A Loyal Heart

Scripture:

“For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David.”

‭‭I Kings‬ ‭11:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

The chapters prior to this one spoke in depth about how God had blessed King Solomon an dhow incredible his kingdom was.  People came from around the world to hear his wisdom and to see how he ruled.  He had been super blessed by God, yet he did not fully obey the LORD.  He married wives of other nations, which was forbidden from the LORD.  They turned his heart to other gods and he was not loyal to God.  This was his downfall.

Application:

Sometimes when God blesses us, there is a feeling that we are indestructible and that we have God’s blessing to do whatever we want.  Our heart usually stays on the LORD when we are desperate for Him, but as we are blessed, we tend to think we can do what we want and our dependence on the LORD diminishes.  What God wants is a loyal heart.  In good times, we must remain loyal to the LORD who brought us there and not forget Him and His ways.

Prayer:

Father, let my heart be loyal to You alone.  I see many Christian singers and people of influence who You blessed, but are walking away from You and not remaining loyal to the God who blessed them.  I would rather struggle with Your blessing than succeed without it.  I want a loyal heart in times of desperation and in times of blessing.  

Yours,

Jeff

The Cloud

Scripture:

“And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.”
‭‭I Kings‬ ‭8:10-11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

When Solomon dedicated the Temple he had built for the LORD, a cloud filled the house of the LORD and the priests were so overwhelmed they couldn’t minister.  God had filled the house with His glory.  He let them know that He was real and that He was going to inhabit that place.  He manifested His glory in that particular place in the form of a cloud.  It was a cloud that led the children of Israel in the wilderness.

Application:

The cloud was a sign of the glory of the LORD.  His presence is everywhere, all the time, but there are times when He allows His presence to manifest or become more apparent in certain places.  I want the cloud of His glory to fill the house where I minister.  I long for the manifest presence of the LORD.  When He comes in His glory, incredible things happen.  It is beautiful to live by faith and not feelings, but I love to be in the place where He is manifesting His presence in a real and tangible way.

Prayer:

Father, let Your glory fill Your house once again.  On this Pentecost Sunday, fill You people with Your Spirit.  Baptize people in Your Spirit.  Pour out Your Spirit on all flesh.  Come upon Your people once again that the world may be reached for Your Kingdom.  Empower people at a greater level.  Lead us and guide us into true spirit-empowered living.  Let me accomplish Your will for my life and let me walk in Your presence on a daily basis.

Yours,
Jeff

Largeness of Heart

Scripture:

“And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.”
‭‭I Kings‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Solomon is known as the wisest man ever.  It was a God-given wisdom that was remarkable.  Rulers of other nations came just to see the incredible wisdom he ruled his country with.  There was one other aspect that isn’t talked about concerning Solomon.  Here it says God gave him “largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.”  Solomon had a big heart.

Application:

I love this description of Solomon and when I think about it, I want to be known for having a big heart.  When I think of people with a big heart, I think of people who love others and serve others well.  When I think of someone with a big heart, I think of someone who does all they can to improve things for those around them.  Generally, someone with a big heart is also generous.  I want to live a big-hearted life.

Prayer:

Father, give me a big heart.  Give me a big heart for You and Your people.  Help me to live out of my passionate heart for the extension of Your Kingdom around the world.  Let me always be generous, giving, loving and kind.  Enlarge my heart and my capacity to use it for Your glory.  Give me a heart that reflects Your heart.

Yours Forever,
Jeff

Living in God’s Blessing

Scripture:

“And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;”
‭‭I Kings‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

King David was ready to die and Solomon was prepared to take over the kingdom.  As one of the his final acts, David speaks to his son about how to rule well and live a prosperous life.  He told his son to keep the charge of the LORD, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commands, His judgments, and His testimonies, so he could prosper in everything he was going to do and at every turn.

Application:

David showed Solomon the path to living a blessed life.  When we walk before the LORD and follow His ways instead of our own, we will be blessed.  God takes care of those who are committed to Him and His purposes.  When we live in God’s ways, we get God results and His blessings.  I want to live in the blessing of the LORD and see His goodness.  I also long to see my sons walk in the path of the LORD.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, help me to live a life that please You and to walk according to Your plans and purposes.  Teach me Your word, that I may life it out.  Let my sons follow in my the path You have set and let them be blessed.  Let me live in Your blessing all the days of my life.

Yours
Jeff

A Word in Quarantine

Scripture:

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭16:13-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

As Paul was ending his letter to the Corinthians he tells them to do certain things.  This is kind of a general ending to his letter, but I love his words.  He tells them to “watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” and “Let all that you do be done with love.”  If we lived by these words, we would be strong in the Lord.

Application:

We need to “watch” at this time what the enemy is up to and is dong.  We also need to watch what the Lord is doing and be part of it.  We are to stand fast in our faith.  I need to stand strong when I don’t know what to do.  We are to be brave and strong.  I desire to lead bravely and strongly, yet with the love Paul speaks of as he closes this section.  Strong, powerful, enduring, love is what I am after.

Prayer:

Father, help me to lead well during this time of Coronavirus.  Teach me to keep watch, to be strong in faith, and to be brave and strong for those around me.  Help me to do everything with love.  Let the Spirit of God and love be the driving forces in my life.  Help me to lead better and stronger to make more impact for Your kingdom.

Yours,
Jeff

Gifts Without Love

Scripture:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is speaking to the Corinthian people about spiritual gifts.  As he enters this section of his letter, he tells them that speaking in tongues and walking in gifts without having love make you like a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.  In other words, a cymbal makes a big noise, but it goes away quickly.  Later in this chapter he says that love never fails.  Love, according to Paul, is what makes the gifts function powerfully.

Application:

Loving God and loving people is the heart of the Gospel.  We are to be a people who have God’s love in our hearts and who truly want to see people set free, delivered, and changed.  Our gifts should flow from a place of love.  Our lives should be lived with love as something that is most important.  Speaking in tongues and prophesying are empowered by a heart of love.  If love isn’t there, we are just making noise.  Love needs to be the backbone of our lives.

Prayer:

Father, let me walk in Your love.  Show me who needs Your love today.  Guide me to those who need to feel Your love.  Demonstrate Your love through me today.  I want to love people like Christ loves them.  Put Your love in my heart for people and let me feel what You feel for them.

Yours,
Jeff

The Call

Scripture:

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭9:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul told the Corinthians that he had nothing to boast of concerning preaching the Gospel because it was laid on him as a necessity.  In other words, he didn’t have a choice in the matter.   He took it one step farther and said, “Woe is me if I do tho preach the gospel.”  Woe is a strong word that says he was in trouble with God if he didn’t preach the gospel.

Application:

Many people have told me through that years that I should do something else with my life because of the hurt involved in ministry and the price that you end up paying.  They generally know others who have left ministry and done very well for themselves.  As for me, I have never felt I had a choice in the matter.  I feel a strong, “Woe is me if I don’t preach the Gospel.”  I feel strongly that I don’t really have an option, but I understand what Paul said.  As for me I am gonna keep on preaching this gospel until God gives me another assignment and releases the burden.

Prayer:

Father, I am Yours and will always be Your first and foremost.  Have Your way in my life.  I will say yes to You always.  Teach me to complete my calling well and to represent You well to people.  Give me to grace to finish strong.

Yours,
Jeff

Mere Men

Scripture:

“for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is writing here to the Corinthians and is telling them to move beyond envy, strife, favoritism, etc.  Then he goes on to say that there are divisions among them and they were acting like mere men, full of carnality.  I love the way Paul uses the words, “mere men”.  It brings sense that we are more than mere carnal men, and division makes us less than that.

Application:

I don’t want to live like a mere man, in division, discord, envy, jealousy, etc.  I want to live a better life than that.  God has a better life for me than that os mere men.  I want to live higher than mere men and walk in unity and humility at a greater level.  I don’t want to act like mere men, but as a godly man filled with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to live like You want me to .  Let me focus on the right things and not to function like a mere man, but as a godly, Spirit-filled man.  Let my heart and mind be on You and not on the things of this world.  Help me to walk in humility before You all the days of my life and to reflect Your glory to this world.

Your Son,
Jeff

Speak the Same Thing

Scripture:

“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is opening his letter to the Corinthians and pleaded with them to all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among them.  He wanted them to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgement.  Paul felt it was critical that God’s people all spoke the same thing and that there was no division.  A divided church will not stand.

Application:

As a leader, it is my job to keep people speaking the same thing and to make sure there is no division.  My goal is to help people be perfectly joined together in the same mind.  This has been the hardest thing to accomplish in leadership.  I believe a key is to get people saying the same thing as Paul says here.  If we are continually saying the same thing, we will end up on the same page.  I need to communicate the vision often and powerfully, then rally the groups around it so there is no division.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to lead well.  Help me to get people speaking the same thing and use me to bring unity in the body.  Enable me to get people going the same direction and to have the same goals.  This is difficult in a generation where everyone believes they are right, but I know all things are possible with You.  Let people grab a hold of leading people to Encounter Christ, Engage in Growth and Extend Your Kingdom.  Let us be united in doing these main things.

Yours,
Jeff

He Hears our Cries

Scripture:

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears.”
‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭22:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

David had just been delivered from everyone who had arrayed themselves against him.  He had nations against him, his own people against him and even his own son against him, but David cried out to the Lord.  He says that in his distress, he cried out to the God and God heard his cries.

Application:

There are times in life when you need to honestly “cry out” to God.  There are times when you have to put your niceness and politeness out the window and cry out to Him.  God is not angered at us for our lack of faith when we cry out.  He loves to be our deliverer.  He responds when His people cry out to Him as their only help and only hope.

Prayer:

Almighty God, I cry out to You this morning and ask You to put an end to this Coronavirus.  I cry out to You and ask You to stop this thing.  Let hearts turn to You and let revival come.  We need You desperately at this time in history.  Come and heal our land.  You are my only hope and my trust is in You!

Your Son,
Jeff

Mercy

Scripture:

“Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him.”
‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭19:23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

When David was coming back to Judah after the death of Absalom, people didn’t know how the king would respond since they were ready to replace him quickly after he left.  Shimei came directly to the king, acknowledged what he did wrong, and asked the king to forgive him.  King David’s men wanted to have Shimei killed for treason, but King David told him, “you shall not die.”  David had mercy on people throughout his life who had turned on him.

Application:

Scripture tells us that David was a man after God’s own heart.  David had a heart of mercy, which is exactly what our God has.  God is merciful and never gives us what we deserve.  I know I have failed to live up to God’s expectations so many times, but God’s mercy and grace continue to work with me, even when I have messed things up for Him.  I want to live a life a mercy and have mercy on those who have been against me.  I want to live more like Jesus every day.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to show mercy to those who rise up against me.  Help me to walk in mercy and grace as You do.  Let my life reflect Your mercy to those around me.  Guide me today and show me what You want me to do.  Speak Lord, your servant is listening.

Yours,
Jeff

Goodness Always Gets Repaid

Scripture:

“And the king said to Ziba, “What do you mean to do with these?” So Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink.””
‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭16:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

When David became king after Saul, he asked if there were any living descendants of Saul.  He found out there was Mephibosheth, who was lame and was taken care of by Ziba.  Usually, the next king would kill all the descendants of the previous king, but David lifted up Ziba and Mephibosheth and gave them inheritance and a place at his table.  Here, king David is being overthrown by his own son and his kindness is repaid when Ziba provides donkeys, bread, and summer fruit for David’s men.

Application:

Kindness always gets repaid.  When we live kind and generous lives, people will be blessed and will return the blessing when we are in need.  It’s life putting seed in the ground.  The more acts of kindness we sow, the more acts of kindness we will receive.  Today, I need to look for opportunities to show kindness to people so that when I am in need, kindness will come back to me.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, help me to live in kindness.  Help me to see needs and meet them and to find hurts and heal them.  Let my life be used to be a blessing to many.  Show me how to sow seeds of kindness today.

Yours,
Jeff

The Price of Loyalty

Scripture:

“And Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.””
‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭11:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

David had slept with Uriah’s wife and she was pregnant with his baby while her husband was on the battlefield fighting for King David and Israel.  David brought Uriah home, wanting him to go to his house and sleep with his wife so the child would seem to be his.  Uriah was loyal to the throne and to his people.  He refused to go home and sleep with is wife or have the pleasures of home while his men were on the battlefield.  He ended up being killed in battle at the command of David the king.

Application:

Loyalty can be incredibly costly.  It costed Uriah his life.  Loyalty says, I want to do the honorable thing at all times.  Our loyalty is to the Lord first and foremost.  When we volunteer to serve in His army, we lay down our rights and determine to be obedient to Him.  Loyalty is also to those we serve.  We can learn from Uriah that it is not right for us to take advantage of those around us when others are not able to.  Leadership doesn’t take advantage of others while living in privilege and perks.  It refuses to be blessed until the whole team can be blessed.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to lead well and not to take advantage of the perks while my people are in battle.  Help me to walk in strong loyalty to You first and to those I serve.  Show me how to serve others well and not take advantage of title or position.  Give me the heart of a servant leader.

Yours,
Jeff

Who Am I?

Scripture:

“Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?”

‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭7:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Nathan had just told David how the LORD was going to bless his descendants and how his kingdom would have no end.  David’s response was beautiful.  He said, “Who am I, O lord GOD? And what is my house that You have brought me this far?”  David humbly recognized that every good thing in his life was because of the LORD.

Application:

David set a great example for us here.  We need to acknowledge that every good thing in our lives comes from the LORD.  He is the one who provides for us, takes care of us, and raises us up.  My answer to why Jesus died for me, “Who and I?”  My answer to every good thing that happens to me, “Who am I?”  God has done so much for me and been so good to me.  Who am I to deserve any of it?  The answer, I am nobody, but have been adopted into God’s family and made a joint heir with Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

LORD, You have been so good to me and my family.  You have provided for us over and over again.  You have taken care of me all the days of my life.  I don’t deserve any good thing, but You have chosen to bless me.  All I can say is thank You.  You are amazing and have chosen to put Your love and favor on my life.  I am Yours and belong to You forever.

Yours,

Jeff

Hungry for the Presence of the LORD

Scripture:

“David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?””
‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

The Ark of the LORD was extremely important to David.  One of the first things he did as king was to try to bring back the ark.  The ark, in David’s day, was where the very presence of God dwelt.  At that point in time, God’s presence was on the mercy seat on the ark.  David had tried to bring the ark back, but failed and here we see him saying, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?”

Application:

David desired the presence of the LORD!  He knew that the key to his power and victory was having the presence of the LORD with him.  Today, the veil of the Temple has been torn because of Jesus and we have access at all times to the presence of the LORD, but we need to desire it.  The presence of the LORD now lives in jars of clay.  We have something that kings and priests desired diligently.  We sneed to honor the presence of the LORD in our lives and host his presence well.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I want more of your presence in my life.  I realize theologically that I have everything I need, but I desire more of You.  I realize that I have access, but I long for Your presence more and more in my life.  Teach me to walk in Your Spirit at all times and to honor Your presence in my life.

Your Son,
Jeff

Hearing Clearly

Scripture:

“It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.””
‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

After the death of Saul, David inquired of the LORD whether he should go up to any cities of Judah.  The LORD said, “Go up.”  Then David asked, “Where shall I go up?”  The LORD answered “to Hebron.”  David had a very clear conversation with the LORD.  He heard the voice fo the LORD clearly.

Application:

My heart’s desire is to clearly hear the voice of the LORD.  I get very jealous when I hear stories like this in the Bible because it seems they heard the voice of the LORD extremely clearly.  I long to hear clearly what the LORD is saying.  In times like this with the Coronavirus, I want to hear what God has to say about it, but I don’t hear with accuracy.  My desire is to tune in and hear what God is saying concerning every area of my life.

Prayer:

Father, open my ears to hear Your voice.  I long to do what You want me to do, but I must hear before I can act.  I know You are speaking.  Help me to tune in and hear clearly Your words.  I want to talk with You as Moses and David did.

Yours Forever,
Jeff

Hearing From God

Scripture:

“And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets. Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.””
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭28:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Saul was in a bind.  The Philistines had gathered together against him and he sought a word from the LORD.  He was right in asking the LORD what to do about the situation, but when he didn’t hear from the LORD about it, he sought a medium to conduct a seance to bring up Samuel the prophet who always had the word of the LORD.  He operated in the flesh to get a word from God instead of waiting on the LORD and it got him in trouble.

Application:

Many of us struggle in hearing from the LORD.  It is a passion of mine to hear the word of the LORD clearly and to obey fully, but sometimes I don’t hear anything.  This verse reminds me not to step into the flesh and lean on my own understanding when I haven’t heard from God, but to wait on the LORD and a word from Him.  I don’t want to act on things that I haven’t heard from the LORD about.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to hear Your voice clearly and to act on it immediately.  I want to serve You well in my generation.  Help me not to do my own thing or operate in the flesh when I haven’t heard from You.  I want open communication and to know Your will and Your voice every day.  Help me to focus in and hear from You instead of just relying on myself and my own plans and agendas.

Yours Forever,
Jeff

May God Repay

Scripture:

“May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭26:23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

David had a second opportunity here to kill Saul, who was hunting David down to kill him.  David refused to kill Saul when he had the opportunity.  He refused to put his hand against the person God had put in charge of Israel.  He did say to Saul, “May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness.”  David knew that God kept good records and that his innocence would be defended by the LORD.

Application:

God watches over the righteous.  He will repay each one according to what they have done and how they have lived their lives.  Righteousness and faithfulness will be rewarded by the LORD.  He watches over those who love Him and serve Him well.  When we are in bad situations, rather than take things into our own hands, we would do better to leave it to the LORD and let Him defend the righteous.  He is our defender and He will do a better job than I can.

Prayer:

Father, You see everything that goes on.  Nothing gets past You and You keep good records.  Help me not to defend or fight for myself, but to trust that You will work on my behalf each and every day.  Teach me to walk in confidence that You will right the wrongs that have been done to me.  Help me to walk in faith concerning these areas of my life.

Your Servant,
Jeff

Encircled

Scripture:

“But a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land!” Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; so they called that place the Rock of Escape.”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭23:27-28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Saul had been pursuing David to take his life.  In the verse prior to this one, Saul has three thousand men surrounding David and he is surely going to kill David and his men.  David was encircled by Saul’s men, but at just the right time the Philistines invaded the land and Saul had to pull his men to go fight them.  Even though David was encircled and ready to be killed, the LORD came through and delivered him from the hands of King Saul.

Application:

Sometimes we feel encircled by the enemy and there seems to be no way out of the situation.  Even in those times, the LORD has the ability to distract their enemy, detour the enemy or delay the enemy.  It is never too late for God to step in and fight our battles.  He specializes in difficult situations.  Encircled doesn’t mean defeated.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for showing me this in Your word today.  Help me to never give up because, though encircled, You are able to turn things around for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.  Help me to walk in faith every day do my life and in confidence that You will do the things only You can do.

Yours,
Jeff

God Always Has A Backup Plan

Scripture:

“So the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, there it is, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it. For there is no other except that one here.” And David said, “ There is none like it; give it to me.””
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭21:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

David was fleeing for his life from King Saul and ended up in Nob with Ahimilech the priest.  He told Ahimilech that he didn’t have any weapons and asked if there was a sword or a spear he could use.  Ahimilech told David that the sword of Goliath happened to be right there in their presence.  God had preserved the most special sword David could possibly own for his time of greatest need.

Application:

God is never taken by surprise.  He has exactly what we need waiting on us when we get there.  He knows exactly what we need to give us courage and faith to continue on.  God has a way of bringing people and things from your past at just the right time to encourage your faith in Him.  He is incredible and always has a backup plan.  When we are struggling and we don’t see the hand of God working on our behalf, we can rest assured that God always has a backup plan.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for showing me this today.  Thank You for reminding me that You know exactly where I am and what I need for each day.  You are amazing and I love You with all my heart.  Help me to walk out the life of faith day by day and to reflect Your glory.

Yours,
Jeff

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Scripture:

“Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.””
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭17:47‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

David understood at a young age that God doesn’t fight battles like we do.  He knew that God would show the assembly that wars are not won by swords and spears, but by the LORD.  God always works in and through people, but in ways that nobody can deny are His doing.  God will fight our battles if He knows He will receive the honor.

Application:

I have always loved the way that David left things in God’s hands instead of trying to do things on his own.  I want to have complete trust and faith that my God will come through every single time.  I long to see God do things that no man can do so I can show others what the LORD has done.  I want my natural response to be “the battle belongs to the LORD” instead of “Oh no, what are we going to do?”

Prayer:

Father, increase my faith.  Teach me to walk in complete confidence in You and Your word.  Help me to not fight for myself, but to trust You at all times.  I will always give You the honor and praise You deserve.  I am Yours and belong to You and You alone.

Your Son,
Jeff

Little in Your Own Eyes

Scripture:

“So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel?”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭15:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Samuel had anointed Saul to be king.  Saul had not followed the LORD as he was suppose to do.  He had taken several things into his own hands and did what he wanted to do instead of what the LORD wanted him to do.  Rather than obeying the word of the LORD, Saul had been allowing himself to be persuaded by men.  Samuel said to him, “when you were little in your own eyes, were you not the head of the tribes of Israel?”

Application:

God can only use those who “are little in their own eyes.”  He loves to raise up those who have humbled themselves before Him.  What He does not like is those who think they know better than He does.  God always elevates the humble and brings down the proud.  When we feel we can make things happen on our own, we are in dangerous territory.  We must submit and follow the LORD our God.

Prayer:

Father, help me to see what You are doing and to hear Your words.  I want to follow You well and lead well in my generation.  Help me not to think I can do anything apart from You.  Help me not to lean on or own understanding, but to acknowledge You in all my ways.  Let me not think more of myself or lean on the arm of the flesh.

Your Son,
Jeff

Keep Your Heart Pure

Scripture:

“So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day.”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭10:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Samuel had gone to Saul to anoint him king over Israel.  Israel had cried out for a king so they could be like the other nations.  God didn’t like this at all.  He took it very personally that they wanted to put their trust in a human king instead of the LORD.  In this passage, it says that God gave Saul another heart.  God gave Saul the right heart to lead the people and to serve before Him.  Even though God gives you a new heart at salvation, you still have to make choices which can ruin that pure heart.

Application:

At salvation we receive a new heart, a pure heart.  Even though God gives us the heart we need to serve Him all the days of our lives, it is our job to keep our heart clean before Him.  We must stay sensitive and submissive to the Holy Spirit.  We must stay washed in the Word because it is easy to drift away from the heart God gave us at salvation.  He gives us all we need for life and godliness, but we can still do our own thing if we want to.  We have a free will.

Prayer:

Father, help me to stay in tune with You at all times.  Speak to me and renew my heart today and every day.  Let my heart remain pure before You and let it not be led any other direction.  Guide my steps and my path.  Show me daily what steps I need to take.  Let me live out of the heart You gave me and not my own desires.

Yours,
Jeff

Subduing Enemies

Scripture:

“So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭7:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

When Samuel was in charge as a judge in Israel, their enemies did not come into their territory and the hand of the Lord was against them all the days of Samuel.  Samuel was a man of God who committed to and followed the Lord all the days of his life.  He didn’t bend or bow, but did whatever the Lord spoke to him to do.  Because of his obedience, there was peace under his rule and the Lord took care of his enemies.

Application:

Subduing our enemies has nothing to do with our ability to battle and prove we are right, but has everything to do with walking with the Lord.  When we walk with God, our enemies will be taken care of by Him.  Rather than fighting our enemies and defending ourselves, the best thing we can do is focus on our walk with God and submission to Him, then He will take care of our enemies and bring peace into our lives.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and majestic!  You are all-powerful!  I want to walk with You day in and day out.  I want to have fellowship with You and be led by Your Spirit.  Guide me, teach me, and let me trust that You will be my defender and protector.  Help me to go after You while You take care of those against me.

Yours,
Jeff

Give the Enemy No Glory

Scripture:

“And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.””

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

The Philistines had just defeated the people of Israel in battle.  Israel withdrew and got together at their camp.  When they got together, they asked, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines?”  They determined to bring the ark of the covenant to them so they could defeat their enemies.  It is interesting when defeated by the Philistines that the elders felt it was the LORD who defeated them.  They gave no credit to the enemy, but saw it as the LORD being against them.

Application:

Sometimes we give the enemy too much credit and glory.  When Israel won, it was God.  When they lost, it was God.  God got the credit for the good and the bad and they gave no credit to their enemies.  They knew that no enemy could stand against their God.  Therefore, if they lost, they problem was with God and not their enemies.  We should give God such honor in our lives and stop glorifying the power of the enemy.

Prayer:

Father, You are all-powerful!  You are all-wise!  You are ever-present!  You are glorious and there is none like You.  Help me to keep the perspective that You are far above any power or principality on this earth.  Help me to revere Your name more and more.  Teach me to walk in the fear of the Lord at all times and to live a life that pleases and honors You.  You are incredible and I worship You and You alone.

Yours, 

Jeff

Honored by God

Scripture:

“Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the LORD says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭2:30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Samuel had been given to the Lord by his mother to grow up in the presence of the Lord with the priests.  Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were not serving the Lord properly as priests and Samuel was beginning to honor the Lord.  God chose Samuel, who was not from the priestly line, over Hophni and Phinehas.  The Lord said, “Those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.”

Application:

When our lives honor the Lord, He will honor us.  When we do not walk in His ways and do what He says, He has no obligation to us.  God honors those who honor Him.  He takes care of those who put Him first and desire to live according to His ways instead of their own.  As for me, I would rather have the Lord honor my life than anyone else.  Therefore, I will honor the Lord with my life.

Prayer:

Father, let my life bring You honor and praise.  Let me walk before You all the days of my life in honor of Your name.  Let the life I live show forth Your goodness.  Open my ears to hear Your voice and let Your will be done in my life.  I want to bring honor to You and Your kingdom.

Yours,
Jeff

God Blesses Those Who Pursue Him

Scripture:

“Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
‭‭Ruth‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Ruth was a moabite.  She was not a child of Israel, but had married an Israelite.  When her husband died, she decided to leave her family and be joined to Naomi, her mother in law.  She was determined to bless Naomi and serve her and her God.  Her desire to pursue the God of Naomi got the attention of God and she became the great grandmother of King David.

Application:

God tends to break the rules when He sees someone who is determined to serve Him, regardless of age, race, or religious background.  God always honors a person who pursues Him above all else.  When we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, He gives us everything else.  God can turn devastation into great blessing, but we need to walk determined to honor and serve Him no matter what.  In bad times, we need to turn to Him and not run away.

Prayer:

Father, I want to always be a pursuer of You and Your kingdom.  I love You, honor You and desire to know You more and more.  Enable me to pursue You above anything else.  You truly do bless those who seek You first.  Help me to be that person.

Yours,
Jeff

The Kingdom

Scripture:

“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Here, Paul is telling the Romans about honoring each other’s convictions and not making them feel bad for their stance on what to eat or drink.  He adds to this conversation this verse which tells us that the kingdom of God is not about that, but about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Application:

Amy I known more for my rules about what I can eat, drink, wear or say, or am I more known for righteousness, peace and joy?  I am a kingdom person and want to extend God’s kingdom all over the earth, but I want to represent Him well.  I don’t want to argue over what I am allowed to do or not to do and be saved, but want to bring righteousness, peace and joy everywhere I go.

Prayer:

Father, help me to not walk in legalism, but is righteousness.  Let me be led by Your Spirit and not the rules and regulations of man.  Teach me to walk in peace and joy, which the world needs so badly to see an example of.  Let my life bring peace and joy to those around me.

Yours,
Jeff

Humility

Scripture:

“Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is telling the Romans about how to live with each other an dhow to get along well.  He tells them not to set their minds on high things, but to associate with the humble and not to be wise in your own opinion.  Humility goes a long way when you are dealing with people.

Application:

Moses was called the most humble person who ever walked the earth.  Jesus walked in humility.  We need to be people who are like Christ, walking in humility and not thinking we know everything.  When we come off as a know it all, we do damage to ourselves and others.  We must learn that nobody is below us because we are the servants of all.  If I can keep my mind on serving others, I will walk out humility.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk in humility and servant hood.  Help me to never think higher of myself than I ought.  Teach me to never be wise in my own opinion, but to humble myself.  You are the incredible one.  You are the source of all knowledge and strength.  My trust is in You and not my own opinions.

Your Son,
Jeff

Set Your Mind

Scripture:

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells the Romans here that those who live according to the flesh SET THEIR MINDS on things of the flesh, but those who live by the Spirit, THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT.  Colossians tells us to SET OUR MINDS on heavenly things.

Application:

I want my mind to be SET on the things of God and His Spirit at all times.  I think of setting a timer or setting an oven to a certain temperature.  Once you set it, you know it will be focused on that one thing until the alarm goes off saying it has reached its time.  We must set our minds on the things of the Spirit until that final trumpet sounds and our time on earth is done.

Prayer:

Father, let my mind be SET on You at all times.  Help me to walk out each day focused on the things of God.  Teach me to live life in step with You at all times.  Help me not to lock in on the things of this world, but the things of Your Spirit.

Yours,
Jeff

Don’t Waver

Scripture:

“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is speaking here of Abraham, who is considered the father of faith.  He said that Abraham knew Sarah’s womb was far past child bearing and that the promise of God was impossible in the flesh, yet Abraham was strengthened in faith, giving glory to  God.  Abraham didn’t waver in his faith concerning what was physically impossible.   He stood and chose to believe the promise of God over the physical reality of his old age.

Application:

I want to live in “unwavering faith.”  I know in my mind and heart that God can do absolutely anything, yet I still waver at times concerning whether He WILL do that thing.  It is with faith and patience that we inherit the promises of God.  Sometimes things don’t happen on our time schedule, we must learn to trust God anyway, knowing that a delay is not a denial.  

Prayer:

Father, increase my faith.  Teach me to live in unwavering faith like Abraham, who would look at an impossible situation and not waver at the promise You made to him.  You are good and I trust You with my life.  Let me walk in step with You day by day and see Your promises come to pass.

Your Son,

Jeff