Joy and Gladness

O. T. #2304  "Joy and Gladness"

Oct. 20, 2022

Zechariah 8-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

I have never had such a fun time studying God's Word as our group at church does on Wednesday night. Not a night goes by that we are not laughing, sharing, spilling the beans. Of course, we bear one another's burdens, too-cancer of daughters, dementia of a parent, sickness, accidents, everyday problems. I guess you could say we are real, not pretending everything is hunky doria. And we hunger for the Truth, God's Word. How about your church?

Here is the fourth message given by Zechariah. The Lord finally answers the question raised in 7:3-should the Jews weep and fast as they did in Babylon? Those 3 specific months were fasting times to remember when the Caldeans invaded Jerusalem, when the Temple was burned, and their being taken away to Babylon. God had not commanded those fasts and was not pleased by any of them. It was all due to the self-pity of the Jews. 

It was a nice little religious ritual, but God did not instigate them. Instead of weeping, long faces, and a pious look, how did God want them to come before Him with-joy. Look at verse 19. Judah was to be a house of joy and gladness, cheerful feasts, loving the truth and peace. Instead of sadness, God wanted the Jews to have festivals of joy and celebration. 

Are we enjoying being a Christian? Or are we allowing the world beating us down? We should come together to study God's Word and have fun doing it. 

LET IT GROW

The rest of the chapter is in reference to the Millennium when Christ will reign as Priest-King. Verse 21 tells us what it will be like:

• People will say, "Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD,

and go seek the LORD of Hosts."

• This will happen in the nations going to Jerusalem. 
• Gentiles will want to go with the Jews to the Temple.
• The Jews will believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah during that time.

Let's not live in the past, friend. Live in the future, for we can rejoice at the promises God gives us for a joyful future!

What a blessing when others want what God's people have. God blesses His faithful ones. He is blessing our church, bringing in other believers for fellowship and salvation, young and older ones. God is alive and moving among His people. 

LET IT GO

Today is a new day. Let us pray and seek the LORD.

 

Truth, Love, Peace

O. T. #2303  "Truth, Love, Peace"

Oct 19, 2022

Zechariah 8-Part 4

Theses are the things ye shall do; speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. (verse 16)

LET IT GLOW

Mom always said that what goes around comes around. She taught me that I will reap what I sow. If it is love, then love will be returned to me. If it is bitterness, hate, then those will be shown to me, also. Stay with me while we find out more principles by which we are to live. 

I can't pass up the opportunity of digging deeper into verse 16. God promised to bless His people if they would do some things. We live in the day when lying is acceptable in every walk of life.  Examples of this is found in some businesses, advertising, media, government, military, educators, and scientists. Has telling the truth gone out of style? Children used to be taught morals in school, including telling the truth. Often dishonesty is found in marriages. Could that be the source of so many divorces? 

Do we speak truth in love? We can count on the Word speaking to us truth, because Jesus is the Word and The Truth. This is the foundation of our faith-the Bible is truth. Are we honoring His Word by not swearing falsely but truthfully? Are we practicing love?

LET IT GROW What are two other things the Jews were instructed to do as kingdom principles? Exercise justice and live peacefully are the things listed. If we expect God to do His part, we must do our part-obedience. Keep a right heart by loving God, His Word, and our neighbors. 

Have you been saved by grace and mercy through faith in Christ? Then these principles should be a part of our everyday life. Just because we are saved for eternity does not give us a ticket to live however we want. We owe a debt we could not pay; He paid a debt He did not owe. We needed Jesus to do it for us.

LET IT GO

Help us Jesus to love You and other more each day.

How wonderful You are to me. 

May we share this love and mercy today with those who need love and mercy. 

Thank You Jesus for being Truth, Love, and Peace for us.

 

 

In The Meantime

O. T. #2302  "In the Meantime"

Oct. 18, 2022

Zechariah 8-Part 3

But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of Hosts. (verse 11)

LET IT GLOW

One day it will be better. In the meantime, we hold onto the end of our rope of faith. Have you got Jesus? Have you got faith? Have you got the love in your heart? Is there joy? Israel had been in the land of Jerusalem for about 10 years and had not yet completed the Temple, which was why they returned in the first place.

Beginning with verse 9, we read the LORD saying:

• Let your hands be strong and finish the task.
• Hear the word of the prophets, who encouraged you while laying the Temple's foundation.
• Before the work began, there were no jobs nor money to hire people or animals. No traveler was safe from the enemy, who were on all sides. Everyone was turned against each other, as the Lord willed. 
• Here is a promise: God said He will not treat the residue (remnant; portion: that had escaped) as He had treated them before.

Israel learned from the bitter experience of captivity. They were in hard times. Why were there blessings they received?

When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7)

God was planting seeds of peace and prosperity among the remnant of Israel and Judah. (I always thought it was only Israeli Jews, not those from Judah, who returned.) Grapevines would be heavy with fruit. The rains would come, crops produce (verse 12) No longer were they symbols of a cursed nation. What blessings!

Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So do not be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple. (verse 13) 

LET IT GROW 

The LORD was determined to punish the remnant when their ancestors angered Him, but He was determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. What did God direct them to do?

• He told them to not be afraid.
• They were instructed to tell the truth to each other; Render verdicts in the courts that are just and lead to peace.
• Do not scheme against each other.
• Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. (verses 16-17) 

  Are our ways just and merciful? Are we telling the truth, always?           

LET IT GO

Are there some practices from the previous list that we need to let go of so we obey God?

LET IT GROW 

Overcoming The Overwhelming

O. T. #2301 "Overcoming The Overwhelming"

Oct. 17, 2022

Zechariah 8-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Are you old enough to recall children playing in the streets of cities? And the elderly could walk safely home from the store without being mugged or beaten? It is not so today, but it used to be during my childhood. My neighborhood girlfriends and I could safely ride our bikes down to the creek for a summer's afternoon of refreshment and fun without giving it a thought. (We had no air conditioning in our homes back then.) Our parents had no reasons to be concerned for us living on our country roads. Oh, that it was so for our grandchildren today. One day it will be, so continue on to learn when.

This third message given to Zechariah by God speaks of His jealousy over His people that will lead to their repentance and blessing. Look at the four wonderful truths found in this message which God gives:

1. Jehovah is jealous for Zion (Jerusalem). (verse 2)
2. Jehovah will dwell in Zion. (verse 3)
3. Jehovah's security for Zion. (verses 4-5)
4. Jehovah's restoration of His people. (verses 6-8)  (Liberty Bible Commentary)

During His Millennial Kingdom reign, the Messiah (Jesus Christ) will reign as Priest-King in the city of Jerusalem on the holy mountain of the LORD of Hosts. (verse 3) the King who lives there is holy.   Who are the most defenseless people of society? They are the elderly and the children, who will live in tranquility, peace, and security. The children will be safe to play in the streets. (verses 4-5)

LET IT GROW

 

All this may seem impossible to the remnant of God's people. but is it impossible for God? (The LORD of Heaven's Armies is asking.) and all God's people say, "Of course not, Lord.")

Luke 1:37 taught us, Nothing is impossible with God. Matthew 19:26b reminds us ... with God all things are possible. So does Mark 10:27 and Luke 18:27. 

God specializes in overcoming overwhelming odds. (Charles Swindoll) 

So what is overcoming you, overwhelming you, dear one? God never leaves His children alone. He is working out His plan. We know our situations are only temporary. Trust Him.

LET IT GO

Don't lose heart or hope. Jesus has got this-your this. Hang on and hang in there, friend. We know in the end, God wins. We need to just let go and let our God.

Jealousy and Fury

 O.T. #2300 "Jealousy and Fury"

Oct. 14, 2022

Zechariah 8

Thus saith the LORD of Hosts: I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. (verse 2)

LET IT GLOW

If you are like me, we have to guard our heart from jealousy. Jealousy of the neighbors who have new houses while I live in an old farmhouse; jealous of people and their abilities; jealous of grandchildren being close by. The list can go on. Did you know God can be jealous for us? Find out more about it below.

The land of Israel was desolate for the returnees after the 70-year captivity because of the sinful actions of their ancestors. Dare I say it was an extremely difficult time for them. They had to start from the ground up in order to rebuild their homes, businesses, and Temple. (They had stopped the building on the Temple for about 10 years.) Since it was desolate, that didn't mean that God's love for His people and their land had failed.

Before we get into the encouraging words of this chapter, let's take a look at the words that are mentioned several times here, according to J. Vernon McGee:

• LORD of Hosts (LORD of Armies) is used 18 times;
• Jerusalem occurs 6 times and Zion occurs twice;
• jealous appears 3 times;
• remnant occurs twice;
• Thus saith the LORD appears 10 times.

So it is God speaking through the prophet Zechariah to His people, including us. When our toes are stepped on, it isn't me nor the prophet doing it, but God doing the stepping. Probably that is why few people study this book-they don't like their toes stepped on nor sins pointed out to them. But that is what makes us better Christians, being shown our sins and repenting, then turning away from them. Right?

LET IT GROW

Read our key verse for today. 

Jealous is used 3 times, which means to be or make zealous (in a bad sense); envious; be moved to or provoked to jealousy. 

Fury refers to anger; hot displeasure; rage; wrath.

When God says He is jealous, it is not like a man is jealous for his wife. God loves us so much (and His Beloved Israel) that He desires to pour out abundant blessings as tangible expressions of His love for His people. He does not act apart from this love. (Falwell)

When the Gentiles oppressed Israel and Judah, it provoked Him to be angry at them.

One of the promises God gave to Abraham was I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee. (Genesis 12:3)

Folks, we cannot live in the world, for the flesh, and do things the Devil wants, and serve God on Sunday. A follower of Jesus desires to please Him and love Him, and serve Him, being set apart from the world. When we confess our sins, God forgives us and cleanses us. Yet we are to go and sin no more.

LET IT GO

Is there something we need to let go of so we can better serve God today? 

Help us trust You and love You with all our heart, Holy God. 

Will God Hear Us?

O. T. #2299  "Will God Hear Us?"

Oct. 13, 2022

Zechariah 7-Part 4 

Therefore it is come to pass, that as He cried, and they would not hear: so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of Hosts. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

I hope our heart is not as hard as a diamond, as in verse 12. Yet, it was the condition of the Jews' hearts before they were sent into captivity by Assyria and Babylon. Prophet after prophet was sent to warn them, to bring them to repentance of their sins of idolatry and draw them out of rebellion before God. However, they would not. Had they turn from their sins and back to God, they would not have gone into captivity for 70 years.

Did you see who cried first? It was God. 

In the Hebrew language, cried means to call out; invite; preach; pronounce; publish; read; say.

Since the Jews refused to listen when God called to them, He would not listen when they called to Him. 

MacArthur explains, "This reflects a severe form of God's wrath by which He abandons disobedient sinners." 

Proverbs 1:23-24, 28-29 says, Turn you at My reproof: behold, I will pour out My spirit unto you, I will make known My words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refuse; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me. For they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD.

Folks, we do not want to be like that! We do not want our family, neighbors, nor church to be like that! Keep praying for them and loving them to Jesus.

What good news is in this? God keeps His Word. He loves us so much that He will not let us keep straying away in sin. He will discipline His child and draw us to Himself or take us home.

LET IT GROW

Verse 14 tells us that the Jews were scattered, taken into captivity, and lived as strangers, but the discipline worked and over 50,000 returned to Jerusalem to rebuild it. Most people were of a new generation, and they had been told about their God.

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. (Ps. 50:14-15)

My God has come through so many times for me, as I have shared before-when I stopped breathing after surgery, when my potassium and magnesium were depleted after a test, after a covid shot, and during a car accident. Thank You God for all You have done for me! Glory to God in the Highest! I owe You my life. Use me for whatever, sharing Jesus, hope in Jesus, love in Jesus, Your amazing grace.

LET IT GO

How are we to live? Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God. (Micah 6:8b) He gives peace in the storm, joy in the struggle, freedom from the chains of sin. I've got Jesus, so I've got joy. Joy like a river in my soul. How about you, dear one?

Is Your Heart Hard or Soft Toward The Word?

O. T. #2298  "Is Your Heart Hard or Soft Toward The Word?"

Oct. 12, 2022

Zechariah 7-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

The Jews were religious, went through a ritual, but their hearts were far from God, and they were a disgrace to Him. (verse 12) The first message Zechariah was given for the Jewish returnees to Jerusalem was that obedience is better than fasting. (verses 1-7) 

Now the second message of four is disobedience leads to severe judgment. (verses 8-14) Israel was told (before the captivity of 70 years) to execute true judgment, show mercy, and have compassion on every man to his brother. They were not to oppress the widow, the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor. They were forbidden to show imagined evil in their heart against their brother. 

What were the Jews to do? 

• Hear the words of the prophets and the Law and obey it; not pulling away the shoulder nor stopping up their ears (put fingers in their ears).
• Do not harden their hearts as an adamant (from its keenness for scratching; a gem, probably a diamond) stone; hard as a diamond. 

The Jews had rejected God's righteous standard-worship only Him, obey His Word, love God. He used the heathen nations of Assyria and Babylon to remove them from their Promised Land. They were told to not let history repeat itself. Stay true and faithful to their God was the challenge. 

LET IT GROW

If you visit Israel, you will find desert from Jerusalem to Jerico and the Dead Sea. It is as bad as the desert in Arizona. They are using water from the Dead Sea to irrigate fig trees, which will eventually run dry. there are a few fertile fields north of Jerusalem, due to irrigation, where crops are raised. But the land has not totally been restored. Taxes are high there. they do not have a retirement system to take care of the elderly. Yet, one day, Jesus will return to Jerusalem, set up His kingdom, remove the unbelievers, and bless the land.

LET IT GO

May we hear God's Word, study it, and obey it for His glory. May it be Truth. The world needs to hear it and repent of their sins, love only the True Living God, not false gods that are manmade.LET IT GO