How Concerned Are You?

O. T. #2255   "How Concerned Are You?"

August 11, 2022

Summary of Zephaniah

LET IT GLOW

There is always a small remnant of believers devoted to the Lord which remain faithful during the moral and spiritual decay of Israel. This is true during the times of the Minor Prophets;  Elijah, Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Jeremiah were included.

I like how Wiersbe described those godly remnants as the "company of concern." They are good examples for us to follow:

1. They were totally committed to the Lord. An example is Amos who was an ordinary farmer and shepherd called to deliver God's message in his time. Although without proper training, he was committed to doing great things for the glory of the Lord. they had courage to be different, walk the narrow road, no matter what it cost them. They prayed for those in authority.
2. They had the proper fear of God in their hearts. Not only does God love people, but He also judges them. they believed the Word of God and from God. Therefore, they called the sinners to repentance because they knew God was going to judge them through disasters and conquering empires. So they interceded for their nation in prayer.
3. Composed of believers, they realized that God wanted them to "flock together." Christians need fellowship with other believers, loving and praying for one another, as well as encouraging others. They seek to be salt and light in their work, raising children, and investments of time and money. They don't try it alone, though. Nehemiah enlisted help of the Jewish leaders and common people as they rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. He prayed, God supplied the needs and defeated their enemies. the task was completed in 52 days and songs of praise were heard for miles of Jerusalem.

 LET IT GROW

     4. Those people knew the importance of good leadership in the nation. As the kings and

           priests were unwilling to trust and follow God for help needed, so did the people. As

            the leaders turned to idolatry, so did the people (except for the remnant). 

Edward Everett Hale, author of the Man Without a Country wrote:

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

 Paul said it this way in the letter to the Philippians (4:13; 2:13), I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me... for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

 It is time to be concerned, American, before our freedoms of worship and gathering are removed. Will you join me in praying for our nation and its leadership? Will you be the remnant of salt and light?

LET IT GO 

Help us to be a company of concerned believers, Lord Jesus.

Renew our love for You and other believers.

Use us to proclaim Your salvation, grace and mercy and love today.

Keep us focused on You and eternity.

Fill us with hope and joy and peace.. 

Calming Fears

O. T. #2254   "Calming Fears"

August 10, 2022

Summary of Zephaniah

LET IT GLOW

Shall we take time to look back over this small, but powerful book? Zephaniah was of royal blood line in Judah. His lineage goes back to the good King Hezekiah. His ministry preceded the reformation of Israel as a whole. the 10 northern tribes had already been in captivity by the Assyrians for a hundred years by this time. So Zephaniah probably ministered in Jerusalem. 

Zephaniah was used by God to share about the coming judgment of God upon the nations and Judah. It is never an easy message to share. He mentions The Day of The LORD some 18 times. It destroyed the false remnant of Baal worshipers, the nations who rejected God, and the purifying of the true remanant of believers.

I always like to look back over the verses which I highlighted. Here are some:

Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment: seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger. (2:3)

Meek means gentle, needy, lowly. 

We are told to seek the Lord and follow His commands, do what is right, and live humbly. We know God protected His meek remnant in Judah when the Medes and Persian came. 

The remnant of the tribe of Judah will pasture there (Phisistia). They will rest at night in the abandoned houses in Ashkelon. For the LORD their God will visit His people in kindness and restore their prosperity again. (2:7 NLT)

God gives rest and kindness. How we are in need of it today in such a troubled and mixed up world! He is the same God then and now. How we need repentance! Will we interceed for our sinful nation?

 LET IT GROW 

Jerusalem refused correction. It did not trust in the LORD or draw near to its God. (3:2) God can turn away captivity. In chapter 3, God says to be glad, rejoice, sing, and shout, for peace, security, and restoration was ahead of the Jews. And so it is for us Christians who believe and trust in Jesus Christ.

I like how 3:17 is stated in New Living Translation:

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. 

What a mighty Savior Jesus is! He delights in us. He calms our fears. He even rejoices over us with songs of joy. Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior yet?

LET IT GO

 

It is Time

 O. T. #2253  "It is Time"

August 9, 2022

Zephaniah 3-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

It's always good to think upon our Savior, Jesus Christ, for He is:

• in the midst of His people and church;
• near to support and supply us;
• assist and strengthen us;
• defend u;
• gives us unspeakable joy and sis sufficient security from all fears;
• rejoices over us with exceedingly great joy. (John Gill)

Jesus does not forget us. He does not leave us. He can send down an army to rescue us from whatever. In the middle of our hard, in our darkness, He comes to be victorious. His arms are not too short that Jesus can't reach us. He gives us strength to bear the consequences of our sins, forgives us and sets our feet on a solid Rock. We carry scars of our disobedience for a lifetime, but Christ helps us carry them.

LET IT GROW

Did you notice in verses 19-20, there is a phrase repeated? At that time, I will/bring...

Jesus gave Israel a promise of restoration after their 70 years of captivity. He can do the same for us today. From what do you need set free?

Then when it was time for Israel to begin again, God provided a king to set them free, materials for rebuilding His Temple, and craftsmen to do so. Then on down the road of time, in the fullness of time, Jesus came. Is it your time to come to Jesus for salvation?

What good is it to study the Minor Prophets if we don't do something in our own times? Crimes, teens giving birth, violence, suicides, abortions, drug abuse, robbery, rape have all increased during our time. Are we doing something to prevent those things in our own little piece of the world?

As go the homes, churches, and schools, so goes the nation. It's time to be concerned.(Wierse)

LET IT GO

If you've got pain, He's a pain taker;

If you feel lost, He's a way maker;

If you need freedom, savin', He's a prison shakin' Savior.

If you've got chain, He's a chain breaker.

Lord, let the change come in our nation, repentance, obedience to Your Word, love for our neighbor. Change my heart, too. Let the change be to me. 

God, forgive our sins in our nation and leaders. Nothing is too difficult for You. 

Give us strength to stand for Your Word and Your ways, for Your glory.

Awaken Your churches.

Dear one, join me in praying for our nation and leaders.

The Secret of Life and Happiness

O. T. #2252   "The Secret of Life and Happiness"

August 8, 2022

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. (verse 17) 

Zephaniah 3-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

People can spend a lifetime searching for happiness. They try to find it in new cars, new houses, new clothes, new spouses, a new job, a new community etc. Those things may only give us temporal joy. If you are looking for a purpose and meaning in life, as well as joy and peace, come to Jesus. He is the only way.

We know that the LORD Himself removed His hand of judgment upon Judah/Israel and dispersed their enemies. The prophet tells Jerusalem to cheer up and not be afraid!

What does verse 17 tell us? 

• God comes to live among His people. 
• He is a mighty Savior.
• He will take delight in us with gladness.
• With His love, God will calm all our fears.
• He will rejoice over us with joyful songs.

If that doesn't wet our whistle, our whistle is broken. God has removed His hand of judgment-that alone gave Israel something to shout about. Babylon was conquered by Persia and the Jews were set free. 

The only person that can make us happy is the LORD God. When we pursue happiness in things other than in God, then sin cuts off our fellowship with God. Zephaniah points out that gladness results when we allow God to be with us. We do that by faithfully following Him and obeying His commands. Then God rejoices over us with singing. If we want to be happy, draw close to the source of happiness by obeying God. (Life Application Study Bible)

It is up to us-follow Jesus or live for our self.

LET IT GROW

When it is all said and done, Israel will be a new nation. The Jews will look by faith upon the Messiah whom they crucified, believe in Him, and enter into a new life in the promised kingdom. Sin will be removed (verses 11-13); God's people will rejoice (verses 14-17); the nation of Israel will be restored. (verses 18-20)

It is with deep repentance and confession that leads to salvation. Submitting humbly to the righteousness of God comes only by faith in Christ. (Rom. 9:30-10:13) Faith in Christ makes all things new, a new heart and a new attitude.

Are you singing the praises of Jesus Christ today? Is He your Savior? Then we all have something to shout and sing about!

If not, then today you can have that assurance of heaven after death, peace here in the meantime, and joy in the here and now. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, be your Savior right now. He will hear your prayer, dear one.

LET GO

Let the King of my heart be the wind inside my sails, the anchor in the waves; oh, He is my song. You are good Lord Jesus!

You are never going to let me down. You are good!

God is over all. 

He is Back!

O. T. #2251  "He is Back!"

August 5, 2022

Zephaniah 3-Part 5

Sing, O daughter of Zion: shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. (Verse 14)

LET IT GLOW

I remember what a joy it was to return home after 17 years of serving the Lord elsewhere. A church opened up for my husband to pastor, only 10 miles from our present house. Mom was thrilled, too. (Only 6 weeks later she passed away. Still, I was there for her.)

Now it is a joy to write today's lesson. After 70 years of captivity in Babylon, the Jews would have reasons to rejoice-restoration, peace, and security. Israel is exhorted to sing, shout, be glad, and rejoice, according to our key verse. Don't you know Zephaniah was happy to write these final words of his prophesy.

What were the 4 causes for rejoicing?

1. God was removing His judgment. (verses 15-16)
2. Jehovah dwells among His people. (verses 15, 17-18)
3. God will deal with all enemies. (verses 15, 19)
4. He will restore His people. (verse 20)

Yes sir, those are reasons to rejoice. The King of Israel is the LORD. (He is back with them.) Oh, how wonderful it is, after you have strayed away, to have God back in your life!

Of course, this is all prophesy by Zephaniah, but did happen.

After Solomon's kingdom split into two nations, Israel (north) and Judah (south), it was 345 years of good and bad kings for Judah. Then add another 70 years of captivity, that totals 415 years of good and bad kings for Judah, which was not the LORD. Generations. 

But God promised rejoicing and gladness. You know, there is rejoicing ahead for us believers in Jesus Christ-heaven forever. In the meantime, can we be glad and rejoice today and until that day comes or Jesus returns to earth to get His children?

LET IT GROW

Taking that into account, history tells us Persia conquered Babylon, and king Cyrus allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem in 538 BC. Zerubbabel and Joshua led about Jews 50,000 of them on a long journey back to the place where they originated. They had to rebuild the Temple, cities, homes, and commerce. What a task! If my memory is correct, Cyrus appointed Zerubbabel as their king.

Then, 80 years later, Ezra the priest led the second group, about 3,500 Jews on the trip home. We read about that in the book of Ezra. Thirteen years later, the third group of Jews returned, led by Nehemiah. The Lord did it, folks.

So, not only were the Jews back home, but God was back with them. No idols, only Almighty God.

LET IT GO

We sing Hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome!

Forever He is glorified!

Forever He is risen, alive! 

A Dose of Humility

 O. T. #2250  "A Dose of Humility"

August 4, 2022

Zephaniah 3-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

The godly of Judah were told by the prophet Zephaniah to wait on the Lord while His judgment is accomplished among the nations and Judah. We know that it took 70 years of captivity in Babylon before Israel was ready for restoration. come to think of it, that would have been a whole generation. 

Four things are mentioned which would happen in Israel:

1. God would gather the nations for judgment. (verse 8b)
2. He would purify His people. (verses 9-11a) 
3. God would remove pride. (verses 11b-13a)
4. He will provide for His people. (verse13b)

Gentiles will be converted, join Israel in speaking Hebrew language. There will be unity in worshiping and praising Jehovah God. The people will serve God together. The Jews which were dispersed to other nations and Ethiopia will return to Jerusalem. There will be no cause for shame nor pride, for false priests will be removed. The remnant will be purified of their sins, whether in word or work. There will be peace and fellowship with God. When a nation is spiritually right with God, there will be peace, provision, and protection by God for His people. [Resource: The Liberty Bible Commentary]

Wow! What a time in which to live and experience. This sounds like the time during the reign of Christ in the Millenium, doesn't it?

LET IT GROW

Doesn't the Lord know how to humble us? The other night I started having sharp pain in my kidney. I have a small cyst there, so I realized why this was happening. I drank too much pop and not enough water last week during VBS. It was my own doing that brought on the pain. So I humbled myself before God and asked forgiveness for not taking care of my body. After a couple of days of fever and pain, I survived. Thanks to the grace of God. I know that I must be disciplined in that area. What about you? Has God humbled you recently?

The remnant places trust in God and His plan of salvation will bring safety and security. We know that salvation is found only in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. We are told to humble ourselves before a Holy God, as found in 1 Peter 5:5-7,

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

When we rest in God's promises and trust Him, we are relieved of anxiety. 

But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-7)

Submission is a fundamental attitude of spiritual maturity. Humility is" lowly mindedness," an attitude that one is not too good to serve. As a slave put on an apron to keep his clothes clean, so we are to wrap ourselves in humility. (MacArthur)

God's grace is greater than the power of sin, the flesh, the world, and Satan. (Romans 5:20) Who obtains God's grace? The humble believers do. As the church submits to Christ, so believers are to submit to authorities over us. Either Jesus is Lord of our life or not. Is He your Lord?

LET IT GO

Grace, grace, God's grace, is greater than all our sin.

Morning by morning, great is Your faithfulness to me.

You give strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

Use us a Your servant today, Jesus.

Waiting is Hard

 O. T. #2249  "Waiting is Hard"

August 3, 2022

Zephaniah 3-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Jerusalem was the religious center of Judah. Yet, it was a rebellious, defiled, and oppressive city. In spite of God's favor, they mistaken it for favoritism. God was still there in Jerusalem, amidst the corruption, persecution, and unbelief. 

 God disciplined the surrounding nations, Surely He would not do to Judah. So they thought. They had not repented of idolatry and other sins. Their princes, prophets, and priests heard Zephaniah's prophesy. but they continued to do harm without shame. (verse 6-7) 

No matter how spiritually desolate our local may seem, God is at work. What is He doing now, and how can we be part of His work? No matter how jaw-dropping as God's judgment is, so much more is His grace. He promised restoration for Jerusalem, and so it was.

LET IT GROW

The only escape of God's judgment is to trust in Him for salvation. In the final end, God will gather nations and pour out His indignation on them, which reminds us that the final day of the Lord is coming. (Tony Evans)

In the last days, God will judge all people according to what they have don. (Rev. 20:12) Justice will prevail, evildoers will be punished, and the obedient will be blessed. Be patient, for God's justice will come. don't try to avenge yourself. (The Life Application Study Bible)

Therefore, wait ye upon Me, saith the LORD. (verse 8a)

The word wait means tarry; to wait long.

Strength arises when we wait upon the Lord, when we wait upon the Lord our God, who reigns forever. My Hope, my Strong Deliverer. You are the Everlasting God. You do not fait, You won't grow weary. You are the Deliverer of the weak.

LET IT GO

For what are you waiting, dear one? Don't grow weary or weak. God doesn't, so trust His timing is perfect. Then we will rejoice in His faithfulness.

Let go of it to the Lord. Waiting is hard, so lean on God.

Hope After Rebellion

O. T. #2248 "Hope After Rebellion"

August 2, 2022

Zephaniah 3-Part 2

The just LORD is in the midst thereof; He will not do iniquity: every morning doeth He bring His judgment

LET IT GLOW

Are you to the point of needing hope? Does your situation look hopeless? Read on, friend.

Jonah was rebellious prophet that hated the Ninevites. He did not want the evil ones saved, so Jonah rebelled. It took a great fish to bring him to surrender to God's will. What will it take for us? But the Word of God came to Jonah a second time and he obeyed. God was merciful to the people of Nineveh and the largest revival occurred among the heathen.

Even though Jerusalem had provoked God to anger and judgment by sinning and having godless leaders, the Lord continued to protect and provide for the righteous remnant.  The prophet gave them hope as he closed his book. 

Hope is a great motivator for obedience, submitting to God's will, and living His Word. Hope emphasizes the faithfulness of God. He keeps His promises and faithfully forgives our sins. Hope encourages the faithful remnant in the land. (Wiersbe)

In our key verse today, we find God was ready to restore and minister to His remnant daily:

• The LORD is just (lawful, righteous).
• He was still there in their midst, Jerusalem.
• God will not do iniquity (evil, wickedness, perverseness)
• Daily He hands down justice to light.
• He faileth not.

What comfort we should have when we realize that our God is always just, does no evil, has justice. Do we know that God is with His children? Also, our God does not fail. Over and over again we read of the times God was with His children. 

 

LET IT GROW 

Zephaniah returned to the problem at hand, which was a heart problem-sin. The Jews had pretended to worship and serve God, but their hearts had rejected Him. Pride had caused the people to inflate their self-esteem. Pride prevented them from listening to spiritual counsel. Therefore, God was going to rebuked their leadership in Jerusalem. They had no excuses valid. 

Is pride making us unable or unwilling to let God work in our life? Are we calloused due to disobedience, irresponsibility, or sin? If we are a church leader, we have a responsibility to stay close to God, obeying Him.

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go of so we can better serve our loving God?

What is God doing in our little world?

How can we be a part of His kingdom work?

Fill our cups Lord, with Your love for the lost and rebellious ones. 

Help us share Your mercy and truth today.

Learning From Mistakes

O. T. #2247 "Learning From Mistakes"

August 1, 2022

Zephaniah 3

LET IT GLOW

Will we learn from the mistakes of Judah?

Zehaniah pronounced judgment upon the nations surrounding Judah on all sides. Now he focuses on Judah herself in this chapter. The city he is in reference to must be Jerusalem in verse 1. The sins which infected those nations also infected her. Jerusalem had become filthy and polluted with sin. Woe to her.

There are 2 reasons why the woe is justified: because of her history (verses 3-4) and in spite of Jehovah's provisions (verses 5-7) What was Judah's history in the past? According to verse 2, there are 4 accusations brought against Judah:

1. She obeyed not the voice. She was disobedient to the will of God as given in the Law and the prophets He sent unto them.
2. She received not correction. She did not learn from her corrections, returning to idolatry over and over again.
3. She trusted not in the LORD. She trusted in herself in time of need instead of the covenant-keeping Jehovah.
4. She drew not near to her God.  In spite of the blessings and provisions God gave her, she still went further away from her God. 

Are we obeying God's voice to us? When we receive correction, does it result in our drawing near to God and trusting in Him?

LET IT GROW

Verses 3-4 tell us about Judah's leaders:

• Her princes were like roaring lions having insatiable appetites, oppressing those under them.
• Her judges were like wolves, devouring the people, making themselves rich.
• Her prophets distorted the messages, disputing the true prophets with messages from God. 
• Her priests polluted the sanctuary. 

 Are we putting Christians into our government offices? Are our judges believers in Jesus? Are our church leaders abusing their positions?  

                             
 LET IT GO

Open our eyes and ears Lod Jesus to what is going on around us. 

Keep us in Your will and Your Word, Father.

Help us bring glory to You as we stand against the evil in this world.

Watch Out For Judgment

O. T. #2246 "Watch Out For Judgment"

July 29, 2022

Zephaniah 2-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

The Lord always spared a godly remnant that stayed true to Him. They were the ones who kept the light burning when it seemed as if the darkness was about to cover the earth. So it was with those during the 70 years of Babylonian captivity. They became the nucleus which restored the nation of Israel. 

Today, we need those who walk the narrow road regardless of what others may do, obey God's Word, and share His gospel with the lost. God is keeping His book of remembrance, and we want to have our names there. (Mal. 3:16-17)

[Resource: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

God's judgment begins in the house of the Lord. (1 Peter 4:17)

Zephaniah started with the people of Judah but explains how the day of the Lord will affect the Gentile nations surrounding Judah. The Gentiles are still responsible before God, although they were never given God's laws as the Jews were. (Ps. 147:19-20) God has revealed Himself in creation and conscience. (Rom. 1:18) Those nations had not always treated the Jews kindly, and the time had come for God to judge them. Those nations were mentioned that were in the 4 directions-Assyria (north), Cush (south), Moab and Ammon (east), and Philistia (west).

Three truths are given which apply to believers today:

1. God judges His people when they deliberately disobey His law. Be not conformed to this world. (2 Cor. 6:14)
2. God's promise to Abraham still stand. Those who bless Israel, God will bless; those who curse Israel, God will curse. (Gen. 12:1-3)
3. God's Word is true and will be fulfilled in its time. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb. 10:3)

God is the only true living God. There is no other. Because Assyria claimed divine attributes for herself, she was brought down to ruin. Nineveh was its great city brought down. Its city wall was 60 miles long, 100 feet hight, over 30 feet wide, and had 1,500 towers upon it. When God got through with her (used the Medes and Persians), she became as desolate and dry as the desert. 

We need to take the warnings of the Word of God. Pray that America repents and turns back to God. Our grandchildren need a Christian nation that follows God and His laws.

LET IT GO

Rejoice, for God is in control.

How merciful You are!

Thank You for the sweet rain, Father.

There is a better day coming.

God never fails but keeps His Word.

Praise His name.

For What Are You Searching?

O. T. #2245 "For What Are You Searching?"

July 28, 2022

Zephaniah 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Looking closer at verse 3, we find that the prophet tells those who are humble and follow God's commands to seek several things. Seek means to search out (by any method, especially in worship or prayer); to strive after; ask; desire; (make) request.

Who or what are we to seek, search for, desire, or ask?

• Seek the LORD:
• Seek righteousness, which means the right (national, moral, or legal); just.
• Seek meekness, which refers to gentleness; humility.

Are we searching for or desiring the LORD and what is right, with humility?

LET IT GROW

So many people are searching for peace, purpose in life, and love. They can find it in Jesus Christ. He loves us with an everlasting love, not forsaking us. His Spirit gives us peace. His Word guides us in the right ways to live. First, we admit we are a sinner in need of a Savior, believe Jesus is God's Son and Messiah, who died on the cross for payment of our sins. Lastly, confess our sins to Him and ask forgiveness. 

There are other verses in the Word which tell us what we are to seek:

Seek the Lord our God with all our heart and soul. (Deut. 4:29)

Seek the Lord and His strength. (1 Chron. 16:11; Ps. 105:4)

Seek the law of the Lord and do it and teach His statues and judgments. (Ezra 7:10)

Seek peace. (Ps. 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11)

Seek the Lord's face. (Ps. 105:4)

Seek the Lord while He may be found. (Is. 55:6)

Seek the Lord daily. (Is. 58:2)

Seek good and not evil. (Amos 5:14)

Seek those things above. (Colossians 3:1)

Dear one, is Jesus your Savior today? One day we will all stand before a Holy God. Will your sins be covered with the blood of Jesus Christ? If so, they rejoice that you won't have to pay for your sins in all of eternity.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You alone are Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, who is worthy of praise and glory.

Jesus, worthy is the Lamb, who was slain for us, the Son of God and man.

You are my defender and healer. 

At Your feet, we will all bow before You and proclaim You are Lord of lords.

Thank You Jesus for loving us so much that You would suffer and die for us!

Glory to God in the highest!

What Do You Seek?

O. T. #2244 "What Do You Seek?"

July 27, 2022

Zephaniah 2

Seek ye the LORD, all ye of the earth, which have wrought His judgment: seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger. (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW

Our God has an agenda for nations, cities, families, and individuals; He holds everyone accountable to it. Judah had ample warning, so they had no excuse when God's judgment came in the form of Babylon. What did God tell them to do?

• Pray together.
• Beg to be saved.
• Humbly do what is right.

Yet Judah would not.

LET IT GROW

We know that some Jews remained faithful to God and would not bow down to the pagan gods. (Daniel and the 3 Hebrew boys)

Today, we are warned that God's final day of judgment is coming. We can't use the excuse that no one told us.

We should:

• Pray for forgiveness of sin.
• Ask God to bring us into His heavenly kingdom.
• Humbly obey Him.

Will we be like the Israelites in the exodus generation and accept the Lord's protection? Or will we be like the Egyptians then and reject the message of judgment to their own destruction?

LET IT GO 

God, You alone are faithful. 

Look into our hearts and cleanse it of our sins with the blood of Jesus.

Use us to share the Good News of Jesus today.

Who Do You Worship?

O. T. #2243  "Who do You Worship?"

July 26, 2022

Zephaniah 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Prophet Zephaniah was preaching about the coming judgment of the LORD upon Judah. Why was it coming?

• They claimed to follow the LORD, but worshiped the pagan god Molech, too. (verse 5)
• They no longer asked for the LORD's guidance or seek His blessings. (verse 6)

God will not share His worship or glory with any god. He prepared Babylon's army to slaughter those who worshiped the false gods. (verse 9) the whole lad would be devoured by the fire of His jealousy. (verse 18)

We know this happened, according to history. Who do you worship?

LET IT GROW

God had told the Israelites through Moses what would happen if they broke their covenant with Him. (Deut. 28:15-68) When the LORD's wrath come, even silver and gold won't be able to rescue anyone. God can look into our hearts. With His wisdom, He knows if people will repent or not. 

A day will come when God, as judge, will severely punish all nations. But after judgment, He will show mercy to all who have been faithful to Him. Our riches are worthless when the final judgment comes. Only Christ's redemptive work on our behalf matters for eternity. Christ alone will ransom us if we believe in Him. don't trust money; trust Christ.

LET IT GO

Fill our cup, Lord Jesus, with Your Spirit, Salvation, Redemption.

A Day is Coming

O. T. #2241 "A Day is Coming"

July 21, 2022

Introduction to Zephaniah

Zephaniah's name means "the LORD hides." He was a prophet for about 50 years to Judah. He traces his genealogy back 4 generations to King Hezekiah. Zephaniah dates his message during the reign of Josiah (640=609 BC). Thus, he prophesied during 635-625 BC.

Background

Judah was in idolatry and wickedness before Josiah's reforms. It was in 628 BC that the king tore down all the altars to Baal, burned the bones of false prophets, and broke the carved idols; the Book of the Law was found. 

However, the previous kings had such an evil effect on Judah that the nation never recovered. King Josiah's reforms were too late and did not l\outlast his life.

Theme

This prophet contrasts the day coming with gloom, pain, darkness as God responses to His people's sins. On the other hand, the day of the Lord brings restoration after judgment. Also, the 7 year of tribulation is coming at the end of history. The millennial reign of Christ will conform Israel to His ways. 

There is hope for Israel and the Nations. So we can look forward to the coming Great Day.