Scripture:
Exodus 12:41 "At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt".
Observation:
God had a plan all along for this special day. He knew from the foundation of the world the exact day He would deliver the people of Israel from Egypt. He was working far, far in advance with Moses, the Plagues, Pharaoh, etc. so that He could bring it all together on the day He had determined to bring His people out. He brought them out, "on that very day", but He had been working a plan for a long time that had to come together on that very day.
Application:
When we are children of the Lord and followers of His, we may not be able to see everything He is doing in our lives. We may not understand why we are going through the things we are going through at the time, but God is in control. He is working things out so that on just the right day, we will be delivered. He is always working behind the scenes arranging events in our lives to our own good. We can trust that there is a time in God for each move and He is preparing us for what is to come.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for showing me this today. You have been working in my life for a long time and I see Your hand, but sometimes when I question why things happen the way they do, help me to know You have a plan. Help me to trust that You are working all things together for my good because I do love You. You are amazing!
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
Signs and Wonders and Hard Hearts
Scripture:
Exodus 8:19 "Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, 'This is the finger of God'. But Pharaoh's hearts was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said".
Observation:
The first few plagues, the magicians of Egypt were able to imitate, but when it came to the gnats, they were not able to duplicate what they had seen. They were convinced that this was truly the finger of God. Pharaoh's chief advisers told him this was definitely a sign from God, but his heart was hardened.
Application:
Many times, when we think of people coming to Christ, we think that if only they would see a miracle, they would believe. We pray that they will see something miraculous and then they would know that God was real and then would give their hearts to Him. Some people, even when they see a miracle, will not be convinced that they need to give themselves to Christ. We need to pray that God would soften people's hearts so that they can receive the love of Christ.
Prayer:
Father, I pray that You would soften the hearts of those who don't believe. Help me to be a good witness to those who don't believe. Prepare the way before me and prepare the hearts of people to receive what You give me to say. Soften the hearts of those I have been praying for so that they will turn to You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Exodus 8:19 "Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, 'This is the finger of God'. But Pharaoh's hearts was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said".
Observation:
The first few plagues, the magicians of Egypt were able to imitate, but when it came to the gnats, they were not able to duplicate what they had seen. They were convinced that this was truly the finger of God. Pharaoh's chief advisers told him this was definitely a sign from God, but his heart was hardened.
Application:
Many times, when we think of people coming to Christ, we think that if only they would see a miracle, they would believe. We pray that they will see something miraculous and then they would know that God was real and then would give their hearts to Him. Some people, even when they see a miracle, will not be convinced that they need to give themselves to Christ. We need to pray that God would soften people's hearts so that they can receive the love of Christ.
Prayer:
Father, I pray that You would soften the hearts of those who don't believe. Help me to be a good witness to those who don't believe. Prepare the way before me and prepare the hearts of people to receive what You give me to say. Soften the hearts of those I have been praying for so that they will turn to You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, January 28, 2017
God Hears...God Remembers
Scripture:
Exodus 2:24 "And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob".
Observation:
When the slavery in Egypt started to get overwhelming and Pharoah started having God's people work harder and harder, they began groaning and crying out to God. They had been abused as a people by Egypt and their cries were heard by God. When God heard, He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Application:
We are not to be complainers and whiners, but when true oppression is happening, there will be some groaning and crying out to God. God hears our groans when things are not going right and when the enemy is oppressing us. He not only hears, but He remembers when he hears. Sometimes we have to cry out to God about our current conditions. He will hear and remember His promises to us. It's okay to groan a little bit and let the Lord know that this present situation is not His will for your life.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to groan appropriately. Help me to have a great attitude in suffering, but also to know the difference between a groan of pain and a whine or complaining spirit. Hear my cries, deliver my people and let me see Your promises come to pass in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Exodus 2:24 "And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob".
Observation:
When the slavery in Egypt started to get overwhelming and Pharoah started having God's people work harder and harder, they began groaning and crying out to God. They had been abused as a people by Egypt and their cries were heard by God. When God heard, He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Application:
We are not to be complainers and whiners, but when true oppression is happening, there will be some groaning and crying out to God. God hears our groans when things are not going right and when the enemy is oppressing us. He not only hears, but He remembers when he hears. Sometimes we have to cry out to God about our current conditions. He will hear and remember His promises to us. It's okay to groan a little bit and let the Lord know that this present situation is not His will for your life.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to groan appropriately. Help me to have a great attitude in suffering, but also to know the difference between a groan of pain and a whine or complaining spirit. Hear my cries, deliver my people and let me see Your promises come to pass in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, January 27, 2017
All Authority
Scripture:
Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me'",
Observation:
This is the way Jesus begins what we call the Great Commission, where He sends His disciples into all the world to make disciples of all nations. After His resurrection, He says of Himself that He had been given all authority. Being given authority means someone has given you the right to act on their behalf and they will back you up.
Application:
Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. Nothing happens unless He says it can happen. We need to rest in the fact that our Lord has been given all authority. We have nothing to worry about, because our master has all authority and the power to back up the authority. This should give us great peace, knowing that if we are doing what Jesus wants, we are backed up with "all authority".
Prayer:
Lord, let me stop praying weak prayers and let me pray in truth. Let me pray prayers from a basis of knowing that You have all authority. Let me pray prayers that require all authority to be utilized. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight when things are not going the way I think they should. Help me to trust You more, knowing You have all authority.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me'",
Observation:
This is the way Jesus begins what we call the Great Commission, where He sends His disciples into all the world to make disciples of all nations. After His resurrection, He says of Himself that He had been given all authority. Being given authority means someone has given you the right to act on their behalf and they will back you up.
Application:
Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. Nothing happens unless He says it can happen. We need to rest in the fact that our Lord has been given all authority. We have nothing to worry about, because our master has all authority and the power to back up the authority. This should give us great peace, knowing that if we are doing what Jesus wants, we are backed up with "all authority".
Prayer:
Lord, let me stop praying weak prayers and let me pray in truth. Let me pray prayers from a basis of knowing that You have all authority. Let me pray prayers that require all authority to be utilized. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight when things are not going the way I think they should. Help me to trust You more, knowing You have all authority.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Ready or Not
Scripture:
Matthew 25:10 "And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut".
Observation:
Jesus was talking to him followers about his return. In this parable there were 10 virgins, 5 were ready and 5 were not. The five who were not ready for the coming of the bridegroom, went to buy oil for their lamps, but when they got back, it was too late. They missed their opportunity because they were too late and were not ready.
Application:
Ready or not Jesus is coming back. We must live in a constant state of preparedness. We must live believing that He is coming today. We must always have oil in our lamps and our hearts prepared for His return. As Christ followers, we should make the most of every opportunity because we don't know the day or hour when Christ will return. We must be found working in His vineyard when He decides to come to get us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live my life in constant "ready" mode. Let me live hearing Your voice and following as a sheep listens to the voice of his shepherd. Enable me to live ready at all times, expecting your imminent return. Help me to make the most of every opportunity to serve you and build Your kingdom.
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 25:10 "And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut".
Observation:
Jesus was talking to him followers about his return. In this parable there were 10 virgins, 5 were ready and 5 were not. The five who were not ready for the coming of the bridegroom, went to buy oil for their lamps, but when they got back, it was too late. They missed their opportunity because they were too late and were not ready.
Application:
Ready or not Jesus is coming back. We must live in a constant state of preparedness. We must live believing that He is coming today. We must always have oil in our lamps and our hearts prepared for His return. As Christ followers, we should make the most of every opportunity because we don't know the day or hour when Christ will return. We must be found working in His vineyard when He decides to come to get us.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live my life in constant "ready" mode. Let me live hearing Your voice and following as a sheep listens to the voice of his shepherd. Enable me to live ready at all times, expecting your imminent return. Help me to make the most of every opportunity to serve you and build Your kingdom.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Power and Great Glory
Scripture:
Matthew 24:30 "Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory".
Observation:
Jesus was speaking about the last days and the events leading up to the last days. When He speaks of His own return, He says He will be coming on the clouds with power and great glory. What an incredible picture of Jesus return.
Application:
We are waiting for the soon return of our Lord and when He comes, He will come with power and great glory. We can have this confidence, that those who make fun of us and who ridicule us for our faith, will one day see Him coming with power and great glory. At that point, they will wish they had listened. We must never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to see our Savior as one coming with power and great glory.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see You High and Lifted up with power and great glory. Help me to see You coming again to rule the nations with a rod of iron. Help me to walk in bold confidence as I declare Your word. Help me to reach as many as possible before Your return.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 24:30 "Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory".
Observation:
Jesus was speaking about the last days and the events leading up to the last days. When He speaks of His own return, He says He will be coming on the clouds with power and great glory. What an incredible picture of Jesus return.
Application:
We are waiting for the soon return of our Lord and when He comes, He will come with power and great glory. We can have this confidence, that those who make fun of us and who ridicule us for our faith, will one day see Him coming with power and great glory. At that point, they will wish they had listened. We must never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to see our Savior as one coming with power and great glory.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see You High and Lifted up with power and great glory. Help me to see You coming again to rule the nations with a rod of iron. Help me to walk in bold confidence as I declare Your word. Help me to reach as many as possible before Your return.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Whatever You Ask
Scripture:
Matthew 21:22 "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith".
Observation:
Jesus had just cursed a fig tree and it withered before their eyes. His disciples were amazed at this and couldn't believe what they had seen. Jesus told them if they had faith that they could tell a mountain to move and it would, then He said that "whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive it if you have faith".
Application:
Jesus made some bold promises to us concerning faith. He said that we would receive anything we ask for in prayer if we have faith. The receiving it though, was directly affected by the faith of the individual. I want to be a person who walks by faith and sees answered prayer more and more in my life.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, increase my faith. Help me to understand verses like this and to become a person of faith in God. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. I want to understand this verse completely and become a person who moves mountains and receives answers from God because of my faith. Once again, increase my faith.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 21:22 "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith".
Observation:
Jesus had just cursed a fig tree and it withered before their eyes. His disciples were amazed at this and couldn't believe what they had seen. Jesus told them if they had faith that they could tell a mountain to move and it would, then He said that "whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive it if you have faith".
Application:
Jesus made some bold promises to us concerning faith. He said that we would receive anything we ask for in prayer if we have faith. The receiving it though, was directly affected by the faith of the individual. I want to be a person who walks by faith and sees answered prayer more and more in my life.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, increase my faith. Help me to understand verses like this and to become a person of faith in God. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. I want to understand this verse completely and become a person who moves mountains and receives answers from God because of my faith. Once again, increase my faith.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, January 23, 2017
Saving and Losing
Scripture:
Matthew 16:25 "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it".
Observation:
In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that they need to take up their cross and follow Him. He doesn't promise them that everything will be great if they follow Him. He tells them they may need to lay down their life for His sake, but that if they do, they will find real life.
Application:
The cost of following Jesus and doing what He says is never too high. No matter what the cost during this short period of time, as compared with eternity it will seem as nothing. Whatever the cost of following Christ and how inconvenient it may be for us now is worth the eternal glory of obedience to Him. We must be willing to lay down our lives, then we will experience real life.
Prayer:
Father, I submit my life to You. I want Your will above all else. I love You and will serve You no matter what the cost. You are my highest priority and I will follow You. Do what You want to do with my life. Give me ears to hear Your voice and give me strength to follow You no matter what the cost.
Your Son,
Jeff
Matthew 16:25 "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it".
Observation:
In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that they need to take up their cross and follow Him. He doesn't promise them that everything will be great if they follow Him. He tells them they may need to lay down their life for His sake, but that if they do, they will find real life.
Application:
The cost of following Jesus and doing what He says is never too high. No matter what the cost during this short period of time, as compared with eternity it will seem as nothing. Whatever the cost of following Christ and how inconvenient it may be for us now is worth the eternal glory of obedience to Him. We must be willing to lay down our lives, then we will experience real life.
Prayer:
Father, I submit my life to You. I want Your will above all else. I love You and will serve You no matter what the cost. You are my highest priority and I will follow You. Do what You want to do with my life. Give me ears to hear Your voice and give me strength to follow You no matter what the cost.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Greater
Scripture:
Matthew 11:11 "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he".
Observation:
Jesus was talking about his friend and relative, John the Baptist. When he described John, Jesus said that there was never anyone greater than him. He then adds that the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist. He went on to tell them that John was the "Elijah" to come.
Application:
Jesus said that the least person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. John was living under the Old Covenant and we are living under a New Covenant. We are living in the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We must realize that we have the Greater One living in us. We must understand that John the Baptist didn't have that. We are blessed to have the Spirit living in us and empowering us. We also must submit ourselves to Him and let Him work through us in greater measure.
Prayer:
Father, I want Your Spirit to flow through my life this year in greater measure. I want to be fully yielded to Your Spirit. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and to walk accordingly. Let me live a life that makes the Greater One look good. Fill me to overflowing this year and let Your anointing be without measure.
Yours,
Jeff
Matthew 11:11 "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he".
Observation:
Jesus was talking about his friend and relative, John the Baptist. When he described John, Jesus said that there was never anyone greater than him. He then adds that the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist. He went on to tell them that John was the "Elijah" to come.
Application:
Jesus said that the least person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. John was living under the Old Covenant and we are living under a New Covenant. We are living in the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We must realize that we have the Greater One living in us. We must understand that John the Baptist didn't have that. We are blessed to have the Spirit living in us and empowering us. We also must submit ourselves to Him and let Him work through us in greater measure.
Prayer:
Father, I want Your Spirit to flow through my life this year in greater measure. I want to be fully yielded to Your Spirit. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and to walk accordingly. Let me live a life that makes the Greater One look good. Fill me to overflowing this year and let Your anointing be without measure.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Ephraim
Scripture:
Genesis 41:52 "The name of the second he called Ephraim, 'For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction'".
Observation:
Years before this moment in Joseph's life he had some dreams about his future. In the process of time he was thrown in a pit, became a slave in a man's home and ended up in prison. Nothing seemed to be going right and it was a process in his life that took years. When he was blessed by God and lifted up to see his dreams fulfilled, he named his son Ephraim because he had become fruitful in the land of his affliction.
Application:
God can turn around any situation in a moment. One conversation can change your destiny. Many times we try so hard to get ourselves out of bad situations. We want to run and get out of it as soon as possible. Sometimes we need to have character enough to stay and allow God to raise us up in the land of our affliction. Ephraim reminds me that fruitfulness can come out of any situation I am in.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to be a runner from affliction, but to serve through it and allow You to bring me into Your destiny for my life. Help me to remain through difficult times and be faithful. I know the plans You have for my life. Help me to serve well and wait on You.
Yours,
Jeff
Genesis 41:52 "The name of the second he called Ephraim, 'For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction'".
Observation:
Years before this moment in Joseph's life he had some dreams about his future. In the process of time he was thrown in a pit, became a slave in a man's home and ended up in prison. Nothing seemed to be going right and it was a process in his life that took years. When he was blessed by God and lifted up to see his dreams fulfilled, he named his son Ephraim because he had become fruitful in the land of his affliction.
Application:
God can turn around any situation in a moment. One conversation can change your destiny. Many times we try so hard to get ourselves out of bad situations. We want to run and get out of it as soon as possible. Sometimes we need to have character enough to stay and allow God to raise us up in the land of our affliction. Ephraim reminds me that fruitfulness can come out of any situation I am in.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to be a runner from affliction, but to serve through it and allow You to bring me into Your destiny for my life. Help me to remain through difficult times and be faithful. I know the plans You have for my life. Help me to serve well and wait on You.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, January 7, 2017
God is With You
Scripture:
Genesis 21:22 "At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, 'God is with you in all that you do'".
Observation:
It is interesting what Abimelech says to Abraham. He realized after spending some time with Abraham, that God was with him. He could tell that Abraham walked with God. There was something different about Abraham, even though he had lied to Abimelech, Abimelech discerned that God was with Abraham. All through the Old Testament we read about God being with people and the things that they did.
Application:
When my life story is told, I want people to say, "God was with him". I believe there is a place when you walk with God and people can't seem to describe you except by saying, "God is with him or her". I want to walk with God to that level when it is obvious that God is with me. I want to walk with Him and talk with Him in 2017 at a new level. I want to know Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. Walk with me. Talk with me. Help me to hear Your voice and to respond when I hear it. I want Your presence and power in my life more and more. Keep me on the right path and help me not to go my own way. Lead me I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Genesis 21:22 "At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, 'God is with you in all that you do'".
Observation:
It is interesting what Abimelech says to Abraham. He realized after spending some time with Abraham, that God was with him. He could tell that Abraham walked with God. There was something different about Abraham, even though he had lied to Abimelech, Abimelech discerned that God was with Abraham. All through the Old Testament we read about God being with people and the things that they did.
Application:
When my life story is told, I want people to say, "God was with him". I believe there is a place when you walk with God and people can't seem to describe you except by saying, "God is with him or her". I want to walk with God to that level when it is obvious that God is with me. I want to walk with Him and talk with Him in 2017 at a new level. I want to know Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. Walk with me. Talk with me. Help me to hear Your voice and to respond when I hear it. I want Your presence and power in my life more and more. Keep me on the right path and help me not to go my own way. Lead me I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Shortcuts
Scripture:
Genesis 3:6 "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate".
Observation:
This story is the story of the Fall of man or what many called original sin. When Eve saw that the tree was good for food and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she wanted it. Her desire to be wise too quickly caused the fall which has caused the curses we have to live with even today. God is the God who created the entire earth. He is the wisest of the wise and she walked with Him regularly. Instead of getting to know the wisest of the wise, she decided to take a shortcut to become wise.
Application:
Shortcuts to receiving what we need from God, never work out well. There is no shortcut to becoming a man or woman of God. It is a process that can't be shortened. When we need peace, we tend to look to a substance to calm us down instead of getting to know the Prince of Peace. When we need healing, we tend to look to meds instead of looking to The Healer. When we need joy, we look for a good comedy instead of spending time with the author of Joy. We must take out time to get to know the King of Kings and stop trying to take shortcuts to our happiness.
Prayer:
Father, You are the source of life, love and liberty. Everything I need is in You. Help me in this coming year not to take the shortcuts, but to spend more time with You. Teach me to wait on the Lord instead of looking for quick comfort.
Yours,
Jeff
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