Scripture:
Exodus 8:19 "the magicians said to Pharaoh, 'This is the finger of God.' But Pharaoh's heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said".
Observation:
Moses and Aaron had performed many signs and wonders that were absolutely incredible in front of Pharaoh. Even Pharaoh's magicians told him, "This is the finger of God". They were convinced that Moses and Aaron were from God and that God's power was working in them, but still Pharaoh's heart was hard.
Application:
Sometimes we think, "If only so and so would see God's power, they would know God is real". The truth is, some people could see God work absolute miracles, yet be unchanged in their wanting to obey Him. Many times, God shows Himself to people, yet they choose not to respond. They can't deny He is real, but they refuse to humble themselves before Him. Like Moses and Aaron, they continued to pray, and eventually the hard heart broke. We must remain in prayer until the hard heart breaks.
Prayer:
Father, help me to never give up praying for people. Help me to understand how people can see the power of God, yet refuse to give their lives to Him. I want to see more and more people saved this year than ever before. Show Your wonders and break hard hearts. Give me faith to believe, even when it seems like they are not being moved.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Friday, January 29, 2016
God's Covenant Stands
Scripture:
Exodus 6:5 "Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant".
Observation:
God had told Joseph that one day He would bring the children of Israel back out of Egypt. He promised him that He would establish them in the land of His fathers. The land given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of their slavery, God remembered His covenant and His word to them many, many years before. God remembers His promises and always makes good on them.
Application:
Sometimes we feel like the promises of God in our lives have been abandoned and nothing is going right. Sometimes it feels like we are not going forward, but backward in our relationship with God, but we can rest assured that God does not abandon His promises. He is faithful and remembers His covenant. Our job is simply to remain faithful, then He will do His part.
Prayer:
Father, help me remain faithful to the call even when it doesn't seem like there is much fruit on the vine. Help me remain faithful to Your will in my life and to have complete confidence that, even though it may not seem like it now, You are working and will come through and do the things I've been waiting on.
Yours,
Jeff
Exodus 6:5 "Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant".
Observation:
God had told Joseph that one day He would bring the children of Israel back out of Egypt. He promised him that He would establish them in the land of His fathers. The land given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of their slavery, God remembered His covenant and His word to them many, many years before. God remembers His promises and always makes good on them.
Application:
Sometimes we feel like the promises of God in our lives have been abandoned and nothing is going right. Sometimes it feels like we are not going forward, but backward in our relationship with God, but we can rest assured that God does not abandon His promises. He is faithful and remembers His covenant. Our job is simply to remain faithful, then He will do His part.
Prayer:
Father, help me remain faithful to the call even when it doesn't seem like there is much fruit on the vine. Help me remain faithful to Your will in my life and to have complete confidence that, even though it may not seem like it now, You are working and will come through and do the things I've been waiting on.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Oppression Brings Multiplication
Scripture:
Exodus 1:12 "But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites".
Observation:
God's people had been brought by Joseph into Egypt during a bad time in order to protect them and provide for them. After being there a while, they were increasing in number and the Egyptians got scared of them. They made them slaves and began to oppress them. In the oppression, God multiplied them. The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied.
Application:
God is able to bless you in the midst of the worst oppression and slavery of your life. God brings multiplication out of oppression. He wants us to know that, even in our worst times, He is able to bless us and take care of us. We need to realize that God is able to turn any situation around and bring blessing to His people.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You more in the tough times. Help me to see and understand how you bring multiplication through oppression. Open my eyes to see how You work. I want to know You more each day. Bring multiplication of good things in my life. I will give You all the praise for it.
Yours,
Jeff
Exodus 1:12 "But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites".
Observation:
God's people had been brought by Joseph into Egypt during a bad time in order to protect them and provide for them. After being there a while, they were increasing in number and the Egyptians got scared of them. They made them slaves and began to oppress them. In the oppression, God multiplied them. The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied.
Application:
God is able to bless you in the midst of the worst oppression and slavery of your life. God brings multiplication out of oppression. He wants us to know that, even in our worst times, He is able to bless us and take care of us. We need to realize that God is able to turn any situation around and bring blessing to His people.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You more in the tough times. Help me to see and understand how you bring multiplication through oppression. Open my eyes to see how You work. I want to know You more each day. Bring multiplication of good things in my life. I will give You all the praise for it.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Resurrection Power of Christ
Scripture:
Matthew 27:52-53 "and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people".
Observation;
When Jesus died, there was an earthquake, the veil in the temple was torn in two, and dead bodies came back to life! That's power! At the resurrection, those bodies came out of the tombs and walked around. We would call this a zombie apocalypse, but I call it resurrection power.
Application:
Paul told that "if the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you, He will make alive your mortal bodies". We have the same Spirit that caused the earthquake, many to rise from the dead, and Christ to rise, living in us. If we really could believe that, our lives would be dramatically different. It is true, therefore, we must realize it, believe it, and walk in it.
Prayer:
Father, let me walk in the power of Your Spirit and not in my flesh. Let me be led by Your Spirit and not my own imagination. Let me be filled with Your power every day. Help me to comprehend what that actually means and let me walk in it on a daily basis.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 27:52-53 "and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people".
Observation;
When Jesus died, there was an earthquake, the veil in the temple was torn in two, and dead bodies came back to life! That's power! At the resurrection, those bodies came out of the tombs and walked around. We would call this a zombie apocalypse, but I call it resurrection power.
Application:
Paul told that "if the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you, He will make alive your mortal bodies". We have the same Spirit that caused the earthquake, many to rise from the dead, and Christ to rise, living in us. If we really could believe that, our lives would be dramatically different. It is true, therefore, we must realize it, believe it, and walk in it.
Prayer:
Father, let me walk in the power of Your Spirit and not in my flesh. Let me be led by Your Spirit and not my own imagination. Let me be filled with Your power every day. Help me to comprehend what that actually means and let me walk in it on a daily basis.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Saying Yes When Yes is Hard
Scripture:
Matthew 26:42 "He went away a second time and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done".
Observation:
Jesus said yes to His Father, when yes meant torture and the most torturous death possible. He was fully submitted to the Father in all ways. He wanted to say no, but was willing to do whatever the Father wanted, even to the point of torture and death.
Application:
We need to be able to be counted on when God asks us to do hard things. We must be people who are able to say, "take this from me, but nevertheless, not my will but yours be done". We aren't generally asked to give our lives for our Father's cause, but if He asks, are we willing to say yes? Extreme obedience causes God to know He can trust us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to always say yes to You. I love you and trust You, but sometimes I evaluate things and feel like I may hold back on saying yes sometimes because I deem it hard. Enable me to always say yes to Your will.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 26:42 "He went away a second time and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done".
Observation:
Jesus said yes to His Father, when yes meant torture and the most torturous death possible. He was fully submitted to the Father in all ways. He wanted to say no, but was willing to do whatever the Father wanted, even to the point of torture and death.
Application:
We need to be able to be counted on when God asks us to do hard things. We must be people who are able to say, "take this from me, but nevertheless, not my will but yours be done". We aren't generally asked to give our lives for our Father's cause, but if He asks, are we willing to say yes? Extreme obedience causes God to know He can trust us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to always say yes to You. I love you and trust You, but sometimes I evaluate things and feel like I may hold back on saying yes sometimes because I deem it hard. Enable me to always say yes to Your will.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, January 25, 2016
Humility Wins
Scripture:
Matthew 23:12 "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted".
Observation:
Jesus was talking here about the Scribes and Pharisees who loved to "look" holy on this earth, yet were far from walking in the Spirit. He was saying that they were proud and that they would be humbled on day and those who were humble would be lifted up.
Application;
God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble and raises them up. We need to never allow ourselves to get prideful. Our greatest weapon is humility. Humility wins! It is God who has enabled us to do anything at all and He should be lifted up with our lives. We need to learn to continually walk in humility, then God can bless us.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and I love you with all my heart. Let Your Kingdom come in my life and let Your will be done. Let me remain humble before You and walk in humility with others.
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 23:12 "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted".
Observation:
Jesus was talking here about the Scribes and Pharisees who loved to "look" holy on this earth, yet were far from walking in the Spirit. He was saying that they were proud and that they would be humbled on day and those who were humble would be lifted up.
Application;
God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble and raises them up. We need to never allow ourselves to get prideful. Our greatest weapon is humility. Humility wins! It is God who has enabled us to do anything at all and He should be lifted up with our lives. We need to learn to continually walk in humility, then God can bless us.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and I love you with all my heart. Let Your Kingdom come in my life and let Your will be done. Let me remain humble before You and walk in humility with others.
Your Son,
Jeff
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Our Task: Produce Kingdom Fruit
Scripture:
Matthew 21:43 "Therefore I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit".
Observation:
Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law. He was telling them that they couldn't see truth of who He was. He demonstrated through miracles, teaching, preaching and lots of OT prophecies, but they still didn't see it. Finally He tells them that He was going to take the Kingdom away from them and give it to a people who would produce it's fruit.
Application;
The Pharisees were always pointing out why Jesus was not the Messiah, while tax collectors and prostitutes knew exactly who He was and honored Him for it. The last statement really gets me, "given to a people who will produce its fruit". We must be a people who produce fruit, not just teach and preach good messages. We have been given a task... produce fruit for the kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, let me be a fruit producer for Your Kingdom. Let my life produce fruit! Let me win souls and make disciples. Let my heart break with what breaks Your heart. Help me to be productive in Your Kingdom. Show me the way to production and I will follow.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 21:43 "Therefore I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit".
Observation:
Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law. He was telling them that they couldn't see truth of who He was. He demonstrated through miracles, teaching, preaching and lots of OT prophecies, but they still didn't see it. Finally He tells them that He was going to take the Kingdom away from them and give it to a people who would produce it's fruit.
Application;
The Pharisees were always pointing out why Jesus was not the Messiah, while tax collectors and prostitutes knew exactly who He was and honored Him for it. The last statement really gets me, "given to a people who will produce its fruit". We must be a people who produce fruit, not just teach and preach good messages. We have been given a task... produce fruit for the kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, let me be a fruit producer for Your Kingdom. Let my life produce fruit! Let me win souls and make disciples. Let my heart break with what breaks Your heart. Help me to be productive in Your Kingdom. Show me the way to production and I will follow.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Unforgiveness Has Big Consequences
Scripture:
Matthew 18:35 "This is how my heavenly father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart".
Observation:
Jesus had just told a parable. The end of the parable says that a man received big forgiveness from someone, then couldn't extend forgiveness to a person who owed him just a little bit. he was given to the jailers to be tortured until he payed his full debt. Jesus then says we will be treated the same if we can't forgive from our heart.
Application:
Forgiveness is huge with Jesus. He has forgiven us of a huge sin debt and wants us to forgive others. He takes this very seriously and we need to examine our lives to see if there is any forgiveness we need to give. Many are living lives of torture because they haven't forgiven someone that hurt them. It is not worth it. Christ forgave us totally and completely. We must forgive others as well.
Prayer;
Father, help me to walk in a spirit of forgiveness. Help me to offer the same forgiveness to others that You have given to me. Let me never get bitter or angry, but walk in love at all times. Help me to be more like You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 18:35 "This is how my heavenly father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart".
Observation:
Jesus had just told a parable. The end of the parable says that a man received big forgiveness from someone, then couldn't extend forgiveness to a person who owed him just a little bit. he was given to the jailers to be tortured until he payed his full debt. Jesus then says we will be treated the same if we can't forgive from our heart.
Application:
Forgiveness is huge with Jesus. He has forgiven us of a huge sin debt and wants us to forgive others. He takes this very seriously and we need to examine our lives to see if there is any forgiveness we need to give. Many are living lives of torture because they haven't forgiven someone that hurt them. It is not worth it. Christ forgave us totally and completely. We must forgive others as well.
Prayer;
Father, help me to walk in a spirit of forgiveness. Help me to offer the same forgiveness to others that You have given to me. Let me never get bitter or angry, but walk in love at all times. Help me to be more like You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, January 22, 2016
The Words We Speak
Scripture:
Matthew 15:11 "What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them".
Observation:
Jesus was talking about the religious leaders who were out to get Him in this context, but the words He speaks are so powerful for all of us. They were concerned about what they put into the mouths being unclean and Jesus said it's not what goes in that defiles, but what comes out because out of the heart, the mouth speaks.
Application:
We must always watch what comes out of our mouths. Our mouths reflect our heart! If we want to see what going on inside, listen to what comes out of our mouths. When we are critical, judgmental, envious, jealous, etc., it will come out of our mouths. We must begin to listen to ourselves and adjust our hearts so that what comes out is pure, lovely and of good report.
Prayer;
Father, give me ears to hear my own words. Help me to hear myself as I speak and come to You when I hear something coming out that shouldn't. Let my words bring life, love and liberty to all. Let my heart be right before You. Examine me. Purify my heart. Let my heart reflect Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 15:11 "What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them".
Observation:
Jesus was talking about the religious leaders who were out to get Him in this context, but the words He speaks are so powerful for all of us. They were concerned about what they put into the mouths being unclean and Jesus said it's not what goes in that defiles, but what comes out because out of the heart, the mouth speaks.
Application:
We must always watch what comes out of our mouths. Our mouths reflect our heart! If we want to see what going on inside, listen to what comes out of our mouths. When we are critical, judgmental, envious, jealous, etc., it will come out of our mouths. We must begin to listen to ourselves and adjust our hearts so that what comes out is pure, lovely and of good report.
Prayer;
Father, give me ears to hear my own words. Help me to hear myself as I speak and come to You when I hear something coming out that shouldn't. Let my words bring life, love and liberty to all. Let my heart be right before You. Examine me. Purify my heart. Let my heart reflect Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Rest is a Promise
Scripture:
Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls".
Observation:
Just before this verse, Jesus tells us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened. In verse 28 and in verse 29 He promises rest for us. He wants us to come to Him when we are stressed out and can't rest. We will find our rest in Him.
Application:
We live in a world that is extremely stressful. Paul even told Timothy that stressful times would come at the end, but Jesus says He will give us rest in the midst of it. We must do our part, then His rest will come. We must "come" to Him in daily prayer, word and meditation. We must "yoke" up with Him and walk in partnership with Him through walking in the Spirit. Lastly, we must "learn" from Him through time in His word. We must come, yoke and learn, then we will have rest.
Prayer:
Lord God, this has been a very busy time and I have been weary lately. Help me to come to You more, yoke up with You more and to learn from You more. In that I am promised rest. Thank You for giving me Your rest and peace to walk through this world full of stress. You are amazing!
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls".
Observation:
Just before this verse, Jesus tells us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened. In verse 28 and in verse 29 He promises rest for us. He wants us to come to Him when we are stressed out and can't rest. We will find our rest in Him.
Application:
We live in a world that is extremely stressful. Paul even told Timothy that stressful times would come at the end, but Jesus says He will give us rest in the midst of it. We must do our part, then His rest will come. We must "come" to Him in daily prayer, word and meditation. We must "yoke" up with Him and walk in partnership with Him through walking in the Spirit. Lastly, we must "learn" from Him through time in His word. We must come, yoke and learn, then we will have rest.
Prayer:
Lord God, this has been a very busy time and I have been weary lately. Help me to come to You more, yoke up with You more and to learn from You more. In that I am promised rest. Thank You for giving me Your rest and peace to walk through this world full of stress. You are amazing!
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
The Sick Need a Doctor
Scripture:
Matthew 9:12 "On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick'".
Observation:
The Pharisees just came to Jesus' disciples and asked them why He was eating with tax collectors and sinners. How could a man, supposedly from God, hang out with ungodly people? Jesus overheard the conversation and replied, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick". Jesus went to those who needed Him, not just those who expected Him.
Application:
Sometimes in ministry it is easy to get so involved in the lives of believers that we lose sight of those who are not yet believers. Jesus knew His mission was to seek and save the lost. He didn't waiver from that, even when everyone expected different from Him. He didn't fit into the people's expectations of Him. He didn't mind offending the righteous in order to reach the broken.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be more like Jesus. Help me to tune in to my mission and go after it, not worrying about what others think I should be doing. Help me to fulfill everything You have for me to do and not just do what is expected of me by others.
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 9:12 "On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick'".
Observation:
The Pharisees just came to Jesus' disciples and asked them why He was eating with tax collectors and sinners. How could a man, supposedly from God, hang out with ungodly people? Jesus overheard the conversation and replied, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick". Jesus went to those who needed Him, not just those who expected Him.
Application:
Sometimes in ministry it is easy to get so involved in the lives of believers that we lose sight of those who are not yet believers. Jesus knew His mission was to seek and save the lost. He didn't waiver from that, even when everyone expected different from Him. He didn't fit into the people's expectations of Him. He didn't mind offending the righteous in order to reach the broken.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be more like Jesus. Help me to tune in to my mission and go after it, not worrying about what others think I should be doing. Help me to fulfill everything You have for me to do and not just do what is expected of me by others.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Why Worry?
Scripture:
Matthew 6:27 "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
Observation:
This is found in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He was telling His followers that God would take care of them. He said that if God took care of feeding the birds of the air, would He not take care of His own children. Jesus strongly tells us here that worrying will do nothing for us and that we hav no reason to worry.
Application:
This is much easier said than done. It is easy to tell people, "don't worry", but their mind will immediately start worrying. It is our nature to worry about things we cannot control. We must learn to walk above our old human nature and walk in the power of the Spirit, who is not worried. The key to worry is walking in step with the Spirit and hearing His voice telling us that He is in control.
Prayer:
Father, help me to worry less and trust You more. I know that worry is simply a lack of trust or faith in You. Forgive me for not trusting You more completely and walking in worry instead of simple obedience.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 6:27 "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
Observation:
This is found in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He was telling His followers that God would take care of them. He said that if God took care of feeding the birds of the air, would He not take care of His own children. Jesus strongly tells us here that worrying will do nothing for us and that we hav no reason to worry.
Application:
This is much easier said than done. It is easy to tell people, "don't worry", but their mind will immediately start worrying. It is our nature to worry about things we cannot control. We must learn to walk above our old human nature and walk in the power of the Spirit, who is not worried. The key to worry is walking in step with the Spirit and hearing His voice telling us that He is in control.
Prayer:
Father, help me to worry less and trust You more. I know that worry is simply a lack of trust or faith in You. Forgive me for not trusting You more completely and walking in worry instead of simple obedience.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, January 18, 2016
All This
Scripture:
Matthew 1:22 "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet".
Observation:
Just prior to this passage we read the genealogy of Jesus, how Mary became pregnant as a virgin and how an angel came to Joseph in a dream with a prophetic word about what Jesus would do. Then it says, "All this" happened to fulfill what the Lord had spoken.
Application:
There were so many details about the life of Christ that were prophesied in the old Testament that Jesus would have to fulfill, but God fulfilled it perfectly. We need to realize that God will do "all this" to bring about the fulfillment of His word. When God speaks, it will come to pass and He will go to "all this" trouble to make it happen according to His word. His words are accurate and can me trusted. We need to trust that god can still bring about "all this" in our lives.
Prayer:
Father, that You for reminding me that You did "All This" to prepare for the coming of Jesus and that You will do whatever it takes to bring about Your word. I trust that You are working "all this" in my life right now to bring about Your will. Thanks for being concerned about the details in our lives.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 1:22 "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet".
Observation:
Just prior to this passage we read the genealogy of Jesus, how Mary became pregnant as a virgin and how an angel came to Joseph in a dream with a prophetic word about what Jesus would do. Then it says, "All this" happened to fulfill what the Lord had spoken.
Application:
There were so many details about the life of Christ that were prophesied in the old Testament that Jesus would have to fulfill, but God fulfilled it perfectly. We need to realize that God will do "all this" to bring about the fulfillment of His word. When God speaks, it will come to pass and He will go to "all this" trouble to make it happen according to His word. His words are accurate and can me trusted. We need to trust that god can still bring about "all this" in our lives.
Prayer:
Father, that You for reminding me that You did "All This" to prepare for the coming of Jesus and that You will do whatever it takes to bring about Your word. I trust that You are working "all this" in my life right now to bring about Your will. Thanks for being concerned about the details in our lives.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Comfort in Hard Decisions
Scripture:
Genesis 46:3-4 "'I am God, the God of your father', he said. 'Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes'".
Observation:
Israel was nervous about uprooting his family, leaving the land that had been the promise of his fathers, and taking his family to Egypt. He had to leave everything he loved and his father's had worked for and go to a strange place. In that time, God spoke to him and said don't be afraid, the promise is still in effect, and I will go with you.
Application:
When God calls us to do things that will stretch us, He will always comfort us by letting us know we are making the right decisions. When He calls us to do things that may not make sense, or may not feel like His original plan for us, He will take care of us. We can rest assured that where God guides, He provides and He will be with us.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You take care of Your own. When You speak to me, help me to take comfort in the fact that You will be with me, your plans will continue in my life, and that I don't have to be afraid. Help me to be more decisive once I feel something is from You.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 46:3-4 "'I am God, the God of your father', he said. 'Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes'".
Observation:
Israel was nervous about uprooting his family, leaving the land that had been the promise of his fathers, and taking his family to Egypt. He had to leave everything he loved and his father's had worked for and go to a strange place. In that time, God spoke to him and said don't be afraid, the promise is still in effect, and I will go with you.
Application:
When God calls us to do things that will stretch us, He will always comfort us by letting us know we are making the right decisions. When He calls us to do things that may not make sense, or may not feel like His original plan for us, He will take care of us. We can rest assured that where God guides, He provides and He will be with us.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You take care of Your own. When You speak to me, help me to take comfort in the fact that You will be with me, your plans will continue in my life, and that I don't have to be afraid. Help me to be more decisive once I feel something is from You.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, January 15, 2016
Seeing God in the Difficulties
Scripture:
Genesis 45:5 "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God send me ahead of you".
Observation:
Joseph had just revealed himself to his brothers who had, years before, sold him into slavery. He had now become the most powerful person in the greatest nation on earth. He was now in a position to seriously bless his family. After all he had walked through because of his brothers, Joseph says that it was the Lord who sent him ahead of the others in order to bless them.
Application:
Joseph had realized through the years that God was with him and was doing something with his life, but he probably didn't realize what. Hindsight said God was setting up an entire situation to bless his family. Sometimes in life we go through tough times. When we do, we must remember that God knows the beginning from the end and that He is working, even when it doesn't seem like it, to bring about our blessing. God is at work, even though life seems barren at times.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for showing me this today. You are amazing! Help me to trust You when I don't understand and it doesn't seem like things are going the way I would like. Help me to trust that You have an overall plan and that You will bring it to pass. I submit myself to You. Lead me every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 45:5 "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God send me ahead of you".
Observation:
Joseph had just revealed himself to his brothers who had, years before, sold him into slavery. He had now become the most powerful person in the greatest nation on earth. He was now in a position to seriously bless his family. After all he had walked through because of his brothers, Joseph says that it was the Lord who sent him ahead of the others in order to bless them.
Application:
Joseph had realized through the years that God was with him and was doing something with his life, but he probably didn't realize what. Hindsight said God was setting up an entire situation to bless his family. Sometimes in life we go through tough times. When we do, we must remember that God knows the beginning from the end and that He is working, even when it doesn't seem like it, to bring about our blessing. God is at work, even though life seems barren at times.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for showing me this today. You are amazing! Help me to trust You when I don't understand and it doesn't seem like things are going the way I would like. Help me to trust that You have an overall plan and that You will bring it to pass. I submit myself to You. Lead me every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Fruitful in Suffering
Scripture:
Genesis 41:52 "The second son he named Ephraim and said, 'It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering'".
Observation:
Joseph had been through many years of difficulty starting out with his brothers selling him as a slave and ending up with him in prison after being falsely accused. God brought him out and made him second in charge over all of Egypt. He named his second son Ephraim because God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering.
Application:
God has a beautiful way of causing his people to prosper in bad situations. God is able to take the thing in my life that causes me the most suffering and turn it into something fruitful. He is an expert at it. He had been doing it for thousands of years. We must trust God's ability to turn what looks like nothing but frustration into a place of great blessing. He is able!
Prayer:
Father, increase my faith. Thank you for sharing this with me today. Sometimes I feel like Virginia has been a place of suffering for me and my family, but today you let me see that You are going to turn it around and make it the place of great blessing and fruitfulness. Help me to remain faithful to the call until the blessing comes. I know it is coming. I know You sent me here and that You are going to use me here and bring about great fruitfulness. I love You Lord.
Your Son,
Jeff
Genesis 41:52 "The second son he named Ephraim and said, 'It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering'".
Observation:
Joseph had been through many years of difficulty starting out with his brothers selling him as a slave and ending up with him in prison after being falsely accused. God brought him out and made him second in charge over all of Egypt. He named his second son Ephraim because God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering.
Application:
God has a beautiful way of causing his people to prosper in bad situations. God is able to take the thing in my life that causes me the most suffering and turn it into something fruitful. He is an expert at it. He had been doing it for thousands of years. We must trust God's ability to turn what looks like nothing but frustration into a place of great blessing. He is able!
Prayer:
Father, increase my faith. Thank you for sharing this with me today. Sometimes I feel like Virginia has been a place of suffering for me and my family, but today you let me see that You are going to turn it around and make it the place of great blessing and fruitfulness. Help me to remain faithful to the call until the blessing comes. I know it is coming. I know You sent me here and that You are going to use me here and bring about great fruitfulness. I love You Lord.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Haters Will Be With You Always
Scripture:
Genesis 37:20 "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams".
Observation:
Joseph didn't do anything wrong. God gave him some dreams and he told them to his family. The dreams were not his, God gave them to him. His dreams caused his brothers to hate him and to desire to kill him in order to stop his dreams.
Application:
Some people will go out of their way to kill your dreams. God given dreams will cause great blessing in your life, but they will also cause people to hate you. There will always be haters in life. There will always be people who are trying to sniff out your dreams. We must never let the haters win. We must remain faithful before God and He will cause our dreams to come true.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live out Your dreams for my life. Let me never get discouraged by those who don't see the dream that is in my heart. Help me to handle well the people who don't like the dreams you give me. Help me to walk in grace and faithfulness while the haters are hating.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 37:20 "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams".
Observation:
Joseph didn't do anything wrong. God gave him some dreams and he told them to his family. The dreams were not his, God gave them to him. His dreams caused his brothers to hate him and to desire to kill him in order to stop his dreams.
Application:
Some people will go out of their way to kill your dreams. God given dreams will cause great blessing in your life, but they will also cause people to hate you. There will always be haters in life. There will always be people who are trying to sniff out your dreams. We must never let the haters win. We must remain faithful before God and He will cause our dreams to come true.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live out Your dreams for my life. Let me never get discouraged by those who don't see the dream that is in my heart. Help me to handle well the people who don't like the dreams you give me. Help me to walk in grace and faithfulness while the haters are hating.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
The Terror of God
Scripture:
Genesis 35:5 "Then they set out, and the terror of God fell on the towns all around so that no one pursued them."
Observation:
Just before the opening, "then" of this scripture you can see that everyone gave Jacob their foreign gods and he buried them. After he did that step of eliminating the foreign gods from among them, God came and brought fear and terror on the people around them so that no one would pursue them.
Application:
When we are fully submitted to God and doing what He wants us to do, we can also expect God to make our enemies recognize His power. One day the whole world will see the power of our God. He will reign and rule with a rod of iron. The world needs to see how awesome God is. They need to see the terror of the Lord and what He is capable of.
Prayer:
Father God, walk with me closely. Let those around me see You hand upon my life. Let even Your enemies see your power in my life. Replace any idols in my life with more love for You and obedience to you. Demonstrate Your power in my generation so that nobody can deny who You are.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 35:5 "Then they set out, and the terror of God fell on the towns all around so that no one pursued them."
Observation:
Just before the opening, "then" of this scripture you can see that everyone gave Jacob their foreign gods and he buried them. After he did that step of eliminating the foreign gods from among them, God came and brought fear and terror on the people around them so that no one would pursue them.
Application:
When we are fully submitted to God and doing what He wants us to do, we can also expect God to make our enemies recognize His power. One day the whole world will see the power of our God. He will reign and rule with a rod of iron. The world needs to see how awesome God is. They need to see the terror of the Lord and what He is capable of.
Prayer:
Father God, walk with me closely. Let those around me see You hand upon my life. Let even Your enemies see your power in my life. Replace any idols in my life with more love for You and obedience to you. Demonstrate Your power in my generation so that nobody can deny who You are.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, January 11, 2016
But You Said
Scripture:
Genesis 32:12 "But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted'".
Observation:
Jacob was trying to follow the word of the Lord to go back from Laban's house to his father's house. the problem was, he had tricked his brother out of his blessing and his birthright. He thought his brother was going to kill him. In his fear, he reminded the Lord, "You have said..."
Application;
When we go through things in life that are scary and difficult, we can say, 'but you said" to the Lord. We can remind god of what He has promised us. If we have heard the voice of the Lord clearly, or have promises in the Word of God, we can stand on them and remind God of His promises. I need to remind the Lord more instead of worrying about things.
Prayer:
Father, You are good and Your mercy endures forever. I remind You this morning of ever blessing You have promised me and my family. You have things to me about my family and I believe they will come to pass. Let my family fulfill Your will in the earth and let nothing stop it.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 32:12 "But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted'".
Observation:
Jacob was trying to follow the word of the Lord to go back from Laban's house to his father's house. the problem was, he had tricked his brother out of his blessing and his birthright. He thought his brother was going to kill him. In his fear, he reminded the Lord, "You have said..."
Application;
When we go through things in life that are scary and difficult, we can say, 'but you said" to the Lord. We can remind god of what He has promised us. If we have heard the voice of the Lord clearly, or have promises in the Word of God, we can stand on them and remind God of His promises. I need to remind the Lord more instead of worrying about things.
Prayer:
Father, You are good and Your mercy endures forever. I remind You this morning of ever blessing You have promised me and my family. You have things to me about my family and I believe they will come to pass. Let my family fulfill Your will in the earth and let nothing stop it.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, January 8, 2016
Difficult Obedience Brings Great Blessing
Scripture:
Genesis 22:18 "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me".
Observation:
God had just asked Abraham to make the greatest sacrifice possible. He didn't ask for Abraham to sacrifice 1000 sheep or 500 oxen. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, the son of his old age, the son that was promised by the Lord. When Abraham was obedient to the most difficult command, God stopped him from killing his own son and told him, "through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me".
Application:
There are times when God will test us to see what we are willing to sacrifice for Him. There are times when He wants to know just how obedient we will be when He tells us to do something difficult. Our obedience to the hard word of God brings about great blessing. When we obey in the easy things and it costs us nothing, there are rewards, but when we obey in seriously difficult times, extreme blessing will follow.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to say yes to "everything" you ask me to do. Give me the courage and strength to do the things that You put in my heart. Teach me to walk closer with you. I am willing to sacrifice for You, but I want to hear Your voice more clearly, like Abraham did. Speak to me Lord and I will obey.
Your Son,
Jeff
Genesis 22:18 "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me".
Observation:
God had just asked Abraham to make the greatest sacrifice possible. He didn't ask for Abraham to sacrifice 1000 sheep or 500 oxen. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, the son of his old age, the son that was promised by the Lord. When Abraham was obedient to the most difficult command, God stopped him from killing his own son and told him, "through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me".
Application:
There are times when God will test us to see what we are willing to sacrifice for Him. There are times when He wants to know just how obedient we will be when He tells us to do something difficult. Our obedience to the hard word of God brings about great blessing. When we obey in the easy things and it costs us nothing, there are rewards, but when we obey in seriously difficult times, extreme blessing will follow.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to say yes to "everything" you ask me to do. Give me the courage and strength to do the things that You put in my heart. Teach me to walk closer with you. I am willing to sacrifice for You, but I want to hear Your voice more clearly, like Abraham did. Speak to me Lord and I will obey.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Open Your Eyes
Scripture:
Genesis 21:19 "The God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink".
Observation:
Hagar had taken Ishmael away from Abraham's family and into the desert. In the desert, she came right to the place of death for her and her son. At that point, she called on the Lord. God told her that her son would become a great nation and He opened her eyes so that she saw a well of water. Either the well was miraculously put there, or she just couldn't see it in her condition.
Application:
Sometimes we need God to open our eyes because the answer we are looking for may be right beside us. We may be looking for an answer from the Lord and we may be closer than we think. It is easy to get distracted with apparent failures and setbacks in life. These things happen. When God opens our eyes, we may find out that it is not as bad as we thought it was.
Prayer:
Father, open my eyes to see how You are working in my life. Open my eyes to see Your plan in every area. Help me to know that my answer could be right beside me. Help me to trust You more and to walk in faith every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Genesis 21:19 "The God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink".
Observation:
Hagar had taken Ishmael away from Abraham's family and into the desert. In the desert, she came right to the place of death for her and her son. At that point, she called on the Lord. God told her that her son would become a great nation and He opened her eyes so that she saw a well of water. Either the well was miraculously put there, or she just couldn't see it in her condition.
Application:
Sometimes we need God to open our eyes because the answer we are looking for may be right beside us. We may be looking for an answer from the Lord and we may be closer than we think. It is easy to get distracted with apparent failures and setbacks in life. These things happen. When God opens our eyes, we may find out that it is not as bad as we thought it was.
Prayer:
Father, open my eyes to see how You are working in my life. Open my eyes to see Your plan in every area. Help me to know that my answer could be right beside me. Help me to trust You more and to walk in faith every day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Face to Face With God
Scripture:
Genesis 18:33 "When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home."
Observation:
In this passage of Scripture, I see something I have not seen before. I see that God would come down and speak with Abraham and have conversations with him. In the chapters ahead of this there are a couple references to God coming and speaking with Abraham and then going back away. It seems from this portion of scripture that God would come down and have conversations with Abraham.
Application:
Abraham is called the father of faith because he believed God. I personally want to meet with God like Abraham did. I want to converse with Him as friend with friend. I want the personal walk with God that Abraham had where God came down and spoke with him in what appears to be a very personal way. Abraham didn't question whether it was God or himself speaking. He had conversations with the Father. I want to have some conversations with the Lord.
Prayer:
Father God, I want to know You more and more in my life. I want a real relationship with You where we speak as friend with friend. I want more times where You come down and meet with me like You did with Abraham. I give myself to You. Come and meet with me. Show me things. Teach me things. Help me to walk more and more in line with You and Your will for my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Genesis 18:33 "When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home."
Observation:
In this passage of Scripture, I see something I have not seen before. I see that God would come down and speak with Abraham and have conversations with him. In the chapters ahead of this there are a couple references to God coming and speaking with Abraham and then going back away. It seems from this portion of scripture that God would come down and have conversations with Abraham.
Application:
Abraham is called the father of faith because he believed God. I personally want to meet with God like Abraham did. I want to converse with Him as friend with friend. I want the personal walk with God that Abraham had where God came down and spoke with him in what appears to be a very personal way. Abraham didn't question whether it was God or himself speaking. He had conversations with the Father. I want to have some conversations with the Lord.
Prayer:
Father God, I want to know You more and more in my life. I want a real relationship with You where we speak as friend with friend. I want more times where You come down and meet with me like You did with Abraham. I give myself to You. Come and meet with me. Show me things. Teach me things. Help me to walk more and more in line with You and Your will for my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
God Let's You Know What's Coming When You Follow Him
Scripture:
Genesis 15:13-14 "Then the Lord said to him, 'Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions'".
Observation:
God was speaking here to Abram about his family and future. At the time, Abram didn't even have any children, but the Lord told him he would have them like the the stars in the sky. The Lord went on to tell him his family's future and how they would become slaves. He also let him know that after four hundred years, they would come out with great possessions. Nothings surprises God. He knows what is coming far before it happens.
Application:
Just like God spoke to Abram about his family, He can speak to us today. The Holy Spirit came to "show us things to come" and to "lead us into all truth". We can trust a God who knows our future and has all power. Our job is to seek Him and be in right relationship with Him so that when He speaks, we will hear.
Prayer:
Father, You now my past, my present, and my future. You are my everything and I trust You. During this 21 day fast, open my ears to hear all You have to say. Help me to walk in faith and to trust You more. Show me things to come. Show me what decisions to make. Take control of my life and future. I am Yours.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 15:13-14 "Then the Lord said to him, 'Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions'".
Observation:
God was speaking here to Abram about his family and future. At the time, Abram didn't even have any children, but the Lord told him he would have them like the the stars in the sky. The Lord went on to tell him his family's future and how they would become slaves. He also let him know that after four hundred years, they would come out with great possessions. Nothings surprises God. He knows what is coming far before it happens.
Application:
Just like God spoke to Abram about his family, He can speak to us today. The Holy Spirit came to "show us things to come" and to "lead us into all truth". We can trust a God who knows our future and has all power. Our job is to seek Him and be in right relationship with Him so that when He speaks, we will hear.
Prayer:
Father, You now my past, my present, and my future. You are my everything and I trust You. During this 21 day fast, open my ears to hear all You have to say. Help me to walk in faith and to trust You more. Show me things to come. Show me what decisions to make. Take control of my life and future. I am Yours.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, January 4, 2016
Unity is Powerful
Scripture:
Genesis 11:6 "The Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan will be impossible for them'".
Observation:
At this point in time, there was only one language on the earth and the people had big plans. God literally had to confuse the languages and separate the people because, if they remained in this unity, nothing would be impossible for them.
Application:
What is impossible when a group gets in unity? In this passage, even God said nothing would be impossible for the people when they were of one language and going one direction. Unity is powerful and we need to harness it in our lives and relationships. When we walk in unity, we will see great things accomplished for God.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be used to bring unity to the body of Christ and to bridge gaps that have separated for years. Let my life bring about oneness in God's people. Let the people of Word of Life also become one in vision, direction and passion.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Genesis 11:6 "The Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan will be impossible for them'".
Observation:
At this point in time, there was only one language on the earth and the people had big plans. God literally had to confuse the languages and separate the people because, if they remained in this unity, nothing would be impossible for them.
Application:
What is impossible when a group gets in unity? In this passage, even God said nothing would be impossible for the people when they were of one language and going one direction. Unity is powerful and we need to harness it in our lives and relationships. When we walk in unity, we will see great things accomplished for God.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be used to bring unity to the body of Christ and to bridge gaps that have separated for years. Let my life bring about oneness in God's people. Let the people of Word of Life also become one in vision, direction and passion.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Favor with God
Scripture:
Genesis 6:8 "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord".
Observation:
God had just said that He was regretting ever making the human race and that He was going to destroy them and the earth they lived on. Then the word tells us that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Favor is a powerful thing!
Application:
We need to ask God for His favor to be on our life and we need to live lives that will attract His favor. God had favor on Noah and his family was protected when the entire population of the world was wiped out. We need to seek the Lord and ask for his favor, because when it is on our lives, we will be much different than everyone else. We will prosper when others are falling apart.
Prayer:
Father, let Your favor rest on my life. Allow me to have favor with God and with man as it was with Jesus. Help me to live a life that attracts Your favor. You are amazing and I love You with all my heart.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 6:8 "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord".
Observation:
God had just said that He was regretting ever making the human race and that He was going to destroy them and the earth they lived on. Then the word tells us that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Favor is a powerful thing!
Application:
We need to ask God for His favor to be on our life and we need to live lives that will attract His favor. God had favor on Noah and his family was protected when the entire population of the world was wiped out. We need to seek the Lord and ask for his favor, because when it is on our lives, we will be much different than everyone else. We will prosper when others are falling apart.
Prayer:
Father, let Your favor rest on my life. Allow me to have favor with God and with man as it was with Jesus. Help me to live a life that attracts Your favor. You are amazing and I love You with all my heart.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, January 1, 2016
Walking with God
Scripture:
Genesis 3:8 "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden".
Observation:
When God created Adam and Eve, He created them for relationship with Him. From this verse, it appears that God would come and walk with them and talk with them in the garden. I can't even imagine what was really lost at the fall of man. After the fall, Adam and Eve hid from the God who created them and loved them. They could no longer walk with Him as they had before.
Application:
God has always wanted to walk with His people and have relationship with them. His desire is relationship with those who are His. Our greatest desire in life should be to walk with Him as in the garden. Because of Jesus, we have access to God and can walk in the Spirit with Him. Our life goal should be to walk in unity with Him as Adam was suppose to.
Prayer:
Father, let me walk with you completely. Let me hear Your voice and let my life bring Your praise and honor. Help me to follow You wholeheartedly in every area of my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 3:8 "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden".
Observation:
When God created Adam and Eve, He created them for relationship with Him. From this verse, it appears that God would come and walk with them and talk with them in the garden. I can't even imagine what was really lost at the fall of man. After the fall, Adam and Eve hid from the God who created them and loved them. They could no longer walk with Him as they had before.
Application:
God has always wanted to walk with His people and have relationship with them. His desire is relationship with those who are His. Our greatest desire in life should be to walk with Him as in the garden. Because of Jesus, we have access to God and can walk in the Spirit with Him. Our life goal should be to walk in unity with Him as Adam was suppose to.
Prayer:
Father, let me walk with you completely. Let me hear Your voice and let my life bring Your praise and honor. Help me to follow You wholeheartedly in every area of my life.
Yours,
Jeff
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