SEEK THE LORD

Today’s Reading: Zephaniah 2

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Today, 3,000 years after David fought Goliath in this valley of Elah, Israeli farmers plant crops here to feed their people. In ancient times Israel lived in the mountainous regions and the Philistines on the more productive farmland all the way to the sea coast. Today’s reading informs us of God’s future judgment on the Philistines and other nations which surrounded Israel.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Zephaniah 2:3, 10

Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth,

Who have upheld His justice.

Seek righteousness, seek humility.

It may be that you will be hidden

In the day of the Lord’s anger.

…This shall they have for their pride,

Because they have reproached and made arrogant threats

Against the people of the Lord of Hosts.

“Righteousness,” “humility,” “pride,” and “arrogant threats” are contrasted in today’s reading! As people whose desire it is to be followers of Jesus, the One Who humbled Himself even to death on the cross, we must learn to be humble before God and people. Pride brings trouble! (Proverbs 13:10). Pride hardens hearts! (Daniel 5:20). Pride causes spiritual decay! (Hosea 7:9,10). Pride hinders our progress! (Proverbs 26:12). “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

It seems that those who seek God and humble themselves before Him are in a perpetual minority. We must firmly resist cultural pressures to just go along with the crowd. For those who believe in the cross of Jesus, “the Lord’s fierce anger” (Zephaniah 2:2) has been born by Jesus as our Substitute. But what about those such as the nations around Israel and Judah who chose to remain in pride and arrogance rather than humbling themselves before God. It is a fact that the majority have it wrong. Jesus said that the “many” are headed for “destruction,” and the “few” for “life!” (Matthew 7:13-14).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for grace to live humbly before You and before people. You have promised that as I do this, You will lift me up. I thank You Jesus that You humbled Yourself even to death on the cross. I pray this in Your Name Jesus. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The “Standing Orders” from Jesus to His followers is printed on my T-shirt (pictures below). I must obey Him at all times. Sharing the News of Jesus with “All the world” is not optional for me!!! My wife and family feel the same way about their lives and time here on earth.

I am facing some major decisions regarding future ministry responsibilities. Please pray fervently for me over the next few days. I need a breakthrough from Heaven concerning any days, weeks, and months during which God may spare the life of this almost 80 year old man!!! Perhaps I will be able to report about this in about two weeks, God willing!!!

Yours to participate in reaching the world for Christ!!!

David

P.S.  (pictures below).