Scripture:
II Chronicles 25:9 "Amaziah asked the man of God, 'But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?' The man of God replied, 'The Lord can give you much more than that'".
Observation:
Amaziah, king of Judah, had bought troops from Israel to fight with his men. A man of God came to him and told him he needed to depend on the Lord and not be hiring troops from a country that was not serving the Lord. Amaziah complained and said that he had already hired them and the man of God told him these words, "The Lord can give you much more than that".
Application:
Sometimes when we strive to do things that appear right in our own eyes so that we can get ahead, we go ahead of the Lord and take things into our own hands. It may seem like we are doing well in those times, but the man of God would say, "The Lord can give you much more than that". God can bless us with more than we can work hard to make happen when we trust in Him. When we follow His voice and His will, we will see His hand of blessing which is "much more" than what we can work for.
Prayer:
Father, you are capable of "much more than that". You are capable of much more than I could ever work hard to produce. You are able to bless me and my family more than what I could ever strive and work for. Help me to trust You more. You are my source and my resource. You are my strength and my salvation. You are my rock and my fortress. I look to the one who is "much more than that".
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Where Are Your Eyes?
Scripture:
II Chronicles 20:12 "Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You".
Observation:
When Judah was about to be attacked by their enemies, they turned to God and asked, "Will you not judge them?" They realized that they had no power to defeat the enemies that were coming upon them. They acknowledged that they did not know what to do, but they put their eyes on the Lord.
Application:
When we don't know what to do, we generally stress out and get frantic because things are out of our control. We need to put our eyes on the Lord instead of the current battle we are fighting. He is our provision and our defense. We must put our eyes on Him. He is the God who does the impossible and our eyes must be on Him. He is able to do far more than we can even imagine. Our eyes must remain fixed on Him.
Prayer:
Father, my eyes are on You. You are the only one who can bring me through this current storm. Only You can turn things around. Only You hold the key to my future. My eyes are on You! You are my rock and fortress. You are my joy and my peace! You are my strength and I look to You to lead me through and defeat every enemy that comes against me. I am Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Chronicles 20:12 "Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You".
Observation:
When Judah was about to be attacked by their enemies, they turned to God and asked, "Will you not judge them?" They realized that they had no power to defeat the enemies that were coming upon them. They acknowledged that they did not know what to do, but they put their eyes on the Lord.
Application:
When we don't know what to do, we generally stress out and get frantic because things are out of our control. We need to put our eyes on the Lord instead of the current battle we are fighting. He is our provision and our defense. We must put our eyes on Him. He is the God who does the impossible and our eyes must be on Him. He is able to do far more than we can even imagine. Our eyes must remain fixed on Him.
Prayer:
Father, my eyes are on You. You are the only one who can bring me through this current storm. Only You can turn things around. Only You hold the key to my future. My eyes are on You! You are my rock and fortress. You are my joy and my peace! You are my strength and I look to You to lead me through and defeat every enemy that comes against me. I am Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Fully Committed
Scripture:
II Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war".
Observation:
King Asa had leaned on his own understanding and knowledge in fighting an enemy instead of seeking the Lord. The prophet came to him and told him that God was upset because he had relied on another king instead of on the Lord. He adds that "the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him".
Application:
God wants us to seek Him. He wants us to ask Him when we have decisions to make. He wants to bless His children, but many times we don't ask Him for anything, we simply walk through life doing what we think makes sense. We must begin to seek the Lord in all the decisions we make because He is searching the earth to strengthen those who are seeking Him and are fully committed to Him. We must walk in complete surrender to Him, then He will strengthen us and we will see Him work more in our lives.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, nothing is too difficult for You. You are all-powerful and all-knowing. Forgive me for thinking I can just make decisions without Your input. I honor You and want You to lead me instead of just doing what I think is right. Lead me Holy Spirit and let my heart always be in pursuit of You.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war".
Observation:
King Asa had leaned on his own understanding and knowledge in fighting an enemy instead of seeking the Lord. The prophet came to him and told him that God was upset because he had relied on another king instead of on the Lord. He adds that "the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him".
Application:
God wants us to seek Him. He wants us to ask Him when we have decisions to make. He wants to bless His children, but many times we don't ask Him for anything, we simply walk through life doing what we think makes sense. We must begin to seek the Lord in all the decisions we make because He is searching the earth to strengthen those who are seeking Him and are fully committed to Him. We must walk in complete surrender to Him, then He will strengthen us and we will see Him work more in our lives.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, nothing is too difficult for You. You are all-powerful and all-knowing. Forgive me for thinking I can just make decisions without Your input. I honor You and want You to lead me instead of just doing what I think is right. Lead me Holy Spirit and let my heart always be in pursuit of You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, June 27, 2016
Do Not Fight Against God... You Will Not Win
Scripture:
II Chronicles 13:12 "God is with us; He is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. People of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed".
Observation:
When Israel and Judah were lined up in battle array, Abijah, King of Judah sent word to Jeroboam, King of Israel, telling him that they were not serving God properly in Israel, therefore, God would give victory to Judah because they were serving the Lord properly. He reminded Jeroboam that they had forsaken God and walked away from Him to serve other gods. Then he tells him, "do not fight against the Lord...you will not succeed".
Application:
When you are doing things God's way and walking in the ways of the Lord, you can expect the Lord to have your back. You can be bold and confident, knowing that God is with you and that He will deliver you. When you walk with God and do things His way, you can look at your enemies and say, "don't fight against the Lord... you will not succeed". Confidence like this comes from personal relationship.
Prayer:
Father, let me be more and more confident in You each day. Help me to walk in complete obedience to You so I can have the confidence that I am doing Your will and that You will back up whatever I say. I want to know You more and more each day. I want to do Your will in the earth.
I'm Yours,
Jeff
II Chronicles 13:12 "God is with us; He is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. People of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed".
Observation:
When Israel and Judah were lined up in battle array, Abijah, King of Judah sent word to Jeroboam, King of Israel, telling him that they were not serving God properly in Israel, therefore, God would give victory to Judah because they were serving the Lord properly. He reminded Jeroboam that they had forsaken God and walked away from Him to serve other gods. Then he tells him, "do not fight against the Lord...you will not succeed".
Application:
When you are doing things God's way and walking in the ways of the Lord, you can expect the Lord to have your back. You can be bold and confident, knowing that God is with you and that He will deliver you. When you walk with God and do things His way, you can look at your enemies and say, "don't fight against the Lord... you will not succeed". Confidence like this comes from personal relationship.
Prayer:
Father, let me be more and more confident in You each day. Help me to walk in complete obedience to You so I can have the confidence that I am doing Your will and that You will back up whatever I say. I want to know You more and more each day. I want to do Your will in the earth.
I'm Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Arise Oh Lord
Scripture:
II Chronicles 6:41 "Now arise, Lord God, and come to Your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests, Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness".
Observation:
Solomon was dedicating the temple he had built for the Lord. In his dedication prayer, he asked the Lord for many things, mostly that when people mess up, that they could turn toward the temple and pray and have god forgive them. In this part of the prayer he asks God to arise and come down to the place he had built for him. he knew that when God came to the resting place, the people would rejoice in His goodness.
Application:
Today, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and His presence rests in and on us. I am asking God to arise in my area stronger and stronger in my life and in my region. I am praying for God to pour out His Spirit in power and for multitudes to come to salvation. I want to see God's people rejoice because His presence is so real. I long for the manifest presence of my God.
Prayer:
Arise Oh Lord and manifest Your presence in my life, through my life and around my life. Arise oh God and send revival to America and my area. Arise and heal! Arise and deliver! Arise and save! Arise and bless Your people! Come Holy Spirit and move powerfully in my church, city and life.
Yours,
Jeff
II Chronicles 6:41 "Now arise, Lord God, and come to Your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests, Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness".
Observation:
Solomon was dedicating the temple he had built for the Lord. In his dedication prayer, he asked the Lord for many things, mostly that when people mess up, that they could turn toward the temple and pray and have god forgive them. In this part of the prayer he asks God to arise and come down to the place he had built for him. he knew that when God came to the resting place, the people would rejoice in His goodness.
Application:
Today, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and His presence rests in and on us. I am asking God to arise in my area stronger and stronger in my life and in my region. I am praying for God to pour out His Spirit in power and for multitudes to come to salvation. I want to see God's people rejoice because His presence is so real. I long for the manifest presence of my God.
Prayer:
Arise Oh Lord and manifest Your presence in my life, through my life and around my life. Arise oh God and send revival to America and my area. Arise and heal! Arise and deliver! Arise and save! Arise and bless Your people! Come Holy Spirit and move powerfully in my church, city and life.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Words From a Father
Scripture:
I Chronicles 28:9 "'And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you reject Him, He will reject you'".
Observation:
David gave the above words to Solomon his son. David knew that Solomon's relationship with God would determine the success of his leadership for the nation. He understood how God works with people and that God searches the heart and understands our desires and thoughts. He told his son to seek God and He would allow Himself to be found by him. He asked his son to give God wholehearted devotion and knew that this was the secret to success.
Application:
Solomon had grown up with the best education, training, and the best of anything money could buy. He was extremely well-trained, but his father challenged him not to trust in his wisdom, power, or knowledge, but to trust in the Lord. We must come to the place where we acknowledge that everything we have is from the Lord and without Him we are nothing and can do nothing. We need to serve God with wholehearted devotion, then we will see His blessing, which is far greater than what we could achieve by ourselves.
Prayer:
Father, help me to have a heart after You like David. Teach me to follow You wholeheartedly like David, Joshua, Caleb, and others in Your word. Let me be a seeker of God all the days of my life and let me know You more and more.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 28:9 "'And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you reject Him, He will reject you'".
Observation:
David gave the above words to Solomon his son. David knew that Solomon's relationship with God would determine the success of his leadership for the nation. He understood how God works with people and that God searches the heart and understands our desires and thoughts. He told his son to seek God and He would allow Himself to be found by him. He asked his son to give God wholehearted devotion and knew that this was the secret to success.
Application:
Solomon had grown up with the best education, training, and the best of anything money could buy. He was extremely well-trained, but his father challenged him not to trust in his wisdom, power, or knowledge, but to trust in the Lord. We must come to the place where we acknowledge that everything we have is from the Lord and without Him we are nothing and can do nothing. We need to serve God with wholehearted devotion, then we will see His blessing, which is far greater than what we could achieve by ourselves.
Prayer:
Father, help me to have a heart after You like David. Teach me to follow You wholeheartedly like David, Joshua, Caleb, and others in Your word. Let me be a seeker of God all the days of my life and let me know You more and more.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Prophetic Worship and Wafare
Scripture:
I Chronicles 25:1 "David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying accompanied by harps, lyres, and cymbals. here is the list of the men who performed this service".
Observation:
David and his army commanders set apart people to prophesy to music as their main service to the country and to the Lord. I see here that men from the army were involved in appointing prophetic worshippers. They apparently understood that prophetic worship was a key to them winning their battles. It also shows me the importance of prophetic worship because they performed this service unto the Lord continually.
Application:
When warfare is happening, it's time to worship! We need to realize that God responds to His people singing prophetically into situations. It is not weird or strange to sing prophetically, but something that should be seen as powerful and necessary. There were people appointed to do this full time because it was crucial for David's success and the success of God's people.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for showing me the importance of prophetically worshiping You. Help me to set aside time to seek You face and sing to You today. Help me to make this a priority in my life again. Let my life be a song of worship to You in all situations.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
I Chronicles 25:1 "David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying accompanied by harps, lyres, and cymbals. here is the list of the men who performed this service".
Observation:
David and his army commanders set apart people to prophesy to music as their main service to the country and to the Lord. I see here that men from the army were involved in appointing prophetic worshippers. They apparently understood that prophetic worship was a key to them winning their battles. It also shows me the importance of prophetic worship because they performed this service unto the Lord continually.
Application:
When warfare is happening, it's time to worship! We need to realize that God responds to His people singing prophetically into situations. It is not weird or strange to sing prophetically, but something that should be seen as powerful and necessary. There were people appointed to do this full time because it was crucial for David's success and the success of God's people.
Prayer:
Father, thanks for showing me the importance of prophetically worshiping You. Help me to set aside time to seek You face and sing to You today. Help me to make this a priority in my life again. Let my life be a song of worship to You in all situations.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Success and Obedience
Scripture:
I Chronicles 22:13 "Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave to Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged".
Observation:
David was telling Solomon that he would prepare the provisions for building the Lord a temple, but that Solomon would have to actually have it built because David had shed too much blood. David tells his son that he would be successful at it if he was careful to observe all the decrees and laws the Lord gave Moses. He followed up by reminding his son what God had said to Joshua before entering the Promised Land, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged".
Application:
We can be confident in the Lord when we are walking in obedience to Him. When we step out on our own, we lose strength and confidence and we become afraid and discouraged. We must be people who follow the Lord completely and trust Him fully. Success and obedience go hand in hand. God's will is going to be accomplished. If we want to be successful, we must be doing His will.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing and I appreciate You more each day. Your unfailing love for me gives me confidence in You. Help me to walk in obedience to You and Your word. Help me to fulfill Your will for my life. Open my eyes to see what You are doing and open my ears to hear Your voice clearly.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 22:13 "Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave to Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged".
Observation:
David was telling Solomon that he would prepare the provisions for building the Lord a temple, but that Solomon would have to actually have it built because David had shed too much blood. David tells his son that he would be successful at it if he was careful to observe all the decrees and laws the Lord gave Moses. He followed up by reminding his son what God had said to Joshua before entering the Promised Land, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged".
Application:
We can be confident in the Lord when we are walking in obedience to Him. When we step out on our own, we lose strength and confidence and we become afraid and discouraged. We must be people who follow the Lord completely and trust Him fully. Success and obedience go hand in hand. God's will is going to be accomplished. If we want to be successful, we must be doing His will.
Prayer:
Father, You are amazing and I appreciate You more each day. Your unfailing love for me gives me confidence in You. Help me to walk in obedience to You and Your word. Help me to fulfill Your will for my life. Open my eyes to see what You are doing and open my ears to hear Your voice clearly.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, June 20, 2016
We Fight, God Delivers
Scripture:
I Chronicles 19:13 "Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight".
Observation:
Joab, one of David's leaders, had caught David's heart and seen how God worked on David's behalf. When he was speaking to his warriors, he told them to be strong and fight bravely for the people and for God and that the Lord would do what was good in His sight. He knew that when you are fighting for God, you are fighting a winning battle.
Application:
Many of us want God to deliver us from our enemies, but we don't want to fight. Sometimes, we have to have the attitude of Joab and say, we are going to fight bravely and God will do the rest. God always delivers His people, but He expects us to enter the fight and start fighting with all our heart, then He shows us and delivers. He almost never delivers before we even enter the battle.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to walk away because there is a fight to fight. Help me to fight the enemy with all my heart and look to You to deliver me. I ask You to give me boldness to stand up for what needs standing up for and to say what needs said, being confident that You will show up and fight on my behalf as well.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 19:13 "Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight".
Observation:
Joab, one of David's leaders, had caught David's heart and seen how God worked on David's behalf. When he was speaking to his warriors, he told them to be strong and fight bravely for the people and for God and that the Lord would do what was good in His sight. He knew that when you are fighting for God, you are fighting a winning battle.
Application:
Many of us want God to deliver us from our enemies, but we don't want to fight. Sometimes, we have to have the attitude of Joab and say, we are going to fight bravely and God will do the rest. God always delivers His people, but He expects us to enter the fight and start fighting with all our heart, then He shows us and delivers. He almost never delivers before we even enter the battle.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to walk away because there is a fight to fight. Help me to fight the enemy with all my heart and look to You to deliver me. I ask You to give me boldness to stand up for what needs standing up for and to say what needs said, being confident that You will show up and fight on my behalf as well.
Yours,
Jeff
Sunday, June 19, 2016
The Promise Keeper
Scripture:
I Chronicles 16:15 "He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations".
Observation:
God is the ultimate promise keeper! He remembers His covenant forever and the promise He made for a thousand generations. God doesn't give up on His promises. He will do what He said He will do. He is faithful, trustworthy, and will fulfill all that He said He would do.
Application:
If God is faithful to His promises, we should be faithful to Him. He has promised us so much as His children. Therefore, we should truly honor Him with all our heart. We should do our best to really become promise keepers and be people of our word. When we say something, it should happen. When we make promises, we should follow through on them.
Prayer:
Father, You are faithful to Your word and to Your promises. Help me to walk in faithfulness as well. Teach me to honor my word as You honor Your word. Strengthen my life to become more and more like You. Happy Father's Day!
Your Son,
Jeff
I Chronicles 16:15 "He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations".
Observation:
God is the ultimate promise keeper! He remembers His covenant forever and the promise He made for a thousand generations. God doesn't give up on His promises. He will do what He said He will do. He is faithful, trustworthy, and will fulfill all that He said He would do.
Application:
If God is faithful to His promises, we should be faithful to Him. He has promised us so much as His children. Therefore, we should truly honor Him with all our heart. We should do our best to really become promise keepers and be people of our word. When we say something, it should happen. When we make promises, we should follow through on them.
Prayer:
Father, You are faithful to Your word and to Your promises. Help me to walk in faithfulness as well. Teach me to honor my word as You honor Your word. Strengthen my life to become more and more like You. Happy Father's Day!
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Power From on High
Scripture:
I Chronicles 11:9 "And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him",
Observation:
David became powerful, not because he trained harder than anyone else, which he may have done, but because the Lord was with him. When God is with someone, they will become more and more powerful He is able to raise up those who seek His face and to put down those who oppose Him.
Application:
Power doesn't come from education, work, training, etc., power comes from the Lord. These things help us out along the way and are things we should do, but real power comes from our relationship with the Lord. When our relationship with God is right, power follows. We need to spend less time working on making ourselves powerful and working knowing the God of power!
Prayer:
Father, help me to seek You more and more. Strengthen my resolve to know You deeper and deeper each day. I want to see Your name glorified in my generation. I want to see Your power revealed in my day! I love You and want to make Your name great in all the earth.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
I Chronicles 11:9 "And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him",
Observation:
David became powerful, not because he trained harder than anyone else, which he may have done, but because the Lord was with him. When God is with someone, they will become more and more powerful He is able to raise up those who seek His face and to put down those who oppose Him.
Application:
Power doesn't come from education, work, training, etc., power comes from the Lord. These things help us out along the way and are things we should do, but real power comes from our relationship with the Lord. When our relationship with God is right, power follows. We need to spend less time working on making ourselves powerful and working knowing the God of power!
Prayer:
Father, help me to seek You more and more. Strengthen my resolve to know You deeper and deeper each day. I want to see Your name glorified in my generation. I want to see Your power revealed in my day! I love You and want to make Your name great in all the earth.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Friday, June 17, 2016
Father Goals
Scripture:
I Chronicles 7:3 "The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Ishiah. All five of them were chiefs".
Observation:
I don't know much about Uzzi and the Bible doesn't record much about this man, but he is a hero to me. Uzzi only had one son, but that one son had four sons. These five men the Bible says were all chiefs. Uzzi did something right in his life somewhere because his descendants were all influential men.
Application:
As a father of two sons, I want to see my sons do great things with their lives. I want them to be men of significance. They are pretty much raised at this point and now I am simply a guide to them as they need me, but my prayers will always be that they be chiefs in God's army and men who make a difference with their lives.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, bless my sons and let them become all You have planned for them. Let them be followers of God and chiefs in Your kingdom. Let their children be blessed and let them also be influential for Your kingdom. May Your name be glorified through their lives.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Chronicles 7:3 "The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Ishiah. All five of them were chiefs".
Observation:
I don't know much about Uzzi and the Bible doesn't record much about this man, but he is a hero to me. Uzzi only had one son, but that one son had four sons. These five men the Bible says were all chiefs. Uzzi did something right in his life somewhere because his descendants were all influential men.
Application:
As a father of two sons, I want to see my sons do great things with their lives. I want them to be men of significance. They are pretty much raised at this point and now I am simply a guide to them as they need me, but my prayers will always be that they be chiefs in God's army and men who make a difference with their lives.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, bless my sons and let them become all You have planned for them. Let them be followers of God and chiefs in Your kingdom. Let their children be blessed and let them also be influential for Your kingdom. May Your name be glorified through their lives.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, June 16, 2016
The God of Turnarounds
Scripture:
I Chronicles 4:10 "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request".
Observation:
Jabez's mother named him that because he brought pain in childbirth to her. Every time she called him, he was reminded that he brought her pain. Finally, he decided he didn't want to have that over his life so he called out to the Lord and asked God to bless him and enlarge his territory so that he would be free of pain.
Application:
When someone wants out of pain bad enough, they will cry out to the Lord who is the master of turnarounds. God will take a life that is messed up and turn it around when someone is desperate enough to cry out to Him. We must come to the place where we desire God's blessing on our lives and cry out for it, then we will see the results hat Jabez saw. He is still the God of turnarounds.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be blessed by You. Bless every area of my life and let my life bring Your praise. Expand my territory and keep me from harm. Let me and my family be free from pain. I am yours and want to bring You glory with and through my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Chronicles 4:10 "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request".
Observation:
Jabez's mother named him that because he brought pain in childbirth to her. Every time she called him, he was reminded that he brought her pain. Finally, he decided he didn't want to have that over his life so he called out to the Lord and asked God to bless him and enlarge his territory so that he would be free of pain.
Application:
When someone wants out of pain bad enough, they will cry out to the Lord who is the master of turnarounds. God will take a life that is messed up and turn it around when someone is desperate enough to cry out to Him. We must come to the place where we desire God's blessing on our lives and cry out for it, then we will see the results hat Jabez saw. He is still the God of turnarounds.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be blessed by You. Bless every area of my life and let my life bring Your praise. Expand my territory and keep me from harm. Let me and my family be free from pain. I am yours and want to bring You glory with and through my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Er
Scripture:
I Chronicles 2:3 "The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah. These three were born to him by a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shua. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death.”
Observation:
The beginning of Chronicles gives us a lengthy genealogy. In the midst of a list of people a mile long, the author stops for one short comment on one out of many,many people. He says of Er that he was wicked in the Lord's sight, so the Lord put him to death. His only record historically is that he was put to death for his wickedness.
Application:
What kind of historical record am I going to leave? When I leave this planet, what will be said of my life? We must live lives that will have a strong positive impact. I want to not be known for my mistakes, but for helping people be followers of Jesus. Keeping verses like this in front of us will keep us on the right path.
Prayer:
Father, You are incredible and I want to serve You well. I don't want to be like Er, whose only record says that he was wicked and you killed him. I want to serve You well and make Your name great in the earth. You are worthy of my best and I want to give You that.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 2:3 "The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah. These three were born to him by a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shua. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death.”
Observation:
The beginning of Chronicles gives us a lengthy genealogy. In the midst of a list of people a mile long, the author stops for one short comment on one out of many,many people. He says of Er that he was wicked in the Lord's sight, so the Lord put him to death. His only record historically is that he was put to death for his wickedness.
Application:
What kind of historical record am I going to leave? When I leave this planet, what will be said of my life? We must live lives that will have a strong positive impact. I want to not be known for my mistakes, but for helping people be followers of Jesus. Keeping verses like this in front of us will keep us on the right path.
Prayer:
Father, You are incredible and I want to serve You well. I don't want to be like Er, whose only record says that he was wicked and you killed him. I want to serve You well and make Your name great in the earth. You are worthy of my best and I want to give You that.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
How We Sow is How We Will Reap
Scripture:
II Corinthians 9:6 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously".
Observation:
Paul tells the Corinthian people a simple thought on giving, and in the context it was about giving financially. He said that those who put little in the ground should expect little produce, but those who put much in the ground, can expect more produce. A simple thought, but one I need to think about.
Application:
Whatever we invest in, will bring about results. The things we invest in are generally the things we see as important. When we invest in heavenly things, we will see heavenly produce. When we invest little in eternity, we can expect little return. When I get to heaven, I want to see great returns for much invested here on the earth.
Prayer:
Father, let me always be one who invest and sows seed because I know the value of eternal things. Help me to see your Kingdom as more important than anything else and to invest in it generously.
Yours,
Jeff
II Corinthians 9:6 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously".
Observation:
Paul tells the Corinthian people a simple thought on giving, and in the context it was about giving financially. He said that those who put little in the ground should expect little produce, but those who put much in the ground, can expect more produce. A simple thought, but one I need to think about.
Application:
Whatever we invest in, will bring about results. The things we invest in are generally the things we see as important. When we invest in heavenly things, we will see heavenly produce. When we invest little in eternity, we can expect little return. When I get to heaven, I want to see great returns for much invested here on the earth.
Prayer:
Father, let me always be one who invest and sows seed because I know the value of eternal things. Help me to see your Kingdom as more important than anything else and to invest in it generously.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, June 13, 2016
Life Goals
Scripture:
II Corinthians 5:9-10 "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about being in the body or out of the body. Basically he is talking about living on this earth or being in heaven. After some discourse about this, he says, "So we make it our goal to please him... For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ". He said that since we will one day leave this body, we must make pleasing God our goal while in this body.
Application:
We all have goals that we are trying to achieve. Our main goal, if we are smart, is to please God. We will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for everything we did while on this earth. Our life goal should be to please Him. As for me, my life goal is to hear, "well done, good and faithful servant".
Prayer:
Father, I love You and want to please You with my life. Let all that I say and do bring you glory. Let my thoughts, words, actions and reactions please You. You are my life and I love you and give my life to You.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Corinthians 5:9-10 "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about being in the body or out of the body. Basically he is talking about living on this earth or being in heaven. After some discourse about this, he says, "So we make it our goal to please him... For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ". He said that since we will one day leave this body, we must make pleasing God our goal while in this body.
Application:
We all have goals that we are trying to achieve. Our main goal, if we are smart, is to please God. We will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for everything we did while on this earth. Our life goal should be to please Him. As for me, my life goal is to hear, "well done, good and faithful servant".
Prayer:
Father, I love You and want to please You with my life. Let all that I say and do bring you glory. Let my thoughts, words, actions and reactions please You. You are my life and I love you and give my life to You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, June 11, 2016
When God Gets Mad
Scripture:
II Kings 24:20 "It was because of the Lord's anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence. Now Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon".
Observation:
God is the God of love and is slow to anger, but when He gets angry, He will bring His judgment. Here, the people of Jerusalem had built shrines and idols and were worshiping them. The king of Judah was doing evil in God's eyes and He said that enough was enough. God thrust them from His presence and basically said, "I'm done with you".
Application:
There is a point when we continue to walk away from God and don't listen to what He has to say or when we don't listen to His word, that He gets angry. Many people say this is not so in the New Testament, but in the New Testament we are told that God gave people over to their own ways. At some point He will thrust people from His presence as he did with Judah here. We must live to honor God and not just to please ourselves. We must live lives that bring glory to Him instead of convenience to us.
Prayer:
Father God, I want to follow Your ways and fulfill Your will. Help me to stay the course and not to allow idols in my life that pull me away from You. Teach me to be a faithful son in the house. I want to live in Your blessing and not your anger.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Kings 24:20 "It was because of the Lord's anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence. Now Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon".
Observation:
God is the God of love and is slow to anger, but when He gets angry, He will bring His judgment. Here, the people of Jerusalem had built shrines and idols and were worshiping them. The king of Judah was doing evil in God's eyes and He said that enough was enough. God thrust them from His presence and basically said, "I'm done with you".
Application:
There is a point when we continue to walk away from God and don't listen to what He has to say or when we don't listen to His word, that He gets angry. Many people say this is not so in the New Testament, but in the New Testament we are told that God gave people over to their own ways. At some point He will thrust people from His presence as he did with Judah here. We must live to honor God and not just to please ourselves. We must live lives that bring glory to Him instead of convenience to us.
Prayer:
Father God, I want to follow Your ways and fulfill Your will. Help me to stay the course and not to allow idols in my life that pull me away from You. Teach me to be a faithful son in the house. I want to live in Your blessing and not your anger.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, June 10, 2016
Just Because He Can
Scripture:
II Kings 20:11 "Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz".
Observation:
Isaiah came to Hezekiah to tell him that the Lord had granted him an extra fifteen years of life when he was expected to die quickly. When Isaiah gave him the news, Hezekiah asked him, what is the sign that I will be healed? Isaiah said that the shadow would go back ten steps on the stairway. God literally moved heaven and earth just to give Hezekiah a sign.
Application:
God didn't have to move the sun or the earth as a sign, He did it just because He is God and He could. God is able to do anything He wants! He does some things just because He can. We must be reminded that God can do absolutely anything He wants to do and that He loves to bless His children. He is truly a good, good Father and He will move heaven and earth to demonstrate that.
Prayer:
Father, show Yourself strong in my life. You are incredible and I love You. May Your hand be upon my life and flow through my life. Demonstrate Your power in my generation through signs and wonders. Show the world who You are!
Yours,
Jeff
II Kings 20:11 "Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz".
Observation:
Isaiah came to Hezekiah to tell him that the Lord had granted him an extra fifteen years of life when he was expected to die quickly. When Isaiah gave him the news, Hezekiah asked him, what is the sign that I will be healed? Isaiah said that the shadow would go back ten steps on the stairway. God literally moved heaven and earth just to give Hezekiah a sign.
Application:
God didn't have to move the sun or the earth as a sign, He did it just because He is God and He could. God is able to do anything He wants! He does some things just because He can. We must be reminded that God can do absolutely anything He wants to do and that He loves to bless His children. He is truly a good, good Father and He will move heaven and earth to demonstrate that.
Prayer:
Father, show Yourself strong in my life. You are incredible and I love You. May Your hand be upon my life and flow through my life. Demonstrate Your power in my generation through signs and wonders. Show the world who You are!
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Success
Scripture:
II Kings 18:7 "And the Lord was with him; and he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him".
Observation:
King Hezekiah decided he was going to follow the Lord fully like his ancestor David. He turned to the Lord with all his heart. He held fast to the Lord and was determined to follow His ways and restore His worship in Judah. The Bible says this about the one who was going hard after God, "And the Lord was with him; and he was successful in whatever he undertook".
Application:
Real success begins and ends with following the Lord. When you follow the Lord completely and do things His way, you will see success. All other endeavors for success are based on our strength and knowledge. God is stronger and knows all! When He grants success, nobody will be able to stand against you. Success doesn't come from attending a seminar, it comes from wholeheartedly following the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, I look to You. I want to do things Your way. I want to follow You completely and do all that You want me to do with my life. Help me to hear Your voice and follow accordingly. Help me to see what You are doing and to follow You completely. I am yours! Let my life be successful in Your eyes.
Yours,
Jeff
II Kings 18:7 "And the Lord was with him; and he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him".
Observation:
King Hezekiah decided he was going to follow the Lord fully like his ancestor David. He turned to the Lord with all his heart. He held fast to the Lord and was determined to follow His ways and restore His worship in Judah. The Bible says this about the one who was going hard after God, "And the Lord was with him; and he was successful in whatever he undertook".
Application:
Real success begins and ends with following the Lord. When you follow the Lord completely and do things His way, you will see success. All other endeavors for success are based on our strength and knowledge. God is stronger and knows all! When He grants success, nobody will be able to stand against you. Success doesn't come from attending a seminar, it comes from wholeheartedly following the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, I look to You. I want to do things Your way. I want to follow You completely and do all that You want me to do with my life. Help me to hear Your voice and follow accordingly. Help me to see what You are doing and to follow You completely. I am yours! Let my life be successful in Your eyes.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Not a Word
Scripture:
II Kings 10:10 "Know, then, that not a word the Lord has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail. The Lord has done what he announced through his servant Elijah"
Observation:
The words that Elijah spoke about Ahab came to pass exactly as he said they would. down to dogs licking up the blood of his wife Jezebel. Every detail of what Elijah had said, came to pass exactly as he said it would.
Application:
I want to walk in the prophetic and live a life of obedience that brings about "not a word" of what I speak on the Lord's behalf coming to pass. I want to truly represent the word of the Lord and not just tell people what they want to hear. I want my ears open to the voice of God to know exactly what He is saying in our generation.
Prayer:
Father, open my ears so that I can hear Your voice clearer every day. When I speak, I want every word I speak to be accurate according to what You want me to say in every circumstance. You did it in Elijah's life and I want You to do it in my life as well. Let me represent You and what You want to say accurately.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Kings 10:10 "Know, then, that not a word the Lord has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail. The Lord has done what he announced through his servant Elijah"
Observation:
The words that Elijah spoke about Ahab came to pass exactly as he said they would. down to dogs licking up the blood of his wife Jezebel. Every detail of what Elijah had said, came to pass exactly as he said it would.
Application:
I want to walk in the prophetic and live a life of obedience that brings about "not a word" of what I speak on the Lord's behalf coming to pass. I want to truly represent the word of the Lord and not just tell people what they want to hear. I want my ears open to the voice of God to know exactly what He is saying in our generation.
Prayer:
Father, open my ears so that I can hear Your voice clearer every day. When I speak, I want every word I speak to be accurate according to what You want me to say in every circumstance. You did it in Elijah's life and I want You to do it in my life as well. Let me represent You and what You want to say accurately.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, June 6, 2016
Open My Eyes
Scripture:
II Kings 6:17 "And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see,' Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes. and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha".
Observation:
Elisha and his servant were stuck in a bad place and were totally encircled by their enemies with no hope of escape. Their enemies had them ready to defeat them and death was coming quickly upon them. When Elisha's servant told him the situation, he told the servant that those who were for them were more than those who were against them, then asked the Lord to open his eyes. When his eyes were opened, he could see the flaming chariots of fire all around them and realized God's army was on the scene.
Application:
Sometimes when we feel encircled by the enemy and that we are at the end of our rope, we need to remember that those who are for us are greater than those who are against us. We need to realize that the God of heaven is on our side and that we have nothing to fear. God always has our back when we are doing His will and walking in obedience to Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to not feel hopeless at times when it seems like the enemy is having his way around me. Help me to open my eyes to see what is really going on. Help me to know that You are with me at all times and that You are able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than what I can imagine. Help me to see the flaming chariots that You are sending.
Yours,
Jeff
II Kings 6:17 "And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see,' Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes. and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha".
Observation:
Elisha and his servant were stuck in a bad place and were totally encircled by their enemies with no hope of escape. Their enemies had them ready to defeat them and death was coming quickly upon them. When Elisha's servant told him the situation, he told the servant that those who were for them were more than those who were against them, then asked the Lord to open his eyes. When his eyes were opened, he could see the flaming chariots of fire all around them and realized God's army was on the scene.
Application:
Sometimes when we feel encircled by the enemy and that we are at the end of our rope, we need to remember that those who are for us are greater than those who are against us. We need to realize that the God of heaven is on our side and that we have nothing to fear. God always has our back when we are doing His will and walking in obedience to Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to not feel hopeless at times when it seems like the enemy is having his way around me. Help me to open my eyes to see what is really going on. Help me to know that You are with me at all times and that You are able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than what I can imagine. Help me to see the flaming chariots that You are sending.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, June 3, 2016
Getting God's Attention
Scripture:
I Kings 21:29 "'Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son'".
Observation:
Ahab was one of the most wicked kings in history. He had set up images for worship of other gods. He had people killed to get their property. He allowed his wife to lead him into some terrible things and God had determined to judge him severely. Then in this verse, God says, "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself?" When Ahab humbled himself before God, God made sure the disaster that was coming would not be on him, but on his family.
Application:
God takes notice when people humble themselves before Him. Even when He has pronounced judgment, He will turn it around for those who truly humble themselves before Him. When we sin, we must humble ourselves before the Lord and ask His forgiveness and repent of our sins. When we do, he will notice! Just saying you're sorry does not constitute humility before God. We must demonstrate outward actions of repentance and sorrow for what we have done, then we will get God's attention.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to walk in humility before You. You are my everything and I want to please You with all my heart. This year it seems You are always showing me verses about humbling myself before You. Help me to live in this way. Teach me to walk in true humility and let me truly demonstrate sorrow and repentance when I mess up.
Yours,
Jeff
I Kings 21:29 "'Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son'".
Observation:
Ahab was one of the most wicked kings in history. He had set up images for worship of other gods. He had people killed to get their property. He allowed his wife to lead him into some terrible things and God had determined to judge him severely. Then in this verse, God says, "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself?" When Ahab humbled himself before God, God made sure the disaster that was coming would not be on him, but on his family.
Application:
God takes notice when people humble themselves before Him. Even when He has pronounced judgment, He will turn it around for those who truly humble themselves before Him. When we sin, we must humble ourselves before the Lord and ask His forgiveness and repent of our sins. When we do, he will notice! Just saying you're sorry does not constitute humility before God. We must demonstrate outward actions of repentance and sorrow for what we have done, then we will get God's attention.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to walk in humility before You. You are my everything and I want to please You with all my heart. This year it seems You are always showing me verses about humbling myself before You. Help me to live in this way. Teach me to walk in true humility and let me truly demonstrate sorrow and repentance when I mess up.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Seeing is Believing
Scripture:
I Kings 18:39 "When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, 'The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!'"
Observation:
Ahab and some of the kings before him, had turned the hearts of the people of Israel away from the Lord God Almighty and toward other gods. Elijah called the prophets of Baal and told them that they would both call on their god and the God who answered by fire was God in Israel. The fire didn't fall when Baal's followers called out to him all day long, but when Elijah prayed, fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. The people saw this and fell down before the Lord and declared that He was God.
Application:
I believe that this generation needs to see God at work. I believe that seeing is believing and that when people see the power of God, they will turn and fall prostrate before Him. We need more than enticing words of man's wisdom, we need the raw power of God! We need people to be able to see testimonies and changed lives. In this world, seeing is believing. May God begin to move in such powerful ways that the world can't help but believe.
Prayer:
Father, pour out Your Spirit in my region and all over the earth. Show Yourself strong and let the world see how powerful You are. May people see with their own eyes the power of God and may they realize just how awesome You are. Give them something to see! Arise oh Lord and demonstrate Your power in my generation.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Kings 18:39 "When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, 'The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!'"
Observation:
Ahab and some of the kings before him, had turned the hearts of the people of Israel away from the Lord God Almighty and toward other gods. Elijah called the prophets of Baal and told them that they would both call on their god and the God who answered by fire was God in Israel. The fire didn't fall when Baal's followers called out to him all day long, but when Elijah prayed, fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. The people saw this and fell down before the Lord and declared that He was God.
Application:
I believe that this generation needs to see God at work. I believe that seeing is believing and that when people see the power of God, they will turn and fall prostrate before Him. We need more than enticing words of man's wisdom, we need the raw power of God! We need people to be able to see testimonies and changed lives. In this world, seeing is believing. May God begin to move in such powerful ways that the world can't help but believe.
Prayer:
Father, pour out Your Spirit in my region and all over the earth. Show Yourself strong and let the world see how powerful You are. May people see with their own eyes the power of God and may they realize just how awesome You are. Give them something to see! Arise oh Lord and demonstrate Your power in my generation.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
When a Leader Sins
Scripture:
I Kings 14:16 "And he will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit".
Observation:
I see here that the sins of the king were not only personal, but because he was the leader, his sins affected the whole nation. God gave Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam. Because of his sin, the whole nation was judged. He was blamed for cause all Israel to sin because he built the altars to other gods.
Application:
Jeroboam didn't force people to sin. He simply gave them an option of worshiping other gods and the whole nation was judged because of it. He wasn't demanding that people sin, they still had a choice, but giving the the option brought punishment upon them. As leaders, our sin affect everyone around us. When a leader sins, it has larger results. Leaders must be careful because what they do affect those under their leadership.
Prayer:
Father, walk with me day by day and never let me stray away from You or take You for granted. Help me to lean in closer each day and learn of You. I want to live a life worth living and that makes an eternal impact for good and for You.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Kings 14:16 "And he will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit".
Observation:
I see here that the sins of the king were not only personal, but because he was the leader, his sins affected the whole nation. God gave Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam. Because of his sin, the whole nation was judged. He was blamed for cause all Israel to sin because he built the altars to other gods.
Application:
Jeroboam didn't force people to sin. He simply gave them an option of worshiping other gods and the whole nation was judged because of it. He wasn't demanding that people sin, they still had a choice, but giving the the option brought punishment upon them. As leaders, our sin affect everyone around us. When a leader sins, it has larger results. Leaders must be careful because what they do affect those under their leadership.
Prayer:
Father, walk with me day by day and never let me stray away from You or take You for granted. Help me to lean in closer each day and learn of You. I want to live a life worth living and that makes an eternal impact for good and for You.
Your Son,
Jeff
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