Scripture:
II Chronicles 25:2 "And he did that which was right in the eyes of the Jehovah, but not with a perfect heart".
Observation:
Amaziah is described here as someone who did right in the eyes of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. God said here that his obedience was good, but God was also looking at his heart and intentions.
Application:
God is not only interested in what we do, but is why we do what we do. God is interested in the heart that makes the life choices we make. Obedience with the wrong heart, isn't pure obedience. We need to have a heart check to make sure, even if we are doing the right thing, that we are doing it with a right heart. The heart really does matter.
Prayer:
Father, give me a pure heart that follow You completely. Let my actions be backed up with the right heart and intentions. Examine my life and show me where I am doing the right things, but with the wrong heart. Purify my life. I want more of You.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, June 30, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
What Do You Do With Fear?
Scripture:
II Chronicles 20:3 "Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."
Observation:
Jehoshaphat was afraid, but in his fear, he didn't cower and run away, he faced his fear by setting his heart to seek the Lord and by calling a fast. His fear didn't stop him, it just caused him to seek the Lord more.
Application:
Instead of allowing fear to freeze us and make us back away, we must allow fear to cause us to run to the Lord and seek His face. The natural reaction when we are afraid is to run the other way. Instead of running when we are afraid, we need to run to God, who will give us the strength we need to do what He wants us to do. Faith refuses to let fear win in our lives.
Prayer:
Father, let me not be controlled by fear in any way, but let me determine to seek You through my fear. Help me to follow You completely and not give in to fear. Help me to be bold for You and in facing the challenges of life. This morning I set my face to seek You.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Chronicles 20:3 "Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."
Observation:
Jehoshaphat was afraid, but in his fear, he didn't cower and run away, he faced his fear by setting his heart to seek the Lord and by calling a fast. His fear didn't stop him, it just caused him to seek the Lord more.
Application:
Instead of allowing fear to freeze us and make us back away, we must allow fear to cause us to run to the Lord and seek His face. The natural reaction when we are afraid is to run the other way. Instead of running when we are afraid, we need to run to God, who will give us the strength we need to do what He wants us to do. Faith refuses to let fear win in our lives.
Prayer:
Father, let me not be controlled by fear in any way, but let me determine to seek You through my fear. Help me to follow You completely and not give in to fear. Help me to be bold for You and in facing the challenges of life. This morning I set my face to seek You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Rely of God!
Scripture:
II Chronicles 16:7 "At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, 'Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you'".
Observation:
Asa had been a great king who followed the Lord with all his heart. When he was older and had been in office a long time, he decided to make some alliances to have others fight his battles so he and his kingdom could remain in peace. God was offended by the fact that he decided to rely on other kings instead of relying on the Lord who had delivered them from every enemy.
Application:
Go loves it when we rely on Him. He wants to be our source and our resource. He wants to be the one who takes good care of His children. He wants to fight our battles. He wants us to trust Him completely and to follow Him wholeheartedly. We must come to the place where we stop relying on the arm of our flesh and begin relying on the arm of the Lord in our lives. He is crying out to be first!
Prayer:
Father, I hear Your call. Be the center of my life. Help me to always look to you instead of to the convenient way or the way that seems right to man. Help me to stand strong in You and in the calling You have placed on my life. Help me to rely on You and not myself or others.
Yours,
Jeff
II Chronicles 16:7 "At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, 'Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you'".
Observation:
Asa had been a great king who followed the Lord with all his heart. When he was older and had been in office a long time, he decided to make some alliances to have others fight his battles so he and his kingdom could remain in peace. God was offended by the fact that he decided to rely on other kings instead of relying on the Lord who had delivered them from every enemy.
Application:
Go loves it when we rely on Him. He wants to be our source and our resource. He wants to be the one who takes good care of His children. He wants to fight our battles. He wants us to trust Him completely and to follow Him wholeheartedly. We must come to the place where we stop relying on the arm of our flesh and begin relying on the arm of the Lord in our lives. He is crying out to be first!
Prayer:
Father, I hear Your call. Be the center of my life. Help me to always look to you instead of to the convenient way or the way that seems right to man. Help me to stand strong in You and in the calling You have placed on my life. Help me to rely on You and not myself or others.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Battle You Cannot Win
Scripture:
II Chronicles 13:12 "Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed".
Observation:
A word came here to the sons of Israel telling them not to fight against the Lord because they could not succeed. This is a word of wisdom.
Application:
The one fight that is not worth fighting in our lives is the fight with the Lord. When we go against what He wants for our lives, we will never win. We will never win when we fight against God. It is a battle that will never be won. We must learn that obedience to God is the number one priority in our lives, then and only then will we be successful.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to never fight against You and Your will for my life. Help me rather to hear Your voice, submit to Your will and to fight with You against the enemy. Teach me to walk in Your ways.
Yours,
Jeff
II Chronicles 13:12 "Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed".
Observation:
A word came here to the sons of Israel telling them not to fight against the Lord because they could not succeed. This is a word of wisdom.
Application:
The one fight that is not worth fighting in our lives is the fight with the Lord. When we go against what He wants for our lives, we will never win. We will never win when we fight against God. It is a battle that will never be won. We must learn that obedience to God is the number one priority in our lives, then and only then will we be successful.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to never fight against You and Your will for my life. Help me rather to hear Your voice, submit to Your will and to fight with You against the enemy. Teach me to walk in Your ways.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, June 23, 2017
Rejoicing in Giving
Scripture:
I Chronicles 29:9 "Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly".
Observation:
David had given a huge amount personally to the building of the temple and then began gathering from the people for the project. They also gave sacrificially to building a temple for the Lord their God. They were excited to give toward this project and freely offered themselves and their resources.
Application:
Sometimes "freewill" offering don't quite feel like they are from a free will. Generosity is part of who we are as Christians. It is a great feeling to give strongly to a great cause and to see our money at work. We should give to the Lord out of an abundance of joy instead of grudgingly. He has blessed us over and over again. May we have joy in giving back to Him for His causes in the earth.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be a cheerful giver. I want to bless You with my tithes and my offerings and with my life. Help me to be a generous person who thrives on blessing others. Thank You for teaching me through the years about the joy of generosity. Enable me to give at a greater level.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 29:9 "Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly".
Observation:
David had given a huge amount personally to the building of the temple and then began gathering from the people for the project. They also gave sacrificially to building a temple for the Lord their God. They were excited to give toward this project and freely offered themselves and their resources.
Application:
Sometimes "freewill" offering don't quite feel like they are from a free will. Generosity is part of who we are as Christians. It is a great feeling to give strongly to a great cause and to see our money at work. We should give to the Lord out of an abundance of joy instead of grudgingly. He has blessed us over and over again. May we have joy in giving back to Him for His causes in the earth.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be a cheerful giver. I want to bless You with my tithes and my offerings and with my life. Help me to be a generous person who thrives on blessing others. Thank You for teaching me through the years about the joy of generosity. Enable me to give at a greater level.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Appointed for Oversight
Scripture:
I Chronicles 26:32 "King David appointed him and his brothers, 2,700 men of ability, heads of fathers' houses, to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king".
Observation:
Over the past few chapters, King David has been appointing men and families over different jobs, positions, etc. They were people of ability and these particular people were chosen to have oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manassites. They were delegated to by the king to oversee everything for God and the king.
Application:
When God appoints a person for a task, He looks at their abilities. We need to be people who are constantly improving our abilities, whatever they may be. We need to be people who are always growing in every area of our lives, then He can trust us to oversee things for our king.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to delegate better to people so they can oversee things pertaining to You and Your people as well as things that simply need done around the church. Help me to know who to trust and delegate to, then teach me to lead them well and know how to work with them to improve their service to You.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
I Chronicles 26:32 "King David appointed him and his brothers, 2,700 men of ability, heads of fathers' houses, to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king".
Observation:
Over the past few chapters, King David has been appointing men and families over different jobs, positions, etc. They were people of ability and these particular people were chosen to have oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manassites. They were delegated to by the king to oversee everything for God and the king.
Application:
When God appoints a person for a task, He looks at their abilities. We need to be people who are constantly improving our abilities, whatever they may be. We need to be people who are always growing in every area of our lives, then He can trust us to oversee things for our king.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to delegate better to people so they can oversee things pertaining to You and Your people as well as things that simply need done around the church. Help me to know who to trust and delegate to, then teach me to lead them well and know how to work with them to improve their service to You.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Knowing God
Scripture:
I Chronicles 21:13 "Then David said to Gad, 'I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of men'".
Observation:
David had three choices for his consequences for numbering the men of Israel and Judah. One of them was God bringing judgment upon them, the others dealt with them falling into man's hands. David chose the judgment of God because he knew that God was full of mercy and that God would turn away from destroying His people.
Application:
Do we know God good enough to make this type decision. David knew if he threw himself on the mercy of God, that God lighten the punishment and not destroy them. When you know God, you can make decisions based on His unfailing love. We must seek to really know God, then we will have peace because of His characteristics.
Prayer:
Father, I want to know You more and more. I want to walk with you and hear Your voice clearly. I want to know what You would do in each and every situation. I want insight into Your ways.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 21:13 "Then David said to Gad, 'I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of men'".
Observation:
David had three choices for his consequences for numbering the men of Israel and Judah. One of them was God bringing judgment upon them, the others dealt with them falling into man's hands. David chose the judgment of God because he knew that God was full of mercy and that God would turn away from destroying His people.
Application:
Do we know God good enough to make this type decision. David knew if he threw himself on the mercy of God, that God lighten the punishment and not destroy them. When you know God, you can make decisions based on His unfailing love. We must seek to really know God, then we will have peace because of His characteristics.
Prayer:
Father, I want to know You more and more. I want to walk with you and hear Your voice clearly. I want to know what You would do in each and every situation. I want insight into Your ways.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Once You Kill A Giant
Scripture:
I Chronicles 20:8 "These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants".
Observation:
David is greatly known for killing Goliath. It is one of the most beloved stories in the Bible. Goliath was the first giant David killed, but when David became king, the entire race of giants was wiped out by David and his men. What was once seemingly impossible, became something that was dont over and over again.
Application:
Once a major victory is won, it encourages the victor and those around them to have confidence that other battles can be won. When you get victory over on area of your life, you will have confidence to go after other areas. Those around us will also begin to exude confidence and begin wining battles. Once you kill a giant, you will kill others. Let's go after some giants in our lives, victory is waiting for us.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, teach me to be a giant slayer. Help me to win in some areas and gain the confidence I need to lead your people well. Let me see some victories and increase my faith. Help me to walk with you day by day, defeating every enemy and destroying the works of the devil.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 20:8 "These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants".
Observation:
David is greatly known for killing Goliath. It is one of the most beloved stories in the Bible. Goliath was the first giant David killed, but when David became king, the entire race of giants was wiped out by David and his men. What was once seemingly impossible, became something that was dont over and over again.
Application:
Once a major victory is won, it encourages the victor and those around them to have confidence that other battles can be won. When you get victory over on area of your life, you will have confidence to go after other areas. Those around us will also begin to exude confidence and begin wining battles. Once you kill a giant, you will kill others. Let's go after some giants in our lives, victory is waiting for us.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, teach me to be a giant slayer. Help me to win in some areas and gain the confidence I need to lead your people well. Let me see some victories and increase my faith. Help me to walk with you day by day, defeating every enemy and destroying the works of the devil.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Keepers of the Entrance
Scripture:
I Chronicles 9:19 "the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the Lord, keepers of the entrance."
Observation:
In the midst of several chapters of genealogies, we see a group of people with a unique calling. The Korahites were in charge of the camp of the Lord. They were called the "keepers of the entrance". They kept and guarded the way to the presence of the Lord.
Application:
When I read these words this morning, the Lord spoke to my heart about being a keeper of the entrance. Our job as Christians is to be keepers of the entrance to the Lord. There are people all around us that need to be brought into the Kingdom and we are keepers of the entrance. We must help them get through the gates and into the presence of the Lord. People will either enter or not enter because we keep the gates and the keys. We must help open the gates for people into the Kingdom of God by sharing His love with them.
Prayer:
Father, make me a better keeper of the gate. Let multitudes enter heaven because of my life. Let me keep the gate well. Send people to me so I can help them to the entrance. Help me to see people waiting at the entrance and bring them in.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 9:19 "the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the Lord, keepers of the entrance."
Observation:
In the midst of several chapters of genealogies, we see a group of people with a unique calling. The Korahites were in charge of the camp of the Lord. They were called the "keepers of the entrance". They kept and guarded the way to the presence of the Lord.
Application:
When I read these words this morning, the Lord spoke to my heart about being a keeper of the entrance. Our job as Christians is to be keepers of the entrance to the Lord. There are people all around us that need to be brought into the Kingdom and we are keepers of the entrance. We must help them get through the gates and into the presence of the Lord. People will either enter or not enter because we keep the gates and the keys. We must help open the gates for people into the Kingdom of God by sharing His love with them.
Prayer:
Father, make me a better keeper of the gate. Let multitudes enter heaven because of my life. Let me keep the gate well. Send people to me so I can help them to the entrance. Help me to see people waiting at the entrance and bring them in.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, June 16, 2017
More Honorable
Scripture:
I Chronicles 4:9 "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain'".
Observation:
Jabez was seen in scripture as one who was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had born him in pain and called him Jabez as a reminder of her pain. He could have had great excuses for terrible behavior, but Jabez was more honorable than that. His very name reminded his mom of her pain, but instead of becoming bitter about that, he became honorable.
Application:
No matter where we come from or what our parents said about us or did to us, we cannot make excuses. We must rise above and live honorable lives like Jabez. We must realize that our past doesn't determine our future, but we have a choice to become bitter or better as people. May our lives be more honorable than those around us, no matter where we started.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to make excuses for why I am like I am, but to become more honorable in every way. Teach me to live a life that honors You first and foremost. I want to bring Your honor and not shame.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Chronicles 4:9 "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain'".
Observation:
Jabez was seen in scripture as one who was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had born him in pain and called him Jabez as a reminder of her pain. He could have had great excuses for terrible behavior, but Jabez was more honorable than that. His very name reminded his mom of her pain, but instead of becoming bitter about that, he became honorable.
Application:
No matter where we come from or what our parents said about us or did to us, we cannot make excuses. We must rise above and live honorable lives like Jabez. We must realize that our past doesn't determine our future, but we have a choice to become bitter or better as people. May our lives be more honorable than those around us, no matter where we started.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to make excuses for why I am like I am, but to become more honorable in every way. Teach me to live a life that honors You first and foremost. I want to bring Your honor and not shame.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Troubler
Scripture:
I Chronicles 2:7 "The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing".
Observation:
Achan went down in history as the troubler of Israel because of his decision to disobey God and hide some forbidden things in his tent. This caused Israel to lose a battle they could have easily won, but a choice of disobedience cost all of them a loss.
Application:
Will we be remembered as a trouble-maker or an obedient son? Will we be remembered because of the great things we did for the Lord or for the mess ups and mistakes we made? Even if we have made mistakes already, we have the opportunity to redeem our name and leave a legacy. We must determine to leave a good name and legacy instead of being known for our mistakes,
Prayer:
Father, I don't want to be remembered as one who brought trouble, but as one who advanced Your cause and Kingdom throughout the earth. Help me to live out my days in obedience to You and fulfilling Your will in my life. Teach me to walk with You closer every day.
Yours,
Jeff
I Chronicles 2:7 "The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing".
Observation:
Achan went down in history as the troubler of Israel because of his decision to disobey God and hide some forbidden things in his tent. This caused Israel to lose a battle they could have easily won, but a choice of disobedience cost all of them a loss.
Application:
Will we be remembered as a trouble-maker or an obedient son? Will we be remembered because of the great things we did for the Lord or for the mess ups and mistakes we made? Even if we have made mistakes already, we have the opportunity to redeem our name and leave a legacy. We must determine to leave a good name and legacy instead of being known for our mistakes,
Prayer:
Father, I don't want to be remembered as one who brought trouble, but as one who advanced Your cause and Kingdom throughout the earth. Help me to live out my days in obedience to You and fulfilling Your will in my life. Teach me to walk with You closer every day.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Poor and Rich
Scripture:
II Corinthians 8:9 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich".
Observation:
Paul tells us here that Jesus was rich, and chose to become poor so that by His poverty, we might become rich. Jesus gave up heaven and came to earth to live a simple life and to feel our pain so that He could pay the ultimate price and bring us into His kingdom. His kingdom has no lack. Jesus became poor so we can become rich in and through Him.
Application:
God wants His children to live an overcoming, overflowing life in every area. Jesus left being rich and became poor so that we might be rich. Jesus paid a huge price so we could live an abundant life. We need to seek Him and live according to His ways so that He can bless us with every good thing and that we can live a long and prosperous life.
Prayer:
Father, help me to understand these verses. I have always hated when people use the Gospel to get rich, but I also see that You want to bless your people. Some of your word is so clear about You wanting to prosper us as Your children. Show me truth and help me see the proper balance and how to live an overflowing life that is blessed by You.
Yours,
Jeff
II Corinthians 8:9 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich".
Observation:
Paul tells us here that Jesus was rich, and chose to become poor so that by His poverty, we might become rich. Jesus gave up heaven and came to earth to live a simple life and to feel our pain so that He could pay the ultimate price and bring us into His kingdom. His kingdom has no lack. Jesus became poor so we can become rich in and through Him.
Application:
God wants His children to live an overcoming, overflowing life in every area. Jesus left being rich and became poor so that we might be rich. Jesus paid a huge price so we could live an abundant life. We need to seek Him and live according to His ways so that He can bless us with every good thing and that we can live a long and prosperous life.
Prayer:
Father, help me to understand these verses. I have always hated when people use the Gospel to get rich, but I also see that You want to bless your people. Some of your word is so clear about You wanting to prosper us as Your children. Show me truth and help me see the proper balance and how to live an overflowing life that is blessed by You.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, June 12, 2017
Beholding His Glory
Scripture:
II Corinthians 3:18 "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit".
Observation:
Paul tells us here about the glory of the New Covenant being so much greater than the Old Covenant. He tells us that Moses had to put a veil over his face because of the glory that was on him, yet he says that we have unveiled faces in the New Covenant and can behold the glory of the Lord. We are transformed when we behold His glory.
Application:
We are transformed into the likeness of Christ from glory to glory as we behold the glory of the Lord. We go through degrees of glory according to this verse as we behold the glory of God. We need to spend time beholding His glory and allowing our lives to be transformed into His likeness through the degrees of glory. We must spend time in His presence.
Prayer:
Father, let me gaze upon Your glory and let my life be transformed. I want to see You high and lifted up. I want to walk in perfect unity with You. Teach me the way as I seek You and your glory. I want to live a life of unveiled glory in greater measure continually.
Yours,
Jeff
II Corinthians 3:18 "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit".
Observation:
Paul tells us here about the glory of the New Covenant being so much greater than the Old Covenant. He tells us that Moses had to put a veil over his face because of the glory that was on him, yet he says that we have unveiled faces in the New Covenant and can behold the glory of the Lord. We are transformed when we behold His glory.
Application:
We are transformed into the likeness of Christ from glory to glory as we behold the glory of the Lord. We go through degrees of glory according to this verse as we behold the glory of God. We need to spend time beholding His glory and allowing our lives to be transformed into His likeness through the degrees of glory. We must spend time in His presence.
Prayer:
Father, let me gaze upon Your glory and let my life be transformed. I want to see You high and lifted up. I want to walk in perfect unity with You. Teach me the way as I seek You and your glory. I want to live a life of unveiled glory in greater measure continually.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, June 10, 2017
When We Call on God
Scripture:
II Kings 20:6 "and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake".
Observation:
Hezekiah had received word from Isaiah the prophet that he was to prepare his stuff and get his house in order because he was going to die. King Hezekiah turned to the wall and began crying out to God. When he did, the Lord added fifteen years to his life, even though the Lord had already decreed his imminent death.
Application:
God does change His mind when people pray and seek His face. Hezekiah sought the Lord and had fifteen years added to his life. God gave him what he was seeking. We need to ask, and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, and knock and keep on knocking. God does answer!
Prayer:
Father, help me to pray and not give up. Help me to believe you and trust you at a greater level than I have in the past. Extend my life and ministry and cause it to be effective for You and Your kingdom. Prosper the work of my hands and let it see great increase.
Yours,
Jeff
II Kings 20:6 "and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake".
Observation:
Hezekiah had received word from Isaiah the prophet that he was to prepare his stuff and get his house in order because he was going to die. King Hezekiah turned to the wall and began crying out to God. When he did, the Lord added fifteen years to his life, even though the Lord had already decreed his imminent death.
Application:
God does change His mind when people pray and seek His face. Hezekiah sought the Lord and had fifteen years added to his life. God gave him what he was seeking. We need to ask, and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, and knock and keep on knocking. God does answer!
Prayer:
Father, help me to pray and not give up. Help me to believe you and trust you at a greater level than I have in the past. Extend my life and ministry and cause it to be effective for You and Your kingdom. Prosper the work of my hands and let it see great increase.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, June 9, 2017
The Voice of the Enemy
Scripture:
II Kings 18:30 "Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord by saying, The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria".\
Observation:
The king of Assyria sent word to the people of Judah. He told them he was going to destroy them and not to bother thinking God was going to rescue them. He told them not to believe their God could deliver them from his army.
Application:
Satan loves to try to cause us to doubt God or His promises. He loves to try to wreck our faith. He uses intimidation and manipulation to seek control over God's people. He will plant the thoughts that God may no deliver you and that life will never change. We must learn to shut down the voice of the enemy and listen to God and believe His word over what lies the enemy is trying to get in our heads. When you are not seeing victory in your life, it is easy to listen to the enemy and doubt God. This is the time to silence the enemy and lean in and listen to the voice of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, help me to lean in and listen to You when the enemy is speaking my defeat. Help me to trust in You and not waiver. The voice of the enemy is clear, teach me to hear Your voice clearer. I want to follow You completely and totally.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Kings 18:30 "Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord by saying, The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria".\
Observation:
The king of Assyria sent word to the people of Judah. He told them he was going to destroy them and not to bother thinking God was going to rescue them. He told them not to believe their God could deliver them from his army.
Application:
Satan loves to try to cause us to doubt God or His promises. He loves to try to wreck our faith. He uses intimidation and manipulation to seek control over God's people. He will plant the thoughts that God may no deliver you and that life will never change. We must learn to shut down the voice of the enemy and listen to God and believe His word over what lies the enemy is trying to get in our heads. When you are not seeing victory in your life, it is easy to listen to the enemy and doubt God. This is the time to silence the enemy and lean in and listen to the voice of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, help me to lean in and listen to You when the enemy is speaking my defeat. Help me to trust in You and not waiver. The voice of the enemy is clear, teach me to hear Your voice clearer. I want to follow You completely and totally.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, June 8, 2017
The Lord's Promises
Scripture:
II Kings 15:12 "(This was the promise of the Lord that he gave to Jehu, 'Your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.' And so it came to pass)".
Observation:
God made a promise to Jehu that his sons would sit on his throne to the fourth generation. God did exactly what He promised He would do. "And so it came to pass" because the Lord had promised it.
Application:
God makes good on His promises. His word is full of His promises and He is faithful to do what He says He will do. Most of His promises are conditional, but when we do our part, He is always faithful to do His part. God does what He says He is going to do. We can have confidence in His word. We must learn to trust His promises above our own feelings.
Prayer:
Father, help me to rest on Your promises. Teach me to follow You closely and to trust that when You say something, that You will bring it to pass. Help me to put my trust and faith into Your promises because You are faithful to us when we follow You.
Your Forever,
Jeff
II Kings 15:12 "(This was the promise of the Lord that he gave to Jehu, 'Your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.' And so it came to pass)".
Observation:
God made a promise to Jehu that his sons would sit on his throne to the fourth generation. God did exactly what He promised He would do. "And so it came to pass" because the Lord had promised it.
Application:
God makes good on His promises. His word is full of His promises and He is faithful to do what He says He will do. Most of His promises are conditional, but when we do our part, He is always faithful to do His part. God does what He says He is going to do. We can have confidence in His word. We must learn to trust His promises above our own feelings.
Prayer:
Father, help me to rest on Your promises. Teach me to follow You closely and to trust that when You say something, that You will bring it to pass. Help me to put my trust and faith into Your promises because You are faithful to us when we follow You.
Your Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
The End of the Enemy
Scripture:
II Kings 10:27 "And they demolished the pillar of Baal, and demolished the house of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day".
Observation:
Jehu gathered all of the Baal worshipers together at the temple of Baal. They thought he was gathering them so he could worship with them, but Jehu had another plan. Since every Baal worshiper was present, he had all of the killed, then his people destroyed the house of Baal and turned it into a latrine.
Application:
When God overthrows His enemies, He make quite a spectacle of it. He turned His enemy's temple into a latrine, the dirtiest place possible. God turned the enemy's temple into a toilet. He is all powerful and we need to realize that serving any other gods but Him is useless. We need to ask God to eliminate any idols we have in our lives and serve Him alone.
Prayer:
Father, show me any idols in my life. Show me anything that has taken away from my worship of You. I want to serve You well all the days of my life.
Yours,
Jeff
II Kings 10:27 "And they demolished the pillar of Baal, and demolished the house of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day".
Observation:
Jehu gathered all of the Baal worshipers together at the temple of Baal. They thought he was gathering them so he could worship with them, but Jehu had another plan. Since every Baal worshiper was present, he had all of the killed, then his people destroyed the house of Baal and turned it into a latrine.
Application:
When God overthrows His enemies, He make quite a spectacle of it. He turned His enemy's temple into a latrine, the dirtiest place possible. God turned the enemy's temple into a toilet. He is all powerful and we need to realize that serving any other gods but Him is useless. We need to ask God to eliminate any idols we have in our lives and serve Him alone.
Prayer:
Father, show me any idols in my life. Show me anything that has taken away from my worship of You. I want to serve You well all the days of my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Hearing God's Voice
Scripture:
II Kings 6:12 "And one of his servants said, 'None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom'".
Observation:
It seemed Israel knew everything Syria was going to do and where they were going to attack next. The king of Syria became very suspicious that one of his people was telling his plans to Israel. He wanted to know who was telling the king of Israel his plans. One of his servants told him that Elisha the prophet was telling the king what was being spoken.
Application:
I want to hear the voice of the Lord clearly and to give warning about what is to come. If God could let Elisha hear what was being spoken in the enemy's camp, then God can speak clearly to us about what is to come in our nation. We need to seek God until we hear His words about our situations and gives us strategies to conquer. It comes through more time in His presence. He hasn't changed, His people have.
Prayer:
Father, open my ears to hear what You are speaking to my country. Draw me nearer and nearer to You and let my heart long after You more each day. I want to know You and Your plans for the world. I want to hear Your voice more clearly.
Your Son,
Jeff
II Kings 6:12 "And one of his servants said, 'None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom'".
Observation:
It seemed Israel knew everything Syria was going to do and where they were going to attack next. The king of Syria became very suspicious that one of his people was telling his plans to Israel. He wanted to know who was telling the king of Israel his plans. One of his servants told him that Elisha the prophet was telling the king what was being spoken.
Application:
I want to hear the voice of the Lord clearly and to give warning about what is to come. If God could let Elisha hear what was being spoken in the enemy's camp, then God can speak clearly to us about what is to come in our nation. We need to seek God until we hear His words about our situations and gives us strategies to conquer. It comes through more time in His presence. He hasn't changed, His people have.
Prayer:
Father, open my ears to hear what You are speaking to my country. Draw me nearer and nearer to You and let my heart long after You more each day. I want to know You and Your plans for the world. I want to hear Your voice more clearly.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Serious About Pleasing God
Scripture:
I Kings 15:13 "He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. And Asa cut down her image and burned it at the brook Kidron".
Observation:
King Asa was serious about his relationship with God and doing the will of God. Men are called upon to honor their mother and father in God's word. Asa knew he had to choose between obeying God and honoring his mother. He choose to honor God and have his own mother removed along with all her images she had put up.
Application:
There are times when God calls us to take serious steps for Him. Jesus said in order to follow Him we needed to hate father and mother. He didn't mean hate like we would hate someone. Instead He meant to love them less than loving Christ, which at times will seem like hate. We must choose Christ over every other earthly relationship.
Prayer:
Father, help me to choose You first, above all else. Help me to fulfill Your will with my life. I want to serve You well and to finish the course You have laid out for me. Strengthen me and enable me to serve You well all the days of my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
I Kings 15:13 "He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. And Asa cut down her image and burned it at the brook Kidron".
Observation:
King Asa was serious about his relationship with God and doing the will of God. Men are called upon to honor their mother and father in God's word. Asa knew he had to choose between obeying God and honoring his mother. He choose to honor God and have his own mother removed along with all her images she had put up.
Application:
There are times when God calls us to take serious steps for Him. Jesus said in order to follow Him we needed to hate father and mother. He didn't mean hate like we would hate someone. Instead He meant to love them less than loving Christ, which at times will seem like hate. We must choose Christ over every other earthly relationship.
Prayer:
Father, help me to choose You first, above all else. Help me to fulfill Your will with my life. I want to serve You well and to finish the course You have laid out for me. Strengthen me and enable me to serve You well all the days of my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
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