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September 22nd

The bible reading today is in Zechariah 8-14.

In Zechariah’s day, not many people came to Jerusalem. It was still in a ruined state, downtrodden and broken to pieces.

But...God promised a great restoration. A great and marvelous redemption for Israel and especially Jerusalem. One day the peoples of the nations will come to the glorified city, seeking the Lord of angel armies...

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord.”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭8:20, 22‬ ‭

This promise will ultimately be fulfilled in the Millennial 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth before God creates the new heavens and new earth. Jerusalem will be the headquarters of Jesus’ kingdom and people will come from every nation to seek and worship the Lord.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭8:23‬ ‭ESV

God will show such favor, such grace, to the people of promise. To Israelis and Gentiles who believe Jesus. In those days of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom that people all over the world will ask the people of God’s salvation if they could go with them to Jesus.

Every so often in our day in America, we see lost family members ask if they can go to Jesus with us. One day there will be such a spiritual revival among the followers of Jesus that people from every nation will find their way to us to get us to lead them to know and believe Jesus. May that happen again. And if not soon then we will see it in the restored Jerusalem.

“Your people of the faith of Abraham shall all be righteous. Right with God through Christ; they shall possess the land of Israel forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be “glorified”. The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the Lord over it all...“in its time” I will hasten it...to its place... to its fulfillment in the story that I am writing!”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60:21-22‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Wow, what a promise from God to all who believe Him. Starting with the Jews that God chose to bear witness to the God of salvation...the Messiah...Jesus...who would come from the line of Judah to save His people from their sins.

You know how we make plans for our future and then visit those plans regularly looking forward with excitement to the good ending of our plans?

Well, God was giving a distressed Israeli people hope by helping them to revisit the good and wonderful plan for their future...in their own land forever...ruling alongside the Messiah...and seeing their witness to Messiah Jesus bring thousands, perhaps millions into the eternal kingdom of God.

Let’s listen to just a little more of the encouragement of God for the exiles who came home to a desolate capital city of Jerusalem.

“Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age.”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭8:3-4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The place where you live will be the place where I live. Old people will feel safe enough to sit and visit in the streets. Your city will be called a “full of faith” city. And the mountain where you dwell will be called holy...set apart for my use only.”

And all because You, O Lord, will live and work in our midst in a special way. “Lord, would You work in our cities here in America like that...obviously to a lesser degree...but at least in a small measure?”

But if not, we will trust You and worship You and look forward to our future with You, in Heaven at death or rapture....and in the Millennial kingdom and the new heaven and new earth to come!

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September 21st

The bible reading today is in Zechariah 1-7.

If all we had was the prophecies of Haggai, one might think that God was more interested in His Temple than His people who had just returned from Babylonian exile. Zechariah gives us more of the story. He shows us that God is interested in the lives of His people as well the House of God’s presence.

The prophecy of Zechariah is noted for his use of visions, pictures, and symbols. And we will look at some of them in today’s podcast. But before that, let us look at God’s main request of His people.

“Therefore say to them, Zechariah, “Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. Don't be like your fathers...

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭,4 ESV‬‬

The first thing that strikes me in God’s request of His people is the statement, “Don't be like your fathers.” What a condemning statement God gives about their fathers. “Don't be like them.” So what was the major characteristic in the fathers’ lives that kept them from being an example that their kids should follow?

Faith and Love. Don't be like your fathers’ faithlessness...be full of faith in Me. Don't be like your fathers’ who lost their first love for Me. Love Me with all of your hearts.

Apparently, plenty of Israeli sons and daughters coming home from Babylon had lost their first love for the Lord. And apparently, many sons and daughters of Judah were coming home with little trust and hope in the Lord alone for their futures.

No wonder God spoke to them so directly, so pointedly...”Return to Me”...and “I will return to you!”

Reminds me of a verse in James 4:8...“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

‭‭James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Believe Me...trust in My promises for you. Love Me...more than anything else!

John Gill gives an interesting slant...“Return to Me”...meaning...”return to the worship of Me...”

Reminds me of Paul’s message to the church at Rome on the worship of God. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service of worship.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭

God wanted something from His people. He wanted them to love Him. To faithfully worship Him and Him alone. Why? Was it because He was lonely? Was it because He needed to feel more significant?

No...God is totally satisfied in Himself. In the fellowship of the triune Godhead...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

God wanted His kids to come back to Him and desire Him above all. Living out their lives with Him as living offerings of worship unto Him and service unto Him. Why? Because as they drew near to Him again, they would realize that He had never left them...that He had never moved.

He believed in them and still did. He wanted to use them for good and greater works. And He loved them, enough to die for them and give them everything they would ever need for life in the now and for life eternal.

Oh dads and moms, keep walking close to Jesus. It will be good for you, and because little eyes are watching and admiring hearts are trying to be just like you...may the children follow you all the way to Jesus.

Now one of the visions among many...“I saw in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen, and behind him were red sorrel and white horses. So the angel who talked with me said to me, ‘Cry out, Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion.”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭1:8, 10-11, 14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jesus was that man standing in the midst of the myrtle trees...in the midst of Israel. He told Zechariah that God had His angels to patrol the earth. And those angels reported that all was at rest...except for Israel. Jesus interceded for Israel. He told Zechariah that He was jealous and zealous for Israel.

“Therefore, thus says the Lord (Jesus), I have returned to Jerusalem “with mercy”; “my house shall be built in it”, declares the Lord of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem to cause her to prosper.

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Is Jesus still jealous and zealous for the faithful of Israel? Yes. And for the land too.

“I will bless those who bless you...

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you, Israel...For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good Israel.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭122:6, 9‬ ‭

And if the Holy Spirit inspired David said that...we must too!

It gets better...and that’s the rest of the story.

Have a great day

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September 20th

The bible reading for today is the short 2 chapter book of Haggai.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.”

‭‭Haggai‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This little book sheds more light on why it took so long to get back to work on rebuilding the Temple in the war torn Jerusalem. God speaks through Haggai to Zerubabbel, Gov. of Judah. He tells him that God knows that the returned exiles are full of excuses for not getting back to work on the Temple.

The people were saying that it wasnt time to get back to business. They had lost heart and lost spiritual sight that they had been invited by God to work with Him on the House. It wasn't their business, it was God’s. Excuses wouldn't cut it.

And so what were some of the excuses? The land was still desolate especially after 70 years of neglect. The work was hard. They had little money and not enough manpower. They suffered crop failures. Hostile enemies resisted them. They remembered easier times in Babylon.

“If this is so hard, with so many obstacles...evidently, God doesn't want us to do this. At least not anytime soon.”

Wow! I can imagine the conversations around the supper table. God would supply if He wanted us to press on. No Im not going back to the quarry tomorrow...maybe never.

Friends I've had those very same kind of reactions and responses to hard work, hard circumstances, seemingly impossible assignments from God.

How many times did Bev remind me that the work of God. The work that He stirred us to do may be hard, but it would be a work of faith. Trusting Him for our daily bread, trusting Him for our moment by moment strength to press on one more day, trusting Him for tomorrow’s supply. No more excuses, Jim. No more excuses fellow followers of Jesus.

“Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”

‭‭Haggai‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Ooooh....the people were saying that it wasn't time to rebuild the Temple for their worship of God. But apparently it was time to rebuild their homes for their luxurious worship of themselves. Ouch!

Who did they love? Their priorities were in wrong order. They were content to let the cause of God go unattended at the expense of their own comfort.

Instead, they should have felt no rest until the work of God was as prosperous as their personal lives. They should have been willing to sacrifice in time, in effort, and in resources for the work of God... at least as much as they sacrificed for their own luxury.

“Someone should get to work on the temple. I hope someone steps up. As soon as I finish the remodeling on our home, I'll try to help some.”

Well, the Temple hasn't been open for business for over 50 years, we've got a makeshift tabernacle as it is. We are getting by...

The excuses sound familiar. Haggai was the alarm clock, unwelcomed, but necessary.

God used the prophet to get the people back to work...back to where God was!

Thanks for waking me up Haggai ...Holy Spirit...God is at work...I want to be a part of it till the day I die.

Have a great day

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September 19th

The bible reading today is in Ezra 4-6 and Ps 137.

In Ezra chapter 4, the Samaritans, .made up of Assyrians who married Israelis for several generations since the Assyrian defeat and capture of the northern kingdom, made an offer to help build the Temple. But the Judeans refused their offer.

The Samaritans wrote a letter to the king of Persia full of accusations against the Judeans. The king of Persia responded commanding the Jews to cease building the Temple.

The text...“The Samaritans approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers’ houses and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Ezzerhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.”

But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ houses in Israel said to them, “ “You have nothing to do with us...in building a house to our God; but we “alone” will build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭4:2-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

At first, the Samaritan appeal to help the Jews rebuild their Temple seems like a generous offer. It was going to be a huge job. Surely the Judeans could use all the help they could get.

“Let us build with you...” Did they really want to help? Without strings attached? That is what Godly helping starts with no hidden agendas just looking for ways to assist someone with “their” work.

But Zerubbabel and the High Priest, Joshua, and the chiefs of the tribes in Israel knew what I didnt. They knew the motive behind the Samaritan offer. They were looking for a way to ease into a partnership with the Judeans, especially for the use of the Temple itself.

They had some Jewish ties but they also had ties with Assyrian gods and goddesses, the main one being Ashur, known as the Sun God, and the Tree God. The Samaritans thought they could go through the “Temple motions” of worshipping Yahweh and worship Ashur as well.

No wonder Zerubabbel told them in no uncertain terms that they had “no part”...“no common fellowship” on this mission to rebuild the House of God. Not even. a "thank you though”. Just a straight forward “no...” we “alone” will build this house unto the Lord...”

Reminds me of the apostle Paul’s teaching...“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭6:14-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Zerubabbel knew that the Samaritans were posers, unbelievers, pretenders, with wicked motives. He courageously led the Judeans to reject their offer.

So the Samaritans conspired with Artaxerxes, the king in Persia to put a stop to the Temple building. And so by kings edict and force, the rebuilding of the Temple ceased.

Somewhere between 9 and 15 years later “...Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭5:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Even the Godliest can be beaten down and separated from his dedication to fulfill his God given mission. Even Zerubabbel needed the support of the prophets to get back to work. Working with God on his God-sized assignment...regardless of the consequences.

Thanks, Lord, for using these ordinary men to do extraordinary things. They started and stopped and then started again...with You and with each other.

May our churches do the same....with the assignments You give us.

Have a great day

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September 18th

The bible reading today is in Ezra 1-3.

By the time of our reading, the first wave of exiles had returned to Judah under the leadership of Ezra.

“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭

The beginning of Ezra gives another illustration of God having the kings of the earth in his hands.

Prov. 21:1...“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”

‭

“...the Lord stirred up the spirit of king Cyrus...Why?

God, after 70 + years since the destruction of the Temple, was going to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. And He was going to release Judean exiles from Persia and use Persian resources to get the job done.

And what was the first thing God did? He turned the heart and mind of king Cyrus toward His plan.

Just a brief detour...Reading this passage of scripture today encourages me to pray for government leaders with faith. Such as...“O Lord, as You stirred the heart of the Persian king and moved him to bless Your kids there, I'm asking You to move on the government leaders of Kenya to bless Your children there...so build a hedge of protection around the Christians in the country, especially those in Isiolo, protecting them from radical Muslim terrorism and murder. Thanks, Lord.”

God rules in the affairs of men by His stirring the spirits of men, including the works of believers.

Cyrus gave permission to every Jewish exile remaining in Persia to leave and return to Jerusalem in order to help in the rebuilding of the Temple! The same God that raised up the spirit of Cyrus to proclaim liberty to the Judeans, raised up their spirits to accept the benefit from Cyrus and join God in the restoration of the Temple.

There would be the temptation for some to remain in the foreign land. For many of the children and grandchildren had never lived in God’s promised land. They were born and raised in Babylon. Their visual/practical roots were in Babylon.

Reminds me of something that Jesus said to his disciples. “But Jesus answered them (Pharisees condemning Jesus for ministering to people on the Sabbath), “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

‭‭John‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jesus saw the Father working, therefore Jesus joined him.

All the Judeans in Persia should have seen “God working” to get them home to Judah. They should have seen God working on rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. They should have seen Him at work and hearing Him say...”Come, join me...let’s go home.”

“O Lord help me to connect the dots...and see “Your working” as “Your invitation” to join You.

Before we are through reading these first chapters we’ll see the construction of the altars and the laying of the foundation of the house of God. Both speak to the Messiah Jesus who gave Himself to the altar of the cross for our salvation, making Him the cornerstone and the one and only foundation for our eternal salvation...Awesome!

Have a great day

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September 17th

The bible reading today is in Daniel chapters 10-12.

The 10th chapter of Daniel includes a close-up picture of Daniel before the Lord in prayer and fasting. An appearance of Christ to Daniel, and the effects it had upon him...including spiritual and physical strength and encouragement along with an anticipation of what the future held for Israel.

“On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river ( that is, the Tigris)

Daniel was with friends down by the riverside. The banks of the fast-flowing Tigris. I can imagine food and drink and conversation about the Savior God who saved their ancestors from Egyptian bondage. It was the time of year when the Judeans used to observe the Passover feast.

Then...“I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭10:4-5‬ ‭

Jesus shows himself to Daniel in human form, dressed in linen, the garment of a priest. A precursor to his ministry of offering up “the” sacrifice for sins...Himself. This was not Gabriel or Michael the ArchAngels. This was the Messiah promised to Israel and to all who would believe.

“His face” the appearance of lightning. In one sense, terrorizing, yet in another sense glorious and generous with light in darkness. Illuminating the grace and mercy and comfort that comes from Him to his people of faith. Not perfect faith...childlike dependence.

“Jesus’ voice” in words of his promises of pardon, peace, righteousness, life, and salvation, gracious and precious promises to his people. And though Daniel was the only one to see and hear the vision, his friends experienced a great quaking beneath their feet, and the fled in terror.

Sounds like Acts and the first days of the church on mission.

“Then he (Gabriel) said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia (Satan) withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭10:12-14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

And those days yet to come?....“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Daniel wanted more specifics on the future for his country. But Daniel, called beloved, was told to shut up and seal the book until a time when it shall be better understood.

Daniel was told that Israel was in for a time of great trouble in the end times. Jesus would call it Jacob’s trouble or the great tribulation.

The good news, from Daniel to Israel?...“And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it this great trouble for Israel would be for a time, times, and half a time/3 1/2 years, and that when the breaking of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12:7, 13‬ ‭

Resurrection and 1000 yr reign with Christ on the earth for all who believe, especially including Jews who finally came to believe Jesus.

Oh, and we will be their friends. It's going to be awesome!

Have a great day

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September 16th

Today’s bible reading is in Daniel chapters 7-9.

The first 6 chapters of Daniel describe the life and times of Daniel. Chapters 7-12 describe visions Daniel had in order of the events.

This first vision was the most comprehensive. But I have wondered if Daniel could have given me a little more. But either way, the Holy Spirit only wanted him to write the main facts.

“Daniel declared, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7:2-3‬ ‭

“The four winds”? “Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away!”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭35:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The psalmist used the winds to represent the Lord’s sovereign power working with mankind. I believe that Daniel’s “four winds of heaven” stirring up the Mediterranean Sea was a picture of God powerfully raising up 4 Nations to fulfill the purposes of God connected to the first coming of the Messiah Jesus.

So who were those nations? I believe the “lion with eagle’s wings” denoted the Babylonian Empire. Jeremiah used the lion and the eagle as pictures of Nebechadnezer...Jeremiah 49.

I believe the “bear” denoted the Medo/Persian Empire. The empire who crushed and tore their prey just like a bear.

I believe the leopard denoted the Alexander the Great Greek Empire that followed the Babylonian and Medo-Persian Empires. With cat/leopard like speed and precision conquering the civilized world in thirteen years, primarily on foot.

And finally, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible. Exceedingly strong, with iron teeth and 10 horns. Horns in the ancient world meant strength and power. This beast had 10 horns. Ten times stronger than the empires before it. In historical fulfillment, the “Roman Empire” was that fourth beast to rule the world.

“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; Who was the Ancient of Days?

God. The great eternal God, the I Am, Emanuel, Jesus!

His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; reminds me of someone...“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17:1-2‬ ‭

Yes, the Ancient of Days was Jesus...at least in my thinking.

"His throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Let’s look at Ezekiel’s vision again...“And above the fiery chariot with wheels within the wheels as seen by Ezekiel, there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance...and there was brightness around him.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭1:26-27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

One more time, The Ancient of Days upon a throne, was Jesus Christ in Daniel’s dream.

“I Daniel considered the horns of the fourth beast, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots”...(illustrating dominance) And behold, in this horn were “eyes like the eyes of a man” (illustrating intelligence), and a “mouth speaking great things.”(illustrating boastfullness)

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Who or what does the little horn represent? The final human dictator...the Anti Christ.

“I looked then because of the sound of the “boastful words” that the horn was speaking...that the Anti Christ was speaking...And as I looked, the beast was killed. And who triumphed over the beast, over the Anti Christ?... Jesus...and the body of the Anti Christ was destroyed and given over to be burned with fire.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“And to “Jesus” was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. And they will.

“And I heard a man’s voice...and it called...“Gabriel, make this Daniel to understand the vision.” So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face. But he said to me, “Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end.””

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭8:16-17‬ ‭

More to glean, more to learn of this dream of Daniel. But that’s the rest of the story, especially found in Revelations.

Have a great day.

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September 15th

The bible reading today is in Daniel 4,5,6.

At the end of yesterday’s reading in Daniel chapter 3, the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, took a huge step back from his public declaration that Daniel’s wise God was God of all. Let’s read his declaration

“The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭2:47‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Then days later...“King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. And the herald proclaimed aloud, “O peoples... when you hear the sound of the music, you are to...“fall down and worship” the “golden image” that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭3:1, 4-5‬ ‭

You know, I believe that’s just like the rest of us in many ways. We get disappointed over not getting what we want and then we throw a pity party or a fit. Then, when we do finally get what we wanted, our countenance changes and we even say wonderful things about God blessing us.

From a distance, people hear our excited recognition of God and count us spiritual. But God knows our hearts, just like he knew Nebechadnezer’s...chalk one up for another spiritual pretender.

How do we know that the king of Babylon was pretending? Because just after his speech about Daniel’s God, we see where Nebechadnezer is so full of himself that he has a 100 ft tall statue of himself built and calls the people of his kingdom to bow down and worship it.

Well, some might have been conned into thinking the King really was God. But the three Hebrew friends of Daniel didn't buy it. They knew that Elohim Yahweh was the one and only true God. They would not bow and worship the king at the golden statue.

“And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. “But if not”, be it known to you, O king, that “we will not serve your gods” or “worship the golden image” that you have set up.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭3:6, 12, 15-18‬ ‭

Then the king had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thrown into a fiery furnace. But the fire never touched them. Why? Because there was a fourth man in the fire protecting them...Jesus.

And the king saw it all and was amazed, but still too proud to repent and believe the Lord. Later Nebechadnezer would have a breakdown and roamed the fields and ate the grass that the ox ate for 7 years. People said that the self-proclaimed god was crazy.

I believe the king came to the end of himself and finally trusted God for his salvation. By then the Babylonian kingdom was cut down and replaced with the Medo-Persian Empire.

Daniel’s friends faced the fiery furnace with courage. Daniel was about to face his own challenge of faith.

“All the high officials of the Persian kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors all agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Darius, king of Persia, bought into the counsel of his staff. What he didn't discern was their selfish murderous motive to get rid of the faithful Daniel.

Daniel heard the injunction that everyone in the Persian Empire was called to worship no one but Darius for 30 days or be eaten alive by a den of lions. Daniel courageously chose the lions rather than be unfaithful to God his Savior. Wow!

Daniel and his friends...inspiring faith.

But Jesus choosing the torturous death of the cross for us, for our salvation, more than inspiring...eternal life-saving! Awesome! Jesus, You have always been better

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September 14th

The bible reading today is in Daniel chapters 1-3.

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, laid siege to Jerusalem. We have already read about this in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles and in Jeremiah.

But in the book of Daniel, we are introduced to some new details of the exile to Babylon. Some eye-opening details of God working in and through some young men of Judah while in Babylonian captivity.

These stories inspire my faith in God our Savior. These stories motivate me to courageous obedience to God’s word. These stories enlighten me on God’s plans for making all things right and all things new. Now to the text.

“The king assigned the young captives a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time, they were to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1:5-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Nebuchadnezzar had a plan to use the strongest and the brightest of Judah to aid him in expanding his kingdom around the world. Daniel and his three friends were chosen for such service.

A side note...After Nebechadnezer’s first dream, he respected God’s wisdom in Daniel. After the furnace deliverance, he respected God’s loyalty to His own. After Nebechadnezer’s mental breakdown, madness, and loss of his humanity, he respected God’s power. Only after those three experiences with God did Nebechadnezer become a true believer.

Who’s to say that the testimony of the young Judean friends, from the very beginning of their exile, was what God used to plant the gospel seed that grew into faith for Nebechadnezer’s salvation. So what was Daniel’s testimony that would have been rare at his youthful age and impress a king to look into it?

“” But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank”. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Most teenage boys, away from home, away from family restraints, would be thinking of “sowing their wild oats. But not this teenager. Long before Daniel was kidnapped by Babylonian soldiers and taken to Babylon, he committed himself to the very words of God. And from there, young Daniel’s mind and heart were filled with scriptural convictions...things he believed no matter what the consequence.

The text tells us that Daniel “resolved” not to defile himself, his body, mind, and soul...no matter what. So when his Babylonian handler offered him unclean food and drink for his meals, he declined, he explained, and he requested alternative sustenance and a test.

To turn down the king’s table, and declare that the king’s fare was unclean, was most disrespectful and would probably bring sudden death. But the courage of his convictions not only passed the test...meaning...his countenance was far better on his diet than the other exiles who ate the king’s fare, but it also impressed the court and opened the door for future ministry to the king.

You know there was another young man who faced torture and death for his belief. All he had to do was say “Ceasar is Lord”...instead of “Jesus is Lord”. But Stephen would not do that. He too resolved that he would believe Jesus no matter what. And shortly he was stoned to death.

Daniel lived to fight another day. And that’s the rest of the story.

Have a great day.

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September 13th

The bible reading today is in the three chapters of the small book of Joel. Joel prophesied to Judah during the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah, 835BC, 200 years before the northern kingdom of Israel was defeated by Assyria and taken captive to Nineveh, and 300+ years before Judah was defeated and taken into captivity by the Babylonians.

“Awake, you drunkards, and weep, and wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it is cut off from your mouth. For a nation has come up against my land, powerful and beyond number; its teeth are lions’ teeth, and it has the fangs of a lioness. It has laid waste my vine and splintered my fig tree; it has stripped off their bark and thrown it down; their branches are made white.”

‭‭Joel‬ ‭1:5-7‬ ‭

Who was that conquering horde? That victorious nation over Judah with devouring teeth of lions? Who was that army that would lay waste the countryside fields of wheat and barley as well as the rich sweet vines of the orchards in Judah?

It would be a “plague of locusts”.

“Be ashamed, O tillers of the soil; wail, O vinedressers, for the wheat and the barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. The vine dries up; the fig tree languishes. Pomegranate, palm, and apple, all the trees of the field are dried up, and gladness dries up from the children of man.”

‭‭Joel‬ ‭1:11-12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Harvest of the fields have perished. The vine has dried up. The palm, the apple, the pear, the orange, the fig...all the trees have dried up. The olive oil and the wine has all dried up. No present benefit for the weary vinedresser, no future gain in the market place. The total gladness of the children of men is gone. Sure, the children would be affected by the plague and the famine and the loss of employment

and the loss of income. The financial ruin would be devastating for years to come.

When Joel prophesied of this plague upon Judah, he didn't say that this “may be a bit uncomfortable” to you, he said, “this is going to hurt you and your families...a lot.”

“Lament like a virgin wearing sackcloth for the bridegroom of her youth. Joel said, “You “should be” wailing and broken like a wife who has just lost her husband in death. You should put on sackcloth and ashes in total lamentation at the door of the temple.

But not just because of your dire circumstances, but because of something much more serious.

“The grain offering and the drink offering are cut off from the house of the Lord. The priests mourn, who minister to the Lord.”

‭‭Joel‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬

The Temple sacrifices of grain went on during the plague until there was no more grain. The Temple sacrifices of new wine went on during the plague until there was no fruit of the vine left.

Note...The wicked Queen Attaliah, who had nothing to do with God, before, during, or after the plague, gave permission for the Temple ceremonies to continue until there was nothing left to give to God.

What a lesson there is to be learned here. “The enemy of God and His chosen ones is not out to eliminate true religion, just corrupt it. True worship is from a “heart” wholly devoted to God and His purposes, not from a ceremony, no matter how impressive.

So no wonder the prophet followed up the declaration of the coming devastation from the plague of locusts with Repent...Turn back to Me...anything less than finding your only hope in Me just won't do.

“Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.”

‭‭Joel‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

He is the One you need...everyday!

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart...

‭‭Joel‬ ‭2:12-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

And with Joel and Judah, we say...” unto you, Oh Lord Jesus, belong our hearts night and day...and we are excited how You will work in our own lives...come what may.

Have a great day.