A Daily Blog Bringing A Daily Connection With God

 

July 22 -- "Near and Hastening Fast"

 Today's Reading: Zephaniah 1 and 2

"Near and Hastening Fast"

The exact timing of Christ's return remains a mystery, but the Bible offers clues that it's drawing near. Take Zephaniah 1:14, where the prophet warns of an imminent "day of the Lord," a day of divine judgment for a world that has rejected Christ. The imagery is chilling: a day of distress, terror, and utter darkness. This passage underscores the gravity of God's judgment for those who rebel against him.

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the suddenness and unexpectedness of this day. Jesus himself said in Matthew 24:44, "Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." The apostle Peter echoes this in 2 Peter 3:10, comparing the day of the Lord to “a thief in the night.”

The Bible also details events that will mark the end times, including wars, famines, earthquakes, moral decay, technological advancements, and persecution of Christians (Matthew 24:6-7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:9-11). The presence of many of these in our world today suggests the end may be near.

However, the day of judgment is not just about punishment. The Bible also promises deliverance for those who belong to Christ. Those who have accepted God's offer of salvation will be spared and welcomed into heaven.

The unexpectedness of His return underscores the importance of constant spiritual vigilance. We are called to live with purpose, faith, and intention each day, for we don't know the hour. This element of surprise compels believers to stay devoted, constantly aligning their actions and hearts with Christ's teachings. It's a call to be ever-prepared, maintaining spiritual alertness and moral integrity, knowing that his return will be both sudden and glorious.

July 21 -- "An Unforgettable Passover"

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 35 

"An Unforgettable Passover"

Josiah was a king who totally loved God. And he did something incredible – he brought back Passover in a BIG way! It had been ages (nearly 300 years) since the people celebrated it properly, but Josiah, with his whole heart set on God, made it epic.

See, sometimes we get caught up in life and forget the most important things, like spending quality time with our Creator. Just like the Israelites with Passover, we might neglect some aspects of our faith. But here's the good news: We can totally fix that!

Josiah's Passover wasn't just about rituals – it was about a deep, passionate love for God. That's what we're called to today! Let's ditch the routine and turn our worship into an outpouring of love, respect, and obedience. Remember, God's Word is like a treasure chest overflowing with amazing things! Dive in, just like Josiah did, and rediscover the incredible depth of His instructions.

Today, we are called to emulate Josiah's dedication in our worship. Just as he restored the Passover, we are to rediscover the heart of true worship. Our lives should be marked by a wholehearted commitment to God, not just in religious rituals but in every aspect of our existence.

Imagine your worship being like a beautiful, fragrant offering that's never been seen before! Let's carve out special moments, even amidst the daily hustle, to connect with God. His Word has the power to transform us completely, just like it impacted a whole nation when Josiah found those ancient scrolls.

Let's not just go through the motions, friends! Let's become beacons of authentic worship, our hearts overflowing with love for the Almighty. We can leave a legacy of genuine devotion that will echo through generations – a testament to the incredible power of loving God with all we've got!

July 20 -- "The Wonder-Working Word"

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 34 

"The Wonder-Working Word"

There is something very powerful about hearing the words of God! In this passage, we witness young King Josiah's profound moment of spiritual reckoning. He goes up to the house of the Lord, gathers the people around him, and reads aloud the rediscovered Book of the Covenant. A powerful national revival was the result of his actions! What a great instance of the wonder-working power of God’s Word.

A pastor I know was invited to speak at a conference of Christian leaders. He was known for his powerful ministry of teaching the Bible. He was scheduled to be the last speaker of the day-long conference and was told he would have about 45-50 minutes to share his message. Unfortunately, as the day wore on, each preceding speaker took a little longer than their allotted time, so by the time it got to my friend’s turn to speak, he only had about 10 minutes to speak to the people. The conference leader leaned over to him and said, “You should dispense with the reading of the Bible and get directly into your message.” When this pastor reached the podium, he announced to the people, “I only have 10 minutes, so I will  dispense with my message and will get directly into reading the Word of God!”

This pastor, like Josiah, understood that there is profound power in the very words of the Bible. Hearing God's word has the power to accomplish various transformative purposes in our lives:

·       Transformation and Renewal: Romans 12:2 emphasizes the renewing of the mind through the Word of God.

·       Faith and Salvation: Romans 10:17 teaches that faith comes through hearing the Word of God.

·       Guidance and Wisdom: Psalm 119:105 declares that the Word of God serves as a guiding force, providing wisdom and direction in navigating life's journey.

·       Conviction and Correction: Hebrews 4:12 highlights the sharpness of God's Word and its power to convict and correct, exposing the true condition of the heart.

·       Spiritual Growth: 1 Peter 2:2 underscores that regular intake of God's word contributes to spiritual growth and maturity.

·       Comfort and Encouragement: Romans 15:4 highlights the comforting and encouraging nature of Scripture.

There is something mysteriously powerful about the Bible. I encourage you to turn to each of the passages referenced above and read them for yourself. Turn to His word, believe what it says, and watch God transform your life through its mysterious, wonder-working power.

July 19 -- "A Renewed Covenant"

 Today's Reading: 2 Kings 23

"A Renewed Covenant"

In 2 Kings 23, King Josiah stands at a critical juncture in the history of his nation. Faced with the neglected truths of God's covenant, Josiah takes a monumental step—a public vow to renew the covenant. This commitment involves a wholehearted dedication to God's ways and a sincere desire to uphold His commandments. Josiah's actions serve as a poignant reminder of the significance of intentional, covenantal living.

Sadly, there are many Christ-followers who, like Judah, had once embraced their relationship with God but gradually drifted away. Perhaps the cares of the world or the lure of worldly pursuits led them astray. Now, at a pivotal moment, they stand at the crossroads of decision. The story of King Josiah becomes a mirror reflecting their own need for a profound renewal of commitment to God.

In the hustle of our contemporary lives, the echo of Josiah's commitment reverberates. We, too, find ourselves amid a cultural landscape where the principles of God's Word can be easily obscured. It beckons us to assess our own spiritual standing and, like Josiah, to make a deliberate choice to align our lives with God's unchanging truth. Consider the areas where compromise may have crept in to your life , your community, and your nation.  Recommit to walking in God's ways with unwavering devotion.

It is time to pray fervently for a strong leader in modern America, a figure of influence and authority, standing before the nation with a humility reminiscent of King Josiah. In the midst of societal complexities and challenges, a leader who recognizes the importance of a national renewal, echoing Josiah's commitment to renew our covenant with God. This would signify a profound acknowledgment of the need for spiritual alignment and a return to timeless principles.

May the Lord send such a leader to our nation. Not for simply a political or social shift; but for a spiritual revival. Perhaps that leader is you!

July 18 -- "Integrity in Action"

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 22 

"Integrity in Action"

Integrity (the unwavering adherence to moral and ethical principles) is a cornerstone of a healthy society, especially within the house of God. It's the foundation upon which trust is built, enabling God's work to flourish.

Today’s verse highlights the integrity of those entrusted with handling the money collected for the repair of the temple. It underscores their honesty and the trustworthiness of their financial dealings. They were considered so trustworthy that they weren’t even required to give reports on how they spent the money entrusted to them.

The principle of integrity in financial matters is timeless. In our modern society, where ethical lapses and financial improprieties can be prevalent, the call to deal honestly echoes loudly. Whether in personal finances, business transactions, or ministry stewardship, believers are called to exemplify transparency and trustworthiness.

As followers of Christ, we are stewards of not only God's resources but also of our reputation as ambassadors of His truth. In a world often tainted by financial scandals, our conduct should stand as a testament to the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

As we handle financial matters, let us be diligent in accountability and honesty. The world is watching, and our actions can either affirm or distort the message of the Gospel. Whether in the boardroom, church finances, or personal budgets, let our dealings reflect the honesty and trustworthiness modeled in 2 Kings 22:7.

Remember the words of J. Vernon McGee: "God is interested in the small things as well as the big things of our lives." Even in financial matters, our faithfulness in the seemingly insignificant details reveals the depth of our commitment to God's principles. In our modern world, where corruption and dishonesty seem pervasive, the call for integrity is more urgent than ever. As Christians, we are called to stand as beacons of integrity in a world that desperately needs it. 

July 17 -- "Refuge and Justice"

 Today's Reading: Nahum 1, 2, and 3

"Refuge and Justice"

In today’s passage, the prophet Nahum unveils an incredible truth about God: He's both a superhero for those who are right with Him and a total justice-bringer against bad guys! While this may seem contradictory to some, it reveals that our Creator brings the perfect balance and rhythm to life’s perplexing dilemmas.

When you're on “Team Righteous,” God becomes your personal hiding place. He's like a fortress with a neon sign that says "Welcome beloved people!" No matter what storms you face, He's your safe haven, a place to kick back and know you're totally covered.

Here's the best part: God doesn't just know you're there, He KNOWS you! Like, really knows you. It's a super-close friendship kind of thing. He's intimately acquainted with you and He’s got your back, big time. He is for you and interested in every detail of your life.

Now, for the evildoers – picture a tidal wave of pure justice! Nahum calls it “an overflowing flood." That's God on the scene, cleaning house. When people keep choosing wrong, God steps in to set things right. It's powerful, it's thorough, and there's no escaping it! One day, He will make a complete end of His adversaries.

Here's the real kicker: these two sides of God – refuge and justice – are actually best friends, not enemies! He offers love and grace to those who choose to trust in Him, but wrongdoers can't expect a free pass. His justice is like a cosmic security system, keeping things balanced and evenhanded.

So, how do we live with this amazing truth? Easy! Trust in the Lord, and when you're facing trouble, run to God's shelter! But also, be a champion for good yourself. Remember, God's justice is also a sign of His awesomeness, and He wants us all to be part of the good side!

So, take comfort in His love, and embrace the beautiful tension between His mercy and justice. It's all part of God's incredible plan!

May you always find strength in God's refuge and walk in the light of His justice!