Scripture:
“He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.”
Philemon 1:16 NLT
Observation:
Paul writes from prison to Philemon telling him to welcome Onesimus back home. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave who had run away. In his running, he ran into Paul and gave his life to Christ. Now Paul is sending him home and asking his owner to treat him like a brother instead of a slave. He let’s Philemon know that Onesimus is a brother and should be treated that way.
Application:
Christ removes all of our past labels when we come to him. In Christ, people move from slavery to Sonship. In Christ, people are transfomed from valueless to valuable. In Christ, we can’t see people how the world sees them. We must see people, and treat people, as sons and daughters of God instead of as useless and valueless. In Christ, the slave is equal to his owner.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to see people the way You see people. Help me not to judge people based on their income level or job status. Help me to see people through Your eyes. Whatever potential You see, let me see as well. Help me not to be judgmental in any way but to walk in love and respect people who are coming to You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Friday, October 26, 2018
When God Arises to Fight
Scripture:
“But the one who redeems them is strong. His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel. But for the people of Babylon there will be no rest!”
Jeremiah 50:34 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah had prophesied concerning Babylon that she would overthrowJudah and Jerusalem because of the sins of God’s people. Here he speaks about Babylon’s future. Even though He was going to use them against His people, they would be judged for it in the future. It says above that God will defend Israel, restore them to their land, and give Babylon no rest.
Application:
God may allow some things into our lives for a season, but there comes a time where He will say enough is enough and will arise to fight on behalf of His people. God may allow the enemy to touch us for a season, but He will arise and defend His people. He will bring utter devastation on His enemies and the enemies of His people. He is strong and vengeance belongs to Him!
Prayer:
Lord, you know every detail of my life. You know my ups and downs. You know my good days and my bad days, yet You love me completely and will defend my case. You are the God who brings vengeance on the enemies of His people. Rise up and bring great victory in my life. Rise up and fight on my behalf. I entrust You with all vengeance and setting all records straight.
Your Son,
Jeff
“But the one who redeems them is strong. His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel. But for the people of Babylon there will be no rest!”
Jeremiah 50:34 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah had prophesied concerning Babylon that she would overthrowJudah and Jerusalem because of the sins of God’s people. Here he speaks about Babylon’s future. Even though He was going to use them against His people, they would be judged for it in the future. It says above that God will defend Israel, restore them to their land, and give Babylon no rest.
Application:
God may allow some things into our lives for a season, but there comes a time where He will say enough is enough and will arise to fight on behalf of His people. God may allow the enemy to touch us for a season, but He will arise and defend His people. He will bring utter devastation on His enemies and the enemies of His people. He is strong and vengeance belongs to Him!
Prayer:
Lord, you know every detail of my life. You know my ups and downs. You know my good days and my bad days, yet You love me completely and will defend my case. You are the God who brings vengeance on the enemies of His people. Rise up and bring great victory in my life. Rise up and fight on my behalf. I entrust You with all vengeance and setting all records straight.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, October 25, 2018
God’s Love For His People
Scripture:
“In the days to come,” says the Lord, “I will sound the battle cry against your city of Rabbah. It will become a desolate heap of ruins, and the neighboring towns will be burned. Then Israel will take back the land you took from her,” says the Lord.”
Jeremiah 49:2 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah speaks here concerning Ammon and specifically the city of Rabbah. He has already said that He would judge Israel and Judah for following after other gods. He was using the surrounding nations like Ammon to wipe out His own people because of their rebellion. Even in His judgement of His people, God speaks about His plan to have Israel take back their land and towns. Even in judgment, God says, Israel will return and seek Me and when they do, they will be powerful.
Application:
Even in God’s judgement, He is setting up a come back. God loves His people and always has a plan to restore them, heal them, and raise them up as a testimony to His goodness. In our lives, even when we have some setbacks, God is working, setting us up to fulfill His plan for our lives, which is always good and best. He is faithful to us, even when we have been unfaithful to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. You are amazing! I am amazed by You. Even in judgment, You are working a plan for Your people to return and be raised up as a testimony. Even when things are really bad and we have done wrong, you are letting us know that things will turn around. Thanks for being faithful to Your covenant.
Yours,
Jeff
“In the days to come,” says the Lord, “I will sound the battle cry against your city of Rabbah. It will become a desolate heap of ruins, and the neighboring towns will be burned. Then Israel will take back the land you took from her,” says the Lord.”
Jeremiah 49:2 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah speaks here concerning Ammon and specifically the city of Rabbah. He has already said that He would judge Israel and Judah for following after other gods. He was using the surrounding nations like Ammon to wipe out His own people because of their rebellion. Even in His judgement of His people, God speaks about His plan to have Israel take back their land and towns. Even in judgment, God says, Israel will return and seek Me and when they do, they will be powerful.
Application:
Even in God’s judgement, He is setting up a come back. God loves His people and always has a plan to restore them, heal them, and raise them up as a testimony to His goodness. In our lives, even when we have some setbacks, God is working, setting us up to fulfill His plan for our lives, which is always good and best. He is faithful to us, even when we have been unfaithful to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. You are amazing! I am amazed by You. Even in judgment, You are working a plan for Your people to return and be raised up as a testimony. Even when things are really bad and we have done wrong, you are letting us know that things will turn around. Thanks for being faithful to Your covenant.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
The Lies We Tell
Scripture:
“Jeremiah the prophet. They said, “Please pray to the Lord your God for us. As you can see, we are only a tiny remnant compared to what we were before. Pray that the Lord your God will show us what to do and where to go.””
Jeremiah 42:2-3 NLT
Observation:
These people were in Jerusalem after most of the country had been deported. They came to Jeremiah and told him to pray to the Lord and He would show them what to do and where to go. Jeremiah prayed and told them exactly what the Lord said, “Stay here and I will bless and protect you. God to Egypt and you will die.” The people didn’t end up doing what the Lord said, but what they thought was best.
Application:
So often I pray similar prayers, Lord if You just show me what to do, I will do it. I am guilty of doing the exact same thing because what I feel the Lord saying doesn’t match what I think will work out. There is also the fact that the voice of the Lord can be very difficult to discern. I want to do what the Lord wants, but I need to hear clearly.
Prayer:
Lord, let me not be like the crew here who prayed and heard, but because it didn’t make sense to them, refused to do what You said. Teach me to hear Your voice and then give me the strength to respond quickly and passionately. Help me to lead Your people well and let my life be a demonstration of a life that fully followed the Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
“Jeremiah the prophet. They said, “Please pray to the Lord your God for us. As you can see, we are only a tiny remnant compared to what we were before. Pray that the Lord your God will show us what to do and where to go.””
Jeremiah 42:2-3 NLT
Observation:
These people were in Jerusalem after most of the country had been deported. They came to Jeremiah and told him to pray to the Lord and He would show them what to do and where to go. Jeremiah prayed and told them exactly what the Lord said, “Stay here and I will bless and protect you. God to Egypt and you will die.” The people didn’t end up doing what the Lord said, but what they thought was best.
Application:
So often I pray similar prayers, Lord if You just show me what to do, I will do it. I am guilty of doing the exact same thing because what I feel the Lord saying doesn’t match what I think will work out. There is also the fact that the voice of the Lord can be very difficult to discern. I want to do what the Lord wants, but I need to hear clearly.
Prayer:
Lord, let me not be like the crew here who prayed and heard, but because it didn’t make sense to them, refused to do what You said. Teach me to hear Your voice and then give me the strength to respond quickly and passionately. Help me to lead Your people well and let my life be a demonstration of a life that fully followed the Lord.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, October 22, 2018
The Blessings of Obedience
Scripture:
“But I am going to take off your chains and let you go. If you want to come with me to Babylon, you are welcome. I will see that you are well cared for. But if you don’t want to come, you may stay here. The whole land is before you—go wherever you like.”
Jeremiah 40:4 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah had been obedient to the Lord in all things. He had wholeheartedly followed the Lord. He never misrepresented the Lord and His word. He told the truth, even when it landed him in prison, cisterns, and near death. In the end, the enemy of his country honored him and said he could live wherever he wanted and made sure he was taken care of.
Application:
When you are faithful to God in the good time and in the bad times, He will eventually raise you up and cause your to be blessed for your obedience. God sees every time we are mistreated or ill-spoken of. He sees faithfulness and always honors it. Faithfulness isn’t seen in the easy times, but in the hard times. Just as Jeremiah, I need to speak the word of the Lord, whether people like it or not. I need to honor the Lord over everyone else, then I can expect His blessings in the long run.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be faithful to You and represent You well. I want to accurately speak on Your behalf as Jeremiah did. He was faithful to speak Your words, even when Your words got him in serious trouble. It would have been easier to say nothing, but he always declared Your word. Help me to live more like him and be concerned less with what people think.
Yours,
Jeff
“But I am going to take off your chains and let you go. If you want to come with me to Babylon, you are welcome. I will see that you are well cared for. But if you don’t want to come, you may stay here. The whole land is before you—go wherever you like.”
Jeremiah 40:4 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah had been obedient to the Lord in all things. He had wholeheartedly followed the Lord. He never misrepresented the Lord and His word. He told the truth, even when it landed him in prison, cisterns, and near death. In the end, the enemy of his country honored him and said he could live wherever he wanted and made sure he was taken care of.
Application:
When you are faithful to God in the good time and in the bad times, He will eventually raise you up and cause your to be blessed for your obedience. God sees every time we are mistreated or ill-spoken of. He sees faithfulness and always honors it. Faithfulness isn’t seen in the easy times, but in the hard times. Just as Jeremiah, I need to speak the word of the Lord, whether people like it or not. I need to honor the Lord over everyone else, then I can expect His blessings in the long run.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be faithful to You and represent You well. I want to accurately speak on Your behalf as Jeremiah did. He was faithful to speak Your words, even when Your words got him in serious trouble. It would have been easier to say nothing, but he always declared Your word. Help me to live more like him and be concerned less with what people think.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, October 20, 2018
One Heart and Passion
Scripture:
“And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants.”
Jeremiah 32:39 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah declares the word of the Lord to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He tells them that they are going into Babylonian captivity, but that the day would come when they would come back to their land and worship God with one heart and one purpose. He goes on to say this is for their own good and for the good fo their descendants.
Application:
My worship affects my generations. My worship affects my personal life, but it also affects those around me. Worship is all about God, but it is also for our benefit. When we worship, we are honoring God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. In return, He lifts us up and brings blessings into our lives and the lives of our descendants. May we, as God’s children, worship Him with all we have in unity of purpose and heart.
Prayer:
Father, let my worship come to a new level. Let my worship affect those around me. Let my walk with You cause others to long for You. Help me to give myself back to worship again. Lately my worship level has not been as good as the past. I want to always be a worshipper. Help me to prioritize my life to get more accomplished in less time so I create more time to worship You.
Your Son,
Jeff
“And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants.”
Jeremiah 32:39 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah declares the word of the Lord to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He tells them that they are going into Babylonian captivity, but that the day would come when they would come back to their land and worship God with one heart and one purpose. He goes on to say this is for their own good and for the good fo their descendants.
Application:
My worship affects my generations. My worship affects my personal life, but it also affects those around me. Worship is all about God, but it is also for our benefit. When we worship, we are honoring God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. In return, He lifts us up and brings blessings into our lives and the lives of our descendants. May we, as God’s children, worship Him with all we have in unity of purpose and heart.
Prayer:
Father, let my worship come to a new level. Let my worship affect those around me. Let my walk with You cause others to long for You. Help me to give myself back to worship again. Lately my worship level has not been as good as the past. I want to always be a worshipper. Help me to prioritize my life to get more accomplished in less time so I create more time to worship You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, October 19, 2018
Seeking God Wholeheartedly
Scripture:
Prayer“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.””
Jeremiah 29:13-14 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah gives the people a word from the Lord. He has been telling them that they were going to be overtaken by Babylon and here tells them that when they are in exile they need to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. He tells them that, even though the Lord is punishing you, He will also bring you back and restore you if you will seek Him wholeheartedly.
Application:
No matter what we have done, it not done, when God’s people turn toward Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, He will turn things around for them. As a follower of Christ, my job is to remain in constant pursuit of Him. My job is to seek Him. When I do that, He will restore His blessings in my life. He is faithful, yet we must remain faithful to Him if we want to walk in His blessing.
Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my life. Help me to be a seeker of You and Your will for my life. Let me never stop seeking You. Give me to desire to know You more and more.
Yours,
Jeff
Prayer“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.””
Jeremiah 29:13-14 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah gives the people a word from the Lord. He has been telling them that they were going to be overtaken by Babylon and here tells them that when they are in exile they need to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. He tells them that, even though the Lord is punishing you, He will also bring you back and restore you if you will seek Him wholeheartedly.
Application:
No matter what we have done, it not done, when God’s people turn toward Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, He will turn things around for them. As a follower of Christ, my job is to remain in constant pursuit of Him. My job is to seek Him. When I do that, He will restore His blessings in my life. He is faithful, yet we must remain faithful to Him if we want to walk in His blessing.
Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my life. Help me to be a seeker of You and Your will for my life. Let me never stop seeking You. Give me to desire to know You more and more.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, October 18, 2018
God Can Use Anyone He Wants
Scripture:
“Now I will give your countries to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who is my servant. I have put everything, even the wild animals, under his control.”
Jeremiah 27:6 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah speaks to all the nations around Babylon and tells them that Nebuchadnezzar is His servant and that they will be given into his hands. God said that He put everything in Nebuchandnezzar’s control. God used a pagan king to bring about His will. He can use whoever He wants to bring about His will in the earth.
Application:
Just because God uses a person to accomplish His will, it does not mean that He approves of everything that person does. God can use anyone He wants to bring about His purposes. He will use people who have wrong theology, are not good people, etc. Therefore, because God uses someone, it does not mean that everything they say is correct and that God approves of their lifestyle, etc. God’s anointing does not equal God’s approval. Our goal is not for God to use us, but for our walk with God to be sure and strong. The relationship is more important than being used by Him.
Prayer:
Father, You can use a donkey or a pagan king to bring about Your will in the earth. You are all-powerful and Your ways are above my ways. Your thoughts are above my thoughts. You are amazing! Help me to walk close with You. I don’t want to be the one You use, but don’t approve of. I want to be a vessel of gold in Your hands.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
“Now I will give your countries to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who is my servant. I have put everything, even the wild animals, under his control.”
Jeremiah 27:6 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah speaks to all the nations around Babylon and tells them that Nebuchadnezzar is His servant and that they will be given into his hands. God said that He put everything in Nebuchandnezzar’s control. God used a pagan king to bring about His will. He can use whoever He wants to bring about His will in the earth.
Application:
Just because God uses a person to accomplish His will, it does not mean that He approves of everything that person does. God can use anyone He wants to bring about His purposes. He will use people who have wrong theology, are not good people, etc. Therefore, because God uses someone, it does not mean that everything they say is correct and that God approves of their lifestyle, etc. God’s anointing does not equal God’s approval. Our goal is not for God to use us, but for our walk with God to be sure and strong. The relationship is more important than being used by Him.
Prayer:
Father, You can use a donkey or a pagan king to bring about Your will in the earth. You are all-powerful and Your ways are above my ways. Your thoughts are above my thoughts. You are amazing! Help me to walk close with You. I don’t want to be the one You use, but don’t approve of. I want to be a vessel of gold in Your hands.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Speaking Prophetically
Scripture:
““I have not sent these prophets, yet they run around claiming to speak for me. I have given them no message, yet they go on prophesying.”
Jeremiah 23:21 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking here through Jeremiah about His feelings concerning all of the prophets who were telling Judah and Jerusalem that everything was good and that God was going to bless them. He says that He didn’t send these prophets and He didn’t give them a message, but they go on prophesying. It angered God that prophets were putting words in His mouth that He didn’t say.
Application:
I need to be very cautious about prophetic words. God takes very seriously those who say they are speaking for Him, but haven’t heard from Him. I want my ears to be opened so I can accurately speak the Word of the Lord to His people. I want to accurately speak what God is speaking and I know that only comes through times of deep prayer. I need to spend more time in prayer and the presence of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, let me accurately represent You to Your people. Help me not to speak out of my own emotions or feelings, but to speak the true words of the Lord. I want to hear Your voice and deliver what You give me. Help me to walk with You closer each day. I want to know You more.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Justice
Scripture:
“This is what the Lord says to the dynasty of David: “‘Give justice each morning to the people you judge! Help those who have been robbed; rescue them from their oppressors. Otherwise, my anger will burn like an unquenchable fire because of all your sins.”
Jeremiah 21:12 NLT
Observation:
God was telling Jeremiah all the terrible things He had in store for Jush and Jerusalem. In tho process of this, He tells them to start giving justice each morning. He tells them to help those who have been robbed from their oppressors. God is a just God who wants justice for all people. He hates to see people suffer wrongfully.
Application:
I don’t think very often about the justice of God. I would say with my mouth that He is a just God, but I haven’t been good at defending the case of the oppressed and making sure people are treated fairly. I have been reading much in my masters program about God’s justice and am realizing just how important this is to Him. I need to be more involved in justice missions, which touch the heart of who God is.
Prayer:
Father, show me how to get involved in bringing justice to those who are oppressed. Jesus, I understand that You came to set free those who were captive and preach the Gospel to the poor. Show me areas I can get involved in that reflect Your will and give me the strength to do something about it.
Your Son,
Jeff
“This is what the Lord says to the dynasty of David: “‘Give justice each morning to the people you judge! Help those who have been robbed; rescue them from their oppressors. Otherwise, my anger will burn like an unquenchable fire because of all your sins.”
Jeremiah 21:12 NLT
Observation:
God was telling Jeremiah all the terrible things He had in store for Jush and Jerusalem. In tho process of this, He tells them to start giving justice each morning. He tells them to help those who have been robbed from their oppressors. God is a just God who wants justice for all people. He hates to see people suffer wrongfully.
Application:
I don’t think very often about the justice of God. I would say with my mouth that He is a just God, but I haven’t been good at defending the case of the oppressed and making sure people are treated fairly. I have been reading much in my masters program about God’s justice and am realizing just how important this is to Him. I need to be more involved in justice missions, which touch the heart of who God is.
Prayer:
Father, show me how to get involved in bringing justice to those who are oppressed. Jesus, I understand that You came to set free those who were captive and preach the Gospel to the poor. Show me areas I can get involved in that reflect Your will and give me the strength to do something about it.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, October 15, 2018
Loving God’s Word
Scripture:
“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.”
Jeremiah 15:16 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah says here that when he found God’s words, he devoured them and they brought joy and were his heart’s delight. His hunger for God’s word was strong and was his source of life. He ate them like a person who had been without food for a while. He includes here that he bears the Lord’s name.
Application:
If we bear the Lord’s name, maybe we should know and love His words. When we bear someone’s name, we should know what they represent. When we bear the name of someone or something, we should know who they are and what they represent. God’s word tells us who He is and what He represents. If we are going to bear His name, we should read His book so we can accurately represent Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let me love Your words like Jeremiah. Later he says they were a fire shut up in his bones. Let Your word come alive to me. Let me hunger for it like Jeremiah did. Let me accurately represent You to the world and let me know You more and more through Your word and through Your Spirit. I want to know who I represent as Your ambassador.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, October 13, 2018
The All-Powerful God
Scripture:
“But the Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! The whole earth trembles at his anger. The nations cannot stand up to his wrath.”
Jeremiah 10:10 NLT
Observation;
Jeremiah is letting Judah and Jerusalem know that the gods made by hands are worthless because they are made by humans. It is only the God of heaven who created the heavens and the earth that has any power. He tells us that the whole earth trembles at the power of God and that no nations can standup against his wrath.
Application:
In the New Testament we are told that God is love and we have stood upon that strongly as how we define God. He is love and He desperately loves His people, but He is also a just God and will not stand for His people walking in sin, especially the sin of idolatry. We must realize that God is all-powerful and that He expects His people to be committed to Him and His will. We need to check our lives to make sure we haven’t made idols of anything and that He is the center of our lives at all times.
Prayer:
Lord, you are all-powerful! There is no other God like You. You are above all and I surrender my life before You. I want to fulfill Your plans and purposes for my life. I want to extend Your Kingdom in all the earth. Thank You for letting me represent You in India last week. Thank You for touching lives and working through our team. Let me live a life that pleases You in every way.
Yours,
Jeff
“But the Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! The whole earth trembles at his anger. The nations cannot stand up to his wrath.”
Jeremiah 10:10 NLT
Observation;
Jeremiah is letting Judah and Jerusalem know that the gods made by hands are worthless because they are made by humans. It is only the God of heaven who created the heavens and the earth that has any power. He tells us that the whole earth trembles at the power of God and that no nations can standup against his wrath.
Application:
In the New Testament we are told that God is love and we have stood upon that strongly as how we define God. He is love and He desperately loves His people, but He is also a just God and will not stand for His people walking in sin, especially the sin of idolatry. We must realize that God is all-powerful and that He expects His people to be committed to Him and His will. We need to check our lives to make sure we haven’t made idols of anything and that He is the center of our lives at all times.
Prayer:
Lord, you are all-powerful! There is no other God like You. You are above all and I surrender my life before You. I want to fulfill Your plans and purposes for my life. I want to extend Your Kingdom in all the earth. Thank You for letting me represent You in India last week. Thank You for touching lives and working through our team. Let me live a life that pleases You in every way.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, October 12, 2018
Superficial Treatments
Scripture:
“They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace.”
Jeremiah 8:11 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah is speaking a word from the Lord concerning Judah and her rebellion against Him. He calls the prophets and priests frauds who give superficial treatments to mortal wounds. This is powerful language to describe how God feels when His word is not communicated correctly to His people. He was very angry at the prophets and priests in this passage.
Application:
I need to make sure I am accurately representing the God I serve wherever He gives me the opportunity to preach or minister in Him name. I don’t want to give a message the people like, but not help them see the truth of their situations. I don’t want to give assurances of peace when there is no peace. God took this very seriously in the Old Testament and we need to see His heart concerning giving people truth instead of what they want to hear.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to accurately represent You wherever I declare Your word and Your truth. Help me not to give out what people want to hear, but what You want to communicate. Let me hear Your voice above all other voices and let me declare Your word in power and grace. Teach me to represent You well. I want to follow You completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
“They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace.”
Jeremiah 8:11 NLT
Observation:
Jeremiah is speaking a word from the Lord concerning Judah and her rebellion against Him. He calls the prophets and priests frauds who give superficial treatments to mortal wounds. This is powerful language to describe how God feels when His word is not communicated correctly to His people. He was very angry at the prophets and priests in this passage.
Application:
I need to make sure I am accurately representing the God I serve wherever He gives me the opportunity to preach or minister in Him name. I don’t want to give a message the people like, but not help them see the truth of their situations. I don’t want to give assurances of peace when there is no peace. God took this very seriously in the Old Testament and we need to see His heart concerning giving people truth instead of what they want to hear.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to accurately represent You wherever I declare Your word and Your truth. Help me not to give out what people want to hear, but what You want to communicate. Let me hear Your voice above all other voices and let me declare Your word in power and grace. Teach me to represent You well. I want to follow You completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Surrender Pride and Power
Scripture:
“O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord, or my anger will burn like an unquenchable fire because of all your sins.”
Jeremiah 4:4 NLT
Observation:
God speaks here to Judah and tells the to surrender their pride and power. He tells them to change their hearts before the Lord. He goes on to tell them that their sins were bringing on his unquenchable anger because of their sins. God doesn’t take sin and pride lightly.
Application:
God hates sin. We must understand this and determine in our hearts to live lives that please Him. He is worthy of the best. Jesus gave His life to empower us to live as He lived. He sets a high standard for His people, but He also gave us His Spirit to enable us to live the way He wants us to. We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and make sure we are living above sin.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live my life above sin. I don’t want anything to separate me from You. I want to be pure and live in Your favor and not Your wrath. I want my life to bring You glory. Fill me fresh with Your Spirit and help me to live in a way that pleases You completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
“O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord, or my anger will burn like an unquenchable fire because of all your sins.”
Jeremiah 4:4 NLT
Observation:
God speaks here to Judah and tells the to surrender their pride and power. He tells them to change their hearts before the Lord. He goes on to tell them that their sins were bringing on his unquenchable anger because of their sins. God doesn’t take sin and pride lightly.
Application:
God hates sin. We must understand this and determine in our hearts to live lives that please Him. He is worthy of the best. Jesus gave His life to empower us to live as He lived. He sets a high standard for His people, but He also gave us His Spirit to enable us to live the way He wants us to. We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and make sure we are living above sin.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live my life above sin. I don’t want anything to separate me from You. I want to be pure and live in Your favor and not Your wrath. I want my life to bring You glory. Fill me fresh with Your Spirit and help me to live in a way that pleases You completely.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Fountain or Cistern?
Scripture:
““For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!”
Jeremiah 2:13 NLT
Observation:
The Lord speaks to Jeremiah here about how His people have treated Him in walking away from Him to worship and serve other gods. He says they have abandoned the fountain of living water and dung cisterns that are cracked and can’t even hold water. Their man-made idols couldn’t hold any water and they left the fountain of living water to trust in their own idols.
Application:
Am I gettin water from the living fountain of life or am I feeding on things I have made? I want to live a life full of the Holy Spirit and fire. I want to live a life full of Zoe life. I don’t want to trust myself, or my way of doing things, over His way. I want living water to flow to me and through me.
Prayer:
Lord, let Your Holy Spirit flow into and through my life. I don’t want cracked cisterns that I think will work. I want Your presence and power in my life. Help me to trust You more and more each day. Show me areas of my life where I am trusting myself or some other thing instead of trusting You. You are my everything and I want to reflect You well to the world.
Your Son,
Jeff
““For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!”
Jeremiah 2:13 NLT
Observation:
The Lord speaks to Jeremiah here about how His people have treated Him in walking away from Him to worship and serve other gods. He says they have abandoned the fountain of living water and dung cisterns that are cracked and can’t even hold water. Their man-made idols couldn’t hold any water and they left the fountain of living water to trust in their own idols.
Application:
Am I gettin water from the living fountain of life or am I feeding on things I have made? I want to live a life full of the Holy Spirit and fire. I want to live a life full of Zoe life. I don’t want to trust myself, or my way of doing things, over His way. I want living water to flow to me and through me.
Prayer:
Lord, let Your Holy Spirit flow into and through my life. I don’t want cracked cisterns that I think will work. I want Your presence and power in my life. Help me to trust You more and more each day. Show me areas of my life where I am trusting myself or some other thing instead of trusting You. You are my everything and I want to reflect You well to the world.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, October 1, 2018
The Spirit Poured OutYour
Scripture:
“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;”
Isaiah 44:3 NKJV
Observation:
Isaiah sees a day when the Spirit of God is poured out. He says the outpouring is for those who are thirsty. He says there will be floods on dry ground.
Application:
When we are thirsty, God will pour out His Spirit on our lives. Our job is to be thirsty, His job is to do the outpouring. I am in India right now, expecting an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I also want to see His blessing that is promised on my offspring.
Prayer:
Lord, I am thirsty for a move of God here in India and everywhere I go. You are my everything and there is nothing I want more than to see You pour out Your Spirit. I long for a move of God. Pour it out Lord!
Your Son,
Jeff
“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;”
Isaiah 44:3 NKJV
Observation:
Isaiah sees a day when the Spirit of God is poured out. He says the outpouring is for those who are thirsty. He says there will be floods on dry ground.
Application:
When we are thirsty, God will pour out His Spirit on our lives. Our job is to be thirsty, His job is to do the outpouring. I am in India right now, expecting an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I also want to see His blessing that is promised on my offspring.
Prayer:
Lord, I am thirsty for a move of God here in India and everywhere I go. You are my everything and there is nothing I want more than to see You pour out Your Spirit. I long for a move of God. Pour it out Lord!
Your Son,
Jeff
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