Zechariah 7 - 1.10.24

Scripture

“Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me?" (Zechariah 7:5, NKJV)

Observation

The people of Israel had a tradition of fasting during the fifth and seventh months of the year, while they were in exile. At this point, they were back from exile. They went to the priests to ask if they should continue to observe the fast during this particular month, as they had done during the last several years. The Lord responded by asking them what the real motive for their fast was. The Lord asks, "When you fasted..., did you really fast for Me-for Me?". Why did they fast? Were they fasting because that was their custom? Or did they really fast to seek God? The Lord looks at the motive of our heart, and desires obedience. In verse 9, the Lord reminds us of the obedience he desires from us - justice, mercy and compassion to each other, and kindness to the widow and the orphan.

Application

As we have entered our annual fasting of the new year, let us ask ourselves this question, "What is the true motive behind our fast?" Are we fasting to lose weight? Are we fasting because our friends are fasting? Or are we fasting to seek the Lord's face? Let's examine our hearts, and make sure that we have the right motive that pleases God.  Whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, let us do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31)

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us a new year, and another opportunity to fast and seek your face. Help us to fast in a way that honors you and gives you glory. Help us to be obedient to you. Along with the psalmist, I pray that you would see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalms 139:24). In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George

Psalm 50 - 1.9.24

SCRIPTURE:  Psalms 50:14,15  "Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and pay your vows to the Most High.  Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me."

OBSERVATION:  Asaph, the musician who was appointed by David penned this psalm to two groups of people:  The believers, and the ones who professed to be believers, but, who were actually unbelievers.  The unbelievers were good at reciting God's laws, but they were also very good at violating them!

Asaph was used to call and gather God's faithful ones.  He brought a warning of judgement against those who were living hypocritical lives, who were full of greed and self-indulgence.  God addressed the hypocrites as 'wicked'.  "What right do you have to recite My statutes and to take My covenant on your lips?  You hate instruction and turn your back on My words.  When you see a thief, you make friends with him, and you associate with adulterers.  You unleash your mouth for evil and harness your tongue for deceit..."   (verses 16-19).

APPLICATION:  The way to demonstrate our genuine love for God is to be authentic worshippers by living Christ-centered lives.  The basis for our worship is the Word of God itself.      

As Christ-followers, we are not to conform to the world, but we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices;  holy and pleasing to Him.  The only way we are to do this is to die to our flesh, which is totally impossible without the help and aid of the Holy Spirit.  "The mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God's law, for it is unable to do so.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you."  (Romans 8:7-9).

All sincere Christians face struggles and inner conflicts, even Paul, when he tried to walk in God's will on his own strength failed miserably!  But, in despair, when he cried out to God for help, he was able to testify that Jesus graciously delivered him!  The temptation to regress to go back to the "old pattern" will always be there, but the Holy Spirit is there to deliver us and help us to become victorious over-comers as we call out to Him.

PRAYER: I pray, in view of God's mercies, that my body will be a living sacrifice, and that I will allow His Word to transform me into His image.  And, I thank Him that in the day of trouble, (when temptation comes, and my flesh wants to get out of hand), that I will call out to Him to rescue me.  And, I honor Him for the way He has helped me to get where I am today! 

- Robin Orefice

Psalm 49 - 1.8.24

Scripture

Psalms‬ ‭49‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

”So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave.“

Observation

This is a psalm of the descendants of Korah. In this psalm, it focuses on how foolish it can be to put your faith and trust in your wealth. This psalm reminds us not to be jealous or envious of others because of their wealth. At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, they die just like everything else in this world. They can’t take their riches with them. They can’t buy their way into Heaven. So why focus this life we have trying to attain fortune and fame? Why not be like the psalmist here and focus our life by putting our faith in God? He is the only One who can deliver us from the certainty of death.

”But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. -Psalms‬ ‭49‬:‭15‬

Application

Invest my time here on earth on things that will stand the test of time.

”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“-Matthew 6‬:‭19‬-‭21‬

”Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”-1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭

If my life here on earth ended today, how would I be remembered? 🤔 It’s a question my old pastor used to ask me. Would I be remembered as a man who just chased after material things and life’s pleasures for me and my family? Or would I be a man who was known for his faith in God, who used his time and resources loving his family and other people, while pointing them to Jesus? I strive to be the latter. I hope the legacy I leave behind can impact my kids and friends to have that same faith that I had in God, while loving others and pointing them to Jesus. I hope when the time comes, and I stand in front of God, I know that I did everything possible to invest my time and resources building His Kingdom, rather my own.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for instilling me with the faith I have in Jesus. Thank You for the assurance that the grave no longer has a hold on me. Thank You for blessing me with so much in life. May my heart be content with just knowing and following You Lord. May I use the abundance of blessings You have given me, and invest it in things that truly matter in this world-things that will stand the test of time, the eternal. I pray these things in Jesus’ Holy and precious name, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi