"Then he said to me, 'This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.'" (Zechariah 4:6, NLT)Some translations render 'Yahweh Sabaoth' as 'LORD Almighty.' It is a fitting translation. Here, it cannot be lost on us that 'the LORD Almighty' reminds us that our own strength, power, might, force, prowess (all words used i...  Read More

Zechariah has a favorite reference for God: Yahweh Sabaoth, LORD of Heaven's Armies. He is our Covenant and Ever-present LORD Who is All-commanding and Sovereign in the execution of His will...His power backs up His Word, His promises. How beautiful to hear Him speak so tenderly to His faithful remnant: "In mercy/with compassion I have returned to Jerusalem and I will rebuild..." (Zechariah 1:16)....  Read More

Today I find it challenging not to pause from the judgment of Zephaniah, Haggai, and Revelation and focus on the birth of Jesus. True, His arrival on earth is an aspect of God's judgment. It was our sin, our Sin, that necessitated His advent. That is to our shame...that is, the shame of the human race. Though judgment comes wrapped in swaddling clothes, it's so difficult not to see the greater rea...  Read More

The 'great day of the LORD is near' (Zephaniah 1:14). The 'day of the Lord' is a phrase that is used throughout the Bible speaking of judgment, where the wicked are punished and the righteous (by grace) are rewarded. The great day is the final judgment. Today is Christmas Eve. What a day to ponder judgment. Yet, if you think about it, Christ's very entrance into this world is an act of judgment. H...  Read More

"I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint." (Habakkuk 2:1, NLT)Habakkuk's relationship with God is extremely honest, and brave. He launches right into his 'complaint' from the very outset of his prophecy. "This makes no sense to me...what You are doing, how You are doing it makes no sense, God!" He i...  Read More

"The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him." (Nahum 1:7, CSB)Though Nahum's prophecy concerns Nineveh, it could apply to Roman occupation during the days when God entered the world, Immanuel. It can also apply to the conversation in the Revelation concerning 'Babylon' and those despots associated with its administration who have the goal of tota...  Read More