“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand” (Zechariah 4:10 NLT).

December 23, 2019

ARE YOU FAITHFUL IN THE SMALL THINGS? Zerubbabel was born in Babylon. As a descendent of King David, he was in line for Judah’s throne, but he and his people had been conquered and exiled by the former Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzer. After the Persian King Cyrus conquered Babylon, he showed favor to the Jews. He

“And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made” (Revelation 13:8 NLT).

December 22, 2019

IS YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE? John’s prophecy tells of a figure that will recover from a “mortal wound” (Rev. 13:3), that will unite the world in worshiping him. This individual is called the Beast or the Antichrist. He is a counterfeit christ empowered by Satan to deceive the world during the last

“She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne” (Revelation 12:5 NLT).

December 21, 2019

THE CHRISTMAS VERSE NEVER SEEN ON A CARD I’ve never seen Revelation 12:5 quoted on a Christmas card, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be. When the apostle John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos, the Lord pulled back the curtain between heaven and earth and invited old John to see things from a

“‘If one of you is carrying some meat from a holy sacrifice in his robes and his robe happens to brush against some bread or stew, wine or olive oil, or any other kind of food, will it also become holy?’” (Haggai 2:12 NLT).

December 20, 2019

THE TRANSMISSION OF HOLINESS The prophet Haggai asked the Jewish priests two questions concerning the transmission of holiness and impurity. They were experts on such things, so they answered correctly according to the Mosaic Law. Haggai clearly knew the answers to his two questions before he asked, for he was quick to apply the principles

“The Lord gave this message to Zephaniah when Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah. Zephaniah was the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah” (Zephaniah 1:1 NLT).

December 19, 2019

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS THROUGHOUT THE GENERATIONS Do you know your great, great grandfather’s name? Zephaniah did. Some believe he gave such an extensive lineage in his introduction to establish that he was a descendent of King Hezekiah. However, he probably would have referred to him as “King Hezekiah” if that were truly the case. Regardless, Zephaniah

“But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God …” (Revelation 9:20 NLT).

December 18, 2019

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BRING REPENTANCE? Six of the seven trumpets have been blown, yet humanity “still refused to repent” If God’s singular purpose during the coming Great Tribulation would be to judge humanity’s sin, then a single, swift flood like in the days of Noah would suffice. But God’s activity is aimed at

“This message concerning Nineveh came as a vision to Nahum, who lived in Elkosh” (Nahum 1:1 NLT).

December 17, 2019

THE BIBLE’S RELIABILITY AND ARCHEOLOGY Believers can trust the reliability of the Bible. Regardless of the opinions of its detractors, it continues to be supported by archeology and the facts of history. In this first verse from the prophet Nahum, we see reference to two places, “Nineveh” and “Elkosh.” Elkosh was the home of Nahum

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf” (Micah 5:2 NLT).

December 16, 2019

BETHLEHEM, CHRIST’S PROPHESIED BIRTHPLACE In the midst of Micah’s prophecy for Israel’s judgment, the Spirit revealed the future birthplace of the Messiah. This is the prophecy that the priests and scribes quoted to King Herod when the Magi came seeking the one born king of the Jews (Matt. 2:6).   Bethlehem was also called the

“Lift your hands toward the sanctuary, and praise the Lord” (Psalms 134:2 NLT).

December 15, 2019

BRING YOUR WORSHIP WITH YOU THIS SUNDAY! Psalm 134 is the last of the 15 “Psalms of Ascent,” which were written to be sung by pilgrims as they climbed up Mount Zion to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. Singing these worship songs made the journey more joyful and helped them get their praise on

“As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord” (Jonah 2:7 NLT).

December 14, 2019

Jonah chapter two records the prayer of God’s runaway prophet. Jonah’s prayer took place from inside the belly of a great fish, which God had sent to rescue him from drowning. He was convinced of his imminent death and as he felt his life slipping away, he finally remembered the Lord.