Is Your Heart Set on Idols or on God?

Scripture: Ezekiel 14: 2-3

And the word of the Lord came unto me saying, Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

Scripture Commentary: Let your faith be personal and real – open your heart to God

God condemned the elders for worshiping idols in their hearts while coming to God’s prophet for advice. Do you go to your pastor and your friends with evil in your heart and mind, asking for forgiveness without any change?

Do you go to church and pray but are not sincere? Are you dedicated to pursuing the idols of reputation, acceptance, wealth, or sensual pleasure? Refocus your attention and dedicate yourself to God.

Nothing should captivate your allegiance and imagination as a replacement of your devotion to God. Each individual has his/her own relationship with God. We are weak but God is our strength.

God wants to recapture your heart. Let Jesus Christ show you the way. Do not become spiritually dormant. Do not be unfruitful to God.

Let your faith be personal and real. God’s arms are open for you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ezekiel Chapter 14

Watch for God’s Message To You

Scripture: Habakkuk 2: 1-3

I will stand upon my watch, and set upon the towers, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Scripture Commentary: Be in a position to receive God’s message

Are you on the watchtower? Do you watch to see what He will say to you? Can you hear God talking to you?

Stone watchtowers were built on city walls, ramparts, and vineyards. Watchtowers monitored who was approaching; enemies or messengers. Habakkuk awaited God’s message. Are you in a position to receive God’s message?

We see the evil in the world. We might doubt and wonder what God is doing. How long will evil prevail? God answered Habakkuk, and the same answer applies today: judgement will come.

God is giving us time to cleanse ourselves and bring others to him. If God passed judgement on you today, how would you fare? Take the time God has given you to repent and go to Him.

As Christians, we live for God. We trust him in directing all things according to his purpose.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Habakkuk Chapter 2

Bless the Lord For the Gifts He Gives You

Scripture: Psalms 103: 1-8

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thy iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Commentary: Bless the Lord who forgives, heals, redeems and loves you

What a mighty God we serve. He is a God of mercy, kindness, love, and forgiveness. Think about your life. What have you accomplished by giving yourself to God? Bless the Lord!

David’s praise focused on God’s glorious deeds. Do not complain about life, look at what God has done for you. This chapter gives us plenty for which to praise God. He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives righteousness and justice.

We receive all of this without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life’s journey, you can always count your blessings. God will always be here for us.

Where would we be without Him?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 103

Woe to Leaders Who Scatter God’s Flock

Scripture: Jeremiah 23: 1-2

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! Saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

Scripture Commentary: False prophets scatter and destroy

Leaders are responsible for those entrusted to their care. How does a nation become corrupt? False prophets have, do, and will play a large role is misguiding innocent people. We like to hear what makes us feel comfortable; whether it is the truth or not.

A person like Jeremiah will have a message from God that will be unpopular among many people because it shows how corrupt we are. Whether we speak from a pulpit, teach in a class, or share with friends, we are entrusted with accurately communicating and living out God’s word.

True prophets and false prophets are as different as straw and grain. Straw is useless for food and cannot compare to the nourishing value of grain. False prophets may appear to speak God’s message, but they do not live according to God’s principles. They will water down God’s message in order to make it more palatable, often subtly encouraging their listeners to disobey God. These false prophets tend to be arrogant and self serving.

As you share God’s Word people will look at you and see God in you. Unless it has changed you, why should they listen to your godless talk?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Jeremiah Chapter 23

Behold, the Day Cometh

Scripture: Malachi 4: 1-2

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Scripture Commentary:

Behold, are you prepared to receive our Lord Jesus Christ today? Malachi closes his messages by pointing to the final day of judgment. For those who are committed to God, judgment day will be a day of joy, the day eternity in God’s presence begins. Those who have ignored God will not like judgment day.

If you have ignored God, you must change your way of living. Turn to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. In asking for mercy you must repent; change your sinful way of living.

Christians must help by being faithful to the love, honor, and respect in teaching others the ways of our Lord. God is our healing warmth. His warmth will never burn out.

Malachi ends the Old Testament by calling us to turn to God and prepare the way for others to serve him as he has served you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Malachi Chapter 4

Plead Your Case Before the Mountains

Scripture: Micah 6: 1-3

Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice. Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD’S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel. O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.

Commentary: The people built pagan altars in the mountains

God called to the mountains to confirm the people’s guilt. The mountains would serve as excellent witnesses, for it was in the high places that the people had built pagan altars and had sacrificed to false gods.

Can you say God has done something wrong? Can you say you have done no wrong?

God has been patient with you, as he had been patient with the people. He always loves and guides you, providing every opportunity to return to him.

Do not be like the people in Micah’s day. They forgot the covenant and its benefits. They turned away from God. God continued to be kind to these forgetful people, but their memory made them forget his kindness.

Do not forget God’s mercy. Turn to him.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Micah Chapter 6

Teach Me, Lord, and Order My Steps in Your Word

Scripture: Psalms 119: 129-136

PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

Scripture Commentary: Be prepared for change as you apply God’s Word

Double-minded people cannot make up their minds between good and evil. But when it comes to obeying God, there is no middle ground; you must take a stand. Either you are obeying Him or you are not. Either you are doing what He wants or you are undecided. Have your ordered your steps in His Word?

Faith comes alive when we apply Scripture to our daily tasks and concerns. We need discernment so we can understand and we need the desire to apply Scripture where we need help.

The Bible is like medicine in that it goes to work only when we apply it to the affected areas. As you read the Bible, be alert for lessons, commands, and examples that you can put into practice.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 119

Rejoice, Be Glad for God is Good

Scripture: Psalms 118: 24-29

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Scripture Commentary: The psalmists’ prayers often ended in rejoicing!

There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming. We can relate to the writers of the Psalms who often felt this way.

No matter how the psalmists felt, they were always honest with God. As as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise.

Often we don’t feel like rejoicing. Be sure to tell God how you truly feel. You will find that God will give you a reason to rejoice.

God has given you this day to live and to serve Him – be glad!

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 118

Idols Cannot Speak, See, Hear or Help You

Scripture: Psalms 115: 1-9

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

Scripture Commentary: Don’t place idols above the intangible realities of God

The psalmist asked that God’s name, not the nation’s, be glorified. Too often we ask God to glorify His name with ours. We may pray for help to do a good job so that our work will be noticed. Or we may ask that a presentation go well so we get the applause. There is nothing wrong with looking good or impressing others. The problem comes when we want to look good no matter what happens to God’s reputation in the process. Many people worshiped idols: statues of wood, stone or metal. They took pride in what they could see and had contempt for what they couldn’t see.

Today we still may value tangible objects rather than intangible realities. Those who spend their time obtaining tangible objects are as foolish and empty as the idols themselves.

There are times when we feel isolated, alone and abandoned, even by God. Be encouraged when depressed by problems or struggling with self-worth. God keeps you in His thoughts.

Do you have the faith to trust God? Will you place yourself in His hands?

Who will get the credit when God answers your prayer? Because He will respond.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 115

Christ Is a Great Light Piercing the Darkness

Scripture: Isaiah 9: 2, 6

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.(2) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.(6)

Scripture Commentary: His life is the light that shines through the darkness*

In a time of great darkness, God promised to send the light to shine on everyone living in the shadow of sin and death. During times of gloom and despair, we fear that our sorrows and troubles will never end.

Take comfort in this certainty: although the Lord may not always take us around our troubles, if we follow Him and if we believe wholeheartedly, He will bring us safely through.

Do you really believe in Our Lord Jesus Christ?

He is both “Wonderful Counselor” and “The Mighty God.” God wants to protect us from bad choices, but he still gives us the freedom to choose.

When will you listen to God?

Must we be like Judah and suffer calamities before we will listen to the Word of God? Consider what God is telling you, and obey Him before your time runs out. Open your heart and soul and you will hear Him clearly telling you that He loves you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Isaiah Chapter 9

*John 1: 5 (New International Version)