Zech 7-9; Luke 13

Scripture - Zechariah 8:1- Again the word of the Lord Almighty came to me. This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her." This is what the Lord says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain."

Observation - I love these words. It is so refreshing to hear God say that He is jealous for His people. In Ezekiel, God had said that He had taken His special presence from Jerusalem, but when His people begin to call out to Him it draws Him back. He is so in love with His people that He is jealous for her and longs to be with her. I reflect back to the words in Genesis that describe God's desire for fellowship with His people. I am reminded that God truly wants to be with us and with His people. It is us that moves away from Him and by our actions push God away.

Application - I think the application for today is simple. Everything I do - and everything I think must draw the presence of God. He is jealous for my attention, He is jealous for my life, He is jealous for my praise, He is jealous for my love. God wants to be with me today and wants my attention to be on Him. God wants to be in close relationship with His people and does not want anything in my life to move me away from Him. I want to be on the mountain called Holy and in the City of Truth.

Prayer - Father I love you so much! I am so glad to be one of your children dwelling in the house of God. I am so anxious to see your hand move in my life and in my family. I pray god that You would help me to draw near to You today. I need your special presence more than ever before.

Ezra 4;Ps 113,127; Luke 9

Scripture - Luke 9 When Jesus called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons, and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Observation - Jesus sent them is a tremendous statement to me. He gave us all the power and authority that we need to get the job done. Too many are walking below our anointing level and think that we don't have the power to get through. Jesus gave the twelve that He called together power over the devil, over disease, over sickness and to preach the kingdom of God to all the world. It is when they came together than He gave them the power to overcome. When we are drawn to Christ we receive the power to overcome all that would oppose us and try to take us down.

Application - I think sometimes it is easy to think, as I am facing certain challenges, that I am not equipped for what I face. The truth is that as we were called together we have all that we need to make it through and to win every battle. Christ has given us authority. Christ has given us power. Sometimes I think that we forget that we have power that will drive out the demons, the sickness, the disease, and will preach to the nations. Christ gave us what we need to win.

Prayer - God help me to remember the power that you gave through Christ. Help me to remember that I don't have to take it from any devil anywhere. There is dominion because I am in you and you are in me. Thanks for keeping me and strengthening me and giving me what I need.

Ezra 2,3;Luke 8

Scripture - Luke 8:50-53 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.

Observation - I love this portion of scripture and often wonder why did he put everyone out of the room except Peter, James, John and the mother and father. He made everyone leave the room except these 5 people. There must have been some significance to those that remained. As I began to think about who the 5 were and what the task was that was at hand, It made sense to me that he would have surrounded himself with people that believe for what can happen. Peter, James and John had seen everything. They were the disciples that were on the inside track walking with him everywhere and seeing everything. They would have been the ones that would believe for this miracle. The mother and father are easy to understand. Who better to believe that a child can come back to life than a mother and father that so desperately want that very thing to happen.

Application - I was thinking about many of the tasks that I have to accomplish at the church. The task God has put before me requires much faith. I am trying to build a church in the most unchurched county in the nation. I am trying to preach the gospel to people that are not really receptive to it. I am trying to help people that are resistant to anything weird. I need the child to be revived. As I approach the tasks of my daily life I need people around me that will believe for the miracle. I need people in the room that will stand for what God is going to do. People that have faith to see the greatest of things happen. People that believe that God can do anything and wants to do them for us. We don't have time for unbelief. We don't have time here for the disbelief. We need those that are unified for the cause that will stand with the shepherd even when it looks like death has claimed the body. We are praying for miracles and we need to stand believing in the miracles.

Prayer - God surround me with Peter, James and John and the mother and father. God give me those that will believe in what you are doing and going to do in our region, our state and our nation. God we are going to revive your people, to wake them up and show them the great God that cares for them. Equip me with the resources to accomplish the mission.

Ezra 1;Ps 84-85;Luke 7

Scripture - Luke 7:11-17 Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. 12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. 16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying,"A great prophet has risen up among us"; and,"God has visited His people." 17 And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

Observation - Luke is the only writer that mentions this encounter. Matthew briefly discusses the fact that many were raised from the dead. I wonder what the reaction must have been that day as the people were carrying a coffin around the city on their way to the burial place. Ready to give it all up and follow through with the ritual of burying their dead. Putting this young man - whose life was cut short for what ever reason. The only son of his mother - her only way of taking care of herself in her old age - was now gone. She must have been at her wits end thinking what shall I do now? There is much despair in the early portion of this scripture. The dead body - carrying the coffin looking for the burial site. Then Jesus comes on the scene and changes everything. He touches the young man and speaks to him and brings him to life. This one act affected so many lives. The young man was now living, the mother now has her son and hope for the future, the people standing by get to see God in action and expand their faith.

Application - I think so many times in life we walk around with coffins in our hands looking for places to bury the dead things in our lives. We are in some ways like the mother who has no hope for the future. Everything I was working on is dead. Everything I love is dead. Everything I was hoping for is dead. We are walking around with that coffin in our hand looking for the proper burial place - we think it is all dead. But there is hope if we allow Jesus to touch our lives. He spoke words of life to the young man - "Young man, I say to you get up!" This is an exclamation. GET UP! I really believe that some times we just need to be told to GET UP!. Let God breathe life back into our dead lives and our dead situation. Just because it goes beyond human limitations does not mean that God is finished with it yet. Let Jesus touch your life...

Prayer - Father, I love you so much. I am so thankful that you can touch my life and bring life to otherwise dead circumstance. Even though I have packaged it and prepared it for the burial site you have the power to bring life back to it. God I place everything in my life in your hand. Tell me to Get Up and I am up.

Dan 5,6; Ps 130; Luke 3

Scripture - Luke 3:7-14 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him,"Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 10 So the people asked him, saying,"What shall we do then?" 11 He answered and said to them,"He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." 12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13 And he said to them,"Collect no more than what is appointed for you." 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."

Observation - John is paving the way here for Christ. He is the front runner and preacher to the nation and telling people that Christ is on the way but you have an opportunity now to change your life. To live according to repentance for salvation is at hand. John was "A voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord". He was speaking to all that were gathered there and gave them instruction for living. I think it is so profound - the fact that not only did John offer them salvation through Jesus, he also told them how to live it out. He said "produce fruit in keeping with repentance". In other words - act like you are saved. Act like you have a relationship with Jesus. Act like there is something greater than you working in your life. John didn't leave them at the altar but gave them something to function in their life with. John gave them instructions on how to change, how to exemplify Christ. They asked him - So what do we do now - and John had an answer. He instructed each of then how to impact their community.

Application - I believe the key to changing the world for Jesus is all of us that walking with him to employ the concepts that John is speaking of here. He tells the man with two tunics to share one of them, he tells the tax collector to stop cheating, he told he soldiers to be content with their pay. He told them all to bear fruit in keeping with repentance by changing how you relate to those around you. I have met so many people that have a relationship with Jesus and you couldn't tell it by talking to them. You couldn't identify any change in their life or any difference in the way they act. I am telling you we have the best kept secret on the planet. We have Jesus Christ! We need to begin sharing with one another, building up one another, loving one another and telling one another about the greatest message in the world. I live in a community with many needs. Probably not uncommon across the country. The people of God sharing their tunic, being honest in their work and being content with who they are can change the entire community around us. We need to start producing fruit in keeping with repentance.

Prayer - Father thank you for the word today. I need to continue to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Fruit that shows the world who I am in You. Father your will is that none should perish but come to repentance. Help me to be a front runner in showing the way.

Ezekiel 47-48; Luke 2

Scripture - Luke 2:36-38 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Observation - What a devout old lady. Anna was eighty four years old and spent her days in the temple worshiping, praying, and fasting in great anticipation of the coming savior. She simply spent her days waiting to see God. Disciplined to never leave the temple. She resolved herself to fast and to pray. Once she was in His presence she spent her time talking to anyone who would listen about the redemption of Jerusalem, the path to righteousness, the way to heaven. This was an eighty four year old woman that had set her mind that she was going to serve God. She only lived with her husband for seven years and didn't go looking for another one but resigned herself to serve Her God.

Application - There is so much that we can learn from the older members of our church. They have such discipline in their lives and such passion for serving God. The younger members that bring such a vibrancy and unbridled worship - can learn from the elder group that has been there and is still hanging in there in holy anticipation of their King. We have many in our churches that have resigned themselves to fast and pray and worship God. They are not looking for flashy or fancy - they simply want to touch Him and to see Him professed throughout the land. I am so encouraged by the elder saints that I am associated with. I look at them not as nuisance but as wisdom waiting to be unleashed on the church. Anna was dedicated to fast, pray and worship. We can learn from this little lady. We must resolve ourselves to hear the word of God and to fast, pray and worship. Having a longing to be in the temple...

Prayer - God help me to look at our Anna's with an anticipation of great wisdom. I know that as Anna was able to preach the redemption of Jerusalem at eighty four - you are looking for a generation that will stand in anticipation of seeing you, holding you and speaking of you. Help us to learn.

Ezekiel 45-46; Luke 1

Scripture - Luke 1:76-79 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

Observation - Zechariah is so overwhelmed with the joy for his son. He received a word from Gabriel that in his old age he was going to have a son with his wife that was well along in years. At the moment this word was spoken Zechariah could not see how there was any possibility of having a child. Yet God's ways are truly above are ways and God blessed Zechariah with a son. You can sense in the ready of the scriptures here - how proud Zechariah is with his new arrival. This boy was going places. God has a purpose for this child. He was born to do something great. Zechariah begins to sing out in song and speaks words directly to his son. Words that have been spoken to him by God. He speaks purpose into his son. He speaks God's direction into his son. He speaks prophetically over his son. Zechariah, while overwhelmed with joy, never loses sight that he has been given this child to raise so that God can fulfill a purpose.

Application - The reading today truly inspired me. I get lost in the words overwhelmed by emotion with Zechariah's response. I wonder what could happen if more of us knew the will of God for our children and could speak words like Zechariah over them. If from the time they were born, if they could constantly hear "You have been born with a purpose." - "God has given you to this world to do something great." I listen to the words of Zechariah as he says "You will give God's people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins". He is speaking right to John and telling him that "boy you are going to change the landscape of this world". Zechariah speaks words of purpose over his child and determines to raise him to meet that purpose. I believe many of us need to begin speaking words of purpose over our children. Do we understand God's devine plan for their life? Do we know what God wants to do with them? Do we tell them that they are going to change the world for God? Do we understand that God put them here on purpose? I believe that in a day and age where kids have so many problems they face on a daily basis. They need to come home to a parent speaking words of promise over their lives. I believe God is raising a generation of powerful people on purpose. We better find out His purpose and begin speaking those words over our children.

Prayer - God - remind me everyday to speak words of blessing over my children. You have given me anointed people to raise in my home. Kids that will change the world. Show me your purpose every day and help me to communicate that purpose to them everyday. Thank you for blessing my life with two wonderful, powerful children that have great destiny ahead.

Ezekiel 42-44, Rev 22

Scripture - Rev 22:2 ...down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Observation - I believe that John is writing here about the church. He is talking about the river of the water of life which I believe are the continuous flow of God's grace to His people. Representing the life giving word of God through the gospel. On each side of the river are planted the tree of life bearing fruit. I believe that to be God's church giving life and bearing fruit to feed the nations. He says that even the leaves are for the healing of nations. Giving the reader the perspective that we must understand that our work is outside the confines of our church buildings and church demographics. The life must be given to the nations. Even the outer most parts of the church must be mindful of the nations.

Application - Putting the work of the church into perspective is extremely timely. No one knows the day or the hour of the coming of our Lord. But I think all believe it to be soon. We stand in anxious anticipation of that day. But there is much to be done. God's river of life is flowing right in the middle of our cities. His loving grace and power is flowing right down the middle of our streets. Rev 22:1 says that it is flowing from the throne of God down the middle of the great street of the city. In these days we need to understand that God's spirit and anointing are flowing right down the middle of the street and we need to get in the flow. I must begin to look at God's hand as it touches my city and understand that the things I do impact the nations. Pastoring locally to impact globally.

Prayer - Father help me to look the nations and send your fruit and life to the world. God help me to rise out of my geographic location to impact the city, the state, the nation and the world.

Ezekiel 38,39; Rev 20; Ps 145

Scripture - Ezek 38:14-17 "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, 'Thus says the Lord GOD:"On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? 15 Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. 16 You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes."

Observation - Ezekiel or the seer is speaking prophetically here. He is speaking of end days when the evil will come against the people of God and will be used as an instrument to show God's mercy, power, compassion and might. He is telling the evil exactly what role they play in fulfilling God's ultimate plan of salvation for His people. God speaks through Ezekiel here to tell the evil what limitations they have and to what extent they will be used. God will be shown as holy through the efforts of the adversity. God always comes through with flying colors no matter how strong the attack.

Application - While this scripture is focused on end day prophecy, there is much truth that can be applied to our lives today. I think back to every situation that the enemy has intended to take me down. Every time I have faced an obstacle that was clearly devised to destroy the work that God has placed me in. Whether it be financial, reputational, social, familial - God has come through every situation to make me stronger - tougher - more tenacious but also to show His holiness. God works through every situation like a master weaver, weaving the fabric of my life with care into a beautiful masterpiece that exemplifies His holiness and His glory. I believe many Christians would rather leave the bad stuff that happens behind and would rather not deal with them. I know that sometimes issues seem really big and overwhelming - but if we can begin to look for how God will be glorified and testifed in each one - it makes the ride a whole lot more bearable. Not that we look for bad things to happen. But let's face it we are living in a real world with real issues and in each issue there is a Holy God that is waiting to bring us through.

Prayer - God thank you for your holiness. I am so thankful that you are always standing by my side. Ps 145 says that "The Lord watches over all those that love Him." Father, I love you with all of my heart. I pray that you teach me how to look for your holiness and mercy in every situation that I face. God bring me through in a way that gives you glory and that I can further shout your praise.

Dan 3,4: Ps 81 Rev 17

Scripture - Ps 81:13-16 "Oh, that My people would listen to Me,That Israel would walk in My ways! 14 I would soon subdue their enemies,And turn My hand against their adversaries. 15 The haters of the LORD would pretend submission to Him, But their fate would endure forever. 16 He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you."

Observation - God is constantly trying to get his people to listen to Him and further to follow Him. His ways are completely contrary to our ways. His plans are above our plans, His ways above our ways. Throughout all of time God has been trying to get His people to listen and to follow. Ps 81 says that "If my people would but listen to Me - I will fight for them and beat their enemies. I will turn My hand against their adversaries." Listening to God has such rich and strong benefits. Conversely when we are set on doing the things that we want - Ps 81:11 says that He let them follow their own ways and their own devices. We can't have it both ways. We need to listen.

Application - Learning to listen to God is a skill that should be quickly learned by the believer. As we are raising our children one of the first and ongoing lessons we teach is how to listen to us. We guide them away from a hot stove, we direct them away from busy streets, we teach them Godly ways. We give them constant direction that keeps them safe in life and helps them live productive lives for Christ. We want them to listen to us and to our wisdom so that they can make smart and safe decisions. The same way our father is wanting me to listen to Him. His desire is to give me a future and a hope. Not to take me down terrible paths that lead to terrible things. God's desire is that I win and not lose, that I are successful and not failing. God wants the very best for my life. But in order for me to gain those things I need to listen to Him. I need to learn how to find his voice amongst all of the other noise in my life. I need to find the voice of God and tune my ear to that voice and be quick to listen. There are so many things that would be used to distract and deter. But finding the voice of God and listening will provide the finest wheat and hone from the rock and I will be satisfied.

Prayer - God help me to tune my ear to you daily. God I need your help to listen. I know that you are speaking regularly. You have something to say and I want to listen. God I want to know your direction and your heart and I want to know what pleases you. God my desire is that my life simply please you and that I am walking in your ways everyday. Calm the noise around me so that your voice is the loudest amongst all the others that are vying for my attention.

Dan 1,2:Rev 16

Scripture - Dan 1:5 ...They were to be trained for three years, after that they were to enter the king's service.

Observation - King Nebuchadnezzer has appoint his new captives with jobs in the kingdom. He wanted the best looking and the most intelligent to serve him and he picked Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah for service in his court. The interesting thing is that he didn't just pick them and let them start working. He had them trained for three years before they could begin their service. This training helped them understand the customs of Babylon, how to operate in the court, how to address the king, who the players on the team were going to be and what responsibilities they would have.

Application - Preparation for the King's service. To be trained to serve the king. It is interesting that the world has such a clear picture on preparation for service. King Nebuchadnezzer knew exactly what he wanted of these boys and how he wanted them to operate in the kingdom. They were from a foreign land and needed training to make the proper decisions and to serve correctly. Most often we accept training from the world with no problems or issues. We go through the process of learning our responsibilities and duties and never once complain about it. Being trained for Kingdom work is just as necessary. Many of the obstacles we face in life are preparation for Kingdom service. Things we learn in church and the training we get from our pastors, leaders, mentors and fellow Christians serve to prepare us for God's work. He understands that when we begin our relationship with Him we are from a foreign land and have operated our lives by different principles. He puts us in process to learn how to serve in the Kingdom work. I get so excited about what I am learning next. Everyday is training to enter the "Kings' service." While the Hebrew boys had three years to train, I get a life time.

Prayer - Thank you Lord for taking me through the process of learning how to serve you. I know that as I live my life there are things that don't fit and done the wrong way. I appreciate the opportunity to learn your Kingdom principles. I love that you have the patience to teach me how to live my life Your way. That you can take me to new places and new heights by learning what you have to teach. Keep teaching God and I will keep learning.

Lam 3-5;Rev 15

Scripture - Lam 3:22-25 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

Observation - As Jeremiah penned this poetic book describing God's punishment toward sin and rebellion, I see in this scripture hope, love and reasons to keep going. It is so amazing how God deals with individuals and even though we are reprimanded and corrected for our rebellion and sin, God is still absolutely in love with his people. Sin which leaves us in places that are barren and dry and filled with obstacles and challenges. The words of Jeremiah here are so pointed and clear. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. No matter how far we go or where we are right now we will not be overtaken. Each day we can arise to new compassion from God and new mercies that draw us back to him.

Application - as a pastor of a local church I am regularly dealing with people that are on the brink of total melt down. Some decisions in their lives have taken them to places that are extremely unpleasant. Some are just simply going through the process of growing in God and are walking through some major crucible experiences. No matter the case, God is not going to allow us to be consumed. We are not going to be overtaken, as a matter of fact when we keep our eyes on him and our hope in him the Lord is good to us. Sometimes these experiences last for quite some time. Some are only a few days, some are a few weeks and some can last longer. The greatest news is that every morning we awake to fresh compassion from God. Every morning our strenght can be renewed. Every morning we are walking in the fresh touch of God's hand and are able to win and to conquer that days challenges. As I begin my day I am excited to know that God is compassionate toward me today. His faithfulness is great and we will make it. As I go through experiences myself - I must remember always that I have decided "The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait on Him."

Prayer - Lord, I Love You! Because of Your great love I am not consumed. God I thank you for who you are in my life. The strength, the compassion, the hope, the endurance and the passion to live everyday with victory and success.

Lam 1-2:Obad:Rev 14

Scripture - Rev 14:12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

Observation - The scripture is speaking to those saints who are witnessing the rise of demonic struggle and God's fury on the land. God is making ready his people and the angels are warning. It could be fairly overwhleming to see the terror and the pain and suffering of those around. I believe the scripture speaks of the temptation to give in to the beast and to be crushed by God's fury and the move of His hand. To have patient endurance to look beyond the right now. To accept the purificaiton process to deal with the weight all in the hope and expectation of seeing Jesus and coming home to HIm.

Application - I can look at my life even today and see the awesome presence of God everyday. The chaos of circumstances and the life issues that affect everyone around me are evident of moving in the right direction. It could be easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed by things. There is so much encouragment and strength you can draw from understanding that we must endure patiently. That we are looking toward the great results that come from holding on. You can see the hand of God at work and sense His wonderful presence in everything that is happening. What a sad day it would be if I allowed the process to kill the product. If I allowed all of this to cause me to lose my place with Him. I must endure patiently to see the great result of God's perfect will. I want to be counted as one of those that obey the commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

Prayer - Help me to endure. Give me strength when I am weak. Give me vision when mine is clouded. Show me your mighty support and the beauty of your deliverance. Help me to await the result of our process and your plan for my life, my family, my church and my ministry.