised up when everyone else is going down. When God decides to show favor on your life, nobody can stop it. We need to live like Daniel lived, a life fully committed to God, then expect supernatural favor!
Prayer:
Father, thank You so much for the times of extreme favor You have shown in my life. You have blessed me over and over. You are amazing and You favor is fantastic. Thank You for loving me and allowing Your favor on my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Daniel 1:9 "Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel".
Observation:
Daniel was brought into captivity with the rest of his countrymen, but he was seen by the captors as valuable for learning and leadership so he was set aside to become an aid to the leadership. When he asked for special exception concerning his food, the Bible records, "God caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel".
Application:
When God decides to show favor on your life, even your enemies will like you. When God decides to show favor on your life, you will be raised up when everyone else is going down. When God decides to show favor on your life, nobody can stop it. We need to live like Daniel lived, a life fully committed to God, then expect supernatural favor!
Prayer:
Father, thank You so much for the times of extreme favor You have shown in my life. You have blessed me over and over. You are amazing and You favor is fantastic. Thank You for loving me and allowing Your favor on my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Looking Intently
Scripture:
James 1:25 "But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do".
Observation:
James tells us here that we will be blessed in whatever we do when we are looking intently into the perfect law that gives freedom. He says we must continue in it and not forget what we heard, but do it. When we look intently into God's word and determine to live what it says, we will be blessed.
Application:
We must learn to be people of the Word. We need to look deeper into it and truly learn to apply it to our lives. God's word gives freedom, but we must commit it to memory, do what it says, and continue in it every day. We like shortcuts, but God says to put His word in our hearts, do what it says, then we will see the fruit of the blessing of God.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Teach me to "look intently" into Your word every day. This year has been such a blessing and Your word is growing more and more important to me. Help me to look deeper than I have before and to truly meditate on Your word throughout the day. Enable me to serve You well.
Yours,
Jeff
James 1:25 "But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do".
Observation:
James tells us here that we will be blessed in whatever we do when we are looking intently into the perfect law that gives freedom. He says we must continue in it and not forget what we heard, but do it. When we look intently into God's word and determine to live what it says, we will be blessed.
Application:
We must learn to be people of the Word. We need to look deeper into it and truly learn to apply it to our lives. God's word gives freedom, but we must commit it to memory, do what it says, and continue in it every day. We like shortcuts, but God says to put His word in our hearts, do what it says, then we will see the fruit of the blessing of God.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Teach me to "look intently" into Your word every day. This year has been such a blessing and Your word is growing more and more important to me. Help me to look deeper than I have before and to truly meditate on Your word throughout the day. Enable me to serve You well.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
God Takes Care of His People
Scripture:
Ezekiel 46:18 "The prince must not take any of the inheritance of the people, driving them off their property. He is to give his sons their inheritance out of his own property, so that not one of my people will be separated from their property".
Observation:
God is giving instructions here to Ezekiel about property, sacrifices, offerings, etc. In the process of talking about it, he made sure that the prince, or leadership, would not be able to take property away from His people and make it their possession. Here You see God's heart for His people. He protects the property of His people.
Application:
We must realize as the people of God that He loves us tremendously. He watches over us and makes sure we are not going to lose what is ours. He is always looking out for His own and thinking of them. We are loved by our father and He doesn't want anyone to take our inheritance from us. He doesn't want us separated from our property or to lose what He has given us. We must hear His heart in this and respond with love and commitment from us to Him.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for loving me so much. Thanks for taking care of your people and making sure we don't lose the things You have blessed us with. In the words of Christ Tomlin, You're a good good father!
Thanks,
Jeff
Ezekiel 46:18 "The prince must not take any of the inheritance of the people, driving them off their property. He is to give his sons their inheritance out of his own property, so that not one of my people will be separated from their property".
Observation:
God is giving instructions here to Ezekiel about property, sacrifices, offerings, etc. In the process of talking about it, he made sure that the prince, or leadership, would not be able to take property away from His people and make it their possession. Here You see God's heart for His people. He protects the property of His people.
Application:
We must realize as the people of God that He loves us tremendously. He watches over us and makes sure we are not going to lose what is ours. He is always looking out for His own and thinking of them. We are loved by our father and He doesn't want anyone to take our inheritance from us. He doesn't want us separated from our property or to lose what He has given us. We must hear His heart in this and respond with love and commitment from us to Him.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for loving me so much. Thanks for taking care of your people and making sure we don't lose the things You have blessed us with. In the words of Christ Tomlin, You're a good good father!
Thanks,
Jeff
Monday, November 16, 2015
Owning Nothing, but Having Everything
Scripture:
Ezekiel 44:28 "I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession".
Observation:
God has always wanted a people who were completely His. A people that He wouldn't have to share with anyone. In Ezekiel we see that God wanted His priests to be completely His and for them not to own any inheritance except Him. He wanted them to have nothing that would compete with Him. He wanted a people completely set apart for Him.
Application:
In the New Testament, we don't have an official priesthood, but God calls us a royal priesthood and a holy nation. We are the people that God was longing for. He wants us to be completely His. He wants nothing in our lives to compete with Him. He desires His people to have no other gods and nothing that competes with Him being Lord of our lives. He wants to know that we are fully His.
Prayer:
Father, let my life exemplify Your desires. Be my possession. Be first in my life and let nothing compete with You. Help me to fulfill Your will completely and to have nothing else in my life that competes with You. You are my God and I love You.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 44:28 "I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession".
Observation:
God has always wanted a people who were completely His. A people that He wouldn't have to share with anyone. In Ezekiel we see that God wanted His priests to be completely His and for them not to own any inheritance except Him. He wanted them to have nothing that would compete with Him. He wanted a people completely set apart for Him.
Application:
In the New Testament, we don't have an official priesthood, but God calls us a royal priesthood and a holy nation. We are the people that God was longing for. He wants us to be completely His. He wants nothing in our lives to compete with Him. He desires His people to have no other gods and nothing that competes with Him being Lord of our lives. He wants to know that we are fully His.
Prayer:
Father, let my life exemplify Your desires. Be my possession. Be first in my life and let nothing compete with You. Help me to fulfill Your will completely and to have nothing else in my life that competes with You. You are my God and I love You.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, November 14, 2015
The Questions God Asks
Scripture:
Ezekiel 37:3 "He asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' I said, 'Sovereign Lord, You alone know'".
Observation:
God had shown Ezekiel a valley full of thousands of dry bones. God then asks Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?" This question was not a question Ezekiel would be asked by anyone but God. It is a faith question that sometimes God will ask us to see our response and to see where our faith level is. Ezekiel answered very well when he said, "You alone know".
Application:
When God asks you a question, He may be wanting to see how much you believe He can do. When God asks you a question, it will usually seem impossible because He is the God of the impossible. When we are asked these questions, we must answer with faith answers like "yes they can".
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in great faith and to know that You are the God of the impossible. That no situation is beyond You. You are amazing and I want to serve You well. Help me have the right response to You awesome questions.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 37:3 "He asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' I said, 'Sovereign Lord, You alone know'".
Observation:
God had shown Ezekiel a valley full of thousands of dry bones. God then asks Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?" This question was not a question Ezekiel would be asked by anyone but God. It is a faith question that sometimes God will ask us to see our response and to see where our faith level is. Ezekiel answered very well when he said, "You alone know".
Application:
When God asks you a question, He may be wanting to see how much you believe He can do. When God asks you a question, it will usually seem impossible because He is the God of the impossible. When we are asked these questions, we must answer with faith answers like "yes they can".
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in great faith and to know that You are the God of the impossible. That no situation is beyond You. You are amazing and I want to serve You well. Help me have the right response to You awesome questions.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, November 13, 2015
The Search
Scripture:
Ezekiel 34:16 "I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice".
Observation:
God is speaking through Ezekiel here and rebuking the shepherds for not going after the lost and strays. He says that, since they are not doing it, He will. God says that He will search for the lost and bring back the strays. He loves His people and will do everything possible to get them back on the right track.
Application:
If we want to be like God, we must be part of the search. We must search for those He loves and the ones He is searching for. We are to be God's ambassadors, on His mission. His mission is searching for the lost and bringing back the strays. We must make this a priority in our lives. Jesus' missions statement was clear, He came to seek and save the lost. We must be on His business.
Prayer:
Father, lead me to someone who is lost or strayed today. Help me to be a better witness and to shine for Your glory. Help me to see things as You see them and to search like You search. You are always searching for the lost and the strays, help me to do the same.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 34:16 "I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice".
Observation:
God is speaking through Ezekiel here and rebuking the shepherds for not going after the lost and strays. He says that, since they are not doing it, He will. God says that He will search for the lost and bring back the strays. He loves His people and will do everything possible to get them back on the right track.
Application:
If we want to be like God, we must be part of the search. We must search for those He loves and the ones He is searching for. We are to be God's ambassadors, on His mission. His mission is searching for the lost and bringing back the strays. We must make this a priority in our lives. Jesus' missions statement was clear, He came to seek and save the lost. We must be on His business.
Prayer:
Father, lead me to someone who is lost or strayed today. Help me to be a better witness and to shine for Your glory. Help me to see things as You see them and to search like You search. You are always searching for the lost and the strays, help me to do the same.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
The Display of God's Glory
Scripture:
Ezekiel 28:22 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says, 'I am against you, Sidon, and among you I will display my glory. You will know that i am the Lord, when I inflict punishment on you and within you am proved to be holy'".
Observation:
God tells Sidon that He is going to display His glory among them and will prove that He is holy. He goes about this by inflicting punishment on them. He says that His glory will be seen in the their destruction.
Application:
We usually think of God's glory and holiness being displayed in church services, when we feel His presence. We generally think of His glory in good ways, but He also receives glory in His awesome works of justice and punishment. We should stand in awe of God, not only because of His blessings, but because He is awesome in Judgment. May the fear of the Lord come back to His people.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to fear You correctly. Teach me to walk in confidence in my relationship with You, yet to have the utmost respect and fear of the Lord in my life. You are awesome in both Your blessings and Your judgments. May the world see Your glory whether through blessing or judgment.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 28:22 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says, 'I am against you, Sidon, and among you I will display my glory. You will know that i am the Lord, when I inflict punishment on you and within you am proved to be holy'".
Observation:
God tells Sidon that He is going to display His glory among them and will prove that He is holy. He goes about this by inflicting punishment on them. He says that His glory will be seen in the their destruction.
Application:
We usually think of God's glory and holiness being displayed in church services, when we feel His presence. We generally think of His glory in good ways, but He also receives glory in His awesome works of justice and punishment. We should stand in awe of God, not only because of His blessings, but because He is awesome in Judgment. May the fear of the Lord come back to His people.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to fear You correctly. Teach me to walk in confidence in my relationship with You, yet to have the utmost respect and fear of the Lord in my life. You are awesome in both Your blessings and Your judgments. May the world see Your glory whether through blessing or judgment.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
When God Brings Judgment
Scripture:
Ezekiel 26:21 "I will bring you to a horrible end and you will be no more. You will be sought, but you will never again be found, declares the Lord".
Observation:
All of chapter 26 is a prophecy against Tyre. Tyre was a godless nation who wanted nothing to do the Lord. They were against the people of God and were considered enemies of God and His people. Ezekiel 26 is God letting Tyre know what is coming their way. In His judgment, they will come to a horrible end and will never be found again. God's judgment is powerful and we should have a healthy fear of Him.
Application:
Generally we think of God as the wonderful, loving, father who would never hurt a soul and who would never bring punishment to anyone. We think God only brings blessings. Actually, God is love. He is loving, kind and compassionate, but He is also a God of justice. He will judge in the end and our end will either be horrible or blessed. We have come again to the grace and love end of the pendulum where we act like God is all mercy and would never judge anyone. God is full of mercy and grace, but also a God to be feared because He will be our judge one day. Let's bring the balance back and stop messing with God. He is awesome and should be feared, respected and listened to!
Prayer:
Father, You are kind, generous, compassionate, loving, merciful and full of grace. You are also a God to be feared and who expects obedience and for Your people to listen to Your voice and walk accordingly. Help me to walk according to Your ways and to fulfill Your purposes in the earth in my generation. On judgment day, I want to hear, "well done good and faithful servant".
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 26:21 "I will bring you to a horrible end and you will be no more. You will be sought, but you will never again be found, declares the Lord".
Observation:
All of chapter 26 is a prophecy against Tyre. Tyre was a godless nation who wanted nothing to do the Lord. They were against the people of God and were considered enemies of God and His people. Ezekiel 26 is God letting Tyre know what is coming their way. In His judgment, they will come to a horrible end and will never be found again. God's judgment is powerful and we should have a healthy fear of Him.
Application:
Generally we think of God as the wonderful, loving, father who would never hurt a soul and who would never bring punishment to anyone. We think God only brings blessings. Actually, God is love. He is loving, kind and compassionate, but He is also a God of justice. He will judge in the end and our end will either be horrible or blessed. We have come again to the grace and love end of the pendulum where we act like God is all mercy and would never judge anyone. God is full of mercy and grace, but also a God to be feared because He will be our judge one day. Let's bring the balance back and stop messing with God. He is awesome and should be feared, respected and listened to!
Prayer:
Father, You are kind, generous, compassionate, loving, merciful and full of grace. You are also a God to be feared and who expects obedience and for Your people to listen to Your voice and walk accordingly. Help me to walk according to Your ways and to fulfill Your purposes in the earth in my generation. On judgment day, I want to hear, "well done good and faithful servant".
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, November 7, 2015
God's Desire - To Recapture Hearts
Scripture:
Ezekiel 14:5 "I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols".
Observation:
Just before this passage we can see how God is going to punish His people for worshiping other gods and playing the prostitute with them. He was very angry at their actions, but we must hear His heart. He gives us the "why". He says the reason is so that He can "recapture the hearts of the people of Israel". God's discipline is meant to draw us back to Him, but push us away.
Application:
God strongly desires to be first place in our lives. He want us to worship Him first and foremost. When our lives get out of order and we begin serving ourselves or other gods, He gets jealous of our love and devotion. He wants to recapture our hearts so that we love Him more than anything else. We need to realize that God's discipline is not simply to punish us, but to make us want Him more. The earlier we realize this, the earlier we will see His blessing.
Prayer:
Father God, let my heart be captivated by You at all times, Be the center of my life. I don't want you to ever have to "recapture" my heart because I went astray. Help me to serve You well and to stay in love with You at all times. You are the greatest!
Love Always,
Jeff
Ezekiel 14:5 "I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols".
Observation:
Just before this passage we can see how God is going to punish His people for worshiping other gods and playing the prostitute with them. He was very angry at their actions, but we must hear His heart. He gives us the "why". He says the reason is so that He can "recapture the hearts of the people of Israel". God's discipline is meant to draw us back to Him, but push us away.
Application:
God strongly desires to be first place in our lives. He want us to worship Him first and foremost. When our lives get out of order and we begin serving ourselves or other gods, He gets jealous of our love and devotion. He wants to recapture our hearts so that we love Him more than anything else. We need to realize that God's discipline is not simply to punish us, but to make us want Him more. The earlier we realize this, the earlier we will see His blessing.
Prayer:
Father God, let my heart be captivated by You at all times, Be the center of my life. I don't want you to ever have to "recapture" my heart because I went astray. Help me to serve You well and to stay in love with You at all times. You are the greatest!
Love Always,
Jeff
Friday, November 6, 2015
Speak What God is Saying and Not What Sounds Good
Scripture:
Ezekiel 13:9 "My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord".
Observation:
God never takes false prophecy lightly. Throughout the entire Old Testament, God treats harshly those who say they are speaking on His behalf, but are not speaking accurately. Just above this verse He tells exactly who He was speaking to, the prophets who prophesy peace and safety when truly judgment is coming.
Application:
We should always be careful when we say we are speaking God's behalf. He doesn't take it lightly when we misrepresent Him. Many run around today and the only prophetic words they speak are that God is about to bless you and prosper you and give you a financial miracle. I believe God can and does say those things at times, but we need to check and make sure we are speaking out of the heart of God and not our own heart.
Prayer:
Father, let my words be Your words. Let me speak accurately what You want to say to your people. Help me to fulfill Your will and not my own. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in all the earth. Forgive me for speaking out of my own spirit at times and not seeking You more for a word from You.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Ezekiel 13:9 "My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord".
Observation:
God never takes false prophecy lightly. Throughout the entire Old Testament, God treats harshly those who say they are speaking on His behalf, but are not speaking accurately. Just above this verse He tells exactly who He was speaking to, the prophets who prophesy peace and safety when truly judgment is coming.
Application:
We should always be careful when we say we are speaking God's behalf. He doesn't take it lightly when we misrepresent Him. Many run around today and the only prophetic words they speak are that God is about to bless you and prosper you and give you a financial miracle. I believe God can and does say those things at times, but we need to check and make sure we are speaking out of the heart of God and not our own heart.
Prayer:
Father, let my words be Your words. Let me speak accurately what You want to say to your people. Help me to fulfill Your will and not my own. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in all the earth. Forgive me for speaking out of my own spirit at times and not seeking You more for a word from You.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Shouting is not the Answer
Scripture:
Ezekiel 8:18 "Therefore I will deal with them in anger; I will not look on them with pity or spare them. Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them".
Observation:
Judah was living in total rebellion toward God. They were offering sacrifices to other gods and following after them. Everywhere Ezekiel went in the city, there were people chasing after other gods. The Lord God Almighty replied to them saying, "Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them".
Application:
We can shout in prayer all day long, but if we lack obedience in our lives, our prayers will not be heard. I know people who can shout incredibly in prayer and sound so powerful, but their prayers are not answered because their lives are not walking in obedience to the Lord. I love shouting and do it quite often, but we are not heard for our shouting, but for our obedience. Bottom line ... shouting in praise and prayer is not wrong, but needs to be accompanied by strong obedience.
Prayer:
Father, don't let anything hinder my prayers. Help me to walk in obedience to You in all things. Thank You for speaking to me day after day in these devotional times. You are amazing! You teach me so much from Your word. Thank You for being You!
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 8:18 "Therefore I will deal with them in anger; I will not look on them with pity or spare them. Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them".
Observation:
Judah was living in total rebellion toward God. They were offering sacrifices to other gods and following after them. Everywhere Ezekiel went in the city, there were people chasing after other gods. The Lord God Almighty replied to them saying, "Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them".
Application:
We can shout in prayer all day long, but if we lack obedience in our lives, our prayers will not be heard. I know people who can shout incredibly in prayer and sound so powerful, but their prayers are not answered because their lives are not walking in obedience to the Lord. I love shouting and do it quite often, but we are not heard for our shouting, but for our obedience. Bottom line ... shouting in praise and prayer is not wrong, but needs to be accompanied by strong obedience.
Prayer:
Father, don't let anything hinder my prayers. Help me to walk in obedience to You in all things. Thank You for speaking to me day after day in these devotional times. You are amazing! You teach me so much from Your word. Thank You for being You!
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
God's Global Intention
Scripture:
Ezekiel 7:27 "The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them. 'Then they will know that I am the Lord'".
Observation:
As we read throughout the Old Testament this time, I see God's heart in judgment as well as in blessing. When we see passages in Isaiah and Jeremiah, and now in Ezekiel concerning God's judgment of Israel, Judah, or any other nation, I see this phrase, "then they will know that I am the Lord". In this particular passage God is talking about the land of Israel and how they had wandered far from God. In His judgement of them, you hear His heart, "that they will know that I am the Lord".
Application:
God has a global intention. He wants the world to know that He is Lord. When He works on the earth, it is so that "they will know that I am the Lord". When He would bless Israel for her obedience, it was so that the world would know that He is Lord. When God works, it is so that the world will see that He is Lord. When our lives become about letting the world know that He is Lord. The blessing of God will come strongly over our lives. We must be about God's overall intention on the earth.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for showing me this today. Let my life bring Your honor and fulfill Your global intention. I want the world to know You. May Your name be glorified in every nation! May Your kingdom advance strongly throughout the earth in my days. Help me to live a life focused on Your intentions and not my own.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 7:27 "The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them. 'Then they will know that I am the Lord'".
Observation:
As we read throughout the Old Testament this time, I see God's heart in judgment as well as in blessing. When we see passages in Isaiah and Jeremiah, and now in Ezekiel concerning God's judgment of Israel, Judah, or any other nation, I see this phrase, "then they will know that I am the Lord". In this particular passage God is talking about the land of Israel and how they had wandered far from God. In His judgement of them, you hear His heart, "that they will know that I am the Lord".
Application:
God has a global intention. He wants the world to know that He is Lord. When He works on the earth, it is so that "they will know that I am the Lord". When He would bless Israel for her obedience, it was so that the world would know that He is Lord. When God works, it is so that the world will see that He is Lord. When our lives become about letting the world know that He is Lord. The blessing of God will come strongly over our lives. We must be about God's overall intention on the earth.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for showing me this today. Let my life bring Your honor and fulfill Your global intention. I want the world to know You. May Your name be glorified in every nation! May Your kingdom advance strongly throughout the earth in my days. Help me to live a life focused on Your intentions and not my own.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Following the Spirit
Scripture:
Ezekiel 1:12 "Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went".
Observation:
Ezekiel describes these four creature in much detail in chapter one, but this part of the description stood out to me this morning. These creatures were designed so that they could move straight ahead in any direction and they didn't have to turn. It says of them that wherever the spirit would go, they would go. When they went, they went straight ahead.
Application:
I want to be like these creatures in that I want to move wherever and whenever the Holy Spirit wants me to. I want to go straight ahead when God speaks something to me and not to the right or the left. I want to hear the voice of the Lord clearly and to obey fully and completely.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be more like the four creatures that Ezekiel saw. Help me to pursue Your will at all times and to go straight ahead when I hear Your voice. Help me to flow with the Spirit and to stay in step with the Spirit. I want to truly live a "spirit filled, spirit led" life.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 1:12 "Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went".
Observation:
Ezekiel describes these four creature in much detail in chapter one, but this part of the description stood out to me this morning. These creatures were designed so that they could move straight ahead in any direction and they didn't have to turn. It says of them that wherever the spirit would go, they would go. When they went, they went straight ahead.
Application:
I want to be like these creatures in that I want to move wherever and whenever the Holy Spirit wants me to. I want to go straight ahead when God speaks something to me and not to the right or the left. I want to hear the voice of the Lord clearly and to obey fully and completely.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be more like the four creatures that Ezekiel saw. Help me to pursue Your will at all times and to go straight ahead when I hear Your voice. Help me to flow with the Spirit and to stay in step with the Spirit. I want to truly live a "spirit filled, spirit led" life.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 2, 2015
An Unshakable Kingdom
Scripture:
Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe".
Observation:
The author of Hebrews here reminds us that we are receiving an unshakable kingdom. He tells us that, because of that, we should be thankful and worship God with reverence and awe.
Application:
God is amazing and His kingdom is unshakable. As his children, we are part of this kingdom that is stronger than we can imagine. We don't live for the things on this earth, but for the things that are part of God's awesome kingdom. When we are shaken, He is unshaken. When we feel things are falling apart, He is unshakable. We must learn to trust Him and walk with Him, worshiping Him with awe and reverence.
Prayer:
Father, Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life. Help me to live for You and Your kingdom and not get frustrated with life on this earth. Your kingdom is unshakable, even when we feel our world is shaky. Help me stay focused on You and receive strength from Your hand.
Yours,
Jeff
Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe".
Observation:
The author of Hebrews here reminds us that we are receiving an unshakable kingdom. He tells us that, because of that, we should be thankful and worship God with reverence and awe.
Application:
God is amazing and His kingdom is unshakable. As his children, we are part of this kingdom that is stronger than we can imagine. We don't live for the things on this earth, but for the things that are part of God's awesome kingdom. When we are shaken, He is unshaken. When we feel things are falling apart, He is unshakable. We must learn to trust Him and walk with Him, worshiping Him with awe and reverence.
Prayer:
Father, Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life. Help me to live for You and Your kingdom and not get frustrated with life on this earth. Your kingdom is unshakable, even when we feel our world is shaky. Help me stay focused on You and receive strength from Your hand.
Yours,
Jeff
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