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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 16 December 2023:
Zechariah 3:2 – And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”
Satan, the accuser has no case against the one God has chosen.
Zechariah 3:4-7 — And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by. And the angel of the Lord solemnly assured Joshua, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here.”
“Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” Only Jesus can take away our iniquity and make us clean again.
Joshua was given the free gift of forgiveness by the mercy and grace of God. THEN there was an expectation and demand for Joshua to walk with God and remain obedient to God that Joshua would be worthy for holy service. This conditional “If… Then…” statement is repeated several times in the Bible, revealing the impact that our decisions have on our fruitfulness. We are saved by faith, not by works, but grace is a call as well as and unmerited, supernatural empowerment to walk in obedience that we would both glorify God as we should and also receive the fulfilment of living out our purpose, wish is the fullness of joy.
Zechariah 3:8 – I will bring my servant the Branch.
Jesus is both the perfect Priest (Hebrews) and the promised Branch.
Psalm 145:2, 4, 11-13 — Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever…. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts…. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
Today’s readings offer perspective on how we should live in a fallen world as New Creations and ambassadors for Christ. Everyday, one day at a time, forever, praise the Name of the Lord in love, joy, and peace. Glorify Him by reflecting and manifesting His character, proclaiming and teaching His truth and the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jesus. Teach the next generation to follow Christ, restoring their humanity, with humanity (unlike animals) being life empowered by the Spirit.
– 1 Peter 2:11 — Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
– Jude 1:21-23 — Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
– Acts 5:40-42 — …and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
– 2 Timothy 4:1-5 — I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Living as an ambassador, as a sojourner, and as an exile in a corrupt world can be extremely challenging. It can be hard to maintain your perspective, and it can be hard to raise children without them being corrupted by the world around them. Lot for example, was a righteous man whose soul was tormented daily by the sin he experienced around him. (2 Peter 2:7) However, he failed to protect his family from the influence of the godless society; he lost his wife and his in-laws, and his daughters had become shockingly perverted. (Genesis 19:30-36) As Christians, we must learn how to snatch people out of the fire without getting burned ourselves.
Today’s Psalms give us practical instruction: Every day praise the Lord and share His good works with your children — every day, forever. Also, every day, teach your children and others about the power and sovereignty of God and about the glory and splendor of the Kingdom of God which endures throughout all generations. Explain the hope we have in Christ’s return and ultimate reign in a new heaven and new earth. This daily instruction to your family and others will also be a good daily reminder for you. Finally, live today in accordance with the principles and practices of the Kingdom you represent. Represent your King through your behavior and in what you communicate. Proclaim the Gospel!
– 2 Peter 3:13 — But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Proverbs 16:1, 2 — The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
When you humbly study God’s word. The Holy Spirit will challenge you by revealing to you the difference between what you are doing (the outpouring of who you are being, what is in your heart, soul, and will) and what He wants you to do and by revealing the truth of your heart, showing to you the difference between how He sees you and how you have seen yourself.
From Henry T. Blackaby – “How quick we are to question the motives of others, yet we are so slow to question our own! When others harm us, we may assume the worst of intentions. When we are guilty, we often excuse our offenses, concluding that others are far too sensitive! Regardless of how we monitor our motives, God weighs them in His scales of righteousness. It is futile to try to deceive God with our pious justifications, for He sees our hearts. Is it possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason? Of course! You can attend worship services with a heart that is far from worshipful (Isa. 1:10-17). Could you show concern for the poor and yet have a heart that is opposed to God? Judas did (John 12:4-8). Could you make bold statements of love for Christ and actually be aiding the work of Satan? Peter did (Matt. 16:21-23). Could you offer sacrifices to God and be in total disobedience to Him? King Saul did (1 Sam. 13:8-9). Could you pray with the wrong motives? James said you can (James 4:3). Many things cause us to do what we do. We can be motivated by good things, such as love for God, compassion, generosity, and faith. Or our actions can come from unhealthy motives such as pride, insecurity, ambition, lust, greed, guilt, anger, fear, and hurt. It is even possible to do the best things based on the worst motives. When the Lord measures our motives He looks for one thing: love. All that we do should proceed from our love for God and for others (1 Cor. 13). Take time to look past your actions to what lies behind them. Ask God to show you what He sees when He examines your motives.
Proverbs 16:3 — The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
God’s plan accounts for human nature and free choice. No one’s choices or actions can change God’s plan. God brings all things together for His ultimate good. Even evil people who attempt to rebel against God are a part of His plan.
Proverbs 16:9 — The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Though people may choose to reject God and go their own way, God is still in control of their lives.
Proverbs 16:20 — Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
When you are willing to study God’s word and walk in it in trust to God, you will be blessed.
Proverbs 16:25 – There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
From Henry T. Blackaby – “Things are not always what they seem. Proverbs warns that we can be deceived into believing we are going down the right path and yet be heading toward death, the opposite direction from God’s will. People do not naturally seek God or pursue righteousness (Rom. 3:10-18). Only as the Spirit awakens our hearts to the Person of Christ are we able to desire God’s will. If we make decisions apart from the guidance of the Spirit of God, we will be like a ship trying to sail without a compass. We will do what makes the most sense, based on our own wisdom. But what looks attractive may actually lead to sin, ultimately destroying what is precious to us, for our most profound human thinking is mere foolishness to God (1 Cor. 1:18-20). Only God knows the way that leads to life, and He wants to lead us to walk in it (Matt. 7:13-14). Don’t assume every opportunity that arises is from God. Satan will disguise himself as an “angel of light,” and his invitations will seem to be in your best interest (2 Cor. 11:14). Yet his way leads only to death (John 8:44). The word of God will be like a light to your path, guiding you in the ways of righteousness (Ps. 119:105). It can be perilous to follow a path that seems right without first consulting the Holy Spirit for guidance (John 16:13). Take time to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction when you face decisions. He knows the full ramifications of your choices. The Holy Spirit will assist you to understand truth and to experience abundant life. Trust Him as He leads you.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 16 December 2023: Today, as you proactively engage a broken community, keep yourself in the love of God, praise the Lord, tell everyone about His mighty deeds and about the glory of His Kingdom. Glorify God by walking in His ways as a reflection of His character and as evidence of the New Life available in Christ right now. Influence without being influenced.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 