Scripture:
John 12:9 "Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there: and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead".
Observation:
In John 11, Jesus raised His friend Lazarus from being dead four days. It is an amazing story! In chapter 12, people are coming to Jesus by the droves to see Him, but also to see Lazarus, the one who was raised from the dead. I see here that one simple testimony has great power. This story says that "A Great Number" of Jews came because of Lazarus and his testimony.
Application:
When a great miracle happens, we need to be carriers of the story. We need to let the word spread about what God has done for us. Most people won't be convinced about Jesus through an apologetic debate about His divinity or a scholarly speech about who he is. Most people come to Jesus because they heard through a friend what Jesus had done in their life. We need to be better about sharing our stories because multitudes will come out to hear a miracle testimony.
Prayer:
Lord, let my light shine. Let me share the story today of something You have done in my life. Help me be better at sharing my faith with others. Let people come to Christ today "for Jeff's sake", because of the story I share with someone about what God has done for me. Help me tell my story that others may know You better.
Your Son,
jeff
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
What are We Working For?
Scripture:
John 6:27 "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on Him".
Observation:
The multitude had followed Jesus because He fed 5,000 men, not including women and children, with five loaves and two fish. He sees right through it and tells them that they were following Him because He put food in their stomachs and not because of who has was. He goes on to talk about what we labor for and what we are after in life. He tells them not to work for food that perishes, but for food that is everlasting.
Application:
Most of what we work for in life is only temporary. We work hard for cars that will die after a few years. We work hard for houses that we can lose with a downturn in the economy. We work for "things" that are not eternal and spend little time working on eternal things. The only "things" that are eternal and going to heaven or hell are people. Jesus is saying that our lives should be about people and about the importance of our own souls. Are we working so hard for the wrong stuff?
Prayer:
Father, help me keep the main thing, the main thing. Help me to work for eternal rewards instead of temporary. Teach me to spend my time wisely for the Kingdom of God. Let me work for You completely. may my life be consumed by the things that You are consumed by. I surrendur to Your will in my life. I want to be about Your business and not my own busyness.
Love,
Jeff
John 6:27 "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on Him".
Observation:
The multitude had followed Jesus because He fed 5,000 men, not including women and children, with five loaves and two fish. He sees right through it and tells them that they were following Him because He put food in their stomachs and not because of who has was. He goes on to talk about what we labor for and what we are after in life. He tells them not to work for food that perishes, but for food that is everlasting.
Application:
Most of what we work for in life is only temporary. We work hard for cars that will die after a few years. We work hard for houses that we can lose with a downturn in the economy. We work for "things" that are not eternal and spend little time working on eternal things. The only "things" that are eternal and going to heaven or hell are people. Jesus is saying that our lives should be about people and about the importance of our own souls. Are we working so hard for the wrong stuff?
Prayer:
Father, help me keep the main thing, the main thing. Help me to work for eternal rewards instead of temporary. Teach me to spend my time wisely for the Kingdom of God. Let me work for You completely. may my life be consumed by the things that You are consumed by. I surrendur to Your will in my life. I want to be about Your business and not my own busyness.
Love,
Jeff
Friday, July 8, 2011
God's Food
Scripture:
Numbers 28:2 "Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered to my instructions".
Observation:
God was instituting a sacrificial system in Israel to provide for the atonement of their sins. He was about to give them dates, times, and procedures for offering Him sacrifices. As He was implementing this, He makes a statement that is powerful, "the offering you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food". God tells them that their special gifts to Him are pleasing to Him and are His food. From this I see that God loves to be first in our lives and to be honored by us. It is a sweet aroma to Him and His food when His children bring Him special gifts. What we do for the Lord is His food and smells good to Him.
Application:
I realize we are under grace and because of Jesus we are no longer under this old sacrificial system, but I also see how pleased God is when His people bring Him special gifts and sacrifices. It is special to the Lord when His people place Him first above everything else in their lives. He is thrilled when His people live His way and honor Him with their gifts. Though we don't have to offer sacrifices according to the verses that follow in Numbers, God is honored when we give our all for Him. It is His food and a sweet aroma to Him. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. God has seen it and it has blessed Him!
Prayer:
Lord, let my life bring you glory. I know You have seen the sacrifices in my life and it has been a pleasing aroma. You have seen the sacrifices and it has fed You good food. Thanks for letting me know this morning how special sacrifice is to You. I know that obedience is better than sacrifice, but in my obedience I know You see the sacrifice. Help me obey You better and offer You my life as a special offering.
Yours Completely,
Jeff
Numbers 28:2 "Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered to my instructions".
Observation:
God was instituting a sacrificial system in Israel to provide for the atonement of their sins. He was about to give them dates, times, and procedures for offering Him sacrifices. As He was implementing this, He makes a statement that is powerful, "the offering you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food". God tells them that their special gifts to Him are pleasing to Him and are His food. From this I see that God loves to be first in our lives and to be honored by us. It is a sweet aroma to Him and His food when His children bring Him special gifts. What we do for the Lord is His food and smells good to Him.
Application:
I realize we are under grace and because of Jesus we are no longer under this old sacrificial system, but I also see how pleased God is when His people bring Him special gifts and sacrifices. It is special to the Lord when His people place Him first above everything else in their lives. He is thrilled when His people live His way and honor Him with their gifts. Though we don't have to offer sacrifices according to the verses that follow in Numbers, God is honored when we give our all for Him. It is His food and a sweet aroma to Him. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. God has seen it and it has blessed Him!
Prayer:
Lord, let my life bring you glory. I know You have seen the sacrifices in my life and it has been a pleasing aroma. You have seen the sacrifices and it has fed You good food. Thanks for letting me know this morning how special sacrifice is to You. I know that obedience is better than sacrifice, but in my obedience I know You see the sacrifice. Help me obey You better and offer You my life as a special offering.
Yours Completely,
Jeff
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Be Zealous for the Lord
Scripture:
Numbers 25:11 "Phinehas son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest has turned my anger away from the Israelites by being as zealous among them as I was. So I stopped destroying all Israel as I had intended to do in my zealous anger".
Observation:
The people of Israel has prostituted themselves with Moabite women and the gods that they served. They had turned away from the living God to worship and serve the gods of the Moabites because they had soul ties with the women of Moab. God became very angry and began to destroy the people of Israel. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron the priest, chased a man and woman who were guilty and thrust a spear through both of them. This stopped the plague and God said He stopped it because Phinehas was as zealous as the Lord. God realized that someone hated sin as much as He did.
Application:
Phinehas was zealous for the Lord. He stood for right and fought against sin. God worked on his behalf and saved Israel because one man had the heart of God. Zealousness can sometimes get you into trouble if it is done in a wrong way, but God does love to see his people zealous for Him. He is looking for a people who are zealous enough to hate sin and love righteousness. His heart is after those who have His heart which hates sin and loves righteousness. We need to get a little more zealous concerning the things of the Lord and maybe God would spare our generation.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome in power! You are incredible in all Your doings! You hate sin and love righteousness! Help me to be more like You. There is a song we used to sing in church that I heard again this week and have been singing that says, "I wanna be more like You, Jesus, I wanna be more like You. I wanna be a vessel You work through. I want to be more like You". That is my prayer today Lord. Make me more like You.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Numbers 25:11 "Phinehas son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest has turned my anger away from the Israelites by being as zealous among them as I was. So I stopped destroying all Israel as I had intended to do in my zealous anger".
Observation:
The people of Israel has prostituted themselves with Moabite women and the gods that they served. They had turned away from the living God to worship and serve the gods of the Moabites because they had soul ties with the women of Moab. God became very angry and began to destroy the people of Israel. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron the priest, chased a man and woman who were guilty and thrust a spear through both of them. This stopped the plague and God said He stopped it because Phinehas was as zealous as the Lord. God realized that someone hated sin as much as He did.
Application:
Phinehas was zealous for the Lord. He stood for right and fought against sin. God worked on his behalf and saved Israel because one man had the heart of God. Zealousness can sometimes get you into trouble if it is done in a wrong way, but God does love to see his people zealous for Him. He is looking for a people who are zealous enough to hate sin and love righteousness. His heart is after those who have His heart which hates sin and loves righteousness. We need to get a little more zealous concerning the things of the Lord and maybe God would spare our generation.
Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, You are awesome in power! You are incredible in all Your doings! You hate sin and love righteousness! Help me to be more like You. There is a song we used to sing in church that I heard again this week and have been singing that says, "I wanna be more like You, Jesus, I wanna be more like You. I wanna be a vessel You work through. I want to be more like You". That is my prayer today Lord. Make me more like You.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Only What God Speaks
Scripture:
Numbers 22:38 "Balaam replied, 'Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want, I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.'"
Observation:
Balaak was prepared to pay Balaam anything he wanted if Balaam would just curse Israel. Balaak knew that what Balaam cursed was cursed and what he blessed was blessed. Balaam spoke the best words any prophet, pastor, leader, could speak. "I have no power to say whatever I want, I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth". He realized that he could speak other things, but his words would be powerless unless the Lord had ordered his words.
Application:
I want to be a person who speaks or preaches messages put in my mouth by God and not out of my own spirit or flesh. Many people today just operate out of the mind and say "good words" that may not be "God words". May we go back to seeking the Lord until we have a message burning in our hearts from Him. The church is always better off hearing what God is speaking instead of what a pastor or leader thinks needs to be spoken. Many people today would have taken Balaak's money and spoke the words he wanted him to because it would appear to be God's blessing financially. Appearance is not reality. We must know we are hearing from God and speak what He is speaking.
Prayer:
Father, when I speak, let it be the oracles of God. Let Your voice be heard clearly through my voice. Let me say what You want me to say and only what You want me to say. Give me ears to hear Your voice clearly that I may speak Your word with accuracy. You are amazing and I want to be a mouthpiece for You.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Numbers 22:38 "Balaam replied, 'Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want, I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.'"
Observation:
Balaak was prepared to pay Balaam anything he wanted if Balaam would just curse Israel. Balaak knew that what Balaam cursed was cursed and what he blessed was blessed. Balaam spoke the best words any prophet, pastor, leader, could speak. "I have no power to say whatever I want, I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth". He realized that he could speak other things, but his words would be powerless unless the Lord had ordered his words.
Application:
I want to be a person who speaks or preaches messages put in my mouth by God and not out of my own spirit or flesh. Many people today just operate out of the mind and say "good words" that may not be "God words". May we go back to seeking the Lord until we have a message burning in our hearts from Him. The church is always better off hearing what God is speaking instead of what a pastor or leader thinks needs to be spoken. Many people today would have taken Balaak's money and spoke the words he wanted him to because it would appear to be God's blessing financially. Appearance is not reality. We must know we are hearing from God and speak what He is speaking.
Prayer:
Father, when I speak, let it be the oracles of God. Let Your voice be heard clearly through my voice. Let me say what You want me to say and only what You want me to say. Give me ears to hear Your voice clearly that I may speak Your word with accuracy. You are amazing and I want to be a mouthpiece for You.
Yours,
Jeff Jacob
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Accessing God's Presence
Scripture:
Numbers 20:6 "Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them".
Observation:
Moses and Aaron did three things that brought the presence of the Lord to them so they could hear His voice. First they turned away from the people, second they went to the Tabernacle, and third they fell face down on the ground. I see a progression here that is worthy of looking deeper into as we desire the presence of God in our lives.
Application:
God's presence came to Moses and Aaron when they did three things. His voice was heard after these things were done. First, they turned away from the people. Turning away from the people and turning toward God is so important if you want to really experience His presence. People mean well and will tell you all kinds of nice things, but we must long for the presence and voice of God enough that we turn away from people and set time apart for our relationship with God. Secondly, we must go the Tabernacle. We don't have a literal tabernacle at this time, but we should go to a place where we plan on meeting with the Lord. This could be a variety of places. It is just anywhere that is a special place for you to meet with God. Third, we must humble ourselves before Him. Moses and Aaron bowed on their faces before the Lord. If we want the presence of God in our lives, we must turn away from people, go to a place to meet with God and humble ourselves before Him. At that point, He has our full attention and will speak to us as He did with Moses and Aaron.
Prayer:
Father, let me hear your voice clearer than ever. Help me to set aside the time to meet with you and humble myself before you. I want Your direction in my life and have set aside the next few weeks to seek You. I want to find You more than ever before.
Your Son,
Jeff
Numbers 20:6 "Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them".
Observation:
Moses and Aaron did three things that brought the presence of the Lord to them so they could hear His voice. First they turned away from the people, second they went to the Tabernacle, and third they fell face down on the ground. I see a progression here that is worthy of looking deeper into as we desire the presence of God in our lives.
Application:
God's presence came to Moses and Aaron when they did three things. His voice was heard after these things were done. First, they turned away from the people. Turning away from the people and turning toward God is so important if you want to really experience His presence. People mean well and will tell you all kinds of nice things, but we must long for the presence and voice of God enough that we turn away from people and set time apart for our relationship with God. Secondly, we must go the Tabernacle. We don't have a literal tabernacle at this time, but we should go to a place where we plan on meeting with the Lord. This could be a variety of places. It is just anywhere that is a special place for you to meet with God. Third, we must humble ourselves before Him. Moses and Aaron bowed on their faces before the Lord. If we want the presence of God in our lives, we must turn away from people, go to a place to meet with God and humble ourselves before Him. At that point, He has our full attention and will speak to us as He did with Moses and Aaron.
Prayer:
Father, let me hear your voice clearer than ever. Help me to set aside the time to meet with you and humble myself before you. I want Your direction in my life and have set aside the next few weeks to seek You. I want to find You more than ever before.
Your Son,
Jeff
Friday, July 1, 2011
Follow the Cloud
Scripture:
Numbers 9:17 "Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp".
Observation:
God led the children of Israel through the wilderness. He was their leader and He let His will be known. He showed them exactly where He wanted them to set up camp and when He wanted them to tear down camp and move. They sometimes would set up camp for a night, sometimes for a year, but always they followed the cloud and set up where God said to. He took care of them daily and provided for them as they followed His through the wilderness.
Application:
I wish following the Lord was that easy today. For them, they saw the cloud move and they knew to move. For us, we have to follow His word and listen for His voice, which sometimes is very clear and sometimes is not so clear. It would be easier to follow Him if we could simply set up camp where He stopped and move when the fire moved. Today, God wants us to seek Him out and follow after Him, listening for His voice. Now it is up to us to seek Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let your voice become clearer and clearer to me. I want to be a good follower and will be as I know Your will in every situation of life. I seek You this morning and will continue to seek You. You are the best!
Jeff
Numbers 9:17 "Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp".
Observation:
God led the children of Israel through the wilderness. He was their leader and He let His will be known. He showed them exactly where He wanted them to set up camp and when He wanted them to tear down camp and move. They sometimes would set up camp for a night, sometimes for a year, but always they followed the cloud and set up where God said to. He took care of them daily and provided for them as they followed His through the wilderness.
Application:
I wish following the Lord was that easy today. For them, they saw the cloud move and they knew to move. For us, we have to follow His word and listen for His voice, which sometimes is very clear and sometimes is not so clear. It would be easier to follow Him if we could simply set up camp where He stopped and move when the fire moved. Today, God wants us to seek Him out and follow after Him, listening for His voice. Now it is up to us to seek Him.
Prayer:
Lord, let your voice become clearer and clearer to me. I want to be a good follower and will be as I know Your will in every situation of life. I seek You this morning and will continue to seek You. You are the best!
Jeff
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