Scripture:
““But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”
Malachi 4:2 NLT
Observation:
Malachi is in the midst of prophesying about judgement coming. In the midst of the word, there is a “but” for those who fear the Lord, he says, “The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings”. He goes on to talk about leaping with joy like a call let out of its pen.
Application:
This is a promise from God to those who fear Him. He says that those who fear Him will have the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing and bringing great joy. Jesus already paid the price for our healing to spring forth and for our joy. He left those thing with us till He comes again. Our job is to fear the Lord. I want my life to be a life that fears God. One that honors, respects, obeys, and serves Him.
Prayer:
Father God, teach me to fear You more each day. I love You with all my heart and I want my worship to be as pure as refined silver or gold. I want to offer You the most valuable gift I can, a pure heart of worship and a life of obedience. As I do, I look to remain healthy all the days of my life and to walk in Your overflowing joy.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, December 31, 2018
Saturday, December 29, 2018
God’s Purifying
Scripture:
“I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’””
Zechariah 13:9 NLT
Observation:
Zecharaiah here prophesies about a remnant who the Lord will bring through the fire and make them pure. He says He will refine them like silver or gold and say they are His people. God has always wanted the same thing, a group of people who would be purified and He could be their god and they would be completely His and His alone.
Application:
God is still looking for those who will completely and fully follow after Him. He is still looking for a people He can purify and cleanse who will be completely yielded to Him. His desire from the beginning has been for a people who would walk in righteousness and who would make Him their god. He even sent His Son to make this happen and now we can be the righteousness of God and we can be purified and called holy. He has given us everything we need to give Him what He desires. I want to be one who fully and completely follows my Lord.
Prayer:
Father, purify my life. Cleanse me from everything that doesn’t honor You. Let my life bring You honor and praise. I want to be completely Yours and want You to be my God. Examine my life and show me what I need to work on. Purify me Lord. I am Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
“I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’””
Zechariah 13:9 NLT
Observation:
Zecharaiah here prophesies about a remnant who the Lord will bring through the fire and make them pure. He says He will refine them like silver or gold and say they are His people. God has always wanted the same thing, a group of people who would be purified and He could be their god and they would be completely His and His alone.
Application:
God is still looking for those who will completely and fully follow after Him. He is still looking for a people He can purify and cleanse who will be completely yielded to Him. His desire from the beginning has been for a people who would walk in righteousness and who would make Him their god. He even sent His Son to make this happen and now we can be the righteousness of God and we can be purified and called holy. He has given us everything we need to give Him what He desires. I want to be one who fully and completely follows my Lord.
Prayer:
Father, purify my life. Cleanse me from everything that doesn’t honor You. Let my life bring You honor and praise. I want to be completely Yours and want You to be my God. Examine my life and show me what I need to work on. Purify me Lord. I am Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, December 28, 2018
God’s Plans Will Come to Pass
Scripture:
““Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.”
Zechariah 12:10 NLT
Observation:
God has had an overall plan from the beginning of time. He knew Israel and Judah would reject Him, and eventually kill His own Son. He knew in the end, though, that Israel will once again realize what they had done to the Son of God and turn back to Him. Israel has been cut off for a season, but when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, His people will return to Him and He will work with them again.
Application:
If God knows the details of a nation thousands of years ahead of time, He also knows the details of our lives. He knows. He understands. He sees what is going on each day. He has a plan and we can trust Him in that. Our place is to seek Him and walk in accordance with His plan. We need to see what He is doing and work with Him to accomplish it. We will be blessed in doing it.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are incredible, all-knowing, all-powerful, and are present everywhere. Nothing goes on without You knowing about it. Nothing surprises You. I want to walk in step with You and serve Your purposes, which You are bringing to pass in the earth. You will accomplish them with or without me, but I want to be part of fulfilling Your purposes.
Yours,
Jeff
““Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.”
Zechariah 12:10 NLT
Observation:
God has had an overall plan from the beginning of time. He knew Israel and Judah would reject Him, and eventually kill His own Son. He knew in the end, though, that Israel will once again realize what they had done to the Son of God and turn back to Him. Israel has been cut off for a season, but when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, His people will return to Him and He will work with them again.
Application:
If God knows the details of a nation thousands of years ahead of time, He also knows the details of our lives. He knows. He understands. He sees what is going on each day. He has a plan and we can trust Him in that. Our place is to seek Him and walk in accordance with His plan. We need to see what He is doing and work with Him to accomplish it. We will be blessed in doing it.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are incredible, all-knowing, all-powerful, and are present everywhere. Nothing goes on without You knowing about it. Nothing surprises You. I want to walk in step with You and serve Your purposes, which You are bringing to pass in the earth. You will accomplish them with or without me, but I want to be part of fulfilling Your purposes.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Jesus Comes in Ways We Don’t Expect
Scripture:
“Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.”
Zechariah 9:9 NLT
Observation:
Zecharaiah tells God’s people to rejoice and shout in triumph because their king was coming to them. He lets them know that He won’t be coming in kings garments riding a stallion, but a humble servant riding a donkey. Though riding a donkey, he is seen here as righteous and victorious.
Application:
You can’t put God in a box. He will demonstrate His power through what seems simple. He will raise up those who are simple and will come through in a way we do not expect. We must learn to trust God in our lives because He always comes through, but He also come through in ways we don’t expect. Instead of telling God what we expect Him to do, I need to trust God to come as He wants to and work in my life according to His plans.
Prayer:
Father, I yield myself to You. Sometimes I don’t understand what You are doing or why, but help me to walk in yielded submission to You at all times. Help me not to complain because You are not doing what I want You to, but to surrender to Your will always. Help me not to think I know better than You what needs to happen next in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
“Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.”
Zechariah 9:9 NLT
Observation:
Zecharaiah tells God’s people to rejoice and shout in triumph because their king was coming to them. He lets them know that He won’t be coming in kings garments riding a stallion, but a humble servant riding a donkey. Though riding a donkey, he is seen here as righteous and victorious.
Application:
You can’t put God in a box. He will demonstrate His power through what seems simple. He will raise up those who are simple and will come through in a way we do not expect. We must learn to trust God in our lives because He always comes through, but He also come through in ways we don’t expect. Instead of telling God what we expect Him to do, I need to trust God to come as He wants to and work in my life according to His plans.
Prayer:
Father, I yield myself to You. Sometimes I don’t understand what You are doing or why, but help me to walk in yielded submission to You at all times. Help me not to complain because You are not doing what I want You to, but to surrender to Your will always. Help me not to think I know better than You what needs to happen next in my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Small Beginnings
Scripture:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)”
Zechariah 4:10 NLT
Observation:
The Lord is speaking to Zechariah concerning the building of the Temple. He tells him not to despise the small beginnings because the Lord rejoices just seeing the work started. God is more concerned with us starting the work He has given us than with seeing great things happen. Small beginnings are beginnings.
Application:
I need to learn not to despise small beginnings and to realize that the Lord is more concerned about obedience than size, or anything else. I need to be confident in the fact that I obeyed Him in starting things than in looking at their success or failure through human eyes or comparing with someone else’s success.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for this word today. Help me to walk in it and to be more concerned about obedience than what other people are doing. Teach me to value obedience more and more, over results. I like to see the results of my labors, but I see this morning that obedience is more valuable.
Yours,
Jeff
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)”
Zechariah 4:10 NLT
Observation:
The Lord is speaking to Zechariah concerning the building of the Temple. He tells him not to despise the small beginnings because the Lord rejoices just seeing the work started. God is more concerned with us starting the work He has given us than with seeing great things happen. Small beginnings are beginnings.
Application:
I need to learn not to despise small beginnings and to realize that the Lord is more concerned about obedience than size, or anything else. I need to be confident in the fact that I obeyed Him in starting things than in looking at their success or failure through human eyes or comparing with someone else’s success.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for this word today. Help me to walk in it and to be more concerned about obedience than what other people are doing. Teach me to value obedience more and more, over results. I like to see the results of my labors, but I see this morning that obedience is more valuable.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, December 24, 2018
When God Decides to Bless
Scripture:
“I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Haggai 2:7-8 NLT
Observation:
God speaks through Haggai about rebuilding the Temple and getting things in order so He can bless His people. In telling him to rebuild the Temple, the Lord lets Haggai know He was going to shake the heavens and the treasures of the earth would be brought into the Temple. He says the gold is His and the silver is His. He lets Haggain know that He has whatever it takes to get the job done and more.
Application:
God is amazing and His power is limitless. When He wants to get something done, it will happen. When God decides to bless people, there is nothing that can stop Him. Every resource on this earth belongs to God and He can use it however He wants. I need to be reminded that God can overwhelmingly bless His people when it is needed. I need to walk in faith for God to provide all my needs according to His reaches in Christ Jesus. He is able to bless beyond measure in a moment.
Prayer:
Lord, You are amazing. I don’t want to live with holes in my pockets, but in the midst of Yoru blessing. Thank You for the amazing blessings recently in my life. You are taking care of me. Help me to walk in faith concerning finances until I am completely debt free. I don’t want to be a slave to any lender other than You.
Your Son,
Jeff
“I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Haggai 2:7-8 NLT
Observation:
God speaks through Haggai about rebuilding the Temple and getting things in order so He can bless His people. In telling him to rebuild the Temple, the Lord lets Haggai know He was going to shake the heavens and the treasures of the earth would be brought into the Temple. He says the gold is His and the silver is His. He lets Haggain know that He has whatever it takes to get the job done and more.
Application:
God is amazing and His power is limitless. When He wants to get something done, it will happen. When God decides to bless people, there is nothing that can stop Him. Every resource on this earth belongs to God and He can use it however He wants. I need to be reminded that God can overwhelmingly bless His people when it is needed. I need to walk in faith for God to provide all my needs according to His reaches in Christ Jesus. He is able to bless beyond measure in a moment.
Prayer:
Lord, You are amazing. I don’t want to live with holes in my pockets, but in the midst of Yoru blessing. Thank You for the amazing blessings recently in my life. You are taking care of me. Help me to walk in faith concerning finances until I am completely debt free. I don’t want to be a slave to any lender other than You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, December 22, 2018
I See God Moving
Scripture:
“I see God moving across the deserts from Edom, the Holy One coming from Mount Paran. His brilliant splendor fills the heavens, and the earth is filled with his praise.”
Habakkuk 3:3 NLT
Observation:
After Habakkuk receives the revelation that God was going to destroy those who trust in their own man-made idols, he composes a song to the Lord. The beginning of the song is worship and exalting the Lord, then it moves into this verse where the prophet says, “I see God moving”. In the midst of judgment, he sees God moving and working His plan.
Application:
Can I see God moving when things don’t look very good around me? Can I see God as brilliant splendor and the earth filled with His praise when things are not looking good for the people around me? I want to be able to see God moving in the good and the bad times. I want to be able to praise Him when things are good and when things are bad. In a country that deserves God’s judgement, I want to be the one who sees God moving by faith.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in confidence that You are moving. Teach me to see what others are not seeing. Let the prophetic invade my life more and more. Let me walk with You and see what You see. I want to serve You well all the days of my life and I want to see what You are doing around the world and in my country.
Yours,
Jeff
“I see God moving across the deserts from Edom, the Holy One coming from Mount Paran. His brilliant splendor fills the heavens, and the earth is filled with his praise.”
Habakkuk 3:3 NLT
Observation:
After Habakkuk receives the revelation that God was going to destroy those who trust in their own man-made idols, he composes a song to the Lord. The beginning of the song is worship and exalting the Lord, then it moves into this verse where the prophet says, “I see God moving”. In the midst of judgment, he sees God moving and working His plan.
Application:
Can I see God moving when things don’t look very good around me? Can I see God as brilliant splendor and the earth filled with His praise when things are not looking good for the people around me? I want to be able to see God moving in the good and the bad times. I want to be able to praise Him when things are good and when things are bad. In a country that deserves God’s judgement, I want to be the one who sees God moving by faith.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in confidence that You are moving. Teach me to see what others are not seeing. Let the prophetic invade my life more and more. Let me walk with You and see what You see. I want to serve You well all the days of my life and I want to see what You are doing around the world and in my country.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, December 21, 2018
Closer
Scripture:
“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”
Nahum 1:7 NLT
Observation:
Nahum is a railing against the city of Nineveh. It basically says that the Lord is going to destroy Nineveh and wipe it away completely, but in the midst of his railing against Nineveh, Nahum says, “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.”
Application:
Even when it seems like God’s judgement is all around and nothing is going right, the Lord is good and a strong refuge for His people. He is close to those who trust Him, even when He is judging their surroundings. If we want to walk closer, we must trust Him more. Trusting Him means that we do things His way and not our own. Trusting Him means living the way He wants us to. When we do that, He is closer than ever. When trouble comes we should run closer, not away.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to draw close to You. I want to trust You more. I want to know Your heart and plans. I want to walk with You more and more closely. My heart longs to be with You and to encounter You more and more. I want to walk close to you.
Yours,
Jeff
“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”
Nahum 1:7 NLT
Observation:
Nahum is a railing against the city of Nineveh. It basically says that the Lord is going to destroy Nineveh and wipe it away completely, but in the midst of his railing against Nineveh, Nahum says, “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.”
Application:
Even when it seems like God’s judgement is all around and nothing is going right, the Lord is good and a strong refuge for His people. He is close to those who trust Him, even when He is judging their surroundings. If we want to walk closer, we must trust Him more. Trusting Him means that we do things His way and not our own. Trusting Him means living the way He wants us to. When we do that, He is closer than ever. When trouble comes we should run closer, not away.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to draw close to You. I want to trust You more. I want to know Your heart and plans. I want to walk with You more and more closely. My heart longs to be with You and to encounter You more and more. I want to walk close to you.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Live Like He is Coming Quickly
Scripture:
“The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:20 TPT
Observation:
Jesus, at the end of the book of Revelation, declares that He is coming quickly and then John responds by saying “Come, Lord Jesus!” There is a definite promise here that Christ will return and that His return will be quick. The problem is found in the definition of quick. Quick has now turned into 2000 years, which makes His return much sooner than it was then.
Application:
If we believe the words of John and Jesus in the book of Revelation, we should live every day like it was our last. We should live expecting the quick and imminent return of Jesus Christ. Our minds should daily be reminded of His coming and what will happen at that point. I need to live every day like I knew Christ was coming that evening. I need to make the most of every opportunity because of the season I am living in.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live and witness for You like it was my last day on earth and I knew You were coming that evening. Help me, with urgency, to proclaim Your Gospel. Remind me throughout each day of Your return and my future in You. Help me to make the most of each day You give me.
Yours,
Jeff
“The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:20 TPT
Observation:
Jesus, at the end of the book of Revelation, declares that He is coming quickly and then John responds by saying “Come, Lord Jesus!” There is a definite promise here that Christ will return and that His return will be quick. The problem is found in the definition of quick. Quick has now turned into 2000 years, which makes His return much sooner than it was then.
Application:
If we believe the words of John and Jesus in the book of Revelation, we should live every day like it was our last. We should live expecting the quick and imminent return of Jesus Christ. Our minds should daily be reminded of His coming and what will happen at that point. I need to live every day like I knew Christ was coming that evening. I need to make the most of every opportunity because of the season I am living in.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live and witness for You like it was my last day on earth and I knew You were coming that evening. Help me, with urgency, to proclaim Your Gospel. Remind me throughout each day of Your return and my future in You. Help me to make the most of each day You give me.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
The Future of My Enemy
Scripture:
“Then the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the same place with the wild beast and the false prophet—the lake of fire and sulfur—where they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:10 TPT
Observation:
Here John describes the final judgment on Satan. Previous to this, he was bound for 1000 years during the Millenial reign of Christ. Then he was released for a short season to deceive the nations. After that, he is thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where they will be tormented day and night forever.
Application:
Sometimes, knowing the future of your enemy, gives you the strength to endure the current things going on around you. Sometimes, during his attacks on the saints, we need to simply remind him who wins in the end. We need to be confident that, even though we may have lost some battles, we win the war and he will be tormented forever and ever. He will pay for everything he has brought into our lives.
Prayer:
Father, when times are hard, remind me that we win in the end and the enemy of our souls will finally be eternally defeated to rise no more. I look forward to that day! Teach me to walk in confidence and faith in this present life, knowing that in the future, we will win.
Yours,
Jeff
“Then the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the same place with the wild beast and the false prophet—the lake of fire and sulfur—where they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:10 TPT
Observation:
Here John describes the final judgment on Satan. Previous to this, he was bound for 1000 years during the Millenial reign of Christ. Then he was released for a short season to deceive the nations. After that, he is thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where they will be tormented day and night forever.
Application:
Sometimes, knowing the future of your enemy, gives you the strength to endure the current things going on around you. Sometimes, during his attacks on the saints, we need to simply remind him who wins in the end. We need to be confident that, even though we may have lost some battles, we win the war and he will be tormented forever and ever. He will pay for everything he has brought into our lives.
Prayer:
Father, when times are hard, remind me that we win in the end and the enemy of our souls will finally be eternally defeated to rise no more. I look forward to that day! Teach me to walk in confidence and faith in this present life, knowing that in the future, we will win.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Comfort When Living Right
Scripture:
“Should you talk that way, O family of Israel? Will the Lord’s Spirit have patience with such behavior? If you would do what is right, you would find my words comforting.”
Micah 2:7 NLT
Observation:
Micah tells the people here that if they do what is right, they will find his words comforting. In other words, obedience brings comfort to your soul because you know you are right with God and everything will work out because of that.
Application:
I need to keep the main thing, the main thing. Obedience to God is the number one priority in life. When we do that well, we will be comforted and not confronted. Obedience also brings confidence. When we are obedient to the Lord, we can walk in confidence with Him as well.
Prayer:
Father, I want to serve You and Your purposes well on the earth in my generation. I want to do Your will and accomplish You tasks. Help me to do what is right and not what is convenient. Help me to walk stronger and do the right thing at all times.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Should you talk that way, O family of Israel? Will the Lord’s Spirit have patience with such behavior? If you would do what is right, you would find my words comforting.”
Micah 2:7 NLT
Observation:
Micah tells the people here that if they do what is right, they will find his words comforting. In other words, obedience brings comfort to your soul because you know you are right with God and everything will work out because of that.
Application:
I need to keep the main thing, the main thing. Obedience to God is the number one priority in life. When we do that well, we will be comforted and not confronted. Obedience also brings confidence. When we are obedient to the Lord, we can walk in confidence with Him as well.
Prayer:
Father, I want to serve You and Your purposes well on the earth in my generation. I want to do Your will and accomplish You tasks. Help me to do what is right and not what is convenient. Help me to walk stronger and do the right thing at all times.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
God’s Love for the Lost
Scripture:
“Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?””
Jonah 4:10-11 NLT
Observation:
God made a plant quickly to protect Jonah from the sun. The next day, God took the plant away and had it eaten. Jonah complained about it and God told him, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there... But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
Application:
God loves lost people. He doesn’t want any to perish, but all to come to repentance. He will go out of His way to bring lost people to Himself. He will even offend us, to get them saved. I need to love lost people with the same passion the Lord loves lost people. I must have a heart to see them saved like He does.
Prayer:
Father, give me Your heart for lost people. Help me in my personal witness and evangelism. Teach me to love the way You love. Help me not to make excuses about building Your kingdom, but to do it with all my heart. I want to reach more souls for You.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?””
Jonah 4:10-11 NLT
Observation:
God made a plant quickly to protect Jonah from the sun. The next day, God took the plant away and had it eaten. Jonah complained about it and God told him, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there... But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
Application:
God loves lost people. He doesn’t want any to perish, but all to come to repentance. He will go out of His way to bring lost people to Himself. He will even offend us, to get them saved. I need to love lost people with the same passion the Lord loves lost people. I must have a heart to see them saved like He does.
Prayer:
Father, give me Your heart for lost people. Help me in my personal witness and evangelism. Teach me to love the way You love. Help me not to make excuses about building Your kingdom, but to do it with all my heart. I want to reach more souls for You.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, December 7, 2018
Help from the Helper
Scripture:
“Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed.”
Amos 5:14 NLT
Observation:
Amos declares that Israel had abandoned God and was putting their trust in themselves and the work of their own hands. They were not acting in justice and righteousness. God said to them through Amos to do good and run from evil so they would live and then God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies would be their helper.
Application:
I want the Lord of Heaven’s Armies to be on my side and being my helper. I need His intervention in my life in every area. I desire the Lord to work with me and not against me. Therefore, I must do good and run from evil. I need to run from anything that doesn’t look like God and anything that looks like sin or is obedience. I want to walk in the strong blessing of God, which comes on obedience.
Prayer:
Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I want to walk with You and work with You. I want to be one with You. I want You to flow in and through my life. Help me to live a life of doing good and running from evil. Teach me to follow Your ways with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I am Yours. Lead me I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed.”
Amos 5:14 NLT
Observation:
Amos declares that Israel had abandoned God and was putting their trust in themselves and the work of their own hands. They were not acting in justice and righteousness. God said to them through Amos to do good and run from evil so they would live and then God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies would be their helper.
Application:
I want the Lord of Heaven’s Armies to be on my side and being my helper. I need His intervention in my life in every area. I desire the Lord to work with me and not against me. Therefore, I must do good and run from evil. I need to run from anything that doesn’t look like God and anything that looks like sin or is obedience. I want to walk in the strong blessing of God, which comes on obedience.
Prayer:
Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I want to walk with You and work with You. I want to be one with You. I want You to flow in and through my life. Help me to live a life of doing good and running from evil. Teach me to follow Your ways with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I am Yours. Lead me I pray.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Agreeing with God
Scripture:
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”
Amos 3:3 NLT
Observation:
I have often used this verse to talk about a team going the same direction as a leadership principle, but have never really looked at the context. God is really saying that Israel was about to be judged because they had not walked in agreement with God. They had not been walking in God’s direction.
Application:
God wants us to walk with Him, but we can’t walk with Him unless we agree on the direction. You can’t walk with God going your own direction. He sets the direction and we walk with Him. He wants to set our course and it is our job to agree with His will for our lives and to walk together toward His will. I want to walk. In agreement with God and His direction for my life.
Prayer:
Lord, we can’t walk together unless we agree on the direction. I don’t want to tell You the direction I need to go, but want You to set my course and show me where I need to be. I give myself to You again this morning and say, “Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done” in my life, my future, my plans, and my direction. Lead me and I will follow.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”
Amos 3:3 NLT
Observation:
I have often used this verse to talk about a team going the same direction as a leadership principle, but have never really looked at the context. God is really saying that Israel was about to be judged because they had not walked in agreement with God. They had not been walking in God’s direction.
Application:
God wants us to walk with Him, but we can’t walk with Him unless we agree on the direction. You can’t walk with God going your own direction. He sets the direction and we walk with Him. He wants to set our course and it is our job to agree with His will for our lives and to walk together toward His will. I want to walk. In agreement with God and His direction for my life.
Prayer:
Lord, we can’t walk together unless we agree on the direction. I don’t want to tell You the direction I need to go, but want You to set my course and show me where I need to be. I give myself to You again this morning and say, “Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done” in my life, my future, my plans, and my direction. Lead me and I will follow.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Faith and Victory Over the World
Scripture:
“You see, every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. So who are the world conquerors, defeating its power? Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
1 John 5:4-5 TPT
Observation:
Here John says that every child of God overcomes the world and it is faith that is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. He continues to say who the world conquerors are... Those who believe Jesus is the Son of God. Faith is the victory and power over the things of this world.
Application:
I need to understand thes verses better and really let them get into my spirit. I want to walk by faith more and more. I want to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil. I want to live a truly victorious life through Christ and in Christ. I want to walk as He walked.
Prayer:
Lord God, increase my faith. I want to overcome the world and live a victorious life in Christ. Fill my life with Your overcoming, overwhelming power. I want to live a life that brings You honor and praise.
“You see, every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. So who are the world conquerors, defeating its power? Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
1 John 5:4-5 TPT
Observation:
Here John says that every child of God overcomes the world and it is faith that is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. He continues to say who the world conquerors are... Those who believe Jesus is the Son of God. Faith is the victory and power over the things of this world.
Application:
I need to understand thes verses better and really let them get into my spirit. I want to walk by faith more and more. I want to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil. I want to live a truly victorious life through Christ and in Christ. I want to walk as He walked.
Prayer:
Lord God, increase my faith. I want to overcome the world and live a victorious life in Christ. Fill my life with Your overcoming, overwhelming power. I want to live a life that brings You honor and praise.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Flourish in Me
Scripture:
“For all who obey his commands find their lives joined in union with him, and he lives and flourishes in them. We know and have proof that he constantly lives and flourishes in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.”
1 John 3:24 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, John tells us that all who obey God’s commands, which he described earlier as loving one another, find themselves joined in union with Christ. He goes on to say that Christ lives and flourishes in them. The Spirit is proof that Christ is living and flourishing in us.
Application:
I don’t want Jesus just to live in me. I want Him to flourish! When something is flourishing, it is growing and healthy. When I think of flourishing, I think of something that has good soil and can grow in the right environment. When I obey His commands to love God first and foremost and to love my other brothers and sisters, my spiritual life can flourish.
Prayer:
Jesus, I want You to flourish in my life. I want to live a life that welcomes You and prepares a place for You and Your wishes to flourish. Help me to love God with all my heart and to love my neighbor completely. I want You to flourish in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
“For all who obey his commands find their lives joined in union with him, and he lives and flourishes in them. We know and have proof that he constantly lives and flourishes in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.”
1 John 3:24 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, John tells us that all who obey God’s commands, which he described earlier as loving one another, find themselves joined in union with Christ. He goes on to say that Christ lives and flourishes in them. The Spirit is proof that Christ is living and flourishing in us.
Application:
I don’t want Jesus just to live in me. I want Him to flourish! When something is flourishing, it is growing and healthy. When I think of flourishing, I think of something that has good soil and can grow in the right environment. When I obey His commands to love God first and foremost and to love my other brothers and sisters, my spiritual life can flourish.
Prayer:
Jesus, I want You to flourish in my life. I want to live a life that welcomes You and prepares a place for You and Your wishes to flourish. Help me to love God with all my heart and to love my neighbor completely. I want You to flourish in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, December 3, 2018
God Gives Back
Scripture:
“The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.”
Joel 2:25 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking through Joel and tells HIs people that they have wandered far away from Him and His ways. They had decided to do their own thing and He was turning His back on them. Even when He was Turning His back, He had a plan for their restoration. God always has a plan of restoration. He may allow some stuff to happen because of our disobedience, but He always gives back.
Application:
When we fail God and don’t come through on our part of the Covenant, God is always there waiting for us like the father of the prodigal son. He will allow us to see their results of our choices, but then waits with open arms and says, “I will give back what you lost”, when we turn to Him completely. May we always be quick to repent when we get off track. He wants to bless us when we do.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk with You completely. When I mess up, help me to be quick to repent, knowing Your amazing heart to restore. You are incredibly faithful, help me to be more like You in wevery area of life. I want to show Your glory in and through my life. Help me to treat others like You treat me and them.
Your Son,
Jeff
“The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.”
Joel 2:25 NLT
Observation:
God is speaking through Joel and tells HIs people that they have wandered far away from Him and His ways. They had decided to do their own thing and He was turning His back on them. Even when He was Turning His back, He had a plan for their restoration. God always has a plan of restoration. He may allow some stuff to happen because of our disobedience, but He always gives back.
Application:
When we fail God and don’t come through on our part of the Covenant, God is always there waiting for us like the father of the prodigal son. He will allow us to see their results of our choices, but then waits with open arms and says, “I will give back what you lost”, when we turn to Him completely. May we always be quick to repent when we get off track. He wants to bless us when we do.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk with You completely. When I mess up, help me to be quick to repent, knowing Your amazing heart to restore. You are incredibly faithful, help me to be more like You in wevery area of life. I want to show Your glory in and through my life. Help me to treat others like You treat me and them.
Your Son,
Jeff
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Consumed with Godliness
Scripture:
“Since all these things are on the verge of being dismantled, don’t you see how vital it is to live a holy life? We must be consumed with godliness”
2 Peter 3:11 TPT
Observation:
Peter says here that the delay in the return of Christ was simply because He wants more people to be saved. He then says that, because of the nearness of Christ’s return, it is vital to live a holy life. He finishes with the words, “We must be consumed with godliness,”
Application:
This Passion Translation uses the words, “consumed with godliness”. Godliness should be what we are consumed with. We should pursue godliness with passion and it should be the primary pursuit of our lives. I want to be a man of God, but I need to pursue that with everything I have instead of just hoping to get there.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be godly. I want to reflect Your image to this world. Help me to live a life that is consumed by godliness. Help me to realize how vital it is to walk in godliness. I want to be godly. Help me to walk with the Spirit and to be consumed with godliness.
Yours,
Jeff
“Since all these things are on the verge of being dismantled, don’t you see how vital it is to live a holy life? We must be consumed with godliness”
2 Peter 3:11 TPT
Observation:
Peter says here that the delay in the return of Christ was simply because He wants more people to be saved. He then says that, because of the nearness of Christ’s return, it is vital to live a holy life. He finishes with the words, “We must be consumed with godliness,”
Application:
This Passion Translation uses the words, “consumed with godliness”. Godliness should be what we are consumed with. We should pursue godliness with passion and it should be the primary pursuit of our lives. I want to be a man of God, but I need to pursue that with everything I have instead of just hoping to get there.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be godly. I want to reflect Your image to this world. Help me to live a life that is consumed by godliness. Help me to realize how vital it is to walk in godliness. I want to be godly. Help me to walk with the Spirit and to be consumed with godliness.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Heal my Faithlessness
Scripture:
“The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.”
Hosea 14:4 NLT
Observation:
Hear the Lord tells Israel that if they will abandon their other gods and come back to Him completely, He will heal their unfaithfulness and demonstrate His limitless love to them. No matter how far Israel would go from God, He was always ready and willing to receive them back and begin blessing them when they would repent.
Application:
God would much rather have us walk in His blessing and abundant life than To allow us to bring destruction on ourselves. He has always longed to bless His people, but He needed His people to completely follow Him and have no other gods before Him. I want to walk in the blessing and favor of the Lord and see His goodness all the days of my life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to not be like Israel, constantly walking away and doing my own thing. Help me to stay on Your path and to appreciate Your blessings and favor on my life. I belong to You. I am Yours. I want my life to bring You honor and praise. Help me to reflect Your desires to the world around me.
Yours,
Jeff
“The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.”
Hosea 14:4 NLT
Observation:
Hear the Lord tells Israel that if they will abandon their other gods and come back to Him completely, He will heal their unfaithfulness and demonstrate His limitless love to them. No matter how far Israel would go from God, He was always ready and willing to receive them back and begin blessing them when they would repent.
Application:
God would much rather have us walk in His blessing and abundant life than To allow us to bring destruction on ourselves. He has always longed to bless His people, but He needed His people to completely follow Him and have no other gods before Him. I want to walk in the blessing and favor of the Lord and see His goodness all the days of my life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to not be like Israel, constantly walking away and doing my own thing. Help me to stay on Your path and to appreciate Your blessings and favor on my life. I belong to You. I am Yours. I want my life to bring You honor and praise. Help me to reflect Your desires to the world around me.
Yours,
Jeff
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