Victory and Peace

O. T. #2329 "Victory and Peace"

Nov. 30, 2022

Zechariah 14-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

Do you need victory in your life today like I do? It is available. Are we in need of peace today? It is available, also. Read on to find out how.

During the Messiah's reign on earth in the Millennium:

• The land of Israel will be restored. The Jews will dwell in safety in the city because their sin and enemies are removed. (verse 10)
• Reassured, again, Jerusalem inhabitants will dwell in safety since their relationship with the Lord will be restored. (verse 11)
• The Lord will fight for His people in Jerusalem, bringing a horrible plague upon their enemies. (verse 12)
• Great tumult (trouble, destruction) will come upon their enemies, although at first they seemed to be victorious, but the Lord will intervene and strengthen Judah with victory.(verse 14)
• The plague will fall upon the soldiers and animals of the invading army. (verse 15)

Now that is what I call victory. 

Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and bought me with His redeeming love. He loved me before I knew Him and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory, with His redeeming blood. Have you received this victory in your soul, dear one?

It comes only through knowing Jesus Christ as Savior. Simply ask Him to forgive you of your sins, believe in your heart that Jesus is God's Son, the only way to heaven. What peace, love, and joy will come into your life. Victory over sin is possible only through Jesus.

LET IT GROW

Peace on earth, good will to men. That is what we all pray for, hope for, desire, right? There are so many wars, problems, and disagreements in the world. For the first time, peace will come to Jerusalem (during the Millennium). 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

We can have peace in our hearts when we know Jesus as our Savior, and we are obeying His Word, leading of His Spirit, and worshiping only Jesus.

LET IT GO

Help us open our hands and let go of control, doing things our way, seeking answers in other places, Lord Jesus.

We need Your peace today, for our nation is a mess. Money seems to be the driving force behind everything bad. 

Bless the families with peace who have tragically lost their loved ones this month in killings. Hold them in Your Everlasting Arms of love.

Everlasting King and Lord

 O. T. #2328 "Everlasting King and Lord"

Nov. 29, 2022

Zechariah 14-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Zechariah is looking into the future with concern of the return of the Lord Jesus to the earth to set up His kingdom. (verses 1-8) With a third of the Jews surviving the Tribulation, the Lord will set up His Kingdom on earth. He will establish Himself in the Temple and proclaim Himself to be God.  

Some unusual things will happen:

• Jesus' feet will land on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. (verse 4)
• Then there is a great earthquake and the Mt. of Olives splits in half, north and south. Physical changes take place. (verse 5) It is all on a great mountain; Jerusalem on one and Mt. of Olives one another. It sounds like all the other hilly land, except where the Temple is, will be leveled. 
• All the saints will come with Thee. (verse 5)The armies of heaven will follow Jesus to earth and the saints. Other scriptures can go along with this-Rev. 19;Romans 11:25-26.
• Out of darkness will come light. Jesus is the Light of the world. 9verses 6-7)
• With the lands around Jerusalem flattened, the city could become a seaport of the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. Jesus is the Living Water which flows from the throne and does not end, spiritually speaking. Either literally or spiritually taken, verse 8 will establish Jerusalem as the Word of God going out from it. 

Continued O. T. #2328

technical difficulties so this post is continued

LET IT GROW

In verse 9, we know in that day:

• Jesus shall be king over all the earth.
• One Lord will be worshiped-Jesus. There will be no other object of worship, for all people will be in right relationship with Him (Savior). Christianity will be the universal religion, then.
• Perhaps there will be one language, whichever one it is, God has established it before the creation of the world.

LET IT GO

Jesus is the only King, Savior, and Redeemer. 

You alone are worthy of worship, glory, honor, and praise.

Help everyone who reads this believe in You.

Thank You for Your everlasting love.

Tying Up Loose Ends

O. T. #2327 "Tying Up Loose Ends"

Nov. 28, 2022

Zechariah 14

LET IT GLOW 

Do we need to tie up loose ends of our life-things we have put off doing, for another day?One day will be our last day here, so we need to make preparations. Before we take a trip, I get our things up to date, financially. That will make it easier on our children if we do not return home for one reason or another. 

Here we are, studying the last chapter of this book. do you realize that we only have one more book to go, and then we will have finished the Old Testament. A big shout out of thank you for faithfully studying with me thus far. May the Lord bless you!

Zechariah connects the second coming of Christ as he gathers together everything and ties up any loose strings or ends there might be. The church will be removed from earth so we do not have to experience the kind of judgment brought on. The first three verses is the last siege of Jerusalem. Here the prophet speaks of the later part of the Great Tribulation period of 7 years. The Day of the LORD cometh after the Antichrist brings horrible tribulation. 

You will recall the past sieges upon Jerusalem by the Babylonian army and the Roman army (before N.T. time). The last battle upon Israel will be the Battle of Armageddon, where only 1/3 of the Jews remnant survive. 

What does Zechariah prophesy here?

• Conquerors will siege Jerusalem and divide the spoils. (verse 1)
• Nations will come there to do battle. (verse 2)
• One will set himself up the Temple of God and proclaim himself  to be God (the Antichrist). 
• He will vent his wrath upon Israel, deport people, and only a remnant will remain in the city.
• When the battle happens, it is a sign from heaven that the Lord is getting ready to return. (Matthew 24:30)
• Those armies will be slain by the breath of Christ, so don't be shaken, troubled, by spirit, word, nor by letter. (2 Thess. 2:2)
• God will use this occasion to fight for Isael, His beloved.

How will the Jews be rescued in Jerusalem? Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives (east side) and the mountain will split and provide a way of escape for those trapped in Jerusalem. (verses 4-5) This earthquake was predicted nearly 200 years earlier than Zechariah in Amos 1:1. 

God provides a way of escape for His children, especially when tempted.

LET IT GROW

On the Mt. of Olives, Jesus spoke with His disciples about the end times. (Matt. 24) Near this mountain, an angel promised that Jesus would return in the same manner as He had left. (Acts 1:11; Ez. 11:23)

Only God's people will escape His punishment. (Matt. 24:16-20) god knows who His people, believers, are. 

Friend, are you one of those believers?

LET IT GO

What a day that will be when we are taken out of this cruel world! (Raptured) If we are still alive at that time. 

Jesus is going to carry out all that the Father has planned.

It is best to let go of the hold we have on this world before that happens.

Focus on serving and loving Jesus Christ, our Savior. 

Then we won't be disappointed to leave it all behind.

Friend, I hope to one day meet you here, there, or in the air.

 Golden Anniversary

Today we made it. We climbed the highest mountain, survived the storms, went through rough seas of life, together. It is hard to believe that it has been 50 years since we said, "I do."  Oh, it wasn't the wedding of the year. That happened the night before when two of our friends got married. It was a simple ceremony that Saturday night-my cousin stood beside me, his brother beside him, and our pastor in front. A church full of our families and church family came.  My parents did not want us getting married. They had plans for me to go to college instead. So I had to decorate the church and reception room by myself. (They knew hard times was ahead for us, since I was only 18 and he was 19.) He didn't have a job and I had never had one.  This back-woods boy and country girl who thought they knew what love was got married and survived the hardships of life.

Eight years later we moved with two children to attend a university. We graduated and he pastored (worked part-time jobs) and I taught in elementary schools. We moved around the state and even in West Virginia, as the Lord opened the doors. So many people and experiences during those years to recall.

We were able to move back home after being gone 17 years. Funny that we had our 25th anniversary after we moved back. He pastored 22 years at the same church and I taught at 2 schools.  We bought a tire shop to supplement our income so I could retire. We had it 16 years and sold it 2 months ago.

Memories. Hardships. Trials. We all have them. I realize that few make it through 50 years of marriage, though. God has certainly been with us, faithfully providing, strengthening our faith, using us to share His gospel of love. so many have come to Christ during those years of ministry. I would not trade it for anything, even though we were away from our parents and family.

Yesterday we spent Thanksgiving alone, eating a meal we both cooked, watching parades, football, and shows together. It was peaceful, just the two of us. As you get older, it doesn't take much to live happily ever after. We gave thanks for our meal and family together.

How did we do it, last 50 years? Loving each other, caring for each other, lifting each other up when down, forgiving each other, and loving God. However long we have left together, we will continue to give thanks.

Our celebration today will be going out to eat, avoiding crowds of shoppers, and saying "I love you!" He offered to take me to Hawaii, but I have opted for a new house. We have lived in this cold in the winter and hot in the summer house that I grew up in long enough. It is hard on these old bones. My rocking chair is there when I need it, but not today. We have places to go and things to do. (Probably, we will spend a few days in Branson next week, less you think we are doing nothing.)

So friends, have a blessed day. Share God's love wherever you are and go. 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15)

That verse came up on my devotional reading this morning. I know it refers to salvation in Jesus Christ, but can it also apply to our gift of 50 years?

Thanksgiving Day is Coming!

Thanksgiving Day is Coming! 

Nov. 23-24, 2022 

It is a busy time of the year, especially for the cooks. May we take time to recall what the meaning of this holiday is-giving thanks to our God. 

Praise ye the LORD, O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever,  (Psalm 106:1)

What can you thank the Lord for today?

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. (Ps. 107:1

Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Ps. 107:8)

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. (Ps. 107:22)

But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased. (Ps. 115:3)

Will we thank our God for life and breath and every beat of our heart? Will we thank Him for salvation and eternal life with Him? Is Jesus Christ the one we serve instead of our self?

Grace and mercy are but a breath away; strength to carry on, too. 

Rejoice evermore, Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

So whatever we are going through, dear one, God is with us. Give thanks. Whatever lies before us, give thanks. 

Give thanks during this thanksgiving time of celebration. Don't let it pass away as just another holiday, or time with family. Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Suffering and Refinement

O. T. #2326 "Suffering and Refinement"

Nov. 22, 2022

Zechariah 13-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Yesterday, I spent 3 hours in the dentist chair, getting a temporary crown on a tooth that has two places cracked in the enamel. It was a struggle, taking 4 shots to deaden the spot. I chewed on my jaw skin and it is sore. I had to take a nap when I got home. Wow, how sore it is today! But that is a small thing in comparison to what the 4 families of the students in Idaho are going through, having their loved one murdered. Please God give them strength, hold them close to you.

When it seemed that Israel had turned against God through their history, there has been a righteous remnant who still trusted and followed God. Those believers were refined like gold and silver through the fire of difficult circumstances and the furnace of affliction. They experienced it in Egypt and Babylon. The time of Jacob's trouble will be the most difficult furnace to endure. 

As the goldsmith refines gold and silver to remove the impurities, so will the tribulation to come in the last days will accomplish for Israel. Are we in need of refinement today?

LET IT GROW

How does this apply to us? The church has defiled people who need to repent of sins, be cleansed, and turn from their wicked ways. (1 John 1:9) When we do, then the Lord will cleanse and bless the church, bringing healing to our land.

Does God have to put us through the furnace of suffering before we call on Him and seek His face? (Heb. 12:3-11)

... they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is My people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. (verse 9b)

We are to obey God no matter what the rest of the world does. Also, let the trial and troubles purify our hearts. Determine to be a part of the remnant that is faithful to God. 

LET IT GO

Where is God? Look up. He is in control even in our suffering.

Everything is going to be all right.

God is faithful and true to His Word. 

He's got the whole world in His hands. He's got you and me, brother and sister, in His hands.

Keep us close to You, Father. 

 

Is the Cost Too Much?

O. T. #2325 " Is the Cost Too Much?"

Nov. 21, 2022 

Zechariah 13-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

There have been times that the cost of a garment was too much, so I considered, so I did not purchase it. I suppose that thrifty comes from years of having to watch our pennies. So I wonder, is there anything that can happen to cause us to turn from following Jesus, the cost too much for us?

What will come to pass in the days during the Millennial reign of Christ?

• The Jews of Jerusalem will be cleansed of their sins of unbelief in Jesus as Messiah and Savior. (verse 1)
• False prophets, who were led by demonic power, will be removed from the land of Israel. Also, idol worship, false religion, and moral impurities will be no more. (verse 2)
• Because the salvation of the Lord that cleansed the people, they shall love God and His truth. Then any false prophets who misrepresent the truth will be killed, as Deuteronomy 13 and 18 says to do. (verse 3)
• False prophets plagued Israel throughout history and they will eventually be ashamed of their works of deception. Their demon-inspired lies will be stopped. (verse 4)
• They will not dress as priests or prophet because they were false, but claim to be farmers. (verse 5)
• When asked about their scares/wounds, (actually because of idolatrous rites) will say friends cause it. (verse 6)
• Only 1/3 of the Jews will survive (remnant) the reign of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation. This remnant will go into the Millennial kingdom.(verse 8)

Do we recognize false religions today? Are we deceived by false preachers and teachers? They do not believe in Jesus as Savior, just as a good man and teacher. They do not believe Jesus is God who became flesh and a man. They do not believe He is the only way to heaven and eternal life. It is good to look around and open our eyes to those liars and deceivers. 

LET IT GROW

Did you know that Jesus quoted verse 7, which is recorded in Matthew 26:31? 

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

The word offended means to entrap; trip up; stumble; entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure.

Luke 7:23 uses the same word offended, which says, And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 

Friend, does following Jesus and His Word cause us to be tripped up or stumble because we are trying to have one foot in the world and one foot following Him? Is the price too much for us to suffer for being a believer in Jesus? If so, think about what He endured for us to be saved. Is there something that can cause us to turn away from Jesus? Is there something that Is anything too much for us to bear being a Christian? I pray not.

May we fight the good fight, and remain faithful to Jesus to the end, our death. When we do, we will have rewards awaiting us in heaven.

LET IT GO

Keep us in Your will, Jesus, walking with You along our journey of life.

Forgive me when I grumble over my aches and pains when others cannot walk or talk.

Be our strength through it all, trusting in Jesus no matter the cost.

 

A Cool Creek and Cleansing

 O.T. #2324  "A Cool Creek and Cleansing"

Nov. 18, 2022

Zechariah 13

In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

I haven't waded in a city fountain on a hot summer's day, but I have waded in a cool, spring-fed creek on my grandfather's land. How relieving it is. Especially when I can swim in it. I recall when I was a child, my dad going down to the creek with us and him sitting in the creek to bring relief to his aching partial leg. He lost part of it below the knee of his left leg in WWII. He stepped on a mine in France when fighting the Germans and had it cut off in the field. Summertime was really hard on him because blisters would develop on the end of his stumpy leg since he had to wear a thick sock over it in order to wear a wooden leg to walk. (As a child, I saw the pain he endured for his country for the rest of his life.) 

Zechariah takes us to the end times. In delivering Israel from her enemies, the Lord will ultimately preserve the nation and restore them spiritually. We read of the Jews repenting of their sins and their mourning over the crucifixion of the Messiah, Jesus Christ by the Jews. (chapter 12)

Now the prophet is speaking about the cleansing of Israel from their idolatry. Both the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke of this, but they would not obey back then:

Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. (Isa, 1:16 NKJV)

O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. (Jer. 4:14 NKJV)

But now, in response to Israel's repentance and faith, the Lord will wash them clean. This forgiveness is part of the new covenant that God promised to His people. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) They could have used water to cleanse their outward parts, but only will a sinful heart be cleansed by the blood of the Savior. The sacrifice of Christ atones for sin.

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for whole world. (1 John 2:2 NKJV)

Jesus' blood is the cleansing fountain that washes away our sins. Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb?

[Resource: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

God has opened up a fountain to you through the Lord Jesus. He invites you to come on in and enjoy His love. don't stand on the edges of His joy. He has washed away your sin and you, like a child, can be free and full of life. [Diamonds in the Dust, by Joni Eareckson Tada]

LET IT GO

Jesus, cleanse me from sin and wash away all my impurity. 

Fill me with freedom and joy of all that Your love gives.

Help me let go of self-centeredness and be Your servant who loves You, Your Word, and others.

When the Holy Spirit Comes

 O. T. #2323 "When the Holy Spirit Comes"

Nov. 17, 2022

Zechariah 12-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

We are reading about the last days-the Lord will destroy the enemies of Jerusalem and deliver them from evil. the battle is not won by military might or strategy. Every nation who tried to destroy Israel, and will attempt to do so, will be destroyed. Also, it will be a time of repentance. What will lead the Jews to repent of their sins and rejection of Jesus as The Messiah?

• God will pour out His Spirit of grace and supplication upon them.
• They will realize that they, the Jews, pierced Jesus causing His death.
• They will mourn and be bitter over this. (verse 10)

The Jews will finally recognize that Jesus Christ is The Messiah, whom they killed. 

Look at the meanings of some words found in this verse:

grace-kindness, favor, bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; have mercy upon; precious;

supplications-prayer, intreaty;

bitterness-grieved; provoked;

mourneth-lament.

So there will be great weeping and mourning throughout the land of Israel, as individual and corporate repentance takes place. (Tony Evans)

The Holy Spirit is so identified because He brings saving grace and because that grace produces sorrow which will result in repentant prayer to God for forgiveness. (MacArthur)

The Jews rejected and crucified Jesus, their ancestors. Yet, they are also guilty. We are guilty. It is our sins that put Him on the cross. He loves us so much that Jesus was willing to do this for you and me. Mmm. How can we but love and serve our Savior?

Do you know my Jesus? 

LET IT GROW

This mourning is compared to:

The bitter mourning of that day will be a public display compared to the death of righteous king Josiah, who was slain by Pharaoh Necho. (2 Kings 23:29-30) It took place in the Valley of Megiddo. It is not far from Jezreel, where the Battle of Armageddon will take place. (The territory belonged to tribe of Issachar.)

When king David died the nation mourned. Also, the house of Nathan the Prophet mourned. (2 Samuel 7:2) 

The families of Levi, the priestly tribe, mourned. 

All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart. (verse 14) 

So the grief will spread through the Jewish society, from royalty, to priestly, and the common citizen. Godly sorrow brings repentance.

Friends, we should mourn over our nation, its sinful state, and beg God for His grace and mercy. 

LET IT GO

Father, our nation is deep in sin. Please send Your Spirit of conviction.

Please forgive us of our sins of abortion, homosexuality, materialism, idolatry.

Your mercies are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness.

 

Hillbillies and City Slickers

O. T. #2322 "Hillbillies and City Slickers"

Nov. 16, 2022

Zechariah 12-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Having grown up and now living in the hills of our state, I know what it is like being looked down upon by those from the city. They consider us as uneducated, backwoods socializers, and low-class folks. (When I was a kid, my cousin from a different area said they thought we did not wear shoes.) I didn't realize what that meant until years later. My family was not a city slicker. Perhaps it was in my grandparents' day, but not so today. We have universities, internet, medical facilities, museums, the arts and sports facilities. We even have large companies as their headquarters. Yet, it is hard to overcome the stigma.

Who is it that will receive victory first-Judah or Jerusalem? According to verses 7-9, it is Judah. The reason is so the people of Jerusalem and line of David will not have greater honor than the rest of Judah. It is so Jerusalem people will not look down on the others in pride. It would be like calling them hillbillies. 

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19:30)

It is not for us to judge people, but God's job. We are told to love folks, not be partial in the way we treat them.

LET IT GROW

In verse 8, we read that God will strengthen the weakest inhabitants of Jerusalem like David, a warrior. Not only was David a great administrator, but a great soldier, a general of great strategy, a man of tremendous ability. In that day, even the weakest man will be like David. (McGee)

... and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. 

There came One in David's line who is God. That One is the Lord Jesus Christ who was born to Mary of the household of David. He was born in the same city of Bethlehem. Mary went down there to be enrolled because she belonged to the house of David. So was Joseph. 

The New Testament open with The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matt. 1:1)

The only way to God and heaven is through faith in Jesus as Savior. He said in John 14:6, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

It is not by good works, a good life, nor by giving to causes that make us right with God. It is the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross, being covered in His righteousness. That is only received through repentance of our sins. Have you done so, friend?

LET IT GO

Help our faith and obedience of Your Word grow, Jesus.

Thank You for paying the price for my sins.

What love! An everlasting love that does not change.

Thank You Jesus for saving this hillbilly.

Blessings and Tragedy

 O. T. #2321 "Blessings and Tragedy"

Nov. 15, 2022 

Zechariah 12-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

What a wonderful weekend it was with our daughter and family coming to celebrate with us our soon 50th anniversary. Our daughter in law worked hard to set everything up and make it lovely. We had both families, friends, and church people from the past and present come, also. How fast the time has gone. You hear old folks say that, but when we are young, we do not even consider it. My husband and I have been so very blessed with knowing sweet people of faith throughout our state down through the years of ministry. I consider it all as gained, having left family, house, and new car to enter into kingdom work for the Lord. No sacrifice is too great, for He rewards faithfulness. 

The Messiah is coming one day to restore and bless His people during the millennial kingdom reign. Knowing that God had chosen Jerusalem as the city of His special affection will give confidence to the governors/leaders all over the land. Verse 5 has overtones indicating the saving faith of the Jews in that day, since they are claiming to have trust in God. (John MacArthur)

Are we showing special affection to other believers? What about encouraging our church leaders?

LET IT GROW

In verse 6, we read of two similes to describe the operation of God's power: a firepan used to carry hot coals to start a wood fire and a torch used to light dry grain. Thus, the power of God will devour the armies that attack Israel in the later days. Those citizens who were driven out by the invader, will be able to return to Jerusalem and dwell in complete safety. 

Praying for the families who lost their sons in Virginia through an awful shooting of college students. 

LET IT GO

Thank You, Jesus, for being everything we need at all times.

Guard our steps, bless our path ahead of us, carry us when our strength is gone.

Please give peace to the families of those guys killed. Use this tragedy to bring people to find Jesus as Savior. 

Blessings That Overflow

 O. T. #2320 "Blessing That Overflow"

Nov. 14, 2022 

Zechariah 12-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Everything will be alright, for God has got this. He's got the whole world in His hands. Don't we all need that reassurance? The Lord truly exhibited His power and faithfulness to us on Friday. Our daughter and family flew home to us safely, in spite of the hurricane winds blowing northeast and rain clouds here. God is so good, all the time. They have come in order to celebrate our 50th anniversary, which is actually on the 25th. So the gals have prepared a party for us with friends, family, and churches members coming. Hopefully the cold temperatures will not deter them. (I am writing this Saturday morning.) What blessings the Lord has showered upon us. We have been faithful to serve Him and go wherever He led in kingdom work. Marriage is not easy for any of us. We have to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. God is so forgiving when we make mistakes or go our own way. I just wanted to share what was on my heart. May you be as blessed as we are, friend. Stay in the fight and reap the blessings. My cup over flows.

 Proverbs 10:6 says, Blessings crown the head of the righteous.

Our righteousness comes from Jesus, not ourself. It is His blood shed for us so we can be forgiven of our sins and go to heaven for all eternity. We are saved by grace through faith, not by what good things we can do, for it is the gift of God. That we can't boast, it is a gift. Have you received this gift of salvation? What about your family?

The Creator of all things has a plan for His beloved Jerusalem. The message for Zechariah to deliver has a lot to say. What will happen in the final days?

• Their enemies of Jerusalem will be like an intoxicating drink (cup, a symbol of God's wrath) that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. (verse 2)
• On that day, God will make Jerusalem an immovable rock (burdensome rock). All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves. Those who desire to crush Jerusalem will be crushed themselves. (verse 3)
•  In that day, the Lord will blind the horses' eyes so their riders are in astonishment. 

This is divine intervention, folks. Even with the power of the tanks, bombs, etc., God will prevail in keeping His people and city safe. That is our God! History shows that every nation that has ever tried to destroy the Jews has itself been destroyed. The same will happen even when they unite together to destroy God's chosen people. 

McGee says it this way: It is as if God says, "Keep your hands off. I am the One running that place."

LET IT GROW

Look at what NLT says in verse 5, And the clans of Judah will say to themselves, "The people of Jerusalem have found strength in the LORD of Heaven's Armies, their God."

Do you need strength to carry on, friend? Are you enjoying life today? 

God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.  (Psalm 73:26b)

LET IT GO

Help us let go of it all and lay our troubles at Your feet, Jesus.

How faithful and strong You are, loving Savior!

Blessed be Your name-King Jesus!

God is Fathful

 O. T.#2319  "God is Faithful"

Nov. 11, 2022

Zechariah 12-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

I read yesterday's post title and needed reminded that God's got this. My daughter and her family (6 grandchildren) are flying south today through rain and strong winds. I can place them in His hands and trust my Lord to take care of them. Faithful is the Lord.

There is encouragement when we read of the Lord Jesus returning in the future with great power and great glory to establish His kingdom. It is God's Word, so it is not fiction; it will come to pass. 

As we study, in the last 3 chapters the phrase "in that day" is found 16 times as it refers to the day of wrath and judgment for nonbelievers. Jerusalem is mentioned 52 times, with 22 in this chapter. During the Battle of Armageddon will last three and one-half years of the Great Tribulation.

Hope comes when we read about Israel being redeemed, refined, and restored. First, the Lord will deliver Jerusalem. (verses 1-9) You will recall in the first chapter that God is jealous for Jerusalem and Zion with great jealousy. (1:14) Like a loving father for His firstborn and the desire of a faithful Husband for His unfaithful bride. (Ex.4:22; Jer. 2:2)

Had my mom lived, we would be celebrating her 100th birthday today. It has been 25 years since she passed into heaven and I surely long to see her again. Just to talk with her and give her a hug. But until that day comes for me, I will carry on living for and with Jesus.

God's timing isn't always what we would have planned, but He is wiser than we are and will keep His promises to Israel and us.

LET IT GROW

This chapter began with affirming the sovereignty of God. If we look above us, we see the heavens He created; if we look beneath us, we see the earth that He founded; and if we look within, we find the spirit that He formed. The God of creation is the God who loves us. 

Psalm 147:5-6 says, Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. 

How great is our God!

LET IT GO

As winter blows cold winds into our area, 

I thank You Jesus for the seasons. We can look around us and see Your handiwork. 

Glory to God in the highest!

I thank You ahead of time for bringing my family safely home to us.

He's Got This

 O. T. #2314 "He's Got This" 

Nov. 10, 2022

Zechariah 12 

LET IT GLOW

Did you get a chance to see the lunar eclipse Tuesday? I thought it was during the night instead of morning before dawn, so I missed it. However, the last two nights we have seen a full, orange, blood moon. It seemed so close and beautiful, yet it did not collide with earth. It reveals the sovereignty of our God again to me. Don't we need the reassurance that God is in control still? He's got this!

We get a panoramic view of God's purposes with this world and with Israel in the future as we finish this prophetic book, as J. Vernon McGee put it.

This second burden of Zechariah's was from the Lord, of course, and he was to share it. The main theme of the last two chapters is: God's people will be conquerors because they will experience cleansing.  We are going to be studying about the Messiah and His Kingdom to come. We read about the fate of Israel.

The new word from the Lord was for Israel. How does God describe Himself? 

• He is the One who stretched forth the heavens. Stretched means to spread out; to bend away; deliver; extend; stretch (forth, out); turn (aside, away).
• He laid the foundation of the earth. He made the crust, the mantle, and the core. We are aware of the outside layer being made of solid rock, mostly basalt and granite. 
• He formed the spirit of man within him. It is a God-thing, I would say, for only He could do that.

Every now and then, I think it is good to stop and let the act of God's creating everything soak into our mind. He spoke it and it was, plain and simple. He spread out those planets and moons, placed the sun just so. The earth was made so humans, animals, and plants could live on it. What a magnificent place for us to live, right? Then God mad man in His and Jesus' image-spiritual.

Only God could do it, for He is all-powerful. He planned it all and did it all. He sustains it all, too. He is using it to bring about His purposes. This is not a story, but Truth from the Word of God. 

LET IT GROW

The burden of the word of the Lord was for Israel. Burden means a heavy, weighty thing.   It was grievous for Zechariah to deliver to his family. Israel. 

Here is an outline for us found in Liberty Bible Commentary:

1. the coming siege and deliverance of Jerusalem and Judah (verses 2-9)
2. the spiritual restoration of Israel-their recognition and reception of Messiah (verse 10-13:1)
3. the removal of idolatry and false religions from Israel (13:2-6)
4. the restoration of the remnant to Israel (13:7-9)
5. the return of the Lord to the earth to set up His kingdom (14:1-8)
6. the millennial reign of the Lord (14:9-11)
7. the plague on all of Judah's enemies (14:12-15)
8. the millennial conduct (14:16-21)

There are some good things to come, so hang in there with us. 

Tony Evans said it this way, "The Creator of the universe is powerful enough to accomplish all His will. If He declares something, it's as good as done."

LET IT GO

Can simply place our future and the world's future in God's hands? 

Can we place our burdens in His hands and let them go?

Do we trust the Creator of everything with that thing which has us weighed down?

His love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.

Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, good will toward men.

When the Good Overcomes Bad"

 O. T. #2318 "When the Good Overcomes Bad" 

Nov. 9, 2022

Zechariah 11-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Isaiah 64:8)

Are we allowing our Potter to form us into the vessel of honor that He desires?

We pick up at verse 14. the prophet is chopping up the second staff, which refers to all relationships between the Good Shepherd and Israel, His flock. It is as if God was saying, "When Me and turned Me over into the hands of the Gentiles to be crucified, I broke My covenant. Titus the Roman will soon be here, and you will be scattered throughout the world." Israel's Messiah came, they rejected Him, and the Jewish people are still scattered throughout the world. (J.V. McGee)

Now is the part where Zechariah plays the part of the foolish shepherd, the Antichrist, Foolish means morally deficient, corrupt. It is because he does not accept God's truth. (During the Great Tribulation, Satan's Antichrist will be the Antichrist.)

What are the characteristics of this Foolish Shepherd?

• He doesn't care for the sheep-those dying nor young.
• He does not seek the lost, heal the injured, nor feed the flock, unlike the Good Shepherd.
• He will slaughter the flock to feed himself. (Ezek. 34)
• He will abuse, mistreat, and neglect the flock. 

During this time to come, people will be deceived. It could be sooner than we think. 

Jesus said, in John 5:43, I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. 

LET IT GROW

The false shepherd will promise everything but do nothing. He will use and abuse. God says that judgment will come upon him. His right eye will be blinded and his arm shriveled. In Revelation, the Antichrist will make it to the lake of fire even before the Devil gets there! (verse 17)  (McGee) 

The Antichrist will make a covenant with the Jews for 7 years, to protect them so they can rebuild their temple and resume their sacrifices. But after 3 1/2 years, he will break it, put his own image in the temple, and for the world to worship him. (Rev. 13, 2 Thess. 2:1-12)

Good news! The Messiah will come and reign on earth 1,000 years with Israel receiving the blessings foretold, the church will reign with Him, and all creation will enter into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (Rom. 8:21) (Wiersbe)

LET IT GO

Hold onto Jesus through it all.

What a Faithful Savior and Loving Shepherd!

Clay in the Potter's Hand

O. T. #2317  "Clay in the Potter's Hand"

Nov. 8, 2022 

Zechariah 11-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Is your life broken physically, mentally, morally, or spiritually like clay? Let the Great Potter, Jesus, mold and shape our heart and circumstances so we become a vessel of praise and glory for our Savior to use. Read on to learn more about clay.

The price of a good, sound slave was considered 60 pieces of silver back then. Zechariah asked for his wages, but only received 30 pieces of silver. What sharp sarcasm! How insulting this cheap amount was! So he took it and cast the silver pieces at the potter's house. The potter had field where he threw the scraps, unwanted pieces from the potter's wheel when he was making a vase or pot. Perhaps the clay was not the right texture to be molded, thus it was discarded as useless. If a clay jar is flawed, the potter has the right to remake it. He has the freedom to make what he chooses from his clay.

Does this sound familiar?  In Jeremiah 18, the prophet was sent down to the potter's house to watch the potter form clay into a useable vessel. If it was marred, the potter could remake it. 

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18:6)

Now put your name in place of Israel to make the scripture personal. Just as God had the right to pronounce doom or blessing on Israel, so He has the right to do to you and me. He is the potter and we are the clay. God wants to mold us and shape us into a vessel of honor for His glory.  

LET IT GROW

This prophecy was fulfilled when the true good shepherd came-Jesus. Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-16) When Judas felt remorse after this, he returned the money and hanged himself. (Matt. 27:1-5) the chief priests took the returned money and bought the potter's field with it to bury strangers there. (Matt. 27:6-7) This prophecy of Zechariah and Jeremiah was for a purpose-to foretell what would happen to Jesus' betrayer.

Since we are clay for God to put on the potter's wheel, He attempts to fashion us into the vessel He has in mind. We must yield to Him. The clay that won't yield to Him is thrown out into the potter's field. He can't use it. 

LET IT GO

What is in our life that we need to let go of so we can become a vessel of honor for Jesus to use? 

Do we need to let Him soften our hard heart toward others?

What will the Potter have to do so we are a vessel that praises Him?

Warnings

O. T. #2316 "Warnings"

Nov. 7, 2022

Zechariah 11-Part 4

Did you notice in verse 9 there is a word repeated three times? It is the word let. Here we have an expression of judgment by the Messiah: 

First, the Messiah says He will not feed you. Since the Jews despised and blasphemed the Savior with the Gospel, He would then go to the Gentiles with the Gospel. It was not just the false shepherds, but the people who abhorred Christ, so it was taken away from them.

Secondly, let them die through the famine of the Word they despised.

Thirdly, let them die in sins, die the second death they justly deserved. They would be cut off spiritually, as unfruitful branches. 

Fourth, let the rest experience famine, destroying each other in internal divisions, which was the case of the Jews when Jerusalem was besieged. (Galatians 5:15) (John Gill)

J. Vernon McGee believed the Lord was speaking to the false prophets. The people in that day were stingy, not giving a tenth as an offering to the Lord; they gave sacrificial animals not meeting the requirements. The Lord was calling the Jews back to honesty and clear-cut in their dealings, instead of being phony and pretending.

What kind of offerings do we give the Lord? Do we pretend to give a tenth of our income? Do we give out of a joyful heart instead of being a phony? Remember, the Lord sees what in in our heart as He did with the Jews back then.

LET IT GROW

The staff Beauty that was broken was not referring to the Abrahamic Covenant, but an indirect covenant with the other nations due to His covenant with Israel. When Israel was in fellowship with God, He restrained the heathens so they could do not violence to Israel.  However, this protection was lifted when they rejected the Son of God, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Messiah. The Romans devastated their land and will occur again during the Great Tribulation. A conditional covenant depends upon a response from the human side. 

Those humbled spiritually (believers) are the remnant of the election of grace knew it was according to the Word of God. (Romans 11:5) Those in the right relationship with God receive whatever when it is according to the Word. When we obey God's Word, He gives us grace. 

God is longsuffering and waits for sinners to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus as The Savior. He is the only way to heaven. Although, there does come a time when He has done all He will do to reach them when they do not repent and believe. (John 12:37; Matthew 23:37)

God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

LET IT GO

Thank You Father for a love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on us.

Christ Jesus is worthy of glory, honor, and praise today!

 

Grace That Binds

O.T. #2315 "Grace That Binds"

Nov. 4, 2022

Zechariah 11-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Remember that Zechariah was having a vision from God. In verses 4-11, we read of the details of the Messiah's rejection. The Roman Empire was ruler over Israel during the New Testament time. As the flock (Israel) was slaughtered, Zechariah was told to care for them (in the vision). Their shepherds (priests) did not have compassion, pity on their brethren. Let them fall in the hands of the cruel king, was their attitude.

So Zechariah cared for the flock intended for slaughter, the oppressed. He took 2 shepherd's staffs named them Beauty and Bands. 

Beauty means splendor or grace; pleasant; favor; and Bands means binders; a company (as if tied together).

With the two staffs, the Messiah will guide and protect the nation Israel. He will have Beauty, attractiveness and graciousness in ministering to them.  With Bands, He will bind them together.

Jesus fed the entire flock so that as the result of His ministry, the remnant could be separated from the rest of the flock. (verse 7)

As believers in Jesus, He shows us grace and binds us with other believers. Churches should experience this loving, caring, and graciousness shown them and thus, showing it to others.

LET IT GROW

In verse 8, he got rid of three evil shepherds, who were worldly leaders. Israel killed the One who came to be their King and Messiah. They should have handed over everything to Him, but did not. And today, other nations reject Jesus as The Savior. They have false gods, fake saviors, substitutes for the True religion-Christianity.

Friend, do you believe Jesus is your only hope of eternal life? He came to save and to seek those who were lost. What love He showed us by giving His life in our place, as payment for our sins. Simply ask His forgiveness of your sins.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes unto the father God except through Jesus. 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus, for Your love, patience, forgiveness.

Please bless all who read this with Your mercy and grace and salvation.

May Grace bind us together.

 

 

Shepherds Good and Bad

 O. T. #2314 "Shepherds God and Bad"

Nov. 3, 2022 

Zechariah 11-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

God told Zechariah to act out the roles of two different kinds of shepherds. The first type of shepherd demonstrated how God would reject His people (the sheep because they rejected Him (verses 4-14).  The second type of shepherd demonstrated how God would allow His people to fall into the clutches of evil shepherds (verses 15-17). Ezekiel 34 detailed portrayal of the evil shepherds of Israel. (Life Application Study Bible)

In the vision, the prophet performed in actions that which the Messiah Jesus actually did while on earth. Zechariah was a type of Christ:

• Care for and feed the flock intended for the slaughter. (verse 4) 
• The buyers slaughtered their sheep without remorse, after all, God gave them sheep for food.
• Even the shepherds (sellers) had no compassion for the sheep either. They praised the Lord, for they were rich. (verse 5)
• So, God said He would no longer have pity on the people of the land. He would let them fall into each other's hands and into the hands of their king. (verse 6)
• Then they would turn the land into a wilderness, but God would not rescue them. (verse 6)

The destiny of Israel was slaughter by the Romans because they rejected the Messiah. One and a half Jews did die at the hand of Rome. Their treatment was like that the sheep experienced. So the Romans did not feel guilty in killing the Jews, for God gave them into their hands, so they thought. 

Their own shepherds did not pity them. This referred to the Sanhedrin, Pharisees, Sadduccees, Herodians, and other leaders who sought their own ends and not the good of the nation. (Mark 12) By rejecting Jesus as their King, the Jews had to pay tribute to Caesar as their king. The Jewish leaders were only concerned with their own position and power.

LET IT GROW

What was Zechariah's reaction in verse 7? He would feed the flock intended for the slaughter. Jesus did that while on earth-healed the sick, protected the poor and met needs of a variety of people. Dare I say they were mostly poor who could not repay Jesus? He was a Shepherd among His sheep, tenderly caring for them.

I am reminded of Peter, who denied Jesus 3 times before His crucifixion. After the resurrection, Jesus told Peter to feed His lambs and sheep. (John 21:15-17) The word feed means to pasture, graze, keep; to tend as a shepherd, rule, supervise. 

Jesus forgave Peter and gave him a purpose. Peter was the one who preached on the Day of Pentecost and 3,000 were saved. such love, grace, mercy our Savior shows us when we fail Him.

How can we feed the flock? Using reproof, instruction, and comfort. Are we helping others get spiritual food from the Truth?

LET IT GO

Open our eyes, Lord, to see the needs of others.

Help us show compassion to those in need.

Thank You for all You have given us, Jesus.

Wailing Shepherds

O. T. #2313 "Wailing Shepherds" 

Nov. 2, 2022

Zechariah 11 

LET IT GLOW

Looking at the time of Zechariah's writings, and putting it perspective for us, his prophecies were given during the time of Haggai. Both spoke after the 70 years of captivity for the Jews in Babylon. The remnant of Israel and Judah (believers in God) made 3 different journeys back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the Temple. The books recording events during that time are found in Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is towards the end of the Old Testament. (Then God was silent 400 years.) That helps me put all of this in perspective and I hope it does for you, too. Let me tell you, I am struggling with this chapter, for I am no scholar, just able to read commentaries who were written by those who were. There are various views as to its meaning, but here we go. What can we learn and apply to our life?

So far, we have seen Zechariah as the prophet of hope. His name actually means "the Lord remembers." However...

Some consider the conquerors of Alexander the Great and then the Roman armies. The first 3 verses tell of the judgment resulting from the coming Messiah's rejection by the Jews. It doesn't sound very encouraging. Keep in mind that the Jews were scattered then. 

The key places mentioned are Lebanon, Jordan, and Bashan. Fires were coming upon them, in the forest, and thickets. This could be a description of the Romans invading the Holy Land. The cedars of Lebanon, which were located north of Judah are mentioned first. (Beirut is the modern capital, which you may recognize.) Those cedars were used to build Solomon's Temple and his palace. 

This could be a literal fire, set by the invading armies. Not only would the forests suffer, but also the pastureland. No one or nothing would escape the judgment visited upon by the land by God. 

LET IT GROW 

In verse 3, we are told there will be wailing shepherds. Those were the ones who led the people astray from God., paying for their sins. Those leaders were to protect, provide for, and lead the people in God's ways. The shepherds themselves are led to the slaughter. 

The high priest, Caiaphas, thought his killing Jesus would keep his people from destruction. (John 11) By rejecting Jesus as the Messiah, the opened the doors of judgment and dispersal. Not only id Jesus for the sins of the Jews, but for the Gentiles, too. (1 John 2:1-3) the rejection of the truth led to their accepting lies, and the Roman invasion, and the destruction of the city and Temple. (Wiersbe)

Keep in mind, this could also refer to the results of the Great Tribulation, before Jesus returns to reign as King-Priest. History tends to repeat itself. (Next, we will study about the True Shepherd.)

On a more positive note, believers will not be part of the Tribulation for we will have been raptured out by that time. When all is finished, we will not stand in the judgment, but our trial will be concerning our obedience, giving of gifts, loving others, etc.

LET IT GO

Jesus, we are trusting in You as Sovereign Controller of all things. 

You are our Hope, our Way, The Truth, the Life for the believer.

You will give us a new day and a new way of life-heaven.

In the meantime, bless Your followers with peace, love, and mercy today.

Prisoners of Hope

O. T. #2312 "Prisoners of Hope"

Nov. 1, 2022 

Zechariah 10-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

We have been reading about the 6 blessings upon Israel brought by the Messiah when He returns to reign as King. They will come because the people will look only to the Lord Jesus:

1. Hope. In 9:12, the Jews who were still prisoners of hope under Persia's control, but will be given a double portion of blessing, as the first-born son. The northern and southern tribes will be united into one nation of Israel. Messias, Messiah, (Mes-see'-as) refers to Christ as in the Greek language, found in John 1:41, where Andrew told his brother Simon Peter that he had found the Messiah, the Christ.
2. A bountiful land. The grain fields and vineyards will yield abundant crops when the Lord is asked. (9:17-10:1)
3. Deliverance from idolatrous practices in the past will come because they forsook Jehovah and turned to idols for blessings.
4. The Deliverer is the Messiah. (10:4) Their government will rest upon Christ and He will be their defense.
5. Restoration by the Messiah. He will call and gather the scattered Jews. Israel will be regenerated and repopulated.
6. National redemption. They will be the realization of the New Covenant. Jesus will keep His promises. He will strengthen Israel.

Paul called himself a prison of Christ Jesus. (Philemon1) Do we consider ourself a prisoner of Jesus Christ? Are we a prisoner of hope? As the world has us prisoner here, hold onto Jesus. He can deliver you from whatever has you in bondage. He came to set the captives free, free from the stronghold of sin, temptation, and worldliness.

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

When the Messiah came the first time to earth, it was not God's Plan B. the plan of redemption was settled in eternity, before there was ever a creation. God knew we would sin and need a Redeemer and Savior. We had no hope until Jesus became our Savior. When He returns, Jesus will bring peace. People will then worship Him, not self, idols, things, evil.

If you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, then you have hope of a better day coming-eternity with Him and loved ones. He will deliver us from this evil and hateful world. Our joy will be restored when we change citizenship. Are you ready?

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are our joy, peace, love, and hope.

We run into Your arms. How e need Your reassurance today!

You alone are Lord, Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, the Way, the Truth, the Life.

No other can provide for us as You do, Jesus.