His Will Above All

 Scripture:

”So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬

Observation:

Jesus lived in complete obedience to His Father. He says in this context that He could to nothing by Himself, but that He only does what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son does. Jesus didn’t just do whatever He wanted. He did what the Father told Him to do and said what the Father wanted to be said.

Application:

I want to live in the place of complete surrender to the Father. I long to know what He is doing and what He is saying. I want to live like Jesus lived. Rather than doing my own will and asking God to bless it, I want to do His will and then I know it is blessed already. I don’t want to waste my life doing my will. I want to fulfill the will of my Father.

Prayer:

Father, open my ears that I may hear Your voice clearly. Open my eyes to see what You are doing. Show me step by step how to walk in complete obedience to You at all times. Let my life reflect Your will above all else. Teach me to follow Your ways and let me accomplish all that You have planned for my life. 

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Living Like the Wind

 Scripture:

”The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬

Observation:

Jesus uses this illustration to share what it is like to be born again. He says that wind blows wherever it wants and you can hear it but you can’t tell where it comes from or where it goes. In other words, it is hard to understand how people are born again. You can see the effects, but a heart change can’t be observed with the physical senses, it is a spiritual thing. You see the results in the lives of those who follow Him.

Application:

People who are led by the Spirit are sometimes hard to explain. They do things that may not make sense to others. I want to be truly led by the Spirit and not by my own ambitions or desires. I want a heart that flows with God and does His will at all times. I want my life to be like the wind, being blown by the Spirit wherever He wants me to go.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are great and awesome. Teach me to be Spirit led and Spirit empowered more and more each day. I want You to work through my life without measure, I don’t want to put any limits on what You do in me and through me. I am Yours, Lord. Fill me with Your precious Holy Spirit more and deeper. Take control of my life and future.

Yours,

Jeff‬

Life Giving Word

 Scripture:

”These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭47‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

As Moses was about to die and he was giving his last speech to the people of Israel, he told them that God’s instructions, laws, decrees, etc. were not empty words, but “they are your life!” He finishes by saying that by obeying them, the people would enjoy a long life. I was grabbed by the phrase, they are your life, this morning. God’s word is not just a good idea. It is life! It sustains us and gives us strength.

Application:

God’s laws a commands are not burdensome, they are life! We have to stop looking at God’s ways as limitations and restrictions and see it as LIFE. God’s word is powerful and His ways are perfect. The more we align ourselves with Him and His word, the more we will enjoy a great life. As I get older, I want to finish strong and do everything God wants me to do. I want to live life to the fullest and experience the goodness of God. Therefore, I must be a student of His Word and a follower of His commands.

Prayer:

Father, I want my life to please You. I want to live a life you can bless. I want my life to be fruitful and to multiply what You have put in my hands. Show me how to live my life day by day and step by step. Align me with Your word and convict me when I get off track. Guide me with Your word and teach me to walk as You have prescribed for your people.

Yours,

Jeff

Obedience Brings Multiplication

 Scripture:

”For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage Moses is giving his final speech to the people of Israel. He is ready to turn the reigns over to Joshua and depart the scene. He tells them that they need to love God and keep His commands and walk in His ways. He tells them that if they do this, they will live and multiply, and see the blessing of God in the land they were going into.

Application:

I see here that a life of obedience brings multiplication. This year our theme at the church is multiplication. Here it tells us that obedience to God’s ways, decrees, and commands, brings multiplication. We can’t just do our own thing and live how we want to live and expect God to multiply our effectiveness. He wants us to walk in obedience above all else, then He decides to bless us, prosper us, and multiply us.

Prayer:

father, let my life bring honor to Your name. Empower me to live in a way that pleases You. Teach me to follow You well and to walk in obedience at all times. Holy Spirit open my ears and speak to me. Then give me to power and strength to do whatever You speak. I want to serve You well in my generation, then hear well done good and faithful servant when I see You face to face.

Your Son,

Jeff

Our Choice

 Scripture:

”If you do not serve the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you. You will be left hungry, thirsty, naked, and lacking in everything. The Lord will put an iron yoke on your neck, oppressing you harshly until he has destroyed you.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭47‬-‭48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Deuteronomy 28 is a listing of the blessings of obeying God and curses when Israel would not obey God. When following God completely, He promises incredible blessings. This particular verse is in the midst of the curses, but is powerful. It says that you will either serve the Lord with joy and enthusiasm, or you will serve your enemies. A simple, yet powerful, way to make that statement, but so true.

Application:

Jesus said you can’t serve God and money. Here it says you can serve God enthusiastically or you will serve your enemies. God wants to be first place in our lives. He doesn’t want to be second to anything or anyone. We must serve the Lord with joy and enthusiasm, and not just with our lips. He wants our full heart.

Prayer:

Father, help me to follow You with joy and enthusiasm. I don’t want to be half-hearted in my walk with You. Teach me to hear Your voice and to know Your ways. Bless my family. Let those around me know You more and more. Work in my life to produce what You desire. I am Yours. Fill me. Use me for Your kingdom. I love You with all my heart.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Responsibility for My Children

 Scripture:

”“Parents must not be put to death for the sins of their children, nor children for the sins of their parents. Those deserving to die must be put to death for their own crimes.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This portion of scripture is a listing of many laws and rules the people of Israel were given by God on how to live throughout their generations. In this verse God speaks about parents being responsible for the actions of their children and children for the sins of the parents. He says those deserving punishment should get the punishment and that parents can’t be punished for the sins of their children.

Application:

Many times as parents we feel responsible for what our children do. Often we take responsibility and place ourselves in bondage thinking if we had done a better job raising them, that they wouldn’t be doing what they are doing. I need to be confident that I did the best I could as a parent and that my sons will stand before God for what they do or don’t do. I also don’t want to feel less valued as a parent because my children are not doing what they should. 

Prayer:

Father, help me as a parent not to feel so responsible for my children’s actions. Help me to release them to You knowing that I taught them well and that I won’t stand before You on account of what they do or don’t do. Help me to release feelings of failure when my kids do things I don’t like them doing.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Be Generous to the Poor

 Scripture:

”“There should be no poor among you, for the Lord your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession... Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬, ‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

As God’s people were entering the Promised Land, He gave them instructions about everything to remind them of their covenant with Him. When they were blessed in the land He was giving them, there was to be no poor among them because of the generosity of God’s people. He told them to give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, then the Lord would bless them.

Application:

God has always looked for a people where He could eradicate poverty. Jesus came to preach Good News to the poor. God blesses us so that we can take care of the poor among us. We must not see the poor as a bad investment of resources, but as God’s people who we are commanded to take care of. God has a big heart for the poor, and we must shift our thinking in this area. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others.

Prayer:

Father, share with me Your heart for the poor. Show me what I should be doing for the poor on a regular basis. Help me to help those who can’t help themselves. Teach me to honor You well in this department. Let me never see blessing the poor as a bad investment because of business training, but as an act of obedience to God that You will bless.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Strength Through Obedience

 Scripture:

“Therefore, be careful to obey every command I am giving you today, so you may have strength to go in and take over the land you are about to enter.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭11‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God is speaking to His people just prior to them entering the Promised Land that flows with milk and honey. There are enemies in the land and they are going to need lots of strength to defeat them. Rather than telling them to work out and prepare themselves for battle, He tells them to be careful to obey every command He gave them that day. Obedience to God gives you the strength to fulfill His plans for your life.

Application:

Whatever we are facing, strength comes through obedience to the Lord. When we obey Him completely, He is glorified and His blessings begin to flow. He doesn’t bless what we want to do. He blesses obedience to Him and His word. When we do things God’s way, we get God’s results. Rather than focusing on strength, we need to focus on obedience because obedience will give us the strength we need for whatever we may face.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are faithful and true. You are powerful and glorious. You are mighty and majestic. Empower me to walk in obedience to You at all times. Let me hear Your voice clearly and help me to obey whatever I hear. I want to know You more. Help me to focus on the right things and know You will give me what I need to do Your will.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Be Careful

 Scripture:

“But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Just prior to entering into the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness, God told His people to be careful. He was about to bless them and give them land that wasn’t theirs. He was going to empower them to kick out the inhabitants of the land they were going to see the goodness of God. He also told them to be careful not to forget the Lord or disobey His commands when they were blessed.

Application:

Sometimes success is our greatest enemy. When God brings us success in the world’s eyes, we have to be careful not to forget that it is all about the Lord and everything good is His doing and not our own. Sometimes when we are successful in people’s eyes, we tend to think we have accomplished things but as believers, God gets all the praise and honor for any good things in our lives. When He blesses us, we must shift the glory all back to Him.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to never become prideful, but to realize when You bless me. Help me to know where my success comes from. And to walk in humility before You and others. You reject the proud and give grace to the humble. Teach me to walk in obedience and humility. I will be careful to give You all the praise and glory for whatever good things happen in and through my life. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff

The Heart of God

 Scripture:

”Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage one can hear the heart of God and the reason for all His commands and decrees. He was entering a Covenant with Israel and wanted to bless them, but He could only bless them according to their obedience to the Covenant. He cries out here, “Oh, that they would always have hearts like this… and obey my commands… If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever.”

Application:

God wants to bless His children more than His children want to be blessed. His heart cries out in this passage for people to follow His ways so He could bless them. Still today, God looks for those who will completely obey Him. He wants to bless us, but we must walk in obedience to His voice, His word, and His ways. When we do things God’s ways, His blessing follows. His hearts cry is for us to obey, not to ruin our lives, but so He can bless us with His incredible blessings.

Prayer:

Father, align my life so I can walk in Your complete and total blessing. I long to serve You well in my generation. Thank You for all You have blessed me with to this point, but I long to walk in complete obedience. Open doors before me and let Your kingdom come in my life. Let Your will be done above my own. I want to live surrendered to You at all times. Show me the way forward and let me walk in Your blessing.

Yours Forever,

JEff

Seek the Lord

 Scripture:

”But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

As Moses was preparing to die, he reaffirmed God’s covenant with His people. He told them if they obeyed, they would be blessed but if they disobeyed, they would be defeated by their enemies. Here the Lord told them how to come back to Him if they messed up on following the covenant. He said, “search again for the Lord you God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” This is repeated many times in the OT and it always blesses my heart.

Application:

God has said over and over in His Word that we would find Him when we seek for Him with all our heart and soul. He promised that if we would seek Him, we would find Him. He left the responsibility on us to turn to Him and seek Him out. He wants His people to seek Him and pursue Him. He doesn’t usually come to us until we start moving toward Him. Once we start to seek Him, He allows Himself to be found by us. 

Prayer:

Father, it has always been my desire to live a life of holy pursuit. I want to live a life of seeking You. Thank You for often letting me find You. Your presence is life to me. Your presence in my life is my everything. As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You. I want to know You more intimately. I want to hear Your voice. I long for more of You. You are my heart’s desire.

Yours Forever,

Jeff 

Polluted Land

 Scripture:

”This will ensure that the land where you live will not be polluted, for murder pollutes the land. And no sacrifice except the execution of the murderer can purify the land from murder.“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭35‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God was giving His people rules about when they enter the Promised Land and how to live there. He said that murders must be killed. Accidental death at the hands of someone else had other consequences, but murder required execution because only execution would purify the land from murder. God was very strong against murder because it pollutes the land.

Application:

There are so many murders in the United States that go with no punishment. We have polluted the land Biblically. This word tells us that execution of murderers purifies the land. This doesn’t even touch the issue of abortion and the taking of innocent lives. Our land is polluted. Thank God for the blood of Jesus that cleanses from all sin and disobedience. Thank God for Christ paying the price for our sins. 

Prayer:

Father, cleanse our land with the blood of Jesus. Wash our land and cleanse it from all disobedience. Bring revival to this land once again. Pour out Your Spirit and bring a cleansing of sin and its consequences. Let a move of God in the area of repentance come forth. Let this nation be turned around and forgive our many areas of rebellion. 

Yours,

Jeff

Public Commissioning

 Scripture:

”The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭27‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

When Moses was going to be taken from the scene of Israel’s history he was told that he couldn’t go into the Promised Land, but God allowed him to go up on a mountain to see it and to die there. As he was preparing for the end of his life, God told him to commission his replacement. This is what spiritual fathers do, they set their spiritual sons and daughters up for success.

Application:

Commissioning a person in ministry gives them confidence and the understanding that the person doing the commissioning believes in them, trusts them, and validates their life and ministry. It also allows the entire congregation to see the transfer of authority publicly, giving that person authority in the people’s eyes as well. I need to be more serious and intentional about public commissioning of people. I don’t want to take it too lightly, but I want it to be significant.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are great and glorious. You are from everlasting to everlasting. You never change and are the epitome of love. Show me how to effectively commission ministries and people for Your kingdom. I want to do what You are pleased with and not just what I want to do. Help me to always walk in obedience to You and Your words.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Open My Eyes and Ears

 Scripture:

”This is the message Balaam delivered: “This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, the message of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

I see here the description of Balaam as something I want to be like. It says that his eyes see clearly, he hears the words of God, has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, and who bows down with eyes wide open.

Application:

I want to walk with God at this level. I long for my eyes to see clearly what God wants to do in every situation. I long to hear God’s words accurately and to knowledge directly from Him. I long to see visions and to be a person of worship, who bows before the Lord. I want to know God at a deeper level and to be a carrier of His words and visions to people. I want to hear accurately and do whatever He says.

Prayer:

Father, once again I pray, open my eyes to see what You are doing. Open my ears to hear what You are speaking. Open my spirit to communicate with You. I don’t want to minister out of my own well and resources, but want to minister out of the abundance of Your goodness and I want to deliver exactly what You are speaking to the people You allow me to serve. I want to hear clearly and speak clearly whatever You want to say.

Your Son,

Jeff

Walking with the Right People

 Scripture:

”“The time has come for Aaron to join his ancestors in death. He will not enter the land I am giving the people of Israel, because the two of you rebelled against my instructions concerning the water at Meribah.“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage Aaron is about to die and the Lord says he will not enter the Promised Land because Aaron and Moses rebelled against the instructions of the Lord at Meribah. Meribah is where Moses struck the rock to provide water instead of speaking to the rock like the Lord told him to do. In that passage, I don’t see where Aaron did anything wrong. They both fell facedown before the Lord and the Lord spoke, but it was Moses who disobeyed.

Application:

We have to beware of the company we keep. In this passage Aaron is punished for the sin Moses committed, maybe because he was there and did nothing about it. Maybe because he didn’t speak up to Moses. We are not told exactly why, but it says he and Moses rebelled against the Lord. I do see that it was Moses who struck the rock, but Aaron called the people together and generally he was the spokesperson for Moses. Maybe he spoke and Moses hit the rock. We are not told, but we do see him being punished for something  he did with Moses.

Prayer:

Father, let me keep the right company. Help me to stay around the right people and to be influenced by the right people. I want to be pure before You and to walk humbly before You. Show me how to walk and who to walk with that I may please You completely.

Yours,

Jeff

Giving God Our Best

 Scripture:

”Be sure to give to the Lord the best portions of the gifts given to you.“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭18‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This passage is speaking to the Levites concerning the tithe. The people brought their tithes to the Levites, who lived off of the tithes of the people. This passage reminds them that they, as well, must bring the best portion of the best gifts they had received as their tithe to the Lord. Their tithe ended up being the best 10% of the best 10% of the people. God wanted them to give their very best to Him as their act of worship.

Application:

When we give to God, we should always give Him our very best, whether that is in worship, work, attitude, praise, resources, etc. God is worthy of the best offerings we can bring Him. He shouldn’t get our leftovers, but the best part of our lives. Like David, we don’t want to offer to the Lord that which costs us nothing.

Prayer:

Father, I want to give You my very best. I want to honor You in every way possible. Let my life be a life that brings You sacrificial praise and worship. Let me never be skimpy on my offerings, but let me give in response to all You have given me. You gave me Your best when You sent Your Son. Enable me to give the best of my life to You.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Reminder of the Covenant

 Scripture:

”Blow the trumpets in times of gladness, too, sounding them at your annual festivals and at the beginning of each month. And blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and peace offerings. The trumpets will remind your God of his covenant with you. I am the Lord your God.”“ Numbers‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This passage speaks about how trumpets were to be used in Israel as they were coming out of Egypt. Trumpets served several purposes like assembling the people, gathering the troops, etc. They were also used for celebration, sacrifice, and offerings. It says here that the trumpets will remind God of His covenant with you.

Application:

Just as trumpets were for ancient Israel, communion is a reminder of Gods covenant through the blood of Jesus. The word is also a reminder of the covenant. Sometimes we have to remind God of His covenant with us. As the trumpet was a reminder to God, we can remind God of His word and His covenant. This isn’t rude or wrong, it is just a reminder. God doesn’t forget, but doesn’t mind being reminded either.

Prayer:

Father, Your Word says I am healed by the blood of Jesus. It says we will lay hands on the sick and they will recover. It says with faith nothing shall be impossible. I need healing. My wife needs healing. Let us be made completely whole in the name of Jesus. Let me walk in faith and not sight. Increase my faith to truly believe everything You have said.

Yours,

Jeff

Wait Here

 Scripture:

”Moses answered, “Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord.”“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The people came to Moses about not being able to follow Passover because they were unclean from touching something that was dead. They wanted to worship the Lord, but were prohibited. Moses had great instruction for them, “Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord.” He didn’t answer on behalf of the the Lord without going to the Lord and hearing from Him. 

Application:

Sometimes it is better to wait to hear from the Lord rather than to move forward on things. Many times we march ahead rather than seeking the Lord’s direction. I need to spend time seeking the Lord rather than simply doing what feels right at the time. As a spiritual leader, I need a word from God on things. I need clear direction from the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are worthy of my worship and honor. You are my everything. Help me to seek You before answering every questions. Help me not to simply answer based on what I feel would be right, but to seek a word from God concerning whatever it is. Teach me to be a man of God who does exactly what the Lord wants Him to do.

Yours,

Jeff

The Blessing

 Scripture:

”‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage we see that God gave Aaron and his sons a special way to bless His people. He told them that when they blessed people in this way that He would also bless them. God gave us a way to speak blessing on people and He promised to back it up with His blessing. This passage should make us want to speak it over and over again over everyone close to us.

Application:

When we do things God’s way, we get God’s results. When we speak this blessing, He will work in the lives of those we speak it over. In the New Testament we are a kingdom of priests and have the right to speak this blessing. I need to be more diligent to speak this over my family, my church family, and those around me.

Prayer:

Father, help me to do things Your way and see Your results. I long to see You bless Word of Life in every way. I long to see You bless the people of the house in powerful ways. Let testimonies of Your blessing overtake the people of our church. Let my family be blessed. Let me remember to speak this blessing often.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Precise Obedience

 Scripture:

”So the people of Israel did everything as the Lord had commanded Moses. Each clan and family set up camp and marched under their banners exactly as the Lord had instructed them.“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭2‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The people of Israel were coming out of Egypt and beginning their wilderness travels. They would spend the next 40 years living in the wilderness. Even in the wilderness, God had very specific plans and tasks for them to do. He told them exactly what they were to do, and they did it with precise obedience. They set everything up exactly how the Lord wanted them to because they needed God’s protection and provision throughout their journey.

Application:

We must learn to walk in precise obedience. When God asks us to do something, we must not only say yes, but we must walk it out precisely how He wants us to. As for me, I don’t want to get to heaven and hear how much I missed out on because of partial or lack of obedience. I want to obey everything the Lord calls me to do. He is worthy of all I have and I trust my life to His hands.

Prayer:

Father, empower me to walk in precise obedience, not partial obedience. Help me to do everything You want me to do. Teach me Your ways and direct my steps. Show me every detail and give me strength to obey you to the end. Let me life be a life of precise obedience.

Your Son,

Jeff

When Hope is Lost

 Scripture:

”We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.“ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Jesus had died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead. In this story, He was found talking to a couple of people who were on the road to Emmaus. They didn’t realize it was Jesus who was talking to them. They carried on a conversation for quite a while before they sat down to eat with Him and their eyes were opened. They suddenly realized who He was and who had been talking to them. In their conversation with Jesus, they said, “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel.” Their hope had been taken away and they couldn’t see what was standing right in front of them.

Application:

Hope is powerful! When we give up hope, we can’t see what may be right in front of us. When we give up hope, Jesus Himself could walk into our lives and we wouldn’t recognize Him. Hopelessness leads to terrible places in people’s lives. We need to learn to stand on the Word of God and not our own feelings or emotions. When bad things happen, we cannot allow ourselves to get hopeless. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to never walk in hopelessness, but to walk knowing that You are in control and that everything can change in a moment of time. Teach me to trust You more and to never feel hopeless because I serve the God who bring hope to people. Let me always be hopeful about the future because I trust in You and Your word. Let me be a beacon of hope to people who are hopeless.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Seek and Save

Scripture:

”Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus is a beautiful picture of the heart of Jesus. Zacchaeus climbed a tree looking for Jesus and Jesus saw him. When they met, Jesus called him by name and invited Himself over for dinner at Zacchaeus’ house. They both knew something special was happening that day. Jesus knew he had changed when He saw Zacchaeus ready to give away all his money. Jesus closed the story with a comment about His heart, “the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Application:

We must be ready for divine appointments and realize when we are in the middle of one. Jesus knew He had an appointment at Zacchaeus’ house that day and was prepared to work it out and take the heat from religious people because He knew why He was there. His heart was to seek and save the lost, therefore, He made this interaction a priority. He also took the time and risked His own reputation to see this lost man come to repentance. 

Prayer:

Father, make me Spirit-sensitive. Help me to walk in step with You and to be willing and ready to seek and save the lost. Let my life be used for Your glory. I want to do exactly what You want me to do at all times. Help me to not pre-judge people, but to see in them what You see in them. I want to be like Jesus.

Yours Forever,

Jeff 

Take the Lowest Place

 Scripture:

”“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests.“ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Jesus gives an illustration here to make the point that we should not seek the highest place at the table, but the lowest place. He said it was better to put yourself in the lowest place, then the owner of the house will come and put you in a better place. If you put yourself in the highest place, someone higher might come and you will be asked to step down. Better to humble ourselves and be exalted than to exalt ourselves and be humbled.

Application:

Paul tells us that we shouldn’t think more of ourselves than we really are. Jesus tells us to humble ourselves and allow Him and others to lift us up. Our place is to serve people as Jesus did. He placed the needs of others ahead of His own needs. It is much better to walk in humility and let God lift you up than to lift yourself up and have God lower you. Humility always wins in the Bible.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to walk in humility. Help me to love others well and to humble myself and be more like You. You are faithful and good. Help me to exemplify You in everything I do. Let my life represent You well. Forgive me for my pride and help me to remain humble. Lead me by Your Spirit into all truth and help me to serve You well. Let this year be a year of multiplication and blessing for my life, my family, the church I pastor, the region we live in, and the nations of the world.  Help me to lead well.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

The Kingdom

 Scripture:

”Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’“ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Jesus told His disciples to go out and spread the Good News. In this passage they were told to heal the sick and tell them the Kingdom of God is near you now. He relates healing with the kingdom coming near them. We know in heaven we see the fulness of God’s kingdom and there is no sickness or disease. We are on earth praying Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done. What we are saying is that we want heaven to invade earth and for earth to look more like heaven.

Application:

I need to understand the Kingdom more and more in my life. I understand at a human level, but feel the need to understand at a greater level what it means when we say the Kingdom is near you. I want to not only understand it, but walk in it as My Father would want me to. I will be praying, “Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done” more and more in my life.

Prayer:

Father, show me and help me to understand Your kingdom. Let Your kingdom come in my life, my family, my church, and the world around me. Help me to understand Your kingdom and how to walk in the fulness of it hear on earth while waiting for the full expression of it. Align me with Your word and let Your truths penetrate my heart.

Yours Forever,

Jeff