Today I read the book of Malachi and Revelation 22 to finish the Bible for another year: My favorite verses are:
Malachi 4:3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
If Jesus Christ chooses to return for His children in 2010, will you be prepared to answer the call to come and meet him, or will you end up in the ashes. I pray that you can say along with me, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Glory of God
Today I read Zechariah 10:3-14:21 and Revelation 21:7-27. My favorite verses are:
Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
As we draw close to the beginning of a new year, it is refreshing to read the promises of God’s eternal power on the earth and in the heavenly city Jerusalem which will be on earth. There will be one Lord, the King, the Lamb, the Light; there is no need for any other. God will have all power and majesty and glory and His children will worship Him and praise His Name.
Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
As we draw close to the beginning of a new year, it is refreshing to read the promises of God’s eternal power on the earth and in the heavenly city Jerusalem which will be on earth. There will be one Lord, the King, the Lamb, the Light; there is no need for any other. God will have all power and majesty and glory and His children will worship Him and praise His Name.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
God Keeps Promises
Today I read Zechariah 6:9-10:2 and Revelation 20:1-21:6. My favorite verses are:
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Revelation 21:1-4 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
The prophecy given by Zechariah came to pass as Jesus Himself rode the colt into Jerusalem near the end of His life on earth. He brought salvation for all who will accept Him by dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins then coming forth from the grave as the firstfruits to life everlasting. Just as that prophecy was fulfilled, so will the prophecy from the Book of Revelation be fulfilled. What a beautiful promise to trust in. We know that those who have accepted the gift of salvation will dwell with God in the new Jerusalem when “the former things are passed away”.
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Revelation 21:1-4 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
The prophecy given by Zechariah came to pass as Jesus Himself rode the colt into Jerusalem near the end of His life on earth. He brought salvation for all who will accept Him by dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins then coming forth from the grave as the firstfruits to life everlasting. Just as that prophecy was fulfilled, so will the prophecy from the Book of Revelation be fulfilled. What a beautiful promise to trust in. We know that those who have accepted the gift of salvation will dwell with God in the new Jerusalem when “the former things are passed away”.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Listen, Obey, Praise
Today I read Zechariah 1:15-6:8 and Revelation 19. My favorite verses are:
Zechariah 2:13 Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.
Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.
There is a time to be silent, and a time to praise with a great voice. When God raises up to do something, it is time to be silent and listen to what He has to say and watch to see what He is going to do. After listening quietly, we are to get busy doing whatever He has commanded us to do. Listen; then obey! Once God’s work is done, it is time to raise a great voice of praise to Him for what He has done. People in heaven know God’s power first hand. Their salvation was wrought by Him, and it is only fitting to give glory and honor to Him. But even now, we can say, “Alleluia,” to God for all the blessings we have received in this life; we don’t need to wait until we are at home in heaven with Him.
Zechariah 2:13 Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.
Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.
There is a time to be silent, and a time to praise with a great voice. When God raises up to do something, it is time to be silent and listen to what He has to say and watch to see what He is going to do. After listening quietly, we are to get busy doing whatever He has commanded us to do. Listen; then obey! Once God’s work is done, it is time to raise a great voice of praise to Him for what He has done. People in heaven know God’s power first hand. Their salvation was wrought by Him, and it is only fitting to give glory and honor to Him. But even now, we can say, “Alleluia,” to God for all the blessings we have received in this life; we don’t need to wait until we are at home in heaven with Him.
Blessings or Plagues
Today (December 27) I read Zephaniah 3:10-Zechariah 1:14 and Revelation 18:4-24. My favorite verses are:
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
God wants to bless us with salvation, joy, love, and singing; but if we do not obey and serve Him, we will receive plagues. God’s people are commanded to come out from among those who are sinning against Him. We are not to take part in the sins they commit unless we are prepared to also take part in the punishment. The great blessings from the Mighty God are what I choose; I do not understand why any child of God would choose the plagues.
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
God wants to bless us with salvation, joy, love, and singing; but if we do not obey and serve Him, we will receive plagues. God’s people are commanded to come out from among those who are sinning against Him. We are not to take part in the sins they commit unless we are prepared to also take part in the punishment. The great blessings from the Mighty God are what I choose; I do not understand why any child of God would choose the plagues.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The True God
Today I read Nahum 2:5-Zephaniah 3:9 and Revelation 16:1-18:3. My favorite verses are:
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Revelation 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
What a wonderful day it will be when the earth is full of the knowledge of God’s glory. Everyone will understand then that all the judgments made by God are true and righteous. The true in heart will worship the Lord God who judges hearts truly.
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Revelation 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
What a wonderful day it will be when the earth is full of the knowledge of God’s glory. Everyone will understand then that all the judgments made by God are true and righteous. The true in heart will worship the Lord God who judges hearts truly.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Singing in Heaven
Today I read Micah 5:8-Nahum 2:4 and Revelation 14:8-15:8. My favorite verses are:
Micah 7:8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.
Revelation 15:2-4 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
God lifts us up when we fall and lights our way to keep us safe. The enemy (whether human or demon) cannot win when we let the Lord fight the battle. And when we win the ultimate victory and stand before God in heaven, we get to play harps and sing! Since I love singing, I am so glad to know that we will be singing in heaven. I love singing to God here, and I know that in heaven it will be perfect.
Micah 7:8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.
Revelation 15:2-4 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
God lifts us up when we fall and lights our way to keep us safe. The enemy (whether human or demon) cannot win when we let the Lord fight the battle. And when we win the ultimate victory and stand before God in heaven, we get to play harps and sing! Since I love singing, I am so glad to know that we will be singing in heaven. I love singing to God here, and I know that in heaven it will be perfect.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Glory to God
Today I read Micah 1:1-5:7 and Revelation 13:5-14:7. My favorite verses are:
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Revelation 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
I could not pass by this verse from Micah since it is only two days away from Christmas, and this is one of the best known Christmas prophecies. Jesus was born in a small village, but He went from there to become the Savior of the world. He is described as a ruler in Israel; He did not fulfill that role in the short span of His human life, but that was only a small part of His everlasting existence. The Revelation reminds us that when the hour of judgment comes, everyone will worship Him as Creator and give glory to Him for all that He has done and will do. He will stand as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and WILL BE the ruler of, not only Israel, but all the earth and heavens.
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Revelation 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
I could not pass by this verse from Micah since it is only two days away from Christmas, and this is one of the best known Christmas prophecies. Jesus was born in a small village, but He went from there to become the Savior of the world. He is described as a ruler in Israel; He did not fulfill that role in the short span of His human life, but that was only a small part of His everlasting existence. The Revelation reminds us that when the hour of judgment comes, everyone will worship Him as Creator and give glory to Him for all that He has done and will do. He will stand as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and WILL BE the ruler of, not only Israel, but all the earth and heavens.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Salvation
Today I read the rest of Obadiah and all of Jonah as well as Revelation 12:1-13:4. My favorite verses are:
Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
It is important to keep your word—especially when you have made a promise to God. We should always remember to say thanks to God when he has blessed us. If you are his redeemed child, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, it is good to know that he is not only the author of our salvation, but he completes the work. The verse in the Revelation tells of the time when Satan will be cast down so that he can no longer accuse God’s children, and Christ will come in his power and reign forever in the kingdom of God.
Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
It is important to keep your word—especially when you have made a promise to God. We should always remember to say thanks to God when he has blessed us. If you are his redeemed child, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, it is good to know that he is not only the author of our salvation, but he completes the work. The verse in the Revelation tells of the time when Satan will be cast down so that he can no longer accuse God’s children, and Christ will come in his power and reign forever in the kingdom of God.
Monday, December 21, 2009
He Will Reign
Today I read Amos 6:2-Obadiah 1:4 and Revelation 10:10-11:19. My favorite verses are:
Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.
Revelation 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
These verses show opposite ends of a spectrum. Amos spoke of a day when God and His words would be taken away from the people because of their sin. They would suffer a famine of hearing God’s Word. In our time, in our country, we can read the Bible whenever and wherever we want to. There are multitudes of Bibles which can be bought. There are churches and other places where Bibles are given away at no cost. We have an abundance of God’s Word. Imagine if there were none. Would it matter to you personally? I know that I would miss it greatly; I have some memorized, but not enough to recreate a complete Bible. I take it for granted that I can read it every day, and I am sure that I don’t appreciate it as much as I should. The picture from Revelation is of God, the Eternal God Almighty, reigning with great power. I am so thankful that whatever may happen in this world as Satan becomes more desperate to win as many battles as he can before God locks him away forever, we have the assurance that God will reign when it is over. God will take back whatever power Satan mistakenly thought he had, and God will reign over His people forever and ever. I want to be on the winning side! I pray that you feel the same way.
Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.
Revelation 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
These verses show opposite ends of a spectrum. Amos spoke of a day when God and His words would be taken away from the people because of their sin. They would suffer a famine of hearing God’s Word. In our time, in our country, we can read the Bible whenever and wherever we want to. There are multitudes of Bibles which can be bought. There are churches and other places where Bibles are given away at no cost. We have an abundance of God’s Word. Imagine if there were none. Would it matter to you personally? I know that I would miss it greatly; I have some memorized, but not enough to recreate a complete Bible. I take it for granted that I can read it every day, and I am sure that I don’t appreciate it as much as I should. The picture from Revelation is of God, the Eternal God Almighty, reigning with great power. I am so thankful that whatever may happen in this world as Satan becomes more desperate to win as many battles as he can before God locks him away forever, we have the assurance that God will reign when it is over. God will take back whatever power Satan mistakenly thought he had, and God will reign over His people forever and ever. I want to be on the winning side! I pray that you feel the same way.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Time to Serve God
Today I read Amos 2:10-6:1 and Revelation 9:10-10:9. My favorite verses are:
Amos 5:14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
Revelation 10:5-6 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.
God wants us to choose good when we have a choice to make between good and evil. Doing good will cause the Lord to dwell with you. The converse is also true—having the Lord dwell with you will cause you to do good. This is the way of life that God wants for us. He has lived and will live forever. He created all things, including time. Often we may complain that we just don’t have enough time to do all the things we need to do. But God wants us to use our time wisely because, as he warns in Revelation, some day time will run out. The angel will stand on the sea and the earth and declare “that there should be time no longer.” So in the time that He has given us, we need to serve Him and obey Him and seek to bring others to Him before time is gone.
Amos 5:14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
Revelation 10:5-6 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.
God wants us to choose good when we have a choice to make between good and evil. Doing good will cause the Lord to dwell with you. The converse is also true—having the Lord dwell with you will cause you to do good. This is the way of life that God wants for us. He has lived and will live forever. He created all things, including time. Often we may complain that we just don’t have enough time to do all the things we need to do. But God wants us to use our time wisely because, as he warns in Revelation, some day time will run out. The angel will stand on the sea and the earth and declare “that there should be time no longer.” So in the time that He has given us, we need to serve Him and obey Him and seek to bring others to Him before time is gone.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The Valley of Decision
Today I read Joel 2:15-Amos 2:9 and Revelation 8:2-9:9. My favorite verses are:
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
The message here is really the same as yesterday’s—our God will judge us. If you have made a decision to ignore the gift of salvation made possible by the death and resurrection of His Son, you will be one of those seeking death but not being able to find it. If you make the decision to accept the gift of salvation, you will die physically, but you will then become like God and live with Him forever. I pray that you will make the right decision!
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
The message here is really the same as yesterday’s—our God will judge us. If you have made a decision to ignore the gift of salvation made possible by the death and resurrection of His Son, you will be one of those seeking death but not being able to find it. If you make the decision to accept the gift of salvation, you will die physically, but you will then become like God and live with Him forever. I pray that you will make the right decision!
When the Trumpet Sounds
Today (December 18) I read Hosea 8:6-Joel 2:14 and Revelation 5:8-8:1. My favorite verses are:
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
Revelation 6:16-17 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
God is a loving, merciful God; but He is also a righteous judge. He will not wait forever for us to accept the gift of salvation bought by the blood of His Son. The day will come when He commands the trumpet to sound and says, “It is enough!” Then the lost will experience the wrath of a Holy God and will be condemned forever. His children will be received into heaven to live with Him forever. If you don’t make the choice before then, you won’t have a choice when the trumpet sounds!
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
Revelation 6:16-17 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
God is a loving, merciful God; but He is also a righteous judge. He will not wait forever for us to accept the gift of salvation bought by the blood of His Son. The day will come when He commands the trumpet to sound and says, “It is enough!” Then the lost will experience the wrath of a Holy God and will be condemned forever. His children will be received into heaven to live with Him forever. If you don’t make the choice before then, you won’t have a choice when the trumpet sounds!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Follow On
Today I read Hosea 4:4-8:5 and Revelation 3:20-5:7. My favorite verses are:
Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
God is a God of movement; He is not just sitting on His throne overlooking His creation. He goes forth and comes back, and we must “follow on” if we are to get to know Him. You can’t follow someone who is not moving. We honor and glorify God because He is the creator of all things, but His work of creation is never done. Scientists say that the universe is continually expanding—God is still creating. He is responsible for each new morning; He determines what each day will be like. It may be warm or cold, sunny or rainy, or this time of year possibly snowy. He makes the wind blow or be still at His command. He takes an interest in each aspect of His creation; and above all, He takes an interest in mankind—the crowning glory of His creation. This great and powerful God wants to be actively involved in our lives day by day—“follow on to know the Lord”.
Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
God is a God of movement; He is not just sitting on His throne overlooking His creation. He goes forth and comes back, and we must “follow on” if we are to get to know Him. You can’t follow someone who is not moving. We honor and glorify God because He is the creator of all things, but His work of creation is never done. Scientists say that the universe is continually expanding—God is still creating. He is responsible for each new morning; He determines what each day will be like. It may be warm or cold, sunny or rainy, or this time of year possibly snowy. He makes the wind blow or be still at His command. He takes an interest in each aspect of His creation; and above all, He takes an interest in mankind—the crowning glory of His creation. This great and powerful God wants to be actively involved in our lives day by day—“follow on to know the Lord”.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Open Door
Today I read Daniel 11:38-Hosea 4:3 and Revelation 3:1-19. My favorite verses are:
Hosea 2:19-20 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Both the words of the prophet and the Revelation are spoken by God to His children. The church is referred to as the Bride of Christ—a Jewish woman was always betrothed before becoming a bride. God described the kind of woman He had chosen as His betrothed to later become His Bride—righteous, loving, merciful, and faithful. These are the attributes He expects to see in His church. We, the redeemed, are His church; these attributes should characterize our lives! And for those of His children who keep His word and do not deny Him, there will be an open door which no man can shut. It may be opened to opportunities for service to God and others; it may be opened to blessings given by Him to those who are the Bride; it certainly is opened to eternal life for His children. Whatever it is opened to, we would be foolish to fail to go through that door into whatever God has waiting for us.
Hosea 2:19-20 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Both the words of the prophet and the Revelation are spoken by God to His children. The church is referred to as the Bride of Christ—a Jewish woman was always betrothed before becoming a bride. God described the kind of woman He had chosen as His betrothed to later become His Bride—righteous, loving, merciful, and faithful. These are the attributes He expects to see in His church. We, the redeemed, are His church; these attributes should characterize our lives! And for those of His children who keep His word and do not deny Him, there will be an open door which no man can shut. It may be opened to opportunities for service to God and others; it may be opened to blessings given by Him to those who are the Bride; it certainly is opened to eternal life for His children. Whatever it is opened to, we would be foolish to fail to go through that door into whatever God has waiting for us.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Overcomers
Today I read Daniel 9:23-11:37 and Revelation 2:7-29. My favorite verses are:
Daniel 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
God’s people are not promised freedom from suffering; in fact, we are told that we WILL suffer. Those who seek to serve God will be attacked by Satan and his forces. God has not promised to always intervene and preserve the lives of His own. Especially as the time of the end of the earth as we know it draws near, God’s people will have to endure great hardship. Daniel said they will “fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil”. Two verses later it says this is done to purge them and make them white. They are being prepared for entrance into the presence of God. God’s own Son suffered more than most people can even imagine. He willingly gave Himself to be tortured and put to death so that we who accept the salvation He died to provide can live eternally. When we face suffering in this world, we can rest assured that the words in the Revelation are meant for us; we will gain entrance into God’s paradise and be able to eat the fruit of the tree of life. When we overcome the adversities of this life, we will attain life everlasting—the SURE promise of God.
Daniel 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
God’s people are not promised freedom from suffering; in fact, we are told that we WILL suffer. Those who seek to serve God will be attacked by Satan and his forces. God has not promised to always intervene and preserve the lives of His own. Especially as the time of the end of the earth as we know it draws near, God’s people will have to endure great hardship. Daniel said they will “fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil”. Two verses later it says this is done to purge them and make them white. They are being prepared for entrance into the presence of God. God’s own Son suffered more than most people can even imagine. He willingly gave Himself to be tortured and put to death so that we who accept the salvation He died to provide can live eternally. When we face suffering in this world, we can rest assured that the words in the Revelation are meant for us; we will gain entrance into God’s paradise and be able to eat the fruit of the tree of life. When we overcome the adversities of this life, we will attain life everlasting—the SURE promise of God.
Alpha and Omega
Today (December 13) I read Daniel 7:15-9:22 and Revelation 1:6-2:6. My favorite verses are:
Daniel 9:18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
God, the eternal Almighty God, hears our prayers and answers them—not because we deserve it, but because he is a loving, merciful God. It is amazing to me how wonderful God is. In His eternal greatness, the Alpha and Omega listens to us and watches over us and loves us. He meets our needs and provided a way of salvation so that we can be with Him for the rest of His eternal existence. Thank You, God, for Your care for us!
Daniel 9:18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
God, the eternal Almighty God, hears our prayers and answers them—not because we deserve it, but because he is a loving, merciful God. It is amazing to me how wonderful God is. In His eternal greatness, the Alpha and Omega listens to us and watches over us and loves us. He meets our needs and provided a way of salvation so that we can be with Him for the rest of His eternal existence. Thank You, God, for Your care for us!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Eternal Living God
Today I read Daniel 5:11-7:14 and Jude 1:10-Revelation 1:5. My favorite verses are:
Daniel 6:26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.
These descriptions of the living God remind me of how great and awesome He is. The God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament are one and the same—stedfast for ever. He has “glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever”. He is the only one who has the power to keep us from falling, to keep us from being overcome by sin. By salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, we can be made faultless—completely forgiven for whatever sin is found in our lives. And when we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, we can stand in the presence of the eternal living God with exceeding joy. What an amazing promise to mankind. Receive the gift and share the joy—not only during the Christmas season but at any time of the year.
Daniel 6:26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.
These descriptions of the living God remind me of how great and awesome He is. The God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament are one and the same—stedfast for ever. He has “glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever”. He is the only one who has the power to keep us from falling, to keep us from being overcome by sin. By salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, we can be made faultless—completely forgiven for whatever sin is found in our lives. And when we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, we can stand in the presence of the eternal living God with exceeding joy. What an amazing promise to mankind. Receive the gift and share the joy—not only during the Christmas season but at any time of the year.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Great and Mighty God
Today I read Daniel 3:15-5:10 and 3 John 1:4-Jude 1:9. My favorite verses are:
Daniel 4:2-3 I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
It seems to be obvious that God’s children (John’s “children” in the faith) should walk in truth. Jesus is the Truth, so those redeemed by Him who are called by His name should walk in truth. We must always strive to be like Him; when we fail, we confess our sin and accept His forgiveness and continue to strive to be like Him. Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, was brought low by the High God and taught a lesson that we all need to learn. We cannot be God; there is only one God who is in control of the activities of man on this earth. He does give us free will and allow us to go our own way to a certain extent, but there are times when He says, “Enough! I will make you know Who I Am.” He did this to King Nebuchadnezzar. When his punishment was complete, God restored him to his office as king; and Nebuchadnezzar spoke very differently than he had before. He gave praise to God for His mighty wonders. He acknowledged that God is eternal and remains generation after generation. Man dies and may be remembered historically, but he does not continue to impact the world as God does for ever and ever.
Daniel 4:2-3 I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
It seems to be obvious that God’s children (John’s “children” in the faith) should walk in truth. Jesus is the Truth, so those redeemed by Him who are called by His name should walk in truth. We must always strive to be like Him; when we fail, we confess our sin and accept His forgiveness and continue to strive to be like Him. Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, was brought low by the High God and taught a lesson that we all need to learn. We cannot be God; there is only one God who is in control of the activities of man on this earth. He does give us free will and allow us to go our own way to a certain extent, but there are times when He says, “Enough! I will make you know Who I Am.” He did this to King Nebuchadnezzar. When his punishment was complete, God restored him to his office as king; and Nebuchadnezzar spoke very differently than he had before. He gave praise to God for His mighty wonders. He acknowledged that God is eternal and remains generation after generation. Man dies and may be remembered historically, but he does not continue to impact the world as God does for ever and ever.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
You Bless God--God Bless You
Today I read Daniel 2:1-3:14 and 1 John 5:17-3 John 1:3. My favorite verses are:
Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Tonight I echo Daniel’s praise, “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever!” God has given me so much, and I can never praise Him enough for the great things He has done for me. Even if I praise Him forever, it will not measure up to the goodness of his blessings to me. My soul prospers; I am rich in my relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ! And thanks be to God, I have good health, and I am not struggling financially as so many do in today’s tough economy. I am not wealthy, but I am not in need. I pray that you, too, will find a closeness to the wise and powerful God, and that you will bless His name. Then in turn He will pour out blessings on you so that you will prosper and be in health just as your soul prospers.
Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Tonight I echo Daniel’s praise, “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever!” God has given me so much, and I can never praise Him enough for the great things He has done for me. Even if I praise Him forever, it will not measure up to the goodness of his blessings to me. My soul prospers; I am rich in my relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ! And thanks be to God, I have good health, and I am not struggling financially as so many do in today’s tough economy. I am not wealthy, but I am not in need. I pray that you, too, will find a closeness to the wise and powerful God, and that you will bless His name. Then in turn He will pour out blessings on you so that you will prosper and be in health just as your soul prospers.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Know that you Know
Today I read Ezekiel 47:17-Daniel 1:21 and 1 John 4:20-5:16. My favorite verses are:
Daniel 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
1 John 5:12-13 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
You don’t have to be grown up before you begin to serve God seriously. Daniel and his three friends were children when they were chosen by God to do great works in a foreign land where they were being held captive. God gave them knowledge, skill, wisdom, and understanding. He gave them great responsibility as they stood before kings and brought honor to God through their behavior and commitment to serve Him faithfully. I am sure that they knew the Son of God who gave them eternal life—he was with them in the fiery furnace. The Word of God is given to us today to give us the assurance of our salvation through Jesus Christ; if we believe on his name, we can KNOW that we have eternal life. It isn’t something to guess or hope or wish; God wants us to know where we stand with Him.
Daniel 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
1 John 5:12-13 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
You don’t have to be grown up before you begin to serve God seriously. Daniel and his three friends were children when they were chosen by God to do great works in a foreign land where they were being held captive. God gave them knowledge, skill, wisdom, and understanding. He gave them great responsibility as they stood before kings and brought honor to God through their behavior and commitment to serve Him faithfully. I am sure that they knew the Son of God who gave them eternal life—he was with them in the fiery furnace. The Word of God is given to us today to give us the assurance of our salvation through Jesus Christ; if we believe on his name, we can KNOW that we have eternal life. It isn’t something to guess or hope or wish; God wants us to know where we stand with Him.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
God Is Love
Today I read Ezekiel 45:3-47:16 and 1 John 3:20-4:19. My favorite verses are:
Ezekiel 47:9 And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.
This verse made me think of the Holy Spirit, sometimes described as a river—wherever He goes, He brings healing. The great multitude of fish reminded me of the lost who need to know salvation through Jesus Christ. He told His disciples that He would make them to be fishers of men, bringing the lost to Him.
I could not choose just one verse from 1 John 4, so I simply printed all 19 verses for you to be immersed in.
1 John 4:1-19 1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19We love him, because he first loved us.
Ezekiel 47:9 And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.
This verse made me think of the Holy Spirit, sometimes described as a river—wherever He goes, He brings healing. The great multitude of fish reminded me of the lost who need to know salvation through Jesus Christ. He told His disciples that He would make them to be fishers of men, bringing the lost to Him.
I could not choose just one verse from 1 John 4, so I simply printed all 19 verses for you to be immersed in.
1 John 4:1-19 1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19We love him, because he first loved us.
Monday, December 7, 2009
It's All About God!
Today I read Ezekiel 42:18-45:2 and 1 John 2:28-3:19. My favorite verses are:
Ezekiel 44:24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
In God’s words to the prophet notice the words my, my, my, mine, and my. The emphasis is on God and how we are to approach Him. He makes the rules, and it is our duty to obey them. We are not given permission to negotiate with God; we are not told to interpret, modify, or amend His judgments. We are to judge according to His judgments. Then we are told to keep His laws; we cannot do as we please and justify our behavior before a Holy God. This is not unreasonable, especially in view of the rewards God gives to His children now and in the world to come. We do not yet know what that will be like. In fact, we do not know what we will be like. John told us that we will be like the Son of God, perfected and worthy to stand before God the Father, the Holy One. What a great God we serve.
Ezekiel 44:24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
In God’s words to the prophet notice the words my, my, my, mine, and my. The emphasis is on God and how we are to approach Him. He makes the rules, and it is our duty to obey them. We are not given permission to negotiate with God; we are not told to interpret, modify, or amend His judgments. We are to judge according to His judgments. Then we are told to keep His laws; we cannot do as we please and justify our behavior before a Holy God. This is not unreasonable, especially in view of the rewards God gives to His children now and in the world to come. We do not yet know what that will be like. In fact, we do not know what we will be like. John told us that we will be like the Son of God, perfected and worthy to stand before God the Father, the Holy One. What a great God we serve.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
What God Requires
Today I read Ezekiel 40:30-42:17 and 1 John 2:7-27. My favorite verses are:
Ezekiel 42:14 When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people.
1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
God has requirements for those who serve Him. In the Old Testament there are a number of chapters devoted to descriptions and measurements and rules relating to the temple in Jerusalem. It is, quite honestly, rather boring to read. And yet God in His wisdom determined that the information was important for us to know. I believe that He is pleased with order and beauty. We can see in His creation that everything has its place; if planets orbited haphazardly around the sun and other stars, they would “crash and burn”. The earth that we live on is exactly the right distance from the sun to be able to sustain human life. It has a definite sequence to days and nights and months and seasons and years. God gave very specific instructions to men and women who worked in building and furnishing the temple where they would worship Him. It was not to be shoddily put together, but it was to be of a particular size and order that would make it a place of beauty. God was also concerned that His house not be defiled by irreverent behavior. He required the priests to go so far as to have a change of clothes when they ministered to Him in the Holy Place. Then when they left that place and returned to the court where the people were, they had to take off the holy garments and leave them behind. They put on other garments to minister to the people. I think that sometimes we become thoughtless in our treatment of things pertaining to the worship of God. If it didn’t matter how we approach His house, I don’t think He would have so much of the Bible devoted to instructions for its use. The next time you go into a church building, think about the God it represents. Approach the building and the Lord of the building with respect. The very short verse that I chose from the New Testament tells us something very important about the God of the temple. He has promised eternal life to those who receive Him. Now, in light of the whole discussion of the temple, think about the dwelling places He has built for us to live in eternally in heaven. I think that we cannot even begin to imagine the magnificence we will find there.
Ezekiel 42:14 When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people.
1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
God has requirements for those who serve Him. In the Old Testament there are a number of chapters devoted to descriptions and measurements and rules relating to the temple in Jerusalem. It is, quite honestly, rather boring to read. And yet God in His wisdom determined that the information was important for us to know. I believe that He is pleased with order and beauty. We can see in His creation that everything has its place; if planets orbited haphazardly around the sun and other stars, they would “crash and burn”. The earth that we live on is exactly the right distance from the sun to be able to sustain human life. It has a definite sequence to days and nights and months and seasons and years. God gave very specific instructions to men and women who worked in building and furnishing the temple where they would worship Him. It was not to be shoddily put together, but it was to be of a particular size and order that would make it a place of beauty. God was also concerned that His house not be defiled by irreverent behavior. He required the priests to go so far as to have a change of clothes when they ministered to Him in the Holy Place. Then when they left that place and returned to the court where the people were, they had to take off the holy garments and leave them behind. They put on other garments to minister to the people. I think that sometimes we become thoughtless in our treatment of things pertaining to the worship of God. If it didn’t matter how we approach His house, I don’t think He would have so much of the Bible devoted to instructions for its use. The next time you go into a church building, think about the God it represents. Approach the building and the Lord of the building with respect. The very short verse that I chose from the New Testament tells us something very important about the God of the temple. He has promised eternal life to those who receive Him. Now, in light of the whole discussion of the temple, think about the dwelling places He has built for us to live in eternally in heaven. I think that we cannot even begin to imagine the magnificence we will find there.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
God Reveals Himself
Today I read Ezekiel 38:19-40:29 and 2 Peter 3:14-1 John 2:6. My favorite verses are:
Ezekiel 38:23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
These are great verses telling us what God the LORD says about Himself! He magnifies and sanctifies Himself so that the nations may know Him. He makes it easy to be seen and known because He is Light—there is no darkness in Him. And He has caused prophets and preachers to declare Who and What He is to all who will hear. Be one who hears! Know God as He reveals Himself to you individually as well as to the nations of the world. And in knowing Him, be ready to serve Him—be one who declares the message of God.
Ezekiel 38:23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
These are great verses telling us what God the LORD says about Himself! He magnifies and sanctifies Himself so that the nations may know Him. He makes it easy to be seen and known because He is Light—there is no darkness in Him. And He has caused prophets and preachers to declare Who and What He is to all who will hear. Be one who hears! Know God as He reveals Himself to you individually as well as to the nations of the world. And in knowing Him, be ready to serve Him—be one who declares the message of God.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Gifts from God
Today I read Ezekiel 36:22-38:18 and 2 Peter 2:15-3:13. My favorite verses are:
Ezekiel 36:26-27 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
It is December now, and thoughts turn even more to Christmas. We may be thinking of gifts we wish to receive when that day arrives. Today’s verses speak of gifts from God. He said that He will give us new hearts, His Spirit, new heavens, and a new earth. Peter says “according to his promise” we can look for these things. They are sure to come, not just things to wish for. God in His wisdom makes us new so that we can be with Him in the new dwelling place that He is preparing for His own. We begin to learn in this life to walk in His will and keep His judgments so that we may enter the new earth where righteousness dwells. Oh, to be LIKE Him; even better to be WITH Him throughout eternity—and that is what He wants for us and for Himself. We are truly blessed by His gifts.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
It is December now, and thoughts turn even more to Christmas. We may be thinking of gifts we wish to receive when that day arrives. Today’s verses speak of gifts from God. He said that He will give us new hearts, His Spirit, new heavens, and a new earth. Peter says “according to his promise” we can look for these things. They are sure to come, not just things to wish for. God in His wisdom makes us new so that we can be with Him in the new dwelling place that He is preparing for His own. We begin to learn in this life to walk in His will and keep His judgments so that we may enter the new earth where righteousness dwells. Oh, to be LIKE Him; even better to be WITH Him throughout eternity—and that is what He wants for us and for Himself. We are truly blessed by His gifts.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Moved by the Holy Ghost
Today I read Ezekiel 34:5-36:21 and 2 Peter 1:15-2:14. My favorite verses are:
Ezekiel 34:23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
2 Peter 1:21 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.
The prophet said that David would be established as the shepherd of Israel to feed them. Peter said that this prophecy was the word inspired by the Holy Ghost. Ezekiel did not just make up things to say; God, by the Holy Ghost, told him what to say. David was a shepherd when he was a young boy; then he became King of Israel. God said that he would become a shepherd again. Christ, the chief Shepherd, the good Shepherd, was a descendant of David. In Him, the prophecy was fulfilled; this descendant of David fed Israel the Word of God. The Holy Ghost moved Ezekiel to let the Israelites know that they would survive the judgment of God and would be cared for by the Shepherd and given new life. There is an unspoken condition here—the sheep must follow where the Shepherd leads if they are to be fed. Are you following the Shepherd today?
Ezekiel 34:23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
2 Peter 1:21 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.
The prophet said that David would be established as the shepherd of Israel to feed them. Peter said that this prophecy was the word inspired by the Holy Ghost. Ezekiel did not just make up things to say; God, by the Holy Ghost, told him what to say. David was a shepherd when he was a young boy; then he became King of Israel. God said that he would become a shepherd again. Christ, the chief Shepherd, the good Shepherd, was a descendant of David. In Him, the prophecy was fulfilled; this descendant of David fed Israel the Word of God. The Holy Ghost moved Ezekiel to let the Israelites know that they would survive the judgment of God and would be cared for by the Shepherd and given new life. There is an unspoken condition here—the sheep must follow where the Shepherd leads if they are to be fed. Are you following the Shepherd today?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Why will you die?
Today I read Ezekiel 32:7-34:4 and 1 Peter 5:8-2 Peter 1:14. My favorite verses are:
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
The words spoken by God to Israel are the same to each of us today—God does not WANT to punish us for wickedness; He wants us to turn away from wickedness to salvation and eternal life with Him. Why would you choose death when life is offered? Peter gives some insight into the answer. Satan is ever on the move looking for a chance to devour unsuspecting sinners. God warns us to be vigilant—to be on guard against the adversary, but too many fail to watch. They continue in careless living, wickedness, disobedience to God; and they die in their sins, devoured by Satan and condemned to an eternity with him. We have a choice! Choose life.
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
The words spoken by God to Israel are the same to each of us today—God does not WANT to punish us for wickedness; He wants us to turn away from wickedness to salvation and eternal life with Him. Why would you choose death when life is offered? Peter gives some insight into the answer. Satan is ever on the move looking for a chance to devour unsuspecting sinners. God warns us to be vigilant—to be on guard against the adversary, but too many fail to watch. They continue in careless living, wickedness, disobedience to God; and they die in their sins, devoured by Satan and condemned to an eternity with him. We have a choice! Choose life.
Sure promises
Technically, this is the post for December 1, I just didn't get it posted until after midnight. Today (December 1) I read Ezekiel 29:9-32:6 and 1 Peter 4:6-5:7. My favorite verses are:
Ezekiel 29:21 In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
God’s promises are sure. What He says will come to pass. He renewed the nation of Israel in the land that He promised to them when He set them free from slavery in Egypt. They returned from captivity in Babylon, but in the 20th Century they returned to their homeland again and became a nation. They know that Jehovah is the LORD. The promise of a crown of glory when Jesus, our Shepherd, appears is also true. This is a promise to earthly shepherds (pastors of churches) from the Heavenly Shepherd. Service to God, obedience to God, will be rewarded. It is a sure promise from God.
Ezekiel 29:21 In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
God’s promises are sure. What He says will come to pass. He renewed the nation of Israel in the land that He promised to them when He set them free from slavery in Egypt. They returned from captivity in Babylon, but in the 20th Century they returned to their homeland again and became a nation. They know that Jehovah is the LORD. The promise of a crown of glory when Jesus, our Shepherd, appears is also true. This is a promise to earthly shepherds (pastors of churches) from the Heavenly Shepherd. Service to God, obedience to God, will be rewarded. It is a sure promise from God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
