Determined to Praise

 Scripture:

“I am determined, O God! I will sing and praise you with my whole heart.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭108‬:‭1‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

The Psalmist describes the fact that he is determined to sing and praise God with his whole heart. Determination means that you won’t stop, no matter what happens to you. The determined person will not be deterred from what they set out to do. The Psalmist was determined to praise God with his whirl heart.

Application:

There are times when worship is a delight and sometimes when it is more of a determination. Either way, nobody should be able to stop our praise. We should live determined to give God our very best praise. We should not let our circumstances determine our praise, but in every situation, we must be a people that are determined to sing and give God praise. 

Prayer:

Father, I am determined to give you praise and honor in and through my life. Let my whole heart be involved in my worship. I don’t want to give you something that doesn’t require much of me. I want to give You my very best. Help me to serve You well and to praise You with my whole heart.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Seek the Lord!

 Scripture:

“Seek the Lord and the strength he gives! Seek his presence continually!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭4‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

The Psalmist here encourages us to seek God. He also encourages us to seek the strength He gives and His presence as well. In other words, God is worth the pursuit. We are called to be continual seekers and the Lord is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Application:

It is easy to become self-reliant because we trust ourselves. God wants us to seek Him. He wants us to seek His presence, His power, His strength, etc. Throughout our lives, we should pursue the Lord continually because there is always more in God. He has a never-ending supply of everything we need. Our place is to seek Him concerning everything in our lives, then to trust Him to do what is best for us. Trusting God is central to a life of faith. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I seek You this morning. I want to know You more. I want to hear Your voice speaking clearly so I can follow accurately. I want to know Your heart and will for my life. Let me always be a seeker of God and one who is after Your presence. You are my everything! Fill me each and every day with what I need to serve You well.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

God is Good, Loving and Faithful

 Scripture:

“For the Lord is good. His loyal love endures, and he is faithful through all generations.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭5‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

The Psalmist here quotes a refrain that was used very often in the Psalms. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness. This is probably one of the most used phrases in the book of Psalms. It was something that was recited a lot. It helps us to refocus on who God is when things are difficult around us.

Application:

When things get difficult in life, and even when they don’t, this is a powerful reminder of our relationship with God and who He is. HE IS GOOD. HIS LOVE ENDURES, and HE IS FAITHFUL, not only now, but in all generations. Sometimes we need a reminder that God is good. Sometimes we need reminded that His loyal love endures all time. He doesn’t stop loving, because He is love. I need to remind myself that He is faithful.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being good, loving, and faithful to Your people. Thank You for adopting me as Your child and allowing me of honor to be Your son. Teach me to live like You more and more each day. Examine my life and my heart. Help me to remember when things are not great, that You are loving, good, and faithful. Increase my faith to live according to these virtues. 

Yours Forever,’

Jeff

Filled with Vitality

 Scripture:

“The godly grow like a palm tree; they grow high like a cedar in Lebanon. They bear fruit even when they are old; they are filled with vitality and have many leaves.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭92‬:‭12‬, ‭14‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

This passage speaks about the godly and how they grow and produce fruit. First it says that the godly grow like a palm tree, high like a cedar in Lebanon. Then the Psalmist says, “They bear fruit even then they are old; they are filled with vitality and have many leaves.” The godly age better and remain stronger and more productive when they are old.

Application:

As I get older, I want to be more productive for God’s kingdom. I want my life to matter for the Kingdom. I want to live a life filled with vitality and produce more in my old age than in my younger years. This passage tells me it is of inheritance of the godly and I want it. I want my body to be strong well into the future. I want my mind and spirit to be strong as I continue to follow the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, You are awesome and I love You with all my heart. Teach me Your ways. Help me to walk on Your paths. I claim this verse for my life. I want to be more productive for Your kingdom as I get older in age. I want to be strong in body, soul, and spirit as I age. Give me my vitality back as I serve You wholeheartedly. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Devoted and Loyal

 Scripture:

“The Lord says, “Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he is loyal to me.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭14‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

This verse shows God’s heart toward those who are devoted and loyal to Him. It says that He will deliver them and protect them. When we are loyal and faithful to the Lord, we can expect Him to deliver us and protect us from every attack that tries to come our way.

Application:

Throughout the Bible God makes promises to us, but His promises usually have conditions. When we act a certain way, He will do certain things for us. Our job is to be completely devoted to the Lord and remain loyal to Him, then we can expect His blessings of deliverance from our enemies and protection. We can trust that God takes care of those who are faithful to Him. 

Prayer:

Father, let me be forever faithful to You as You are faithful to me. Help me to walk fully devoted to You in every way. Teach me to walk in step with Your Spirit and to live a life that is loyal to You in every way. I am Yours. Help me to live every day surrendered and faithful to You.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Integrity and Blessing

 Scripture:

“For the Lord God is our sovereign protector. The Lord bestows favor and honor; he withholds no good thing from those who have integrity.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭84‬:‭11‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

The Psalmist describes the blessings God places upon those who have integrity. He first says that God is our sovereign protector. He then adds that God give favor and honor to His people. He also withholds no good thing from those who walk in integrity. In other words, when we walk humbly before God and live according to His ways, we can expect favor, honor, and every good thing.

Application:

We need to live our lives with character and integrity. When we do, we can expect the blessings of God. When we do our part of the covenant, God does His. When we honor God, He honors us. Just like it pleases me to be a blessing to my children, God is pleased to bless His children that honor Him and live according to His ways.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to live a life You want to bless. I see the blessing of following You and living according to Your ways. Let my life bring You glory and let my ways be Your ways. Teach me to walk in truth and compassion. Empower me to live a life of integrity and honor. I want to live a life that You will bless. Your blessing is amazing and I want to live there.

Yours,

Jeff

Remember

 Scripture:

“I will remember the works of the Lord. Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago! I will think about all you have done; I will reflect upon your deeds!”” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

The Psalmist speaks here about remembering the works of the Lord. He reminds us to remember, think about, and reflect upon God’s deeds in our lives. It is important, especially when things get difficult, to remember what the Lord has done in our lives in the past. A good memory is powerful.

Application:

When things are not going as we planned, or things seem to have taken a turn for the worst, we must remember what God has done in the past. When we can’t see Him working in our lives right now, we must remember and remind ourselves of what He has done in the past. They say that past behavior is the greatest predictor of future results. When we reflect on what God has done in the past, our faith increases in the present.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I remember how You have worked in my life so many times. You have rescued me when it seemed like there was hope. You have helped me through many difficult situations. You have blessed me when it seemed like everyone had forgotten me. You have been faithful to me. Increase my faith for the future. 

Yours,

Jeff

Next Gen Ministry

 Scripture:

“Even when I am old and gray, O God, do not abandon me, until I tell the next generation about your strength, and those coming after me about your power.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭71‬:‭18‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

David here is crying out to the Lord and asking God not to abandon him, even when he was old and gray. He asked God not to abandon him until he had told the next generation about his strength and power. He wanted desperately to tell the next generation about the goodness of God. Basically, he wanted the anointing to declare God’s works to the next generation, even in his old age.

Application:

As I get older, this has become very important to me. I want the next generation to hear the goodness of God and to hear the stories about what I have seen Him do. I want to remain strong so I can declare His praises longer and stronger. I want my health back so I can give Him the best of my life and tell His good deeds to the next generation.

Prayer:

Father, let me remain strong until I go to the grave. Let my life be used for Your glory. Let me declare Your works to the next generation. Give me the strength and grace I need to finish the work before me. Help me to walk through every open door and to declare Your goodness all over the earth in my older years.

Yours,

Jeff

The Awe-Inspiring God

 Scripture:

“You are awe-inspiring, O God, as you emerge from your holy temple! It is the God of Israel who gives the people power and strength. God deserves praise!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭35‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

The Psalmist here tells the Lord that he is awe-inspiring as He emerges from his holy temple. He gives God all the credit and honor due His name. The author acknowledges that it is God who gives people power and strength. Without God we are nothing. With God all things are possible.

Application:

I need a healthy awe of God in my life. I want to see God in every situation and be in awe of Him. He has amazed me throughout the years, but I want to live in awe of my savior. With the Psalmist, I declare it is God who gives people power and strength. It is He that deserves our praise. I want my life to point people to God, who gives us what we need for life and godliness.

Prayer:

Father, I want to live in awe of You. Move in my life, my family, my church, and my region in awe-inspiring ways. You are incredible and I love You with all my heart.Teach me to walk in Your ways and direct my steps oh Lord. You are worthy of all my praise and worship. Help me to lead Your people well and to accomplish all You have planned for me.

Yours,

Jeff

Confident in God’s Love

 Scripture:

“The God who loves me will help me; God will enable me to triumph over my enemies.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭59‬:‭10‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

The Psalmist confidently speaks here about God. He says that God loves him and will help him. He is confident that God will enable him to triumph over his enemies. He operated from a place of security, knowing God loved him and would bless his life by defeating his enemies.

Application:

I know God loves me, but it is good to be reminded this morning. I want to walk in more confidence about my walk with God. I know He loves me, but I want to devalue that better to others. There are some places where I need the Lord to triumph over my enemies. I want to be confident that He will.

Prayer:

Lord, I put my trust in You! You are my rock and my salvation. You are my God and I trust in You. Help me to walk in confidence concerning our relationship. Give me confidence that You will meet every need and fight every enemy. Arise and show Yourself strong in and through my life. Teach me to trust You more.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

That the Nations Will Praise You

 Scripture:

“I will proclaim your greatness through the coming years, then the nations will praise you forever.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭45‬:‭17‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

This simple verse stood out to me this morning because it reflects my heart. The Psalmist says that he will proclaim God’s greatness in the coming years and that the nations would then praise God forever. He connected his proclamation to the nations praising God.

Application:

I want to spend the latter years of my life proclaiming the greatness of the God who has been my refuge, my fortress, and my strong tower all the days of my life. I want to tell every nation of the goodness of my God. I want the nations to give God praise. I want to declare the awesome deeds of the Lord all over the world for His glory. 

Prayer:

Father, in my latter years, use me for Your glory. Let me tell of Your greatness in all the earth. Let my life proclaim how awesome You are. Give me strength to walk through the doors You open and help me to represent You well. I want to tell the world that my God saves.

Forever Yours,

Jeff

Permanent Access

 Scripture:

“As for me, you uphold me because of my integrity; you allow me permanent access to your presence.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭12‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

David tells us here that God upholds him because of his integrity and gives him permanent access to His presence. Our integrity holds us up and gives us access to God’s presence. This is powerful!

Application:

I want to live a life that God will bless. I have always wanted to please the Lord and walk in His ways. I want to demonstrate a life of integrity to those around me. Through Christ, we have already been given permanent access to the Father, but it is a good reminder to us of something we have, but don’t access as often as we should. I love the idea of permanent access through Christ. I don’t just have access when I’m having a good day, but because of Jesus, on my worst day, I still have access.

Prayer:

Father, let me live my life as one who has permanent access to You. You are my everything and I love You more every day. Help me to live, not feeling distanced from God, but close enough to realize I have permanent access at any time of any day. Today at Disney, remind me that I have permanent access to the power and presence of God.

Your Son,

Jeff

Look to God for Help

 Scripture:

“Those who look to him for help are happy; their faces are not ashamed.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭5‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

In this passage, David tells us that those who look to God for help are happy and they are not ashamed. Rather than looking to Him to help us, we often look to ourselves, our friends, our family, etc. This verse lets us know that we should look to God.

Application:

As a believer, our first response in every situation Should be to look to God for help. When trouble comes, as it often does, we need to look to God for help rather than trying to figure out and fix everything ourselves. When we do that, David promises us that our faces will not be ashamed. My first place to run needs to be to Jesus, no matter what the problem is. 

Prayer:

Lord, let my eyes be open and my ears attentive to Your Word and Your Spirit. Help me to always look to You for help. You are my resource. You are my God and I trust in You. Teach me to keep my eyes on You at all times. Show me how to trust You over leaning on my own understanding.

Yours,

Jeff

Joy Comes in the Morning

 Scripture:

“For his anger lasts only a brief moment, and his good favor restores one’s life. One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives in the morning.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭5‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

In this verse, the. Psalmist declares that God’s anger lasts only a brief, short moment, but his favor restores a person’s life. He finishes by saying that we may have sorrow at times, but that will be brief because joy comes in the morning. In other words, God will bring us through every difficult season. He will bring joy when the world has brought us sorrow.

Application:

We cannot allow discouragement to ruin our lives. When we have setbacks, we must look to the Lord and know that it won’t last forever. We serve a God we can trust. He will bring joy into our lives again! There will be times when it feels like God is mad at us or things are not going the way we pictured, but we can also know that favor and joy are coming. 

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to live according to Your words. When I go through difficulties, help me to remember that You are faithful, reliable, and that You will bring me out. Let it sink deep into my heart that joy will come again, no matter how difficult the current season is.

Yours,

Jeff

Depend on the Lord, Not Yourself

 Scripture:

“Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we depend on the Lord our God. They will fall down, but we will stand firm.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NET‬‬ 

Observation:

This little couplet of verses is a great reminder to put our trust in the Lord and not in the things we think can help us. God wants to be the one we trust, not ourselves. When we do this, the Psalmist says we will stand firm and those who depend on other things will fall down. 

Application:

Sometimes it is easier to trust doctors, attorneys, people, machines, computers, etc. than is is to trust God. It is easier to trust what we can see and control than to trust in a God we can’t see and cannot control. He does what He wants to do, and we have to trust He will always do the right thing. The good news is that He is faithful and haas never failed His people. 

Prayer:

Father, increase my trust level. As in video games, let me level up my trust walk. Help me not to trust only the things I can control, but to believe You are good and Your plans for my life are wonderful. Let me trust You more this week and believe You will do what You say You will do.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Trust God’s Faithfulness

 Scripture:

“But I trust in your faithfulness. May I rejoice because of your deliverance!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

The Psalmist was asking God when He was going to overthrow his enemies and bring justice. The Psalm was basically saying, How long will You allow bad things to happen and You not intervene? He seemed frustrated, but in this verse he gives some wisdom, “but I trust in Your faithfulness.”

Application;

Psalms like this help me because there are times when it seems like God is not answering our prayers. There are seasons when it may seem like He is distant. At those times, we must remain like David and trust in God’s faithfulness. We may not understand why He allows certain things to happen, but we know in the end, it always turns around and He always delivers. 

Prayer:

Father, teach me to trust Your faithfulness. You have always been faithful to me and always come through for me, but sometimes it is not when I want You to. Help me to trust You more and to remain in faith when things are not going the way I want them to go. When I see how You have worked in my life, I should never wonder if You are going to work on my behalf, but I do. Help me to trust You more.

Yours Forever,

Jeff