PROSPERITY AND LOYALTY
Today’s Reading: Zechariah 1-3
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This is a model of the Temple from the time of Jesus. King Herod renovated the Temple which had been built in the time of Zechariah 500 years earlier. This Temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Zechariah 1:17, 2:5
Again proclaim, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts:
‘My cities shall again spread out through prosperity;
The Lord will again comfort Zion,
And will again choose Jerusalem.'”
“…For I,” says the Lord, “will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.”
That word “prosperity,” in our first key verse, may have been a strange concept for these people who had been through very hard times. Ezra, the priest, who had led the original group of Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon, wrote these words: “So the elders of Israel built, and they PROSPERED through the prophesying of Haggai, the prophet, and Zechariah, the son of Iddo” (Ezra 6:14a). Initially, Zechariah, a younger man, may have ministered as an assistant to Haggai. Zechariah’s book is the longest of all the minor prophets. It is truly a major message from God to all of us.
With preaching, such as in our second key verse, it’s no wonder that the people responded by working together in unity to complete the Temple construction and restore the worship of the One True God. The “wall of fire” would provide protection against temptations from within, because of the glory of God inside, and protection from the attacks of the world from outside. As we daily live in the presence of God, worshipping and serving Him, He’s got us covered!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that I will never take You for granted, but take You at Your Word! May I rely on Your promises daily, promises such as those found in our key verses. I believe that You are my “Prosperity,” and “The wall of fire” protecting me. Grant that I may be always at peace and that I may be encouraged in my service to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I am a greatly blessed man. I’m prospering as a result of the preaching of God-called preachers/pastors. I believe and preach that one should be totally loyal to one’s home Church and Pastor, being present whenever a service is convened. But I also believe and teach that with that solid foundation of loyalty, we can be blessed and encouraged by others. During one period of my life, I went to three Sunday Schools every Sunday: our own church at 10 a.m., the Christian and Missionary Alliance at 2 p.m. and the Salvation Army at 3 p.m. I can hear it now, “This boy had the makings of a fanatic!” Well it just depends on one’s definition of the word “fanatic”…e.g. a sports “fan-atic,” or “someone who is more enthusiastic about their cause than you are about yours.” Anyway, the people of Jerusalem worked with unusual enthusiasm in their cause due to the preaching of those two preachers, and the result was that they prospered!!!
Yours for loving and serving God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength!
David
Holding up the family of James, the friend of Charlene’s son, as they grieve the sudden loss of their young daughter. Lord God, ease their pain and suffering. Give them comfort as they rest in You and Your Holy Word.
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Amen u
Agreeing with you, Beverlee. A very, very, difficult time for them. God bless and comfort them, in Jesus Name. Amen
Charlene,
What a horrific accident and loss of Jame’s beloved daughter. May The Comforter give ALL His Peace and Love and Comfort now and in the days ahead. 🙏🏽
Joining in the prayers above.
Please Lord bring comfort to the family, friends and gymnastic family of this young girl, at this time. Please pour out your love and mercy on them all as they mourn this loss Bless everyone affected by this loss, bring them closer to You
For the 25th from “Prayer Map of Canada”
1. Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord. (Acts 2:41, 2:47b)
2. Pray that those that serve in the justice system will be agents of true justice for all. (proverbs 11:1)
Thank you for holding my sons friend, James and family in prayer. Also pray, that an opportunity to share God’s great love and message of salvation to each of the family members. It is so wonderful that we have this on line family that will join together and unite in prayer when needs arise. Thank You!!!
Amen to all the above prayer requests.
That was a freak accident and a terrible loss.May they realize that she is now eternally safe with Jesus and will return with Him to save His children.They will meet again.May God comfort them with His grace.Amen
A Field Of Roses
I dreamed of a field of roses,
So beautiful to look upon,
But the memory that it imposes,
Was of children too soon gone.
The fragrance was that of love,
For what ,on earth,will ne’er be,
But the roses also grow above,
In fields of love and harmony.
But the roses here in this field
Are not covered in morning dew,
But in the salty tears they yield
For the memories that we knew.
Then my eye was to behold
A sight as though in a trance,
For the roses within this wold,
All began in sync to dance.
It was then I heard from on high,
A chorus of angels singing,
Fear not,for they did not die,
But entered in a new beginning.
G W (Bill) Marshall /Sept 08, 2012
This is a beautiful poem Bill. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing it today.
Yes- heart-felt. Thank you! Bill.🌹
Yes, Lord, we do pray help and comfort for this family and all those hurt by this loss. Some may say a senseless loss, but we commit this into Your hands, Father, and ask You to bring good through this, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Praying with all of you for this family. I have recently learned of a young family that lost their beautiful 5 month old baby boy, he was found not breathing in his bed, also yesterday, the passing of a mother who leaves behind 4 young children. Prayers for all those who are going through the pain of the death of their loved one. Holy Spirit, may they feel Your Comfort.
I also am joining everyone in prayer for James and his family at this very painful time. May God comfort them and draw them close to Himself!
Nice to hear from you, Beverlee. God bless you!
We have not heard from Eleanor for a few days. I pray all is well with her and Edward.