186 Week, Zechariah Chapters 10-14 (Click on Title for Video Intro)

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Click on Title for Video Introduction  


Monday, Zechariah Chapter 10 
Zechariah 10
Verse 1
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 1: Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone.

THOUGHT
These two chapters portray Israel as God’s flock and their leaders as shepherds. Chapter 10 portrays The Faithful Shepherd. The flock was in trouble because it had no shepherd to care for it. But the Lord will return and be the shepherd. He will rescue the people, strengthen them and establish them in peace.

This verse has such sweet serene words in it. I see it as a way for us to ask the Good Shepherd to care for us. We ask the One who can help. For it is the One who makes the storm clouds that brings the rain.  As the Lord answers our prayers and blesses us, it in turn helps others. Just as the rain helped the men in the field for the plants then, the good crop helps everyone. It reminds me of paying it forward.

PRAYER
Father God, please help us to welcome our Good Shepherd every day. May He protect us and be told the needs that we have. We pray for showers of blessings to fall on all the Salt Shakers. Thank You for all those who serve in the armed forces here and abroad. Keep them safe. Thank You for the freedom that we have to enjoy.  Keep us all in Your loving arms. AMEN


Tuesday, Zechariah Chapter 11
Zechariah 11
Jeanie Boldt

THOUGHT
This chapter refers to shepherds. The first part speaks of the false shepherds. These leaders were not true to God or their people, and God sent ruin. The flock was destined for slaughter, division with the Lord’s people and the division between Judah and Israel (the broken rod), and they were scattered among the Gentiles. The prophet is a picture of the true Shepherd who cares for the flock and is rejected by the false shepherds and sold like a slave.

The foolish shepherd is the last world ruler, Antichrist, whom Israel will accept as their friend. He will agree to protect Israel but then will break his promise. When one rejects the truth, it is much easier to accept the false. The Lord will strike the false shepherd and judge him.

We all need a shepherd, so we need to be sure that we follow the right one. We must follow Jesus the Christ. He will not desert the flock. We too must be shepherds for those who know Him not. He holds us Christians accountable for protecting and leading the sheep who are lost. This is a great spot of responsibility and faithfulness for us.

PRAYER
Father God, I am so thankful for Bible applications and handbooks that explain the writings in Your Word. Thank You for giving us the perseverance to study each book and not be afraid to try and understand the meaning that You have for us. I continue to ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I do another chapter tomorrow. We love You, Lord. We call You, Shepherd. AMEN


Wednesday, Zechariah Chapter 12
Zechariah 12 
Verse 10a
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 10a:  "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.  They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him."

THOUGHT
This chapter pictures the final siege against the people of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be at the center of world attention. Those who attack Israel will only defeat themselves, for God has covenanted to protect Israel. Are we getting close to the time that the Lord will appear? Just tonight on the National News they speak that the financial crisis is not only in the United States. Germany, England, China and many more are feeling the decline. (Written November 2008) Corporations are asking for help in bailing out. Food shelters are asking for food this year for those in need because corporate sponsors have no money to give. The hungry come for food and find none. Omaha had three shootings very close to my main office last night over a four hour period. Businesses already are talking about the holiday season and what it may mean for all of us. Unemployment is on the rise. Yes, these are things that make you cry out to the Lord asking for His return.

The one verse that I did enjoy in this chapter was the beginning of verse 10. “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him.” Thank God for the saving Grace of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit that lives within each of us if only we accept the free gift. The Holy Spirit is our guide for right and wrong and directs our prayers when we pray in the will of the Lord.

Like God’s people, Israel, we experience many trials, but the Lord will see us through and share His Kingdom and Glory with us.

PRAYER
Father God, thank You for giving us the gift of Your Son. May everyone understand what an awesome life-changing gift He is. Please forgive us of the sins we have done - You died on the cross for. Help us to live each day for You. We pray for the whole world tonight. May we realize that even though there is unrest, unhappiness, crime, sin, failure and testing all over, You, Father God, are in Your sovereign place. You are exalted in the Heavens and remain our King of Kings.  We thank You for the love we have to share. AMEN


Thursday, Zechariah Chapter 13
Zechariah 13
Verse 1
Jane Jones

Verse 1:  On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

THOUGHT
There will be a never-ending supply of God’s mercy, forgiveness and cleansing power. This picture of a fountain is similar to the never-ending stream flowing out from the temple. The fountain is used in Scripture to symbolize God’s forgiveness. It symbolizes the living water. Drink from the fountain.  Ask Jesus to forgive you and give you His salvation.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, we pray this evening with thanksgiving for Your continuing, never-ending supply of mercy and forgiveness. We thank You that we can drink from the fountain for our salvation.  May peace envelope our minds, hearts, souls, and spirits as we journey into tomorrow.  AMEN


Friday, Zechariah Chapter 14
Zechariah 14
Jane Jones

THOUGHT
This chapter was good for me to read because of the day I spent with my friend, Peanut, dying from cancer.  Many times in the Bible we are encouraged to watch for the day of the Lord as this chapter talked about the Lord coming and reigning. I believe Peanut is in the ‘watch and wait’. What if you knew the exact time Christ would come? Would you live differently? Christ could return at any moment, and I know Peanut believes she could go at any time now. We need to be ready for Him by studying the scriptures and making sure that we live as He intends.

PRAYER
Father, this evening I ask for peace of mind for all those who are struggling with cancer. May they look to You for their strength and well-being and peace of mind and heart.  May our studying the scriptures help us to live as You intend. We Love You. AMEN
























Comments

  1. Cathi WoellsMay 16, 2024 at 8:20 PM

    Chapter 12

    My commentary states: [Chapter 12] pictures the final siege against the people of Jerusalem. God will come to their defense, they will not be left alone in their troubles.

    Is it possible that the current conflict with Hamas, et al., (2024) could be the final siege spoken of in Chapter 12? Or, is it one more opportunity for God to allow Hamas to attack Jerusalem in the hopes that His people will turn to Him for help and he will demolish Hamas as he did Assyria and Babylon? There definitely is a pattern of God giving His people many chances to turn to Him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Biblical ShakersMay 17, 2024 at 3:53 PM

      How many times will it take for the Lord to be there for His people? When will they realize that the Messiah has come? Only God Knows.

      Delete

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