For those abandoned, estranged or suffering at the hands of their father; for those beginning fatherhood or confused over what a good father is, today’s chapter gives insight into the best Father in the world…
READ ZEPHANIAH 3 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Having not lived with my Dad as a child, then only living with him for a couple of years before leaving Australia, I really haven’t experienced what “good fathers” do. Having said that, I know what it feels like to be picked on at school, and I can imagine what it would have been like to have a jealous and avenging Dad on my side! I could imagine Him showing up at the school gate in fire and fury to round up all the bullies! I could see all the kids scattering and all the complacent teachers (who should have exercised law and order) cowering behind their desks at his anger. “That’s my Dad,” I’d say. “That’s my Dad!”
Zephaniah, in today’s chapter, shows that – in just the same way – our Maker is our Father God. His GRACE is 100%, free of change, and simple to acquire. [a] His “shelter” holds people who are meek and humble – those who trust in the Name of the Lord [v3] – who do no wrong; speak no lies, and deceit is not found in their mouths. They’ll eat and lie down, and no one will make them afraid. [v4] Through Zephaniah, our Heavenly Father speaks more tender words, ahead of His final Act in HIStory:
“Do not be afraid and don’t let your hands hang limp at your side. The Lord your God is with you like a victorious warrior who saves. He’ll take great delight over you with joy. In quiet love, He’ll rejoice over you with shouts of joy and with singing.” [v16-17]
Read More? CLICK to follow “28 August – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Finding it hard to connect with your Father God? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
How can I praise You adequately enough, Lord? The depth of the riches of Your wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable are Your judgments; Your paths are beyond finding out! [Romans 11:33]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for the islands of Mauritius[c] and Mayotte[d]
Your Country: Pray for Believers entering Politics in your country
Yourself: Concern for the Lost[e]
Your concerns for today
When I pray to You, Father God, hear in heaven my prayers and my supplication, and maintain my cause. [1 Kings 8:45]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Keep your servant from wilful sins today, Father God, so that they won’t rule over me. Then I’ll be blameless and innocent of great transgression. [Psalm 19:13]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
As I go about my daily choices, Father, help me to remember that You give wisdom and from Your mouth comes knowledge and understanding. [Proverbs 2:6]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[f] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Prayer
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” [Philippians 4:6]
[a] Zephaniah 2:3
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/maur/owtext.html
[d] http://www.operationworld.org/country/mayo/owtext.html
[e] Luke c15
[f] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31