Scripture:
I Kings 10:1 "When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship with the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions".
Observation:
Solomon was incredibly wealthy and had abundance of everything. Other royal families all over the earth were hearing about the wisdom of Solomon and the splendor of his kingdom. The queen of Sheba came to visit him because she heard of his fame and "his relationship with the Lord". Not only was Solomon famous for his money, but for his relationship with the Lord.
Application:
Can you imagine walking with the Lord so much that people come from far away because they hear about your relationship with the Lord? Can you imagine being famous because of your relationship with the Lord? I want a relationship with the Lord that provokes people to jealousy. I want to walk with the Lord at deeper levels. I want to be known more for my relationship with God than for what God has done through my life.
Prayer:
Father, I want to walk with You throughout this life. I want to know You and fellowship with You. I want to walk with you as friend with friend. Help me to live a life that You can trust. Teach me to know You more and more. I want to develop our relationship into deeper levels.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Friday, May 27, 2016
True Prophetic
Scripture:
I Corinthians 14:24-25 "But if an unbeliever or an inquirer come in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, 'God is really among you!'"
Observation:
Paul here is bringing correction to the Corinthian church, who apparently did a lot of speaking in tongues in their public meetings. He was telling them that prophecy is better than tongues unless tongues is interpreted. He gives a picture of an unbeliever coming into a meeting where people are prophesying and says that they will be convicted of sin and judgment their secrets will be laid bare and they will fall down and worship God saying that God is really here!
Application:
I want to see lost people walk into a church and see the real deal going on prophetically. I want them to have God speak to them directly and to see them fall on their knees in repentance and begin worshiping God. I want God's presence to be so real in our church that unbelievers say, "God is really among you!" Let the true prophetic flow!
Prayer:
Father, let the true prophetic flow in and through my life. Help me to hear Your voice and accurately speak on Your behalf. I want to see ungodly people fall on their knees and worship You. I want to see unbelievers and inquirers be brought under conviction and their hearts laid bare. I want You to move in power in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Corinthians 14:24-25 "But if an unbeliever or an inquirer come in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, 'God is really among you!'"
Observation:
Paul here is bringing correction to the Corinthian church, who apparently did a lot of speaking in tongues in their public meetings. He was telling them that prophecy is better than tongues unless tongues is interpreted. He gives a picture of an unbeliever coming into a meeting where people are prophesying and says that they will be convicted of sin and judgment their secrets will be laid bare and they will fall down and worship God saying that God is really here!
Application:
I want to see lost people walk into a church and see the real deal going on prophetically. I want them to have God speak to them directly and to see them fall on their knees in repentance and begin worshiping God. I want God's presence to be so real in our church that unbelievers say, "God is really among you!" Let the true prophetic flow!
Prayer:
Father, let the true prophetic flow in and through my life. Help me to hear Your voice and accurately speak on Your behalf. I want to see ungodly people fall on their knees and worship You. I want to see unbelievers and inquirers be brought under conviction and their hearts laid bare. I want You to move in power in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Be Careful!
Scripture:
I Corinthians 10:12-13 "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it".
Observation;
Paul starts this out and tells us that when we think we are standing strong, we need to be careful so that we don't fall. He goes on to say that God will give us a way of escape from temptation, but we need to be careful. God will give the way of escape, but we must be careful and realize that we are not as strong as we think we are. He does let us know that we can endure it as well.
Application:
As believers, sometimes we feel like we are above temptation. We need to have a realistic mindset when it comes to sin. We were born into sin and have a sin nature. Christ gives us power over sin and we are no longer a slave to it in Him, but we must also realize that we are human and have times where we struggle in our faith and when things happen around us that we are ready for. Satan would love to see us fall, therefore, we must be careful.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live a careful life of obedience to You. Help me not be influenced by temporary struggles, but to keep my eyes on You at all times. Help me to never think that I am above falling. Thanks for Your word this morning. I love You!
Your Son,
Jeff
I Corinthians 10:12-13 "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it".
Observation;
Paul starts this out and tells us that when we think we are standing strong, we need to be careful so that we don't fall. He goes on to say that God will give us a way of escape from temptation, but we need to be careful. God will give the way of escape, but we must be careful and realize that we are not as strong as we think we are. He does let us know that we can endure it as well.
Application:
As believers, sometimes we feel like we are above temptation. We need to have a realistic mindset when it comes to sin. We were born into sin and have a sin nature. Christ gives us power over sin and we are no longer a slave to it in Him, but we must also realize that we are human and have times where we struggle in our faith and when things happen around us that we are ready for. Satan would love to see us fall, therefore, we must be careful.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live a careful life of obedience to You. Help me not be influenced by temporary struggles, but to keep my eyes on You at all times. Help me to never think that I am above falling. Thanks for Your word this morning. I love You!
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
By All Possible Means
Scripture:
I Corinthians 9:22 "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all means I might save some".
Observation:
Paul is talking here about earning his own living and working among the people instead of living from offerings of the churches. He is telling them that he has done everything possible not to offend anyone and to live in such a way that he can reach people. He says that he became all things to all people so that by all means he may save some. Paul went to "all possible means" to save some people.
Application:
Today we don't want to be inconvenienced in any way. If it is uncomfortable to us, we don't feel like God would want us to do it. We like everything to be nice and neat and to feel good and make us happy. We need to take on the heart of the Apostle Paul that says, "by all possible means" I will reach people. We must be willing to endure some things and walk through some things in order to reach some people. We must be willing to sacrifice for the Gospel in order to be effective. Sometimes reaching people for Christ is going to cost us something. We must be willing to pay the price.
Prayer:
Father, I want to reach more people this year by personal evangelism than every before. Help me to speak to people more and more about You. Help me to use "all possible means" to reach out to others. I want to build Your kingdom. Help me to do it and to be willing to use whatever means needed.
Yours,
Jeff
I Corinthians 9:22 "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all means I might save some".
Observation:
Paul is talking here about earning his own living and working among the people instead of living from offerings of the churches. He is telling them that he has done everything possible not to offend anyone and to live in such a way that he can reach people. He says that he became all things to all people so that by all means he may save some. Paul went to "all possible means" to save some people.
Application:
Today we don't want to be inconvenienced in any way. If it is uncomfortable to us, we don't feel like God would want us to do it. We like everything to be nice and neat and to feel good and make us happy. We need to take on the heart of the Apostle Paul that says, "by all possible means" I will reach people. We must be willing to endure some things and walk through some things in order to reach some people. We must be willing to sacrifice for the Gospel in order to be effective. Sometimes reaching people for Christ is going to cost us something. We must be willing to pay the price.
Prayer:
Father, I want to reach more people this year by personal evangelism than every before. Help me to speak to people more and more about You. Help me to use "all possible means" to reach out to others. I want to build Your kingdom. Help me to do it and to be willing to use whatever means needed.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Power Check
Scripture:
I Corinthians 4:19-20 "But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power".
Observation:
Paul was confronting the Corinthians about their sinful lives and the way they were living. They were apparently proud, bold, and thought they knew everything. They were full of sin and making excuses for it. Paul tells them that he will be coming very soon and that then he will find out what kind of power they have because the kingdom of God is not about talk, but power. Paul was going to do a power check.
Application:
When there is sin, arrogance, pride, rebellion, etc. in our lives, our power level will be draining quickly. Samson woke up one day and realized his power was gone. We are often proud of ourselves because we know so much Bible, but we need to do a power check to see if God is really still working with us. God's kingdom is a kingdom of power, which should produce results. Are we producing or are we powerless?
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk humbly before you always. Help me to keep my eye on the main thing, You and Your Kingdom. Help me to fulfill all You have called me to. I love You and want to bring You great joy with my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Corinthians 4:19-20 "But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power".
Observation:
Paul was confronting the Corinthians about their sinful lives and the way they were living. They were apparently proud, bold, and thought they knew everything. They were full of sin and making excuses for it. Paul tells them that he will be coming very soon and that then he will find out what kind of power they have because the kingdom of God is not about talk, but power. Paul was going to do a power check.
Application:
When there is sin, arrogance, pride, rebellion, etc. in our lives, our power level will be draining quickly. Samson woke up one day and realized his power was gone. We are often proud of ourselves because we know so much Bible, but we need to do a power check to see if God is really still working with us. God's kingdom is a kingdom of power, which should produce results. Are we producing or are we powerless?
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk humbly before you always. Help me to keep my eye on the main thing, You and Your Kingdom. Help me to fulfill all You have called me to. I love You and want to bring You great joy with my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, May 23, 2016
Loyalty
Scripture:
II Samuel 23:16 "So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord".
Observation:
David told his mighty men that he really wanted a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem. His mighty men fought their way through enemy troops, got the water, and brought it back to David. They weren't doing this at his command, but they heard his desire for a drink from a particular well. They wanted their leader to have what he wanted and delighted in doing that for him.
Application:
When was the last time we went out of our way to bless someone and give them the desires of their heart? When was the last time we put our own lives at risk simply to bless someone and give them something that would make them happy. We should learn from David's mighty men what loyalty really looks like.
Prayer:
Father, help me to take better care of those I serve. Help me to see people's desires and not only respond to people's demands. Help me to be one who helps others by blessing them with over the top blessings.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 23:16 "So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord".
Observation:
David told his mighty men that he really wanted a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem. His mighty men fought their way through enemy troops, got the water, and brought it back to David. They weren't doing this at his command, but they heard his desire for a drink from a particular well. They wanted their leader to have what he wanted and delighted in doing that for him.
Application:
When was the last time we went out of our way to bless someone and give them the desires of their heart? When was the last time we put our own lives at risk simply to bless someone and give them something that would make them happy. We should learn from David's mighty men what loyalty really looks like.
Prayer:
Father, help me to take better care of those I serve. Help me to see people's desires and not only respond to people's demands. Help me to be one who helps others by blessing them with over the top blessings.
Yours,
Jeff
Sunday, May 22, 2016
He Saves the Humble
Scripture:
II Samuel 22:28 "You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low".
Observation:
David had been returned to power and was looking back and writing God a Psalm of praise. He was telling about the goodness of God and how God had overthrown all of his enemies. He understood that it was all God who defeated his enemies and he gave God all of the praise. In the midst of his Psalm, he said, "You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low". David understood how God worked and how God thought.
Application:
God always saves the humble and His eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. We need to learn to submit our lives to God and let Him fight our battles. We need to learn that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. We are the strongest when we realize we are nothing and that God is everything. One of the traits of God is that He always raises up the humble and broken and He puts down pride.
Prayer:
Father, I love Your character traits. You are amazing! You are always looking out for the one who is humble before You and who gives You all glory for things done in this life. You also put down those who exalt themselves. Help me to always walk on the side of humility.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 22:28 "You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low".
Observation:
David had been returned to power and was looking back and writing God a Psalm of praise. He was telling about the goodness of God and how God had overthrown all of his enemies. He understood that it was all God who defeated his enemies and he gave God all of the praise. In the midst of his Psalm, he said, "You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low". David understood how God worked and how God thought.
Application:
God always saves the humble and His eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. We need to learn to submit our lives to God and let Him fight our battles. We need to learn that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. We are the strongest when we realize we are nothing and that God is everything. One of the traits of God is that He always raises up the humble and broken and He puts down pride.
Prayer:
Father, I love Your character traits. You are amazing! You are always looking out for the one who is humble before You and who gives You all glory for things done in this life. You also put down those who exalt themselves. Help me to always walk on the side of humility.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, May 20, 2016
Picture of a true Servant
Scripture:
II Samuel 15:21 "But Ittai replied to the king, 'As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be'".
Observation:
David was leaving the place of his kingship and departing into the wilderness because Absalom was coming to take over being king. David told Ittai to go back to his people and be safe, but Ittai replied with the verse above. Ittai was committed to his leader in life, death, or anything else. He served David in life and was fully willing to serve him in death. He served him in the good times of being king and he was willing to serve him when things went really bad.
Application:
Sometimes in life, our leaders make bad decisions and do things that will affect us. A true servant walks with his leader in good times and in bad times, when it blesses him and when it's going to cost him something. I need to be a true servant of the Lord and those I serve. One who is when it is good and who is in when things are bad.
Prayer:
Father, make me a servant who is "all in". Help me to be a person of resolved and to serve when it is convenient and when it is not. Teach me to live a life that exemplifies true servanthood when it is going great and when it hurts.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
II Samuel 15:21 "But Ittai replied to the king, 'As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be'".
Observation:
David was leaving the place of his kingship and departing into the wilderness because Absalom was coming to take over being king. David told Ittai to go back to his people and be safe, but Ittai replied with the verse above. Ittai was committed to his leader in life, death, or anything else. He served David in life and was fully willing to serve him in death. He served him in the good times of being king and he was willing to serve him when things went really bad.
Application:
Sometimes in life, our leaders make bad decisions and do things that will affect us. A true servant walks with his leader in good times and in bad times, when it blesses him and when it's going to cost him something. I need to be a true servant of the Lord and those I serve. One who is when it is good and who is in when things are bad.
Prayer:
Father, make me a servant who is "all in". Help me to be a person of resolved and to serve when it is convenient and when it is not. Teach me to live a life that exemplifies true servanthood when it is going great and when it hurts.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Sin's Terrible Consequences
Scripture:
II Samuel 13:15 "Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, 'Get up and get out!'"
Observation:
Amnon was in love with his half sister Tamar. He couldn't get free from the feelings in his heart toward her so he arranged an opportunity to rape her. After he finally sis what he had been dreaming of doing, he hated her more than he ever loved her. Really. he probably hated himself for what he had done and whenever he saw her, it reminded him of what he had done.
Application:
Sin always looks good, but when you do it, it will destroy your life. You will hate the person that caused it in your life and you will hate yourself for doing things that you knew better than to do. Sin always takes you farther than you wanted to go and destroys your life. Obedience to God always leads to joy, disobedience always leads to trouble and you end up hating what you loved.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for reminding me this morning about the consequences of sin. Help me to live a life of obedience to you and your word so that I can live a life of joy in the Holy Spirit. You are amazing and I love you.
Jeff
II Samuel 13:15 "Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, 'Get up and get out!'"
Observation:
Amnon was in love with his half sister Tamar. He couldn't get free from the feelings in his heart toward her so he arranged an opportunity to rape her. After he finally sis what he had been dreaming of doing, he hated her more than he ever loved her. Really. he probably hated himself for what he had done and whenever he saw her, it reminded him of what he had done.
Application:
Sin always looks good, but when you do it, it will destroy your life. You will hate the person that caused it in your life and you will hate yourself for doing things that you knew better than to do. Sin always takes you farther than you wanted to go and destroys your life. Obedience to God always leads to joy, disobedience always leads to trouble and you end up hating what you loved.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for reminding me this morning about the consequences of sin. Help me to live a life of obedience to you and your word so that I can live a life of joy in the Holy Spirit. You are amazing and I love you.
Jeff
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Unmerited Favor
Scripture:
II Samuel 9:7 "'Don't be afraid', David said to him, 'for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathon. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table'".
Observation:
When David became king, he made good on his promise to bless the household of Saul, who had tried desperately to kill David. He found one remaining person from the household and decided to bless him. Most kings of that day would have killed every remaining descendant of the previous king, but David decided to bless Saul's descendant. He demonstrated unmerited favor.
Application:
God has a way of giving unmerited favor to His people. When we don't deserve it, He comes through and blesses us. He brings us to his table and feeds us rather than casting us away. He heals us, blesses us, forgives us, and gives us hope and a future. God's unmerited favor is incredible.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me this morning of Your unmerited favor. Your love is amazing and your faithfulness is incredible. Help me to demonstrate unmerited favor on those around me as well.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 9:7 "'Don't be afraid', David said to him, 'for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathon. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table'".
Observation:
When David became king, he made good on his promise to bless the household of Saul, who had tried desperately to kill David. He found one remaining person from the household and decided to bless him. Most kings of that day would have killed every remaining descendant of the previous king, but David decided to bless Saul's descendant. He demonstrated unmerited favor.
Application:
God has a way of giving unmerited favor to His people. When we don't deserve it, He comes through and blesses us. He brings us to his table and feeds us rather than casting us away. He heals us, blesses us, forgives us, and gives us hope and a future. God's unmerited favor is incredible.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me this morning of Your unmerited favor. Your love is amazing and your faithfulness is incredible. Help me to demonstrate unmerited favor on those around me as well.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Criticism and Barrenness
Scripture:
II Samuel 6:23 "And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death".
Observation:
A story had just been told about David dancing wildly before the Lord as the ark of God was coming back to the City of David. He was worshiping with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength. His wife, Saul's daughter, was criticizing him for not acting like a king, but dancing wildly. David replied that he would be more undignified than that in worshiping God and then the simple statement, "And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death".
Application:
We should always be sensitive about criticizing someone's worship or how they respond to the presence of God. People respond differently when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon them and we should never judge another person's response to God working in their life. When we judge or look down on others concerning their worship, we can expect barrenness in our lives. I want to be fruitful, not barren.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for times when I have judged people's responses to Your presence. You are incredible and I want more and more of Your presence in my life, my church and my city. I want to see your glory. Help me to never walk in fruitfulness and not judge another's worship or response to Your presence.
Yours,
Jeff
II Samuel 6:23 "And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death".
Observation:
A story had just been told about David dancing wildly before the Lord as the ark of God was coming back to the City of David. He was worshiping with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength. His wife, Saul's daughter, was criticizing him for not acting like a king, but dancing wildly. David replied that he would be more undignified than that in worshiping God and then the simple statement, "And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death".
Application:
We should always be sensitive about criticizing someone's worship or how they respond to the presence of God. People respond differently when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon them and we should never judge another person's response to God working in their life. When we judge or look down on others concerning their worship, we can expect barrenness in our lives. I want to be fruitful, not barren.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for times when I have judged people's responses to Your presence. You are incredible and I want more and more of Your presence in my life, my church and my city. I want to see your glory. Help me to never walk in fruitfulness and not judge another's worship or response to Your presence.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, May 14, 2016
When Even Your Haters Have to Prophesy Good Things About You
Scripture:
I Samuel 26:25 "Then Saul said to David, 'May you be blessed, David my son; you will do great things and surely triumph'. So David went on his way, and Saul returned home".
Observation:
Saul had been hunting for David in the wilderness for quite a while now. Saul was the king and had a fantastic army protecting him and helping him hunt for David. Even being protected by the Israel's best, David was able to take the water jug and spear from King Saul while he was asleep. It tells us earlier that God put the whole camp into a deep sleep. When Saul wakes up, David shows him that the Lord had given Saul into his hands, but that David refused to kill him. Saul replies to David by prophesying good things about David's future.
Application:
God has a way of taking those who He loves and blessing them so richly that even their enemies can't help but prophesy good things about them. God can lift you to a place where those who are totally against you have to recognize that God is with you and that you will have success because of that. God can bless you so much that your haters have to speak good things about you.
Prayer:
Father, let Your grace and favor rest on my life. Let those who hate me have to prophesy good things about me. Help me to see that nothing is impossible for You and that You will defend me at all times when my heart is right and pure before You. Let Your name be praised.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 26:25 "Then Saul said to David, 'May you be blessed, David my son; you will do great things and surely triumph'. So David went on his way, and Saul returned home".
Observation:
Saul had been hunting for David in the wilderness for quite a while now. Saul was the king and had a fantastic army protecting him and helping him hunt for David. Even being protected by the Israel's best, David was able to take the water jug and spear from King Saul while he was asleep. It tells us earlier that God put the whole camp into a deep sleep. When Saul wakes up, David shows him that the Lord had given Saul into his hands, but that David refused to kill him. Saul replies to David by prophesying good things about David's future.
Application:
God has a way of taking those who He loves and blessing them so richly that even their enemies can't help but prophesy good things about them. God can lift you to a place where those who are totally against you have to recognize that God is with you and that you will have success because of that. God can bless you so much that your haters have to speak good things about you.
Prayer:
Father, let Your grace and favor rest on my life. Let those who hate me have to prophesy good things about me. Help me to see that nothing is impossible for You and that You will defend me at all times when my heart is right and pure before You. Let Your name be praised.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, May 13, 2016
God's Protection
Scripture:
I Samuel 23:14 "David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands".
Observation:
David was fleeing for his life from king Saul. Saul was determined to kill him at any cost, but day after day, Saul searched for him and God did not give David into his hands. The king wanted David killed, but when God wanted him alive, there was nothing the king could do to go against the will of God.
Application:
When God has plans for your life, there is nothing the enemy can do to you except what God allows. Just like David, we may have to walk through some wilderness and hide, but we will not be given over to the enemy without God's permission. God protects what is His. Our job is to stay submitted to and obedient to the will of the Lord, then He will keep us safe from all harm.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for Your word. Thanks for taking care of David and for taking care of me. You are amazing and I appreciate You. Help me to follow You more completely every day. Show me where to go and what to do and I will go and do as You wish. I want to be a willing and obedient servant of Yours.
:Love,
Jeff
I Samuel 23:14 "David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands".
Observation:
David was fleeing for his life from king Saul. Saul was determined to kill him at any cost, but day after day, Saul searched for him and God did not give David into his hands. The king wanted David killed, but when God wanted him alive, there was nothing the king could do to go against the will of God.
Application:
When God has plans for your life, there is nothing the enemy can do to you except what God allows. Just like David, we may have to walk through some wilderness and hide, but we will not be given over to the enemy without God's permission. God protects what is His. Our job is to stay submitted to and obedient to the will of the Lord, then He will keep us safe from all harm.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for Your word. Thanks for taking care of David and for taking care of me. You are amazing and I appreciate You. Help me to follow You more completely every day. Show me where to go and what to do and I will go and do as You wish. I want to be a willing and obedient servant of Yours.
:Love,
Jeff
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Past Victories Provide for Future Battles
Scripture:
I Samuel 21:9 "The priest replied, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one'. David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me'".
Observation:
With God's help, David defeated Goliath, an incredibly huge warrior. Later, when David was fleeing for his life from King Saul, he needed a sword to protect himself and asked Ahimilek, the priest, if he had one. The priest said the only one he had was the sword of Goliath. David's victory over Goliath had now provided for him when we faced a battle of a different kind.
Application:
God has a way of taking our past victories and using them to provide for future battles we must fight. None of our previous battles are valueless, there is something we can take into our future that was taken from that battle. Past battles prepare us for future victories. Just as the sword was a perfect reminder to David of how God had taken care of him, God will take our past struggles and use them to give us confidence to keep on going, knowing He is with us.
Prayer:
Father, help me never forget the victories You have provided in my life. You have blessed me over and over. Help me never take You for granted and the way You have provided, sustained, and taken care of me in the past. You are amazing! Thanks for reminding me today that You have already provided for my future.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 21:9 "The priest replied, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one'. David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me'".
Observation:
With God's help, David defeated Goliath, an incredibly huge warrior. Later, when David was fleeing for his life from King Saul, he needed a sword to protect himself and asked Ahimilek, the priest, if he had one. The priest said the only one he had was the sword of Goliath. David's victory over Goliath had now provided for him when we faced a battle of a different kind.
Application:
God has a way of taking our past victories and using them to provide for future battles we must fight. None of our previous battles are valueless, there is something we can take into our future that was taken from that battle. Past battles prepare us for future victories. Just as the sword was a perfect reminder to David of how God had taken care of him, God will take our past struggles and use them to give us confidence to keep on going, knowing He is with us.
Prayer:
Father, help me never forget the victories You have provided in my life. You have blessed me over and over. Help me never take You for granted and the way You have provided, sustained, and taken care of me in the past. You are amazing! Thanks for reminding me today that You have already provided for my future.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
The Lord was with Him
Scripture:
I Samuel 18:14 "In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him".
Observation:
David was remembered as a man after God's own heart. He had his life in order and wanted nothing more than to please the Lord. He always wanted to do the right thing. David was extremely successful in every area because the Lord was with him.
Application:
Proper education, experience, and training are not guaranteed avenues to success. They are definitely helpful, but sometimes we can do all the right things and still success never finds us. In the above verse, we see that David's success was not because of his training, etc. but because the Lord was with him. When God is with you, you will be successful. When God raises a person up, nobody can keep them down. Our primary goal in life should be walking with God, when we do that well, everything else will work out well.
Prayer:
Father, help me to realize that it is You who raise up and You who put down. Help me to trust that You are working in and through my life and that success comes from walking with You and Your hand upon my life. Help me to fulfill Your desires for my life and not my own. I want Your presence and anointing upon my life.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 18:14 "In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him".
Observation:
David was remembered as a man after God's own heart. He had his life in order and wanted nothing more than to please the Lord. He always wanted to do the right thing. David was extremely successful in every area because the Lord was with him.
Application:
Proper education, experience, and training are not guaranteed avenues to success. They are definitely helpful, but sometimes we can do all the right things and still success never finds us. In the above verse, we see that David's success was not because of his training, etc. but because the Lord was with him. When God is with you, you will be successful. When God raises a person up, nobody can keep them down. Our primary goal in life should be walking with God, when we do that well, everything else will work out well.
Prayer:
Father, help me to realize that it is You who raise up and You who put down. Help me to trust that You are working in and through my life and that success comes from walking with You and Your hand upon my life. Help me to fulfill Your desires for my life and not my own. I want Your presence and anointing upon my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
When God Regrets a Decision
Scripture:
I Samuel 15:35 "Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him, and the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel".
Observation:
Saul was given precise instructions from the Lord about what to do when they defeated an enemy. Saul almost did everything the Lord said, but he added to what the Lord had told him to do and brought sacrifices back to offer to the Lord for allowing them to win their battles. He disobeyed the word of the Lord in order to have a sacrifice to worship the Lord. God was not happy because he disobeyed the orders of the Lord and God regretted making him king.
Application:
How many times have I as a leader felt God wanted me to do something and I didn't fulfill what I felt God had put in my heart? When God puts us into a place of leadership, He expects us to do what He says and to fulfill what He puts in our hearts. We should live a life of complete obedience to the word of the Lord. We don't want God to regret putting us in a place of leadership in His kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, I want to obey and walk in all that You call me to do. Help me not to be satisfied with fulfilling only some of what You ask me to do. I believe that obedience is better than sacrifice. Help me not to make excuses for why I have not done things You wanted me to do. I'm sorry for lack of complete obedience. Please forgive me.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 15:35 "Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him, and the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel".
Observation:
Saul was given precise instructions from the Lord about what to do when they defeated an enemy. Saul almost did everything the Lord said, but he added to what the Lord had told him to do and brought sacrifices back to offer to the Lord for allowing them to win their battles. He disobeyed the word of the Lord in order to have a sacrifice to worship the Lord. God was not happy because he disobeyed the orders of the Lord and God regretted making him king.
Application:
How many times have I as a leader felt God wanted me to do something and I didn't fulfill what I felt God had put in my heart? When God puts us into a place of leadership, He expects us to do what He says and to fulfill what He puts in our hearts. We should live a life of complete obedience to the word of the Lord. We don't want God to regret putting us in a place of leadership in His kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, I want to obey and walk in all that You call me to do. Help me not to be satisfied with fulfilling only some of what You ask me to do. I believe that obedience is better than sacrifice. Help me not to make excuses for why I have not done things You wanted me to do. I'm sorry for lack of complete obedience. Please forgive me.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, May 9, 2016
When God Touches the Heart
Scripture:
I Samuel 10:26 "Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched".
Observation:
Saul had just become leader of God's people. God heard their cry for a king like all the other nations and God put His Spirit on Saul. As soon as he was introduced to the people, God touched the hearts of some valiant men who escorted their new king back to his home. They realized God's hand was on his life and were determined to take care of him.
Application:
Some people try hard as leaders to get followers who are faithful. We train leaders on how to lead and how to get people to follow. In this story, God touches the hearts of the followers and they responded. I think it is easier this way. Some of the greatest followers of a leader are going to be those who have been touched by God through that leader. When God uses that leader to touch their hearts, they quickly become devoted followers.
Prayer:
Father, touch my heart and touch the hearts of those around me. Help me to lead them to You. I ask You to pour out Your Spirit on those at my church and touch people's hearts.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 10:26 "Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched".
Observation:
Saul had just become leader of God's people. God heard their cry for a king like all the other nations and God put His Spirit on Saul. As soon as he was introduced to the people, God touched the hearts of some valiant men who escorted their new king back to his home. They realized God's hand was on his life and were determined to take care of him.
Application:
Some people try hard as leaders to get followers who are faithful. We train leaders on how to lead and how to get people to follow. In this story, God touches the hearts of the followers and they responded. I think it is easier this way. Some of the greatest followers of a leader are going to be those who have been touched by God through that leader. When God uses that leader to touch their hearts, they quickly become devoted followers.
Prayer:
Father, touch my heart and touch the hearts of those around me. Help me to lead them to You. I ask You to pour out Your Spirit on those at my church and touch people's hearts.
Yours,
Jeff
Sunday, May 8, 2016
When God Gives In
Scripture:
I Samuel 8:22 "The Lord answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king'. Then Samuel said to the Israelites, 'Everyone go back to your own town'".
Observation:
The Lord had told the people of Israel that they were to live in a theocracy. A theocracy is a government led by God. He wanted to be their king and for them to be His people. The people wanted to be like every other nation and have a human king ruling over them instead of the God who led them out of Egyptian slavery and across the Red Sea. Eventually God told Samuel to give them what they want. This is a very scary place to be.
Application:
God's way is always much better than our way. Sometimes we strive hard to be like everyone else and to not have God rule over our lives. We like to handle things on our own and not let God fight our battles. We all struggle with the decision to let God have total control of our lives. When we decide we want to do things our way, apart from God's way, eventually God will give you what you want. After getting what you wanted, you will always wish you had done it God's way from the beginning.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust Your leadership in my life. Help me to truly live a life of true respect and honor. I want You to rule over my life and I want to be obedient to You in every area of my life. Teach me to submit to and trust You instead of taking things into my own hands. Reign over my life.
Yours,
Jeff
I Samuel 8:22 "The Lord answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king'. Then Samuel said to the Israelites, 'Everyone go back to your own town'".
Observation:
The Lord had told the people of Israel that they were to live in a theocracy. A theocracy is a government led by God. He wanted to be their king and for them to be His people. The people wanted to be like every other nation and have a human king ruling over them instead of the God who led them out of Egyptian slavery and across the Red Sea. Eventually God told Samuel to give them what they want. This is a very scary place to be.
Application:
God's way is always much better than our way. Sometimes we strive hard to be like everyone else and to not have God rule over our lives. We like to handle things on our own and not let God fight our battles. We all struggle with the decision to let God have total control of our lives. When we decide we want to do things our way, apart from God's way, eventually God will give you what you want. After getting what you wanted, you will always wish you had done it God's way from the beginning.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust Your leadership in my life. Help me to truly live a life of true respect and honor. I want You to rule over my life and I want to be obedient to You in every area of my life. Teach me to submit to and trust You instead of taking things into my own hands. Reign over my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, May 6, 2016
The Lord Remembered
Scripture;
I Samuel 1:19 "Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her".
Observation:
Hannah had been going to Shiloh each and every year to present an offering to the Lord. Every year Hannah would pray for a son and every year she would be disappointed. She was very sorrowful because she had prayed for one thing for a very long time. This verse tells us God" remembered her" and she became pregnant.
Application:
God knows the things we have been praying for. He has heard every cry and seen every tear. We need to be faithful in prayer concerning things that are dear to our hearts and one day the Lord will remember us and our prayers just as He did for Hannah. God doesn't have a bad memory, but sometimes He doesn't respond to our prayers in our timing, but His. We need to be faithful in prayer and He will "remember" us and our prayers one day. Until then, we must continue to pray.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to be faithful in prayer, even when we don't see the answer coming for years. Your promises are true, even when we don't see the results in our timing. Help me to walk in faith and continue to pray for the things that are close to my heart, knowing that You are storing every prayer and that one day they will be manifested in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Samuel 1:19 "Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her".
Observation:
Hannah had been going to Shiloh each and every year to present an offering to the Lord. Every year Hannah would pray for a son and every year she would be disappointed. She was very sorrowful because she had prayed for one thing for a very long time. This verse tells us God" remembered her" and she became pregnant.
Application:
God knows the things we have been praying for. He has heard every cry and seen every tear. We need to be faithful in prayer concerning things that are dear to our hearts and one day the Lord will remember us and our prayers just as He did for Hannah. God doesn't have a bad memory, but sometimes He doesn't respond to our prayers in our timing, but His. We need to be faithful in prayer and He will "remember" us and our prayers one day. Until then, we must continue to pray.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to be faithful in prayer, even when we don't see the answer coming for years. Your promises are true, even when we don't see the results in our timing. Help me to walk in faith and continue to pray for the things that are close to my heart, knowing that You are storing every prayer and that one day they will be manifested in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, May 5, 2016
From Nothing to Everything
Scripture:
Ruth 4:17 "The women living there said, 'Naomi has a son!' And they name him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David".
Observation:
Naomi lost two sons, who had married Moabite women. One of the women, Ruth, followed Naomi and told her she would never depart her, but would move back to her homeland and serve her God and be with her people. As a result, she ended up marrying back into Naomi's family and becoming the great grandmother of King David. God has a way of turning our terrible times into great things when we determine to follow Him completely.
Application:
Sometimes when we are in the middle of tough times, we don't see the hand of God working, but He is working. We tend to be overwhelmed by all that is going on and not able to see that there is even a glimpse of hope for a better tomorrow. God is able to turn any situation around and make something great out of anyone who truly turns to Him. He is the master of turning bad situations into great possibilities when we trust Him.
Prayer:
Father, You are so worthy of praise. Take the barren parts of my life and turn them into kingly blessings like You did for Ruth. Help me to see that You are working in and through my life in ways that I cannot see nor comprehend. Thanks for turning my troubles into testimonies of Your goodness.
Yours,
Jeff
Ruth 4:17 "The women living there said, 'Naomi has a son!' And they name him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David".
Observation:
Naomi lost two sons, who had married Moabite women. One of the women, Ruth, followed Naomi and told her she would never depart her, but would move back to her homeland and serve her God and be with her people. As a result, she ended up marrying back into Naomi's family and becoming the great grandmother of King David. God has a way of turning our terrible times into great things when we determine to follow Him completely.
Application:
Sometimes when we are in the middle of tough times, we don't see the hand of God working, but He is working. We tend to be overwhelmed by all that is going on and not able to see that there is even a glimpse of hope for a better tomorrow. God is able to turn any situation around and make something great out of anyone who truly turns to Him. He is the master of turning bad situations into great possibilities when we trust Him.
Prayer:
Father, You are so worthy of praise. Take the barren parts of my life and turn them into kingly blessings like You did for Ruth. Help me to see that You are working in and through my life in ways that I cannot see nor comprehend. Thanks for turning my troubles into testimonies of Your goodness.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Overflowing Hope
Scripture:
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".
Observation:
In this passage Paul speaks a powerful blessing over the people. He asks that God would fill them with all joy and peace to that they could overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit. In this I see that when we are filled with joy and peace, that we can then overflow with hope. Overflowing hope comes from walking in joy and peace.
Application:
Joy and peace are fruit of the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, the natural product should be joy and peace. From that, we will be filled with overflowing hope. When we focus on joy and peace, hope with follow. I want to be a person of overflowing hope. Hope causes us to endure present trials and tribulations. Hope causes us to keep moving forward because we know things will get better. When we lose hope, things turn bad.
Prayer:
Father, fill my life with joy and peace so that hope will come along with them. I want to overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Teach me to have joy and peace in my life at all times and let hope fill my life. You are the God of hope, let me represent You well.
Yours,
Jeff
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".
Observation:
In this passage Paul speaks a powerful blessing over the people. He asks that God would fill them with all joy and peace to that they could overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit. In this I see that when we are filled with joy and peace, that we can then overflow with hope. Overflowing hope comes from walking in joy and peace.
Application:
Joy and peace are fruit of the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, the natural product should be joy and peace. From that, we will be filled with overflowing hope. When we focus on joy and peace, hope with follow. I want to be a person of overflowing hope. Hope causes us to endure present trials and tribulations. Hope causes us to keep moving forward because we know things will get better. When we lose hope, things turn bad.
Prayer:
Father, fill my life with joy and peace so that hope will come along with them. I want to overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Teach me to have joy and peace in my life at all times and let hope fill my life. You are the God of hope, let me represent You well.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Overcome Evil With Good
Scripture:
Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good".
Observation:
Paul tells us here to love our enemies and to bless those that don't like us. He goes on to say that we cannot be overcome with evil, but we are to overcome evil with good.
Application:
There will always be people in our lives that will try to overtake us with evil, but we are to respond by doing good to them. Good always wins over evil. When we are hurt, rather than hurt back, we are to treat people well. Light always casts out darkness.
Prayer:
Father, live though me. Love through me. Bless people through my life. Let me overcome evil with good and a carrier of good things.
Yours forever,
Jeff
Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good".
Observation:
Paul tells us here to love our enemies and to bless those that don't like us. He goes on to say that we cannot be overcome with evil, but we are to overcome evil with good.
Application:
There will always be people in our lives that will try to overtake us with evil, but we are to respond by doing good to them. Good always wins over evil. When we are hurt, rather than hurt back, we are to treat people well. Light always casts out darkness.
Prayer:
Father, live though me. Love through me. Bless people through my life. Let me overcome evil with good and a carrier of good things.
Yours forever,
Jeff
Monday, May 2, 2016
Life and Peace
Scripture:
Romans 8:6 "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace".
Observation:
Paul is telling us here that when our mind is given over to and controlled by the flesh, it will bring about death and that the mind that is governed or led by the Spirit is life and peace. In order to enjoy life and walk in peace, you must walk in the Spirit.
Application;
So many people have no peace in their lives and no hope or joy. This kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we will walk in righteousness, peace and joy. When we live according to our own spirit, death, hopelessness, and sorrow await. I would much rather be led by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and You enable Your people to walk in true peace and joy. Let me walk according to Your Spirit and not according to my flesh. Help me to see things Your way and not my own way. Let my life be completely given to You and led my You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Romans 8:6 "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace".
Observation:
Paul is telling us here that when our mind is given over to and controlled by the flesh, it will bring about death and that the mind that is governed or led by the Spirit is life and peace. In order to enjoy life and walk in peace, you must walk in the Spirit.
Application;
So many people have no peace in their lives and no hope or joy. This kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we will walk in righteousness, peace and joy. When we live according to our own spirit, death, hopelessness, and sorrow await. I would much rather be led by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and You enable Your people to walk in true peace and joy. Let me walk according to Your Spirit and not according to my flesh. Help me to see things Your way and not my own way. Let my life be completely given to You and led my You.
Your Son,
Jeff
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