Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 40; Ezekiel 41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21
Scripture: Revelation 21:3-5
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"...
Observation: I love this phrase: "the old order of things has passed away." And this one: "I am making everything new." And this one: "God himself with be with them." There is a day coming when everything that we know now will be changed. The world around us and our lives themselves will be all new and unfamiliar -- and it will be great! We won't miss the "old order" one bit. It will be sweet -- God's re-creation for us to enjoy. We messed up the first creation. There will be no messing up the new creation. It will be blessedly perfect and full of joy!
Application: Keep looking up. He is coming with rewards for those who love his kingdom and his appearing. As verse 4 says, "he will wipe every tear from their eyes." Whatever sorrows, griefs, and sufferings we endure here and now he will comfort and soothe. All will be new -- and perfect. Thank You, Lord.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your great and precious promises which I know are true and trustworthy, because they come from You. You have blessed me so much here and now, but You have also given me so much to look forward to. I can hardly wait to be with You physically. Thank you, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Friday, September 15, 2006
Title: The Day Of Reckoning / Topic: Judgment
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20
Scripture: Ezekiel 38:18-23
18 "This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. 19 In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20 The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. 21 I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man's sword will be against his brother. 22 I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. 23 And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.'"
Observation: What a scary scene! It's like the combination of all natural disaster movies. And this passage is foretelling how God will react against a future military assault against Israel. He intervenes big time! And notice what God says about why He reacts as He does: "my hot anger will be aroused...in my zeal and fiery wrath..."! That is scary talk coming from God. And look at the manifestation of God's "hot anger": immense earthquake, rock slides, plague, flash floods, hailstones, volcanic eruptions. This is excellent incentive to stay close to God!
Application: The truth is, God is capable of indescribable destruction. Most of the time, we don't see it, thank You, Lord. But there is coming a day when, basically, God says, "That's it. I've had enough!" And He will let loose with a destructive barrage that will make "shock and awe" look like a table game. We serve an awesome God. He is loving and just. And His love of goodness and justice means He hates wickedness and injustice and must eventually deal with those who choose to engage in them. The inevitable outcome is that a day of reckoning is coming when God will use His power to sweep away those who love what God hates.
Bottom line: Serve God. Stay close to Him. Sometimes it may seem like the more challenging path, but ultimately we are saved while those who chose the easy path of evil and indulgence will suffer.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are just and righteous and that You have a plan and the means to right all wrongs and bring the scales of justice and mercy into perfect balance. Help us to represent You strongly and boldly. May we stand with You in the day of reckoning.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
- Special note 1: Today's reading is fantastic! Take time to read it all. The Ezekiel passages speak of the extremity of God's judgment (you definitely want to stay on His good side!), and it parallels the Revelation account of judgment against satan and the incorrigibly evil element of humanity. Psalm 145 is a wonderful song of comfort, rejoicing, and celebration of God's goodness.
- Special note 2: The number of comments has dropped off quite a bit. I want to make a simple request that for the rest of September, everyone who reads this blog would leave a comment and at least say, "hi." (Kind of like signing a guest book.) Would you please do that? Just click at the bottom of the post where it gives the number of comments. And don't forget to click on this link and read Cynthia's blog as well -- and leave a comment there too. Thanks.
Scripture: Ezekiel 38:18-23
18 "This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. 19 In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20 The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. 21 I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man's sword will be against his brother. 22 I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. 23 And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.'"
Observation: What a scary scene! It's like the combination of all natural disaster movies. And this passage is foretelling how God will react against a future military assault against Israel. He intervenes big time! And notice what God says about why He reacts as He does: "my hot anger will be aroused...in my zeal and fiery wrath..."! That is scary talk coming from God. And look at the manifestation of God's "hot anger": immense earthquake, rock slides, plague, flash floods, hailstones, volcanic eruptions. This is excellent incentive to stay close to God!
Application: The truth is, God is capable of indescribable destruction. Most of the time, we don't see it, thank You, Lord. But there is coming a day when, basically, God says, "That's it. I've had enough!" And He will let loose with a destructive barrage that will make "shock and awe" look like a table game. We serve an awesome God. He is loving and just. And His love of goodness and justice means He hates wickedness and injustice and must eventually deal with those who choose to engage in them. The inevitable outcome is that a day of reckoning is coming when God will use His power to sweep away those who love what God hates.
Bottom line: Serve God. Stay close to Him. Sometimes it may seem like the more challenging path, but ultimately we are saved while those who chose the easy path of evil and indulgence will suffer.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are just and righteous and that You have a plan and the means to right all wrongs and bring the scales of justice and mercy into perfect balance. Help us to represent You strongly and boldly. May we stand with You in the day of reckoning.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Title: The Victory Shout / Topic: Future Rewards
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 36; Ezekiel 37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19
Scripture: Revelation 19:6-7
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!"
Observation: The end has come. God wins. His people, billions of men, women, and children have witnessed the final, awesome dispatching of satan and his minions to their eternal doom. The saints' song of praise at first sounds like the roar of Niagra Falls combined with a thunder storm! It is loud and powerful! They are shouting a cheer or chant of victory. They are so happy -- their reward is in sight. God is on the throne, evil is no more, all struggles are over.
Application: Oh how wonderful this day will be! I am so looking forward to the day when all those who trusted in Jesus, who endured through the times of sorrowful testing and trials, will be vindicated by the establishment of God's ultimate rulership on this planet. All things will be made right, all injustice will be corrected, the liars and mockers will be silenced, all the evildoers will be punished, and those who suffered will be restored, healed, and lifted up. O happy day.
Bottom line: Endure through all the hardship. Stand faithful with God because He wins in the end.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are sovereign Lord over the universe. You are the great Creator, and the Ultimate Power and Ruler over all created things, for You created them and they exist by Your word and according to Your will. Help me to remember Your ultimate power when I am in the midst of discouragement, doubt, or difficulty. Help me to recall the great blessing and reward You have promised to all who will remain faithful to You until the end.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Revelation 19:6-7
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!"
Observation: The end has come. God wins. His people, billions of men, women, and children have witnessed the final, awesome dispatching of satan and his minions to their eternal doom. The saints' song of praise at first sounds like the roar of Niagra Falls combined with a thunder storm! It is loud and powerful! They are shouting a cheer or chant of victory. They are so happy -- their reward is in sight. God is on the throne, evil is no more, all struggles are over.
Application: Oh how wonderful this day will be! I am so looking forward to the day when all those who trusted in Jesus, who endured through the times of sorrowful testing and trials, will be vindicated by the establishment of God's ultimate rulership on this planet. All things will be made right, all injustice will be corrected, the liars and mockers will be silenced, all the evildoers will be punished, and those who suffered will be restored, healed, and lifted up. O happy day.
Bottom line: Endure through all the hardship. Stand faithful with God because He wins in the end.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are sovereign Lord over the universe. You are the great Creator, and the Ultimate Power and Ruler over all created things, for You created them and they exist by Your word and according to Your will. Help me to remember Your ultimate power when I am in the midst of discouragement, doubt, or difficulty. Help me to recall the great blessing and reward You have promised to all who will remain faithful to You until the end.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Title: The Watchman / Topic: Leadership Responsibility
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 33; Ezekiel 34; Ezekiel 35; Revelation 18
Scripture: Ezekiel 33:7-9
7 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
Observation: God lays it out for Ezekiel. He has been given a responsibility to God's people -- he is a watchman. I think watchman is a pretty good definition of the prophetic ministry: someone who has an excellent vantage point to see looming threats and communicates those threats to the people. His vantage point is his relationship with God. He sees because God shows him.
Application: I am also a watchman, as are all who are in positions of spiritual responsibility in the Kingdom of God. I have to be on the lookout for what might be coming that could do damage to those in my care. There are three basic responsibilities:
Bottom line: Being in spiritual leadership is something has great demands: I must be diligent in my relationship with Jesus, give serious attentiveness to the flock and environment, and work to communicate effectively.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the Great Shepherd. I want to fulfill the responsibilities You have entrusted to my care in Your service. Assist and strengthen me to do it well. Forgive me for the times I have lost focus or become distracted or discouraged. Help me for the sake of those I lead that I may bring the fullest blessing possible into their lives by being a true and faithful shepherd like You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ezekiel 33:7-9
7 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
Observation: God lays it out for Ezekiel. He has been given a responsibility to God's people -- he is a watchman. I think watchman is a pretty good definition of the prophetic ministry: someone who has an excellent vantage point to see looming threats and communicates those threats to the people. His vantage point is his relationship with God. He sees because God shows him.
Application: I am also a watchman, as are all who are in positions of spiritual responsibility in the Kingdom of God. I have to be on the lookout for what might be coming that could do damage to those in my care. There are three basic responsibilities:
- Keep the channel open with God. This speaks of an ongoing, living, vibrant relationship where God speaks and I hear reliably. I can't be casual about this -- people are counting on me to hear from God. God's voice is my early warning system. Without it my work is ineffective.
- Pay attention. I have to be on the lookout for threats and trends that could impact those God has entrusted to me. I can't slack off or forget. And I have to pay attention to the lives of the people themselves because sometimes the danger comes not from without, but from within.
- Speak the truth boldly and persuasively. Once God shows me something, I must communicate with skill and power so that my message is clear and impactful. And sometimes these messages can be challenging and hard to receive. It takes courage to say something that people don't want to hear.
Bottom line: Being in spiritual leadership is something has great demands: I must be diligent in my relationship with Jesus, give serious attentiveness to the flock and environment, and work to communicate effectively.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the Great Shepherd. I want to fulfill the responsibilities You have entrusted to my care in Your service. Assist and strengthen me to do it well. Forgive me for the times I have lost focus or become distracted or discouraged. Help me for the sake of those I lead that I may bring the fullest blessing possible into their lives by being a true and faithful shepherd like You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Title: The Old, Old Story / Topic: Transforming Truth
Today’s Reading: Daniel 3; Daniel 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17
Scripture: Daniel 3:24-27
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
They replied, "Certainly, O king."
25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."
26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
Observation: "Tell me the old, old story..." That's a line out of the old hymnal that I remember singing in church when I was a kid. And reading this story about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego brings back memories of Sunday School class and the flannelgraph. The teacher took a cutout of the "three Hebrew children" and laid it in the middle of another cutout of a fearful-looking "flaming furnace." They were all tied up with lots of rope as they went in. (They got thrown into the furnace because they refused to worship the king's golden idol.) Then another cutout was substituted for the first one showing the three boys standing and smiling with no ropes binding them. Last, the teacher pulled them out of the furnace, like they were walking out, and they stood next to the image of the king and the large, golden idol. I love this old story!
Application: I love it because it teaches so many great spiritual and character lessons: courage, not yielding to peer pressure, God's power to protect, how God's truth trumps the enemy's blustery lies, and many more -- these are all there in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And while I have heard this story dozens of time, I still have something to learn from it. I always hoped I would have the courage to stand alone against the king and all the people with him. I pray that I would.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for these three Hebrew children that still teaches me about courage, and faith, and what it truly important. And thank You that truth endures. Help me to apply these lessons today and every day.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Daniel 3:24-27
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
They replied, "Certainly, O king."
25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."
26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
Observation: "Tell me the old, old story..." That's a line out of the old hymnal that I remember singing in church when I was a kid. And reading this story about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego brings back memories of Sunday School class and the flannelgraph. The teacher took a cutout of the "three Hebrew children" and laid it in the middle of another cutout of a fearful-looking "flaming furnace." They were all tied up with lots of rope as they went in. (They got thrown into the furnace because they refused to worship the king's golden idol.) Then another cutout was substituted for the first one showing the three boys standing and smiling with no ropes binding them. Last, the teacher pulled them out of the furnace, like they were walking out, and they stood next to the image of the king and the large, golden idol. I love this old story!
Application: I love it because it teaches so many great spiritual and character lessons: courage, not yielding to peer pressure, God's power to protect, how God's truth trumps the enemy's blustery lies, and many more -- these are all there in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And while I have heard this story dozens of time, I still have something to learn from it. I always hoped I would have the courage to stand alone against the king and all the people with him. I pray that I would.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for these three Hebrew children that still teaches me about courage, and faith, and what it truly important. And thank You that truth endures. Help me to apply these lessons today and every day.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Title: Be Like Daniel / Topic: Great Character
Today’s Reading: Daniel 1; Daniel 2; Revelation 16
Scripture: Daniel 2:25-28
25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, "I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means."
26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), "Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?"
27 Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these..."
Observation: I love Daniel. The book and the man. The above scripture is a perfect example why. First, when King Nebuchadnezzar (one doosey of a name) decides to wipe out all the wise men because none of them can read his mind, Daniel keeps his head (literally). He appeals for more time and he prays. When God reveals King what's-his-name's dream to Daniel and he appears before the King, Daniel has the opportunity to toot his own horn, or put a feather in his cap, or strut his stuff, or any other stupid phrases that refer to self-promotion. But Daniel does no such thing. He actually begins by correcting King N when he assumes (a dangerous thing to do) that Daniel has the power to read minds. Daniel says, "nope, it's not me, it's God." (PMS Paraphrase) I love the fact that Daniel is not only wise, he is very humble. What a great guy.
Application: Be like Daniel.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for including Daniel's life stories in our Bible. It is so great to read about this young man who, though a prisoner in a foreign land, found a way to honor both God and men. Help me to be like Daniel, to keep my head, and always honor You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Daniel 2:25-28
25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, "I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means."
26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), "Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?"
27 Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these..."
Observation: I love Daniel. The book and the man. The above scripture is a perfect example why. First, when King Nebuchadnezzar (one doosey of a name) decides to wipe out all the wise men because none of them can read his mind, Daniel keeps his head (literally). He appeals for more time and he prays. When God reveals King what's-his-name's dream to Daniel and he appears before the King, Daniel has the opportunity to toot his own horn, or put a feather in his cap, or strut his stuff, or any other stupid phrases that refer to self-promotion. But Daniel does no such thing. He actually begins by correcting King N when he assumes (a dangerous thing to do) that Daniel has the power to read minds. Daniel says, "nope, it's not me, it's God." (PMS Paraphrase) I love the fact that Daniel is not only wise, he is very humble. What a great guy.
Application: Be like Daniel.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for including Daniel's life stories in our Bible. It is so great to read about this young man who, though a prisoner in a foreign land, found a way to honor both God and men. Help me to be like Daniel, to keep my head, and always honor You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Title: The Unstoppable Love Of God / Topic: Hope
Today’s Reading: Lamentations 3; Lamentations 4; Lamentations 5; Revelation 15
Scripture: Lamentations 3:19-22
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
Observation: Jeremiah is in the midst of deep misery -- even despair. But he catches himself and stops to reflect on the one thing that can bring a glimpse of hope, even amidst the death and destruction around him: the unstoppable love of God!
Application: No matter how deep my difficulties may be -- even with the resultant depression -- there is always a place to go for hope. And that place is into the arms of my loving Heavenly Father, "for his compassions never fail."
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing love, Your great compassion, and Your never-ending mercy. The fact that You continue to love me and reach out to me is amazing. Thank You. May Your character of love be born in my heart as I demonstrate faith in You to everyone around me. Make me like You, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Lamentations 3:19-22
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
Observation: Jeremiah is in the midst of deep misery -- even despair. But he catches himself and stops to reflect on the one thing that can bring a glimpse of hope, even amidst the death and destruction around him: the unstoppable love of God!
Application: No matter how deep my difficulties may be -- even with the resultant depression -- there is always a place to go for hope. And that place is into the arms of my loving Heavenly Father, "for his compassions never fail."
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing love, Your great compassion, and Your never-ending mercy. The fact that You continue to love me and reach out to me is amazing. Thank You. May Your character of love be born in my heart as I demonstrate faith in You to everyone around me. Make me like You, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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