Scripture:
Hosea 12:6 "But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always".
Observation:
God had been talking to His people about their rebellion and the punishment that was coming to them. He then shifts gears and tells them to return to Him, maintain love and justice and wait for Him always.
Application:
I see this as a pattern of how to turn to God when we have messed up. First, we must return to Him and begin again to follow His ways and walk in obedience to Him. Next we need to start doing the right things. We must walk in love and justice, doing the right thing even when the right thing isn't easy. Lastly, while we are returning and doing the right things, we have to wait on God. We need to do the right things while we wait for Him. We can't grow weary in well doing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to learn from your people Israel. Help me to quickly return to You when things are not good. Help me to do the right things while I wait on You for answers. Let me not grow weary in well doing as I wait for Your breakthroughs.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
God's Longing
Scripture:
Hosea 7:13 "Woe to them, because they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, because they have rebelled against me! I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely".
Observation:
God is speaking here to Ephraim, who had turned their backs on him and began living totally against the will and ways of God. He tells them that destruction is coming because of what they had done in their rebellion. In the same verse though, God says, "I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely".
Application:
Even when God punishes His people, it is with a heart of redemption. He longs to redeem us when we walk away from Him. He longs to bring us back into right relationship with Him when we stray away. He longs for us to walk with Him so that He can bless us. Sometimes we tie God's hands from blessing us because of our disobedience. He desires to bless his children and to prosper them, but obedience in required.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for demonstrating how much you love your people. You always seek restoration and your desire is always to bless and redeem your people, even when your people fail you and walk away from You. Thank you for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Thank You for always chasing us down when we go our own way.
Yours,
Jeff
Hosea 7:13 "Woe to them, because they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, because they have rebelled against me! I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely".
Observation:
God is speaking here to Ephraim, who had turned their backs on him and began living totally against the will and ways of God. He tells them that destruction is coming because of what they had done in their rebellion. In the same verse though, God says, "I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely".
Application:
Even when God punishes His people, it is with a heart of redemption. He longs to redeem us when we walk away from Him. He longs to bring us back into right relationship with Him when we stray away. He longs for us to walk with Him so that He can bless us. Sometimes we tie God's hands from blessing us because of our disobedience. He desires to bless his children and to prosper them, but obedience in required.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for demonstrating how much you love your people. You always seek restoration and your desire is always to bless and redeem your people, even when your people fail you and walk away from You. Thank you for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Thank You for always chasing us down when we go our own way.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 28, 2016
Appointed Harvest
Scripture:
Hosea 6:11 "Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people".
Observation:
God has been speaking through Hosea terrible things to come on Israel and Judah because of their denial and betrayal of Him. At this end of one of these times, the Lord throws in there that there is an appointed time when He will give them a harvest and restore their fortunes.
Application:
There are times and seasons in God. There are seasons that we go through that are not easy and there are seasons when we experience His wonder. When we go through difficult seasons, we must remember that there is a harvest appointed, even if we have done wrong, and that restoration is coming. God is a restorer and always gives us a second chance. His punishment may last for a time, but He always promises restoration when we turn to Him. It is never too late for an appointed harvest.
Prayer:
Father God, You are amazing! You love us when we are unlovable and you plan harvests and restoration for us even when we are disobeying you. Your grace and favor is incredible. Help me to love others and seek restoration like You do.
Yours,
Jeff
Hosea 6:11 "Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people".
Observation:
God has been speaking through Hosea terrible things to come on Israel and Judah because of their denial and betrayal of Him. At this end of one of these times, the Lord throws in there that there is an appointed time when He will give them a harvest and restore their fortunes.
Application:
There are times and seasons in God. There are seasons that we go through that are not easy and there are seasons when we experience His wonder. When we go through difficult seasons, we must remember that there is a harvest appointed, even if we have done wrong, and that restoration is coming. God is a restorer and always gives us a second chance. His punishment may last for a time, but He always promises restoration when we turn to Him. It is never too late for an appointed harvest.
Prayer:
Father God, You are amazing! You love us when we are unlovable and you plan harvests and restoration for us even when we are disobeying you. Your grace and favor is incredible. Help me to love others and seek restoration like You do.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Be Alert and Sober
Scripture:
I Peter 5:8 "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour".
Observation:
The first thing I see here is that Peter is telling us that we do have an enemy and he is looking for someone to devour. He also tells us that because of this, we should be alert and clear minded. We need to realize that we have an enemy and know his schemes.
Application:
As believers, we must realize that there is a very real spiritual battle going on for our lives. There is a very real enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. He desires to bring frustration, confusion and discord into our lives. We must be cognizant of this and live alert to his schemes. We need to be clear minded.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are amazing and I appreciate you. Help me to live sensitive to You and your voice. Help me to live alert and sober because I have an enemy who is on the prowl. Show me his plans and schemes and help me to walk in victory as Your child.
Yours,
Jeff
I Peter 5:8 "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour".
Observation:
The first thing I see here is that Peter is telling us that we do have an enemy and he is looking for someone to devour. He also tells us that because of this, we should be alert and clear minded. We need to realize that we have an enemy and know his schemes.
Application:
As believers, we must realize that there is a very real spiritual battle going on for our lives. There is a very real enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. He desires to bring frustration, confusion and discord into our lives. We must be cognizant of this and live alert to his schemes. We need to be clear minded.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are amazing and I appreciate you. Help me to live sensitive to You and your voice. Help me to live alert and sober because I have an enemy who is on the prowl. Show me his plans and schemes and help me to walk in victory as Your child.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, November 25, 2016
Called to Bless
Scripture:
I Peter 3:9 "Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing".
Observation:
Peter tells us that we are not to repay evil for evil, but to be a blessing so we can inherit a blessing. If we want to be blessed in life, we need to be a blessing to others, even those who are insulting us and speaking evil against us. Bless and you shall be blessed!
Application:
We are to repay evil with blessing. This is not easy to do, but God tells us here that then we will inherit a blessing. He says we are not only to do this, but that we are called to this. Instead of seeking our specific calling, we should seek to bless those who persecute us, then the rest will take care of itself.
Prayer:
Lord, let my life shine for You. Help me to represent You well. I am called to blessing. Help me to love those who are against me.
Yours,
Jeff
I Peter 3:9 "Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing".
Observation:
Peter tells us that we are not to repay evil for evil, but to be a blessing so we can inherit a blessing. If we want to be blessed in life, we need to be a blessing to others, even those who are insulting us and speaking evil against us. Bless and you shall be blessed!
Application:
We are to repay evil with blessing. This is not easy to do, but God tells us here that then we will inherit a blessing. He says we are not only to do this, but that we are called to this. Instead of seeking our specific calling, we should seek to bless those who persecute us, then the rest will take care of itself.
Prayer:
Lord, let my life shine for You. Help me to represent You well. I am called to blessing. Help me to love those who are against me.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
There is a man
Scripture:
Daniel 5:11 "There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners".
Observation:
When the king needed answers, his people knew where to look. Daniel had walked with God and they felt that the spirit of the gods was with him. He had insight, intelligence and wisdom. He understood the Lord and walked with him everyone saw the difference it made in his life.
Application:
When we walk with the Lord, we should stand out of the crowd and be seen as different. When we walk with God, we should be stronger, wiser, and have more understanding than those around us. We need to seek the Lord and ask Him to raise us up and to give us wisdom and understanding. He is the author of both and we need to seek Him for them.
Prayer:
Father, let Your wisdom and understanding flow through my life. Help me to pursue You above all else. Teach me Your ways and help me to understand life, You and the world with great understanding. Help me to advance Your kingdom in the earth and beat back the kingdom of darkness. Show me how to do that in my generation.
Yours,
Jeff
Daniel 5:11 "There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners".
Observation:
When the king needed answers, his people knew where to look. Daniel had walked with God and they felt that the spirit of the gods was with him. He had insight, intelligence and wisdom. He understood the Lord and walked with him everyone saw the difference it made in his life.
Application:
When we walk with the Lord, we should stand out of the crowd and be seen as different. When we walk with God, we should be stronger, wiser, and have more understanding than those around us. We need to seek the Lord and ask Him to raise us up and to give us wisdom and understanding. He is the author of both and we need to seek Him for them.
Prayer:
Father, let Your wisdom and understanding flow through my life. Help me to pursue You above all else. Teach me Your ways and help me to understand life, You and the world with great understanding. Help me to advance Your kingdom in the earth and beat back the kingdom of darkness. Show me how to do that in my generation.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 21, 2016
He Will Deliver Us
Scripture:
Daniel 3:17 "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your Majesty's hand".
Observation:
Daniel was a man of faith who believed God was able to do the impossible. He was faced with an impossible situation where his life was on the line and he stood in powerful faith that God would deliver him from the hands of the king and the fiery furnace. He truly knew God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace.
Application:
God is truly the God of the impossible. He is able to deliver us from whatever the enemy throws against us. We must walk in faith as Daniel did. We must walk before the Lord knowing that He will deliver us from every problem that comes before us and give us strength to believe that "even if" He doesn't, that we will not bow our knees. We need to walk by faith to the very end.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Teach me to walk out my faith every day. You are amazing and You definitely do the impossible. Help me to believe that You will do the same for me.
Yours,
Jeff
Daniel 3:17 "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your Majesty's hand".
Observation:
Daniel was a man of faith who believed God was able to do the impossible. He was faced with an impossible situation where his life was on the line and he stood in powerful faith that God would deliver him from the hands of the king and the fiery furnace. He truly knew God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace.
Application:
God is truly the God of the impossible. He is able to deliver us from whatever the enemy throws against us. We must walk in faith as Daniel did. We must walk before the Lord knowing that He will deliver us from every problem that comes before us and give us strength to believe that "even if" He doesn't, that we will not bow our knees. We need to walk by faith to the very end.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Teach me to walk out my faith every day. You are amazing and You definitely do the impossible. Help me to believe that You will do the same for me.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Works Demonstrate Faith
Scripture:
James 2:24 "You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone".
Observation:
James had just talked about Abraham being called righteous because of his action of offering his son as a sacrifice. His faith in God caused him to take action. Here, James tells us that we are considered righteous by what we do and not by faith alone.
Application:
We can say we have faith all day long, but our faith will be demonstrated in what we do and how we live our lives. The proof of faith is good works and living a life pleasing to God. We must be people whose actions scream loudly that we are people of faith. Our lives should let people know we are people of faith before we say a word.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live in such a way that my life screams as loudly as my mouth. Help me to live a life that demonstrates my faith in You and doesn't just believe. I want to live a life that points people to Christ and brings light and life wherever I go. Help me to life every day as an example of the love and life that Christ brings.
Your Son,
Jeff
James 2:24 "You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone".
Observation:
James had just talked about Abraham being called righteous because of his action of offering his son as a sacrifice. His faith in God caused him to take action. Here, James tells us that we are considered righteous by what we do and not by faith alone.
Application:
We can say we have faith all day long, but our faith will be demonstrated in what we do and how we live our lives. The proof of faith is good works and living a life pleasing to God. We must be people whose actions scream loudly that we are people of faith. Our lives should let people know we are people of faith before we say a word.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live in such a way that my life screams as loudly as my mouth. Help me to live a life that demonstrates my faith in You and doesn't just believe. I want to live a life that points people to Christ and brings light and life wherever I go. Help me to life every day as an example of the love and life that Christ brings.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, November 18, 2016
Large Numbers of Fish
Scripture:
Ezekiel 47:9 "Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live".
Observation:
Ezekiel saw a river flowing from under the Temple in Jerusalem. It brought healing and life everywhere it flowed. It even made the Dead Sea come to life where it dumped into it. As he is describing the life that comes through this river, he says, "There will be large numbers of fish". When God does something, He always goes large.
Application:
Since the inception of Word of Life, there has been a constant prophetic word about us being an Ezekiel 47 church. We generally hear the word about the river bringing healing wherever it goes and we have witnessed many, many healings, but we have never focused on the large numbers of fish. This morning I feel the Lord challenging me to believe God for larger numbers of people to get saved through our church. We tend to not ask God for numerical growth because it seems less spiritual than asking for spiritual growth, but numerical growth comes naturally when the river flows and people are being healed.
Prayer:
Father, grow the church I pastor. Let us see large numbers of people come to Christ this year. Let there be an increase in the size and reach of our church. Let the river of God flow without hindrance and let multitudes meet Jesus quickly. Bless our outreach tomorrow and let many come to Christ. Bless my own personal life and let me lead more people to Christ this year than every before. Flow, river of God, in and through my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 47:9 "Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live".
Observation:
Ezekiel saw a river flowing from under the Temple in Jerusalem. It brought healing and life everywhere it flowed. It even made the Dead Sea come to life where it dumped into it. As he is describing the life that comes through this river, he says, "There will be large numbers of fish". When God does something, He always goes large.
Application:
Since the inception of Word of Life, there has been a constant prophetic word about us being an Ezekiel 47 church. We generally hear the word about the river bringing healing wherever it goes and we have witnessed many, many healings, but we have never focused on the large numbers of fish. This morning I feel the Lord challenging me to believe God for larger numbers of people to get saved through our church. We tend to not ask God for numerical growth because it seems less spiritual than asking for spiritual growth, but numerical growth comes naturally when the river flows and people are being healed.
Prayer:
Father, grow the church I pastor. Let us see large numbers of people come to Christ this year. Let there be an increase in the size and reach of our church. Let the river of God flow without hindrance and let multitudes meet Jesus quickly. Bless our outreach tomorrow and let many come to Christ. Bless my own personal life and let me lead more people to Christ this year than every before. Flow, river of God, in and through my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Stop Dispossessing My People
Scripture:
Ezekiel 45:9 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You have gone far enough, princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people, declares the Sovereign Lord".
Observation:
God was speaking to the people of Israel about when they re-settle in the land He had given them. In this passage, He rebukes the princes of Israel about taking the land of the people of Israel. The Lord sets apart an area for the priests and the princes, then tells them to stay in their land and stop dispossessing His people. God isn't happy when His people have their stuff taken away.
Application:
God is never happy when His people's stuff is taken away from them. He wants His people to be blessed and to live in peace. He always provides a place for them and gets angry when someone takes things from them. He is a good father who doesn't like to see His children treated poorly. We need to stop settling for having things taken from us when our father in heaven is willing to fight for us. We need to hear God saying, "stop dispossessing my people".
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to see how much You also don't like your people dispossessed of their inheritance and their stuff. I call back everything that the enemy has taken from me and mine. I ask you to restore what is mine and has been taken by the enemy. Fight on my behalf Lord and take back what is rightfully mine.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 45:9 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You have gone far enough, princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people, declares the Sovereign Lord".
Observation:
God was speaking to the people of Israel about when they re-settle in the land He had given them. In this passage, He rebukes the princes of Israel about taking the land of the people of Israel. The Lord sets apart an area for the priests and the princes, then tells them to stay in their land and stop dispossessing His people. God isn't happy when His people have their stuff taken away.
Application:
God is never happy when His people's stuff is taken away from them. He wants His people to be blessed and to live in peace. He always provides a place for them and gets angry when someone takes things from them. He is a good father who doesn't like to see His children treated poorly. We need to stop settling for having things taken from us when our father in heaven is willing to fight for us. We need to hear God saying, "stop dispossessing my people".
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, help me to see how much You also don't like your people dispossessed of their inheritance and their stuff. I call back everything that the enemy has taken from me and mine. I ask you to restore what is mine and has been taken by the enemy. Fight on my behalf Lord and take back what is rightfully mine.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
The Work of the Spirit
Scripture:
Ezekiel 43:5 "The the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple".
Observation:
When Ezekiel encountered God, it was an awesome experience. It tells us that the Spirit of the Lord lifted him up and brought him into the inner court, then the glory of the Lord filled the temple. God lifted him up and took him into His glory.
Application:
The Holy Spirit lifts us up and brings us places we could never go on our own. He brings us into His glory. We should always seek the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we do, He will lift us up and take us into His presence and show us things we can't even imagine. May we always be seekers of God and may we walk in His presence and power.
Prayer:
Father, I want to encounter you once again. I love my daily time with You, but I am hungry for another encounter in Your glory. I want to see You. I want to know You. I want to hear Your voice as the voice of many waters. Take me into Your presence today as I seek after You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 43:5 "The the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple".
Observation:
When Ezekiel encountered God, it was an awesome experience. It tells us that the Spirit of the Lord lifted him up and brought him into the inner court, then the glory of the Lord filled the temple. God lifted him up and took him into His glory.
Application:
The Holy Spirit lifts us up and brings us places we could never go on our own. He brings us into His glory. We should always seek the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we do, He will lift us up and take us into His presence and show us things we can't even imagine. May we always be seekers of God and may we walk in His presence and power.
Prayer:
Father, I want to encounter you once again. I love my daily time with You, but I am hungry for another encounter in Your glory. I want to see You. I want to know You. I want to hear Your voice as the voice of many waters. Take me into Your presence today as I seek after You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
God's Promises
Scripture:
Ezekiel 39:29 "I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord".
Observation:
God speaking here of a time when He would no longer hide his face from Israel, but would pour out His Spirit on them. From the surrounding prophecies, it appears this will be in a time that is still in the future. It appears that God will turn His face again towards Israel and will bless them and they will turn to Him as well. This is seen in Romans 9-11 as well. God is not done with Israel. he will raise her up.
Application:
This is a word from God to Israel that is thousands of years old and has not yet taken place, yet today we see God revealing Himself to Israel once again. We are beginning to see the outpouring of God's Spirit in Israel for the first time in many generations. When God promises something... it will surely come to pass. It may not happen when we would like it to, but it will happen. We must hear the Word of the Lord and then align ourselves to see it come to pass.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be patient with Your promises. Help me not to rush what You have for my life. Teach me to trust You completely and in every area of my life. Let me fulfill all You have for me to do. I am Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 39:29 "I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord".
Observation:
God speaking here of a time when He would no longer hide his face from Israel, but would pour out His Spirit on them. From the surrounding prophecies, it appears this will be in a time that is still in the future. It appears that God will turn His face again towards Israel and will bless them and they will turn to Him as well. This is seen in Romans 9-11 as well. God is not done with Israel. he will raise her up.
Application:
This is a word from God to Israel that is thousands of years old and has not yet taken place, yet today we see God revealing Himself to Israel once again. We are beginning to see the outpouring of God's Spirit in Israel for the first time in many generations. When God promises something... it will surely come to pass. It may not happen when we would like it to, but it will happen. We must hear the Word of the Lord and then align ourselves to see it come to pass.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be patient with Your promises. Help me not to rush what You have for my life. Teach me to trust You completely and in every area of my life. Let me fulfill all You have for me to do. I am Yours,
Jeff
Monday, November 14, 2016
Hear the Word of the Lord
Scripture:
Ezekiel 37:4 "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!'"
Observation:
Ezekiel was taken to a valley full of many very dry bones and was asked, "Can these bones live?" He was then told to speak the word of the Lord to them. Ezekiel is then found prophesying to dry bones that they will live again. He tells them to hear the Word of the Lord.
Application:
When God speaks... things happen! When God speaks about an area in your life that seems dead, it will live again. Faith speaks the future outcome, even when in the midst of everything seeming dead around it. We must learn not to listen to our logic, but to listen to the Lord. When He speaks... dead things come back to life.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to be discouraged by what I see around me, but to listen to Your voice. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Let me clearly hear Your voice and respond accordingly, even when the situation looks bleak. Help me to follow You well and to say to the things in my life that are not going well, "Hear the word of the Lord".
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 37:4 "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!'"
Observation:
Ezekiel was taken to a valley full of many very dry bones and was asked, "Can these bones live?" He was then told to speak the word of the Lord to them. Ezekiel is then found prophesying to dry bones that they will live again. He tells them to hear the Word of the Lord.
Application:
When God speaks... things happen! When God speaks about an area in your life that seems dead, it will live again. Faith speaks the future outcome, even when in the midst of everything seeming dead around it. We must learn not to listen to our logic, but to listen to the Lord. When He speaks... dead things come back to life.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to be discouraged by what I see around me, but to listen to Your voice. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Let me clearly hear Your voice and respond accordingly, even when the situation looks bleak. Help me to follow You well and to say to the things in my life that are not going well, "Hear the word of the Lord".
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 10, 2016
They Will Know
Scripture:
Ezekiel 24:27 "At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak with him and will no longer be silent. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord".
Observation;
God tells Ezekiel that he will open his mouth and speak to His people. He says that Ezekiel will no longer be silent and that he will be a sign to them and that they would know that God is the Lord.
Application:
Throughout the Word of God, we see the Lord reaching out to His people and the people of the world and wanting them to know and understand that He is the LORD. His desire is, and has always been, that people all over the world would know Him and follow Him. He wants the world to know Him and that He is LORD of all. He goes to great extreme throughout scripture, to let people know that He is the Lord of all. That should be the center of our lives. When we are about His purposes in the earth, we will be blessed. We need to let the world know who He is.
Prayer:
Lord, let me expand your rule and reign today. Let the world see You through my life. Let my life bring Your praise. Help me to be completely Yours today and to follow You closely so that the world may know that You are the LORD of all the earth. Your kingdom expansion is my purpose in life.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 24:27 "At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak with him and will no longer be silent. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord".
Observation;
God tells Ezekiel that he will open his mouth and speak to His people. He says that Ezekiel will no longer be silent and that he will be a sign to them and that they would know that God is the Lord.
Application:
Throughout the Word of God, we see the Lord reaching out to His people and the people of the world and wanting them to know and understand that He is the LORD. His desire is, and has always been, that people all over the world would know Him and follow Him. He wants the world to know Him and that He is LORD of all. He goes to great extreme throughout scripture, to let people know that He is the Lord of all. That should be the center of our lives. When we are about His purposes in the earth, we will be blessed. We need to let the world know who He is.
Prayer:
Lord, let me expand your rule and reign today. Let the world see You through my life. Let my life bring Your praise. Help me to be completely Yours today and to follow You closely so that the world may know that You are the LORD of all the earth. Your kingdom expansion is my purpose in life.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Build the Wall and Stand in the Gap
Scripture:
Ezekiel 22:30 "I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one."
Observation:
God was speaking through Ezekiel and telling His people that judgement was coming on them because of their sins. At this point, He tells them that He had looked for someone who would build up the wall and stand in the gap so He wouldn't have to destroy the people, but He found no one. God didn't want to bring judgment, but nobody was standing in the gap for the people.
Application:
God still responds when His people stand in the gap and build the wall. This is done by standing in prayer and fasting. In Ezekiel's day, everyone was turned away from God and His people were far from Him. God looked for someone who was standing in the gap, interceding, but He found no one. We must stand in the gap and build the wall in our country. As we continue in prayer and seeking His face, we will see Him respond with His blessing.
Prayer:
Father, I want to stand in the gap and build the wall. I don't want to go with the crowd, but to follow You closely and to have on my heart the things that are on Your heart. Help me to serve You well and when you go looking for someone standing in the gap and building the wall, let me be one of those who is interceding for my people.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 22:30 "I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one."
Observation:
God was speaking through Ezekiel and telling His people that judgement was coming on them because of their sins. At this point, He tells them that He had looked for someone who would build up the wall and stand in the gap so He wouldn't have to destroy the people, but He found no one. God didn't want to bring judgment, but nobody was standing in the gap for the people.
Application:
God still responds when His people stand in the gap and build the wall. This is done by standing in prayer and fasting. In Ezekiel's day, everyone was turned away from God and His people were far from Him. God looked for someone who was standing in the gap, interceding, but He found no one. We must stand in the gap and build the wall in our country. As we continue in prayer and seeking His face, we will see Him respond with His blessing.
Prayer:
Father, I want to stand in the gap and build the wall. I don't want to go with the crowd, but to follow You closely and to have on my heart the things that are on Your heart. Help me to serve You well and when you go looking for someone standing in the gap and building the wall, let me be one of those who is interceding for my people.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Pleasing God
Scripture:
Ezekiel 18:23 "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
Observation:
Earlier in this text, God was saying that if someone is righteous and turns unrighteous, every good thing he has done will not be remembered. He went on to say that if an unrighteous person turns righteous, he will not remember their old unrighteous ways. Here He completes this with declaring that He doesn't take any pleasure in the death of the wicked. He is pleased when people turn from their ways and live.
Application:
God is pleased when we turn from anything ungodly in our lives. He is pleased when we choose Him over the ways of this world. God is honored when we choose to turn from wicked things and follow Him. His desire for us is to choose life and for us to walk in His blessing and favor, but sometimes we don't see that because we don't turn completely to Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk with You completely. Teach me to hear Your voice and to respond with a strong "yes" every time You show me something that needs to change in my life. I want to please You in every area of my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 18:23 "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
Observation:
Earlier in this text, God was saying that if someone is righteous and turns unrighteous, every good thing he has done will not be remembered. He went on to say that if an unrighteous person turns righteous, he will not remember their old unrighteous ways. Here He completes this with declaring that He doesn't take any pleasure in the death of the wicked. He is pleased when people turn from their ways and live.
Application:
God is pleased when we turn from anything ungodly in our lives. He is pleased when we choose Him over the ways of this world. God is honored when we choose to turn from wicked things and follow Him. His desire for us is to choose life and for us to walk in His blessing and favor, but sometimes we don't see that because we don't turn completely to Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk with You completely. Teach me to hear Your voice and to respond with a strong "yes" every time You show me something that needs to change in my life. I want to please You in every area of my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, November 4, 2016
You Will Know
Scripture:
Ezekiel 6:7 "Your people will fall slain among you, and you will know that I am the Lord".
Observation:
God told Ezekiel many times and in many different ways, that He was going to judge His people for their sin and idolatry. He used many illustrations of how He would do it, but the reason was always the same, "then they will know that I am the Lord". God's goal in judgment is always repentance and restoration.
Application:
When things are going absolutely terrible in our lives, we need to take a look to see if there are areas of disobedience, idolatry, or areas that we have let slip in our relationship with God. Even in the New Testament, God disciplines His children so that they will realize their sins are killing them and turn back to the Lord. We must learn to evaluate our relationship with the Father and turn when we see things are not right. We want to walk in His blessing, not His judgment, but even in judgment we can know His goal is our restoration.
Prayer:
Father, when I get off course, straighten me out. Help me to hear and follow Your voice. Teach me to see quickly when I get of track and to return to You. Help me to stay in step with the Holy Spirit at all times and to do Your will in the earth in my generation.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 6:7 "Your people will fall slain among you, and you will know that I am the Lord".
Observation:
God told Ezekiel many times and in many different ways, that He was going to judge His people for their sin and idolatry. He used many illustrations of how He would do it, but the reason was always the same, "then they will know that I am the Lord". God's goal in judgment is always repentance and restoration.
Application:
When things are going absolutely terrible in our lives, we need to take a look to see if there are areas of disobedience, idolatry, or areas that we have let slip in our relationship with God. Even in the New Testament, God disciplines His children so that they will realize their sins are killing them and turn back to the Lord. We must learn to evaluate our relationship with the Father and turn when we see things are not right. We want to walk in His blessing, not His judgment, but even in judgment we can know His goal is our restoration.
Prayer:
Father, when I get off course, straighten me out. Help me to hear and follow Your voice. Teach me to see quickly when I get of track and to return to You. Help me to stay in step with the Holy Spirit at all times and to do Your will in the earth in my generation.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Speak My Words
Scripture:
Ezekiel 2:7 "You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious".
Observation:
God was letting Ezekiel know that his ministry was not going to be easy. He told Ezekiel that the people were hard, but that God would make him harder. The Lord told him that they would not listen to him, but that he was to go anyway and be His voice to them. God then told him that he must speak God's words to t them whether they listen or not.
Application:
Sometimes what God calls us to do may not look very successful in our eyes or other people's eyes. Ezekiel was told from the beginning that his words would not be listened to, but that he had to speak anyway. We must be ready to be obedient to God, whether He does things the way we think He should or not. Every ministry and minister is different. God has a plan for each, but we don't have control over what part we are doing. Our job is to be obedient to the Lord. That may bring about "success" in the world's eyes, or it may not. Our job is simply to do what God asks us to do. The rest belongs to Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to follow You wholeheartedly. Teach me to seek Your approval above the approval of any man. Help me to fulfill everything You have given me to do in my life. Help me not to equate success with numbers, people, influence, or anything but pure obedience to You in every area of my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 2:7 "You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious".
Observation:
God was letting Ezekiel know that his ministry was not going to be easy. He told Ezekiel that the people were hard, but that God would make him harder. The Lord told him that they would not listen to him, but that he was to go anyway and be His voice to them. God then told him that he must speak God's words to t them whether they listen or not.
Application:
Sometimes what God calls us to do may not look very successful in our eyes or other people's eyes. Ezekiel was told from the beginning that his words would not be listened to, but that he had to speak anyway. We must be ready to be obedient to God, whether He does things the way we think He should or not. Every ministry and minister is different. God has a plan for each, but we don't have control over what part we are doing. Our job is to be obedient to the Lord. That may bring about "success" in the world's eyes, or it may not. Our job is simply to do what God asks us to do. The rest belongs to Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to follow You wholeheartedly. Teach me to seek Your approval above the approval of any man. Help me to fulfill everything You have given me to do in my life. Help me not to equate success with numbers, people, influence, or anything but pure obedience to You in every area of my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
The Faith of Abraham
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:19 "Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death".
Observation:
Abraham was obedient to God when God asked him to sacrifice his promised son Isaac. He was willing to offer his own son to God as a sacrifice in obedience to the Lord. Here in Hebrews it tells us that he reckoned if God was telling him to sacrifice his son, that God could raise the dead and would bring his son back to life.
Application:
Abraham fully trusted God. If God said to sacrifice his son, he would, and then he would trust God to raise him from the dead. We must learn to obey God and trust that God will take care of us as we follow Him. Real faith does what God says, no matter what it looks like from the outside. Real faith walks in obedience when obedience doesn't make sense. We must learn to trust God completely.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live a life of true faith. Teach me Your ways. Help me to listen to and follow Your voice. Let my ears be tuned to your voice. I want to hear You and I want to follow. Speak to me and then strengthen me to do what You say. I am Yours.
Yours,
Jeff
Hebrews 11:19 "Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death".
Observation:
Abraham was obedient to God when God asked him to sacrifice his promised son Isaac. He was willing to offer his own son to God as a sacrifice in obedience to the Lord. Here in Hebrews it tells us that he reckoned if God was telling him to sacrifice his son, that God could raise the dead and would bring his son back to life.
Application:
Abraham fully trusted God. If God said to sacrifice his son, he would, and then he would trust God to raise him from the dead. We must learn to obey God and trust that God will take care of us as we follow Him. Real faith does what God says, no matter what it looks like from the outside. Real faith walks in obedience when obedience doesn't make sense. We must learn to trust God completely.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live a life of true faith. Teach me Your ways. Help me to listen to and follow Your voice. Let my ears be tuned to your voice. I want to hear You and I want to follow. Speak to me and then strengthen me to do what You say. I am Yours.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Holding Unswervingly
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful".
Observation:
The author of Hebrews tells us here to hold "unswervingly" to the hope we profess because God is faithful. unswervingly means we are not swerving back and forth. It means we are not swerving up and down in our faith, but standing solidly in faith, knowing that God is faithful and will do what He says He will do.
Application:
He who promised is truly faithful. He will do what He says He will do. God has proven himself over and over again throughout history. He does what He says He will do. The problem is that He doesn't always do it in our timing. We must hold onto to God and our faith with determination, knowing God will always come through on His promises. Our faith must also be on His faithfulness, not our strength to hold on.
Prayer:
Father, I am weak, but You are strong. You are my rock and my fortress. You are my strong tower and I trust in You. You are faithful beyond my understanding and You are trustworthy. Help me to hold unswervingly to the hope I have in You. Let my life not swerve to the left or right, but help me stay on course, doing Your will in every area of my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful".
Observation:
The author of Hebrews tells us here to hold "unswervingly" to the hope we profess because God is faithful. unswervingly means we are not swerving back and forth. It means we are not swerving up and down in our faith, but standing solidly in faith, knowing that God is faithful and will do what He says He will do.
Application:
He who promised is truly faithful. He will do what He says He will do. God has proven himself over and over again throughout history. He does what He says He will do. The problem is that He doesn't always do it in our timing. We must hold onto to God and our faith with determination, knowing God will always come through on His promises. Our faith must also be on His faithfulness, not our strength to hold on.
Prayer:
Father, I am weak, but You are strong. You are my rock and my fortress. You are my strong tower and I trust in You. You are faithful beyond my understanding and You are trustworthy. Help me to hold unswervingly to the hope I have in You. Let my life not swerve to the left or right, but help me stay on course, doing Your will in every area of my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
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