October 16, 2010 (Ezra 1-6, Psalm 137, Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1-7)

Everything is controlled by God. He watches over all. Ezra - "The Lord fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy by stirring the heart of Cyrus", "Then God stirred the hearts.." "But because their God was watching over them, the leaders of the Jews were not prevented from building..." etc., etc., etc. That is why I love reading the Bible - it gives me God's perspective in this messed up crazy world. I want to know how He thinks. I want to know how He acts. The only way I can do that is by spending time with Him.

Haggai - Our church is currently going through some financial difficulties. Is it because we are selfish as a people? Are the financial difficulties our country is going through a direct result of our country turning away from God? I think so.

^{Haggai 1:4} “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? ⁵ This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! ⁶ You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!

⁷ “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! ⁸ Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. ⁹ You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. ¹⁰ It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. ¹¹ I have called for a drought on your fields and hills—a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olive trees and all your other crops, a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get.”

Is God withholding His blessings from us because we are too consumed with our own lives instead of His honor? God is honored by His people sacrificing for Him. God, please help us to give you the honor You are due. Stir the hearts of Vanguard to put You first in all areas that You would be glorified.

Zechariah - Lots of encouraging words in Zechariah -

‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.’

‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong.'

“This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies."

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.

As His love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong, so is His love for us. May God give us the grace to love Him in return as deeply and completely as He loves us. Thank You for Your grace - thank You for Your love.