Monthly Archives: August 2023

Advocate, Allegiance, Allies, Bible, Courage, Defense, Power, Scripture, Strength

NO MATCH FOR GOD

ZECHARIAH 10:5

“And they will be like warriors, trampling down the enemy in the mud of the streets in battle; and they will fight, because the LORD will be with them; and the riders on horses will be put to shame.”

One year when my high school football team played a team from Alabama, it was the mismatch of the century. We were a small private school in South Georgia with a small team. We probably had 25-30 players at max. Most of the starters played both offense and defense. But in rode this other team on three busses. They probably had 90-100 players and they were skilled. The final score showed the mismatch (50-3). We literally had no chance against that team.

Anyone who goes against the Lord is mismatched. 1 Chronicles 17:20 says, “LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to everything that we have heard with our ears.” Israel knew their God was great and would be with them in battle, should it come. God is reinforcing those beliefs here through Zechariah.

APPLICATION

God is with us, to fight our battles. His might is mightier than any foe we face. We only lose these battles when we think we are defeated. That team we faced on that field could have lost to us if they hadn’t played to their skill level. We fought hard against them every play. But they knew they had a superior force. Hey listen, we do too.

God is the mighty warrior. I have been memorizing Psalm 24. It’s only ten verses. I love verse 8 that says, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty in battle.” Do you think God is through fighting His children’s battles here on earth? No way. He fights mine every day. I invoke His power and His strength daily.

I pray you know that He is on your side. He does not turn us into some kind of superhero, but He does give us the strength to face each challenge head on. There is nothing the devil can throw at you that He cannot defeat. He will use you to do that. Trust Him. He is your strength. He is your mighty power. You are His soldier in the battle. Fight on!

O Master and Defender, give me the courage to fight each day. Help me put on the full armor to fight the enemy.

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Bible, Dependence, Foundation, Scripture, Security

TENT PEG

ZECHARIAH 10:4

“From them will come the cornerstone, from them the tent peg, from them the bow of battle, from them every tyrant, all of them together.”

Even though I don’t do it a lot, I really like to go camping. I love sleeping in a tent (as long as I have some good padding on the ground, lol). There is one thing about tent camping – you need to secure your tent to the ground with some tent pegs. This will prevent it from getting blown over in a storm. That is never a good thing when you’re trying to sleep.

Isaiah 22:23 says, “I will drive him like a peg in a firm place, and he will become a throne of glory to his father’s house.” This is what the Lord is referring to in today’s verse. Israel will be nailed down securely as a tent peg. Israel will be the cornerstone. Finally, Israel is going to be fixed and solid in their land and serve as fixture, set by God.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes equates this verse to Jesus. “Christ is the nail fixed in the wall, whereby all vessels are supported.” I really like that. We are fixed with Jesus. The author of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1). And then the apostle Paul reminds us to fix our thoughts on some things. Take a look at them in Philippians 4:8.

The point is we have an anchor to which we can fix ourselves. Jesus is not moving. He is set. He is secure. We can depend on Him. Isn’t it nice knowing that you can? When all of life fails you, you can depend on Him. That is so awesome. It should thrill your soul to know that. As a friend of mine used to say, “That is shouting ground.”

I have chosen to fix myself to Jesus. How about you? Are you fixing yourself to something else? I promise you it will fail you. Nothing is as secure as our Savior. If you have not fixed yourself to Him yet, do it now. Do it today. Give Him your heart. He will never let go.

I will secure myself to You, O God. You are the tent peg which is firmly attached.

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Abiding, Appeasement, Bible, Choices, Eternity, Judgment

GOT YOUR GOAT

ZECHARIAH 10:3

“My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the male goats; for the LORD of armies has visited His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like His majestic horse in battle.”

Have you ever heard the expression, “Got your goat”? It commonly means to annoy or anger someone. The etymology of the phrase is not certain. Whatever the origin, to get someone’s goat is not a good thing. People who raise goats seem to like them, so it makes sense if you got their goat they would not be very happy.

All through Scripture we find goats being on the wrong side of God’s judgment. Look at this passage in Ezekiel. Ezekiel 34:17 says “As for you, My flock, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am going to judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the male goats.’” Sheep were always the ones that were chosen. Goats were turned out. They were even given the task of carrying away the nation’s sin on the Day of Atonement.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 25:31-32 we read where Jesus said, “31 ‘But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;’” 

One day Christ will come and judge between the righteous and unrighteous. I had much rather be called a dumb sheep than a smart goat, hadn’t you? He is our Shepherd and cares for us, even when we don’t know any better. I prefer the gentle coaxing of the Shepherd rather than separation that Jesus described.

The Lord told us in today’s verse that He was going to divide between believers and unbelievers, between those who follow Him and those who don’t. We have a choice. We choose who we will relate to and how we respond to them. What are you, goat or sheep? I know what I choose to be.

Lord, I choose the more docile side – sheep.

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Abiding, Bible, Devil, Evil, Lies, Protection, Safety, Scripture

WANDERING SHEEP

ZECHARIAH 10:2

“For the household idols speak deception, and the diviners see an illusion and tell deceitful dreams; they comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep, they are wretched because there is no shepherd.”

If you have never seen the picture of the sheep who was lost for six years and grew over sixty pounds of wool, you can click on the link below and see some images (the link is safe). Pretty amazing. This sheep was safe under the care of the shepherd but ran away and had no one to keep him safe. As a result, he grew so much wool that he could barely walk or graze.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=pic+of+sheep+lost+and+not+sheared&fr=yhs-invalid&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sun-gazing.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F06%2F32f23f2f3f2f23f-600×344.jpg#id=7&iurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sun-gazing.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F06%2F32f23f2f3f2f23f.jpg&action=click

The Lord is warning the people of the dangers of idol worship which would cause them to wander from their shepherd. He is that shepherd. He is the one who can guard, guide and graze them. They become wretched when out from under His care, just like the sheep you saw above. That Hebrew word “wretched” can mean “in trouble” or “afflicted.”

APPLICATION

Oh, what a picture this verse paints for us. I am reminded of Isaiah 53:6. “All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the wrongdoing of us all to fall on Him.” That’s us! We wander and then can’t figure out how things got so bad. If we had just stayed put.

Why do you wander? We believe the lies of the evil one. He tells us we deserve a little “me time,” that we don’t have to constantly submit to God. The devil whispers little ideas in our ears. Our flesh is ready to hear it, UNLESS we are surrendered to God’s will.

I know I have to constantly surrender my will to His. I could slip away so fast. I could be just like that overweight, fluffed up sheep. I may think I want my own way, but I soon yearn for the protection and intimacy of my Lord. Where are you today?

Father, keep me close and guarded. I desire that from You.

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Bible, Blessing, Faithfulness, Goodness, Promises, Rain, Scripture

SPRING RAIN

ZECHARIAH 10:1

“Ask for rain from the LORD at the time of the spring rain—The LORD who makes the storm winds; and He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to each person.”

It’s been a pretty hot this summer where I live in Chattanooga, TN. We had a time of dry weather as well. It was so dry that the Baptist began baptizing with sprinkling and the Methodists were simply using a damp cloth. Not really, but it was pretty dry. When we finally got rain, you wanted to just stand out in it. People didn’t run from their cars into stores. Everyone was grateful.

Chapter ten of Zechariah begins where the last chapter left off. Remember, there were no chapter divisions in the original text. God continues to literally shower blessings on His people. This time He promises rain which was crucial for them to produce their crops. And He gave them at the time needed – spring. Just as they have finished sowing their seeds or planting, the rains came.

APPLICATION

Maybe you are saying right now, Carl, that is all well and good, but I am not a farmer. I don’t worry about spring rains. Let’s take a look at that for a minute. God may not need to send you rain, but He sends you other blessings. Can you name five things that God has blessed you with in the past year? How about in the past month? Week? We lose track of the blessings that are given which make it possible to “sow our fields.”

Just look at God’s promises to us. Deuteronomy 11:13-15 says, “13 ‘And it shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, 14 that He will provide rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, so that you may gather your grain, your new wine, and your oil. 15 He will also provide grass in your field for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.’”

I know I want God’s blessings. I’ll take the spring rains. So, I must live obediently. I must follow His commands. I must spend time with Him in prayer. I need to share the good news with my neighbors. I need to give thanks for all He has done for me and not take those blessings for granted. Will you join me?

Showers of blessings, indeed! I give You thanks, O Lord, for being faithful to bless as You promised.

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Abiding, Appearance, Beauty, Bible, Blessing, Loveliness, Scripture

LOVELINESS AND BEAUTY

ZECHARIAH 9:17

“For how great will their loveliness and beauty be! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine, the virgins.”

I am sure you have all seen a beauty contest. Contestants are judged on their beauty and poise. Sometimes they are even judged on a talent. When I was in high school, my girlfriend was crowned Miss Pelham in our hometown contest. Needless to say, my chest was a little puffed up.

God is not talking about worldly beauty and loveliness. The Hebrew words are worthy of a look. “Loveliness” means goodness, gladness, welfare. It’s a word that has meaning that is directed toward others. “Beauty” is just that – beauty. Was God saying the Israelites are all beautiful physically? Of course not. Their beauty was all based on their relationship to Him. What a great expression towards His people!

APPLICATION

How lovely and beautiful are you? Well Carl, I have been told I am a really nice person. That is not what God means by this. Our loveliness and our beauty cannot be tied to worldly opinions. Ours is tied directly to how we live out the Word of God. Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

This kind of thinking will turn us into lovely and beautiful believers. It will come out in the way we treat others. It will be exposed to strangers. We will not be able to keep Jesus from spilling out on others. They will see His loveliness and His beauty in us. Remember, it is NOT about you. It’s all about Him.

I will never be called beautiful based on my physical features. As I age, I see more and more physical imperfections. But it is my prayer that people see my loveliness and my beauty that is based on Jesus. When He shines forth, that is all that matters. Be lovely and be beautiful for Jesus!

I praise You, O God, for making me more and more like You so Your loveliness and Your beauty can be seen.

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Abiding, Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Crowns, Scripture, Treasures, Value, Worthy

PRECIOUS STONES

ZECHARIAH 9:16

“And the LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people; for they are like the precious stones of a crown, sparkling on His land.”

One of my favorite verses about children is found in Proverbs 24:3-4. “By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Isn’t that beautiful? Those rare and beautiful treasures are our children. If you have a child or children, I pray you see them that way.

The Lord is reassuring the people once again just how special they are to Him. He calls them His people who sparkle on His land. God is painting a picture for them. They are like a crown encrusted with precious stones. They sparkle and shine His glory and His brilliance. What a wonderful description!

APPLICATION

You are also seen by God in the same way once you become a believer in Christ. In the Word, God paints us in all kinds of ways. He calls us a royal priesthood and His own possession in 1 Peter 2:9. We are His children, His family, living stones, etc., etc., etc. I could go on and on through Scripture with the descriptors God uses to show how much we mean to Him.

My point is this – don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are of no value. If you are God’s child, you have extreme value. You are joint heirs of the kingdom with Jesus. Wow! You are a rich, rich person in Christ. I saw the other day that someone won the largest lottery ever – over $1.5 billion. But our inheritance in Jesus is so much more.

I am not a rich man, and I never will be (unless that lottery winner wants to give me a million or two, lol). But the Lord has always provided for me and my family. Why? Because I am His precious jewel. He cares for me. I believe He will do what He says He will do. I believe He is able to do the impossible. Do you? He can if you will allow Him into your life.

O God, my salvation and my stronghold, I rest in You knowing that You see me as a precious jewel.

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Altars, Appointed, Bible, Blood, Holy, Sacrifice, Scripture

A SACRIFICIAL BASIN

ZECHARIAH 9:15

“The LORD of armies will protect them. And they will devour and trample on the slingstones; and they will drink and be boisterous as with wine; and they will be filled like a sacrificial basin, drenched like the corners of the altar.”

I was visiting my older sister recently in our parents’ home place. My sister still has some of my mom’s dishes and bowls in the china cabinet. I remember as a child that those “vessels” were only brought out on special occasions. They were handled with extreme care. I don’t recall ever washing them after a meal. Those vessels were cared for by my mom. She cherished them.

The Lord describes the people of Israel as sacrificial basins. Actually, in the Hebrew the word “sacrificial” isn’t there. The Hebrew word is zaraq. It is a bowl or basin used for sprinkling. These golden basins collected the blood from the sacrifices and the blood was sprinkled as part of the worship. These were holy vessels used only for this purpose. God is saying His people are like that – holy, special, set apart.

APPLICATION

Did you know that as a believer, you too are set apart, holy and special? We are called saints, which means set apart ones. When is the last time you were called a saint. Next Sunday when you see one of your friends at church, walk up to them and say, “Hi, Saint _____.” You will probably get stared at. People are not used to being called saints.

I recall a story I heard about two brothers. They were wicked men who never set foot inside a church. Their reputation was known far and wide. One day, one of the brothers died. The other brother, wanting to give him a “proper” burial, called the local Pastor and asked him to do the service. He even offered the Pastor $1 million if the Pastor would call his brother a saint during the service.

The Pastor thought long and hard about it and agreed to do it. At the service, the Pastor gave the eulogy and told the truth about the brother who had died, recounting his evil lifestyle and no interest in God. But then he said, “But compared to his brother sitting here, he was a saint.”

We are not comparing ourselves to someone else to be called saints. Our sainthood is given through the blood of Christ. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:2, “… to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling,…” Those words apply to every believer. Are you a saint?

Father, thank You for calling me a saint, a set apart one, dedicated to Your use.

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Agreement, Allegiance, Appearance, Battles, Bible, Surrender, Trust, Victors

BLOWHARDS

ZECHARIAH 9:14

“Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning; and the Lord GOD will blow the trumpet, and march in the storm winds of the south.”

I have had the displeasure of knowing a couple of blowhards in my lifetime. What is a blowhard? It is someone who boasts and brags about all the things they have done or possess. They are usually way over the top in believability. No one likes to have to listen to them go on and on about their exploits.

God is not saying He is a blowhard (but I bet He can really blow hard). Albert Barnes tell us these winds of the south were the most vehement and destructive. Isaiah 21:1 says, “As whirlwinds in the south sweep by, He cometh from a desert, from a terrible land.” These winds smote the four corners of the house where Job’s children were, and they perished. The Lord is promising the people that He will be the power and the force to defeat their enemies.

APPLICATION

The theme of these last few verses has been on God’s defense of His children. That theme continues with today’s verse. The Lord says He “will appear over them.” He still does that today. Then He says, “His arrow will go forth like lightning.” The next storm you see that produces thunder and lightning, remember this verse.

He “will blow the trumpet.” The Lord is commanding His forces to defend us. He is marshalling the troops. And finally, He “will march in the storm winds.” God is a powerful force, much powerful than any force we have ever seen. He could literally puff something and destroy it.

Why do I rehearse all of that to you? To remind you, once again, that you are not alone in your battles. God is right there beside you, behind you, in front of you, below you and above you. He has you covered. But you need to be in His will and following Him if you expect this protection. Are you?

O Lord, my God, You are so powerful. Thank You for exercising some of that in my direction.

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Abiding, Angels, Battles, Bible, Defense, Enemies, Fortress, Protection, Rescue, Scripture

BOW BENDING

ZECHARIAH 9:13

“For I will bend Judah as My bow, I will fill the bow with Ephraim. And I will stir up your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece; and I will make you like a warrior’s sword.”

In past years, I have attempted some archery hunting. Now, when I say “attempted” I mean I wasn’t successful in my hunt. I do not use a regular bow or combine bow when I hunt. I use a crossbow. Mine requires a “cocking rope” to draw back the bow in order to place the arrow (or bolt which are like small arrows made for crossbows). On one trip, I forgot my cocking rope. Try as I might, I could not draw back the bow without it.

God is saying here that He will be the one to draw back the bow and defend His children. I have mentioned one of my favorite verses is Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you, while you remain silent.” God is going to “stir up” Zion. He is going to “make you like a warrior’s sword.” In other words, get ready. Tests and battles are coming. But God has their back.

APPLICATION

He will defend us, or He will equip us for battle. He will never send you in a battle that you cannot handle. With God at our side, no one can defeat us. David’s Psalm 18:2 gives us a great picture of that. “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my savior, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Is that your position with God right now? Is He your stronghold. O dear brother or sister, I pray you are resting in that. I pray that you know God has your back. I pray you know that He is fighting for you daily. Without God’s defense, we would be sitting ducks for the enemy. Most of us couldn’t hold off an infant demon on our own.

If there is one thing I have learned from my study of the Word through Every Man A Warrior, it is that I am living in a spiritual realm that is only visible through spiritual eyes. I now see the enemy at work in places I would have never seen him five years ago. God’s Word has opened my eyes. Be aware of your enemy, beloved. But be more aware of God’s warring angels there to intervene at God’s beckon call.

Father, thank You that You prepare me and accompany me into battle. You are Jehovah Nissi.

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