Category Archives: Blessing

Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Commands, Gifts, Giving, Money, Scripture, Tithe, Treasures

BAD GIFTS

MALACHI 1:8

“‘And when you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not evil? Or when you present a lame or sick animal, is it not evil? So offer it to your governor! Would he be pleased with you, or would he receive you kindly?’ says the LORD of armies.”

I used to work for a ministry that had several thrift shops. These thrift shops operated solely on donated items. People can be very generous when they want to be. Occasionally, however, we received some “gifts” that weren’t so nice. Things like used underwear and used mattresses just can’t be sold. That meant we had to discard them. You would not believe the amount of things we simply had to throw away because they were not saleable.

Man, oh man! The Lord lets the priests have it in verse 8 today. He accuses them of presenting blind, lame and sick animals. These items were not even appropriate for their governor. Why would they think He would accept them? God had strict guidelines for what kind of animals could be presented as offerings to Him. Leviticus 22:22 told them, “Those that are blind, fractured, maimed, or have a wart, a festering rash, or scabs, you shall not offer to the LORD, nor make of them an offering by fire on the altar to the LORD.”

APPLICATION

Now, you are probably saying, Carl, I am not offering animals to Jesus. You’re right, absolutely right. But let me ask you this. Are you offering your seconds to Him? God still requires us to offer our best, our first fruits to Him. What are you holding back? What are you saving for yourself that belongs to Him?

Romans 12:8 addresses New Testament giving. “or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Jesus demands more than the tithe. He demands it all. Sound selfish? Not at all, because He gives it all back to you many times over.

How about your time? Are you robbing God of that too? Carl, I’m just too tired on Sundays to go to church. God understands that. Carl, I really have to work today to make more money. Stop the excuses. Stop offering the bad gifts. Give it all to Him. He deserves your very best.

Father, I offer my all to You today. Take it and use it however You desire.

Standard
Allegiance, Bible, Blessing, Commands, Fatherhood, God's Will, Honor, Love, Scripture

HONOR THY FATHER

MALACHI 1:6

“‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the LORD of armies to you, the priests who despise My name! But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’”

I had a great dad. My dad was not a perfect father, but I never doubted for a second that he loved me and would have done anything in the world for me. I showed my dad honor by visiting him, by listening to him, by listening to his advice. In fact, as I got older, I would often run something by him just to give him the opportunity to give me advice, whether I needed it or not.

In verse 6 today, the LORD is beginning a chastisement of the leaders of Israel, the priests. We will see in the following verses in the days to come how they were dishonoring the LORD. But in today’s verse He just reminds them of their obligation to honor Him, just as they would honor their earthly father. The word “honor” is a Hebrew word that means numerous, rich, honorable, to make weighty. Interesting definition, huh?

APPLICATION

I am instantly reminded of the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) which says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the LORD your God gives you.” Do I need to remind you that this is a commandment, not a suggestion. And this commandment is the ONLY commandment that comes with a promise, a promise to prolong your days. That’s a pretty good reason to honor your parents, isn’t it?

How do you show honor to your father? So many families are fractured today because of dishonor. So many fathers are wounded because of it also. Did you realize when you dishonor your father you grieve his heart? When we dishonor God through our sins, it grieves His heart. Our earthly father relationship is supposed to mirror our relationship with the Father.

You may be estranged from your earthly father right now. You may even feel justified to do that. Biblically speaking, unless your father has abused you in some way, you are still commanded to show him honor. Listen to the Lord. Ask Him how you are supposed to honor your father. That will also honor Him.

I show You honor, my Lord, by honoring my father here on earth. Now, that he is with You, I show him honor by thanking You for him.

Standard
Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Consequences, Dependence, God's Will, Judgment, Rain, Scripture

JUST AND UNJUST

ZECHARIAH 14:17

“And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of armies, there will be no rain on them.”

Rain is so essential for life. Plants must have it to grow. Crops must have it to produce. Lakes and streams need it to stay full. Animals in the wild need it or they will perish. I have seen firsthand the result of no rain in Kenya, where I travel each year. They have been in a period of drought for many years now in parts of the country. Without this precious rainfall life grounds to a halt.

God promises the withholding of this precious resource to those who oppose Him. This is nothing new. We see this throughout the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 28:23-24 shows this. “23 The heaven which is over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you, iron. 24 The LORD will make the rain of your land powder and dust; from heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed.” Bottom line is this – God controls the rain. It falls where He desires.

APPLICATION

I am not implying that those people in the world who are suffering from drought conditions are all sinners. Even Jesus said this in Matthew 5:44-45. “‘44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.’”

What I want you to see in today’s verse in Zechariah is this – God is in control. He measures the rain by each and every drop. He knows who needs it and who doesn’t. Man does not control the weather. Neither can we make it react a certain way. We have heard far too much about climate change, in my opinion. The climate changer is God Himself. After all, didn’t He create the climate?

In today’s verse, God is changing the weather to drive people to Him. What is God having to change in your life to get you to draw yourself to Him. James 4:8 tells us, “Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Come close now!

Father, I know You send the rains, and I praise You for them. Help me draw close to You.

Standard
Bible, Blessing, Enemies, Favor, God's Will, Scripture, Security

SECURITY

ZECHARIAH 14:11

“People will live in it, and there will no longer be a curse, for Jerusalem will live in security.”

Today you can secure your home in so many ways. You can, of course, have locks on your doors and windows. But you can also have cameras outside and inside your home. You can install a video doorbell. You can put up fences. Heck, you could even put in a moat if you wanted to. You can hire a company to monitor your home. Your home can be made to feel secure.

Oh, but in today’s verse we see the city of Jerusalem finally being made secure. For centuries Jerusalem has been the target of its enemies. But on this day God will secure it. He will lift the curse or judgment. People will live at peace. Can you imagine? No skirmishes! No battles! No attacks! Peace! That will be a glorious day.

APPLICATION

Let me ask if you are secure. Are you? What is it based on? I love what Deuteronomy 33:12 says. “May the beloved of the LORD live in security beside Him Who shields him all the day long, And he lives between His shoulders.” Isn’t that beautiful. We live between His shoulders. Wow! That’s pretty secure.

We also know this. Ephesians 1:13 says, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise,” Now, if God seals you, you are sealed. You are secure. I don’t care how firm your grip is, you are not going to remove that seal that God puts on you – the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, if you are not in Christ, you are not secure. Your future is just the opposite. You are destined for another ending. We know that all who do not profess Jesus as Savior will face judgment and eternal damnation. That’s harsh, but it’s true. Even more reason for us to spread the good news. Let’s make everyone secure. How about it?

Father, thank You for making me secure through the blood of the Lamb.

Standard
Bible, Blessing, Forgiveness, Grace, Salvation, Scripture

POURED OUT GRACE

ZECHARIAH 12:10

“‘And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of pleading, so that they will look at Me whom they pierced; and they will mourn for Him, like one mourning for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.’”

Oh wow! I can so remember the day I got saved. I have shared my salvation experience before, but this verse reminded me of that day. I truly felt the grace of God poured over me that day. There have been times since then when I felt waves of grace flow over me when I needed it most. Every time that happens, it points me more and more to Jesus.

Reread today’s verse with Jesus on the cross on your mind. Isn’t that exactly what God did that day for Jerusalem? He poured out His grace on them. They did pierce Him. And those who followed Jesus and received this free grace mourned for Him. Zechariah even uses the words “an only son.” Zechariah is pointing the nation to their future Messiah.

APPLICATION

I want you to reflect on your salvation today (if you are not a believer, I’ll get to you in a minute, but keep reading). Do you remember the depth of your longing for cleansing? Do you remember how damaged you were in your sins? That flood of grace that poured over you that day is still flowing. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”

I think of that old hymn, “Grace, Grace, God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.” It goes on to say, “Grace that is greater than all our sin.” The waves of grace that are poured over you can wash away any and all sin in your life. That should lead you to praise Him today.

Now, if you have been reading this and do not know that grace, turn to Him now. Confess your sins. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Confess your belief in Jesus as God’s only Son and receive this overflowing grace into your life. Walk in victory, knowing you are now a child of the King. Praise God!

O Father, Your grace is sufficient and great. It is more than adequate to meet my deepest need.

Standard
Abiding, Battles, Bible, Blessing, Destruction, Enemies, Fire, Oppression, Scripture

HOT TO THE TOUCH

ZECHARIAH 12:6

“‘On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again live on their own sites in Jerusalem.’”

I respect fire. I have seen the damage it can do to homes and communities. Several years ago, there was a fire here in TN that consumed acres and acres of forest as well as dozens of homes. The only way the firefighters could fight this fire was to try to contain it. It was a powerful force that reminded us of the power of nature.

The clans of Judah are compared to a firepot and a flaming torch. They would consume all their enemies around them. This victory over their enemies was not of their own doing. God did this. But He used them to accomplish it. Why? To build into them the faith they needed. He knew they would face other enemies in the future, and they needed this confidence.

APPLICATION

Are your enemies surrounding you? Do you feel outnumbered? Rest in this fact. God is with you. All those times you face that challenge and rely on Him, He comes through. Now, He isn’t going to make you a firepot or a flaming torch, but He will come alongside you and strengthen.

I must give you a warning here. When you think you can handle it on your own, beware. I Corinthians 10:12 says, “Now, if you think you are standing firm, be careful lest you fall.” In other words, don’t take on life’s challenges by yourself. When we come to our Savior for help, He is always there.

You may be saying, Well Carl, I have cried out to God for help over and over with no luck. Listen, when we are walking with the Lord and not trying to handle things ourselves, He is there. He wants to be there and care for you. Whatever you are facing today, give it to Him. Call on Him. He will carry you through.

Father God, let Your firepot and flaming torch burn away those things that surround me and want to harm me.

Standard
Advocate, Bible, Blessing, Covenant, Deliverance, God's Will, Protection, Safety, Scripture

TABLES TURNED

ZECHARIAH 12:2

“‘Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes staggering to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah.’”

Have you ever intended to pull a prank on someone that backfired, and you ended up being the one pranked? It can happen. It is also possible that those nasty words you use against someone will come back to haunt you. Ricochets aren’t good. They can bring great harm on others and yourself.

Here in today’s verse, Zechariah begins his latest prophecy. Jerusalem is described as a cup which is now causing those who have been against her to stagger. We are seeing that today in the land of Israel. All around her, literally surrounding her, are nations that want to wipe her off the map. But God has caused them to be staggered. Beware to all those who oppose her.

APPLICATION

You can’t read this verse without looking at Isaiah 51:21-23.

“21 Therefore, listen to this, you afflicted, who are drunk, but not with wine: 22 This is what your Lord, the LORD, your God Who contends for His people says: ‘Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering, the chalice of My anger; you will never drink it again. 23 I will put it into the hand of your tormentors, who have said to you, “Lie down so that we may walk over you.” You have also made your back like the ground, and like the street for those who walk over it.’”

Zechariah has said almost the same thing. What do I get from this? God has His children’s back. We would do well to remember that. If we have evil intent against another believer, beware. God is their protector. And if others are trying to cause you harm, trust in the One Who has protected His children.

If you are like me, I have been the victim of some pretty harsh things in my life. When you choose to do what is right, you will anger some other people. Sometimes those are even other believers. 1 Peter 4:19 says, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will, should entrust themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” Can you say you are doing that.

I praise You, Father, for having my back and seeing me through life’s challenging moments.

(Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to me. This is blog #2800. God is so good!

Standard
Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Creation, Faith, Glory, Holy Spirit, Obedience, Scripture

THINGS GOD DOES

ZECHARIAH 12:1

“The pronouncement of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: The LORD who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of a person within him, declares:”

Creation! Isn’t it amazing? I had the privilege recently to visit Newfoundland. One day we visited several sites in Western Newfoundland and saw majestic mountains, rocky shores and beautiful landscapes. My friend who accompanied me said several times, “How can anyone see this and not believe in a Grand Creator?” I agree.

Zechariah begins a new prophecy in chapter 12 and opens up by describing the Great Creator. Look at the verse again. God is the one who created the heavens (all the stars, the sun, the moon, etc.). He set the foundation of the earth (established boundaries for the seas and land, formed mountains and the landscape). He also formed man and placed a spirit in each. Just read Genesis 1:26-28. Look at all that God does.

APPLICATION

Just because God is finished creating, that does not mean He has stopped working. He is still very much at work in the world. We just have to open our eyes to see it. In Romans 1, Paul says it is apparent, if we look. Verse 20 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

Look at all the Lord is doing all around you. He has placed His Holy Spirit in you, if you are a believer. Do you get that? The Spirit of God dwells in you. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God,…” God loves you and wants to dwell within you. God is still at work.

So, if God is in you and is still at work, there is no limit to what you can do. But you must submit your will to His. Then He is able to work in and through you to accomplish great things. Jesus even told us we would do greater things than Him. Hard to believe, huh? But Jesus said it, so it has to be true. Let’s get to work with God today.

Father, I want to do Your will today. Use me as Your vessel.

Standard
Abiding, Accountability, Bible, Blessing, Commands, Rejection, Scripture

THROWN TO THE POTTER

ZECHARIAH 11:13

“Then the LORD said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter, that magnificent price at which I was valued by them.’ So I took the thirty shekels of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.”

I struggled to come up with a personal illustration of this verse. I have never been paid thirty shekels of silver and have never thrown it to the potter in church. I can only point you to the story of Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:3-10. You need to read that in its entirety, but here are a few of the verses. “5 And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and left; and he went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, ‘It is not lawful to put them in the temple treasury, since it is money paid for blood.’ 7 And they conferred together and with the money bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers.”

Zechariah is giving a vision here from the Lord to share with the people. No scholar thinks Zechariah actually took money and threw it at a potter in the temple. But look at how this prophecy was fulfilled perfectly by Judas and the priests. The rejection of Jesus by Judas and the priests symbolized perfectly Zechariah’s vision as told to the people. Keep in mind, Zechariah was written around 500 years before Judas’ betrayal.

APPLICATION

So, what does this mean for us? To continue our thought from yesterday’s blog, how have you spurned the Lord? How have you rejected His gift of grace and mercy? We run the danger of doing that even after becoming a Christian. We can get so focused on our life or even in living according to some set of rules we have been given that we reject the freedom we have in Jesus.

People say But Carl, it’s too hard to live for God. I just can’t be holy like that. To that I share 2 Peter 1:3. “3 for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

You can accept and obey every command given to you by God. God does not expect us to obey something we are incapable of. So, let us stop throwing away the clear commands of the Father and seek ways to obey. Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit Who can guide you perfectly in God’s way.

Father, I was just as guilty as Judas before coming to You. Forgive me for not walking more holy.

Standard
Abiding, Advocate, Battles, Bible, Blessing, Choices, Consequences, Danger, Evil, God's Will, Obedience, Protection, Scripture

YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN

ZECHARIAH 11:10

“‘And I took my staff Favor and cut it in pieces, to break my covenant which I had made with all the peoples.’”

I have had numerous experiences dealing with youth who refused any correction, who refused any counsel. They were determined to do their own thing. When these youth would threaten to run away, I always told them that I could not stop them from doing that. But if they did, I would not be able to protect them. They would be on their own, susceptible to all the evil that was in the world just waiting to attack.

Today’s verse has God saying about the same thing to Israel. His staff of favor was being cut in pieces. He would not continue to protect and show favor to them because they were choosing to go after other gods. They were forsaking Him. How horrible that must have sounded to the people. They had crossed the line with God. They would now feel the wrath of their enemies which had been shielded by God up to now.

APPLICATION

You may have heard it explained this way. As believers, as long as we abide in Him, as long as we follow the Master, His “umbrella of protection” is over us. Nothing can touch us unless it goes past Him first. This is not to say we won’t face hard times or tragedies. But knowing He allowed it should give us faith to carry on.

Read these words of Peter in 1 Peter 4:12-13. “12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.”

That is the key. We need to stay close to Him to receive His protection. We do not want that staff of Favor to be lifted. But also, when we do face hardships, remember He is there. If you have wandered from the Truth, return to Him. If you are abiding but going through a hard time, trust Him. He is there. Don’t forget that. He is there.

Lord God, I praise You for Your abundant grace and mercy. Forgive me when I wander from Your embrace.

Standard