Scripture:
I Timothy 3:15 "if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's house-hold, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth".
Observation:
Paul is writing to his spiritual son Timothy about how things should be done in the church. He wants Timothy to be prepared to lead God's people. As he is writing to show Timothy how things should be done, he throws in this section that tells us the church of the living God is the pillar and foundation of truth. According to this, truth is supported and given strength by the church.
Application:
If we see the church as the pillar and foundation of truth, then we need to take care of the the church. A pillar holds things up and a foundation gives strength to the building. The church is to hold up and give strength to truth. Truth is what the world is looking for and we are give them something real. The church needs to be strong so that the world can see the truth we carry. When falseness goes on in the church, it weakens our testimony in the community. Truth makes us strong. Let's walk in truth.
Prayer:
Father God, let the church be the pillar and foundation of truth once again. Let the church be the one place in the earth where truth is still the foundation. Let me be truthful in everything I do so the church can be strong. I want the church to make You look good to this community.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Four Things God Doesn't Like
Scripture:
Zephaniah 3:2 "She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God".
Observation:
In this passage, God is rebuking Jerusalem and pronouncing judgment on her. Zephaniah is prophesying of the Day of the Lord that will come and judge the nations. He speaks of judgment coming on the nations, then turns to Jerusalem and pronounces judgment because: "She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God". These four things are given as the main reason God is going to judge Jerusalem.
Application:
If we apply this to our lives in 2013, we would say that these four things are things we want in our lives to remain in the blessing of the Lord. We must be humble enough to obey God and those who God puts over us in this life. We must learn to accept correction and adjust when we are wrong. We must learn to trust God in every area of our lives. We also must be a people who draw near to the Lord. When these four things are at work in a person, they will live under the blessing of God.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in each of these four things. I want to please You in every way. Let my life bring you praise. Humility and hunger for God are things I want in my life. Help me live my life in the way You want me to.
Yours,
Jeff
Zephaniah 3:2 "She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God".
Observation:
In this passage, God is rebuking Jerusalem and pronouncing judgment on her. Zephaniah is prophesying of the Day of the Lord that will come and judge the nations. He speaks of judgment coming on the nations, then turns to Jerusalem and pronounces judgment because: "She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God". These four things are given as the main reason God is going to judge Jerusalem.
Application:
If we apply this to our lives in 2013, we would say that these four things are things we want in our lives to remain in the blessing of the Lord. We must be humble enough to obey God and those who God puts over us in this life. We must learn to accept correction and adjust when we are wrong. We must learn to trust God in every area of our lives. We also must be a people who draw near to the Lord. When these four things are at work in a person, they will live under the blessing of God.
Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in each of these four things. I want to please You in every way. Let my life bring you praise. Humility and hunger for God are things I want in my life. Help me live my life in the way You want me to.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Scripture:
II Thessalonians 1:7 "and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels".
Observation:
Paul was telling the Thessalonians that God would judge the wicked. It says just before this that God will pay back trouble to to those who trouble you. I just love Paul's depiction of Jesus coming back "in blazing fire with his powerful angels". When Jesus comes back, it is not going to be like the suffering servant of his first revelation. This time He is coming in power to judge the living and the dead.
Application:
When Jesus is revealed, He will repay everything that needs repaid. He will right every wrong and dish out punishment where it is necessary. He is coming again in blazing fire with his powerful angels. God says that vengeance is His and that He will repay. We should live our lives with the understanding that it is God who brings justice, not us. We must trust Him, not only with our salvation, but with fighting our battles. He will right every wrong when He comes again in power.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for this picture this morning. You are coming back in power and I know You will right every wrong and straighten out every account. Help me to live now trusting You in this area instead of wanting to take vengeance myself when opportunity arises. You are the judge of the living and the dead. Help me trust You more in this area.
Yours,
Jeff
II Thessalonians 1:7 "and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels".
Observation:
Paul was telling the Thessalonians that God would judge the wicked. It says just before this that God will pay back trouble to to those who trouble you. I just love Paul's depiction of Jesus coming back "in blazing fire with his powerful angels". When Jesus comes back, it is not going to be like the suffering servant of his first revelation. This time He is coming in power to judge the living and the dead.
Application:
When Jesus is revealed, He will repay everything that needs repaid. He will right every wrong and dish out punishment where it is necessary. He is coming again in blazing fire with his powerful angels. God says that vengeance is His and that He will repay. We should live our lives with the understanding that it is God who brings justice, not us. We must trust Him, not only with our salvation, but with fighting our battles. He will right every wrong when He comes again in power.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for this picture this morning. You are coming back in power and I know You will right every wrong and straighten out every account. Help me to live now trusting You in this area instead of wanting to take vengeance myself when opportunity arises. You are the judge of the living and the dead. Help me trust You more in this area.
Yours,
Jeff
Friday, October 4, 2013
The Awesomeness of God
Scripture:
Nahum 1:5 "The mountains quake before Him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it."
Observation:
Nahum is describing the Lord God Almighty and uses several pictures of His awesomeness as he is telling Ninevah about the judgment that is coming their direction from God. In his description, Nahum says, "the mountains quake before Him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it." His description of the Lord is awesome!
Application:
Do we really see God as the one who causes the whole earth to tremble? Do we see Him as the one before whom the mountains tremble and the hills melt away? Do we perceive God as the most awesome and powerful force in the universe or do we see Him as a God who once in a while does something to help us out of a bad situation? We must begin to see God like the prophets saw Him. We must see that God is powerful and can't be messed with. He is the Almighty! At his presence, the mountains quake and the earth trembles. Nothing can stand before Him and He is my father. Wow, what a thought! He is the master of the universe and He is my father.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see You as You are. You are awesome and to be feared above all gods. You are mighty and everything quakes before you in your presence. As I see Your incredible power, let me also see that You are my father and you love me. Help me to see all that power guided toward me because of You great love for me. You are amazing!
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Nahum 1:5 "The mountains quake before Him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it."
Observation:
Nahum is describing the Lord God Almighty and uses several pictures of His awesomeness as he is telling Ninevah about the judgment that is coming their direction from God. In his description, Nahum says, "the mountains quake before Him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it." His description of the Lord is awesome!
Application:
Do we really see God as the one who causes the whole earth to tremble? Do we see Him as the one before whom the mountains tremble and the hills melt away? Do we perceive God as the most awesome and powerful force in the universe or do we see Him as a God who once in a while does something to help us out of a bad situation? We must begin to see God like the prophets saw Him. We must see that God is powerful and can't be messed with. He is the Almighty! At his presence, the mountains quake and the earth trembles. Nothing can stand before Him and He is my father. Wow, what a thought! He is the master of the universe and He is my father.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see You as You are. You are awesome and to be feared above all gods. You are mighty and everything quakes before you in your presence. As I see Your incredible power, let me also see that You are my father and you love me. Help me to see all that power guided toward me because of You great love for me. You are amazing!
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Whatever You Do
Scripture:
Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters".
Observation:
Paul tells the Colossians that they should not be half-hearted in anything they do. Whatever they did, they were to do it with all their heart. They should do everything in life as if they were doing it for the Lord.
Application:
As believers, we should be people who are diligent and have a strong work ethic. In our places of business, we should be the ones who are the hardest working, most productive employees because we are doing our work for the Lord and not our boss. Those around us should be asking why we work so hard. The philosophy of the day is "work just hard enough so you don't get fired" and bosses pay "just enough so they won't quit". We need to turn this around. Regardless of the pay scale, we should always be the best employees.
Prayer:
Lord, Help me to be diligent in every area of life. Let me not be known as a slacker, but as a man who works hard. Let the work of my hands bring you praise and honor. Help me be excellent in every part of my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters".
Observation:
Paul tells the Colossians that they should not be half-hearted in anything they do. Whatever they did, they were to do it with all their heart. They should do everything in life as if they were doing it for the Lord.
Application:
As believers, we should be people who are diligent and have a strong work ethic. In our places of business, we should be the ones who are the hardest working, most productive employees because we are doing our work for the Lord and not our boss. Those around us should be asking why we work so hard. The philosophy of the day is "work just hard enough so you don't get fired" and bosses pay "just enough so they won't quit". We need to turn this around. Regardless of the pay scale, we should always be the best employees.
Prayer:
Lord, Help me to be diligent in every area of life. Let me not be known as a slacker, but as a man who works hard. Let the work of my hands bring you praise and honor. Help me be excellent in every part of my life.
Yours,
Jeff
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The Glorious Riches of This Mystery
Scripture:
Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory".
Observation:
Paul talks about the glorious riches of this mystery. What mystery? Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul tells us that Christ in us is the hope of glory and is the glorious riches of this mystery. It is a mystery that God would send His Son to this earth to pay the ranson for Jew and Gentile alike. He paid a debt He did not owe. He not only paid the sin debt for us, He now lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. The greater one live in us. That is a mystery, but also a powerful revelation.
Application:
The hope of glory, Christ Himself, lives in us! What a powerful thought. He that conquered death resides in me. He that defeated all temptation, lives in me. He that trampled on Satan, lives in me. What an incredible mystery! We are alive with Christ and in Him we live and move and have our being. If the greater one lives inside of us, we have nothing to fear. We need to come to complete understanding of this and allow Christ to live through us much more.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to yield my life completely to You that Christ may live through me in every way. I want to know You more every day. I want you to live through me. Let my body be a tent that you live in and work through. Make me completely yours I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory".
Observation:
Paul talks about the glorious riches of this mystery. What mystery? Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul tells us that Christ in us is the hope of glory and is the glorious riches of this mystery. It is a mystery that God would send His Son to this earth to pay the ranson for Jew and Gentile alike. He paid a debt He did not owe. He not only paid the sin debt for us, He now lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. The greater one live in us. That is a mystery, but also a powerful revelation.
Application:
The hope of glory, Christ Himself, lives in us! What a powerful thought. He that conquered death resides in me. He that defeated all temptation, lives in me. He that trampled on Satan, lives in me. What an incredible mystery! We are alive with Christ and in Him we live and move and have our being. If the greater one lives inside of us, we have nothing to fear. We need to come to complete understanding of this and allow Christ to live through us much more.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to yield my life completely to You that Christ may live through me in every way. I want to know You more every day. I want you to live through me. Let my body be a tent that you live in and work through. Make me completely yours I pray.
Yours,
Jeff
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
God's Requirements
Scripture:
Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Observation:
Micah gives us a quick way to know we are walking truly with God. What does God require of His people? Simply this, "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God". God is simply looking for people who will be just in their dealings, merciful in their relationships and walk in humility because God hates pride in any way. God really doesn't ask for much. He wants us to treat others well and walk in humility, that summarizes it.
Application:
We must be a people who demonstrate we belong to God in the way we live our lives. When we act justly and do the right thing, God is glorified in our lives. When we demonstrate mercy to those who don't deserve it, God is glorified in our lives. When we walk in humility and give God all the recognition, God is glorified in our lives. God is glorified when we do these things and our lives become easier as well. People like those who live this way.
Prayer:
Father, let me be more like You each day. Help me in these three areas. I want to always be a person who walk justly, shows mercy and walks humbly before you. You are my source of life, love and liberty. I want to live for your glory.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Observation:
Micah gives us a quick way to know we are walking truly with God. What does God require of His people? Simply this, "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God". God is simply looking for people who will be just in their dealings, merciful in their relationships and walk in humility because God hates pride in any way. God really doesn't ask for much. He wants us to treat others well and walk in humility, that summarizes it.
Application:
We must be a people who demonstrate we belong to God in the way we live our lives. When we act justly and do the right thing, God is glorified in our lives. When we demonstrate mercy to those who don't deserve it, God is glorified in our lives. When we walk in humility and give God all the recognition, God is glorified in our lives. God is glorified when we do these things and our lives become easier as well. People like those who live this way.
Prayer:
Father, let me be more like You each day. Help me in these three areas. I want to always be a person who walk justly, shows mercy and walks humbly before you. You are my source of life, love and liberty. I want to live for your glory.
Yours Forever,
Jeff
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