discipline of God – Be Still…

Job 36:22-37:13 – God’s Power

Read Job 36:22-37:13

Focusing on God’s powers and his attributes is something I never get tired of. Elihu gives us real world applications for witnessing God’s power. With all the crazy things happening around us, focusing on the supremacy of God can help us stay positive, help us stay hopeful. When we meet others who feel the same about God’s majesty, it’s a delight. But Elihu’s focus on this power takes a frightening turn.

Elihu uses word pictures of storms, thunderbolts and lightning. Certainly God’s power is evident in nature in all the ways Elihu describes. When we think of the power of nature, we can’t help but look at the beauty, too. For instance, as trees bloom every spring and change their leaf color to brilliant hues in the fall; it’s all in God’s timing. Continue reading “Job 36:22-37:13 – God’s Power”

Ezekiel 12:21-28 – God’s Timing is Perfect

Read Ezekiel 12:21-28

The message that rings out in this reading is that we shouldn’t question God’s timing. It’s easy for us to point fingers and say those Israelites were not in touch with reality, believing God’s messages were not for them. Even though the LORD was clear time and time again. We can be just as guilty of believing we are immune to problems, God’s judgment, or even death.

It’s true that we have a Savior who laid down his life for us. It’s true that God loved us that much he sent his son to die. But it’s also true God loved his people, Israel, and sent countless course corrections to them which they ignored. Continue reading “Ezekiel 12:21-28 – God’s Timing is Perfect”

Haggai 1:1-11 – Put God First

Read Haggai 1:1-11

Haggai is one of the post-exilic prophets who spoke to those returning from exile in Babylon. Haggai’s messages begin the second year of King Darius’ reign in approximately 520 B.C. Babylon had been defeated by King Cyrus in 539 B.C.

The Persian Empire was in control in those days, and the Israelites had been allowed to return to their homeland. From what God says through Haggai, it appears the people are still living selfishly and not putting God in first position. His temple still lies in ruins.