Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. (Zechariah 1:4) Life is full of decisions. What time should I wake up? What should I wear today? Do I work out or be lazy? The list goes on ... [Continue Reading]
Me Before You (Haggai)
Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” (Haggai 1:3-4) I'll never forget one of the first years when I was a homeowner. Halloween came, and I was really excited to have trick-or-treaters come to the house. I was not, however, prepared for the woman ... [Continue Reading]
Just When You Thought… (Ezra 5-7)
May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence. (Ezra 6:12) There are times in life when a situation looks impossible. The way out seems unfathomable, and we just don't know what to do. In fact, ... [Continue Reading]
Today (Ezra 1, 3-4)
But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. (Ezra 3:12) Today is different than yesterday. What happened yesterday may have impacted my today, but that is all history. It can't be changed, relived, or even removed. ... [Continue Reading]
Daniel’s Secret (Daniel 10-12)
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.” (Daniel 10:12) Why is it that Daniel's prayers were heard? Why was he such an effective leader for the people of Israel? How did he have so much power to ... [Continue Reading]
It’s His Mercy (Daniel 7-9)
We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. (Daniel 9:18) We don't approach God because we are good enough to deserve His attention. We don't list our good deeds for Him, as if our deeds are noteworthy in His eyes. We don't stand in front of Him because we've earned anything, for all of our righteousness is simply rags. No, ... [Continue Reading]
The Writing’s On the Wall (Daniel 4-6)
The story of King Belshazzar in Daniel 5 is, in my mind, one of the funniest stories of the Old Testament. Belshazzar (King Nebuchadnezzar's son) hosted a party with his lords, his wives, and his concubines. Someone at the party had the great idea of drinking from the "golden vessels" from the temple in Jerusalem, so Belshazzar sent for them and used them in his ... [Continue Reading]
It’s a Game-Changer (Daniel 1-3)
The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory... (Daniel 2:37b) Certain things in life are game-changers, aren't they? When you get married, have a kid, get a driver's license, or whatever other thing you can think of, those events change your life in an incredible way. You can never and will never look at life the same. Daniel's comments ... [Continue Reading]
More Than Words (Joel)
Rend your heart and not your garments. (Joel 2:13a) Have you ever told God, "I'll never do _________ again"? It's actually a relatively easy thing to say to Him. Sometimes the statement comes as a kind of bargaining chip to get God to give us what we want or to do as we desire. Other times, it's a statement of regret in the midst of seeking His forgiveness for ... [Continue Reading]
Healing River (Ezekiel 45-46, 47:1-12)
Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing. (Ezekiel 47:12) All good stories end with hope, don't they? I watched a movie a number of years ago ... [Continue Reading]
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