November 14 -- "The Promise of the Holy Spirit"

 Today's Reading: Joel 2

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Today, we're going to explore a beautiful promise found in the Bible, a promise that should make your heart dance with joy and excitement—the promise of a “downpour” of the Holy Spirit!

Here in Joel 2, God promises to pour out His Spirit upon His loving followers. "Pour out" means to give in abundance, to shower us with the blessings of the Holy Spirit in an overflowing manner. One vivid example of "pouring out" is a rainstorm breaking after a long drought. Imagine the ground, cracked and dry, desperate for water, and then the sky opens, releasing a downpour. The rain soaks deep into the soil, bringing refreshment and life where there was once only barrenness.

This promise began to come true on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in second chapter of Acts. On that day, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples in Jerusalem, just like Joel prophesied. This marked the start of a new era, where believers would experience visions, dreams, and prophecies - direct communications from God!

"Visions" are supernatural experiences where we receive insights and revelations from God, often accompanied by vivid images. These visions can help us understand spiritual truths, receive guidance, or see symbolic messages from our loving Father. "Dreams" are another way God speaks to us. Not all dreams are from God, but those that are, carry important messages, insights, and instructions to help us navigate life's challenges and make decisions that align with His will. "Prophecy" is the ability to powerfully share God's messages, truths, and revelations under the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Those who prophesy communicate God's heart, intentions, warnings, and promises to individuals or communities.

As followers of Christ, we should respond to this amazing promise by seeking, receiving, and walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in our lives. Seek His presence, be open to His outpouring, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower and embolden you to be a witness for Christ.

May the loving presence of the Holy Spirit be poured out upon you, like a refreshing rain, filling your heart with joy and guidance. May you receive visions of His love, dreams of His promises, and prophetic words that empower you to share His message with the world.

November 13 -- "A Solemn Assembly"

 Today's Reading: Joel 1

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Just as the prophet Joel called for a "solemn assembly" during times of crisis, so too do we need to cry out to the Lord in our moments of need—individually and collectively. In the face of adversity, when calamities befall our lands and trials afflict us and our communities, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God's intervention. Today’s verse from Joel 1 exhorts us to gather in prayer, not just as individuals, but as a collective body, united in our quest for His guidance and provision.

Prayer changes things! It has the power to transform us, to soften our hearts and guide us toward a path of repentance, reconciliation, and renewed purpose. As we seek God's will, our attitudes and actions change, and we experience a profound shift in our relationships and communities.

When we pray, we invite God into the affairs of our lives, and He has a remarkable ability to work wonders beyond our comprehension. Throughout history, prayer has brought about miraculous interventions, breakthroughs, and solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges. It testifies to God's sovereignty and His willingness to act on our behalf when we seek Him with all our hearts.

So, let us gather together in a spirit of unity and humility, to lift our voices in prayer as a community and as a nation. Let us come before God with a sense of reverence and earnestness, acknowledging our dependence on His grace and mercy.

Don’t be hesitant to call for a solemn assembly as Joel did with an unwavering trust in God's ability to change things. Let us approach every situation with a prayerful heart, knowing that our heavenly Father is always at work, longing to make all things work together for good according to His perfect will.

May the grace of God surround you in your times of need, and may His wisdom guide you as you navigate the challenges that beset you. And may you heed Scripture’s call to individual and collective prayer. 

November 12 -- "Shining Like Stars Forever"

 Today's Reading: Daniel 12

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Imagine a vast, dark sky, filled with countless twinkling stars. Each star, a beacon of hope and guidance, shining brightly to lead sailors and travelers through the night. That's the kind of impact we can have when we point others towards God. Just as the stars light up the sky, our actions can illuminate the path for others to find their way to righteousness.

Now, picture a person embarking on a personal journey of transformation. They encounter the grace, forgiveness, and power of God, and it's like a spark igniting a fire within them. This personal growth, healing, and restoration not only benefits the individual but also ripples out to their relationships and decisions, spreading a wave of truth and righteousness.

As we guide others along this journey, we create a legacy of faithfulness and integrity that shapes the lives of those around us. Families, churches, and communities are all touched by the wisdom of turning many to righteousness. It's like planting seeds of love and light that bear fruit for generations to come.

In Proverbs 11:30, we're reminded that the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and that whoever captures souls is wise. This verse speaks to the wisdom of leading others to righteousness, likening it to planting trees that bear life-giving fruit. As we engage in this noble endeavor, we not only demonstrate wisdom but also participate in God's redemptive work, bringing light and hope to a world in need.

The rewards of our efforts are not only felt in this lifetime but also extend into eternity. As the apostle Paul wrote, the work we do for God's kingdom will be rewarded (1 Corinthians 3:14). When we invest our time and energy in leading others to righteousness, we're aligning ourselves with God's purposes, ensuring a lasting impact that goes beyond our years on this earth.

May the light of God's love and wisdom guide you on your journey, as you lead others towards righteousness and the path of everlasting life. May your heart be filled with hope, your mind with clarity, and your spirit with the promise of eternal reward.

November 11 -- "Unshaken by Deception"

 Today's Reading: Daniel 11

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In the face of spiritual deception and the rise of the Antichrist in the last days, the most powerful defense believers have is knowing God deeply. It is this intimate knowledge of His character, His Word, and His promises that enables us to discern lies and stand firm in truth.

Including here in Daniel 11, the Bible repeatedly warns that in the last days, many will be seduced by deceitful flattery. The Antichrist and false teachers will lead people astray, particularly those who have already turned away from God’s covenant. But the key contrast in verse 32 is that those who know their God will not only stand firm but will act boldly. Knowing God isn't just intellectual—it’s relational. It’s about having a heart aligned with Him, which gives believers clarity in confusion and strength in weakness.

We live in a time when deception is on the rise—through media, false doctrines, and misguided ideologies. The end times will intensify this. The more we know God—His truth, His love, His person, and His purposes—the less vulnerable we are to being swayed by false teachings. This ‘knowing” isn’t passive knowledge or merely information stored in our brain; it’s an active, living relationship with God from our hearts that roots us in His Word. Those who are anchored in this relational knowledge of God are equipped to resist the Antichrist and endure trials without being deceived.

To grow in our knowing of God, we need to immerse ourselves in His Word, cultivate a consistent prayer life, and stay connected to the body of Christ for accountability and encouragement. As we deepen our relationship with Him, we build discernment, courage, and steadfastness, enabling us to stand firm against deceivers and the Antichrist in these final days.

The “action” believers take is an outward expression of their faith in God—a courageous stance of truth, righteousness, perseverance, and proclamation of the Gospel. Their deep knowledge of God equips them not just to survive but to advance His kingdom in the midst of difficult challenges.

November 10 -- "Invisible Warfare"

 Today's Reading: Daniel 10

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In Daniel 10 we delve into the mysterious world of unseen spiritual warfare. This unseen battle unfolds between powerful, otherworldly forces - angels and demons, light and darkness - as they wrestle for control and influence. This ethereal conflict impacts our lives in ways we might not even realize, as we navigate the twists and turns of our earthly journeys.

In the passage, we witness a glimpse of this celestial tug-of-war as the archangel Michael reveals the cause of his delay in answering Daniel's prayers. The "prince of the kingdom of Persia," a demonic entity, was the roadblock hindering the divine messenger's response. Similarly, in our lives, unseen spiritual warfare can manifest as persistent temptations, spiritual attacks, or obstacles that hinder our prayers and progress. These battles often intensify when we're experiencing spiritual growth, deepening our relationship with God, or impacting others for the Kingdom of God. Invariably this battle intensifies as the Lord begins to use our lives as instruments for reaching others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Understanding this unseen spiritual warfare is crucial for believers. It helps us recognize the spiritual forces at play, rather than attributing every challenge to natural circumstances alone. This awareness inspires us to engage in strategic spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and wielding the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit to combat the forces of darkness.

So, let's heed the wise advice of Ephesians 6: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." As we face the challenges the invisible forces of darkness, let's remain vigilant and equipped with spiritual discernment, knowing that our battles are not just physical, but spiritual. As a Christ follower, you gain victory over the unseen forces of darkness by standing firm in faith, using the armor of God—especially the Word of God and prayer—and by relying on the authority and power of Jesus Christ, who has already triumphed over evil.

May you be armed with the full armor of God, and may your faith be strengthened to stand against the forces of darkness. And when the dawn breaks, may you emerge victorious, knowing that the One who dwells within you is greater than any challenge that comes your way.

November 9 -- "Justifiable Defiance"

Today's Reading: Daniel 6 

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Envision a world where standing up for what you believe in, even when it's hard, is a powerful force for good. This is what “justifiable defiance” is all about! It's when you know in your heart that something is right, and you're willing to take a stand, no matter what.

Daniel, a brave hero of the Bible, is a perfect example of this kind of defiance. He lived in a time when the government commanded everyone to stop praying to God, but Daniel knew that this was an important part of his life. So, he kept praying every day, even though it was against the law. He wasn't doing it to be rebellious, but because he believed that his love for God and faithfulness to God’s truth were more important than any manmade rule or law.

In the Bible there are many notable incidences of justifiable defiance: Moses defied the Pharaoh's orders to not let the Israelites go; the midwives disobeyed Pharaoh's orders to kill all newborn Hebrew boys; many righteous judges and prophets resisted Israel's idolatry and corruption; Esther defied the Persian king's orders; the three Hebrew men who defied the king's order to worship a gold idol; and many others. Jesus defied the authority of the religious leaders by challenging their beliefs and practices, ultimately leading to his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The early Christian martyrs like Stephen, James, and Peter defied the Roman government and Jewish authorities by refusing to deny their faith in Jesus Christ, even in the face of persecution and death.

These examples show how justifiable defiance was an integral part of Biblical history where the strong convictions of people led them to stand up against injustice, oppression, and corruption. They demonstrate the power of individuals and groups to resist unjust systems and maintain their faithfulness to God, even in the face of great adversity.

Daniel's story challenges us to think about our own lives and our own relationship with God. Are we as committed to our faith as Daniel was? Are we willing to stand up for what we believe in, even when it's hard? Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stuff and forget about our spiritual lives, but Daniel's example shows us that our devotion to God should always come first.

In a world that can be confusing and challenging, it's important to remember that our faith is what gives us strength. Daniel's story reminds us to be brave, to stand up for what we believe in, and to never give up on our love for God. May you, by the power of the Holy Spirit, be like Daniel and show the world what it means to be faithful, even when it's hard. May you keep praying, keep reading the Bible, and keep loving God with all your heart.

November 8 -- "Mercy, Not Merit"

Today's Reading: Daniel 9

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Have you ever noticed that your prayers tend to be more effective when you approach the Father with humility and a deep understanding of your dependence on His mercy?  In Chapter 9 of Daniel, we see a perfect example of this.

As Daniel mourned the loss of Jerusalem and the Israelites' exile, he knew it was a consequence of their own mistakes. But instead of focusing on their own merits or worthiness, Daniel acknowledged God's great mercy in verse 18 & 19, saying in essence, "Listen to us, O God; look at us and see the trouble we are in and the suffering of the city that bears your name. We are praying to you because you are merciful, not because we have done right. Lord, hear us. Lord, forgive us. Lord, listen to us, and act!”

This beautiful truth this teaches us about our relationship with God is that it's not about what we've done, but rather who He is!  As followers of Jesus, we're called to approach God with the same humility and dependence on His grace and mercy. This principle is at the heart of the Gospel message, reminding us that forgiveness isn't earned through good deeds or religious achievements, but rather received through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice.

So, as we pray, let's remember to be honest with God about our shortcomings and thank Him for His mercy. Let's pray like Daniel, acknowledging our need for grace and forgiveness, and asking for it based on who God is—a merciful Father.

After Daniel's humble prayer, he was treated to an amazing divine experience—the angel Gabriel appeared to him and shared a profound prophecy that outlines the timeline of future events leading up to the coming of the Messiah and the end times. This prophecy, known as the "seventy weeks," is a key part of the book of Daniel and is considered one of the most important revelations in the Bible.  It's a powerful reminder that God is always listening to our humble prayers and working out His plan in our lives.

As we reflect on our own prayers and attitudes towards God, let's ask ourselves: Are we approaching Him with a sense of entitlement or with a humble heart, acknowledging His mercy? Like Daniel, let's come before God with a contrite heart, seeking His mercy and grace.