God Doesn’t Need My Advice

 Scripture:

“Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah asks a couple questions in this passage that are good for us as well.  He asks who can advise the Spirit of the Lord. In other words, “who gives God advice or teaches Him?”.  When you start giving God advice, you really struggle with a pride problem, yet we do it so often.  We seem to think we are smarter than God and can handle things on our own.

Application:

We need to be very careful about giving God advice.  He is the source of all wisdom and we have access to Him.  How awesome is that?!?  Even though that statement is true, we always tend to want to handle things ourselves and tell God what He needs to do for our situations.  Then we get frustrated when he doesn’t do what we think He should do.  It is much better to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and seek His guidance than to try to figure everything out on our own.

Prayer:

Father, help me to follow You well throughout my life.  Help me not to question what You are doing, but to humbly submit to Your will at all times.  I want to follow You well and do Your will, even when it doesn’t make sense to me.  Show me the way forward each day and I will do my best to follow Your lead. Forgive me for the times when I have tried to tell You what to do and how to do it.

Your Son,

Jeff

Know What to Show

 Scripture:

““What did they see in your palace?” asked Isaiah. “They saw everything,” Hezekiah replied. “I showed them everything I own—all my royal treasuries.””  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭39:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah saw the enemy coming out of the palace and asked the king, “What did they see in your palace?”  The king replied that he showed them everything he owned - all his royal treasuries.  Isaiah knew this was a bad idea.  He knew once the saw the blessings of the Lord that they would return looking for it. 

Application:

We don’t have to show the enemy everything we have in our hands. There are some things that our enemies don’t need to know about.  In the US military we call it “need to know”.  Some things you need to know, but you don’t need to know and show everything.  Sometimes, when God blesses us, we don’t have to show it off to others.  We must be sensitive to the Spirit about how much to share, and with whom we share it.   Walking in step with the Holy Spirit is key here because it is not black and white.

Prayer:

Father, show me daily what to share and what not to share.  Help me to be a good steward of the way You have blessed my life.  Teach me to walk with the wise concerning what needs shared and what doesn’t.  Enable me to be wise in every area and to see the day of good things.  Thank You for Your incredible blessings and favor on my life.

Your Son,

Jeff

Be Strong and Don’t Fear

 Scripture:

“Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.””  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The people of God were surrounded by nations that would not serve Him.  They were constantly being attacked by those with larger armies and strong leadership.  In the midst of it, the Lord tells Isaiah to speak to those with fearful hearts and tell them to be strong and not to fear because God was coming to destroy their enemies and save them.  In the midst of their constant attacks, God spoke and told them to be strong and don’t fear.  

Application:

God delights in fighting the battles of those who belong to Him.  We tend to take things into our own hands and only see our own strength, but God is stronger than any enemy that arrays against us.  We must realize that Satan’s greatest weapon is fear.  As children of God, we have nothing to fear.  Fear is not in our vocabulary.  We are to have confidence in the Lord and know He will fight our battles, no matter what comes our way.  

Prayer:

Father, let me be a person who walks in faith and never fear.  Teach me to fear You alone and nothing else.    Let my walk with You be stronger each day.  Speak to me.  Let me hear Your will at all times.  Show me the path forward and let my life please You in every way.  Help me to be an encouragement to others and let my life impact many for the Kingdom of God.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Look to the Lord

 Scripture:

“What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help, trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers and depending on the strength of human armies instead of looking to the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭31:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah is speaking here about those who look to Egypt for help because Egypt had horses, chariots, and human armies.  He says that sorrow awaits them because they are looking to man for protection instead of looking to the Lord.  God wants to be our protector and our shield.  He is upset when we look to others for those things.

Application:

We must learn to look to the Lord and not to humans for help.  In the U.S. today, we need to look to the Lord.  A Republican or a Democrat can’t fix this nation.  Only God can turn around the U.S. at this point.  We can’t put our trust in a person, a party, or an ideal.  We must put our trust in the Lord our God.  He is our protector and our shield.  I need to trust God and not people more and more in my life.  He has never steered me wrong.

Prayer:

Lord, You are the Almighty God!  Your track record is incredible concerning You taking care of Your children.  Help me to keep my eyes on You and not on the things going on around me.  You are the source of everything I need.  Help me not to look to an earthly leader to change things, but to You.

You Are My Everything!

Jeff

Perfect Peace

 Scripture:

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah tells us here that God will keep in perfect shalom those who trust in Him and whose thoughts are fixed on Him.  Peace comes when we stay focused on the Lord.  When we lock in and fix our thoughts on Him, we will walk in peace.  Lack of peace comes from lack of thinking on the Lord.

Application:

When peace is lacking in my life, I need to spend time thinking on the Lord and learning to trust Him more and more.  The truth is, when we are fixed on Him, there is incredible peace because He is the all-powerful one who is capable of absolutely anything.  Nothing is beyond Him, therefore we can trust Him. We must fix our focus, not on our problems, but on Him.  He is the source of our peace.

Prayer:

Father, give me Your peace today as I preach at Kevin Mahoney’s funeral.  Help me to stay in step with You.  Bring peace to everyone affected by this death.  Let my heart and mind be fixed on You and Your purposes at all times.  Help me to live with my sights on heaven and to do what You ask here on this earth.

Yours,

Jeff

Do What God is Doing

 Scripture:

“The Lord, the Lord Almighty, called you on that day to weep and to wail, to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth. But see, there is joy and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine! “Let us eat and drink,” you say, “for tomorrow we die!””  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭22:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, God is speaking through Isaiah to His people.  He tells them that He had called them to wail, weep, tear out their hair and put on sackcloth.  Instead, they were having joy, revelry, slaughtering animals, eating meat and drinking wine.  They were doing the opposite of what God was calling them to do.  

Application:

We must be sensitive to what God is speaking in each season of our lives.  We shouldn’t be partying when God says to weep and we shouldn’t be crying when God says to walk in joy.  This is called being in step with the Holy Spirit.  We must learn to do what God is doing and speak what He is saying.  I want to feel what He is feeling and do what He is doing.  

Prayer:

Father, let my life be in step with You at all times.  Help me to walk in cadence with Your voice.  When is time to cry, let me cry.  When its time to celebrate, let me celebrate.  Help me to know the times and the seasons.  Show me when to fast and pray and when to relax and enjoy life.  Let me walk in step with You every day.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

When You Cry Out

 Scripture:

“It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭19:20‬ ‭NIV‬

Observation:

In this passage, Isaiah speaks of Egypt, who was the enemy of the people of God. He says that they will go through a bad time, but that because of their oppressors, they will cry out to the Lord and He will send them a savior and defender and will rescue them.  The beauty of God is that, no matter how terrible the person or nation, when they cry out to Him, He will deliver them.

Application:

Crying out to God bring results, but not many allow themselves to get to a place where they need to do that. What if we cried out to God when things were not so bad?  What if we cried out to God simply in desire to know Him more?  What if we cried out to God for our families to be saved?  God responds to those woh cry out to Him, even when they are an enemy nation.  How much more will He respond to the cries of His own children.

Prayer:

Father, I cry out to You this morning.  Move in my family.  Let my sons know You intimately.  Let my family reflect your glory.  Take my life and let it be used for Your glory.  I long for You.  I cry out for my nation this morning.  Let her turn to You.  I cry out for northern Virginia this morning, let us see a mighty revival in this area.  I long for You to move in power in our midst.  Come and rescue Your people I cry out this morning.  You are our only hope.  You are my only hope.  I need you desperately.

Your Son,

Jeff

Fallen and Cast Down

 Scripture:

“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭14:12‬ ‭NIV‬

Observation:

In this passage, Isaiah has a word for Satan himself.  This is the passage the describes how pride was found in him and how he was cast down from heaven.  Here, he is called morning star.  It is said of him, “You have been cast down to the earth, you who once lad low the nations!”  The description of Satan is one who is fallen and cast down.

Application:

Sometimes we give Satan too much credit for being so powerful in our lives. He is a defeated enemy who has already lost his place of prestige and power.  His pride has already been dealt with and he has been cast out of heaven, while are are seated with Christ in heavenly places.  He gets mad at God’s people because we have a seat in heaven and he lost his.  We must remember, no matter what we go through, Satan is already defeated and his destiny is failure already.  He has been cast down and we have been raised up.  We must believe this and demonstrate it.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for raising me up and seating me in heavenly places with Christ.  You are amazing and I love You with all my heart.  Help me to never give more credit to the devil than he is due.  You kicked him out of heaven in the distant past and You are above all things even now.  Let my life bring You honor and praise.  Let my life bring You glory.  

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Joy

 Scripture:

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah here speaks of a day when lion and lamb will lay together and kids won’t be harmed by snakes.  He speaks of a time when the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covers the earth like waters cover the sea.  He says that with JOY we will drink from the waters of salvation.  Salvation is the Hebrew word Yeshua, which is the name of Jesus.  With joy we should draw life from Jesus.

Application:

Joy and peace have been the hallmark of my life.  I have loved life and tried to live it to the fullest.  The last couple years, I have noticed that I don’t laugh as much as I used to.  I don’t smile as much as I have throughout my life and it concerns me.  I am seeking God and asking Him to restore my joy and to fill me with His life once again.  I want to live in the joy of the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, I want to draw water from the wells of salvation with incredible joy.  I want to be filled with joy once again.  You have saved me, healed me, delivered me, etc.  Help me to live in the joy of Your salvation.  Help me to trust You, walk with You and enjoy the journey.

Your Son,

Jeff

Trust and Wait

Scripture:

 “I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him.”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah is telling God’s people that deliverance is coming, but it may take a while.  He tells them he is going to wait for the Lord.  He goes on to describe the Lord as hiding His face from Jacob.  He finishes by saying he will put his trust in God.  He tells them to wait and put their trust in the God who is hiding from them. Not an easy task.

Application:

Sometimes it feels like the Lord is hiding His face from us and we are not seeing what we believe He has spoken to us.  Our stance needs to be like Isaiah, we will wait on God instead of taking things into our own hands.  We should trust God instead of trusting only ourselves.  It is hard to trust and wait on a God who is hiding Himself presently.  It is easier to just take things into our own hands.  This is where faith comes into the picture.  We must trust and wait, even when it seems nothing is happening.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to trust and wait, even when it seems You have hidden Yourself from me.  Help me to not to take things into my own hands, but to truly wait on the Lord.  You have been good to me all of my life and I know You will always come through on my behalf.  Continue to work with me on this area of trusting You over my own thoughts and ways.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

A Vision of God

 Scripture:

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.”  ‭Isaiah‬ ‭6:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah had a vision of God on the year King Uzziah died.  He was drastically impacted by his encounter with God.  His encounter, at the beginning of his ministry, probably had a strong impact on his obedience and service for the Lord the rest of his life.  He saw the throne room of God and his life was changed. 

Application:

I know my life was changed on the day I also saw the Lord in His throne room.  The power in that room was unthinkable.  You could feel the power and energy that was capable of destroying the earth in a second if He wanted to.  It was amazing, but I want more enounters with Him.  I want to have more visions of the Lord and His power.  I long to see God move in my generation.  

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes to see You high and lifted up.  Open my eyes to see You in all Your splendor.  I long for You.  Having tasted of Your presence, I long for more.  Help me to stay hungry and not become so professional in ministry that I lose my passion and love for You.  I want to know You more and more and not lean on my own attributes.

Your Son,

Jeff

Willing and Obedient

 Scripture:

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;”. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1:19‬ ‭NIV‬

Observation:

Isaiah is speaking to God’s people, who were doing what they always did and rebelling against the Lord and doing their own thing.  He tells them here that if they are willing and obedient, they can eat the good things of the land.  In other words, he was telling them that if they put God first and did what He said, they would be blessed in every way.

Application:

All God needs is willingness and obedience.  We have to want what He wants and then as we hear from Him through his Word or personal revelation, we must learn to obey instead of reasoning whether we can do what He says.  When God speaks, it usually is bigger than us and what we think we are capable of.  Our job is not to determine if we are able, but to be willing to obey, no matter what.  When we do, we will walk in the blessing of God.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to live this type of life.  I want to truly be willing to do whatever You ask me to do and I don’t just want to talk about it, I want to do what You want.  Help me not to analyze whether I think I can do what You are speaking, but to listen and obey.  Teach me to walk this way the rest of my life.  I want to finish strong and lead others to follow You well.

Your Son,

Jeff

Loved

 Scripture:

"You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace."

Observation:

Song of Songs is a love story of two young lovers.  Some throughout the ages have used it to speak of God's love for us.  In that case, this verse says we have stolen His heart.  God is totally in love with us.

Application:

The fact is that God loves us fully and completely.  He is love.  Love is from Him.  He created love, knows love, understands love, and wants us to understand love.  We live differently when we are confident that someone loves us.  God loves me unconditionally, and because of that, I can have confidence in my relationship with Him.  He is amazing!

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to love You more each day.  Show me how to love others as well.  Teach me to love Cheryl in a way that she knows the depths of my love for her.  Help me to love her well and for her to know she is completely loved by me and completely loved by You.

Yours,

Jeff

Watch Your Life and Doctrine

 Scripture:

"Watch your life and doctrine closely, Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." I Timothy 4:16

Observation:

Paul tells Timothy here that he should watch or guard his life and doctrine closely.  He says to persevere in them or maintain them, keeping them pure because in the end, it will save him and those who listen to him.  

Application:

When we are diligent in watching over our own lives, we will stay in the right relationship with the Father.  When we stay in the Word and sound doctrine, we will live a life that is worthy of the Gospel. We must learn to remain pure in word and deed as we follow the Lord because our life affects others, especially so when we are leaders in the Kingdom.

Prayer:

Father, help me to live in such a way that You are honored and people see real, relevant Christianity.  Help me to demonstrate a life well lived to those around me.  Teach me to walk in oneness with You.  I long to walk closer each day in my relationship with You.  You are my heart's desire.

Your Son,

Jeff

Trustworthy

 Scripture:

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service."  I Timothy 1:12

Observation:

Paul tells his son in the Lord Timothy that he thanks Jesus who gives him the strength to do what he has to do.  He goes on to say he was thankful because Jesus had considered him worthy and appointed him to do what he was doing.  Paul knew what he was called to do and was appreciative for the opportunity.

Application:

It is truly an honor to be called to serve the Lord.  I echo what Paul said about thanking Jesus for giving m the strength and considering me trustworthy with his service.  I don't deserve the grace, goodness and calling of the Lord. I want to live a life that represents Him well because of His faithfulness to me. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to always consider serving you and your kingdom as something to be thankful for.  Help me to never speak bad about ministry, serving God, or serving others for God.  You have been so good to me.  Thank you for calling me.  Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.  You are my everything and I will serve You to the best of my ability all the days of my life.

Your Son

Jeff

Time and Procedure

 Scripture:

“For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Just prior to this passage, the author speaks of being in the presence of a king or leader.  He says that some things don’t need said at certain times before a king or you will end up in trouble.  Then comes this verse, “there is a proper time and procedure for every matter.”  This tells me that there is a right time and a right way to approach leadership and authority.

Application:

Current events in our country have gotten really crazy lately and authorities have been doing things that don’t sit well with myself and many others.  How do we make a real change?  This verse tells me there is a right time and a right procedure for addressing things with the king.  We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit right now more than ever to know when to speak, when to fight, when to pray and how to proceed with what He gives us to do.  We need to know the timing and the procedure.

Prayer:

Father, don’t let me step out of Your timing or Your ways.  Show me daily what I am to do and how to lead Your people. Help me to stay in step with the Spirit at all times and complete my mission on earth.  I want to hear You say, well done good and faithful, you did everything I asked you to do.  That’s my life goal Lord, help me to accomplish it.  Your timing, Your way!

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Two Are Better Than One

 Scripture:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”  ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Ecclesiastes is such a unique book.  King Solomon had achieved about everything a person can achieve in life and records in Ecclesiastes that is was all meaningless because everyone and everything dies the same.  He does throw some wisdom in this book though.  Here he tells us it is better to do things with someone else because you can do more together than separate.  You can also help each other along the way.

Application:

I know in my life that I need to never do ministry alone.  I should have always have someone with me working together, but I tend to be a loner.  Certain jobs I will get someone to help because I simply can’t do it alone, but usually I try to do things myself and not ask for help.  I need to change this.  Having someone with you doesn’t mean you are weak or needy, it just means you are better together than separate.  I need to start involving others with me so I can say like Paul, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

Prayer:

Father, help me not to be so independent minded.  Help me to work with others instead of trying to do everything alone.  Show me the benefits of working together with others on projects.  Help me to establish community that comes through serving together.  I know I need to improve this area of my life.  Help me please.

Your Son,

Jeff

Peace Always

Scripture:

 “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” ‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

As Paul is concluding his letter to the Thessalonians, he speaks over their lives something very powerful.  He imparts a blessing of the Lord’s peace at all time and in every way.  Then he adds, “The Lord be with all of you.”  Peace is the direct response to the presence of the Lord being with you.  Pauls basically tells them that the Lord will be with them and that their peace is found in Him.

Application:

Peace is not the absence of problems and bad situations.  Peace is an inner knowing that God is in control and we are going to be okay.  When you know the presence of God is with you, peace always seems to follow.  It amazes me how stressed out people can be on their way into church, but after a time of worship, peace has filled their hearts.  When our peace is lacking, we need to see how much time we are spending with Jesus because He is our peace.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for leading us forth in peace.  Thank You for giving us Jesus, who is our peace.  Help me to walk in peace at all times.  Teach me to lead well and to follow You well.  When my peace is lacking, remind to to spend time in Your presence, where my peace is found.

Your Son,

Jeff

Trust God and Don’t Fear Man

 Scripture:

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Fear of man here is said to be a snare, a trap, something that causes you to get caught by a hunter.  Trusting in the Lord is said to keep us safe.  It is easy to get trapped by the fear of man.  We long for man’s approval on whatever we do, but the opinion of God should always be sought after more than the opinions of man.

Application:

I have always struggled with the fear of man. I am a person who longs for people’s approval.  I like people to like me.  I have fought this battle most of my life.  I do trust the Lord and want to trust Him more and more.  I don’t want to be trapped in anyone’s snares, but simply want to trust the Lord and do what He says.  My life’s goal is to hear “Well done good and faithful… You did everything I asked You to do.”

Prayer:

Father, help me to fear and trust You over what any man or woman thinks.  Teach me to trust Your words over the words of people.  Enable me to be faithful and not fearful of anything or anyone.  I am Yours and I want to serve You well.  I want to reflect Your image to the world.

Your Son,

Jeff

Don’t be Cocky

 Scripture:

“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Solomon gives some very powerful advice in this passage.  He tells the reader not to praise themselves, but to let an outsider praise you to your works instead of high lighting it yourself.  Humility is simply doing things with excellence and saying nothing.  Pride talks about your accomplishments.

Application:

My dad used to tell me not to be cocky.  Don’t be arrogant and think you are above others.  It is better to humbly serve and do your work without a word, than to show off your work and accomplishments to everyone.  Quiet service is better than cocky talk.  We should do what we do for the Lord anyway, giving Him praise , honor and glory. 

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to walk before You humbly all the days of my life.  Teach me to lean on You more and more.  Help me to walk in humility and honor.  Show me when I’m getting cocky or prideful.  I want to bring You honor and praise in my generation.  I want to serve You well.  Thanks for speaking to me each day.  You are awesome!

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Riches, Honor, and Life

Scripture:

 “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Solomon was a very wealthy and powerful man, yet he realized where riches, honor and life come from.  He says here that riches, honor and life are the wages for humility and the fear of the Lord.  When you fear God and humble yourself before Him, the payback is riches, honor and life.  Not bad wages.

Application:

Pride is something God refuses to honor and have any part in.  He loves humility in His people.  When we humble ourselves before Him and fear Him, He will raise us up and bring honor.  We must avoid pride and eat humble pie as much as possible in Kingdom business.  God takes those who totally depend on Him and live a life that pleases Him and raises them up to positions of honor.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, let my life continually fear and honor You and Your ways.  Teach me to walk in a way that pleases You.  Show me how to extend Your Kingdom more and more on this earth and enable me to be part of Kingdom Extension around the globe.  I love You and wheat You do.  Help me to walk closer each day and fulfill Your desires through my life.

Yours,

Jeff

Humility Brings Honor

 Scripture:

“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

The Bible has a huge amount to say about pride and haughtiness.  God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.  Here we see that haughtiness comes before a downfall, but humility come before honor.  When we remain humble before the Lord, He will bring honor and increase, when we think we can do it on our own, we are in for a downfall..

Application:

God loves His children to depend on Him and when we operate in pride, we are saying we can do without Him.  When we humble ourselves, He can raise us up, but He must be able to trust us.  God specializes in taking down the haughty, but He also specializes in lifting up the humble.  We need to seek humility above most other things, then God can raise us up and trust us to extend His Kingdom.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk in humility and brokenness all the days of my life.  Anything and everything I have are because of You.  You are my source and my strength.  You are my deliverer and any good thing in me is because of You.  You are my world!  I love You, honor You and cherish You.  Mya my life bring You honor and praise.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Peace

 Scripture:

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14:30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Solomon says here that a heart at peace gives life to the body.  When peace reigns in our lives, our bodies will be affected.  When our hearts are troubled, our body is also affected.  He continues to say that envy rots the bones.  When we always want what others have, it rots our bones.  When we are not happy where we are, we can expect our physical bodies to pay the consequences.

Application:

Paul tells us to be at peace with all men if it is possible.  Whether this Proverb is imagery or not, there is truth to the fact that when we are out of peace, our bodies will feel it and be affected.  We are body, soul, and spirit.  They are all three important and they all three affect each other.  We should pursue peace in our lives.  Peace isn’t the absence of problems, but the presence of God and the assurance that He will take care of everything.

Prayer:

Father, my name means “heavenly peace”.  I love peace in my life.  At the same time, this has been a unique season for me and my peace has faded.  Help me to walk in peace, with my mind stayed on You.  Help me to have peace because I know You are in control and all things will work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes.  Let peace reign in my life once again.

Your Son,

Jeff

Bring Healing With My Tongue

 Scripture:

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

King Solomon says here that reckless words pierce like swords.  In other words, unthoughtful words, or words that just come out recklessly, cut deeply like a sword.  They go very deep.  A wise person’s tongue, according to this passage, brings healing.  Healing words change lives forever.

Application:

I can use my words recklessly or wisely.  I want to use my mouth for the Kingdom of God and to reflect Him and His character.  I also want to speak the truth, even when it hurts.  I need wisdom for when to speak and what to speak at the appropriate times.  I sincerely desire to let my tongue be used for edification, but I want to learn to say the hard things wisely and lovingly.

Prayer:

Father, help me to speak truth in love.  Help me to use my words to build up and not to tear down.  Teach me to bring healing with my tongue instead of death and cutting.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be holy and acceptable in Your sight oh Lord my God.  Use my words for healing.

Yours,

Jeff

Wisdom’s Call

 Scripture:

“For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.””  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8:35-36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Wisdom is speaking in this passage.  It says that those who find her find life and favor from the Lord.  Those who fail to find her harm themselves and this who hate her love death.  Wow!  Wisdom brings God’s favor.  Not seeking wisdom harms us instead of helping us.  

Application:

Wisdom is to be sought after like a precious jewel.  It is something we should constantly be looking for.  Part of our prayer each day should be for God to give us wisdom and understanding as we walk life’s journey.  God is the father of all wisdom and He holds it all with Him.  we should pursue Him and let wisdom fill our lives, then we will have life and God’s favor will fall upon us.

Prayer:

Lord, as usual, I ask You to guide me into all wisdom.  Let me say the right things at the right time.  Let me do the right things at the right time.  Let wisdom fill my life when it comes to leading Your people well.  Let me not be led by emotions, feelings, or anything else but by You.  Make me wise as I walk with You.

Your Son,

Jeff