Ready to Preach the Gospel

Scripture:

“So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

In this passage Paul is writing to the people in Rome.  At this point he had not been there yet.  In his writing to them he told them that “as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.”  He had apparently tried many times to go to Rome, but was not able to.  On his part though, he was ready.

Application:

Am I ready to preach the Gospel at all times and in all places?  Readiness means that we are prayed up, fasted up, been in the word and are prepared to establish the Kingdom of God wherever we go.  I want to live a life that is about my father’s business at all times.  I want to be ready to preach the Gospel everywhere I go on any given day.  I want to walk in the Spirit and live accordingly.

Prayer:

Father, Once again I give myself to You.  Fill me with Your Spirit and let me live ready to preach Your Gospel at any turn.  I want to live on full and be ready to pour at any given moment.  Teach me to truly walk in step with You and Your will for my life.  Help me to keep the Gospel the center of my life every day and to bring others into the light of Your goodness.

Yours,

Jeff

As One Man

Scripture:

“So all the children of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, as well as from the land of Gilead, and the congregation gathered together as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭20:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

A tragedy had happened in Israel and they were summoned to gather together to stand before the Lord.  It says that they came out and gatherers together AS ONE MAN before the LORD.  When tragedy strikes and bad things happen, the best thing a people can do is to assemble as one man before the LORD to seek His will.

Application:

The Coronavirus pandemic has shaken America and the world.  It has caused great devastation of our economy, our way of life, and everything around us.  Now is the time for the people fo God to assemble as one man before the Lord to seek His face.  Now is the time to forget our denominational differences and gather as one man before the Lord to seek his face and ask Him to forgive our sin and heal our land.

Prayer:

Father let there be a gathering together of Your people around the world for a time of prayer and fasting to call on Your name during this season.  May Your Church be united as never before.  Let us fall on our faces and seek the Lord as one man.  

Yours,

Jeff

Would You Do Nothing?

Scripture:

“So they said, “Arise, let us go up against them. For we have seen the land, and indeed it is very good. Would you do nothing? Do not hesitate to go, and enter to possess the land.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭18:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

The tribe of Dan, at this point, still had not claimed a portion of land for themselves.  When they had spied out a land that looked good, they asked a Levite about it and he told them the Lord said to go for it.  When the spies came back to give their report, they said, “we have seen the land, and indeed it is very good.  Would you do nothing?”  They said, don’t hesitate, but let’s go conquer the land.

Application:

I know there are times in my life when God has made it quite clear that I was suppose to go after something and I hesitated until the opportunity had passed.  Generally, I am like Gideon who wants a hundred confirmations before I do anything.  Sometimes I need a good kick to say, “Would you do nothing?”  There are some things in my life that I haven’t gone after and God is saying it is time to rise up and do something.  There is a time to pray about things and a time to go after things God has already spoken about.

Prayer:

My Lord and My God, forgive me for the times I have done nothing when I knew You were speaking to me.  Forgive me for seeking more and more confirmations when I know what I am suppose to do.  Help me to walk by faith and take mountains for You and Your kingdom.  Let the words, “Would you do nothing?” Ring in my ears to keep me moving forward for You and taking territory for You.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God Provides for His People

Scripture:

“So God split the hollow place that is in Lehi, and water came out, and he drank; and his spirit returned, and he revived. Therefore he called its name En Hakkore, which is in Lehi to this day.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭15:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Samson had just killed 1,000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone.  He was exhausted and cried out to the Lord asking the Lord if he was going to let him die of thirst after the battle.  The Lord split the hollow place and water came out so Samson could drink and he was revived.  God will work miracles for those who are doing His will and advancing His kingdom.

Application:

God is still the God of miracles.  Nothing is impossible for Him.  When His people are struggling, He can open up the earth to give us food or drink.  He can turn any situation around.  When we serve the Lord wholeheartedly, there will be times we are tired, exhausted, etc. but God know how to refresh His people who are doing His will.  Our job is to do His will.  He will always provide when we are doing that.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I worship You.  I honor You.  Help me to be on Your mission in the earth in my days.  I love serving You and I know You are my provider and sustainer.  Thanks for feeding me spiritual food every day day from Your Word.  It sustains me.

Yours,
Jeff

God’s Frustration

Scripture:

“Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods. Therefore I will deliver you no more. “Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in your time of distress.””
‭‭Judges‬ ‭10:13-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Israel continually would go after the gods of the nations surrounding them, then when they were in big trouble and were being destroyed by those nations, they would cry out to God for help.  In this case, God told them to go cry to the other gods they had forsaken Him to serve and let them bring deliverance.  It’s like a teenager who wants nothing to do with their parents and is a big problem for them because of their behavior, then when problems come from their behavior they want the parents to rescue them.

Application:

We never want to be in a relationship with God where we are in this position.  We should never put our trust in anything or anyone but Him.  We can’t go do our own thing, then when it doesn’t go right, turn to Him.  He wants us to serve Him continually and not just when we are in trouble.  We must put our trust in Him alone and never lean on our own understanding.  Then when we call, the relationship doesn’t need restored before the help can come.

Prayer:

Father, help me to always look to You as my source and my resource.  You are my strength and my defense.  You are the one who gives me the victory.  Help me not to trust in horses, chariots, computers, jobs, or anything that could take my eyes off of You.  You are incredible and I want to serve You well in my generation.

Your Son,
Jeff

Give God the Glory

Scripture:

“And the LORD said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭7:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

God took Gideon’s army and limited it to 300 men going against a vast army of Midianites.  God’s reason, “Lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’”  God will sometimes make situations seem impossible so that we understand that we can’t possibly win.  Then He will get all the glory and we will know it was only Him that was able to help us.

Application:

God has told us that He will work everything out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.  We know He will work out our difficulties, but we generally get overwhelmed at all the negative things that could happen.  We must learn to stand on God’s word and  give Him glory.  Victory will come quicker when God knows He will get the glory.  Sometimes we need to realize that early, before the situation gets out of control.

Prayer:

Father, let me truly believe that all things will work together for good for me because I love you and am called according to Your purposes.  Help me not to lean on the arm of the flesh for my victories, but to lean on You more and more.  Teach me to give You the glory in all things.

Yours,
Jeff

When God is With You

Scripture:

“Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” And the LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.””
‭‭Judges‬ ‭6:14-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

The angel of the Lord had come to Gideon and told him to save Israel from the Midianites.  The angel said, “Have I not sent you?”  Gideon argued how powerless he was compared to the army of Midian and the LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.”  God confirmed to Gideon that He had sent him and that He was with him.

Application:

No matter who our enemy is, if we know God has sent us and He is with us, we can rest assured that victory will be ours.  In Matthew 28, Jesus sent us and told us He would be with us.  Therefore, we can walk in confidence, knowing He is with us.  Just as Gideon felt powerless, many believers feel powerless to advance God’s kingdom.  Our confidence is not in ourselves, but in God who sent us and who is with us.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk in confidence that You have sent me and that You are with me at all times.  Help me to realize, no matter what You ask me to do, that You will bring it to pass if I will simply trust You.  Strengthen my trust in You.  Defeat your enemies through my life and extend your Kingdom.  Yours is the kingdom and the power and glory forever, amen!

Your Son,
Jeff

Tests

Scripture:

“And they were left, that He might test Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

When the children of Israel came into the Promised Land, they conquered most of the land, but did not kick out everyone as the Lord had instructed them to.  God used these people, who Israel didn’t kick out, to test them.  When Israel would turn away from God, God would allow these people to come against Israel and subdue them until Israel would cry out to God and then He would save them again.

Application:

God does allow tests in our lives to see whether we will remain faithful to Him.  He wants our devotion.  He desires our loyalty.  He has delivered us from the power of Satan and set us free from captivity.  We must learn to follow Him when things are going good and when things are going wrong.  The test is usually a loyalty test to see if we will wholeheartedly follow the Lord.  Passing the test is much easier than learning the hard way to come back to God.

Prayer:

Father, we are in a test right now called Coronavirus.  Let Your people turn completely to You.  Let my life be fully surrendered to You and Your purposes.  Help me to live the life and walk the walk You have designed for me.  I want to leave nothing undone that You have called me to do.

Yours Forever,
Jeff

Don’t be Afraid

Scripture:

“For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:23-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul was in the middle of a terrible storm on his way to Rome to be on trial.  In the midst of the storm, he had an angel show up and let him know that he and everyone on board was going to be safe.  Peace came to Paul in the middle of a storm because God sent an angel to make sure he and everyone with him was safe.

Application:

When God wants you to do something, you can have absolute peace, knowing it will be accomplished.  If He has to get angels involved in the process, He will.  We don’t have to fear when we are in the will of God.  He will make a way for us.  Our place is to be in step with Him, then He will take care of us no matter what comes our way.

Prayer:

Father, help me to realize deep in my heart that You always have my back and will protect me no matter what comes my way.  Help me to live in peace at all times because I know You are with me and protect me and those around me.  Let my life rescue others just like Paul’s did here.

Your Son,

Jeff

Paul’s Mission

Scripture:

“to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, Paul was standing before King Agrippa and telling his story.  In telling his story, Paul also tells about having an encounter with the risen Jesus where he was told that he was called to “open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith.”

Application:

Paul knew very clearly his mission in life as presented to him by the risen Christ.  The reality is that Paul’s mission is really the mission of every believer.  We were saved in order to impact others.  We were saved to bring people into the Kingdom of Light so they may have an inheritance.  For me personally, God has worked in my life to extend his rule and reign throughout the world.  I need to remain focused on the calling of God on my life.

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for chasing things that are working for others instead of chasing your calling on my life.  Help me to do what You have called me to do.  Empower me to fulfill Your vision for my life and not my own.  Thanks for reminding me this morning about our encounter many years ago.

Yours,
Jeff

God’s Protection Detail

Scripture:

“And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭23:23-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul had been taken as a prisoner and the Jews had plotted to kill him.  A large group of men took an oath that they would not eat until Paul was dead because he was leading people in The Way of Jesus Christ.  God had already said that Paul would go to Rome, but these men wanted to kill him.  A smart leader sent Paul up the chain of command with 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen.  Paul was led and protected by 470 army personnel to get him to his next destination on his way to Rome.  God will make a way for His will to be accomplished.

Application:

Paul had a mission to go to Rome.  God had made that clear to him.  It was through imprisonment, difficulty, and false accusations that he got there, but God made sure it happened.  We must realize that God can use whatever He needs to in order to bring you into your destiny.  His destiny may be difficult at times, but nothing can stop it, even if He has to have a small army take you there.  God can place a supernatural protection detail, or He can arrange for a small army, but God protects His people who are on His mission.

Prayer:

Father, help me to trust You more and more in my life.  I know You have the power to take care of every detail concerning the mission You have sent me on.  Help me to be effective in all that I do and keep me and my family protected that we may complete every assignment You give me.

Yours,
Jeff

None of These Things Move Me

Scripture:

“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:22-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells his people that he was going to Jerusalem and didn’t know what would happen there, except that there were a lot of prophetic words saying chains and tribulations awaited him there.  He continued and said that none of these things moved him and that he didn’t count his life as dear because he wanted to finish his race and the ministry God had given him.  Paul wasn’t moved by persecution and problems.

Application:

I want to live like Paul did.  He didn’t count life as something to be held onto, but fulfilling God’s plan and purposes was the primary importance to him.  He didn’t care about being liked or honored, but about doing what God wanted.  I don’t want to be moved by anything but the Holy Spirit in my life.  I want to complete my assignments.

Prayer:

Father, helped me not to be moved except by You.  Teach me to live by faith and not by fear.  Let me live in obedience to You and not operate out of self preservation or self protection.  Help me to finish this race being able to say, “none of these things move me.”

Yours,

Jeff

Entering the Kingdom Through Tribulation

Scripture:

“And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭14:21-22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul and Barnabus had been preaching the Gospel and planting churches.  In the process, they were stoned, beaten, chased out of town, etc. for their faith.  Sometimes, they were only in an area a very short time and they left a church behind.  Here, they are going back to those churches and encouraging them to continue in the faith and telling them through many tribulations they would enter the kingdom of God.

Application:

Sometimes in today’s church, we feel that if anything goes wrong, or there is any opposition, either we are doing the wrong thing or God isn’t with us.  Paul and Barnabus were doing the right thing at the right time and were being run out of town and persecuted for it.  Maybe we need to be telling people up front that following Jesus may cause them to walk through tribulation because that’s how we enter the Kingdom of God.  Rather than feeling that if there is opposition that God isn’t with us, maybe it is a confirmation that He is.  We can’t lose faith in difficult times.

Prayer:

Father, help me to communicate truth to Your people.  Help me not to sugarcoat the Gospel or only speak the parts that I like, but to truly prepare Your people for tribulation and difficult times.  Empower me to preach the full Gospel and to build a strong church that can endure any and all tribulation.

Your Son,
Jeff

Being Like Jesus

Scripture:

“how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:38‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Peter was preaching to the household of Cornelius, the first Gentile converts to Christianity.  In his message, he made the statement above.  He told them that Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil because God was with Him.  I love the way Peter described what Jesus did, “He went about doing good and healing.”  We talk about being more like Jesus.

Application:

When we talk about being more like Jesus, maybe we should focus on simply doing good everywhere we go and healing the sick wherever we go as well. Doing good deeds for people always opens people up for Gospel conversation.  As Christ’s representatives, we should be focused on doing good and healing hurts wherever we see them. 

Prayer:

Lord, help me to be more like Christ.  Empower me to do as much good as possible.  Teach me to do good works and change the environments I end up in throughout my day.  Empower me to heal the sick around me.  Thank You for healing my eyes and confirming it with the doctor yesterday.  Now, let me take Your healing and goodness to the world I live in.

Yours,

Jeff

Scattered is Not a Bad Thing

Scripture:

“Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:4-5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

A time of great persecution had come on the church in the above verse.  They were being dragged off to prison and talked from their homes.  The people were scattered from Jerusalem, but it worked for the expansion of the Gospel.  Philip, a deacon in the church, went to Samaria and began preaching to them.  When he did, revival broke out and signs and wonders followed his preaching.    Sometimes, the church scattering is not a bad thing.

Application:

Right now, with Coronavirus, the church is scattered and not able to meet together in our church buildings.  We are not allowed to gather in worship celebrations and discipleship gatherings, but that has never stopped the church before.  As a matter of fact, wherever the church has to go underground, it grows.  We must see this time of social distancing as a time to lift up Christ in our neighborhoods.  We are scattered, but still the church.  Separated, but still strong.

Prayer:

Father, empower Your church.  Help me to lead the way.  We are scattered, but You have a plan.  Let us see this opportunity and make the most of it.  Help us to reach out to our neighbors during this time and let us see a revival during the time of separation.  What the devil meant for evil, turn it for good.

Your Son,
Jeff

Power to Heal

Scripture:

“Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Crowds were coming at this point, not only from Jerusalem, but people were hearing about what God was doing in the entire surrounding region.  They brought sick people to the followers of Christ and those who were demonized and they were all healed.  Wherever Christ was proclaimed in the New Testament, healings and deliverances followed.  As a matter of fact Jesus said these signs would follow those who believe.

Application:

It should be normal for the sick to be healed in our midst.  God has not decreased the amount of the Holy Spirit that He gives to His people.  I long for the day when they begin bringing the sick to the house of the Lord to be healed because God is moving strongly in that way.  I would love to see hospitals sending their Coronavirus patients to churches to be healed.  I know this is possible and I long to see it in my day.

Prayer:

May God arise and bring glory to His name in the midst of His people.  Father, let the same power that flowed in the Bool of Acts flow once again.  Demonstrate Your power and let the world see your glory.  I want to see Your name praised and the world worshiping Your name.  Teach me to walk in faith and live as the apostles of the New Testament lived.

Your Son,
Jeff

Simplicity of Heart

Scripture:

“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:46‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Immediately following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and Peter’s sermon, the above words describe the early church.  “They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”  Many times we complicate things that really need to be done with simplicity of heart.

Application:

Simplicity of heart, to me, means that they simply loved the Lord and each other.  What they were doing was not a detailed plan of how to win souls and make disciples.  They were not strategizing how to build a bigger, stronger church.  They were simply loving God and loving others.  Sometimes we need to get back to the Gospel of simplicity.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to get back to the simple Gospel of loving You and loving others.  Help me to walk in love and live a simple life, doing what You want me to do each day.  Teach me not to make it hard to serve Christ, but to keep things simple in this age of technology and business growth plans and conferences.

Yours,
Jeff

It is God Who Fights for You

Scripture:

“One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭23:10-11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Joshua was ready to pass away after leading God’s people into their Promised Land.  He was giving them their last instructions and telling them to continue to follow the Lord if they wanted to be blessed.  He goes on to tell them that one of them would chase a thousand because it was the LORD who fought for them.  He had personally witnessed how God fought for His children over and over again.  He then told them to be careful to love the LORD your God.

Application:

God still works miraculously on behalf of His people.  He puts our enemies back and fights our battles when we live as He commanded.  Our job is to heed His words and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  When we do our part, He does His part.  Our job is to love and serve Him.  His part is to wipe out our enemies from before us.

Prayer:

Thank You LORD for fighting my battles and defeating my enemies.  You are incredible!  Thank you for the cross and on their resurrection Sunday, than you for the resurrection of Jesus.  Help me to live more like Joshua and Caleb each day.  My focus is on You.  Therefore, fight my battles and defend my life.  Let me live in the power of the resurrection.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

When God Breaks the Rules

Scripture:

“And they gave them Kirjath Arba ( Arba was the father of Anak), which is Hebron, in the mountains of Judah, with the common-land surrounding it. But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as his possession.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭21:11-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Prior to this verse, the Israelites had all received their portion of land and now the Levitical priests were receiving theirs.  One of their cities was Hebron, which had been inhabited by giants.  The interesting thing is that Caleb got the fields and the villages of the city of the priests.  Caleb was the son of a Kennizite, not an Israelite, yet he inherited the area surrounding the priests.  God has always honored faith above nationality, race, tribe, etc.  Caleb was a man of faith and was given an inheritance with the priests of Israel.  God broke the rules for Caleb because of his faith.

Application:

Caleb fought for Israel and trusted God would give them victory over their enemies, even though he wasn’t one of them.  He had strong faith and inherited a great piece of land in the Promised land with the priesthood.  Faith will take you places you don’t deserve to be in because God always honors faith, no matter who the person is.  I want to walk in faith and believe God like Caleb.  I want to still be taking mountains at 85.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to walk by faith and not by sight.  Help me to see things from Your perspective and not be controlled by my surroundings or the people speaking into my ears.  I want to serve You well.  Bless my life and my family.  Let me inherited everything You have planned for me.

Yours,
Jeff

How Long?

Scripture:

“Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭18:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

After the children of Israel were in the Promised Land and had conquered much of it, there were some tribes that didn’t go in and take possession of their part.  Joshua speaks to them here and asks them how long they would neglect to go in and possess that which the LORD had given them.  They had seen God deliver the other tribes and work on their behalf, but had not personally gone after what was promised to them.

Application:

Sometimes in life it is easy to settle for what you have and where you are instead of going after the things God has prepared for you.  God had given them the land, but they needed to rise up, claim it, and invade it.  Sometimes in my life I feel like God has given me some opportunities that I haven’t risen up, claimed and invaded.  I don’t want to be a settler, but one who grabs hold of everything God has for me.  God has done His part, I need to do mine.

Prayer:

Father, concerning the promises You have given me for my life, enable me to rise up, claim them, and invade them for You and Your kingdom.  Help me not to settle for things that are lesser than what You have called me to do.  Teach me to take steps of faith and not to settle.  I am Yours.  Help me to follow you wholeheartedly like Caleb and take possession of Your promises.

Yours,
Jeff

I Shall Be Able to Drive Them Out

Scripture:

“As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.””
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭14:11-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Caleb was now 85 years old, had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of someone else’s lack of faith in God, fought battles in his old age, and then approached Joshua and told him we has ready to receive his inheritance.  He told Joshua he still as strong as he was at forty and that he wanted the mountain that was promised to him 45 years earlier.  He even knew there were still some giants in the land he was promised, but knew that God would help him drive them out.  He was a man of incredible faith in God and personal strength from God.

Application:

Caleb is one of my most favorite people in the Bible.  He was a man who believed His God could, and would, do anything.  He strongly believed that if God was with him, he could accomplish anything.  I want to walk in that level of confidence and trust in God.  I also don’t want my faith to diminish as a grow older, but to increase.

Prayer:

Lord God, increase my faith to believe You can do what You say You can do.  Help me to say yes when You say yes.  Help me to believe You will do what You say You will do.  Increase my faith as I grow older and don’t let is diminish.  I want to be going after new mountains till the end of my life.  I don’t look forward to retiring and slowing down, but taking new territories for You.

Your Son,
Jeff

God of All Power

Scripture:

“So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

This verse reminds me of the incredible power of the creator over His creation.  For a whole day, as God’s people were fighting their enemies, God didn’t allow the sun or the moon to move.  God has the ability to stop the heavens and the earth when His people need Him to.  We don’t serve a weak god of our own making, but the God of the Universe who commands the heavens and they have to obey.

Application:

If God can make the sun and moon stand still for a day, there is nothing too difficult for Him.  I need to see that, even things that seems scientifically impossible, are possible with my God.  I must realize that God can end Coronavirus in a single hour if He decided to.  I must live my life by faith in the living God who can deliver from any situation, no matter how bad it looks.  He is the all-powerful God.

Prayer:

Father, Your power is beyond description.  What is too difficult for You?  What situation I come against is too big for You to change in an instant?  There is nothing and nobody greater than You!  You are my everything.  Help me to pray bold prayers because I believe in a great God.  Put a quick stop to Coronavirus and bring healing.  Bring revival to our land.  Let the world see Your greatness.  Demonstrate Your power in my generation that the world may see and know that You truly are the king of kings.

Your Son,
Jeff

Ask God

Scripture:

“Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭9:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

The Gibeonites had tricked the Israelites into making a covenant with them by saying they were from far away.  They knew that God had promised Moses all the land they lived in so they told the Israelites they had come from far away.  They made a covenant, then realized they were not from far away, but lived in the area God had promised Israel.  They were tricked into doing something they never would have done because they did not ask counsel of the LORD.

Application:

We should not enter into any covenant, agreement, or anything else without seeking the counsel of the LORD.  We mess up when we do things in our own wisdom and our own understanding.  We must learn to ask God concerning every decision we make in our lives.  I need to hear the word of the Lord for my life and the ministry I lead.  I want to make God decisions and not settle for good decisions.  I don’t want to be deceived into doing something because it seems right, but I want to do what God wants me to do.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to ask Your counsel instead of trusting my own decisions.  Help me to follow You exactly in my life.  I trust You over feelings, thoughts, rationale, or my own mind.  Help me not to be led astray by things that look good, but are not of You.  I want to walk in step with You continually.

Yours,
Jeff

God Provides for His Children

Scripture:

“Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

God fed His people manna every day for 40 years of wandering in the desert.  He made sure they had something to eat while they were in a place of need.  When they entered the Promised Land and began to harvest fields, the manna ceased simultaneously.  God took care of them until the day when they could take care of themselves.  At that point God shifted to providing rain in its season and sun to take care of the crops so they could eat.

Application:

God knows exactly where you are and what You need.  When you are in the wilderness, He will feed you manna from heaven or send ravens with food to eat, but He will take care of His own.  When better times comes, He will step back and help you provide for yourself, but it all comes from God.  He is our provider in the good times and in the bad times.  We need to recognize that everything we have has been provided by our Lord.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You have taken care of me and my family all the days of my life.  You have provided for us over and over again.  Thank You for always enabling us to have plenty.  You have been faithful to me and I see You as the course of every good thing in my life.  You are worthy of all my praise and worship.  You are the great provider.

Your Son,
Jeff

That the World May See Your Glory

Scripture:

“And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

When Moses died, Joshua was to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land on the other side of the Jordan River.  When he sent spies into the land, the people in the land said that were terrified because they had heard about how God worked on behalf of the people of Israel coming out of. Egypt.  They had no courage because they know they could never stand up to Israel’s God.  They acknowledged that Israel’s God was god in heaven and on earth.

Application:

I want to see God work so strongly in our midst that the people of the world have to stand and declare that our God is God over heaven and earth.  I desire to see God work in such ways that His enemies have to admit His power and the reality of who He is.  I want the world to have their hearts melted before Him as they see the demonstration of His power and goodness.

Prayer:

Father, glorify Your name in all the earth.  May Your name be lifted up in every nation, kindred, tribe and tongue.  Demonstrate Your power that this world may see and fear You.  Make it so clear that every skeptic has to say that there is a god and that He is powerful.  I ask You to end Coronavirus and do it in such a way that Your name is glorified and the world sees that You are the God who heals an delivers.  Let the world see your power!

Yours,
Jeff

Believe

Scripture:

“Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

‭‭John‬ ‭20:27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

After Jesus had resurrected, He appeared to His disciples, but Thomas wasn’t there.  He struggled to believe that Jesus had truly risen from the dead.  The second time Jesus appeared to them, He encountered Thomas and told him to look at Hands and to place His hand into His side.  When He had done this, He said, “Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”  Jesus went out of His way to cause Thomas to believe and trust Him.  he wanted Thomas to know that the resurrection was real.

Application:

In our church we say that we want people to encounter Christ, engage in growth and extend God’s kingdom.  God doesn’t mind us having a desire to encounter Him.  He went out of His way to make sure Thomas had an encounter with the risen Christ and today I believe we need to have an encounter with Christ as well.  He wants us to be believing, not unbelieving.  We must learn to be “believers” that God will do what He says He will do.  After 3-1/2 years of walking with Christ personally, Thomas needed his faith strengthened to believe, we need ours strengthened periodically as well. I want to fully believe and have no unbelief in anything Christ told us.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to believe.  Let me encounter You more and more.  I believe You and Your word, but sometimes my faith is weak.  Increase my faith and help me to believe You and stand on Your word more every day.  I ask you to confirm Your word with signs following so that the Thomas’ out there can believe as well.  Arise O Lord and demonstrate Your power in my generation.  Stop this Coronavirus and heal Your people.

Completely Yours,

Jeff

One

Scripture:

“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:22-23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus was near the very end of His life and He was praying for His disciples in these verses.  He spoke to the Father and said He had given them the glory which the Father had given Him so they could be one like the Father and the Son.  He went on to say that we would be made perfect in one so the world would know that the Father sent Christ and that God loves them.

Application:

Jesus said we would be one with the Father and the Son.  When a husband and wife come together, they become one.  They function as one instead of as two.  They are one, yet two.  In the same way, when we come to Christ we are one with Him and He is one with the Father.  When the world sees us, they should see Jesus and the Father in us and they should know that God loves us.  Just as this Coronavirus spreads from person to person without diminishing, so Christ can be in each person and never diminish.  We each have the fulness of Christ in us and should radiate that to the world because we are one with Him.  

Prayer:

Jesus, let me become one with You more and more.  Let me radiate Your glory through my life and my interactions.  When people hear me speak, let them hear You speak.  Let me become more like You in every area.  Fill my life and let me walk as one with You.  Let me spread your love stronger that the Coronavirus spreads fear and germs.

Yours Forever,
Jeff

Peace in Troubled Times

Scripture:

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus was preparing for his death and departure.  He told His disciples that He was leaving them His peace and He was leaving it with them.  He told them not to let their heart be troubled or be afraid.  He knew they were going to go through some really tough times.  They were about to see Him arrested, falsely accused and killed.  They needed peace and to know that all of this was somehow in the will of God.  Jesus, knowing what they would go through, left His peace with them.

Application:

No matter what we are going through today, Jesus knew about it long ago and He has left His peace with us to help us not to be afraid or filled with anxiety.  The closer we walk with Christ, the more of His peace we will have in troubled times.  We must allow the peace of God to fill our hearts, but we can’t make that happen, we can just hang out with the Prince of Peace, and His peace will fill our hearts.

Prayer:

Father, in this trying time of COVID 19, let me walk in Your peace.  Let me be led forth with peace.  Let Your peace fill my heart that I may minister from a place of peace and rest.  I am Yours.  Thank You for leaving me Your peace so I can walk in it.  Let my mind be stayed on you, then I can walk in perfect peace.

Yours Forever,
Jeff

Knowing His Voice

Scripture:

“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus had just spoken about being the gate that allows people into and out of the sheep fold.  He then begins to speak of the shepherd of the sheep.  He said that a thief or robber goes over the fence, but the shepherd comes through the gate and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.  Sheep know the voice of their shepherd.

Application:

As we walk through some pretty difficult times right now, we need to be tuned into the shepherd like never before.  The shepherd doesn’t “hope” the sheep know his voice, he “knows” they know his voice.  The only way to know the voice of the shepherd during these trying days is to walk close to Him.  The more you are with the shepherd, the more you recognize his voice.  I never have to say who I am when I answer the phone because I have a very distinct voice and people recognize it.  I need to be tuned into the voice of God so I recognize next steps and things I need to be doing right now.

Prayer:

Lord, more than anything, I want to know Your voice.  I want to be led by Your Spirit and walk according to Your will.  Show me every step to take and open my ears to hear You more clearly.  Speak to me.  I long to know Your voice and to hear it with clarity.  Speak to me and I will follow.

Yours,
Jeff