“Many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid” (Ezra 3:12)

August 6, 2011

Be careful not to cry for the former things when God does a work through the next generation. Instead, support them. Don’t be the resistant, against change, old person. Be a spiritual mentor.

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

August 5, 2011

Paul, a brilliant and educated man, resolved to “know nothing” but one thing: Jesus! What have you resolved to know and think on and talk about today?

“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)

August 4, 2011

Among our phobias, fear of the unknown and of our own demise are prominent. David says that God is his light (exposing the unknown) and his salvation (saving him from death). In this way God gives him faith in the place of fear. Have you replaced your fears with faith today?

“I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:15)

August 3, 2011

Under the direction of King Josiah the Levites found the Torah while repairing the Temple. Apparently, it had been lost during the reigns of his forefathers. Josiah tore his clothes in repentance when he heard it read and revival swept the land. Have you found the Word yet?

“Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance” (Proverbs 20:18)

August 2, 2011

Do you act without counsel? If wisdom is knowledge combined with experience, you can get it by experiencing loss yourself. Or you can listen to someone else’s experience and avoid loss. Gather wise counselors to yourself before making important plans.

“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known” (Romans 15:20)

August 1, 2011

Paul’s ambition should be ours. Do we have zeal to see the gospel preached to those who haven’t heard? Christ wants us to crucify our old ambitions and have them replaced with Christ’s. Christ came to seek and to save them which are lost. What’s your ambition?

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1)

July 31, 2011

How much of our lives do we waste changing our thinking from “mine” to “His?” We only worry about what belongs to us. Why not give it all to God? After all, it’s already His. What still belongs to you today?

“But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (2 Chronicles 26:16)

July 30, 2011

Becoming king of Judah at age 16, he reigned 56 years, longer than any other, but he didn’t finish well. How you finish is more important than how you start. Christ followers shouldn’t retire when old. They should give themselves fully to Kingdom work.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11)

July 29, 2011

Where’s the passion with which you began? Have you lost your first love? Fan into flames your spiritual zeal. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Don’t let serving others be a burdensome duty. Let it be your passionate worship!

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36)

July 28, 2011

“From, through, and to” God, so ends Paul’s doxology in Romans (“Doxa” – Greek for “glory.” “Logos” – word). We were made by Him and for Him. Is your life a doxology to God?