Scripture:
“But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.”
1 Kings 12:8 NLT
Observation:
Rehoboam had a great opportunity in front of him to be blessed in every way like his father. Blessing comes from obedience and he chose not to listen to the wise men who walked with his father. He chose to listen to those around him who wanted him to fight for himself and promote himself.
Application:
Our flesh doesn’t generally want to walk in wisdom and do the right thing because the right thing is usually the thing that will cost you something and cause you to trust God instead of yourself. I want to walk in wisdom and listen to those who have gone before me. I want to glean from those who have walked with the Lord for a long time.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to listen to my elders and become wise myself. Enable me not to be controlled by my own self-will, but to be led by Your Spirit. Give my elders wisdom and help me to be wise enough to listen to them instead of doing my own thing.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, May 31, 2019
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Even the Desire Comes From Him
Scripture:
“May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors.”
1 Kings 8:58 NLT
Observation:
Solomon prayed as he dedicated the temple of the Lord. In his prayer, he asks God to give them the desire to do his will in everything and to obey Him. He realized that we don’t naturally have the desire to follow the Lord and honor Him. He knew that God gives even the desire to do right. It all comes from God.
Application:
In the Christian life, there is discipline and desire. Discipline is good for us and has helped me through the years to stay fresh in my walk with God. Desire is so much better than discipline. I can’t manufacture desire. I can’t work up desire. It is put there because God is drawing me. I love discipline and will always live a disciplined life, but I want desire to overrun discipline. I want God to draw me closer and closer to Him. I am running after Him, but I want Him to draw me at the same time.
Prayer:
Lord, insert the desire to walk with You at a deeper level in my life. Help me to be more hungry than ever to know You and walk in Your ways. Draw me into deeper intimacy with You. Place the desire in my heart to not be satisfied in my relationship with You. I want to go deeper. Place the desire deep in my heart and let me yearn for more of You.
Yours,
Jeff
“May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors.”
1 Kings 8:58 NLT
Observation:
Solomon prayed as he dedicated the temple of the Lord. In his prayer, he asks God to give them the desire to do his will in everything and to obey Him. He realized that we don’t naturally have the desire to follow the Lord and honor Him. He knew that God gives even the desire to do right. It all comes from God.
Application:
In the Christian life, there is discipline and desire. Discipline is good for us and has helped me through the years to stay fresh in my walk with God. Desire is so much better than discipline. I can’t manufacture desire. I can’t work up desire. It is put there because God is drawing me. I love discipline and will always live a disciplined life, but I want desire to overrun discipline. I want God to draw me closer and closer to Him. I am running after Him, but I want Him to draw me at the same time.
Prayer:
Lord, insert the desire to walk with You at a deeper level in my life. Help me to be more hungry than ever to know You and walk in Your ways. Draw me into deeper intimacy with You. Place the desire in my heart to not be satisfied in my relationship with You. I want to go deeper. Place the desire deep in my heart and let me yearn for more of You.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
The Blessing of Peace
Scripture:
“But now the Lord my God has given me peace on every side; I have no enemies, and all is well.”
1 Kings 5:4 NLT
Observation:
David fought many battles and defeated many enemies in life lifetime. Solomon was able to see the blessing of God and the peace God promised. In this verse he tells us that the Lord had given him peace on every side and that he had no enemies and that all was well. That is the place of the favor of God.
Application:
Jesus promised to leave us peace. He said in this world we would have tribulation, but that His peace was promised to us. Peace is one of the fruit of the Spirit. I want to live in God’s incredible peace. Peace comes from total trust in God and I want to trust Him more. After years of battling for everything, I’m more than ready to experience the time of peace.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in peace and to have patience. Show me Your will for my life and let me walk it out in peace. Help me to trust You more and more. I know I get stressed out about things and I don’t want to live like that. Help me to have the peace Your promised I could have.
Your Son,
Jeff
“But now the Lord my God has given me peace on every side; I have no enemies, and all is well.”
1 Kings 5:4 NLT
Observation:
David fought many battles and defeated many enemies in life lifetime. Solomon was able to see the blessing of God and the peace God promised. In this verse he tells us that the Lord had given him peace on every side and that he had no enemies and that all was well. That is the place of the favor of God.
Application:
Jesus promised to leave us peace. He said in this world we would have tribulation, but that His peace was promised to us. Peace is one of the fruit of the Spirit. I want to live in God’s incredible peace. Peace comes from total trust in God and I want to trust Him more. After years of battling for everything, I’m more than ready to experience the time of peace.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in peace and to have patience. Show me Your will for my life and let me walk it out in peace. Help me to trust You more and more. I know I get stressed out about things and I don’t want to live like that. Help me to have the peace Your promised I could have.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Wisdom to Lead Well
Scripture:
“Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?””
1 Kings 3:9 NLT
Observation:
When Solomon was asked by the Lord in a dream what he would like, his reply is seen above. He asked for an understanding heart to be able to govern God’s people well and to know what is right and wrong. When he asked for the right things, he was blessed with everything else, including riches, and honor and fame.
Application:
I need God’s wisdom to lead His people well. I want God to give me an understanding heart to know what to do at every season in my life and leadership. I don’t want to do what seems right to me or what I learned in a leadership book, but I want to do the will of my Father. I want to lead with a right heart for God’s people.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, give me an understanding heart. Show me how to lead Your people well. Help me to do Your will and not my own. Show me the steps to take and give me the knowledge to do the right things at the right time. Help me to lead Your people in a way that honors You and accomplishes Your will above all.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, May 27, 2019
God is Truly Among You
Scripture:
“But if everyone is prophesying, and an unbeliever or one without the gift enters your meeting, he will be convicted by all that he hears and will be called to account, for the intimate secrets of his heart will be brought to light. He will be mystified and fall facedown in worship and say, “God is truly among you!””
1 Corinthians 14:24-25 TPT
Observation:
Paul is finishing a section speaking to the Corinthians about their use of spiritual gifts. He particularly was talking to them about too many people speaking in tongues in a service and told them people coming in wouldn’t understand. He says that prophecy would be better because an outsider could understand and be convicted so he will fall facedown in worship and say’ “God is truly among you.”
Application:
I want church services where outsiders and people who have never seen or heard about the gifts and power of the Spirit will leave proclaiming, “God is truly among you”. I want them to have no doubt that God is real and that He works through His people. I long for the day when the power and presence of God is so real that the biggest skeptics have to say, “God is truly among you!”
Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit and move in our church and in my life. Come minister to people and touch people in powerful ways so that the worst skeptic can’t argue that You were in the place. Come and manifest Your glory stronger and stronger. Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Move in power. I want the world to say, “Truly God is among you”.
Your Son and Partner,
Jeff
“But if everyone is prophesying, and an unbeliever or one without the gift enters your meeting, he will be convicted by all that he hears and will be called to account, for the intimate secrets of his heart will be brought to light. He will be mystified and fall facedown in worship and say, “God is truly among you!””
1 Corinthians 14:24-25 TPT
Observation:
Paul is finishing a section speaking to the Corinthians about their use of spiritual gifts. He particularly was talking to them about too many people speaking in tongues in a service and told them people coming in wouldn’t understand. He says that prophecy would be better because an outsider could understand and be convicted so he will fall facedown in worship and say’ “God is truly among you.”
Application:
I want church services where outsiders and people who have never seen or heard about the gifts and power of the Spirit will leave proclaiming, “God is truly among you”. I want them to have no doubt that God is real and that He works through His people. I long for the day when the power and presence of God is so real that the biggest skeptics have to say, “God is truly among you!”
Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit and move in our church and in my life. Come minister to people and touch people in powerful ways so that the worst skeptic can’t argue that You were in the place. Come and manifest Your glory stronger and stronger. Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Move in power. I want the world to say, “Truly God is among you”.
Your Son and Partner,
Jeff
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Go After Love
Scripture:
“Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 TPT
Observation:
Paul told the Corinthians about all the gifts of the Spirit and how awesome they are, then he told them that the best thing was love. He told them love surpassed faith and even hope. He told the above everything else they should run after the prize of love. When the gifts of the Spirit fade away and are no longer needed, love will win the day.
Application:
Love should be the priority of our lives. Love should be what we are known for above the gifts of the Spirit, the anointing of the Spirit or the though of God on our lives. Love is what motivated Jesus and love should be our motive for everything we do. I need to pursue loving others with all my heart. Love always wins, therefore, it should be the pursuit of my life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to love like You love. Let Your love flow through my life. Help me to see people how You see people and love them like You love them. Show me the way of love above all else. Help me to love others well and make them feel honored and respected. Teach me to love like you love.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, May 25, 2019
A Disciplined LIfe
Scripture:
“A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever.”
1 Corinthians 9:25 TPT
Observation:
Paul compares our lives to an athlete who is disciplined in every aspect and practices self-control in order to win a simple wreath. He then says that we run our race to receive a crown that will never fade, but will last forever. We should therefore be even more disciplined in our lives.
Application:
Paul tells us here that athletes are disciplined in every area of life. I know I am disciplined in some areas of my life, but I’m not disciplined in some areas. I feel the Holy Spirit dealing with me about self-discipline in my physical body. I go up and down in taking care of my body. I do really well at the gym, then fall away from the discipline. I need to be more disciplined because I want to serve the Lord for the long haul.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live a more disciplined life. Empower me to say no to the things I need to say no to and to do the things that may not feel good, but are good for me. Help me to eat wiser and exercise more often. I want to feel better physically as well and have more energy to do what You have called me to do.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, May 24, 2019
God’s Expensive Purchase
Scripture:
“You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God!”
1 Corinthians 6:20 TPT
Observation:
The Passion Translation says this so beautifully here. “You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood”. Our relationship with God cost Him something, but comes to us freely. Therefore, we should honor Him in everything we do.
Application:
I want to use my body, my time, my resources, my everything to bring glory to God. That is why I live. I want my Father to be glorified. That is the bottom line of life for me. My Father paid an incredible price for me and I want to bring Him glory in how I live my life.
Prayer:
Father, You paid the highest price for me to walk with You. You gave the precious blood of Your Son so I could have relationship with You and my sins could be forgiven. Let my life bring Your glory. Let my life shine for You. Help me to reflect Your goodness and make Your name famous in all the earth. You are worthy of my very best!
Yours,
Jeff
“You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God!”
1 Corinthians 6:20 TPT
Observation:
The Passion Translation says this so beautifully here. “You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood”. Our relationship with God cost Him something, but comes to us freely. Therefore, we should honor Him in everything we do.
Application:
I want to use my body, my time, my resources, my everything to bring glory to God. That is why I live. I want my Father to be glorified. That is the bottom line of life for me. My Father paid an incredible price for me and I want to bring Him glory in how I live my life.
Prayer:
Father, You paid the highest price for me to walk with You. You gave the precious blood of Your Son so I could have relationship with You and my sins could be forgiven. Let my life bring Your glory. Let my life shine for You. Help me to reflect Your goodness and make Your name famous in all the earth. You are worthy of my very best!
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Why I Do What I Do
Scripture:
“The message I preached and how I preached it was not an attempt to sway you with persuasive arguments but to prove to you the almighty power of God’s Holy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 2:4 TPT
Observation:
This verse has always been my theme verse for ministry. Paul told the Corinthians that he didn’t preach to sway people with persuasive arguments, but to demonstrate the power of God. The next verse tells us he did this so their faith would not be in the wisdom of man but in the power of God. Paul wanted the people to encounter the power of God when he spoke.
Application:
I want the power of God in my life and in my ministry. I don’t want people to think I am a persuasive preacher, but simply a man who knows God intimately and walks in God’s power. I want people to encounter Christ in the power of His resurrection. I desire people to connect with God whenever I have a chance to minister.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill my life to overflowing. Work in me and through me. Demonstrate Your power in the places You open for me to minister. I want the name of the Lord lifted up and nobody else. Flow in me and through me to accomplish Your will. Help me to get out of Your way do You can move.
Yours,
Jeff
“The message I preached and how I preached it was not an attempt to sway you with persuasive arguments but to prove to you the almighty power of God’s Holy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 2:4 TPT
Observation:
This verse has always been my theme verse for ministry. Paul told the Corinthians that he didn’t preach to sway people with persuasive arguments, but to demonstrate the power of God. The next verse tells us he did this so their faith would not be in the wisdom of man but in the power of God. Paul wanted the people to encounter the power of God when he spoke.
Application:
I want the power of God in my life and in my ministry. I don’t want people to think I am a persuasive preacher, but simply a man who knows God intimately and walks in God’s power. I want people to encounter Christ in the power of His resurrection. I desire people to connect with God whenever I have a chance to minister.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill my life to overflowing. Work in me and through me. Demonstrate Your power in the places You open for me to minister. I want the name of the Lord lifted up and nobody else. Flow in me and through me to accomplish Your will. Help me to get out of Your way do You can move.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
My God is My Protection
Scripture:
“my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.”
2 Samuel 22:3 NLT
Observation:
In this passage, David has written a song to the Lord thanking Him for all He has done in David’s life. In the song he says, God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.” David knew without any shadow of a doubt that God was protecting him in every battle. He knew it was God who took care of him.
Application:
David was a mighty king, but he knew that without the Lord fighting on his behalf, he was nothing. He gave all credit to the Lord for being there, fighting their battles, and protecting them. I need to give God more honor for those things that He does for me, even the ones I may not see with my eyes. I know He has rescued me over and over again. He has protected me from my enemies. He has sheltered me in His loving arms.
Prayer:
Lord, You have been good to me. You are my protection and my defense. You are my everything. You have rescued me many times and You continue to amaze me. Your ways are above my ways and Your thoughts are above my thoughts. You deserve all honor for any good thing that has come from my life. My life is Yours.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
When Victory is Turned into Sadness
Scripture:
“As all the people heard of the king’s deep grief for his son, the joy of that day’s victory was turned into deep sadness.”
2 Samuel 19:2 NLT
Observation:
David’s son had rebelled against him and tried to dethrone him. David’s army defeated him and killed Absalom, which would make most kings happy. Rather than being happy that his enemy was dead, David was in deep grief for his son and victory was turned into sadness.
Application:
Just like David, we can win all the victories in the world, but is something is wrong with our kids, it doesn’t feel like victory. Nothing has the ability to bring us grief and sorrow more than our personal children. I need to celebrate victories, even while I’m trusting God for things to work out better for those in my family.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You more and not be discouraged about my son who is not serving You. Help me to still celebrate the victories, even when my heart is troubled because I’m worried about him. Let him serve You with all his heart and help me to walk in faith in the process.
Yours,
Jeff
“As all the people heard of the king’s deep grief for his son, the joy of that day’s victory was turned into deep sadness.”
2 Samuel 19:2 NLT
Observation:
David’s son had rebelled against him and tried to dethrone him. David’s army defeated him and killed Absalom, which would make most kings happy. Rather than being happy that his enemy was dead, David was in deep grief for his son and victory was turned into sadness.
Application:
Just like David, we can win all the victories in the world, but is something is wrong with our kids, it doesn’t feel like victory. Nothing has the ability to bring us grief and sorrow more than our personal children. I need to celebrate victories, even while I’m trusting God for things to work out better for those in my family.
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You more and not be discouraged about my son who is not serving You. Help me to still celebrate the victories, even when my heart is troubled because I’m worried about him. Let him serve You with all his heart and help me to walk in faith in the process.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Who Am I?
Scripture:
“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
2 Samuel 7:18 NLT
Observation:
In this passage, David came in and sat in the presence of the Lord. When things happened in David’s life, he always turned to the Lord. Here, David says, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord...that you have brought me this far?” He understood where his many victories came from and that he didn’t deserve the favor that was on his life.
Application:
God always works with the humble who won’t take the credit, but rather give Him all the credit and those who know that apart from Him we are helpless. God deserves the honor for any good thing that happens in my life. It is Him that has opened doors for me. It is Him who has favored my life. It is He that is the source of every good thing that has ever come in or through my life.
Prayer:
Father, You are worthy of my highest praise and worship. Let my life Walt Your name. Let me live a life that honors You. You are my victory. You are my king. You are my God. You are the source of every good thing in my life. Without You, I am nothing and have nothing. You are incredible and have been incredibly faithful to me.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
2 Samuel 7:18 NLT
Observation:
In this passage, David came in and sat in the presence of the Lord. When things happened in David’s life, he always turned to the Lord. Here, David says, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord...that you have brought me this far?” He understood where his many victories came from and that he didn’t deserve the favor that was on his life.
Application:
God always works with the humble who won’t take the credit, but rather give Him all the credit and those who know that apart from Him we are helpless. God deserves the honor for any good thing that happens in my life. It is Him that has opened doors for me. It is Him who has favored my life. It is He that is the source of every good thing that has ever come in or through my life.
Prayer:
Father, You are worthy of my highest praise and worship. Let my life Walt Your name. Let me live a life that honors You. You are my victory. You are my king. You are my God. You are the source of every good thing in my life. Without You, I am nothing and have nothing. You are incredible and have been incredibly faithful to me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Desiring God’s Direction
Scripture:
“After this, David asked the Lord, “Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?” “Yes,” the Lord replied. Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered.”
2 Samuel 2:1 NLT
Observation:
In this simple piece of Scripture, we can see David’s desire to do God’s will and to receive direction from Him. David had just realized that Saul and Jonathon were dead, so he asked the Lord, “Should I move back to Judah?” And “Which town should I go to?”. In this I see David’s desire to please God, even pertaining to where he would live and what town he would live in.
Application:
I want to do the will of the Lord in my life. I often ask the Lord, but don’t get as clear of a word as I would like. It seems here that the word of the Lord was very clear. I want that clearness in my life so I know when to move, where to move and what to do. I will continue to seek the Lord’s guidance. I also understand from this that the Lord didn’t try to hold that information back, but freely gave it to David. He is concerned with he small details of our lives.
Prayer:
Father, I have a lot of questions concerning life, ministry, family, etc. Give me clear words of direction in every area. I want to fulfill Your will above all else. Show me what I’m to do each step of the way and I will do it. Open my ears and open my eyes to Your will.
Your Son,
Jeff
“After this, David asked the Lord, “Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?” “Yes,” the Lord replied. Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered.”
2 Samuel 2:1 NLT
Observation:
In this simple piece of Scripture, we can see David’s desire to do God’s will and to receive direction from Him. David had just realized that Saul and Jonathon were dead, so he asked the Lord, “Should I move back to Judah?” And “Which town should I go to?”. In this I see David’s desire to please God, even pertaining to where he would live and what town he would live in.
Application:
I want to do the will of the Lord in my life. I often ask the Lord, but don’t get as clear of a word as I would like. It seems here that the word of the Lord was very clear. I want that clearness in my life so I know when to move, where to move and what to do. I will continue to seek the Lord’s guidance. I also understand from this that the Lord didn’t try to hold that information back, but freely gave it to David. He is concerned with he small details of our lives.
Prayer:
Father, I have a lot of questions concerning life, ministry, family, etc. Give me clear words of direction in every area. I want to fulfill Your will above all else. Show me what I’m to do each step of the way and I will do it. Open my ears and open my eyes to Your will.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Integrity Opens Doors
Scripture:
“But the Philistine commanders demanded, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish told them, “This is David, the servant of King Saul of Israel. He’s been with me for years, and I’ve never found a single fault in him from the day he arrived until today.””
1 Samuel 29:3 NLT
Observation:
David had approached Achish, the Philistine king, about why he was letting David go into battle with them, he told them that he had never found a fault in David for years. He defended David to his own warriors because of David’s integrity. He was found to be trustworthy by his own enemies because they could witness his integrity in the way he lived his life.
Application:
I want to live a life where people can say, “He’s been with me for years, and I’ve never found a single fault in him from the day he arrives until today.” I want to walk in the favor of God in every are of my life. I need to live a life that would make my very enemies trust me. I need to be more trustworthy. I need to stick to commitments I have made.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to follow through and do the things I say I’m going to do. Teach me to live a life that is above only and not beneath. Enable me to be more trustworthy and not make excuses, but to complete the things I say I will complete. Let my yes be yes and my no be no.
Yours,
Jeff
“But the Philistine commanders demanded, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish told them, “This is David, the servant of King Saul of Israel. He’s been with me for years, and I’ve never found a single fault in him from the day he arrived until today.””
1 Samuel 29:3 NLT
Observation:
David had approached Achish, the Philistine king, about why he was letting David go into battle with them, he told them that he had never found a fault in David for years. He defended David to his own warriors because of David’s integrity. He was found to be trustworthy by his own enemies because they could witness his integrity in the way he lived his life.
Application:
I want to live a life where people can say, “He’s been with me for years, and I’ve never found a single fault in him from the day he arrives until today.” I want to walk in the favor of God in every are of my life. I need to live a life that would make my very enemies trust me. I need to be more trustworthy. I need to stick to commitments I have made.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to follow through and do the things I say I’m going to do. Teach me to live a life that is above only and not beneath. Enable me to be more trustworthy and not make excuses, but to complete the things I say I will complete. Let my yes be yes and my no be no.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Blemishes
Scripture:
“don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. And when the Lord has done these great things for you, please remember me, your servant!””
1 Samuel 25:31 NLT
Observation:
David was heading to kill Nabal for not sharing with his team after David’s team watched over and protected Nabal’s people in the wilderness. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, came out to David to try to remedy the situation. She made a very wise statement. “Don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance.” She let him know that his present decisions would follow him throughout his life.
Application:
We need to be cautious and think about our decisions every day. We can’t sacrifice our future because of a poor or rash decision today. We don’t need to walk through life with a guilty conscience. It is a terrible way to live. I want to live a life where I don’t have guilt or remorse for words I’ve said or things I’ve done. I want to live pure and honest and to do the will of God at all times.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to make decisions in haste or out of emotion, but to carefully weigh out the consequences of my decisions. Help me to do nothing that would bring You or me shame or a guilty conscience. Let me live before You without the baggage of past poor decisions.
Yours Always,
Jeff
“don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. And when the Lord has done these great things for you, please remember me, your servant!””
1 Samuel 25:31 NLT
Observation:
David was heading to kill Nabal for not sharing with his team after David’s team watched over and protected Nabal’s people in the wilderness. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, came out to David to try to remedy the situation. She made a very wise statement. “Don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance.” She let him know that his present decisions would follow him throughout his life.
Application:
We need to be cautious and think about our decisions every day. We can’t sacrifice our future because of a poor or rash decision today. We don’t need to walk through life with a guilty conscience. It is a terrible way to live. I want to live a life where I don’t have guilt or remorse for words I’ve said or things I’ve done. I want to live pure and honest and to do the will of God at all times.
Prayer:
Father, help me not to make decisions in haste or out of emotion, but to carefully weigh out the consequences of my decisions. Help me to do nothing that would bring You or me shame or a guilty conscience. Let me live before You without the baggage of past poor decisions.
Yours Always,
Jeff
Monday, May 13, 2019
Real Friends
Scripture:
“Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.”
1 Samuel 23:16 NLT
Observation:
David had been running and hiding from Jonathon’s father, King Saul. Jonathon found him and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. That’s what real friends do.
Application:
I want to be the kind of friend that encourages people to stay strong in their faith. I want to help people live above only and not beneath. I need to use every opportunity to strengthen, edify, and build other’s faith.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be an encourager in faith. Let my life never be used to tear down, but to build up. Forgive me for the times when I have judged people instead of encouraging their faith. Help me to build the faith of everyone around me.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.”
1 Samuel 23:16 NLT
Observation:
David had been running and hiding from Jonathon’s father, King Saul. Jonathon found him and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. That’s what real friends do.
Application:
I want to be the kind of friend that encourages people to stay strong in their faith. I want to help people live above only and not beneath. I need to use every opportunity to strengthen, edify, and build other’s faith.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be an encourager in faith. Let my life never be used to tear down, but to build up. Forgive me for the times when I have judged people instead of encouraging their faith. Help me to build the faith of everyone around me.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, May 10, 2019
Recruiting
Scripture:
“The Israelites fought constantly with the Philistines throughout Saul’s lifetime. So whenever Saul observed a young man who was brave and strong, he drafted him into his army.”
1 Samuel 14:52 NLT
Observation:
This verse tells us that throughout Saul’s lifetime, the Philistines were constantly fighting with Israel. It adds this simple little phrase, “whenever Saul observed a young man who was brave and strong, he drafted him into his army.” Saul was constantly looking for young men who were brave and strong and recruited them and trained them to fight in his army.
Application:
As a pastor and man of God, I need to be better at observing young talent, ministers, etc. and recruiting them and training them for the service of the king. At this point in my life, I really want to see talent and calling on young people’s lives and invest into them so they may be powerful warriors in God’s kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, help me to observe, recruit and train the next generation of warriors for Your kingdom. I want to be part of Your process in training young men and women to fulfill Your calling on their lives. Work in my life to bring this about more and more.
Yours,
Jeff
“The Israelites fought constantly with the Philistines throughout Saul’s lifetime. So whenever Saul observed a young man who was brave and strong, he drafted him into his army.”
1 Samuel 14:52 NLT
Observation:
This verse tells us that throughout Saul’s lifetime, the Philistines were constantly fighting with Israel. It adds this simple little phrase, “whenever Saul observed a young man who was brave and strong, he drafted him into his army.” Saul was constantly looking for young men who were brave and strong and recruited them and trained them to fight in his army.
Application:
As a pastor and man of God, I need to be better at observing young talent, ministers, etc. and recruiting them and training them for the service of the king. At this point in my life, I really want to see talent and calling on young people’s lives and invest into them so they may be powerful warriors in God’s kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, help me to observe, recruit and train the next generation of warriors for Your kingdom. I want to be part of Your process in training young men and women to fulfill Your calling on their lives. Work in my life to bring this about more and more.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, May 6, 2019
Messages From the Lord
Scripture:
“The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.”
1 Samuel 3:21 NLT
Observation:
Samuel grew up in the Tabernacle, in the presence of the Lord. He started to hear the Lord’s voice and deliver messages to the people of Israel. Here it says that the Lord continued to appear and give messages to Samuel. He was in a place with the Lord that he could hear and deliver the Word of the Lord.
Application:
I desire to walk in step with the Lord at all times. I want to hear His voice and deliver His messages, not just messages that are creative and I come up with. I want to say what the Lord is saying and do what He is doing. I want to give messages, not from my head, but from the heart of God.
Prayer:
Father, speak to me and give me messages for Your people as You did through Samuel. I want to accurately represent You with my life and my words. Help me to walk in step with You at a greater level and to be bold enough to deliver the words You put in my mouth.
Yours,
Jeff
“The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.”
1 Samuel 3:21 NLT
Observation:
Samuel grew up in the Tabernacle, in the presence of the Lord. He started to hear the Lord’s voice and deliver messages to the people of Israel. Here it says that the Lord continued to appear and give messages to Samuel. He was in a place with the Lord that he could hear and deliver the Word of the Lord.
Application:
I desire to walk in step with the Lord at all times. I want to hear His voice and deliver His messages, not just messages that are creative and I come up with. I want to say what the Lord is saying and do what He is doing. I want to give messages, not from my head, but from the heart of God.
Prayer:
Father, speak to me and give me messages for Your people as You did through Samuel. I want to accurately represent You with my life and my words. Help me to walk in step with You at a greater level and to be bold enough to deliver the words You put in my mouth.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Maturity
Scripture:
“Now, those who are mature in their faith can easily be recognized, for they don’t live to please themselves but have learned to patiently embrace others in their immaturity.”
Romans 15:1 TPT
Observation:
Paul is giving a discourse on eating foods and speaks about how eating certain things may offend a weaker believer. He says that if it causes a weaker believer to struggle, we shouldn’t do it. In this verse he says that the mature in faith can be recognized because they don’t live for themselves, but have learned to patiently embrace the immature. Maturity says I don’t have to get my way and I can give up some of my rights for someone else.
Application:
Our culture is extremely self-serving and self-centered. We are trained to look out for ourselves and take care of ourselves because nobody else is going to do that. Real maturity is giving up some of my rights for someone else. I need to love others to the point that I give up some of my rights for them. I am to live a life that serves and thinks of others more highly than myself.
Prayer:
Lord, let me live to be a blessing to others. Help me to be others-focused and to live a life that doesn’t demand my rights, but serves others. I want to live as a servant who does Your will and serves those around me.
Your Son,
“Now, those who are mature in their faith can easily be recognized, for they don’t live to please themselves but have learned to patiently embrace others in their immaturity.”
Romans 15:1 TPT
Observation:
Paul is giving a discourse on eating foods and speaks about how eating certain things may offend a weaker believer. He says that if it causes a weaker believer to struggle, we shouldn’t do it. In this verse he says that the mature in faith can be recognized because they don’t live for themselves, but have learned to patiently embrace the immature. Maturity says I don’t have to get my way and I can give up some of my rights for someone else.
Application:
Our culture is extremely self-serving and self-centered. We are trained to look out for ourselves and take care of ourselves because nobody else is going to do that. Real maturity is giving up some of my rights for someone else. I need to love others to the point that I give up some of my rights for them. I am to live a life that serves and thinks of others more highly than myself.
Prayer:
Lord, let me live to be a blessing to others. Help me to be others-focused and to live a life that doesn’t demand my rights, but serves others. I want to live as a servant who does Your will and serves those around me.
Your Son,
- Jeff
Friday, May 3, 2019
As Close As Your Heart
Scripture:
“But the faith-righteousness we receive speaks to us in these words of Moses: “God’s living message is very close to you, as close as your own heart beating in your chest and as near as the tongue in your mouth.””
Romans 10:8 TPT
Observation:
Paul is writing about the Good News and speaks about our faith based righteousness. He uses a quote from Moses that says, “God’s living message is very close to you, as close as your own heart beating in your chest and as near as the tongue in your mouth.” In other words, God is not only near us as believers, but in us.
Application:
I wants God’s living message to flow through my life in every increasing measure. I want it in my heart and on my tongue at all times. I want to live a life that pleases my Father and that allows Him to flow freely through my life. I want God to increase my faith every day.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in confidence. I tend to be a works based individual who likes to work to impress or to gain acceptance. Help me to understand more fully every day that it is not by my works, but by my faith that I am clean in Your sight. Help me to learn more and more to walk in Your grace and to let Your life flow through me.
I Am Yours,
Jeff
“But the faith-righteousness we receive speaks to us in these words of Moses: “God’s living message is very close to you, as close as your own heart beating in your chest and as near as the tongue in your mouth.””
Romans 10:8 TPT
Observation:
Paul is writing about the Good News and speaks about our faith based righteousness. He uses a quote from Moses that says, “God’s living message is very close to you, as close as your own heart beating in your chest and as near as the tongue in your mouth.” In other words, God is not only near us as believers, but in us.
Application:
I wants God’s living message to flow through my life in every increasing measure. I want it in my heart and on my tongue at all times. I want to live a life that pleases my Father and that allows Him to flow freely through my life. I want God to increase my faith every day.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in confidence. I tend to be a works based individual who likes to work to impress or to gain acceptance. Help me to understand more fully every day that it is not by my works, but by my faith that I am clean in Your sight. Help me to learn more and more to walk in Your grace and to let Your life flow through me.
I Am Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, May 2, 2019
His Demonstrated Love
Scripture:
“Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything!”
Romans 8:37 TPT
Observation:
I love the Passion Translation on this text. Paul basically says that we can overcome any and every trial because God made us more than conquerors. He goes on to say that “his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything”. Our victory is not because we are good people or our works, but because God demonstrated His love to us. It all centers and focuses on Him.
Application:
We are not victorious because we try harder, work harder, or are stronger, but because God demonstrated His love to us. We are victorious because He is victorious and we have been adopted by Him. This should cause us to praise and worship Him at a greater level. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation and obtained victory over every issue we face. His demonstrated love brought that to us and we can step in and walk in victory.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for demonstrating Your love to the world and to me. I am unworthy, but You have made me worthy. Help me to walk in humility before You because You demonstrated Your love to me by sending Your Son. Help me to live closer and closer to You. You are my strength. You are my shield. You are my victory. You give me all I need for life and godliness.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything!”
Romans 8:37 TPT
Observation:
I love the Passion Translation on this text. Paul basically says that we can overcome any and every trial because God made us more than conquerors. He goes on to say that “his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything”. Our victory is not because we are good people or our works, but because God demonstrated His love to us. It all centers and focuses on Him.
Application:
We are not victorious because we try harder, work harder, or are stronger, but because God demonstrated His love to us. We are victorious because He is victorious and we have been adopted by Him. This should cause us to praise and worship Him at a greater level. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation and obtained victory over every issue we face. His demonstrated love brought that to us and we can step in and walk in victory.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for demonstrating Your love to the world and to me. I am unworthy, but You have made me worthy. Help me to walk in humility before You because You demonstrated Your love to me by sending Your Son. Help me to live closer and closer to You. You are my strength. You are my shield. You are my victory. You give me all I need for life and godliness.
Your Son,
Jeff
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
A Dethroned Monarch
Scripture:
“Sin is a dethroned monarch; so you must no longer give it an opportunity to rule over your life, controlling how you live and compelling you to obey its desires and cravings.”
Romans 6:12 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, Paul is talking about how sin entered the world through one man and how that grace entered through Christ. Because of Christ, sin has been defeated and can no longer rule over us. The passion translation calls sin a dethroned monarch. It had power in the past to rule over us, but it has been dethroned.
Application:
If a monarch has been dethroned, it can still act like it has power, but its power has been taken away and their word has no backing or authority because they are no longer on the throne. We must realize that we have been crucified with Christ and the old self is dead and dead men don’t sin. There is not excuse for us sinning any more because sin is a dethroned monarch. We must gain victory over sin.
Prayer:
Lord, let me live a life that is honoring to You. Help me to walk in Your resurrection power over sin, temptation, trials, etc. Let me live a life that bring You glory. You paid the price for us to walk in grace, let my life bring You glory. I want to live in the power of the resurrection.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Sin is a dethroned monarch; so you must no longer give it an opportunity to rule over your life, controlling how you live and compelling you to obey its desires and cravings.”
Romans 6:12 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, Paul is talking about how sin entered the world through one man and how that grace entered through Christ. Because of Christ, sin has been defeated and can no longer rule over us. The passion translation calls sin a dethroned monarch. It had power in the past to rule over us, but it has been dethroned.
Application:
If a monarch has been dethroned, it can still act like it has power, but its power has been taken away and their word has no backing or authority because they are no longer on the throne. We must realize that we have been crucified with Christ and the old self is dead and dead men don’t sin. There is not excuse for us sinning any more because sin is a dethroned monarch. We must gain victory over sin.
Prayer:
Lord, let me live a life that is honoring to You. Help me to walk in Your resurrection power over sin, temptation, trials, etc. Let me live a life that bring You glory. You paid the price for us to walk in grace, let my life bring You glory. I want to live in the power of the resurrection.
Your Son,
Jeff
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