Category Archives: Salvation

Abiding, Bible, Danger, Defense, Deliverance, Enemies, Faithfulness, Hiding, Neighbors, Protection, Salvation, Scripture

PASS RIGHT BY

ZECHARIAH 9:8

“But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of him who passes by and returns; and no oppressor will pass over them anymore, for now I have seen with My eyes.”

When I was a child, I used to play hide and seek with my siblings and neighbors. It was so great when you had a great hiding place where they could not see you. They would walk or run right by you and never see you. You were safe in your hiding place. You could watch them running to and fro, and as long as you were quiet, they would never see you.

The Lord is telling the people that the enemy that is coming on the surrounding lands (it would be Alexander the Great of Persia) would pass right by them. They were safe. All the work they were doing on the temple would stand. This enemy hoard would not descend on Jerusalem. God says, “I will camp around My house.” Nothing was getting past him.

APPLICATION

Isn’t it great to know that He is still defending us today? Psalm 91:4 tells us, “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Or how about Psalm 124:1-3? “1 ‘Had it not been the LORD who was on our side,’ let Israel say, 2 ‘Had it not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger was kindled against us;’”

Our defender is our God. But you have to be up under His wings. He has to be your refuge. That means you have to recognize and accept Him as Savior and Lord. You can’t JUST believe there is a God. You have to believe in His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Once you do that (confess and believe), He is forever your defender.

Now, back in that hide and seek game as a child, I was eventually found or had to come out. That wasn’t a permanent hiding place. It was only good for that game. And once that hiding place was found, it was no good anymore. God’s “hiding place” for us is eternal. He will forever defend and protect what is His. And His we are!

Hide me in Your hiding place, O Lord. I know I am secure there.

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Abiding, Bible, Calling, Captivity, Deliverance, Exile, Home, Promises, Restoration, Salvation, Scripture

SMOTHERED AND SCATTERED

ZECHARIAH 8:7

“‘The LORD of armies says this: “Behold, I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west;”’”

Call me weird, but when I read this verse, I thought of Waffle House, a restaurant here in the U.S. They are known for their waffles, breakfast menu and especially their short order line cook lingo shared between them and the waitresses or waiters. For instance, I like my hashbrowns scattered (spread on the grill for crispness) and covered (with cheese). I saw the people of Israel scattered and smothered during their exiles. But God gives them hope in today’s verse.

He tells them that He is going to bring them back home. Whether they were scattered in the east or in the west, they will return. These people had suffered under various domains, but now, God is bringing them home. Don’t you know the shouts went up when they heard this from Zechariah. These early remnants, who had returned first, would be joined in the days to come by their brothers and sisters.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 8:11, Jesus says, “‘And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven;’” Jesus foretold the gospel going out to all the world. Gentiles and Jews alike would come into the kingdom of heaven through Him. He was the One who would bring them together.

Do you know any “scattered” or “smothered” souls who need to be brought home to Jesus. I do. I have family members who need to be rescued. I can’t do that. Only Jesus can, but I can do all I can to show them Jesus. I do that in my attitude, my words, my actions and in my lifestyle. I pray that all who see me only see Jesus.

Today, ask the Lord who He wants you to lead to Him. I promise you He has someone in mind. He can use you if you will let Him. Just be Jesus to that person. Share how Jesus has changed your life. Share the joy you have in His Word. Let God do the “unscattering” and the “uncovering” of these individuals. He is able.

I praise You, O Lord, for bringing me home. I praise You for giving me the chance to share that with others.

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Belief, Bible, Blessing, Decisions, Exalting, God's Will, Holiness, Majesty, Marvelous, Salvation, Scripture, Wonder

TOO MARVELOUS

ZECHARIAH 8:6

“‘The LORD of armies says this: “If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?” declares the LORD of armies.’”

What determines if something is marvelous? The Webster definition of “marvelous” is something causing great wonder; something extraordinary. Wow! Think about the things you have seen or heard about that fits into that category. I was eight-years-old when we landed men on the moon. That was definitely something that caused great wonder. It was extraordinary.

Why am I talking marvelous things. Do you see that word in our verse today? Well, it’s there. The Hebrew word translated as “difficult” in the New American Standard Bible (which is what I use) is also translated “marvelous” in other translations. In Jeremiah 32:27 we read, “‘Behold, I [am] YHWH, God of all flesh: is anything too wonderful (wonderful) for Me?’” (Literal Standard Version) The things God does that may seem difficult make them marvelous.

APPLICATION

Mark 10:27 is another great passage about the marvelous things God does. “Looking at them, Jesus said, ‘With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.’” Don’t every doubt God’s ability to make something happen. After all, He did create everything. Why wouldn’t He have the power to affect whatever He chooses to affect?

The most marvelous thing I can think of, though, is salvation. That same God, who created all things, sent His own Son (the God-Man) into this sin-filled world to pay the ultimate price for all mankind. That blows my mind. Christianity is the only religion where the object of worship died for the worshipper. Isn’t that extraordinary? Doesn’t that cause great wonder?

Stop for a minute today and give God praise for this marvelous, this “difficult” thing He has done. I am reminded of that hymn, “I Stand Amazed in the Presence.” I love the chorus that goes, “How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me!”

Thank You, Lord, for doing the difficult and marvelous things. You are God and there is no other.

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Bible, Child Raising, Children, Love, Playing, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

SLOW! CHILDREN AT PLAY!

ZECHARIAH 8:5

“‘“And the public squares of the city will be filled with boys `and girls playing in its squares.”’”

Throughout the streets of neighborhoods in the U.S., you will often see a street sign that reads, “Slow Children at play.” It is intended to make the driver slow down and watch for children playing near or even in the street. The last thing you want to see happen is a child hit by a car as they were playing. I want to encourage you to pray each time you see that sign and thank God for playing children.

God continues His promises to Jerusalem in verse 5. Now, He is telling them that their children will also prosper. They will once again play in the streets. The sound of children playing will fill the public squares of Jerusalem. Can’t you just see all the children running and playing in and out of the markets and playing all sorts of tag games or hide and seek? I am sure they had their own games during their time which occupied their imaginations. What a sight!

APPLICATION

One of my favorite paintings is by Mark Keathley entitled “Dance of Grace.” You can view it here: http://www.infinityfineart.com/danceofgracebymarkkeathley.php

I love this painting because it shows children playing, but more importantly, it shows our Savior playing with them. I can imagine Him doing that. He said in Matthew 19:14, “But Jesus said, ‘Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” This same story is told in both Mark and Luke. Three different authors recorded this, so children must have been important to Jesus.

How important are they to you? Does the sound of children playing thrill your heart? It does mine. I have a five-year-old granddaughter, and I love to hear her laugh and play when she visits us. She is such a rascal. I pray for her salvation every day. I want her to one day “play” with Jesus in eternity. That’s my ultimate prayer for her.

Do you have children or grandchildren whom have not come to a saving knowledge of Jesus? As much as you may enjoy the sound of them playing, how much better would it be to hear them praying. Notice that – just one letter changed – “l” to “r.” But what a difference that one letter makes. Pray for the children. Maybe we need a sign that says, “Slow, Children Praying.”

O Lord, my God, would You save the children. Use us to share the good news of Jesus to them.

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Abiding, Age, Bible, Following, Maturity, Salvation, Sanctification, Scripture

GROWING OLD WITH GOD

ZECHARIAH 8:4

“‘The LORD of armies says this: “Old men and old women will again sit in the public squares of Jerusalem, each person with his staff in his hand because of age.”’”

My late brother-in-law, Wayne Barber, used to say, “Growing old ain’t for sissies.” Well, that’s the God’s honest truth, lol. Some people say waking up with pain is just a reminder you’re still alive, lol. I am only in my early 60’s, but I have survived two stem cell transplants and am always at risk for a third flare up of my disease. Struggling with health issues will make you feel old. But I know as long as I live each day for the Lord, He will sustain me.

Today’s verse is the third of ten “thus saith the Lord” type sayings. God is delivering these ten sayings emphatically through Zechariah. Today’s is such a blessing. He is telling the people that they will grow old in Jerusalem once again. They won’t die at an early age due to war. They won’t die in a foreign land. They will grow old at home leaning on their staffs. What a promise to a people who are in desperate need of one.

APPLICATION

How old are you? I know you are not supposed to ask a woman that question, right? But I am not talking about chronological age. I am referring to your spiritual age. How old are you in Christ? I was saved at 16, so I’m @47 years old spiritually. But even that does not say how spiritually mature I am. I know a lot of baby Christians who were saved decades ago. Your spiritual age has more to do with maturity than how long you’ve been saved.

In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul scolds the Corinthian church for not growing up. Listen to his words and examine yourself with his words. “1 And I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to consume it. But even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like ordinary people?”

I want to grow old in Christ, but more importantly, I want to mature in Christ. I want to grow wiser in His Word. I want to know others can come to me for godly advice. The only thing I want to lean on is His Word and His Truth. Everything else will just crumble beneath my hands. So, I ask you again, how old are you?

When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. 

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Asking, Belief, Bible, Blasphemy, Choices, Confession, Heart, Judgment, Salvation, Scripture, Wrath

HARD-HEARTED

ZECHARIAH 7:12

“‘They also made their hearts as hard as a diamond so that they could not hear the Law and the words which the LORD of armies had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of armies.’”

I’ve known some pretty hard-hearted people in my days. They cared for no one but themselves and would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. I later learned how damaged these people actually were. They had all been hurt by someone, so they decided to hurt before they got hurt again. It’s very sad.

The Lord refers to some individuals who “made their hearts as hard as a diamond.” The Hebrew word translated diamond can also be called adamant or flint. It was a hard rock or gem that could not be scratched or engraved. It was impervious to change. These people God is referring to had rejected the Holy Spirit’s leading through the prophets and were now destined for wrath.

APPLICATION

In Acts 7:51 Stephen gives us a good picture of this. “‘You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.’” One of the most dangerous things you can do is resist the Holy Spirit. He is the One who draws us to the Father. He is the One who shows us the way to salvation and is the seal of that salvation.

Matthew 12:31 Jesus tells us, “‘Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.’” The unpardonable sin! Rejecting the Holy Spirit. We don’t know how many “chances” we have to respond. There may be a breaking point when the Holy Spirit stops wooing you if you continually reject Him. Just like those “hard as diamond” people in today’s verse, you refuse to be affected by the Spirit.

I am so grateful that I did respond on that day back in 1977. I heard the Holy Spirit loud and clear. I continue to hear Him as He directs me each day. I pray if you are believer that you are hearing Him. And if you are not a believer, stop and listen. Ask the Spirit of God to speak to you. He will. Then you must decide how hard your heart really is.

Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Holy Spirit to woo me and win me. I am so glad He lives within me.

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Commitment, Decisions, Following, Gospel, Loyalty, Memorials, Salvation, Scripture

A MEMORIAL

ZECHARIAH 6:14

“‘Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the LORD to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah.’”

Have you ever put something aside as a reminder? I have. In fact, I could probably still find some of those things if I dug for them. That’s just my point. The things we think are so important at the time are really not. They will not last. We tend to put way too much value on things that are temporal. Instead, we should be laying up treasures in heaven.

The Lord tells Zechariah that this crown upon Joshua’s head will become a memorial, a reminder to the people. Back in verse 10, these individuals named here are first brought to our attention. Most scholars believe Helem and Hen are the same as Heldai in verse 10. The crown stands for God’s rule and reign in their lives as Priest and King. God seems to be saying, “Don’t forget this.”

APPLICATION

What is the key moment in your life when you gave your heart and mind to Christ? When did you finally surrender to His call? Think back to that time when you prayed to receive Christ’s offer of salvation. That is a memorial! That is a marker, a milestone. Mark it! Nail it down! You need to remember that moment.

Well Carl, I just kind of grew into Christ. Well, I have to disagree. Just because you are born in a garden you don’t grow into a turnip, do you? God calls each of us to Himself. I love that ole hymn that says, “Have you heard the Savior calling?” Revelation 3:20 tells us, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

There is a moment when you felt that call, when you heard that knock. Ask the Lord to show you when that was, if you are not sure. Why am I stressing this? Because we need those markers in our lives. As we share our story with others those markers give us our talking points. Use them to show others what He has done for you and what He can do for them.

I heard Your call and answered, Lord. Now, use me to glorify You.

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Access, Asking, Bible, Cleansing, Cross, Direction, Escape, Forgiveness, God's Will, Heaven, Salvation, Scripture

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING?

ZECHARIAH 5:10

“So I said to the angel who was speaking with me, ‘Where are they taking the ephah?’”

If you have children, you have probably put up with “explorations.” We put up baby gates and all sorts of contraptions to try to keep the little buggers contained. But lo and behold, they would find ways to escape. I can remember sitting and watching my children trying to figure out how to get loose. I would jokingly ask them, “Where do you think you’re going?”

Zechariah just watched the two winged women swoop down and pick up the ephah with the woman (wickedness) inside and fly away. His first thought was “Where are they going?” I don’t think he was concerned about the woman’s welfare. He was just curious about their destination. By this time, Zechariah wasn’t afraid to ask anything of that angel. (Come back tomorrow to see where they take her.)

APPLICATION

As I was thinking of an application for this verse, the thought came to me – what happens to our sins? Where does God carry them? We have the answer right in Scripture. Psalm 103:11-12 says, “11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our wrongdoings from us.”

That’s a long way! You can’t get to the east by traveling west or vice versa. You just keep traveling in the direction you are going, whether that be heading east or heading west. In other words, you can’t get back that sin once it has been forgiven. It’s gone. Now, you may choose to sin again, but it won’t be that same sin. It will be a brand new one.

God could pile all our sins up in one big heap in heaven (mine would be mountainous) and show them all to us when we get there. But no, He removes them. So, we don’t have to ask that question I asked earlier. We know where He carries our sins – to the cross, where they are forgiven forever. Amen? Amen!

Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near

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Accused, Bible, Captivity, Death, Devil, Evil, Forgiveness, Judgment, Redemption, Salvation, Satan, Scripture, Sin

A WHAT IN A WHAT?

ZECHARIAH 5:7

“And behold, a lead cover was lifted up. He continued, ‘And this is a woman sitting inside the ephah.’”

I have seen some strange things in my life. I remember once in Liberia; I saw a woman carrying a car engine on her head. That’s right, a car engine. I was told by a Liberian man that a Liberian woman could carry whatever two men could lift and put on her head. Now, that was strange. I wonder how she got it down.

I bet Zechariah was a little shocked when he saw what was inside that ephah. Under the lead cover was a woman. A what? A woman. What in the world? Albert Barnes explains it this way. The woman represented Israel’s sin. Her sitting symbolized their comfort in their sinful condition. And the lead cover showed the weight of their sin. Not a pretty picture. The largest measure (ephah) with the heaviest weight (lead) was what Zechariah was seeing.

APPLICATION

Do you realize the weight of your sin? Hebrews 12:1 says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,…” You can’t run weighted down. Sin is heavy, much heavier than you think.

I love this quote. “Sin will cost you more than you ever thought you would pay. It will take you further than you ever thought you would stray. And it will keep you longer than you ever thought you would stay.” Zechariah saw the weight of Israel’s sins portrayed in his vision. We can see it all around us today.

Sin destroys families. It cost people their livelihoods. It wrecks relationships. And it keeps some people tangled in unhealthy lifestyles. You don’t believe in sin? Satan loves that. He loves you not believing in it because he knows he has you right where he wants you. But there is a way out. You can be set free from the chains that bind you. Just come to Jesus.

My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace

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Appearance, Battles, Bible, Confession, Deception, Evil, Forgiveness, Judgment, Salvation, Scripture, Sin

THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL

ZECHARIAH 5:6

“And I said, ‘What is it?’ Then he said, ‘This is the ephah going forth.’ Again he said, ‘This is their appearance in all the land.’”

Let me begin this blog by saying that I cannot get the picture of our world right now as it relates to this verse out of my mind. Every day when I walk around our city, I see the appearance of evil. Maybe the Lord has just given me spiritual eyes right now. I do not want to sound judgmental. Believe me, I know my sins stink just as bad. But there just seems to be a flaunting of sin all around us.

God, through the angel, is showing Zechariah the ephah, the measuring basket, that is full of the people’s sins. They had been unrepentant. Their sins were rampant. They had reached a full measure demanding justice. Some scholars equate the use of the ephah with their sin of stealing mentioned earlier since they would use it falsely for measuring grain to sell.

APPLICATION

I recall my late brother-in-law telling me that the older he got, the more he saw how sinful he was. The light exposes sin, and the closer we get to it, the more we see it. Look at the words of Paul in Ephesians 5:11-13. “11 Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”

Our sins will be exposed one day. As a matter of fact, they are exposed now to God. He knows everything we do. I love verse 8 in Psalm 90 which says, “You have placed our guilty deeds before You, our hidden sins in the light of Your presence.” Actually, I don’t really love that verse, but you know what I mean.

Don’t let your sins fill the ephah. Empty them out every day. Confess them to the Lord and seek His forgiveness. If you are not a believer in Jesus, come to Him now and receive forgiveness and eternal life. If you are a believer, purify your heart and walk in holiness today.

Cleanse me, Father, and let me walk hand in hand with You today.

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