Ezekiel 15-16; Revelation 6

I am so thankful that I will not be on the earth when God‘s wrath and judgement is released on that terrible and final day. It will be a horrific time of terror such as never before. And why should I, and my brothers and sisters in Christ, escape his judgement? It is because Christ took my judgement on himself as he was impaled on the cross two thousand years ago. Because we claim his grace today, we are not under his judgement, we are forgiven. If you believe my testimony you’ll do the same. I do not wish God’s final judgement on anybody. Find and embrace Christ while there is still time and you will discover he is a wonderful, loving saviour.

Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5

God's prophetic voice cries out today but who is listening? Surely those who read his word can see the patterns around them and understand that God‘s final day is drawing closer. The preference by so-called believers to trust the world as opposed to the word of God is a sure sign that God’s patience is almost exhausted. Do not delay in setting your heart right with God. That inclination to righteous living is the tug of the Holy Spirit. Don’t ignore him, he won’t stick around forever. Don’t be left stranded in your sin. Respond to the Lamb of God immediately.

Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4

Almost 700 years separates the two visions of Ezekiel and John. Even though they are contextually different they are almost exactly the same. These awesome visions gives us an understanding, of sorts, of what glory is like and where the Lord reigns. It is a fearsome place containing terrifying creatures and the fiery holiness of God. It seems inconceivable that angels who once stood in the presence of God there could fall into sin and depravity. We must never underestimate the power of sin and deception and be determined to live with a clear conscience before God, which can can only be done through the saving grace of Christ Jesus.

Ezekiel 4-7; Revelation 3

In all seven letters to the churches Jesus tells us “... that he has who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:22). It is not enough to orchestrate the pattern of church life we must make every effort to hear what God is saying to us. This involves a sincere, honest relationship with God that is built on regular bible study and prayer. An ongoing, daily refreshing of our time with God builds a faith that is tuned to the heart of God because without faith we know it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)

Ezekiel 1-3, Revelation 2

No matter how righteous a man has lived it is impossible to stand before God. All our good intentions are stripped away and we lie as a dead man before the righteous judge of all. The Lord’s letters to the churches shows how decisive and intensively he views those who represent his name. He will not tolerate his name being compromised or trod in the mud of worldly living. We must be careful, therefore, to diligently maintain our relationship with him, enduring his rebuke humbly and striving to win our crown of life.

Jeremiah 52; Psalm 143-144; Revelation 1

After some period of time after churches have been planted and Christian life has matured, Jesus prepares to issue his evaluation on their progress. John is overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord and needs the strength of God to complete his task. So begins the greatest testament of faith and hope ever given to the Church of Christ. Later, we will receive a blessing just for reading and believing what is written. This shows how much God loves us. His plans for mankind are spelt out and his intentions made abundantly clear. There are many things I have yet to fully understand but they do not prevent me from having an expectant heart in waiting for his return.

Jeremiah 50-51; 3 John

Those that rule over God’s people have a greater responsibility than they can ever imagine. If they govern ruthlessly and unfairly then God will hear and pay attention to the petitions and prayers of his people and act in their favour. If the ruler is not humble before God and prayerful about his decisions he won’t have a leg to stand on. Even little children have the authority to petition the almighty power of God on their behalf. God will always act in accordance with faith and righteousness. To the world we may appear pitiful and weak but they don’t see the armies of God assembled in the heavenlies on our behalf.

Jeremiah 37-39; 2 John

Like in the days of old, staying faithful to God will have consequences. But what choice do we have? Denying God is not an option, even working a deal with the world is not healthy. Jeremiah faced death at the bottom of a filthy, muddy well but his heart continually petitioned his God. Daniel faced a similar fate in the lion's den but kept his heart pure before God. In the final act of complete submission and obedience Jesus’s heart broke for the sin of the world. With examples Like this to follow it makes our decision to “remain in him”(John 15) clear and uncompromisingly straightforward.

Jeremiah 33-34; 1John 5

We need each other in our walk with the Lord to keep us on the right path. This is an important perspective because we are not an isolated island of faith but an interconnected community which, through loving relationships, keeps each member humble and focused on the Lord. That’s why belonging to a church is so important. Some feel they can worship God all by themselves. I do not. I need to encourage, and be encouraged by, Christ filled believers and this keeps me focused on the Lord and not be distracted by the world.

Jeremiah 31-32; 1John 4

In the midst of rejecting his people, God gave his people a message of hope through the prophecies of Jeremiah. When the people had suffered enough for their sin and rebellion against God, God would restore them and nurse them back to health. Without hope we have nothing to live for. Proverbs 29:18 tells us “.. where there is no vision, the people perish.. “. Having hope helps us endure suffering and affliction because we know better days are coming and this is why we trust and put our hope in the promises of God.

Jeremiah 28-30; 1John 3

Having the confidence to live in God comes when we are completely honest with God. We really have nothing to hide. When we feel our lives do not meet his standards we can be confident that he knows this and will help us to grow. And the way we grow is by loving our brothers and sisters in the Lord. As we are aware of our own failings and inadequacies we should be generous in forgiving others. Love is very patient, kind and forgiving; generous to all without fault.

Jeremiah 21, 24, 27; 1John 2

The godly Jews awaiting the judgement of God through Nebuchadnezzar had been given a way of escape. They will lose everything they hold dear but keep their lives. The apostle John gives us a similar message. Long ago God made up his mind about how he will judge the world of it sin. If we are to escape with our lives we need to reject all the intricacies and attractions of the world and to live solely for him. How we work this through is up to each of us, but we cannot fool God with pretence and hypocrisy. Our walk with him must be transparent and clear to all.

Jeremiah 48-49; Psalm 67; 1Jn 1

We can’t hide from God, he knows us completely. By walking in the light “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”.  (2Cor 10:5) In doing this there are always situations where we confess inappropriate thoughts and actions. In openly confessing these to Christ the power of sin is broken and we trust in his forgiveness. This is the normal life of a believer. We walk in the light because the light will always highlight aspects of our life which needs to fall away. This is how we grow and mature in Christ. Painful at times but always necessary.

Jeremiah 45-47; Psalm 105; John 21

More and more I am coming to understand that God is doing his work all around me and my job is to hear from him as to what he wants me to do, as opposed to what he wants others to do. It is really none of my business what God is doing with others. Their responsibility is to hear from God themselves and obey him. I can point them in the direction of listening and learning from the Lord but I have no business in judging them. I have enough work to do in my own life and standing with the Lord to meddle in the lives of others and God certainly does not need me as his counsellor.

Jeremiah 26, 35-36; John 20

Even before Jesus had ascended to his father he returned to comfort and encourage his friends. One cannot undervalue this selfless, kind and loving act. Even though he survived the horrors of death and Hell, his first thought was for his friends. The good news is that he is still the same Jesus today as he was then. He promises us that he will take us to himself so we do not have to experience the wrath and judgement that will eventually seize all mankind. I love Jesus for who is and pray others would see him as I do.

Jeremiah 23, 25; John 19

While Jeremiah spoke judgement against the evil shepherds of Judah, the Good Shepherd took upon himself the wrath of God destined for all mankind. The wicked shepherds of Jeremiah's time paid no attention to his calls for righteousness and compassion yet the Good Shepherd was judged and killed because of his godliness and authority. Who we listen to and are guided by will determine our ultimate destiny. By putting my faith, hope and love in the Good Shepherd who paid for my evil heart to be redeemed is a good place to start.

2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Ps112; John 18

In the readings today two Kings stand in judgement over the sin of their nation. Both Kings are subjected to the might and strength of a prevailing army and will face the worst punishment those armies can administer. Both prevailing armies unwittingly act as proxies for the Lord God. One king goes into disgrace the other is redeemed from death and raised to life to an eternal throne in heaven. When the innocent cry out for justice and the wicked seem to win all the time, it is death that separates them. The wealth and power of the wicked will not help them when standing before the King of Righteousness; the very embodiment of Truth. Eternity is a long time and our time here is short. We must make the best use of it now.

Jeremiah 18-20; Psalm 93; John 17

In his final prayer with his disciples Jesus lovingly and purposefully connected the love of the father with his followers. And because you and I are also connected this bond has never been broken, standing the test of thousands of years. His prayer is a wonderful, unselfish and loving prayer, full of compassion strength and kindness. I take courage as I embrace his prayer afresh today.

Jeremiah 16-17; Psalm 96; John 16

Life is full of surprises, some good some not so good. Some are so devastating they threaten our well-being and bruise our Joy. But the believer is never really taken by surprise. They know the peace of God, founded on the rock of Christ. With every new day trust is renewed and faith is assured. With a steady confidence in God, at the end of days we will all rise to live with Christ in a glorious eternity.

Jeremiah 13-15; John 15

There are ten times in John 15 where Jesus tells us plainly to remain in him. This is not from the point of view of a master speaking to a servant but friend to friend. He wants our loyalty, love and friendship. While it may be difficult to think of God as our friend it is incumbent on us to pursue Jesus in this way. Why? It is because the scriptures tell us so. We must develop confidence in the Lord and understand that he knows us better than we know ourselves. It is when we trust ourselves to him, giving ourselves over to him completely that we realise how close a friend he really is.

Jeremiah 10-12; John 14

When a person comes to faith by confessing Christ as Lord and Saviour, the promises Jesus made to his disciples become active in the new believer's life and that person will receive the Holy Spirit to empower their faith and to teach them righteousness. A very important component of this is obedience and faithfulness. If the new believer is to learn the language of the Holy Spirit, which not only flows from his belly but is proclaimed in the word of God, then he must exercise faithfulness and obedience. The Holy Spirit then teaches the new believer how to pray and to also understand the Word of God. By getting the Word of God into our minds we give the Holy Spirit something to refer to as he guides and leads us. And anything that does not agree with his word we know to avoid. This is how we mature as believers.

Jeremiah 7-9; John 13

We have become used to electing our king and telling him what to do. If the king does not satisfy the people then he is thrown out of office. The king must continually satisfy the whims of his people. But what do we do with the King of Kings whom we have not elected and threatens to wipe us out if we do not obey him. Firstly, we need to listen and learn that this is no ordinary king but one who is invested in love, kindness and compassion. He purchased the right to rule over us with his own life. He promises us eternal life in glory with him. Mankind could not ask for a more kind, loving king than Jesus and his kingdom is permanent, never to be overthrown. The kingdoms of this world will all pass away but his name will endure forever.

Jeremiah 5-6; John 12

The crowds love a winner and it is no different today. When God blesses his people with great moves of the spirit resulting in healings and prosperity, great crowds of onlookers and followers gather around. However when the excitement dies down and the realities of life crystallise, that’s when the earnest believer seeks out the heart of God in a personal revelation. We cannot rely on the testimony of others. Each must find their own personal relationship with Christ and allow him to speak into their life. God bless you on your journey and may you discover him in all his fullness.

Jeremiah 3-4; John 11

The main question for me that arises out of today’s reading in Jeremiah is this; can a people who is so deeply invested in a sinful life ever repent and find life? Through all of God’s calling to repentance, God had decided what he was going to do. The wheels were already in motion so when God called on Israel to repent he was not making empty threats. So it is today. God has already put into action his plans to eradicate sin and the people who are attracted to it. He has provided a way of escape through Jesus but many ignore him because their sin is too attractive. In sharing God’s heart we are not to give up but to keep proclaiming his message of salvation until he returns. Then we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. (Matthew 25:21)

Jeremiah 1-2; John 10

If I consider myself to be a sheep in the pastures of God I must ask myself, am I hearing the voice of God? The scriptures tell me plainly that the sheep “...listen to his voice. He calls them by name and leads them out …. because they know his voice” (Jn10:4). Knowing God personally and intimately is important if we are to be led by God. Sheep huddle together as a group which likens believers joined by the love of God. God demonstrates his love for the church by the way he leads us, especially in the midst of persecution and trouble. Then at the height of the storms of life we will hear him say “do not fear, it is I”. (Matthew 14:27)

Zephaniah 1-3; John 9

The worldly man and all his wisdom refuses to acknowledge that there is a day coming when God will deal with sinful man completely, along with all of his works. I find the reality of that day hard to imagine but I shudder in my faith and my heart cries out to the Lord. Zephaniah spoke out this prophecy over 2500 years ago and Jesus repeated and qualified it in Matthew chapter 24. With the passing of every day we draw closer to the great and final Day and now we are closer than we have ever been before. Those that love the Lord and anticipate his return should not be complacent. Warn as many as will listen.

Habakkuk 1-3; John 8

There are many in this life who put their hope and trust in things that will not last. They probably don't care as long as it will sustain their lifestyle as long as needed. They seem surprised when the things they relied on fail and they are left broken and vulnerable. The prayer of Habakkuk 3:17 shows me the benefits of trusting God over all that the world has to offer and to find joy and strength in God beyond the pleasures of this world. Matthew 16:26 says “...what good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his soul..” and Philippians 4:19 reminds us that ..“God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory”.

2 Kings 23; 2 Chron 35; John 7

We must be careful not to assume God’s will but to know it completely in our hearts. I imagine Josiah thought it was God‘s will to attack the Egyptians but it was a fatal error. In John 7 we read where Jesus’ brothers tried to get him to do something he knew was not right in God. We need to be particularly sensitive to the Holy Spirit when something appears to be a good idea but there is a check in our spirit. I do not want to make fatal mistakes which could easily cost me my life. I need to keep attuned to the voice of the Spirit and keep on reflecting on his word in all instances of life.

2 Kings 22; 2 Chron 34; John 6

Jesus averted disaster by not allowing the crowds to dictate his mission. He needed to constantly test the hearts of those who followed him and to work with those whom the father had revealed to him. He knew that even his closest companions (Peter) would at some low point deny him. He had to be very careful how much of his mission he could reveal to those around him. As painful as it was, Jesus knew there was no other way, the cross was  to be his final departure point in a work assigned to him and to him alone. Praise God for his steadfastness of purpose and uncompromising love for his father. It is no wonder we will all place our crowns at his feet in when we meet him in glory.

Nahum 1-3; John 5

On that final day of judgement when every person stands before God, according to what will judge us? Is it our relationship with God? If God will not accuse us (Jn 5:22) what will be our downfall? It will be the measurement of life lived in comparison to perfect love. Sin cannot stand in the presence of perfect love. It must flee away. But if we know that perfect love casts out all fear, then we will be safe in the arms of God. Put simply, by humbly accepting Christ’s work on the cross in defeating sin, God allows us to receive his Holy Spirit in our hearts. And when our life ends and this same Spirit returns to the one who gave it, the Holy Spirit takes us with him into the eternal, loving presence of God.

2 Kings 21; 2 Chron 33; John 4

The story of the woman at the well shows how unique Jesus was for a number of reasons. 1.  rabbis don't talk to non Jewish women. 2. they are very judgmental of women who have had several husbands. 3. they would refuse water from a Samaritan even if they were at the point of death. Jesus was not constrained by any of these things and could see in the woman's life a character that would be a light for the gospel. Jesus may not have known much about the woman but he was sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit whom he implicitly obeyed. Being supremely humble to the Spirit’s leading he was able to lead the Samaritan woman into salvation. I must get better at hearing and understanding the leading of the Holy Spirit and thus be more productive for the Kingdom of God.