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.