Scripture:
Colossians 1:22 "yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him".
Observation:
Paul tells the Colossians here that Jesus reconciled us in his body in order to present us holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him. Jesus paid paid the price so we could be presented as holy and without blemish.
Application:
We can never stand before God in our own righteousness. It is only the righteousness of Christ that makes us holy. It is only the blood of Jesus that gives us that status. He paid the price to present us to the father as pure and holy. We must accept the price paid and begin to live for Him, in Him and through Him.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are incredible! Thank you for sending Your son to this earth to die for my sins and so that I could be made pure, righteous and holy before You. You have paid the price for me and all I can say is thanks. In my thanks, I give you my life. Lead me, guide me, and let me fulfill Your will in my life.
Yours Always,
Jeff
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
Who Gives Wisdom?
Scripture:
Job 38:36 "Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the mind?"
Observation:
At this point in Job, God is responding to Job and telling Him not to get too cocky. He was letting Job know that He is God and that Job is nothing in His presence. In His rebuke to Job, God says some powerful things. He asks Job who put wisdom in a man and who gives understanding to people's minds.
Application:
The inference here is that God puts wisdom and understanding in the hearts and minds of men. It is God who gets all the glory and not man. Man can do a lot of great things, but it is God who created man and gave man that potential. We need to trust the God who created us and who gives wisdom and understanding. He has all of it we need and He is the one who has given it to the smartest of the smart and the wisest of the wise. When we need wisdom and understanding, we must go to God, who is the source of it.
Prayer:
Father, You are all-wise and I come to You this morning asking You to make me wise and help me to be a person of understanding. Teach me Your ways and let me walk in Your paths. You are incredible and I want to learn from You. Let my life exude wisdom and understanding from You.
Yours,
Jeff
Job 38:36 "Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the mind?"
Observation:
At this point in Job, God is responding to Job and telling Him not to get too cocky. He was letting Job know that He is God and that Job is nothing in His presence. In His rebuke to Job, God says some powerful things. He asks Job who put wisdom in a man and who gives understanding to people's minds.
Application:
The inference here is that God puts wisdom and understanding in the hearts and minds of men. It is God who gets all the glory and not man. Man can do a lot of great things, but it is God who created man and gave man that potential. We need to trust the God who created us and who gives wisdom and understanding. He has all of it we need and He is the one who has given it to the smartest of the smart and the wisest of the wise. When we need wisdom and understanding, we must go to God, who is the source of it.
Prayer:
Father, You are all-wise and I come to You this morning asking You to make me wise and help me to be a person of understanding. Teach me Your ways and let me walk in Your paths. You are incredible and I want to learn from You. Let my life exude wisdom and understanding from You.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, July 27, 2017
God is Mighty
Scripture:
Job 36:5 "Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength of understanding".
Observation:
Elihu, one of Job's friends, said the above words about the Lord. He told Job that God was mighty and He didn't despise any. He went on to say that God is mighty and strength of understanding. In other words, God understands us and doesn't despise us.
Application:
We can walk in confidence in our relationship with God because His word has described Him to us well. We know He is loving and compassionate and that His mercy s great. We know His faithful love never fails. We can be confident that He knows us and that He loves us right where we are. He understands who we are and why we are like we are. He chooses to love us anyway.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me of your love today. Thank You for being mighty in strength of understanding. Thank You for being patient with me and to accepting me. You are amazing and I can walk in confidence because of your incredible faithfulness.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Job 36:5 "Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength of understanding".
Observation:
Elihu, one of Job's friends, said the above words about the Lord. He told Job that God was mighty and He didn't despise any. He went on to say that God is mighty and strength of understanding. In other words, God understands us and doesn't despise us.
Application:
We can walk in confidence in our relationship with God because His word has described Him to us well. We know He is loving and compassionate and that His mercy s great. We know His faithful love never fails. We can be confident that He knows us and that He loves us right where we are. He understands who we are and why we are like we are. He chooses to love us anyway.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me of your love today. Thank You for being mighty in strength of understanding. Thank You for being patient with me and to accepting me. You are amazing and I can walk in confidence because of your incredible faithfulness.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
A Covenant with My Eyes
Scripture:
Job 31:1 "I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin?"
Observation:
Job, in his defense of being pure before God in every area, tells his friends that he had made a covenant with his eyes. He told them he had made a covenant not to look at a young lady. Job had apparently done everything possible to stay pure and on the right track.
Application:
There are times in our lives when we need to make a covenant with ourselves, that we will not do certain things we know to be dangerous for us. We need to know ourselves and our weaknesses, then make decisions not to fall in those areas. If we know we have certain struggles, we need to strengthen ourselves in those areas, that we may please God.
Prayer:
Father, help me to keep my ways pure before You every day of my life. I ask You to keep a deep resolve in my heart not to sin against You in any way. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life that honors God and reflects how He wants me to live.
Your Son,
Jeff
Job 31:1 "I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin?"
Observation:
Job, in his defense of being pure before God in every area, tells his friends that he had made a covenant with his eyes. He told them he had made a covenant not to look at a young lady. Job had apparently done everything possible to stay pure and on the right track.
Application:
There are times in our lives when we need to make a covenant with ourselves, that we will not do certain things we know to be dangerous for us. We need to know ourselves and our weaknesses, then make decisions not to fall in those areas. If we know we have certain struggles, we need to strengthen ourselves in those areas, that we may please God.
Prayer:
Father, help me to keep my ways pure before You every day of my life. I ask You to keep a deep resolve in my heart not to sin against You in any way. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life that honors God and reflects how He wants me to live.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
The Fear of the Lord
Scripture:
Job 28:28 "And unto man he said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding'".
Observation:
Job understood where wisdom and understanding came from. He understood that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and that departing from evil is understanding.
Application:
When we depart from evil and begin to fear the Lord, we are doing exactly what God wants us to do. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, we are becoming wise and when we depart from evil, we are growing in understanding. God wants us to have wisdom and understanding. We need to have a healthy fear of God and we need to sanctify our lives for God and His purposes. When we do, we will see the day of His blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk out of evil and into the fear of the Lord. Teach me to walk with You as You desire. Teach me the fear of the Lord. Help me to understand more each day about walking with You. I want to know You Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Job 28:28 "And unto man he said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding'".
Observation:
Job understood where wisdom and understanding came from. He understood that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and that departing from evil is understanding.
Application:
When we depart from evil and begin to fear the Lord, we are doing exactly what God wants us to do. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, we are becoming wise and when we depart from evil, we are growing in understanding. God wants us to have wisdom and understanding. We need to have a healthy fear of God and we need to sanctify our lives for God and His purposes. When we do, we will see the day of His blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk out of evil and into the fear of the Lord. Teach me to walk with You as You desire. Teach me the fear of the Lord. Help me to understand more each day about walking with You. I want to know You Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, July 24, 2017
Tested
Scripture:
Job 23:10 "But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold".
Observation:
Job is defending himself to his friends. He is talking about God and what he had been personally going through. He had lost everything and even his health was failing. His own wife told him to curse God and die. Job's reply to everyone was, "When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold".
Application:
Job knew he had done nothing wrong and was confident that the Lord was testing him. He knew if he passed the test, that everything would be okay. He knew he would come out as gold when the test was over. We must be able to have the same confidence when we are tested. We must live lives that give us confidence that we have done nothing wrong and that we absolutely know that when the test is over, we will come out as gold. Me must live "gold standard" lives.
Prayer:
Father, examine my heart and cleanse me from anything that is not from You. Let my life reflect You in every way. Let me come out of every test as pure gold. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You above all else. I am yours.
Love,
Jeff
Job 23:10 "But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold".
Observation:
Job is defending himself to his friends. He is talking about God and what he had been personally going through. He had lost everything and even his health was failing. His own wife told him to curse God and die. Job's reply to everyone was, "When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold".
Application:
Job knew he had done nothing wrong and was confident that the Lord was testing him. He knew if he passed the test, that everything would be okay. He knew he would come out as gold when the test was over. We must be able to have the same confidence when we are tested. We must live lives that give us confidence that we have done nothing wrong and that we absolutely know that when the test is over, we will come out as gold. Me must live "gold standard" lives.
Prayer:
Father, examine my heart and cleanse me from anything that is not from You. Let my life reflect You in every way. Let me come out of every test as pure gold. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You above all else. I am yours.
Love,
Jeff
Friday, July 21, 2017
Who Has Hardened Himself?
Scripture:
Job 9:4 "He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?"
Observation:
Job answered his friend who was giving him advice about why he was in the condition he was in. He gives us his outlook on God. He tells us God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. He goes on to ask the question, "Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?" He knew there was no sense hardening yourself toward God who is all-powerful.
Application:
Sometimes God doesn't do what we want Him to. Sometimes God does things that don't make sense to us, or even hurt us. We need to learn to be more like Job who realized it was useless to harden ourselves toward an almighty God. Rather than harden ourselves when things go bad, we need to soften our hearts and learn of Him. Rather than getting offended by God when things don't go as planned, we need to submit ourselves to Him and trust Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to follow You well. Help me to never get a hard heart toward You or anyone else. let my heart stay soft in Your hands. Teach me to stay tender-hearted.
Yours,
Jeff
Job 9:4 "He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?"
Observation:
Job answered his friend who was giving him advice about why he was in the condition he was in. He gives us his outlook on God. He tells us God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. He goes on to ask the question, "Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?" He knew there was no sense hardening yourself toward God who is all-powerful.
Application:
Sometimes God doesn't do what we want Him to. Sometimes God does things that don't make sense to us, or even hurt us. We need to learn to be more like Job who realized it was useless to harden ourselves toward an almighty God. Rather than harden ourselves when things go bad, we need to soften our hearts and learn of Him. Rather than getting offended by God when things don't go as planned, we need to submit ourselves to Him and trust Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to follow You well. Help me to never get a hard heart toward You or anyone else. let my heart stay soft in Your hands. Teach me to stay tender-hearted.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Small Beginnings
Scripture:
Job 8:7 "And though thy beginning was small, Yet thy latter end would greatly increase".
Observation:
This was Bildad's impression of following the Lord and how He works with His people. He was trying to figure out what was going on in his friend's life that caused God to be mad at him. He understood God to always bless and prosper His people and therefore, he couldn't figure out why his friend was in such a dilemma.
Application:
Bildad's perception of the Lord was that His blessings cause his people to greatly increase, no matter how small their beginnings are. We must believe that God has good plans for us. This is rooted in His love for us. We must believe that in serving Him, there will be blessings that follow and that we will be prosperous.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to see You correctly. Help me to know that You have great and wonderful plans for my life. You are incredible and You have demonstrated Your love for me over and over again. Help me to be more confident in my walk with You.
Yours,
Jeff
Job 8:7 "And though thy beginning was small, Yet thy latter end would greatly increase".
Observation:
This was Bildad's impression of following the Lord and how He works with His people. He was trying to figure out what was going on in his friend's life that caused God to be mad at him. He understood God to always bless and prosper His people and therefore, he couldn't figure out why his friend was in such a dilemma.
Application:
Bildad's perception of the Lord was that His blessings cause his people to greatly increase, no matter how small their beginnings are. We must believe that God has good plans for us. This is rooted in His love for us. We must believe that in serving Him, there will be blessings that follow and that we will be prosperous.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to see You correctly. Help me to know that You have great and wonderful plans for my life. You are incredible and You have demonstrated Your love for me over and over again. Help me to be more confident in my walk with You.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
When it's good and when it's bad
Scripture:
Job 1:21 "and he said, 'Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: Jehovah gave and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah'".
Observation:
Job was incredibly blessed by God. He had great money, children, and cattle. When he lost everything, he felt like God had given it and God had taken it away and then he blessed the name of the Lord. He realized that God wasn't just to be praised when everything was going well, but that He was to be praised when everything was going bad in our eyes.
Application:
We need God to bring us into the place in Him where we bless Him in the good times and bless Him in the bad times. We must learn that God is in control, whether we are personally going through good or difficult times. Our praise can't be conditional. He is worthy, whether I'm seeing blessing or things are falling apart.
Prayer:
Father, You are worthy of my praise. You are awesome and I love You with all my heart. Help me not to be a conditional worshiper, but one who worships at all times. I want Your praise to be continually in my mouth because You are worthy.
Yours,
Jeff
Job 1:21 "and he said, 'Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: Jehovah gave and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah'".
Observation:
Job was incredibly blessed by God. He had great money, children, and cattle. When he lost everything, he felt like God had given it and God had taken it away and then he blessed the name of the Lord. He realized that God wasn't just to be praised when everything was going well, but that He was to be praised when everything was going bad in our eyes.
Application:
We need God to bring us into the place in Him where we bless Him in the good times and bless Him in the bad times. We must learn that God is in control, whether we are personally going through good or difficult times. Our praise can't be conditional. He is worthy, whether I'm seeing blessing or things are falling apart.
Prayer:
Father, You are worthy of my praise. You are awesome and I love You with all my heart. Help me not to be a conditional worshiper, but one who worships at all times. I want Your praise to be continually in my mouth because You are worthy.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Contentment
Scripture:
Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therein to be content".
Observation:
Paul was talking about finances and thanking them for their giving, but his overall view on life was that he had learned to be content with a little and content with a lot.
Application:
We are always striving for more and better. Our society doesn't allow us to be content where we are. It pushes us to have more, be more, accomplish more. We are pushed to believe that bigger is better and we should never be satisfied. Somewhere there is a balance where we don't settle for terrible situations, but we are content where God has us at the time.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to be content. Help me in this area. Show me how to walk in contentment and to get off the bigger is better treadmill. I know there is great peace and joy in being content. Help me find it.
Yours,
Jeff
Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therein to be content".
Observation:
Paul was talking about finances and thanking them for their giving, but his overall view on life was that he had learned to be content with a little and content with a lot.
Application:
We are always striving for more and better. Our society doesn't allow us to be content where we are. It pushes us to have more, be more, accomplish more. We are pushed to believe that bigger is better and we should never be satisfied. Somewhere there is a balance where we don't settle for terrible situations, but we are content where God has us at the time.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to be content. Help me in this area. Show me how to walk in contentment and to get off the bigger is better treadmill. I know there is great peace and joy in being content. Help me find it.
Yours,
Jeff
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Mordecai's BLessing
Scripture:
Esther 8:15 "And Mordecai went forth from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan shouted and was glad".
Observation:
Mordecai had been faithful to the Lord and served Him well all the days of his life. He had stepped out and done some things to rescue his people. This had his life on the line. He remained faithful to God and when it was all said and done, Mordecai was blessed beyond measure and those that were trying to kill him and his people, were killed.
Application:
When life seems unfair and like God isn't answering your prayers, know that God does hear and He will overturn everything that was coming against you when you have been faithful to Him. God can turn your situation around so fast you get dizzy. He can bless you so strong you won't be able to comprehend it in a moment's time. Remain faithful to the Lord and watch Him take care of His child.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to walk in faithfulness to You and to speak up when You want me to concerning the things that are on Your heart. Help me to accurately represent You and Your ways well. Show me Your ways and Your heart. I want to know You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Esther 8:15 "And Mordecai went forth from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan shouted and was glad".
Observation:
Mordecai had been faithful to the Lord and served Him well all the days of his life. He had stepped out and done some things to rescue his people. This had his life on the line. He remained faithful to God and when it was all said and done, Mordecai was blessed beyond measure and those that were trying to kill him and his people, were killed.
Application:
When life seems unfair and like God isn't answering your prayers, know that God does hear and He will overturn everything that was coming against you when you have been faithful to Him. God can turn your situation around so fast you get dizzy. He can bless you so strong you won't be able to comprehend it in a moment's time. Remain faithful to the Lord and watch Him take care of His child.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to walk in faithfulness to You and to speak up when You want me to concerning the things that are on Your heart. Help me to accurately represent You and Your ways well. Show me Your ways and Your heart. I want to know You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Love Surpasses Knowledge
Scripture:
Ephesians 3:19 "and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God".
Observation:
Paul wants the Ephesians, and us, to know Christ's love and the depths of it. He wants us to have confidence in the love of God, which surpasses knowledge. When we know His love, it says we can then be filled with all the fullness of God.
Application:
I want to be filled with all the fullness of God. I want all of Him possible. I want to know His love deeply and for that love to flow through my life. Power flows through love. It was Christ's compassion for people that brought their healing, deliverance, etc. Love trumps knowledge every time.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be filled with your love. Help me to walk in the love of Christ. This weekend as I go to minister to young people, fill me with Your love for them. Let Your Spirit flow without measure. Let us be filled with all the fullness of God. I want Your fullness in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ephesians 3:19 "and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God".
Observation:
Paul wants the Ephesians, and us, to know Christ's love and the depths of it. He wants us to have confidence in the love of God, which surpasses knowledge. When we know His love, it says we can then be filled with all the fullness of God.
Application:
I want to be filled with all the fullness of God. I want all of Him possible. I want to know His love deeply and for that love to flow through my life. Power flows through love. It was Christ's compassion for people that brought their healing, deliverance, etc. Love trumps knowledge every time.
Prayer:
Father, let my life be filled with your love. Help me to walk in the love of Christ. This weekend as I go to minister to young people, fill me with Your love for them. Let Your Spirit flow without measure. Let us be filled with all the fullness of God. I want Your fullness in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Remember me O God
Scripture:
Nehemiah 13:30-31 "Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God for good".
Observation:
Nehemiah understood that God doesn't only look at the heart, but looks at what we did, or did not do, with our lives. At the end of this book, he says that he had cleansed the people from everything not of God and provided for the sacrifices. He had done everything he knew to do, then he asked God to remember him for doing it.
Application:
God doesn't forget, but we should be living our lives in obedience to Him and in doing what He wants us to do. We don't have to question if God will remember us for doing right, but we should be focused on doing right so He has something to remember. Are we living our lives so that we can say, "Remember me, O God for good"?
Prayer:
Father, help me to live my life with no regrets. Help me to live in a way that pleases You above all else. Teach me to follow Your ways. Let my life be remembered for the good things I have done.
Yours,
Jeff
Nehemiah 13:30-31 "Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God for good".
Observation:
Nehemiah understood that God doesn't only look at the heart, but looks at what we did, or did not do, with our lives. At the end of this book, he says that he had cleansed the people from everything not of God and provided for the sacrifices. He had done everything he knew to do, then he asked God to remember him for doing it.
Application:
God doesn't forget, but we should be living our lives in obedience to Him and in doing what He wants us to do. We don't have to question if God will remember us for doing right, but we should be focused on doing right so He has something to remember. Are we living our lives so that we can say, "Remember me, O God for good"?
Prayer:
Father, help me to live my life with no regrets. Help me to live in a way that pleases You above all else. Teach me to follow Your ways. Let my life be remembered for the good things I have done.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Grant us Some Reviving
Scripture:
Ezra 9:9 "For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem".
Observation:
Ezra was ashamed of the state of the people when they had the opportunity to return and rebuild the Temple. He learned that many had married foreign wives and done things God would not approve of. He confessed the fact that they had become slaves, yet God has not forsaken us. He has granted us some reviving.
Application:
Our nation is far from God and the things of God seem so far removed from our land, but I believe in my Spirit that God will grant us some reviving. We have walked far away from Him, yet He is faithful and has not forsaken us. May God grant us some reviving!
Prayer:
Revive my spirit Oh God! Pour out Your Spirit in my life, in my church, in my region and in my nation. We have strayed away from Your ways, but forgive us and grant us some reviving. I ask You to once again send a great awakening to the United States. Send a wave of revival that will turn this nation around. Revive me I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezra 9:9 "For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem".
Observation:
Ezra was ashamed of the state of the people when they had the opportunity to return and rebuild the Temple. He learned that many had married foreign wives and done things God would not approve of. He confessed the fact that they had become slaves, yet God has not forsaken us. He has granted us some reviving.
Application:
Our nation is far from God and the things of God seem so far removed from our land, but I believe in my Spirit that God will grant us some reviving. We have walked far away from Him, yet He is faithful and has not forsaken us. May God grant us some reviving!
Prayer:
Revive my spirit Oh God! Pour out Your Spirit in my life, in my church, in my region and in my nation. We have strayed away from Your ways, but forgive us and grant us some reviving. I ask You to once again send a great awakening to the United States. Send a wave of revival that will turn this nation around. Revive me I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, July 7, 2017
Take Courage
Scripture:
Ezra 7:28 "and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me".
Observation:
Cyrus had originally ordered the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and Ezra was to oversee it. Later, Artaxerxes wondered why they were doing this and went through old documents to see if Cyrus had really ordered it. When he did, he realized that Cyrus had ordered it and felt he should make sure it happened. He made way for Ezra to continue building the temple. When Ezra saw how God was working through pagan kings to rebuild His Temple, it says that Ezra took courage because he realized the hand of the Lord was on him.
Application:
When you realize God is on your side and is fighting your battles, your confidence rises. When you realize that God is in something and you have His backing, your confidence rises. We have much scripture that tells us God is on our side continually. We need to realize it and allow confidence to rise within us again. When the hand of God is undeniable in a situation, your confidence rises, but faith doesn't always "see" God's hand at work, it operates by God's word and his promises.
Prayer:
Father, increase my confidence in You. I know You are with me always, but help me to see that at greater levels. Help me to walk in confidence and faith at all times and never doubt. Let me hear Your voice and be confident in doing what You ask me to do.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezra 7:28 "and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me".
Observation:
Cyrus had originally ordered the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and Ezra was to oversee it. Later, Artaxerxes wondered why they were doing this and went through old documents to see if Cyrus had really ordered it. When he did, he realized that Cyrus had ordered it and felt he should make sure it happened. He made way for Ezra to continue building the temple. When Ezra saw how God was working through pagan kings to rebuild His Temple, it says that Ezra took courage because he realized the hand of the Lord was on him.
Application:
When you realize God is on your side and is fighting your battles, your confidence rises. When you realize that God is in something and you have His backing, your confidence rises. We have much scripture that tells us God is on our side continually. We need to realize it and allow confidence to rise within us again. When the hand of God is undeniable in a situation, your confidence rises, but faith doesn't always "see" God's hand at work, it operates by God's word and his promises.
Prayer:
Father, increase my confidence in You. I know You are with me always, but help me to see that at greater levels. Help me to walk in confidence and faith at all times and never doubt. Let me hear Your voice and be confident in doing what You ask me to do.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, July 6, 2017
A Shout of Praise
Scripture:
Ezra 3:11b "And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid".
Observation:
God's people were commissioned by Cyrus to rebuild His temple. They gladly went about the work a pagan king wanted them to do for the Lord. As the foundation was laid, the people shouted with a great shout that was heard from far away. They were extremely emotional to be able to worship God again and they didn't care what anyone thought of them.
Application:
There is something so special about letting out a shout of praise to God. Many people think it is simply emotionalism, but it is all through the Bible. Many times we hear that God's people shouted His praise. Today, we steer away from anything that may seem emotional, but God made our emotions and wants us to use them in praise and worship. Sometimes we need to give God a shout of praise.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are worthy of all the praise I could possibly give You. You are amazing and I love You with all my heart. Help me to worship You completely and with everything I have, including my emotions. You are worthy of all the praise I can express!
Yours,
Jeff
Ezra 3:11b "And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid".
Observation:
God's people were commissioned by Cyrus to rebuild His temple. They gladly went about the work a pagan king wanted them to do for the Lord. As the foundation was laid, the people shouted with a great shout that was heard from far away. They were extremely emotional to be able to worship God again and they didn't care what anyone thought of them.
Application:
There is something so special about letting out a shout of praise to God. Many people think it is simply emotionalism, but it is all through the Bible. Many times we hear that God's people shouted His praise. Today, we steer away from anything that may seem emotional, but God made our emotions and wants us to use them in praise and worship. Sometimes we need to give God a shout of praise.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are worthy of all the praise I could possibly give You. You are amazing and I love You with all my heart. Help me to worship You completely and with everything I have, including my emotions. You are worthy of all the praise I can express!
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Walk in the Spirit
Scripture:
Galatians 5:16 "But I say, walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh".
Observation:
Paul has been writing this epistle to those who were walking in legalism to Jewish law and trying to make others do the same. He explains that they are turning away from the grace that saved them. Here he tells them how to live an exemplary life. He tells them if they walk in the Spirit, they won't gratify the flesh.
Application:
When we walk in the Spirit, He will let us know what to stay away from, what we can do and should do, and what we need to run from. He will guide us into all truth according to Jesus. We need to seek to learn to walk in the Spirit, then we will walk pleasing to the Father.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, teach me to walk with You. I want to live the life You want me to. I want to be filled with You and overflow. I want to hear Your voice and be led by it. I want my life submitted to You in every way. Draw near to me as I draw near to you.
Yours,
Jeff
Galatians 5:16 "But I say, walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh".
Observation:
Paul has been writing this epistle to those who were walking in legalism to Jewish law and trying to make others do the same. He explains that they are turning away from the grace that saved them. Here he tells them how to live an exemplary life. He tells them if they walk in the Spirit, they won't gratify the flesh.
Application:
When we walk in the Spirit, He will let us know what to stay away from, what we can do and should do, and what we need to run from. He will guide us into all truth according to Jesus. We need to seek to learn to walk in the Spirit, then we will walk pleasing to the Father.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, teach me to walk with You. I want to live the life You want me to. I want to be filled with You and overflow. I want to hear Your voice and be led by it. I want my life submitted to You in every way. Draw near to me as I draw near to you.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Abraham's Offspring
Scripture:
Galatians 3:29 "And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise".
Observation:
Paul was arguing his point with the Galatians that the works of the Law and circumcision can't save a person, but faith in Christ and His work. He argues that we are Abraham's offspring when we are Christ's. He also says we are heirs according to the promise. He argues that there is neither Jew nor Greek in Christ, but all who trust Him are heirs.
Application:
God made incredible promises to Abraham about his seed. As believers in Christ, we become heirs to those promises made to Abraham by faith. As a gentile, I have the rights of an heir to Abraham's promises through Christ Jesus. We are not step children, but God's children and heirs of His.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in the promises You promised to my father Abraham through adoption. Teach me to walk before You humbly and to see Your blessing in my life and family. Bless my life in every way and let it be evident to everyone around me that my father has blessed me.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, July 3, 2017
Answered Prayer
Scripture:
II Chronicles 34:27 "because your heart was tender before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord".
Observation:
Josiah got his prayers answered because of his tender heart toward the Lord. When he heard the word of the Lord, he tore his clothes, wept and cried before the Lord. God told him that because he humbled himself in that way, he heard Josiah's prayer.
Application:
When we hear the word of the Lord, our response should be to humble ourselves. God isn't looking for us to tear our clothes, but he is looking at our hearts to see if we humble ourselves and cry out to him at the Word of the Lord. When God speaks to us, we need to humble ourselves before the Lord in repentance and true humility. God love it when His people recognize who He is and bow ourselves before Him.
Prayer:
God, let me always be tenderhearted. Let me walk before You in humility and brokenness. When Your word comes to me, let me respond with humility and true repentance. I want to be real and really tenderhearted. I want to walk with You daily.
Yours,
Jeff
II Chronicles 34:27 "because your heart was tender before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord".
Observation:
Josiah got his prayers answered because of his tender heart toward the Lord. When he heard the word of the Lord, he tore his clothes, wept and cried before the Lord. God told him that because he humbled himself in that way, he heard Josiah's prayer.
Application:
When we hear the word of the Lord, our response should be to humble ourselves. God isn't looking for us to tear our clothes, but he is looking at our hearts to see if we humble ourselves and cry out to him at the Word of the Lord. When God speaks to us, we need to humble ourselves before the Lord in repentance and true humility. God love it when His people recognize who He is and bow ourselves before Him.
Prayer:
God, let me always be tenderhearted. Let me walk before You in humility and brokenness. When Your word comes to me, let me respond with humility and true repentance. I want to be real and really tenderhearted. I want to walk with You daily.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, July 1, 2017
As Long As
Scripture:
II Chronicles 26:5 "And he set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the vision of God: and as long as he sought Jehovah, God made him to prosper".
Observation:
Uzziah set himself to seek the Lord and he set in order worship and sacrifice, etc. He turned his nation back to the Lord. The end of the verse stood out to me this morning, "as long as" he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.
Application:
As long as we seek the Lord, He prospers our lives. When we stop seeking Him, the prosperous flow stops. God is the one who prospers His children. When things are going good in our lives and we are living prosperous, we must continue to seek the Lord. Generally, when we see God prospering us, we tend to back off of seeking Him. That is the time when we need to seek Him the most.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be a pursuer of You all the days of my life. I want to seek You in the good times and seek You in the bad times. Help me not to grow complacent and forgive me for the complacency that already exists in my life.
Love,
Jeff
II Chronicles 26:5 "And he set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the vision of God: and as long as he sought Jehovah, God made him to prosper".
Observation:
Uzziah set himself to seek the Lord and he set in order worship and sacrifice, etc. He turned his nation back to the Lord. The end of the verse stood out to me this morning, "as long as" he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.
Application:
As long as we seek the Lord, He prospers our lives. When we stop seeking Him, the prosperous flow stops. God is the one who prospers His children. When things are going good in our lives and we are living prosperous, we must continue to seek the Lord. Generally, when we see God prospering us, we tend to back off of seeking Him. That is the time when we need to seek Him the most.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be a pursuer of You all the days of my life. I want to seek You in the good times and seek You in the bad times. Help me not to grow complacent and forgive me for the complacency that already exists in my life.
Love,
Jeff
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