Zechariah 1

Message: Zechariah is sent to encourage the people to rebuild God's temple and gives them a vision of things to come.

Time: Zechariah 1-8 - Written during the building of the Temple (520-518BC); Zechariah 9-14 - Written after the temple was completed (480-470BC); Zechariah 1 - 2nd yr of King Darius's reign (Darius reigned 34 years)

What the Lord is Saying:

God speaks through Zechariah (and Haggai) to stir up the hearts of the people and renew their labor in building the temple. Haggai focused on the religious life of the people; Zechariah focuses more on the national and political. His ministry extended over 2 years. 

The rebuilding of the temple is significant because as long as the temple is left unfinished, the people were being disobedient to the Lord's commands regarding old covenant worship. And so the real problem may look like an unfinished temple, but in reality it is a problem of the heart of the people. Their sin reigns in them. They care not of the Lord's commands. 

Zechariah 1 - the message is to return to the Lord. Previous leaders have called Israel/Judah to return to the Lord or turn from your evil ways. Evil acts yield not a prosperous life.

Zechariah will see 8 visions (not dreams). Here we have the 1st one.

• An angel was talking to Zechariah, explaining the vision
• Man sitting on a red horse, standing among myrtle trees in a small valley
• Behind him were riders on red, brown and white horse. 
• The man sitting (rider) on the red horse explained
• These are the ones (riders) sent to patrol the earth
• Riders Report -- We have been patrolling and the whole earth is at peace
• Angel's Response is a Prayer
• O Lord of Heaven's Armies, you have been angry with Jerusalem and the towns of Judah for 70 years. When will you show mercy? 
• The Lord spoke kind/comforting words to the angel
• The Angel to Zechariah
• The Lord says, "My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong."
• The Lord says, "My anger is for those other nations enjoying peace and security. I was angry with my people, but the other nations inflicted a greater pain on my people than I intended."
• So, "The Lord is returning to show mercy on Jerusalem. My temple will be rebuilt. Jerusalem will be reconstructed. The towns of Judah will overflow with prosperity. The Lord will comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as his own."
• Four animal horns
• These are the nations that scattered Judah/Israel/Jerusalem
• Four blacksmiths
• Coming to terrify those nations, throw them down and destroy them

Promise: The message to rebuild the temple is really a message to the people to confront their sin and remember the Lord's commands. The Lord does this through Zechariah by calling them to recognize their evil, their sin and then to turn from their evil ways -- to repent. The immediate response is the simple recognition that evil acts disobey God and we must ask forgiveness. God wants a heart yielded to Him and then our deeds show our love to the Father and those deeds result in a prosperous life. But, the deeds aren't there to yield God's acceptance.

Jesus Calling: February 20

    Learn to live from your true Center in Me. I reside in the deepest depths of your being, in eternal union with your spirit. It is at this deep level that My Peace reigns continually. You will not find lasting peace in the world around you, in circumstances, or in human relationships. The external world is always in flux--under the curse of death and decay. But there is a gold mine of Peace deep within you, waiting to be tapped. Take time to delve into the riches of My residing Presence. I want you to live increasingly from your real Center, where My Love has an eternal grip on you. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory. 

Colossians 3:15

English Standard Version

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 1:27

English Standard Version

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Philippians 4:6-7

English Standard Version

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Thoughts
Where do I go to look for peace? In my circumstances. Safeguarding my environment. Safeguarding my house. Making sure all my needs are met. But, abiding by the commandments of the Lord, being careful to live according to His word -- this is the way to find true peace because it is by doing these things that we will prosper and have success.

Christ is my peace. Be thankful. Rest in His calling.

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for offering security through You. Thank you for the peace you provide, which surpasses all understanding. I pray that I would reside in this peace. I pray I would see daily that my peace can only be found in Christ. That is where I want to live.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: February 19

    You are feeling weighed down by a plethora of problems, both big and small. They seem to require more and more of your attention, but you must not give in to those demands. When the difficulties in your life feel as if they're closing in on you, break free by spending quality time with Me. You need to remember who I AM in all My Power and Glory. Then, humbly bring Me your prayers and petitions. Your problems will pale when you view them in the Light of My Presence. You can learn to be joyful in Me, your Savior, even in the midst of adverse circumstances. Rely on Me, your Strength; I make your feet like the feet of a deer, enabling you to go on the heights. 

Exodus 3:14

English Standard Version
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

Habakkuk 3:17-19
English Standard Version
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

Thoughts
Retreating to the Lord rarely is my first option when problems arise. Instead, I often will figure out a way on my own to feel better, sometimes this is talking about the problem, which in a way becomes gossip. I become more critical. I moan. I complain. I cry out, "woe is me." Sometimes I figure out a way to cope with it by engaging in sin, because I think and get accustomed to these acts making me feel good real quick. I am impatient often in these circumstances.

But, here I am reminded to do what Daniel did when problems came to him, he didn't change his course of action. He remained steady and continued to pray to the Lord three times a day. He stayed consistent in His walk with the Lord. I should take comfort in the words of Moses that God is "I Am" and he has been sent to me. In Habbakuk, I can be reminded that though all doesn't look right, I can rejoice in the Lord and take joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength.

My Prayer
Lord, change my habits and may I be in a habit of turning to you and continuing to retreat to You amidst all the circumstances of my life. Keep me close to You. Thank You for protecting me and raising me up. Thank you for the new life that is in You. Bring back the joy of my salvation.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: February 18

    I AM with you. These four words are like a safety net, protecting you from falling into despair. Because you are human, you will always have ups and downs in your life experience. But the promise of My Presence limits how far down you can go. Sometimes you may feel as if you are in a free fall, when people or things you had counted on let you down. Yet as soon as you remember that I am with you, your perspective changes radically. Instead of bemoaning your circumstances, you can look to Me for help. You recall that not only am I with you, I am holding you by your right hand. I guide you with My counsel, and afterward I will take you into Glory. This is exactly the perspective you need: the reassurance of My Presence, and the glorious hope of heaven. 

Zephaniah 3:17
English Standard Version
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Psalm 73:23-26
English Standard Version
Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Thoughts
The Lord is with me. He is beside me. He is in my midst. He thinks the best of me, rejoicing over me with gladness. He calms me in the mist of the turmoil of my day, month, year. He will sing over me. He holds my hand. He guides me. And He has a future for me. I am His favorite. He is the strength in my life and with me forever.

My Prayer
Lord, it is always a challenge to realize you are close, beside me, near me. But, show me this is true and continue to confirm yourself in me, each day. Truth and theology and promises are easy to read, but knowing you are near is tough for me. Be my comfort. Thank you for giving us the Word and the differences of the writers and speaking through those words in unique ways. I praise You. Thank you for being with me.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: February 17

    I am the Risen One who shines upon you always. You worship a living Deity, not some idolatrous, man-made image. Your relationship with Me is meant to be vibrant and challenging, as I invade more and more areas of your life. Do not fear change, for I am making you a new creation, with old things passed away and new things continually on the horizon. When you cling to old ways and sameness, you resist My work within you. I want you to embrace all that I am doing in your life, finding your security in Me alone.
    It is easy to make an idol of routine, finding security within the boundaries you build around your life. Although each day contains twenty-four hours, every single one presents a unique set of circumstances. Don't try to force-fit today into yesterday's mold. Instead, ask Me to open your eyes, so you can find all I have prepared for you in this precious day of Life. 

Matthew 28:5-7
English Standard Version
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

2 Corinthians 5:17
English Standard Version
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Thoughts
We need to constantly be open to God and what He is doing. Be careful to not get comfortable in the sameness of your routines, to the point that you get comfortable with the boundaries that you have built around your life. Being new in Christ means God is doing new things and my life is not to be lived in the old patterns. Always in accordance to His will, His ways. Don't take too many trips down memory lane. Don't get ahead of yourself. Focus on today and what God is doing around you today.

My Prayer
Lord, I want to behold You each day. Thank you for the work you have done in my life and carrying me through the yesterday's. Now, I rely on You for today. Be new in me. There is great wonder in getting something new and I pray that I would enjoy new songs and new understand of Your word and new application. Help me to not get comfortable ever and help me to stay close to you, being careful to being obedient to all that you have commanded. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: February 16

    Thank Me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away,waiting impatiently to be active again. Some of the greatest works in My kingdom have been done from sick beds and prison cells. Instead of resenting the limitations of a weakened body, search for My way in the midst of these very circumstances. Limitations can be liberating when your strongest desire is living close to Me.
    Quietness and trust enhance your awareness of My Presence into you. Do not despise these simple ways of serving Me. Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms. My Strength and Power show themselves most effective in weakness. 

Zechariah 2:13
English Standard Version
Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

Isaiah 30:15
English Standard Version
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,

2 Corinthians 12:9
Amplified Bible
But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!

Thoughts

Enjoy the silence. Enjoy the quiet. Enjoy the break from activity. Welcome His Presence. Enjoy the sickness. I need the break. I need moments of retreat. 

I also find that most people are very quick to try to put forth themselves as not having done anything wrong, not wanting to admit mistakes or failures. People make excuses. And place the blame on others, but rarely themselves. But the Lord reminds us there is nothing wrong with our weaknesses. We know we have them even if we try hard to not be forthright about them. Go ahead and admit them and find your strength in the Lord. Don't abandon Him or His teaching, but continue on your way and continue to trust the Lord. 

My Prayer
Lord, you have reminded me today how much I need to be thankful throughout my days and this includes thanking you for quiet moments and times to just be still. Remind me daily to savor the quiet moments I have with You. It seems Lord too often I always have something going in front of me -- a TV show, movie, my phone, a book, the computer -- and yet rarely do I just take moments to sit and be still. I'm so quick to pray to get well from an illness, but help me to not run from sickness, but to use it as a reminder that I can depend on You and trust in You. Lord, I'm not good at trusting in you. I'm too comfortable with controlling all of my surroundings. Remind me to depend on you through weaknesses. As my children get older, I'm reminded more of how little control I have. That is a good thing because I need to depend on You More. Correct me when I fail and help me to own up to my mistakes before others. Your Grace, yes, your grace is sufficient for me.  You make your strength and power to be made perfect in my weakness. Help me to recognize this instead of not ever tetting go of my control.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Haggai 2

Message: Keep the work of rebuilding the temple going, press on, and an encouragement for Zerubbabel

Time: 520BC and 521BC, three to four years before the second temple was finished in 516BC (same time as Haggai 1)

What the Lord is Saying:

Haggai is a collection of four sermons the Lord sends through Haggai:

1. First Sermon, 1:1-11: Rebuild the Temple! (Leaders/People respond 1:12-15)
2. Second Sermon, 2:1-9: The Temple size is not the issue!
3. Third Sermon, 2:10-19: God's blessings will flow if the people obey and rebuild the Temple
4. Fourth Sermon, 2:20-23: The Universal Reign of the Messiah foreshadowed in Zerubbabel.

Haggai is in the middle of encouraging Judah to continue to rebuild the temple. The final glory of this temple could be great.

Second Sermon: - Temple Size is not the issue (2:1-9)

Haggai speaks to them and asks them to compare what they see now in the Temple to what they remember from the former Temple. They would see that the current temple looks much smaller. But, the charge is not to stop working, but to realize that the Lord is still with them. The Glory of the Lord remains still. His Spirit is present. The Lord is with them. Don't be afraid.

Third Sermon - God's blessings will flow because of Him and they will be able to rebuild the Temple (2:10-19)

Sin corrupts us. Sin defiles us. Sin doesn't just effect an area of our life, but it affects our entire being. Haggai 2:14 says, "Everything they do and everything they offer is defiled by their sin." The sin in our life defiles our whole life.  And yet we live life thinking that a little sin isn't a big deal. But sin in our life means that the fulness of life will not occur. Sin is uncleanness. Finish the temple so that you will be clean, for uncleanness affects many.

God declares that the blessing they receive is not a result of something other than His choosing of them. His promise comes.

Fourth Sermon - The Universal Reign of the Messiah foreshadowed in Zerubbabel (2:20-23)

God is in control. While it looks like kingdoms are acting on their own will, God is actually at work, serving His purpose. We must look at things from His Perspective and Seek His Purpose. The Lord has chosen us. He is charge.

Promise: The Lord remains with us, no matter what our surroundings look like. We must daily be careful and examine ourselves to remove the sin from us. It affects more than we think. Submit and surrender to the Lord. He is in control, so let Him reign.

Jesus Calling: February 15

    Come to Me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible with Me. 
    Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on Me. Recall that I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing.
    When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am your Shepherd. The bottom line is that I am taking care of you; therefore, you needn't be afraid of anything. Rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will. Thought this may feel frightening--even dangerous, the safest place to be is in My will.

Luke 1:37
English Standard Version
For nothing will be impossible with God.

Ephesians 3:20-21
English Standard Version
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 23:1-4
English Standard Version
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

We often look at our needs or circumstances and think there is no hope. But, if we started with the Lord, then we would begin with a focus on Him and Him carrying us through life and therefore, our needs and circumstances wouldn't be insurmountable. And then they wouldn't be impossible. We get so wrapped in what we see and forget that God is there and He is working. Rather than trying to get Him to align Himself with us, we need to get ourselves aligned with Him. 

We must never get His power and His power in us as we surrender to Him. Again, we want to Him to bless what we have versus seeing what we have as a blessing from Him. Do I start with me or do I start with Him? Let God be glorified and praised because God is at work and His power is working through me, so what seems unlikely is because I'm looking at it through my eyes instead of His. 

Sheep just live and accept their lot. They don't want. Because they trust their shepherd and His provision. And He provides greenery, water, sustenance for life. He sets me on the right course. Trials will come, tough times will be there, but no need to fear, for He is with me, there to comfort me.

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for the reminder that You are there. Forgive me Lord for trying to determine my way. Help me instead to submit and surrender to You and accept what You provide. You are indeed able to do more than I can imagine. Thank you for being my shepherd. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: February 14

    Give yourself fully to the adventure of today. Walk boldly along the path of Life, relying on your ever-present Companion. You have every reason to be confident, because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life--and onward into eternity.
    Do not give in to fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them. Fix your eyes on Me, the Author, and Perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them. Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am holding you by your right hand. Nothing can separate you from My Presence!

Hebrews 12:2
English Standard Version

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Isaiah 41:13
English Standard Version

For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you.”

With Jesus as our guide and source of life, we cannot go wrong. Jesus isn't simply a cane that we lean on, but he is a cot or bed we lay on and then He carries us. It is not as if we can do some things on our own without His help and guidance, but rather we are to rely completely on Him. He is with us. His Holy Spirit is our helper.

Because of this, strife cannot rob us. Difficulties will arise, problems will come, trials will assault us, but we can be confident through them all because Jesus is carrying us through them. Just focus on today and the moment, rather than anticipating tomorrow. So much of life today is revolved around anticipation. We fret about the future and complain about yesterday, but instead we must trust in Jesus now, grab a hold of His hand as he is reaching down to grab us. 

My Prayer
Lord, thank you that dying on the cross, resurrecting, living a perfect life--that these events weren't just things that happened in the past to place me with you forever in heaven. Yes, they did that, but you are with me right now. It is in You that I have strength right now. Yes, you died for me, but you live with me. You carry me. Help me to rely on You each day and not try and do life on my own, in my own power. Show me what it means to rely on your strength and for you to carry me through the ebbs of life. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: February 13

Peace be with you! Ever since the resurrection, this has been My watchword to those who yearn for Me. As you sit quietly, let My Peace settle over you and enfold you in My loving presence. To provide this radiant Peace for you, I died a criminal's death. Receive My Peace abundantly and thankfully. It is a rare treasure, dazzling in delicate beauty yet strong enough to withstand all onslaughts. Wear My Peace with regal dignity. It will keep your heart and mind close to Mine. 

John 20:19-21
English Standard Version
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them,“Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

John 14:27
English Standard Version
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Peace is a word that is thrown around a lot today. In the Bible the word peace is used more than 250 times to denote many different meanings. The root word in the Hebrew speaks to well-being, wholeness, soundness and completeness. In the New Testament, the Greek word denotes the opposite of war and conflict and ultimately Jesus is described as the peace which unifies humanity and reconciles humanity with God through His death.

From the verses above we see that peace is a gift from the Lord Jesus. It is something we need. Without it we try to get it on our own or our lives are lived anxiously and nervously. Our lives are often lived in fear because tomorrow is an unknown. We work hard to be safe from the unknown and we think that through our own power and knowledge we can erect peace and give peace to people, but peace really only comes from the Lord Jesus.

Peace is something He gives us and then we carry with us. It isn't something we create or manufacture or visualize. It is not of our own doing. That is the point of the words above. Peace is provided by Jesus through His death.

My prayer:

Lord, help me daily to not look elsewhere for peace, but to realize daily that as I submit and surrender to You, peace will overcome me. I don't want to be distracted, looking at my surroundings to define my well-being, but instead may I see you standing there, offering peace to me. And as I walk in this world, may I carry only your peace. Define peace in my life. Guard my life with your peace. Thank You for choosing to save me and make me whole in You. Draw people to yourself so they may encounter the true Peace that is in You.

This peace only comes from you. Your peace is different from any other peace that may be provided by culture or the world. There is only peace in Christ because in Christ we are made righteous. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Haggai 1

Message: Charge to Resume Building the Temple

Time: 520BC, four years before the second temple was finished in 516BC

What the Lord is Saying:

Haggai is a collection of four sermons:

1. First Sermon, 1:1-11: Rebuild the Temple!
1. The leaders and people respond: 1:12-15
2. Second Sermon, 2:1-9: The Temple size is not the issue!
3. Third Sermon, 2:10-19: God's blessings will flow if the people obey and rebuild the Temple
4. Fourth Sermon, 2:20-23: The Universal Reign of the Messiah foreshadowed in Zerubbabel.

Haggai begins with a message that came from the Lord, but it came specifically - on August 29, of the 2nd year of King Darius's reign, through Haggai, to Zerubbabel--son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua--son of Jehozadak, the high priest. This is of interest because it is so specific; the message being so clear. O that we would receive God's word in a similar fashion. O that we would think that God's word is being declared specifically to us.

Haggai begins with a problem and that is that the time to rebuild the temple (house of the Lord) is not yet here. The rebuilding of the temple has been halted. The people are more concerned about bettering their home lifestyle than focusing on the temple. There is a lot of work going on in their lives. They are doing things, and yet aren't seeing the results that they think probably would come from doing the hard work. (Is this similar to my life? Do I work hard and yet not see results? Is it because I am not taking care of those things that matter most? Right now, I feel like we are in a state of monetary recovery and it is at the expense of giving and savings. Am I getting more behind?)

The Lord is clear in this message that His priorities are what matters most. The building of the temple, of His house is what is key. It should be a priority to the people. So, what does this mean for us today? What priorities are there of the Lord that we are not taking seriously and instead busying ourselves with our own well-being? Personal well-being. Financial security. Entertainment. Personal enjoyment. Is the church being neglected?

The Lord states:

• I will be honored when you build the temple. 
• I blew your harvest away. 
• I withhold the dew, thus no crops. 
• I have called for a drought on your fields and hills. 
• A drought to starve you and your livestock. 
• All your hard work is for nothing.

And the people responded to Haggai's words and responded by being obedient to the message from the Lord their God.

Promise: Don't take the Lord's words lightly. His priorities are to be our priorities. When we submit to His ways, things will go well for us.

Daniel 12

Message: The Time of the End

Time: Third year of Cyrus the Persian (~535/536 BC) - a continuation of the Daniel 10 vision

What the Lord is Saying: 

Verse 1 declares a future final deliverance of the saints - "every one of those written in the book (of Life) will be rescued," specifically the elect of Israel. And at thi time there will be a great distress. Distress is the Greek word tsarah and is translated with the word thlipsis (tribulation) as sheer, physical pressure, as when pressing grapes. It conveys the idea of being squeezed or placed under pressure or crushed beneath a weight. When, according to the ancient law of England, those who willfully refused to plead guilty, had heavy weights placed on their breasts, and were pressed and crushed to death, this was literally thlipsis.(Source: http://preceptaustin.org/daniel_12_commentary.htm)

Verse 2 refers to those who have been asleep, which is a metaphor for death. When the body is in a grave it is inactive, thus in a state of sleep. Both deceased believers and deceased unbelievers will be raised, reunited with their spirit, to spend eternity in bodily form. Thus, two resurrections

Verse 3 points to our mission here. We are to shine as bright as the sky. We are to lead many to righteousness or saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We don't convert, but we lead, we show them the way. But, our lives are to be a testimony of our condition in Christ. As a leader, people only know to follow when our voice is raised.

Verse 4 speaks of Daniel and his need to seal this book. To seal something is to close it up so that no one will add to it. Times will change, knowledge will increase, but this message will not change. It is sealed.

Verse 5 - Two more stood on opposite sides of the river. Could this be two more angelic beings?

Verse 6 - How long until these events are over? Not, when will these begin, but when will they end.

Verse 7 - The man raises both hands. We often raise one hand to state an oath and scripture supports this, but this man raises both hands, thus symbolizing the highest degree of assurance one could provide. The time expressed is 1260 days or 3 1/2 years and will consummate with the utter defeat of Israel by her enemies. We have multiple examples of Israel's demise by their enemies in scripture, but this is when it is final, as it comes to an end.

Verse 8 - We are told throughout scripture to be careful. We are to be careful with our conduct and our understanding of truth. And here as well is the proclamation that though words have been stated, there is still not clear understanding. This is tough truth, tough in the sense, that it is not easy to understand.

Verse 9 - And the response to Daniel's request for clarity is for him to go. He is to continue to live and persevere and proclaim the name of the Lord. As in Daniel 6, when a law was decreed that people were only to pray to Darius, the response of Daniel was to not change his life, but to continue to pray. So, yes, be careful to understand the words, but also realize they are sealed and we can't add to them. We must leave them intact. They are static, but our lives are to be lived with a focus on leading people to righteousness.

Verse 10 - This verse context is not meant to explain the history of the church and its people and what they experience, but it remains in the context of the 3 1/2 years and what will be experienced by those present during that time. Believers will understand these times because of the insight given to them by God. The wicked will lack understanding because God will not have revealed to them.

Verse 11 - There will be a future rebuilt of the Jewish temple and it will be desecrated. And at this time an object or person will be worshiped for 3 1/2 years.

Verse 12 - Despite the worship of this man/object, the blessed are to wait and remain, continuing their actions described in verse 9.

Verse 13 - To everyone else, go do what you have been doing, again the same words I mentioned in verse 9. Keep serving the Lord. To Daniel, you will at some point die, and then you will rest, thus not experiencing any of these acts of the 7 years and then will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you. An inheritance is something we receive as a gift. It is not something we earn.

Promise: God holds the future in his hands. Seek to understand it, indeed, but realize it is a plan that is sealed and can't be changed, so focus instead more on the life that you are to live in the hear and now and that is one of faithfulness to the Lord and leading people to righteousness. And in the end, God will take care of your reward.

Daniel 11

Message: Detailed prophecy regarding four Kings of Persia

Time: Written around 538 BC

What the Lord is Saying: This chapter serves as one of the most attacked Bible chapters with the idea that this is a historical chapter written years after the event rather than a prophetic chapter. One scholar believed there are 135 fulfilled prophecies in this chapter and because so many, it can't be written before the events it denotes. The real problem is not accepting this chapter but then what that would mean to the rest of the truth in the Bible and accepting it.

Promise: God's word holds true and is trustworthy.

Daniel 10

Message: Daniel receives a vision and a visitor that gives him strength to hear.

Time: Third year of Cyrus the Persian (~535/536 BC)

What the Lord is Saying: Daniel has another vision concerning future times - war and hardship. The vision came at a time of mourning for Daniel.

The vision. Daniel was standing on the bank of the Tigris River with other men, but Daniel and only Daniel saw this:

A man dressed in linen clothing.
The man had a a belt of pure gold around his waist.
His body looked like a precious gem.
His face flashed like lightning.
His eyes flamed like torches.
His arms and feet shone like polished bronze.
His voice roared like a large group of people.

From: http://www.preceptaustin.org/daniel_10_commentary.htmThe apostle John gives a description of the glorified Christ which has five similarities to Daniel's vision which are included here in parenthesis...
Rev 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle (waist girded with a belt of pure gold). 14 And His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow (face had the appearance of lightning); and His eyes were like a flame of fire (eyes were flaming torches); 15 and His feet were like burnished bronze (feet like...polished bronze), when it has been caused to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters (sound of his words like the sound of a tumult). (Rev 1:12-15-see notes)

And then this man spoke. When this happened Daniel fainted, no strength, pale and very weak, his face to the ground.

His words, "Don't be afraid. Your humble requests of prayer to God have been heard. I am here to answer your prayer. My way was blocked for 21 days by the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Michael, the archangel, helped me. So, now I am here to speak to you."

Daniel was speechless. Then the man touched his lips and he could speak.

"Lord, I am in anguish from this vision I have seen. I am weak. It doesn't make sense that I could be speaking to you, the way I know myself."

But, he said to Daniel, "Don't be afraid. You are very precious to God. Have peace. Be encouraged. Be strong." As the man spoke, Daniel felt stronger and wanted to hear more as strength had come to him.

The man said, "I am here to fight against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia and after this the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece. But first, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth."

Promise: God makes us strong. He is in control. We are his witnesses and get to witness what He is doing and how he is involved in the world we live in.

Daniel 9

Message: Daniel prays and Gabriel gives him a prophecy

Time: 1st year of Darius the Mede, son of Ahasuerus

What the Lord is Saying: Daniel mentions he learned, from reading the word of The Lord (from Jeremiah) that Jerusalem must be desolate for 70 years. In response Daniel (1) prayed (2) fasted (3) wore burlap and (4) sprinkled himself with ashes.

Daniel's prayer begins with adoration of God, reminding himself of God's promises and that God's keeps them for his people.

Daniel's problem, though, of him and his people is we:
(1) rebel against you God, ignoring God's commands and regulations
(2) refused to listen to your ambassadors

Daniel's condition is now "shame" - the painful feeling from a self-awareness of having done wrong

And now we are far from you God because you sent us away. God promised that our rejection of Him would yield curses and judgments.

Yet, we know that God has mercy and is forgiving and can look past our sin, though we still do not obey. When disaster befalls us, we can't be surprised. But God rescues His people.

But he pleads to the Lord, that because of God's mercy, would he turn his anger from the City of Jerusalem. Daniel knows that the people don't deserve kindness. He knows that their position is based upon God's kindness. They don't deserve help, but they ask for mercy.

Prophecy
Gabriel comes - to communicate a command and communicate a prophecy. A period of 70 sets of seven to finish their rebellion. 7 sets of seven + 62 sets of seven will pass from this command until the Anointed One arrives. But the Anointed One will be killed; a ruler will arise who will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, with war. The ruler will make a treaty for one set of seven. He will put an end the sacrifices and offering. And then mentions a sacrilegious object that causes desecration.

Promise: It is the Lord that is in control of our outcomes. His mercy brings us safety. We do not ever deserve His kindness, but instead is for God's grace and Mercy. Yet God's blessings may be delayed in our lives when we continue in sin.