#Zechariah 11:12

[walkswithmyfather]

“With God, no problem is too big and no detail is too small.” —Woodrow Kroll

“4 Reasons Size Doesn’t Matter To God’ By ChristianQuotes.info:

“In the Small Things: Perhaps the reason God changed the Apostle Paul’s name from Saul’s name (which means “destroyer”) to Paul (which means “little”) was to remind him of his insignificance before a Mighty God. God spoke through Zechariah the Prophet and said, “For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth” (Zech 4:10). Remember Gideon’s army? Small verses thousands, but with God on your side, it’s no contest!

Power in Weakness: If we could only take to heart what Paul said, “I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2nd Cor 12:10), then maybe we’ll stop trying to live the Christian life in our own strength. I found from experience that when I’m trying to be strong, I’m weak, but when I’m weak, only them can I be strong, but only through Christ (Phil 4:13).

He is Glorified: The Apostle Paul understood that God must receive all the glory because only He is worthy, so to make his point to a boastful church, Paul asked the Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it” (1st Cor 4:7)? I did the math and here’s what I came up with that I didn’t receive from God….zero! That’s it! None of us can boast or brag about anything because anything we have comes from God’s gracious hand and so He should always receive all the glory for anything we do; All the glory to you Lord and none to us.

Big God, Small Problem: If we have a huge mountain-sized problem, we have a small God, but if our God is big, no problem is of major significance. Jesus gives us the best of advice: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). I would usually get some rest and then come to Jesus, but I noticed, I still had my burdens. He will not make us come to Him…we must come to Him on our own, and He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:29).

Conclusion: God never blinks an eye at huge, monumental problems because He made the mountains, and since He made the mountains, they must do what He commands them to do, and if it’s to be tossed into the sea, so what!? He’s God. He can do what He wants….and size doesn’t matter to Him. Does it to us?”

#bible #christianquotes.info #zechariah 4:10 #woodrow kroll #2 corinthians 12:10 #1 corinthians 4:7 #matthew 11:28 #matthew 11:29 #christian blog #god #belief in god #faith in god #christian life #christians #jesus #belief in jesus #faith in jesus #biblequotes #encouragement #christianblog #christian quotes #christian inspiration #christian devotionals #christianity #christian motivation #christian bible #bible verses #bible truths #keep the faith #make him known

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Faith's Checkbook

by Charles Spurgeon

Free to Travel

I will make my people strong,    and they will live as I say,” says the Lord. — Zechariah 10:12

A solace for sick saints. They have grown faint, and they fear that they shall never rise from the bed of doubt and fear; but the Great Physician can both remove the disease and take away the weakness which has come of it. He will strengthen the feeble. This He will do in the best possible way, for it shall be "in Jehovah. " Our strength is far better in God than in self. In the LORD it causes fellowship, in ourselves it would create pride. In ourselves it would be sadly limited, but in God it knows no bound.

When strength is given, the believer uses it. He walks up and down in the name of the LORD. What an enjoyment it is to walk abroad after illness, and what a delight to be strong in the LORD after a season of prostration! The LORD gives His people liberty to walk up and down and an inward leisure to exercise that liberty. He makes gentlemen of us: we are not slaves who know no rest and see no sights, but we are free to travel at our ease throughout Immanuel’s land.

Come, my heart, be thou no more sick and sorry; Jesus bids thee be strong and walk with God in holy contemplation. Obey His word of love.

#Charles H. Spurgeon #Faith's Checkbook #devotional #Free to Travel #Zechariah 10:12 #October 11 #2022

[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 1: He Comes in the Clouds

BEHOLD! He comes with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him, and they will beat their breasts with grief over Him, all the peoples of the earth. Yes! Amen! #Revelation1 #Zechariah12 #Jesuscomes

Full Introduction An Apocalypse given by and about Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His enslaved ones the things which must take place quickly, and He indicated with signs, having sent forth through His angel to His enslaved one, John, who testified the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all that he saw.”Blessed is the one publicly reading this aloud, and the ones hearing…

View On WordPress

#1 thessalonians 4:15-17 #acts 1:6-11 #Acts 2:37-38 #cross #John 19:31-36 #John 19:34 #John 19:37 #pierced #Prophet Zechariah #Zechariah 12:10-11

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

#that girl #wonyoungism #clean girl #glow up #coquette #health and wellness #christianity

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints &Reading: Wednesday, February 21, 2024

february 8_february 21

E PROPHET ZECHARIAH (ZAKHARIAH) THE SICKLE-SEER FROM AMONGST THE 12MINOR PROPHETS (520 BC)

The Prophet Zachariah the Sickle-Seer the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets. He was descended from the tribe of Levi, and seems to have been a priest (Nehemiah 12:4,16). He was called to prophetic service at a young age and became, in the wondrous expression of church hymnology, “a spectator of supra-worldly visions.”

The Book of the Prophet Zachariah contains inspired details about the coming of the Messiah (Zach 6:12); about the last days of the Savior’s earthly life, about the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem on a young donkey (Zach 9:9); about the betrayal of the Lord for thirty pieces of silver and the purchase of the potter’s field with them (Zach 11:12-13); about the piercing of the Savior’s side (Zach 12:10); about the scattering of the apostles from the Garden of Gethsemane (Zach 13:7); about the eclipse of the sun at the time of the Crucifixion (Zach 14:6-7).

“Enlightened by dawnings all above,” the Prophet Zachariah, “saw the future as it were the present.” According to Tradition, this “most true God-proclaimer” lived to old age and was buried near Jerusalem, beside his illustrious contemporary and companion, the Prophet Haggai (December 16). The title “Sickle-Seer” given Zachariah comes from a vision in which he saw a sickle flying in the air, destroying thieves and perjurors (Zach 5:1-3).

The holy Prophet Zachariah died around 520 B.C. His tomb was discovered in 415 in a village near Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Hist. Eccles. VI:32, IX:17). At the prophet’s feet was the body of a child dressed in royal accouterments. His holy relics were transferred to the church of Saint James the Brother of the Lord (October 23) in Constantinople.

1 PETER 4:1-11

1Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

MARK 12:28-37

28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?" 29 Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 30 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. 32 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him. 35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." ' 37 Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his Son? And the common people heard Him gladly.

#orthodoxy #orthodoxchristianity #easternorthodoxchurch #originofchristianity #spirituality #holyscriptures #gospel #bible #wisdom #saints

[hiswordsarekisses]

You are the one who has done this!

(Charles Simeon)

"I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for You are the one who has done this!" Psalm 39:9

"For You, O God, have tried us; You refined us like silver." Psalm 66:10

"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction!" Isaiah 48:10

"I will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested." Zechariah 13:9

"Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline." Revelation 3:19

"He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold!" Job 23:1

Though Job was presently in as hot a furnace as he could possibly endure--he yet believed that he was put into it by a skillful Refiner, for the purifying of his soul from dross.

Those who are truly godly, learn to view the hand of God both in their comforts and in their troubles. They know that affliction does not come by chance, but from the hand of Him who directs everything with consummate wisdom. "Affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground!" Job 5:6

The ungodly look no further than to second causes; and therefore yield to murmuring and impatience whenever they receive harm from the hand of their fellow-creatures.

But the godly are persuaded that their portion, whatever it is--is mixed for them by God Himself, and that it is intended "to purge away their iniquity," that they may be partakers of His holiness. This was evidently the view which Job had of troubles, notwithstanding they sprang from such various sources.

No one can love trouble on its own account; since it is "never joyous, but grievous." But holiness is the highest wish of the godly soul; it is regarded as a pearl that cannot be purchased at too high a price. Trials, however painful, are welcomed, if they may but be the means of promoting this blessed end.

Those who are in the furnace of affliction must ever look above all second causes, and see God appointing the nature, measure, and duration of all their trials!

"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty!" Job 5:17

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11

~ ~ ~ ~

[albertfinch]

ADDING TO GOD'S CONDITIONS

Exodus 12:13 -- "Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you....."

On the night of the first Passover, many of the children of Israel were probably anxious. 

They may have said "Yes! We were told to put the blood of the lamb on the doorposts of our home and everything would be all right.  Is that true?"

Or "Can the blood really protect me? Or How much blood do I have to put on my doorposts? Or Will the angel of death get me if I am fearful?

We do not need to add to God's conditions.  He said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you."

He DID NOT say, "When I see the blood, plus your understanding, efforts, obedience, faithfulness and refusal to give in to fear, then I will pass over you."

We are delivered by the blood of Jesus alone.  If we think that it is because of our faith, then we will always be wondering, "Do I have enough faith?  No, it is the blood alone that saves.

Saves from what? -- anything that doesn't match up with heaven.

Matthew 6:10 -- "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

If we think that our deliverance depends partly on God and partly on us, we will not have a settled peace in our heart.  But when we know that it its the blood alone that saves, we will have an unshakable peace.

APPLYING THE BLOOD CONTINUALLY

Zechariah 9:11 -  "As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners

free from the waterless pit."

1 John 1:7  -  "But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one

another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."

God commanded Israel to keep the Passover continually and to apply the blood even after coming into the promised land.  And so it is with us – the blood of Jesus must be applied continually on our lives.

TRIUMPH IN THE BLOOD

2 Corinthians 2:14  "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."

The attitude of those who live from the triumph of Christ is different than those who live under the influence of the past.  The only part of the past that I have legal access to is the testimony of the Lord.  The past is dead, buried, forgotten and covered under the blood which is more than sufficient.  Living from the victory of Christ is the privilege of every believer.  This realization is at the foundation of a church that will triumph even as He has triumphed.

Hebrews 9:12 & 10:12 -

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God."

The apostle John wrote, "They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." (Rev. 12:11).

         The elements of victory are recounted to us in this passage.  They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb:  This means we no longer are fighting FOR victory but we fight FROM victory.  Being triumphant is assured when we enter the battle.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY:

[orthodoxadventure]

Angels in the Bible and the Liturgy

For an angel of peace... One of the things we pray for at every Liturgy is for an angel to guard us and guide us. Each of us has been given a guardian angel. It is about our guardian angels that the Lord Jesus spoke of when He admonished His disciples not to "look down" on children, "for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:10-11). And during Baptism, the celebrating priest prays specifically that an angel of light be assigned to the child being baptized. [...]

The Liturgy speaks over and over again about the reality of angels and archangels, the cherubim and the seraphim. The Scriptures witness to the reality of angels from beginning to end, from Genesis to the Book of Revelation. What are angels? The word 'angel' is a Greek word that means 'messenger'. Angels are purely spiritual beings that have often served as God's messengers at critical times in human history. In the Old Testament, the Archangel Michael appears to the prophet Daniel (Daniel 10:13) and is mentioned again in Jude 9 and the Book of Revelation (Revelation 12:7). In the New Testament, the Archangel Gabriel appears to both Zechariah to announce the birth of his son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:10-20); and to Mary the Theotokos to announce the birth of her son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26-37). An angel comforts the Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethesemane shortly before His crucifixion (Luke 22:43); and angels announce His resurrection to the women who come to His tomb and find it empty (Luke 24:4-7). At the Second Coming, the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 25:31) tells us that the Lord will be escorted by "all the angels".

The Scriptures mention many different kinds or ranks of angels. The cherubim and the seraphim are mentioned throughout the Old Testament and are particularly associated with the Temple in Jerusalem and the Ark of the Covenant by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel. In fact, the angelic hymn that Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5) heard sung by the seraphim in the Temple: "Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth: Heaven and earth are full of Your glory" is still sung at every celebration of the Liturgy to this day. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul mentions other types of angels such as thrones, powers and principalities (Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:21). The role of angels has been significant in the history of our salvation as well as in our praise and worship of the living God during the Liturgy. We believe that if we listen carefully to the message of the angels, we can often hear the voice of God in our lives.

[Source of text: The Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom (with Commentary and Notes)]

#christianity #orthodox christianity #religion #Guardian Angel #bible

[angrybell]

Yesterday, IDF forces recovered the bodies of two people who had been taken hostage. One had been alive at the time of abduction, Eden Zechariah, while the other, Zic Dado, was killed during the attacks on 19/7/23.

The following list are those hostages who have been pronounced dead.

Civilians

1 Shani Louk (23) Nova

2 Mia Goren (56) Nir Oz

3 Aryeh Zalmanovich (86) Nir Oz

4 Judith Weiss (65) Be’eri

5 Clemence Mtenga (22)Nir Oz , unclear if was taken to Gaza ?

6 Ofir Tsarafati (27) Nova

7 Aviv Atzili (49) Nir Oz, unclear if was taken to Gaza ?

8 Ronen Engel , announced Dec 1 (55) Nir Oz

9 Guy Iloz , announced Dec 1 (26) Nova

10 Ofra Keider - Dec 1 (70) Be’eri

11 Eliyahu Margalit - Dec 1 (75) Nir Oz)

12 Yonatan Samerano (21) , Nova . Announced Dec 4

13 Sahar Baruch (24), Beeri. Announced Dec 8

14 Eitan Levy (53) Beeri . Body being held in Gaza . Dec 8

14 Aden Zachariah (27) Nova. Body recovered.

Kidnapped soldiers:

1 Noa Marciano (19, taken alive )

2 Kiril Brodsky (19)

3 Tomer Yaakov Achims (20)

4 Shaked Dahan (19)

5 Col Asaf Hamimi - killed on 7th, body held by Hamas (41)

6 Ziv Dado (36) body recovered via IDF op

Baruch Dayan Emmet.

#israel #hamas war 2023 #bring them back

[biblegumchewontheword]

Books of the Bible

Here is a detailed list of the 66 books of the Bible, divided by the Old and New Testaments, along with their divisions and categories:

**Old Testament:**

**Pentateuch (5 books):**

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

**Historical Books (12 books):**

6. Joshua

7. Judges

8. Ruth

9. 1 Samuel

10. 2 Samuel

11. 1 Kings

12. 2 Kings

13. 1 Chronicles

14. 2 Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

**Poetry/Wisdom Books (5 books):**

18. Job

19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Solomon

**Major Prophets (5 books):**

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

**Minor Prophets (12 books):**

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

**New Testament:**

**Gospels (4 books):**

40. Matthew

41. Mark

42. Luke

43. John

**History (1 book):**

44. Acts

**Pauline Epistles (13 books):**

45. Romans

46. 1 Corinthians

47. 2 Corinthians

48. Galatians

49. Ephesians

50. Philippians

51. Colossians

52. 1 Thessalonians

53. 2 Thessalonians

54. 1 Timothy

55. 2 Timothy

56. Titus

57. Philemon

**General Epistles (8 books):**

58. Hebrews

59. James

60. 1 Peter

61. 2 Peter

62. 1 John

63. 2 John

64. 3 John

65. Jude

**Apocalyptic (1 book):**

66. Revelation

This list represents the traditional order and grouping of the books of the Bible in most Christian denominations.

These are the 66 books that make up the Bible.

Title: The Significance of Each Book of the Bible

Introduction:

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that together form the inspired Word of God. Each book has its own unique message, themes, and significance that contribute to the overall story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Let's explore the importance of each book of the Bible.

Lesson Points:

1. The Old Testament:

- Genesis: The book of beginnings, detailing creation, the fall, and the establishment of God's covenant with His people.

- Exodus: The story of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

- Psalms: A collection of songs and prayers that express a range of human emotions and provide a guide for worship.

- Proverbs: Wisdom literature that offers practical advice for living a righteous and wise life.

- Isaiah: Prophecies about the coming Messiah and God's plan of salvation.

2. The New Testament:

- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

- Acts: Chronicles the early spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.

- Romans: Explains the doctrine of justification by faith and the implications of salvation through Christ.

- Corinthians: Addresses issues within the church and provides practical guidance for Christian living.

- Revelation: Offers apocalyptic visions of the end times, the victory of Christ, and the establishment of the new heaven and earth.

3. Themes and Messages:

- Each book of the Bible contributes to the overarching themes of God's love, redemption, forgiveness, and salvation for all humanity.

- Together, these books provide a complete narrative of God's work in the world and His plan for His people.

Application:

- Take time to explore and study each book of the Bible, seeking to understand its unique message and significance.

- Reflect on how the themes and stories in the Bible can impact your own life and faith journey.

- Consider how the teachings and examples in the Bible can shape your beliefs and actions as a follower of Christ.

Conclusion:

The books of the Bible are not just separate entities but are interconnected parts of the larger story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Each book has its own importance and contributes to the overall message of God's plan for salvation. May we approach the study of the Bible with reverence and openness to the wisdom and guidance it offers for our lives.

#biblegum #Books of the Bible #bible study #bible scripture #Bible lessons

[walkswithmyfather]

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” —John 12:12‭-‬19 (NIV)

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” —Zechariah 9:9‭-‬12 (NIV)

“Easter Explained: An 8-Day Guide to Celebrating Holy Week Devotional. Day 1 - Palm Sunday” By Spoken Gospel:

“For the last 1,600 years, Christians around the world remember the last days of Jesus' life during Holy Week. Today is Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday remembers the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey like a rival king to challenge Caesar and his Roman empire.

Like every other empire, Rome controlled its people with the threat of death. But Jesus came to disarm all kings of their favorite weapon by dying and then rising from his grave. Jesus has just performed his seventh and final miracle in John's Gospel. He raised his friend Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44). It's final proof that Jesus' Kingship will disarm death and grant life. All of Jesus' miracles hint toward this in some way. Turning water into wine, healing a sick boy, raising a paralytic from his bed, and feeding over 5,000 people with a boy's lunch are all small-scale resurrections. And the people of Israel had an inkling of what all this meant. To them, Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah, the promised King of Israel who would come to heal their bodies, feed their bellies, and take down Rome's deadly rule. And in a very important sense, they were right (John 6:15).

When Jesus saddles a donkey (the traditional beast of kings) and rides into Jerusalem, the people understand it as the coronation ceremony of their death-defeating Messiah. Waving palm branches, a crowd gathers around Jesus and sings from Psalm 118: 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!'

John tells us this is all done to fulfill a prophecy given by Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9-10). Jesus intentionally rides in on a donkey to inflame their hopes that he is the King they have been waiting for. He is the King that can defeat death. He will be victorious over all rival claims to his throne and he will save his people (John 12:15-16). That's what 'hosanna' means''save us.' It's the cry of those who long for the King prophesied by Zechariah.

But unlike other kings, Jesus hasn't come to kill, but to die. Like a seed must be buried before it can become a tree, Jesus must be buried before his Kingdom comes. He must master death by first dying. Anyone who wants to join his Kingdom must be willing to accept his death (John 12:24-26). The whole reason Jesus came to earth wasn't to conquer empires by killing them, but to die under their influence (John 12:27). Jesus rides into Jerusalem like a King, but like a King who knows the only way to defeat death is to die.

That's why these events and teachings don't please everyone, especially the Jewish religious establishment. Many within this religious elite did not believe that Israel's true King could suffer and die. In their minds, a Messiah should fight and win. They can't imagine a king that doesn't wield death. And they don't understand that their greatest threat isn't Rome, but death itself. Unwilling to accept a King who embraces death and suffering, they're forced to oppose and reject him.

Palm Sunday is good news because Jesus announces that he has come to dethrone and disarm the empires of this world through his death. We can either embrace the rival Kingship of Jesus or we can align ourselves with the powers that be. We can accept Jesus' coming death as the way to new life or fight to keep our lives as we know them. We can either pledge allegiance to Jesus' Kingdom or join the religious establishment and reject him.

So I pray that on this Palm Sunday you will accept Jesus as the King who died and was raised to show that death and the empires that wield it are defeated.”

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” —Psalm 118:1‭, ‬15‭-‬16‭, ‬22‭-‬23‭, ‬27‭-‬29 (NIV)

Watch the video of “Easter Explained” here. ]

#john 12:12‭-‬13 #bible #christian blog #god #belief in god #faith in god #jesus #belief in jesus #faith in jesus #palm sunday #bible verses #bible truths #bible scriptures #bible quotes #bible study #christian life #christian faith #christian living #christian inspirational quotes #christianity #christian quotes #christian encouragement #keep the faith #make him known #spoken gospel #john 12:12‭-‬19 #zechariah 9:9‭-‬12 #easter #psalm 18:1-29

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Return to God and He will return to you

“Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts.

“But you ask, ‘How can we return?’ — Malachi 3:7 | Majority Standard Bible (MSB) The Holy Bible, Majority Standard Bible is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God’s Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Cross References: Jeremiah 7:25-26; Jeremiah 16:11; Jeremiah 16:12; Zechariah 1:3; James 4:8

#Lord #relationship #knowing God #rebellion #reconciliation #reunion #Malachi 3:7 #Book of Malachi #Old Testament #MSB #Majority Standard Bible #Bible Hub #OpenBible.com #Discovery Bible #Berean Bible Translation Committee

[pugzman3]

Zechariah 12:1-14 KJV

1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.

3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

4 In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

6 In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

7 The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.

8 In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.

9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

12 And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

13 The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;

14 All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

21st December >> Mass Readings (USA)

21st December 

(optional commemoration of Saint Peter Canisius, Priest, Doctor)

(Liturgical Colour: Violet: B (2))

Either:

First Reading Song of Songs 2:8-14 Hark! my lover comes, springing across the mountains.

Hark! my lover–here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! “For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!

“O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Or:

First Reading Zephaniah 3:14-18a The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21

R/ Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.

R/ Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

R/ Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.

R/ Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia. O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God! Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 1:39-45 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[albertfinch]

SPIRITUAL DROWSINESS

"Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14).

Just because we walk and talk does not mean we are truly awake. Zechariah was not sleeping when an angel roused him "as a man who is awakened from his sleep" (Zechariah 4:1).

Perhaps we too need to be shaken from our slumber to seek and possess the purpose of God for our life!  Strikingly, in spite of all the signs, wonders, and warnings announcing that we are truly in the last days, Jesus also said there is a mysterious drowsiness that we have to overcome. Indeed, immediately after highlighting the various evidences of the end (see Matthew 24), He compares the Church to virgins who "all got drowsy and began to sleep" (Matthew 25:5).

OUR VISION TAKES A BACK SEAT

Virgins sleeping at the end of the age: this seems incomprehensible with all the signs in the Heavens and wonders upon the earth, not to mention the increasing presence of Christ. Yet this phenomenon is something we each battle: the tendency to become spiritually drowsy and lose our focus as we wait for the Lord's return.

There is a subtle activity of the enemy that dulls our perception and seduces our zeal. Our vision takes a backseat to other less important aspects of life. From the beginning, the voice of satan has had this lulling effect on mankind. Eve's excuse for disobedience was, "The serpent hath caused me to forget" (Genesis 3:13 Young's Literal Translation). This sense of spiritual forgetfulness, of drowsiness, is the cloud of blindness that we each must discern and overcome.

BREAKING PASSIVITY - SETTING PRIORITIES

If we truly want Christ to "shine" upon us, we must arise from the distractions that entomb us in lethargy and spiritual darkness. Right at this moment, the presence of the living God is near enough to hear the whisper of your heart. But if we want our dream of standing in the presence of God to come true, we must wake up.

AFFIRMATIONS:

I am complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power. For I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God has before ordained that I should walk therein. (Colossians 2:10; Ephesians 2:10).

Out of His glorious riches, He strengthens me with power through his Spirit in my inner man. (Ephesians 3:16).

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14).

God has given me his Spirit, not the world’s spirit, so that I may realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts of divine favor and blessings so freely and lavishly bestowed on us by God. (I Corinthians 2:12)

I work hard and am not lazy and serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. (Romans 12:11)

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

#sloth #laziness #destiny #calling #devotional #daily word #Holy Spirit #spiritual darkness

[bernardo1969]

Zechariah preached during the construction of the second temple in Jerusalem and was probably a contemporary of Nehemiah. Although the Persians who had conquered the Middle East were tolerant with all religions and practiced justice with the subjected nations, it was a time when the deportees Jews who returned to the holy land suffered the hostility of the Samaritans and some neighboring peoples. The book of Zechariah tells us that the prophet was consulted by important people on the subject of fasting, and the prophet responded with an oracle. And in this oracle, the prophet highlighted the importance of the spiritual gifts such as the fear and the mercy (compassion, kindness) to make the law of Moses bear fruit in the human hearts and the society, above any material formalism. God was not displeased according to the prophet, but the important thing was the good among the children of Israel, so the prophet taught them in his oracle: "This is what the LORD Almighty said: ´Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other´" Zechariah 7:8-10. But then the oracle continued with what was to be avoided, the hardness of heart: "But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and covered their ears. They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry" Zechariah 7:11-12. In summary, Zechariah in his oracle explained that God blesses the upright and punishes sinners, regardless of the masks and appearances of men, but it is in men the freedom to choose between good sense and madness.

#mercy #spiritualgrowth #daily devotion