Scripture:
“He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.”
Malachi 3:3 NLT
Observation:
In this passage the Lord says He is coming and will sit like a refiner of silver. He will burn away the dross. It says He will refine the Levites like gold and silver “so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.” The purpose of the refining is so the priests could offer acceptable sacrifices once again.
Application:
God has always wanted nearness with His people. He has always made a way for His people to come to Him. His goal for us is always better than our goals for ourselves. When we feel like we are being refined, it is not just to punish us, but to cleanse and purify us, so He can walk closer to to us. His desire in the purifying is to improve our priestly relationship to Him. When we walk through the fire, we are cleansed, purified and able to draw nearer to the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, cleanse me. Purify my heart and let Your Spirit flow through my life. I want nothing between You and me. I want my life to bring You honor and glory. Your are my reward. You are my strength and my desire. I long for You. Come and purge my life so Your glory can grow stronger and stronger. I want to see revival in my generation.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Monday, December 30, 2019
Worthy of our Very Best
Scripture:
“You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the Lord,’ and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Think of it! Animals that are stolen and crippled and sick are being presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?” asks the Lord.”
Malachi 1:13 NLT
Observation:
In this passage, the Lord gets on His people’s case about their whining, “it’s too hard to serve the Lord”. He says they are bringing stolen and crippled offerings to Him. God doesn’t want us to offer Him something that costs us nothing or that is not our best. A true sacrifice must cost us something. He blesses those who offer Him their very best.
Application:
I don’t want to offer God my leftovers. I want to offer Him my very best. I don’t want to give Him anything that has no value, but to give Him the best part of my life. God is worthy of my best gifts, my best sacrifices, and my best time. I need to prioritize my life so that God doesn’t get a little piece of my leftovers, but the best of my life.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for being too complacent in my walk with You. Light up my devotional life and help me to walk closer with You in 2020. Teach me to delight myself in You and to give You my very best. You are my Lord and my God, help my life to reflect that Better each day.
Yours,
Jeff
“You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the Lord,’ and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Think of it! Animals that are stolen and crippled and sick are being presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?” asks the Lord.”
Malachi 1:13 NLT
Observation:
In this passage, the Lord gets on His people’s case about their whining, “it’s too hard to serve the Lord”. He says they are bringing stolen and crippled offerings to Him. God doesn’t want us to offer Him something that costs us nothing or that is not our best. A true sacrifice must cost us something. He blesses those who offer Him their very best.
Application:
I don’t want to offer God my leftovers. I want to offer Him my very best. I don’t want to give Him anything that has no value, but to give Him the best part of my life. God is worthy of my best gifts, my best sacrifices, and my best time. I need to prioritize my life so that God doesn’t get a little piece of my leftovers, but the best of my life.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for being too complacent in my walk with You. Light up my devotional life and help me to walk closer with You in 2020. Teach me to delight myself in You and to give You my very best. You are my Lord and my God, help my life to reflect that Better each day.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Ask the Lord
Scripture:
“Ask the Lord for rain in the spring, for he makes the storm clouds. And he will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture.”
Zechariah 10:1 NLT
Observation:
Zechariah tells God’s people to ask the Lord for rain in the spring then goes on to say that He will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture. Sometimes we have not because we ask not. Possibly we are asking for produce instead of asking for the rain that brings the produce.
Application:
Our job is to ask the Lord for rain in the spring. He sends the showers and blesses the fields to make them productive. Maybe we are asking for the wrong thing sometimes. We should be asking for rain, which we can’t produce. We need God to provide what only He can provide, but the farmer works hard to make the environment right for growth. Pray for rain and work the fields.
Prayer:
Father, help me to work like it all depends on me and to pray like it all depends on You. You are incredible! I pray today for rain from Your Spirit. Pour out on me, my family, my church and my region. I long for the rain of Your Spirit to bless the work of our hands.
Yours,
Jeff
“Ask the Lord for rain in the spring, for he makes the storm clouds. And he will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture.”
Zechariah 10:1 NLT
Observation:
Zechariah tells God’s people to ask the Lord for rain in the spring then goes on to say that He will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture. Sometimes we have not because we ask not. Possibly we are asking for produce instead of asking for the rain that brings the produce.
Application:
Our job is to ask the Lord for rain in the spring. He sends the showers and blesses the fields to make them productive. Maybe we are asking for the wrong thing sometimes. We should be asking for rain, which we can’t produce. We need God to provide what only He can provide, but the farmer works hard to make the environment right for growth. Pray for rain and work the fields.
Prayer:
Father, help me to work like it all depends on me and to pray like it all depends on You. You are incredible! I pray today for rain from Your Spirit. Pour out on me, my family, my church and my region. I long for the rain of Your Spirit to bless the work of our hands.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, December 27, 2019
Is It Impossible For Me?
Scripture:
““This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me? says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Zechariah 8:6 NLT
Observation:
God was speaking through His prophet and telling the people how awesome the future would be with the new temple being built, but the people couldn’t see it after years of deportation. He spoke to His people and said, “All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for Me?”
Application:
When we walk through difficult times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to think there is no way things will ever turn around. It is easy to feel like things will never be good again in our lives, but God will drop us a word that says, Is it impossible for Me? We must realize that nothing is impossible for our God. He can change anything and everything. We need to realize that God is capable changing any situation. What looks impossible to us is totally within the realm of God’s ability.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Increase my faith. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Teach me to trust You completely and to know that You can do anything. Your power is greater than anything I can imagine. Help me to never see a lost cause, but to know You are able. Help me to see through eyes of faith and not by what the world sees. You always worked through a remnant.
Yours,
Jeff
““This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me? says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Zechariah 8:6 NLT
Observation:
God was speaking through His prophet and telling the people how awesome the future would be with the new temple being built, but the people couldn’t see it after years of deportation. He spoke to His people and said, “All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for Me?”
Application:
When we walk through difficult times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to think there is no way things will ever turn around. It is easy to feel like things will never be good again in our lives, but God will drop us a word that says, Is it impossible for Me? We must realize that nothing is impossible for our God. He can change anything and everything. We need to realize that God is capable changing any situation. What looks impossible to us is totally within the realm of God’s ability.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, Increase my faith. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Teach me to trust You completely and to know that You can do anything. Your power is greater than anything I can imagine. Help me to never see a lost cause, but to know You are able. Help me to see through eyes of faith and not by what the world sees. You always worked through a remnant.
Yours,
Jeff
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Begin the Work
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:
God speaks through Zecharaiah and tells His people not to despise the small beginnings. He goes on to say that the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. He likes seeing the plumbline in the hand of Zerubbabel. The plumbline is one of the first tools used in getting the foundation and walls built on a building. God rejoices when we get started, not only when we complete something.
Application:
We tend to get excited when something big happens and we an celebrate. God celebrates when we start things, not just when we complete them. As the new year approaches, there are some things that I need to start. God rejoices when we start things for Him and His kingdom. Rather than worrying about how we will finish, maybe we should just get started and not worry about small beginnings.
Prayer:
Father, let Your Spirit empower me to start what needs started, no matter whether it looks small or not. Help me to do the little things and get started in right directions and not be so focused on the completion, but on getting things moving that need to get moving. Help me not to be so focused on the cost that I never get started.
Your Son,
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:
God speaks through Zecharaiah and tells His people not to despise the small beginnings. He goes on to say that the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. He likes seeing the plumbline in the hand of Zerubbabel. The plumbline is one of the first tools used in getting the foundation and walls built on a building. God rejoices when we get started, not only when we complete something.
Application:
We tend to get excited when something big happens and we an celebrate. God celebrates when we start things, not just when we complete them. As the new year approaches, there are some things that I need to start. God rejoices when we start things for Him and His kingdom. Rather than worrying about how we will finish, maybe we should just get started and not worry about small beginnings.
Prayer:
Father, let Your Spirit empower me to start what needs started, no matter whether it looks small or not. Help me to do the little things and get started in right directions and not be so focused on the completion, but on getting things moving that need to get moving. Help me not to be so focused on the cost that I never get started.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Filled with Glory
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.”
Haggai 2:7 NLT
Observation:
The prophet speaks of a time when God would shake the nations and bring them to the Temple, which God’s people were rebuilding at the time. The Lord tells them that He will fill this place with glory and bring the nations to it. The people were discouraged because some of them remembered the glory of the former Temple.
Application:
As I was reading this morning, I felt these words jump off the page and into my heart. I felt like it was a direct word for me. God is going to shake the nations of the world and they, and their treasure, will be brought into Word of Life. The best part is that He said here that He would fill the place with glory. I have longed for the glory of God to be manifested in our midst. I want people to encounter Him when they walk through the doors.
Prayer:
Father, shake the nations and let Your glory fall at Word of Life. Fill the building with Your glorious presence. I long to see You move in greater dimensions. I long to see Your glory. Come Holy Spirit and fill us as we seek Your face. Shake the nations and let them be saved in our church. Shake the nations and let them meet You. Raise up an army that will take Your glory to the nations.
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.”
Haggai 2:7 NLT
Observation:
The prophet speaks of a time when God would shake the nations and bring them to the Temple, which God’s people were rebuilding at the time. The Lord tells them that He will fill this place with glory and bring the nations to it. The people were discouraged because some of them remembered the glory of the former Temple.
Application:
As I was reading this morning, I felt these words jump off the page and into my heart. I felt like it was a direct word for me. God is going to shake the nations of the world and they, and their treasure, will be brought into Word of Life. The best part is that He said here that He would fill the place with glory. I have longed for the glory of God to be manifested in our midst. I want people to encounter Him when they walk through the doors.
Prayer:
Father, shake the nations and let Your glory fall at Word of Life. Fill the building with Your glorious presence. I long to see You move in greater dimensions. I long to see Your glory. Come Holy Spirit and fill us as we seek Your face. Shake the nations and let them be saved in our church. Shake the nations and let them meet You. Raise up an army that will take Your glory to the nations.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, December 23, 2019
Seek the Lord
Scripture:
“Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.”
Zephaniah 2:3 NLT
Observation:
Zephaniah sees that God’s punishment if coming on His people because of their sin and disobedience. He tells them to seek the Lord and follow His commands. He says to do what is right and live humbly before God, then He will protect them from His anger on the day of destruction. God is always looking out for those who humble themselves before Him. Humility attracts the favor of God.
Application:
God love sit when we humble ourselves before Him. If humility attracts His favor and blessing, we must come to realize He is more able to lead our lives than we are. We must begin to seek Him with humility and cry out to Him to rescue us. I need to humble myself before the Lord and seek Him more.
Prayer:
Lord, You are good and Your mercy endures forever. You are faithful and kind to those who love You. Let my life be a life of humility before Your throne. Help me to walk humbly before You and to always seek Your face. I want You in my life. I want Your favor and blessing on my life. I want You to bless my family and the church I lead. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.”
Zephaniah 2:3 NLT
Observation:
Zephaniah sees that God’s punishment if coming on His people because of their sin and disobedience. He tells them to seek the Lord and follow His commands. He says to do what is right and live humbly before God, then He will protect them from His anger on the day of destruction. God is always looking out for those who humble themselves before Him. Humility attracts the favor of God.
Application:
God love sit when we humble ourselves before Him. If humility attracts His favor and blessing, we must come to realize He is more able to lead our lives than we are. We must begin to seek Him with humility and cry out to Him to rescue us. I need to humble myself before the Lord and seek Him more.
Prayer:
Lord, You are good and Your mercy endures forever. You are faithful and kind to those who love You. Let my life be a life of humility before Your throne. Help me to walk humbly before You and to always seek Your face. I want You in my life. I want Your favor and blessing on my life. I want You to bless my family and the church I lead. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, December 20, 2019
Let the River Flow
Scripture:
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, flowing with water clear as crystal, continuously pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The river was flowing in the middle of the street of the city, and on either side of the river was the Tree of Life, with its twelve kinds of ripe fruit according to each month of the year. The leaves of the Tree of Life are for the healing of the nations.”
Revelation 22:1-2 TPT
Observation:
From the throne of God flows a river of the water of life. It is crystal clear and produces trees that bear all kinds of fruit. It also has leaves that are for the healing of the nations. This picture is very similar to a picture that Ezekiel had where a river flowed from the Temple. His described all kinds of fish as well. The river brings healing wherever it goes.
Application:
Jesus said that rivers of living water would flow from our bellies. We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and the river of God flows through us at this point, then it will be in heaven. My job is to align myself with the Lord and to let His river flow through me. I am standing on many prophetic words concerning the church I pastor which have said that a river of healing would flow there for the nations. I am seeking God for it to grow stronger and stronger.
Prayer:
Father, let Your river flow in my life, my family, my church and my region. Pour out Your Spirit in mighty ways and heal Your people. Demonstrate Your power and show the world Your awesomeness. Break open the wells of healing that have flowed in the past and even more. Let the true river of God flow that cleanses, heals, restores, and brings multiplication and life.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, flowing with water clear as crystal, continuously pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The river was flowing in the middle of the street of the city, and on either side of the river was the Tree of Life, with its twelve kinds of ripe fruit according to each month of the year. The leaves of the Tree of Life are for the healing of the nations.”
Revelation 22:1-2 TPT
Observation:
From the throne of God flows a river of the water of life. It is crystal clear and produces trees that bear all kinds of fruit. It also has leaves that are for the healing of the nations. This picture is very similar to a picture that Ezekiel had where a river flowed from the Temple. His described all kinds of fish as well. The river brings healing wherever it goes.
Application:
Jesus said that rivers of living water would flow from our bellies. We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and the river of God flows through us at this point, then it will be in heaven. My job is to align myself with the Lord and to let His river flow through me. I am standing on many prophetic words concerning the church I pastor which have said that a river of healing would flow there for the nations. I am seeking God for it to grow stronger and stronger.
Prayer:
Father, let Your river flow in my life, my family, my church and my region. Pour out Your Spirit in mighty ways and heal Your people. Demonstrate Your power and show the world Your awesomeness. Break open the wells of healing that have flowed in the past and even more. Let the true river of God flow that cleanses, heals, restores, and brings multiplication and life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Wonderfully Blessed
Scripture:
“Then the angel said to me, “Write these words: Wonderfully blessed are those who are invited to feast at the wedding celebration of the Lamb!” And then he said to me, “These are the true words of God.””
Revelation 19:9 TPT
Observation:
John received a word from then angel which said, “wonderfully blessed are those who are invited to feast at the wedding celebration of the Lamb!” The angel added, “These are the true words of God.” Possibly the angel was jealous because the invite to the marriage supper is only for humans and not angels, but either way, this scripture lets us know that we are wonderfully blessed to be invited.
Application:
When we are walking with Jesus, we need to see ourselves as wonderfully blessed. About two thirds of the world’s population has never heard the name of Jesus. We are wonderfully blessed to know Him and walk with Him. We are wonderfully blessed to have heaven as our home and to one day attend the marriage supper of the Lamb. I must realize every day that I am truly wonderfully blessed.
Prayer:
Lord, let me always be thankful and to know that I am wonderfully blessed. You have brought me into Your kingdom and chosen to bless my life. You have adopted me into Your family and lifted my head. You are my everything and I am wonderfully blessed to be, not only Your Son, but your bride. I look forward to the Marriage Supper! Thanks for inviting me.
Yours,
Jeff
“Then the angel said to me, “Write these words: Wonderfully blessed are those who are invited to feast at the wedding celebration of the Lamb!” And then he said to me, “These are the true words of God.””
Revelation 19:9 TPT
Observation:
John received a word from then angel which said, “wonderfully blessed are those who are invited to feast at the wedding celebration of the Lamb!” The angel added, “These are the true words of God.” Possibly the angel was jealous because the invite to the marriage supper is only for humans and not angels, but either way, this scripture lets us know that we are wonderfully blessed to be invited.
Application:
When we are walking with Jesus, we need to see ourselves as wonderfully blessed. About two thirds of the world’s population has never heard the name of Jesus. We are wonderfully blessed to know Him and walk with Him. We are wonderfully blessed to have heaven as our home and to one day attend the marriage supper of the Lamb. I must realize every day that I am truly wonderfully blessed.
Prayer:
Lord, let me always be thankful and to know that I am wonderfully blessed. You have brought me into Your kingdom and chosen to bless my life. You have adopted me into Your family and lifted my head. You are my everything and I am wonderfully blessed to be, not only Your Son, but your bride. I look forward to the Marriage Supper! Thanks for inviting me.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Worship Continually Conquers the Beast
Scripture:
“Then I saw what looked like a vast sea of glass blended with fiery flames. Standing beside the sea were those who continually conquer the wild beast, his image and the number of his name. They each held the harps of God and they were singing the song of Moses, God’s servant, and the song of the Lamb: “Mighty and marvelous are your miracles, Lord Yahweh, God Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, O Sovereign King of the ages!”
Revelation 15:2-3 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, John sees those who continually conquer the beast and his image and the number of his name. They are seen singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. “Mighty and marvelous are your miracles, Lord Yahweh, God Almighty! Righteous and true are Your ways, O Sovereign King of the ages!” It was worshippers who continually conquered the beast.
Application:
If we want to continually conquer the beast and his image and his number in these last days, the key is found in our worship. Every foe is conquered through worship. Worship exalts the living God and causes us to see His glory. Worship causes us to lift our eyes to the King of all Kings. Continual victory comes to those who worship the Lord continually. I want to always be a worshipper.
Prayer:
Father, help me to to walk in continual worship. Let my life be a life of worship. You are worthy of my very best. You are worthy of it all. Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in my life, my home, my church and my region. You are incredible and I worship You this morning.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Then I saw what looked like a vast sea of glass blended with fiery flames. Standing beside the sea were those who continually conquer the wild beast, his image and the number of his name. They each held the harps of God and they were singing the song of Moses, God’s servant, and the song of the Lamb: “Mighty and marvelous are your miracles, Lord Yahweh, God Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, O Sovereign King of the ages!”
Revelation 15:2-3 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, John sees those who continually conquer the beast and his image and the number of his name. They are seen singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. “Mighty and marvelous are your miracles, Lord Yahweh, God Almighty! Righteous and true are Your ways, O Sovereign King of the ages!” It was worshippers who continually conquered the beast.
Application:
If we want to continually conquer the beast and his image and his number in these last days, the key is found in our worship. Every foe is conquered through worship. Worship exalts the living God and causes us to see His glory. Worship causes us to lift our eyes to the King of all Kings. Continual victory comes to those who worship the Lord continually. I want to always be a worshipper.
Prayer:
Father, help me to to walk in continual worship. Let my life be a life of worship. You are worthy of my very best. You are worthy of it all. Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in my life, my home, my church and my region. You are incredible and I worship You this morning.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
The Accuser
Scripture:
“Then I heard a triumphant voice in heaven proclaiming: “Now salvation and power are set in place, and the kingdom reign of our God and the ruling authority of his Anointed One are established. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who relentlessly accused them day and night before our God, has now been defeated —cast out once and for all!”
Revelation 12:10 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, John heard a triumphant voice in heaven that declared God’s reign and rule being established forever. He says that the accuser, who accused relentlessly day and night before God, was defeated and cast out once and for all. This description of Satan is so true. He is ever accusing us and trying to get us to walk in condemnation.
Application:
Satan does not want us to walk in confidence concerning our relationship to God. He wants us to always feel like we are not good enough to enter into God’s presence. We have been given access to the Lord through the blood of Jesus, but Satan doesn’t want us to have confidence in this because he knows the power we will walk in when we don’t have a guilty, condemning conscience. We must walk confidently in the fact that the blood of Jesus has made us clean and the accuser is not standing on legal grounds when he accuses us.
Prayer:
Lord, increase my confidence in our relationship. The accuser does a good job of making me feel inadequate, below expectations, and like a failure. He is good at accusing me of not being good enough. Open my eyes to what Christ did on the cross, giving me victory over the lies of the enemy. I want to walk in greater confidence in my relationship with You. I want to know You more and more and to demonstrate Your goodness to the world.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Then I heard a triumphant voice in heaven proclaiming: “Now salvation and power are set in place, and the kingdom reign of our God and the ruling authority of his Anointed One are established. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who relentlessly accused them day and night before our God, has now been defeated —cast out once and for all!”
Revelation 12:10 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, John heard a triumphant voice in heaven that declared God’s reign and rule being established forever. He says that the accuser, who accused relentlessly day and night before God, was defeated and cast out once and for all. This description of Satan is so true. He is ever accusing us and trying to get us to walk in condemnation.
Application:
Satan does not want us to walk in confidence concerning our relationship to God. He wants us to always feel like we are not good enough to enter into God’s presence. We have been given access to the Lord through the blood of Jesus, but Satan doesn’t want us to have confidence in this because he knows the power we will walk in when we don’t have a guilty, condemning conscience. We must walk confidently in the fact that the blood of Jesus has made us clean and the accuser is not standing on legal grounds when he accuses us.
Prayer:
Lord, increase my confidence in our relationship. The accuser does a good job of making me feel inadequate, below expectations, and like a failure. He is good at accusing me of not being good enough. Open my eyes to what Christ did on the cross, giving me victory over the lies of the enemy. I want to walk in greater confidence in my relationship with You. I want to know You more and more and to demonstrate Your goodness to the world.
Your Son,
Jeff
Monday, December 16, 2019
Answered Prayer
Scripture:
“Then the angel filled the golden incense burner with coals of fire from the altar and hurled it onto the earth, releasing great peals of thunder, voices, lightning flashes, and an earthquake.”
Revelation 8:5 TPT
Observation:
In Revelation 8 there is a picture of the prayers of the the saints filling incense bowls. This verse describes when the incense bowls are filled. The answers are seen as coals off the altar being hurled into the earth, causing great thunder, voices, lightning flashes and earthquakes. This is a powerful picture of what I would call earth-shaking prayer.
Application:
Today I hear the Lord saying that I have prayed some prayers for a very long time, but that all of them have been held in an incense burner for a season. They are about to be released and I will start to see some earth-shaking answers. When we are faithful to God, He always comes through. Maybe not in our timing, but He always responds to the prayers of His people. When He answers, He has the power to shake the heavens and the earth.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and I revere You. I honor You and love You with all my heart. Let the bowls be filled and let answers start coming back to earth powerfully. Demonstrate Your power and move in May family, my church and my region. Pour out Your Spirit and shake the heavens and the earth with a mighty revival.
Your Son,
Jeff
Saturday, December 14, 2019
The Door Opener
Scripture:
“Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Philadelphia, for these are the solemn words of the Holy One, the true one, who has David’s key, who opens doors that none can shut and who closes doors that none can open:”
Revelation 3:7 TPT
Observation:
John received the revelation of Jesus Christ on the isle of Patmos. Here he tells us that Jesus has David’s key that opens doors that none can shut and closes doors none can open. Jesus has the key of David, which get us where we need to get and closes what needs closed.
Application:
Instead of trying for force doors to open and to hold doors closed that need closed, I need to realize that Jesus is the key that opens doors and shuts doors. I can push on doors all day long, but is Jesus doesn’t want it opened, I’m pushing in vain. My walk with Jesus is the most important thing in my life, then I can walk through the doors He opens and I can know that He will shut doors that need shut in my life.
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the key that opens all the doors I need opened. Help me to walk hand in hand with you. Teach me to stop trying to open doors and to trust that You will open them at the right time. Show me the balance of fighting for something by faith and simply trusting that You will give me what I need. Show me when to push on the door and when to simply a trust You will open it at the right time. Give me insight concerning doors in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Philadelphia, for these are the solemn words of the Holy One, the true one, who has David’s key, who opens doors that none can shut and who closes doors that none can open:”
Revelation 3:7 TPT
Observation:
John received the revelation of Jesus Christ on the isle of Patmos. Here he tells us that Jesus has David’s key that opens doors that none can shut and closes doors none can open. Jesus has the key of David, which get us where we need to get and closes what needs closed.
Application:
Instead of trying for force doors to open and to hold doors closed that need closed, I need to realize that Jesus is the key that opens doors and shuts doors. I can push on doors all day long, but is Jesus doesn’t want it opened, I’m pushing in vain. My walk with Jesus is the most important thing in my life, then I can walk through the doors He opens and I can know that He will shut doors that need shut in my life.
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the key that opens all the doors I need opened. Help me to walk hand in hand with you. Teach me to stop trying to open doors and to trust that You will open them at the right time. Show me the balance of fighting for something by faith and simply trusting that You will give me what I need. Show me when to push on the door and when to simply a trust You will open it at the right time. Give me insight concerning doors in my life.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, December 13, 2019
The God of Miracles
Scripture:
““Yes,” says the Lord, “I will do mighty miracles for you, like those I did when I rescued you from slavery in Egypt.” All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the Lord will do for you. They will be embarrassed at their feeble power. They will cover their mouths in silent awe, deaf to everything around them.”
Micah 7:15-16 NLT
Observation:
God speaks to His people through Micah that He would do mighty miracles for them like He did in Egypt for His people. He said all nations would stand amazed at what He will do for them. Their power will look feeble compared to the awesome power of the living God. He has always been the God of miracles. he proves Himself to the world through miracles.
Application:
I felt like this morning’s reading was a direct word for me personally. It was like the Scripture flew off the page. “I will do miracles for you”. I have always believed that a miracle settles the issue for people who argue about the validity of God. I am preaching a series on the Miracles of Christmas currently and I am looking for God to begin to do miracles in my life, my church and my region. I believe that God’s word needs to be confirmed with signs, wonders, and miracles. Today has increased my faith for miracles. I believe, but I need to come to a higher level of belief.
Prayer:
Father, You are the God of miracles. You worked miracles all through the Bible and I have seen You work miracles in my life. I want You to demonstrate Your power once again and let the world see the awesomeness of the Lord God Almighty. Pour out Your Spirit and move in and through Your church again. Let the world the see Your goodness and power.
Your Son,
Jeff
““Yes,” says the Lord, “I will do mighty miracles for you, like those I did when I rescued you from slavery in Egypt.” All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the Lord will do for you. They will be embarrassed at their feeble power. They will cover their mouths in silent awe, deaf to everything around them.”
Micah 7:15-16 NLT
Observation:
God speaks to His people through Micah that He would do mighty miracles for them like He did in Egypt for His people. He said all nations would stand amazed at what He will do for them. Their power will look feeble compared to the awesome power of the living God. He has always been the God of miracles. he proves Himself to the world through miracles.
Application:
I felt like this morning’s reading was a direct word for me personally. It was like the Scripture flew off the page. “I will do miracles for you”. I have always believed that a miracle settles the issue for people who argue about the validity of God. I am preaching a series on the Miracles of Christmas currently and I am looking for God to begin to do miracles in my life, my church and my region. I believe that God’s word needs to be confirmed with signs, wonders, and miracles. Today has increased my faith for miracles. I believe, but I need to come to a higher level of belief.
Prayer:
Father, You are the God of miracles. You worked miracles all through the Bible and I have seen You work miracles in my life. I want You to demonstrate Your power once again and let the world see the awesomeness of the Lord God Almighty. Pour out Your Spirit and move in and through Your church again. Let the world the see Your goodness and power.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Requiring Payment for Ministry
Scripture:
“You rulers make decisions based on bribes; you priests teach God’s laws only for a price; you prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim to depend on the Lord. “No harm can come to us,” you say, “for the Lord is here among us.””
Micah 3:11 NLT
Observation:
Micah speaks very harshly about three groups of people who all say they depend on the Lord, but require payment for ministry. God speaks out through Micah saying that the rulers were making decisions based on bribes, the priests were teaching for a price and the prophets were only prophesying for payment. His biggest rebuke was that all three were saying that they depend on the Lord.
Application:
Requiring money for ministry has always rubbed me the wrong way. I have always felt that ministry should flow out because of a love for the Lord and His people. I also understand that ministers have mouths to feed and payments to make. Periodically, the Lord will test me in this and send me somewhere to speak where no payment comes in any form. He tests my reaction to not receiving anything back. Sometimes I get a rebuke from the Lord, asking me if I was ministering for money or out of love for Him and His people. I want my answer to always be right.
Prayer:
Father, help me to keep my eyes on You and You alone. You are my provider. You are my rock and my strength. Help me to minister truly out of love for You and Your people and never to get money. Keep me pure in this area. Let my heart always remain pure in this area.
Yours,
Jeff
“You rulers make decisions based on bribes; you priests teach God’s laws only for a price; you prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim to depend on the Lord. “No harm can come to us,” you say, “for the Lord is here among us.””
Micah 3:11 NLT
Observation:
Micah speaks very harshly about three groups of people who all say they depend on the Lord, but require payment for ministry. God speaks out through Micah saying that the rulers were making decisions based on bribes, the priests were teaching for a price and the prophets were only prophesying for payment. His biggest rebuke was that all three were saying that they depend on the Lord.
Application:
Requiring money for ministry has always rubbed me the wrong way. I have always felt that ministry should flow out because of a love for the Lord and His people. I also understand that ministers have mouths to feed and payments to make. Periodically, the Lord will test me in this and send me somewhere to speak where no payment comes in any form. He tests my reaction to not receiving anything back. Sometimes I get a rebuke from the Lord, asking me if I was ministering for money or out of love for Him and His people. I want my answer to always be right.
Prayer:
Father, help me to keep my eyes on You and You alone. You are my provider. You are my rock and my strength. Help me to minister truly out of love for You and Your people and never to get money. Keep me pure in this area. Let my heart always remain pure in this area.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
God Always Has a Plan
Scripture:
“Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.”
Jonah 1:17 NLT
Observation:
I love this passage because it shows me that God always has a plan. Even though He was punishing Jonah with the storm, He had a plan to rescue Jonah from dying in the sea. The Lord has incredible power to arrange things in our lives to bring about our salvation and our repentance. He is always working to bring us closer to Him.
Application:
I see from this scripture, that even when God is punishing us, He is still a rescuing God. He knows how to arrange the circumstances of our lives to bring about His will. Our best place is the simple place of obedience because God will bring about His will in the earth and it is much better to listen the first time than to run from the call of God. I need to walk in confidence that, even when I think I have messed us and missed God on something, He will arrange something to redeem the situation.
Prayer:
Lord, you are amazing! You always have a plan and a back up plan. Teach me to listen the first time and respond when You call me to do something. Help me to hear clearly and walk in confidence in Your voice and Your word. I want to live in obedience and not in regret.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.”
Jonah 1:17 NLT
Observation:
I love this passage because it shows me that God always has a plan. Even though He was punishing Jonah with the storm, He had a plan to rescue Jonah from dying in the sea. The Lord has incredible power to arrange things in our lives to bring about our salvation and our repentance. He is always working to bring us closer to Him.
Application:
I see from this scripture, that even when God is punishing us, He is still a rescuing God. He knows how to arrange the circumstances of our lives to bring about His will. Our best place is the simple place of obedience because God will bring about His will in the earth and it is much better to listen the first time than to run from the call of God. I need to walk in confidence that, even when I think I have messed us and missed God on something, He will arrange something to redeem the situation.
Prayer:
Lord, you are amazing! You always have a plan and a back up plan. Teach me to listen the first time and respond when You call me to do something. Help me to hear clearly and walk in confidence in Your voice and Your word. I want to live in obedience and not in regret.
Your Son,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Ecstatic Delight
Scripture:
“Now, to the one with enough power to prevent you from stumbling into sin and bring you faultless before his glorious presence to stand before him with ecstatic delight,”
Jude (Judah) 1:24 TPT
Observation:
Jude closes his book with this fabulous ending, which continues to speak of the glory, majesty and great power of the Lord. He tells us that Christ has enough power to prevent us from stumbling and to bring us faultless before the throne of God to stand before Him with ecstatic delight. Who comes to Him with ecstatic delight? Those who don’t stumble and remain faultless.
Application:
I want to finish well what God has started in my life. I want to leave the legacy of a life well lived for the Lord, not one that messed up at some point. The key is to stay in prayer and in God’s word continually. I don’t want to enter heaven barely getting there, but as one with ecstatic delight when I stand before Him. I want to live a life on earth that makes it an honor to stand before my Lord one day.
Prayer:
Father, keep me from stumbling and present me faultless to Yourself when I am finished on this earth. I want to finish well and strong. I want to live a life that bring You honor and makes You look good to those around me. Teach me to walk with You day after day. I want to reside in Your presence here on earth before I get the honor of standing before You in heaven.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, December 9, 2019
The Unifying Commandment
Scripture:
“This love means living in obedience to whatever God commands us. For to walk in love toward one another is the unifying commandment we’ve heard from the beginning.”
2 John 1:6 TPT
Observation:
John tells us here that real love causes us to obey God’s commands. He goes on to say that walking in love toward one another is the UNIFYING commandment that they has heard from the beginning. Obeying God’s commands here means walking in unifying love towards God’s people, our brothers and sisters.
Application:
Walking in unity and love sounds like the most simple command, but it is probably one of the hardest commands we will ever be given. We must learn to walk in love, serve others, and strive for unity in the body of Christ. I need to reach out to some people to bring unity and will do that this week. I want to see the fulness of God’s power and glory.
Prayer:
Father, let my life bring love and unity in Your body. Help me to continue the path of unity in my personal life, but also n Your kingdom. I have slowed my work towards unity in the body and I ask You to enable me to pick it back up and continue the journey. Let my life demonstrate love and unity for Your kingdom.
Yours,
Jeff
“This love means living in obedience to whatever God commands us. For to walk in love toward one another is the unifying commandment we’ve heard from the beginning.”
2 John 1:6 TPT
Observation:
John tells us here that real love causes us to obey God’s commands. He goes on to say that walking in love toward one another is the UNIFYING commandment that they has heard from the beginning. Obeying God’s commands here means walking in unifying love towards God’s people, our brothers and sisters.
Application:
Walking in unity and love sounds like the most simple command, but it is probably one of the hardest commands we will ever be given. We must learn to walk in love, serve others, and strive for unity in the body of Christ. I need to reach out to some people to bring unity and will do that this week. I want to see the fulness of God’s power and glory.
Prayer:
Father, let my life bring love and unity in Your body. Help me to continue the path of unity in my personal life, but also n Your kingdom. I have slowed my work towards unity in the body and I ask You to enable me to pick it back up and continue the journey. Let my life demonstrate love and unity for Your kingdom.
Yours,
Jeff
Saturday, December 7, 2019
A River of Righteousness
Scripture:
“Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”
Amos 5:23-24 NLT
Observation:
In this passage, God was rebuking His people for turning to other gods, even while worshiping Him. He tells them “Away with your hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps.” Instead, He told them He wanted to see a mighty flood of justice and a river of righteousness.
Application:
We must never be a people who worship God with our lips, but don’t serve Him with who we are. God loves our praise, but He is more concerned about our right living. If He has to choose between our praise and our righteousness, He will always choose our righteousness. Powerful and acceptable worship and praise comes from hearts of those who are truly following the Lord. We can’t praise a God we are not serving.
Prayer:
Father, let my life reflect Your righteousness. Let my life pursue justice and right living. Help me to never worship and praise You without living a life submitted to You and Your will. Teach me to follow You well and to walk in Your paths. I am Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
“Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”
Amos 5:23-24 NLT
Observation:
In this passage, God was rebuking His people for turning to other gods, even while worshiping Him. He tells them “Away with your hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps.” Instead, He told them He wanted to see a mighty flood of justice and a river of righteousness.
Application:
We must never be a people who worship God with our lips, but don’t serve Him with who we are. God loves our praise, but He is more concerned about our right living. If He has to choose between our praise and our righteousness, He will always choose our righteousness. Powerful and acceptable worship and praise comes from hearts of those who are truly following the Lord. We can’t praise a God we are not serving.
Prayer:
Father, let my life reflect Your righteousness. Let my life pursue justice and right living. Help me to never worship and praise You without living a life submitted to You and Your will. Teach me to follow You well and to walk in Your paths. I am Yours.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, December 6, 2019
Walking Together
Scripture:
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”
Amos 3:3 NLT
Observation:
Amos is sending out a strong rebuke to Israel and the surrounding nations because they hd turned their backs on God. I have heard this verse used over and over again about two people walking together, but didn’t realize it was really God walking with Israel. They couldn’t agree on a direction. In other words they weren’t going the same way God was.
Application:
God is all wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful. If we are going to walk with Him, we must agree on the direction. If we truly believe He is all-wise, all-knowing and all-powerful, then we would do well to follow His direction instead of our own. My job is not to try to get God to do things my way, but to let God set the direction of my life and line myself up with His direction. He sets the direction I am to walk, I must walk in it, then we can walk together. I don’t want to walk alone through life. I want to be one who walk with the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, I want to walk with You as Enoch walked with God. I want to go Your direction. make Your will clear for me to see at all times and give me the strength to walk the way You direct. Thank You for healing my knee in the physical so I can walk again with out pain. Now give me strength to walk with You through life. You set the course and we will walk together.
Yours,
Jeff
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”
Amos 3:3 NLT
Observation:
Amos is sending out a strong rebuke to Israel and the surrounding nations because they hd turned their backs on God. I have heard this verse used over and over again about two people walking together, but didn’t realize it was really God walking with Israel. They couldn’t agree on a direction. In other words they weren’t going the same way God was.
Application:
God is all wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful. If we are going to walk with Him, we must agree on the direction. If we truly believe He is all-wise, all-knowing and all-powerful, then we would do well to follow His direction instead of our own. My job is not to try to get God to do things my way, but to let God set the direction of my life and line myself up with His direction. He sets the direction I am to walk, I must walk in it, then we can walk together. I don’t want to walk alone through life. I want to be one who walk with the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, I want to walk with You as Enoch walked with God. I want to go Your direction. make Your will clear for me to see at all times and give me the strength to walk the way You direct. Thank You for healing my knee in the physical so I can walk again with out pain. Now give me strength to walk with You through life. You set the course and we will walk together.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Setting Your Affections
Scripture:
“Don’t set the affections of your heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible.”
1 John 2:15 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, John reminds us of what Paul told the Colossians, “set your affections on things above, and not on this world.” John goes on to say that the love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. Loving God and loving the world can’t work together. We must set and local our affections in on the things of God and His kingdom.
Application:
We need to set our affections in the right place. My affections are the things I long for. My desires need to be on the things of God above everything else. I need to live in this world, but not be controlled by this world. I need to be part of this world, but not allow the cravings of this world to dominate my life. My pursuit must be the things of God, then He will take care of the rest.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to set my affections on You and Your kingdom. Teach me to walk in this world, but not to have all of my affections here. Don’t let me get sidetracked with the things of this world, but let me finish he work You have sent me to do. Heal my leg today I ask You in the name of Jesus.
Yours,
Jeff
“Don’t set the affections of your heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible.”
1 John 2:15 TPT
Observation:
In this passage, John reminds us of what Paul told the Colossians, “set your affections on things above, and not on this world.” John goes on to say that the love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. Loving God and loving the world can’t work together. We must set and local our affections in on the things of God and His kingdom.
Application:
We need to set our affections in the right place. My affections are the things I long for. My desires need to be on the things of God above everything else. I need to live in this world, but not be controlled by this world. I need to be part of this world, but not allow the cravings of this world to dominate my life. My pursuit must be the things of God, then He will take care of the rest.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to set my affections on You and Your kingdom. Teach me to walk in this world, but not to have all of my affections here. Don’t let me get sidetracked with the things of this world, but let me finish he work You have sent me to do. Heal my leg today I ask You in the name of Jesus.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Gather the People
Scripture:
“Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land into the Temple of the Lord your God, and cry out to him there.”
Joel 1:14 NLT
Observation:
God has just spoken through Joel that He was going to bring judgment on His people. He said they would be devastated, but then speaks through Joel to the priests and leaders. The Lord tells them to announce a time of fasting and to call a a solemn assembly. He tells them to bring everyone into the Temple and cry out to Him, then He may change His mind on the coming destruction.
Application:
When God’s people see that things are getting bad, they must call a a solemn assembly and a time of prayer and fasting and coming back to Him. When we see the enemy on the horizon coming at us, it is time to cry out to the Lord our God. We must learn to see what is happening and turn to the Lord with all our hearts for the healing of our land.
Prayer:
Father, let my heart be attuned to You. Let me see what is happening in the spiritual realm and let me be part of gathering Your people to pray and seek Your face when things need to turn around. Help me to respond when You are calling Intercessory and men and women to gather and seek Your face. Teach me to see and to sound the alarm when it is needed.
Yours,
Jeff
“Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land into the Temple of the Lord your God, and cry out to him there.”
Joel 1:14 NLT
Observation:
God has just spoken through Joel that He was going to bring judgment on His people. He said they would be devastated, but then speaks through Joel to the priests and leaders. The Lord tells them to announce a time of fasting and to call a a solemn assembly. He tells them to bring everyone into the Temple and cry out to Him, then He may change His mind on the coming destruction.
Application:
When God’s people see that things are getting bad, they must call a a solemn assembly and a time of prayer and fasting and coming back to Him. When we see the enemy on the horizon coming at us, it is time to cry out to the Lord our God. We must learn to see what is happening and turn to the Lord with all our hearts for the healing of our land.
Prayer:
Father, let my heart be attuned to You. Let me see what is happening in the spiritual realm and let me be part of gathering Your people to pray and seek Your face when things need to turn around. Help me to respond when You are calling Intercessory and men and women to gather and seek Your face. Teach me to see and to sound the alarm when it is needed.
Yours,
Jeff
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