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. 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).
Awesome tee shirt!!!
So hard to believe the peace and joy the belief in Jesus brings into my life on a daily basis. These too are hard times but knowing God is working for the greater good all the time brings peace into my life. It would be good to have David Mainse here on earth with us yet but joyful to know that he’s with God enjoying life beyond our mortal understanding.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem as well as ALL nations by knowing, loving, and serving our heavenly, gracious Father.
God bless us all I pray 🙏.
Pride is a real pit fall. Father God, in Jesus Name, help us to be led by You and speak of Your Love and forgiveness. Amen
Thanks for your comments lately,Doreen,I have been getting on here late most nights and have posted the odd poem.I’m just starting to get back into a better sleeping pattern.
This is one I was searching for a few days ago but couldn’t find.God bless
Our Infection
In the darkest shadows of our minds
Is where we lock our sins away
But He sees what His light finds,
For He sees shadows as bright as day.
In our closet are hidden from us
What we can not fight on our own,
But there is One called Jesus
Who has the brightest light ever known.
This light is free,from a ransom paid,
To all those who will take His name,
For in His torment He made
A sacrifice when He had no blame.
He knew,back then,of our infection
And of the power we denied,
So ignoring rejection,
He left us the grace we had defied.
(G.W.)Bill Marshall/11 July, 2016
Agreeing and praying with all the blog friends above.
May our Heavenly Father hear our prayers in Jesus’ Name, Amen.