Scripture:
Romans 1:8 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world".
Observation:
Paul tells the Romans that he is thankful for them because their faith is being reported all over the world. Apparently, the Romans had come into the faith and their faith was being talked about by others. Reports were going out to others about the faith of these Romans.
Application:
Is our faith being talked about all over the world? I want my faith to make a difference in the earth. I want to live a life that turns the world upside down. I want the name of Jesus to be lifted high in every nation in the world. I want my faith to increase stronger and stronger.
Prayer:
Father, Let me be a person of faith. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Teach me to live a life of faith and to live for You alone. I want to see Your name lifted high in every nation. Help me to live a life that brings You glory and advances Your Kingdom and Your purposes in the world.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Crying out to God in Times of Trouble
Scripture:
Judges 21:2 "The people went to Bethel, where they sat before God until evening, raising their voices and weeping bitterly".
Observation:
The tribe of Benjamin was just defeated by the rest of Israel for a terrible thing that had happened in it's borders. There were not many left and those who defeated them were upset because they were always the twelve tribes of Israel and now there were few of them and nobody was to take one of their daughters in marriage. When they realized the potential for disaster, they wept before the Lord bitterly.
Application:
Sometimes as followers of Christ, we tend to think that emotions are negative things and that grown men don't cry, or mature believers don't cry. There are times in our lives when we need to cry bitterly before the Lord. We shouldn't cry tears of self-pity, but there is a cry of sorrow that should come when we realize God's will is not happening, or when we fail Him. Our tears and cries, though, must be before God and not to everyone around us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to cry out more to You the things that are on my heart. Help me to pour out my heart before the Lord instead of feeling sorry for myself. Teach me when to be strong and when to weep bitterly before You.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Giving in to Nagging
Scripture:
Judges 16:15-16 "Then she said to him, 'How can you say, 'I love you', when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength.' With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it".
Observation:
Delilah nagged Samson and told him that he really didn't love her because he wouldn't confide in her. she continued nagging him until he broke down and told her, thus destroying his life and ministry. He was placed in a position of having to please God or please her and the nagging got to him.
Application:
People will sometimes try to manipulate us by nagging, begging, saying "I love you", etc. Our commitment to God must be strong enough to endure the nagging of the enemy to lower our morals and do what we know is wrong. Our relationship with God must be stronger than our relationship with any other person. We cannot give in the enemy, because when we do, the results are devastating. We must hold on, be strong and continue to serve the Lord, even when others are pulling us away.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, you are my strength and my redeemer. You are my rock and my fortress. Help me to follow You and You alone. Help me not to give in to nagging, manipulation, or anything that would try to pull me away from fulfilling Your will for my life. I am Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Judges 16:15-16 "Then she said to him, 'How can you say, 'I love you', when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength.' With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it".
Observation:
Delilah nagged Samson and told him that he really didn't love her because he wouldn't confide in her. she continued nagging him until he broke down and told her, thus destroying his life and ministry. He was placed in a position of having to please God or please her and the nagging got to him.
Application:
People will sometimes try to manipulate us by nagging, begging, saying "I love you", etc. Our commitment to God must be strong enough to endure the nagging of the enemy to lower our morals and do what we know is wrong. Our relationship with God must be stronger than our relationship with any other person. We cannot give in the enemy, because when we do, the results are devastating. We must hold on, be strong and continue to serve the Lord, even when others are pulling us away.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, you are my strength and my redeemer. You are my rock and my fortress. Help me to follow You and You alone. Help me not to give in to nagging, manipulation, or anything that would try to pull me away from fulfilling Your will for my life. I am Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Stirred Up
Scripture:
Judges 13:24-25 "The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Maheneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol".
Observation:
Here, as Samson is being described, it tells us that he grew and that the Lord blessed him. Then it says that the Lord "began to stir him". God began to do something in him that stirred him up and caused him to want to fulfill his calling.
Application:
God will "stir" His people and put a vision inside of them, to get them ready to do what they are called to do. God stirred up Samson, and He still stirs up people today. When God wants something done in the earth, He will stir someone up in the their spirit until they go out and do what He desires. We need to be asking God to "stir us up" until we accomplish His will in the earth.
Prayer:
Father, stir my heart until I do everything You have asked me to do. Don't let me be satisfied with less than Your will for my life. Stir me up to do Your will! Stir me up to accomplish everything You have put me here for.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Judges 13:24-25 "The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Maheneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol".
Observation:
Here, as Samson is being described, it tells us that he grew and that the Lord blessed him. Then it says that the Lord "began to stir him". God began to do something in him that stirred him up and caused him to want to fulfill his calling.
Application:
God will "stir" His people and put a vision inside of them, to get them ready to do what they are called to do. God stirred up Samson, and He still stirs up people today. When God wants something done in the earth, He will stir someone up in the their spirit until they go out and do what He desires. We need to be asking God to "stir us up" until we accomplish His will in the earth.
Prayer:
Father, stir my heart until I do everything You have asked me to do. Don't let me be satisfied with less than Your will for my life. Stir me up to do Your will! Stir me up to accomplish everything You have put me here for.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Scary Words From God
Scripture:
Judges 10:14 "God and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble".
Observation:
Israel was crying out to the Lord because the Ammonites were coming against them and they feared that they would be defeated. God's answer to them is a scary answer. The Lord responded by saying that He had already defeated them before, but that they had turned and begun worshiping the gods of the enemy and therefore, He would not save them. They began to serve the gods of the people they had been given victory over and God was offended.
Application:
When we give in to the things God has set us free from, we are doing the same thing the children of Israel did in this passage. When we go back to the things that we did in our past and rely on them instead of on God, we should expect to hear God say, "Let them save you when you are in trouble". We cannot go back to the things God has set us free from or we will end up back in bondage when God has already given us the victory.
Prayer:
Father, enable me to serve You completely and never look back. I want You to be my king, my God, my Lord, my Savior, and my defender. I want to be on your side. Help me to walk humbly before You all the days of my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Judges 10:14 "God and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble".
Observation:
Israel was crying out to the Lord because the Ammonites were coming against them and they feared that they would be defeated. God's answer to them is a scary answer. The Lord responded by saying that He had already defeated them before, but that they had turned and begun worshiping the gods of the enemy and therefore, He would not save them. They began to serve the gods of the people they had been given victory over and God was offended.
Application:
When we give in to the things God has set us free from, we are doing the same thing the children of Israel did in this passage. When we go back to the things that we did in our past and rely on them instead of on God, we should expect to hear God say, "Let them save you when you are in trouble". We cannot go back to the things God has set us free from or we will end up back in bondage when God has already given us the victory.
Prayer:
Father, enable me to serve You completely and never look back. I want You to be my king, my God, my Lord, my Savior, and my defender. I want to be on your side. Help me to walk humbly before You all the days of my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, April 22, 2016
Bold Declarations
Scripture:
Acts 27:22 "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed".
Observation:
Paul was on board a boat that had been through fourteen days of hurricane force winds. It appeared that there was no hope of them getting off of that boat because of the storm. The men had thrown everything over board and give up hope. Paul stepped in at this time and tells them that not one of them was going to die if they would listen to him. He tells them he had seen an angel who let him know everyone was going to be okay.
Application;
Sometimes we find ourselves in bad situations where we really don't know what to do. In those situations, sometimes we need to make some bold declarations. Paul made a bold declaration of faith that everyone was going to be okay if they would listen to him. There are times when we need to make strong faith declarations, but we also need to know we have heard from God when we make them. If Paul had been wrong, they surely would have killed him, yet he spoke what the angel said anyway. There is a time for bold declarations because in the end, those who hear them and see them come true will believe in God.
Prayer:
Father, increase my faith. Help me to walk in Your authority more and more in my life. Teach me to follow You and do what You say, even when that is a bold faith declaration that could be risky. First, let me hear Your voice more clearly every day, then let me be bold enough to say what You have said.
Yours,
Jeff
Acts 27:22 "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed".
Observation:
Paul was on board a boat that had been through fourteen days of hurricane force winds. It appeared that there was no hope of them getting off of that boat because of the storm. The men had thrown everything over board and give up hope. Paul stepped in at this time and tells them that not one of them was going to die if they would listen to him. He tells them he had seen an angel who let him know everyone was going to be okay.
Application;
Sometimes we find ourselves in bad situations where we really don't know what to do. In those situations, sometimes we need to make some bold declarations. Paul made a bold declaration of faith that everyone was going to be okay if they would listen to him. There are times when we need to make strong faith declarations, but we also need to know we have heard from God when we make them. If Paul had been wrong, they surely would have killed him, yet he spoke what the angel said anyway. There is a time for bold declarations because in the end, those who hear them and see them come true will believe in God.
Prayer:
Father, increase my faith. Help me to walk in Your authority more and more in my life. Teach me to follow You and do what You say, even when that is a bold faith declaration that could be risky. First, let me hear Your voice more clearly every day, then let me be bold enough to say what You have said.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Sent By God
Scripture:
Acts 26:17-18 "I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me".
Observation:
Paul was giving his defense before King Agrippa and telling him the story of his life and how he started preaching Jesus and being part of the Way. In his defense, he tells what Jesus told him when he first encountered Christ on the road to Damascus. Jesus told him that he was sent to open people's eyes, turn them from darkness, turn them from Satan to God, so that they might be forgiven for their sins and be sanctified.
Application:
When God call us, it always involves other people. Paul was sent by God to do the things mentioned above, but we are all called to serve people in some form or another. He had a very specific calling. Within his personal calling I believe we can see the overall call of God. He wants us to...open eyes and help turn people so that they can receive forgiveness and be sanctified. This is the overall calling of all of God's people.
Prayer:
Jesus, You said, "As the Father sent me, so I send you". Help me to realize that I have been sent to open people's eyes and to turn people from the power of Satan to the power of God. I want to see that happen more and more in my life. Help me to focus on what is important to You and to accomplish Your will with my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Acts 26:17-18 "I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me".
Observation:
Paul was giving his defense before King Agrippa and telling him the story of his life and how he started preaching Jesus and being part of the Way. In his defense, he tells what Jesus told him when he first encountered Christ on the road to Damascus. Jesus told him that he was sent to open people's eyes, turn them from darkness, turn them from Satan to God, so that they might be forgiven for their sins and be sanctified.
Application:
When God call us, it always involves other people. Paul was sent by God to do the things mentioned above, but we are all called to serve people in some form or another. He had a very specific calling. Within his personal calling I believe we can see the overall call of God. He wants us to...open eyes and help turn people so that they can receive forgiveness and be sanctified. This is the overall calling of all of God's people.
Prayer:
Jesus, You said, "As the Father sent me, so I send you". Help me to realize that I have been sent to open people's eyes and to turn people from the power of Satan to the power of God. I want to see that happen more and more in my life. Help me to focus on what is important to You and to accomplish Your will with my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Take Courage
Scripture:
Acts 23:11 "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome'".
Observation:
Paul had just been through a terrible ordeal where he was accused of all kinds of things simply because he was preaching the Good News. He ended up in a riot of people wanting him dead simply because he was telling the truth about his life and of Jesus. A group of people had taken an oath not to eat again until Paul was dead, then the Lord said, "Take courage!" and told him he had to do the same thing in Rome.
Application:
We generally ask, believe and trust God to get us out of bad situations. We tend to believe that, if God is in the situation, nothing bad will ever happen to us. Here we see Paul being told by the Lord to take courage because the terrible situation he had just walked through, was going to happen again. Instead of telling Paul that He was going to deliver him out of all his problems, the told Paul to take courage and face them. Every bad thing that happens to us, is not the enemy. Sometimes God uses bad situations in our lives to advance His cause in the earth and He may ask us to persevere in some things that we would rather be delivered out of.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to "take courage" from You concerning things in my life that I would like to see changed. Help me to pray accurately about the situations I face. Let me know when I need to stay and be strong and when I need to flee. Let me know when I need to take courage and when I need to seek a way out of a bad situation. Help me to know the difference and to follow You completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
Acts 23:11 "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome'".
Observation:
Paul had just been through a terrible ordeal where he was accused of all kinds of things simply because he was preaching the Good News. He ended up in a riot of people wanting him dead simply because he was telling the truth about his life and of Jesus. A group of people had taken an oath not to eat again until Paul was dead, then the Lord said, "Take courage!" and told him he had to do the same thing in Rome.
Application:
We generally ask, believe and trust God to get us out of bad situations. We tend to believe that, if God is in the situation, nothing bad will ever happen to us. Here we see Paul being told by the Lord to take courage because the terrible situation he had just walked through, was going to happen again. Instead of telling Paul that He was going to deliver him out of all his problems, the told Paul to take courage and face them. Every bad thing that happens to us, is not the enemy. Sometimes God uses bad situations in our lives to advance His cause in the earth and He may ask us to persevere in some things that we would rather be delivered out of.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to "take courage" from You concerning things in my life that I would like to see changed. Help me to pray accurately about the situations I face. Let me know when I need to stay and be strong and when I need to flee. Let me know when I need to take courage and when I need to seek a way out of a bad situation. Help me to know the difference and to follow You completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
My Only Aim
Scripture:
Acts 20:23-24 "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace".
Observation:
Paul was getting prophetic words in every city that he was going to be thrown into prison and that he would go through serious hardships. His reply to those giving these words was simply that it didn't matter to him if he lived or died, he had only one aim in life... to finish the race and complete all that Jesus wanted him to. He considered his life as worth nothing.
Application:
I want to live life like the Paul. His only aim was to finish the race God had set before him. I want to live a life of complete abandonment to my Lord and Savior. When we live that way, we will see God work in our lives in powerful ways.
Prayer:
Father, let my life shine for you. Help me to aim for the right things in life, your will. Help me to hear and know Your will at all times and keep me on the path to finish the course you have laid out for me. Don't let my life get off track.
Yours,
Jeff
Acts 20:23-24 "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace".
Observation:
Paul was getting prophetic words in every city that he was going to be thrown into prison and that he would go through serious hardships. His reply to those giving these words was simply that it didn't matter to him if he lived or died, he had only one aim in life... to finish the race and complete all that Jesus wanted him to. He considered his life as worth nothing.
Application:
I want to live life like the Paul. His only aim was to finish the race God had set before him. I want to live a life of complete abandonment to my Lord and Savior. When we live that way, we will see God work in our lives in powerful ways.
Prayer:
Father, let my life shine for you. Help me to aim for the right things in life, your will. Help me to hear and know Your will at all times and keep me on the path to finish the course you have laid out for me. Don't let my life get off track.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, April 18, 2016
Greatly Distressed
Scripture:
Acts 17:16 "While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols".
Observation:
I see here a couple words that describe how Paul felt when he realized the city of Athens, a large, influential city, was full of idols. It says he was "Greatly Distressed". It really bothered him inside, that this powerful city was given to idolatry.
Application:
When is the last time that the godlessness of my region caused me to be greatly distressed? When Paul saw what was happening in the city, he was greatly distressed by it and we should be as well when we see the lost people of our cities. May God allow us to be broken for the things that break His heart. We need to be more "greatly distressed" about the condition of our country.
Prayer:
Father, work in my heart until I become greatly distressed about the spiritual condition of the United States of America. I have been distressed enough to talk about it and the need for revival, but not deeply distressed enough to have it on my mind enough to actually do something about it. Work in my heart and let me feel what You feel when You see lost, broken people.
Your Son,
Jeff
Acts 17:16 "While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols".
Observation:
I see here a couple words that describe how Paul felt when he realized the city of Athens, a large, influential city, was full of idols. It says he was "Greatly Distressed". It really bothered him inside, that this powerful city was given to idolatry.
Application:
When is the last time that the godlessness of my region caused me to be greatly distressed? When Paul saw what was happening in the city, he was greatly distressed by it and we should be as well when we see the lost people of our cities. May God allow us to be broken for the things that break His heart. We need to be more "greatly distressed" about the condition of our country.
Prayer:
Father, work in my heart until I become greatly distressed about the spiritual condition of the United States of America. I have been distressed enough to talk about it and the need for revival, but not deeply distressed enough to have it on my mind enough to actually do something about it. Work in my heart and let me feel what You feel when You see lost, broken people.
Your Son,
Jeff
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Hardships
Scripture:
Acts 14:22 "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God', they said".
Observation:
This is the message Paul and Barnabus brought when they returned to strengthen and encourage early believers in cities they had preached in. They were preaching and letting people know that they were going to have to stay strong and true to the faith they had received. In their preaching, they told them, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God".
Application:
We try to make the Gospel so easy and make great promises of how wonderful life will be when you make Jesus Lord. We tend to focus on how beautiful life with Christ is going to be, but the early disciples taught that people were going to have to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. They taught that what they were receiving in the future was worth any hardship in the present.
Prayer:
Father, help me to have a focus on eternity that causes me to be willing to do anything for you here with joy. Paul and Barnabus were willing to be beaten, stoned, and run out of town on Your behalf and were willing to endure anything because they knew they were inheriting a kingdom that was coming. Help me face hardships well.
Yours,
Jeff
Acts 14:22 "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God', they said".
Observation:
This is the message Paul and Barnabus brought when they returned to strengthen and encourage early believers in cities they had preached in. They were preaching and letting people know that they were going to have to stay strong and true to the faith they had received. In their preaching, they told them, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God".
Application:
We try to make the Gospel so easy and make great promises of how wonderful life will be when you make Jesus Lord. We tend to focus on how beautiful life with Christ is going to be, but the early disciples taught that people were going to have to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. They taught that what they were receiving in the future was worth any hardship in the present.
Prayer:
Father, help me to have a focus on eternity that causes me to be willing to do anything for you here with joy. Paul and Barnabus were willing to be beaten, stoned, and run out of town on Your behalf and were willing to endure anything because they knew they were inheriting a kingdom that was coming. Help me face hardships well.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, April 15, 2016
God Sees What Man Doesn't
Scripture:
Acts 7:35 "This is the same Moses they rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush".
Observation:
This verse stands out to me this morning because I love it when God takes someone the world sees no potential in and uses them for His glory. The same guy who 40 years earlier was told by the people of Israel, Who do you think you are?, became their ruler and deliverer. God will take a person who the world sees as useless and not having what it takes to lead them where they need to go.
Application:
When people don't believe in you, that doesn't mean that God doesn't believe in you. We must realize that God's opinion of us is more important than man's opinion. We must come to grips with the fact that God can choose anyone to work through, regardless if others see the potential in them or not. We must learn to trust God's opinion more than man's.
Prayer:
Holy One, I ask You this morning to help me see myself the way You see me and not the way others may see me. Help me to know that You can still work in and through my life, even when others may think it's not possible. You are amazing God and I love you! Thanks for believing in me.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Acts 7:35 "This is the same Moses they rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush".
Observation:
This verse stands out to me this morning because I love it when God takes someone the world sees no potential in and uses them for His glory. The same guy who 40 years earlier was told by the people of Israel, Who do you think you are?, became their ruler and deliverer. God will take a person who the world sees as useless and not having what it takes to lead them where they need to go.
Application:
When people don't believe in you, that doesn't mean that God doesn't believe in you. We must realize that God's opinion of us is more important than man's opinion. We must come to grips with the fact that God can choose anyone to work through, regardless if others see the potential in them or not. We must learn to trust God's opinion more than man's.
Prayer:
Holy One, I ask You this morning to help me see myself the way You see me and not the way others may see me. Help me to know that You can still work in and through my life, even when others may think it's not possible. You are amazing God and I love you! Thanks for believing in me.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, April 14, 2016
No Other Name
Scripture:
Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved".
Observation:
When Peter and John were put in jail for healing a man who had never walked and were brought before the Council, they didn't back down or apologize for what they believed. They stood up and spoke the truth that salvation can be found in no other name than Jesus, then they went on to say that it was the same Jesus that they had crucified.
Application:
Today, this would be called politically incorrect. They would be called prideful and arrogant because they believe that their view is correct. They would be told that they don't have an open mind because there might be other ways to God and that other religions need to be honored and seen as equally valuable for people to follow. We must stand up for what we believe in. If Jesus said no one will see the Father except through Him, then we must proclaim the same and leave the results up to God. There is truly no other name that can bring salvation than the name of Jesus. May we be bold about our savior and stop cowering to not wanting to offend anyone because of their religion.
Prayer:
Father, give me boldness today to walk in truth and to not be silent about who Jesus is. Empower me to lift up the name of Jesus everywhere I go today. Help me not to be persuaded by the opinions of man, but to fulfill the will of my Father. Truly Jesus has saved my life and given me hope and a future. His name I will declare as the only way to the Father.
Your Son,
Jeff
Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved".
Observation:
When Peter and John were put in jail for healing a man who had never walked and were brought before the Council, they didn't back down or apologize for what they believed. They stood up and spoke the truth that salvation can be found in no other name than Jesus, then they went on to say that it was the same Jesus that they had crucified.
Application:
Today, this would be called politically incorrect. They would be called prideful and arrogant because they believe that their view is correct. They would be told that they don't have an open mind because there might be other ways to God and that other religions need to be honored and seen as equally valuable for people to follow. We must stand up for what we believe in. If Jesus said no one will see the Father except through Him, then we must proclaim the same and leave the results up to God. There is truly no other name that can bring salvation than the name of Jesus. May we be bold about our savior and stop cowering to not wanting to offend anyone because of their religion.
Prayer:
Father, give me boldness today to walk in truth and to not be silent about who Jesus is. Empower me to lift up the name of Jesus everywhere I go today. Help me not to be persuaded by the opinions of man, but to fulfill the will of my Father. Truly Jesus has saved my life and given me hope and a future. His name I will declare as the only way to the Father.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Devoted to the Right Things
Scripture:
Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer".
Observation:
After the incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the very next thing we see the apostles and the early church giving themselves to is so important. It tells us they were "devoted" to the right things. Devoted implies that it was with strong conviction and discipline. They were devoted to teaching, fellowship, eating together or the Lord's Supper and prayer. The next verse says that everyone was in awe of the signs and wonders performed by the apostles.
Application:
Maybe being devoted to the right things really does bring about the blessing of God. Many people want to see signs and wonders, but are they devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer? We need to implement all of these things into our lives if we want to walk in the power of the early church and the power that is available to us today.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and I love You with all my heart. Help me to devote myself to what is truly important in this life. Help me to have the discipline to do things Your way and not simply follow my own plans and ideas. Your way is always best.
Yours,
Jeff
Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer".
Observation:
After the incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the very next thing we see the apostles and the early church giving themselves to is so important. It tells us they were "devoted" to the right things. Devoted implies that it was with strong conviction and discipline. They were devoted to teaching, fellowship, eating together or the Lord's Supper and prayer. The next verse says that everyone was in awe of the signs and wonders performed by the apostles.
Application:
Maybe being devoted to the right things really does bring about the blessing of God. Many people want to see signs and wonders, but are they devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer? We need to implement all of these things into our lives if we want to walk in the power of the early church and the power that is available to us today.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and I love You with all my heart. Help me to devote myself to what is truly important in this life. Help me to have the discipline to do things Your way and not simply follow my own plans and ideas. Your way is always best.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Giving What You've Been Given
Scripture:
Joshua 23:6 "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or the left",
Observation:
In the first chapter of Joshua, we read words that are almost exactly the same as these. When God called Joshua and commissioned him to lead the people of Israel, He used the exact same words. In this passage, now years later with tons of land conquered and now a powerful nation, Joshua gives the same speech he was given at the beginning of his ministry. At the end of his life, he was still preaching what he was called to at the beginning of his ministry.
Application:
When God speaks to us, it never leaves us. In most people's lives we see the same thing. Whatever God speaks to us as we enter ministry, seems to be the thing we lean on the most and use the most in our ministry. God gives us a life message that we are to give away our entire ministry. For me, when God called me He spoke two words to me, "no compromise". I'm sure the last messages in my life will be laced with a message of no compromise.
Prayer:
Father, help me to give away what You have given me. Help me to communicate effectively all that You have given me. Empower my life and cause me to communicate Your word with passion and power. Help me to follow You wholeheartedly.
Yours,
Jeff
Joshua 23:6 "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or the left",
Observation:
In the first chapter of Joshua, we read words that are almost exactly the same as these. When God called Joshua and commissioned him to lead the people of Israel, He used the exact same words. In this passage, now years later with tons of land conquered and now a powerful nation, Joshua gives the same speech he was given at the beginning of his ministry. At the end of his life, he was still preaching what he was called to at the beginning of his ministry.
Application:
When God speaks to us, it never leaves us. In most people's lives we see the same thing. Whatever God speaks to us as we enter ministry, seems to be the thing we lean on the most and use the most in our ministry. God gives us a life message that we are to give away our entire ministry. For me, when God called me He spoke two words to me, "no compromise". I'm sure the last messages in my life will be laced with a message of no compromise.
Prayer:
Father, help me to give away what You have given me. Help me to communicate effectively all that You have given me. Empower my life and cause me to communicate Your word with passion and power. Help me to follow You wholeheartedly.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, April 11, 2016
God's Faithfulness is Incredible
Scripture:
Joshua 21:45 "Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled".
Observation:
Just prior to this passage, we were reminded of the inheritance of the Promised Land that each of the tribes received as their portion. It was exactly what the Lord had promised Moses so many years before. God promised Moses, the people messed up and were punished, but God still honored His word and brought them into the land He had promised. He is faithful!
Application:
We can rely on the faithfulness of God. He is faithful! Even when we are unfaithful to Him, He is faithful to us. We must thank God for His faithfulness and trust Him more and more with our lives. When God says something, He means it and will back it up. We must look at His word and trust that He will do what His word says He will do.
Prayer:
Father God, you are faithful! Your word is true! You keep your word for generations and do what you say you will do. Thank You for being faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to You. Help me to trust You and Your Word more and more each day.
Yours,
Jeff
Joshua 21:45 "Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled".
Observation:
Just prior to this passage, we were reminded of the inheritance of the Promised Land that each of the tribes received as their portion. It was exactly what the Lord had promised Moses so many years before. God promised Moses, the people messed up and were punished, but God still honored His word and brought them into the land He had promised. He is faithful!
Application:
We can rely on the faithfulness of God. He is faithful! Even when we are unfaithful to Him, He is faithful to us. We must thank God for His faithfulness and trust Him more and more with our lives. When God says something, He means it and will back it up. We must look at His word and trust that He will do what His word says He will do.
Prayer:
Father God, you are faithful! Your word is true! You keep your word for generations and do what you say you will do. Thank You for being faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to You. Help me to trust You and Your Word more and more each day.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Confidence in God
Scripture:
Joshua 14:11-12 "I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle no as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."
Observation:
Caleb was now eighty five years old and asked Joshua for the land that was promised to him 45 years earlier. He was given everything God had promised him, it just took 45 years for him to inherit his promise. In this passage, Caleb was fully confident that at 85, with God's help, he could defeat the giants who were inhabiting the land he was promised.
Application:
Just like Caleb, we need to have confidence in God. God can do absolutely anything. Nothing is impossible for Him. He is able to deliver what He promised, even if we think we are too old, too undereducated, too poor, etc. God is God and we must have faith like Caleb that tells us that God will come through on His promises.
Prayer:
Father, increase my confidence in You. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and to act accordingly. Help me to realize that You are going before me and that You are able to defeat every enemy that stands between me and the promises You have given me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Joshua 14:11-12 "I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle no as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."
Observation:
Caleb was now eighty five years old and asked Joshua for the land that was promised to him 45 years earlier. He was given everything God had promised him, it just took 45 years for him to inherit his promise. In this passage, Caleb was fully confident that at 85, with God's help, he could defeat the giants who were inhabiting the land he was promised.
Application:
Just like Caleb, we need to have confidence in God. God can do absolutely anything. Nothing is impossible for Him. He is able to deliver what He promised, even if we think we are too old, too undereducated, too poor, etc. God is God and we must have faith like Caleb that tells us that God will come through on His promises.
Prayer:
Father, increase my confidence in You. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and to act accordingly. Help me to realize that You are going before me and that You are able to defeat every enemy that stands between me and the promises You have given me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, April 8, 2016
When God Fights For You
Scripture:
Joshua 10:42 "All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel".
Observation:
When Joshua and the people of Israel walked into the Promised Land, there were lots of cities and regions that needed conquered. As long as the people followed the ways and decrees of the Lord, He fought for them and they absolutely destroyed every enemy. Instead of them fighting and God helping, God fought for them and they got to come along for the ride.
Application:
When God fights your battles, you have nothing to fear. When God is fighting for you, every enemy will be destroyed. God doesn't lose, but when His people don't follow Him and live by His commands, His hands are tied from wiping out their enemies. When we walk in obedience to the voice of God, every enemy will be defeated because God won't just fight with us, but He will fight for us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live in total obedience to You at all times. Help me to fulfill Your will for my life above all. Teach me Your ways and Your will. Help me to walk in humility before You. I want You to fight on my behalf. You never lose!
Yours,
Jeff
Joshua 10:42 "All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel".
Observation:
When Joshua and the people of Israel walked into the Promised Land, there were lots of cities and regions that needed conquered. As long as the people followed the ways and decrees of the Lord, He fought for them and they absolutely destroyed every enemy. Instead of them fighting and God helping, God fought for them and they got to come along for the ride.
Application:
When God fights your battles, you have nothing to fear. When God is fighting for you, every enemy will be destroyed. God doesn't lose, but when His people don't follow Him and live by His commands, His hands are tied from wiping out their enemies. When we walk in obedience to the voice of God, every enemy will be defeated because God won't just fight with us, but He will fight for us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live in total obedience to You at all times. Help me to fulfill Your will for my life above all. Teach me Your ways and Your will. Help me to walk in humility before You. I want You to fight on my behalf. You never lose!
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Inquire of the Lord
Scripture:
Joshua 9:14 "The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath".
Observation:
The Gibeonites were lying to Joshua and his people. They had deceived them and caused them to make a treaty with them, even though God had told them not to make a treaty. Joshua and his leaders did not inquire of the Lord on the matter, they looked at the evidence and made a decision without asking God. This decision ended up causing the people Israel much grief.
Application:
God wants his children to come to Him and ask Him concerning the details of our lives. Sometimes we don't want to bother God with our problems, we feel like we can work it out without Him. Sometimes the evidence looks so strong that we don't feel like we need to ask God, but we always need to ask God. His opinion matters most. He knows what we need to do and will show us as we continue to seek Him.
Prayer:
Father, I need to hear Your voice clearly. Speak to me and don't allow the seemingly obvious dictate my decisions. I want Your input on every detail of my life. Show me the way. Holy Spirit I need You to speak to me and make Your will known in every area of my life. I put You first in my life a long time ago. Lead me into all truth I pray,
Your Son,
Jeff
Joshua 9:14 "The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath".
Observation:
The Gibeonites were lying to Joshua and his people. They had deceived them and caused them to make a treaty with them, even though God had told them not to make a treaty. Joshua and his leaders did not inquire of the Lord on the matter, they looked at the evidence and made a decision without asking God. This decision ended up causing the people Israel much grief.
Application:
God wants his children to come to Him and ask Him concerning the details of our lives. Sometimes we don't want to bother God with our problems, we feel like we can work it out without Him. Sometimes the evidence looks so strong that we don't feel like we need to ask God, but we always need to ask God. His opinion matters most. He knows what we need to do and will show us as we continue to seek Him.
Prayer:
Father, I need to hear Your voice clearly. Speak to me and don't allow the seemingly obvious dictate my decisions. I want Your input on every detail of my life. Show me the way. Holy Spirit I need You to speak to me and make Your will known in every area of my life. I put You first in my life a long time ago. Lead me into all truth I pray,
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Memorial Stones
Scripture:
Joshua 4:7 "Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever",
Observation:
When God brought the people of Israel over the Jordan River on dry ground, He told them to have one person from each tribe pick up a stone from the midst of the river bed and carry it on their shoulders until they reached the other side. They were then to assemble the twelve stones as a memorial so that whenever someone asked what they meant, they would tell them what God had done for Israel.
Application:
We need to set up some memorial stones in our lives. When God does something for us, we should make something that lets us look back and remember what the Lord has done. Sometimes we are so easy to forget the great things the Lord has done for us. When troubles come, it seems like we forget how He has brought us out before. We need memorials to remind us of how He has worked in our lives in the past.
Prayer:
Father, help me to set up some memorials to what You have done in my life. You have rescued me so many times personally. You have provided incredibly so many times. You have taken care of me and my family. I want to say thank You, but I also want to share with others what all You have done for me. Show me ways I can do this in my life as a memorial to your goodness.
Yours,
Jeff
Joshua 4:7 "Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever",
Observation:
When God brought the people of Israel over the Jordan River on dry ground, He told them to have one person from each tribe pick up a stone from the midst of the river bed and carry it on their shoulders until they reached the other side. They were then to assemble the twelve stones as a memorial so that whenever someone asked what they meant, they would tell them what God had done for Israel.
Application:
We need to set up some memorial stones in our lives. When God does something for us, we should make something that lets us look back and remember what the Lord has done. Sometimes we are so easy to forget the great things the Lord has done for us. When troubles come, it seems like we forget how He has brought us out before. We need memorials to remind us of how He has worked in our lives in the past.
Prayer:
Father, help me to set up some memorials to what You have done in my life. You have rescued me so many times personally. You have provided incredibly so many times. You have taken care of me and my family. I want to say thank You, but I also want to share with others what all You have done for me. Show me ways I can do this in my life as a memorial to your goodness.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
God With Us
Scripture:
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go".
Observation:
As God was preparing Joshua to lead His people into the Promised Land, He told Joshua that he could be strong and courageous, not because he was a great leader, not because he was a military genius, but because the Lord God was going to be with him.
Application:
God with us, is so crucial in life. We need to realize that our capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, leadership qualities, etc. are not as important as having the Lord God with us wherever we go. The most important thing in our lives is having God be with us in everything we do. When He is with us, we cannot fail. When He is with us, we will defeat every enemy. The most important thing we need for life is to have God with us. When He is... everything else will work out.
Prayer:
Thank You Father for being with me throughout my life. Thank You for going before me and opening doors. Thank You for defeating every enemy that has come against me. Thank You for leading me, directing me and guiding me throughout my life. Thanks for all You do in my life! You are amazing!
Jeff
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go".
Observation:
As God was preparing Joshua to lead His people into the Promised Land, He told Joshua that he could be strong and courageous, not because he was a great leader, not because he was a military genius, but because the Lord God was going to be with him.
Application:
God with us, is so crucial in life. We need to realize that our capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, leadership qualities, etc. are not as important as having the Lord God with us wherever we go. The most important thing in our lives is having God be with us in everything we do. When He is with us, we cannot fail. When He is with us, we will defeat every enemy. The most important thing we need for life is to have God with us. When He is... everything else will work out.
Prayer:
Thank You Father for being with me throughout my life. Thank You for going before me and opening doors. Thank You for defeating every enemy that has come against me. Thank You for leading me, directing me and guiding me throughout my life. Thanks for all You do in my life! You are amazing!
Jeff
Monday, April 4, 2016
What Did Jesus Do?
Scripture:
John 21:25 "Jesus did other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written".
Observation:
John tells us the story of the resurrection and many of the post-resurrection experiences with Jesus. He then goes on to say that he had written these things so that we would believe and that we would have life in Him. He also lets us know that there was a whole lot that was not written down, we just got the highlites.
Application:
Jesus did so much in His 33 years on earth and really in His 3.5 years of ministry, that the books of the entire world could be filled with His writings. I realize this is exaggeration, but it also lets us know that Jesus did much more than what we have recorded. He is still doing so much unrecorded stuff today. he is working all over the earth and many don't see it. His work has multiplied around the globe and His kingdom is growing. He is amazing and continues to do the works He did while on the earth.
Prayer:
Jesus, work in and through my life. Let's write some books about what You are doing in the earth today. Let's walk together and fill books with Your exploits in the earth. You are incredible and I love serving You. Help me to walk closer and closer to You every day.
Yours,
Jeff
John 21:25 "Jesus did other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written".
Observation:
John tells us the story of the resurrection and many of the post-resurrection experiences with Jesus. He then goes on to say that he had written these things so that we would believe and that we would have life in Him. He also lets us know that there was a whole lot that was not written down, we just got the highlites.
Application:
Jesus did so much in His 33 years on earth and really in His 3.5 years of ministry, that the books of the entire world could be filled with His writings. I realize this is exaggeration, but it also lets us know that Jesus did much more than what we have recorded. He is still doing so much unrecorded stuff today. he is working all over the earth and many don't see it. His work has multiplied around the globe and His kingdom is growing. He is amazing and continues to do the works He did while on the earth.
Prayer:
Jesus, work in and through my life. Let's write some books about what You are doing in the earth today. Let's walk together and fill books with Your exploits in the earth. You are incredible and I love serving You. Help me to walk closer and closer to You every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Remain in Him
Scripture:
John 15:7 "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you".
Observation:
Jesus told His disciples just before His betrayal and death, that if they would remain in him and His words would remain in them, they would ask for whatever they wished and it would be done by His father so that the Father would be glorified.
Application:
I think the focus here is on remaining more than anything else. Jesus was telling us that we needed to remain, stay, continue, etc. in Him and His teachings. When we do our part, He says we can ask whatever we want and He would do it for us. Our part is in the remaining, He does the rest. We can't make anything happen. Our job is to remain, abide, stay, in Christ 24/7, then we will see His blessing in and on our lives.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to remain. Teach me to stay in your words and with You throughout my day. Let my life be a reflection of Your goodness and glory. Let me abide in You and Your words abide in me all day every day. I want my life to bear much fruit.
Yours,
Jeff
John 15:7 "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you".
Observation:
Jesus told His disciples just before His betrayal and death, that if they would remain in him and His words would remain in them, they would ask for whatever they wished and it would be done by His father so that the Father would be glorified.
Application:
I think the focus here is on remaining more than anything else. Jesus was telling us that we needed to remain, stay, continue, etc. in Him and His teachings. When we do our part, He says we can ask whatever we want and He would do it for us. Our part is in the remaining, He does the rest. We can't make anything happen. Our job is to remain, abide, stay, in Christ 24/7, then we will see His blessing in and on our lives.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to remain. Teach me to stay in your words and with You throughout my day. Let my life be a reflection of Your goodness and glory. Let me abide in You and Your words abide in me all day every day. I want my life to bear much fruit.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, April 1, 2016
Knowing Jesus
Scripture:
John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me".
Observation:
Jesus was sharing with His followers and comparing His role to that of a shepherd and their role as that of sheep. In this passage, He tells the that He knows His sheep and that His sheep know Him.
Application:
Do we really know Jesus? How well do we really know Him? Sheep know that voice of their shepherd and follow his commands. A stranger cannot lead them because they know the one they are suppose to be following. How well do we know that voice of our shepherd? Are we tuned in to His voice so that when he whispers, we respond. We need to seek our Lord until we KNOW Him.
Prayer:
Jesus, I want to know You more. I want to know Your voice and I don't want to follow the voice of another. Help me to follow completely when You speak, but also adjust my hearing because I want to know that I know when I hear from You. Let my ears be tuned to Your voice and let my heart follow You completely.
Yours,
Jeff
John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me".
Observation:
Jesus was sharing with His followers and comparing His role to that of a shepherd and their role as that of sheep. In this passage, He tells the that He knows His sheep and that His sheep know Him.
Application:
Do we really know Jesus? How well do we really know Him? Sheep know that voice of their shepherd and follow his commands. A stranger cannot lead them because they know the one they are suppose to be following. How well do we know that voice of our shepherd? Are we tuned in to His voice so that when he whispers, we respond. We need to seek our Lord until we KNOW Him.
Prayer:
Jesus, I want to know You more. I want to know Your voice and I don't want to follow the voice of another. Help me to follow completely when You speak, but also adjust my hearing because I want to know that I know when I hear from You. Let my ears be tuned to Your voice and let my heart follow You completely.
Yours,
Jeff
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)