Where are the Mourners?

 Scripture:

“All who see you will shrink back and say, ‘Nineveh lies in ruins. Where are the mourners?’ Does anyone regret your destruction?”” ‭‭Nahum‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, God is taunting Nineveh. He sends Nahum with a message of destruction because of their disobedience and pride. The prophet saw what was coming upon them and spoke about it. He asked a couple of questions that are triggering questions, “Where are the mourners?” And “Does anyone regret your destruction?” These are real questions that evoke much thought.

Application:

Sometimes it is good to think about your own funeral. This week I have done two funerals. Funerals always cause us to think on our lives and their impact. Once in a while it is good to ask, “Where are the mourners?” And “Does anyone regret your destruction?” I also ask a question of the church I pastor, “If we disappeared from our city, would anyone miss us?” These are tough questions, but make you think about your effectiveness in life. Once in a while we must ask ourselves who will be upset when we are gone. Who would be show up at our funeral?

Prayer:

Father, I want my life to count. I want my life to make a difference for many people. I want to make an impact with my life. Help me to stay focused on what’s important to You and Your kingdom. Let me live a life that would cause lots of mourning at my funeral. Let my life make an impact every day for You and Your kingdom.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

The Ultimate Will of God

 Scripture:

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

At the end of the book of Revelation we can clearly see the will of God that I have been talking about from the beginning of Genesis this year. His ultimate goal is seen here, “God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Throughout the Old Testament we see that God has always wanted a people who would be completely His and that He could bless so the whole world would know His goodness.

Application:

God’s ultimate desire and will for us is that we be completely His and He dwell with us eternally. His will is that there be no more suffering, pain, crying, death, or sorrow. That is the end game that He is working on. Currently we live in a fallen state where the curse affects everything we see. One day, the curse will completely be broken and we will see the perfect state God always wanted for His people. It is going to be incredible and our job now is to let the world know so that they may be part of this incredible future.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, Your plans are good and glorious. You are amazing and I love that You want good things for Your children. Thank You for being so good to me. Enable me to bring more and more people to Your banquet. Help me to plunder hell and populate heaven. Let my life be used for Your glory and to bring countless souls to glory. 

Your Son Forever,

Jeff

Loud and Strong Praises

 Scripture:

“Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: “Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Revelation 19 describes what happens when Jesus comes back to set up His rule for the 1,000 Millennial reign of Christ. As He defeats the enemy, there is rejoicing and worship in His presence. John heard it like the sound of a vast crowd, or the roar of mighty waves, or powerful thunder. They were proclaiming, “Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.”

Application:

Throughout the book of Revelation, worship is a massive part of what is going on. The worship in this passage is loud and powerful. I love to be in huge crowds worshiping Christ together. There is nothing like it when people raise their voices to God to give Him praise. At the same time, it doesn’t take a crowd to worship with passion. We need to be people who worship strong and passionate in the big crowd as well as in the smaller crowd.

Prayer:

Father, let my worship be fitting for a king. Let my praise ascend to Your throne. Help me to never worship with less than all of me. I want to exalt Your name with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to create loud thunder with my praises.

Your Cheerleader,

Jeff

Living with a Go Bag

 Scripture:

““Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This is Jesus speaking in the book of Revelation. He says He will come unexpectedly, like a thief. He goes on to say that those who are watching for Him and keep their clothing ready, are blessed and will not be ashamed. 

Application:

We need to be ready at all times for the coming of the Lord. We must be a people who live prepared to go at any time. I am reminded this morning of some training I had with a person who serves and agency of our government. He taught us to always have a “go” bag with all our necessities in it. This would allow us to get out of our hotel or wherever, with our important things quickly if an emergency happened. Living for Jesus should be like living with our go bag ready. We should be looking for His appearance and living for Him while we wait for His return.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I want to be ready at all times for Your coming. Help me to live every day like it was my last day. Help me to make the most of every opportunity in Your kingdom. Show me Your ways and let me serve You well in these last days. Let me live prepared, and helping others get prepared, for Your soon coming. I’m watching for Your return.

Yours,

Jeff

God’s Power Demonstrated on Live Television

 Scripture:

“But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭11‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This is speaking of the two witnesses in the book of Revelation. In the last days, they are given power to call down fire from heaven and to do mighty miracles. In this passage, they are killed in front of the whole world, but their bodies were left on the streets of Jerusalem for 3-1/2 days. After 3-1/2 days, they resurrect in front of the whole world. God publicly, and on the internet where everyone is watching, raises them from the dead on camera worldwide for everyone to witness. 

Application:

God will display His power in the last days like we have never seen. He will officially let the world know He is God and that He isn’t to be messed with. Terror literally strikes everyone who sees this. Though the world doesn’t want to acknowledge God right now. They will one day bow before Him. It is better to bow now, than to be scared to death later at what He does.

Prayer:

Father, I can’t wait to see Your full glory revealed to the world so they cannot deny who You are and what You are capable of. I look forward to the revelation of Your rule and reign. Help me to live a life worthy of  all You have done for me. Help me to recognize Your goodness in my life and to prepare the worlld for Your coming.

Yours,

Jeff

Heaven Will Be Incredible

 Scripture:

“For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬

Observation:

This verse speaks about those who died in the great tribulation, but it also applies to all of us because it describes what heaven will be like. When we arrive there, the Lamb of God will be our Shepherd. He will guide us, lead us, and feed us. He will take us to the springs of life-giving water and will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Being in the care of Jesus will be incredible!

Application:

When we go through trying times on this earth, we as believers can face them because we know that one day everything will turn around. We can be assured that one day we will be in the presence of the Most High and He will wipe away every tear and there will be no more suffering, pain, or death. God will be our shepherd and we will be His sheep. We can look forward with confidence, knowing things get better for us after death, not worse.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are great and glorious. You are incredible in every way! Help me to keep my focus on eternity and my eyes on You. Empower me to live a life that pleases You and brings Your glory. Show me Your ways and teach me Your paths. I want to live life on earth with You as my shepherd already. I want to drink from the springs of living water every day of my life.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Constant Improvement

 Scripture:

““I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

John received an incredible word from Jesus about the seven churches in Asia. This verse is about the church in Thyatira. He conveyed this message from Jesus. He had seen their love, faith, service, endurance, and their constant improvement in all these things. Jesus noticed their constant improvement.

Application:

Constant improvement gets recognized by Jesus. We should never grow content in our walk with God. We should always be improving. This should be something we live by in every area of our lives. Constant improvement means I’m not satisfied in an area and I want to do better. God sees this and God rewards it.

Prayer:

Father, I want to see constant improvement in my spiritual and physical life. Help me to be disciplined and to listen to Your voice. Teach me to constantly be working to be a better person who does exactly what You want me to do.

Your Son,

Jeff

As For Me

 Scripture:

“But as for me, I am filled with power— with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion.” ‭‭Micah‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Micah had been railing against Israel, Judah and all the surrounding nations because of their evil. He was now confronting their priests and teachers and condemning them for not wanting to ministry without nice pay. In the midst of slamming Israel’s prophets and priests he says, “But as for me, I am filled with power - with the Spirit of the Lord.”

Application:

I want to be able to declare like Micah what God is speaking, but more than that I want to declare, “But as for me, I am filled with power - with the Spirit of the Lord.” I want to walk with God and know who I am in Him. I don’t want to do ministry for a price tag or for offerings, but in obedience to the Lord God Almighty. I want to do exactly what He wants for my life. I don’t want to be corrupted by the things of this world.

Prayer:

Father, help me to live a life that pleases You above everything else. I long to walk a walk worthy of the calling You have called me with. I see church leaders working for offerings and not wanting to declare Your words because it might offend a big giver. Help me to walk in truth and declare Your truth without fear of finances. I want to live a life filled with Your power.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Spiritual Darkness

 Scripture:

“But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”” ‭‭Jonah‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God was speaking here to Jonah who was complaining to God about the people of Nineveh repenting of their sins and turning to the Lord. God told him that Nineveh had 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Then He closes this section by saying, “Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” God was heartbroken for the people of Nineveh. He loved them and wanted to have mercy on them. 

Application:

Many times through the years I have felt the heart of God for a people, a region, or a nation. When people are in darkness, God is grieved! When we really feel the heart of God, it will often be broken for the people He loves who are walking in spiritual darkness. I just got home for Istanbul, Turkey. While there, I got a sense of the heart of the Father for that nation. It was a nation that was once the center of Christianity for the world, but now less than 1% claim a relationship with Christ. We must ask God to let us feel what He feels for the world around us because it will change what is important on our agendas.

Prayer:

Father, let me feel Your heart for your creation. Help me to walk in step with You. Thank You for the times when You have allowed me to feel Your heart for a region or a nation. Help me to never forget that, but to work toward changing that map in those areas. Let me feel Your heart for those in spiritual darkness. 

Your Son,

Jeff

Prophetic Intercession

 Scripture:

'In my vision the locusts ate every green plant in sight. Then I said, “O Sovereign Lord , please forgive us or we will not survive, for Israel is so small.” So the Lord relented from this plan. “I will not do it,” he said. Then I said, “O Sovereign Lord , please stop or we will not survive, for Israel is so small.” Then the Lord relented from this plan, too. “I will not do that either,” said the Sovereign Lord . ' Amos 7:2-3,5-6

Observation:

In these verses are two references about what God planned to do to Israel. In both plans, God was planning things that would overwhelm Israel. Amos interceded for Israel in both cases by saying it was too small and would not survive. In both cases the Lord relented from His plan. The true prophetic gift not only tells what the Lord is planning to do, but intercedes between God and His plans for mankind. Amos changed God's mind about His plans for Israel.

Application:

Intercession and prophecy must work together. When God reveals to the prophet what He is about to do, there are times when the prophet must intercede before the Lord on behalf of those receiving judgment. When we hear what the Lord is going to do in a place or a nation, we can still intercede on their behalf. We can still cry out to God for our nation. What is spoken from God doesn't have to come to pass. Sometimes we can change His mind.

Prayer:

Father, show me when to intercede and when to simply declare Your judgment to what You are going to do. Reveal to me things that are coming. Open my eyes to see what You are doing in the earth. Open my ears to hear Your voice. Show me how to intecede whe Your judgment is coming. Walk with me step by step and let me do what You would want me to in every situation. I belong to You. Let me speak Your word here today in Turkey. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Obey God and Run From Evil

 Scripture:

'Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. ' Amos 5:14

Observation:

Amos is prophesying destruction for Israel because they have walked away from the Lord their God. They were living in luxury while far from God and acting like God didn't exist. The Lord speaks through Amos and tells them to do what is good and run from evil so they can live and have God as their helper. Doing good and running from evil brings life and help from God.

Application:

We must learn to love what God loves and hate what God hates. It should come naturally because of our new nature, but it is usually a fight with our old man to live more and more like Christ. We should ask ourselves if we are doing what is good and running from what is evil. This is a simple statement, but with profound depth. We always told our children that obedience brings blessing. When we obey God and do what He says, we will live blessed lives. Loving what God loves and running from what He hates is simple obedience. When we do it, we are told we will live and have God as our helper.

Prayer:

Father, I want to live a life that pleases and honors You. You are my everything! Help me to love what You love and hate what You hate. Show me each day how to live a life that pleases You and causes Your blessing to flow in my life. Purify my heart and let You Spirit work strongly in and through me.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God Still Speaks Through His Prophets

Scripture:

'Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. ' Amos 3:7

Observation:

Amos had just prophesied many terrible things about Israel and the surrounding countries. He was telling God's people that judgment was coming and that God was going to be ruthless. What he is saying here is that, even in judgment, God will reveal what is coming to His servants the prophets. God has always spoken through prophets, but because the prophetic gifting has been so abused and misused, many won't listen or even believe that God still does this. God still speaks through His prophets, are we willing to listen?

Application:

Although I don't proclaim to be a prophet, I want to operate as one who brings a word from the Lord. I want to know, at all times, what God is doing and what God is saying. Therefore, I want my eyes and ears to be open so I can know what God is saying to my generation. I want to walk in God's revelation and to accurately convey what He is speaking. I want revelation from God to share with His people at all times.

Prayer:

Father, open my ears. If You are going to speak and reveal Your plans, let me a receptor. Help me to hone my listening skills as Your servant. I want to accurately represent You and what You are speaking to Your people. As You reveal things to me, help me walk in humility before You all the days of my life and to never bring shame to Your name.

Sincerely Yours,

Jeff

God in Me... Me in God

 Scripture:

'All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. ' 1 John 4:15

Observation:

This simple verse tells us that those who declare that Jesus is the Son of God, which is us, have God living in them and they live in God. It is the answer to Jesus request of His Father in John 17 that His people be one with the Father as He was one with the Father. 

Application:

What does it look like to live in God and to have God living in us? How would I live differently if I truly believed I lived in God and God lived in me? I must believe that God lives in me and I must demonstrate that to the world. I believe the world must know God and if God lives in us, we must introduce Him to the world through our lives. We need to be a visual representation of the Father to the world around us just like Jesus was.

Prayer:

Father, I long to walk as one with You. I want to know You deeper and more. I want to know what You are thinking. I want to know what You are feeling. I want You to live in me and through me. I want to be one with You as Jesus was. Help me to understand this better and to walk with You at new and higher levels. Let my life bring You glory. Flow through me today here in Turkey. Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in this nation. Come Holy Spirit and breathe on this nation.

Yours,

Jeff

Live as Jesus Did

 Scripture:

'Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.' 1 John 2:6

Observation:

John penned this simple, yet profound verse. It basically says that if we SAY we live in God, we should live like Christ Jesus did. If we have Christ in us, we should live like He lived, in fellowship with the Father. Pondering for a moment on HOW Jesus lived is amazing. 

Application:

If we were to live like Christ did, our lives would be anything but boring. His life brought life everywhere He went. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed lepers, and changed the world for those who came in contact with Him. His words were powerful and full of authority. Our words should carry that kind of weight. We must learn to walk in the limitless anointing Jesus walked in as He walked with the Father, so we should walk with the Father.

Prayer:

Father, I want to know You like Jesus did. I want to walk with You and talk with You. I want to extend Your rule and reign on this earth in my generation. You are incredible and worthy of my very best. Use me for Your glory here in Turkey this week. I am Yours. Let me be one with You.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

A Slave to Jesus

 Scripture:

“They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Peter opened up this letter by saying he was a slave of Jesus Christ. Here he says that you are a slave to whatever controls you. Peter saw himself as being controlled by Jesus, and therefore a slave to Jesus. 

Application:

I want to be totally controlled by Jesus. I have no problem saying I want to be His slave. A slave is totally surrendered to his master and I want to live totally surrendered to Jesus. I want to do His will above my own. We must desire to be controlled by nothing and no one but Jesus. I want to say yes to whatever He speaks for my life. I don’t want to be controlled by anything or anyone but Jesus. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to live as a good slave to Christ. Help me to walk in humility and to do whatever You speak to me. I want to fulfill Your will for my life. Let me live a life completely controlled by You and Your will. I want to be submitted to You above all else. Empower me to live that way. Let me be controlled by nothing but You.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Words and Actions

 Scripture:

“For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me.” ‭‭Hosea‬ ‭11‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God is speaking here through Hosea to the people of Israel and Judah. He says that His people were determined to desert Him, even though they call him the Most High. The people of Israel were worshiping God without truly honoring Him as God. They wanted to call Him Lord without serving Him as Lord.

Application:

Today, there are many who love to worship a God that they do not really know. Our worship cannot be just with our lips, but must be with our hearts. We must humble ourselves before the Lord and honor Him. We do this, not through our words and worship, but through a life of obedience to  His word and His teachings. We must make sure our actions match our worship. We must make sure our lives are a good as our music we worship God with.

Prayer:

Father, You are incredible and I love You much. Help me to follow You well. Let me hear Your voice and obey. Teach me to honor You above every other thing in my life. I want to serve You well and to hear well done when I see You face to face. Empower me to honor You well and to not say anything in a worship song that I don’t plan to live out.

Yours, 

Jeff

Don’t Forget God

 Scripture:

“Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces, and Judah has fortified its cities. Therefore, I will send down fire on their cities and will burn up their fortresses.”” ‭‭Hosea‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Israel and Judah had rejected God and turned to worshiping idols. They had forgotten God. Because of that, God told them He was going to send down fire on their cities and burn up their fortresses. This was never God’s first plan for Israel and Judah, it was to get their attention and for them to turn back to Him because He wanted to bless them. God wanted to bless His people, but they refused to follow Him.

Application:

We can never take our relationship with God for granted. He has done so much for me. The passage above says that they built great palaces and fortified cities. We can do some good things apart from God, but we should always value Him and bring honor to Him. As for me, I don’t want to build something designed and built by myself. I want to build what God has for me and in the way He wants to do it. God is able! I need to always walk humbly before God and never turn from Him, then I can expect His blessings and favor.

Prayer:

Lord God, You are high and lifted up! You are great and glorious! You are victorious in all Your ways. You are faithful and true. You are my rock and my salvation. I appreciate You and I want to follow You well all the days of my life. Help me to build what You want, when You want, and teach me not to build something I desire. Let my steps be ordered by You.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Restoration of Relationships

 Scripture:

“In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence.” ‭‭Hosea‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Hosea had been delivering a word of judgment for God’s people because of their prostitution with other gods. In this verse, he tells God’s people that they will soon be restored so that they may live in God’s presence. Even when God punishes for sin, His goal is always the same. He wants us to turn so that He can forgive us, restore us, and let us live in His presence. He punishes because His holiness demands it, but then looks for restoration so He can bless.

Application:

As believers, our goal is to be more and more Christlike. We should desire the traits of God to be reflected in our lives. When we have issues with people, or even have to punish them for wrongdoing, we should be eager for restoration so we can walk together again. The goal of punishment isn’t pain, but restoration and healing so the relationship can be healed and restored. Our goal should be to dwell with the people who hurt us or abandoned us.

Prayer:

Father, let my life look more and more like Yours. Help me to forgive those who hurt me and walk away from me. Teach me to seek restoration always, so we may get along as Your people. Guide me into healing  and restoration and never into judgment for the sake of punishment. Show me how to love like You love. I want to be more like You.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God’s Long Game

 Scripture:

““Yet the time will come when Israel’s people will be like the sands of the seashore—too many to count! Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said, ‘You are children of the living God.’” ‭‭Hosea‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God told Hosea to marry a prostitute that would represent what He wanted to tell Israel. In this passage, He is telling them that one day they would prosper and have countless children. He is prophesying the day of their return to Him and to their homeland. Where they were called, “not my people” they would be called “children of the living God.” God always has restoration in mind, even when He is prophesying doom and gloom.

Application:

God always has the long game in mind. He controls time and eternity and He is not in a hurry. Sometimes, we feel like God isn’t moving quick enough for our liking, but He knows what He is doing. Sometimes restoration comes quickly, but usually restoration is a long process. I want to see multitudes come to Christ immediately, but sometimes it is a process that takes a long time. I need to walk in step with the Spirit daily and watch Him work out the long game as I follow Him.

Prayer:

Father, You always the the long game in mind. You are able to see things we can’t even imagine. You are able to see the end and know what is going to happen. Let me never give up on anyone. Help me to see that the people who are not your people can still become Your people and that You can still bless them.

Yours,

Jeff

The Right Time

 Scripture:

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Peter is closing his letter here and tells his readers to humble themselves under the mighty power of God, and then At THE RIGHT TIME, God would lift them up in honor. They were going through persecution and trials. People were being killed for their faith in Christ all around them and Peter told them to remain humble and let God promote them at the right time. 

Application:

Sometimes God doesn’t rescue us at the time we want Him to. There are times we have to go through fiery trials and difficult seasons. Our place in the tough times is to humble ourselves before God, knowing that if we remain humble before Him, He will raise us up at the right time. The hard part of us is that we don’t know the time and therefore must remain humble throughout our lives. We are to have a posture of humility before and after God blesses us. Humility always wins with God. We must learn to walk in it.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are incredible and I love You with all my heart. Teach me to walk in humility throughout my life and to trust that at THE RIGHT TIME, You will raise me up. The timing is Yours. The humility is mine. Show me how to walk in humility until Your timing is fulfilled. Show me how to serve You well in my generation. I want to walk with You and remain in You. I want to be one with You.

Yours,

Jeff

Past Tense Victory

 Scripture:

“Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Peter was extremely impactful as a disciple and as a leader in the early church. He understood that Christ died, was buried, raised again, and ascended into heaven where He is now seated in all authority. He tells us in this passage that Jesus is seated next to God and that all angels, authorities, and powers accept His authority. 

Application:

Peter saw Jesus as high and lifted up and all powerful. He knew that Christ has already been given all power and authority in heaven and earth. Peter used past tense to talk about Christ’s position and authority.  He considered it done, finished, and completed. We must see that Christ has already been exalted and that He has commissioned us to do His will in the earth. We must see our victory as already accomplished. We must see our battles as already won by Christ. The enemy has already been defeated. We must begin to see all Christ accomplished past tense so we see in the present tense that He already resigns and rules.

Prayer:

Jesus, open my eyes more and more concerning what You have done for us and all You accomplished with Your death, burial, and resurrection. You are amazing! You are seated at the right hand of the Father and already have the victory. Let me live by faith that sees everything I need in life as already provided for. Help me to walk in everything You died to give us that I can extend Your Kingdom rule and reign on earth in this season until You come again.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

The Time of the End

Scripture:

 “But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Daniel was given his messages from the Lord and was told to seal up his book until the time of the end. He was told several times that at the end of time, understanding would come of everything Daniel had seen. Today I want to focus on the words, “when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” This simple description of the end is powerful when we look at it today, but probably didn’t mean much to those of Daniel’s time. Now, people are rushing here and there continually and knowledge is increasing at incredible rates. We are most definitely living in the days Daniel prophesied about.

Application:

As we see the signs of the times we are living in, we must focus more in on God and His mission in the world. Now is not the time for halfheartedness. Now is the time for full surrender to the call and cause of Jesus. We must get active concerning the things of God and give ourselves to the accomplishment of His purposes in the world around us.

Prayer:

Father, as we all in these last days, I ask You to walk with me daily. Let my heart be pure before You and let me hear Your voice each and every day. Let my steps be ordered of You. Let me now waste away the days I live in but let me be used for Your purposes and Your kingdom in the earth. Show me things to come as You did with Daniel. Let me be prepared for everything coming on the earth in these days Daniel described so accurately.

Yours,

Jeff

Precious to God

 Scripture:

““Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my Lord, for you have strengthened me.”” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Daniel had some very powerful interactions with God and His angels. In this one, he was told not to be afraid because he was very precious to God. Daniel had just been on a 21 day fast of anything pleasant to eat. The angel brings him revelation concerning the Last Days and he was overwhelmed. The angel told him “Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” At that point, Daniel’s strength returned to him and he was ready to listen to the word of the Lord.

Application:

God stills speaks to His people. His word to me this morning is “you are very precious to me. Peace! Be encouraged! Br strong!” I felt like this word was written to me this morning and not just to Daniel. God has a way of taking words written hundreds of years ago and making them personal for me today. When we hear the voice of the Lord, we are encouraged, strengthened, and empowered to serve Him better. Just as Daniel did, we must seek the Lord with fasting and prayer.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for speaking to me this morning. Thank You for encouraging my faith and giving me strength. You are incredible and it is an honor to work with You to build Your kingdom. You give me life. You give me joy. You give me the strength I need. You are my everything. Help me to seek You more and more in the coming days and as we approach the days Daniel spoke about.

Yours,

Jeff

God’s Favor After Testing

 Scripture:

“Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Daniel was a deported captive in Babylon, yet God raised him up to influence the nation. He worked directly with several kings in Babylon during the captivity of his own people. It says here that because of Daniel’s great ability, the king was going to place him over the entire empire. Daniel excelled in his gifts and remained faithful to God and God raised him up and have him great authority and influence. He was tried and tested, yet favor was strong on his life.

Application:

God’s favor can do things for you that nothing else can do. God’s favor can change people’s perception of you and cause you to prosper in the midst of deportation and captivity. God still blesses His people and causes them to be influencers. When God knows He can trust you, He will elevate you and open doors for you. You will be tested, but if you remain faithful in the tests, God will promote you in His kingdom and in positions in this earthly world. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to live a life You can bless. Help me to remain faithful when tested and tried. Teach me to walk with You closely, no matter what comes against me. Give me Your favor and let Your will be done in my life. Show me how to lead well and to lead with exceptional abilities because You are with me. I look to You. Show me how to live a life You can bless.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God Rules the Earth

 Scripture:

“He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Daniel shares here that God controls the course of world events. It is God that removes kings and sets up other kings. It is God who gives wisdom and knowledge. It is God who puts people into positions of power and authority for His purposes. God is always working in world affairs to bring about what needs to take place on the world stage.

Application:

Sometimes when we are frustrated with our leadership, we must remember that God is working a plan and He uses world leaders to implement that plan. Even evil rulers are put into position by God for His purposes. Nothing and no one gets into office without God being involved. Many times we put our political hats on and take pride in our political campaigns and elections, but in the end, it is God who puts people into office as part of His plan. Our job is to work with Him to accomplish His purposes.

Prayer:

Father, help me to find the right balance between You and politics. Help me to realize that, no matter who is in office in our country, that You are still in control ultimately and working Your will in the earth. Teach me to be okay with trusting that You are working, even when ungodly people rule. Teach me to trust You more and more each day.

Yours,

Jeff

Unusual Aptitude

 Scripture:

“God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬

Observation:

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were given unusual aptitude by God. They were given an ability by God, in a foreign land, in the king’s residence. Daniel had an unusual ability to interpret dreams and visions. This morning I was drawn to the fact that God can give unusual abilities and aptitudes to His people for His purposes. 

Application:

When God gives you supernatural abilities and aptitudes, you must use them for His glory. He gives us everything we need to serve Him and accomplish His purposes in and through our lives. God gives special gifts and callings, then He prepares us to do them. We must realize these are gifts from God and for God, not for our own use and benefit. I also see the need for me to use the special gifts and abilities He has blessed me with. I don’t want to be a one talent or two talents believer. I want to return to my Lord everything He gave me, with much more because I used the special abilities He gave me.

Prayer:

Father, Once again, I lay my life down before You. Help me to use well every gift, talent, ability, and aptitude You have given me. Teach me to walk humbly before You and to use the gifts You have imparted to my life well. Teach me to serve You people with all my heart and to use what You have given me for Your purposes. I am Yours for the extension of Your kingdom.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Faith Tests

 Scripture:

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

James teaches us there that when our faith is tested, our endurance will grow. He then encourages us to let it grow  because when it is fully developed we will be perfect and complete and need nothing else. According to this verse, we should welcome the tests of our faith because they are going to work patient endurance in our lives. 

Application:

Sometimes our faith is tested and we have to learn to continue to walk in faith, even when it seems like nothing is happening. I have prayed for thirty five years for Cheryl’s blood pressure. In the past year it has dropped slowly and her last appointment was the first time her blood pressure has been normal in thirty five years. I pray daily for her and her health, but the process has been a long walk of faith. Now we are seeing results. God is incredible and we don’t understand His timing, but His word never fails. He will do what He says He will do, He just may let us go through some faith tests in the process of time.

Prayer:

Father, increase my faith. I want to live a life that pleases You and without faith it is impossible to please You. Help me to pass the faith tests along the way and to know You are working, even when I don’t see visible results. I want to be a person of strong faith.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

River of Life

 Scripture:

“Then he said to me, “This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭47‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Ezekiel had a vision of a river flowing from the Temple in Jerusalem. This river got deeper the farther it went until a person would have to swim in it. The river brought healing and life wherever it went. The river will end in the Dead Sea and will make the waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure with lots of fish in it. Whatever God does brings life. He brings life to dead things.

Application:

Wherever the river of God flows, life flows. Dead things come back alive when God’s river flows to them. This verse describes a literal river that will flow one day, but Jesus said, “out of your bellies will flow rivers of living water.” Because of our walk with God, dead things should be coming to life around us. We need to let His river flow through us and heal everything around us. I need to seek Him until His river of life flows to everything dead and dying around me. Jesus didn’t come to bring guilt and condemnation. He came to give LIFE.

Prayer:

Father, let Your Spirit flow through my life to bring life to everything around me. Help me to walk with You at deeper levels. I want to know You more and more each day. Teach me how to let Your river of healing flow through me at a greater measure. I want to produce life for those around me. Let me be a person who brings life and not dead, cold religion.

Yours,

Jeff

God’s Reputation

 Scripture:

““So now, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will end the captivity of my people; I will have mercy on all Israel, for I jealously guard my holy reputation!” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭39‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God had allowed Israel and Judah’s enemies to triumph over them. They were taken out of their own country and into exile in a country that was not theirs. They were captives because of their disobedience to God. I generally focus on God restoring them, “that the nations may know that I am God.” This time He says, “I jealously guard my holy reputation!” God’s reputation is important to Him. He does what He says He will do so that His reputation will not get marred.

Application:

We can stand on the promises of God, not only because His word says them, but because God has a reputation of doing what He says He will do. He performs what He says He will perform, sometimes simply so that His reputation won’t be ruined. Moses leaned in on this and told God that He was going to look bad if His people died in the wilderness after He saved them. God doesn’t like to look unfaithful, therefore, we can stand on His promises. He will do what He says He will do, maybe not for your purposes, but for His reputation.

Prayer:

Father, You are great and glorious! You are incredible and I worship You this morning. You follow through on Your promises. You do what You say You will do. Thank You for being trustworthy. You have provided for me all of my life. You are amazing and I appreciate You. Help me to understand how to stand on Your promises and Your faithfulness more and more. Like the disciples, teach me to pray effectively.

Yours,

Jeff

Restoration of Israel

 Scripture:

“And when I bring you back, people will say, ‘This former wasteland is now like the Garden of Eden! The abandoned and ruined cities now have strong walls and are filled with people!’” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭36‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God had been speaking about the restoration of Israel, when His people would come back from many countries to rebuild. He told them that when this happened, the former wasteland would become like the garden of Eden and cities would be full of people. He said He would restore, not only the people, but the land.

Application:

Today, massive amounts of people have resettled Israel from all over the world. It is now a powerhouse and truly the desert is blossoming like a rose. What looked like a wasteland 70 years ago, looks like a beautiful and lush place that produces beauty and strength. God’s word is powerful and can be trusted. He will do what He says He will do. Our place is to walk with Him in obedience, then He will restore, repair, and rebuild our lives.

Prayer:

Father, You are truly incredible! I love You more as I know You more. You are worthy of the worship of every nations, kindred, tribe, and tongue. You are worthy of it all! Help me to walk in obedience to Your written word, but also to You word that You put in my heart. Speak clearly Lord. I want a heart of clay, not of stone. Make me pliable and usable for Your glory.

Yours, 

Jeff

God’s Flock

 Scripture:

“You are my flock, the sheep of my pasture. You are my people, and I am your God. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭34‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In the previous section, God is talking about personal responsibility to honor Him and do what He requires. He says that if His people return to Him, He will bless them and make them prosperous. As He was speaking those words, He told them and us, “You are my flock, the sheep of My pasture. You are my people and I am your God.” Here we are called the flock of the Almighty God.

Application:

A flock is a group of sheep who are led by a shepherd. They go where he wants them to go and they do what He wants them to do. He is responsible to feed them and give them good pasture, but they have to follow Him. Our place is to follow where God leads us daily and listen to His voice. Our job is obedience to the shepherd, His job is to take care of us in our obedience.

Prayer:

Father, let me be a good sheep. Help me to follow Your voice and listen to Your word. Teach me to walk in obedience and not question Your Word or will for my life. Help me to hear from You and to deliver Your word to those you have placed under my care. Help me to serve You well. I want to hear the voice of my shepherd daily. I want to walk in intimacy with You.

Forever Your Sheep,

Jeff

The Heart of God’s Messages

 Scripture:

“And the people of Egypt will know that I am the Lord when I have set Egypt on fire and destroyed all their allies.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭30‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Ezekiel is in the midst of prophesying terrible devastation for Egypt in this text. In the middle of the warning to Egypt comes the heart of all God’s messages through His Old Testament prophets, “they will know that I am the Lord.” In every prophecy of doom and gloom for any and all nations, I hear God say this repeatedly. His desire is for the nations to know Him.

Application:

Whether it is through nations seeing devastation under the judgment of God or through the preaching of the Gospel, God wants His name worshiped in every nation, tribe, kindred, and tongue. God wants His name to be worshiped and for the world to know that He is God. I continue to hear this as I read this year. We must do everything we can to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth, “that they may know that He is Lord.”

Prayer:

Lord, I have given my life for the extension of Your Kingdom. Help me to do it effectively and with greater passion. Open doors and I will walk through them. Close doors that are not of You. Help me to organize and coordinate things well so we can extend Your Kingdom globally. Give us the resources to support more missions works and to build out the ones that are currently being constructed.

Yours Eternally,

Jeff

Delayed Respect

 Scripture:

““And the day will come when I will cause the ancient glory of Israel to revive, and then, Ezekiel, your words will be respected. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭29‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Ezekiel was given some very harsh prophesies for Israel and the surrounding nations. He carried a very negative word from the Lord that would not be received. In the passage, God tells him that the day will come when He would revive Israel and then Ezekiel’s words would be respected. Until then, Ezekiel was suppose to deliver the words accurately and be disrespected greatly. 

Application:

God’s timetables are not aligned very well with ours. We like instant reward for obedience, but sometimes God can take many years before the reward and the answer come. Many people who do great things are not respected until after their death even. Many artists are not discovered until after their deaths. We must realize that God promotes things and blesses things in His time. Our job is obedience, which will be rewarded, but it is up to Him WHEN we will be rewarded.

Prayer:

Father, help me to be faithful to what You put in front of me to do. Teach me to honor You and Your word more and more. Thank You for sharing with me today about delayed respect. Sometimes I feel very disrespected when I am simply trying to do what You want me to do. You always have the right word. Help me to be faithful until the reward comes.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Wall of Righteousness

 Scripture:

““I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭22‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, the Lord had been prophesying terrible destruction for Israel and Judah. In the midst of talking about their destruction He says that He looked for someone who would rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. He was looking for someone to stand in the gap so He wouldn't have to destroy the land, but He found no one. Ezekiel speaks here of a wall of righteousness.

Application:

Walls keep enemies out and protect what is inside the wall. Righteousness is a wall in our lives that keeps the enemy away and protects us from his attacks. We are blessed in the New Covenant with the fact that Jesus righteousness is our righteousness. When Jesus made us righteous with His own blood, He gave us protection from the enemy when we walk in what He paid for us. As we live lives that are pleasing to God, we are protected from the onslaught Satan and his workers. I want a wall of protection around me at all times.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are great and glorious. I worship You alone. Let me walk in the righteousness of Christ. Let my life bring You glory. Let righteousness be a wall around my life of protection from every attack. Let my walk with You fill the gaps in the wall for my generation as well. Let your wall be built in and through my life. 

Yours,

Jeff

Personal Responsibility

 Scripture:

“The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭18‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In the passage, Ezekiel makes is clear that the individual who sins is punished for sin, and not their children. The children will be punished for their own sin. He very clearly demonstrates that righteous people will be rewarded for THEIR righteous acts and sinful people will be judged for THEIR own sins. We can’t save our children and our children can’t save us.

Application:

Many times as parents, we can feel terrible because maybe our children are not serving God. This passage lets us know that each generation will stand before God individually. They won’t get into heaven because of their parents and they won’t go to hell because of their parents. Each generation has personal responsibility for their sins and disobedience. We should train our children and pour into their lives, but eventually they have a choice and will be accountable for the choices they make. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to trust You more with my sons. Help me to release responsibility for their choices and understand that each individual is accountable to You for their walk with You. I want my sons to walk with You because I know the benefits and have walked out the benefits of serving You wholeheartedly. Draw them closer to You each and every day and help them to make wise decisions.

Yours,

Jeff

God’s Desire - Always the Same

 Scripture:

“False prophets and those who seek their guidance will all be punished for their sins. In this way, the people of Israel will learn not to stray from me, polluting themselves with sin. They will be my people, and I will be their God. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!’”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage God is speaking through Ezekiel to His people. He tells them that they will be punished for their sins. He tells them this will let the people know not to stray away from Him and into sin, thus polluting themselves. His goal is always the same, “they will be my people, and I will be their God.” 

Application:

The cry of God from the beginning has always been the same, “that they would be His people and He would be their God.” He has always looked for a people who are completely His. Our place is to be the people He is looking for. We should make it our goal and answer the desire of the Father. When we walk with Him and follow His ways, we are bringing great joy to the Lord. His ways must be the center of our focus and doing His will must be our vision. Then He will be blessed and honored and will have His desires fulfilled.

Prayer:

Father, let me be completely Yours. Let my life reflect Your desires and my heart be pure before You. I want You to be my God and I want to be Your child. I want to live a life that brings You pleasure. You are worthy of my very best and I want to honor You with my life. Teach me to walk in step with You and to follow You completely.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

False Representation

 Scripture:

“Instead, they have told lies and made false predictions. They say, ‘This message is from the Lord,’ even though the Lord never sent them. And yet they expect him to fulfill their prophecies!” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬

Observation:

False predictions get God angry. These prophets were saying things that were not from God, then expecting Him to bring them to pass. They were saying that their messages were from the Lord when they were not. God hates being misrepresented!

Application:

When we speak on behalf of God, we must represent Him well. If we say, “Thus says the Lord,” we better have heard from the Lord clearly.. I want to accurately speak what God is speaking and to do that I need to hear His voice clearly and know His word deeply. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are incredible and I bless You this morning. Help me to represent You well and to speak what You are truly saying in my generation. Let my words be Your words and let me speak them with confidence and humility. Open my ears so I can hear You well. Help me to never say thus says the Lord unless I have really heard from You.

Yours,

Jeff‬

Turn Back to God

 Scripture:

““Have you seen this, son of man?” he asked. “Is it nothing to the people of Judah that they commit these detestable sins, leading the whole nation into violence, thumbing their noses at me, and provoking my anger?” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭8‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God is speaking here through Ezekiel and He asks Ezekiel if he has seen the detestable sins of the people of Judah. The Lord tells Ezekiel that the people of Judah were thumbing their noses at Him and provoking His anger. They were leading the nation into violence through their sin. God hates sin and anything that separates Him from His people.

Application:

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach on any nation. When a nation turns away from God and serves other gods, the Almighty gets upset. He desires the nations to worship Him so He can bless them and walk in covenant with them. America was once a righteous nation that was supernaturally blessed by God. Today, our sins have become many and there is no respect for God anymore. We are in a dangerous place. We need a sweeping revival in this land.

Prayer:

Father, America, like Israel, was born for Your purposes. Our early founders dedicated this land to You and Your purposes in the earth. We have strayed away in every area. Bring us back to You O God. Turn us from our wicked ways and let America once again be the city on a hill You desired it to be. In our elections today, protect truth and righteousness. Let nothing happen that is not Your doing. Expose what needs exposed and let justice roll down like a river in this nation. Heal our land, that has sown so much into the Kingdom around the world.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Redemption in Punishment

 Scripture:

“I will crush them and make their cities desolate from the wilderness in the south to Riblah in the north. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Ezekiel prophesied some really difficult things concerning God’s people and their coming destruction because of their disobedience to Him. Even in the really harsh language about what God was going to do to the people for their rebellion, you can hear His heart for all to be saved. He ends most hard predictions with “Then they will know that I am the Lord.” Even in punishment, the heart of God is that all would know Him.

Application:

God is a severe God at times, but He is a loving God who simply desires His people to walk in obedience so He can bless them and call them His own. His desire and covenant with us is powerful and beautiful, but we must hold up our end of the covenant. He wants to bless His people, but He needs us aligned with Him so He can do it and so the world can be saved.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk with You daily and to hear Your voice clearly. Let my life bring You honor and praise. Help me to represent You well in my generation. Teach me to obey You in all things. Show me Your ways and I will follow Your paths. Empower me to bring more people into Your kingdom, “that they will know You are Lord.”

Forever Yours,

Jeff

My Life God’s Glory

Scripture:

“may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The author of Hebrews speaks a blessing over them at the conclusion of his letter. In that conclusion he demonstrates that it is God who equips us with all we need for doing His will. It is God who produces everything that is pleasing to Him through the power of Christ. Therefore, He gets the glory forever and ever. From the beginning to the end of our salvation, it is about God’s glory, not just our salvation. Our lives are to bring Him glory forever and ever.

Application:

My life for His glory should be my motto. We should do everything we do, not for our benefit, but for the glory of God. When we are trying to make our lives better, we struggle, when we are building God’s kingdom, He takes care of our needs and gives us what we need. We should live for the glory of God and not the comfort of ourselves. Salvation, though it is personal and wonderful for us, is really not about us, but about Him. We should live to honor Him.

Prayer:

Father, let me live my life for Your glory. Use my life to bring You honor and glory. Help me to live in such a way that Your name is praised in everything I do. I offer You my life this morning. Show me every step to take and every move to make. I am Yours and I want to live a life for Your glory and the advancement of Your kingdom.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Patient Endurance

 Scripture:

“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Patient Endurance helps us continue to do God’s will. When we walk in patient endurance, we will receive all that He has promised. It is patient endurance that allows us to walk in the first part of this passage. We need to remember the rewards of serving God and not throw away our confident trust in the Lord. 

Application:

I’m not a halfway person. I want to live for the FULL reward of ALL God has promised. Therefore, I must not throw away my confident trust in God and I must remember the reward that comes from serving Him wholeheartedly. I also need to work on my patient endurance when things are not going the way I expected or believed for. I want a full reward for my work in the Lord. I need to keep my eyes on Him and trust completely that He will bring about His reward as I patiently endure, waiting for the breakthrough.

Prayer:

Father, I want to serve You well in my generation. I want my life to make a difference for those around me. Help me to patiently do what You have called me to do. Make Your way and Your will clear to me and give me the strength and courage to step out in faith and go for it! Until the vision comes to pass, give me patient endurance, but please speed up the process.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Deep Reverence

 Scripture:

“While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This passage describes Jesus offering prayers with loud cries and tears. He was passionate about His prayers and prayed earnestly. Even though He prayed fervently and passionately, this passage says He was heard, not because of His volume or passion, but because of His deep reverence for God. Deep reverence goes farther than loud cries.

Application:

I love passionate prayer and crying out to God with all my heart, but deep reverence gets the job done better and more effectively. Reverence is really respect and awe. When we come to God we must come in awe and respect. We must honor Him for who He is, the king of the universe. He is the all-powerful God and there is none like Him. 

Prayer:

Father, You are incredible and I worship You! I love You with all my heart and I want to know You more each day. Help me to understand deep reverence and teach me to walk in it like Jesus did. I want to be heard, not because of my volume, but because of my deep reverence. Teach me to honor You well.

Forever,

Jeff

Confirmation

 Scripture:

“And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Speaking of the ministry of Jesus it says here that God confirmed his message with signs and wonders and miracles. When Jesus spoke… things happened. His message was backed up with power from on high. 

Application:

Signs, wonders, and miracles, are part of the confirmation package that a ministry is of God and from God. When these things happen, one cannot argue with supernatural results. We need to see more signs, wonders, and miracles in the United States. I personally see them often in other countries where I preach, but the US needs a fresh wave of confirmation that Jesus is Lord and that He rules and reigns. I want to have God confirm His word in my life an ministry. 

Prayer:

Father, release signs, wonders, and miracles, in my generation and in my nation. Let the people of the US see a move of God where nobody can deny that You are moving. Confirm Your word, as you did with Christ and with the early Church. Come and move in our midst doing the impossible and unexplainable so that men’s faith isn’t in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

He Never Changes

 Scripture:

“But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.” Lamentations‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, the writer is lamenting the destruction and deportation of God’s people. He is petitioning the Lord to hear his voice and restore his nation. In this one verse, his voice changes and he makes a statement to the Lord. He says, “You remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.” What he is really saying is, “we have blown it, but You never change.” He reminds the Lord that they had failed, but that He was still on the throne forever.

Application:

No matter where we find ourselves in life, we can rest assured that, even if we move away from God, He never loves away from us. He never changes and isn’t threatened by what happens in our world. We serve the God who created us, sustains us, and who never changes. His covenant lasts forever. He doesn’t fall from His throne, even when things look bad around us. He isn’t changed by situations or circumstances. He is God and there is none like Him. He is great and glorious and never changing. 

Prayer:

Father, You are incredible and You never change. You are all-powerful and have all knowledge. Show me what to do in each and every situation of my life. Teach me to follow You well all the days of my life. Direct my steps and let my life bring You honor. Help me to respond well in every situation. Help me to lead well, no matter what happens around me.

Yours,

Jeff

National Repentance and Prayer

 Scripture:

“Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer, pleading for your children, for in every street they are faint with hunger.” ‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This passage is in the midst of lamenting about God bringing devastation on His people for their rebellion. He tells the people to rise during the night and cry out, pour out your hearts to the Lord, pray, plead for your children. The author knows that if we cry out to God, He will hear us, stop the devastation, and heal our land.

Application:

The United States is in a terrible place right now and we need revival and awakening. We don’t have to wait for devastation to come before we cry out to God. We can cry out now and avoid the devastation. We need to see radical repentance in our country or we are going to see terrible things come to pass. As a nation, we must humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand and ask forgiveness. Now is the time to rise and cry out to God.

Prayer:

Father, I cry out to You this morning on behalf of my country. We have broken covenant with You and are open to all kinds of attacks. You have always been our defender, but we have walked away from You. Hear my cry this morning Oh Lord. Bring repentance to this land that made covenants with You many years ago. Have mercy on us, even though we don’t deserve it. Let this nation turn back to You.

Yours,

Jeff

Punishment and Restoration

 Scripture:

“But the one who redeems them is strong. His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel. But for the people of Babylon there will be no rest!” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭50‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Jeremiah is in the midst of prophesying destruction for Babylon, who had taken His people captive at His own word. God had sent Babylon to punish Israel and Judah for abandoning Him, but then when th punishment was over, He is ready to destroy Babylon and give rest to His people in their own homeland. God always looks out for His people. He never forgets His covenant. Even when He has to punish them, His eye in on their return to Him so He can bless them.

Application:

There are people who will speak against us and treat us terrible. We, as leaders, must see them as instruments in the hands of God. Maybe we needed to grow in an area or needed some correction. God can use difficult things to develop us, but then at some point, He will turn and bless us in a big way and He will deal with those who spoke against us. Our faith is in a God who loves us and knows what is best for our lives. We must learn to trust Him in trying times and in good times. We must learn to serve Him when it feels good and when it doesn’t. He will eventually turn the tables on those who are against His children.

Prayer:

Father, help me to discern what is simple relationship issues and what is You developing me. Help me understand that You may allow me to go through some things, but that You are a God of restoration and covenant. Thank You for allowing me to be in covenant with You. You are a good good father and I am honored to be called Your son.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Priority People

 Scripture:

“But I will protect the orphans who remain among you. Your widows, too, can depend on me for help.”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭49‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, God had just told Edom that He was going to wipe them out and bring total destruction. While speaking of their destruction, God speaks the verse above. He basically says that He will destroy Edom, but He will take care of their widows and orphans. They can depend on Him to take care of them. God has always had a heart for the widow and the orphan. He will go out of His way to take care of them.

Application:

We must learn what pleases God and walk in it. God has always had a strong and sensitive heart for the widow and the orphan of all nations. As believers we should be serious about making sure our widows and orphans are taken care of.Cheryl and I always say that ministries that take care of the widow and orphan are always taken care of by God. Ministries that help the least fortunate are always blessed. We must make a priority of what God makes a priority out of.

Prayer:

Father, help me to see with your eyes and hear what You are speaking. I see Your heart for the hopeless. I recognize You go out of Your way and, even.in judgment, to not overlook the widow and orphan. Help me to have the same heart. Help me to prioritize what You prioritize.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

How Can We Be Still?

 Scripture:

““Now, O sword of the Lord, when will you be at rest again? Go back into your sheath; rest and be still. “But how can it be still when the Lord has sent it on a mission? For the city of Ashkelon and the people living along the sea must be destroyed.”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭47‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

I love these words about the sword of the Lord. It says, “how can it be still when the Lord has sent it on a mission?” God had determined judgment on Ashkelon and the people along the sea. He had said that they would be attacked by the sword. This passage speaks of that sword when it is time to rest from war again. For my own life I must ask the question, “How can I be still when the Lord has sent me on a mission?”

Application:

When God says to do something, our only response is “Yes Sir.” We have been sent by Jesus on a mission to make disciples of all nations and we must ask how we can rest when we have been sent on a mission. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” How can we be still when we have been sent on mission for God. We must live every day on mission for Christ. Every conversation, every interaction, everywhere we go is on mission.

Prayer:

Father, help me to live my life as one “sent” by my Father. Help me not to make excuses, but to be diligent in all You have asked me to do. Teach me to walk with You and to follow Yours orders. I want to do my part in fulfilling the Great Commission. 

Yours,

Jeff

When People Question Your Calling

 Scripture:

“Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the other proud men said to Jeremiah, “You lie! The Lord our God hasn’t forbidden us to go to Egypt!” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Jeremiah continued giving the word of the Lord, even though people were not responding. People were calling him a liar, but he remained faithful to the Lord. The people wanted to hear what they wanted to hear, but he had a message they didn’t want to hear. It must have been difficult for Jeremiah to continue to declare the word of the Lord when nobody was listening and obeying God.

Application:

There will be times when we are called upon to speak things that people don’t want to hear. We must ask ourselves, will I serve God and do what He says, even when the people I’m suppose to lead don’t want to listen? It seems like today, everyone feels they know more and better than the leaders about what the pastor/leader is supposed to be doing. It is difficult to lead people who have their own ideas about what we need to be doing, but God still calls us. We must do what God says above what the people think about us.

Prayer:

Father, give me strength to do everything You call me to do. I want to fulfill everything You have for me. I want to walk in complete obedience. When I struggle because it feels like people don’t want to listen or take part in where You are leading, help me to continue to follow You and do what You say. Teach me to walk like Jeremiah, who told the truth, even when nobody wanted the truth and and hated him for it.

Your Son,

Jeff

Obedience IS Success

 Scripture:

“So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭38‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬]

Observation:

Jeremiah had simply been obedient to the Lord and spoke what he was suppose to speak to God’s people. He was so hated by everyone that he ended up being thrown into an empty cistern that was full of mud to die. When they lowered him, he sank into the mud. This is not the picture of abundance and prosperity. He eventually was brought out, but he had to go through some really difficult things.

Application:

Sometimes the will of God will take you places that don’t seem very successful. Today, we equate success with ease and blessing. Jeremiah equated success with doing the will of God and speaking what He said. We must learn that outward blessing is not the only sign of obedience to God. Sometimes persecution and difficulty are the results of doing what God says to do. We must be ready for both.

Prayer:

Father, help me to listen to Your voice and to do what You say, without regard to where I might end up. Help me to view success as obedience to the call and not as people liking me or speaking good things of me. Teach me to walk with You and complete Your mission and will for my life, regardless of how that ends up.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Obedience and Honor

 Scripture:

“Then Jeremiah turned to the Recabites and said, “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed your ancestor Jehonadab in every respect, following all his instructions.’ Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Recab will always have descendants who serve me.’”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭35‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In the middle of Jeremiah pronouncing destruction for the people of Judah because of their disobedience to the things of God, Jeremiah commends the Recabites. Their ancestor had told them to never drink wine and to live in tents and they had lived exactly like they were told. God said they would always have descendants who serve Him. Their obedience to their forefather was blessed by God as obedience to Him.

Application:

Doing the right things and being faithful to our covenants are very important in our walk with God. We are to be diligent to honor what we speak and to do what we are suppose to do. As I often say, “obedience brings blessing.” I want to live a life that is undeniably blessed by the Lord. Therefore, I need to make sure I fulfill my commitments and honor Him with my whole heart. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are the God of Jeremiah and You are my God. Help me not to live like the children of Israel and Judah, but to live a life of complete obedience to You and Your word. Show me day by day how to walk in obedience. Speak to me and I will listen. Show me and I will obey. Make every path I am to take very clear so I may obey You completely.

Yours,

Jeff

Seek Him

 Scripture:

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, God says in two different ways that we will find Him when we seek for Him. First He says we will find Him if we seek wholeheartedly, then He says He will be found by us. Any time there is a double statement in Gods word, it is important.

Application:

We must believe that God will let us find Him when we seek Him. We also must act on it. We must seek Him with our whole heart. 

Prayer:

Father, I seek You this morning. On this men’s conference, meet me and the men in power. I want to encounter You more and more. I want to know Your heart. Take me deeper in You.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Judgment and Restoration

 Scripture:

“Yes, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says about the precious things still in the Temple, in the palace of Judah’s king, and in Jerusalem: ‘They will all be carried away to Babylon and will stay there until I send for them,’ says the Lord. ‘Then I will bring them back to Jerusalem again.’”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭27‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Jeremiah was told to prophesy to Judah about its fall because of their disobedience to the things of God. In this passage he speaks of the precious things in the Temple, in the palace, and in Jerusalem. He says, because of the rebellion of the people toward God, they would all be carried to Babylon and would stay there until he would send for them. He closed this portion by saying, “Then I will bring them back to Jerusalem again.:

Application:

Even in God’s judgment you can see His heart for restoration. Even when He is disciplining His people, He is planning their healing and planning their restoration. We need to see God through this lens more often. There are times when He will judge a people, a nation, or an individual, but while He is doing it, He is also planning their restoration. God may discipline me, but He is already planning my healing and restoration. God may allow things to be taken from us, but He also has a plan to bring them back. He judges and disciplines, not because He is angry but because He wants to bless us and can’t because of our rebellion. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are great and glorious. You are incredible and I bless You this morning. Thank You for showing me this side of You this morning. Even in Your discipline, You are planning our restoration. Even when You allow difficult things in our lives, You are already planning to bless us and restore us. Thank You for loving us so much! Thank You for helping us align with You so we can walk in Your blessing.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

You Must be in His Presence to Hear His Words

 Scripture:

““Have any of these prophets been in the Lord’s presence to hear what he is really saying? Has even one of them cared enough to listen?” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God is speaking to Jeremiah about the prophets of Judah. He told Jeremiah that they were speaking of their own accord and not what God was saying. I see here that God asks a couple of questions to Jeremiah that are worth pondering. He asks, “Have any of these prophets been in the Lord’s presence to hear what He is really saying?” He also asked if any of them even cared enough to listen to God. 

Application:

You hear from God in the presence of God. Before we give any message FOR God, we must spend time WITH God. We must HEAR Him before we can speak on His behalf. We must be in His presence in order to hear Him. I need to spend more time in the presence of the Lord, hearing what He wants me to speak to His people. 

Prayer:

Father, I don’t want to prophesy what You are not saying. Help me to be accurate with Your words. I want to speak what You are truly saying to Your people. Speak to me Lord. Open my ears. Help me to spend more time in Your presence and less time focusing on what I can say. Speak to me Lord I pray.

Your Son,

Jeff

The Lord Stands Beside Me

 Scripture:

“But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭20‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Jeremiah had to deliver hard messages to God’s people and they didn’t like him very much. His messages were harsh and not easy, but his job was to deliver them. In this passage he talks about his view of the Lord and the courage it gives him. He says that the Lord stands beside him like a great warrior who will fight his enemies. He knew that his enemies would be defeated by the Lord and they would be humiliated. He had strong confirmation in his heart that as he delivered the word of the Lord that the Lord of the word would fight his enemies.

Application:

As we do what the Lord has called us to do, we can walk in confidence that He will fight our battles and defeat those who rise up against us. I need to walk in the confidence only God can give and know in my heart that He has my back. I want to walk with God and do exactly what He calls me to do, then let Him deal with those who are against me.

Prayer:

Father, You are a good God. You have been faithful to me all my life and I appreciate You. I ask You this morning to confirm my calling and make it clear that I am in obedience to You in every area of my life. Let there be no disobedience in me. Help me to trust that You will take care of my back as I do what You ask me to. I simply want to do Your will in all things. I am Yours. Let me see that You are beside me like a great warrior.

Yours,

Jeff

Plant by the River

 Scripture:

““But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Jeremiah was prophesying terrible destruction for the Lord’s people because they had lost their way and were serving other gods. In the midst of his prophecy he makes this statement for those who trust in the Lord and have made Him their hope and confidence. He says that they will be life trees by the riverbank with deep roots. They will not be bothered by heat, or drought. Their leaves will always be green and never stop producing fruit.

Application:

When we remain faithful to God, we have a covenant. Even when others mess up and walk away, we can stand strong through every season. We are promised to have deep roots and to continually be producing for our Lord. We will never see drought when we are connected to Him. Our job is to stay connected, no matter what is going on around us. We can thrive in recession if we are connected to the life-giver. We can prosper in dry times when we are planted by the right river. We determined where we plant. I want to plant by the river.

Prayer:

Father, let my roots go deep and my branches produce much fruit. I want my life to please You.Help me to continually drink from Your river of life and never be dry. Teach me to walk with You and to produce fruit when everything looks dry. Thank You for letting me see fruit this week in Togo. What a blessing!

Yours,

Jeff

True Repentance

 Scripture:

' Lord , we confess our wickedness and that of our ancestors, too. We all have sinned against you. For the sake of your reputation, Lord , do not abandon us. Do not disgrace your own glorious throne. Please remember us, and do not break your covenant with us. ' Jeremiah 14:20-21

Observation:

Jeremiah gives us a true depiction of what repentance looks like. In this passage, he confesses the wickedness of his generation and that of his ancestors. He states that they had all sinned against the Lord. Then he asks the Lord, for the sake of His reputation, not to abandon them. He asks the Lord to remember them and not to break His covenant with them. He acknowledged the sin, turned from it, asked for mercy, then reminded God of His covenant.

Application:

True repentance is acknowledging that we have messed up and gone away from the Lord, then confessing our sins and the sins of our generation. In doing this, we admit that we broke the covenant with God and request that God remember His covenant with us. In a covenant, each party makes promises. Repentance means we are returning to the covenant and asking God to return as well. We must admit that we are the ones who broke the covenant and not the Lord. We can then turn completely to Him and ask for His blessing. Covenant is so important. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, thank You for reminding me of the importance of covenant this morning. Help me to live up to my end of the covenant with You. I gave You my life for your purposes. Help me not to live for myself, but for You at all times. I want to be completely Yours. Thank You for this trip to Togo and for allowing me to see all You have done here through obedience to You. Help me to trust You with every detail of my life and to follow You completely. Entrust me with more and more so I can extend Your Kingdom more and more I pray.

Yours Forever,
Jeff

Speaking God's Heart

 Scripture:

'They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace. ' Jeremiah 8:11

Observation:

God is speaking to Jeremiah about what he is to tell God's people. In this passage, God tells him about the prophets who offer superficial treatments for mortal wounds. He says they give assurance of peace when there is no peace. God makes it clear that He expects His spokespeople to convey His message with accuracy, and not just tell the people what they want to hear.

Application:

God desires pastors, apostles, prophets, teachers, and evangelists who will convey what He is speaking and not just what feels good to the people. As spokespersons for God, we must make sure we are conveying what He wants us to convey and not just speak about what seems right or makes people feel good. God is looking for some people who will speak what He wants spoken, whether it is popular or not. He needs some speakers who will speak from His heart and not just words that they think will connect and help people.

Prayer:

Father, I am in ministry at Your calling. Help me accurately convey what you are speaking at all times. I want to be your voice to my generation. I don't want to speak what I think will work well or what I think will be received well. I want to speak what You are speaking. I want to do what You are doing. Help me to declare your truth in the way You want it declared. Open my ears and let me hear Your voice, then give me the boldness to speak what You are saying.

Your Son,

Jeff

Surrender Your Pride and Power

 Scripture:

'O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord , or my anger will burn like an unquenchable fire because of all your sins. ' Jeremiah 4:4

Observation:

The Lord is speaking through Jeremiah here and tells His people that they need to change their hearts and surrender their pride and power or His anger would burn against them. God always comes against the proud and tells them to change their hearts. I believe pride is something God hates for than anything because you cannot worship and trust God is your pride says you can take care of yourself and you have no need of Him.

Application:

I want to walk before the Lord all the days of my life in genuine humility. There is no place for pride in the people of God. I want God to know that I trust Him with my life more than I trust myself. My reliance and trust must be in Him and not in myself. Every good thing in my life has come from the hand of God and not from my own making. When I am humble before Him, He will fight my battles and bless my life. It is better to walk in humility and trust God than to walk in pride and trust myself. He is right. I am wrong.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to walk in great humility. Let my heart be pure before You. You are the source of every good thing in my life. You are my strength and my salvation. You are the joy of my heart. You are my everything. Let me never trust in my education, my money, my strength, etc. Let my trust be always in You and You alone. Let me demonstrate real, not false, humility.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Spiritual Fathering 101

 Scripture:

“In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells Titus here to encourage the young men to live wisely. He goes on to tell him that he needed to be an example by good works of every kind. He continues by telling him to let everything in his life reflect integrity and the seriousness of his teaching. He is basically telling Titus that he needed to live the life of a man of God in front of the young men and then encourage them to do the same.

Application:

As we have been on a journey into spiritual fathering, it has become clear that young men are important to the church and that they need a relationship with older men in the church. They need the wisdom of the older generation, but they also need examples of how to live for God in a crooked generation. Our spiritual sons and daughters need to see us living our lives as examples and then encouraging them to do the same. This is caught more than taught.

Prayer:

Father, help me step into this next season of my life as it pertains to spiritual fathering. Help me to be a blessing to many son and daughters. Let their lives be better because I am in them. Connect me with the right people and show me how to build relationships with them. Teach me to lead well and demonstrate Your ways to others.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Humility Before God

 Scripture:

“My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God tells us here through Isaiah that He will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts and who tremble at His word. This passage is in the midst of Him speaking of the new heavens and new earth, but God’s principles are always the same. He lifts up the humble and those who honor and tremble at His word. 

Application:

The best place to be in the Kingdom of God is in the place of humility and contrition. God resists, or fights against, the proud and gives grace to the humble. Pride destroys, but humility is honored by God. Contrition, which is expressing remorse or penitence, is also honored by God. We must always walk in humility and give God the glory for all He does. God does not work well with prideful people who think they are something special.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are great and glorious. You are omnipotent and powerful! You are awesome and I love You! May Your name be exalted in the whole world and may the nations proclaim Your goodness. Help me to walk in humility before You all the days of my life. Help me to know the balance between confidence and pride. Show me day by day how to live a life that You can bless.Let me tremble at Your word.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

A God Like You

 Scripture:

“For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭64‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah gives a description of how God works on behalf of those who wait for Him. He says that since the world began, no one as seen or heard a God like our God. The difference he describes is that our God works for those who wait for Him. This lets us know that all things are possible, but sometimes we have to wait for Him to move. 

Application:

I have to learn to trust the timing of God and wait patiently for certain breakthroughs in my life. I must trust the God who, since the foundation of the world, there has never been anyone like Him. This also brings me into a place of worship. God has blessed me given me access to the all mighty, all powerful God. The king and creator of the universe works on my behalf when I wait for Him.

Prayer:

Father, You are incredible! No eye has seen and no ear has heard of a God like You. You are worthy of my very best praise and worship. You are higher, greater, more powerful, than anything arrayed against me. Help me to trust You more and to learn to wait. You are trustworthy. Help me to be patient and walk in faith.

Yours,

Jeff

Springs and Gardens

 Scripture:

“The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah gives the word of the Lord here and tells God’s people that He will guide them continually. He promises to give them water when they are dry and to restore their strength. He declares that they will be like a well-watered garden and like and ever-flowing spring. This speaks to me of refreshing and strengthening. He starts with saying the will guide you continually. 

Application:

I want to be guided continually be the Lord. I want to live in His presence drinking of His goodness. Then, I can expect to have His strength and refreshing. A spring never stops flowing and a well-watered garden always produces. I want my life to have a continual flow of the Holy Spirit and to produce life for the Kingdom of God. 

Prayer:

Father, guide me continually. I want to fulfill Your will for my life. I long to walk in step with You, causing others to grow and prosper. Jesus promised that out of our belly’s would flow living water. I want to be a trustworthy spring that never stops flowing. Fill me to overflow with Your Spirit. Guide me continually and show me every step to take. I look to You. You are my source and my resource. Let Your Spirit flow through my life like a mighty river and as steady as a spring.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Occupy!

 Scripture:

““Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah is given a word for God’s people here that is powerful. After prophesying lots of judgment and gloom and doom, God says to get ready to be blessed. He tells them to enlarge their house and spare no expense because they would soon be bursting at the seams. They are told that their descendants will occupy other nations and resettle ruined cities. This jumped off the page at me this morning because I believe it is a word directly for me today and the church I lead. I believe we are ready to walk in God’s blessing and see His growth. The second part is even more appropriate for Word of Life. Our descendants will occupy other nations.

Application:

I believe in the coming season at Word of Life, we will see the blessing of God like we have never seen before. We have just this year taken steps to enlarge our borders and the expense has been paid. I believe we will shortly be bursting at the seams. I believe we will send missionaries around the world through our church. Because this is my belief, I must act on it. We must begin to move into our destiny of raising sons and daughters who will occupy the nations.

Prayer:

Father, give me the strength, vision, and direction to lead Word of Life into the destiny You have designed for her. Enable me to lead well and to cast the vision You are putting in my heart. Help me to be faithful to the calling You have put on my life and let me fulfill Your plans and purposes. I want to hear well done good and faithful above anything else. I am Yours. Take my hand and lead me step by step. Let those from our congregation occupy the nations.

Yours,

Jeff

Leave Results in God’s Hands

 Scripture:

“I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah was given the difficult task of telling Israel their sins and calling judgment on them and the nations around them. Nobody seemingly listened to him, but he had to deliver the message. This verse shows his humanity. He says that his work seemed useless and purposeless, but he was obedient. He states here that he trust the Lord for his reward and he left it all in God’s hands.

Application:

Sometimes God asks us to do hard things that seem unproductive. Sometimes God needs us to do things that don’t seem successful in the world’s eyes, but He still wants us to be obedient and faithful to do what He says. When it seems like we are not seeing the results we would like, we must be able to do like Isaiah and leave it all in the Lord’s hand, trusting God for our reward. Even when we feel like our life is not producing the fruit we want or expect, we must walk in obedience and trust God with the results, knowing that God will take care of us when we are obedient to Him.

Prayer:

Father, I confess today that I like to see visible results when I put my whole heart into things. Help me to walk in obedience and trust You with the results. Help me to be more concerned about doing what You say than about seeing the results I think I should see. Help me to be faithful to Your calling and to give You my very best, even when I’m not seeing the results I would like to see.

Yours Forever,

Jeff