God's Heart - Part 1: Zech 7:8-12; Lk. 13:34

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: Judge fairly and honestly, and show mercy and kindness... do not oppress widows and orphans... Your ancestors would not listen..." Zech. 7:8-12

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me..." Lk. 13:34

The more I read the bible, the more I hear God's heart crying out to his people. Many say that the God of the Old Testament is harsh and judgemental, but I see the same loving God as in the New Testament who is heartbroken that his own people won't accept him; who punishes only as a last resort; who is always searching the horizon for the one who might return. There is no better picture of a loving God ready to welcome his people back than the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11).

Thank you God for your amazing patience!

Today's reading: Zech. 7-9; Lk. 13

Upheaval - Luke12:51

"Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to bring strife and division! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against--or the other way around." Lk. 12:51

Every time I read this verse, my initial reaction is, "What?! That's not the God I know!" But the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. Jesus came to break the status quo--it's not just business as usual--you don't just believe something just because your family has "always" believed a certain way. Jesus is bringing upheaval. A decision will have to be made, are you for me or against me? This decision has the power to divide families, spouses, friends--but this is serious stuff. This is eternal stuff. What will it be? Peace status quo and a "peaceful" life? Or... tension, division, broken relationships and lots of souls won for Christ? Wow! Are those the only two choices?? Not all the time, but it makes me think of another verse we just read, "Much is required from those to whom much is given." Lk. 12:48 God has given me A LOT, it makes sense that the things he asks of me won't be necessarily be easy -- but I like the easy life! Maybe I should have just read the first part of this verse, "But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly." Is this like, "ignorance is bliss"? Oh yeah, there is the "punishment" part... Bottom line is that some tough times are part of the plan to force mankind to make a choice, and I am part of putting that plan into action. Doesn't sound like fun, but he's the boss. Not my will...

God, give me the courage and strength when the tough times come -- I only want to honor you.

Today's reading: Zech. 4-6; Lk. 12

If God Is For Me... Zech 3:1-2

"Satan was there at the angel's right hand, accusing Jeshua of many things. And the Lord said to Satan, `I the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.'" Zech 3:1-2

What a fantastic picture of my God! Standing up for me (yes, I will make that connection!) against Satan's lies and accusations, choosing me to be adopted into his family and saving me from certain destruction - I was a burning stick and he snatched from the fire. Thank you God! So what does God ask of me in return for this great gift he has given? Accepting him as God goes without saying, but Jesus made a statement in today's reading that comments on this, "But even more blessed are all those who hear the word of God and put it into practice." Lk. 11:28

God, show me every day how you want me to affect the world around me for you.

Today's reading: Zech. 1-3; Lk. 11

Priorities - Luke 10:41

"My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it - and I will not take it away from her." Lk. 10:41

We live our lives backwards. We spend 99% of our waking hours worrying about all aspects of life: work, school, family, bills, money, retirement, prestige, accomplishment, acquisition, etc. Then we spend the remaining 1% trying to fit God into the mix somewhere. What is the main reason people state when asked why they don't spend time with God (read their bible) every day? They are either too busy or too tired. And I completely understand because I was there too - very recently (falling asleep with my bible open in my lap, just "trying to get it done")! But since I have made it (Him) a priority, my life has changed - it is through a focus on God that we live "successful" lives, we just let our focus on life crowd him out. But he promised that if we get our priorities straight, HE will make sure all the other details are taken care of - that sounds like a good deal to me! "...Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." Mat.6:32-33 It seems that this has meant different things to me at different stages of my walk with him. Early on it was big picture stuff like accepting Christ as my Savior, then it moved on to a focus on church activities, then to larger life and family issues, now he is taking over my DAILY activities! I guess this is what that thing called "sanctification" is all about. I find it very interesting being part of his process. It's all about my faith growing to trust that he really is faithful to take care of me.

Jesus, keep growing my faith, continue to show me what needs to be turned over to you.

Today's reading: Hag. 1,2; Ps. 129; Lk. 10

Credentials - Luke 9:29,35

"And as he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothing became dazzling white... Then a voice from the cloud said, `This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.'" Luke 9:29, 35

It seems that throughout chapter 9, Jesus' divinity is being established. He asks his disciples, "Who do people say I am?" He asks Peter, "Who do you say I am?" There is the transfiguration described in vs 29 that we can compare to a very similar verse in Revelation, "And standing in the middle of the lampstands was the Son of Man... His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow... And his eyes were bright like flames of fire." Rev 1:13-14 Then, of course, we have God himself telling us specifically who Jesus is (from a cloud) - quite definitive! This is a chapter of the divine being revealed to humanity, and mankind's general inability to handle it; I am not sure my response would have been much better!

Jesus, thank you for leaving no doubt as to who you are.

Today's reading: Ezra 4; Ps. 113, 127; Lk. 9

Fertile Soil - Luke 8:37

"And all the people of that region begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them. So Jesus returned to the boat and left..."
Luke 8:37

This passage comes right after those same people experienced Jesus casting the demons out of the man of the tombs; and after Jesus tells the disciples about the story of seed falling on fertile soil versus falling on the hard path or thorny ground. The obvious point is that all will hear the same message, but not all will really hear and believe. The interesting part of this passage is, "So Jesus returned to the boat and left..." He did not stay to argue and debate - he delivered his message and moved on, accepting that some would believe and some would not. BUT, he did leave behind a man with a testimony who experienced a miracle, and was forever changed - much more effective than an argument.

Lord, let me trust that delivering your message is enough; that I don't get to determine whether the soil is fertile or not, and that is OK.

Today's reading: Ezra: 2,3; Lk. 8