As Zechariah related, God’s angel asked Him how long He would withhold His mercy from Jerusalem with whom He had been angry for 70 years? It’s as if the angel full well knew how strong and prevailing God’s merciful nature was and wondered how long it would be until the merciful nature would again overrule His judgement nature.

James recognized this same characteristic when he declared, “[God’s] mercy triumphs over judgement.”

God’s anger only lasts a season, but His love and mercy endure forever.

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, we trust in Your merciful nature even as the Psalmist said, “The Lord takes pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.”

DAILY READING: Haggai 1,2; Zechariah 1,2

After God’s “Day of Wrath” judgements in the earth, He will restore His people and remove all fear. This was the message through Zephaniah.

Although the nation of Israel is the intended subject, the term Zion refers to God’s inhabited city.

If you are a Christian, you are an inhabitant of that city and thereby receive the blessings spoken of in this book. We are Abraham’s seed by faith.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, thank You for dying for me, for making me a part of Your Church here on earth. I receive the promises You have given to Your people and will share this blessing with others through the Gospel.

DAILY READING: Zephaniah 1-3

Similarly to Job, Habakkuk demonstrated and sang about his trust and hope in the Lord.

Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, may we have the faith to pray and believe like Habakkuk did. You have always been faithful to us, and we look to our futures with a trust in Your Hand of provision and protection.

DAILY READING: Habakkuk 1-3

Ninevah was the object of Nahum’s indictments, all because of its evil influence upon others. Chapter 3 identifies its sinful characteristics such as blood, lies, plunder, victimizing others, wanton lust. Surely cities such as New York and LA with their worldly influence have caught God’s attention.

Our role now is to cry out to God for mercy for these great and large cities … that He will redeem many from their corruption and turn to God for forgiveness. He’s not willing that any perish.  Pray.

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, we lift up the cities we live in, concentrations of people all looking for life and answers and meaning. Let Your Holy Spirit blow upon us and bring a spiritual awakening once again.

DAILY READING: Nahum 1-3

Micah predicted the birthplace of Jesus when he declared, “Bethlehem … out of you will come for me …  one who will be ruler over Israel … He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord … [and] his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.  And he will be our peace.” (ch. 5:2-5)

God knows where and when He will send His answers to His people. Our job is to trust, believe, and obey. He will NEVER disappoint.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, thank You for our Savior, Christ Jesus, Who befriended us, cleansed us, and leads us victoriously through this life. Jesus, You are our peace.

DAILY READING: Micah 5-7

On rare occasions God brought judgement instantly, but in general, He lets sin play out and reap its ultimate consequences. In the meantime, he sends ministers to those headed the wrong way to reprove them and offer the solution. Such was the case for the book of Micah.

People generally destroy their lives in degrees. They don’t flip a switch and become reprobate. God in His mercy continually strives with men to repent, turn to Him, and live a life of benefit and blessing.

Meanwhile, we who know the Lord keep praying and sharing the message of hope.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, in Your mercy You saved me. You loved me when I was in my sin. Thank You for Your long-suffering and faithfulness.

DAILY READING: Micah 1-4

Jonah was the specific man God had chosen to go to Ninevah to preach. It wasn’t Joey, or Sam, or Louie … it was JONAH!

In the same sense, God has your name on a specific mission He wants you to accomplish. He isn’t necessarily asking Joey or Sam or Louie … He’s calling on You to get it done. You have spiritual significance. You have special skills to do this mission. He has deposited the necessary grace in your account for you to get this job done.

Now, make tracks and get ready in Jesus’ name!

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the significance and grace You have given to me. I wll be obedient and trust You ro work through me. I go in Jesus’ name.

DAILY READING: Obadiah, Jonah 1-4

Amos gave a prophecy predicting the return of Israel to the promised land. He also spoke of God’s desire to restore the fortunes of Israel to a place of constant reaping (“The plowman shall overtake the reaper”) and abundance (“New wine will drip from the mountains.”)

God is not only the Great Creator. He is the Great Restorer. Today, through the Lord’s Spirit and the faith He grants, envision a complete restoration of the areas of your life that need a new birth.

People say, “I will believe it when I see it.” God says, “You’ll see it when you believe it.”

DAILY PRAYER: Father, we believe You and Your ability to restore. We ask in faith believing that You will bring glorious restoration to the areas of our lives that need Your fresh touch.

DAILY READING: Amos 7-9

Our enemies are powerless against our prayers. Prayer can invade a hardened heart, a political system, a diseased body etc.

Think of someone today who is suffering and begin praying for them. Think of someone who has slacked off from church, or seems to be depressed and withdrawn. Pray for someone who has been recently diagnosed with a fatal illness. Pray for the young mother who is overwhelmed by the duties she faces. Pray for leaders who are responsible for so many.

Pray today.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Your power is limitless, and we are so limited. Yet, spark us with faith so we can cry out to You asking for miracles and strength to live victoriously.

DAILY READING: Amos 3-5

Joel saw, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”

As he spoke of end time struggles for the souls of men and the battles to come when the Lord reveals His judgements, he sees the internal struggle nations and people groups have on their stand with the Lord. Which way will they go? It’s like trying to predict how a political candidate will rule once he or she gets into office.

For the Christian, the days of decision are a critical time to have an ear to hear what God is saying. This can only come through personal reading of God’s Word, and daily communion with Him through prayer and praise. It’s like breathing and eating to live. God will lead safely.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, with choices and challenges facing us every day, speak to our hearts and confirm Your direction for our lives. How show we live … how shall we vote … who shall we trust … what causes are worthy of our investment of time?

DAILY READING: Joel 3, Amos 1,2