Obedience is Everything

 Scripture:

“The Lord God of Israel had appeared to Solomon two times and warned him not to worship foreign gods. But Solomon disobeyed and did it anyway. This made the Lord very angry,” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭11:9-10‬ ‭CEV

Observation:

God appeared to Solomon twice to tell him not to worship foreign gods. Solomon had the honor of having the Lord appear to him, yet he gave in and still worshiped other gods. God went out of His way to warn Solomon, but Solomon did what he wanted to do, unlike his father David.

Application:

First of all, I want God to appear to me like He did for people back then. If I’m doing something right or something wrong, I would love to have the Lord appear to me and tell me directly. How awesome would that be? Secondly, We must always obey what we do know, because obedience brings blessings. We cannot disobey God in areas of our lives, then expect Him to bless us.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to follow You well. Appear to me I pray as I seek Your face. Come Holy Spirit and meet with me as friend with friend. I long for Your presence. Come and show me what I need to do. Speak to me Lord, Your servant is listening. Help me to never stray, but to walk in obedience to You all the days of my life.

Your Son Forever,

Jeff

Smoke and Lights or God’s Presence?

 Scripture:

“Suddenly a cloud filled the temple as the priests were leaving the most holy place. The Lord's glory was in the cloud, and the light from it was so bright that the priests could not stay inside to do their work.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8:10-11‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

When Solomon completed the temple he had built for the Lord God Almighty, God demonstrated His approval by filling the Temple with His glory. A cloud filled the building and His light was so bright that the priests couldn’t stay inside and do their jobs. It is a powerful thing to be in the presence of the Almighty.

Application:

The ultimate sense of God’s approval is His presence. When His glory fills the place we are, everyone knows it and you also know that He is awesome. Though lights and smoke machines make beautiful displays during worship, they will never compare to the real and awesome presence of the Lord filling the building. I long for the presence of God to be so real that nobody can deny He is among us.

Prayer:

Father, come and fill the earth with Your glory. You are incredible and I long for Your presence. Come and fill my life with Your goodness. I want to serve You will and I long for Your manifested presence to be in every gathering I’m part of. Your presence is better than lights, and smoke and special effects. Come and let the world be astounded by Your presence.

Yor Son,

Jeff

Seek God for Wisdom

 Scripture:

“Kings all over the world heard about Solomon's wisdom and sent people to listen to him teach.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭4:34‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Solomon had asked the Lord for wisdom to know how to rule and lead God’s people well. God definitely gave him what he needed. Kings from around the world sent their teams to sit and listen to him teach. Wisdom would flow out of him like a river and the nations of the world were impacted by his wisdom. This only comes from God.

Application:

Wisdom and knowledge is so crucial in our lives. Knowing what to do and when to do it causes great things to happen in our lives. More than anything, we need God to bless us because when He does, it is powerful. I need wisdom as I lead Word of Life and I need to know exactly what God wants at all times. I desire to lead well and to build God’s kingdom with excellence. I know He is the author and provider of wisdom so I must seek Him.

Prayer:

My Father and My God, You are awesome and I love You so much! Hear my cry this morning and give me wisdom to lead Your people well. Show me when to confront, when to let things go, when to fight, and when to back away. Show me how to lead Your people into success. More than anything else God, I want You in my life in a big way. Fill me with Your wisdom, Your grace, Your Spirit, and Your anointing. I can do nothing without You. Fill me today my Lord.

Your Son,

Jeff

Brave Obedience

 Scripture:

“My son, I will soon die, as everyone must. But I want you to be strong and brave. Do what the Lord your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭2:2-3‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

King David is speaking to his son Solomon here and preparing him to take over as king of Israel. He told him to be strong and brave because leading people requires being strong and brave. He also gave Solomon  the greatest wisdom he could ever get. He told him to listen and obey God and His word. He closed by telling him if he did that, he would be a success wherever he went.

Application:

Success in God’s kingdom comes from being strong, brave, and following the word of the Lord. When we do what God says, we get God results. I want to see God do great things in and through my life, but I also realize that He doesn’t always bless what He doesn’t order. I want my spiritual eyes and ears wide open to know what God is saying so I can follow accordingly.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to walk with You at greater levels each day. I want to see Your success in my life. Grant me wisdom to always know what to do and a brave heart to do the right thing. Help me to live a life of faith that honors You and Your word..

I’m Yours Forever,

Jeff

Don’t Grow Weary

 Scripture:

“My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:58‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is finishing up his first letter to the Corinthians and tells them to stand firm and not to be shaken. He tells them to keep busy for the Lord and know that everything you do for Him is worthwhile. Paul is telling them to stay busy for the Kingdom and not to grow weary because everything you do for God is worth your time and effort.

Application:

We must be about God’s business on earth while we are here. The day is coming when we won’t be able to  work for the Lord anymore. We must do all we can with all we have in the time we have for God’s purposes in the earth. Now, more than ever before, we must not lose heart or give up. We must lift up our heads and finish the course set before us.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to finish the course You have set before me. Teach me to walk in Your ways. Help me to establish Your kingdom in the whole earth. Help me to be effective in declaring Your truth and in building Your church. Help me to stay busy for the Lord and, in difficult times, to know that it is worthwhile.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Face to Face

 Scripture:

“Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:12‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells the Corinthians here that we have partial revelation at this moment, but one day we will have complete revelation when we see Him face to face. He says that now we see through a cloudy picture in a mirror. In other words, we don’t know as much as we think we do. When we see Him, we will finally be perfected.

Application:

Sanctification is simply becoming more and more like Jesus and less and less like the world around us. The more we know, the more we should grow and become more like Christ. I want to live a true, authentic Christlike life that represents Him well. I want to see Him face to face and to be transformed into His image.

Prayer:

Father, fill me with Your Spirit at increasing levels. I want to represent You well on the earth. Help me to treat people like You would treat people. Teach me to follow You well all the days of my life. I long for Your presence. Allow me to walk in Your presence at all times. Let my life be pleasing to You my God and my redeemer.

Your Son,

Jeff

Self-Control

 Scripture:

“I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others.”  ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:27‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, Paul is telling the Corinthians that they must run the race like and athlete, in order to win. He says he keeps his body under control and makes it his slave. He had been telling the people to continue as they were before Christ concerning married, single, slave, etc. If someone needed to get married because of passion, they could do so and it wouldn’t be wrong. Here, he is saying that he kept his body under control, when generally our bodies dictate most of what we do.

Application:

As a believer, our spirit should be in control and not our bodies. We should operate spirit, then soul, then body, rather that the opposite. When the spirit is in control, the body will line up and be healthy. I want victory in my physical health. I need to make better decisions about what I eat and I need God’s help to do it. 

Prayer:

Father, I realize I have an eating problem. Help me to elevate my spirit over my flesh and to gain control of my eating. There are so many options and things that taste good, please help me to discern what is best and what will help me instead of what will hurt me in the long run. Empower me to lose weight and to take control of this area of my life. I want to feel better and have more energy to serve You better.

Your Son,

Jeff

Christlike Living

 Scripture:

“We work hard with our own hands, and when people abuse us, we wish them well. When we suffer, we are patient. When someone curses us, we answer with kind words. Until now we are thought of as nothing more than the trash and garbage of this world.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is explaining to the Corinthians how to treat people and using himself as and Apollos as examples. He basically gives them the beatitudes that Jesus gave. He tells them when abused, they wish the people well. When suffering, they are patient, When cursed, they offered kind words. Still, they are thought of as trash, but they still serve God with all their hearts.

Application:

What people do to us and how they treat us is up to them. Our response to that treatment is up to us. Paul and Jesus offered a different way of living. They lived through difficult times and offensive times with love and compassion for those who were persecuting them. Rather than fight for our rights, maybe we should simply love and forgive people who are trying to hurt us.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, help me to live like Jesus and Paul lived. Help me to respond to mistreatment they way You would want me to. Help me to treat others the way I want to be treated instead of taking revenge or getting angry. Teach me to walk like You walked. I want to live a more Christlike life every day.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

God’s Plans

 Scripture:

“But it is just as the Scriptures say, “What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds!”” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is writing to the Corinthians and tells them that God has incredible plans for those who love Him. He goes to the extent to say that it is more than eyes can see or ears could hear, or what can enter our minds. In other words, we can’t comprehend the plans God has for us they are so great.

Application:

If I can’t even comprehend the plans God has for me because they are so grand, then I must learn to broaden my horizons and expand my own thoughts. I must begin to believe that He is capable of much more than I can ask, think, or imagine. God’s plans for me are incredible. I must, therefore, believe this and operate from that vantage point rather than my own human reasoning.

Prayer:

Father, increase my faith to believe and trust You for more than what I have seen thus far. Help me to expand the tent pegs of my mind and help me to imagine along with You, what You have in store for my life. I simply want to finish everything You give me to do. Show me Lord, and I will follow Your plans and purposes for my life. Light the path in front of me. I don’t want to miss You in any way.

Yours Always,

Jeff

Fickle Leadership

 Scripture:

“David's army found out he was crying because his son had died, and their day of victory suddenly turned into a day of sadness.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19:2‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Absalom had conspired against his father David to take his throne. He was coming to take over David’s kingdom. David gave a command to his troops to bring Absalom home alive, but they ended up killing him. David was upset that they killed his son, even though his son was trying to overthrow his throne. David was crying because of his son and his army went from a day of victory to a day of sadness.

Application:

David crying about his son when his army had risked their lives and lost friends was not good leadership. His team had fought on his behalf and then he turned on them. It is difficult to follow a leader who is fickle. Sometimes as a leader, you have to eat your personal feelings and celebrate the win with your team.

Prayer:

Father, help me to lead well. Help me to know when to celebrate and when to be sorrowful. Show me each step of the way. Help me to learn from my mistakes and grow from Your word. I want to lead well in my generation.

Yours Always,

Jeff

Self Promotion

 Scripture:

“Absalom would say, “You deserve to win your case. It's too bad the king doesn't have anyone to hear complaints like yours. I wish someone would make me the judge around here! I would be fair to everyone.””  ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭15:3-4‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Absalom was David’s son, who was away for a long time. When he returned, at his father’s call, he spent quite a while promoting himself among the people. He would hear their cases and tell them he wished he could be a judge who would judge correctly. he promoted himself by making himself look good in everyone’s eyes. 

Application:

God promotion is so much better than self promotion. We need to be cautious about purposely showing people how wonderful we are. We need to be honest, full of integrity and character, and let God raise us up at the right time. When He lifts you up, you will rise higher than when you lift yourself up. Our job is to stay humble and let God work instead of promoting ourselves.

Prayer:

Lord, You know I want Your will in my life above all else. Help me to know when I’m promoting myself and my agenda, and when I’m fulfilling Your agenda. I want to follow Your voice, but I must hear it clearly. Open my ears and eyes to see and hear what You are doing. I want to serve You well in my generation.

Your son,

Jeff

Is This How You Usually Treat People?

 Scripture:

David went into the tent he had set up for the sacred chest. Then he sat there and prayed:

Lord All-Powerful, my family and I don't deserve what you have already done for us, 19and yet you have promised to do even more. Is this the way you usually treat people?  II Samuel 7:18-19

Observation:

David prays a beautiful prayer here that shows his gratitude to God for all He had done for him. He tells God that he doesn't deserve what the Lord had already done for him. He goes on to say, "and yet You have promised to do even more. Is this the way you usually treat people?" He is amazed by the Lord's goodness.

Application:

God has done so much in my life, yet He continues to promise more and more. Sometimes I am like David and ask God, "Is this usually the way You treat people?" God has been so good to me and allowed me to experience so much of Him in my lifetime. He has done extraordinary works and I stand amazed, yet He continues to do more and more.

Prayer:

God, You are incredible and I worship You this morning. Thank You for choosing me and working with me. You have been faithful. You have been kind. You have been generous. You have truly blessed my life. Let my life reflect the gratitude in my heart. I want to do more and more for You, but more than anything else, I want to do more WITH You.

Your Son,

Jeff

GREATLY BLESSED

 Scripture:

The chest stayed there for three months, and the Lord greatly blessed Obed Edom, his family, and everything he owned. Then someone told King David, “The Lord has done this because the sacred chest is in Obed Edom's house.” II Samuel 6:11-12

Observation:

David was having the ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem when an accident happened and a person died trying to steady the ark. David decided to leave the ark (where the manifest presence of God was) at the home of Obed Edom. While the ark was there, the house of Obed Edom was GREATLY BLESSED.

Application:

Where the presence of God is, people are GREATLY BLESSED. I want to be a person who walks in the presence of the Almighty and sees His blessings overtake my life. Throughout the Old Testament, we see God's people were always blessed in every way. I want to see the blessings of God flow in my life and family in these powerful ways. I believe God still blesses people.

Prayer:

Father, I pray this morning like Jabez, Oh that You would bless me. Let me see that day of Your blessing and breakthroughs. I ask You to bless Word of Life and let it see the day of the blessing of our God. Give us land and a building that will glorify Your name. Teach me to walk in Your presence always and to honor Your name.

Your Son,

Jeff

Honor

 Scripture:

“The people who lived in Jabesh in Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul's body. So one night, some brave men from Jabesh went to Beth-Shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons, then brought them back to Jabesh and burned them.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭31:11-12‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

When Saul died, his enemies took his body, and his son’s bodies, and hong them on a wall at Beth-Shan to show what they had accomplished. Some men from Jabesh heard about it and didn’t want their leader looked down on in this manner so they risked their lives, and brought the bodies back for a proper and honorable funeral.

Application:

Saul wasn’t a great leader of God’s people. He messed up many times, but these men respected his office, and therefore, him. They didn’t want their leader to look bad and be made fun of by publicly displaying his dead body. Honor caused them to risk their lives for a dead man. We must learn what honor is really about. When we honor people, we are not worshiping them, we are simply giving them a proper place of respect. Honor opens great doors.

Prayer:

Lord God, let me be a person who honors others. Help me to see opportunities to bring honor to those around me. Enable me to show honor to all. I want to honor God and honor others who are made in the image of God.

Yours,

Jeff

Choose Good and Never Evil

 Scripture:

“Please forgive me if I say a little more. The Lord will always protect you and your family, because you fight for him. I pray that you won't ever do anything evil as long as you live.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭25:28‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

David was on his way to kill Nabal because he had insulted David and his servants when they asked for his help. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, heard about it, she came to David and his men to stop them from taking revenge. She offered them plenty of food and apologized for her husband’s speech. She then tells David that because he fights for God, the Lord would always protect him and his family. She closed with a. Statement, “I pray that you won’t ever do anything evil as long as you live.”

Application:

Our choices determine our destiny. When we choose to do evil things, we will lose our protection from the Lord. When we are walking with the Lord and in step with Him, He fights our battles and defeats our enemies. When we choose our own way instead of God’s, we are in a dangerous place. We need to never allow evil into our thoughts and actions.

Prayer:

Father, help me to never allow evil into my life. Help me to walk humbly before You and to serve You with excellence. Teach me Your ways and help me to follow You well. I want to represent You and Your kingdom well.

Your Son,

Jeff

Evil People Do Evil Things

 Scripture:

“An old proverb says, “Only evil people do evil things,” and so I won't harm you.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭24:13‬ ‭CEV

Observation:

Saul was chasing David in order to kill him. David had a chance at revenge. He had an opportunity to kill Saul in a cave, but David would not kill the Lord’s anointed. He cut off a piece of Saul’s robe in that cave without Saul even knowing it. He then let Saul get far enough away and yelled at him, telling him that he would never kill Saul because, “‘only evil people do evil things.,’ and so I won’t harm you.”

Application:

David trusted God to promote him and protect him. He would not do evil, even when it seemed he had every right to do that. He was being pursued in order to be killed and he knew it, yet didn’t fight back when he had the opportunity. He trusted God to promote him in due season instead of taking things into his own hands. We must learn to trust God with our lives. We never have to seek revenge or promote ourselves, we need to learn that God is the best at that and He will do it in His timing.

Prayer:

Father, I entrust my life to You. You are my everything. I trust You to open the right doors for me. I trust You to give us land and a building for the church. I trust You to put me in touch with the right people at the right times to do Your will. Help me to never fight my own battles, but to fully trust and rely on You. You are my rock and my salvation.

Yours Forever,

jeff

Past Victories Supply Present Needs

 Scripture:

“The priest answered, “The only sword here is the one that belonged to Goliath the Philistine. You were the one who killed him in Elah Valley, and so you can take his sword if you want to. It's wrapped in a cloth behind the statue.” “It's the best sword there is,” David said. “I'll take it!”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭21:9‬ ‭CEV‬

Observation:

David had killed Goliath and used Goliath’s sword to cut off his head. That sword ended up with Ehimilech in the town of Nob after David used it. Now, when David was on the run from King Saul, what he had used to conquer his giant was given back to him in his time of need. 

Application:

Today’s victories supply tomorrow’s needs in God’s Kingdom. David was blessed by receiving the best sword in the land in his hour of need because he had defeated a giant with that sword. When we conquer giants in our lives, we then have the tools to conquer other giants. The main tool for us is our faith.

Prayer:

Father, increase my faith. Let my past victories supply my present and future needs. Help me to live an overcoming life and to prosper in every area. Teach me to defeat giants and to conquer kings. Help me to accomplish Your will for my life. Show me how to be a great husband, father, and spiritual father.

Your Son,

Jeff

Characteristics that Get You Noticed

 Scripture:

““A man named Jesse who lives in Bethlehem has a son who can play the harp,” one official said. “He's a brave warrior, he's good-looking, he can speak well, and the Lord is with him.”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16:18‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

When King Saul was told to find someone who could play the harp and get rid of the demons that tormented him, he was told about a young man named David. His leaders said of David, “He’s a brave warrior, he’s good-looking, he can speak well, and the Lord is with him.” What a great reputation to have. David had four excellent things going for him that made him stand out from the crowd.

Application:

The characteristics that made David stand out in the crowd are important to us today as well. We should be known for being brave. As leaders, we should strive to look presentable. We should work on learning to communicate with confidence and excellence. More than anything, we need the Spirit of the Lord to be on our lives. Some of this we can do, some God must do, but we can earnestly seek Him and develop in these areas.

Prayer:

Father, let my life bring You glory above all others things. Help me to live and excellent life that bring about Your blessing. Teach me to follow You well. I’ll work on being brave, confident, my health, but only You can choose to let Your Spirit rest on my life. I’ll do my part, You do Yours and together, let’s touch the world. I don’t want to do ministry FOR You, but WITH You.

Your Son,

Jeff

Obedience, the Ultimate Act of Worship

 Scripture:

““Tell me,” Samuel said. “Does the Lord really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn't want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15:22‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Saul had disobeyed the Lord in some ways that we would probably say were not so bad. He even did these things in order to honor the Lord with his worship. The problem was that he disobeyed the Lord in order to worship the Lord. Samuel told him that the Lord wants obedience more than he wants sacrifice and worship.

Application:

The demonstration of true worship is obedience. Jesus spoke much about this as well. God desires His people to do what He says, which is the ultimate act of worship. Obedience is hard sometimes. Obedience sometimes means you have to do things you wouldn’t do any other way. It means you do what God says, even if that looks foolish. Obedience always wins in God’s book. We must learn to walk in obedience.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to walk in obedience to You at all times. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and to do exactly what You want me to do. You know the cry of my heart. I want to be in Your will and never to step outside of that. Teach me to follow You well. Show me the way. Open the right doors. Open my ears to hear You. I want it obey, but I must hear clearly in order to obey well.

Your Son,

Jeff

Don’t Be Stubborn

 Scripture:

“If you and your king want to be followers of the Lord, you must worship him and do what he says. Don't be stubborn!” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Israel had a history of being stubborn before the Lord and running after other gods. They continually got off track and went the wrong direction. As they were getting their first king, which the Lord wasn’t happy about. The Lord told them He would allow them to have a king. As Samuel was preparing the people and Saul to be king he told them if they wanted to serve the Lord, “don’t be stubborn.”

Application:

Stubbornness means, I am going to do what I want to do, no matter what God, or anyone else has to say about tit. Stubbornness with God is unacceptable to Him. He wants His people to follow His directions and not to stubbornly do what they want. We must learnt to live with pliable hearts that are willing to change and with soft hearts before the Lord, ready to live as He says and not do things our own way. Stubbornness really says to God that we think we know better than He does.

Prayer:

Father, help me to never be stubborn with You when You are speaking to me about things. Help me to always follow Your voice and not do simply whatever I want to do. I never want to live in opposition to You and You plans for my life. Teach me to follow You well and to never allow stubbornness into my life.

Your Son,

Jeff

Celebrate God’s Presence

 Scripture:

“The people of Beth-Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the chest, they were so happy that they stopped working and started celebrating.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

The ark of God had been captured by the Philistines. While it was in their presence, their god Dagon, fell on his face before it, they all got sores on them, and everyone knew it was because the God of Israel was in their midst. Therefore, they decided to get rid of the ark. They sent it to Beth-Shemesh and as the people of that area saw the ark coming, they stopped what they were doing and started celebrating.

Application:

We should celebrate when we see or experience the presence of God manifested around us. His presence can change everything in our lives immediately. His presence can turn mountains into flatlands. His presence can make cancer disappear. His presence can transform society. May we learn to honor and celebrate the presence of the Lord more and more.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to honor Your presence and flow with You when You are in the room. I know You are everywhere, but I love when You allow Your presence to be manifested and become tangible. Come Holy Spirit, touch Your people. I want Your presence in everything I do. Help me to do what You are doing and to celebrate Your presence by following Your Spirit when You show up.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Lifted

 Scripture:

“You lift the poor and homeless out of the garbage dump and give them places of honor in royal palaces. You set the world on foundations, and they belong to you.”  1 Samuel‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Hannah is singing a song here to the Lord concerning what He had done for her when He enabled her to get pregnant after years of asking. She says that God lifts the poor and homeless out of the garbage dump and give them places of honor. In other words, God can take anyone, from anywhere, and lift them up when they offer their lives to Him.

Application:

God lifts up those who are committed to Him. When we offer God our lives, we are in for the ride of our lives. He will lift us up out of the garbage dump of life and bring us into royal places. He will astound us when we are completely His. The goal is to be completely His, then we can expect Him to lift us us. He also tells us that He lifts up the humble and puts down the proud.  We must seek Him in humility and let Him lift us up.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are incredible! I love how You lift Your people up from nothingness and give us hope and a future. Help me to walk humbly before You all the days of my life and help me to serve You well in my generation. You are worthy of my very best!

Yours Forever,

Jeff

As Close as Clothing

 Scripture:

“Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won't try to satisfy your selfish desires.”  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:14‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells the Romans to let Christ be as near as the clothes we wear, then we won’t satisfy our selfish desires. You can’t get much closer than the clothes we wear. Other places it tells us to “put on Christ.” When we are close to Him, we don’t have to worry about sin and doing wrong because we will be constantly aware of His presence.

Application:

I’ve been known to say in the past, “You are as close to Christ today as you want to be.” I base that on the scripture that tells us to draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. As we move toward Christ, He moves toward us. As we get really close, we begin to live as He would live in the world around us. When we walk in intimacy with Christ, we don’t want to do the things the world is passionate about. We want to do what he wants us to do, and no more.

Prayer:

Lord God, this morning I draw nearer to You. I want You in my life in greater and greater measure. I want to be clothed in Christ. I desire oneness with You my Lord. Be as close as my clothes. As I draw near to You, draw near to me and let us become one.

Your Son,

Jeff

Wealth, Wisdom, and Knowledge

 Scripture:

“Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand his decisions or explain what he does?”  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭11:33‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is speaking here about God welcoming the Gentiles, but still loving His chosen people, the Jews. God’s wealth, wisdom and knowledge are unmeasurable! He has more than enough for all of us. When we lack, wealth, wisdom, or knowledge, we should run to the one who has it.

Application:

When we run out of wealth, wisdom, or knowledge, we must run to God, who has all of it. We must never rely on ourselves, our wisdom, our knowledge, or our understanding.  We serve the God who created wisdom and when we need some, He should be the source of it. God made the world and everything in it. When we need wealth, we should go to Him.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to stop leaning on my own understanding, wisdom, strength, and resources. You have everything and know everything. Help me to take into Your storehouses and be blessed. Show me the wealth of Your kingdom and help me to understand. Give me understanding I pray.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Victory Over Sin and the Law

 Scripture:

“In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.” Romans‬ ‭8:37‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is talking about the power of sin and the Law in our lives in this context. He states here that we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. We tend to love this verse because in some translations it says overwhelming victory is ours. In the context, we are given victory over sin and the Law.

Application:

It is good to know that Christ has already won the victory on the cross for my sins. He won more than a victory when He was nailed to the cross. He set me free from the power of sin and I am no longer a slave to it. I have been freed through Christ. My job is to use the power and authority I have to oppose sin and not give in to it.

Prayer:

Father, let the overwhelming victory of Christ reign and rule in my life. Help me to live a life that pleases You and that bring You honor in every area. I want to serve You well in my generation. Help me to conquer everything that doesn’t bring You glory. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff