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Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 9  – Zephaniah (WATCH HERE)

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“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

After chapters of judgment and warning, Zephaniah ends his prophecy with breathtaking beauty. The God who once declared wrath now declares delight. The scene shifts from destruction to restoration, from trembling to singing.

“The Lord your God is with you.” That simple statement is the foundation of all hope. God is not far off, watching from a distance; He is near. The “Mighty Warrior” who once fought against sin now fights for His people’s salvation.

But what captures our hearts most is the image of God rejoicing over His people with singing. Think about that: the Creator of the universe sings over you! His song is not of disappointment but of delight. This is love at its fullest expression, not just forgiving love, but celebrating love.

Zephaniah reveals the heart of God: He disciplines to restore, not to destroy. His justice clears the way for joy. This prophecy points directly to Jesus, the ultimate expression of God with us. Through His sacrifice, wrath was satisfied, and the song of heaven began.

Many believers know intellectually that God loves them, yet sometimes struggle to believe that He delights in them. We often live as though God merely tolerates us, as if His forgiveness comes with a sigh of resignation. But Zephaniah 3:17 tells a different story. God rejoices over you.

When you fail, He does not withdraw His affection. Instead, He invites you back to His presence. Like a father singing over his beloved child, His heart beats with compassion for you.

Learning to rest in God’s delight changes everything. It quiets your fears, lifts your shame, and restores your joy. You don’t have to earn His love. It’s already yours. As you walk in that truth, worship becomes your natural response.

When you face discouragement, remember: God is with you. He is not only your Savior but also your Song. His joy over you empowers you to face the day with renewed confidence.

Apply: Do you believe that God delights in you—not just tolerates you, but rejoices over you? How might that truth change the way you approach Him in prayer and worship today?

Prayer: Loving Father, thank You that You are in my midst and that You rejoice over me with singing. Help me live from the truth that I am deeply loved, not condemned. Quiet my fears with Your love and fill me with the joy of Your presence. Let my life echo the song You sing over me, bringing hope and encouragement to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 9  – Zephaniah (WATCH HERE)

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“The Lord will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the earth. Distant nations will bow down to him, all of them in their own lands.” — Zephaniah 2:11 (NIV)

Yesterday was election day in the United States.  Each election sees different candidates with different ideas win an office of high trust, whether at the local, state or national level.  Certainly their are policies that support the life of the Christian and some that certainly stand opposed to it.  In seasons of elections, I know my anxiety can rise higher than I would like it.  But then I remember that every nation ultimately is ruled by the Lord and is accountable to him.  Some nations recognize that and others won’t.

The prophet Zephaniah reminds us of this as he expands his message beyond Judah’s borders. God’s justice, he declares, will sweep through all the nations—Philistia, Moab, Cush, Assyria—because every nation that exalts itself against the Lord will be brought low. Yet, even in judgment, there’s a glimpse of grace: one day, people from every nation will bow before the true God.

This is one of the most powerful themes in all of Scripture. God’s justice is universal, but so is His mercy. He is not confined to one country or group of people.  Rather, He is the sovereign Lord of all creation. When Zephaniah speaks of “destroying the gods of the earth,” he means that the idols people trust—wealth, power, military might, fame—will ultimately crumble. Only the Lord will stand.

The phrase “all of them in their own lands” is remarkable. It points forward to a day when people from every culture will acknowledge the Lord as God.  For many this finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who opened the door of salvation to all nations.  But for all it will be real as they bow before the holy, righteous God on the last day.  Unfortunately, many will face his justice on that day and miss out on his grace.

Our world still builds idols, though they look different than in Zephaniah’s time. We may not bow to statues, but we give our devotion to status, possessions, or political power. We look for security in what we can control, forgetting that every “god” we create eventually fails us.  We can even set up our government as our God and expect it to provide spiritual guidance and godly morals to our land.

Zephaniah’s prophecy reminds us to anchor our faith in the only God who lasts, the Lord Jesus.  His kingdom will endure beyond any earthly kingdom. When you see corruption, greed, or violence in the world, don’t despair—remember that the Lord still reigns. He will have the final word. His justice may seem delayed, but it is never denied.

As believers, we are called to live as ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom. We do this as we let our faith shine and live to the glory of God in integrity, compassion, and faithful witness. Every time you choose honesty over compromise, generosity over greed, forgiveness over resentment, you are declaring that God’s kingdom is real and His rule is righteous.

Even now, God is gathering worshipers “from every nation.” Your prayers, your giving, your kindness, your words of truth—all play a part in His global purpose. The same God who once judged the nations now sends His people to proclaim His mercy to them.

And as long as we have opportunity on this earth, let us do that boldly!

Application: What “modern idols” are most tempting for you to trust? How can you live this week as a reflection of God’s justice and mercy in a world that worships false gods?

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, You alone are worthy of worship. I repent for the times I’ve trusted in temporary things instead of Your eternal strength. Teach me to live with eyes fixed on Your kingdom and to honor You in my choices, my work, and my relationships. Let my life proclaim that You reign over all the earth. Use me to help others see Your mercy and turn from their idols to Your love. Amen.

Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 9  – Zephaniah (WATCH HERE)

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“Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zephaniah 2:3 (NIV)

After confronting Judah with the seriousness of sin and the certainty of coming judgment, Zephaniah’s tone shifts dramatically. In the midst of warning, a door of hope opens: “Seek the Lord.” Even in wrath, God makes a way for mercy.

The prophet’s call is simple yet profound. He doesn’t tell the people to build stronger defenses, find new leaders, or reform their politics. Instead, he invites them to return to the only refuge that truly matters, the presence of God Himself.

Zephaniah emphasizes humility as the key of those who seek the Lord. Pride blinds us to our need for grace.  Pride leads us to think that we don’t need the law and direction of the Lord.  Humility opens our hearts to realize our need for forgiveness.  Humility accepts the correction the Lord gives.  Humility opens our hearts to receive the direction and ways of the Lord as the guide for our lives.  The humble take God at His word, admit their need, and submit to His will. 

The result? Even when the storm of judgment approaches, the humble find shelter under God’s mercy.

This verse reminds us of a consistent truth throughout Scripture: God’s wrath is not His final word. His invitation to repentance always precedes it. Like Noah before the flood or Nineveh before the Lord’s destruction, Judah still had time to turn back.

God’s heart has not changed. He still calls His people to seek Him.  He still calls people to repentance.  He still calls people to trust him and walk in his ways.  When we humble ourselves and seek His righteousness, we discover that His anger turns away, and His grace draws near.

Humility is not weakness.  Humility is strength under submission. It is the willingness to admit that we cannot save ourselves, fix our own hearts, or control outcomes apart from God.

Our world rewards pride and self-sufficiency, but God looks with favor on those who bow low before Him. Jesus echoed Zephaniah’s message when He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) The poor in spirit are those who know they need God every moment.

In practical terms, seeking the Lord in humility means cultivating a lifestyle of dependence on him. It might look like starting your day in prayer before you reach for your phone. It could mean confessing sin quickly instead of covering it. It means treating others with gentleness, knowing that you too stand by grace alone.

And when the world feels unstable, humility keeps you grounded. You may not be able to change everything around you, but you can choose to seek the One who never changes. As you do, His peace becomes your shelter.

The humble heart doesn’t presume upon God’s mercy—it treasures it. It seeks righteousness, not to earn God’s favor, but to walk in alignment with His heart. The humble person discovers that the safest place in any storm is not self-protection, but in the embrace and promises of the Lord.

Apply :Where might pride or self-reliance be keeping you from experiencing God’s peace? How can you practice humility before the Lord this week?

Prayer: Gracious Father, teach me to walk humbly before You. Forgive me for the times I’ve trusted my own strength or defended my pride. I want to seek You with a pure heart—to depend on Your wisdom and not my own. When life feels uncertain, remind me that humility is my shelter and your grace is my protection. Cover me with Your mercy and lead me in righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 9  – Zephaniah (WATCH HERE)

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“The great day of the Lord is near—near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.” — Zephaniah 1:14 (NIV)

The prophet Zephaniah opens his short but powerful book with a thunderous warning. The phrase “the day of the Lord” rings like a trumpet blast throughout the first chapter—reminding God’s people that His patience has limits and that His holiness demands justice.

Zephaniah ministered during the reign of King Josiah, a period of political reform but spiritual complacency. Judah looked faithful on the outside, but inside, hearts were cold. Idolatry thrived, and people assumed God either didn’t care or wouldn’t act. They had forgotten that God’s covenant love includes both mercy and discipline.

When Zephaniah spoke of “the day of the Lord,” he wasn’t describing a 24-hour event, but a time when God steps into history to judge sin and set things right. It is both terrifying and hopeful: terrifying for those who persist in rebellion, but hopeful for those who long for forgiveness and grace.

The same God who declares judgment is the One who offers grace. His wrath is never impulsive; it is the burning purity of love refusing to coexist with evil. The “day of the Lord” reminds us that God will not leave sin unaddressed forever. It’s His promise to make all things right, both in the world and in our hearts.

Zephaniah’s message may seem harsh at first glance, but it is actually an act of mercy. Like a loving parent warning a child of danger, God confronts His people not to destroy them but to awaken them.

In our modern world, spiritual complacency is just as real. We may not bow before carved idols, but we often serve subtler ones—comfort, success, approval, or entertainment. We might attend church faithfully, yet drift through our days without true awareness of God’s presence or holiness. Zephaniah’s words pierce that fog: Wake up! The Lord is near.

When God confronts you through His Word or life’s circumstances, it’s an invitation—not condemnation. He is calling you to align your heart again with His. Take time to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of compromise or apathy. Maybe it’s unforgiveness you’ve ignored, habits you’ve justified, or devotion you’ve delayed. Respond in repentance, God’s mercy meets you there.

The “day of the Lord” is not meant to fill us with fear but to stir us toward faithfulness. It reminds us that history and our individual lives are moving toward a divine purpose. Every day the Lord points us toward that coming day when Christ will reign in perfect righteousness.

Instead of living in dread, we live in readiness. Instead of being lulled by comfort, we are energized by hope.

 

Application: Where might God be calling you to wake up spiritually? What attitudes, habits, or distractions could be dulling your sensitivity to His voice?

Prayer: Lord, awaken my heart. I confess that I often take Your grace for granted and live as though I have endless time to turn back. Shake me from complacency. Help me see sin the way You see it, and give me courage to repent and return to You fully. Teach me to live alert and faithful. Keep me close to You until that glorious day when Your righteousness fills the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 7 – Habakkuk (WATCH HERE)

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Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:18-19)

Today marks the 508th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses or statements by which he desired to spark a debate on the selling of indulgences for the forgiveness of sins.  This practice was providing money for the coffers of Rome and empty promises to the people who bought them.  

Luther’s journey of faith had come to realize the truth that Habakkuk wrote of in 2:4, “the righteous will live by faith.”  Rightness before God was not a work of effort, but rather a gift of God’s grace because of the work of Jesus Christ.

This truth freed Luther’s conscience and is still the heart of the confessional Lutheran church that we are assured of salvation by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, found in Scripture alone.  

So freeing was this teaching that Luther put his life on the line to bring this truth of Scripture back to the center of the church’s teaching.  While the Catholic Church and the papacy have yet to shift to this focus, the truth has been encouraging and comforting the hearts of many Christians for the past 508 years.

Living by faith is challenging.  It means letting go of my control and putting my heart and life fully in God’s control.  At the beginning of his oracle, Habakkuk had asked the questions of the Lord as to why wickedness continued or why a wicked nation would be used to bring justice to Judah.  He was content to realize that with the Lord as his Savior and strength, the other externals of life were secondary in importance.  The song he sings in Habakkuk 3 is reflective of this truth.  The last two verses put what living by faith results in: Rejoicing in the LORD!

Even though judgment was coming, the economy would collapse, the crops would fail, and the livestock would die, he declares: “I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

This is not denial; it’s defiance of despair. Habakkuk’s joy is not in outcomes but in God Himself. The “sovereign Lord is my strength” (3:19). 

Habakkuk began with complaints and confusion; he ends with confidence and praise. That is the transformation of faith.

Luther began with confusion and the crushing weight of guilt, he ends with confidence in the grace of God and praise for the goodness of God.

When we struggle with confusion over what God is doing or question why something is happening, remember the conclusion of Habakkuk: no matter what is happening around me, as I live by faith I can ALWAYS rejoice in the Lord and find strength in God my Savior!

 

Apply: Find peace in God’s promises even when life is uncertain. Remember God’s faithfulness endures even when physical strength fades. Faith doesn’t remove the storm — it anchors you through it. True joy doesn’t come from what we hold but from who holds us.

Prayer: Lord, even when the fields are empty and the plans fail, teach us to rejoice in You. Be our strength when we are weak, our joy when life is hard, and our salvation when all else fades. Help us live by faith, walk in hope, and sing with joy because You are enough. Amen.