Mal.2 [TheMessage]

Because God looks so earnestly on the marriage vows, He is especially saddened by those who cheat on their mate. One of the damages incurred by cheating is what it does to the children of the offending party. It gives the children an inaccurate example of what marriage should be. It robs them of the family security God intended them to have.

Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. His grace is great enough to fill up the gap left by a broken marriage. He loves and embraces the hurting children who have truly been wounded by cheating. He brings them in close to His heart and puts their lives back together. He said, “My grace IS SUFFICIENT!”

Zech.14; Malachi 1 [The Message]

Through the prophet Malachi, God challenged the priesthood about their greatly relaxed standards of worship. They offered what was convenient. They offered animals that were subpar. Obviously, they had lost sight of how much God had done for them and gave their best somewhere else.

How about us? Are we trying to fit God into our schedule where it’s easy and convenient? Do we give Him the leftovers? Hw much effort do we give to pleasing Him above ourselves?

I hope to sing in a special Easter choir at our church. The dress attire is to be “your best.” I will wear a suit. It hasn’t been that long ago that men wore suits to church because it was “our best.” Have we lost something here?

Zech. 11-13. [The Message]

Christ Jesus and His cleansing blood is The Fount(ain). This metaphor is one of scripture’s most frequent song themes.

It speaks of a never-ending supply. It speaks of free access for all. The fountain was generally at the heart of every village. Its source was not man generated, but surely man brnefitting. We could go on and on. Praise God for the Fount.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dax_NMWLEb6U&ved=2ahUKEwiSk6Tf5fCEAxWRRjABHdwvA3IQ78AJegQIGBAB&usg=AOvVaw2wRHg-rGRc-1SN0zfrCKQW

Zech. 9, 10 [The Message]

It seems that the world is starving for humble leaders. Most are pompous self-promoters who think we are very privileged to experience them. It’s not only in politics. It’s in the church.

Christ gave us the perfect example of a humble leader. He said, “Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls.” [Matt. 11:29 NIRV]

You can generally tell when men have been with Jesus.

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.