Limited Rewards

 Scripture:

“His son will have one tribe so that the descendants of David my servant will continue to reign, shining like a lamp in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen to be the place for my name.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭11‬:‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God had told David that because of his obedience, someone from his family would always rule in Israel. His son Solomon had 1,000 women in his life as king of Israel. Many of these women were from foreign nations, which God had told the Israelites never to do. Solomon ended up worshiping other gods after being influenced by his wives and concubines. He went from the greatest leader and most wise person on the planet to having his kingdom taken away from his descendants and losing 11/12 of the kingdom. This passage tells us that God allowed one tribe to remain under the descendants of David because of his love for David, but all else was lost because Solomon loved women more than God.

Application:

Solomon missed out on God’s best and God’s prophetic word to his father David because he chose to disobey the Lord. God was faithful to David and had one of his descendants on the throne, but it was greatly diminished in size and power because of Solomon’s disobedience. I don’t want t a partial fulfillment of God’s desire for my life. I don’t want my kids to be partially blessed because of my disobedience. I want to live a life that God can bless until I go see Him. I want my generations to be blessed and to see the good hand of God. 

Prayer:

Father, empower me to live a life that obeys You above all else. Help me never to be distracted by other things, but to remain faithful to You and Your word all the days of my life. Let Your blessing be on my family for generations to come. Let my children follow You wholeheartedly. Let my grandchildren follow You wholeheartedly. Let my obedience bring blessing to my descendants.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Wholehearted Devotion

 Scripture:

“and he prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Solomon prayed this prayer in dedicating the Temple to the Lord. He had spent many years constructing a beautiful Temple where the Lord could be worshiped. In his dedication prayer he said, “You keep your covenant and sho unfailing love to ALL who walk before You in wholehearted devotion.”  God sees those who are wholeheartedly devoted to Him and His purposes and He keeps covenant with them.

Application:

God blesses those who are completely devoted to Him and His purposes. Our job is to be faithful to do what He says, His part is to bless the work of our hands. The key is that the work of our hands must be the work He has set for us to do and we must do it with all our heart. God doesn’t want part of us. He wants wholehearted devotion. He doesn’t want leftovers. He wants us to be all in. Our job is to give Him our complete lives in wholehearted devotion.

Prayer:

Father, here I am once again offering You my life. Help me to serve You well and to live in wholeheartedly devotion to You. Help me to discern each step of my life and to follow You completely. Let my answer always be yes, Lord, yes. Help me not to compromise in any area, but to serve You with complete devotion. Let my life be an example of one who is truly devoted to You and Your kingdom. Let me represent You well.

Yours,

Jeff

A Lifetime of Blessing

 Scripture:

“During the lifetime of Solomon, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety. And from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, each family had its own home and garden.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Solomon lived in the blessing of God all the days of his life. This chapter records the extraordinary things he accomplished in his life. It was amazing! The country he led as king was in complete peace and safety and each family had its own home and garden. Every need was provided and everyone was blessed who lived in the country.

Application:

When God chooses to bless a person or a nation, it is blessed! When godly leadership use godly wisdom in leading a nation, it is going to be blessed beyond measure. Whatever we lead, we should lead well and give God our very best. We should seek Him and do whatever He asks of us. I long for all of those under my leadership to be blessed and prosperous. 

Prayer:

Father, I ask you to make me a leader with Your wisdom, Your favor, and Your blessing. Let those I lead be blessed in every way. Let their lives prosper. Show me what to do every day. Help me to accomplish all that You put in my heart to do. I want to be more effective for You and Your glory.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Godly Wisdom

 Scripture:

“When all Israel heard the king’s decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Solomon was given great wisdom by God because, when asked by God what he wanted, he asked for wisdom to lead God’s people well. The Lord told him that because he asked for wisdom instead of wealth and riches, he would have both. In this passage we see the people in awe of his wisdom. True wisdom from God causes the world to sit up and listen.

Application:

When true godly wisdom speaks, everyone takes notes! I think of TD Jakes. He was a small town preacher in West Virginia when God called him, but today speaks before leaders of nations and they are in awe at his wisdom. We must desire and pursue the right things in life. When we pursue God and pursue wisdom, everything else will fall into place. Wisdom also comes from being well read. We need to read as much as possible to gain wisdom and understanding. 

Prayer:

Father, let me lead Your people with integrity and great wisdom. Help me to know what to do at all times and how to do what must be done. Teach me to walk with the wise. Let my life bring Your glory and honor. Help me to always know what the right next step is.

Your Son,

Jeff

Work and 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 got a lot accomplished for the kingdom! He accomplished great things for the Kingdom of God. In his own words, he said that what he was, it was because God poured our special favor on him. He also worked harder than anyone else. He believed that you work as hard as you can and God takes care of the rest. Without God working with us we are useless, but when we work with Him, the potential is unlimited.

Application:

As Mark Batterson often remarks, “We must work like it’s all on us and pray like it’s all on God.” The combination of God’s grace and favor, along with good hard work, is powerful. We must be willing to do our part, and God will do His part. We can accomplish so much more than we think when we worked hard and pray hard.

Prayer:

Father, teach me the balance of hard work and trusting God. I want to live that balance well. I want to be diligent about You and Your kingdom. I want to accomplish all You have laid out for my life. I also know I need Your grace and favor for that to happen. Pour out Your grace and favor on my life and show me what I need to be working on. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Live With Others in Mind

 Scripture:

“I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul is writing to the Corinthians here and is speaking about what is lawful and what I practical, especially concerning eating and drinking. His conclusion was that he didn’t do things that would cause offense with someone else. In this particular verse he says he “tries” to please everyone in everything, and doesn’t just do whatever he wants. He lived his life with others in mind because he wanted them to be saved.

Application:

Sometimes we have think of others and how our desires and appetites affect them. Our lives are being watched and we need to demonstrate a life well-lived to those around us. We will never please everyone, but everyone should be in our mind when we make decisions. As a believer, I have to say no to some things that I feel are okay because I don’t want to offend someone who is younger or less mature than I am. I can’t live only for myself.

Prayer:

Father, let me live in such a way that I help people to see Jesus. Help me to live my life as a demonstration of Your love. Help me to live my life with others in mind and not just my personal desires and conclusions. Teach me to love well. Let my life be an example to those around me instead of an offense.

Yours,

Jeff

Sacred Trust

 Scripture:

“If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, Paul demonstrates why he didn’t demand payment for ministry, but worked with his hands to provide for himself and those who traveled with him. He said, “I have no choice, for God has given me a sacred trust.” In other words, Paul was entrusted with a sacred gift. God had entrusted him with the ministry of the Gospel and kingdom expansion throughout the known world at that time. Because it was a sacred trust, he worked hard and didn’t make excuses. 

Application:

God has entrusted certain gifts, dreams, and abilities to our lives. Our job is to use them as effectively as possible to advance the kingdom of God. We are not to complain about our pay, our resources, or anything else. We should do the best we can with what we have because we have been given a sacred trust. I must ask myself, “Can God trust me with His vision for my life or will I let it derail because things are not going the way I envisioned?” I am to war hard as a servant of the Lord to accomplish all He has for me.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are incredible and worthy of my praise. Help me to be a good steward of everything You have entrusted to me. Let me accomplish everything You have planned for my life. Teach me to work hard and be faithful in all areas. Teach me not to complain about what I don’t have, but to be faithful with what I do have. 

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Humility and Serving People

 Scripture:

“For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬

Observation:

As Paul was introducing his letter to the Corinthian church, he spoke about his presence among the people. Here he says that he chose, while he was with them, to forget everything except Jesus. He was saying that he didn’t come with any special deep revelation, or some mystical new religion. He came, the next verse says, in weakness, timid and trembling. Paul didn’t come like a know-it-all. He came as a timid, humble, worker for God. He didn’t push his apostleship or flaunt some special titles. He came more as a servant.

Application:

I don’t want to be known for a title, position, or place of influence. I want to be known as a real man of God who loves people, helps people, serves people, and develops people. I want to help as many people come to Christ and grow in Christ as possible in my life. I want to have the power of God working strongly in my life, but not in a showy way. I want to be a person who is real. Who humbly serves God and walks in the power of the Spirit.

Prayer:

Father, use my life for Your glory. Help me not to get in the way of what You want to do. Teach me to walk in humility and demonstrate Your power and glory in a real way that brings honor and glory to You and not to me. Let people see Jesus in my life. Help me to preach like someone who workers everything except Christ and Him crucified. 

Yours,

Jeff

God’s Promises Prove True

 Scripture:

““God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

David writes this song to God after a couple of different people had tried to take his kingdom. He knew that it was God who always protected him and kept him when people were trying to kill him. He wrote an incredible Psalm that is recorded here. This particular verse tells us that God’s ways are perfect and His promises are true. He goes on to say that God is a shield for those who look to Him for protection.

Application:

When we seek God instead of seeking revenge, we will see His glory and His goodness. David wrote here that all God’s promises are true. God made many promises in the Bible and they are all true. We need to stand on God’s promises and trust Him to be a shield for us as we seek Him and honor Him with our lives. He will take care of us as we worship and serve Him. 

Prayer:

Father, I thank You for being a shield for me throughout my life. You have protected me and kept me so many times, and many times I don’t even know when You have rescued me. You are incredible and I worship You this morning. Help me to walk closer with You today. Let me stand on Your promises and know Your ways. I stand in awe of You! You are worthy of my very best. Help me to serve and represent You well.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Personal Frustration and Public Celebration

 Scripture:

“As all the people heard of the king’s deep grief for his son, the joy of that day’s victory was turned into deep sadness.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

David was fleeing for his life from his own son Absalom, who had mustered an army and was taking the kingdom from David. When David’s men heard what was happening, they wanted to go and fight those who were coming for the king. David told them they could go, but spare his son. When David’s men returned with news that they had defeated Absalom’s army, he was only interested in whether Absalom was okay or not. When he was told that Absalom was dead, he was grieved deeply. The joy of the victory was turned into deep sadness.

Application:

Sometimes we can have what appears to everyone else as great victories, but personally walk through very difficult times. Sometimes our own children and our love for them can take away the joy of feeling victorious in other areas of life. David’s men got mad at him for being depressed when his son, who was trying to kill him, was found to be dead. We need to be observant about how our personal battles affect the people around us. Sometimes we have to celebrate victories while we hurt personally.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to celebrate victories, even when I am walking through personal or family frustration. Help me to know when to celebrate with the team and when to grieve personally. Show me how to lead well. Help me to live a life that makes great impact for You and Your kingdom. Don’t let my personal family frustrations affect the ministry You have called me to.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Revenge or Trust God?

 Scripture:

“And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.”” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage David’s kingdom was being overthrown by his own son. On his way out of town, he was attacked by Shimei, who cursed him and threw rocks at him. When David’s bodyguard saw this he wanted to kill the man for attacking David, but David trusted God over his advisors and bodyguards. He put the situation in God’s hands and said that perhaps God will see how he was being wronged and will choose to bless him in the midst of the cursing. 

Application:

We can choose what happens to us, but we can choose our response to what happens to us. David chose the right response and was blessed for it. When wronged by people, we can seek revenge or we can put it in the hands of God. We can attack back or we can trust God to fight our battles and choose to love people, even when they hurt us. The choice is ours. Revenge pleases the flesh, forgiveness pleases the Spirit. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to trust You when people say things about me and treat me wrongly. Teach me to walk with You in every situation. Show me how to respond each and every day. Let my heart be a heart of love and not a heart of bitterness or unforgiveness. When people hurt me, let me trust God instead of responding in wrong ways.

Your Son,

Jeff

Much, Much, More

 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:

When Nathan confronted David about sleeping with Bathsheba and having her husband murdered, he told David that God gave him much, but would have given him much, much, more. David short-circuited the blessing of God when he committed adultery and had a man murdered. He forfeited the “much, much, more” blessing for a moment of pleasure.

Application:

Sin can short-circuit God’s plans for your life. Sin is pleasurable for a season, but it results in bad things every time. As for me, I want to live in the “much, much, more” blessing of God. I don’t want to live in a way that would stop up the blessing of God on my life. I want to serve God well in my generation and see the blessing of a life well-lived. 

Prayer:

Father, let my life bring You glory. Help me to walk in integrity with You all the days of my life. Let me see the days of the much, much, more blessing of God. Convict me when I’m wrong and show me each and every step to take each day. Help me to walk in step with You all my life and to bring You honor and glory. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Unbridled Praise

 Scripture:

“When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭6‬:‭20‬, ‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

When David brought the Ark of God back to Jerusalem, he worshiped and praised with extreme passion and energy. He danced, shouted, celebrated, and was shameless about it. His wife, Saul’s daughter, understood kingly protocol and told him he wasn’t acting like a king. He told her he would be even more undignified in his commitment and worship of God. Then, verse 23 says, “So Micah, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire lifetime.” She was barren for her criticism of David’s praise.

Application:

We need to be very careful when we are judging others concerning their worship and praise. God takes this very seriously. He wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. He loves unbridled praise and worship. He loves when we worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We need to be cautious about condemning other’s praise because of our own opinions of what it should look like.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, let my praise and worship be passionate and pure. Let me never be influenced by what others think, but by my heart for You. Receive my praise from a pure heart. Help me to never judge another’s praise and worship, but to be an encourager of unbridled praise and worship. Let me worship You as You want to be worshiped.

Yours,

Jeff

Honoring Authority

 Scripture:

“Then David said to one of his men, “Kill him!” So the man thrust his sword into the Amalekite and killed him. “You have condemned yourself,” David said, “for you yourself confessed that you killed the Lord’s anointed one.”” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

An Amalakite came to David with the news that Saul was dead. David asked how he knew and the man told him that he saw Saul leaning on his own spear and that Saul could not have lived. He said that Saul told him to please kill him and put him out of his misery, so he did as Saul asked. David’s response was to kill the Amalakite because he confessed to killing the Lord’s anointed. Saul was terrible to David and pursued him to kill him, but David refused to kill Saul because the Lord had anointed him.

Application:

There is something to be said about respecting those who have been anointed of the Lord. We should honor those in authority because God put them there. We should show respect for those in authority because they are appointed by God. This goes for positions at work, in the church, in the government, etc. Scripture tells us to honor all authority because God put them over us. We must relearn the priority of submitting to authority and honoring those above us. David took it extremely seriously and we should as well.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, help me to honor and respect those in authority in my life. Teach me to be wise in how I speak about authority, whether they are good or bad. Show me daily how to walk in humility as David did, trusting You to put authorities in my life that I need. My trust is in You.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Everyone Celebrates the Wins

 Scripture:

“But some evil troublemakers among David’s men said, “They didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder we recovered. Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone.” 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 ‭30‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

When David went into battle, 200 of his 600 men were too tired and weak to go with them into battle. When they returned with the plunder, some of David’s men thought that those who didn’t go into battle should not get any of the plunder from the battles. David rebuked them and said they couldn’t be selfish with what the Lord had given them. He made a rule for the future that everyone shared the spoils of war, whether you fought or stayed home to watch the artillery.

Application:

David realized that some are not as strong as others. He realized that everyone had different talents and abilities. When they won a battle, he wanted the whole nation to celebrate, not just the soldiers who fought the battle. He wanted a win for some to be a win for all. This is unity and oneness. When we realize that not everyone has the same gifts or abilities, but we are all working together, we will defeat the enemy every time. Unity is crucial and is only possible when we see everyone as important and reward everyone when a win takes place.

Prayer:

Father, You are amazing and I love You with all my heart. Thanks for letting me see this morning that we can’t all do everything and that everyone should celebrate when there is a win in the camp. Help me to celebrate the wins for often and better with Word of Life. Help me to celebrate people well and to let everyone take part in the celebration.

Yours,

Jeff

Fear God, Love People

 Scripture:

“Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Samuel had confronted Saul for his disobedience to the complete word of the Lord. He had partially obeyed the Lord, but not completely. His excuse for partial obedience was “I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.” The fear of what people thought was stronger than his fear of God.

Application:

This is a battle every leader will face. Most ministers get into ministry because they love people. The same love for people and wanting them to like us, can cause us to not fully obey the Lord. We must be careful as ministers of the Lord that we don’t fear people over fearing God. We must do what God says above all else. Sometimes that will mean saying hard things to people we love. We must fear God over people.

Prayer:

Father, I know there are times when I fear losing people or offending people because I love them. Empower me to fear You more than any person. Help me to walk in the fear of the Lord in a healthy manner. Teach me to honor You first and love people. Show me how to walk that path of loving people and obeying God.

Yours,

Jeff

Reputation Among People

 Scripture:

““No,” they replied, “you have never cheated or oppressed us, and you have never taken even a single bribe.”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

When Samuel was getting older and anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel, he spoke to the people This verse is what the people responded when Samuel asked them how he had conducted himself as a prophet and judge. The people said of him, “you have never cheated or oppressed us, and you have never take even a single bribe.” 

Application:

Sometimes the best description of a person is not what they think of themselves, but what others think of them. How am I perceived by those around me? This is a question we need to ask periodically. What do people think about my life and how I conduct myself. Our goal should be that people would honor and respect, not because of our position, but because of our lives and how we serve people. We must let our reputation speak for us.

Prayer:

Lord God, You are amazing and I love You with all my heart. Let me live a life that causes people to see Jesus. Let my life demonstrate Your goodness and compassion. Teach me to exemplify the Christian life so people can see You through my life. Show me how to respond in each and every situation. Let my life bring You glory.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Do The Simple Things

 Scripture:

“And don’t worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found. And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭9‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God had told Samuel that he was going to meet the next king of Israel the next day. On that day, he ran into Saul and had a conversation with him. He told Saul, “don’t worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found.” His next words were powerful. He said, “I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.” Saul was looking for donkeys, but God was looking for him.

Application:

God’s word can come to us in the most unusual times and ways. You would think Saul would need to go to the temple to get a word from God. Instead, he was looking for some donkeys that were missing. When we do what is front of us and what is needed, God will make sure He intersects our lives with those who have a word for us. Just as Saul’s promotion came when he wasn’t expecting it and wasn’t looking for it, God tends to speak into our lives in moments when we are serving the needs of others. As we do the simple, the supernatural follows.

Prayer:

Father, You are amazing! Help me to do the simple so You can do the supernatural. Teach me to follow Your ways and obey Your voice. As I am searching for donkeys, speak into my life. I long to walk with You in Spirit and truth. Let my life bring Your glory.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

SHOUT! He is WITH Us!

 Scripture:

“When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The Israelites knew that the Ark of the Covenant was where God manifested His presence. They understood very well that, if the Ark is with us, God is with us. When they were losing battles, they wanted the Ark. When things were not going well, they longed for the Ark. They know there was power over we very enemy in the presence of the Most High. They knew that God never lost a battle. Therefore, they rejoiced exceedingly when they saw the Ark.

Application:

Today, God’s presence is not longer in an Ark. It is inside His people. As believers, we should understand that the same shouts of joy and victory should be ours because God is with us. We have nothing to fear because God is with us. We can overcome any enemy because God is with us. Nothing is impossible because God is with us. We must realize that “God with us,” or Emmanuel, is a very powerful truth. Though we don’t have a golden box we can see, we have His presence and should shout with joy so much that it makes the ground shake!

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are not contained in an Ark anymore. You are with us in all places and at all times. You are incredible and I want to live every day knowing that You are with me. I want to live in Your presence and minister from Your presence. I long to walk in step with You at all times. Help me to know that You are always with me, even when things are not going as I planned.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Listen

 Scripture:

“And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Samuel was young and growing up in the Temple of the Lord under Eli. He had been given to the Lord by his mother because God gave him as her longed for son. As he was spending time in the presence of the Lord, he heard God’s voice. His reply, which Eli told him to say, was perfect. When he heard God calling, he said, “Speak, your servant is listening.” 

Application:

As believers, we have be ability to hear from God. He doesn’t hide Himself from us. He wants us to pursue Him and seek His face. Our attitude should always remain, “Speak, your servant is listening.” We must put on our listening ears if we want to hear the word of the Lord. I need to spend more time listening to God instead of giving Him all my requests. If we want to hear, we must listen. 

Prayer:

Father, teach me to listen to Your voice. Help me to stay tuned in to what You are saying at all times. Help me to walk in step with You and to walk through every door Your open in front of me. Thank You for open doors. Help me to walk through them with humble obedience so Your name can be glorified and Your kingdom extended.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Trust and Patience

 Scripture:

“Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”” ‭‭Ruth‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Ruth was very obedient to Naomi and did everything exactly as she was told by her mother in law. The plan had one possible glitch, which Ruth was worried about. She may have to marry another man instead of Boaz because he was a closer match as kinsman redeemer for their family. Naomi gave her great advice, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens.” In other words, “worrying won’t fix anything. Don’t worry about what hasn’t happened yet.” God can still turn this thing around.

Application:

Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will have its own worries. As believers, part of trusting God is learning to do what you can do today and trust God with tomorrow. Some things we have no control over, these things we must learn to be patient and trust that God will turn things around for His glory and our good. 

Prayer:

Father, help me not to worry about tomorrow, but trust You at greater levels in my life. Show me each step to take and then help me to trust You and be patient while the details get worked out. I want to serve You well and to trust You more. 

Forever Yours, 

Jeff

God’s Mission

 Scripture:

“And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul is telling the Romans here that salvation is for everyone and needs to get to everyone. The only way to get the Gospel to the ends of the earth is to send people. People can’t hear unless someone tells them. People can’t respond if they never hear. People can’t come to Jesus unless someone sends them. Without the sender, none of the mission can be accomplished. 

Application:

I need to live my life on God’s mission in the earth. There is a missio dei. There is a mission of God. God has a mission on this earth and we as God’s people are to help fulfill that mission. As believers, our mission should be to get on God’s mission on the earth and help bring it to pass. We are either prayers, goers, or senders. I personally want to be all three. I want to give my life to God’s global mission, whether it is here, there, or elsewhere.

Prayer:

Father, as I come home from Turkey, Ghana, and Togo, on Your mission, I am more ready than ever to give myself fully to Your mission. I want to help fulfill Your mission on the earth and will walk through whatever doors You open for me to do it. Give me strength as I get older and give me resources to bring the mission to pass. Open the windows of heaven financially so we can do more for Your kingdom.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Death, or Life and Peace?

 Scripture:

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells us here that when we let our sinful nature control our mind, it will lead to death. He goes on to say that letting the Spirit control your mind brings life and peace. Do I want death, or life and peace? We must think about what is leading us and controlling us at all times as believers.

Application:

As believers, we must always be asking ourselves whether we are being led by our sinful nature or by the Holy Spirit. This simple question is life or death to us. We must always say yes to the Spirit and no to the flesh or sinful nature. If we want life and peace in our lives, we must let the Spirit control our minds. We need to think on the things of the Spirit and not of the things our flesh desires.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk as one whose mind is controlled by the Spirit and not the flesh. Teach me to yield to the Spirit in all things. Help me to hear Your voice and give me the strength to obey at all times. Lead me daily, minute by minute. Show me how to walk completely in the Spirit.

Yours, 

Jeff