Scripture:
Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection".
Observation:
Agur gives me a word today that I know to be true, yet sometimes my flesh struggles to believe it. According to this verse, every word God gives, will come to pass and will prove to be true. This could be His written word or his spoken word to our hearts. If God said it, it will come to pass. It also lets me know that He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. The only thing I see here is that we must come to Him for protection, then He will protect us. He waits for us to come to Him.
Application:
Sometimes when life doesn't seem to be going the way we want it to, we slip into doubt and unbelief. We begin to doubt the promises of God and act like He has lost His authority and power. We must come to the Lord as the all-powerful one and believe that what He has spoken, will come to pass. If He created this Universe, He can take care of the things that concern us. He can protect us and will if we come to Him as our protector. My faith must increase to believe that all He has spoken to me will come to pass.
Prayer:
Lord, You have spoken so much to me over the past 40 years. Most of it has already come to pass and I should have no doubt that the rest will also come to pass. Teach me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me not to doubt the things You have spoken to me. Teach me to trust You more in every area of my life. Thank You for increasing my faith this morning.
Your Son,
Jeff
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Divine Guidance
Scripture:
Proverbs 29:18 "When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful".
Observation:
The author here tells me that those who obey the law are joyful, but those who do not accept God's guidance run wild. Many feel like "running wild" is joyful or brings joy and happiness to them. True joy comes from walking with the Lord and doing what He says. Running wild is a false joy that only lasts for a short time, then dies. Obedience to the Word of God brings permanent, unshakable joy!
Application:
We must be people who accept divine guidance, which can come through prayer, bible reading and study, godly leadership, or those we trust spiritually. Obedience to divine guidance will always bring joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and should be a major part of every Christian's life. True joy comes from walking in divine guidance and doing what God wants you to do. Running wild only makes one like an animal. Accepting God's guidance pays big dividends.
Prayer:
Lord, You are faithful and cause Your people to be filled with joy. Let joy return to the church! Let Word of Life be a place of extreme joy because Your people are accepting Your guidance and following You completely. Help me to follow Your guidance in every area of my life. Help me confront what needs confronted and deal with the things I know You want me to.
I Love You,
Jeff
Proverbs 29:18 "When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful".
Observation:
The author here tells me that those who obey the law are joyful, but those who do not accept God's guidance run wild. Many feel like "running wild" is joyful or brings joy and happiness to them. True joy comes from walking with the Lord and doing what He says. Running wild is a false joy that only lasts for a short time, then dies. Obedience to the Word of God brings permanent, unshakable joy!
Application:
We must be people who accept divine guidance, which can come through prayer, bible reading and study, godly leadership, or those we trust spiritually. Obedience to divine guidance will always bring joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and should be a major part of every Christian's life. True joy comes from walking in divine guidance and doing what God wants you to do. Running wild only makes one like an animal. Accepting God's guidance pays big dividends.
Prayer:
Lord, You are faithful and cause Your people to be filled with joy. Let joy return to the church! Let Word of Life be a place of extreme joy because Your people are accepting Your guidance and following You completely. Help me to follow Your guidance in every area of my life. Help me confront what needs confronted and deal with the things I know You want me to.
I Love You,
Jeff
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Self-Control
Scripture:
Proverbs 25:28 "A person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls".
Observation:
Broken down walls leave a city defenseless against any enemies. Solomon says here that a person with no self-control actually takes away his own defenses. When there is no self-control, we allow the enemy to come directly into our lives with ease. Self control closes the doors and gates from the enemy.
Application:
Self-control is one of the fruit of the Spirit. It is something that should be part of every Christian's life, yet it is probably one of the hardest areas to get control of. Self control touches many areas of our lives from our daily devotions to our health and eating habits, to our laziness, and so on. The person who exhibits self-control is respected by all. The person with no self-control takes away the walls of protection in their lives and the enemy walks in with no problem.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be a person who demonstrates much self-control. I want this fruit of the Spirit alive in my life. I want the city protected, my family protected, my church protected and my own life protected. I want to be effective in life and ministry. Therefore, help me in this area.
Yours,
Jeff
Proverbs 25:28 "A person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls".
Observation:
Broken down walls leave a city defenseless against any enemies. Solomon says here that a person with no self-control actually takes away his own defenses. When there is no self-control, we allow the enemy to come directly into our lives with ease. Self control closes the doors and gates from the enemy.
Application:
Self-control is one of the fruit of the Spirit. It is something that should be part of every Christian's life, yet it is probably one of the hardest areas to get control of. Self control touches many areas of our lives from our daily devotions to our health and eating habits, to our laziness, and so on. The person who exhibits self-control is respected by all. The person with no self-control takes away the walls of protection in their lives and the enemy walks in with no problem.
Prayer:
Lord, let me be a person who demonstrates much self-control. I want this fruit of the Spirit alive in my life. I want the city protected, my family protected, my church protected and my own life protected. I want to be effective in life and ministry. Therefore, help me in this area.
Yours,
Jeff
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wisdom and Strength
Scripture:
Proverbs 24:5 "The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger".
Observation:
The great king Solomon understood that wisdom would always beat muscle and strength. Wisdom will take you farther that what you can fight for and knowledge will make you stronger and stronger. The wise person knows how and when to use his strength. God is the God of all wisdom and He gives it to those who seek Him. He knows exactly what to do in every situation and does not mind sharing that with His people as they seek Him and honor Him for giving them the wisdom.
Application:
We must seek the Lord while He may be found. All true wisdom and knowledge belongs to Him who created everything we know and can see around us. Instead of running after wisdom and knowledge, may we run after the source of all wisdom. James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom he should ask of God who gives liberally and doesn't withhold it.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to know You more and more each day. Help me to grow in You and to learn of You. Wisdom defeats strength every time and You are the author of all wisdom. Help me to hear Your voice that I may lead Your people well. Help me to walk in Your wisdom and not my own strength. Let me hear Your voice clearly every day and walk accordingly. You are my rock and my salvation!
Jeff
Proverbs 24:5 "The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger".
Observation:
The great king Solomon understood that wisdom would always beat muscle and strength. Wisdom will take you farther that what you can fight for and knowledge will make you stronger and stronger. The wise person knows how and when to use his strength. God is the God of all wisdom and He gives it to those who seek Him. He knows exactly what to do in every situation and does not mind sharing that with His people as they seek Him and honor Him for giving them the wisdom.
Application:
We must seek the Lord while He may be found. All true wisdom and knowledge belongs to Him who created everything we know and can see around us. Instead of running after wisdom and knowledge, may we run after the source of all wisdom. James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom he should ask of God who gives liberally and doesn't withhold it.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to know You more and more each day. Help me to grow in You and to learn of You. Wisdom defeats strength every time and You are the author of all wisdom. Help me to hear Your voice that I may lead Your people well. Help me to walk in Your wisdom and not my own strength. Let me hear Your voice clearly every day and walk accordingly. You are my rock and my salvation!
Jeff
Friday, February 3, 2012
Criticism and Correction
Scripture:
Proverbs 13:18 "If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored".
Observation:
Nobody likes criticism or correction, but Solomon speaks very highly of being able to take both. He says that criticism ignored equals poverty embraced. Not listening to your critics will lead to poverty and honor comes from accepting correction. Correction means we have to acknowledge we have done wrong and accept correction for it instead of arguing how we are not responsible. When we take correction well, honor is at the door.
Application:
Criticism usually makes us want to fight back and criticize someone else. To receive criticism brings respect from others. Being corrected is very humbling, but when you handle it well, promotion will come. We generally don't like either criticism or correction because they force us to admit we have done something wrong. It is better to admit your mistakes, humble yourself and let God raise you up. In the end, you are in a much better place.
Prayer:
Lord, help me received criticism and correction with the right attitude. Help me to walk in humility and to respond properly to both criticism and correction. Teach me to not take criticism or correction personally and get upset, rather let it make me a better person that can be better used in your Kingdom.
Sincerely,
Jeff Jacob
Proverbs 13:18 "If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored".
Observation:
Nobody likes criticism or correction, but Solomon speaks very highly of being able to take both. He says that criticism ignored equals poverty embraced. Not listening to your critics will lead to poverty and honor comes from accepting correction. Correction means we have to acknowledge we have done wrong and accept correction for it instead of arguing how we are not responsible. When we take correction well, honor is at the door.
Application:
Criticism usually makes us want to fight back and criticize someone else. To receive criticism brings respect from others. Being corrected is very humbling, but when you handle it well, promotion will come. We generally don't like either criticism or correction because they force us to admit we have done something wrong. It is better to admit your mistakes, humble yourself and let God raise you up. In the end, you are in a much better place.
Prayer:
Lord, help me received criticism and correction with the right attitude. Help me to walk in humility and to respond properly to both criticism and correction. Teach me to not take criticism or correction personally and get upset, rather let it make me a better person that can be better used in your Kingdom.
Sincerely,
Jeff Jacob
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Hard Work
Scripture:
Proverbs 12:24 "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave".
Observation:
Solomon had much to say about diligence, hard work and integrity. Here he tells us that the hard workers will become leaders and the lazy will become slaves. Those who work hard in life succeed in every area. Those who are lazy in one area, are also lazy in other areas. The lazy life causes you to live in slavery.
Application:
We must be people who are considered hard workers. Back in the day in the US people were taught these scriptural practices. There was the American dream which people worked hard for. They wanted to get ahead and would do anything to get there. They disciplined their lives and built something for themselves. They gave much to their descendants, who grew up expecting everything to be given to them without the hard work their parents put in. Now a generation is arising that does not understand hard work and principles of discipline. We must break this off our generation. We are becoming slaves to other nations who work harder than us.
Prayer:
Father, help me teach the benefits of hard work to all who I have any influence over. This generation in America needs to come back to its hard-working roots. Forgive me for not speaking up on the things I know in my heart to be true. Thanks for speaking to me this morning.
Yours,
Jeff
Proverbs 12:24 "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave".
Observation:
Solomon had much to say about diligence, hard work and integrity. Here he tells us that the hard workers will become leaders and the lazy will become slaves. Those who work hard in life succeed in every area. Those who are lazy in one area, are also lazy in other areas. The lazy life causes you to live in slavery.
Application:
We must be people who are considered hard workers. Back in the day in the US people were taught these scriptural practices. There was the American dream which people worked hard for. They wanted to get ahead and would do anything to get there. They disciplined their lives and built something for themselves. They gave much to their descendants, who grew up expecting everything to be given to them without the hard work their parents put in. Now a generation is arising that does not understand hard work and principles of discipline. We must break this off our generation. We are becoming slaves to other nations who work harder than us.
Prayer:
Father, help me teach the benefits of hard work to all who I have any influence over. This generation in America needs to come back to its hard-working roots. Forgive me for not speaking up on the things I know in my heart to be true. Thanks for speaking to me this morning.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Finding Life
Scripture:
Proverbs 8:35 "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord".
Observation:
The author is speaking about wisdom. He says that whoever finds wisdom, finds life and receives favor from the Lord. Enjoying life and having God's favor are huge in the Christian's life! We must be people of joy who see the blessings of God on our lives. If we represent the king, we must represent Him well.
Application:
Wisdom must be sought after. It is something you must pursue. It doesn't come quickly or easily, but when you get it, you get life and God's favor on that life. Wisdom in every day life is crucial if we are going to live lives that make a difference for eternity. We must know and understand more and more. God's promise to those who pursue wisdom is awesome. They will receive life and God's favor. When those two things come your way, you are living under the blessing of God which is the only place to be.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to grow in wisdom. I want to be a man of understanding, who walks in great wisdom. Help me to seek wisdom like a precious jewel and to grow in understanding. Teach me to communicate wisely and to walk in wisdom and revelation.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Proverbs 8:35 "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord".
Observation:
The author is speaking about wisdom. He says that whoever finds wisdom, finds life and receives favor from the Lord. Enjoying life and having God's favor are huge in the Christian's life! We must be people of joy who see the blessings of God on our lives. If we represent the king, we must represent Him well.
Application:
Wisdom must be sought after. It is something you must pursue. It doesn't come quickly or easily, but when you get it, you get life and God's favor on that life. Wisdom in every day life is crucial if we are going to live lives that make a difference for eternity. We must know and understand more and more. God's promise to those who pursue wisdom is awesome. They will receive life and God's favor. When those two things come your way, you are living under the blessing of God which is the only place to be.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to grow in wisdom. I want to be a man of understanding, who walks in great wisdom. Help me to seek wisdom like a precious jewel and to grow in understanding. Teach me to communicate wisely and to walk in wisdom and revelation.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
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