God’s Comfort

 Scripture:

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”  Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Observation:

God speaks through Isaiah here and tells His people not to fear because He is with them.  He tells them He is their God and He will give them strength, He will help and He will uphold them with his right hand.  God brought comfort to His people and let them know He was going to be with them and they had nothing to fear.

Application:

When we are serving God with all our hearts, we really have nothing to fear.  God is with us.  He loves us.  He protects us and He gives us strength.  We can walk in confidence that nothing can separate us from His love and that all things work together for our good when we love Him and serve Him.  When bad things happen, we can rest assured that in all things, we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.  We can receive comfort from His character.

Prayer:

Father, You are the source of all comfort.  You have always taken good care of me.  You are trustworthy and I am confident in You.  Let Your hand rest upon my life always and let me see Your faithfulness every day.  Help me to walk in victory and understand that You are with me and I have nothing to fear.  Show me the next steps in my life each day and help me to follow You well and accomplish Your will for my life.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God’s Discipline

 Scripture:

“Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭38:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

King Hezekiah had his life extended 15 years when he cried out to the Lord.  In this poem of praise, he tells us God’s discipline leads to life and health.  He goes on to say that God restores his health and allowed him to live.  He was giving God thanks for extending his life.

Application:

We should thank God for His discipline in our lives.  When He disciplines us, He is treating us like a father and helping us to grow.  When He disciplines us, it is because He loves us.  When we receive His discipline and correction, we are growing strong and healthy.  God’s discipline doesn’t destroy us, but makes us stronger.  We should thank God for loving us enough not to leave us where He found us, but rather He gives us what we need to grow us.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for continuing to work with me.  Thank You for Your discipline and correction in my life.  Help me to become more and more like You.  Help me to represent You well in my generation.  Lord, we need You during this season like no other.  Teach me to walk humbly before You and to finish Your work on this earth.

Your Son,

Jeff

Search the Book

 Scripture:

“Search the book of the Lord, and see what he will do. Not one of these birds and animals will be missing, and none will lack a mate, for the Lord has promised this. His Spirit will make it all come true.”  Isaiah‬ ‭34:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah is telling the people to search the book of the Lord to see what He will do.  He also reminded the people that what God promised, His Spirit will make it come true.  When we find a promise in the word of God, we can stand on it and know the the Spirit will make it all come true.

Application:

We need to be searchers of the word of the Lord.  We need to read it, study it, memorize it, and ingest it.  What God promises in His word will truly come to pass.  I need to up my game in studying the Word of the Lord.  Sometimes, after years of ministry and Bible reading, we can feel like we know it pretty well.  We can never get to that place.  We must always be studying, learning and implementing the Word of God into our lives.

Prayer:

Father, help me to be a searcher of the Scriptures.  Teach me to love Your word more and more.  I want to stand on Your promises from Your word and be strong in them.  I want to know Your word and get it more into my life.  I want my words to be Your words and my thoughts to be Your thoughts because I know You and Your word.

Your Son,

Jeff

From the Heart and Not the Lips

Scripture:

“And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.”  ‭Isaiah‬ ‭29:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah speaks on the Lord’s behalf and tells the people that they say they belong to the LORD and they even honor Go with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.  He goes on to say that Their worship is just man-made rules they have memorized.  God has always desired His people to love Him and serve Him out of love and not out of religious duty and obligation.

Application:

Jesus told us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  He spoke much about the heart of the matter.  God doesn’t want us to be religious people, but people who love Him and passionately serve Him.  It is dangerous to “say” we love God with our lips, but not really serve Him with our hearts.  He knows the difference.  We need a heart check periodically.

Prayer:

Father, check my heart and speak to me.  Don’t let my heart grow cold or my desire for You wane.  Help me to walk before You with e pure heart all the days of my life.  You are my strength and song.  You are my salvation.  You are my righteousness.  Fill me with Your Spirit today.  As we go to DC for The Return, meet us there and hear our cry for America to return to You.

Your Son,

Jeff

Giving God the Glory

 Scripture:

“Lord, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you.”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah first tells us here that God will grant us peace.  Shalom is from God.  Only He can give real, true, peace.  The things of this world will never bring real peace into our hearts.  Peace is a fruit of the Spirit.  When we are connected to God, peace will be part of our lives.  Isaiah then moves on to saying that all they had accomplished was really from God.  He gave God all the glory for every good thing in his life. 

Application:

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord of hosts.  We are to remain humble before the LORD all the days of our lives because everything we have accomplished is not of our own doing, but the Lord’s blessing in our lives.  Though we may have worked hard for some things, it is God who has kept us alive and given us the ability to do the things we do.  Therefore, we cannot take the glory for anything we have accomplished.  It is all from Him, for Him, and to Him.

Prayer:

Father, I love You.  Thank You for speaking to me this morning.  Help me to keep my focus on giving You the glory for any good in my life.  You are the one who wakes me up in the morning and keeps me alive throughout the day.  You are the source of every good thing in my life.  My life belongs to You.  Help me to never put trust in myself or the things I can do, but to trust You and rely on You.  I want You to receive all the glory for any good thing in my life.

Your Son,

Jeff

Extreme Obedience

Scripture:

 “the Lord told Isaiah son of Amoz, “Take off the burlap you have been wearing, and remove your sandals.” Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot.”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭20:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The LORD told Isaiah to walk around barefoot and naked for three years.  It was a prophetic word to Egypt and Ethiopia about what was coming to them and how they would be marched around naked and barefoot and how they would serve others in that day.  Isaiah did as the LORD told him to do.  I call this extreme obedience.  Obedience that makes no sense, but obedience nonetheless.

Application:

I love to walk in extreme obedience with the LORD, but I don’t think I would be willing to go this far.  Old Testament prophets often lived their lives as a sermon illustration to the people they were prophesying to. Sometimes when I am afraid of what people will think of me for witnessing to strangers I need to be reminded that Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for 3 years and wasn’t ashamed or afraid.  I need to work on being less afraid of what people will think of me and start sharing Christ more.

Prayer:

Father, help me to lead more people to Jesus and not to be afraid of what people will think of me.  Help me to see their eternal soul more than I see what they will think of me.  Teach me to walk in extreme obedience when You speak to me.  Let me hear Your voice clearly and follow with all my heart.

Yours,

Jeff

God Silences Our Enemies

Scripture:

“But though they thunder like breakers on a beach, God will silence them, and they will run away. They will flee like chaff scattered by the wind, like a tumbleweed whirling before a storm.”  Isaiah‬ ‭17:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God is speaking here through the prophet and tells Israel that her enemies may thunder like breakers on a beach, but that God will silence them and they will flee like tumbleweed blown in the wind.  No matter how loud the enemy thunders... God is louder and stronger than anything the enemy can throw at us.

Application:

Our God is all-powerful and when we serve Him, we can expect that He will cause our enemies to be overthrown.  Though doubts and fears thunder in our ears, we can know that our God will silence them.  He will silence the voice of the enemy who tries to intimidate us.  Satan roams around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, but God will blow him away!

Prayer:

Father, when the enemy roars loudly about my life.  Let me always be reminded that You are louder and stronger than he is.  Let me live in confidence that my God will silence the noise of the enemy.  Thank You so much for strengthening my walk this year and helping me to trust You more and more.  Blow away my enemies like tumbleweed and prosper your servant I pray.

Your Servant, 

Jeff

 Scripture:

"The Lord of Heaven's Armies has spoken - who can change His plans?  When His hand is raised, who can stop Him?"  Isaiah 14:27

Observation:

God is speaking here through Isaiah and tells Assyria that nobody can change God's plans or stop His hand when He determines to bring judgment.  He is saying that when God decrees, something...it is going to happen.  You can't stop what God starts.  He is the Lord of Heaven's Armies.

Application:

We serve an all-powerful God!  Nobody can stand before Him!  When he speaks something... it is going to come to pass.  No power or principality can operate without his permission.  He is able to do what He says He can do and we can put our faith in Him.  He wants us to know that His plans will prevail and nobody can stop what He starts.

Prayer:

Father, let me see You as You are.  You are the Lord of Heaven's Armies.  You are all-powerful.  Nothing is beyond You and what You say... You are able to perform.  You are bigger than my biggest fears and greater than anything I can compare you to.  Thanks for being the amazing God you are and for loving me as I am.

Yours,
Jeff

Remain in the Remnant

 Scripture:

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.””  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah was prophesying about destruction coming to God’s people, but he said there would be a remnant who would hold onto the LORD.  To them, he said, “See, God has come to save me.  I will trust in Him and not be afraid.  The Lord GOD is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.”  When you are a faithful part of the remnant who doesn’t turn away from God, you are blessed.

Application:

God’s part of this equation is to give victory to the remnant of people who remain faithful to Him.  Our part is to be in the remnant that faithfully serves the LORD and never departs from His ways.  When the whole world turns from the LORD, we must stay strong and be faithful.  When we do, we will see the goodness of God and His blessings overflow in our lives.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk faithfully with You all the days of lay life.  Let my fire never burn out, no matter what happens around me.  During this difficult season we are in, let me spread Your good news to the nations.  Open doors for me to lift up Your name in the whole earth.  That is why I live and breathe and have my being.

Yours,

Jeff

Angelic Voices

 Scripture:

“They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.”  Isaiah‬ ‭6:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah saw the Lord and was undone.  He saw the seraphim and the cherubim crying holy, holy, holy.   They continued and said the whole earth is filled with His glory.  Lastly he said their voices shook the Temple to its foundations and the entire building was filled with smoke.  Sometimes we think of angels being soft and feminine.  When they speak, buildings shake to their foundations.

Application:

I need to unstable the power angelic beings have in the spirit world.  They are powerful beings assigned to help those who belong to the LORD.  We can have confidence that, if their voices make buildings shake, that their authority and power is awesome and they can defend us from anything that comes our way.  I trust the LORD, but want to trust Him more.  His army can speak and building shake.  I’m thankful today that I serve a powerful God with powerful help.

Prayer:

Father, let me trust You more each day.  Reveal to me how powerful You are and How powerful Your servants are.  Thank You for always protecting me and giving me confidence in You.  You are incredible and I love You with all my heart.

Your Son,

Jeff

Tell The Godly

 Scripture:

“Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned!”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah starts out prophesying terrible things for Judah because they had turned from God and were serving other gods.  He talks about the judgment that was coming upon them and how it would be like Sodom and Gomorrah.  He then adds one little phrase that says to “tell the godly that all will be well for them.  They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned.”

Application:

The beautiful thing about God is that He is faithful and just.  In His justice, He has to punish sin, yet in His faithfulness He must bless those who follow Him completely.  In this day when people are talking about God’s judgement coming on the US, I can be confident that, even though I’m American, it will be well for me because I have walked godly before Him.  

Prayer:

Father, thank you for being faithful and just.  You are amazing.  You can take care of Your people, even in the midst of Your anger.  Thank you for reminding me this morning that You are faithful to the godly and that You will take care of them.  I love You more than You know.  Lead me today and guide me to fulfill Your will in all I do.

Your Son,

Jeff

 Scripture:

“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”  ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul is writing to his son in the LORD Timothy, telling him how to live in order for his ministry to be strong and effective.  He tells him here that he needed to keep himself pure.  If you keep yourself pure, he said, “you will be a special utensil for honorable use.”  In other words, Paul told him that keeping himself pure would cause him to be ready for the master to use him for important things and for good works.

Application:

Many times when we are preparing for ministry we think about training, equipping, learning the Word, but Paul thought about purity.  God empowers purity.  God blesses and works through pure vessels who are ready for the master to use them.  When God is looking for someone to use for His glory, He doesn’t look for the qualified... He looks for the pure.  We must keep our hearts pure before the Lord at all times.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk in purity.  Keep my mind, heart, thoughts, emotions, etc. pure before You.  I want to be a vessel of honor in Your kingdom.  I want to live a life You can work through.  Help me to walk humbly before You at all times and to remain clean and unstained from the world and its pleasures.  Teach me what it means to walk purely before You.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

The Power of Love

 Scripture:

“Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.”  ‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Solomon understood the power of love.  He says here that many waters can’t quench it and money can’t buy it.  Love is powerful and its power must be understood.  People have done crazy things for love.  Love isn’t easily put out once it is ignited, therefore it must only be lit by one person for life.

Application:

Love is a powerful thing and is meant to keep a husband and wife together forever.  It is something created by God to be powerful and to overcome all sorts of problems.  Love keeps a couple together.  Love holds homes together.  Love builds strength and confidence in people.  Love helps in so many areas, but if allowed with the wrong person, it can be extremely dangerous or if the feelings of love are allowed to be aroused with someone other than your spouse, it is extremely dangerous.  We must learn to keep spousal love strong.

Prayer:

Father, help me to love Cheryl well all the days of my life.  Show me how to love her and never let the power of love stop between us.  Help me to keep the romance alive in our relationship.  Let her receive confidence and strength from knowing she is loved by me and You.

Yours,

Jeff

The Search

 Scripture:

“So I said to myself, “I will get up and roam the city, searching in all its streets and squares. I will search for the one I love.” So I searched everywhere but did not find him.”  Song of Songs‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This passage is speaking of a lover passionately searching for the one she loved.  We are the bride of Christ and in the Same way this lover sought after her mate, we should seek the Lord as the lover of our souls.  Finding Him is worth the pursuit.

Application:

I have always been one who is at God seeker.  I have always sought after Him and longed for His presence.  I love to search for Him and to find Him.  I have had some incredible encounters with the LORD in my times of seeking.  The result is always the same, “I want more.”  Desire doesn’t go away once you find Him and encounter Him, it increases.  I long for the presence of the Lord.  I remain thirsty for my King.  May my heart never be satisfied with regular religious rituals, but only with finding the one I love so much.

Prayer:

Lord, I pursue You today with all my heart.  I want to come into the secret place of the Most High today.  I long for Your presence.  I long to be with You.  I desire you like a woman desires the love of her husband. I long to hear Your voice whisper in my ear the things of God.  Help me to never stop pursuing You or seeking You.  Let me never stop search for more of You in my life.

In Eternal Pursuit,

Jeff

What to Pursue

 Scripture:

“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.”  1 Timothy‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells his protege Timothy here that he should pursue righteousness, a godly life, have faith, love perseverance, and gentleness.  These are the things we should be pursuing in life if we really want to serve the Lord well.  If we pursue these things, everything else will be added to us and God will take care of all our other needs.

Application:

I like living with a focus and to be always pursuing something.  I love to be working toward a goal of improving some are of life.  I like to see improvement, even if it is in physical things like painting a wall or improving the way something works.  I need to be pursuing righteousness, a godly life, faith perseverance, love and gentleness.  Some of these are fruit of the Spirit, which should come naturally by living by the Spirit, but Paul tells us to pursue them.  I want to be a better person this year than I was last year.  I want to make more impact in godly living than I have before.

Prayer:

Father, let me pursue the right things.  Let me not pursue things that won’t last, but things of true spiritual and eternal value.  I want to pursue You and Your kingdom with greater measure.  Even in this time of COVID 19 where everything has changed, show me how to live daily while waiting for certain doors to open back up.

Your Son,

Jeff

Do it Well!

 Scripture:

“Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Solomon had so much great stuff to say in Ecclesiastes, but his statements about death are awesome.  He tells us here that whatever we do, we should do well, because once we go to the grave, there is no more planning, or knowledge or wisdom.  It won’t do us any good in the grave, but if we work hard and plan well on the earth we can see the fruit of our labor.

Application:

Whatever we do in life, we should do with all our heart.  Paul relates this as well in the New Testament.  As believers, we should do everything well because we represent Christ to a lost world.  They should see greatness in us because God is in us.  I want to raise my level of doing things well and make more impact with my life.

Prayer:

Father, help me to not settle for good when You are calling me to great.  Help me to become a person of excellence in every area of my life.  Help me to discipline myself to do things well instead of jut doing things.  I want to represent You well in my generation.

Your Son,

Jeff

Funerals instead of Parties

 Scripture:

“Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart.”  Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

King Solomon is credited with being the wisest man to ever live on the earth.  He had so many accomplishments in so many areas.  He truly wanted to understand everything there was.  After seeking wisdom and accomplishing great things, he tells us here that it is better to spend our time at funerals than at parties.  He says that everyone dies so we should take this to heart.  

Application:

At funerals, you learn the impact of a life for good or for evil.  Some funerals are like great celebrations of a life well lived.  Some funerals are a couple people getting together humbly and quietly because the person who died didn’t influence many people in life, or they lived a bad life.  Being around funerals keeps your perspective clear and helps you stay focused on what is important in life.

Prayer:

Father, you know the desire of my heart.  I want to hear “Well done good and faithful servant” when I see Your face.  Help me to live each day with that in mind.  Help me to learn from others who truly made a difference in with their lives.  Help me to think more about my funeral than about my next vision or dream.  Empower me to live a life that affects eternity for multitudes.

Your Son,

Jeff

Seasons Change

Scripture:

 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes and he had done about everything you can do in life.  He had all the money possible, he had women, he had influence, he had leadership, he had it all, yet he wasn’t satisfied with his life.  In this passage he gives some great wisdom to those who are ready for it.  He came to realize that there were times and seasons in life.

Application:

If life has times and seasons, then there are going to be planting times, watering times, harvest times and celebration times.  There will be seasons of good weather and seasons of bad weather.  In other words, good and bad are going to happen, it’s just a matter of time.  I want to know the times and seasons like the sons of Isaachar.  I want to be in tune with what season it is in my life and ministry.  I want to discern when is the right time to buy and when it the right time to sell.  I want to know when to push things forward and when to wait.  I want to walk in step with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to walk in step with You at all times.  Help me to understand the times and seasons of my life and ministry.  Teach me to walk through them well and to realize that seasons don’t all look the same. Some seasons will seem productive and some seasons I need to water, but don’t see a lot happening under the ground.

Pray for God’s Message to Spread Quickly

 Scripture:

“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you.”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul and his fellow workers in the Kingdom were closing out their letter to the Thessalonians and asked them to pray for them.  He asked them to pray that the Lord’s message will spread quickly and be honored everywhere it goes.  I believe this prayer needs to be prayed in our generation.

Application:

Before we talk to people about God, we should talk to God about people.  It is important that we never stop praying for God’s message to spread quickly around the world and that it will be honored and not dishonored when it is presented.  We should be praying constantly that God would open people’s hearts to the Good News.  One of our most important prayers should be for Kingdom expansion.

Prayer:

Father, let Your message spread rapidly throughout the earth in these last days.  Use the internet, the television and radio waves.  Use individuals to go, but let Your name be honored as it comes to them.  Open doors for the Gospel.  In my life, let me always aware of my surroundings spiritually.  Show me when to speak about You and when I do, let my words be honored and not dishonored.  Let massive amounts of people come to Christ in and through my life.

Yours,

Jeff

Greed or Trust?

Scripture:

“Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Greed is a form of jealousy that desires something someone else has.  It lusts after money or possessions.   It causes a person to fight for what they want instead of trusting the Lord to give them what they need.  This proverbs tells us that trusting God leads to prosperity.  Trusting God instead of trusting ourselves is hard to do, but it leads to prosperity.

Application:

God always takes care of the humble and those who are content in Him.  H knows how to prosper His children and those who trust Him.  I need to learn to be satisfied where I am on the way to where God is taking me.  I don’t to live a greedy life, but a blessed life that blesses others.  My trust is not in getting more, but in knowing the LORD more.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to trust You more and more in my life.  I want to live the life You want me to live.  Help me not to be greedy or jealous of someone else, but to walk in submission to You and Your desires for my life.  Help me to trust You more.  Let prosperity come into my life through trusting You more.

Your Son,

Jeff

Speaking Truth Always

 Scripture:

“Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.””

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26:18-19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The author compares lying to someone and then saying “just kidding” or “I was only joking”, to a madman shooting a deadly weapon.  That’s a very strong comparison about how damaging it is to say something and then declare that you were only joking.

Application:

I know I am guilty of saying things and then saying I was only joking.  I am convicted this morning about my yes being yes and my no being no.  I don’t want to be the person who says things to people and then tells them I was only joking.  I have done it many times in jest, but God is speaking to me today and telling me to change this.

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for joking about things.  I don’t want to be like a madman with a shooting weapon to my friends.  I want to bring life, love and liberty with my tongue.  Help me to walk this out day by day.

Yours,

Jeff

Godly Fear and True Humility

 Scripture:

“True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Trues humility recognizes that there must also be a false humility.  God wants people to be real and honest and not fake or phony.  If true humility leads to riches, honor, and long life, then false humility must lead to poverty, disrespect, and a short life.

Application:

Walking in true humility is powerful.  Moses was the most humble person on the earth.  God loves humility.  Humility recognizes that any good thing in your life came from God and not from your own plans, purposes or work.  In the NT we are told to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and we will be lifted up in due season.  I would rather the LORD lift me up than to lift myself up.  

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk in true humility, sincere and from the heart.  Your are my everything and I love You so much.  Teach me the ways of the humble.  Let me not be falsely humble, but truly humble.  I recognize that in me there is nothing good unless You do it.  Be with me today and bless my life.

Your Son,

Jeff

My Plans or His Purposes

 Scripture:

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage we are told that God’s purposes are going to prevail no matter what plans we make.  It is not saying that making plans is bad.  Rather, it is saying that God doesn’t have to consult our plans to determine His actions.  

Application:

It is Our job to seek out the Lord and see what His purposes are.  When we make plans according to what we want, without consulting the Lord, we may find out His purpose was different than ours.  It is better to seek the Lord before making our plans than to make them and hope the Lord will bless them.  He is not obligated to our plans, but to do His will.

Prayer:

Father, let my plans align with Your desires and purpose for my life.  Teach me to follow You well and to do exactly what You are doing.  My plans are useless without Your input.  Speak clearly to me and let me follow Your will at all times.  I align myself with You.

Yours,

Jeff

Patience and Self-Control

 Scripture:

“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Patience and self-control are absolutely powerful in our lives.  Solomon declares here that patience is better than power and self-control is better than conquering a city.  If you can conquer a city but can’t conquer your own struggles, you will never enjoy the city.  If you have power, but no patience, you will never win.

Application:

Many teachers tell you not to pray for patience because tribulation works patience.  I do believe in praying for patience because we should want all of the fruit of the Spirit.  Patience and self-control are both fruit of the Spirit and I want them in my life.  I want to be everything Christ wants me to be.  I want to lead with patience and self-control.  

Prayer:

Father, help me to exude patience and self-control.  Help me to walk with the wise and become wise.  Teach me to discipline my life to honor You in all things.  Let my life bring honor to Your name and reputation.  Help me to walk with You and become more and more like You.

Your Son,

Jeff

Control Your Tongue

 Scripture:

“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This proverb says that those who control their tongue, in other words, those who speak cautiously, will have long life.  He goes on to say that opening your mouth, or speaking before you think, can ruin everything.  

Application:

Our words are powerful and we must harness them for good purposes.  Long life is promised to those who control their tongue and don’t just let it say whatever it wants.  I need to learn when to speak and when to stay silent.  I need to develop more in how to speak the right words at the right time and in the right way.

Prayer:

Father, help me to say the hard things instead of just the things that are nice and pleasant.  Help me to control my tongue and not ruin things because I thought I had to speak.  Teach me to walk with the wise and learn how to speak effectively to each person around me.  Let my words bring life and fruit to those around me.

Your Son,

Jeff

Watch Your Words

 Scripture:

“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Solomon here compares words to a life-giving fountain.  He goes on to say that wicked people use words to hide their violent intentions.  Words can bring life or words can hide things.  Words can build us or words can tear down.

Application:

We must be very cautious with our words.  Death and life are in the power of our words and we will eat what we speak.  I want my words to be like a life-giving fountain that is a blessing to everyone around.  I want to harness the power of right words for the Kingdom of God.  I want the Holy Spirit to guide my tongue.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, help me to harness my words for Your glory.  Help me to bring forth a life-giving fountain and not a stagnant puddle of death.  Help me to think before I speak and to only speak what You want me to speak.  Teach me to watch my words.  Let my mouth be used for Your glory and the extension of Your kingdom and let my words not bring shame or reproach on Your name.

Yours,

Jeff

Seek Wisdom

 Scripture:

““I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Wisdom, in this passage, is being personified and we are told the she lives with good judgment and that she know where to discover knowledge and discernment.  In other words, when you get wisdom, you get good judgment, and have access to knowledge and discernment.  

Application:

I need to continue to ask God for wisdom every day.  I need to pursue wisdom in a stronger way.  I want to walk in good judgement, knowledge and discernment.  It all begins with wisdom.  We should seek it like a precious jewel.  I want to do the right things at the right time, and in the right way.  I want to walk with the wise and grow in wisdom.  

Prayer:

Father, I want to be wise.  I realize that true wisdom is found in You.  You are the source of all that I need. Help me to pursue You more and more so I Can know what to do at any given time.  Show me how to be more effective for Your kingdom.  Let Your will be done in my life and let Your kingdom come more and more in my life.  I want to walk in wisdom, good judgment, knowledge and discernment.

Your Son,

Jeff