In Closing

15 Minutes With God was created with the intention of maturing Christ-followers and creating a culture of discipleship in our personal lives and The Church at large. It was my desire to dedicate 1 year of Bible Study to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the over 140 enclosed entries found on this site, you will find my personal commentary on OT and NT passages that I hope will help you in your daily walk with the Lord. I have attempted to make these entries somewhat practical and applicational to your life. Throughout the study, you may find it helpful to go back and re-read a particular day's commentary. In our blessed country, we have many devotionals that have been published recently and in days past that are great guides for your spiritual growth. I pray that God will continue to use this website for His glory and I pray that you will continue to grow in your faith relationship with Christ using whatever resources that you have available. And remember that if all you have is a Bible, then you have enough!

Alpha & Omega (Hosea 1-4 / Revelation 1)

Hosea 1-4 captures Israel's unfaithfulness to serve the one true living God yet it also captures the redemptive quality of grace as God is found restoring his adulterous people. God uses the prophet Hosea to paint a picture of the spiritual adultery that was occuring between God and his people. Even the three children Hosea has with his unfaithful wife, Gomer, are given names that represent the unfaithfulness between God and Israel. Many today question the fact that God would literally call Hosea to marry a harlot or a prostitute such as Gomer. So there have been many interpretations of this account which include that of an allegorical or visionary nature. There are even some people who believe Gomer was a concubine or a cult prostitute. The important idea to take away from this passage is that our sin hurts God, yet Christ's faithfulness as a husband to the church (Ephesians 5:22-33) is what allows both your and my sins to be forgiven on a daily basis. If you think about it, we are all guilty of spiritual adultery. Take some time to thank God that He does not leave us every time we fail.

Revelation 1 begins by saying that those who read it are blessed (v. 3) and that it was written to show God's people what is to take place in the future (v. 1). This book makes it possible to expose the future because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ (v.1), the One "who is, who was, and who is to come" (v.4, 8). Jesus is the beginning and the end (v. 8) and John beholds a vision of Christ that I do not think you or I will ever be graced to see on this present earth (v. 9 -20). Does knowing that Jesus knows all that has happened or will ever happen in your life make you more trusting of Him?

The Rapture? (Daniel 11-12 / Jude)

Daniel 11-12 is a reference to end time events. There is a much mystery surrounding these events and even Daniel struggled with these God-given visions (12:8). Daniel 11:36-45 is a reference to the coming AntiChrist. The AntiChrist is a man full of himself (11:39) who opposes God (11:36) and God's "Beautiful Land" (Israel, v. 41). The end times will bring a time of distress never seen or experienced in this world as of yet (12:1). "The resurrection of Tribulation saints" occurs in Daniel 12:2 (MacArthur Bible Study, p. 968, see also Revelation 20:4-6). "Daniel 12:2 provides the clearest OT statement on resurrection" (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, p. 1380). Eternity has been set in the heart of man (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The question to answer for ourself is whether we will spend an eternity in heaven with Christ or whether we will spend an enternity in hell with the unrighteous. Even now, we either possess the spirit of Christ or the spirit of the antichrist (I John 4:3). Where do you see yourself in position to God at this moment?

There are many people in the world who follow their "natural instincts" (Jude 19). These people are like "unreasoning animals" who are "destroyed" by their own decisions (Jude 10). Do you find yourself following your instincts or the "Spirit of God" (Jude 19-21)?

Face to Face (Daniel 8-10 / 3 John)

Daniel was a man of prayer. We already know that Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:11). But the three chapters we read today reveal much more about Daniel's character. In 8:27-9:3 and 10:2-3, Daniel is disturbed by his visions and is motivated by a godly fear to pray for himself and his nation. Daniel intercedes for his nation and petitions God to change his mind (9:4-19). Notice how many times Daniel says "we" in his prayer and then read 9:20. Daniel always had his nation at heart and was "highly esteemed" because of his willingness to be a prayer-warrior (9:23, 10:10). God could trust Daniel. Daniel was much like Moses. Moses was able to see God on multiple occasions in a way that most others would never experience Him (Exodus 19:3, 34:2-3) . It is said that Moses was able to speak to God face to face as a friend would speak to a friend and that Moses was able to see God's back (Exodus 33:11, 33:23). Likewise, Daniel experienced a vision that others would not be allowed to see (10:7-9). The vision was so powerful that even Daniel fell to the ground in speechless wonder (10:15). Would you not like to experience God in a powerful way such as these men of God did? How often do you find yourself communing with God? Keep an open phone line with God and you will be amazed at the things He does for you on a daily basis!

In yesterday's passage, John's final greeting is similar to the final greeting we find today (2 John 12, 3 John 13-14). John wanted to see his readers face to face so that his "joy would be complete" (2 John 12). In both greetings, John says that he would rather not write in pen and paper but instead that he longed to see his brothers and sisters in Christ. John spent much time writing about love. We can know that John possessed the love of God in heart because he loved people so much that he could not wait to see them. What guage is your lovemeter at? Do you view people as special and made in the image of God or do you view people as a means to an end for selfish gain?

Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5 / 2 John)

We often hear the expression "writing on the wall" in our daily interactions with people today. There are certain things and events that are to bound to happen and there are often accompaning signs that lead up to these things and events. We can then look back and say that the "writing was on the walls." This is what happened to King Belshazzar in Daniel 5. The King's days were numbered and his reign was coming to an end (5:26). The real writing on the wall takes place in the first four verses when Belshazzar mocks God to his face by partying in the temple. Daniel even explains in v. 21-22 the difference between Belshazzar and his predeccesor. Both kings were ungodly in their days, however, Nebuchadnezzer humbled himself while Belshazzar did not. God cannot be mocked because one will reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7). God would not let Belshazzar get away with corruption in and of the temple and thus the writing appeared on the wall (v. 22-28). Figuratively speaking, have you ever seen "writing on the wall" appear, hearing a word from the Lord?

"Love" and "truth" permeate their way through 2 John. It is impossible to have one without the other. It is important that we "walk in truth" (v. 4) and that we "walk in love" (v. 6). How would your characterize your love-walk or your truth-walk today?

God's Prescription (Ezekiel 45-46 / I John 2)

When you go to visit a pharmacist at a drug store, you normally take a prescription with you. In Ezekiel 45-46, God gives prescriptions out concerning divisions of the land, offerings and holy days, and temple operations. These prescriptions were God's expectations of his people and his priests. Unfortunately, things were not running up to par. Ezekiel 45:9-10 reveals that inaccuarte scales were being used that resulted in injustice. Violence and oppression had taken over the day (45:9). Does this sound familiar to today? All around us are rings of violence, oppression, and injustice. What is the cure to all that is ailing our world? The only cure is to get back on course and begin living up to the "standard" (45:11). In other words, we have to cash in on God's prescription and take His Word to the bank. We can trust God's Word. If we will get back to following God's Word as our standard, then we will see a new world emerge. A world of justice, peace, and mercy. After all, is this not what God said he required of man in Micah 6:8, "but to do justice, and to love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?" What Scripture prescriptions have you gotten filled lately?

Our Advocate in this world is Christ (I John 2:1). It is a good thing to know that when we fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23), there is Someone available to pick us back up. There are many things in this world that can drag us down (2:16), yet Christ alone can pick us up and put us back where we need to be. Where have you seen God's grace operating in your life as of late?

Christmas Lights (Ezekiel 43-44 / I John 1)

Ezekiel 43:10-12 "is the key to the entire vision of chapters 40-48. These glorious future plans show how much Israel forfeited by their sins. Every detail should produce repentance in Ezekiel's hearers and readers" (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 939). The temple was designed in such a way as to expose Israel to their own sins. In Ezekiel 44, the same temple is filled with God's glory and Ezekiel falls facedown in worship. Today, the church is the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:12-13) and our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:16). When we live lives worthy of the calling that God has given us, God's glory can and will shine through us! In this Christmas season that we are now in, how bright is your light shining for Christ? Inspect your life and you may find some things that need to be confessed. Take some time to do some house cleaning so that God's glory may shine bright!

John was confident he and friends had seen the Lord (1 John 1:1-4). He knew that God was light and that we too should be walking in the light (I John 1:5-7). He also knew his readers were human and that they would make mistakes. Thus he admonises them to confess their sin so that they can receive forgiveness (I John 1:8-10). This passage goes well with the above passage. God is faithful and just to forgive us when we confess our shortcomings! Is there any sin in your life that you need to confess to God?

BIBLE (Ezekiel 40-41 / 2 Peter 3)

In Ezekiel 40-41, Ezekiel receives visions (40:2) for the building plans of God's temple and its surrounding areas. These are visions that I am glad I did not have. I am not an architect and would rather just see the finished product. That being said, many pictures have been made today that symbolize what the temple looked like in accordance with the descriptions given in The Bible. "Ezekiel's vision of the new Jerusalem temple after the exile is idealistic and was perhaps never realized in Zerubbabel's rebuilding of the temple, but many of its details would have reflected Solomon's temple in which Ezekiel probably ministered as a priest before being deported to Babylon in 597 B.C." (Holman's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, p. 1562). Pictures of Solomon's temple can be found on pages 1514-15 in Holman's Illustrated Bible Dictionary (HBD).

2 Peter 3 warns us of the coming day of the Lord. The present heavens and earth will be destroyed by fire (v. 7, 10) and will be replaced with a new heaven and a new earth (v. 13). Some theologians argue whether the new earth will be the old earth remade or whether the new earth will be a seperate planet from the one we now live on. However, this debate is insignificant when compared to our BIBLE ("Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth"). 2 Peter 3:11-12 say we that we should be living "holy and godly lives" as we "look forward to the day of God and speed its coming." Should the world end today, would you be ready?

Missio Dei (Ezekiel 37-39 / 2 Peter 2)

In Ezekiel 37-39, God's people are being restored. This is in accord with God's promises and the New Covenant (NIV Compact Bible Commentary, p. 393). Israel had backslidden (37:23) yet God promises to be with them (37:28) so that the nations would recognize Holy God at work. Again in 38:23 and 39:27, God promises to make himself known "in the sight of many nations." From the beginning of time, God's heart has been for the nations. He wants His name to be known throughout all of the world so that the multitudes can experience a relationship with a loving and holy God. After God sends Israel out, He brings them back for a purpose (38:27-28). That purpose of winning the nations is commonly tied into the concept of missio dei. "Missio Dei" comes from a latin word that simply means the "sending of God." Are you on mission for Christ to make his name known througout the world?

2 Peter 2 is an indictment against false teachers. Their punishment will be severe (v. 17). Their deeds will be brought to light on the day of judgment. The best thing we can do is stand firm in ungodly times as righteous men such as Noah (v. 5) and Lot (v. 7) did. Try listing some specific ways that you can identify which will help you stand firm in the ungodly days that we now live in?

Is God #1? (Ezekiel 20 / James 4-5)

The cyclical theme that remains constant in Ezekiel 20 is a theme of punishment and then redemption ("for my name's sake"). Israel constantly rebels against God yet He delivers them not because they are good but for his own name's sake (v. 9, 14, 22). God sums it up best when He says "I will show myself holy among you in the sight of the nations" (v. 41). God's glory is at stake in how he deals with Israel. He cannot allow his name to be profaned to a certain degree (v. 9, 14, 22). Moses understood well the concepts of God's glory and God's holiness and how God's name needed to be upheld and honored among the nations (Exodus 32:10-14). James 4:5 teaches us that God is a "jealous" God that wants and deserves first place in our lives. John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." As a believer in Christ, where is your satisfaction level at with God?

Prayer is a powerful thing! James 5:16-18 reminds us that prayer is real and that it does work. Do you keep a list of prayer requests you have for God and answers you have seen Him bring about to those requests? If not, try keeping a journal and then periodically revisit past prayer requests that have been answered to remind you of God's faithfulness!

Creeper (Ezekiel 11-13 / James 1-2)

Ezekiel 11-13 is an indictment against false prophets. These so called prophets promised peace when there was none (13:10). These prophets were full of "false visions and lying divinations" 13:7). The mention of "whitewash walls" in verses 10-16 remind me of the hypocrites whom Jesus blasted when he said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleaness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness' (Matthew 23:27-28). Have you ever had someone come up and tell you, "God told me to tell you _________." If what they told you cannot line up with the Scripture's teachings, I can promise you that God told them nothing. I recently heard a joke by seminary professor. He mentioned a story of a young man who told a young lady that he had been praying and that God had told him that she should go out with him. The young lady replied, "I have been praying too and God told me that you are a creeper."

We all need to re-read James 1:2. Does it really say that we should consider multiple trials a joy? Yes, because it is producing in us a Christ-like character that otherwise could not be formed (v. 3-4). And we are having to lean upon God more by asking Him for wisdom (v. 5). The latter part of James speaks of hearing and doing God's Word (v. 22-25). One without the other is incomplete. Proverbs speaks of something similar: knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. We should try to understand what we know from God's Word so that with wisdom we can apply it to our lives.

Marked (Ezekiel 8-10 / Hebrews 13)

Ezekiel 8-10 reads like a three part mini-series. Idolatry in the temple is noted in chapter eight. In chapter nine, the idolaters are judged and killed and in chapter ten, the Lord's glory departs from the temple. Only those with the Lord's mark were spared in the outpouring of God's wrath (9:4, 8). Those marked by the Lord in Ezekiel 9 make me think of those that will be marked by the Lord in Revelation 14:1-5. Revelation 14 goes on to speak of the coming doom for those who receive the mark of the beast. We do not walk around today with marks on our forehead, but we all are marked. God knows those who belong to him and those who do not (John 10:14). God wishes that no one would perish without knowing the truth of the gospel (2 Peter 3:9), however most go through this life refusing "to love the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:10, Matthew 7:13). Characteristics of those marked by the Lord include a loving spirit and a holy lifestyle. Can you identify these kind of marks in your life?

Hebrews 13 contains many practical insights. Church leaders exercise spiritual oversight over their flock and should be prayed for and honored. This should take place because leaders will have to give an account one day and because things will work best for everyone in the church when order is maintained (v. 7, 17-18). Also, we should remember those who are in prison (v. 3) and not allow ourselves to be swallowed up by greed (v. 5-6). Christ will equip us to do the work that He sees as our best fit for ministry (v. 20-21). What ministry has God called you to in the local church and community?

Wake Up Call (Ezekiel 5-7 / Hebrews 12)

Doom, destruction, desecration, death, desolation, demolition, wrath, panic, plague, punishment, famine, fire, bloodshed, judgment --- These are just some of the words God uses to describe what He, "the Sovereign Lord" (Ezekiel 7:5), is about to do to His rebellious people in Ezekiel 5-7. We know God is a God of mercy too, but if all you read in the Bible were these three chapters, you probably would not think this to be the case. Does God really have to act this way? The answer is Yes. We can even look at these judgments as acts of mercy because God is using these acts to show his people that He "is Lord" (6:7). And perhaps once his people realize this fact, they will obey Him once again. We all need these wake up calls in our lives at times to bring us back to what should be the most important thing in our life. What was the last wake up call you received from God? Instead of getting mad at God, try thanking him for his mercy.

Today's NT passage goes right along with the above OT passage. Hebrews 12 teaches us to be grateful for God's discipline (v. 5-6). Discipline is never fun (v. 7), but it is a requirement for those who are following Christ. This discipline, although it hurts, will turn out for our good if we allow ourselves to be trained by it (v. 11). We have a choice. We can refuse God's discipline or we can be thankful for it and worship Him (v. 28). Which decision will you make?

Bittersweet (Ezekiel 3 / Hebrews 11)

Ezekiel is God's mouthpiece. Ezekiel is fed by God's Word and its taste is as sweet as honey(Ezekiel 3:3). This is similar to what the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 119:103, "How sweet are your words to my taste." However, the Word can also leave a bitter taste in one's mouth (3:14). The apostle John experienced this same bittersweet taste in Revelation 10:9-10 (MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 897). Both Ezekiel and John were prophets and were made to experience both tastes so that they could relay God's message with pinpoint accuracy to God's people. We are no different today and the message (God's Word) has not changed. To those who obey and love God's Word, the message's taste is sweet. But to those who rebel against and despise God's Word, the message's taste is bitter. The sweet taste leads to life but the bitter taste leads to death. It has been this way since the beginning of time when God commanded (Genesis 2:17)Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (tasting this tree led to death). What taste does God's Word leave in your mouth?

In reading God's hall of fame chapter (Hebrews 11), we tend to focus on "faith" or the "heroes of the faith" or the persecutions these heroes endured (v. 32-38). These are good things to focus on but we do not want to lose sight of the meaning of the last verse of the chapter (v. 40). This verse puts God's people of today right alongside the faithful heroes of the past. God's Son came and died at the perfect time in history. One day, people who lived by faith before his coming and people who lived by faith after his coming will unite together to celebrate His victory over death for an eternity! Are you living by faith in the Son of God?

Old vs. New (Jeremiah 51 / Hebrews 9)

Jeremiah 51 re-emphasizes the destruction of Babylon. God's purposes will stand (50:45). Man's effort will not change God's mind (51:58). We know that prayer changes things. However, God's mind is made up in this case and even prayer to God will not save Babylon's coming destruction. In Jeremiah 52, God's city, Jerusalem, falls to the Babylonians. God's own people undergo judgment for repeatedly rebelling against Him (52:2-3). All of us stand guilty before a holy God (Romans 3:23). None of us can escape God's judgment. Take some time to think about the upcoming Great White Throne judgment for unbelievers and the upcoming Bema Seat judgment for believers.

Hebrews 9 reinterates the old covenant/new covenant theology. Christ's blood was the better way. Animal blood was not sufficient for a heavenly sacrifice (9:23). The old way included a high priest, animal sacrifices, and a tabernacle. The new way has Christ, our Heavenly High Priest as being our sacrifice so that we can now commune with him for an eternity in a heavenly tabernacle. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (9:22). Without the new sacrifice, we would still be lost in sin. Try to look at this passage and others to identify more ways in which the new covenant is better than the old covenant.

Forgiven? (Jeremiah 50 / Hebrews 8)

Babylon was once a mighty nation. In Jeremiah 50, God speaks of how He will tear this nation down. No one would have thought at that time that Babylon would fall (50:46). However, Babylon had become an evil nation. A comparison of Babylon is made to Sodom and Gomorrah (50:40). God seems to have reached a boiling point and now is his time to act. However, God's nation of Israel sinned too, yet He promised forgiveness for "the remnant." The difference between Israel and Babylon was that one nation was forgiven and the other was not. Life today works the same. You are either forgiven or unforgiven. Salvation is a free gift offered through Jesus Christ and you get to choose the option you desire. Thankfully, you may know today whether you have been forgiven or not (I John 5:11-13).

Hebrews 8 describes the "better covenant" (see yesterday's entry). This new covenant (v. 7) allows God's law to be in your mind and in your heart (v. 10). Forgiveness is offered to all (v. 12). Have you experienced the forgiveness offered in Christ through the new covenant? If you need more explanation, click on this website: www.thekristo.com

Once and for all! (Jeremiah 48-49, Hebrews 7)

In case you could not tell, Moab had it coming to them (Jeremiah 48). Jeremiah 49 also gives the destiny of Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, and Hazor. What do we make of all of this? What bearing does God's judgment on these nations have on us today? I have a two-fold explanation. First, we must do everything in our power to make sure our own nation does not collapse (from within and without) as Moab did in Jeremiah 48. Second, we must realize God is in control of our nation and will have the last word as to the destiny of the United States. To the first point, are you praying for the spiritual well-being and the military personnel of America? And to the last point, do you understand that America stands at the doormat of judgment and that God will have the last say?

Hebrews 7:22 says Jesus became the "guarantee of a better covenant." Hebrews 7:26-28 explains how our current covenant is better than past covenants (Noahic, Davidic, etc.). I, for one, am happy I do not have to take an animal down every year to my pastor so that he can sacrifice it in order for my sins to be forgiven. The "better covenant" says that God's One and Only Son "sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself."

Good Discipline (Jeremiah 46-47, Hebrews 6)

In Jeremiah 46-47, we see God's sovereign hand at work yet again. God is in control of the nations and does with them as He pleases when He pleases. In Jeremiah 46, Egypt and her gods are given a judgment from the Almighty. However, God promises to take care of Israel (46:27-28). In Jeremiah 47, Philistine is also handed a judgment from on high. God says that the day has come for all of the Philistines to be destroyed (47:4). If we are God's people, we can take comfort in this passage. We may receive discipline from the Lord at times, but God will never stop loving us (46:28, Revelation 3:19). Do you witness the discipline of the Lord as being something good in your life?

Hebrews 6:1-12 teaches us that we should be growing in our faith and that we should endure hard times. Hebrews 6:13-20 teaches us that God's salvation is sure. If God swore it, it must be true. "All the promise of God find their Yes in him" (2 Cor. 1:20). Have their been times when you doubted God or the fact that He saved you?

Not angels, but I (Jeremiah 34-36, Hebrews 2)

Jeremiah 34-35 reminds me of I Samuel 15:22: "To obey is better than sacrifice." Israel had disobeyed God even though they still were making sacrifices (34:20). God was not concerned with their religious duty as much as he was concerned with their spiritual well-being. Chapter 34 shows the consequences of disobedience while chapter 35 potrays the blessings that come about through obedience to God. Chapter 36 can serve as an example to what may happen to us if we continue in disobedience. Jehoikam had a stubborn heart and did not seem to think much of God or his prophets (36:23-24). Thus Jehoikam's destiny would not arrive with a happy ending (36:30-31). It is important to attend church but it is more important to obey God when you are not at church. Is your life like the one mentioned in Romans 12:2: a living sacrifice?

Hebrews 2 is an example of God's marvelous love that he has for his greatest creation, mankind. God did not give angels dominion over the "world to come" (2:5). Rather he left this task to redeemed humanity. It was not angels that Christ died for on the cross but rather man in his sin. It is not angels that Christ can now call "brother" but it is those men who have been washed in His blood (2:9-12). "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God!" Take some time to thank God for the awesome salvation that you possess.

God's phone # (Jeremiah 32-33, Hebrews 1)

It has often been said that Jeremiah 33:3 is God's phone number: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." The previous chapter warns of the destruction to come upon Israel due to their evil deeds (32:26-41). However the following verses and chapter promise God's restoration of his people and rescue from Babylonian captivity. If there was ever a time to call on God for the nation of Israel, this was the time. God's covenant could not and would not be broken (33:19-26). This was not the first time God would come to the rescue nor would it be the last (32:21). When was the last time you noticed yourself to be in trouble only to call on God and witness his providential hand guiding and protecting you?

Hebrews 1 explains the difference between the Son of God, his angels, and his people. In the order of hierarchy, Christ reigns supreme (1:4). Hebrews 1:4-13 describes the difference between angels and the Son of God. In fact, v. 6 says that all angels were to worship God. Verse 14 places angels below believers because they were sent to earthly/spiritual places to serve us. In serving God's people, angels meet their job description and thus serve God. You can worship and serve God right now by thanking Him for sending angels to help you in times of distress.