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Today’s Reading:  Nehemiah 10-13; Revelations 8

Nehemiah 13 provides valuable insights for us today, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance, commitment to God’s standards, and the need for courageous leadership in addressing compromise within the faith community. Despite the Israelites’ earlier covenant renewal, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to find spiritual neglect, corruption, and a disregard for God’s commands. This serves as a reminder that spiritual drift can occur subtly and must be actively confronted.

One key lesson is the importance of prioritizing worship and holiness. Nehemiah discovered that temple rooms, meant for offerings and worship supplies, had been repurposed for personal gain. Similarly, Christians today must guard against allowing worldly priorities to displace spiritual devotion. Our lives, like the temple, must remain dedicated spaces for God’s presence and purposes.

The chapter also emphasizes the importance of Sabbath observance, a principle that transcends time. In a culture driven by constant busyness and productivity, Christians are reminded to honor rest and set aside time for worship and renewal. The Sabbath principle underscores trust in God’s provision and a willingness to prioritize spiritual well-being over worldly success.

Additionally, Nehemiah’s boldness in confronting sin and compromise highlights the need for courageous leadership in the church today. Whether addressing moral failures, spiritual complacency, or cultural conformity, Christian leaders and believers must stand firm in upholding God’s standards with love and integrity.

Finally, Nehemiah’s reliance on prayer throughout his reforms reminds us that spiritual transformation begins with dependence on God. We are called to remain prayerful, asking God for wisdom, strength, and perseverance.

In a world where compromise is often celebrated, Nehemiah 13 should challenge us to remain vigilant, prioritize holiness, and courageously address spiritual drift both in their personal lives and within the faith community.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

Nehemiah 1-3, Revelation 5

John is in the throne room.  He’s watching God hold out a scroll with seven seals while an angel shouts to everyone “who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (v2).  When nobody was found, John began to weep.  It’s this reaction that I want to take a closer look at.  Why does he weep?  To understand John’s emotions we need to first understand what is in the scroll, then we need a closer look at John’s heart.

The scroll describes Gods future plans.  Remember that Jesus died and ascended to heaven but he also made another promise; to come again. Luke 21:27 (ESV) And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory  (Mark 13:26-27).   This second coming will be the end to all trials and tribulation.  When it happens, Jesus will send out the angels and gather his elect (Mark 13:27).  This is what John was hoping for.  The scroll would finally reveal it. The full understanding of God and eternal presence with him is finally at hand.  But, there is a problem.  Who will open it?

John probably knew immediately that he, himself was not worthy.  He came to the throne room not with ambition and looking for opportunity, but seeking God, with humility.  Instead, I picture him eagerly searching for a face, for someone to step forward and take the scroll.  But they didn’t show up.  I feel like he matched 5 numbers on a lottery ticket and, waiting anxiously for that sixth number, only to find it doesn’t match.  John had lost.  But this wasn’t about a few dollars, this was everything he hoped for.  He “wept loudly.”

John was distressed until he was reminded to be patient.  There is one worthy, says one of the elders.  It is the “Lion of Judah.”  He has won the victory.  He is worthy to open the scrolls.  With this, John’s hope was restored but not in the way he expected.  He was looking for a lion, bold and strong.  But, what he saw was a lamb, and that Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered (Revelation 5:6).  In that moment, John sees Jesus for who he really is. He understands the price that was paid.  With that, John and the entire room fell down before the lamb and sang a new song (Revelation 5:8).

Todays Readings: Ezra 7-10, Psalm 97, Revelation 4

Psalm 97:9 For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

During this season, I can reflect on what I am holding up high. Gifts, social events, kids’ activities, my circumstances…?  Then I can read His Words and remember who I should be holding Most High. What should take first in all areas of my life and who should be lifted most high in my obedience, actions, and thoughts. When I think I have control over something I can take a step back and remember without a doubt who is in control of it all.

Lord help me exalt You and only You! Tis the season where many things can pull our focus away from the real reason why we celebrate. Lord help us to lift You up Most High in all ways this season.

 Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they were created
    and have their being.”

Today’s Reading: Esther 7-10; Revelation 3

As we are in the middle of our Advent season, it’s no coincidence that this is one of the most stressful and tiring time of the year. 

We as Christians believe that this is the coming of Christ again into our lives. We have anticipation for that love and joy that he brings. When the original Heralds of Angels proclaimed the good news of Christ coming, they stated “peace beyond to you“. 

This is peace that we cannot understand and peace that we need for our spirits. But the adversary wants to distract us from that peace and that calmness. 

During the month of December, there are so many things to keep you busy. There are so many things to distract you from peace. There are so many things to distract you from calm. 

During December, many people are reliving grief from departed loved ones.

 

During December, so many of us have heartaches of unresolved angst. 

There is so much calamity that peace cannot be seen easily. That is why we have Christ to give us this peace during these tumultuous times.

In our reading in Esther,  there is a time of stress and chaos when Mordecai has been given a death sentence. Not only has he been given a death sentence, but his entire people and his race have been given a death sentence on an appointed day by his enemy. But God allows for his peace to come into this situation.  

“So the king and Haman went to dinner with Queen Esther. At this second dinner, while they were drinking wine the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what would you like? Half of my kingdom! Just ask and it’s yours.” Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your eyes, O King, and if it please the king, give me my life, and give my people their lives. “We’ve been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed—sold to be massacred, eliminated. If we had just been sold off into slavery, I wouldn’t even have brought it up; our troubles wouldn’t have been worth bothering the king over.” King Xerxes exploded, “Who? Where is he? This is monstrous!” “An enemy. An adversary. This evil Haman,” said Esther. Haman was terror-stricken before the king and queen.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭MSG‬‬

“That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, archenemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king because Esther had explained their relationship. The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken back from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther appointed Mordecai over Haman’s estate.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

This will bring so much calamity and so much strife to the best person. But God had a different plan. He softened the heart of King Xeres to hear Queen Esther‘s request and when the King heard the request he gave it graciously. This request actually saved Mordecai life in the Jewish people‘s lives.  Normally this would create discourse, but Mordecai was patient and allowed God to work through Esther for his own benefit. 

Sometimes we have to be patient and let God work through others for our behalf. We do not have to take the battle for ourselves, we do not have to defend our actions. We do not have to pick up any arms to protect us, if we know that God is for us. 

During this season, we can take solace in Christ, He has come before us and is working on our behalf. We do not have to endure the harshness of Winters alone. We do not have to do anything alone, because Christ is with us throughout everything.

This is the confidence that we have in Christ. This is what Christ sees in us :

““I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough. “And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan—watch as I strip off their pretensions and they’re forced to acknowledge it’s you that I’ve loved. “Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon, and all over the earth, every man, woman, and child put to the test. “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Esther 4-6, Revelation 2

Chet is right.  The book of Esther needs to be made a movie.  Esther is clearly the hero, and every good hero has a mentor.  Bruce Wayne, for example, has Alfred and Luke Skywalker has Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Esther, has Mordecai.

Mordecai has superpowers.  The root of them is faith.  For example, he is so certain of God that he refuses to bow to Haman even when everyone else does (Ester 3:2).  Then, facing death, he displays total peace and confidence (Esther 5:9).  Given Mordecai’s faith it’s easy to wonder why he is not the hero. That would be too easy.  God likes to complicate is work with people that are not qualified and are not expected.  That is Esther.  But, she needs help.

Mordecai masterfully encourages her.  His way is not patronizing.  It’s challenging.  Check out their exchange in chapter 4.

Mordecai pleads to Esther, “Go tell the king about Haman’s plot to kill the Jews.”

“I can’t” she replies. “The king will kill me if I enter without an invitation.”

“Do it anyway.” He insists.  “This is why God brought you here in the first place.”

Clearly this story has some cinematic opportunity, but I am thankful that I dont need it.  I hear clearly the call of Mordecai to stand up, stand firm, and believe.  Believe in God that has you here, right now, with all of these challenges so that you too can be something – for Him.

Today’s Readings: Zechariah 9-11; 1 John 5

Zechariah 9–11 contains prophecies that address themes of judgment, deliverance, and the role of leadership. These chapters speak of God’s sovereignty over nations, His protection of His people, and the consequences of rejecting His divine leadership. These themes resonate deeply with the turmoil in the Middle East today.

In Zechariah 9, God declares judgment on oppressive nations and promises deliverance for His people. Verses 9-10 foretell the coming of a King who will bring peace, a prophecy foretelling the coming of Jesus. Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this points to the need for a true, lasting peace—one that transcends political negotiations and stems from spiritual reconciliation.

Zechariah 10 emphasizes God’s restoration of His people. It highlights the failure of human leaders (“shepherds”) and God’s intervention to regather and strengthen His people. In today’s context, the instability and leadership crises across the region echo the need for divine intervention. It reminds believers to pray for God’s guidance and restoration for all who are affected.

Zechariah 11 warns of rejecting the true shepherd. It speaks of betrayal and the consequences of rejecting God’s chosen leader. This resonates with the ongoing rejection of Christ by many and the broader struggles for spiritual truth in a region marked by religious conflict.

These chapters remind us that human solutions to the Middle East’s strife will fall short without God’s peace. They call for prayer, a return to God’s sovereignty, and the hope of restoration through Christ, the ultimate Shepherd and King.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

Zech 2-5, Psalm 93, 1 John 3

How do you define accountability?  As I child, I defined it as a yard-stick.   A swift, thwack agains the back of my legs got my attention quickly.  I never liked it, but I always needed it.  I still need it now, as an adult.  It was true in Bible times too.  Throughout 1 John, the apostle John is exercising his responsibility to hold Christians accountable.  When you examine it you will see three distinct components.  A reminder of who Jesus is, how we react to that understanding and finally, why it matters.

I John starts with a reminder of who Jesus is.  If you haven’t noticed, its easy to get mixed up about Jesus.  That is as true today as it was 2,000 years ago when John wrote this book.  People everywhere were questioning Jesus’ divinity.  After all, how is it possible to be human and God?  Our faith is easily sidetracked with such questions.  Many of us already have. For example, it is far easier to believe that Jesus was just a “good guy” than it is to believe he is God.  In 1 John, John rebutts these falsehoods with a strong message of truth.  He reminds us that Jesus was, in fact, “from the beginning,” meaning that he was with God before all of creation.  He also points to evidence of his humanity, recalling that they saw him personally and were able to touch him physically (John 20:27).  These reminders of truth hole us accountable to the core truth’s of Jesus. 

As we recall his perfect nature, John begins to encourage us to act accordingly.  The behavioral change John is talking about starts with our heart which is justified through Jesus’ sacrifice. This starts by remembering our need for forgiveness and salvation,  behavioral change will follow. 

God fills our renewed hearts with His love and goodness.  Out of this river, flows righteousness and good deeds.

In conclusion, John encourages us to be confident.  Not just for eternal life, but for true life.  Right here on earth.  God cares about our struggles.  He wants to intercede.  He will intercede.  Sometimes, we just need a reminded.