November 26 -- "Not by Might, Nor by Power"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 4 & 5

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Today's passage from Zechariah 4 presents a vivid vision of a lampstand and olive trees, symbolizing the extraordinary power of God's Spirit to overcome obstacles and accomplish His divine purposes. The lampstand, fueled by a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees, represents the constant flow of God's Spirit providing His people with wisdom, strength, and spiritual power. The message is unmistakable: true victory is not achieved through our own human might or effort, but by relying on the Spirit of God.

Victory in the spiritual realm is not about relying on our own limited abilities ("might" or "power"). Instead, it's about our dependence on God's supernatural strength, wisdom, and guidance. It's about recognizing our own limitations and surrendering control to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work through us and achieve His purposes. The Spirit's enablement leads to humility, faith, and a reliance on God's sufficiency rather than our own.

Jesus reiterated the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for effective service. In Acts 1:8, He promised that "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Jesus has offered us a "continuous supply" of “olive oil for our lampstand” (the Holy Spirit's power). He is here to be our Helper, the Spirit of truth, the source of power for witnessing, the agent of conviction and guidance, and the producer of spiritual fruit in our lives.

As followers of Christ, we're called to engage in spiritual tasks that may seem daunting at times. Whether it's overcoming personal struggles, sharing the Gospel, or serving others in love, we can draw inspiration from Zechariah's vision. The message is clear: it's not by your own human effort, but by the divine effort that comes only from the Spirit of the Lord.

Today, let's embrace the truth that the same Spirit who empowered Zerubbabel is at work within us, equipping us to face any obstacle and fulfill God's calling on our lives. May we cease attempting this "Christian walk" in our own strength and start to walk in the power of the Spirit, trusting in His ability to overcome every hindrance and bring about His Kingdom purposes.

Today, may you rediscover the ever-flowing oil of God’s Spirit flowing in your life. And may the grace and power of the Holy Spirit be with you accomplishing His divine purposes.

November 25 -- "Be Silent!"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 2 & 3

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Listen close, as we dive into the beautiful invitation to "be silent" before the Lord! This divine call invites us to step into a world of awe, reverence, and submission, where we can truly experience the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Being silent before God is more than just stopping our mouths; it's a posture of humility, stillness, and attentiveness to His ever-present love. It's about hushing our hearts, minds, and ambitions to tune in to His sweet whispers and guidance.

In the midst of our fast-paced lives, filled with noise and distractions, this call to silence becomes a precious reminder to pause, set aside our tasks, and intentionally create space for communion with Him. It's an invitation to step out of the hustle and bustle and into the stillness of His love.

As we silence ourselves before God, we acknowledge His sovereignty, wisdom, and authority. We recognize that He is in control, and we trust in His perfect plans and timing. This humble surrender allows us to align our will with His, and in doing so, we find peace and rest in His loving arms.

Moreover, being silent before God fosters a deep sense of intimacy and connection with Him. In the quiet, we can pour out our hearts to Him, express our gratitude, seek His forgiveness, and receive His love and grace abundantly.

Now, friends, let's be honest – overcoming the challenges of busyness and distraction doesn't happen overnight. It requires intentional effort, discipline, and a desire to prioritize our relationship with God. It may mean creating a quiet space for prayer and reflection, setting aside dedicated time for communion with Him, seeking guidance from spiritual mentors, and addressing any underlying issues that hinder our intimacy with God.

May the Lord help you develop a habit of silence before Him that leads to a deeper understanding of His ways, a stronger faith, and a heart filled with peace and contentment. And may you embrace this sacred call to silence and allow it to transform your life as we draw closer to our loving Creator.

November 24 -- "Return to Me"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 1

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Today’s key verse expresses a beautiful truth that warms our hearts and fills our spirits with joy! It's this: no matter how far we may have strayed from God's loving embrace, we're never too far to turn back and be welcomed home. It's always just one step back to the open arms of our loving Father in heaven.

Throughout the pages of Scripture, we find countless examples of people who had wandered away from God, only to be welcomed back with open arms when they repented and turned their hearts back to Him. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 is a powerful reminder of this truth. Despite the son's reckless choices and rebellious ways, his father's love and forgiveness are unending when he finally returns home.

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, God's invitation to return to Him is a beacon of hope and love. Just as Zechariah called the people of his time to heed the voice of the Lord, we too are urged to listen and respond to His gentle call to come back to Him. This isn't just a suggestion, friends; it's a vital necessity for our spiritual well-being.

The message is clear: no matter how far we've wandered or how many wrong turns we've taken, God is always ready to receive us back into His loving embrace. All it takes is one sincere step of repentance, one decision to turn our hearts back to Him, and the process of restoration and reconciliation begins.

So today, let's take a moment to reflect on our hearts and lives. Are there areas where we've strayed from God's ways? Have worldly pursuits or worries taken precedence over seeking His face? Let's use this as a divine nudge to refocus our priorities and recommit ourselves to a deeper relationship with our Lord.

As we respond to His call to return, let's anticipate His faithfulness in meeting us. God longs to draw near to those who seek Him earnestly. So let's turn back to Him today, and He will return to us with open arms and overflowing love!

November 23 -- "The Spirit In Our Midst"

 Today's Reading: Haggai 2

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Today’s verse from Haggai 2 may seem like a simplistic statement but the truth in this verse changes everything about our lives and our relationship with God. God calls us to be fearless in the face of challenges and opposition reminding us that His Spirit is in our midst.

The Israelites faced discouragement as they struggled to rebuild the Temple after their return from exile. They were weary, under-resourced, and intimidated by opposition. Yet God spoke through Haggai, reminding them that His Spirit remained in their midst—just as He had been with their ancestors during their deliverance from Egypt. His presence was constant and empowering, allowing them to press forward fearlessly.

Later on, Jesus' words in John 14:16-17 expand on this promise by revealing that the Holy Spirit would not only be with believers but would also dwell in them. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Today, for those of us who believe in Christ, His Spirit is not only with us, as He was for Israel, but in us—living and working through us to accomplish His purposes.

This truth changes everything for us as believers. While the Israelites had the amazing and profound experience of God’s Spirit being beside them, we have an even more intimate and powerful experience of His Spirit within us. He guides us, strengthens us, comforts us, and emboldens us from within. In our toughest battles, this indwelling presence means we never face anything alone. We can confront challenges head-on, not through our own might but through the Spirit who empowers us to live without fear.

Acknowledge and rely on the Spirit’s presence in you. When you face doubt or fear, turn to Him in prayer and invite Him to strengthen you. Memorize Haggai 2:5 and John 14:16-17 and speak them over your life, reminding yourself that God’s indwelling Spirit makes you fearless.

May the Lord fill you with the awareness of His Spirit within you. And may His presence ignite courage in your heart, allowing you to walk confidently and fearlessly in every challenge. 

November 22 -- "Purses With Holes"

Today's Reading: Haggai 1 

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Think about the allure of personal ambitions and material pursuits. It's easy to get caught up in our own world, forgetting the importance of advancing God's kingdom. Today's passage encourages us to take a step back and evaluate where we're investing our time, energy, and resources. Are we aligning ourselves with God's plans?

Haggai 1 reminds us of the time when God's people neglected the rebuilding of His house (the Temple), focusing instead on their own comforts and desires and building their own houses. When we neglect to invest in God's kingdom, we end up like those described in verse 6, reaping less than we sow, constantly struggling for basic needs like food and water, and experiencing financial instability as our earnings disappear like sand through holes in a bag. Even worse, we end up forfeiting eternal rewards that no earthly gain can replace, trading the lasting for the temporary and missing out on the joy of true, everlasting treasure.

This message extends beyond just material wealth; it's about how we spend our time, talents, and resources in all areas of life. When we put our focus on self-serving pursuits or worldly ambitions, we miss out on the joy and fulfillment that come from serving God and His kingdom.

So, let's take a moment to reflect on our priorities. Are we investing in things that truly matter in eternity, or are we chasing after temporary pleasures and pursuits that leave us feeling empty? Just as God's people were called to refocus their attention on rebuilding His house, we're challenged to prioritize spiritual investments that bring lasting fruit and glory to God.

By redirecting our efforts towards endeavors that align with God's kingdom, we not only honor Him but also experience the rich, abundant life He promises to those who seek Him first. Let's plug the holes in our purses and begin spread our resources wide, investing in the things that truly matter, and watch our lives become a testimony to the power and love of God.

May the Lord bless your pursuits, guiding you to invest your time, talents, and resources in ways that align with His will. And may your heart be filled with a sense of purpose and fulfillment as you seek to advance His kingdom.

November 21 -- "He Made Them Joyful"

 Today's Reading: Ezra 6

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When God’s people enter His presence, He fills their hearts with joy! In Ezra 6, after years of hard work, struggle and perseverance, the Israelites finally complete the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Together, they dedicate it to the Lord with feasting and thanksgiving, rejoicing that God “had made them joyful” by moving the heart of a foreign king to aid them. This moment of joy wasn’t simply a human reaction to the Temple’s completion but a gift from God, who delighted to pour out His goodness upon His people as they faithfully returned to Him.

Ezra 6:22 tells us that God “made them joyful.” This wasn’t simply a manmade emotion or human reaction, but the very work of God pouring out upon them the joy of the Spirit. As they gathered to worship and celebrate the Passover, their joy was evident. God didn’t just enable them to finish the work; He blessed them with joy—a reminder that when we serve the Lord with all our hearts, He fills us with a joy that is beyond circumstances.

Psalm 16:11 says, "In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." When we draw near to God, spending time in prayer, worship, and His Word, we experience a deep, supernatural, unexplainable joyfulness that transcends circumstances because it comes from being with Him.

Maybe you’ve been through a season of opposition or struggle, feeling as though joy has been out of reach. But when we turn to God, He renews our joy even in the most challenging times. Our joy doesn’t come from what we’ve achieved but from His gracious hand upon us.

Let God’s joy strengthen you! Seek His presence with an open heart, thanking Him even if the journey has been hard. When we celebrate God’s work in our lives, He blesses us with a joy that transforms us and encourages others.

May the Lord fill you with a joy that surpasses every hardship, that renews you daily, and overflows to those around you. And may you find strength and gladness in His presence today, knowing that He delights to make you joyful. 

November 20 -- "Steadfast in Purpose"

 Today's Reading: Ezra 5

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Imagine, if you will, being part of a daring mission to rebuild the sacred Temple, despite facing fierce opposition and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Sounds like a scene straight out of an action-packed movie, right? But this is exactly what the people of God faced in the book of Ezra.

In the captivating account from Ezra 5, we witness the people of God rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. Sounds like a daunting task, right? Well, it certainly wasn't without its challenges. In fact, they faced some pretty significant opposition along the way.

But here's the incredible part: despite the hurdles they encountered, these brave believers didn't give up! They persisted in their mission, fueled by their solid faith in the Lord. And why did they keep going, you ask? Because they knew WHO they were (God’s chosen people) and WHY they were there (to love and serve Him forever). They understood their identity as servants of the God of Heaven and Earth, and that gave them the courage and strength to press on.

This story isn't just a relic of the past. It's a powerful reminder for us today, as we navigate our own Christian journeys. We too face challenges, temptations, and obstacles, but we don't have to succumb to them. Just like the people in Ezra's story, we can persevere, trusting in God's provision and timing. We can remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our identity as followers of Christ gives us the power to overcome any adversity.

When we face challenges on our Christian journey, let's remember WHO we are in Christ (children of God) and WHY we're here (to glorify God and enjoy Him forever). When we comprehend this identity in Christ, we can face very challenge with perseverance, leaning on God's promises and staying steadfast in prayer. And let's never forget that, with God on our side, we can overcome any obstacle and fulfill our divine purpose.

May the Lord encourage and empower you to keep pressing on in your faith, no matter what challenges come your way. Remember, the Lord’s got this—and He’s got you!