Scripture:
“For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me.”
Hosea 11:7 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking here through Hosea to Israel and He says that His people are determined to desert Him. Israel continually walked away from God and began worshiping other gods. The Lord told them, “You call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me”. God wants to be honored, not in word, but in deed.
Application:
When we say we are going to serve God, we need to mean what we are saying. God wants us to honor Him with our lives. We need to live lives that bring honor to the Lord. When we do, then we can expect His blessings in our lives. He honors those who honor Him. My life should not just praise the Lord with my lips, but truly honor God with all my heart.
Prayer:
Father, let my life bring Your not only verbal praise, but true honor. Teach me what it is to honor You completely. Show me how I can serve You better and bring You honor. Help me to live a life that will never bring You dishonor.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, November 30, 2018
Thursday, November 29, 2018
When God Gives Up On You
Scripture:
“My God will reject the people of Israel because they will not listen or obey. They will be wanderers, homeless among the nations.”
Hosea 9:17 NLT
Observation:
Hosea declares to Israel that they have sinned and continue in their evil ways of worshiping other gods at the altars made for the worship of Jehovah. God says He has had enough of it and He will reject them because they haven’t listened to Him or obeyed Him. He says they will be wanderers and homeless among the nation.
Application:
God is a god of incredible love and mercy. He will continue to chase after someone for an amazingly long time, but when they refuse Him long enough, He will give them over to their desires and allow them to experience the consequences of their disobedience. He does this, hoping they will return to Him completely and follow Him.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I pray today for those who have rejected You and turned away from You to do their own thing. May they see the error of their ways and turn back to follow You. Let the prodigals feel the weight of their disobedience and come running home to You. Use consequences, use whatever it takes, but bring them home I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
“My God will reject the people of Israel because they will not listen or obey. They will be wanderers, homeless among the nations.”
Hosea 9:17 NLT
Observation:
Hosea declares to Israel that they have sinned and continue in their evil ways of worshiping other gods at the altars made for the worship of Jehovah. God says He has had enough of it and He will reject them because they haven’t listened to Him or obeyed Him. He says they will be wanderers and homeless among the nation.
Application:
God is a god of incredible love and mercy. He will continue to chase after someone for an amazingly long time, but when they refuse Him long enough, He will give them over to their desires and allow them to experience the consequences of their disobedience. He does this, hoping they will return to Him completely and follow Him.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I pray today for those who have rejected You and turned away from You to do their own thing. May they see the error of their ways and turn back to follow You. Let the prodigals feel the weight of their disobedience and come running home to You. Use consequences, use whatever it takes, but bring them home I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
To Know The Lord
Scripture:
“Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.””
Hosea 6:3 NLT
Observation:
Hoseas speaks to the people about the Lord. He says, “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him”. He then goes on to tell the people, “He will respond to us”. Even though the people of Israel had prostituted themselves with other gods, Hosea knew that if they cried out to the Lord, He would surely respond to them because God always responds to repentance.
Application:
God is faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to Him. Like Israel, we walk away and do our own things at times. God waits for us to press on to know Him, but He always responds to the repentant cry of His people. When we mess up, we have an advocate and God is simply waiting for our return.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for showing me Your faithfulness this morning. You are amazing! Help me to be more like You as I relate to people. Help me to follow You closely and to walk according to Your ways at all times. Help me to walk in Your faithfulness every day and to represent You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.””
Hosea 6:3 NLT
Observation:
Hoseas speaks to the people about the Lord. He says, “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him”. He then goes on to tell the people, “He will respond to us”. Even though the people of Israel had prostituted themselves with other gods, Hosea knew that if they cried out to the Lord, He would surely respond to them because God always responds to repentance.
Application:
God is faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to Him. Like Israel, we walk away and do our own things at times. God waits for us to press on to know Him, but He always responds to the repentant cry of His people. When we mess up, we have an advocate and God is simply waiting for our return.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for showing me Your faithfulness this morning. You are amazing! Help me to be more like You as I relate to people. Help me to follow You closely and to walk according to Your ways at all times. Help me to walk in Your faithfulness every day and to represent You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Children of the Living God
Scripture:
““Yet the time will come when Israel’s people will be like the sands of the seashore—too many to count! Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said, ‘You are children of the living God.’”
Hosea 1:10 NLT
Observation:
Hosea was told by God to marry a prostitute to demonstrate God’s relationship with Israel. He says Israel has spent her life like a prostitute who won’t be committed to one lover. As the Lord Is bringing this message He also reminds them, “Israel’s people will be like the sand of the seashore and where they were told they were not God’s people, they would be called the children of the living God.
Application:
God’s love for us doesn’t change because we mess up at times and do wrong things. We may go through a season of dryness, but His desire is always to restore His children. He wants them to be the children of the living God. As his children, He wants us to be faithful to Him, but even when we are not, God will pull us back and restore us. He is faithful even when we are not!
Prayer:
Father, You are faithful to Your people. Thank You for letting me into Your kingdom and into relationship with You. I don’t want to live like a prostitute, but want to know Your blessings and abundant favor all the days of my life. Help me to serve You today and every day. Your love and acceptance is amazing!
Yours,
Jeff
““Yet the time will come when Israel’s people will be like the sands of the seashore—too many to count! Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said, ‘You are children of the living God.’”
Hosea 1:10 NLT
Observation:
Hosea was told by God to marry a prostitute to demonstrate God’s relationship with Israel. He says Israel has spent her life like a prostitute who won’t be committed to one lover. As the Lord Is bringing this message He also reminds them, “Israel’s people will be like the sand of the seashore and where they were told they were not God’s people, they would be called the children of the living God.
Application:
God’s love for us doesn’t change because we mess up at times and do wrong things. We may go through a season of dryness, but His desire is always to restore His children. He wants them to be the children of the living God. As his children, He wants us to be faithful to Him, but even when we are not, God will pull us back and restore us. He is faithful even when we are not!
Prayer:
Father, You are faithful to Your people. Thank You for letting me into Your kingdom and into relationship with You. I don’t want to live like a prostitute, but want to know Your blessings and abundant favor all the days of my life. Help me to serve You today and every day. Your love and acceptance is amazing!
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, November 24, 2018
What God Determines Will Come to Pass
Scripture:
““The king will do as he pleases, exalting himself and claiming to be greater than every god, even blaspheming the God of gods. He will succeed, but only until the time of wrath is completed. For what has been determined will surely take place.”
Daniel 11:36 NLT
Observation:
Daniel was describing in great detail, what would happen at the end of days. He was vividly describing the kings in the last days and how they would interact and the battles they would fight. He ends this portion of description by saying, “what has been determined will surely take place.” IN others words, what God has planned, will come to pass.
Application:
God is incredible and is working all things, worldwide, for His glory. He has a plan, a very detailed plan. It will surely come to pass exactly as He has planned. My job is to find out what God is doing and work with Him because what He wants done, will be done.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to work right alongside You as You bring Your plan to pass. Help me to stay in step with You as we enter these last days. I want to know what You are doing and I want to be part of it. You are the all-powerful God and nothing happens without Your knowledge.
You are the best,
Jeff
““The king will do as he pleases, exalting himself and claiming to be greater than every god, even blaspheming the God of gods. He will succeed, but only until the time of wrath is completed. For what has been determined will surely take place.”
Daniel 11:36 NLT
Observation:
Daniel was describing in great detail, what would happen at the end of days. He was vividly describing the kings in the last days and how they would interact and the battles they would fight. He ends this portion of description by saying, “what has been determined will surely take place.” IN others words, what God has planned, will come to pass.
Application:
God is incredible and is working all things, worldwide, for His glory. He has a plan, a very detailed plan. It will surely come to pass exactly as He has planned. My job is to find out what God is doing and work with Him because what He wants done, will be done.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to work right alongside You as You bring Your plan to pass. Help me to stay in step with You as we enter these last days. I want to know what You are doing and I want to be part of it. You are the all-powerful God and nothing happens without Your knowledge.
You are the best,
Jeff
Friday, November 23, 2018
Precious to God
Scripture:
““Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.””
Daniel 10:19 NLT
Observation:
Daniel was receiving some super important words about the kingdoms of the world and about the last days. An angel came to deliver him a message. When he did, Daniel felt weak and fell on his face before the messenger. Then the Lord spoke, “you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” The angel let Daniel know who he was to God and then strengthened him.
Application:
We must know who we are to God if we are going to accomplish His purposes in the earth. We can say with Daniel that we are very precious to God because He gave His own Son for us. We can receive the next words as well. We can be peaceful, encouraged and strong because we know who we are in God. I need a revelation of how precious I am to God today.
Prayer:
Father, I know You love me. I am confident in my head, but I’m not sure my heart gets the fullness of this revelation. Help me to walk more confidently in my relationship with You and help me to walk in peace, encouragement and strength.
Your Son,
Jeff
““Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.””
Daniel 10:19 NLT
Observation:
Daniel was receiving some super important words about the kingdoms of the world and about the last days. An angel came to deliver him a message. When he did, Daniel felt weak and fell on his face before the messenger. Then the Lord spoke, “you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” The angel let Daniel know who he was to God and then strengthened him.
Application:
We must know who we are to God if we are going to accomplish His purposes in the earth. We can say with Daniel that we are very precious to God because He gave His own Son for us. We can receive the next words as well. We can be peaceful, encouraged and strong because we know who we are in God. I need a revelation of how precious I am to God today.
Prayer:
Father, I know You love me. I am confident in my head, but I’m not sure my heart gets the fullness of this revelation. Help me to walk more confidently in my relationship with You and help me to walk in peace, encouragement and strength.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
The Revealer of Secrets
Scripture:
“Daniel replied, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed.”
Daniel 2:27-28 NLT
Observation:
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and wanted his magicians to tell him his dream and its interpretation. Of course they couldn’t, but Daniel asked permission to seek God. When he and his friends sought the Lord, he was shown the dream and the interpretation. God used this to promote Daniel and his friends in the kingdom. In daniel’s reply to the king he said there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets.
Application:
God knows all and we have access to Him, the source of all wisdom, guidance, and revelation. There is no secret He doesn’t know. There is no situation He doesn’t know how to handle. There is nothing above Him and He has given Himself to those who love Him. I want the revealer of secrets to speak to me and show me things I could know no other way. I want to see into the spiritual world more clear.
Prayer:
Father, You know all. There is no secret or dream that You do not know about. There are no plans You have not heard already. I want to walk close to You and understand spiritual things at a higher level. I want to know the revealer of secrets. Show me things to come. Teach me to hear You more and more accurately.
Yours,
Jeff
“Daniel replied, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed.”
Daniel 2:27-28 NLT
Observation:
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and wanted his magicians to tell him his dream and its interpretation. Of course they couldn’t, but Daniel asked permission to seek God. When he and his friends sought the Lord, he was shown the dream and the interpretation. God used this to promote Daniel and his friends in the kingdom. In daniel’s reply to the king he said there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets.
Application:
God knows all and we have access to Him, the source of all wisdom, guidance, and revelation. There is no secret He doesn’t know. There is no situation He doesn’t know how to handle. There is nothing above Him and He has given Himself to those who love Him. I want the revealer of secrets to speak to me and show me things I could know no other way. I want to see into the spiritual world more clear.
Prayer:
Father, You know all. There is no secret or dream that You do not know about. There are no plans You have not heard already. I want to walk close to You and understand spiritual things at a higher level. I want to know the revealer of secrets. Show me things to come. Teach me to hear You more and more accurately.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Loving God’s People
Scripture:
“Since each of you are part of God’s family never complain or grumble about each other so that judgment will not come on you, for the true Judge is near and very ready to appear!”
James (Jacob) 5:9 TPT
Observation:
James here tells the believers that since they are part of God’s family, they shouldn’t complain or grumble about each other because the true judge is coming. James tells us not to allow bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, etc. into our hearts toward other believers.
Application:
It is very apparent from Scripture that judging others, criticizing others, and putting others down is something God does not approve of. When I think about this I hear the Lord saying, “Love what I love and hate what I hate”. God loves his people and hates sin and the things of this world. We are to love what God loves. If we love people, we can’t be complaining and grumbling about them. Rather, we should be looking for ways to be a blessing to them.
Prayer:
Father, Help me to walk this walk through life as one who hears Your voice and follows closely. Help me to love what You love and hate what You hate. I am Yours and want to serve You well the rest of my days on earth. Teach me to walk as Christ walked each day.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Since each of you are part of God’s family never complain or grumble about each other so that judgment will not come on you, for the true Judge is near and very ready to appear!”
James (Jacob) 5:9 TPT
Observation:
James here tells the believers that since they are part of God’s family, they shouldn’t complain or grumble about each other because the true judge is coming. James tells us not to allow bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, etc. into our hearts toward other believers.
Application:
It is very apparent from Scripture that judging others, criticizing others, and putting others down is something God does not approve of. When I think about this I hear the Lord saying, “Love what I love and hate what I hate”. God loves his people and hates sin and the things of this world. We are to love what God loves. If we love people, we can’t be complaining and grumbling about them. Rather, we should be looking for ways to be a blessing to them.
Prayer:
Father, Help me to walk this walk through life as one who hears Your voice and follows closely. Help me to love what You love and hate what You hate. I am Yours and want to serve You well the rest of my days on earth. Teach me to walk as Christ walked each day.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, November 19, 2018
Advertise It
Scripture:
“If you consider yourself to be wise and one who understands the ways of God, advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. Never brag or boast about what you’ve done and you’ll prove that you’re truly wise.”
James (Jacob) 3:13 TPT
Observation:
James says here that if we consider ourselves wise and understanding, we should advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. Our lives are like placards for God. We live them out as an advertisement of who God is.
Application:
I want to advertise well for the Lord. Therefore, I need to live a beautiful and fruitful life guided by gentleness. I need to work more at being fruitful instead of just busy. I’ve been learning a lot about fruitfulness as opposed to busyness lately. I want to be fruitful and advertise well for Jesus.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a great advertisement for You. Let my life bring Your praise and let me honor You in every way. Open wisdom’s treasuries to me and let me live with the wise. I am Your and want my life to advertise for You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
“If you consider yourself to be wise and one who understands the ways of God, advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. Never brag or boast about what you’ve done and you’ll prove that you’re truly wise.”
James (Jacob) 3:13 TPT
Observation:
James says here that if we consider ourselves wise and understanding, we should advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. Our lives are like placards for God. We live them out as an advertisement of who God is.
Application:
I want to advertise well for the Lord. Therefore, I need to live a beautiful and fruitful life guided by gentleness. I need to work more at being fruitful instead of just busy. I’ve been learning a lot about fruitfulness as opposed to busyness lately. I want to be fruitful and advertise well for Jesus.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a great advertisement for You. Let my life bring Your praise and let me honor You in every way. Open wisdom’s treasuries to me and let me live with the wise. I am Your and want my life to advertise for You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, November 17, 2018
God’s Heart for the Oppressed
Scripture:
““For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Enough, you princes of Israel! Stop your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Quit robbing and cheating my people out of their land. Stop expelling them from their homes, says the Sovereign Lord.”
Ezekiel 45:9 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking through Ezekiel about His heart for the poor and oppressed people of Israel. He speaks to those in authority and tells them they have to stop their violence and oppression and do what is just and right. He says they have to quit robbing and cheating His people out of their land. God defends the poor from the rich and ruling.
Application:
When we are helping release those who are under persecution from their oppressors, we are doing what God would do. All through the Bible one can see God as one who liberates His people from oppression and doesn’t allow people anywhere to stay under oppression. He comes to set the captive free from those above them. Even Jesus came “to set the captives free and liberate the oppressed”. When we do the same, we are doing the will of the Father.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see needs in this area and give me the strength to do something about it. I have never seen this like I see it now in Your word. Help me to to help others be really free in every way, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically.
Your Son,
Jeff
““For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Enough, you princes of Israel! Stop your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Quit robbing and cheating my people out of their land. Stop expelling them from their homes, says the Sovereign Lord.”
Ezekiel 45:9 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking through Ezekiel about His heart for the poor and oppressed people of Israel. He speaks to those in authority and tells them they have to stop their violence and oppression and do what is just and right. He says they have to quit robbing and cheating His people out of their land. God defends the poor from the rich and ruling.
Application:
When we are helping release those who are under persecution from their oppressors, we are doing what God would do. All through the Bible one can see God as one who liberates His people from oppression and doesn’t allow people anywhere to stay under oppression. He comes to set the captive free from those above them. Even Jesus came “to set the captives free and liberate the oppressed”. When we do the same, we are doing the will of the Father.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see needs in this area and give me the strength to do something about it. I have never seen this like I see it now in Your word. Help me to to help others be really free in every way, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, November 16, 2018
Face Down Worship
Scripture:
“Then the man brought me through the north gateway to the front of the Temple. I looked and saw that the glory of the Lord filled the Temple of the Lord, and I fell face down on the ground.”
Ezekiel 44:4 NLT
Observation:
When Ezekiel encountered the glory of the Lord, his response was to all on his face to the ground. This same response happens in many places in the Bible. When a person sees the awesomeness of God, they will humble themselves before Him and whatever way they know how.
Application:
I want to be a face-down worshipper always. I want to live a life of humble adoration of the God who gave me life and set me apart for Himself. Everyone will bow before Him at some point in the future, I want to bow before Him now. Face down is the only way to enter the glory of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a face-down worshipper. I want to see Your glory desperately, but even if I don’t, I want to live a face-down life of worship. Teach me to worship You how You want to be worshipped. Let me enter into Your glory. I want to know You more and more.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Then the man brought me through the north gateway to the front of the Temple. I looked and saw that the glory of the Lord filled the Temple of the Lord, and I fell face down on the ground.”
Ezekiel 44:4 NLT
Observation:
When Ezekiel encountered the glory of the Lord, his response was to all on his face to the ground. This same response happens in many places in the Bible. When a person sees the awesomeness of God, they will humble themselves before Him and whatever way they know how.
Application:
I want to be a face-down worshipper always. I want to live a life of humble adoration of the God who gave me life and set me apart for Himself. Everyone will bow before Him at some point in the future, I want to bow before Him now. Face down is the only way to enter the glory of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a face-down worshipper. I want to see Your glory desperately, but even if I don’t, I want to live a face-down life of worship. Teach me to worship You how You want to be worshipped. Let me enter into Your glory. I want to know You more and more.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, November 15, 2018
No Shame for God’s People
Scripture:
““In this way, I will make known my holy name among my people of Israel. I will not let anyone bring shame on it. And the nations, too, will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.”
Ezekiel 39:7 NLT
Observation:
Ezekiel was prophesying the destruction of the nations who had done Israel wrong. He declares their utter destruction. Then he says, “In this way, I will make known my holy name among my people of Israel. I will not let anyone bring shame on it”. God doesn’t want shame brought on His holy name.
Application:
God defends His people who are called bu His name. He will not allow His name to be shamed anywhere. He will defend those who are His so that His name can be exalted in the nations. We need to walk in confidence that God will take care of us as His people. He will do this for His own reputation. Some things that happen in our lives have nothing to do with us, but with God’s reputation. He won’t allow us to be shamed.
Prayer:
Father, as I read Ezekiel I see how hard You have been in the past against those who walked away from You or who didn’t serve You. You were harsh on those who opppressed Your people. Be my defender today. Fight for my case and allow no shame in my life. Make Yourself look good in and through my life. I want to serve You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
““In this way, I will make known my holy name among my people of Israel. I will not let anyone bring shame on it. And the nations, too, will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.”
Ezekiel 39:7 NLT
Observation:
Ezekiel was prophesying the destruction of the nations who had done Israel wrong. He declares their utter destruction. Then he says, “In this way, I will make known my holy name among my people of Israel. I will not let anyone bring shame on it”. God doesn’t want shame brought on His holy name.
Application:
God defends His people who are called bu His name. He will not allow His name to be shamed anywhere. He will defend those who are His so that His name can be exalted in the nations. We need to walk in confidence that God will take care of us as His people. He will do this for His own reputation. Some things that happen in our lives have nothing to do with us, but with God’s reputation. He won’t allow us to be shamed.
Prayer:
Father, as I read Ezekiel I see how hard You have been in the past against those who walked away from You or who didn’t serve You. You were harsh on those who opppressed Your people. Be my defender today. Fight for my case and allow no shame in my life. Make Yourself look good in and through my life. I want to serve You well.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
A New Spirit
Scripture:
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”
Ezekiel 36:26-27 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking here to Israel and Judah, telling them that they will be brought back home and that they would serve Him again in the future. He tells them that He will give them a a new heart and a new spirit. He says He will give them a tender, responsive heart. He closes by saying He will put His Spirit in them so they could follow His decrees.
Application:
We can’t do what God wants us to do without His Spirit. It is His Spirit that causes us to live right. It is His Spirit that enables us to live the way He wants us to. It is His Spirit that helps us in our weaknesses. We need God’s Spirit in our lives to the fullest capacity. I want more of the Spirit of God in my life so I can fulfill all God wants me to do.
Prayer:
Fill me to overflowing Holy Spirit. Let my heart be right with You at all times. Help me to follow all You put into my heart and let me live under Your influence and control. Teach me to hear Your voice and to see what You are doing at all times. Baptize me afresh with Your Spirit. Fill me up God. I want more of You.
Your Son,
Jeff
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”
Ezekiel 36:26-27 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking here to Israel and Judah, telling them that they will be brought back home and that they would serve Him again in the future. He tells them that He will give them a a new heart and a new spirit. He says He will give them a tender, responsive heart. He closes by saying He will put His Spirit in them so they could follow His decrees.
Application:
We can’t do what God wants us to do without His Spirit. It is His Spirit that causes us to live right. It is His Spirit that enables us to live the way He wants us to. It is His Spirit that helps us in our weaknesses. We need God’s Spirit in our lives to the fullest capacity. I want more of the Spirit of God in my life so I can fulfill all God wants me to do.
Prayer:
Fill me to overflowing Holy Spirit. Let my heart be right with You at all times. Help me to follow all You put into my heart and let me live under Your influence and control. Teach me to hear Your voice and to see what You are doing at all times. Baptize me afresh with Your Spirit. Fill me up God. I want more of You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
God’s Desire for the Wicked
Scripture:
“As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?”
Ezekiel 33:11 NLT
Observation:
God tells Ezekiel that He doesn’t take any pleasure in the death of wicked people, but wants them to turn from their ways so they can live. His desire isn’t to punish people, but that they would hear the threat and turn away from their sin so He can bless them.
Application:
We must realize that God doesn’t delight in punishing people. He is a good God and worthy of praise and worship. His desire, even for His enemies, is that they would return to Him and worship Him, then He would bless them. God never rejects us when we run to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to turn when I need to turn. Convict me of things that are drawing me away from You. I want to live in the glory of Your presence. I want to know You more and more intimately. Help me to continually pursue You above all else. Help me to represent You well on the earth.
Your Servant,
Jeff
“As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?”
Ezekiel 33:11 NLT
Observation:
God tells Ezekiel that He doesn’t take any pleasure in the death of wicked people, but wants them to turn from their ways so they can live. His desire isn’t to punish people, but that they would hear the threat and turn away from their sin so He can bless them.
Application:
We must realize that God doesn’t delight in punishing people. He is a good God and worthy of praise and worship. His desire, even for His enemies, is that they would return to Him and worship Him, then He would bless them. God never rejects us when we run to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to turn when I need to turn. Convict me of things that are drawing me away from You. I want to live in the glory of Your presence. I want to know You more and more intimately. Help me to continually pursue You above all else. Help me to represent You well on the earth.
Your Servant,
Jeff
Monday, November 12, 2018
When God is Your Enemy
Scripture:
“Yes, I will make many peoples astonished at you, and their kings shall be horribly afraid of you when I brandish My sword before them; and they shall tremble every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of your fall.”
Ezekiel 32:10 NKJV
Observation:
God is speaking to Egypt here and telling them about what He is going to do because of the way they have treated people. He says that many peoples will be astonished at them and people will fear them when God brandishes. His sword before them. He says that every man will tremble for their own lives when they fall.
Application:
God is the GOd of power and great might. We cannot forget that He is a loving God, but He is also a just God. He will bring about justice in the earth. Those who lived terrible lives will pay. Nobody wants to be under the judgment of God, but rather we want peace with God and His blessing. We want our defense attorney, Jesus Christ, working on our behalf. I want to live a life that pleases God in every way.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are all-powerful and I want to live a life that pleases You and does Your will in the earth. I want to worship You all of my life and live in the land of Your blessing. You are incredible and it is an honor to serve You. Help me to serve You well and to represent You well.
Yours,
Jeff
“Yes, I will make many peoples astonished at you, and their kings shall be horribly afraid of you when I brandish My sword before them; and they shall tremble every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of your fall.”
Ezekiel 32:10 NKJV
Observation:
God is speaking to Egypt here and telling them about what He is going to do because of the way they have treated people. He says that many peoples will be astonished at them and people will fear them when God brandishes. His sword before them. He says that every man will tremble for their own lives when they fall.
Application:
God is the GOd of power and great might. We cannot forget that He is a loving God, but He is also a just God. He will bring about justice in the earth. Those who lived terrible lives will pay. Nobody wants to be under the judgment of God, but rather we want peace with God and His blessing. We want our defense attorney, Jesus Christ, working on our behalf. I want to live a life that pleases God in every way.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are all-powerful and I want to live a life that pleases You and does Your will in the earth. I want to worship You all of my life and live in the land of Your blessing. You are incredible and it is an honor to serve You. Help me to serve You well and to represent You well.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, November 10, 2018
God Fights for his People
Scripture:
““This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Philistia have acted against Judah out of bitter revenge and long-standing contempt. Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will raise my fist of judgment against the land of the Philistines. I will wipe out the Kerethites and utterly destroy the people who live by the sea.”
Ezekiel 25:15-16 NLT
Observation:
Ezekiel gets a word from the Lord about Philistia. He hears the Lord speak about how Philistia acted out of revenge and contempt again Judah. Because of this, the Lord says, “I will raise my fist of judgment” against them. Even when God is judging His own people, He will rise up against those who act against them.
Application:
Vengeance belongs to the Lord. He will take revenge on those who are against His people. He loves us and will protect us. His anger will be stirred up when He sees His people taken advantage of or hurt. He is a loving father. He can discipline His children all He wants, but nobody else better without His permission.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You see everything. You see every time Your people are mistreated. You hear every word spoken against us. You will react against those tho try to tear us down or destroy us. Help me to trust Your love more and more. Help me to never seek revenge on those who hurt me, but to trust that You always look after Your people.
Yours,
Jeff
““This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Philistia have acted against Judah out of bitter revenge and long-standing contempt. Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will raise my fist of judgment against the land of the Philistines. I will wipe out the Kerethites and utterly destroy the people who live by the sea.”
Ezekiel 25:15-16 NLT
Observation:
Ezekiel gets a word from the Lord about Philistia. He hears the Lord speak about how Philistia acted out of revenge and contempt again Judah. Because of this, the Lord says, “I will raise my fist of judgment” against them. Even when God is judging His own people, He will rise up against those who act against them.
Application:
Vengeance belongs to the Lord. He will take revenge on those who are against His people. He loves us and will protect us. His anger will be stirred up when He sees His people taken advantage of or hurt. He is a loving father. He can discipline His children all He wants, but nobody else better without His permission.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You see everything. You see every time Your people are mistreated. You hear every word spoken against us. You will react against those tho try to tear us down or destroy us. Help me to trust Your love more and more. Help me to never seek revenge on those who hurt me, but to trust that You always look after Your people.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, November 9, 2018
Disregarding Sabbath
Scripture:
“Your priests have violated my instructions and defiled my holy things. They make no distinction between what is holy and what is not. And they do not teach my people the difference between what is ceremonially clean and unclean. They disregard my Sabbath days so that I am dishonored among them.”
Ezekiel 22:26 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking through Ezekiel about his priests, who He says defiled His holy things by not teaching the difference between what is holy and what is not. He goes on to say that these priests disregard God’s Sabbath days, which dishonors God.
Application:
When I dishonor the Sabbath, I am dishonoring God. Sabbath is something He instituted and told His people to honor. When we don’t honor Sabbath, we are not honoring God. God worked six days, then rested. He wants His people to do the same. I need to work on this area of life and trust God to get everything done that needs done during the six days.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for dishonoring Sabbath. Help me to implement this into my life and bring honor to You through it. Show me the way forward in this in my day and age. Help me to honor You in every way. I want my life to bring You honor.
Yours,
Jeff
“Your priests have violated my instructions and defiled my holy things. They make no distinction between what is holy and what is not. And they do not teach my people the difference between what is ceremonially clean and unclean. They disregard my Sabbath days so that I am dishonored among them.”
Ezekiel 22:26 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking through Ezekiel about his priests, who He says defiled His holy things by not teaching the difference between what is holy and what is not. He goes on to say that these priests disregard God’s Sabbath days, which dishonors God.
Application:
When I dishonor the Sabbath, I am dishonoring God. Sabbath is something He instituted and told His people to honor. When we don’t honor Sabbath, we are not honoring God. God worked six days, then rested. He wants His people to do the same. I need to work on this area of life and trust God to get everything done that needs done during the six days.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for dishonoring Sabbath. Help me to implement this into my life and bring honor to You through it. Show me the way forward in this in my day and age. Help me to honor You in every way. I want my life to bring You honor.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Personal Responsibility
Scripture:
Ezekiel 18:20 The person who sins us the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent's sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child's sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness."
Observation:
Ezekiel was told to give this message to the people of Israel. It basically says that each person will take personal responsibility for their relationship with the Lord and how they live their lives. The parents won't pay for the sins of their children and the children won't pay for the sins of their parents.
Application:
When you raise a child to serve God, and they walk away, they are responsible for their choices, not the parents. Each individual will stand before God for how they live their lives. We are not responsible for others except for the fact that we need to tell them. What they do with our words, they will be accountable for.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust you with my son who is away from you. Help me to realize that I have done my job and that he is in Your hands. Turn his heart to You Lord. Draw him to Yourself. Help me not to feel guilt or condemnation because of his choices. Teach me to walk in freedom from this and to be confident that I have done my best to show and teach him truth.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 18:20 The person who sins us the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent's sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child's sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness."
Observation:
Ezekiel was told to give this message to the people of Israel. It basically says that each person will take personal responsibility for their relationship with the Lord and how they live their lives. The parents won't pay for the sins of their children and the children won't pay for the sins of their parents.
Application:
When you raise a child to serve God, and they walk away, they are responsible for their choices, not the parents. Each individual will stand before God for how they live their lives. We are not responsible for others except for the fact that we need to tell them. What they do with our words, they will be accountable for.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust you with my son who is away from you. Help me to realize that I have done my job and that he is in Your hands. Turn his heart to You Lord. Draw him to Yourself. Help me not to feel guilt or condemnation because of his choices. Teach me to walk in freedom from this and to be confident that I have done my best to show and teach him truth.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Give God the Glory
Scripture:
Ezekiel 16:14-15 "Your fame soon spread throughout the world because of your beauty. I dressed you in my splendor and perfected your beauty, says the Sovereign Lord. But you thought your fame and beauty were your own. So you gave yourself as a prostitute to every man who came along. Your beauty was theirs for the asking."
Observation:
God was speaking of Israel to Ezekiel and says how He made her beautiful and dressed her in perfect beauty. He said that her fame spread everywhere, but that she thought her beauty was her own. Therefore she prostituted herself instead of remaining with the one who made her beautiful.
Application:
When God gives gifts and talents, they are not our own. They belong to Him and are for His purposes. When God gives us fame and blessing, it is not ours, but His. We cannot take credit that doesn't belong to us. When the day of God's blessing comes, I must give all glory to the Lord because He is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Prayer:
Father, never let me think I can do things on my own. I want Your name to be glorified in and through my life. Help me to lift up Your name and make Your name famous in all the earth. Teach me to walk humbly before You all the days of my life. I want to finish well.
Yours,
Jeff
Ezekiel 16:14-15 "Your fame soon spread throughout the world because of your beauty. I dressed you in my splendor and perfected your beauty, says the Sovereign Lord. But you thought your fame and beauty were your own. So you gave yourself as a prostitute to every man who came along. Your beauty was theirs for the asking."
Observation:
God was speaking of Israel to Ezekiel and says how He made her beautiful and dressed her in perfect beauty. He said that her fame spread everywhere, but that she thought her beauty was her own. Therefore she prostituted herself instead of remaining with the one who made her beautiful.
Application:
When God gives gifts and talents, they are not our own. They belong to Him and are for His purposes. When God gives us fame and blessing, it is not ours, but His. We cannot take credit that doesn't belong to us. When the day of God's blessing comes, I must give all glory to the Lord because He is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Prayer:
Father, never let me think I can do things on my own. I want Your name to be glorified in and through my life. Help me to lift up Your name and make Your name famous in all the earth. Teach me to walk humbly before You all the days of my life. I want to finish well.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Like Birds From a Cage
Scripture:
Ezekiel 13:20 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against all your magic charms, which you use to ensnare my people like birds. I will tear them from your arms, setting my people free like birds set free from a cage."
Observation:
The Lord speaks here through Ezekiel about people being in bondage because of lying prophets and prophets who were not speaking the true word of the Lord. The Lord had had enough and He said He was coming to set His people free like birds from a cage. When God's people are in bondage, whether to sin or slavery, or false prophets, He always gets to a place where He determines He will come down and set them free.
Application:
God is a deliverer! He loves to deliver His people from wrong teaching, wrong living and wrong worship. When God sees His people wanting to worship Him, but being led astray, He will come down and deliver them. He will set them free like birds from a cage. We need to be more like the Lord who came to set the captives free. Deliverance is always in God's heart and should always be in my heart.
Prayer:
Father, when things are not right and your people are in bondage, let me be used to deliver them. Help me to walk with You and know Your thoughts and desires. I want to bring deliverance to those in bondage. I want to see people set free like birds from a cage. Let my life bring deliverance to many.
Your Son,
Jeff
Ezekiel 13:20 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against all your magic charms, which you use to ensnare my people like birds. I will tear them from your arms, setting my people free like birds set free from a cage."
Observation:
The Lord speaks here through Ezekiel about people being in bondage because of lying prophets and prophets who were not speaking the true word of the Lord. The Lord had had enough and He said He was coming to set His people free like birds from a cage. When God's people are in bondage, whether to sin or slavery, or false prophets, He always gets to a place where He determines He will come down and set them free.
Application:
God is a deliverer! He loves to deliver His people from wrong teaching, wrong living and wrong worship. When God sees His people wanting to worship Him, but being led astray, He will come down and deliver them. He will set them free like birds from a cage. We need to be more like the Lord who came to set the captives free. Deliverance is always in God's heart and should always be in my heart.
Prayer:
Father, when things are not right and your people are in bondage, let me be used to deliver them. Help me to walk with You and know Your thoughts and desires. I want to bring deliverance to those in bondage. I want to see people set free like birds from a cage. Let my life bring deliverance to many.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, November 5, 2018
Marked by Weeping
Scripture:
“Then I heard the Lord say to the other men, “Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity! Kill them all—old and young, girls and women and little children. But do not touch anyone with the mark. Begin right here at the Temple.” So they began by killing the seventy leaders.”
Ezekiel 9:5-6 NLT
Observation:
God was letting Ezekiel know that He was about to destroy the people of Israel because they had forgotten Him and were committing atrocious sins. They no longer even had a desire to please God and He was going to punish them for it. As He is about to punish them, He sent an angel through the city to mark the foreheads of those weeping for the sin of their nation. When they mark was seen, the person was to be spared.
Application:
God marks those who weep for the sins of their people. He will not allow injustice. He is a just God! When we are broken for the condition of our nation and crying out to Him, He will not allow His judgment to come on our lives. When we are standing in the gap for those around us and crying out to God for them, we will not be punished with them. We are marked when we are doing what God wants.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me this morning that Your mercy is grace is there for those who are broken over the sins of their people. Thank You for being a just God and not punishing those who are working on Your behalf. Your justice is awesome and I love You. Help me to remain in close relationship with You and to live a life of purity of heart and passion for God and the things of God.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Then I heard the Lord say to the other men, “Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity! Kill them all—old and young, girls and women and little children. But do not touch anyone with the mark. Begin right here at the Temple.” So they began by killing the seventy leaders.”
Ezekiel 9:5-6 NLT
Observation:
God was letting Ezekiel know that He was about to destroy the people of Israel because they had forgotten Him and were committing atrocious sins. They no longer even had a desire to please God and He was going to punish them for it. As He is about to punish them, He sent an angel through the city to mark the foreheads of those weeping for the sin of their nation. When they mark was seen, the person was to be spared.
Application:
God marks those who weep for the sins of their people. He will not allow injustice. He is a just God! When we are broken for the condition of our nation and crying out to Him, He will not allow His judgment to come on our lives. When we are standing in the gap for those around us and crying out to God for them, we will not be punished with them. We are marked when we are doing what God wants.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me this morning that Your mercy is grace is there for those who are broken over the sins of their people. Thank You for being a just God and not punishing those who are working on Your behalf. Your justice is awesome and I love You. Help me to remain in close relationship with You and to live a life of purity of heart and passion for God and the things of God.
Your Son,
Jeff
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