December 3 -- "Knowing the Times"

 Today's Reading: Esther 1

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True wisdom is about recognizing and responding to the times we live in, aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. In Esther 1:13, we see King Ahasuerus seeking counsel from men who “knew the times.” Yet, their worldly wisdom pales in comparison to the godly discernment we are called to cultivate as believers.

In the opening chapter of Esther, the king turns to his advisors, who are well-versed in the cultural and political nuances of the day. While their insights are valuable on a human level, they lack the divine guidance that comes from a relationship with God. This highlights a crucial distinction—godly wisdom surpasses mere human understanding. Scripture encourages us to discern the times, not just with human insight, but through spiritual revelation. To “know the times” means perceiving God’s work in our lives and our world and aligning ourselves with His divine will.

Are you attuned to the spiritual climate around you? Can you see how God is moving in your family, your church, and the world at large? By immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer, we sharpen our spiritual sensitivity. God calls us to be His ambassadors, understanding the times so we can share the hope of Christ effectively.

Romans 13:11 offers a powerful exhortation: “Understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Here, Paul urges believers to grasp the urgency of the moment, to be spiritually awake and alert, especially as we anticipate Christ’s return.

Be intentional in seeking God’s perspective. Evaluate your life decisions through the lens of eternity. Ask yourself, “How can I align my life with what God is doing today?” Surround yourself with wise, Biblically-rooted counsel, rather than relying solely on worldly knowledge.

May the Lord bless you with the wisdom to discern the times, the courage to act according to His will, and the joy of walking in harmony with His eternal purposes.

December 2 -- "On That Day"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 13 & 14

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Today's reading from the prophet Zechariah is a breathtaking masterpiece, a divine canvas painted with the vibrant colors of hope and victory! Picture this: our magnificent Lord, standing tall on the Mount of Olives, His feet firmly planted, ready to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. And from the heart of Jerusalem, a mighty river flows, a life-giving stream that quenches every thirst and revitalizes every soul.

Zechariah, the prophet, paints a vivid picture of this divine restoration. This river, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, flows ceaselessly, both summer and winter, east and west. It's a constant reminder of God's unwavering love and abundant grace, pouring out like a waterfall of blessings. This echoes the promise of Jesus Himself, who declared that rivers of living water would flow from those who believe.

Throughout the pages of the New Testament, we see glimpses of this glorious future. The apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, carried the torch of hope, sharing the Good News of salvation. And in the book of Revelation, we catch a glimpse of the ultimate victory, when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom.

As we ponder these incredible truths, let's let them transform our lives. Just as Zechariah eagerly awaited the Lord's return, so should we. Let's live with a heart full of anticipation, a faith that moves mountains, and a passion to share the love of Christ with the world.

Remember, God is sovereign, and His plans will always prevail. No matter the storms we face, we can find refuge in His unwavering love. Let's fix our gaze on the spiritual horizon, where we see the dawn of a new day, a day filled with hope, peace, and eternal life. Let's embrace the Holy Spirit's power and live as faithful witnesses, ready to welcome our Lord's triumphant return.

May the living waters of God's grace flow freely within you, refreshing your soul and inspiring your heart. And as you anticipate the glorious return of our Lord, may you walk in the light of His love, sharing His hope with the world.

December 1 -- "Mourning the Pierced One"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 12

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Zechariah 12 speaks of a future time when God will pour out grace and compassion upon the Jewish people and the people of Jerusalem. This will lead them to grieve deeply for the One they have rejected and caused to suffer. And they’ll weep—oh, how they’ll weep!

“Him whom they have pierced” is referring to Jesus, the Son of God, being brutally crucified, and a spear thrust into His side. This act holds immense meaning, as it represents the forgiveness of sins Jesus provided through His sacrifice. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, sacrifices were made to atone for sins, but Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate payment for our sins.

In Jesus' crucifixion and suffering, we see the depths of His love for us. The agony of crucifixion is an excruciating blend of physical torment, suffocating exhaustion, and searing pain, designed to prolong suffering while inflicting maximum humiliation and despair. Jesus' crucifixion was unique because He bore the weight of humanity's sin, experienced separation from the Father, and willingly endured the cross not as a consequence of His own guilt, but as the sinless Lamb of God, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for redemption.

This prophecy about Israel’s mourning will be fulfilled when Jesus returns and the world witnesses His installation as the Messiah. When He returns, all—including the Jewish people—will acknowledge Him as their Savior and King. This realization will bring about a spiritual transformation and awakening among the Jewish people. They will mourn their past rejection of Jesus and turn to Him in repentance and belief.

Let us be moved by the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the incredible love He has for all people. Allow His spirit of grace and compassion to overwhelm you, stirring within you a desire to turn away from sin and embrace a life of devotion to Him.