It’s God’s Spirit That Moves….

We must never forget it’s God’s Spirit that moves; not our strength forcing its way. The Temple was to be rebuilt, and there was opposition everywhere. Zechariah prophesied that Zerubbabel would be one of the leaders to see it finished. He was promised that nothing would stand in its way (completion). Why is this kind of promise necessary? Because in the end God gets the glory. He creates, maintains, and promotes His will for our good and His own glory. Knowing that God gets honored when we do His will, and it also benefits us as well, should be extra motivation to go out and be faithful to His calling. Glorifying God benefits all existence, and it should be the determining factor in all our decision making.

6 Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 7 Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’” Zechariah 4:6-7

Not Everyone Will Be Saved….

People who hate God will never repent. It’s sad to say this, but it’s true. No matter what God does to them to show them His love for them, or what justice He bestows on them, these people’s heart are so self-focused and prideful, that it resents God’s advances to save them. There are people out there, that are controlled by Satan willfully, that will never bow a knee to Jesus. We must always keep this in mind. It’s just the reality of the Gospel, not everyone will be saved.

8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, causing it to scorch everyone with its fire. 9 Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give Him glory.10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects ground their teeth in anguish, 11 and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. Revelation 16:8-11

What He Says, Goes…..

Even though this message was written over 2400 years ago, it hasn’t lost its necessary importance. It’s as relevant today as it was back then. Do you know how I know this? Because God’s word is eternal. When He speaks everyone should listen. What He says goes for all times.

2 “I, the Lord, was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.’ 4 Don’t be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’ 5 “Where are your ancestors now? They and the prophets are long dead. 6 But everything I said through My servants the prophets happened to your ancestors, just as I said. As a result, they repented and said, ‘We have received what we deserved from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He has done what He said He would do.’ ” Zechariah 1:2-6

The Only Human Effort God Expects…..

The only human effort God expects and wants from us is our commitment to trust Him with our life. It’s not about earning our reward from God, rather it’s evidence of already receiving the gift of eternal life from Him. When we revere Him with the proper perspective, it brings Him great joy. Do you put your Hope in His unfailing love?

10 He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might.11 No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love. Psalms 147:10-11

Framework God Uses….

Example #257 and #258 of the character of God: He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humility is the required framework God uses to build His kingdom.

11 On that day you will no longer need to be ashamed, for you will no longer be rebels against Me.I will remove all proud and arrogant people from among you.There will be no more haughtiness on My holy mountain.12 Those who are left will be the lowly and humble,for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord. Zephaniah 3:11-12

6 The Lord supports the humble,but He brings the wicked down into the dust. Psalms 147:6

Evil Is Man’s Choice….

Did God create evil? Certainly not. Does He allow evil to exist? Yes. Why? I can’t fully answer this, but I can say that He allows evil to happen in order for good to come from it. The reason evil continues, is because God has given man free will, some men chose to have no reverence for God. Once man chooses this path for his life, God Grant’s him his wish, totally eliminated any contact or reference to Him. This irreverent, disconnected man makes his own way, choosing to cater to his selfish desires, and thus giving birth to evil behaviors. Evil is man’s choice to live without God.

7 I thought, ‘Surely they will have reverence for Me now! Surely they will listen to My warnings. Then I won’t need to strike again, destroying their homes. ’But no, they get up early to continue their evil deeds. Zephaniah 3:7

Feed Off His Grace and Goodness…..

If you read the OT, specifically the books of the prophets, you discover, among the harsh judgements, the true desires God has for us. Humility, honesty, the desire to do right, to be just, and walk closely with God. God wants our hearts closely aligned with His; that way we can feed off His goodness and grace.

Gather together–yes, gather together,you shameless nation.2 Gather before judgment begins,before your time to repent is blown away like chaff.Act now, before the fierce fury of the Lord falls and the terrible day of the Lord’s anger begins.3 Seek the Lord, all who are humble,and follow His commands.Seek to do what is right and to live humbly.Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you–protect you from His anger on that day of destruction. Zephaniah 2:1-3

Luke Warm….

What does it mean to be “Luke warm”? Maybe complacency. Maybe being complacent with one’s sin. When we start to think we are okay, neither great nor bad, Satan gets a foothold. With that opening for his deceit and influence, one will slowly pull away from God. You won’t feel it, see it, taste it, or touch it, but it will slowly erode your faith in God. Complacent about one own sin, is not a place to be, for Jesus said, “you are neither hot or cold”, “so I will spit you out of my mouth”. It’s the same as salt that loses its flavor. It’s good for nothing, meant to be thrown out and trampled under foot. Being “Luke warm” is the worst place you can ever reach. Turn on the faucet of hot water, asking God to rekindle your spirit, then you will be able to continue the work, furthering the kingdom.

12 “I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem’s darkest corners to punish those who sit complacent in their sins.They think the Lord will do nothing to them, either good or bad.13 So their property will be plundered, their homes will be ransacked. They will build new homes but never live in them. They will plant vineyards but never drink wine from them. Zephaniah 1:12-13

Often Misinterpreted….

God’s ways are often misinterpreted. We don’t understand because we don’t trust Him. When we fully trust Him, the security that comes, overrides the need to fully know the “why”. When we truly see God for Who He really is, in light of the Truth, and being honest with ourselves, we humbly accept His sovereignty and trust Him fully to do as He pleases.

7 I see the people of Cushan in distress, and the nation of Midian trembling in terror. 8 Was it in anger, Lord, that You struck the rivers and parted the sea? Were You displeased with them? No, You were sending your chariots of salvation! Habakkuk 3:7-8

16 I trembled inside when I heard this;my lips quivered with fear.My legs gave way beneath me,and I shook in terror.I will wait quietly for the coming daywhen disaster will strike the people who invade us.17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,and there are no grapes on the vines;even though the olive crop fails,and the fields lie empty and barren;even though the flocks die in the fields,and the cattle barns are empty,18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord!I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength!He makes me as surefooted as a deer,able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:16-19

Wise and Why’s ……

The bottom line when it comes to faith in God and being a believer is this: when you have a desire to know God, and know truth, He becomes real to you. I’m not saying He isn’t real already, I’m saying He becomes close to you, real to you; part of your life. It’s not until you ask yourself the hard questions and are willing to accept the answers, that you’re reborn, with new eyes, able to see spiritually. I recently watched a video about people, who are color-blind, being able to see color for the first time. Their responses were unforgettable. Every single one cried. They asked the question, “is this for real”? “Is this what the real world looks like”? I thought, “this is the exact same response believers get from God when their eyes are opened when they become believers.” But it doesn’t stop there. It’s the same response you get every time God reveals more truth, and more of Himself to you when you pursue Him with all of your heart. You have to want to know God, and truth, with a desire that trumps all other things. When you do, you’ll see things like never before, and things will start to make more sense. You won’t understand all the “WHYS” in life, but you will trust the Creator of everything more and more each day, making you “WISE”, and the “WHYS” less and less important.

17 The Lord is righteous in everything He does;He is filled with kindness.18 The Lord is close to all who call on Him,yes, to all who call on Him in truth.19 He grants the desires of those who fear Him;He hears their cries for help and rescues them.20 The Lord protects all those who love Him,but He destroys the wicked. 21 I will praise the Lord,and may everyone on earth bless His holy nameforever and ever. Psalms 145:17-21

Women in Combat….

I’m not a male-chauvinist, but I think God has a design for the sexes. I’m not going to get specific, but I will state the case against women in combat. If men can’t do their job defending their country, then women must suit up for battle? Women have no place in combat. The consequences of a woman in battle are so numerous, I can’t even begin to talk about it. Just imagine the possible outcomes of the numerous things that men would do to women if they are captured. I’m not saying she couldn’t fight; I’m asking why does she need to? Isn’t combat a young man’s duty? The women’s movement trying to equalize the value of the sexes has a good objective, to see and treat women with more respect and value, but isn’t that exactly what God says when He tells husbands “to love your wives as Christ loves the church”? Isn’t it the same as we are told “to love our neighbors as ourselves”? The women’s movement has done more to destroy the family, confuse the roles of men and women than any other influence. We all have a role, God designed it that way. Maybe if men actually lived out their God-given roles, we wouldn’t be talking about this issue, because it wouldn’t be an issue. When a man puts a woman in harm’s way, regardless of the reason, it’s a direct reflection on his lack of responsibility. Women shouldn’t be in combat, period.

13 Your troops will be as weak and helpless as women. The gates of your land will be opened wide to the enemy and set on fire and burned. Nahum 3:13

Just a Topic in History Books….

The reason Nineveh was destroyed was because it became Godless with its practices, and not only that, it enticed other nations away from Truth, God. It was punished for its deception. Can you see America headed in that same direction? Could you imagine a time that America doesn’t exist anymore? Just a topic in the history books, like Nineveh? Scary, isn’t it? Makes you want to get out there and warn them like Nahum did.

4 All this because Nineveh,the beautiful and faithless city,mistress of deadly charms,enticed the nations with her beauty.She taught them all her magic,enchanting people everywhere. 5 “I am your enemy!”says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.“And now I will lift your skirtsand show all the earth your nakedness and shame.6 I will cover you with filthand show the world how vile you really are.7 All who see you will shrink back and say,‘Nineveh lies in ruins.Where are the mourners?’Does anyone regret your destruction?” Nahum 3:4-7

One Verse Tucked In Between….

Reading the book of Nahum, it begins with announcing the Lord’s anger and judgement on Nineveh. It talks about His anger, His power, His Justice, and then in one verse tucked in between the entire chapter of judgement, it gives a much bigger picture of God’s character. It tells us He is good. It tells us He is trustworthy and comforting in times of trouble. And most importantly (yes, this is in the OT), it tells us He is personable and relatable. He wants a relationship with us. He wants our desires to be on Him. He wants us to trust Him. This certainly doesn’t sound like the God of the OT (according to all the haters). What has God done to you to cause you to take Him for granted? To blow Him off? To ignore Him? To place other priorities ahead of Him? Do you think this is what He wants?

7 The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

A Leech…

Selfishness is like a leech. It always wants more and is never satisfied. Yet we see it as a need wanting to satisfy it. It’s impossible. It’s fighting a losing battle. We need a heavy dose of humility to counteract our pride. When will we ever learn?

15 The leech has two suckers that cry out, “More, more!” There are three things that are never satisfied–no, four that never say, “Enough!”: 16 the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire. Proverbs 30:15-16

Such An Emphasis On Money….

Why we put such an emphasis on money throughout our lifetime is one of those things God must scratch His head about. In the end, money comes to nothing. We come into this world and leave this world with no place to carry anything tangible. That’s why we invest our time in eternal matters. That way, we get to reap what really matters when we get to Heaven, that which is eternal.

14 You will eat but never have enough. Your hunger pangs and emptiness will remain. And though you try to save your money, it will come to nothing in the end. You will save a little, but I will give it to those who conquer you. Micah 6:14

Consequence of Lying…..

What happens to a society that accepts the practice of lying? They can no longer tell the truth, for they know not what it is.

12 The rich among you have become wealthy through extortion and violence. Your citizens are so used to lying that their tongues can no longer tell the truth. Micah 6:12

To Be Like Him….

What does God want from us? To be like Him. In order for us to be like Him, we have to know Him.

8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,and this is what He requires of you:to do what is right, to love mercy,and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Our Own Doing, Not His…..

When people abandon God, their reasons aren’t justified. What does God do to us that makes us tired of Him? Answer, nothing. It’s our being fickle that turns us away from Him. Our sinful nature when given into its desires, is the only reason we leave God. It’s our own doing not His.

“O My people, what have I done to you?What have I done to make you tired of Me?Answer Me!4 For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery.I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you.5 Don’t you remember, My people,how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about My faithfulness.” Micah 6:3-5

God Showers Goodness On Everyone…..

Regardless what anyone says, God showers goodness on everyone, saved and lost souls. He is merciful and compassionate. He gives us our next breath, as well as rains on the lands of the good along with those who do evil. He allows sunshine to land on the faces of all people, even when we don’t deserve it (which is always). The Lord is good to everyone. Be grateful today, and share this truth with someone.

Let each generation tell its children of Your mighty acts;let them proclaim Your power.5 I will meditate on Your majestic, glorious splendorand Your wonderful miracles.6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;I will proclaim Your greatness.7 Everyone will share the story of Your wonderful goodness;they will sing with joy about Your righteousness. 8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.9 The Lord is good to everyone.He showers compassion on all His creation. Psalms 145:4-9

Psychics, Witches, and Fortune-Tellers….

If witchcraft and fortune-telling were acceptable practices, why would God prophecy to Israel about putting an end to them? No one in their right mind can justify psychics, witches, and fortune-tellers. The problem is, those promoting it and seeking these services are not in their right mind.

12 I will put an end to all witchcraft,and there will be no more fortune-tellers. Micah 5:12

The Source of Peace….

One name that really stands out to me that has been assigned to Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Do you know why? Because He is the Source of Peace. Without Jesus’ saving grace, peace is impossible. Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace.

And He will stand to lead His flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. Then His people will live there undisturbed, for He will be highly honored around the world. 5 And He will be the source of peace. Micah 5:4-5a

Never Forget Who Is In Charge….

Never forget Who is in control. Never forget Who is in charge. Humility is knowing to Whom you are accountable. It’s one reason why God gives grace to the humble, because we accept His reign.

12 But they do not know the Lord’s thoughts or understand His plan. These nations don’t know that He is gathering them together to be beaten and trampled like sheaves of grain on a threshing floor. Micah 4:12

Comfortable in Sin…..

People don’t want to hear truth when they are comfortable in their sin.

6 “Don’t say such things, ”the people respond. “Don’t prophesy like that. Such disasters will never come our way!” 7 Should you talk that way, O family of Israel? Will the Lord’s Spirit have patience with such behavior? If you would do what is right, you would find My words comforting. Micah 2:6-7

10 Up! Begone! This is no longer your land and home, for you have filled it with sin and ruined it completely. 11 Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, “I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol! ”That’s just the kind of prophet you would like! Micah 2:10-11

Things Don’t Satisfy…..

When we accumulate stuff through ungodly means, the satisfaction we think it should bring never lives up to our expectations. Matter of fact, it eventually brings heart ache, worry, and stress when it’s taken away. Don’t fall into the trap of modern day marketers, things don’t satisfy, so you shouldn’t take the bait of their message, “be discontent with what you have, in order to be content with what they sell”.

7 All her carved images will be smashed. All her sacred treasures will be burned. These things were bought with the money earned by her prostitution, and they will now be carried away to pay prostitutes elsewhere. Micah 1:7

Neither Poverty Nor Riches….

Many, many years ago I prayed this prayer (v8-9). And I must admit, God has been faithful in answering it, even when I wasn’t very welcoming of it.

7 O God, I beg two favors from You; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. Proverbs 30:7-9

When We Lose Compassion and Grace….

When we lose our compassion and grace for people, look out. Our attitude needs a major adjustment. Jonah had this kind of attitude, and God set him straight. After all Jonah had been through, he constantly needed God’s attention. And so should we. It’s the only way humility can consistently reign in our character. Focusing on the eternal, those things that will last, God’s word and the souls of people, help cultivate the soil of our hearts, for planting and growing the crop of Humility.

1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that You would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”4 The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”5 Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.7 But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. 8 And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”10 Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. 11 But Nineveh has more than 120 ,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” Jonah 4:1-11

The Need For A Bunch of Jonahs…..

This is a perfect example of how to respond the the Gospel. Jonah warned Nineveh of its destruction, and Nineveh responded with repentance. The entire city’s population responded. If a pagan city can respond to God’s call of Repentance, so can America. We just need a bunch of Jonahs out there calling for America’s repentance.

1 Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: 2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.”3 This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. 4 On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” 5 The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.6 When the king of Nineveh heard what Jonah was saying, he stepped down from his throne and took off his royal robes. He dressed himself in burlap and sat on a heap of ashes. 7 Then the king and his nobles sent this decree throughout the city: “No one, not even the animals from your herds and flocks, may eat or drink anything at all. 8 People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence. 9 Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will change His mind and hold back His fierce anger from destroying us.” 10 When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed His mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened. Jonah 3:1-10

Forfeit the Blessings…

Here’s a thought most people never have: if you worship anything other than God Himself, you turn your back on His mercies. If you place others in front of God, you forfeit the blessings God has for you. If you’re busy preoccupying yourself with false idols (money, fame, power, prestige, etc...) you miss out on the good God has for you. And quite often, your idolatry affects not only you, but all those around you.

8 Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.9 But I will offer sacrifices to You with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” Jonah 2:8-9

Unknown Details in the Jonah Story…..

Everyone, even non-believers know about the prophet Jonah. Probably from Pinocchio, but very few probably could ever tell you the complete account of his story. One of the things that stands out in his story is the miracles that take place. The first of which seems to go unnoticed. When the sailors on the ship throw Jonah overboard, the raging storm immediately stops. Exactly like when Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. The sailors were so amazed that they vowed to serve God, something unheard of by pagan gentiles. As Romans 2:4 says, “It’s God’s grace that leads men to repentance”. In this case, it was God’s grace in the form of miraculously calming the storm that lead these unbelievers to boldly vow to serve Him.

11 And since the storm was getting worse all the time, they asked him, “What should we do to you to stop this storm?”12 “Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.”13 Instead, the sailors rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn’t make it. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God. “O Lord,” they pleaded, “don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O Lord, You have sent this storm upon him for Your own good reasons.”15 Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! 16 The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered Him a sacrifice and vowed to serve Him. Jonah 1:11-16

Truth Is Worth Investing In….

What most people fail to see about truth, is that it always proves itself. It may take time, but it always fulfills it’s claims. When we follow God and believe His Truth, it acts as a shield, protecting us from enemy fire. When we speak truth, we never have to worry about what we say. That lion seeking to devour us can never capture and destroy our soul. Truth is worth investing in, it’s the only guarantee we have in life. Trust God today, and count on his promises.

5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Proverbs 30:5

Daily Pursuit…

Never walk too far from God. Stay close and in hard times He won’t seem far away. It’s a daily practice. If you truly want a relationship with the Living Lord, you must pursue Him daily. The formula isn’t difficult, but it does require you’re whole heart.

 7 Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,for my depression deepens.Don’t turn away from me,or I will die.8 Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning,for I am trusting You.Show me where to walk,for I give myself to You.9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;I run to You to hide me.10 Teach me to do Your will,for You are my God.May Your gracious Spirit lead me forwardon a firm footing.11 For the glory of Your name, O Lord, preserve my life.Because of Your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.12 In Your unfailing love, silence all my enemiesand destroy all my foes,for I am Your servant. Psalms 143:7-12