Positions of Power

 Scripture:

“So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of the Lord, for it fulfilled the Lord’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Rehoboam listened to the counsel of his peers instead of the wisdom of his father’s advisors. He made life extremely difficult on the people of Judah and he paid no attention to them or what was best for them. They suffered terribly because of his decisions, yet scripture records here that this was the will of the Lord because it fulfilled the Lord’s message to Jeroboam. Sometimes God allows us to be ruled by those who are not good because He has higher purposes and deals with rulers.

Application:

Many times we complain about the leaders over us. The Word tells us that God puts people in places of leadership and that we are to submit to them. This story helps me to realize that, even when our leaders are not fair or just, it may be the will of God for them to be there because He is doing something in and through them. This is why we must pray for our leaders. I also must realize that God raises up and puts down and that He is still in control, even when things are not going the way I want them to.

Prayer:

Father, You are awesome and worthy of all my praise. You are great and glorious. There is none like You. You raise up leaders and You send in the rulers we need or deserve. Help me not to question You, but to submit to what You are doing in all things and to build You kingdom regardless of who is in charge.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Give us the Desire

 Scripture:

“May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭58‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Solomon had built an incredible temple for the Lord and was dedicating it at this time. He prayed a beautiful prayer at the dedication. In that prayer, he prayed the above verse. He asked God to give them the desire to do His will in everything and to obey. He was the wisest man ever to live according to the Word of God. He knew that desire was necessary for obedience rather than simply will-power. 

Application:

I want God to keep the desire and passion alive in my life so that serving Him is never a discipline, but a desire. I don’t want to serve God out of religious duty, but because He is worthy and I have an intimate walk with Him. I want God to give me the desire to serve Him well all the days of my life and to fulfill everything He wants me to do. I don’t want to live out of discipline, but desire.

Prayer:

Father, let my walk with You never grow cold. Let my desire for You and Your presence increase throughout my life. Let my desire for You increase. Help me to live a life of passionate purpose and not religious ritual. You are worthy of my very best. Grant me a walk of desire.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God’s Wisdom

 Scripture:

“God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This chapter speaks of the incredible wisdom Solomon displayed as he ruled Israel. The end of the chapter says that kings from around the world sent their leaders to hear him and learn from him. This scripture lets us know that Solomon’s wisdom was God-given and not simply human wisdom. Wisdom is powerful, but God-given wisdom is beyond understanding. 

Application:

I need to ask God for His wisdom more often and seek Him for His understanding of things. God is the author of wisdom and wisdom personified. I want God’s wisdom to flow through my life. I wan to represent Him well and to complete everything He has for me to do.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk in step with You. Grant me wisdom to do all You have asked of me. Teach me to walk in wisdom in all situations. Today, as I counsel, let me give Your counsel and not human counsel. Let me lead Your people well. Help me to know what to do and when to do it. Give me wisdom from on high.

Your Son,

Jeff

Take Courage and Be a Man

 Scripture:

““I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

As David was preparing Solomon to rule in his place as King of Israel he gave him some important advice. I love this because it is so simple, but so profound. He told his son, “Take courage and be a man.” He knew what his son needed in order to rule the kingdom well. He needed to be a man and have a backbone.  He was going to have to make some serious decisions and needed to man up.

Application:

Sometimes in life and leadership we just need to man up. Sometimes the best leadership advice is simply to be a man. Being a man signifies that someone is bold and courageous. Being a man means someone is fierce and makes the hard decisions. I need to man up in my leadership. There are times when I am far too passive and I know it. I need to heed David’s words to Solomon and man up.

Prayer:

Father, help me to make the right decisions and to do the right things. Give me a man’s heart that is bold and confident and not afraid to make hard decisions. Help me to lead like a man and not like someone who can’t make up his mind. Let me be more secure in my position as a leader in Your kingdom.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God’s Special Favor

 Scripture:

“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul says here that he worked harder than any of the other apostles and saw results because of God’s special favor. He had put in the work, but God came through and brought the results. He understood that God’s special favor made him successful, but he didn’t lean on that. He worked hard and God worked hard through him. Together, they made a huge impact for Christ in the world in his time.

Application:

Paul was not lazy in any sense of the word. He worked hard for the Lord, yet he also leaned on the grace and favor of the Lord. As God’s servants today, we must not be afraid of hard work. We must work hard, but also lean into the grace and favor of God as partners. I personally long to work with the Lord as one working together to change the world. I can work hard on my own or I can work hard and do it through the power of the Holy Spirit. I choose that option. Both are hard work, but the second brings incredible results. 

Prayer:

Lord God, I will always work hard for You, but I don’t just want to work FOR You. I want to work WITH You. Let Your favor and grace fill my life. Teach me to walk in Your ways and to see Your results. I don’t want to work hard and wear out. I want to work hard, empowered by Your Spirit. Empower my life and give me strength as I get older to accomplish all You want in and through my life. I am Yours.

Jeff

Purpose in Every Step

 Scripture:

“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul was telling the Corinthians not just to run God’s race, but to run the race to win the prize. In other words, don’t be half-hearted. He then went on with this verse in telling them that he runs the race with purpose in every step. For Paul, every step was filled with purpose. He was focused on winning the race and finishing well. He wanted to finish what Christ had asked him to do.

Application:

I need to live a more focused life. I want to finish everything God had for me and to do it well. Focus brings results and I want to see results for God’s glory and the extension of His kingdom. Therefore, I must live a more focused life with purpose in every step. I want to live a life of purpose and not just survive or get to the finish line. I want to win the race set before me and do everything God has called me to do.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are high and lifted up. You are great and glorious. You are my everything. Help me this morning to live a life of purpose and focus in every step I take. Help me to be productive for You and Your kingdom. Use my life for Your glory and empower me to live a life with purpose in every step.

Yours,

Jeff

Power AND Words

 Scripture:

“For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Much of what we do in the kingdom of God deals with words. We go to conferences to hear speakers. Our Sunday morning and midweek gatherings are centered on teaching and preaching. God’s kingdom is not just a lot of talk. It is living by God’s power. 

Application:

We need the power of God in our lives if we want to live overcoming and victorious lives. I long for the power of God to be witnessed in and through my life. I don’t just want to talk about the kingdom. I want to demonstrate the kingdom. I believe we have to do a lot of talking in kingdom business, but I believe it is time to demonstrate the power of Kingdom living to the world around us. 

Prayer:

God, I want to live an unexplainable life. I want to live a supernatural life that is blessed and highly favored of You. I don’t want to just talk about Your Kingdom. I want to demonstrate it. Empower my life to be lived at high voltage for You. I don’t want to live a nominal life, but a spirit-led, Spirit-empowered life.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Partnership

 Scripture:

“God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells the Corinthians in this passage that God is faithful to do what He says. Then he adds, “he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” This verse reminds me that we are never alone when we are working for the Lord. He is our partner.

Application:

A couple years ago my personal theme was that I no longer wanted to work FOR God but WITH God. This verse speaks of that idea. We are partnering with Christ to accomplish His will in the earth. We are never left alone, but when we are talking about Him, He partners with us to accomplish His will. Partnership means we have His authority, His power, His abilities, etc. working with us. Nothing is impossible when we are partnered with Christ.

Prayer:

Father, I want to be a close partner with Christ in accomplishing His will in the earth. I long to walk step by step with Christ and the precious Holy Spirit. I want to do exactly what You want. Help me to partner at deeper levels with Christ. I want to be one with Him. When they see me, let them see Jesus!

Yours Forever,

Jeff

He Delights in Me

 Scripture:

“He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.” 2 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭20‬ NLT‬‬

Observation:

David writes this Psalm about the Lord. In this portion of the Psalm he says that God led him to a place of safety and rescued his because “He delights in me.” David believed that God was delighted with him, which was true, but most of us struggle to really believe that.

Application:

I want to walk with the Lord as David, and others in the Bible did. I want to know my God and do everything He says. I want to know deep in my heart that God is delighted in me. I know that in my mind, but sometimes I feel like maybe God isn’t fully delighted with me. I want my mind renewed to KNOW that God is completely delighted with me.

Prayer:

Father, I want to be a delight to You at all times. I don’t want to disappoint or cause You pain. I know You are delighted with me simply because I’m Your child, but I want to know that deeply in my Spirit. I want to be more confident of Your love for me. I know You love me. Help me to fully believe You are delighted in me.

Yours,

Jeff

The Power of Sons and Daughters

 Scripture:

“The king was overcome with emotion. He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears. And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son.”” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Absalom had tried deviously to take the throne of his father David, and then even had a massive number of troops seeking him to kill him. David’s men killed Absalom in the battle. When news reached David, her was heartbroken because he loved his son deeply. He said here that he wished he had died instead of his son. The grief of losing a child is powerful. David, though a mighty man of God, was weak when it came to his own children. 

Application:

We all have areas of weakness. Most parents would to anything for their children. I know in my life, my sons hold the ability to break my heart probably more than anyone else. I know when my sons hurt, I hurt. I want to be a great father to my sons and to be an example of Christ to them. I also don’t want to be like an Eli who was too easy on his sons. I need guidance from the Lord on what to say and not to say to my sons. I want to see them doing well and prospering, but I need to know when to speak and when to listen.

Prayer:

Lord, lead me to be a great father for my sons. Though they are grown at this point, they still are a powerful force in my life. I love them both with all my heart and want them to do well. Show me what to say and when to say it. Show me when to be hard and when to be soft. Lead me to be a great father for my sons so they will walk in Your goodness.

Yours,

Jeff

Trusting God and Yielding to His Purposes

 Scripture:

“Then the king instructed Zadok to take the Ark of God back into the city. “If the Lord sees fit,” David said, “he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

David had left the city because of his son Absalom. His son had rebelled against him and stirred up the people against his father. David wanted to come back into the city so he told his people. “Take the ark of God back into the city, if the Lord sees fit, he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again.” He had such intimacy with God that he felt the Lord would make sure he wasn’t far from the Ark, where God’s presence was manifested at that time. 

Application:

David knew God loved him. He loved to spend time with God and he knew the Lord loved that as well. He had confidence that if he was separated from God’s presence, God would make a way for them to be together. I want to walk in that level of relationship with God. I want to know His voice, hear His heart, and do what He wants me to do. I want to trust God like David did. He trusted God over every person, plan, or agenda.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and I love You deeply. Thank You for blessing my life over and over again. You are my life and my salvation. You are my hope and my help. You are my everything! Teach me to trust You like David did. Help me to trust your heart in all situations. Help me to follow You well all the days of my life. I yield to Your purposes in all things.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Hindered Blessings

 Scripture:

“I gave you your master’s house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

After David sinned with Bathsheeba and had her husband killed, Nathan the prophet confronted David. God told David, I gave you the kingship, Saul’s house, and two kingdoms have come together o be under your leadership. Then He says, “if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much, more.” God wanted to bless David more than he could have imagined, but He was limited by David’s sin.

Application:

God’s plans for our lives are incredible! He wants to bless us, prosper us, work through us, etc. I wonder how many times God’s awesome plans for us are hindered by our disobedience. I wonder if God wants to do more in my life, but may have some hindrances to His working? I want to please the Lord and walk in step with Him, but I know I miss His will at times. I want to walk in stronger obedience and see God’s blessing reach its fulness in my life.

Prayer:

Lord God, once again I offer You my life. Come Holy Spirit and have Your way in me. Show me areas I need to work on that may be stopping up Your river of blessing. Show me the thing You want me to change and I will respond to the best of my ability. Help me to walk in Your favor and not to miss out on anything You have for me because of my disobedience. Baptize people in the precious Holy Spirit today and tonight in our services. Fill people to overflow.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Victory Comes From God

 Scripture:

“He placed army garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. In fact, the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This chapter records the words, “the Lord made David victorious wherever he went” twice. Each was concerning a different situation where David was victorious over his enemies. In these passages we see that it was the Lord, not David, who was credited with winning the victories. David was a fantastic king and warrior, but he was nothing special without the Lord God Almighty on his side.

Application:

We must always remember it is the Lord who fights our battles and gives us the victory. In our flesh, we are weak, but in Christ we are victorious over-comers. We must realize that we serve a victorious God who causes His people to walk in victory as they walk with Him. Victory is the fruit of following Jesus. It is in our new nature to live and walk in victory and not defeat. I want to see God’s people, and me as well, victorious wherever they go.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are high and lifted up. You are the God of all power and might. Dominion and strength belong to You. You are the source of every good thing. You brought victory to the people in Your word, let me walk in Your victory and always have a testimony of Your many victories in my life. Let me have more stories of Your deliverance, victory, and strength. Let me live a victorious life.

Yours,

Jeff

The Presence of God

 Scripture:

“Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

When the Ark of the Covenant was in a place, it was either blessed or cursed depending on the person housing the ark. The ark was where the presence of God manifested exclusively in those days. Where the presence of God was, if the person housing it was walking with the Lord, it blessed them. If the people housing it were not God’s children, they were cursed. 

Application:

The presence of God changes everything! I want to host the presence of God in greater measure in my lifetime. I long for God’s presence. In His presence, all our enemies are defeated. In His presence, we see His blessing. In His presence, we observe victory. David wanted God’s presence with him and I want God’s presence in my life. I want to host the presence of the Holy Spirit in a way that will honor Him.

Prayer:

Lord God, Your presence is heaven to me. Your presence is the greatest asset in my life. I need You more each day. I want to lean on You and learn from You. I want to speak with You as friend with friend. I long for Your presence. Come Holy Spirit and fill my life completely. This weekend in revival and with Pentecost Sunday coming up. Fill me and fill Your people to overflow this weekend.

Yours,

Jeff

Interacting with Authorities

 Scripture:

“David and his men tore their clothes in sorrow when they heard the news. They mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the Lord’s army and the nation of Israel, because they had died by the sword that day.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

When David heard that Saul had died, he tore his clothes in sorrow and went into mourning, weeping, and fasting all day. Saul had literally been trying to kill David for a long time at this point. He was sorrowful that the Lord’s anointed, as he referred to Saul, had died. David demonstrated the heart of Jesus who told us to bless those who persecute us and be good to those who hurt us. 

Application:

We should never be happy when a leader comes to an end. We are told in Scripture that leaders are put in their positions by God and therefore, we are to submit to them. Just as David mourned over Saul, rather than celebrating when a leader, good or bad, comes to an end. We need to honor leadership positions and pray for those in leadership over us, not talk bad about them at every opportunity. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to honor leadership in a godly way. Let me be an example to others of how to interact with those in leadership that we don’t agree with. Help me to honor those You have put in positions and to trust You to put the right people into position of leadership over my life. Let me walk at a new level of trust in You and not in myself or those around me.

Yours,

Jeff

Generosity

 Scripture:

“But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭30‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

When David attacked the Amalakites for what they did at Ziklag, he got everything back, plus some. His followers wanted to keep all the spoils of war and David wanted to share with the tribes in Judah. He gives them a great word here about not being selfish with the blessing of the Lord. David was generous with God’s blessing and shared with those who didn’t fight for it. 

Application:

Generosity is an extremely Christlike characteristic of those who follow Him completely. God’s people are never selfish because our Master laid down His life as a servant. When God blesses us, we must share the blessing with those around us. As Christ followers, we must be the ones who lay our lives down and share generously with those around us. This is God’s way and something He takes great joy in blessing.

Prayer:

Father, help me to always have a generous spirit. Let me see things the way You see them and to react like You would in all situations. You are good and Your mercy is forever. Help me to be more like You. Help me to never hold onto money or things, but to share with those in need as You bless my life. 

Your Son Forever,

Jeff

God’s Treasure Pouch

 Scripture:

““Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling!” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭25‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬

Observation:

David had been being chased all over the place by King Saul, who wanted him dead. The above words actually comes from Abigail, Nabal’s wife who would later become David’s wife. She told David that God protected him and that he was secure in God’s treasure pouch. She said he was safe from anyone who would come after him to kill him because God was watching over him.

Application:

I’ve never thought of myself as being God’s treasure pouch, but it is a great analogy. A king’s treasure pouch would be where he would put his valuables and it would be protected above all else. They never wanted the enemy to get to their treasure pouch. When we see God like this, we understand that we are valuable in His sight. We also see that He will go to extremes to keep us safe as His personal treasure. Our value is in Him and we must realize that He sees us as valuable and worth of saving.

Prayer:

Father, You are worthy of it all! You are the one who keeps me safe like treasure in a pouch. You have watched over my life throughout all my years and have always protected me. Thank You for treating me as Your treasure. Hide me in Your pouch and defend my life. I am Yours. Pour out Your Spirit this weekend in our church and where I am speaking. We need You. Baptize people in Your Spirit and use this weekend to empower Your Church.

Yours Forever,

Jeff‬

Trust God’s Ways

 Scripture:

”He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my Lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. After Saul had left the cave and gone on his way,“ ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭24‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

David had the perfect chance to kill Saul, who had been pursuing him in order to kill him. David refused to kill Saul because he understood that the Lord had chosen Saul. David understood that God was in control and he wasn’t going to take things into his own hands. He felt that if God wanted Saul dead, God would kill him, but he refused to put a hand on the person that God had placed in office. 

Application:

Learning to trust God rather than taking things into my own hands is a difficult lesson to learn. Many times there are things that appear to be right, but are not what God wants us to do. Rather than acting in the flesh and doing what I want to do, I need to trust God and wait on Him. We must trust God’s timing and God plan rather than doing what seems like the right thing to do. Even when good people push me to lead in a certain direction, I must remain faithful to God and do what he has called me to do.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are worthy of it all! You are my strength and my song. You are my everything. Teach me to trust You ways and Your will at all times. Help me not to seek to accomplish in the flesh what I believe You want me to do. I want to obey You completely and at all times. Help me to hear You clearly and follow You completely. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God’s Favor

 Scripture:

”Every time the commanders of the Philistines attacked, David was more successful against them than all the rest of Saul’s officers. So David’s name became very famous.“ ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

I love this description of the favor of God on David’s life. It says “every time” there was an attack, David and was “more successful” than Saul’s other officers. As David walked with God and served Him, he saw God’s favor and blessing. He always did better than those around him. He always excelled above and beyond those around him. 

Application:

I often say that favor isn’t fair. God favor can make everything you do to prosper. God’s favor can make your enemies jealous. God’s favor can promote you to the top of the list at work. God’s favor can cause you to be successful in every area of life. Our place is never self-promotion. We serve God and allow Him to show His favor and promote us when we are ready for the promotion. I want to walk in the favor of God and not in working harder with no results.

Prayer:

father, I give You my life once again. Take it and use it for Your glory. Teach me to walk with You. Let Your favor rest on my life. Show me how to live a life You can bless exceedingly. Let my life bring You honor and praise. Show me how to respond in each and every situation. 

Show Me Your Favor,

Jeff

Who God Appoints

 Scripture:

”Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” 1 Samuel‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Israel wanted a king and God told them not to do it, but they wanted to be like other countries who had a king that would physically lead them and battle for them. Eventually the Lord chose Saul. Saul had the looks of a leader, but his heart was humble. That’s what God looks for. Throughout the Bible, God used men and women who considered themselves unfit for the job. Usually He appointed those who felt underqualified.

Application:

God seldom asks us to do things that we are qualified to do. Many times I have heard the phrase, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” God tends to use those who feel like they are the smallest and the weakest. In doing this, He knows they will lean on Him and not on themselves. When we feel over-confident, we are in a dangerous place. I want to live dependent on the Lord at all times. God always raises up the humble and brings the proud to nothing.

Prayer:

Father, You are worthy of all my praise. You have been so good to me all the days of my life. Let me never lead from a place of pride, but always with humility. Let me never lean on my own thoughts, gifts, or desires, but on You completely. Help me to live a life of faith, knowing that i am nothing and You are everything.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

The Lord was WITH Him

 Scripture:

”As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.“ ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Samuel was brought up in the presence of the Lord, even though he wasn’t a priest. He wore the ephod of a priest even though he was an outsider. When he was a young man, the Lord began to speak to him and God’s words were proven true. As he grew up, the Scriptures say that the Lord was WITH him and everything he said proved to be reliable. 

Application:

I long to be a person who walks WITH God and knows His voice. I want God to back up the words I say as He did for Samuel. The only title or position I have ever desired is “man of God.” I long to walk with God as the Old Testament prophets did. I long to know His voice clearly and to do what He wants me to do. I want to walk in fellowship with Holy Spirit at all times and to truly be a man of God. I want to be a man after God’s own heart.

Prayer:

Father, as I have said often in the past few years, I don’t want to work FOR You anymore, I want to work WITH You. I want to know Your voice and do whatever You ask me to do. Teach me to follow Your ways. Show me how to follow You completely and let me be one who knows You intimately. When I pass away and people ask about me, may it be said, “The Lord was with him.” That’s my dream.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Bless Those Who Take Refuge in Christ

 Scripture:

”May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” ‭Ruth‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Ruth had worked in the fields of Boaz and impressed him with her work. When they finally had a conversation, he decided to try and be her kinsman redeemer, who would get her as a wife and the land that belonged to Naomi’s husband before he died. He knew she was not an Israelite, but a Moabite. He says of her that she had come under God’s wings to take refuge, even as a stranger and someone from a different culture.

Application:

God accepts anyone who comes to him for refuge. He rewarded Ruth by making her the grandmother of King David, the most revered king in Israel’s history to this day. When a person, from any background, comes to God for refuge, He forgives their past and gives them a new future that is blessed by Him. We cna never judge people because of where they are from or that language they speak. We must be like our Lord and accept who He accepts. we should never judge people for their past, but love them into their future.

Prayer:

Father, You are worthy of it all! You are worthy of my very best in every area of life. Help me to never judge people by their past, their background, or anything else. You are a redeemer of anyone who decide to take refuge in You. Help me to love people like You love people. Teach me to walk with You and to learn Your ways. Help me to promote people who don’t look like me as You gave Ruth the beautiful honor of being the grandmother to King David. Pour out Your Spirit at Word of Life today. Let people encounter Christ, Engage in growth, and Extend the Kingdom. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Overflow

 Scripture:

”I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.“ ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul is closing his letter to the Romans and prays this prayer for them. He prays that God will fill them completely with joy and peace because they trust in Him. He then states, “Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” When God fills us completely with joy and peace because we trust Him, we will overflow with hope. 

Application:

I want to walk, not only getting by in Christ, but I want to live on a constant overflow of hope. I don’t want to just get by in life, but I want to soar like the eagles. I want to live excited about the coming days and years and never with a negative expectation. My place is to trust in God, who will fill me with joy and peace, then comes the overflow. I need to trust Him more and live in the overflow.

Prayer:

Father, I want to live in the overflow of confident hope. I want to trust You at deeper levels. You have been so faithful to me through he years. Help me to never get negative, but to live in joy and peace because I trust You. Let my trust increase and let me live in the overflow of confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let me live out my days full of faith and expectation of good things to come.

Yours,

Jeff

Treat People Well, Even When They Hurt You

 Scripture:

”Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.“ ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells the Romans not to let evil conquer them, but to conquer evil by doing good. Just prior to this verse he tells them to be good to those who are their enemies. He tells them to give their enemies food when they are hungry and to be good to them. Paul was telling the people to let God bring revenge instead of trying to take revenge for themselves.

Application:

If we really trust God, we must trust Him in the are of relationships. Relationships can hurt and relationships can be a blessing. When a relationship goes sour, we must still be good to the person and treat them with kindness, even if they have done things to hurt us. We must treat people well and leave the judgment to God. We are to treat others how we want to be treated and not how they might deserve to be treated because of what they have done to us.

Prayer:

Father, help me to love like Jesus loved. Help me to treat people well, even when they are doing things to hurt me. Teach me to overcome evil with good deeds and good thoughts. Help me to respond well when people do things to hurt me. I want to be more like Jesus, even in this area.

Yours,

Jeff

Overwhelming Victory

 Scripture:

”No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.“ ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Just prior to this verse, Paul went through many difficult situations that people can face in their lifetimes. He landed on the fact that despite famine, pestilence, problems, people, etc. “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ.” No matter what comes our way, overwhelming victory is ours in Christ.

Application:

Sometimes I don’t feel like I am seeing overwhelming victory. Sometimes I see with human eyes what is going on around me and I don’t like what I see. I need to know deep inside me that overwhelming victory is mine because of Jesus. We are not only going to win, we are going to win overwhelmingly! I need to keep this in my mind at all times. When things get difficult, I need to retrain my brain to believe that overwhelming victory is mine through Christ, no matter what is against me.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me train my brain to believe and walk in overwhelming victory each and every day. Help me to have a victor’s attitude in all things. Increase my faith and let me see victory coming in everything I face. 

Your Son,

Jeff

Fully Convinced

 Scripture:

”Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.“ ‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul says here that Abraham, being 100 years old, never wavered in his faith, believing God would given him a child in his old age. It says that Abraham was “fully convinced” that God was able to do whatever He promised. We are descendants of Abraham because of his faith. 

Application:

I want to live a “fully convinced” life concerning the promises of God. I want to live “fully convinced” that God still saves, God still heals, God still delivers, and that all His promises are true for us. I don’t want to live with any doubt in my heart concerning the promises of God. I want to enter a greater dimension of faith in my latter years than I ever had in my former years.

Prayer:

Father, I want to have faith that pleases You. I want to believe and be fully convinced of what You have promised. I want no doubt to rule my heart, but faith in You and Your word. Teach me to live with the faith of Abraham, that never gives up. Enable me to live 100% fully convinced of Your promises.

Yours,

Jeff