Today's Reading
"Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse." (Malachi 4:5, 6 NLT) Those are the last words received by a prophet of God for 400 years.
Tomorrow we will read of God breaking the silence...in the New Testament.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
September 29, Day 272
Today's Reading
Even though the people had seen such powerful work of God to restore them to their land and help them rebuild the Temple and the wall, they were quick to fall back into to their old patterns. They were so used to living by the customs of the world that they couldn't seem to break away from them. Many followers of Jesus struggle with the same thing.
Even though the people had seen such powerful work of God to restore them to their land and help them rebuild the Temple and the wall, they were quick to fall back into to their old patterns. They were so used to living by the customs of the world that they couldn't seem to break away from them. Many followers of Jesus struggle with the same thing.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
September 28, Day 271
Today's Reading
"So now today we are slaves in the land of plenty that you gave our ancestors for their enjoyment! We are slaves here in this good land. The lush produce of this land piles up in the hands of the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They have power over us and our livestock. We serve them at their pleasure, and we are in great misery." (Nehemiah 9:36, 37 NLT)
They were back "home" in Israel, but they still weren't free. During this time of seeking God together, they sought true freedom.
"So now today we are slaves in the land of plenty that you gave our ancestors for their enjoyment! We are slaves here in this good land. The lush produce of this land piles up in the hands of the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They have power over us and our livestock. We serve them at their pleasure, and we are in great misery." (Nehemiah 9:36, 37 NLT)
They were back "home" in Israel, but they still weren't free. During this time of seeking God together, they sought true freedom.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
September 27, Day 270
Today's Reading
Many years ago, I served on the staff of a church in another state. We had a man in that church, one of our leaders, who frequently approached us with complaints. "People are saying..." was his typical intro to the complaint. I discovered that the "people" of whom he spoke were usually his sister and brother-in-law, two very negative folks who complained often. They were against any change, even those which would help us touch more of our city with the love of Christ.
During that time, our pastor was preaching through the book of Nehemiah. He found an amazing truth in this verse: and this is what it said:
"There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. (Nehemiah 6:6 NLT) The name "Geshem", it turns out, means something very close to "people are saying." Rebuilding the Wall would help all the Jews, but some of them were so close to their enemies that they were betraying their own people. Nehemiah stayed on task and the Wall got built!
Many years ago, I served on the staff of a church in another state. We had a man in that church, one of our leaders, who frequently approached us with complaints. "People are saying..." was his typical intro to the complaint. I discovered that the "people" of whom he spoke were usually his sister and brother-in-law, two very negative folks who complained often. They were against any change, even those which would help us touch more of our city with the love of Christ.
During that time, our pastor was preaching through the book of Nehemiah. He found an amazing truth in this verse: and this is what it said:
"There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. (Nehemiah 6:6 NLT) The name "Geshem", it turns out, means something very close to "people are saying." Rebuilding the Wall would help all the Jews, but some of them were so close to their enemies that they were betraying their own people. Nehemiah stayed on task and the Wall got built!
Monday, September 26, 2011
September 26, Day 269
Yesterday, we read about Ezra cleaning up the spiritual mess in Jerusalem. About that time, Nehemiah heard about the sad condition of the walls around the city. He tasted the food and drink of he pagan king to block poisoning him. Now God was calling him to another mission: rebuild the walls. He would accomplish much and face great opposition.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
September 25, Day 268
We are in a season of many repossessions and resale of properties. I am told that it is common for foreclosed property to be in pretty bad shape. Today we return to the account of Ezra. Ezra wrote the first half of the history that bears his name, but it had happened some years before his arrival. in today's passage, he arrives and discovers that much about Jerusalem had to be cleaned up besides the rubble and dirt. The people's lives were a mess; even those of the spiritual leaders. God was with him and they dealt with much of the junk that accumulated during the years God's people had been in distant lands.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
September 24, Day 267
Today's Reading
Impaled on a pole? Our civilized minds don't embrace such barbarous deeds easily. They lived in a much more bloody time and place. God protected His people. That's the real story here.
Impaled on a pole? Our civilized minds don't embrace such barbarous deeds easily. They lived in a much more bloody time and place. God protected His people. That's the real story here.
Friday, September 23, 2011
September 23, Day 266
Today's Reading
The account of Esther is one if the most vivid and exciting in Scripture. I never tire of it. Each reading tells me more about the desperate plight of the Jews, the enemy's determination to annihilate them and God's love for them.
The account of Esther is one if the most vivid and exciting in Scripture. I never tire of it. Each reading tells me more about the desperate plight of the Jews, the enemy's determination to annihilate them and God's love for them.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
September 22, Day 265
Today's Reading
Watch, for the day of the Lord is coming... (Zechariah 14:1 NLT) All history leads toward that day and toward the new Jerusalem. I find that mysterious, yet my heart leaps with joy at the thought.
Watch, for the day of the Lord is coming... (Zechariah 14:1 NLT) All history leads toward that day and toward the new Jerusalem. I find that mysterious, yet my heart leaps with joy at the thought.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
September 21, Day 264
Today's Reading
O, how God loves His people and His city Jerusalem. Though He has allowed it to suffer again and again, it is His delight.
O, how God loves His people and His city Jerusalem. Though He has allowed it to suffer again and again, it is His delight.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
September 20, Day 263
Today's Reading
The prophet Zechariah brought the messages of God to the exiles who had returned to their homeland from Babylon. As they were rebuilding the city and the Temple, he told them that God wanted to rebuild the life of Jeshua, the high priest, who had fallen into sin. Satan wanted Jeshua to be left broken and unusable for God, but God had a higher plan.
Chapter 4 is a powerful word. It is by God's power that He accomplishes His purposes. We are at our best when we come to Him in broken humility and call on His name in the spiritual authority He has given us. The enemy is never afraid of us until we disarm the flesh and yield totally to the Spirit.
The prophet Zechariah brought the messages of God to the exiles who had returned to their homeland from Babylon. As they were rebuilding the city and the Temple, he told them that God wanted to rebuild the life of Jeshua, the high priest, who had fallen into sin. Satan wanted Jeshua to be left broken and unusable for God, but God had a higher plan.
Chapter 4 is a powerful word. It is by God's power that He accomplishes His purposes. We are at our best when we come to Him in broken humility and call on His name in the spiritual authority He has given us. The enemy is never afraid of us until we disarm the flesh and yield totally to the Spirit.
Monday, September 19, 2011
September 19, Day 262
Today's Reading
While Ezra recorded the history of rebuilding the Temple, Haggai and Zechariah had messages from God for the people. Even though they had been sent back to their homeland with commands to complete the Temple, they got excited about being "home" and started working on their own houses. It's a common temptation to want to make your own nest comfortable before you take care of business. I have faced it and so have many of you. Sometimes we all need warnings like the ones through Haggai.
While Ezra recorded the history of rebuilding the Temple, Haggai and Zechariah had messages from God for the people. Even though they had been sent back to their homeland with commands to complete the Temple, they got excited about being "home" and started working on their own houses. It's a common temptation to want to make your own nest comfortable before you take care of business. I have faced it and so have many of you. Sometimes we all need warnings like the ones through Haggai.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
September 18, Day 261
Today's Reading
God protected the rebuilding of His Temple and even used pagan kings to do it. His people faced opposition and kept going as long as they could. Finally, it was finished. What a celebration. Meanwhile, His people still in captivity could do nothing but weep as they thought of Jerusalem.
God protected the rebuilding of His Temple and even used pagan kings to do it. His people faced opposition and kept going as long as they could. Finally, it was finished. What a celebration. Meanwhile, His people still in captivity could do nothing but weep as they thought of Jerusalem.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
September 17, Day 260
With the return to Israel after 70 years of exile, we are nearing the end of the events of the Old Testament. If you were with us at Stone Ridge this summer of 2011, we studied the book of Zechariah, which was received and shared during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Note how God had preserved so many articles that had been stolen from the Temple. Note how God made a way for them to go back and rebuild. Their captivity was judgment for their disobedience and the judgment was complete; their hearts were humble and they were ready to go back. What a picture of how God faithfully works on us!
Friday, September 16, 2011
September 16, Day 259
Today's Reading
This last vision recorded by Daniel contains the most detail. He received it after many years of captivity. In fact, Cyrus of Persia was the king who sent captives back to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Centuries of events are included in the vision, which is hard for me to follow.
To me, the most interesting part of this passage is the picture it give of spiritual war going on in the invisible realm. The image of the archangel Michael fighting against the demon prince of Persia is confirmation that our true foes (Ephesians 6) are spiritual forces rather than flesh and blood.
This last vision recorded by Daniel contains the most detail. He received it after many years of captivity. In fact, Cyrus of Persia was the king who sent captives back to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Centuries of events are included in the vision, which is hard for me to follow.
To me, the most interesting part of this passage is the picture it give of spiritual war going on in the invisible realm. The image of the archangel Michael fighting against the demon prince of Persia is confirmation that our true foes (Ephesians 6) are spiritual forces rather than flesh and blood.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
September 15, Day 258
Today's Reading
I noticed that the visions Daniel saw in Chapters 7 and 8 were during the reign of Belshazzar. He was the king who saw the finger write on the wall. Each of those were prophetic of things to come in the distant future. Scholars have matched these visions to events in history, proving their accuracy.
Chapter 9 begins with Daniel grieving for the judgment on Jerusalem. Even though he was exiled from their when he was very young, it was the city of his dreams. He was broken to hear of its fall. As he intercedes for Jerusalem, he is given the vision of 70 weeks, often dissected and very mysterious.
I noticed that the visions Daniel saw in Chapters 7 and 8 were during the reign of Belshazzar. He was the king who saw the finger write on the wall. Each of those were prophetic of things to come in the distant future. Scholars have matched these visions to events in history, proving their accuracy.
Chapter 9 begins with Daniel grieving for the judgment on Jerusalem. Even though he was exiled from their when he was very young, it was the city of his dreams. He was broken to hear of its fall. As he intercedes for Jerusalem, he is given the vision of 70 weeks, often dissected and very mysterious.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
September 14, Day 257
Today's Reading
Lengthy time elapsed between each if today's chapters. In Chapter 4, I am reminded of times in my life when I knew I was doing wrong, but did it anyway. Daniel had warned Nebuchadnezzar of what would happen and begged him to repent; he remanned in his denial until it was too late.
Chapter 5, according to history, on the very night the Medes cut off the river that flowed through Babylon, allowing them to crawl under the fortified walls and overtake the city.
By Chapter 6, Daniel had lived under various pagan rulers and God continued to protect him.
Lengthy time elapsed between each if today's chapters. In Chapter 4, I am reminded of times in my life when I knew I was doing wrong, but did it anyway. Daniel had warned Nebuchadnezzar of what would happen and begged him to repent; he remanned in his denial until it was too late.
Chapter 5, according to history, on the very night the Medes cut off the river that flowed through Babylon, allowing them to crawl under the fortified walls and overtake the city.
By Chapter 6, Daniel had lived under various pagan rulers and God continued to protect him.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
September 13, Day 256
Today's Reading
What must it have been like to live in the days of Nebuchadnezzar? In Daniel 1, the chief of staff was afraid of him. In Chapter 2 he declared that Daniel's God was God of God's. Then in Chapter 3 he threw the three into the fiery furnace for worshiping Him. "Erratic" is the kindest word I can think of for him.
What must it have been like to live in the days of Nebuchadnezzar? In Daniel 1, the chief of staff was afraid of him. In Chapter 2 he declared that Daniel's God was God of God's. Then in Chapter 3 he threw the three into the fiery furnace for worshiping Him. "Erratic" is the kindest word I can think of for him.
Monday, September 12, 2011
September 12, Day 255
Today's Reading
I never fully noticed before the journey one takes through the book of Joel. It starts with the pronouncement of fierce judgment through a plague of locusts. It moves to repentance by God's people and restoration as God sees the repentance and takes action. It concludes with God and His people preparing for ward against God's enemies.
AND it contains this promise fulfilled at Pentecost as well as in us: "Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28 NLT)
I never fully noticed before the journey one takes through the book of Joel. It starts with the pronouncement of fierce judgment through a plague of locusts. It moves to repentance by God's people and restoration as God sees the repentance and takes action. It concludes with God and His people preparing for ward against God's enemies.
AND it contains this promise fulfilled at Pentecost as well as in us: "Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28 NLT)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
September 11, Day 254
Today's Reading
On this day, take time to remember the desperate condition of our world. The work of hatred done on 9/11/01 has left its indelible imprint on our generation. The price of our freedom is more than steep; let's be thankful for all who help protect it and us.
Ezekiel concludes with a city called, "the Lord is there." Out from it a river will flow that gets deeper and deeper as it moves away from the city. The water of the river will be full of life. Trees will grow on both sides of the river and, producing fruit every month, they will contain healing. What a description!
On this day, take time to remember the desperate condition of our world. The work of hatred done on 9/11/01 has left its indelible imprint on our generation. The price of our freedom is more than steep; let's be thankful for all who help protect it and us.
Ezekiel concludes with a city called, "the Lord is there." Out from it a river will flow that gets deeper and deeper as it moves away from the city. The water of the river will be full of life. Trees will grow on both sides of the river and, producing fruit every month, they will contain healing. What a description!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
September 10, Day 253
Today's Reading
I was fascinated today as I reflected on the cleansing of the altar and the requirements of the priests. In this day of grace, I find it too easy to lose sight of the holiness of God. How about you?
I was fascinated today as I reflected on the cleansing of the altar and the requirements of the priests. In this day of grace, I find it too easy to lose sight of the holiness of God. How about you?
Friday, September 9, 2011
September 9, Day 252
Don't get bogged down in today's reading. We are moving rapidly to the climactic conclusion of Ezekiel. This builder's description of the Temple is instruction enough to build one.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
September 8, Day 251
I listened to today's reading on my smartphone; I was on my way to Phoenix. It was so good, I listened to it twice. I prayed, "O God, would You bring life into the people of our region who are as spiritually dead as the dry bones?" Then I listened with great interest to the prophecy about Gog and Magog. Joel Rosenberg's book, The Ezekiel Option, is fiction; however, it masterfully dissects Ezekiel 38.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
September 7, Day 250
Today's Reading
As you may know, the word "pastor" means "shepherd". I take it very seriously these days when I read Ezekiel 34. It's a stern warning to those of us who pastor some of God's people.
As you may know, the word "pastor" means "shepherd". I take it very seriously these days when I read Ezekiel 34. It's a stern warning to those of us who pastor some of God's people.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
September 6, Day 249
Today's Reading
"Son of man, your people talk about you in their houses and whisper about you at the doors. They say to each other, `Come on, let's go hear the prophet tell us what the Lord is saying!' So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. (Ezekiel 33:30, 31 NLT)
It is probable that many churches are populated every weekend with people who attend for some type of personal or business or political gain. People may fooled by the smiles on their faces, but God is not. I pray for a true spiritual awakening in our region and our nation.
"Son of man, your people talk about you in their houses and whisper about you at the doors. They say to each other, `Come on, let's go hear the prophet tell us what the Lord is saying!' So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. (Ezekiel 33:30, 31 NLT)
It is probable that many churches are populated every weekend with people who attend for some type of personal or business or political gain. People may fooled by the smiles on their faces, but God is not. I pray for a true spiritual awakening in our region and our nation.
Monday, September 5, 2011
September 5, Day 248
Today's Reading
It's obvious that Tyre's king was very powerful and Tyre was very rich. Both this account and secular history attest to this. If we look deeper in Ezekiel 28 (and a parallel passage in Isaiah 14) we can see a reason for their worldly success. In verse 11, the attention shifts from the earthly king to the spiritual power behind him, Satan. Read verses 11-19 carefully. It's quite a description!
It's obvious that Tyre's king was very powerful and Tyre was very rich. Both this account and secular history attest to this. If we look deeper in Ezekiel 28 (and a parallel passage in Isaiah 14) we can see a reason for their worldly success. In verse 11, the attention shifts from the earthly king to the spiritual power behind him, Satan. Read verses 11-19 carefully. It's quite a description!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
September 4, Day 247
Today's Reading
In the same way that He had done with other prophets, God gave clear messages to Ezekiel concerning Israel's neighbors. Each nation would face judgment, no matter how rich and powerful they were. Our arrogance is laughable, if we think we have the resources to avoid God's judgment.
In the same way that He had done with other prophets, God gave clear messages to Ezekiel concerning Israel's neighbors. Each nation would face judgment, no matter how rich and powerful they were. Our arrogance is laughable, if we think we have the resources to avoid God's judgment.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
September 3, Day 246
Today's Reading
Furthermore, they have defiled my Temple and violated my Sabbath day! On the very day that they sacrificed their children to their idols, they boldly came into my Temple to worship! They came in and defiled my house. (Ezekiel 23:38, 39 NLT) I must remember this the next time I'm tempted to intentionally hold on to some sin and mindlessly join in worship. God notices!
Furthermore, they have defiled my Temple and violated my Sabbath day! On the very day that they sacrificed their children to their idols, they boldly came into my Temple to worship! They came in and defiled my house. (Ezekiel 23:38, 39 NLT) I must remember this the next time I'm tempted to intentionally hold on to some sin and mindlessly join in worship. God notices!
Friday, September 2, 2011
September 2, Day 245
Today's Reading
The scene in Chapter 22 could just as easily be in 2011. Immorality was rampant, leaders destroyed lives for their own financial gain and religious leaders refused to call sin what it is. God's judgment was on the way. But, "I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one. (Ezekiel 22:30 NLT)
Are you standing in the gap? Are you crying out to God for the salvation of our generation?
The scene in Chapter 22 could just as easily be in 2011. Immorality was rampant, leaders destroyed lives for their own financial gain and religious leaders refused to call sin what it is. God's judgment was on the way. But, "I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one. (Ezekiel 22:30 NLT)
Are you standing in the gap? Are you crying out to God for the salvation of our generation?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
September 1, Day 244
Today's Reading
"Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord . Repent, and turn from your sins. Don't let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord . Turn back and live! (Ezekiel 18:30-32 NLT). As I pray for lost people today, I am standing in faith on the Word of God. He doesn't desire them to perish, but to repent.
"Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord . Repent, and turn from your sins. Don't let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord . Turn back and live! (Ezekiel 18:30-32 NLT). As I pray for lost people today, I am standing in faith on the Word of God. He doesn't desire them to perish, but to repent.
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