December 5 -- "The Courage Not To Bow"

 Today's Reading: Esther 3

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We may from time to time find ourselves in situations where societal norms or external pressures clash with God’s Word and our beliefs. Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman was not an act of rebellion but a declaration of allegiance to God above all else.

In Esther 3, Haman (an official in the Persian Empire) is promoted to a position of authority, and all are commanded to bow to him. Mordecai refuses, inciting Haman’s wrath. This decision was rooted in Mordecai’s faithfulness to God. Compliance would have been simple enough. But in the cultural context, bowing was not merely a gesture of respect but seen as an act of worship and obedience. By refusing to bow, Mordecai was implicitly rejecting Haman's claim to divine authority and staying true to his conviction to have no other gods before the LORD.

Mordecai’s stand reminds us that our faith may require us to resist pressures to conform to ungodly standards. Society often demands compromise in subtle ways, whether in our values, integrity, or allegiance. Mordecai’s refusal wasn’t for attention but flowed from a deep conviction to honor God above human authority. His faithfulness reminds us that small acts of obedience often have eternal significance.

During the Reformation, Martin Luther stood before powerful leaders and declared, “Here I stand; I can do no other.” This was a formal assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, convened by the Emperor, where Luther was demanded to recant his writings that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, including its practices of indulgences. Luther's refusal to recant placed him in grave danger. By standing firm, he risked excommunication, imprisonment, or even execution as a heretic. His courage to refuse compromise shaped history, just as Mordecai’s bravery paved the way for Israel’s salvation.

Examine your life: Are there areas where you're tempted to bow to worldly pressures? Pray for strength to stand firm, even when it costs you comfort, approval, or ease. Like Mordecai, let your faithfulness be a testimony to those around you.

 May the Lord grant you the courage to stand firm in your convictions, even in the face of opposition. May your obedience honor Him and inspire others to live boldly for His glory. Amen.

December 4 -- "The King's Delight"

Today's Reading: Esther 2 

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In Esther 2, we see how God unfolds His plan amidst seemingly ordinary events, vividly illustrating how He orchestrates circumstances for His purposes, even in uncertain times. Esther was divinely chosen for a specific purpose, showcasing God's providence and sovereignty

In verse 14, we encounter the cultural backdrop where no one was allowed to approach a king without an invitation. This ancient practice emphasized protocol, etiquette, and respect for the king's authority. Being summoned indicated acceptance, favor, and recognition, granting the individual an audience with the king.

Just as a king's authority and majesty demanded reverence and protocol, God's holiness requires an even greater recognition of His supreme glory and purity. Humanity cannot casually or presumptuously enter God's presence because of His holiness and our sinfulness. God's perfect justice means that sin cannot exist before Him without consequence. The penalty for such transgression is death (Romans 6:23).

But just as King Xerxes' extended his golden scepter to welcome Esther into his presence, God extends mercy to us through Jesus Christ. Christ acts as the perfect Mediator between us and God, enabling us to approach God's throne, not in fear of judgment but with confidence in His grace. Without Christ’s atoning sacrifice, we would be like those who dared to approach a king unsummoned—destined to face the consequences of our unworthiness.

Through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, we can receive God’s favor and delight. Hebrews 10 speaks of the confidence we have to enter God’s presence through the blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all sin. Psalm 147:11 says, “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

While we are indeed incapable of obtaining God’s delight based solely on our own righteousness, the grace and mercy of God through Jesus Christ make it possible for us to be in a right relationship with Him and experience His favor. Through Christ’s work, we are made holy and acceptable to God, allowing us to approach Him with confidence and joy as He delights in us and summons us by name.

Today, may you sense His gracious summons and feel His welcoming grace. And may you enter His presence boldly with the confidence that He delights in you.

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. 

November 30 -- "Thirty Pieces of Silver"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 11

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Have you ever had that sinking feeling of paying too much for something? Or maybe you sold something valuable that you underpriced and received a price that was nowhere near its true value? It’s a common experience, but Zechariah shows us a painful echo of this on an eternal scale.

In Zechariah 11:13, God tells the prophet to take the measly thirty pieces of silver—the price offered for his leadership and care of Israel—and throw it to the potter. This price of “thirty pieces” was an insult, a slap in the face, as this was the value for a slave. The prophecy speaks of the tragic undervaluing of God’s love and salvation, foreshadowing the betrayal of Jesus by Judas for that same amount. How astounding that the very Son of God was “sold” for a pittance.

Zechariah’s prophecy opens our eyes to a reality: there are times we, too, undervalue what God offers us. We can treat the priceless gift of salvation with casual appreciation, prioritizing lesser things over His love and truth. Judas’s betrayal and Israel’s rejection serve as sober reminders to weigh our choices. Are we investing our lives in what’s of eternal worth? Or are we “selling” our devotion for things that don’t last?

Take a moment right now to consider how you’re valuing your relationship with God. Pray for wisdom to cherish His grace and to invest in eternal things. When tempted to “sell out” for a fleeting gain, remember the true worth of knowing Christ. A value that is immeasurable and eternal—it’s a treasure that surpasses all earthly gain, pleasures, and possessions.  Let your response reflect a heart that truly treasures

His amazing gift. Imagine selling a trinket from your attic at a garage sale for pennies. But later, you discover its true worth and realize it is a family heirloom—a rare treasure worth way more than you were paid for it. That's what happened when Judas betrayed Jesus—not realizing the infinite value of knowing the Son of God, he sold Him out for some meager silver coins. Sometimes this can happen in our own lives when we overlook the priceless worth of God’s love.

May the Lord open your eyes to the true worth of His love, that you may never settle for less than His best. And may your heart treasure Christ above all else, reflecting the immeasurable value of His sacrifice.

November 29 -- "He Shall Speak Peace"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 9 & 10

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Visualize a world where war and conflict are replaced with lasting peace, as described in the ancient prophecy of Zechariah 9. This future vision portrays a time when nations will lay down their weapons, transforming swords (weapons of war) into plowshares (tools of peace and agriculture) and spears into pruning hooks (tools of nurture and growth). But this transformation goes beyond just physical weapons; it represents a profound shift in the deeper roots of conflict, division, and injustice that plague humanity.

This prophetic peace finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. His Second Coming will usher in a new era of reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity. Through His redemptive work, Christ breaks down the barriers that separate people from God and from one another, paving the way for genuine peace at all levels - personal, communal, and global.

Even now, as believers, we are called to be ambassadors of this prophetic peace, actively participating in God's work of reconciliation and restoration. We can do this by living out the values of the Kingdom of God - love, humility, justice, and compassion - and by proclaiming the message of salvation through Christ, which is the foundation of true and lasting peace.

In a world marked by strife and discord, our lives and witness can point others to the hope and promise of the coming Kingdom, where swords will indeed be turned into plowshares, and nations will learn war no more. By speaking peace in our words, actions, and relationships, we participate in God's redemptive work, bringing glimpses of His kingdom's peace into the present reality of a broken world. Let us be beacons of hope, shining brightly in the darkness, and pointing the way to a future of peace, love, and unity, under the reign of the Messiah.

Until Christ returns, may you be and instrument of peace and love, transforming conflict into harmony and strife into unity. As you sow seeds of kindness and compassion, may you reap a bountiful harvest of hope and reconciliation.