"Word of God Speak"

September 9, 2013 (Lamentations 1-2; Obadiah; Revelation 14)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains.’Who can ever reach us way up here?’ you ask boastfully.” Obadiah 3 NLT

Observation: Edom was Judah’s southern neighbor, sharing a common boundary. But neighbors are not always friends, and Edom liked nothing about Judah. Edom’s capital at this time was Sela, a city considered safe and secure because it was cut into rock cliffs and set in a canyon that could be entered only through a narrow gap. What Edom perceived as its strengths would become its downfall. Trusting safely in the strength of their stone walls, God would send them plummeting from the heights; boasting proudly in their self-sufficiency, God would humble them; relying on their great wealth, God would allow thieves to steal all they had; partnering with their allies, yet God would cause them to turn against Edom; depending on the wisdom of wise men, the wise would be destroyed. All of this happened because God was not put first and trusted in the most. There is no lasting security apart from a right relationship with God.

Application: Selfish pride has been the downfall of many people and many nations. When people begin to trust in the created, rather than the Creator, they are wandering down a road that leads to many hardships. All of the gifts, talents and abilities we possess come from the Lord. The blessings we enjoy, the health we rest in, the power over others we’ve been trusted with are all given by the Master intended to be used in ways that glorify Him. We wander off the straight and narrow path when we focus our eyes on our own strength, riches and abilities. Christ is our only strength and provision. He alone lifts up, and He alone gives the order to bring down. No nation rises without His authority and no nation is brought down without his approval. We must be careful to walk in ways that are pleasing to Him because He alone has the power to lift us up, or humble us down.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for being my strength and provision. Forgive me for acting as if You’re not enough. You know the battles I face and the heartache I suffer, may Your mercy and grace sustain me in these moments of weakness. Come to my aid Lord, You are my only hope. Nevertheless not my will but Yours be done, in Jesus name, Amen!

September 7, 2013

(2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40-41; Revelation 12)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children; all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.” Revelation 12:17 NLT

Observation: There was war in heaven and Michael the archangel and his army soundly defeated satan and his demons. This great dragon, the ancient serpent called the devil, or satan, the one deceiving the whole world, was thrown down to earth with all his demons. Then across the heavens John heard a loud voice shouting, “It has come at last, salvation and power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth; the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.” Although this spiritual war is still being waged, the outcome has already been decided. God’s army wins!

Application: Satan and his demons may still be actively seeking to harm God’s chosen people but their fate has already been decided. Satan and his demons will be defeated and ultimately destroyed forever, while God’s chosen ones will experience victory and ultimately live in peace for all eternity. Those who belong to Christ have gone into battle on the Lord’s side, and He has promised them victory! While we know God will ultimately win the war, we must be diligent to win the battle for our own soul. We cannot waver in our commitment to Christ. We must remain loyal and faithful to Him until the very end. It’s not enough to just start the battle; we must continue fighting until the battle is won. Satan is angry, and all who keep God’s commandments and live according to His standards have a target on their soul. Satan’s desire is to gain as many souls as he can in the little time he has left. Don’t allow yourself to become one of his victims, put on the whole armor of God and fervently fight as a good solider in the war between good and evil.

Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes I feel so weary in this fight, it seems like the war will never be over and the battle will continue on forever. Strengthen me to be faithful and committed to You as You desire. Protect me from satan’s attacks that seek to destroy me and capture my soul. Send Michael and his army to fight with me to conquer the enemies that have risen up against me. Expose their corrupt actions and destroy their arrogant boasting. Turn their taunts of laughter into wails of despair, in Jesus name, Amen!

September 6, 2013 (Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Then Israel will no longer be tempted to trust in Egypt for help. Egypt’s shattered condition will remind Israel of how sinful she was to trust Egypt in earlier days. Then Israel will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 29:16 NLT

Observation: Egypt was a strong, powerful, prosperous nation with many great strengths and provisions. A powerful army and a land that was fruitful and filled with riches. The power and wealth of Egypt tempted Israel to sin by trusting in her as an ally and ultimately an idol. God would use king Nebuchadnezzar, an evil man, to work for Him and overcome Egypt and destroy her power and plunder her wealth. Egypt had to be destroyed because of the trust Israel had put into Egypt as its ally. Only through Egypt’s shattered condition would Israel be reminded of how sinful she was to have ever trusted in Egypt’s strength more than in their God. God would prove to Israel through the destruction of Egypt that He was the Sovereign Lord of all. It’s the Lord that lifts up a nation, and it’s the Lord that brings one down. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Application: The depiction of Egypt’s destruction has been preserved for more than just a historical record. It serves as a great lesson of warning to Israel and to the nations that would serve as her allies. God used the destruction of a nation that was once great to remind Israel to trust in Him only for their strength and provision. God is not bound or limited in His ability, and nothing is off limits for His use. He can use who He chooses, and what He chooses, to accomplish His plan and purpose. America, as an ally to Israel, should also learn a lesson from this historical account. We should be very careful not to tempt Israel to sin by encouraging them to trust in our strength, power or wealth. Israel’s help comes from God and the strength of any ally was given to them by God. America has been given the privilege of being Israel’s ally and we should not take that privilege lightly, nor arrogantly, less we find ourselves being destroyed by a modern day Nebuchadnezzar.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the privileges and honors You’ve blessed me with. Thank You for Your power and strength that sustain and protect me. Thank You for having a plan, and knowing how to win the victory. Help me to trust in You alone as my strength, for I know You are indeed enough. You know the battle I face and I know You will send Your army to fight on my behalf! May my enemies suffer the same fate as Egypt for trusting in the sinful power and strength of corrupt allies, in Jesus name, Amen!

September 5, 2013 (Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as He announced it to His servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:7 NLT

Observation: When the seventh trumpet sounds the mysterious plan of God is fulfilled. We don’t know what the seven thunders spoke but we do know there is more to come. By saying that “God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled” John was pointing to God’s removal of all evil and the final exaltation of Christ as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. This pronouncement will bring fear to God’s enemies, but hope and peace to God’s chosen ones. The long awaited end is coming and God’s people will be victorious. The scroll was sweet to the taste of John but turned sour in his stomach. God’s word is sweet to us as believers because it brings encouragement and hope, but it sours our stomach because of the coming judgment we must pronounce on unbelievers.

Application: If reading through the book of Revelation doesn’t make you determined to be ready to meet God then I doubt anything would. The coming wrath of God being poured out against the sins of people is going to be horrific. I doubt we can even fathom how terrible that day will be for unbelievers. God has provided this book to prepare us and warn us of His coming fury. We have no excuse to not be found ready and prepared. We don’t have to understand all of the events perfectly; we have been given enough to understand the seriousness of the time coming. We should be careful to not take God’s warning lightly. A half-hearted commitment to Him will not stand in the coming days; we must fully surrender and submit to Him if we have any hopes of that day being glorious for us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes Your word frightens me. It is far above my understanding and comprehension. I trust You to know what’s best and to work out justice according to Your knowledge and understanding not mine. Prepare my soul to be ready for that day. Lord Jesus come quickly! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Teach me how to be pleasing in Your sight, in Jesus name, Amen!

September 4, 2013 (Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Revelation 9:21 NLT

Observation: When the Seven Trumpets are sounded many horrifying events take place. One-third of the Earth is set on fire, one-third of the trees are burned and all the green grass. One-third of the water in the sea became blood, one-third of all the things living in the sea died, and one-third of the ships on the sea were destroyed. One-third of the rivers and streams were turned bitter and many people died from drinking the bitter water. One-third of the sun, the moon and the stars were darkened, one-third of the day was dark and one-third of the night. Then locust came out from the bottomless pit and they were given power to sting like scorpions. They were told not to kill, but to torture all without the seal of God on their forehead for five months. Finally one-third of all the earths’ population was killed, and yet people still refused to repent and turn to God.

Application: There is no bottom to the level of depravity mankind will sink to when they ignore and reject God. Even in the midst of great miraculous events, hardened hearts will keep people from seeing their real need. People do not become this hardened overnight; it is evidence of a slow process that blinds them little by little until they are completely without vision. Any person who allows sin to take root in his or her life will end up in this predicament. Temptation entertained today becomes sin tomorrow, a habit the next day, then death and separation from God forever in the end. To think you could never become this evil is the first step toward a hard heart. Godly sorrow that works true repentance is the only cure for such a horrible disease as a hardened heart. Confess your sins to God today and repent. Turn away from sin and turn to Jesus the Savior, He is your only hope.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the privilege and opportunity to repent and turn to You in obedience. Thank You for opening my blinded eyes and causing me to see the depravity and wickedness of my own heart. Thank You for turning my hard heart into a heart of flesh filled with love. Protect me from my enemies and keep me from all harm, in Jesus name, Amen!

September 2, 2013 (Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!” Ezekiel 18:32 NLT

Observation: God’s chosen people had rejected Him and rebelled against His holy standards. They took part in feast held in the mountains before idols and joined in on the worship, they committed adultery and many other sexual sins, they were unmerciful creditors and would charge excessive interest rates on loans, they oppressed the poor and would steal and rob every chance they got. God warned them that they would die for their sins if they continued in them. He also gave them hope for life if they would repent of their sins and turn to Him. God did not like to see the wicked die, He wanted them to repent and turn from their sins. Yet because God is a just God He will punish everyone that willfully continues in sin. Failing to repent is a self imposed death sentence that must be carried out.

Application: From the original fall in the Garden of Eden repentance from sin has been a major standard of God that He commands. Repentance is not an option, or a suggestion, it is a requirement. When we repent of sin that is displeasing to God we gain an opportunity to avoid death and receive life through His Son. Jesus Christ suffered on the Cross of Calvary to pay the price for all sins, yet this precious gift of atonement cannot be applied to our lives unless we first repent. Only through godly sorrow that has produced true repentance can the atonement of Christ be applied to our lives. “Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have come to the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.” (Hebrews 10:26) It’s not God’s desire that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night and we must be ready when He comes. Walk daily in the benefits of repentance and choose to live rather than die!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday! Thank You for the opportunity to repent and turn to Your righteous ways. Help me walk daily in ways that please You. Cleanse me from anything sinful in Your sight and make me whole. May the atonement of Jesus Christ be applied to my soul and grant me life, in Jesus name, Amen!

September 1, 2013 (Ezekiel 15-16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her detestable sins.” Ezekiel 16:2 NLT

Observation: Ezekiel was called to proclaim and expose the detestable sins of the people of Judah. He was not called to sugar coat the message or hold back from being blunt and vulgar. He was to confront and expose their sins as an explanation for the coming destruction caused by their sins. He related the nation of Judah as a wife that had been rescued from certain death, restored and loved beyond measure, gifted and blessed extravagantly, then turned from her faithful husband and became a whore to any man that asked of her. How quickly Judah had forgotten being cast into a field to die as a helpless infant. How quickly Judah forgot where her blessings came from. How quickly she was puffed up with pride and thought her beauty and fame were of her own doing. Then, as if her prostitution was not enough, she sacrificed her sons and daughters to the false gods and idols she had raised up. What a sick heart you have, says the Lord, you have made your sister nations Sodom and Samaria look righteous when compared to you!

Application: Confronting sin is never an easy task. People are quickly offended when what they enjoy is exposed as sinful and unrighteous. Whether it’s a nation or an individual that is confronted with sin there is only one proper response, repentance. Yet more often than not, repentance is not the first choice. Usually pride and arrogance are the first responses to rise up and they typically lead people further down the road of destruction. We have the historical accounts from the word of God to instruct us and lead us unto the proper response, yet we often times reject His message just as the people of Judah did. Unfortunately, until destruction strikes and rock bottom is reached few ever surrender and submit to the God of Heaven. But because of His faithfulness and His great patience, He continues to allow disastrous events to take place in our lives giving us every opportunity to hear His call and repent of our sins. Don’t you hear Him today?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the way You speak! Thank You for Your patience that is an expression of Your great love. Thank You for the events You have allowed to take place in my life to bring me to You and instruct me how to live. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Help me to live today to please You completely, in Jesus name, Amen!