No Fear and No Discouragement

 Scripture:

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The Lord speaks in this passage to Israel, but also to us as New Testament believers. He tells us not to be afraid because He is with us. He tells us not to be discouraged because He is our God. We are then promised that He will strengthen and help us, that He would hold us up with His victorious right hand. This is a powerful promise in Scripture. 

Application:

When we know God is with us and that He never fails and never loses a battle, our courage and confidence increases. We have no reason to be discouraged when we know God is with us. Our strength comes from Him. Our victory comes from Him. Everything we need for life and success is found in Him. We must first put our trust in Him and second, we must be confident that He is with us. Then we will never be afraid or discouraged. His presence fixes everything.

Prayer:

Father, I worship You. You are worthy of my praise. You are are my hope and my help. You are my strength and my confidence. You are everything to me. Teach me to walk in Your ways. Teach me to walk in confidence, knowing that You are with me. Help me to finish everything You give me to do. Help me not to be discouraged when things are not going the way I want them to go.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Health and Life Come From God

 Scripture:

“Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!”Isaiah‬ ‭38‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Hezekiah was given a word that he was going to die. He then went to the Lord in prayer and asked the Lord to extend his life. The Lord answered and gave him fifteen more years. This passage is part of a poem of praise Hezekiah wrote. He says that God’s discipline is good because it leads to life and health. 

Application:

Nobody likes discipline, but discipline helps us know how to live. As I get older and feel some of the aches and pains that I never used to, I look at verses like this and begin to claim my healing. God is a restorer of health when we turn to Him. I want to walk in God’s healing for others, but also for myself. 

Prayer:

Father, restore my health. Strengthen my body. Let my energy return. Heal my voice, especially for this trip coming up where I will be speaking a lot. Let Your healing come stronger and stronger in my life. 

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Generosity

 Scripture:

“But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

I love this verse. It tells me that there is planning involved in generosity. In order to be generous, you have to work hard, build wealth, and prepare. It also tells us that the generous stand firm in the generosity. Truly generous people don’t hesitate, their generosity is part of who they are. 

Application:

I want to be more generous the older I get. In order to be as generous as I want to be, I must be blessed financially on a personal level. I need to plan my generosity by building wealth in some way. I want to live a generous life that God can pour His resources through, therefore I need to plan for is and stand firm on it.

Prayer:

Father, let me be a generous person. Let my church be a generous church. Help me to align my life more and more with You. Bless the work of my hands and let my life be a blessing to others. Teach me generosity at new levels.

Yours,

Jeff

My Tour Guide

 Scripture:

“Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Isaiah is calling the people of God back to Him. He told them that their own ears would hear the word of the Lord giving them guidance. They would hear a voice saying “This is the was you should go.” It would tell them to go right or left at each junction. God has always wanted relationship with His people. The key to following God is hearing His voice and following His direction.

Application:

My whole Christian life has been a search to hear the Lord more clearly. In this journal, I have poured out my heart wanting my ears and eyes to be open. I long to hear that still small voice, and the thunderous voice of God as well. I long to be led every moment of every day, by the Spirit of God. God’s join is to guide us. Our job is to seek Him for direction.

Prayer:

Once again Lord, I come to You and ask You to open my spiritual ears and eyes. Let me hear Your voice clearly. I want to do Your will in the earth. I want to be someone You can depend on. When You speak to me, I will say yes. Give me the spiritual Q-Tips I need to clean out my ears and focus on Your words. I want You to be the tour guide of my life.

Yours,

Jeff

God-focus Produces Peace

 Scripture:

“Lord, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

In this passage it says that the Lord will grant them peace. A few verses above that, it says the Lord will keep in perfect peace those whose thoughts are fixed on Him. The verse ends by saying, “all we have accomplished  is really from You.” When our eyes are fixed on the Lord, we will have peace and accomplish much because He will be doing the work instead of us.

Application:

Our job in this process is to fix our eyes on the Lord, the rest is up to Him. He then grants us perfect peace and accomplishes the most through our lives. As we fixate our thoughts on the Lord, He fights our battles, defends us, and accomplishes great things. Learning to live a God-focused life is crucial to thriving in life as a believer.

Prayer:

Father, I want to live my life with my eyes fixed on You. You are my provider! You are my protector! You are my rock and my fortress! You are my everything. Help me to serve You well and to keep my eyes fixed on You. As I do, I thank You for granting me perfect peace. I want to live a peace-filled life. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff

My Rock

 Scripture:

"Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you. You have forgotten the Rock who can hide you. So you may plant the finest grapevines and import the most expensive seedlings."

Observation:

In this passage, the Lord speaks through Isaiah about judgment that was coming. He answers the "why" by saying, because they had turned from the God who could save them and because they had forgotten the Rock who could hide them. In this, there is a phrase that stood out to me this morning. God is the Rock who can hide us. God wants us to hide in Him and be protected, but we are happy planting our own vineyards and doing our own things. 

Application:

I want to live hidden from destruction in the Rock. I want to be as close to the Rock as I can get. He is my protector and my shield from whatever the enemy tries to send my direction. I want the Lord to be my Rock. I don't want to live a life of trying to do things on my own that are useless. I want to live in the provision and protection of my Lord and Savior. 

Prayer:

Father, keep me on Your path. I need You. Don't let me forget the Rock of my salvation. Remind me when I start functioning on my own without Your guidance and input. Help me to lean more on You and less on my own way of doing things each day. I need You. Help me to serve You well. Be my Rock.

Yours,
Jeff

God’s Promises Never Fail

 Scripture:

“But the Lord will have mercy on the descendants of Jacob. He will choose Israel as his special people once again. He will bring them back to settle once again in their own land. And people from many different nations will come and join them there and unite with the people of Israel.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God spoke these words long long ago. In some prophetic words, there is what is called a double fulfillment. God’s people have been scattered throughout the earth several times in history. This word is about them coming home form the nations. In our times, Israel has been restored as a nation and her people have been coming home to a country that was non-existent for two-thousand years. There has been a continual repopulation for decades now and they are stronger than ever.

Application:

When God says something will take place, He isn’t kidding. It may not happen when you want it to, but it will happen. There are prophetic words in Scripture that still haven’t come to pass, but we can rest assured that they will happen one day exactly how the Word says it will. Because of this, we know we can trust the promises of God. He is a God who does what He says He will do. We must let that encourage our faith and cause us to be bold as believers. In our personal lives, we must walk in continual faith and trust that God will accomplish in our lives what He has said.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to never lose heart. Your promises may not come when I want them to, but they always come. Help me to hold onto Your words and never let go. Let my faith and trust in You increase daily. Help me to walk with You and in step with Your Spirit. Work in me, Work on me. Work through me I pray.

Yours,

Jeff

Faith and Strength

 Scripture:

“Israel is no stronger than its capital, Samaria, and Samaria is no stronger than its king, Pekah son of Remaliah. Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.”” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The Lord is speaking to Isaiah here about capitals and kings, but throws in a little statement that grabbed my attention this morning. He says, “Unless your faith is strong, I cannot make you stand firm.” This is a powerful thought.

Application:

We tell people to stand firm and be strong, but without faith it is not possible. The word tells us here that we can’t stand firm unless we have firm faith. Faith believes that God will take care of things, Faith lets us know that, even though we have limitations, God has no limitations. Faith says that even when we are weak, God is strong. Faith gives us the courage to confront our enemies. Faith gives us the strength to do the right things. We need to walk by faith and not by sight, then we can be strong. We should be asking God continually to increase our faith.

Prayer:

Lord, as Your disciples said many years ago, increase my faith. Let me be strong and confident. Help me to walk strong before You. Let my faith in You and Your Word increase each day. I want to stand firm in every situation and be strong for Your people. 

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Difficult Assignments

 Scripture:

“Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.”” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬

Observation:

Isaiah had just had his “I saw the Lord high and lifted up” moment. The Lord asked him, “Who will go for us and whom shall I send?” Isaiah replied with the famous words, “Here am I, send me.” Once he said yes, the Lord gave him the rest of the mission. His assignment was to plug ears and shut eyes so that people who had gone too far against the Lord would not turn back to Him for healing. Most of us equate everyone liking us with the assignment of God. 

Application:

Sometimes God gives His servants difficult assignments. We must be ready and willing to say “Here am I, send me” no matter what the assignment. When we ask God to use us, we must realize that sometimes He uses us for things we want to see happen and sometimes He uses us to do things we don’t even want to happen. Being fully committed to the Lord means I accept my assignments, whether they are ones that make me feel good or not. 

Prayer:

Father, help me to do Your will whether I like it or I don’t. Let my answer always be yes. Let me serve You well and walk with obedience in every step. Teach me Your ways and let me walk in Your paths. Let me live with a resounding “yes” all the days of my life. Let me represent You well in my generation.

Yours,

Jeff

Rich Rewards

 Scripture:

“Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned! But the wicked are doomed, for they will get exactly what they deserve.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

God is speaking here through Isaiah and tells God’s people that things will go well for the godly. He says they will enjoy a rich reward for their godliness. The wicked, those who trust in idols and don’t live righteously, are going to get what they deserve. Isaiah has strong words for a nation that was walking away from God and serving other gods. The fruit of living godly or worldly will show in the end.

Application:

Although we are saved by grace, God does reward those who live righteously. He does take care of His own. I want to live in the blessing of God and enjoy the rich rewards of serving Him. I want my life to be lived out for God’s purposes and not my own. I want to live a life that makes God happy. I want my life to count for Him and His Kingdom.

Prayer:

Father, You are worthy of my very best! You are incredible and I want my life to glorify Your name. Help me to live in such a way as to attract Your blessing. I want to accomplish all You put me on earth to accomplish. Teach me to follow You well and to fulfill Your desires for my life. Lead me each step of the way and I will do my best to follow.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Fully Carry Out

 Scripture:

“But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells his son in the Lord, Timothy, in this passage he should keep a clear mind in all situations. He goes on to say that he should not be afraid of suffering for the Lord, but should work at telling others the Gospel and should “fully carry out” the ministry God had given him. He was encouraging his son in the Lord to never stop doing what God had called him to do.

Application:

We need to follow the instruction Paul gave to Timothy. Having a clear mind is crucial. It requires not allowing our thoughts to be clouded with hurt, frustration, or doubt. We can’t be controlled by our emotions, but must be led by the Spirit and keep a clear mind, no matter what is going on around us. I have a deep passion in my heart to “fully carry out” whatever the Lord has assigned me to do in my lifetime. I don’t want to leave one thing undone that God has asked me to do. Therefore, I must hear clearly, and obey fully what He says.

Prayer:

Father, help me to complete everything You have created me for. I want to finish strong and complete everything You have assignment You have given to me. Show me Your will each and every day and let me live a life that pleases and honors You above all else. Let me “fully carry out” Your plans for my life. I don’t want to leave anything on the table that You wanted accomplished in and through my life. Strengthen me to do the things that are already on my heart to do.

Yours,

Jeff

Don’t Let My Love Grow Cold

 Scripture:

“Come away, my love! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.” ‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Song of Songs is a love story of two passionate people in love with each other. They go into great detail to express their love for each other. Many old translators and biblical scholars compared Song of Songs to one’s spiritual relationship with God. Either way, I want my love for God and my love for my wife to be as red hot as this book describes. 

Application:

Passion is a very powerful thing. It causes people to do things they would never do any other way. When someone is passionate about something, they give their everything to the pursuit of that thing. I want to always be passionate in my walk with God. I don’t want any fire to go out. I also want to remain passionate with my wife throughout our lives. I don’t like to settle into a boring life in any area. I want to live life like a gazelle on mountains of spices.

Prayer:

Father, I am reminded this morning of the old worship song that says, “don’t let my love grow cold.” I want to live red hot for You all the days of my life. I want to follow You wherever You lead and I want to do everything You place before me. I also want to live a passionate life with the wife of my youth. I don’t want to settle in either relationship. I want to live passionately in all areas.

Yours,

Jeff

Run From… Run To

 Scripture:

“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul tells his son in the faith, Timothy, what to pursue and what to run away from. As believers, we can implement the same in our lives. We should run from evil. We should pursue righteousness and live a godly lives. We should pursue faith, perseverance, and gentleness. These are the attributes we should be working on at all times.

Application:

We must run away from whatever God is against and run toward what He is for. He is amazing and we are meant to live like Him. As believers, we should be the most faithful, loving, persevering, and gentle people because we have made those things our goal. Our goal should be to react with these attributes when people do things to us. None of these are easy, but all are possible when we are full of the Holy Spirit. To conquer these things, we must walk in step with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:

Lord, let my life reflect Your glory. Help me to increase my righteousness with a godly life. Increase my faith. Help me to persevere well and be gentle with people, even those who are against me. Teach me to respond like Jesus and to react as He would. Let my life be a demonstration of the goodness of God.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God’s Desire: Salvation for Everyone

 Scripture:

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This verse is really a descriptive sentence about God. Verse four says that He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. He describes God as desiring everyone to be save and wanting everyone to understand the truth. 

Application:

If we know something is God’s will, we must give ourselves to bringing it to pass. It is clear from this verse that God wants all to be saved, therefore, I must give myself to that end. I must do whatever I can do to get people saved and understand the truth. If I want to please God, I must do the things that please Him. When I help people understand faith, I am doing the will of God.

Prayer:

Lord, use me to do Your will in the earth. I also want everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. Help me to lead many to the Lord and to truth. Empower my life to make a difference for eternity. Use me to accomplish Your will in the earth.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Don’t Wait for the Perfect Timing

 Scripture;

“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This verse speaks to us about acting in the present and not waiting until everything is perfect before we begin our tasks. In other words, waiting for the perfect timing doesn’t work because the timing will never be perfect.

Application:

What we are going to do, we must do now. There is a sense of urgency in the world around us. We are on God’s timetable and it seems to be approaching midnight. We must work while it is day because night is coming where no one can work. We shouldn’t put off what we can get started on now. We don’t need the perfect timing to take our next steps.

Prayer:

Father, help me not to put off to tomorrow what I need to get started doing today. Timing is important, but I don’t want to delay things waiting for the perfect timing. I want to accomplish all You have prepared for me. Help me to work efficiently and effectively in Your kingdom. Help me to discern between the urgent and the important.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Band of Brothers

 Scripture:

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This passage speaks about the power of togetherness. It lets us know that when we stand alone, we can be attacked and defeated. When we have a partner and stand back to back, we can conquer an attacker. Then he goes further and says that a cord with three braids doesn’t break easily. In other words three together are strong. 

Application:

We were never meant to follow Jesus alone. There is strength in numbers. When we are attacked by the enemy of our souls, we need someone with us. There is power in unity and working together. It is the sheep that gets away from the pack that gets eaten. It is the gazelle that gets away from the rest of the group that gets destroyed. We must find a band of brothers to stand with and support each other.

Prayer:

Father, help me to walk with you each day. Help me to also walk with a band of brothers who support each other and push each other toward greater things. Let me never walk alone, but let me see the need to grow with others, fight with others, and defeat enemies with my brothers.

In Jesus Name,

Jeff

Prompted by Faith

 Scripture:

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” ‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Paul says here that they were praying for the Thessalonians and asking God to empower them so they could live a life worthy of His call. He then adds, “May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” I love this. Our faith should prompt us to do some things, then we ask for God to empower it. We should feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to do things, then we need His power to do them.

Application:

Do I respond every time I feel prompted to do something? I have to ask myself that question. I want my answer to be yes, but I know there are promptings I have walked away from or simply ignored. I want my ears to be opened and my heart responsive at all times. I want to be led by the Spirit and do what He wants me to do.

Prayer:

Father, open my ears to hear and my heart to respond to every nudge, every prompting, and every thought You give me. Give me strength to obey quickly and to be trustworthy with Your call on my life. I want You to be able to count on my yes. Here am I, send me. Empower me to respond and to do whatever You place before me. Prompt me Holy Spirit.

Yours,

Jeff

Godliness and Boldness

 Scripture:

“The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This proverb tells us that the wicked live in fear of everything, but the godly are bold like lions. When you know you are living pure and innocently, you can have boldness and confidence. When you are living deceptively, you have nothing to stand on. Boldness and integrity go hand in hand.

Application:

Boldness and confidence come from right standing with God and knowing you are standing on solid ground. Our character and integrity make us solid and secure. Therefore, if we want to be as bold as a lion, we must walk blamelessly in this world. I want to boldly proclaim my Savior. He is worthy of my very best. 

Prayer:

Lord, let my life be holy and without spot or blemish. Let my confidence be in You and let me boldly proclaim Your truths. Help me to never cower in fear, but to be bold for You. I want to represent You well in my generation. Teach me Lord. Show me the way to serve You best.

Yours,

Jeff

Know Your Flock

 Scripture:

“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This proverb is powerful for those in ministry. It is really speaking about business and finance because flocks was the economy of the day, but thinking of being a pastor this is really convicting. He tells us to know the state of our flocks and put your heart into caring for them. We can’t know the state of people without getting to know people and truly caring for them.

Application:

As a pastor, I need to know my people and that state of what is going on in my congregation. I must put my whole heart into caring for the herd assigned to me. It is important that I know my people, but I can’t know them without spending time with them and hearing where they are and what’s happening in their lives. Care for people must become a priority in my life. I need to know the state of Word of Life better.

Prayer:

Father, help me to be a better shepherd. Teach me to walk out my calling well. Show me how to implement this truth at Word of Life. I want to serve You and Your people well. Show me what it means to put my whole heart into caring for the flock. Help me to know my next steps.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

A Good Reputation is Valuable

 Scripture:

“Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This simple proverb is so true and we should listen and implement it into our lives. He says that a good reputation should be chosen above great riches. Money can’t solve every problem, but a good reputation is a blessing. The second couplet says that being held in high honor, because you have chosen a good reputation, is better than silver or gold. In other words, your reputation will get you farther than your money.

Application:

As believers, we must learn to trust God. We should always choose the right thing instead of the thing that is going to make us rich. We should make right decisions and not just the decisions that are going to fill our bank account. When we live honorable lives and build a good reputation, God will make sure He blesses us with the rest.

Prayer:

Father, help me to always make the right decision and not just the decisions that bring money. Help me to do the right thing at the right time every time. Let me lead with integrity and love. Show me how to live a life that builds a good reputation. Don’t let my personality or traits hinder people’s relationship with You. Let my life bring You glory and honor.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Righteousness and Love

 Scripture:

“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Pursue two things and get three things. Sounds like a pretty good deal. This proverb combines the pursuit of righteousness and unfailing love. When we pursue righteousness and unfailing love, we are promised life, righteousness and honor. 

Application:

Personal holiness with love has dividends. Many times those who pursue holiness end up being judgmental of others and self-righteous. The goal here is to combine personal righteousness with powerful love, then we will be blessed with life, righteousness, and honor. God’s word always brings us back to loving God and loving people. When we love God, we walk holy. When we demonstrate unfailing love, we love people. These two combined are powerful. 

Prayer:

Lord, let me walk in personal holiness and selfless love. Teach me to love others well and to live a life they can follow. Help me to love righteousness and love people. Let Your love fill my life and show let my life radiate You love through right living.

Yours,

Jeff

More on Joy

 Scripture:

“Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This Proverb tell us that those how listen to instruction will prosper. Prosperity comes from listening to what we are told. Good listeners thrive. It goes on to say that those who trust the Lord are joyful. When we trust God, we can walk in joy. When we trust ourselves, it is hard to celebrate because we don’t have confidence in ourselves. 

Application:

Listening to instruction and trusting the Lord bring about prosperity and joy. I want that! Real joy comes from knowing God’s got my back and He will defend me. Joy comes from absolute confidence that God will take care of every situation. This may seem presumptuous, but really it is called trust. A child will jump dangerously into the arms of his or her father because they trust that dad will not let them get hurt. I want to trust God and jump into His arms again. I want my joy back.

Prayer:

Lord, thanks for sharing with me the past couple of days about joy. Real joy is truly rooted in trusting You. Help me to trust You more. Thank You for giving me my joy back yesterday. Help me to walk in it today and from this point forward. I don’t ever want to lose my joy again. Therefore, I want to trust You completely with childlike faith.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Continual Party

 Scripture:

“For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

The definition of despondent is “in low spirits because of lack of hope or courage.” In other words, those who lack hope and courage every day brings trouble but for the happy hearted person, life is a party. The two people described could be going through the exact same situation, but one feels like they are having a feast and the other feels like life is terrible.

Application:

Perspective is everything. We can’t allow ourselves to get into despondency. We must train ourselves to live with a happy heart. I lived most of my life with a happy heart. Every day felt like a party. The last few years I’m not the happy person I was the rest of my life. I have allowed the cares of life to steal my joy and I want it back. I want to see the good in everything again. I want to see hope and vision, not despondent situations that feel like they will never change. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I choose joy! Help me to live in the joy of the Lord. Help me to live a life of hope, courage, and vision. Empower me to be a walking demonstration of the joy of the Lord again. I want to make You look good. Teach me Your ways and let me exemplify them with my life. I choose the continual feast.

Yours,

Jeff

Generosity

 Scripture:

“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

These two verses speak about giving freely and being stingy. It says that when we give freely, we become more wealthy. It tells us that the stingy lose everything. The second verse tells us that the generous will prosper and those who bring refreshing to others will be refreshed themselves. In other words, generous people are blessed people! Generosity opens the doors to the favor or God in our lives.

Application:

It has been said over and over that you can’t out give God. He always gives back to those who are generous. I have recently heard a few different testimonies of people who tried to give away everything, but the more they give away, the more they are blessed. Generosity is a godly discipline. It takes faith to be generous because you always have something that you need your money for personally. When you give it away, you are trusting God to give back what you need. I want to walk in God’s blessing and favor in my life, therefore, I must be generous in every area.

Prayer:

Father, flow through me. Give through me. Help me to have Your perspective on giving and generosity. Teach me to be a giver and not one who takes away. Let my life be a life that blesses others and blesses Your kingdom. Show me my next steps in generosity and give me strength to obey when You ask of me.

Your Son,

Jeff

Pursue Wisdom

 Scripture:

“Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Wisdom is speaking in this text and tells us that those who listen to wisdom are joyful and whoever finds wisdom finds life and gets favor from the Lord. Joy, life, and favor, all three come from pursuing wisdom. It should be a priority in our lives.

Application:

It is easy to get into laziness or self-sufficiency, thinking we know enough and don’t need to keep on reading, growing, and developing. It is those who continually pursue wisdom that are blessed in God’s kingdom. We should never be content with the level of wisdom we are currently operating at. There is always more wisdom to gather. In ministry, I must always be growing and learning. 

Prayer:

Father, give me a heart for wisdom. Help me to be a lifelong learner, one who accumulates wisdom in every way possible. I want to walk with the wise and see Your favor, life, and joy! Strengthen my resolve to grow throughout my life. I don’t want to ever get content with what I know. I want to learn.

Yours Forever,

Jeff