Victory in Christ

God has always been forced to deal with stubbornness from His people and the Bible makes it clear that this angers Him  “But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 7:11-12) Paul tells us to be cautious about letting our stubborn attitudes keep us from repenting. “But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,” (Romans 2:3-5)

Today’s reading: Zechariah 1-4

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God spoke thru the prophet Haggai giving the people something they needed to do. “Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.” (Haggai 1:5) Again in verse 7 we see repeated “consider your ways”. Like was commanded to them, sometimes we need to do a self-examination and consider our ways, making sure they are in accordance with God’s Word. James reminds us to compare our lives to God’s Word, and be willing to make changes when we are not living in accordance with that Word. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:22-25)

Today’s reading: Haggai 1-2

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Sometimes there are people in our life who intentionally try to cause us stress like we see in today’s reading: “Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building,” (Ezra 4:4) But just like we see here, if we stay the course and follow God it will always work out for the best even if it takes longer that we expect. “Now the temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. Then the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites and the rest of the descendants of the captivity, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.” (Ezra 6:15-16)

Today’s reading: Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137

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As they were rebuilding the temple, the people got emotional. “And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.’ And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.” (Ezra 3:11) He had blessed them so much and they knew that His goodness has no limit and no end. “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5) We also have opportunity to receive that goodness. “The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Today’s reading: Ezra 1-3

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A few days ago we talked a little bit about things God hates. As Christians there are things that we should also hate. “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13) It seems pretty easy to dislike evil, but what about pride? When things are going our way it is easy to start getting a sense of pride in ourselves. James also warns us about being proud. “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6) I do not think a single one of us want to do anything that the scripture says God opposes. There is something we can be proud of and boast about. “so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:31) Everything good we have is from God. Forgiveness of our sins and eternal salvation are from Him thru His son, our Savior. Our boasting should be in what God has done and continues to do for us and what He can do for everyone who follows Him.

Today’s reading: Daniel 10-12

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In this section of scripture we read of the visions that Daniel received. Daniel also received interpretations of these visions. These were prophecies that came true exactly as they were told. Only God has this kind of power and His power was shown in the kingdom that was described to Daniel. “I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14) We have opportunity to be part of this kingdom that was described to Daniel. It is the kingdom that Christ purchased with His blood. “knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, even the blood of Christ:” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Today’s reading: Daniel 7-9

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The saying “Handwriting on the wall” originated from this section of scripture. God does not share His word in a miraculous way today, but He has provided us with His complete instruction manual for this life. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,” (2 Peter 1:3). “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17)

Today’s reading: Daniel 4-6

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When king Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that no one else could interpret, Daniel was able to tell the king everything about the dream and it’s meaning. Instead of taking credit for this ability, Daniel gave credit where credit was due. “Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.’” (Daniel 2:19-23) If we live our life in service to God doing His will and being a Christian example to others, we will glorify Him like Daniel. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Today’s reading: Daniel 1-3

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The prophet Joel brought the words of God to the people. “The word of the LORD that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel:” (Joel 1:1) Much of what he shared with them were words of warning. But the book ends with God’s love for His people being shown if they will just return to Him. “So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it.” (Joel 3:17) It is easy to see the true and living God and His love for us. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalms 46:10) To “be still” here does not mean to just sit around and do nothing. It means to trust in God and cast all of your cares on Him. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Today’s reading: Joel 1-3

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The book of Ezekiel ends with a naming: “… And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.” Won’t it be great when our home is where the Lord is! “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Today’s reading: Ezekiel 46-48

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