A DAY OF PRAYER’s Morning Bible Study

God Understands the Difference

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:1-9 Pt. IV ~ Episode 953:
Everyone has the option to remain right and engage in that Covenant relationship that the Lord is asking them to engage in; that the Lord says the relationship is supposed to look like. Each individual has that choice for themselves.

Continuing in the Blessing of the Lord

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:1-9 Pt. V ~ Episode 954:
The Lord is encouraging us to move forward in the things that the Lord has for reflect Him; His nature, His character, His attributes and every area and aspect of their daily life. Continuing indefinitely with the Lord, and in the Lord's ways. I would encourage you to continue to keep the blessing that the Lord provided us (you); and not forfeit it or forsake it to the adversary.

Complacency Produces Contempt

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:10-13 Pt. I ~ Episode 955:
Complacency references more than you may realize. Complacency could be or include someone who thinks they know God to the extent where they don't have to listen to Him; because, they don't want to. In their heart they say they know the Lord's precepts well enough, that they delusionally think they can continue the Walk of Faith in the flesh.

Seek To Be All the Lord Called You To Be

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:10-13 Pt. II ~ Episode 956:
The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever; He never changes. He set the standard; which applies to everyone. it doesn't matter whether you claim to be on the Lord side, but you're not because you're just following traditions and not actually in a covenant relationship with the Lord; or you're currently in complete opposition to Him. He desires that you become all that He's called you to be, and fulfill all that He's predestined you to accomplish; with His leading guiding, and empowering you to through it all. 

Sin: The Ultimate Punisher

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:10-13 Pt. I ~ Episode 957:
One thing that people don't really understand about the Lord, unless they have a true covenant relationship with Him is, He's not looking to punish anyone. He doesn't want anyone to be separated from Him; and, He would prefer to have no need of discipline. But, His discipline is not smiting. That's not how the Lord disciplines. When people are destroyed, it's because of their own sin. 

Walk in the Light

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:10-13 Pt. IV ~ Episode 958:
Remember that God is the Light; and, That Light is The Light before all men. When the room is already lit around you, and then you have additional light placed on that, particular things that you can see and all that other kinds of things that do not reflect the Lord are able to be seen in a variety of areas of your life. His desire is that we uproot those things that are against Him, with Him; so we can be perfect , as He is perfect. 

Overcoming when Tested

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:14-18 Pt. I ~ Episode 959:
The Lord, He is the greatest teacher ever. He teaches us how to win. He leads us from victory to victory. Now, the Lord is preparing us to overcome; and, it's not that we / you are overcoming by ourselves for us - He is doing it, in and through us.

Living in the Great Day of the Lord

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:14-18 Pt. II ~ Episode 960:
The Lord has told generations throughout time about the coming of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord. And, in spite of His warning / instruction many have become complacent; thinking that day is beyond them. The Lord continues telling them that the day is coming; we must then ask ourselves, when the world will enact what the Lord has said? He's given us / them plenty of time for repentance; and for us to address the areas in our life that needs to be addressed and brought into alignment with Him.

Happy Thanksgiving 2024

Happy Thanksgiving!!! With so much to be thankful to the Lord for, let's ensure we praise Him for all He has done. 

Are You Choosing to be Conformed to the World, or to the Lord?

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:14-18 Pt. III ~ Episode 961:
We're being conformed one way or another by choice. We're either choosing to be conformed to the world, and will reap what the world is reaping; or, we will choose to be conformed to the image and likeness of Christ. Where our heart and the fruit of our lips are supposed to be aligned in like manner toward the Lord; not in opposition to one another. 

Are You in the Light, or Continuing in Darkness?

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:14-18 Pt. IV ~ Episode 962:
For every generation, the message is the same principle still applies. He's just letting them make their choice - For the life and blessing that comes through serving the One True and Living God; or the curse and destruction that comes from serving the adversary. I / We exhort and encourage you to choose life. 

Build That Which Will Remain

Zephaniah | Chapter 1:14-18 Pt. V ~ Episode 963:
No other foundation can anyone lay than that foundation which is already laid; which is Jesus Christ. Our God is that good. And He's, telling you, you don't have to go figure this out on your own. I'm going to tell you the answers. I'll walk with you to make sure you get each of them right. And even when your hand is veering, I'll help you hold your pencil and mark that bubble straight. Just  know I, the Lord, got you. Just walk with Me.

Turn and Be Healed

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:1-3 Pt. I ~ Episode 964:
Throughout this entire Book of the Bible, the Lord keeps telling us, don't lose what God gave to you; and don't take this repentance on a super superficial level. Don't feel like we'll just do what's right for a couple of years, wait till the economy gets good again, everybody starts making a little bit of money again. It looks good outside. We feel great. Where we're not, doing exactly the same kind of things; but over time, once we get built back up again, now we can go back into sin. Don't look at this as a temporal repentance; this should be down to the the soul and the heart of each human being.

Actions Confirming Your Repentance

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:1-3 Pt. II ~ Episode 965:
In the Lord's call to repentance, He never means for people to "go through the motions;" based on emotions or feelings. He always intends for those that call Him Lord, to actually function or operate in the manner [His Ways & His Thoughts] He's teaching them; actually bearing fruit in keeping with repentance. The call to repentance is open and available to everyone. 

A Lifestyle, Not Just A Moment

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:1-3 Pt. III ~ Episode 966:
The Lord is referring to, or talking about, is their continual lifestyle. Not their actions and not only for a certain period of time, as people often think of it. What he's looking for, was that with the lifestyle, you should be living as though you're in the End of Times instead of waiting for the End of Times to come to you. Change that cycle or thought pattern, so that really you're just being a person that has been made ready; a people prepared for the Lord.

The Lord is Consistent

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:4-7 Pt. I ~ Episode 967:
It's encouraging and edifying to know that the Lord isn't disqualifying anyone based on their past mistakes, their lineage, or anything else humans try to do; or, when the adversary tries to disqualifying anybody. If there's disqualification going on, it's because we have, In our heart, told the Lord that we are unwilling to follow Him. So, even though this section of Scripture is titled Judgment of the Nations, it's still showing the opportunity that each and everyone of us has received from the Lord to make the choice to follow and serve Him fully.

God's Justice for the Nations

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:4-7 Pt. II ~ Episode 968:
In looking through Scripture at these places where idolatry happened, the Lord wanted them to have an opportunity for repentance. But, if the opportunity wasn't taken, He was not going to change His Justice; but, He is able to balance all of those things, bringing them together, and not violate Himself in the process.

God's Justice for the Nations Pt. II

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:4-7 Pt. III ~ Episode 969:
In the last episode, we left off talking about how the Lord uses these nations as a reference. It's not necessarily these are the exact or only people that the Lord is always talking to; understand that the Lord was talking about the spirit these nations were cooperating with, to be in opposition to Him. Which means, this applies today. 

The Immensely Incredible Love of the Lord for All

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:4-7 Pt. IV ~ Episode 970:
The Lord wills that none should perish; and, He continually demonstrates that through His love, by warning those that are in opposition to Him they've been given the same opportunity as the Children of Israel. The Lord does this for each and every generation, for the Jews and the Gentiles alike; because of His unfathomable love. 

God has been Gracious

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:8-11 Pt. I ~ Episode 971:
The Lord's giving everyone an opportunity to enter in; and throughout Scripture, He says some will make that choice. I encourage you to make that choice for the Lord. To make him your God and for you to be His people. Because, it matters. And while this section of Scripture is talking about things that have passed, it's also prophetically speaking about things in the future; and, in the End of Days. 

We are Without Excuse

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:8-11 Pt. II ~ Episode 972:
Who will go and draw near to the Lord; and, remain with Him? There are people that choose to be in opposition; and that's what the Lord is making known with this section of Scripture - He's warned everyone. So, no one can say we didn't know. We are all are without excuse; so, we all are then able to be held accountable.

Choose Life

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:8-11 Pt. III ~ Episode 973:
The Lord knows and understands the hearts of the people. He knows those who will repent within the allotted time; and, he knows those who will not repent, no matter how much time they have. But know this about the Lord, even knowing someone is adamant stone against Him, He still gives them the amount of grace that He's allotted for them to turn; and have that opportunity to repent. He does not shortchange them. He desires that you would choose life, and life abundantly, that is only found in Him. 

Capitalize on the Opportunity the Lord Gives

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:12-15 Pt. I ~ Episode 974:
As we journey through the study of Zephaniah, there is a simple truth that still applies today - If you repent, if you enter into covenant relationship, if you choose to do the will of your Father in Heaven, then all these things you did against the Lord are washed away. They're thrown into the sea of forgetfulness. He will not remember and or hold them against you; and, you won't be judged for them. Do not throw away the opportunity the Lord has provided you.

Capitalize on the Opportunity the Lord Gives Pt. II

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:12-15 Pt. II ~ Episode 975:
Everyone gets the same opportunity with the Lord. As we read about the Lord talking to these same people groups throughout the Scriptures, they each have received an opportunity to repent. That opportunity, that option God is providing demonstrates how He doesn't exclude people. So let's understand the broadness of God's love for every human being; no matter who they are, where they are, and the opportunity that He provides.

Capitalize on the Opportunity the Lord Gives Pt. III

Zephaniah | Chapter 2:12-15 Pt. III ~ Episode 976:
The Lord knows how to communicate with each of us, in the manner that each individual needs. The Lord constantly communicates to the people, to give them opportunity to change their ways. Or, to at least make a decision on whether they're going to change or not. Let's understand what our actions, concerning our willingness to hear the Lord demonstrates concerning us, when He states, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand." (NKJV)

Rededicating Yourself to the Lord Most High

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:1-7 Pt. I ~ Episode 977:
The Lord has repeatedly been talking; to give opportunity to submit to His Lordship, and enter into Covenant Relationship with Him. He does address the issue; lovingly and directly: You were rebellious and you were oppressing people; but turn, obey His voice, receive correction, put your trust in Him, and draw near to God. The articulation of what they were doing wrong is just an exposure of what was happening in their private lives, or how they were carrying themselves. And the Lord is still just saying turn and repent.

Strengthen Your Covenant Relationship with the Lord

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:1-7 Pt. II ~ Episode 978:
The Lord requires that each individual grab a hold of, and connect with Him, Covenant Relationship for themselves. See with Jacob and Esau, Esau hated the covenant of God; and the birthright. While Jacob loved it; keeping it on his heart and his mind. He didn't go about it getting it the right way; but, it was still on his heart and his mind. And, the Lord honored him and respected that Jacob at least appreciated the things of God. So, Jacob connected personally with the Covenant and the Blessing that was handed down to him, by strengthening his relationship with the Lord God; and, the blessing was passed through the generations.

Celebrate Jesus the Savior!

Merry Christmas!
Jesus is truly the reason for this and every season. As we rejoice in the majesty of His coming into the earth, we also look forward to His return. Join the Morning Bible Study family as we dive deeper into understanding the strength of our Deliverer, the hope we have in Him through Salvation, and taking our place in the plan of God for this time and season. Merry Christmas!

Choose the Lord's Example

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:1-7 Pt. III ~ Episode 979:
The Lord declares that He is the righteousness in the midst of the people. They had two examples before them: They had the example of the wicked people before them; and the outcome they received. And, they had God was in their midst; as the example of righteousness that demonstrates how they were supposed to live their life. So, will you choose to abide by the Lord's example?

See God's Goodness

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:1-7 Pt. IV ~ Episode 980:
Throughout the entirety of Scripture, the Lord continues to nto only instruct all people how they are to enter into Covenant Relationship with Him, and walk before Him; He also provides them with explaination of all these examples He's provided. Showing every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue that he did all everyone good. He didn't change, He didn't do something negative towards any one of them, because he wanted to bring Israel into the land. He was good to all of them. He is, was, and is the example for all to see. 

Having Reverence and Understanding of Our Relationship with Heavenly Father

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:8-13 Pt. I ~ Episode 981:
If you just learn God's actions and not His ways, you're missing out on the the greatest part of that Covenant Relationship. Now there's different kinds of relationships; and the Lord desires a father and son type relationship with his children. He doesn't want an adversarial relationship, where we're always trying to prove Him wrong and attempting to topple Him. Similar to the type of relationship satan, the adversary, has with the Lord. That's not what the Lord is looking for. He is looking for those sons and daughters, of the Lord Most High, that understand and exemplify His ways because they love and revere Him.  

Speaking God's Language

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:8-13 Pt. II ~ Episode 982:
The Word of the Lord is able to speak on many planes and levels. When the Lord speaks about His faithful remnant speaking a pure language, He is referring to both speaking in their Heavenly Language and functioning just like Christ Jesus; saying only what the Father said, and only doing what the Father did. That's uncorrupted, undefiled, or a pure language; that will yield God's perfect results every time.

Choosing to be Acceptable Before the Lord

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:8-13 Pt. III ~ Episode 983:
The Lord's faithful remnant desire to dwell in the Lord's presence. Understand that as beautiful as some of the buildings may be, the structure is nothing if the Lord's presence is not in it. These also understand that we are the Temple of the Living God; and, that the faithful remnant carry His presence, to be diffused as a fragrant aroma throughout the whole earth, wherever we go.  

The Faithful Remnant, A People Prepared for the Lord

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:8-13 Pt. IV ~ Episode 984:
The faithful remnant are those that present themselves, before the Lord, as a living sacrifice; holy, and acceptable to the Lord God Almighty. They are the ones that walk in the same manner as our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ; being led only by Holy Spirit in all things.This faithful remnant, are the people that are prepared, that were made ready, for the Lord. They will be walking here on the earth meek and lowly; and, humble. Entirely dependent and trusting in the Lord; seeking to only carry out His will here on the Earth, as it is in Heaven. Will you make the choice today, to be found in / among the faithful remnant?

Be on the Lord's Side

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:14-17 Pt. I ~ Episode 985:
The Lord has brought about deliverance; and, He is bringing about a restoration. Throughout the book of Zephaniah, the people were learning how not to be their own worst enemy; by learning how to be a friend of the Lord. We as the Church, the Body, the Bride of Christ, and really the temple of the Lord should be watchful not get to the same spiritual state the Lord just delivered us from. But let us maintain our covenant relationship with Him; and not compromise and not get lax, or wain, but remain in perfect divine alignment with the Lord Most High.

True Worship

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:14-17 Pt. II ~ Episode 986:
The Lord inhabiting the praises of His people is not just the singing of the songs of praise and worship. It is actually in the obedience that you demonstrate by carrying out His will; saying what He says to say, and doing what He says to do. Which, is doing the will of our Father in heaven; just like Jesus. 

Prepared for Battle

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:14-17 Pt. III ~ Episode 987:
The Lord's desire is that we become conformed to the image of His Son or Jesus the Christ. He is calling us to holiness before Him, once again; especially since we're receiving an Unshakable Kingdom. So let's be filled with gratitude and worship God acceptably, and with reverence. 

Do Not Covet Control

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:14-17 Pt. IV ~ Episode 988:
When fear exists people want to be in charge, because they can control, or think they can control, what happens; the outcome, and how it impacts them. The Lord's asking His people, to actually be Hiis people and to relinquish control; and give Him control. He only knows what's good. Will you relinquish your control to the One has planned out everything on the destiny track for you; as He only gives good and perfect things, and plans for your life. 

Faithful in Everything

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:14-17 Pt. V ~ Episode 989:
Scripture says that the Lord Jesus was given the Spirit without measure, because He is faithful and everything, and because we are made in His image. Looks like this and we're supposed to be conformed to the image and likeness of Christ. We should be faithful and everything as well. There shouldn't be one area that we are faithless in, not one area in our life that the Lord has to keep a part of Him back from us; because, He can't trust us with what He wants to give us.

The Lord wants to Rejoice over You

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:18-20 Pt. I ~ Episode 990:
The Lord is putting you back to where He always meant for you to be from the very beginning. He wants to rejoice over you, in that arena where everything is right and back to the way that it was always intended for His people. 

Displaying Your Love for the Lord God

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:18-20 Pt. II ~ Episode 991:
The Lord's desire for the people was always to just love him from their heart; instead of trying to focus on completing religious traditions, as much as the reason behind the actions (Love for the Lord God). That's what he's been talking about throughout this whole book. So, examine yourself with the Lord; and, allow Him to reveal to you, what are your actions communicating?

Keep the Devil Out

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:18-20 Pt. III ~ Episode 992:
As in the days of Job, the Lord is saying a similar thing here; that He's put a hedge of protection around them, so that nothing can come in and by any means harm them. One would think that they would never forget the Lord. All of those periods of captivity happened because they continued in sin and iniquity. And, this principle is also for believers today. We are to occupy until the Lord returns; and that requires us remaining submitted with the Lord's ways and thoughts,  being led by Him in what to say and speak, and not giving the adversary a foothold. 

Don't Mess Up the Lord's Blessing on Your Life

Zephaniah | Chapter 3:18-20 Pt. IV ~ Episode 993:
There's a verbal and nonverbal permission that can be given to the adversary. For those that are the Lord's faithful remnant, we're not going to do either. They will guard their words and their actions; to only say what the Father tells me to say, and do what he tells me to do. So, the adversary cannot steal, kill or destroy anything pertaining to the blessing the Lord has given you.

Zephaniah | Study Wrap Up

Episode 994:
Join us as we conclude this study of the Book of Zephaniah; sharing some of the things that stood out as the Lord ministered, and the practical application today.  We will begin a study of the Book of Amos on 1/17/2025.

Amos | Introduction & Overview

Episode 995:
In the Book of Amos, the Lord continues to discuss the Season of Rebuilding and Restoration He's brought us into; so we can have greater understanding of what the Lord requires. Instead of a macro view of sin, an extremely detailed view of the sin that has impacted the people is provided; because the Lord desires to address these things during refining, so we can be conformed to the Image of Jesus the Christ. We must receive and view all things from His perspective; knowing His heart, His ways, and His thoughts.  

The Sin Underneath the Sin

Amos | Chapter 1:1-5 Pt. I ~ Episode 996:
When it comes to sin, there are numerous transgressions; and then, there's even more transgressions. There are thngs that no one knows, except the Lord; because, nothing is hidden from Him. And, the sin and iniquity, it's closing in on each of the people, tribes, and tongues the Lord speaks to through Amos; which is  exactly what sin does - It's there, attempting to steal, kill, and destroy. The Lord is the only One, who can make you whole and blameless again; turn to Him today. 

Don't Cause Your Neighbor to Stumble

Amos | Chapter 1:1-5 Pt. II ~ Episode 997:
Sin leaves each person vulnerable, because it gives the adversary a foothold (legal claim) in their life. These individuals chose to cooperate with the adversary instead of maintaining righteousness and justice before the Lord. As we go through each group, they were all looking for a way that they could get over on their neighbor; as opposed to loving their neighbors as themselves. When we do things that are against our neighbors, or against our our brother and sister in Christ, we are then creating or placing a stumbling block in their way. We (Believers / Christians) have an obligation to the Lord on how to treat each one; showing them the love of Christ.  

Don't Add to God's Discipline

Amos | Chapter 1:1-5 Pt. III ~ Episode 998:
Just because the Lord is disciplining one of His children and His focus may not be on you at the moment, does not mean you have the right to now judge that child that's being disciplined. Let alone put your hand out to that child that's being disciplined; and try to add to it, or even smirk, snicker, or giggle about what's happening to that child that's being disciplined. When you choose to laugh when your siblings are being disciplined, it ends up resulting in us receiving remuneration for ourselves. Make no mistake, the Lord is the righteous judge. 

Encouragement to the Newly Appointed Leaders

Amos | Chapter 1:1-5 Pt. IV ~ Episode 999:
How people view matters is often very different than how the Lord views, or judges, matters. In His manifold wisdom, He looks at the heart, appointing those whom many in leadership have discarded, written off, considered unworthy, or unfit for the position and the call upon their life. This is meant for encouragement; even for those that the Lord is now establishing as leaders in this changing of the guard that is happening. Be encouraged to move forward with the Lord. 

Remain Faithful in Your Covenant with the Lord

Amos | Chapter 1:6-8 Pt. I ~ Episode 1000:
We are exhorted continually throughout the Word of God, to be obedient to the Lord no matter what. Don't formulate your opinion based on what you see with your physical eyes, or hear with your physical ears; and allow the Lord to minister to you. Each man will stand before the Lord based on his own works. Choose this day to be faithful to the Lord; continuing in your Covenant relationship with Him.