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]
What it Means to be Facedown (Ezekiel 42-44)
[The priests] are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common... (Ezekiel 44:23) To be facedown is an act of submission. It communicates a sense of reverence for the one to whom you're bowing. From God's perspective, the ultimate one to whom we should be in submission is Him. We may want to submit ourselves to other people and things, but those ... [Continue Reading]
Fresh Starts (Ezekiel 40-41)
He brought me to the portico of the temple... (Ezekiel 40:48a) A few days ago a woman came into my office seeking counsel. Without going into the details of the story, it was clear that she was facing consequences from choices that she had made over time. Those consequences were weighing her down, and it was hard for her to believe that God could forgive her. I was so ... [Continue Reading]
Jealous for His Name (Ezekiel 38-39)
I will be zealous for my holy name. (Ezekiel 39:25b) It should not come as any surprise to us that God might be zealous (or "jealous," as other translations read) for His holy name. After all, there is none greater than God. There is no one stronger, no one more powerful, no one more knowledgable, beneficent, or full of love. God is matchless, and none compares to Him. ... [Continue Reading]
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