After their captivity, God brought His people home. They began building the wall to fortify their city as God commanded. They started to build the temple, but stopped when they experienced persecution from the surrounding nations. Then they went on to their own lives. How often do we put our own lives and livelihood before God?
Continue reading “Haggai: Build God’s Temple”Tag: Israel
Zephaniah: The Day of the Lord
Several prophets talked about the Day of the Lord. What is it? It is a day of reckoning. It is a day of judgement. In the end, it will be a time of joy for those who trust in the Lord, but a time of sorrow for the unrighteous. Zephaniah talks about a Day of the Lord for Israel and Judah. When God would discipline His chosen people and punish the wicked, especially the leaders who should be guiding God’s people to the Lord, not to foreign false gods and idols. It is something we should take note today. There is one God. And He does not approve of our “acceptance” and “tolerance” of false religions, of lifestyles that go against His will, of putting other things before Him, beside Him, or in place of him. There is one way to God and that is through Jesus only.
Continue reading “Zephaniah: The Day of the Lord”Habakkuk: Questioning God
Often people ask why a loving God allows bad things to happen. Habakkuk was no different. He saw violence and injustice happening all around him and He was asking God why He is allowing this to happen. God didn’t shoot him down for it but answered. He had a plan. Today is not much different. We don’t understand why things are happening and why God is allowing it. Often our relief is far ahead of us but we cannot see it. But sometimes we need to be patient. God has a plan. And one day we will be with Him, where there will be no more evil, no more pain, no more tears. Those who trust in the Lord will be saved and will be blessed.
Continue reading “Habakkuk: Questioning God”Micah: Warnings and Hope
Like Amos, Micah speaks to Israel about the coming judgment of the people. His ministry began in 740BC. By 722 BC, the Assyrians take Israel into captivity. With every prophesy, God always give a warning. But, He also gives a promise. He is a just God, but also a merciful God. God’s word always has a message, and although Micah may be speaking to Israel, all of us need to take note. What He teaches one people are words for all people. The words of more than 2000 years ago still apply today.
Continue reading “Micah: Warnings and Hope”Obadiah: Speaking to Neighboring Nations
Obadiah is one of the few prophets that speak entirely to a nation other than Israel. Although God’s people often turn from Him, they are still His Chosen People. Like a loving Father, though He may discipline and rebuke His children when they do wrong, He will always protect them and will deal with those who mistreat them. This is the case with Edom, a nation that was related to the Israelites. They were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. As Israel was going through hard times (many were taken captive to Babylon), instead of Edom helping their relatives they gloated and often attacked and looted their homes. God does not look kindly on those who mistreat His people and they will suffer the consequences. Even though Obadiah was speaking specifically to the Edomites, it may be something to take note for other nations and peoples as well.
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My Daily Scriptures 