The Magi from the East came to Jerusalem following the star. When they were told to go to Bethlehem to find the Babe, I’m sure they were relieved. Bethlehem was near Jerusalem, just across the Hinnom Valley.

Seekers today find Jesus as close as the mention of his name.

READ/LISTEN: Matt.2-4

Matthew begins his gospel by establishing the bloodline of Christ. He had an earthly father and mother, but was conceived by the Holy Ghost. Thus, he was both God and man. No other individual can say that.

When we accept Christ as Savior, God becomes Our Father. We are no longer harnessed to the limitations of our earthly heritage. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

READ/LISTEN: Mal. 3,4; Matthew 1

Malichi pointed out the casual, insicere service and attitude of the priests. It brought enough displeasure to the Lord that He identified it and issued a rebuke.

Each day we live, we should be walking in and growing toward a dedicated, authentic, and sincere lifestyle before God. In His presence is fullness of joy, and at his right hand, pleasures forevermore.

READ/LISTEN: Zech. 14; Malichi 1,2

Regardless of news events declaring resistance to Jerusalem’s prominence, the Lord will never relent in protecting and promoting it’s place in the end-time drama. Any army that rises against it will be subject to God’s limitless offensive power. Imagine what will happen when an entire army is blind.

Those faithful to God will receive the same protection as his capital city does. “As the mountains are around Jerusalem, so the Lord is around his people.”  PS. 125:2

READ/LISTEN: Zech.. 9-13

Oppression seems to be a more popular form of political persuasion lately. Scripture warns against it. “You reap what you sow” comes into play here.

It’s honorable to be respectful of different political persuasions. The Gospel, however, has God’s power to cut through any argument.

READ/LISTEN: Zech. 5-8

David began seeing it from the perspective of a worshipper. Zechariah also continues the theme of The Great Gathering to the Lord. To Peter and Paul was also shown the inclusion of the Gentiles.

God’s Church pulls out of every tribe, tongue, and nation.

READ/LISTEN: Zechariah 1-4

To Zephaniah was given one of the most exciting Prophecies of the future. Through him the Word declares that God will be so excited about our redemption that He will begin dancing over us.

There are great days ahead for the church. He that endureth to the end shall be saved. (Matt. 24:13)

READ/LISTEN: Zeph. 3; Haggai 1,2

Zephaniah was commissioned to foretell great distress and punishment to nations and people-groups who reject the Lord. Although the Lord is not willing that any perish, He has and will make broad statements of destruction to fulfill His predictions and indictments against His foes.

As we see the end times drawing near, we are wise to keep short accounts of all misgivings and keep current with our faithwalk.

Stay right with God through Christ and keep close to loved ones … what else is there?

READ/LISTEN: Hab. 3; Zephaniah 1,2

Through Habakkuk’s prophecy, God warned people how they should build. Ultimately, Every Man’s work will be Tried by God’s fire. Paul warned, don’t use wood hay or stubble to build. It all boils down to keeping your work pure before the Lord. Your motive, methods, and materials are critical to the Him.

Above all, build people.

Nahum 2,3; Hab. 1,2

God made it clear to Micah that to walk in humility is what the lord requires of his people. Paul said we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Jesus humbled himself by being obedient to the will of the Father.

Humility is not demeaning yourself. It’s putting God’s Will and the welfare of ohers ahead of your own interests and desires.

READ,/LISTEN: Micah 6,7; Nahum 1