Zechariah. 8
The prophet challenged his hearers with this question from God. Yes, it’s easy to say it and even believe it, but living and praying it often has a disconnect.
When we pray. it’s essential that we ask with the conviction that it will be done.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God MUST believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM. Heb. 11:6
Zech.7 [The Message]
Zechariah challenged the Jews about whether they were serving God when they fasted, or were they merely exercising a religious observance. He stated, “God is interested in people, not religion.
It’s true TODAY. Ask ourselves the question, “Am I doing this to please God or religion?” God loves people. We should too.
When I interact with young people just starting their vocational journey, I challenge them to get into something that helps people. It may not bring the biggest paycheck, but it will bring the greatest satisfaction. They have a great chance of hearing, “Well done,” at the END.
Zech. 6 [The Message]
“The Branch”, Jesus, will build God’s Temple. Christ is concerned about people rather than buildings. We are missing it if we are more concerned about structures than we are about God’s Spirit moving in the hearts of people.
Fox News often shows the beautiful St. Patrick’s cathedral in NYC. It’s impressive! I’ve been in it, and it it filled with priceless artifacts and sculptures, but there’s very few people in it worshipping or praying. It’s a magnificent edifice filled with nothingness. A New Testament Christian is a lump of worthless clay filled with the priceless treasure of God’s Holy Spirit.
We have this treasure in earthen vessels … [2 Cor. 4:7]
Zech. 3-5 [The Message]
The prophet’s 4th vision was of a large (15′ x 30′) flying book that contained an indictment against those who lie.
We don’t fully understand how evil lying is. Truth is an absolute, and any altered version of it is not acceptable. The truth may hurt, but lying will KILL YOU.
The scroll or book that Zechariah saw spoke of destruction to those who lie and steal. Make
Make sure you train your children to tell the truth and love it.
We would have alot less scammers around if some mothers would have taught values in their home.
Zechariah 1, 2 [The Message]
Note: At the request of my daughter, I have used The Message Bible audio version for nearly all 66 books. When I begin again in Matthew, I will resume using the NIV Dramatized. I love it. Voices change with each character and there is appropriately matched background music and sound effects to give a believable audio experience. Try it!
The prophet identifies the fact that those that hurtfully touch us are doing it to God. He feels our pain. He holds us as the apple of his eye. It refers to the pupil of our eye, a member that our entire physical being will guard and protect.
For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. [Zech. 2:8]
Christ Jesus felt every pain and distress known to man. His empathy makes Him our PERFECT SAVIOR.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [Heb.. 4:15]
Haggai 2 [The Message]
If we listen to network news more than we read God’s Word, we will have the wrong perspective. If we live in fear of socialism taking over our country or Putin dropping a nuclear bomb on us, or fearing North Korea’s lunatic dictator, we need to once again gain God’s perspective on everything.
Why do the nations plot, and why do their people make useless plans? The kings of this earth have all joined together to turn against the Lord and his chosen king. They say, “Let’s cut the ropes and set ourselves free!” In heaven the Lord laughs as he sits on his throne, making fun of the nations. The Lord becomes furious and threatens them. His anger terrifies them as he says, “I’ve put my king on Zion, my sacred hill.” [Ps. 2:1-6]
When God created the world, He flung the stars into existence. We can TRUST Him.
Haggai 1, 2 [The Message]
The Mosaic Law had strict rules about how to avoid defilement. The people misunderstood the value of purity and constantly longed for the pleasures of sin which kept them defiled. It was a defeated lifestyle requiring constant sacrifice for sin to become clean. Jesus came to change all that.
IF we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to FORGIVE US our sins and CLEANSE US from all unrighteousness (defilement.) [1 Jn 1:9]
Shall we continue in sin that grace (needs to) keep abounding? God forbid! [Rom 6]
PRAYER: Lord, shower us with your grace so that we man make quality decisions to AVOID the things that defile us.
Haggai [The Message]
God has spoken through donkeys, thunder, handwriting on stone tablets, and in dreams, but He prefers to speak through men/women.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. [2 Pet 1:21]
There is an inner “bearing witness” in the heart of the hearers that says, “Hey, that’s God speaking to me.”
Please listen to this choral arrangement of “In the Garden.” The discipline and poise of everyone is refreshing to behold. They are doing their best to let primarily the message get through.
Zephaniah 2 [The Message]
What do we actually seek?
Scripture says “SEEK ye the LORD while He may be found.” [Is.55:6]
Zephaniah 1 [The Message]
It’s coming! God’s judgement day when He holds court on everything and deals out His wrath upon those who mocked His ways and thought they knew better.
Weeping. gnashing of teeth and bloodshed. The bottom will drop out of everything people trusted in. Destruction everywhere. Everything torn down. God predicted that He would shake everything that could be shaken.
When we accept Christ, we can be forgiven of all sin and allow God to refine and shake out of our lives everything that offends Him. Go ahead and let Him do it. It’s a refiner’s fire that burns, but better NOW than LATER.
TCS Daily Devotional 