"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Chapters 1-8 The visions and exhortations of Zechariah 1–8 were given to the prophet in Jerusalem during the rebuilding of the temple by the returned remnant. The purpose of this portion of the book, dated from November of 520 BC to December of 518 BC, was to encourage the people to complete the new central …
Overview This brief prophecy was delivered to a people whose spiritual lives were in decline because they had allowed their priorities to become misplaced. In a series of sharp exhortations, Haggai encouraged them to consider their ways, to take action, and to take heart. This little book provides a strong word to us when we …
When someone asks, “What do you do?”, is your answer… “I am an ambassador for Christ.” 18 Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, …
Zephaniah is a powerful and condensed book that uses vivid and gripping imagery to communicate an unrelenting message about the day of judgment that would come not only to Judah and the nations that surrounded Judah, but will also come in the future to all the nations of the earth. Like the majority of Old …
Nahum’s prophecy opens with a description of Yahweh’s righteous character. He is “a jealous and avenging God” who “takes vengeance on His adversaries” (1:2). His power is unlimited and no one can endure His anger (1:3–6). Those who trust in Him discover His goodness and grace, but He overcomes His foes (1:7–8). Because of His …
You may not realize it, but what you think about God determines how you handle life. For example: If you think God is waiting and watching to punish you, you’ll attempt to clean up the messes in your life alone. If you God is for you and has your back, you will run to Him …
The prophecy of Micah opens with a declaration of coming judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem), and the cause of this judgment is listed as premeditated crime, covetousness, fraud, and lying prophets (1:1–2:11). Nevertheless, there is a word of hope in God’s promises of regathering and …
It is God’s desire Is this not the fast You have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the cords of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to share our food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter; when …
Prophecy is the most irrefutable evidence In the context of the prophecy of the coming of Cyrus (as confirmed in history) we find this statement: 20 “Come, gather together,and approach, you fugitives of the nations.Those who carry their wooden idolsand pray to a god who cannot savehave no knowledge.21 Speak up and present your case[i]—yes, …