Your Way Isn't Working

Building your temple from within.

“Yes, [you are building a temple of the Lord, but] it is He who shall build the [true temple of the Lord…]…” Zechariah 6:13

Although this verse refers to the rebuilding of the Lord’s temple in the Old Testament, I think there is another way we can look at it: Many of us work so hard at building our outer life, however, if we don’t have God, then we have no 'true' foundation to build upon.  So, when one gets to the top of where they want to be, and then crash, they lie there wondering where they went wrong.

To me, I think the majority of failures are because actions are undertaken without seeking God first.  Yes, it is important to work at obtaining our goals on the outside, but it is more important to seek God first within and let Him direct us as how to obtain them; let Him guide us and form us on the inside. 

Therefore, before taking on any project, obtaining any goal, or making a major life decision, make sure to seek God first; with Him all things are possible, obtainable, and solid. However, without Him, all things are still possible and obtainable, but very fragile and weak, and will soon collapse at the first sign of trouble!!

God's eyes are upon HIs children!

"... no oppressor or demanding collector shall again overrun them, for now My eyes are upon them... even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you." 

Zechariah 9: 8, 12

Maybe in your past, you have lost everything; survived traumatic and hurtful events, made big mistakes, fell away from God, or had no part of God what-so-ever, so now you are afraid to try again.  However, God is a God of second chances, third chances, fourth chances...a million chances, so settling where we are out of fear is not an option; we aren't called to just live a mundane life because it feels safe, we are called to live a life of stepping out toward God where we feel He is calling us - even if we've done it before and failed -  friends, we need to do it again!  

Our God is a God of great abundance and blessing, but we first have to be children of great faith and hope.  Therefore, if something is pressing on our hearts, and we are working on a continual basis to strengthen our relationship with God, then we should go for it!! Yes, we should go for it!! We ought to take a huge step of faith, and from there, God will do the rest.  

Therefore, cling to Christ and go for your dream!  The only thing you have to lose is fear, and you don't want any of that anyway.

God is king

"God will be king over all the earth, one God and only one.  What a day that will be!"  

Zechariah 14:9 MSG

And now, thanks be to Jesus, Son of God, God is King over all the earth!  

Oh, what a day it is!  What a glorious day it is!

Enjoy! You are so blessed.

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Oh, I'll make them strong, God-Strong!

"But my people - Oh, I'll make them strong, God-Strong!"

Zechariah 10:6-12 MSG

When you are God-Strong, (filled and consumed with the Spirit), you are, and always will be, living in victory!

When you are world-strong, (filled and consumed by the world),  you are, and always will be, striving for victory that you will never obtain, (not for very long anyway).

Therefore, live in God, and God alone; live in victory and abundance all the days of your life!

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Embrace truth! Love peace!http://www.rhythmicjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Strongest-Among-Us-8.2.15-940x609.jpg

"... Tell the truth, the whole truth, when you speak. Do the right thing by one another, both personally and in your courts.  Don't cook up plans to take unfair advantage of others.  Don't do or say what isn't so... Keep your lives simple and honest." 

"EMBRACE TRUTH! LOVE PEACE!"

Zechariah 8:14-17, 18-19 MSG

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Only God can make it happen

"... you can't force these things.  They only come about through my Spirit..." Zechariah 4:5-7 MSG

When you find yourself frustrated by trying to force something you want or need in your life to happen, then it is time to give the request(s) to God and move on. 

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God will renew you into wholeness

"... This is God speaking.

'I'll see to it that my temple is rebuilt.'. Zechariah 1:16-17

Feel like you are falling apart mentally, physically - both?  Well, you aren't alone when you are a child of God, he is with you.  And, thanks be to Jesus, who died on the cross for us, all you have to do is run to him and he will take you in his arms and start from the ground up; He will heal you, physically and mentally.  Yes, my friend, he will see to it that you are rebuilt, (renewed, strengthened, healed, whole, refreshed)!  So, get ready, you are about to have a new life, filled and complete by Jesus - your healer, your redeemer. 

Hallelujah

 

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Like a precious metal

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested.  They will call on My name, and I will hear and answer them.  I will say, It is my people; and they will say, the Lord is my God.” Zechariah 13:9

There are so many of us going through fires and trials that seem to get hotter and hotter with no end in sight; we find ourselves wanting to turn back and run away.  However, we must keep moving forward in complete faith, knowing that God is refining us like silver, and testing us like gold – what an honor!! Honor, you ask? Yes, because silver and gold are precious metals, which means, we are precious in His sight, and He doesn’t want us to settle for anything but the best, as well as, to become one of His most prized servants of all time.  So, take the heat with all boldness and fearlessness; and while you are at it, be joyful knowing that God has you in the palm of His hand, and your victory of victories is soon to come!!

 

Dwelling in security

“… and they of Jerusalem shall yet again dwell and sit securely in their own place… I will remove from the land the [false] prophets and the unclean spirit…” Zechariah 12:6; 13:2

Thanks be to Jesus, this verse reflects directly to you just the same as it did to Jerusalem in the Old Testament.  Although your life may be in turmoil, don’t give up, victory is coming, and the leader of the pack is God Almighty.  Yes, as a child of the Most High, you can relax in the midst of any turmoil, and know that God is working; He’s removing the enemy before you and ridding all the daunting spirits around you.  The more patient you are, the more secure God can make your life – thus, don’t rush Him.

So, hold on, let Him fight the battles before you! Before you know it, peace and security will illuminate and surround you like wildfire; and that is when you will know, that you know, that you know, it has to be God!!

 

What does God hate?

"And let none of you think or imagine or devise evil or injury in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oaths, for all things I hate, says the Lord." Zechariah 8:17 AMP

It is written, it is true, and it is plain as day: God hates evil, lying, and  devised schemes of hurt and pain. Therefore, we are to pray for those around us, lend a helping hand, encourage one another, promote peace and love, do good - be a sample of Christ!  

Now, I know It can be really tough to not want something, or do something, to someone you know is hurting another, (or hurting you), however, it is not up to us to take the revenge - that is between them and God.  So, kick the dust off of your heals with the liars, cheaters, haters, problem causers, and let God do the rest.  His way will drop them to their knees a lot faster then what we could ever do anyway.  Make it a priority not to become part of what God dislikes - you will be abundantly blessed for it.

So, starting today, encourage someone, help someone, pray for someone, do something good for someone, or stand up for someone who cannot stand up for themselves.  Be God's mighty child and show the world around you what a Christian is all about! Yes, it should be our honor to help others! As well, it is a demand and calling spoken by God Almighty himself. 

It's the small things that matter

“Who [with reason] despises the day of small things?...” Zechariah 4:9

Be careful of what you overlook in your life.  If you can’t be thankful for the small success’s, blessings, and abundances, then those big hopes and dreams won’t have a foundation to stand upon; which means, if you obtain the big success’s, blessings, and abundances you are hoping for, yet are unthankful for the small ones, then your much wanted victory may quickly crumble away.

Be thankful for the baby steps - they’ll keep you firmly planted in the future!!

Mountains crumble before you

“For who are you, O great mountain? … you shall become a plain [a mere ‘molehill]” Zechariah 4:6-7 AMP

As a child of the Most High, those mountains in front of you crumble in your midst!!

Clothed in beautiful apparel

“And He spoke to those who stood before Him saying, Take away the filthy garments from him… Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich apparel.” Zechariah 3:4 AMP

Gather up all of your sin, all of your iniquity, all of your dirt, filth, and fear; bring all of it before the Lord, place it at His feet, and let Him do His amazing work.  He will turn all of that darkness into beautiful blessings, healings, new beginnings, strengths, and joy.  Yes, if you allow, He will wash away your sins and hurts, and replenish you with His glory and goodness.

My friend, it is never too late give your darkness, sin, and pain over to God.  Whether you are nine or ninety-four, it doesn’t matter, you are still His precious child.  So, if you haven’t already, or if you have, but you’ve fallen off track, then go ahead and do it now – give all of you, and all that you are carrying around with you, to Him.  Not only will it serve you well in this life,  but it will open your mind and heart  to amazing possibilities, beauty, and joy that is awaiting you in eternity with the Lord himself.

Glory in your midst.

For I, says the Lord, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her.” Zechariah 2:5 AMP

You are protected, you are loved, you are glorified by the Lord Almighty.  Therefore, there is no need to fear anything in this world, you have all the Power you need.  So, focus on God, look past those who oppose you, and go for your dream.  Yes, go for all of your God-given hopes, and dreams, and whatever the outcome may be, know that you will be more strengthened and more empowered for the next challenge, (dream, vision, goal).

Friends, this world is easy to get distracted by, but if you do what it takes to keep your focus on God, and God alone, then His glory becomes your glory and His fire will be ablaze before you, and these are all you need to keep you protected from any opposing force that tries to keep you from crossing the finish line. So, get focused, get serious about your relationship with God, and grasp hold to the victories that lie before you… they are patiently awaiting your presence!