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…
God spoke thru the prophet Haggai giving the people something they needed to do. “Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.” (Haggai 1:5) Again in verse 7 we see repeated “consider your ways”. Like was commanded to them, sometimes we need to do a self-examination and consider our ways, making sure they are in accordance with God’s Word. James reminds us to compare our lives to God’s Word, and be willing to make changes when we are not…
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,…
As they were rebuilding the temple, the people got emotional. “And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.’ And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.” They knew that the goodness of God has no limit and no end. “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his…
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…
In this section of scripture we read of the visions that Daniel received. Daniel also received interpretations of these visions. These were prophecies that came true exactly as they were told. Only God has this kind of power and His power was shown in the kingdom that was described to Daniel. “I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of…
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 this life. “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). “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for…
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…