Self Glory or God’s Glory?

 Scripture:

“Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.”  ‭‭John‬ ‭8:54‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus was being attacked by the Pharisees for his works on the Sabbath and for statements He made about knowing Moses and the Father.  He was telling them that His purpose was not to glorify Himself, but to glorify His Father.  Jesus didn’t do the works He did to get recognition or praise, He did what He did because the Father told Him to and to bring glory to the Father by being obedient to Him.

Application:

When we walk in obedience, we are honoring God and glorifying Him.  When we do things our own way, we are glorifying ourselves and the works of our hands.  God wants us to depend on Him and bring Him glory.  Then He will raise us up.  Our place is to submit to Him in every area and to do things His way.  In this He is glorified.  We must make sure we stay away from self-glory and make our lives about God’s glory.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, let my life bring You glory.  Help me not to seek the applause and attention of men, but the approval of God.  Help me to walk out Your will on the earth.  Let my life bring You glory and praise.  Help me to live a life of obedience in every situation.  Speak to me and help me to follow You completely.

Your Son,

Jeff

Come and Believe

 Scripture:

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus had just fed thousands with five loaves and two fish.  He was talking about how God fed the children of Israel with manna from heaven in the past, then He says that He is the bread of life and whoever comes to Him will never go hungry and whoever believes will never be thirsty.

Application:

Jesus tells us here that all we have to do is COME and BELIEVE.  He said if we come to Him we will never go hungry and if we BELIEVE, we will never be thirsty.  It sounds too good to be true, but it is!  Our job is simply to come to Jesus with our issues and our needs.  Secondly our job is to believe that He can take care of them and we will never thirst again.  Both hunger and thirst mean that you need something to meet a need in your life.  What Jesus is saying is that He can meet all our needs if we just come and believe.

Prayer:

Lord God, let me come back to a place of simple coming and believing.  Help me to not over-complicate the things of the Spirit.  Teach me to walk with You daily, knowing You will take care of my needs.  Thank You for the incredible provision lately.  You are incredible!  Thank You for taking good care of Your Son.  You’re the best.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Without Limit

Scripture:

“For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”  ‭‭John‬ ‭3:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, Jesus is seen as the one who was sent from God and speaks the words of God.  It also throws in this little detail.  That God gives the Spirit without limit.  I love that.  God doesn’t put a limit on how much of the Spirit a person gets.

Application:

When we receive the Holy Spirit, it is without limit!  God doesn’t give us a little bit, or just enough to get by, He gives His Spirit without limitation.  He gives us the fulness of the Spirit and not a fraction of the Spirit in our lives.  We have the Holy Spirit WITHOUT LIMIT!  I need to live more like I have the Holy Spirit without limit.  I need to let Him work through my life without limiting Him.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit work in my life without limit.  I don’t want to limit what You can do in my life.  I don’t want to close any doors You want open and I don’t want to limit You through my small mindset.  Help me to see You as my unlimited resource who fills my life to overflowing and then some.  

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God’s Contract

 Scripture:

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:15-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

The people of Israel are ready to enter the Promised Land.  Moses is not going to be able to enter an dis giving his last words to them before he will die.  He speaks to them about life, prosperity, death and destruction.  He tells them that if they will follow God’s laws and ways, they will have life and prosperity, but if they don’t, they will be under a curse.  God made a strong contract with Israel - if they follow Him, they will be blessed, if they don’t, they will be cursed.

Application:

God sets life and prosperity and blessing in front of us and wants us to choose this over the simple pleasures of sin and disobedience.  He wants to bless us!  It is His desire to see His children blessed and prosperous.  Our job is to live up to our end of the contract, then He will take care of His end.  God leaves it up to us.  We make the choice whether to live in the blessings of obedience or the curses of disobedience.

Prayer:

Father, I want to live in your blessings and prosperity.  I choose life!  I want to live according to Your ways and not the ways of this world.  Help me to listen to Your voice and walk according to how You want me to live.  Empower me to serve You well in my generation.  I want to live a life that You will bless and not do my own thing.  I am Yours,

Your Son,

Jeff

Description of United States

 Scripture:

“Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the Lord will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart.”  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:65‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Deuteronomy 28 is a powerful portion of Scripture in that God tells His people that if they obey Him and His decrees, He will bless them incredibly.  If they don’t follow His decrees, He will curse them.  One of the last curses God says He will do is to give them an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing and a despairing heart.  These are a description of those living in the US today.

Application:

I have never witnessed a generation that more exemplifies this curse than our generation.  People today are anxious and can’t sleep because they can’t shut their anxious mind down.  People are weary from longing for what others have and for things they cannot have.  People’s hearts are full of despair.  I have never seen this as a curse until this morning, but it appears we are under the curse that comes when God’s people stray away from Him.  I won’t make a doctrine of this, but it is very interesting.  My application is to pray for an awakening and repentance because when that happens, we can get back under the blessings of the beginning of Deuteronomy 28.

Prayer:

Father, my nation, which once served You and was built on Your principles, has walked away from You and we are under a curse.  Forgive our sin and heal our land.  We turn our hearts toward You and repent for walking away from You.  Help me to be instrumental in turning this country back to You and Your ways so we can experience Your blessings once again.  Let justice roll down across America and let conviction of sin and repentance begin.  Cleanse this land of everything we have tolerated.  Remove every idol and turn us back completely to You.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Do What You Say

 Scripture:

“Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.”  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭23:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

God tells His people that whatever they utter with their mouths, they need to actually do it because a vow has been made to the Lord.  He adds that they made the vow with their own mouth.  In other words, if you say it, you better stand up and do what you said.

Application:

I need to learn not to speak unless I have counted the cost of any vow or promise that I make.  God takes vows and promises very seriously and we should as well.  If we can’t do it, we shouldn’t be uttering it.  I need to develop a habit of following through on the things I say I will do.  I need to improve in this area.

Prayer:

Father, help me to stop promising what I can’t perform.  Help me to stop making vows and promising to do things, then forget about it and not make it happen.  Help me to be a person who fulfills my vows and does what I say I’m going to do.  Teach me to honor the words that come out of my mouth.  

Your Son,

Jeff

Don’t be Afraid

 Scripture:

“He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.””  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭20:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

When Israel was going into battle against any nation, this was what was to be told to the army before they went to battle.  They were to be told not to be faint hearted or afraid.  They were told not to be terrified or panic because the Lord their God was going with them and would give them the victory.  God fought with Israel against whatever enemy would come against them.  They had to go to battle, but the Lord would fight with them.

Application:

God still fights for His own.  We are not to be afraid of any enemies because the Lord our God is powerful and greater than anything that can oppose us.  No matter what we face, we can know that our God is with us and will take care of whatever comes against us.  Our place is not to worry or be terrified, but to walk by faith, knowing we serve an incredible God who will fight our battles.  Our place is to walk toward the enemy, God’s place is to defeat them or give us power to defeat them.

Prayer:

Father, with You all things are possible.  I ask You to go before me all the days of my life and defeat every enemy that arises.  May Your name be glorified in my life.  Teach me to never fear, but to know You are with me and You will overpower any enemy that rises against me.  Let me walk by faith and not by sight.  

Your Son,

Jeff

Innocent Blood

 Scripture:

“Show no pity. You must purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, so that it may go well with you.”  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭19:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

This Scripture speaks of a murderer who commits murder and then runs to a city of refuge.  They avenger of blood would go to the city of refuge and bring him back and he was to die.  The city of refuge was for those who innocently or accidentally caused someone’s death.  It says the shedding of innocent blood must be purged from Israel so it can go well for them.

Application:

The worst case of shedding innocent blood today would be in the abortion industry.  Innocent children are aborted and never given a chance to live.  For Israel, God said it couldn’t go well for them as long as innocent blood was being shed.  For America, we must realize that shedding innocent blood can’t be applauded and paid for by our government if we want God’s blessing on our land.  We need Roe vs. Wade overturned in the United States and abortion needs to be illegal once again.  God said, “Show no pity” at the beginning of this verse for the shedding of innocent blood.

Prayer:

Father, empower the Church to arise and put an end to abortion in our country.  Show us how to go about it.  We have prayed for years.  Show us what actions to take.  Raise up government leaders who will show mo pity for abortion.  Elevate those who will stand up for the innocent into leadership positions in our nation.  Take the blindness from the eyes of those who think it is a woman’s right to choose to have that child or not.  Bring an end to this terrible act in our nation.

Yours,

Jeff

Take Care of the Needy

 Scripture:

“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” ‭‭  Deuteronomy‬ ‭15:10‬ ‭NIV

Observation:

Just prior to this verse, it says that every seven years you are to forgive any debts from fellow citizens.  It was saying that, as you het near the seven year mark, you may want to hold back form helping people because their debts will be canceled in that year.  This verse tells us to give anyway, even if you are near the end of the seven years.  In other words, God is saying, be generous, not only when you are going to get your money back.

Application:

There are people in need who we know will never pay us back, even if they say they will.  Our place is to help them, knowing they probably won’t be able to pay it back.  God blesses those who take care of the poor.  He always desires us to be giving and generous people.  Our motive for giving and helping others is not to get something back from God, but He does reward us and give back to us over and over again as we help the poor.  We should give, knowing it won’t come back, simply because there is a need.

Prayer:

Father, help me to be a giver to those in need.  Open my heart and eyes to be generous with those in need. Help me not to judge why they are in need, but to see what Your word says about those who are poor.  Teach me to help those who have less than me.

Your Son,

Jeff

Israel

 Scripture:

“It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.”  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭11:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

As Moses was getting the people ready to cross the Jordan River and enter into the Promised Land, he told them the land was a land God cares for and God’s eyes are continually on it all year long.  God’s attention is on the land of Israel and His people.  He cares what happens in Israel.

Application:

We are told in the Word to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  We are told that God cares for it and His eyes are always on it.  As believers, we should also have our eyes on Israel.  We have been adopted into Abraham’s family.  As part of the family, we should love what God loves and hate what God hates.  He loves Israel and we should love Israel.  

Prayer:

Father, give me a heart for Israel.  Let me love it like You love it.  Help me to understand Your word and to pray appropriately for Israel under the New Covenant.  Teach me Your Word and let me follow You appropriately.  I want to love what You love and hate what You hate.

Your Son,

Jeff

God’s Requirements

 Scripture:

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,”. ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Moses was reminding the people of Israel about the giving of the Law and how God wrote it on tablets, then Moses saw the people worshiping the calf they had created and he threw them on the ground and destroyed them.  Moses went back up the mountain and God re-wrote the commands.  In this passage, Moses is telling the people what God really requires.  What did God ask of the Israelites and what does He ask of us?

Application:

God simply asks us to fear Him, walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, and to serve Him with all our heart, and soul.  In other words, God wants to be the center of our lives.  He wants us to live with Him as the priority of our lives.  When we do this part, God promises to bless our lives and prosper us.  He promises to drive out our enemies.  God has some requirements, but the benefits far outweigh the requirements.  We must see what He requires of us and do it, then the blessings will follow.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to fear You properly.  Teach me to obey You, serve You, And love You with all my heart and soul.  I want to live a life completely yielded to You.  Help me not to allow anything in my life that draws me away from You.  Let me walk closer and closer.  Help me not rely on my past walk, but remain fresh in my relationship with You at all times.  I want to know You more.

Your Son,

Jeff

Walk in Obedience

 Scripture:

“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

In this passage God was speaking through Moses about how the children of Israel were to live when they entered into the Promised Land.  God was telling them over and over that He wanted to bless and prosper them, but that would require that they follow His ways and walk in obedience.  God has prepared a way for us to prosper and victorious, but we must walk in obedience to His ways in order to see those blessings.

Application:

Throughout these passages, God is speaking to His people to make His will known.  His will was that they would be His God and they would be His people.  He earnestly desired to give them the entire land they didn’t work for.  He desired to bless and prosper them so the world could see His glory through them.  There was one condition, they had to do it His way.  As believers, we must learn to walk in obedience.  God desires to bless and prosper us and give us victory, but our part is to walk in complete obedience to His will.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are incredible and I bow before You this morning.  Help me to walk in obedience every day of my life.  I want to live a blessed life.  Thank You for Your incredible provision in my life this year.  Thank You for Your many blessings.  Help me to hear Your voice and to do what You say at all times and in every season.  Let my life count for You and Your Kingdom.  I want to walk in complete obedience and no excuses.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Don’t be Afraid

Scripture:

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.””  ‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭3:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Three hundred and sixty five times the Bible tells us “fear not”.  Fear is a tool of the enemy of our souls.   God tells the children of Israel in this passage that they shouldn’t fear the armies that are bigger and more prepared than they are, because God himself would fight for them.  

Application:

Sometimes it is easy to walk in fear of what the enemy can do to us.  It is easy to love sight of the awesomeness of God when the enemy begins to attack.  We must learn to remain confident in the midst of any attack, that God is with us and will fight for us.  We must realize that we are His kids and that He will protect and keep us.  The last things this speaks to me is that God will fight for me, therefore, I don’t need to fight at all.  I may need to advance and move forward, but the battle belongs to the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, You are my rock and my strength.  You are my fortress and strong tower.  You are my everything.  Help me to never walk in fear, but in all things to know that You will fight my battles.  Teach me not to stress out over things that I cannot change and battles that come my way.  Show me how to trust You more each day.

Yours,

Jeff

Unwilling

 Scripture:

“But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God.”  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

This is written just prior to God’s people going into the Promised Land and just before Moses’ death.  Since they had journeyed through the wilderness for forty years, Moses decided to remind them of the story.  He told about sending spies into the Land to inspect it and ten of them came back with a negative report.  He told them, “you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the Lord.”

Application:

When God tells you to do something, we are not to consult our friends or even our own thoughts about whether we can do what He is saying.  We are to do what He says, whether we think it is possible or not.  The people of Israel were unwilling, and therefore, they had to wander for forty years.  I don’t want to live a life “unwilling” to do what God is asking of me.  I don’t want to live by excuses, but by obedience.  I want to live a yielded life to God, willing to do whatever He asks.

Prayer:

God, help me not to consult my limited mind when You speak to me.  Help me to live in the land of the willing.  I want to always have a willing heart when You open doors.  Father, these churches around the world that want to be Word of Life, let me know Your will and help me to be willing to do ALL You ask of me.  Help me not to over analyze things but to walk in obedience.

Your Son,

Jeff

Fight for Others and Receive Your Reward

 Scripture:

“and if all of you who are armed cross over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him— then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the Lord.”  ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭32:21-22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

The descendants of Rueben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh, wanted to settle the land on the East of the Jordan River instead of going in to possess the land God had promised Israel.  They felt it was a good place and they wanted to settle there.  They ended up making a deal with the Lord.  They would go into the Promised Land and fight for their brothers and when the territory was conquered they would come back to their families on the East side of the river.  They would go in, but couldn’t settle until they helped their brothers fight their battles.

Application:

Sometimes our inheritance is tied up in helping others fight their battles.  Some good teachers have said, “What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.”  Sometimes in life, our greatest breakthroughs come when we are helping those around us find their place.  As we serve others and help them conquer their enemies, God takes care of our desires.

Prayer:

Father, You have worked like this in my life over and over and I appreciate it.  As I help others and counsel them on the things of God, You always take care of my life.  As I step out to help others and extend Your kingdom, please work in my home and my family.  Let each of my family find their place of life and ministry.  Let my family walk in power and freedom and see the day of good things.  Bless my house as I work to help others.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Take Oaths Seriously

 Scripture:

“When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”  ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭30:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

This scripture clearly tells us that oath, vows and pledges are to be taken very seriously.  We are told here that we must do exactly and precisely what we said we were going to do.  We are to Do everything we said we would do when we have taken an oath.  

Application:

We must be cautious before taking vows, oaths or pledges.  When we say we are going to do something, we must do it!  Jesus said in the New Testament that we are to let our yes and yes and our no be no.  In other words, we must do what we say we are going to do.  Unfulfilled promises, oaths and vows, can hinder our walk with God and we must be cautious.  It is better to make less vows and fulfill them, than to make lots of promises that don’t come to pass.

Prayer:

Father, help me to refrain my tongue from making promises I can’t keep.  Help me to honor You by doing what I say I’m going to do.  Let me be a man of my word.  When I promise something, let me perform it.  Help me not to make false promises, but to think clearly and only promise what I’m able to perform.

Your Son,

Jeff

Even If

 Scripture:

“‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord —and I must say only what the Lord says’?” Numbers‬ ‭24:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Balaam told Balak that even if he gave him all the silver and gold in his palace, he could not say anything of his own accord, but only what the Lord wanted him to say.  He could not be bought.  He was determined to say what God was saying, and could not be swayed by bribes or any other thing.

Application:

As a pastor, I am responsible to feed God’s people.  It is my responsibility to speak to them on behalf of God each week and to help them grow in the things of God.  I need to make sure I am speaking what God wants me to speak.  I don’t want to swayed by the opinions of man or who may leave the church because of something I say.  I don’t want to be swayed by big givers, but by a big God.  I want to accurately speak what God wants me to speak.

Prayer:

Father, my words are useless if they are not Your words.  My words have no power unless they are Your words.  I want to speak what You are speaking and do what You are doing.  Teach me to hear Your voice clearly and to communicate it how You want it communicated.  Let me never compromise with the enemy and have false favor.  I want Your blessing on my life above all else.

Yours,

Jeff

Take It To Jesus

Scripture:

 “Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them.”  ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭20:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

God had led the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, but now they found themselves in the wilderness wondering how they were going to eat and drink and stay alive.  There were 3-4 million people living like nomads and they needed a massive water and food supply if they were going to make it.  The people came and complained to Moses and Aaron.  Moses and Aaron knew what to do.  They went to meet with God, they fells facedown before Him, and then the glory of the Lord appeared to them.

Application:

When problems are out of our control and we are trying to please and honor God, we must learn to do what Moses and Aaron did.  We must learn to find a place to meet with God and then fall facedown before Him.  Yesterday’s devotion was about being facedown before the Lord.  Rather than coming to the Lord demanding our way, we need to learn from some of the godliest ever to humble ourselves before God and ask for His intervention.  God is drawing me lately to face down worship.

Prayer:

Father, let me worship You facedown.  Let Your glory fill my life as I worship You face down.  Teach me to understand this better.  I want to honor You the best way I possibly can and I believe it is facedown in worship and prayer.  Help me to humble myself before You because You are the only one who can do what it takes in my life.  I desperately need You.  Let me live a facedown life.

Your Son,

Jeff

Falling Face Down

 Scripture:

““Get away from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.” And they fell facedown.”  ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭16:45‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Moses and Aaron did this often when they heard judgment was coming from God.  When Moses and Aaron realized God was about to judge someone, their reaction was to fall face down before the Lord and to intercede on their behalf.  Rather than argue with God in a standing position, they humbled themselves and begged Him not to hurt the people who had rebelled against Him.  

Application:

Our best position when we think God is mad or upset is facedown worship.  God looks for a people who will humble themselves before Him and intercede for others.  We must be ready to humble ourselves and bow in reverence before the Lord rather than arrogantly confront His decisions that we don’t like.  When we operate in humility, we get for done for the Kingdom.  Rather than shout at God when things are not going our way, maybe we need to fall on our faces.

Prayer:

Lord God, teach me to fall face down before You with my problems and needs.  You are the answer to everything I may go through and I need you in my life.  Help me to walk humbly before You and to look to You, and not myself, to take care of what needs to happen to others.  Let me quickly fall face down instead of arguing with Your decisions.  

Your Son,

Jeff

We can Certainly Do it

 Scripture:

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.””  ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭13:30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Twelve spies were sent into the Promised Land to see what it was like.  They were to give a report about the cities, the fields, the people, etc.  They were not to make a determination of whether they could conquer, just to determine what the land was like.  Ten spies came back and said they couldn’t inherit the land because the people there were giants and could not be defeated.  Caleb, seeing and hearing the same things, said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”  He knew if God was with them, no enemy could stop them.  They were controlled by fear, he was controlled by faith.

Application:

I want to live my life with a “We can certainly do it” attitude.  I want to live like Caleb who knew God was able to do anything that needed done.  I don’t want to live in the land of wishing, hoping, or regretting.  I want to live in the land of conquering every enemy and extending the Kingdom of God around the world.  I want to live a life of faith that believes God can do what He says He can do.  I want to live a life that challenges the status quo.

Prayer:

Father, I offer You my life.  Take it and use it for Your glory.  Help me to never be controlled by what I don’t believe can happen, but by Your voice and Your will.  Help me to live a life of faith and complete confidence that You will do what You say You will do.  Teach me to walk like Caleb and Joshua and not the other ten spies.  Enable me to say, “We can certainly do it!” When life throws difficult things my way.

Your Son,

Jeff

Face to Face

Scripture:

 “With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?””  ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭12:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Aaron and Miriam had spoken to Moses and told him he was not the only one who could hear the voice of the Lord.  They said, “God speaks to us too”.  God spoke back to them and told them that when He and Moses talk, it is face to face because he sees the form of the Lord.  He told them that Moses heard more clearly, and not in riddles.  God then judged them for taking this lightly.

Application:

I know Moses was special and that God needed to speak to him face to face to give him the original Law, etc. but I do long for face to face encounters with the Lord.  I long to hear His voice clearly and accurately.   I long to encounter the Lord as Moses did.  My desire is simply to hear accurately so I can do exactly what he wants.  I long to encounter God is a real and personal way.

Prayer:

Lord God, You know my desire is to hear Your voice more clearly and to encounter You face to face.  I want nothing between us.  No veil, no curtain, no sin, etc.  I want to know You intimately.  I want to hear Your voice and see your face.  Show me step by step how to hear from You and to encounter You at deeper levels.  I love You and want to serve You well in my generation.

Your Son,

Jeff

He Heard the Voice

 Scripture:

“When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law. In this way the Lord spoke to him.”  ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭7:89‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Moses had a set pattern for meeting and speaking with the Lord.  He would go into the “tent of meeting” and speak with the Lord.  It says he “heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim.”  He clearly heard the voice of God and was able to communicate exactly what the Lord was saying to His people Israel.

Application:

Throughout all of my days with the Lord I have longed for a relationship with God like this.  I long to hear His voice clearly and to do what He says.  I often complain to Him and say, “If I only knew exactly what You wanted, there would be no question about whether I would obey or not.”  My desire is to hear the voice of God clearly and respond without hesitation.  I long for a place I could go like Moses and hear exactly what the Lord wanted for me an the people I serve.

Prayer:

Father, I want to meet with You as Moses did.  You know I will say yes when I hear a clear word from You.  I desire intimacy with You and long to hear Your voice clearly.  I ask You again this morning, open my ears that I might hear Your voice.  Open my heart to respond when I do hear You speak.  Teach me to hear and I will follow.  Speak to me Lord more and more.  Thank You for the times I have had clear words from You, but I want more of that because I want to represent You well in my generation.

Yours,

Jeff

Unauthorized Fire and No Sons

 Scripture:

“Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.”  ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Nadab and Abihu were Aaron’s sons.  Aaron’s family were to be the priestly line for all generations to come.  Right at the outset, they blew it by offering unauthorized fire before the Lord.  They stepped out of line with what the Lord had spoken and did what they felt was right instead of what God wanted.  They not only did this, but they didn’t have any sons yet who could take their place, leaving Israel, and God in a mess. 

Application:

When we do what we think is right instead of what God says is right, we cause problems for everyone around us.  It wasn’t wrong for them to offer sacrifice to the Lord, but they didn’t want to do it God’s way and thought their own way would be fine.  We must do God’s work God’s way.  We should also always be raising up spiritual sons and daughters to carry on the work of the ministry.  When we have no descendants, we leave no legacy and our impact dies with us.  I need tO praise up sons and daughters And make sure I’m not offering my own fire, but what the Lord desires.

Prayer:

Father, keep me in line with Your will and Your ways.  Help me never to think I can do things on my own.  Let me be reliant on You at all times.  Show me the best way to raise up sons and daughters who will do Your will in the earth.  Help me to move into a phase of becoming a spiritual father in Your kingdom who knows how to impart to the next generation.  Let me not just live for my generation, but let my life impact history.

Yours,

Jeff

All Nations

 Scripture:

“He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:46-47‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus had risen from the dead and had appeared to His disciples.  He was explaining that this is what the prophets had spoken.  He declared, “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.”  Jesus was saying, “I did my part, no you must do yours.”  He died and resurrected, now repentance for forgiveness of sins must be preached in all nations.

Application:

Jesus did His part.  He then ascended to heaven and sat down while His Church was to finish His work.  He handed off the baton to us, His body, then sat down.  We must take seriously the fact that repentance for forgiveness of sins must be preached in every nation beginning at Jerusalem.  I feel stronger than ever in my life, that I must declare the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection and the forgiveness of sins in every nation, every people group, and every region of the globe.  I must give myself to this end, no matter what the cost.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, empower me to help get repentance and forgiveness of sins preached in all the world.  Give me the resources needed to get the Gospel everywhere.  Thank You for missionaries who are going.  Thanks You for enabling us to do what You call us to do.  As for me, let me do everything You give me to do in the furtherance and extension of Your kingdom.  Put the resources in my hands and I will build Your kingdom and preach repentance and forgiveness in every nation You open to me.

Your Son,

Jeff

Stand up and Lift up

Scripture:

 “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.””  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus described what it would be like in the last days.  He told us that wars and rumors of wars, famine, pestilence, etc. would happen, and that there would be signs in the heavens and on earth.  We have been watching this unfold.  Right now, we should be standing up and lifting up our heads because our redemption is drawing near.  

Application:

Standing up and lifting up our heads simply means to be strong for God to the end and to expect His return, especially as we see these things begin to take place.  I need to stand up and call it like it is.  I need to stand up and declare truth, no matter what happens.  I need to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth while I have time.  At the same time, I need to have my head up, looking for His return.  It is not time to slow down and wait for His return.  It is time to get busy, looking for His return.

Prayer:

Father, I want to stand up and look up at this time.  I know Your coming is soon and things will forever be changed.  I want to be part of the last days move of God in the earth.  Prepare me, cleanse me, get me ready, and let my eyes be looking up.  I want to be one of those are are eagerly waiting for Your return, but I don’t want to be lazy while I wait.

Your Son,

Jeff

Humility Always Wins

 Scripture:

““I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.””  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus told the story of two men.  One took pride in the fact that he fasted twice a week and was at tither who didn’t do sinful stuff, the other was a sinner who beat his chest and wouldn’t even look up because he didn’t feel worthy and told the Lord he was unworthy and sinful.  Jesus said the ungodly man who was humble before the Lord was justified.  He said those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Application:

Humility before God always wins.  He would rather pardon a sinner who knows they are a sinner than to lift up someone who thinks they are righteous.  We can never take pride in our accomplishments, but must remain humble, realizing that nothing we accomplish is on our own, but God’s doing.  As we remain humble and give God all the honor, He will raise us up.  Our job is to honor the Lord and not ourselves.  Let Him lift us up.

Prayer:

Father, You are amazing!  I am in awe of everything You did in Pakistan last week.  Thank You for allowing me to be part of Your Kingdom and for giving me the honor of going in Your name.  I want to live a life that brings You honor and praise.  Help me to walk in humility and keep my focus right.  I want to extend Your kingdom around the world.

Yours,

Jeff

Angel Parties

 Scripture:

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.””  ‭Luke‬ ‭15:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus told the crowd that there is always rejoicing when something that was lost has been found.  He told about finding a lost coin, a lost sheep, and a lost son.  He tells them when something is found, there is great rejoicing.  He then tells them there is great rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents of their sins. There is an angel party when one person comes to Christ!

Application:

I want to make heaven a party scene!  I want the angels to have a continual party because lost people are repenting of their sins and coming to Christ.  I want to make it hard to go to hell from anywhere I have been.  I want to give my life to doing what causes a party in the presence of angels.  Angels can’t experience salvation, but they can celebrate with us and I want them to celebrate.  

Prayer:

Father, let my life bring a celebration in heaven.  Let the angels be in constant party mode because people are repenting of their sins and coming into the kingdom of Heaven.  I want to extend Your Kingdom more and more with my life.  Let my life bring extreme joy in the presence of the angels.  Let my life bring You glory.  Help me to live in a way that You can bless and use for Your purposes.  Let me be ready at all times for You to bring lost people back home.

Your Son,

Jeff

GO!

 Scripture:

“He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”  Luke‬ ‭10:2-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Jesus Was singing out 72 on mission to go before Him.  Before He gave them their instructions, He told them that the harvest was plentiful so they must ask god for more harvesters.  He then simply says GO!  I’m sending you out as lambs among wolves.  When Jesus saw the harvest, He told His disciples they must Go.

Application:

I have had this word in my spirit since the end of last year.  Coronavirus, economy, or whatever comes, I feel the Lord saying the harvest is plenteous and that we must GO.  GO! Is in my spirit this year.  I just got back from Pakistan and I’m sick right now, but can’t wait to go to Honduras and Guatemala in April and Ghana later this year.  Now is the time to GO into all the world and extend God’s kingdom globally.  He is coming soon and we must do all we can to extend His rule and reign on the earth until that day.

Prayer:

Father, I want to continue to be sent by You.  Open the right doors in my life so I can help extend Your kingdom into all the earth.  My life is yours and I know You are asking me to GO.  Help me to say yes when You say GO.  Help me not to make excuses, but to step into what You are asking of me with a heart that says Yes at all times.

Yours Forever,

Jeff