Good Morning “Holy Temples”.  Today we are in Haggai 2.Yesterday we looked at the 1st Word from The Lord given through Haggai.  In short… “Get your priorities straight, and get back to work on my temple.”  We acknowledged this was not just a command to build a building but to build their faith, grow in Him, build His Kingdom.  The same distorted priorities limit our growth and service as well.The ...  Read More

Good Morning “Priority Organizers”.  Today we are in Haggai 1.King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon in 539BC.  God used this pagan king to begin allowing His people to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their Temple.  They constructed and dedicated the foundation but work was halted after some interaction with neighboring enemies who had some influence in the Persian court (Ezra 4:4-6:22).  Sixteen y...  Read More

Good Morning “Inventory Takers”.  Today we are in Zephaniah 3.In Zephaniahs day Jerusalem had turned away from The Lord.  In fact Judah had sunk to her one of her lowest lows during the reigns of King Manasseh and King Amon.  Then came Josiah who was different than his father and grandfather.  He listened to Gods warning and destroyed all the high places and led the charge of repentance in Judah. ...  Read More

Good Morning “Grace Choosers”.Today we are in Zephaniah 2.As I said yesterday, Zephaniah prophesied during Judahs darkest hour.  During the reign of Judahs most evil kings; Manasseh, and Amon.  But then something happened.  A king that actually heeded the warnings.  A king that came and turned things on their head and lead Judah back to worship of The One True God.Zephaniah prophesied concerning T...  Read More

Good Morning “Whole Hearted.”  Today we are in Zephaniah 1.First a little background.  King Manasseh led Judah into its greatest time of corruption, injustice and paganism.  Manasseh’s grandson Josiah on the other hand, led Judah back to their faith and obedience of God.  Furthermore he reasserted Judahs independence  from foreign empires. At least part of Josiah’s commitment to return to God seem...  Read More

Good Morning “Transformed”.  Today we are in Habakkuk 3.What a transformation we see in Habakkuk as we read this book.  He begins with questions… questions God answers with His Word.  For Habakkuk it is the direct spoken Word of God.  It is Gods Word that reminds him Who is in control.  It is Gods Word that reminds Him that repentance brings restoration.  It is Gods Word that makes clear - justice...  Read More

Good Morning “Patient.”  Today we are in Habakkuk 2.Yesterday I left you with one of Habakkuk’s questions… in essence, Habakkuk wondered, Why does God tolerate the treacherous?  Why do they go on taking advantage - committing evil atrocities?  Gods answer… they won’t continue for long.  It may seem like a long wait as we count time… but God has a plan.  His timing is ALWAYS perfect.“For the revela...  Read More

Good Morning “Answer Demanders.” Today we are in Habakkuk 1.  The book of Habakkuk records the prophet’s “conversations” with God during the late 7th century BC.  This book takes the form of Habakkuk’s “complaints” or “laments” and Gods answers.  Many of Habakkuk’s complaints / questions may sound familiar.  We hear and think some of the same things in our day.  Pay close attention to Gods answers...  Read More

Good Morning “Word of God Eaters.”  Today we are in Nahum 3.World leaders come and go.  Governments and empires rise and fall with their people in tow… all by Gods hand (Daniel 2:21).  Nahum gives us a picture of once repentant Nineveh and just how far she had fallen.  As we read of her rampant prostitution, sorcery and witchcraft so egregious that it drew in and enslaved other nations, and their ...  Read More

Good Morning “Lesson Learners.”  Today we are in Nahum 2.Through our studies we’ve seen both aspects of God on full display; His Wrath and His Grace and Mercy.  Not long ago we finished the book of Jonah.  Most know at least the basics of the story, which tell of Gods incredible heart for the lost.  Jonah didn’t believe Nineveh “deserved God”, so he refused to go to them and give Gods Word.  The b...  Read More

Good Morning “Good News Bringers.”  Today we are in Nahum 1.Jonah was called to preach Grace to Nineveh, but didn’t believe they deserved it.  Truth is none of us deserve Grace.  That’s what Grace is… undeserved or unmerited favor.  Nahum was also called to preach to Nineveh.  He however was called to preach judgement.  Both preached so that the gentile nation might repent and turn to God.  The Lo...  Read More

Good Morning “Amazing Grace Proclaimers”.  Today we are in Micah 7.Praise God that He is The God of compassion (Exodus 34:6).  Compassion seeks to remedy the situation.  Compassion from the Webster Dictionary: “Sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” It’s more than sympathy that simply feels sorry for.  We are lost in our sin alone.  But, in our sin s...  Read More