Title: Before We Know/ Topic: Gods Love

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 7; Zechariah 8; Zechariah 9; Luke 13

Scripture: Zechariah 9:9
9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Observation: This verse is a well-known prophecy about the coming of Jesus. It was spoken hundreds of years before Jesus came and is referenced in the New Testament. God knew, long ago, what we would need in a savior. Someone righteous, able to save and gentle in spirit. He sent someone to be our Savior who perfectly meets all our needs, a Savior custom-designed for us.

Application: The thought that struck me as I read this very familiar verse is how much God shows his love for us by preparing everything we need way in advance of our even knowing we need it. Not only did he give us a perfect Savior but he provides comfort, courage, provision, correction, forgiveness, healing and everything else we need. We think these things appear for us when we need them, but actually he knew before we did when we would need them and prepared them beforehand. What an awesome God!

Prayer: Thank you Lord! Thank you for giving me comfort when I cried out to you in times of gut-wrenching grief that I thought would kill me; but you brought comfort just before all my hope was gone. You have been there for me in every time of trouble and every time of joy, giving me just what I need when I need it. My heart rejoices in you, my God and Savior.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Small Things Become Big with God/ Topic: Calling

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 4; Zechariah 5; Zechariah 6; Luke 12

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6-10
6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
7 "What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it! God bless it!' "
8 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 9 "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.
10 "Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.

Observation: What encouraging verses! Zerubbabel was given a huge task; to rebuild the temple from ruins. He must have felt overwhelmed. But God tells him it isn't by might or power but by His Spirit that the work will be accomplished. God also tells him that it will be like a mighty mountain becoming level ground before him. Then He tells Zerubbabel not to despise small beginnings. Small things become big when God gets involved!

Application: All I need to do is figure out what God has called me to do. If He gives the calling, He also gives the enabling and power to do it. Whenever I'm discouraged at my "small" results, I need to remember this encouragement of God to keep going, praying and depending on Him. He's big enough to handle the job.

Prayer: Father, I'm so impatient for seeing the big things and so easily discouraged when they don't happen on MY timetable. Help me to remember that you do all things well and in the perfect time. I just need to listen and obey. I receive your encouragement. Thank you for the power of the Spirit that helps us to carry out your divine call for us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Observations on Prayer/ Topic: Prayer

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 1; Zechariah 2; Zechariah 3; Luke 11

Scripture: Luke 11:2-13
2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.And lead us not into temptation.' "
5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Observation: When asked to teach the disciples to pray, Jesus tells them to include the following aspects into their prayers: 1) worship and praise of God – hallowed be thy name. 2) intercession – your kingdom come. 3) supplication for provision – give us each day our daily bread. 4) forgiveness for ourselves and others – verse 4 above. 5) protection from the enemy – lead us not into temptation. After teaching how to pray, Jesus gives some instructionon on when to pray and attitudes toward prayer. Pray always, without getting discouraged when the answer doesn't come right away. God's heart is to answer and His love for us is greater than that which we bear toward our own children.

Application: Jesus made a priority of prayer in his life. He is the best one to teach us how to think about prayer as well as how to DO prayer. The best application I can make in my life from these scriptures is to make praying a priority. The disciples asked Jesus about how to pray because they saw the correlation between Jesus' prayer life and the power he had. I need to follow his example.

Prayer: Father, I love you so much and yet busyness can often crowd out spending time with you in prayer. I can't use "busyness" as an excuse---we all choose the way we spend our time and what we say "yes" and "no" to. I choose to say yes to you. I want to know you more, love you more and serve you in the power of the Spirit more. That only comes through prayer.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Me First? / Topic: Giving

Today’s Reading: Haggai 1; Haggai 2; Psalm 129; Luke 10

Scripture: Haggai 1:3-6
3 Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: 4 "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" 5 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."

Observation: The Lord is challenging his people to consider the results of their priorities in work and spending. They have put off building God's house and have built for themselves nice paneled homes. They have also been working hard to be successful. The Lord points out to them that even though they have been working hard, the fruitfulness of their labor has produced little. In the verses that follow these, God makes it clear that if they will give both their money and their labor to build the house of the Lord that their crops will flourish and they will have more abundance than they have been able to produce on their own. By putting themselves first they were actually cheating themselves of what they wanted.

Application: This same lesson is still true today. God must be our #1 priority. We must obey him in giving as well as everything else. If we do, we will receive maximum blessing from him. If we do not, we will have to continue to work very hard for very little. It seems like such an easy choice and yet so many people have such a hard time making it. I want to work with God adding his blessing to my efforts so that I will get the most for my labor. Working hard for so little is not my idea of fun!

Prayer: Help me to always keep you as my first priority Lord, not only in giving but in every area of my life. I want all the blessing you can pour out on me. I want so much that it spills over on everyone I am around and draws them to you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Flattering Fakes/ Topic: Enemy Tactics

Today’s Reading: Ezra 4; Psalm 113; Psalm 127; Luke 9

Scripture: Ezra 4:1-3
1 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, "Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here." 3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, "You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us."

Observation: Notice how the enemies of the Israelites worked. Their tactics are much the same as the tactics Satan uses against us as individuals and as a Church. When they heard what Israel was going to do, they ask to join in "helping" do the work. "We are like you", they say. They flatter and intimate that their goals and motives are the same. But it's a lie. Zerubbabel and the other leaders are discerning enough to recognize the duplicity and take a tough and confrontational stand. Notice that they don't stand on their authority alone but cite the authority of the king who sent them to build.

Application: We need to recognize that Satan tries to come to church. He can do much more sabotage from the inside than from the outside. Most of us would recognize him if he came in to our churches as a crazed lunatic or an obviously evil person. Unfortunately, he most often enters in persons who would say they know and love Jesus, but they are unsubmitted to authority, are a law unto themselves, think themselves to be spiritually superior to those around them and, as a result, unwittingly cause division and chaos in many churches. We need to stay humble, teachable, correctable in order to make sure that our thoughts aren't led astray by the enemy causing us to become a destructive tool in his hand. We also need to discern the motivations of others and when we detect a person being used by the enemy, employ God's authority to kick them out.

Prayer: Father, may we never develop a spiritually superior attitude toward anyone else and may we be given discerning hearts to detect "flattering fakes" among us. Let us correctly use the authority that you have given us to defeat the tactics of our enemies.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Do It Anyway / Topic: Courage

Today’s Reading: Ezra 2; Ezra 3; Luke 8

Scripture: Ezra 3:3
3 Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and evening sacrifices.

Observation: This short verse contains what I believe is a great definition of courage. Courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in spite of it. The returning Israelites had been captive for seventy years under a hostile and sometimes brutal regime. Now a king came to power that gave them the freedom to go back to their homeland and rebuild a temple to their God. But the people living in the land of Israel when they returned didn't want them there. But despite their fear of the surrounding people they acted in obedience to God. They worshipped Him as He prescribed, and the Lord protected them.

Application: The lesson from this is simple. Do what is right in the eyes of the Lord regardless of the fear of being ostracized, made fun of, or even persecuted by others.

Prayer: Father, fill me with courage to do and speak what is right in all situations. I want to fear no man, only you. May your Church rise up with confidence born of courage and the conviction of knowing what is right. Thank you for your love, protection and enablement. May we all please You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Simple Life / Topic: Fulfilled Living

Today’s Reading: Ezra 1; Psalm 84; Psalm 85; Luke 7

Scripture: Psalm 85:10
10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Observation: I love these poetic words that express deep truths. Love and faithfulness meet together: True love cannot exist without faithfulness. Faithfulness implies not only loyalty to the loved one through good and bad times but also a self-sacrifice to insure the well-being of the one loved. Faithful love desires to make sure all the needs of the other one are met without a hint of martyrdom when sacrifice is required to meet those needs. Any other kind of love is narcissistic in nature; self is more important than the one loved. Righteousness and peace kiss each other: When one lives in integrity, doing what is right, peace is a natural result. There is no guilt, shame, or fear of discovery. A person living righteously can be totally transparent because his motives and actions are pure.

Application: It's so simple! Be faithful in love and live righteously and you will have a fulfilled life. Peace will reign in your heart.

Prayer: Father, thank you for making it simple for us to know how to have a happy life. May we all choose to live by your simple wisdom.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Cut Above / Topic: God's Standards

Today’s Reading: Daniel 11; Daniel 12; Luke 6

Scripture: Luke 6:32-36
32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Observation: This is one of my favorite scriptures because it is the first one that God used to really speak to my heart after I became a Christian. I realized after reading this that God's standards for love and forgiveness were a huge cut above my own. As the passage indicates, even sinners can love those who love them. They can lend if they expect payment back. But can they love when someone causes them deep emotional pain? Can they forgive and not hold a grudge if they loan money and it is never repaid? I've never met a non-Christian who can do these things. Even for a dedicated Christian it takes the empowerment of the Holy Spirit because it is normal and understandable to be upset and angry if someone wrongs you or cheats you out of money. But Christians are required to have more than just natural reactions, they are supposed to have supernatural reactions.

Application: Every time I'm deeply hurt I have the opportunity to use the experience to become more like Jesus. To quote an old phrase, I can become bitter or I can become better. I choose to become better. I need to spend time in my Lord's presence until the pain becomes mercy. This is part of sharing in the fellowship of His suffering (Phillipians 3:15). It also keeps me free. Loving my enemies means I can be in their presence and experience no negative emotions. I'm no longer tied to them through pain. I'm tied to my Lord in love.

Prayer: May I always love as you do, Lord, and forgive with the full grace and mercy of your Spirit. May the ability to love and forgive through anything be a testimony to others and lead them to you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Patience, Patience! / Topic: Prevailing Prayer

Today’s Reading: Daniel 9; Daniel 10; Psalm 123; Luke 5

Scripture: Daniel 10:2-3, 12-13
2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. ...

12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.

Observation: Daniel received a troubling vision from God that he didn't understand so he began to fast and pray for enlightenment from God as to its meaning. He sought God earnestly, denying himself normal food and pleasures for 3 weeks before an angelic messenger came with the answer. The words of the angel are interesting. He tells Daniel that as soon as he started praying, God heard his prayer and sent the angel in response. But the angel had resistance in getting to Daniel with the answer. A demonic ruling spirit called the prince of Persia battled the angel for three weeks before another angel came to help so that the message could get through.

Application: What are the lessons for me from this? I need to be willing to fast and pray more than I do if I want answers to come. I need to be patient and persistent in my pursuit of wisdom, revelation and direction from God. I need to remember that there is an unseen spiritual battle going on all the time and that my persistence in prayer helps the angels win the battle. If Daniel had stopped praying for the 3 weeks it took for the answer to come, would he have received it? I don't know but I think perhaps not. Maybe the second angel wouldn't have been dispatched so that the first could get through to Daniel. So often, when I pray, if an answer doesn't come immediately, I give up and come to the erroneous conclusion that God either doesn't care about the particular thing I'm praying about, or, more often, that I've done something wrong and so I need to figure out what I need to repent of so my prayers will be answered. The lesson of Daniel is that there are times we just need to engage in persistent prayer and fasting because of the heat of battle in the spiritual realm.

Prayer: Father, give me focus, discipline and patience when it comes to seeking answers from you in prayer. May the whole church gain patience and persistence in prayer and stop having such a short attention span and getting frustrated when answers aren't immediately forthcoming. Teach us to be like Daniel.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Path to Victory/ Topic: Overcoming Temptation

Today’s Reading: Daniel 7; Daniel 8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

Scripture: Luke 4:1-12
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'"
5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours."
8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
12 Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test."

Observation: Here in the record of the temptation of Christ we see the ways in which he was tempted in every way as we yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). The lust of the flesh: After 40 days of fasting, real, life-threatening starvation begins to set in. The body craves food because hunger pangs have returned (during long fasts hunger pangs actually stop after 3-4 days). Yet even though his body is crying out for food and he is physically weak, he overcomes the yearning of his flesh and relies on the Word of God. The lust of the eyes: Satan offers Jesus all authority, power, riches, everything the world has to offer. Everything humans strive for. All he has to do is to worship Satan and he gets it all without having to ever suffer on the cross. But he overcomes againwith the Word of God. The pride of life: Satan's last attempt to cause Jesus to sin is to attack his identity, the very core of who he is. "If you are the son of God..." then prove it, taunts the devil. But Jesus is secure in his identity and doesn't feel the need to prove himself. Again, he overcomes Satan with the Word of God.

Application: I need to be adept at using the Word as a weapon against the enemy of my soul just as Jesus did. He is my example in how to overcome. Satan also used the Word to try to get Jesus to succumb to temptation. The devil is very good at twisting the Word to try to create reasonable sounding justifications for doing wrong. This is a favorite tactic of his with weak or immature believers who aren't grounded in the Word AND in a personal, intimate walk with God. I need the Spirit's help to discern truth from error.

Prayer: Father, I've seen so many loved ones fail because they listened to the voice of Satan twisting scripture so they could justify indulging the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the pride of life. Teach us all to study your Word and to pray and listen to the voice of the Spirit. Make us effective warriors who use the weapons you give us skillfully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: What's That You Say?/ Topic: Communication

Today’s Reading: Daniel 5; Daniel 6; Psalm 130; Luke 3

Scripture: Daniel 5:25-28
25 "This is the inscription that was written: Mene , Mene , Tekel , Parsin
26 "This is what these words mean: Mene : God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
27 Tekel : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
28 Peres : Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

Observation: These scriptures are interesting to me because they represent God speaking to a man in an unknown tongue that has to be interepreted by a spiritual man; much like the gift of tongues needs interpretation when exercised in a church service. One of the major arguments I have heard from proponents that claim the gift of tongues is not for today and a "false" application of the Word is that they have been in services where tongues were spoken and the word in "tongues" was very short but the interpretation was very long (or vice versa). How could it be real if there was such a difference in length? Someone must be making something up or the lengths would be more even. Wrong! Here we have just such an example written down for us. Only three different words are written by God on the wall (one is repeated twice) but Daniel's interpretation of them is quite lengthy in comparison. It's also interesting to note that this terrible prophetic word comes to the king because he refused to heed the life message of his father, who had come to know God. Many sorrows in life would be averted if adult children, as well as younger ones, would listen to their parents advice and honor their life teachings.

Application: God's ways of communicating are numerous and beyond human intellectual disection. They are spiritually discerned and come through the spirit into the mind, not the other way around. I must work to grow my spiritual senses if I want to hear all the ways God communicates to me.

Prayer: Father, help me to grow in my ability to hear all your forms of communication clearly, whether that communication comes in the form of tongues, dreams, impressions, words from fellow believers, visions, the Bible or any of the plethora of methods You have for getting Your message across. Most of all I just want to thank you for your desire to communicate with us. I want to hear, understand and obey.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Sign/ Topic: True Motives

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 47; Ezekiel 48; Luke 2

Scripture: Luke 2:34, 35
34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.

Observation: Jesus is the sign that divides humanity and reveals the true motivations of hearts. He is anything but benign. People that consider themselves very loving and spiritual can suddenly turn very ugly when someone says that Jesus is the only way to heaven. The idea that basically good people need to repent (or have any sin that is bad enough to necessitate repentance) outrages many. Any Christian who stands on these truths will also be spoken against as Jesus is. Do not be surprised when otherwise reasonable and intelligent people suddenly turn into raving maniacs when it is suggested that they aren't good enough to get into heaven on the basis of their own merits.

Application: I must stand for the truth. I must say what the Bible says without compromising any of it to keep people from feeling uncomfortable. I do not seek confrontation and I want to get along with everyone, treating them with respect and kindness. But confrontation is unavoidable as a Christian. If I avoid it at all costs then I must face the fact that Jesus is a sign that is revealing the thoughts in my heart and that those thoughts say I love myself and my comfort more than I love God.

Prayer: Father, I love you so much. If my Lord is spoken against, I want to stand with him in that. May I live my life in such a way that I will be able to convince many of the truth. Show me always the true motivations of my heart so that I may keep it in line with what the Spirit desires.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Fun with Math/ Topic: God's Sense of Humor

TodayÂ’s Reading: Ezekiel 45; Ezekiel 46; Luke 1

Scripture: Ezekiel 45:12
12 The shekel is to consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels equal one mina.

Observation: There are some funny things in the Bible. It's a reminder to me that God has a sense of humor. I can just see the Israelites after reading this verse, counting on their fingers to figure out that a mina is 60 shekels. Why didn't God just say that in the first place? Sometimes I think he just likes us to have to think and work a bit to understand his word. God is a little quirky sometimes, a bit inscrutable in his ways. I think he enjoys watching us to see if we "get it" when it comes to some of his puzzles. This is actually a pretty simple one. If you watch for them, there are more complex ones (Revelation is full of puzzles). He knows the answers to all of them, but I do think he has some fun with us, just as we do with our kids when we don't give them straight-forward answers but "tease" them with questions or statements that make them think.

Application: God is not a stuffed shirt. He has a sense of humor. He can be a little "quirky" so I don't think he minds when we are too. I think he really enjoys the differences in all of us. We need to not be so "uptight" and demanding of people that we can't stop and be amused by the differences and thank God for them.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for a sense of humor. We're made in your image and I think our ability to laugh and find the humor in things is a gift from you. I appreciate it Lord. May we all enjoy one another's little quirks and foibles as part of the unique expressions of your handiwork in us.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The End/ Topic: Jesus' Coming

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 42; Ezekiel 43; Ezekiel 44; Revelation 22

Scripture: Revelation 22:16-20
16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."
17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Observation: Revelation is a book about Jesus. He is revealed as the Beginning and the End, Redeemer, the Lamb, King of Kings, Supreme Ruler, Judge, Advocate, our Groom and so much more. These last verses of Revelation contain an invitation and a warning. "Come!" says Jesus. Anyone with any need is invited to live in eternity with Jesus in heaven. The warning is that no one better dare add to or take away any of the words of this book of prophecy. These words alone are enough to keep me from being convinced to follow any religion such as Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses who change, add to or take away from the Bible as we know it. After these words, Jesus gives us the assurance that he is coming again---and soon. Amen!

Application: I must hold to the Bible alone as the Word of God. And I must plan as if Jesus will come a hundred years from now but live like he's coming tomorrow. He may very well do that. Then, what a party! No more pain of any kind, just glorious celebration.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your gracious invitation to all. And I echo John's sentiment: Come quickly Lord!
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: No Cowardly Lions in Heaven/ Topic: Fear

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 40; Ezekiel 41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

Scripture: Revelation 21:8
8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

Observation: I have always understood that those who persist in the sins of idolatry, sexual immorality, occult worship and other vile things would be punished for their unrepentance in the final judgment. But the cowardly? This verse lumps them in with all these other really bad people. I would never have thought of being cowardly as a sin, more just a weakness. Apparently my view doesn't square with God's. Guess who's wrong? I know God says perfect love casts out fear, that we are not to fear, that we are to stand and be counted for Him when it's appropriate. But I would never have suspected that God had such strong feelings about cowardice as to lump it in with murder, lying, occult practices and sexual immorality. Hmmm. Interesting.

Application: I need to take a different view toward my feelings of fear; they are not just an understandable weakness, they are sin. I need to repent of fear and lack of courage as I do any other sin and I must do battle against them. Fear is out to destroy me and God HATES it! I must make no more excuses for it and give no quarter to it in my life.

Prayer: Father, smash to bits every fear that I have. May every bit of reticent lack of courage be eliminated from my life. It reveals a lack of trust in You and I don't want any of it in me. May I be fearless in facing and defeating all fear through the power of your Holy Spirit. I want to be strong and courageous in You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Faith of Our Fathers (and Mothers)/ Topic: Indoctrination

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

Scripture: Psalm 145:4, 13-14, 18-20
4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

Observation: I love this Psalm! It contains such a beautiful description of God and what he is like. It also gives an instruction to adults, whether they are parents or not. We adults are to tell the generations after us about the Lord. We are to speak of what he has personally done for us and we are to teach children what he is like; who he is. This psalm brings out a number of key elements that we have the responsibility to make sure those who follow us understand: 1. God is the ultimate authority in the universe and his kingdom is everlasting (v.13) 2. He is faithful and loving (v.13) 3. He helps the weak and lifts those who are burdened (v.14) 4. The Lord is near (involved and personal) to all and listens to those who pray to him in truth (without ulterior motives) (v. 18) 5. He fulfills the heart desires of those who fear him and protects them (v.19) 6. The Lord always watches over those who love him for their good but the wicked will be destroyed! (v. 20)

Application: If God considers these truths to be the important ones we focus on, we need to make sure we adequately indoctrinate our young people with these messages. God stresses his supremacy, his love and faithfulness to all who love him, and his judgment of wickedness. I think it's especially important that young people understand that God doesn't mind their weakness (v.14), he just wants them to call on him, love and trust him. I need to make sure I am passing on the message.

Prayer: Father, help me to be consistently speaking of you, what you've done in my life, and of the beauty of your character to young people. May I take every opportunity to praise you before them. And may they listen, learn and respond in faith.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Life from Death/ Topic: Resurrection Power

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 36; Ezekiel 37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-3; 9-10
1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know."

9 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' " 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

Observation: I love this story! It fills me with hope every time I read it. Ezekiel is taken to a valley full of dead, dry bones and the Lord asks him if the bones can live again. I always thought Ezekiel's answer was very wise, "...Lord, you alone know". He doesn't want to get caught by a trick question. To any thinking person, those bones are as dead as anything can get; no life is possible. But nothing is impossible with God! He brings them to life and then asks Ezekiel to prophecy the breath of life into them and they came to life! Notice that God has Ezekiel participate in this amazing resurrection by prophecying. Ezekiel had to take action for the miracle to take place.

Application: When I have situations that seem absolutely without any hope or dreams that have died, I can pray and ask God to bring his resurrection power to bear on the situation. God gives hope to the hopeless, power to the weak, laughter to those who mourn and strength to the weary. I can come to him when I am in any of these states and have him breathe his breath of life into me! I can also ask him to bring his resurrection power to bear on any situation that needs it. I do need to prepare to act on anything he tells me to do as part of that process though, or it may not happen. Ezekiel had to obey the Lord by speaking the words of prophecy over the bones in order for them to live. If I'm not prepared to participate with God, I shouldn't expect his power to manifest itself on my behalf.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that you can make dead things live! Thank you for allowing me to participate in your miracles. May I be ever ready to do so.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: My Brother's Keeper/ Topic: Responsibility

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 33; Ezekiel 34; Ezekiel 35; Revelation 18

Scripture: Ezekiel 33:7-9; 34:2-4
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.

'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost.

Observation: Here are two different scriptures; one directed to Ezekiel himself and the other to all the spiritual leaders of Israel. They both contain the same message--- we are our brother's keeper. We have a responsibility to one another to try to keep one another on track with God. Ezekiel is told that if he doesn't warn people of their sin and try to dissuade them from it, then he will receive punishment for not warning them. God does give boundaries though. Ezekiel isn't responsible for their choices once they've been warned; each person makes his/her own choice. Likewise, the leaders are told that they are responsible for caring for the flock. They can't just teach the Word and not try to heal the broken or search for and bring back the lost. Again, they can't make someone receive healing or stay in the flock but they are required to do all they can to try. If they don't, they are subject to God's judgment.

Application: I've heard some Christians scoff at the sentiment that says, "It takes a village to raise a child". They say that philosophy is new age garbage that negates personal responsibility and promotes "state run" parenting. They point out that God gave parents the job of raising children, not the "village". There is truth in their objection. But there is a balancing truth also. God has made it clear that there is an aspect in which we are "our brother's keeper" and responsible for each other. I must accept what God has said and not shy away from or become weary of speaking the truth to others, even if they don't respond. The reponse is their responsibility; the speaking of truth and even trying to get them to come back into the fold, heal them and care for them is mine.

Prayer: Father, I must admit that sometimes I do weary of trying to bring back lost sheep that are stubborn. I have had so many refuse to receive kind warning and help that I sometimes don't reach out at all. Forgive me. I want to be commended by You for doing my part well. I certainly don't want to come under Your judgment for not being my brother's keeper as I ought. Teach me to be a good sheep who willingly follows direction and also to be a good shepherd who cares and searches for the lost ones so that they may be healed. Encourage me so I don't get weary of doing this when some of the sheep refuse care.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Let Go and Let God / Topic: Protection

Today’s Reading: Daniel 3; Daniel 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

Scripture: Psalm 81:11-14
11 "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.
13 "If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways,
14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!

Observation: The message of these verses is so simple but important. If we are stubborn and refuse to submit to God's ways, he will let us do things our way, BUT, the cost of that is that we have to provide for and protect ourselves. We remove ourselves from God's protection (and provision as mentioned in verses before and after these). We create more work and problems for ourselves by not submitting to and following God. Notice God is speaking about His own people here, not people of a different faith.

Application: It's possible for Christians who go to church and give verbal and mental assent to the Lordship of Jesus to behave in ways that indicate they are their own masters and unsubmissive to God. They can expect that they will receive no particular protection from Him. I don't want to be in that place. I want to let go of self-determination and follow God. Then He is responsible for my protection and provision.

Prayer: Father, I'm wise enough to know that you can do a better job protecting and providing for me that I can for myself. Making my own decisions outside of your counsel isn't worth the price I would be paying for the privilege. I want to serve you and have you as my master. Help me to be a wise, obedient servant.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: So Not Worth It!/ Topic: Arrogance

Today’s Reading: Daniel 1; Daniel 2; Revelation 16

Scripture: Revelation 16:9, 10, 21
9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him... Men gnawed their tongues in agony 11 and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done... (21b) And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible. (emphasis added)

Observation: These verses in Revelation always amaze me. It shows the hardness of heart and arrogance of the people that God is judging. In three different places it says they knew it was God bringing these judgments and yet they refused to repent. Not only did they refuse to repent but they cursed God for punishing them. They put themselves in the place of judging God by declaring their anger at his "unfair" judgments. Incredible arrogance! They have even had angels preaching the gospel to them before this and still they would rather keep their right of self-determination than repent of their sins and submit to God.

Application: Again, these verses make the point that arrogance that causes one to be absolutely unteachable and unsubmissive is a killer. It is this attitude that I must guard my heart against more than any other. It will cause me to justify any attitude or behavior I want to, and it will harden my heart against God and His Word.

Prayer: Father, I ask that your Spirit search me and try me and see if there be any wicked way in me. Especially cause me to be aware of any arrogant self-determination. I want to remain teachable always. Help us to train our children to be humble and teachable too. Forgive my sins as a parent and lead my children to embrace this truth as well. Give them hearts of flesh and not stone. May they submit to You fully and to the human spiritual authorities You have placed in their lives. Keep my grandchildren in Your hand as well and may they be trained to trust in and submit to You in all things. May their parents have wisdom and joy in raising them and may they always honor their parents.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Fall From Grace/ Topic: Intercession

Today’s Reading: Lamentations 3; Lamentations 4; Lamentations 5; Revelation 15

Scripture: Lamentations 4:5,6
5 Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets. Those nurtured in purple now lie on ash heaps.
6 The punishment of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment without a hand turned to help her.

Observation: This entire chapter speaks about the fall of the people of Judah and Jerusalem from the grace of God. Once prosperous, they are now destitute. Jeremiah cries out to God about the punishment of the nation for their sins. Jeremiah is personally suffering, along with others who have remained obedient to God, even though they aren't a part of the problem. The point is, when an entire nation comes under the judgment of God, the righteous suffer along with everyone else, even though God does afford them some protection against the worst of what goes on.

Application: God calls us, as Christians, to pray and intercede for our government and for righteousness to prevail in the land. (1 Timothy 2:1-3 , 2 Chronicles 7:14 ). The passage in 1 Timothy makes it clear that this prayer is so that we may lead peaceable lives with no outside trouble. If I care about others, myself, my children and grandchildren, I need to take very seriously the call of God to be a prayer warrior who daily prays for the nation in which I live. If I don't, I become part of the reason that society deteriorates morally to the point where God will bring judgment. Then I will suffer along with everyone else.

Prayer: Father, sometimes I get so caught up with what is going on in my own personal life and the lives of those I love that I don't take time to pray for my country. Forgive me for my lack of love and my lack of responsibility in this regard. I know there are many sinful things we have allowed to become a part of our society for which you could bring serious judgment. I want to be faithful to answer the call to be a part of the solution by interceding for my land. Help me to motivate others to do the same. It's so important. Heal our land Lord. Forgive us for the shedding of innocent blood through abortion and violence. Bring people to repentance and belief in You. Soften their hearts and remove the blinders that the enemy has placed on the eyes of their hearts.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Truth About Hell / Topic: Eternity

Today’s Reading: Lamentations 1; Lamentations 2; Obadiah 1; Revelation 14

Scripture: Revelation 14:9-11
9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, 10 he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name."

Observation: I have heard some very sincere Christians say that they believe it's only the devil and his demons that will suffer eternal torment in hell. They contend that a loving God would not be so cruel as to make any humans suffer forever just because they sinned and didn't repent. Their view is that rebellious people will just die (what's called "annihilation" by some) and there souls will simply cease to exist. They have a hard time explaining away such clear passages as this one. If you know the truth, it will set you free, and the truth is that arrogance which hardens a person's heart so that they won't submit to God will result in eternal torment. What is amazing is that up to the end, God is giving people a chance to hear the Word and repent (see v. 6,7 of this chapter).

Application: In the light of these truths, I need to make sure my heart stays humble and submissive to God. I also need to make sure I tell people the truth that is stated clearly in the Bible. I don't want anyone going to hell because they have been deceived that they can live however they want to and the worst that will happen is that they will cease to exist at the end of this life.

Prayer: Father, thank you for being clear and for giving people multiple opportunities to submit to you. I want my heart to always be submissive to you. I am your daughter and I want to please you with my compliance, love and respect.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Losing the Battle/ Topic: Perseverance

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 42; Jeremiah 43; Jeremiah 44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

Scripture: Revelation 13:7-10
7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. 9 He who has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

Observation: "Greater is He who is within you than he who is in the world"
(1 John 4:3-5 ); "Resist the devil and he will flee from you"(James 4:7). These are promises that we rely on, but God says there will be a period of time where the saints will have no victory over Satan in the physical realm. Satan will have power to motivate earthly powers to imprison, torture and kill us. God warns us of this and tells us we will have to patiently endure with faith through these times. Why does God allow this? I have some ideas but I honestly don't know with certainty. The "why's" don't really matter anyway. We must trust God that what He allows is for an ultimately good purpose.

Application: The bottom line is to stay close to Jesus through everything. Good times, bad times, all times. The end game is that we get to spend eternity with God in a perfect environment where we will never have to suffer pain ever again. I'd rather go through a short time of hell on earth than an eternity of hell and suffering away from God and anything good. Since those are the only two choices, I choose the former. Jesus wins!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for warning us of what is to come so that we aren't caught by surprise. Even now we have trials that we must endure with patience and faith. I thank you for calling me to know you, for saving me, and for walking closely with me as I choose to walk closely with you. You are absolutely wonderful.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Too Much Positive Thinking / Topic: Wisdom

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40; Jeremiah 41; Revelation 12

Scripture: Jeremiah 40:13-14, 16
13 Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers still in the open country came to Gedaliah at Mizpah 14 and said to him, "Don't you know that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?" But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them.
16 But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, "Don't do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true."

Observation: Gedaliah gets some secret intelligence from a trusted friend that could save his life, but he refuses to listen to and heed it. Why? I believe Gedaliah was a very nice man who wanted to believe the best about everybody. In general, that's a good thing to do. But there is a kind of "positive thinking" widely taught today (but which has been around a long time) that is out of balance. It denies the existence of evil motivation in people. This thinking promotes the idea that human nature is good and is only corrupted by environmental factors. If we only "think positive" about everyone and treat them with kindness then any bad influences on them will be overcome with good. Gedaliah demonstrates this thinking in response to his friend's warning about Ishmael, who wanted to kill him. His positive thinking cost him his life.

Application: I want to think positively, as the Bible teaches I should (Philippians 4:8 ), but I want to also think using discernment and a balanced view of truth. The Bible teaches that evil resides in the heart of every man. Positive thinking and being kind cannot drive it out of others. I am to be kind because it's the right thing to do but I must also listen to warnings and at least be careful and watchful when I get them (Matthew 10:16 ). Just because someone has been a friend (like Ishmael was to Gedaliah) doesn't mean they can't be enticed to sin by the enemy. We need to be positive aout people but also have the attitude of Jesus, who, the Bible tells us, didn't entrust himself to any man because he knew what was in the heart of a man (John 2:23-25 ).

Prayer: Give me wisdom Lord! I need your Holy Spirit to give me discernment into men's hearts, for you alone know their true motives. I want to believe for the best in people and to be positive but to also have that attitude tempered by truth. Thank you for guiding me. Let me be a person of integrity that others can trust. I want to be led by your Spirit in all my words, actions and attitudes.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Not Quite Yet/ Topic: God's Rulership

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 29; Ezekiel 30; Ezekiel 31; Ezekiel 32; Revelation 11

Scripture: Revelation 11:16-18
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great— and for destroying those who destroy the earth." (emphasis added)

Observation: Finally we see a glimpse of the beginning of the end. The last judgment is going to be poured out on earth and the dead, as well as the living and all spiritual forces of evil, will be judged. The words that caught my attention were in verse 17: "you have taken your great power and have begun to reign." We sing songs of worship in church NOW that declare our God reigns (present tense). So are we wrong? Is God not reinging yet? Yes and no. As these verses, and the entire Book of Revelation declare, our Lord is the ultimate power of the universe and will reign forever. But Satan is currently described as "the prince and power of the air"(Ephesians 2:1-3 ) on this planet. Satan rules this planet right now, but God rules the universe, and will interrupt Satan's rule even now, especially in answer to the prayers of his people.

Application: I need to remember that until the Lord takes back full rulership of the earth at the end of the world, there will be a battle going on. When bad things happen, it is because Satan still has power on this planet and he is fighting to maintain his control. My prayers mean he suffers defeat in some battles, but he still has power to inflict harm. Prayer by the church is the most powerful weapon we have to stop Satan from inciting evil and destruction on our planet. I need to use it more. So do we all.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that some day there will be no more battles. You will reign completely over the whole universe, including this planet where Satan now raises hell among us. I think part of why you still allow Satan some authority here is that you're training us to become strong in faith and to know we can win when we depend on you and engage your heavenly forces in the battle with us through prayer and praise. So may we all be good soldiers that use our weapons with skill and without wearying. Give us strength and determination until that Day when your Kingdom fully comes.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Don't Gloat!/ Topic: Vengeance

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 25; Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27; Ezekiel 28; Revelation 10

Scripture: Ezekiel 25:3,4
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you said "Aha!" over my sanctuary when it was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile, 4 therefore I am going to give you to the people of the East as a possession.

Observation: God brought judgment on Israel because of their sin, but He didn't put up with any other countries rejoicing over their punishment. Every single nation that rejoiced over Israel's downfall was judged and punished by God for doing so.

Application: Don't rejoice over the problems of your enemies! God doesn't rejoice over having to punish anyone and he doesn't want us to either. God even says that if we gloat over our enemies' punishment that He will stop His judgment of them prematurely (Proverbs 24:17-18 ). He reserves the right to dole out vengeance (Hebrews 10:29-31 ). We can pray for protection from our enemies and even that God will judge them, but we risk falling under judgment ourselves if we take pleasure in their suffering (Psalm 55:14-16 , Psalm 59:1-3 ).

Prayer: Father, I do pray that my enemies will be defeated. I pray that you will protect me from them for they desire my destruction. I also pray that you will keep my heart pure. I forgive all those who wish me ill and I pray that you will bring them to repentance. Let my heart never rejoice in the suffering of others, no matter who they are.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: X-Rated Talk/ Topic: Betrayal

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 22; Ezekiel 23; Ezekiel 24; Revelation 9

Scripture: Ezekiel 23:18-21
18 When she carried on her prostitution openly and exposed her nakedness, I turned away from her in disgust, just as I had turned away from her sister. 19 Yet she became more and more promiscuous as she recalled the days of her youth, when she was a prostitute in Egypt. 20 There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses. 21 So you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when in Egypt your bosom was caressed and your young breasts fondled. (emphasis added)

Observation: The language and imagery that God uses to describe the betrayal of His people is shockingly graphic. This is x-rated literature! Why would God talk like this? I think He wants to shock us. He uses sexual imagery to relate His feelings about His people worshipping other gods to a husband's feelings toward an adulterous wife or a father's feelings regarding a daughter who has become a prostitute. God is trying to communicate to us the emotional impact on Him when we stray from His love. The intimacy of the sexual act is meant for two people in love to share in a totally private setting. In any other setting it becomes two (or more) people simply fulfilling animalistic desires with lust, but not necessarily any love, involved.

Application: God's love for me runs as deep as a devoted husband or father. He feels as possessive and protective of me as a husband and father would be. When I give my love to any other person or thing He is hurt. I don't want to hurt my loving God. I want to treat God with the kind of respect that a loving father and a devoted husband deserves. He must be number one in my life. How wonderful that He feels such passion for me! To be that desired is thrilling.

Prayer: Father, thank you for communicating to me the depth and intensity of your passion for me in terms I can understand. I want to be worthy of your love. I desire to be faithful to You and You alone.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Greatest Power in the Universe/ Topic: Redemption

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 20; Ezekiel 21; Psalm 111; Revelation 8

Scripture: Psalm 111: 9,10
9 He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Observation: Redemption---What an awesome word! It means there are no garbage cans in heaven. God can redeem even our mistakes and make something useful, something of benefit to us, out of them. When we submit our lives to God, even pain that comes to us (whether through our own bad choices or through others inflicting it on us) can be used by God for a positive purpose. This redemption is based on a covenant He made with us that lasts FOREVER! We can leave Him but He will never leave us. Hallelujah!

Application: Nothing is wasted in my life if I am submitted to God. He is the only one who can make the difficult and painful things in my life into something productive. I must stay close to Him, otherwise, the rough times in life, which are inevitable, will become destructive to me. I choose the miracle of redemption over the plan of the enemy, which is to keep me depressed, angry or bitter over disappointments and tragedies in my life.

Prayer: Father, sometimes I am so slow to receive your healing touch. I am so very thankful that you are always there for me --- ready to work your redemptive power in all the situations where I have only "why's" and no answers. As I focus on You, my "why's" turn to praise for your grace, love, comfort and your creative genius, which is the only power in the universe that can redeem garbage and turn it into a work of beauty. Thank you!
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Heart of the Judge/ Topic: God's Motivation

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 17; Ezekiel 18; Ezekiel 19; Revelation 7

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:23, 30-32
23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

30 "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

Observation: Some people think that if God judges at all, He is not a God worth serving. But here is such a clear explanation of His motivation and His heart toward us. He takes NO pleasure in the death of the wicked. He continually pleads with people to repent and is SO ready to forgive when they do. Though He takes no pleasure in punishing the wicked, He MUST do so if pride prevents them from repenting and changing. Otherwise, the peace and perfection of heaven which He promises those who follow Him is a lie and an illusion. If any evil person is allowed in, pain will enter also.

Application: The bottom line for me is to keep my heart humble. I must be ready to repent quickly when sin is brought to my attention. I also have a responsibility to warn others of coming judgment and to plead with them to repent. Otherwise I bear some responsibility for their spiritual death. See Ezekiel 3:17-19 , Galatians 6:1-3

Prayer: Father, may my heart remain soft and my spirit humble so that I'm always quick to respond to the rebuke of Your Spirit, which is given as a gift to keep me on the path of life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Life and Death/ Topic: Eternity

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 15; Ezekiel 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6

Scripture: Revelation 6:9, 15-17
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.

15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

Observation: Fact: We will all die. Fact: Some of us who are Christians will be tortured and killed because of our faith in Jesus. Fact: Those who refuse to serve Jesus will also suffer and die at the hand of the Lord.

Application: I don't have a choice about whether or not I will die. I DO have a choice about whether I will choose to serve God, even to the point of death, or whether I will die under the judgment of God. I choose God, life, and heaven. The other choice may gain me a little bit longer time on this earth because I would not be persecuted for my faith but it would end with suffering, death and an eternity of a living "death" in hell. It reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 21:44 where he speaks of himself as the Rock (stone): "He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

Prayer: Father, help me to be strong enough to bear whatever suffering may come to me because I serve you. I pray for a peaceful death but I know that I am not guaranteed that. Also, help me to be effective in leading others to you. I want heaven full and hell empty. I pray especially for my children, grandchildren, and those under our pastoral care. Keep them close to you Lord, and bring them back when they stray.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.