December 3 -- "Knowing the Times"

 Today's Reading: Esther 1

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

True wisdom is about recognizing and responding to the times we live in, aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. In Esther 1:13, we see King Ahasuerus seeking counsel from men who “knew the times.” Yet, their worldly wisdom pales in comparison to the godly discernment we are called to cultivate as believers.

In the opening chapter of Esther, the king turns to his advisors, who are well-versed in the cultural and political nuances of the day. While their insights are valuable on a human level, they lack the divine guidance that comes from a relationship with God. This highlights a crucial distinction—godly wisdom surpasses mere human understanding. Scripture encourages us to discern the times, not just with human insight, but through spiritual revelation. To “know the times” means perceiving God’s work in our lives and our world and aligning ourselves with His divine will.

Are you attuned to the spiritual climate around you? Can you see how God is moving in your family, your church, and the world at large? By immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer, we sharpen our spiritual sensitivity. God calls us to be His ambassadors, understanding the times so we can share the hope of Christ effectively.

Romans 13:11 offers a powerful exhortation: “Understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Here, Paul urges believers to grasp the urgency of the moment, to be spiritually awake and alert, especially as we anticipate Christ’s return.

Be intentional in seeking God’s perspective. Evaluate your life decisions through the lens of eternity. Ask yourself, “How can I align my life with what God is doing today?” Surround yourself with wise, Biblically-rooted counsel, rather than relying solely on worldly knowledge.

May the Lord bless you with the wisdom to discern the times, the courage to act according to His will, and the joy of walking in harmony with His eternal purposes.

December 2 -- "On That Day"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 13 & 14

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Today's reading from the prophet Zechariah is a breathtaking masterpiece, a divine canvas painted with the vibrant colors of hope and victory! Picture this: our magnificent Lord, standing tall on the Mount of Olives, His feet firmly planted, ready to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. And from the heart of Jerusalem, a mighty river flows, a life-giving stream that quenches every thirst and revitalizes every soul.

Zechariah, the prophet, paints a vivid picture of this divine restoration. This river, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, flows ceaselessly, both summer and winter, east and west. It's a constant reminder of God's unwavering love and abundant grace, pouring out like a waterfall of blessings. This echoes the promise of Jesus Himself, who declared that rivers of living water would flow from those who believe.

Throughout the pages of the New Testament, we see glimpses of this glorious future. The apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, carried the torch of hope, sharing the Good News of salvation. And in the book of Revelation, we catch a glimpse of the ultimate victory, when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom.

As we ponder these incredible truths, let's let them transform our lives. Just as Zechariah eagerly awaited the Lord's return, so should we. Let's live with a heart full of anticipation, a faith that moves mountains, and a passion to share the love of Christ with the world.

Remember, God is sovereign, and His plans will always prevail. No matter the storms we face, we can find refuge in His unwavering love. Let's fix our gaze on the spiritual horizon, where we see the dawn of a new day, a day filled with hope, peace, and eternal life. Let's embrace the Holy Spirit's power and live as faithful witnesses, ready to welcome our Lord's triumphant return.

May the living waters of God's grace flow freely within you, refreshing your soul and inspiring your heart. And as you anticipate the glorious return of our Lord, may you walk in the light of His love, sharing His hope with the world.

December 1 -- "Mourning the Pierced One"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 12

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Zechariah 12 speaks of a future time when God will pour out grace and compassion upon the Jewish people and the people of Jerusalem. This will lead them to grieve deeply for the One they have rejected and caused to suffer. And they’ll weep—oh, how they’ll weep!

“Him whom they have pierced” is referring to Jesus, the Son of God, being brutally crucified, and a spear thrust into His side. This act holds immense meaning, as it represents the forgiveness of sins Jesus provided through His sacrifice. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, sacrifices were made to atone for sins, but Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate payment for our sins.

In Jesus' crucifixion and suffering, we see the depths of His love for us. The agony of crucifixion is an excruciating blend of physical torment, suffocating exhaustion, and searing pain, designed to prolong suffering while inflicting maximum humiliation and despair. Jesus' crucifixion was unique because He bore the weight of humanity's sin, experienced separation from the Father, and willingly endured the cross not as a consequence of His own guilt, but as the sinless Lamb of God, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for redemption.

This prophecy about Israel’s mourning will be fulfilled when Jesus returns and the world witnesses His installation as the Messiah. When He returns, all—including the Jewish people—will acknowledge Him as their Savior and King. This realization will bring about a spiritual transformation and awakening among the Jewish people. They will mourn their past rejection of Jesus and turn to Him in repentance and belief.

Let us be moved by the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the incredible love He has for all people. Allow His spirit of grace and compassion to overwhelm you, stirring within you a desire to turn away from sin and embrace a life of devotion to Him. 

November 30 -- "Thirty Pieces of Silver"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 11

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Have you ever had that sinking feeling of paying too much for something? Or maybe you sold something valuable that you underpriced and received a price that was nowhere near its true value? It’s a common experience, but Zechariah shows us a painful echo of this on an eternal scale.

In Zechariah 11:13, God tells the prophet to take the measly thirty pieces of silver—the price offered for his leadership and care of Israel—and throw it to the potter. This price of “thirty pieces” was an insult, a slap in the face, as this was the value for a slave. The prophecy speaks of the tragic undervaluing of God’s love and salvation, foreshadowing the betrayal of Jesus by Judas for that same amount. How astounding that the very Son of God was “sold” for a pittance.

Zechariah’s prophecy opens our eyes to a reality: there are times we, too, undervalue what God offers us. We can treat the priceless gift of salvation with casual appreciation, prioritizing lesser things over His love and truth. Judas’s betrayal and Israel’s rejection serve as sober reminders to weigh our choices. Are we investing our lives in what’s of eternal worth? Or are we “selling” our devotion for things that don’t last?

Take a moment right now to consider how you’re valuing your relationship with God. Pray for wisdom to cherish His grace and to invest in eternal things. When tempted to “sell out” for a fleeting gain, remember the true worth of knowing Christ. A value that is immeasurable and eternal—it’s a treasure that surpasses all earthly gain, pleasures, and possessions.  Let your response reflect a heart that truly treasures

His amazing gift. Imagine selling a trinket from your attic at a garage sale for pennies. But later, you discover its true worth and realize it is a family heirloom—a rare treasure worth way more than you were paid for it. That's what happened when Judas betrayed Jesus—not realizing the infinite value of knowing the Son of God, he sold Him out for some meager silver coins. Sometimes this can happen in our own lives when we overlook the priceless worth of God’s love.

May the Lord open your eyes to the true worth of His love, that you may never settle for less than His best. And may your heart treasure Christ above all else, reflecting the immeasurable value of His sacrifice.

November 29 -- "He Shall Speak Peace"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 9 & 10

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Visualize a world where war and conflict are replaced with lasting peace, as described in the ancient prophecy of Zechariah 9. This future vision portrays a time when nations will lay down their weapons, transforming swords (weapons of war) into plowshares (tools of peace and agriculture) and spears into pruning hooks (tools of nurture and growth). But this transformation goes beyond just physical weapons; it represents a profound shift in the deeper roots of conflict, division, and injustice that plague humanity.

This prophetic peace finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. His Second Coming will usher in a new era of reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity. Through His redemptive work, Christ breaks down the barriers that separate people from God and from one another, paving the way for genuine peace at all levels - personal, communal, and global.

Even now, as believers, we are called to be ambassadors of this prophetic peace, actively participating in God's work of reconciliation and restoration. We can do this by living out the values of the Kingdom of God - love, humility, justice, and compassion - and by proclaiming the message of salvation through Christ, which is the foundation of true and lasting peace.

In a world marked by strife and discord, our lives and witness can point others to the hope and promise of the coming Kingdom, where swords will indeed be turned into plowshares, and nations will learn war no more. By speaking peace in our words, actions, and relationships, we participate in God's redemptive work, bringing glimpses of His kingdom's peace into the present reality of a broken world. Let us be beacons of hope, shining brightly in the darkness, and pointing the way to a future of peace, love, and unity, under the reign of the Messiah.

Until Christ returns, may you be and instrument of peace and love, transforming conflict into harmony and strife into unity. As you sow seeds of kindness and compassion, may you reap a bountiful harvest of hope and reconciliation.

November 28 -- "Grabbing Their Robe"

Today's Reading: Zechariah 8 

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Imagine a world filled with unity, worship, and joy, where people from every tongue, race, and background come together to celebrate the Lord. This is the promise of Zechariah's prophecy, a future where we'll experience the tangible presence of God and the blessings that come with it.

In this vision, we see people from all walks of life reaching out to be a part of God's people, just like the ten people who grabbed hold of the robe of a Jew in Zechariah's vision. In the ancient Near Eastern context, robes represented identity and authority. By reaching out and holding onto the robe, these people from other nations are recognizing that the Jewish people are uniquely connected to God. When they say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you,” it’s their way of saying, "We see that you have something special—God's presence—and we want that, too!"

This prophecy points to a time when the presence of God among His people will be so evident that others are irresistibly drawn to Him through them. It foretells the day when people around the world will be drawn to the knowledge of God’s truth, recognizing His goodness in the lives of His people and seeking to experience that same blessing.

As we look back on history, we can see that this prophecy has already begun to unfold. The spread of Christianity has brought people from all nations together in worship, a beautiful example of unity and reconciliation. But this is just the beginning! Zechariah's prophecy points to an even greater fulfillment in the future when Jesus Christ returns and we see a complete and universal gathering of people from all nations to worship the Lord in unity.

What an amazing day that will be! A time of unparalleled joy, peace, love, and intimacy with God and one another. It's a promise that fills us with hope and anticipation, and it's a reminder that even in the midst of challenges and trials, we can always look forward to a brighter future. So let's keep our hearts and minds focused on this glorious vision and eagerly await the day when we'll experience it for ourselves!

Until then may the Lord's presence shine so brightly in your life that others are drawn to the light within you. May they come to say, "I want what you have," as they recognize that God is with you.

November 27 -- "The Saddest Verse in the Bible"

 Today's Reading: Zechariah 6 & 7

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Sometimes considered the saddest verse in the Bible, Zechariah 7:13 describes God's decision to stop listening to His people due to their refusal to listen to Him. This poignant verse highlights the deep sorrow of God's response to His people's actions, showcasing the consequences of their disobedience and spiritual apathy.

The weight of God's decision to turn away from their prayers is heart-wrenching, representing a breakdown in their relationship with Him. This verse serves as a reminder that religious rituals alone cannot replace genuine repentance, obedience, faith, and righteousness. God longs for a deeper, more authentic connection with His people, one that goes beyond outward acts of piety and embraces inner transformation and intimate fellowship.

The sadness in this verse is further emphasized in the broader context of Zechariah's prophecy, where God repeatedly calls His people to return to Him wholeheartedly. Through Zechariah, God laments the waywardness of His people and urges them to prioritize listening to and obeying Him over empty religious practices.

For modern believers, this verse is a cautionary tale. It reminds us that God desires sincere devotion and obedience, not superficial displays of spirituality. We are challenged to examine our own lives and ensure that our faith is characterized by genuine repentance, heartfelt worship, a commitment to living according to God's Word, and a continual focus on listening to His "still, small voice" as He guides, convicts, and instructs us.

May the Lord of all mercy and grace open your heart and mind to truly hear His voice, soft and clear. And may you never be content with empty rituals or outward displays but be transformed from the inside out, walking humbly, listening intently, and obeying sincerely.