today's meditation (Zech.4) Being an Effective Witness

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Zechariah 4:1-14) Then the angel who had been speaking with me returned and woke me, like a person who is awakened from his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it; 3 also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.” 4 Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” 5 So the angel who was speaking with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of armies. 7 ‘What are you, you great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring out the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”

8 Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of armies has sent me to you. 10 For who has shown contempt for the day of small things? But these seven will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—they are the eyes of the Lord roaming throughout the earth.”

11 Then I said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right of the lampstand and on its left?” 12 And I responded the second time and said to him, “What are the two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes, which empty the golden oil from themselves?” 13 So he answered me, saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 14 Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth.”

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

People were showing contempt, comparing the former temple that king Solomon had built to the current one, without knowing or understanding God's plans for the future.  People often look on small things as insignificant.  But with God, He can use the smallest things to do great and awesome things!  And anything done in the Lord's will is a reason to rejoice.  

Another point to all of this is that just like the temple, the church is "just" a building.  The Church is actually the collection of all God's people - whoever is a true believer.  And just like the two witnesses mentioned in verse 6, all true witnesses must be in done in the power of the Spirit.  We all have the privilege of serving the Lord and being His witness, but we will only be effective if we do everything in God's wisdom and strength.  As it says in verse 6, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of armies.

today's meditation (Jer.52) Being Obedient

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Jeremiah 52:1-34) Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, adnd he reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, in accordance with everything that Jehoiakim had done. 3 For because of the anger of the Lord this came about in Jerusalem and Judah, until He drove them out from His presence. And Zedekiah revolted against the king of Babylon. 4 Now it came about in the ninth year of his reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, camped against it, and built a bulwark all around it. 5 So the city was under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 6 On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land. 7 Then the city was breached, and all the warriors fled and left the city at night by way of the gate between the two walls which was by the king’s garden, though the Chaldeans were all around the city. And they went by way of the Arabah. 8 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the desert plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him. 9 Then they captured the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, and he passed sentence on him. 10 And the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also slaughtered all the commanders of Judah in Riblah. 11 Then he blinded the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him with bronze shackles and brought him to Babylon and put him in prison until the day of his death.

12 Now on the tenth day of the fifth month, which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard, who was in the service of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. 13 And he burned the house of the Lord, the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem; even every large house he burned with fire. 14 So the entire army of the Chaldeans who were with the captain of the guard tore down all the walls around Jerusalem. 15 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took into exile some of the poorest of the people, the rest of the people who were left in the city, the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the craftsmen. 16 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and farmers.

17 Now the bronze pillars which belonged to the house of the Lord and the stands and the bronze sea, which were in the house of the Lord, the Chaldeans smashed to pieces and carried all their bronze to Babylon. 18 They also took the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the basins, the pans, and all the bronze vessels which were used in temple service. 19 The captain of the guard also took the bowls, the firepans, the basins, the pots, the lampstands, the pans, and the drink offering bowls, whatever was fine gold, and whatever was fine silver. 20 The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the sea, and the stands, which King Solomon had made for the house of the Lord—the bronze of all these vessels was beyond weight. 21 As for the pillars, the height of each pillar was eighteen cubits, and it was twelve cubits in circumference and four fingers in thickness, and hollow. 22 Also, a capital of bronze was on top of it; and the height of each capital was five cubits, with latticework and pomegranates on the capital all around, all of bronze. And the second pillar was like these, including pomegranates. 23 There were ninety-six exposed pomegranates; all the pomegranates numbered a hundred on the latticework all around.

24 Then the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest and Zephaniah the second priest, with the three officers of the temple. 25 He also took from the city one official who was overseer of the warriors, seven of the king’s advisers who were found in the city, the scribe of the commander of the army who mustered the people of the land, and sixty men from the people of the land who were found inside the city. 26 Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguards took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. 27 Then the king of Babylon struck them and put them to death in Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was led into exile from its land.

28 These are the people whom Nebuchadnezzar took into exile: in the seventh year 3,023 Jews; 29 in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar 832 persons from Jerusalem; 30 in the twenty-third year of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took into exile 745 Jewish people; there were 4,600 people in all.

31 Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, showed favor to Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. 32 Then he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon. 33 So Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes, and had his meals in the king’s presence regularly all the days of his life. 34 And as his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king of Babylon, a portion for each day, all the days of his life until the day of his death.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

God's chosen people had long ago split into two kingdoms, and from then on until this point, there were always two reigning Jewish kings.  The  king of Israel clearly disobeyed what God told them to do, and so, suffered and died in misery as a consequence.  The king of Judah, which was the legitimate throne of Israel, obeyed by going into captivity, therefore things went well for him.

This is my takeaway:  God wants the best for us, so when He tells us to do something or not do something, it is in our best interest to listen to His guidance and obey!  And even while struggling through something, like being in captivity, things will work out for good!

today's meditation (Jer.1) Serving the Lord

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Jeremiah 1:1-19)  The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, 2 to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month.

4   Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

5   “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
     And before you were born I consecrated you;
     I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
6   Then I said, “Oh, Lord God!
     Behold, I do not know how to speak,
     Because I am a youth.”
7   But the Lord said to me,
     “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
     Because everywhere I send you, you shall go,
     And all that I command you, you shall speak.
8   Do not be afraid of them,
     For I am with you to save you,” declares the Lord.

9   Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me,
     “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
10 See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms,
     To root out and to tear down,
     To destroy and to overthrow,
     To build and to plant.”

11 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” 12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.”

13 And the word of the Lord came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north.” 14 Then the Lord said to me, “Out of the north the evil will be unleashed on all the inhabitants of the land. 15 For, behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north,” declares the Lord; “and they will come and place, each one of them, his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls around, and against all the cities of Judah. 16 And I will pronounce My judgments against them concerning all their wickedness, since they have abandoned Me and have offered sacrifices to other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands. 17 Now, belt your garment around your waist and arise, and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, or I will make you dismayed before them. 18 Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city and like a pillar of iron and walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, to its priests, and to the people of the land. 19 And they will fight against you but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to save you,” declares the Lord.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

As believers, when we rebel against God's will, He will allow consequences to fall on us.  But when we are willing to allow God to work in and through us, He will help us.  Trusting in the Lord involves relying on His wisdom, strength and power, knowing that it is to accomplish what He plans, as well as to bless us.  

The Lord has called each of us to serve in some way, because He has given each of us purpose which will lead to a fulfilling life.  Figuring out what it is that we are called to do is not as mysterious as most of us assume.  As we pray and ask God for guidance, He will give us direction.  It might be as simple as being a greeter at church.  We might feel nervous at times or just as we begin something new, but we will experience peace and joy, because it is a great blessing to serve our Sovereign Lord and Savior!

today's meditation (Is.50) Following Our Perfect Example

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Isaiah 50:1-11) 

1   This is what the Lord says:
     “Where is the certificate of divorce
     By which I have sent your mother away?
     Or to whom of My creditors did I sell you?
     Behold, you were sold for your wrongdoings,
     And for your wrongful acts your mother was sent away.
2   Why was there no one when I came?
     When I called, why was there no one to answer?
     Is My hand so short that it cannot redeem?
     Or do I have no power to rescue?
     Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke,
     I turn rivers into a wilderness;
     Their fish stink for lack of water,
     And die of thirst.
3   I clothe the heavens with blackness,
     And make sackcloth their covering.”

4   The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples,
     So that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
     He awakens Me morning by morning,
     He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
5   The Lord God has opened My ear,
     And I was not disobedient,
     Nor did I turn back.
6   I gave My back to those who strike Me,
     And My cheeks to those who pull out My beard;
     I did not hide My face from insults and spitting.
7   For the Lord God helps Me,
     Therefore, I am not disgraced;
     Therefore, I have made My face like flint,
     And I know that I will not be ashamed.
8   He who vindicates Me is near;
     Who will contend with Me?
     Let us stand up to each other.
     Who has a case against Me?
     Let him approach Me.
9   Behold, the Lord God helps Me;
     Who is he who condemns Me?
     Behold, they will all wear out like a garment;
     A moth will eat them.
10 Who is among you who fears the Lord,
     Who obeys the voice of His servant,
     Who walks in darkness and has no light?
     Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
     Who encircle yourselves with flaming arrows,
     Walk in the light of your fire 
     And among the flaming arrows you have set ablaze.
     This you will have from My hand:
     You will lie down in torment.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

In this chapter, we see how the Lord (Jesus) is our perfect example, as He speaks again about His first coming to earth in flesh.  In dying FOR sin, He is our example in that we need to die TO sin.  When we humbly ask for His forgiveness, He forgives and chooses to remember our sins no more.  And in Jesus' example of rising from death, when we put our faith in Him, we receive eternal life.

Willingly going to the cross to suffer and die for sins, He is our perfect example of how to remain obedient to God, looking to God for help.  We do not have to fear anyone or anything but find comfort in knowing that God is near and will fight for us.  To trust in the Lord is to rely on His help and guidance;  not trying to do things our way, but giving Him the control.  

Jesus is also our perfect example in life.  In fearing God, we will want to be obedient to His will, trusting that what He says is for our benefit.  We should trust in Him even for the right words to speak in order to lift up and encourage others.  And every morning, we should be listening to learn God's words so that we can continue growing and maturing, to know more and more what His will is for our lives.  

One can choose to walk in their own light that they create, which only leads to darkness and eternal death;  or one can choose to walk in the light of the Lord, which leads to hope and eternal life.

today's meditation (Is.42) Allowing God to be Our Eyes and Ears

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Isaiah 42:1-25) 

1  “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold;
     My chosen one in whom My soul delights.
     I have put My Spirit upon Him;
     He will bring forth justice to the nations.
2   He will not cry out nor raise His voice,
     Nor make His voice heard in the street.
3   A bent reed He will not break off 
     And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish;
     He will faithfully bring forth justice.
4   He will not be disheartened or crushed 
     Until He has established justice on the earth;
     And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.”

5   This is what God the Lord says,

     Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
     Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
     Who gives breath to the people on it 
     And spirit to those who walk in it:
6   “I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness,
     I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
     And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
     As a light to the nations,
7   To open blind eyes,
     To bring out prisoners from the dungeon 
     And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.
8   I am the Lord, that is My name;
     I will not give My glory to another,
     Nor My praise to idols.
9   Behold, the former things have come to pass,
     Now I declare new things;
     Before they sprout I proclaim them to you.”

10 Sing to the Lord a new song,
     Sing His praise from the end of the earth!
     You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it;
     You islands, and those who live on them.
11 Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices,
     The settlements which Kedar inhabits.
     Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud,
     Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
12 Let them give glory to the Lord 
     And declare His praise in the coastlands.
13 The Lord will go out like a warrior,
     He will stir His zeal like a man of war.
     He will shout, indeed, He will raise a war cry.
     He will prevail against His enemies.

14 “I have kept silent for a long time,
     I have kept still and restrained Myself.
     Now like a woman in labor I will groan,
     I will both gasp and pant.
15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills 
     And wither all their vegetation;
     I will turn the rivers into coastlands 
     And dry up the ponds.
16 I will lead those who are blind by a way they have not known,
     In paths they have not known I will guide them.
     I will turn darkness into light before them
     And uneven land into plains.
     These are the things I will do,
     And I will not leave them undone.”
17 They will be turned back and be utterly put to shame,
     Who trust in idols,
     Who say to cast metal images,
     “You are our gods.”

18 Hear, you who are deaf!
     And look, you who are blind, so that you may see.
19 Who is blind but My servant,
     Or so deaf as My messenger whom I send?
     Who is so blind as one who is at peace with Me,
     Or so blind as the servant of the Lord?
20 You have seen many things, but you do not retain them;
     Your ears are open, but no one hears.
21 The Lord was pleased for His righteousness’ sake 
     To make the Law great and glorious.
22 But this is a people plundered and pillaged;
     All of them are trapped in caves,
     Or are hidden away in prisons;
     They have become plunder, with no one to save them,
     And spoils with no one to say, “Give them back!”

23 Who among you will listen to this?
     Who will pay attention and listen in the time to come?
24 Who gave Jacob up for spoils, and Israel to plunderers?
     Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned,
     And in whose ways they were not willing to walk,
     And whose Law they did not obey?
25 So He poured out on him the heat of His anger 
     And the fierceness of battle;
     And it set him aflame all around,
     Yet he did not recognize it;
     And it burned him, but he paid no attention.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Here is both a portrayal of what happens when one disobeys and denies the Lord because He is just, as well as the hope that one can have when we choose to follow Him because He is faithful.  At the start of this chapter, we see a lovely prophecy of Jesus coming to earth to provide the good news of salvation.  He is our light and our covenant (promise).  Only He is able to set us free from the chains of sin and death!  And then He is our guide and our righteousness and our hope!  

Jesus gives all of us a fair opportunity to make a decision.  Who will we place first in our lives?  In what or whom will we trust and put our faith in?  When we choose our way, we think we are hearing and seeing everything, but it is in wanting to know God's way which is unsearchable that we need His help.  Truly trusting and putting our faith in Jesus is to realize and admit that we are deaf and blind, and we need the Lord to be our ears and eyes, allowing Him to lead us as to where we should go and what we should hear, say and do!