Category Archives: God’s Will

Abundance, Bible, Calling, Counting, Friends, God's Will, Gospel, Judgment, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

A LITTLE MATH

ZECHARIAH 13:8

“‘And it will come about in all the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘that two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it.’”

I used to be pretty good at math. I kind of naturally got the concepts. So, when we were taught fractions, I understood it.  Fast forward to adulthood. Who would have ever thought I would use those numbers again? But they come up all the time. Just about every day there is something to measure or weigh or divide. Thanks Mrs. Barry, for all those things you poured into my head.

The Lord did not need to be taught math concepts. He is the Creator of all things. He uses numbers in describing the judgment that would befall Israel. Scholars disagree whether this prophecy shared by Zechariah applied to Israel’s fall under Rome or a judgment yet to come. Either way, it had to be hard to hear that only one third would remain.

APPLICATION

We find similar measurements in other parts of the Bible. Look in 2 Samuel 8:2. “And He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and a full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.”

How about in Ezekiel 5:12? “A third of you will die by plague or perish by famine among you, a third will fall by the sword around you, and a third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.” God has always measured judgment exactly.

Romans 11:5 tells us, “In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.” God is always looking out for the remnant, those who will choose to follow Him. Unfortunately, the mass of people in this world will not. It is our job as believers to try to share with as many of them as we can.

While we are doing math, count the number of lost friends you have. How many are there? Now, how many of them are you going to share Jesus with this week? This year? Start counting the number of people you see come to Christ this year because of your friendship. God is counting every soul. We should too.

Father, help me be a better enumerator of souls that are won into your kingdom that are part of my circle of friends.

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Bible, Choices, Distractions, God's Will, Godliness, Obedience, Protection, Salvation, Scripture

DON’T EVEN SAY THEIR NAME

ZECHARIAH 13:2

“‘And it will come about on that day,’ declares the LORD of armies, ‘that I will eliminate the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered; and I will also remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the land.’” 

If I told you right now to not think about ice cream, what are you thinking about? Ice cream! You can’t help yourself. When a thought is planted in your mind, your mind just goes there. I have a friend who is an Illusionist. He is good at this. He will have you thinking he can read your mind, but all he is doing is planting thoughts in your head which lead right to what he wants you think. Pretty smooth.

The Lord, through Zechariah, is telling the people He does not even want the names of the false gods mentioned in the land. He is going to remove all mention of them to prevent the people from going towards them. Along with that, He is also going to remove all the false prophets who played into the craving of the people to “know their future.” The Lord is going to clean house.

APPLICATION

We have a practice in my ministry which we teach men who have an addiction to pornography or another unhealthy practice. We teach them to amputate this source. Just like a diseased or damaged arm or leg that has to be removed to protect the rest of the body, we have to amputate those things in our life that lead us astray. We can’t even give them a thought.

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. That’s the idea here. We must destroy any concept of this wrong thinking. That may mean some radical changes in your life. It may mean giving up certain types of movies or television programs. It may mean eliminating some friends you hang out with. Remember – amputation is about saving yourself.

When I think back on my decisions after coming to Christ, I had to stop hanging with some of the crowd I had been running with. I knew where that would lead if I did not make some changes. Is there something in your life that you need to amputate? Don’t wait. It will not bring your closer to Christ. Just the opposite! Cut it away now!

Father, help me rid myself of any “idols” or “false prophets” who only want to drag me down.

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Bible, Choices, Failures, Faith, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Imitation, Scripture

JUST LIKE DAVID

ZECHARIAH 12:8

“On that day the LORD will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them on that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them.”

Most of us don’t like being compared to others, unless that comparison is flattering. Am I right? You don’t want to hear Carl, you remind me of Jack the Ripper. Not a good comparison. There are few comparisons out there that I would want to be attributed to, but even the best had their warts and failures.

David is once again the example Zechariah is using in today’s verse. He says the feeblest of the inhabitants will be a brave fighter like David. Then he says something that really amazes me. He says, “the house of David will be like God.” Now, he doesn’t mean that literally. He means they will be acting holy, recognizing all that God has done in and through them.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of Philippians 2:6. “who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” We are urged to be like Jesus in our everyday encounters with others. We are told to have the same attitude as Christ. We are told to have the mind of Christ. Being Christlike should be our daily pursuit.

I don’t know about you, but I fail miserably. Just like David failed (remember Bathsheba?), we will fail also. The only thing that keeps me from doing that daily is my daily surrender to His Spirit. I allow Jesus to control my thoughts and actions. He has the control panel to my words and deeds. If I do that, I am just doing what He wants me to do.

You may think you are too weak a Christian to be used by Him. Hogwash! Just like the Lord used the feeble in Jerusalem as mighty warriors, He can use you to fight against the evils of this world. You just have to submit. Will you do that today? Be a willing servant, just like David.

Use me, Lord, to do whatever You want accomplished today.

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Allies, Battles, Bible, Commands, Danger, Encouragement, Enemies, God's Will, Scripture, Strength, Weakness

THE LEAST SHALL BE FIRST

ZECHARIAH 12:7

“The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be greater than Judah.”

There are stories all through the Bible of God using the smallest or youngest to achieve great things. One of the greatest is of David. He was the youngest of Jesse’s sons, but God chose him to be the second king of Israel. If you are the least bit familiar with the Old Testament, you have read of all David’s exploits and how the Lord used him.

Zechariah contrasts the tents of Judah with the inhabitants of Jerusalem. One scholar says this about this verse. “tents—shifting and insecure, as contrasted with the solid fortifications of Judah. But God chooses the weak to confound the mighty, that all human glorying may be set aside.” Don’t you just love that? He uses the weak to confound the mighty.

APPLICATION

We should never think we are too small or too weak or too old to be used by the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” Everyone is useable by God.

Maybe you have a physical defect that you think prevents you from being used. Not so! David Ring is a very gifted evangelist who has cerebral palsy. He has multiple physical challenges, yet God has used him all over the world to lead others to Christ. He often makes this statement when he speaks. “I have Cerebral Palsy. What’s your problem?”

So, let me ask you. What is your problem? Why aren’t you allowing the Lord to use you? You have so much to offer. It’s not about you, though. It’s about Christ in you. When you yield to Him, He can take your weakest trait and magnify it into a useable skill. Just let Him use you to great and mighty things!

Father, I thank You for using me, despite my weaknesses.

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Abiding, Advocate, Battles, Bible, Defense, Enemies, God's Will, Protection, Provision, Rescue, Salvation, Scripture

THE HAND OF GOD

ZECHARIAH 12:5

“‘Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “The inhabitants of Jerusalem are a strong support for us through the LORD of armies, their God.”’”

There are times in our lives when the only way to explain something is to say, “God did that.” I have shared many times about my disease, Amyloidosis, and my two stem cell transplants (2010 and 2020). The only way to explain my healing is God’s hand was in it. He gave the doctors wisdom. He used the treatment to give me a “remission” from this disease for a while. I know He was the one who did that. There is no doubt.

I love this verse today in Zechariah. The “clans of Judah” refers to all the tribes. They all will realize on that day when Jerusalem is defended against their enemies that it was God’s hand and not theirs that did it. The “LORD of armies” did it, not their army. And by coming together and depending on Him, they will be successful.

APPLICATION

Guess what? Nothing’s changed. Isaiah 26:12 is a favorite verse of my boss. In the NIV it says, “LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us.” Isn’t that exactly what Zechariah is saying in verse 5 above. If we are honest, we will admit very quickly that anything that is good in us is just Jesus. I know that is true for me.

Yet, God continues to work in and through us to accomplish His will. As the writer of Hebrews closes his letter in Hebrews 13:20-21, he says, “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, 21  equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

One day, when I reach heaven, I will find out just what the Lord saw in us that moved Him to redeem us. We are His creation, the work of His hands. I get that. But our flesh is so corrupt and wicked outside of Christ. Only by Him working in us can we be made into a useable vessel, fit for His kingdom work. Praise Him!

Father, I know it is You Who works in and through me. I praise You for finding me worthy to be used by You.

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Abiding, Bible, God's Will, Promises, Rest, Striving

MADNESS

ZECHARIAH 12:4

“‘On that day,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with insanity. But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.’”

There have been times, as hard as I try, I just can’t accomplish something. I give it my best efforts. I am fully prepared, but I just can’t get it done. When that happens, I have learned to stop and look at what I am trying to do. Is it in the Father’s will? Is this of my own doing? Almost every time I discover I have been trying to do something I have no business trying to do. It is not God’s plan for me, at least not at that time.

The prophecy of chapter 12 continues in verse 4 with the Lord declaring victory over the armies that will assail Israel. He will confuse their horses and riders, even to the point of striking the horses blind. Most scholars point towards the battle of Gog and Magog, in which Israel will be defended by the Lord against all the nations that will come against her. They were trying to do something that God would not allow. What a promise!

APPLICATION

What are you banging your head against right now? Perhaps you are considering a move, but you cannot get a peace about it. Maybe it’s a job change, but try as you might, nothing happens. It could be a relationship that needs healing. You’ve tried all your “magic,” but nothing works. It could be that now is not the time for this. For some reason, God is blocking or just not allowing it to happen.

Psalm 46:10 comes to mind. “‘Stop striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.’” I love this translation. Some say, “Be still,” but I like “Stop striving.” The Hebrew word has the picture of relaxing, of sinking into a relaxed position. Wow! That sure gives you a great visual, doesn’t it?

When is the last time you did that? Have you truly rested in God’s decisions for your life? He wants you to place yourself completely at His mercy. He is holding you in His hands. Stop trying to achieve something that you have no business trying to achieve. Just like those riders and horses that were stopped cold in their tracks, God can stop you also. But when you trust Him and allow Him to direct you, things are so much more relaxing.

O Father, I have been struggling against Your will on some things. Forgive me and show me how to rest in You.

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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!

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Accountability, Authority, Bible, God's Will, Harm, Scripture, Teaching

THE RIGHT TOOL

ZECHARIAH 11:15

“And the LORD said to me, ‘Take again for yourself the equipment of a foolish shepherd.’”

My dad had quite the tool collection when he passed away. Over decades he had accumulated those tools, one by one, as he needed them. I remember him telling me that if he had a job to do at the house or on one of our vehicles that required a certain tool, he would purchase it. That way he would have it the next time it was needed. Having the right tool is important.

The Lord tells Zechariah to act the part of a foolish shepherd and acquire the wrong tool. Cyril explains it well. “Good shepherds, who understood their business, had slight staves, that, if there should be occasion to strike, the stricken sheep might not be bruised; but one who understandeth not, beats them with thicker clubs.” Right job, wrong tool. Damage was done with the wrong tool.

APPLICATION

There are so many good applications to this truth today. Let’s take, for example, preaching and teaching about God. We have the perfect tool to use for that – the Bible. Those who study and prepare are able to use it for God’s glory. Others use everything but the Word. They use social media. They use lights and music. They will use anything but the Word. Right job, wrong tool.

If you are in the position to lead others in your church, remember to use His Word. James 3:1 says, “Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment.” This is serious business. We have to use the right tool and use it correctly. Even the right tool handled incorrectly can harm.

I am thankful for mentors in my life who have taught me well. They showed me the importance of holding God’s Word in the highest regard and to be careful in how I handle it. I have to be careful to make sure everything I say is based on His Word, not mine. I know I have the right tool, and I know I have the right job. But I must continue to sharpen my skills in handling this tool.

O God, Your Word is the truth I need to share. Give me the wisdom to teach it well.

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Abiding, Bible, Division, Enemies, God's Will, Scripture, Union

A DIVISION

ZECHARIAH 11:14

“Then I cut in pieces my second staff Union, to break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.”

I don’t like division in the family. When I am at odds with my sweet wife, normally over something I have done, I feel awful. I want to make things right. I want union. I want harmony. Sometimes, however, division cannot be stopped. Things happen to divide you. It’s out of your control. Then what do you do?

Judah and Israel had been drawn together because of the temple and Jerusalem. However, with the destruction of the temple and their city, the tribes were dispersed by the enemy. They were separated from each other and lost that bond. This is what Zechariah is referring to in his prophecy in verse 14. The day was coming when this would be fulfilled.

APPLICATION

How we handle conflict and division says a lot about our walk with Jesus. Are we the instigator or the cause of the division? We know that is sin and must be confessed. Is someone else the reason the division exists? How can you point them to the answer? We will never find the answer in ourselves. We have to turn to the Word.

Look at what Paul says in Ephesians 4:1-3, especially verse 3. “1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Look closely at Paul’s words there. We have to walk worthy, in humility and gentleness, with patience, bear others in love, and work hard to preserve the peace. It all starts with walking worthy. It’s not us doing this. It’s Christ in us. Our flesh only wants what it wants. But the Spirit will move us towards peace, if we submit. Just like Judah and Israel, we are going to face divisions at times that we cannot avoid. How will you respond?

I am thankful, Lord, that I am united with You and am forever joined to Christ.

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Abiding, Admonished, Advocate, Affliction, Belief, Bible, Choices, Commands, Danger, Deliverance, Escape, God's Will, Remembering, Scripture

THEY KNEW

ZECHARIAH 11:11

“So it was broken on that day, and so the afflicted of the flock who were watching me realized that it was the word of the LORD.”

Sometimes you just know! Right? Call it a gut thing or something just didn’t feel right. Perhaps you remembered something you had been told earlier. A situation jogged your memory and you said, “Aha, I remember that.” Whatever the reason, you have that “Spidey sense” that warns you about something. You heed the advice you have been given and avoid a catastrophe.

“The afflicted of the flock” referred to in today’s verse had done just that. They had heard the warnings from Zechariah and fled Jerusalem before it was surrounded and destroyed. They escaped into the mountains. How did they know this? Because Zechariah had forewarned, and they had believed him. These were the humble and devoted ones who were still seeking to follow Jehovah. Their devotion was rewarded.

APPLICATION

How can we escape terrible situations in our lives? By listening to and obeying the Lord. His Word gives us ample warning of the things we should and should not do. Before you freak out, it is not a book of rules. It’s a guidebook for life. 1 Corinthians 10:11 says, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

Here’s a verse you probably know. Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I could go on listing verse after verse, passage after passage about God’s warnings to us. The warnings, in and of themselves, mean nothing unless you are willing to listen and obey. Just because we read it or hear it doesn’t mean we are delivered. We have to obey.

I have discovered that if you stay close to Jesus, if you read His Word regularly, if you memorize and meditate on it, if you apply His Word to your life and spend time with Him daily in prayer, then you will be quick to hear and obey all those warnings. Or will you be like the other Israelites who heard but did not heed the warnings? It’s your choice.

I hear You, Lord, and I will obey.

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