May 26 -- "False Idols, Lost Faith"

Today’s Reading:  2 Kings 17 

"False Idols, Lost Faith"

Today’s verse underscores the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of forsaking one's true beliefs. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of straying from one's core values and faith, leading to spiritual emptiness, inauthenticity, and vulnerability to negative influences.

This passage highlights that those who worship lifeless idols, devoid of God’s Spirit, will themselves become spiritually stagnant and lifeless. The reality of Scripture is that we become like that (thing, person, attitude, belief, value) which we worship. If we worship a lifeless idol, we become lifeless. If we worship a Living God, we become vibrant and alive.

The Israelites were drawn away from the worship of the true God to pursue false idols. These idols represented various aspects of human desires: power, wealth, fertility, and more. The pursuit of these idols was a reflection of their hearts' inclination toward worldly cravings. This serves as a reminder that anything we prioritize above God can become an idol in our lives.

The phrase "and became false" signifies a spiritual decline. By turning to false idols, the Israelites moved away from the authenticity of their faith. They abandoned their unique identity as God's chosen people, forsaking the truth and promises God had given them. This spiritual decline led to a loss of integrity, both in their relationship with God and in their witness to the surrounding nations.

While we may not bow down to physical idols, we can easily be ensnared by the idols of our age—materialism, self-centeredness, success, social media, celebrity culture, body image and so on. When we prioritize these over our relationship with God, we too risk a spiritual decline and a loss of true identity and spiritual vitality as followers of Christ.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to authenticity. We must examine our hearts regularly to ensure that we are not pursuing false idols—anything that takes the place of God in our lives. Remaining true to God's Word and seeking His presence keeps us anchored in Him and guards us against becoming false or hypocritical in our faith. 

May 25 -- "The Company You Keep"

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 16 

"The Company You Keep"

The choices we make about the people we surround ourselves with can significantly impact our faith and values. Today's passage presents a stark contrast between King Ahaz and his predecessor, King David. David, known as a man after God's own heart, exemplified obedience, humility, and a strong faith during his reign. He sought God's guidance, repented sincerely when he erred, and upheld God's commandments. This obedience brought blessings to the nation of Israel.

In contrast, Ahaz's actions showed a departure from the righteous path established by David. Instead of following David's example of seeking God, Ahaz chose to imitate the practices of the wicked kings of Israel, who were known for their idolatry and disobedience. This choice led Ahaz to forsake the worship of the true God in favor of embracing the gods of the surrounding nations. As 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us, “Bad company corrupts good character.” Ahaz’s failure was foreshadowed by the ”bad company” he sought to imitate.

Ahaz's decision to follow the ways of the kings of Israel serves as a sobering reminder of the influence of our choices. It's easy to underestimate how the company we keep and the influences we allow into our lives can impact our beliefs and actions. This passage prompts us to reflect on the role models we emulate and the values we adopt. Are we imitating the faithful examples of those who walked closely with God, like David, or are we conforming to worldly standards that lead us away from God?

In a world that often values conformity over righteousness, we are called to stand firm in our faith, just as David did. Let us strive to seek God's will above all else, emulating the heart of David in our devotion. As we navigate life's challenges and temptations, may we remember that our choices not only affect our relationship with God but also influence the generations that follow. Let us be deliberate in choosing to follow the examples of those who upheld God's truth, leaving a lasting legacy of faithfulness for others to follow.

As George Washington once said, "Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company." May we have the discernment to recognize the paths that lead away from God's truth and the courage to remain steadfast in the ways of righteousness.

May 24 -- "One Man Humbles a Nation"

Today’s Reading:  2 Chronicles 28 

"One Man Humbles a Nation"

In this passage, we see the consequences of King Ahaz's unfaithfulness and sinful behavior. The Lord humbled the nation of Judah due to Ahaz's actions, which included idolatry and disobedience. Ahaz's leadership led the people astray, causing them to turn away from the Lord's commands. This verse teaches us that the actions of one man, especially a leader, can have a significant negative impact on an entire nation.

This verse underscores the importance of having leaders who are faithful to God. Godly leaders can inspire their people to live righteously, make wise decisions, and experience God's favor. Their positive influence can uplift the nation. Conversely, a leader far from God can have far-reaching negative effects. This is why we must take heed and be very careful about the leaders we choose over our nation.

Ahaz's story also serves as a cautionary tale for our personal lives today. It highlights the destructive power of unfaithfulness and disobedience to God's Word. Just as Ahaz's choices had far-reaching consequences, our decisions also affect those around us. We must take heed and examine our own lives, ensuring that our actions align with God's will.

Are there areas in your life where you've been unfaithful or disobedient to God's commands? It could be in your relationships, your thoughts, or your priorities. Take this moment to reflect and confess any wrongdoing before God. Remember that He is gracious and forgiving to those who turn to Him in repentance.

Let us strive for faithfulness and obedience in all aspects of our lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to be a light in the world, reflecting His love and truth. Just as Ahaz's unfaithfulness led to the downfall of Judah, our faithfulness can lead to blessings not only in our lives but also in the lives of those around us.

May our lives be characterized by faithfulness, obedience, and a deep love for our God. As we do so, we can trust that He will guide us, bless us, and use us for His divine purposes.

May 23 -- "What Does God Require?"

 Today’s Reading:  Micah 6 & 7

"What Does God Require?"

Have you ever wondered what the Lord requires of you? The good news is that He has shown you. Micah 6:8 beautifully encapsulates the essence of God's will for our walk with Him. Here, the prophet Micah speaks forth God's desire for His people,

God's call to "do justice" reminds us of His heart for righteousness and compassion in our interactions with others. "Love kindness" urges us to show mercy and gentleness, mirroring God's love for us. But it's in the phrase "walk humbly with your God" that the crux of our devotion lies.

Walking humbly means acknowledging God as our guide, surrendering our desires and plans to His will. It's an invitation to strip away pride, self-importance, and self-sufficiency, embracing a posture of dependence. Just as Christ humbled Himself, becoming a servant for our sake, we're called to approach life with humility.

Keep in mind that salvation and eternal life are not achieved through our own efforts or doing these things. While living out the principles of Micah 6:8—doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God—are important aspects of a faithful Christian life, they are not the means by which we earn salvation.

The foundation of our salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God, given to those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In Ephesians 2:8-9, it is written: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." The Lord only requires one thing for you salvation... faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross. This is known as Justificatio sola fide, meaning justification by faith alone.

Our good deeds, including living justly, showing kindness, and walking humbly, are expressions of our faith and love for God. They are the fruit of a transformed heart and a life surrendered to Christ. While they don't earn us salvation, they are evidence of our relationship with God.

Our Lord has made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and walk humbly with your God setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness.

May 22 -- "Prophetic Mountain Majesty"

 Today’s Reading:  Micah 3, 4, & 5

"Prophetic Mountain Majesty"

God's ultimate plan is to establish His kingdom, where justice and righteousness will prevail. In today’s verse, the prophet paints a beautiful picture of that future reality—a time when the Lord's presence and authority will be established on a mountain. This mountain symbolizes a place of prominence, strength, and unity. Micah's words point towards a future where God's reign will be evident, drawing people from all nations to seek His guidance and wisdom.

The term "mountain of the house of the Lord" refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Mount Zion was the hill on which the city of Jerusalem was built, and it was the site of the Temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites. This verse doesn't refer to a literal mountain rising in height. By calling it the "highest mountain," the verse emphasizes the elevated importance and prominence of God's Temple. It signifies the Temple as the highest and premier place for worship and connection with God.

One notable reference to Mount Zion in relation to the Second Coming is found in Revelation 14:1 – "Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads." Here, Mount Zion is associated with the Lamb, which refers to Jesus Christ. This imagery symbolizes the victorious and glorious presence of Christ on Mount Zion during His triumphant return.

The exact timing of the fulfillment of Micah 4:1, which speaks of the mountain of the Lord being established, is not explicitly mentioned in the Scripture. It is considered a prophetic vision of a future reality rather than a specific date or time frame.

As believers, we find assurance in the truth that God's ultimate plan is to establish His kingdom, where justice and righteousness will prevail.  Let us remain steadfast in our faith, even when the world around us seems tumultuous. Just as Micah looked forward to a future where God's glory would shine on the mountain, we too can have hope in the promises of God. Remember, it's not about the size of our faith, but the object of our faith—our Almighty God. Let us continue seeking His ways, trusting His plan, and reflecting His character to a world in need.

May 21 -- "Look, Here He Comes!"

Today’s Reading:  Micah 1 & 2 

"Look, Here He Comes!"

The image of God "coming out of His place" is used to emphasize the gravity of the situation. It suggests that God is no longer distant or passive; He is about to directly intervene in the affairs of our world, typically due to mankind’s sin and corruption. Today’s verse speaks of His presence, not just as a distant idea but as a real, tangible event that will shake the earth.

In Micah 1, the Lord's word comes forth from His holy temple, spanning the expanse of the earth and the mountains melting beneath Him. When Micah says, “behold, the LORD is coming,” he is reminding us that He will come to judge the world and to establish justice, righteousness, and accountability for all deeds (Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 17:31).

As believers, we are instructed to be watchful and ready for the return of our Lord. Just as Micah's prophecy was a call to attention for Israel, so too does it resonate with us today, reminding us to live with anticipation and readiness.

"And do this, 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. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:11-12) This passage emphasizes the urgency of being spiritually awake and prepared for Christ's return, highlighting that the time of our salvation is drawing nearer with each passing moment.

Take heart, for the return of Christ is a promise of hope and fulfillment to those who believe. Let us not be caught unaware or distracted by the cares of this world but stand firm in faith, eagerly awaiting the glorious moment when He will come in power and glory. As Micah proclaimed, "Look, here He comes!" Let this be our constant refrain, a declaration of faith and anticipation until that day arrives.

May 20 -- "The Spirit Shall Rest Upon Him"

 Today’s Reading:  Isaiah 11 & 12

"The Spirit Shall Rest Upon Him"

The prophecy in Isaiah 11:2 was fulfilled by Jesus in remarkable ways, demonstrating His unique identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. Let's explore how each attribute mentioned in the prophecy was manifested in Jesus' life. The prophecy begins by stating that the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon Jesus. This signifies His close, intimate relationship with God the Father and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit as Jesus carried out His divine mission.

Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding: Jesus consistently demonstrated wisdom and understanding beyond human comprehension. His teachings, parables, and responses to various situations showcased profound insight into the heart of God and the nature of the kingdom. People marveled at His wisdom, recognizing that it surpassed earthly wisdom.

Spirit of Counsel and Might: Jesus' ministry was characterized by His divine counsel and spiritual authority. He provided guidance and direction not only to His disciples but also to the crowds that sought His teaching. His authority over nature, demons, sickness, and even death displayed His unmatched might and power.

Spirit of Knowledge: Jesus possessed an unparalleled knowledge of God and His plans. He knew the Scriptures inside and out, often quoting them to reveal the fulfillment of prophecies by Himself (including Isaiah 11:2). His knowledge extended to people's hearts and thoughts, allowing him to speak directly to their spiritual needs.

Fear of the Lord: While Jesus was fully God, He also exemplified a deep reverence and submission to the Father. His obedience, humility, and submission to God's plan, even unto death on the cross, demonstrated His profound fear of the Lord.

Jesus perfectly embodied this prophecy of Isaiah. Jesus' entire ministry stands as a fulfillment of the prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, and His Spirit-filled life is a living testament to the truth of Isaiah's words.  As followers of Jesus, He dwells within us and we can experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our own lives, just as He did.