Today’s Reading: Habakkuk & Zephaniah

The book of Habakkuk is a conversation between the prophet and his God. He dares to ask God some pretty tough questions — Why do you allow injustice, God? Do you even care? Why do you tolerate evil? Are you still in control, Lord? I must admit that I have asked some of these same questions.

My questions: Why is sin celebrated? How did sex become such a dominant addiction in our society? Why aren’t people held accountable when they blatantly lie about someone else or twist the truth for their own benefit? Where is God in all of this? What hope is there for future generations?

How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save.
Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. – Habakkuk 1:2-4

Have you ever prayed a similar prayer? Watching the daily news can be aggravating and I find myself asking God where He is at in all of it. I foolishly ask Him to see all of the sorrow and injustice around the world, as if He isn’t already looking. I tell Him my heart is breaking, as if His heart isn’t more affected than mine. I ask Him where He is and if He is listening, as if God doesn’t see all and know all and love more than I am capable of. God saw the honest heart of the prophet and took time to give him answers — answers that show our God is sovereign!

“Look around at the nations; look and be amazed!
For I AM DOING SOMETHING in your own day,
something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” – Habakkuk 1:5

God’s answer: Look around! There is evidence of my movement all around! I am never without a plan. Don’t try to fix the world around you with your own strength – trust in my power and wisdom. Look for ME and seek MY plan. Be willing to do what I ask you, instead of depending on yourself. Be a part of my plan instead of forcing your own.

God was using the growing strength of the Babylonian nation to punish His people, and Habakkuk was struggling with God’s plan. The Babylonians were taking over much of the region, including Nineveh and the Assyrian nation. This idolatrous nation was growing in power and pressing in on the nation of Judah. With a sincere heart, Habakkuk made his struggles known to God and asked God for answers.

God’s answer: My judgment may seem slow in coming but wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Those that are being taken captive will one day taunt and mock their captors as they get what they deserve (2:3,6).

It was during this time that the prophet Zephaniah was trying to move God’s people to renew their covenant relationship with God. He spoke of how our jealous God would punish the wicked but how God’s faithful people would enjoy the home He has prepared for them. In the meantime, while we are still in this world, God is calling His people to action — to unite our voices in petition and repentance of our nations.

Gather together – yes, gather together, you shameless nation.
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.
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 the day of destruction. – Zephaniah 2:1-3

GATHER TOGETHER. ACT NOW. SEEK THE LORD TODAY.

God’s message through the prophet Zephaniah is clear and leaves us with a choice. There is judgment for those who claim to follow the Lord but no longer worship Him — for those who no longer ask for the Lord’s guidance or seek His blessings. But when we humble ourselves and trust in the name of the Lord, he delights in us! We are surrounded by His love and our fears are calmed. Not only are we blessed with His presence, He rejoices over us with singing! What an incredible realization! The Lord is with us and He takes delight in us, expressing His joy in song. So let’s trust in God and humble ourselves in His presence!

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. – Psalm 1:1-3

Lord, our hearts are breaking over the evidence of evil all around us. We cannot put our hope in government officials, for they make decisions based on their own agendas and redefine what is moral and what is not. We cannot put our hope in people for they will disappoint us. You are our only hope. Give us eyes to see the woundedness among us but also give us hearts to see your activity all around us. Help us to trust that you are DOING SOMETHING — that you are watching, that you are moving, that you are responding. Lord, hear our cries and give us a willingness to be a part of your solution. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Micah & Nahum

God had made a covenant with His people but they had ignored their promises, forgetting His faithfulness. They put themselves on the throne where God was meant to reign. They used this covenant as an excuse to sin. They said, “No harm will come to us for the Lord is here among us” (3:11). God used Micah to call his people back to righteousness through a message of rebuke and a call to redemption.

GOD IS NOT OBLIGATED TO REWARD OUR SIN. HE CREATED US FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, NOT REBELLION.

“O my people, what have I done to you?
What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me!
For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery.
I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you.
Don’t you remember…” – Micah 6:3-5a

What can we bring to the Lord?
What kind of offerings should we give him?
Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves?
Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins?

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 6:6-8

Micah’s message to God’s people included words of hope — words that held a promise for the future. This time of exile would not last forever, and Jerusalem would one day be strong again. And the Lord Himself would be king forever!

As for me, I look to the Lord for help.
I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me…
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against him. – Micah 7:7-9

It is extremely uncomfortable to be called out on an error and have to admit you were wrong. I have no problem apologizing but suffering the consequences of my mistakes or sins is miserable. To be surrounded by the mess I have made is a rough place to be. I am so thankful I serve a God who RESCUES and RESTORES me when I REPENT of my sins in true REMORSE.

I look to you for help, Oh Lord – my God will certainly hear me. When I am surrounded by darkness, the Lord is my light. I can survive the ruins because I am not alone. My God, you are with me on this path to redemption — this journey of grace. Thank you for being a loving God!

Where is another God like you,
who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
overlooking the sins of his special people?
You will not stay angry with your people forever,
because you delight in showing unfailing love.
Once again you will have compassion on us.
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!
You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love
as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. – Micah 7:18-20

The people of Nineveh had repented of their sins after Jonah came to them, but they turned back to wickedness. The prophet Nahum declared God’s judgment on the city — the city that appeared to be beautiful, but was full of evil. Those who were oblivious to its wickedness were also naive to what God was capable of doing. Nahum’s prophecy against Judah’s enemy came at a good time — a time when they needed to hear that God is powerful, He is paying attention, and He will punish His enemies.

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night. – Nahum 1:7-8

GOD IS NOT OBLIGATED TO REWARD OUR SIN. HE CREATED US FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, NOT REBELLION.

Scriptures like this convince me that God will someday put an end to the many industries leaving a path of destruction behind them, industries like pornography, sex-trafficking and abortion. They glamourize sin and collect their riches, but God sees that they are surrounded by those they have destroyed. He hears the cries of the men and women who have been deceived and lied to; he sees the wounds of those who have been abused and mistreated.

What sorrow awaits Nineveh, the city of murder and lies!
She is crammed with wealth and is never without victims.
Hear the crack of whips, the rumble of wheels!
Horses’ hooves pound, and charioteers charge past!
There are countless casualties, heaps of bodies – so many bodies that people stumble over them.
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.
“I am your enemy!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
“And now I will lift your skirts and show all the earth your nakedness and shame.
I will cover you with filth and show the world how vile you really are.
All who see you will shrink back and say, ‘Nineveh lies in ruins. Where are the mourners?’
Does anyone regret your destruction?” – Nahum 3:1-7

Lord, we thank you for being a God of power — a God aware of the hurts, pains and injustices of this world. Lord, forgive our nation for allowing and promoting the death of those who cannot defend themselves. Strengthen us to protect those who are mistreated, and equip us to speak your truth to this lost and dying world. Expose evil empires that veil themselves as if to appear beautiful. May those who work in these industries see that you are the only true God and sincerely repent, finding forgiveness in our merciful God. Lord, break our hearts over what breaks yours and calm our troubled souls. Oh God, we trust in you for you are the God of love and the God of justice. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Hosea

God gave Adam & Eve the wonderful opportunity to live in intimacy with their Creator. He provided generously for them, yet they chose to disobey. They disregarded God’s plan, ignored God’s purpose, and satisfied their own desires instead of faithfully following God. This began the pattern of sin, generation after generation, until God’s beautiful creation was deeply in need of a Savior — a sacrificial lamb.

God gave the nation of Israel this same opportunity. He rescued them from slavery and gave them a land flowing with milk and honey. He showered them with blessings, asking them to stay on His path of righteousness and worship Him only. But they disregarded God’s plan, ignored God’s purpose and satisfied their own desires instead of chasing after everything God desired for them.

When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.” – Hosea 1:2b

At times God calls us to a higher level of obedience. Occasionally He asks us to do something out of the ordinary because He has something extraordinary to do through us. God told Hosea to marry the prostitute, and Hosea responded in obedience.

The prophet Hosea’s life became an example of the unfaithfulness of Israel to their God. Hosea married a prostitute who continued to be unfaithful to him despite his generous love to her. Hosea’s anguish over his wife’s sins represents the heart of our God who grieves when we choose to love ourselves or something else more than we love Him. There were consequences to Gomer’s unfaithfulness, which came from a heart full of mercy, just as God’s punishment and the natural consequences of our sins come out of a heart of mercy for the purpose of redemption.

THE LOVE STORY OF HOSEA AND GOMER IS A STORY OF GRACE.

Hosea loved Gomer, but she was unfaithful time and time again. Though Gomer did not deserve it, Hosea would go in pursuit of her each time she strayed away from him and into the arms of another man. He would pay a price to win her back and bring her home. Hosea’s love for his wife despite her infidelity parallels God’s love for His people, even when we give ourselves to something other than Him.

You have left me as a prostitute leaves her husband; you are utterly defiled.
Your deeds won’t let you return to your God.
You are a prostitute through and through, and you do not know the Lord. – Hosea 5:3b-4

God created us to live in relationship with Him. Our relationship with God is like a marriage that requires fidelity and faithfulness. Not only does God want to be worshiped, He wants to be loved. God does not just want our empty words, He wants our sincere obedience. The Lord wants to be known by us so that He can show us how completely He knows us. For Him to offer us this kind of bond, even after we have sinned against Him, is evidence that we serve a God of grace — a God who shows us unmerited favor.

THE LOVE STORY OF HOSEA AND GOMER IS A STORY OF JEALOUSY.

Not a sinful jealousy that selfishly wants another person all to themselves, but a passionate love that wants the full devotion of another person for the sake of the one they love. Chasing after the things of this world only leads to sadness and regret, but true love wants their partner to experience the full life of blessings that God has planned for them. Hosea pursued Gomer’s love because he knew how beautiful life could be for both of them if they were faithful to the covenant relationship of marriage.

God had done so much for His people, yet generation after generation turned their hearts from Him. God wanted to redeem them, but they rebelled against Him (7:13). God was jealous of the love they were giving to everything except Him. He wanted their full attention; God wanted them to fully know Him and the beautiful life He had to offer them.

“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me, more than I want burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6

THE LOVE STORY OF HOSEA AND GOMER IS A STORY OF MERCY.

Hosea’s love for Gomer was sacrificial, life-affirming, passionate and redemptive. What a great example of Christ’s love for us! While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! His love for us is sacrificial — He gave His life on the cross! Three days later, He conquered death and rose to life in order that we might experience eternal life. His passionate love for us is displayed in the greatest act of history! His heart of mercy held a PLAN OF REDEMPTION. Jesus loves us with a redeeming love that restores us.

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” – Hosea 6:1-3

God, we thank you for your grace — for your unmerited favor. We recognize that you have been in pursuit of our hearts before we even recognized your great love for us. May today’s time in your word remind us that we serve a God of kindness and grace, who not only patiently offers us salvation but who desires our full adoption into His family. Thank you for pursuing my heart with a patient love. I am grateful for your grace, but I recognize my need this morning to be faithful to my relationship with you. I don’t want to be so comfortable with your willingness to forgive me that I abuse the grace you so generously offer. Thank you for meeting with me this morning. I love you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Isaiah

Ahaz was still a young man when he became king of Judah, so naturally he looked to others for help. It was during this time in Judah’s history that God called the prophet Isaiah to speak His message loud and clear: You can depend on God and it is foolishness to trust in anything or anyone else but God!

Don’t put your trust in mere humans.
They are as frail as breath. What good are they? – Isaiah 2:22

The horrible time that Judah was experiencing was a consequence of their sin. They needed the reminder that we serve a God who is able to break the power of sin and help us survive the mess we have made. When we look around and trouble surrounds us, when all we can see is the result of bad decisions and sinful actions, we can know that…

OUR GOD IS HERE TO GUIDE US OUT OF THE PREDICAMENT WE FIND OURSELVES IN.

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord.
Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.
If you will only obey me…” – Isaiah 1:18-19a

No one wanted to lead the people of Judah because the nation was in such a mess. So many of the Judeans had already been taken captive and escorted to foreign lands, with the threat of exile for those who remained. Who would want to be the leader of this “sinking ship”? Who could possibly desire responsibility over a nation that had turned their backs away from the God of their ancestors? Who wanted to share the fate of those who were now suffering the consequence of their generational sin.

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8-10

I love the heart of Isaiah as revealed in his quick response to the call of God. The moment God called, Isaiah responded. Without details, without questions, Isaiah responded in submissive obedience to whatever God was asking him to do. Isaiah had a willing heart and God chose him for a specific purpose.

IT WOULD NOT BE AN EASY ASSIGNMENT, BUT SOMETIMES GOD CALLS US TO DO HARD THINGS.

God used Isaiah to inform His people that they would go through a time of punishment for all their years of unfaithfulness. He would use their enemies to carry out the consequences of their disobedience. But He also let them know that He would eventually punish those nations for their harsh treatment of His children. He would gather together his army from all across the universe to disperse his judgment on the pagan nations who were lording their power over His people.

“All right then, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” – Isaiah 7:11-14

In addition to the priceless advice the Lord was sending to King Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah (to stop worrying and stand firm in his faith), Isaiah was telling Ahaz that God would send a sign of salvation. A baby would be born of a virgin and he would be called Immanuel, God with us. In the midst of the trouble and anguish and dark despair, a light would shine in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Isaiah had the difficult task of declaring the coming judgment, but he also had the privilege of declaring the redemption that was to come. The time of darkness and despair would not go on forever (9:1). A remnant would return from exile (10:21) and the Messiah would come to save His people from their sins.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen! – Isaiah 9:6-7

Look, a righteous king is coming!
And honest princes will rule under him.
Each one will be like a shelter from the wind
and a refuge from the storm,
like streams of water in the desert
and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land.
Then everyone who has eyes will be able to see the truth,
and everyone who has ears will be able to hear it. – Isaiah 32:1-3

Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. – Isaiah 40:10-11

O my God, who lives forever, we call on you this morning. We recognize that you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. Knowing this, we put our trust in you for everything going on in our lives. You remain forever; you have always been and will always be [Psalm 102]. On you we wait, trusting you to move in your perfect time and in your perfect way. Lord, thank you for the reminder that the same God who loves us enough to get our attention when we have strayed is the One who will pull our enemies off of us and stand us back on our feet. With your right hand and your strong arm, you will help us because you love us. Thank you for that kind of grace! Like Isaiah, may our hearts reflect the same willingness to be used by you in the lives of others. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Jonah & Amos

God used many prophets during the reign of kings over Israel and Judah, sending some of his prophets even to the enemy nations to preach repentance. Some prophets went willingly and some struggled to reflect God’s mercy toward sinners. One of those struggling prophets was Jonah. He tried to run away from what God was calling him to do but, while he was running, God was intervening.

WE DON’T GET TO OUTRUN GOD.

God stood between Jonah and Jonah’s alternative plan. He got his attention — not in a quiet whisper but with a violent storm. After trying everything else, the crew on the ship threw Jonah overboard at his suggestion, for they knew Jonah was running from the Lord. God had a plan, God intervened in Jonah’s life, and now God had a way to get Jonah back on track.

Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights. – Jonah 1:17

Jonah recognized God’s intervention and prayed from inside the belly of the fish. Jonah was still not where he wanted to be and still not in a comfortable place in life, yet he knew God was at work and thanked Him for hearing his cry for help. Jonah headed directly to Nineveh and began preaching a message of judgment, telling the people that Nineveh would be destroyed in forty days (Jonah 3:4b).

God did not send Jonah to Nineveh with a message of mercy and acceptance regardless of their sin. No, he sent them with a warning of the judgment that was to come because of their sin and violence. The Lord did not soften His stance or redefine righteousness in order to draw sinners to Himself, so why do we? We don’t get to redefine God’s mercy. In doing so, we are robbing sinners from the joy they can experience when they break free from the strongholds of sin.

The people, including their king, started fasting and putting on burlap to show how sorry they were for their sins. God changed the plan on Jonah. He forgave the people of Nineveh and chose to not destroy the city. Instead of rejoicing in the salvation of a nation, Jonah voiced his disappointment in God’s mercy.

WE DON’T GET TO PLAY THE VICTIM.

It is so easy to be fatigued by the sin of this world. Our frustrations with the words and actions of unbelievers cause our hearts to harden towards them, and we forget that we were once sinners in need of a Savior. But while we are feeling sorry for ourselves, God’s heart is responding to the lost. What a great reminder that God loves the lost — He cares about those who have bought into the world’s lies.

Not only did God use the prophets to draw people out of their sin and back to Him, he used anyone with a willing and obedient heart. Amos was one of those men. Amos did not consider himself a prophet; he was simply a shepherd with a heart open to do what God asked him to do, even if he felt unqualified. What a contrast to how Jonah initially responded to God!

The time had come for God to punish His people. He had warned them over and over again; the Lord had forgiven generation after generation. The heart of God was revealed even in this declaration of the coming destruction, for God had displayed His grace time and time again. He had patiently waited for His people to stop sinning and turn their adulterous hearts back to their Creator, but they refused.

YOU DON’T GET TO CLAIM IGNORANCE.

The behavior of God’s people could be narrowed down to three words – arrogance, selfishness, and pretense. They put their own selfish desires for luxury before the needs of others around them. They were abusive and oppressive to those who had less than they did – the weak, the needy, and the poor. They ignored the needs of others and filled their hunger for earthly possessions. Because of this, God’s judgment was going to fall HARD on these people.

This should be of significance for those of us who have been blessed with so much. God was clear in Amos’ prophecies that He was done with the arrogance of a nation who felt they were better than others. He was going to punish this selfish generation who put their own needs ahead of the needs of others. He was bringing judgment on those who continued to go through the motions of worship and the rituals of sacrifice but who were not living a lifestyle of sacrifice and worship.

“I brought hunger…but still you would not return to me…
I kept rain from falling when your crops needed it the most…but still you would not return to me…
I struck your farms and vineyards…but still you would not return to me…
I sent plagues…but still you would not return to me…
I destroyed some of your cities…but still you would not return to me…
THEREFORE I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced.
Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!” – Amos 4:6-12

YOU DON’T GET TO CLAIM PRIVILEGE.

When God points out our sin, we need to humbly respond in repentance. When He reveals sin in our attitudes, we need to cry out for forgiveness. When God calls us to do something for Him, even hard and unpleasant things, we need to surrender our plans to the Lord. Let go of the struggle and allow God to write the remainder of your story. Like Jonah,allow God to use your story for His glory — to use your voice in the lives of others. Like Amos, be willing to do His work, even when we don’t feel qualified.

Lord, forgive us for our moments of arrogance when we think too much of ourselves and too little of others. Forgive us for living comfortably with all you have blessed us with while others around us are in need. Forgive us for our attitudes of privilege and expectations of rewards because of a decision we made a long time ago. Open our eyes and call us out of our own agendas for today. We desire to respond to your call on our lives and do whatever you are asking us to do. Thank you for being a God who loves us enough to draw us to yourself. Thank you for both your love and your justice. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings; 2 Chronicles 21-36

Elijah knew God was about to take him to heaven and so he said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” Without hesitation, Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double portion of your spirit and become your successor” (2 Kings 2:9). In other words, I WANT WHAT YOU HAVE!

God saw the desire of Elisha’s heart. He saw that this request was not for his own glory or to boost his own pride, but that he wanted to live the kind of life that would make an impact on those around him. Elisha had been watching God work in a mighty way through Elijah and he desired for God to use him in the same way. And that is exactly what God did.

ELISHA ASKED FOR A DOUBLE PORTION OF THE SPIRIT AND WAS ABLE TO DO MIRACULOUS THINGS.

Just as Elijah had done, Elisha was able to part the waters of the Jordan River by striking it and to walk across on dry land (2 Kings 2:14).

Elisha came to the city of Jericho, whose unclean water source was causing death and infertility. The impact on the soil was causing the land to be unproductive, which was affecting their food supply. Elisha placed salt in the water supply and healed the water, breathing new life into the town (2 Kings 2:19-21).

By having a double portion of the Spirit, Elisha was able to enter God’s presence and hear from God. God spoke through Elisha telling the kings that He would provide water for their men and animals, as well as victory over their enemy (2 Kings 3:15-18).

There was a widow of one of the prophets whose sons were about to be sold as slaves in order to repay her debt. Elisha was able to take the only thing she had left, a flask of olive oil, and make it a source of income for her. By doing this, God provided for the widow and her two sons (2 Kings 4:1-7).

Elisha wanted to thank a woman who had been kind to him by providing him with a place to stay. He inquired as to what she needed and found out that she did not have a son. Elisha prophesied that she would have a son and that is exactly what happened (2 Kings 4:8-17). When that same boy died, Elisha was able to stretch himself out across the child and bring him back to life (2 Kings 4:18-35).

When poisonous fruit was mistakenly added to a stew being prepared for the prophets during a time of famine, Elisha was able to add flour to the stew and heal it so that the group would have something to eat (2 Kings 4:38-41).

During this same time of famine, Elisha was able to bless a sack of bread and have it feed a large group of people with food leftover. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? (2 Kings 4:42-44)

ELISHA WAS WILLING TO BE USED BY GOD WHEREVER, WHENEVER.

While on this work trip, Elisha was able to retrieve a borrowed ax head that had fallen into the river. He simply broke a stick and threw it in where the ax head had landed, causing it to float to the surface (2 Kings 6:1-7).

While at home, Elisha received a visit from Naaman, the commander of the Aramean army. When he was struck with leprosy, Elisha instructed Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times and Naaman was healed. Through his healing, Naaman came to believe in the one true God (2 Kings 5:1-15).

When pursued by the enemy, Elisha was able to save the Israelite army from ambush time and time again by revealing where the Aramean army was waiting to attack them. When the king of Aram sent his troops to seize Elisha, he was able to speak the word and the entire Aramean army was blinded. At the same time, he was able to speak the word and allow his servant to see the heavenly troops and chariots of fire surrounding them to protect them from their enemy (2 Kings 6:8-18).

When Elisha was in his last illness, King Jehoash of Israel visited him and wept over him. “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” he cried. – 2 Kings 13:14

Just like Elisha had been distressed by Elijah’s departure, Jehoash was conveying his own concern that Elisha would soon be gone. The prophet told the king to get a bow and arrows, and he did. Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands to teach him one more lesson.

Then he commanded, “Open that eastern window,” and he opened it. Then he said, “Shoot!” So he shot an arrow. Elisha proclaimed, “This is the Lord’s arrow, an arrow of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek.”

Then he said, “Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground.” So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times. But the man of God was angry with him. “You should have struck the ground five or six times!” he exclaimed. “Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times.” – 2 Kings 13:17-19

How often do I underestimate God? I look back and see patterns in my prayer life of asking for help during a difficult situation without asking God to remove the trial altogether. I ask Him to help me endure the pain without asking for complete healing; I ask God to get me through a situation without asking Him to show up in miraculous ways. We serve a BIG God who invites us to pray for Him to move in BIG ways, but our small faith often limits our experience of His power.

Then Elisha died and was buried. Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the corpse into the tomb of Elisha and fled. But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! – 2 Kings 13:20-21

This is how BIG our God is! We serve a God who is able to raise the dead, yet we struggle to believe that He can remove our infirmities. We know what the Lord is capable of but we lack the faith to ask Him to move on our behalf. God wants to heal our relationships, to restore our health, and to provide for all of our needs — can you feel Him moving?

WHAT ARE YOU ASKING GOD TO DO FOR YOU TODAY?

What stops us from asking God for a double portion of His Spirit so that God can use us in a mighty way in the lives of those around us? With the Spirit in our lives, dry ground can be walked upon, water can be healed, God can be heard, needs can be provided, wombs can be filled, the dead can be raised, the hungry can be fed, the sick can be healed, the lost can be found, and enemies can be defeated. Step out of the grave and start believing that God has a miracle waiting for you.

Heavenly Father, may I have a double portion please? May I have more of your Spirit than I have ever had before. I want to do more than just survive my week; I want to be used by God in a powerful way through the infilling of His Spirit. Dear God, I WANT ALL YOU HAVE TO GIVE ME! Lord, I give you my heart and ask for you to make it beat in unison with yours.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12-22, 2 Chronicles 1-20

King Solomon ruled over all of Israel for 40 years. His son, Rehoboam, foolishly followed the advice of his young friends. He spoke harshly to the people, refusing to listen to the leaders of the tribes of Israel. But leading with arrogance backfired, and the people of Israel walked away from their king, leaving Rehoboam with only the towns of Judah to rule.

The rest of Israel chose Jeroboam to be their next king. Jeroboam had the audacity to give two man-made idols credit for all that God had done for the Israelites. He tried to rewrite history and override God’s truth. He built shrines on high places, and he installed priests who were not Levites. Once more, the people of Israel walked away from God, choosing false gods over the one true God.

The position of king was an honored seat of authority. Jeroboam could have placed his trust in God, showing humility for this opportunity to reign as king, but instead he chose to create a new religion, new places of worship, and a new festival. He chased after the next shiny thing instead of following God.

HE WORKED HARD TO KEEP THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE ON HIM RATHER THAN FOCUSED ON GOD.

What false god is the church chasing after today because it is easier than doing it God’s way? Are we so caught up in trying to outdo other churches or leaders that we have lost sight of God’s calling? Are we watering down the gospel and redefining righteousness in order to please others?

A feud between Jeroboam and Rehoboam continued. There was constant war between Judah and Israel (14:30). They both led God’s people in the worship of false gods, they both died, and they were both succeeded by their sons. Their reigns were marked by complete disregard of God and all He had commanded of His people. They were given the privilege of sitting in the top leadership position, but they were too focused on the temporary pleasures of this world to invest in the things that are eternal.

If God created you to do something and He has in mind for you to be something, then why are you doing your own thing and why are you pretending to be someone else? Why are you living in your own confidence when God has strategically positioned you to do amazing things by His power and with His favor? You have been given an opportunity and you are wasting it.

WHY ARE YOU SETTLING FOR A CHEAP IMITATION OF THE LIFE GOD PLANNED FOR YOU?

When we choose to live our lives our own way, seeking our own happiness rather than bringing glory to God, we miss out on God’s best. We become a cheap imitation of what life could have been. Eventually we will die and life will go on without us, and we will have missed our opportunity to write an amazing chapter in God’s story.

Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger was turned away, and he did not destroy him completely. There were still some good things in the land of Judah. – 2 Chronicles 12:12

It is not too late. We serve a God of grace and mercy. He has given us the Spirit to guide us back onto the path He planned for us. God loves a repentant heart who is willing to humble themselves and make retribution for the actions of the past.

“Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right.” – 2 Chronicles 19:11b

Jeroboam reigned over Israel for twenty-two years, and then he died. His son, Nadab, followed him as King of Israel. Rehoboam reigned over Judah for seventeen years. He was buried with his ancestors — David and Solomon — and his son, Abijam, became the next king of Judah. And life went on.

Next came Abijah, Asa, and then Jehoshaphat reigned as king of Judah. Jehoshaphat had seasons of leading the people of Judah in the worship of the Lord Almighty, but he remained soft in areas that God had clearly defined as sin. He was permissive in allowing the people to do what they wanted to do — to worship false gods. And since the king was not fully obedient to God’s instructions, the people never fully devoted themselves to God. The weakness of his stance against sin left the door open for God’s people to focus their lives on what THEY wanted to do rather than on how God required them to live, and soon he, too, was pursuing a life apart from God’s plan.

WEAKENING OUR STANCE AGAINST SIN CAN LEAD TO THE PURSUIT OF A LIFE APART FROM GOD.

Stepping outside of God’s plan is never a good idea; living to please ourselves instead of pleasing God is defiance. We serve a God of mercy, but that does not mean He is permissive; we serve a God of grace, but that is not the same as tolerance. We may desire to be a merciful people to those who are living in sin, but we can show God’s mercy without redefining what is right and what is wrong.

Mercy is defined as compassion and forgiveness, but it should not lead to the acceptance of a view that is contrary to what is biblical. We can have pity on those who are hurting without celebrating their sin. In love, we should guide others onto the path God has for them; in love, we should encourage others to fully surrender themselves to God.

We serve a good God! He loves us and wants what is best for us. He is a righteous God and He clothes us in His righteousness for our own happiness and for His glory. The boundaries He has created are for our own benefit and evidence of His unfailing love for us. His mercy rescues us from our sin; it does not create an allowance for sin.

TO REDEFINE SIN IS NOT MERCY; TO WEAKEN OUR STANCE IS NOT COMPASSION.

Father God, give us spiritual eyes to see your perspective on what is going on in the world around us. Give us a voice that reflects your heart, leading with courage and integrity. May our hearts be undivided — loyal to you and obedient to your instructions. May we never lead from our own wisdom, but daily seek wisdom from you. Help us to lead with the love of Christ, while not allowing our compassion on others to redefine the life you have called us to live. May we be known for our integrity, faithfulness and courage, while still being known for our respect, compassion and love. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles gives us the lineage from the first man God created, Adam, to the descendants of each of the tribes of Israel. It then lists the genealogy of King Saul, before and after this first king of Israel. Chapter 10 tells us of the death of Saul and his sons, explaining that Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord (10:13). The Lord then turned the kingdom over to David, son of Jesse.

WHEN YOUR ENEMY SAYS YOU CAN’T

King David did exactly what his enemies said he could never do. Jerusalem became his home and is still referred to as the City of David today. When what we face seems impossible and those around us are reminding us of what we can never accomplish, we must remember that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is with us. When God asks us to do something, He will be there with us. He does not ask us to step into our day alone; He does not want us to try to do this on our own strength.

And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was with him. – 1 Chronicles 11:9

After building an army of warriors, David set out to accomplish his first big task as king — to bring the Ark of the Covenant back. The first attempt was going well at first. David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments. But when the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark of God, he fell down dead because the Lord’s anger was aroused. The celebration ceased and David GAVE UP on doing what God had called him to do. Things were not going his way, and he let grief and discouragement sidetrack him from the mission (1 Chronicles 13).

WHEN THINGS DON’T GO YOUR WAY

David was now afraid of God, and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of God back into my care?” – 1 Chronicles 13:12

When God does not move as we want Him to or as expect Him to, how do we react? Do we let fear keep us from trusting God with what comes next? Do we let tragedy paralyze us? Have you ever let grief and discouragement sidetrack you from what God is asking you to do?

Three months later, David tried again to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This time was different for David. His men took six steps with the Ark of God and David stopped the procession to sacrifice a bull and a fattened calf. Just six steps into the journey, David stopped to make a sacrifice of praise.

And David danced before the Lord with all his might… – 1 Samuel 6:14a

WHEN YOU STOP TO PRAISE GOD SIX STEPS IN

So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant with shouts of joy, the blowing of rams’ horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres…King David skipping about and laughing with joy… – 1 Chronicles 15:28-29

David let out all the stops for this celebration! The Levites formed a choir of singers and musicians (1 Chron. 15:16) and David danced before the Lord in praise and thanksgiving. His wife Michal was ashamed of his behavior but David responded with confidence, saying that he was dancing before the Lord who had appointed him. And he was willing to look even more foolish in the eyes of others for the sake of celebrating the Lord (2 Samuel 6).

WHEN YOUR PRAISE IS FOR THE LORD’S SAKE AND NOT FOR OTHERS

Oh the joy of worshiping before the Lord for His eyes only! God welcomes our exuberant expressions of joy and He delights in our uninhibited worship when it is for Him only — not for show but an authentic expression of our gratitude. When we worry about what others think of our expressions of worship, our praise becomes muted and our worship watered down. David poetically described the heart of gratitude from which his praise came.

“Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! You speak as though I were someone very great, O Lord God!

“What more can I say to you about the way you have honored me? You know what your servant is really like. For the sake of your servant, O Lord, and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known. O Lord, there is no one like you…” – 1 Chronicles 17:16b-20a

When our enemy says we can’t, praise the Lord!
When things don’t go our way, He is worthy of our praise!
Before we get even six steps into what He has called us to do, let’s praise Him for the outcome!
Let’s praise Him with uninhibited worship! Let’s dance as David did for an audience of One!

Lord, we praise you for your daily involvement in our lives. We thank you for equipping us for what you have called us to do, and then stepping in to make each task possible. When we are fighting discouragement and ready to give up, you make your presence known and give us the courage and strength to take the next step. May our celebration reflect the confidence we have in who you are and what you have done for us. May you receive our praise and be pleased with our authentic worship of the God who is faithful all the time! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes

Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. The wise and the foolish share the same fate – they both die. All of our hard work, everything we have earned or acquired, we leave behind to someone else. We cannot take it with us when we die. Most people are motivated to succeed because they envy their neighbors. This is meaningless — like chasing after the wind.

These are the thoughts of King Solomon after devoting himself to the search for understanding and exploring everything being done under the sun. The more wisdom he gained, the more grief he experienced; the more Solomon knew and understood, the more he grieved the realities of life. He discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.

I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” – Ecclesiastes 2:1-2

King Solomon initially comes across much like Winnie the Pooh’s friend, Eeyore. But, in the midst of Solomon’s cynical and negative rant, he offers us some great words of wisdom to live by. He teaches us how to relax in some of these negative realities and enjoy the life God has blessed us with.

EVERYTHING IS FROM GOD

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are GIFTS FROM GOD. – Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

Today is a great day to recognize God’s blessings in our lives. Even though there is trouble and sorrow in this world, the evidence of God’s provision is everywhere. He is preparing a wonderful place for us to spend eternity with Him — more beautiful than we can imagine — but He is also blessing us with people and opportunities that bring us joy now. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. Let’s find the beauty in today, recognize the beauty in yesterday, while living in hope for tomorrow.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless – like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 6:9

WHY DO WE FEEL SORRY FOR OURSELVES WHEN WE ARE SURROUNDED BY GOD’S BLESSINGS?

It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life — this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. – Ecclesiastes 5:18b-20

King Solomon is not giving his readers permission to participate in what the world defines as fun. When he says to “enjoy life”, he is not giving us permission to serve our sinful nature. Those who choose their own course, who are not careful to do what is good, have no hope. Find joy today, but know that there is no joy in choosing sin. There is joy in trusting in the God who loves us and knows everything about us.

IT IS WHAT IT IS, SO TRUST GOD.

That seems to be what Solomon is saying. It does no good to worry about what will happen in life. Instead relax in God’s plan and enjoy what He gives you today, not worrying about tomorrow. Remember Him, fear Him and obey Him. There may be sinful people around you who seem to be having a better life than you, but you know where you will spend eternity. You know there will be a day when you give an account to God for everything you do in this life.

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Remember Him and rejoice in every day of life. Don’t spend your youth worrying about what you have no control over. It is what it is, but that is okay because God is who He is and we can trust Him with whatever comes our way.

Ecclesiastes has the potential to change our perspective on life. Every time we make our way back to this familiar book of wisdom, we are given the opportunity to step back and see how our life has evolved from season to season. It is okay to grieve the chapters that have come to an end, but I believe God wants us to look ahead with hope. Every chapter of our lives has come with its unique blessings, and this next one will also. So rejoice in where God has you today, and allow him to use you. Live with the confidence that this earthly life is nothing in comparison to the joy we will experience for an eternity when we place our hope in Christ Jesus.

LIVE WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ARE STILL AHEAD.

Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days. Everything still to come is meaningless.
Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.
Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. — Ecclesiastes 11:7 – 12:1a

Life is meaningless, but find satisfaction in it. This life God has given you is a gift — find new ways to show your appreciation for each opportunity He gives you. Yes, the day will come when our earthly chapter ends, but our life will not. When we take our last breath of humanity, we will experience Jesus like never before.

One chapter ends and another begins, and there is beauty to be found with each turning page.

Today’s Reading: Song of Songs

There are many different interpretations of the beautiful, poetic story told by Solomon in the Song of Songs. Taking it at face value, you might think it is a love story about a man and a woman. This passionate young couple is in love and enjoying the sexuality given to them by God. We can see that God created us to love in this way.

Now consider the possibility that this book written by King Solomon is about how much God loves us and how He provides intimacy when we purposefully spend time with Him. This relationship with God is different from, yet can also be compared to, the intense love of a man and woman. I can see that God loves me strongly, and I can become passionate about my spiritual relationship with Him. But relationships require attention and care; they cannot be ignored or taken for granted — neither human relationships nor our relationship with God.

My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards,
so I couldn’t care for myself – my own vineyard. – Song of Songs 1:6b

How often are we so busy doing things for other people that we fail to take care of ourselves? We are so busy working in the vineyard — living life, maybe even doing ministry — that we fail to make time to slip away into the quiet God is calling us to.

Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love,
the grapevines are blossoming. – Song of Songs 2:15

The grapevines are blossoming. We are growing in our relationship with God and there is fruit in our ministry, but beware of the foxes. Beware of the little things in life that creep in and prevent us from experiencing intimacy with God. They become distractions and they seek to ruin the vineyard. We become so focused on the foxes that we find ourselves feeling once again distant from God. We look around and wonder where He is. We have lost our focus and need to find it again.

One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover.
I yearned for him, but he did not come.
So I said to myself, “I will get up and roam the city,
searching in all its streets and squares.
I will search for the one I love.”
So I searched everywhere but did not find him.
The watchmen stopped me as they made their rounds, and I asked, “Have you seen the one I love?”
Then scarcely had I left them when I found my love! – Song of Songs 3:1-4a

Where is God? We have all found ourselves, at one time or another, asking that question. We have faith to believe He is present, but we also have a strong need to feel His presence because of our circumstances. We yearn for His touch. We slip away to a quiet place, searching for comfort and peace.

WHEN WE SEEK GOD, WE WILL FIND HIM.

When we search for intimacy with our Savior, He will come to us and provide a place for us to be strengthened and refreshed by Him. Picture it. His left arm will support your head, giving you rest when you are weary or comfort when you are mourning. His right arm will embrace you. You will feel the arms of God holding you up in even the most difficult of situations.

Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men.
I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit.
He escorts me to the banquet hall; IT’S OBVIOUS HOW MUCH HE LOVES ME.
Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love.
His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. – Song of Songs 2:3-6

God’s love feels just like King Solomon described. It feels like being wrapped in the strong arms of your Father – it feels safe, warm and comforting.

I slept, but my heart was awake, when I heard my lover knocking and calling:
“Open to me, my treasure, my darling, my dove, my perfect one.
My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.”
But I responded, “I have taken off my robe. Should I get dressed again?
I have washed my feet. Should I get them soiled?” – Song of Songs 5:2-3

The One who loves her more than she can even imagine is calling out for her to come to Him and she is counting the cost. Counting the cost — something we are probably all guilty of. God has created us for an intimate and personal relationship with Him, but we count the cost. Do I have the time to spend with God; do I have the energy after a long day? We often find ourselves too busy or too tired to spend time with the Lover of our Soul.

But when we consider how much He loves us…
When we consider how much He has done for us…
When we consider how he died for us…
When perfume is dripping from our hands and myrrh from our fingers (5:5)…
When we consider how much our salvation cost Him, we run to the door!

OH, HOW HE LOVES US!

When you have wasted time counting the cost, He loves you! When those around you have left you wounded and scarred, He loves you! When you have fallen to temptation and need forgiveness, He loves you! He is jealous for you and welcomes you with grace in His eyes. Oh, how He loves you! You cannot waste time maintaining regrets when you step into the presence of a God who loves you THIS much – who is calling you to intimacy with Him. He calls you to dwell in the garden. He longs to hear your voice (8:13). Let Him hear your voice.