EM Vlatko

Thoughts & explorations in Biblical learning & growth, musical adventures, travels, unusual discoveries, fascination with family & friends; gratitude…

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

It seems that God so often likes to surprise us, revealing Himself to us and meeting us in those very places we are sure He will never turn up! I wonder if this is just one of the reasons He challenges us to walk by faith and not by sight…

Genesis 28:16
https://t.co/cP1dhdOCBR

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

It occurred to me as I read Psalm 23, that David, brave and formidable warrior which he definitely was, yearned for a simple life in God’s peaceful presence, where he has all he’ll ever need. I think it is one of many reasons for the widespread fame and popularity of this Psalm…

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

“Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,” says the Lord of Armies. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.”
Malachi 3:10 CSB
https://t.co/CqjNIrtIeZ

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

God has so extravagantly poured out His grace on us, so how can we then treat Him with an attitude of stinginess? We can’t repay His lavish kindness but we can, at the very least, show our deep gratitude by living lives of sacrificial generosity, especially in our Kingdom giving.

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

The Bible is the bestselling book of all time for so many reasons. It surpasses all other books in the genres and styles it covers, including the finest works of symbolic and mystical literature. Zechariah is just one such case in point…

Zechariah 4:4-7
https://t.co/8TJEQTKoJB

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

Haggai was pointing to Jesus, who would challenge all of His followers, including me, to prioritise His agenda over ours…

“But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”
Matthew 6:33

https://t.co/pSXID03n1k

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

…“On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.””
Zephaniah 3:16-17

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

I can’t fix anyone or solve systemic social problems, but Jesus still calls me to do what I can to help the people I am able to, even if it is an individual who just needs support. Yet the Day of the Lord is on its way, when He will overrule evil and restore His Divine Justice…

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.”
Psalms 12:6
I love this word picture. It provides deep insight, helping us to better understand God’s character and heart. It is a wonderful way to express such a key concept.

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

…“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28

https://t.co/naxt4LrZaU

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

Ever since Jesus walked the Earth, His model of leadership became the gold standard. Even recently in secular environments there has been a rediscovery of the practice of servant leadership. So often, those who are championing this approach have absolutely no idea of its origin…

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

…Jonah 3:3-5
https://t.co/4FhQARkmrF

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

I’m strangely encouraged by the story of Jonah. God took a crusty old ratbag to use him mightily for His glory. There’s hope for anyone struggling with their own attitude, reluctant to show compassion on their enemies. I must admit I’ve often wrestled with the very same problem…

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

Amos was a prophet who reflected an important aspect of God’s character: he was not impressed by the rich & famous. He cared far more about the poor & forgotten.

“For they do not know to do right,’ Says the Lord, ‘Who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.’ ”
Amos 3:10

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

…to catch and embrace that new perspective of hope from God.

“So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
I Kings 19:13

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

Perspective is everything, but if we’re not ready to have it renewed, we won’t see that big picture God wants to show us. The Lord ministered to Elijah’s physical needs, then brought him to a place where he could focus his attention in the right direction. Now Elijah was ready…

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

Israel, along with all followers of Jesus, are rightly described as God’s people. Not one of us deserves His relentless love & forgiveness, yet He continues to restore our relationship & care for our deepest needs. He sure is the Good Shepherd!

Hosea 14:7
https://t.co/v6fnkJLKhl

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

He often reminds me that my contribution to any struggle or challenge is never the deciding factor. Jesus Himself makes all the difference. My limitations are never a problem for Him. He is always more than enough.

2 Corinthians 12:9
https://t.co/ZfhHzEJ87t

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

It isn’t about us. Our lives should testify to God’s faithfulness. In Hosea the Lord used real-life drama, starring the prophet & his party-girl wife, to gain our attention. The shock tactic ultimately works, revealing God’s perfect future plan.

Hosea 3:5
https://t.co/FKPy3Rwh4j

[EM Vlatko @VlatkoEm]

What a miracle that will be: the Dead Sea transformed into a flowing, life-giving river that teems with marine livestock and irrigates abundant crops, generating regular harvests. Only God can accomplish this!

Ezekiel 47:6-12
https://t.co/qW0PU7o7rO