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.