We have a proverb that reminds us where we can find protection. “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5) There is a psalm that makes a very similar statement. “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (Psalms 18:30) Jesus tells us that for that true and perfect word of God to be of any benefit…
The prophecy that Zechariah shared with the people included a promise from God of saving. “On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.” (Zechariah 9:16) There was another prophecy that also brought us a promise of saving. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this…
God has always been forced to deal with stubbornness from His people and the Bible makes it clear that this angers Him “But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 7:11-12) Paul tells…
In Psalm 139 David acknowledged God’s ability to know all of our thoughts. “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:1-2) It is easy to let our minds wander off on things we shouldn’t, but Paul gives us some pointers on focusing our thoughts. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,…
A few days ago we talked a little bit about things God hates. As Christians there are things that we should also hate. “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13) It seems pretty easy to dislike evil, but what about pride? When things are going our way it is easy to start getting a sense of pride in ourselves. James also warns us about…
The saying “Handwriting on the wall” originated from this section of scripture. God does not share His word in a miraculous way today, but He has provided us with His complete instruction manual for us. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,” (2 Peter 1:3 ESV) Today’s reading: Daniel 4-6
When king Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that no one else could interpret, Daniel was able to tell the king everything about the dream and it’s meaning. Instead of taking credit for this ability, Daniel gave credit where credit was due. “Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and…
The prophet Joel brought the words of God to the people. “The word of the LORD that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel:” (Joel 1:1) Much of what he shared with them were words of warning. But the book ends with God’s love for His people being shown if they will just return to Him. “So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers…
The book of Ezekiel ends with a naming: “… And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.” Won’t it be great when our home is where the Lord is! “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe…
Hate is a strong word, yet we are told there are things that God hates. “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) He hates the first six and the last one, sows discord among brothers,…