Scripture:
Proverbs 4:6 "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you".
Observation:
Solomon had much to say about wisdom. In this verse, he tells us not to forsake wisdom because she will protect us. Walking in wisdom protects us from so many terrible things in our lives. It also tells us to love wisdom and she will watch over us.
Application:
Many times we do things that are not wise. We lean on our feelings instead of on true wisdom. Wise people give their advice and we walk away from it to do what we want to do. Instead of listening to the wise and doing what they say, we decide to so what feels good at the time. We must love wisdom. When we walk in wisdom, we will be protected from our own decisions. We need to seek wise council as we walk out our lives.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to walk with the wise and to seek out wisdom. Wisdom will keep us from so many awful things. Teach me to listen to Your word and to the words of the wise. Help me to be humble enough to seek out wisdom and listen to it.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Don't Reject Instruction
Scripture:
I Thessalonians 4:7-8 "For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the people of Thessalonica and at this point talks to them about sexual immorality. He tells them that God didn't call them to be impure, but to live a holy life. He tells them that anyone who rejects his teaching on sexual immorality is actually rejecting God who gave them the Holy Spirit.
Application:
It amazes me as a pastor how many people I give counsel to from God's word, who turn it around and reject what I'm saying because of their particular situation. They would say that I need to be more understanding rather than telling the truth. Here Paul tells those he was talking to about sexual immorality, that those who don't listen and obey, are actually rejecting God. This is dangerous ground. We need to follow the Word of God and never reject God's word for the sake of convenience or any other thing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in humility before You. Help me to see Your word as the final authority in my life and to never reject it. Help me to live what You say in Your Word and to believe that by doing things Your way, You will bless my life. Help me to realize better in counseling that people who reject the word are not rejecting me, but You.
Yours,
Jeff
I Thessalonians 4:7-8 "For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit".
Observation:
Paul is writing to the people of Thessalonica and at this point talks to them about sexual immorality. He tells them that God didn't call them to be impure, but to live a holy life. He tells them that anyone who rejects his teaching on sexual immorality is actually rejecting God who gave them the Holy Spirit.
Application:
It amazes me as a pastor how many people I give counsel to from God's word, who turn it around and reject what I'm saying because of their particular situation. They would say that I need to be more understanding rather than telling the truth. Here Paul tells those he was talking to about sexual immorality, that those who don't listen and obey, are actually rejecting God. This is dangerous ground. We need to follow the Word of God and never reject God's word for the sake of convenience or any other thing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in humility before You. Help me to see Your word as the final authority in my life and to never reject it. Help me to live what You say in Your Word and to believe that by doing things Your way, You will bless my life. Help me to realize better in counseling that people who reject the word are not rejecting me, but You.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, August 26, 2016
Vindication and Compassion
Scripture:
Psalm 135:14 "For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants".
Observation:
The Psalmist here is speaking of the Lord and tells us that He will vindicate His people and have compassion on his servants. The word vindicate means, "to clear of blame or suspicion". In other words God will clear you of everything the enemy has accused you of and He will have compassion on you.
Application:
Our God is a God of compassion. He loves us and will always be there for us. He is touched by the feelings we have according to the book of Hebrews. He also vindicates us from all offenses. Our enemy is very good at bringing accusation to us about how bad we have been, how we have messed up and how God couldn't love us because of what we have done. We can trust God that He will clear us of the blame and accusation of our enemy, the devil, the accuser of the brethren. We are clear and he loves us!
Prayer:
Lord God, You are faithful and full of compassion for us. You are awesome and I appreciate You more each day. Thank you for clearing me of accusations against me. Thank You for having compassion on me instead of judgment. Thank You for hearing my cry and having compassion on my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 135:14 "For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants".
Observation:
The Psalmist here is speaking of the Lord and tells us that He will vindicate His people and have compassion on his servants. The word vindicate means, "to clear of blame or suspicion". In other words God will clear you of everything the enemy has accused you of and He will have compassion on you.
Application:
Our God is a God of compassion. He loves us and will always be there for us. He is touched by the feelings we have according to the book of Hebrews. He also vindicates us from all offenses. Our enemy is very good at bringing accusation to us about how bad we have been, how we have messed up and how God couldn't love us because of what we have done. We can trust God that He will clear us of the blame and accusation of our enemy, the devil, the accuser of the brethren. We are clear and he loves us!
Prayer:
Lord God, You are faithful and full of compassion for us. You are awesome and I appreciate You more each day. Thank you for clearing me of accusations against me. Thank You for having compassion on me instead of judgment. Thank You for hearing my cry and having compassion on my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Waiting on the Lord with Hope
Scripture:
Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope".
Observation:
The Psalmist here shares about how he waits for the Lord with his whole being. He says that in the process he puts his hope in God's word. He tells us that we should wait on the Lord with hope placed in his word.
Application:
It is hard to wait for something. Patience truly is a virtue. Waiting means that you trust the person you are waiting for, that they are coming and that they will deliver what they promised. God's word places hope in our lives and hope causes us to be able to wait with confidence that God will come through in our situations because His word is true and doesn't lie. We must have God's word in our hearts and patience in our lives. When we do, we will see the victory. We must hope in God's word and wait on the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, your word is true and I can place my confidence in it. Help me to trust you more while I wait. I think of the song this morning, "while I'm waiting". Help me learn to wait on You instead of acting out on my own in bad situations. Teach me to trust You and Your word. You are faithful, let me trust You more and wait on You. I'm waiting Lord.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope".
Observation:
The Psalmist here shares about how he waits for the Lord with his whole being. He says that in the process he puts his hope in God's word. He tells us that we should wait on the Lord with hope placed in his word.
Application:
It is hard to wait for something. Patience truly is a virtue. Waiting means that you trust the person you are waiting for, that they are coming and that they will deliver what they promised. God's word places hope in our lives and hope causes us to be able to wait with confidence that God will come through in our situations because His word is true and doesn't lie. We must have God's word in our hearts and patience in our lives. When we do, we will see the victory. We must hope in God's word and wait on the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, your word is true and I can place my confidence in it. Help me to trust you more while I wait. I think of the song this morning, "while I'm waiting". Help me learn to wait on You instead of acting out on my own in bad situations. Teach me to trust You and Your word. You are faithful, let me trust You more and wait on You. I'm waiting Lord.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Keep and Seek
Scripture:
Psalm 119:2 "Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek Him with all their heart - they do no wrong but follow His ways".
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us here that we are blessed when we keep God's statutes and seek Him with all our heart. From this I see that blessing is directly related to keep God's statutes and seeking Him. Doing this helps us follow His ways.
Application:
Everyone wants the blessing of God on their lives, myself included. I want to walk in His blessing and His favor more than anything. Here God tells us that we are blessed when we keep and when we seek. We are blessed when we follow God's word and keep His commands. We are also blessed when we seek Him with all our heart. Keeping and seeking will bring God's blessing into our lives.
Prayer:
Lord God, I want You blessing on my life. I want to do no wrong, but follow Your ways. I desire to follow Your statutes and commands and I seek Your face. I want more of You in my life. Help me to seek You more each day. Empower me to keep and seek as a part of my nature and who I am. Let me be a keeper and a seeker and walk in Your blessing.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 119:2 "Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek Him with all their heart - they do no wrong but follow His ways".
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us here that we are blessed when we keep God's statutes and seek Him with all our heart. From this I see that blessing is directly related to keep God's statutes and seeking Him. Doing this helps us follow His ways.
Application:
Everyone wants the blessing of God on their lives, myself included. I want to walk in His blessing and His favor more than anything. Here God tells us that we are blessed when we keep and when we seek. We are blessed when we follow God's word and keep His commands. We are also blessed when we seek Him with all our heart. Keeping and seeking will bring God's blessing into our lives.
Prayer:
Lord God, I want You blessing on my life. I want to do no wrong, but follow Your ways. I desire to follow Your statutes and commands and I seek Your face. I want more of You in my life. Help me to seek You more each day. Empower me to keep and seek as a part of my nature and who I am. Let me be a keeper and a seeker and walk in Your blessing.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Take Refuge
Scripture:
Psalm 118:8 "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans".
Observation:
The Psalmist here tells us that taking refuge in the Lord is better than trusting in humans. A refuge is a place of protection, provision, and care. It is a safe place where you can run in troubled times. He is saying God is a better refuge than any human and He is the place to turn.
Application:
It is natural to turn to people when things are difficult in our lives. Our refuge is really suppose to be in God. He is the perfect healer, provider, protector, etc. He is the one who will care for us, give us what we need and protect us from all the power of our enemies. People will always let us down, but God is the perfect refuge. We must turn to Him and trust Him above all.
Prayer:
Father, be my refuge. Help me to trust You more than I trust people. You are the ever-faithful God. You have provided a place of refuge for me like no human could ever do. You are my rock and my salvation and I put my trust in You. Lead me, guide me, and let me trust completely in You and You alone.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 118:8 "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans".
Observation:
The Psalmist here tells us that taking refuge in the Lord is better than trusting in humans. A refuge is a place of protection, provision, and care. It is a safe place where you can run in troubled times. He is saying God is a better refuge than any human and He is the place to turn.
Application:
It is natural to turn to people when things are difficult in our lives. Our refuge is really suppose to be in God. He is the perfect healer, provider, protector, etc. He is the one who will care for us, give us what we need and protect us from all the power of our enemies. People will always let us down, but God is the perfect refuge. We must turn to Him and trust Him above all.
Prayer:
Father, be my refuge. Help me to trust You more than I trust people. You are the ever-faithful God. You have provided a place of refuge for me like no human could ever do. You are my rock and my salvation and I put my trust in You. Lead me, guide me, and let me trust completely in You and You alone.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, August 22, 2016
Even in Darkness
Scripture:
Psalm 112:4 "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous."
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us here that light dawns for those who live uprightly, even when things look dark around us.
Application:
Sometimes we go through times when we feel like we are in darkness. Possibly we can't seem to hear the voice of God or things are not going the way we would like. Sometimes dark times come from the death of a loved one or a downturn in finances, etc. Here we are told that even when darkness comes, God will bring us light if we are living uprightly.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk with You continually and to realize that even in dark times, You are with me and You are helping me. Help me to trust that light will dawn when it feels like darkness is winning. Help me to walk by faith in You and Your word.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 112:4 "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous."
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us here that light dawns for those who live uprightly, even when things look dark around us.
Application:
Sometimes we go through times when we feel like we are in darkness. Possibly we can't seem to hear the voice of God or things are not going the way we would like. Sometimes dark times come from the death of a loved one or a downturn in finances, etc. Here we are told that even when darkness comes, God will bring us light if we are living uprightly.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk with You continually and to realize that even in dark times, You are with me and You are helping me. Help me to trust that light will dawn when it feels like darkness is winning. Help me to walk by faith in You and Your word.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, August 19, 2016
Renewed Youth
Scripture:
Psalm 103:5 "who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's".
Observation:
David tells us here that it is God who satisfies our desires with good things so our youth is renewed like the eagle's. David saw God as the source of every good thing that had come into his life. He credits God for renewing our youth and giving us strength every day. The bottom line in David's life is that God gets praise for everything.
Application:
We need to be a thankful people. We need to realize, like David, that it is God who gives us all good things and renews our youth. The New Testament tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of Lights. I need to be more thankful for all God has blessed me with and to realize when good things happen that it is God behind it.
Prayer:
Father, give me a thankful heart. Help me to see your goodness as David did. Renew my youth like the eagle's. I am feeling very tired and worn out lately and I am still young. Renew my youth Father. I want to feel good again.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 103:5 "who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's".
Observation:
David tells us here that it is God who satisfies our desires with good things so our youth is renewed like the eagle's. David saw God as the source of every good thing that had come into his life. He credits God for renewing our youth and giving us strength every day. The bottom line in David's life is that God gets praise for everything.
Application:
We need to be a thankful people. We need to realize, like David, that it is God who gives us all good things and renews our youth. The New Testament tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of Lights. I need to be more thankful for all God has blessed me with and to realize when good things happen that it is God behind it.
Prayer:
Father, give me a thankful heart. Help me to see your goodness as David did. Renew my youth like the eagle's. I am feeling very tired and worn out lately and I am still young. Renew my youth Father. I want to feel good again.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Light and Joy
Scripture:
Psalm 97:11 "Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart".
Observation:
The Psalmist here is describing those who follow the Lord and walk in righteousness. He says that light and joy shine on the people of God who truly follow him.
Application:
Jesus told us to shine our light before men and we are told by Paul that joy is the second fruit of the Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we should be people who are filled with light and joy. I know most of my life I have been known for my joy and light, but somewhere I have let life rob me of both and I want them back. I believe light and joy are great testimonies to the world that God is good.
Prayer:
Father, I want my light and joy back. I pursue You this morning and ask You to restore to me the joy of my salvation and let Your light shine through me to those in need of Christ. Help me to not feel overwhelmed, but to walk step by step with You through this journey. Help me to represent You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 97:11 "Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart".
Observation:
The Psalmist here is describing those who follow the Lord and walk in righteousness. He says that light and joy shine on the people of God who truly follow him.
Application:
Jesus told us to shine our light before men and we are told by Paul that joy is the second fruit of the Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we should be people who are filled with light and joy. I know most of my life I have been known for my joy and light, but somewhere I have let life rob me of both and I want them back. I believe light and joy are great testimonies to the world that God is good.
Prayer:
Father, I want my light and joy back. I pursue You this morning and ask You to restore to me the joy of my salvation and let Your light shine through me to those in need of Christ. Help me to not feel overwhelmed, but to walk step by step with You through this journey. Help me to represent You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Establish the Work of our Hands
Scripture:
Psalm 90:17 "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands".
Observation:
The psalmist here asks for the favor of God to be on them and for the Lord to establish the work of their hands. There is an understanding here that favor resting on us will cause God to establish the work of our hands. Our hands working with God's favor equals great things.
Application:
Many times we cry out for God's favor on our lives, but we aren't doing anything for Him to put His favor on. His favor establishes the work of our hands. We still have to work, but His favor on our work makes great things happen. We can't be lazy and expect God's favor to make everything easy in our lives. Our work... His favor... Great results!
Prayer:
Father, let me now grow weary in well doing. Help me to always be a diligent and hard worker. I do ask You to establish the work of my hands for Your kingdom. I have worked hard and plan to continue to work hard, but I ask for Your favor and for You to establish the work I am doing.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 90:17 "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands".
Observation:
The psalmist here asks for the favor of God to be on them and for the Lord to establish the work of their hands. There is an understanding here that favor resting on us will cause God to establish the work of our hands. Our hands working with God's favor equals great things.
Application:
Many times we cry out for God's favor on our lives, but we aren't doing anything for Him to put His favor on. His favor establishes the work of our hands. We still have to work, but His favor on our work makes great things happen. We can't be lazy and expect God's favor to make everything easy in our lives. Our work... His favor... Great results!
Prayer:
Father, let me now grow weary in well doing. Help me to always be a diligent and hard worker. I do ask You to establish the work of my hands for Your kingdom. I have worked hard and plan to continue to work hard, but I ask for Your favor and for You to establish the work I am doing.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
An Undivided Heart
Scripture:
Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name".
Observation:
The psalmist here tells the Lord that he wanted God to teach him His way so that he could rely on God's faithfulness. He asked God for an undivided heart so that he would fear God's name. He knew that knowing God's ways would cause him to rely on God's faithfulness and that having an undivided heart would cause him to fear God's name.
Application:
Knowing God's ways and having an undivided heart have great benefits in the kingdom of God. When we know God's ways, we receive more faith to trust and rely on His faithfulness. When we have a truly undivided heart, we will fear Him more. An undivided heart is one that fully follows the Lord and does His will. This person will find great favor with God. I want an undivided heart.
Prayer:
Father, let my heart be undivided and let me follow You wholeheartedly like Joshua and Caleb. Help me to know Your ways more each day and to rely on You instead of on my own wisdom and thoughts. You are able to do far above what I can even imagine. Help me to rely on You more and myself less.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name".
Observation:
The psalmist here tells the Lord that he wanted God to teach him His way so that he could rely on God's faithfulness. He asked God for an undivided heart so that he would fear God's name. He knew that knowing God's ways would cause him to rely on God's faithfulness and that having an undivided heart would cause him to fear God's name.
Application:
Knowing God's ways and having an undivided heart have great benefits in the kingdom of God. When we know God's ways, we receive more faith to trust and rely on His faithfulness. When we have a truly undivided heart, we will fear Him more. An undivided heart is one that fully follows the Lord and does His will. This person will find great favor with God. I want an undivided heart.
Prayer:
Father, let my heart be undivided and let me follow You wholeheartedly like Joshua and Caleb. Help me to know Your ways more each day and to rely on You instead of on my own wisdom and thoughts. You are able to do far above what I can even imagine. Help me to rely on You more and myself less.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, August 12, 2016
Don't Let Me Disgrace Your name
Scripture:
Psalm 69:6 "Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in You not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me".
Observation:
The Psalmist cries out to the Lord in the midst of going through some terrible things. He is in a bad place, but in that place, he thinks of the reputation of the Lord over his own feelings. He doesn't want the Lord's name to be disgraced because of his sin or problems.
Application:
Many ministers, Christians, etc. have fell into sin and messed up their lives. They don't realize that they are also messing up the Lord's reputation. We need to always be conscious of the fact that the Lord's name is to be lifted up and our reputation makes Him look good or bad. May our lives bring Him praise and honor instead of dishonor.
Prayer:
Father, let my life bring Your praise and may Your name be lifted up always through my life. Let me never bring Your name disgrace, but great honor. I want to represent You well.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 69:6 "Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in You not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me".
Observation:
The Psalmist cries out to the Lord in the midst of going through some terrible things. He is in a bad place, but in that place, he thinks of the reputation of the Lord over his own feelings. He doesn't want the Lord's name to be disgraced because of his sin or problems.
Application:
Many ministers, Christians, etc. have fell into sin and messed up their lives. They don't realize that they are also messing up the Lord's reputation. We need to always be conscious of the fact that the Lord's name is to be lifted up and our reputation makes Him look good or bad. May our lives bring Him praise and honor instead of dishonor.
Prayer:
Father, let my life bring Your praise and may Your name be lifted up always through my life. Let me never bring Your name disgrace, but great honor. I want to represent You well.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Never Shaken
Scripture:
Psalm 55:22 "Cast your care on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken".
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us here that when we are going through things, we must cast our care on the Lord because He will sustain us. He will not allow us to be shaken, but we have a hard time casting our care.
Application:
We must learn to cast our cares because He cares for us. Casting means to throw something as far away from us as possible. We must learn to cast the things that are bothering us away and trust the Lord to sustain us and give us what we need for the day we are living in. He is faithful, but we must learn to cast because He then is faithful to sustain us.
Prayer:
Father, help me learn to cast my cares on You. I know you care for me and want to lift me up and sustain me. Teach me to trust You more each day. You are my strength and the lifter of my head. You are awesome Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 55:22 "Cast your care on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken".
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us here that when we are going through things, we must cast our care on the Lord because He will sustain us. He will not allow us to be shaken, but we have a hard time casting our care.
Application:
We must learn to cast our cares because He cares for us. Casting means to throw something as far away from us as possible. We must learn to cast the things that are bothering us away and trust the Lord to sustain us and give us what we need for the day we are living in. He is faithful, but we must learn to cast because He then is faithful to sustain us.
Prayer:
Father, help me learn to cast my cares on You. I know you care for me and want to lift me up and sustain me. Teach me to trust You more each day. You are my strength and the lifter of my head. You are awesome Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
God's Looking... Am I Seeking?
Scripture:
Psalm 53:2 "God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God".
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us that God is looking down from heaven on whoever understands, then he lets us know that those who understand, would be the ones who seek God. There is a direct correlation between understanding life and seeking God. Those who get it, seek Him!
Application:
God is looking down to see if we understand or if we get it. Those who are seeking God get it and understand. Those who understand Him are seeking Him. We need to realize that God is worth the pursuit. Seekers are finders. We will find Him when we seek for Him with all our heart. The greatest thing your life can be known for is being a person who seeks God. When that happens, He will raise you up in every other area.
Prayer:
Father, let me be a person who understands and who seeks You continually throughout my years. Help me to follow You closely and not just be a casual follower. I love You and want Your influence in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 53:2 "God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God".
Observation:
The Psalmist tells us that God is looking down from heaven on whoever understands, then he lets us know that those who understand, would be the ones who seek God. There is a direct correlation between understanding life and seeking God. Those who get it, seek Him!
Application:
God is looking down to see if we understand or if we get it. Those who are seeking God get it and understand. Those who understand Him are seeking Him. We need to realize that God is worth the pursuit. Seekers are finders. We will find Him when we seek for Him with all our heart. The greatest thing your life can be known for is being a person who seeks God. When that happens, He will raise you up in every other area.
Prayer:
Father, let me be a person who understands and who seeks You continually throughout my years. Help me to follow You closely and not just be a casual follower. I love You and want Your influence in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, August 5, 2016
Who Has God's Attention?
Scripture:
Psalm 33:18 "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love".
Observation:
The Psalmist declares here that those who fear the Lord, also have His eyes on them. He is looking at those who fear Him. He also says that His eyes are on those who hope in His unfailing love. Hoping in God's unfailing love gets God's attention.
Application:
When we don't know what to do, we can always hope in God's unfailing love. His love doesn't fail when we mess up. His love doesn't fail when bad things happen. We can always trust in His love because His love never fails. Our job is to fear Him and trust His love. His job is to keep His eyes on us and take care of us. We can trust Him completely.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to walk with You closer and closer. Teach me to fear You and to put my hope in Your unfailing love. I know You love me, but help me understand that love more and more each day. Help me to find hope for my life in your unfailing love.
Yours,
Jeff
Psalm 33:18 "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love".
Observation:
The Psalmist declares here that those who fear the Lord, also have His eyes on them. He is looking at those who fear Him. He also says that His eyes are on those who hope in His unfailing love. Hoping in God's unfailing love gets God's attention.
Application:
When we don't know what to do, we can always hope in God's unfailing love. His love doesn't fail when we mess up. His love doesn't fail when bad things happen. We can always trust in His love because His love never fails. Our job is to fear Him and trust His love. His job is to keep His eyes on us and take care of us. We can trust Him completely.
Prayer:
Father God, help me to walk with You closer and closer. Teach me to fear You and to put my hope in Your unfailing love. I know You love me, but help me understand that love more and more each day. Help me to find hope for my life in your unfailing love.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Quiet Waters
Scripture:
Psalm 19:2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters".
Observation:
David understood much about the Lord. He was a man after God's own heart. He knew that God would bring peace and tranquility into our lives. Here he tells us that God is our shepherd and that he would lead us beside quiet waters.
Application:
The Holy Spirit is here to give us peace in the midst of turmoil. He can cause us to lie down in green pastures and lead us beside still or quiet waters. We must learn to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit and He will lead us into perfect peace. He doesn't force us to walk beside quiet waters, he leads us. We must take the action of following Him, but if we will listen and follow, He will lead us out of turmoil and into peace.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, lead me today beside quiet waters. Bring peace into my hectic life today. I need You and ask You to lead me. Let me hear Your voice and give me the strength to follow. I am Yours.
Jeff
Psalm 19:2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters".
Observation:
David understood much about the Lord. He was a man after God's own heart. He knew that God would bring peace and tranquility into our lives. Here he tells us that God is our shepherd and that he would lead us beside quiet waters.
Application:
The Holy Spirit is here to give us peace in the midst of turmoil. He can cause us to lie down in green pastures and lead us beside still or quiet waters. We must learn to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit and He will lead us into perfect peace. He doesn't force us to walk beside quiet waters, he leads us. We must take the action of following Him, but if we will listen and follow, He will lead us out of turmoil and into peace.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, lead me today beside quiet waters. Bring peace into my hectic life today. I need You and ask You to lead me. Let me hear Your voice and give me the strength to follow. I am Yours.
Jeff
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
He Rescued Me
Scripture:
Psalm 18:17-18 "He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support".
Observation:
The Psalmist realized that it was God who had rescued him from his enemies who were actually stronger than him. When he was is the day of his disaster, they came after him and confronted him, but God rescued him and was his support.
Application:
God is faithful to rescue his people when the enemy tries to destroy them. He is faithful to support us when we are overwhelmed by our enemies. Sometimes, we face things that are bigger than we are, and we must realize that God will rescue us and deliver us from whatever is planned against us.
Prayer:
Father, I need your support this week. Help me to follow Your voice and do what You speak to me. Help me to hear You clearly and to walk out what Your desires are for my life. You are my strength and my song. You are my salvation. You are the center of my life. Help me to follow You well. Deliver me from my enemies I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Psalm 18:17-18 "He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support".
Observation:
The Psalmist realized that it was God who had rescued him from his enemies who were actually stronger than him. When he was is the day of his disaster, they came after him and confronted him, but God rescued him and was his support.
Application:
God is faithful to rescue his people when the enemy tries to destroy them. He is faithful to support us when we are overwhelmed by our enemies. Sometimes, we face things that are bigger than we are, and we must realize that God will rescue us and deliver us from whatever is planned against us.
Prayer:
Father, I need your support this week. Help me to follow Your voice and do what You speak to me. Help me to hear You clearly and to walk out what Your desires are for my life. You are my strength and my song. You are my salvation. You are the center of my life. Help me to follow You well. Deliver me from my enemies I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, August 1, 2016
Be Real with God, But Trust Him
Scripture:
Psalm 13:2, 5 "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?... But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation".
Observation:
This is a beautiful psalm of David. You can see from it that David wrestled with his thoughts and was sorrowful day after day. It appears he had some struggles with depression or something similar. He didn't hide that fact in his songs, he admitted his struggles, but then declared that he would trust in God's unfailing love and that his heart rejoiced in God's salvation.
Application:
It's okay to be real with God and to express what is on your heart. It is okay to tell Him what is going on in your life and thoughts. It's no surprise to Him anyway because He already knows us. The key here is to not get stuck in the struggles, but to bring it back around like David did and declare that we will trust God's unfailing love and that our hearts rejoice in His salvation.
Prayer:
Father, you know all that I have been walking through lately and what is very heavy on my heart. You know that details and we have spoken much about them. I declare today that I trust You with my life. You know my future better than me and I trust you with it. I will always rejoice in Your salvation!
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Psalm 13:2, 5 "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?... But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation".
Observation:
This is a beautiful psalm of David. You can see from it that David wrestled with his thoughts and was sorrowful day after day. It appears he had some struggles with depression or something similar. He didn't hide that fact in his songs, he admitted his struggles, but then declared that he would trust in God's unfailing love and that his heart rejoiced in God's salvation.
Application:
It's okay to be real with God and to express what is on your heart. It is okay to tell Him what is going on in your life and thoughts. It's no surprise to Him anyway because He already knows us. The key here is to not get stuck in the struggles, but to bring it back around like David did and declare that we will trust God's unfailing love and that our hearts rejoice in His salvation.
Prayer:
Father, you know all that I have been walking through lately and what is very heavy on my heart. You know that details and we have spoken much about them. I declare today that I trust You with my life. You know my future better than me and I trust you with it. I will always rejoice in Your salvation!
Yours Forever,
Jeff
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