Zechariah 10

Message: The Lord will restore His people

Time: The focus remains on the first coming of Christ. This is taking place after the completion of the temple. 480-470BC

What the Lord is Saying:

• The Lord promises a restoration for his people. 
• He will send rain, restoring their pastures (crops) to abundance. 
• His people need a shepherd, otherwise they walk lost and aimless, trusting in pipe dreams.
• A shepherd has the power of making the flock strong and glorious. 
• God will send a Cornerstone
• The Cornerstone will make His warriors mighty
• His warriors will trample their enemies because the Lord will be with them. 
• The Lord will strengthen His people because of His compassion. 
• He is their Lord and His people will have happiness because of something they take in apart from themselves (like wine). 
• They will listen to me when I call. 
• The few remaining will grow numerous.
• Though they are spread out, they will be united. 
• And they will one day be regathered. 
• The Lord makes His people strong. 

"By my authority, they will go wherever they wish." - not sure what this means

What I see from this passage is our need for a shepherd. Without a shepherd, the sheep or we, wander, trusting in words from others that never really lead us down the right path. Being in Christ, being with the Lord, means being guided by Him and what results by being in Him is a joy or happiness that in a way, is outside our knowing of how this happens. Like the way drinking wine effects us.

Verses 1-3 remind me of how little has changed in history. Sure, we have changes, but in the end, many look for guidance from idols and people that they think are making sense, rather than trusting in the Lord, the Shepherd. And then the sheep struggle remaining faithful. That's why, as I study God's word, I'm amazed by the phrase "be careful." It is a phrase I see often in Scripture. We must be careful for it is easy to be veered off course, even from those that are over us.

Lord, I pray you would gather Your sheep and Your sheep would hear your voice. Lord, make me more dependent on You. Help me to see that my strength is found in your camp and following after you. Thank you for calling me.

Promise: The Lord makes His people strong.

Jesus Calling: March 7

    Let Me help you through this day. The challenges you face are far too great for you to handle alone. You are keenly aware of your helplessness in the scheme of events you face. This awareness opens up a choice: to doggedly go it alone or to walk with Me in humble steps of dependence. Actually, this choice is continually before you, but difficulties highlight the decision-making process. So, consider it all joy whenever you are enveloped in various trials. These are gifts from Me, reminding you to rely on Me alone.

Psalm 63:7-8
English Standard Version for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

James 1:2-3
Amplified Bible
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

My Prayer
Lord, you are my help and my anchor. I cling to you Lord. Your right hand, salvation, my protection, my refuge -- Lord, you are all those things for me and you sustain me not just through the moment of the day, but throughout eternity. Remind me of the importance of trials in my life. I need them. I need to train myself in endurance and steadfastness and patience. Help me to stop running to other sources to fix my trials and make sure they are short-lived rather than seeking You. Continue to help me rely on You.

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

Jesus Calling: March 6

    Continue on this path with Me, enjoying Presence even in adversity. I am always before you, as well as alongside you. See Me beckoning to you: Come! Follow Me. The One who goes ahead of you, opening up the way, is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand. I am not subject to limitations of time or space. I am everywhere at every time, ceaselessly working on your behalf. That is why your best efforts are trusting Me and living close to Me.

Hebrews 7:25
English Standard Version
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Psalm 37:3-4
English Standard Version 
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

My Prayer
(3/6/14) - Lord, may I find comfort today in You. Help me to recognize Your nearness in my conversations, in my daily disciplines. You are there. Draw me closer to You. 
(3/6/17) - Lord, sometimes the adversity in my life is challenges I place on myself. Lord, my anger, which has always been a problem with me, got the best of me Saturday night when I laid into my son because he wasn't listening to me and heeding my call. So, I went to yelling and cursing to demand his adherence. But I showed him then how to deal with situations in life that are unwelcome. Lord, I get concerned that I am training my children at times to not deal with their problems correctly, and instead to yell things. My 16 year old son proceeded to punch a hole in the wall, thus he demonstrated his anger. Lord, forgive me. I hate those times because it is hard to see myself as Your child and be accepted into your presence for I act in a manner that is not befitting for a child of God. I fail and it feels like I am distancing myself from you through those actions. Thank you that I took the time to seek out reconciliation with my son and offered my apology but I still think I permanently misdirected the ship of life into a course that does not glorify you. Lord, help me to stay in Your Presence and even for my kids to stay in Your Presence. I realize I make mistakes and that I often get in the way of my own growth, but bring me back to the cross. Remind me that you are there, close. And I need to trust in You. Help me to learn how to deal with these situations where my kids are simply challenging my authority.


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

Jesus Calling: March 5

    Make friends with the problems in your life. Though many things feel random and wrong, remember that I am sovereign over everything. I can fit everything into a pattern for good, but only to the extent that you trust Me. Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece I created you to be. The very same problem can become a stumbling block over which you fall, if you react with distrust and defiance. The choice is up to you, and you will have to choose many times each day whether to trust Me or defy Me.

    The best way to befriend your problems is to thank Me for them. This simple act opens your mind to the possibility of benefits flowing from your difficulties. You can even give persistent problems nicknames, helping you to approach them with familiarity rather than with dread. The next step is to introduce them to Me, enabling Me to embrace them in My loving Presence. I will not necessarily remove your problems, but My wisdom is sufficient to bring good out of every one of them.

Romans 8:28

Amplified Bible (AMP)

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24

English Standard Version (ESV)

but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

My Prayer

Lord, what a great reminder. That you are Lord over my problems and can use them for my benefit. How quickly I want to get our from under them and how you want me to see that You can use them for my benefit. I want to react with trust. Help me to work through them in a way that glorifies you. I live in less than perfect surroundings, but You are perfect and can show Me the right way. I too quickly seek my solutions rather than waiting on You. Forgive Me Lord for thinking I know what is best. I want to rest in You. 

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

Jesus Calling: March 4

    Refuse to worry! In this world there will always be something enticing you to worry. That is the nature of a fallen, fractured planet: Things are not as they should be. So the temptation to be anxious is constantly with you, trying to worm its way into your mind. The best defense is continual communication with Me, richly seasoned with thanksgiving. Awareness of My Presence fills your mind with Light and Peace, leaving no room for fear. This awareness lifts you up above your circumstances, enabling you to see problems from My perspective. Live close to Me! Together we can keep the wolves of worry at bay.

Luke 12:25-26
English Standard Version
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
English Standard Version
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Once again, I am reminded of my dependence on the Lord. That walking and talking daily with Him is what will keep me on the right track and keep me in balance. Worry adds nothing to life. Instead rejoice.

My Prayer

Lift me up, Lord, to Your Level, so that I see my situations and problems from Your perspective. I can realize Lord that You are in control. You see the whole picture. Keep me away from worry and instead help me to do the opposite and rejoice in each day. Turn my concern and worry to prayer where I depend on Your strength and let You take care of my circumstances. My goal is to be thankful.

It seems amazing that I live in society with many comforts, and yet worry and anxiety remain present. Give me peace Lord even as there are situations in my life that are broken, relationships that aren't working out to my design, challenges, fatigue even after a good night's sleep, a mounting list of to-do's, through all of these, help me to rest and embrace the will of God in my life. Keep me centered on Your Gospel and how you have rescued me from judgment, sealing me in Christ.

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

Zechariah 9

Message: Prophecy of Jesus' first coming; 9 - Judgment and the Coming King

Time: Written after the Temple was Completed - 480-470BC

What the Lord is Saying: This chapter begins with a judgment that comes upon Hadrach (city north of Damascus; land of Aram), Tyre, Sidon and Hamath (Hamath is inland and north of Sidon).

Tyre has taken their wealth and erected a strong fortress around its city. But, the Lord will remove Tyre's possessions, throwing them into the sea, burning the city to the ground. The cities nearby will feel the effects. Their leaders will fall. Terror will hit them. And the Philistines and their idolatry to other gods will be their demise. The Lord will guard His temple.

The 2nd part of this chapter, verses 9-17 view the end of exile in terms of the Davidic king to Zion. This king will enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Verse 9 is quoted in Matthew and John with the so-called triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. The Lord will completely deliver His people (v. 11-17) after the Lord comes a second time (v.10).

Promise: The final rescue of God's people is not through a man riding on a big horse, but a perfect man riding on a weak and despised horse. It is unexpected. The focus is all on Christ and what He will do.

Jesus Calling: March 3

    I love you for who you are, not for what you do. Many voices vie for control of your mind, especially when you sit in silence. You must learn to discern what is My voice and what is not. Ask My Spirit to give you this discernment. Many of My children run around in circles, trying to obey the various voices directing their lives. This results in fragmented, frustrating patterns of living. Do not fall into this trap. Walk closely with Me each moment, listening for My directives and enjoying My Companionship. Refuse to let other voices tie you up in knots. My sheep know My voice and follow Me wherever I lead. 

Ephesians 4:1-6
English Standard Version
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

John 10:4
English Standard Version
When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

This does remind me of what I've been reading in Zechariah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. These books often speak of Israel's faithfulness and God does not welcome their actions of disobedience, but His gracious acts are because of who He is. It's not that He looks past the sin, but His goodness is greater than we could ever know. It's a great reminder of His love for us.

I need to pray and lean on the Spirit for His guidance. Walk closely with the Lord each day. The Lord is before us and we follow Him. Not because of what we see, but because of what we hear. We know His voice.

Walk. Walk in a way that mirrors what God has done for me. Be humble because He is humble. Be gentle towards others because He has been gentle towards Me. Have patience with myself and other people. Why? Because He has been patient with me. Come alongside one another in Love. Why? Because God's Spirit is in us and wants us to be united. There is oneness in Christ, in God, in faith -- so there must be oneness in each other. The oneness isn't a command because of anything but our position in Christ.

My Prayer
Lord, give me the strength each day to stand firm in Christ. I pray that I would practice humility, gentleness, patience, and a love community.

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

Zechariah 8

Message: Continuation from chapter 7, and God's reasons for the sacraments.

Time: The date here is December 4, 518 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: Here we are reminded that despite His people's actions, His love for them hasn't changed. "I will come to them stronger than ever and they will be My people."

Therefore, continue the task of rebuilding the temple. The Lord reaffirms His promises to His people.

Promise: Faithfulness was a prerequisite to blessing.

Jesus Calling: March 2

    I AM the resurrection and the Life; all lasting Life emanates from Me. People search for life in many wrong ways: chasing after fleeting pleasures, accumulating possessions and wealth, trying to deny the inevitable effects of aging. Meanwhile, I freely offer abundant Life to everyone who turns toward Me. As you come to Me and take My yoke upon you, I fill you with My very Life. This is how I choose to live in the world and accomplish My purposes. This is also how I bless you with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory. The Joy is Mine, and the Glory is Mine; but I bestow them on you as you live in My presence, inviting Me to live fully in you. 

John 11:25
English Standard Version
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

Matthew 11:28-29
English Standard Version
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9
King James Version
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

My thoughts
The crux of life: believing in Jesus. The reason is because it yields life, eternal life. We find rest only in Jesus. True rest in life is found in Him. The Word is so rich and provides Life to us. We have all that we need in Christ.

The phrase take my yoke upon you is an interesting one, possibly because yoke is not a word in my daily vocabulary. A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. Yoke is used as a metaphor by Jesus to help us see that we attach this crosspiece to our lives, almost me with the Spirit, relying on the strength of Christ who bears my burdens. The yoke in this sense is almost rest. We rely on Jesus. We learn from him. The effort of life which we often found so great of a burden, with Christ, relying on His strength, allows us to instead of work, it being rest for our souls.

 
My Prayer
Lord, I find comfort in You. Help me to run past my sin, to "go and sin no more," and yield to You. I want Your Life in me. Breathe in me and then help me as I live. To pray. To be bold for You. I need You. I want to rest in You. Take all my burdens that I run after, seeking a bigger piece of the pie, assuming I will find happiness, rescue me from those toils. As I experience difficult situations in my life, I want to lean on You and trust you for the outcome and rest in You. You are peace as I live in Your Presence.

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.

Zechariah 7

Message: Question about why we are fasting

Time: December 4, 518 BC

What the Lord is Saying: Another message from the Lord to Zechariah. A delegation had come to Jerusalem (Sharezer and Regemmelech and their attendants) from Babylon. They had a question: should we continue to fast?

Did they understand why they were fasting? And were they doing it with the right motives? The answer that they are given gives the idea that fasting wasn't even what it was about, but they chose to fast.

Rituals are only of value when the heart is right. Our motives must be correct.

This makes me think about any act we do or discipline we attempt before the Lord. The act isn't what is important, but the attitude of our heart is what matters.

Here God gave feast days and then the people turned it into fasting, but they didn't fast with their heart, but instead to follow a ritual.

We do things, thinking we are being obedient, ask God for something, and then are surprised why we don't get it. Our heart is off. And our lives are wrong.

Promise: God is so concerned about our heart. When the heart is wrong, the ritual is wrong.

Jesus Calling: March 1

    When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it. Bring Me your prayer and petition with thanksgiving, saying: "Thank You, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust You more." Though the lessons of trust that I send to you come wrapped in difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the cost.
    Well-developed trust will bring you many blessings, not the least of which is My Peace. I have promised to keep you in perfect Peace to the extent that you trust in Me. The world has it backwards, teaching that peace is the result of having enough money, possessions, insurance, and security systems. My Peace, however, is such an all-encompassing gift that it is independent of all circumstances. Though you lose everything else, if you gain My Peace you are rich indeed. 

Philippians 4:6
New American Standard Bible
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Isaiah 26:3
New Living Translation
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Thoughts
She mentions how "the world has it backwards, teaching that peace is the result of having enough money, possessions, insurance, and security systems." I Timothy 4:7 talks about exercising oneself or training oneself to godliness. It's a verse that has always spoken to me because of the inverse, when we aren't training ourselves to godliness, we are getting trained by the world. The follower in Christ has been given the Spirit and He speaks, but I wonder if often our attachment to the world and its ways results in us not listening to the Holy Spirit as he speaks to us or listening and not responding.

My Prayer

I don't need to be anxious for anything in my life. When I have trouble, Lord, I am to turn to you and let you know about it. Keep me focused Lord on you and trusting you for the outcomes of my life. Lord, I get into the habit so often of thinking that through my good planning and preparations that I can have peace. I think that I create the peace in my life by having things. But, you remind me that peace is found in You because You are Peace. This doesn't mean that I won't have tough situations, just as it doesn't mean that I won't have great times. But, no matter what, You are there. I need to trust You and fix my thoughts on You. But I cannot do this on my own. I need Your strength to accomplish this.

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 29

    You are on the right path. Listen more to Me, and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way I designed just for you. Therefore, it is a lonely way, humanly speaking. But I go before you as well as alongside you, so you are never alone. Do not expect anyone to understand fully My ways with you, any more than you can comprehend My dealings with others. I am revealing to you the path of Life day by day, and moment by moment. As I said to My disciple Peter, so I repeat to you: Follow Me. 

Psalm 119:105
English Standard Version

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.

John 21:22
English Standard Version

Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
My Prayer
Lord, how I need that daily confirmation from you to let me know that You are in control and have me going in the right direction. You are the lamp and light to my paths. It is like I am a car and you are my headlights, showing me where to go. I can't travel without lights. You are the light. I don't think I really get this. I think that I think that I can go throughout life without your light. But, as a Child of God, you are there with me. But, sometimes I don't acknowledge it. It's not like I am giving you permission to work. You are working. My issue is I am not trusting and taking care of the things you have asked me to care of. It is simple: Follow.

And thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit to show me and direct me on your path. Your Word is my rule book, my lamp, and the light that shines forth from it lights my path. Lord these truths are wonderful from Sarah Young each day, but they are not meant to replace the reading and studying of Your Word. As the Psalmist says, it is Your Word that is my lamp. I thank  you that Jesus Calling can supplement my life and offer encouragement to my soul.

As Young says, I need to expect that those that do not embrace you and have not accepted you will not fully understand Your ways with me. I am not to conform to the world and its ways, but I am to stand as an alien and separate from their ways. So Lord, as I embark this day, there will be other voices - perhaps friends, perhaps the media, perhaps even a message from a TV or movie - that is not about You, but keep me close to You. listening to your Spirit as he speaks to me, lives in me, for I want to stay on your path.

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.

Zechariah 6

Message: Vision of Four Chariots and then the crowning of Jeshua, the High Priest

Time: Written during the building of the temple -- 520-516BC

What the Lord is Saying: 

4 Chariots (red horses, black horses (north), white horses (west), powerful dappled-gray horses (south)) coming from behind 2 bronze mountains. This represents the 4 spirits of heaven who stand before the Lord. This could depict our Creator's thorough knowledge of all that takes place on the earth. They are going to do his work. They are going to patrol the earth. The black horses have vented the anger of My Spirit in the north.

This vision could be a statement from the Lord to His people that the people can work on the rebuilding of the temple and he will keep things calm throughout the earth. Enemies would be kept at bay. 

-------------------

Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah will bring gifts of silver and gold from the Jews. Meet them and make a crown of the silver and gold to be worn by Jeshua. The passage then speaks of the Branch, but it appears to be distinct from Jeshua. The Branch will build the temple of the Lord (future temple, not the current one we have been talking about). He will receive royal honor and rule as king. He will serve as priest.

The crown didn't remain on Jeshua's head, but instead was placed in the temple as a memorial. 

Promise: Christ will rebuild His temple. Christ will rebuild His Church. He is the architect. He will finish the job no matter the opposition. The Church must be honored it all its forms. 

Jesus Calling: February 28

    Stop judging and evaluating yourself, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes, a mixture of both. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.
    Don't look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people. The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love. Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. Nothing could be farther from the truth! I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation. This is how I see you: radiant in My robe of righteousness. When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-Face fellowship with me throughout all eternity. Immerse yourself in My loving Presence. Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace. 

Luke 6:37
English Standard Version
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

John 3:16-17
English Standard Version
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Isaiah 61:10
New American Standard Bible
I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Proverbs 3:11-12
English Standard Version
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.

Let God define my life. Be careful to observe all of the commandments. We need to be careful how we conduct ourselves every moment. If we are engaging in sin, we need to stop. God loves us, without condition, which means my performance is not earning His Love. Be the best I can be, within the context of His commands, but stoop grading life. Look forward each day for what God will do in our lives.

My Prayer

Lord, help me to live each moment for you, being careful what I do and say. I pray for your guidance through me and that I would honor You daily with my speech and conduct. Work in me to reflect You. I pray as I speak to others that You take care of outcomes. This is true in my life. The secret of my days in walking with you faithfully, not looking all around, at myself to determine if my road is correct, but trusting that following You leads me down the path that I need to be on. But, I must follow. If I don't follow you, I can't then make it out that I'm leaving in a proper manner, when I'm not.

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 27

    Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. 
    Your gravest danger is worrying about tomorrow. If you try to carry tomorrow's burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.

 

Psalm 73:23

English Standard Version

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.

1 Corinthians 10:13

English Standard Version

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

God is always there. Even in the midst of temptations, He is there providing a way out. We need to surrender to the Lord in adversity because our struggles are not a surprise to Him. Stay surrendered to the Lord today and let Him take care of the future.

My Prayer
Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You. Lord, you have created all so understanding me and my challenges and adversities is something You can handle. Help me to trust this. Lord, you know my tendency. It is to stay busy and active, to the point that I just don't think about the trials or difficulties. But maybe that is a good thing for it keeps me not thinking about those trials. Just keep me focused on eternal things.

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.

Interesting Thoughts - February 2014

Tabletalk (November 2013) – Created to Enjoy God Forever – Dr. John D. Currid – Man is not God, but he resembles God in many ways, and he is to imitate God. When God created mankind in the garden, they had direct access to Him. He spoke directly to them without a mediator, and He even appeared to them. When mankind fell into sin, every aspect of the human nature was twisted: reason, will, desire, emotion, body, and spirituality. God promised, immediately after the fall, to send a Redeemer who would come to set all things right.

Tabletalk (November 2013) – Holy Ground – Dr. T.D. Alexander – Exodus is a micro-picture of the biblical story of salvation. People are oppressed. God rescues them. God appears far removed. He is aware. Israelites cry out to God for help. God summons Moses. Moses encounters God. Moses stands in the presence of the Holy One. In Exodus, God makes himself known. Atonement, purification, and sanctification--all are necessary in order for the Israelites to become God's holy people. The Passover foreshadows Jesus Christ's sacrifice, coming, and love. Exodus concludes with the Holy One of Israel taking up residence at he very heart of the Israelite camp.

Tabletalk (November 2013) – The Holy of Holies – Rev. Daniel R. Hyde – In the Old Testament, we had the temple as the place of God's presence. In the Old Testament, he walked in the garden, wrestled with Jacob, burning bush, pillar of cloud. With the tabernacle it was His kingly house. The tabernacle was a type of God's dwelling. Now, "The Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us." Now He would dwell in their midst in grace and mercy.

Tabletalk (November 2013) – Because He Loves Us – Kevin Gardner – Isaiah 43:4 records the only time God says, "I love you." His actions constantly speak of His love. Here God punishes Babylon at the hands of the Persians in order to bring Israel back to the Promised Land. Jesus was punished for our sins in order to redeem us from the bondage of sin and death and rise us to new life in Christ.

Tabletalk (November 2013) - The Lord was with Him - Dr. David Murray - God loves humanity, but God hates sin. Humanity sins, thereby severing itself from God. Humanity deserves wrath, but God in mercy (not giving what humanity deserves) came down to humanity again to reconcile, to reestablish, to reconnect, and to re-commune. We were all sinners separated from God by sin, and distant from God by nature. Yet God drew near to them, drew them to Himself, and filled them with His own presence.

For the OT believer, it was a gift of faith in the coming Messiah. They experienced forgiveness of their sins and God's love shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit given to them. God came near and they had life again.

With God in our lives ("God with us"), a difference in our life results. God is personal, walking with us through life. It is not a force, but a person that is with us. God's presence in our lives is our goal. No matter what time of day, we can talk to Him, sing to Him, worship Him, and enjoy Him wherever, whenever, whatever.

That is the OT believer, looking forward. But, for us, it is more real. We look past to what has already occurred.

Jesus Calling: February 26

    I am leading you, step by step, through your life. Hold My hand in trusting dependence, letting Me guide you through this day. Your future looks uncertain and flimsy--even precarious. That is how it should be. Secret things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things. When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are Mine. This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to care for you.
    Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me. I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that. Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go. 

Deuteronomy 29:29

English Standard Version

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Psalm 32:8

English Standard Version (ESV)

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

I was reminded yesterday that the Presence of the Lord was the reason for the tabernacle in the Old Testament. This author speaks of Presence a lot and it was starting to gnaw on me and yet I was reminded that this was really the most precious thing and the real purpose and importance of building the temples, so that God's presence could be present with the people. But, when Jesus came, he dwelt among us or tabernacle-d among us. His presence was now with us.

That is the point of these prayers. God's presence is with us. He isn't distant. He is right there with us. He is giving us strength and promising for us a new life in Christ. We are to walk in Him daily, not thinking about the future, but today. We trust Him for tomorrow. If we worry, we repent. That is a good reminder to see my sin and then repent and turn from it. Acknowledge it. I am to enjoy life and sin masks the meaning of life.

My Prayer
Lord, help me to trust You for today and focus on today. May I not be worried or concerned about the future or things that I don't control. I pray that I would plan well, but not at the expense of trusting You. Forgive me for doubting you and worrying about the future.

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.

Zechariah 5

Message: Visions of people's sins

Time: Written during the building of the temple -- 520-516BC

What the Lord is Saying: The visions continue from Zechariah to Zerubbabel the governor and Judah the High Priest -- to encourage the rebuilding of the temple.

This time Zechariah sees a flying scroll with 2 sides. One side basically reminds the people of the command, "Do not steal." The other is the remind to not use the Lord's name as a curse word or blasphemy. The other vision was of a basket filled with sins. And two women flew and took the basket of sin away.

In these two visions we see the responsibility we each have to not sin, but we also see that the Lord removes sin from His people. Sin results in poor outcomes for people. But God has removed sin for having a hold on people for eternity. This signifies the final purification of God's people.

It is interesting that with the basket, sin is removed, but it is taken some place else. Sin will reside in a place where people that love it will reside with it. People in hell will be there because they want to be there. They prefer sin over God.

Promise: Hell is a real place. And the people there will be where they want to be. Living in sin.

Jesus Calling: February 25

    Rest in My Presence, allowing Me to take charge of this day. Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released. Instead, walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time. Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings Joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily. Your prayers and petitions are winged into heaven's throne room when they are permeated with thanksgiving. In everything give thanks, for this is My will for you. 

Colossians 4:2

English Standard Version

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

I need to learn to walk through my day and not be in a rush all the time. I'm in a rush often because of fear and thinking that I may not get done what I need to get done. It is good to be productive but if I'm rushing I may miss out on something important. I may miss out on talking to a person and sharing the Love of Christ with them because I am too busy with my activities. I need to always make time for people, especially as the manager I am.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

New American Standard Bible

in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I don't think this can be over-emphasized. "In everything give thanks." As I work and live, I notice that our tendency over and over is to complain, be critical, judge, wonder what is going on, why things are happening the way they are, in turn questioning God, seeking our own outcomes, which often means sinning -- and yet we see these two verses and the reminder that we need to give thanks. We are not all supposed to be news reporters regarding the events of our lives and this world, ready to give an opinion for everything that is happening. But instead, give thanks. This means we trust God.

My Prayer
Father, focus me daily on Your hand of providence. I surrender to You. Help me to accept what You provide. I want to have a thankful heart.

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.

Zechariah 4

Message: A lamp stand and 2 olive trees.

Time: Written during the building of the temple -- 520-516BC

What the Lord is Saying: What is the significance of these visions? They obviously serve multiple purposes. Each vision depicts something that is to be communicated. But, there is also an overall message.

(1) There is a confirmation that Zechariah or the angel has been sent by the Lord. Zechariah and what he hears and learns can be accepted because it comes from the Lord. "Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven's Armies has sent me."

(2)  The Lord takes great joy in the work of His people. "the Lord rejoices to see the work begin."

(3) The Lord wants to be praised. He is the author and we are to praise the author. "May God bless it! May God bless it!

Now in this story, there are two things that are seen in the vision. Both times the angel is startled or maybe even puzzled as to why Zechariah doesn't understand their meanings. Obviously, the situation at hand is the building of the temple.

(1) A solid gold lamp stand. This represents the Lord's strength and force which is His Spirit. When His Spirit, nothing stands in its way.  The people need to realize that God is there with them, giving them His strength to build the temple.

(2) Two olive trees. This represents two heavenly beings that stand guard in the court. Perhaps Revelaton 11:3-12 answers who these two beings are, standing guard.

Promise: The Lord is protecting us at all times. O if we would just see this and take confidence in this. And believe Him.

Jesus Calling: February 24

    Be still in the Light of My Presence, while I communicate Love to you. There is no force in the universe as powerful as My Love. You are constantly aware of limitations: your own and others'. But there is no limit to My Love; it fills all of space, time, and eternity.
    Now you see through a glass, darkly, but someday you will see Me face to Face. Then you will be able to experience fully how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. If you were to experience that now, you would be overwhelmed to the point of feeling crushed. But you have an eternity ahead of you, absolutely guaranteed, during when you can enjoy My Presence in unrestricted ecstasy. For now, the knowledge of My loving Presence is sufficient to carry you through each day.

1 Corinthians 13:12
King James Version

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Today. Now. In comparison to the future or eternity with God. That is the contrast to look at here. We think we are illumined now and we are on this quest to gain more knowledge and understanding. And through that effort we feel confident. And yet, in this verse in 1st Corinthians, Paul wants to remind us and tell us clearly that this day, today, and the knowledge we have is nothing in comparison to the experience we will encounter in heaven. But, this does not mean that our knowledge will change to having all knowledge or that we could ever know God the way He knows us, but in comparison to today, in which we now see things with obscurity, in heaven, that will be gone and we will see clearly. 


Ephesians 3:16-19
English Standard Version
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

We are strengthened not by our own doing, but by the riches given to us by the Lord, through His Spirit. And we know then that Christ wants to dwell in us through faith. God wants to fill us with his fullness and His ways. He didn't come just to save, but to live in us. Yield to the Spirit. 

My Prayer
Lord, change my ways. I pray that my will would be surrendered to You. Thank you for comforting me today and giving me clarity. My strength today is based upon You working through me. Help me to look forward to heaven and being with you face to Face. 

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.

Zechariah 3

Message: The vision of being presented as a new man, snatched out of the fire, and ready to serve.

Time: Written during the building of the temple -- 520-516BC

What the Lord is Saying: Another vision. Zechariah was shown Jeshua, the high priest. Satan was there accusing Jeshua. And the Lord comes to the rescue, offering protection to his chosen.

Jeshua dirty clothes, dirty covering, sins were taken away and he was given fine new clothes. The Lord declared that Jeshua had been rescued like a burning stick from the fire. He was given new clothes. He was made a new creature.

The call to Jeshua was then to follow the Lord, serve Him carefully and then the Lord would give him authority over the Temple.

In the future, the Branch will come and the sins of the people and land will be removed in a single day. Neighbor with neighbor will sit.

-- Here we can see a picture of Jesus our Lord and being justified by faith, receiving righteousness and it being imputed to our record. 

Promise: God alone removes the guilt of sin and clothes His people with pure garments, a righteousness not our own, making peace with us in Christ.

From Tabletalk, November 27, 2013 -- "Just as Solomon and Zerubbabel, sons of David, built God's temple during the old covenant period, so does Jesus Christ, the final son of David, build God's temple today during the new covenant period. Unlike the temple of old, however, Christ does not build merely with human hands. As the God-man, He is the divine temple builder who is building His church into a holy temple, a clean sanctuary that will endure forever."

Jesus Calling: February 23

    Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don't even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it, you are on the way down. It is ever so much harder to get out of the pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why i tell you to be on guard.
    There are several ways to protect yourself from self-pity. When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit. Live in the Light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me. Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling. 

Psalm 89:15-16

English Standard Version

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,

    who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

who exult in your name all the day
    and in your righteousness are exalted.

Hebrews 12:1-2

New American Standard Bible

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I think the verses here are a better representation of the need. We are to submit and surrender to the Lord and let His Presence define our lives. Our focus is not to be on self, but on praising the Lord. The point is that I can at times get too focused on me that I forget the value that Christ has in me. I forget the new creature that I am and forget the hand of providence that he has in my life. 

My Prayer

Lord, set my ways, my walk on You. Help me to praise Your name throughout the day. You are there with me. You are there protecting me. Let me lay aside the worry and put aside the sin that really tangles me up. Instead turn me to run the race of following after Your commands and ways. You are my model Lord. Fix my eyes on You.

Lord, I admit, I am too focused on my problems right now. I feel almost a tug of war happening between problems, things I can't control, and surrendering to You. Lord, help me to put it in your hands. It is hard to watch your children make decisions that have immediately bad results. And its hard when they don't see any problem. It is like they are blind. But, I see it. i want them to demonstrate good habits -- now. I don't want to wait. 

But, you remind me it is a journey and not a sprint. And what i do want to do is give them to you. Help me to not give up and to realize that problems are a part of life. I guess I was getting comfortable and just enjoying good times, but Lord, I can still have peace in my life. 

Keep me on guard against the pit of self-pity. Keep me standing up, upright, firmly rooted in your foundation, believing that You can take care of this. Granted, I am impatient. I want it to be over now. Right now. But, though it isn't over, I can still trust You. 

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.

Zechariah 2

Message: Vision: Future prosperity and the angels are called home

Time: Written during the building of the temple -- 520-516BC

What the Lord is Saying: Zechariah sees another vision. This time he sees a man with a ruler in his hand. The man was headed to Jerusalem to measure its width and length. Then the angel with me saw a second angel that told me to hurry that man for Jerusalem will be full of people one day and there won't be room enough for everyone. And the Lord states that He will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem. He will protect his people, even though they are large in numbers.

The Lord reminds his people that he will protect them. He won't be distant, but he is coming to live among them. God is near. He will come. The Lord is active. All humanity will know that God is with His people.

Promise: The Lord will protect His people. "The Lord loves us so deeply and thoroughly that He will not let those who impenitently rise up against us finally get away with it. God never forgets His children. (Tabletalk, November 25, 2013)"

Jesus Calling: February 22

    You need Me every moment. Your awareness of your constant need for Me is your greatest strength. Your neediness, properly handled, is a link to My Presence. However, there are pitfalls that you must be on guard against: self-pity, self-preoccupation, giving up. Your inadequacy presents you with a continual choice--deep dependence on Me, or despair. The emptiness you feel within will be filled either with problems or with My presence. Make Me central in your consciousness by praying continually simple, short prayers flowing out of the present moment. Use My Name liberally, to remind you of My Presence. Keep on asking and you will receive, so that your gladness may be full and complete.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
New Living Translation
Never stop praying.

John 16:24
Amplified Bible
Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.

My Prayer
Lord, I need thee, every hour I need thee. O bless me now, my savior, I come to thee. Either I rely on You for strength or I sink in despair. Lord, how easily it is for me to try and work out life away from you. How much I try to do this each day, relying on My own strength, not turning to You for strength. My wife who wanted to pray over the faucet we were changing out the other day and yet I shrugged and didn't give it value. Lord, I want You to be central in my consciousness. Lord, help me to stay faithful in praying. I can't do it on my own and on my own I will waiver. I need thee.

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 21

    Trust and Thankfulness will get you safely through the day. Trust protects you from worrying and obsessing. Thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining: those "sister sins" that so easily entangle you.
    Keeping your eyes on Me is the same thing as trusting Me. It is a free choice that you must make thousands of times daily. The more you choose to trust Me, the easier it becomes. Thought patterns of trust become etched into your brain. Relegate troubles in the periphery of your mind, so that I can be central in your thoughts. Thus you focus on Me, entrusting your concerns into My care. 

Colossians 2:6-7
English Standard Version
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Psalm 141:8
English Standard Version
But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

1 Peter 5:7
English Standard Version
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

My Prayer
Lord, help my life to center on and be reminded of trust and thankfulness. May you use these truths as guides through my life. Lord, may I trust you in all things and be truly thankful for the gifts that you have given me. Forgive me Lord. I get impatient and want things my way right now and this leads me into realms of replacing you with my wants and desires. I spit in the face of your hand of providence and pursue my own realities. Lord, I want to turn from my evil ways and walk in You. I pray that my roots would be in You and when I am troubled you would be my refuge. You care Lord which means I don't have to worry. I want to believe that Lord. Help me to believe in You completely each day. 

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.