Today’s passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekiel%201-6&version=NASB
Ezekiel was a prophet to Judah during the time of exile. His name means strengthened by God. It certainly was an appropriate name, because Ezekiel was definitely going to need strength from God. If you thought Jeremiah had a tough job as a prophet, wait until you learn about Ezekiel. God asked him to do some pretty crazy things – almost like performance art or street theater – to illustrate to the exiles the judgment that would come upon Jerusalem. For example, Ezekiel was made mute, and God would only open his mouth to prophesy. This illustrated God’s divine interaction in using Ezekiel as His watchman and mouthpiece. God asks Ezekiel to illustrate the coming famine by eating unclean food, something a priest would find despicable. God also asks Ezekiel to shave his head in order to illustrate coming judgment and destruction through fire, or the sword, or being bound or scattered in the wind. In using the razor on his head and his face, Ezekiel, once again was asked to do something that was considered shameful for a priest. This was pretty radical stuff that would require a supernatural strength. Ezekiel’s response is one of faithful obedience, but that faithful obedience was only possible because Ezekiel was strengthened by God. Once again, we see that God equips those he sends.
We often forget who equips us for obedience. It is He who equips us to take that step of faith or to conquer that stronghold in our lives. It is He who dwells in us and gives us power to do all things. In and of ourselves we have no power, no strength, no courage to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to him. We can’t use our own weakness as an excuse for not battling the sin in our lives or for shrinking away at a chance to boldly declare His good news. He supplies the power source! Ask Him today to build a strength in you for faithful obedience. And trust in Him to guide you as you follow Him.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Unfailing Compassion - Amazing Hope
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%203-5&version=NIV
As we continue in Lamentations and I consider what to write, I keep coming back to the fact that there is so much beauty, such grace, mercy, and comfort in the following passage that there is little I could add (As if I could add anything that would make God's Word better!). So instead a want to draw your attention to these words and I pray over everyone who reads this blog that the truth of them would settle in your hearts. I pray that you would know that there is never a time when you have done something so terrible that God can't and won't forgive. I pray that you would know that while God will allow you to feel consequences of your sin, he is not a God who punishes sin. Rather, he offers new mercy and compassion because he is a God of restoration and redemption. I pray that each of us knows that even though we will fail and be foolish - and we will very often, whe can always return to God and receive mercy and compassion. I pray that you would each put your weight fully down on these truths, trust in our amazing merciful God, and put your hope in him.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
As we continue in Lamentations and I consider what to write, I keep coming back to the fact that there is so much beauty, such grace, mercy, and comfort in the following passage that there is little I could add (As if I could add anything that would make God's Word better!). So instead a want to draw your attention to these words and I pray over everyone who reads this blog that the truth of them would settle in your hearts. I pray that you would know that there is never a time when you have done something so terrible that God can't and won't forgive. I pray that you would know that while God will allow you to feel consequences of your sin, he is not a God who punishes sin. Rather, he offers new mercy and compassion because he is a God of restoration and redemption. I pray that each of us knows that even though we will fail and be foolish - and we will very often, whe can always return to God and receive mercy and compassion. I pray that you would each put your weight fully down on these truths, trust in our amazing merciful God, and put your hope in him.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Lament
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%201-2&version=NIV
Today we begin the book of Lamentations. Lamentations is exactly what the name of the book indicates - it is a lament, an expression of sorrow, grief, regret by the Israelites about their circumstances. But more than that, they are lamenting their God-defying sin and covenant breaking rebellion because this is the root of their woes. It is this that lead them to this pit in which they now find themselves. Quite frankly, they are a people who have hit rock bottom.
Perhaps you can relate to the Israelites in their lament. Maybe you find yourself today in a very tough circumstances that sadly resulted from your own God-defying sin and rebellion. Or maybe you've been there before. maybe you are wondering how you could have gotten so far away and so messed up and wondering where to go from here. If so, join the Israelites in their lament, for that is the proper response.
Acknowledgement of your sin and heart-felt contrition are the proper response when we find ourselves in a pit that we ourselves have dug. But note, my friends, that heart-felt contrition is not a type of contrition that is momentary or a simple resignation to doing things God's way for a while until things have improved. It is the type of contrition that turns your completely around and has your running - not walking- straight towards God. Where do you go from here? You run to the cross of Christ.
Or maybe you are watching someone who is on their way to hitting rock bottom and it is very painful to watch. Take heart and be encouraged. God often allows his children to hit the bottom so that they will reach up and grab hold of his hand so he can pull them out. The best thing you can do for this person is to continue to love them - don't rescue but speak truth. And then pray and don't ever give up hope because with God, all things are possible.
The best thing to remember, whether it is you or someone else that is feeling the consequences of their sin and rebellion is that the story doesn't end here. Lamentations is only a part of the story of God's children. It is not the end of the story, but a new beginning. It marks the beginning of a turning back to god. Lamenting over one's sin marks the beginning of restoration. Trust in God's mercy and faithfulness for you or the one you love, no matter how things look right now. Run to the cross and see what God will do tomorrow.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, our double minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:7-10.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Today we begin the book of Lamentations. Lamentations is exactly what the name of the book indicates - it is a lament, an expression of sorrow, grief, regret by the Israelites about their circumstances. But more than that, they are lamenting their God-defying sin and covenant breaking rebellion because this is the root of their woes. It is this that lead them to this pit in which they now find themselves. Quite frankly, they are a people who have hit rock bottom.
Perhaps you can relate to the Israelites in their lament. Maybe you find yourself today in a very tough circumstances that sadly resulted from your own God-defying sin and rebellion. Or maybe you've been there before. maybe you are wondering how you could have gotten so far away and so messed up and wondering where to go from here. If so, join the Israelites in their lament, for that is the proper response.
Acknowledgement of your sin and heart-felt contrition are the proper response when we find ourselves in a pit that we ourselves have dug. But note, my friends, that heart-felt contrition is not a type of contrition that is momentary or a simple resignation to doing things God's way for a while until things have improved. It is the type of contrition that turns your completely around and has your running - not walking- straight towards God. Where do you go from here? You run to the cross of Christ.
Or maybe you are watching someone who is on their way to hitting rock bottom and it is very painful to watch. Take heart and be encouraged. God often allows his children to hit the bottom so that they will reach up and grab hold of his hand so he can pull them out. The best thing you can do for this person is to continue to love them - don't rescue but speak truth. And then pray and don't ever give up hope because with God, all things are possible.
The best thing to remember, whether it is you or someone else that is feeling the consequences of their sin and rebellion is that the story doesn't end here. Lamentations is only a part of the story of God's children. It is not the end of the story, but a new beginning. It marks the beginning of a turning back to god. Lamenting over one's sin marks the beginning of restoration. Trust in God's mercy and faithfulness for you or the one you love, no matter how things look right now. Run to the cross and see what God will do tomorrow.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, our double minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:7-10.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Friday, August 27, 2010
Jeremiah 51-52
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2051-52&version=ESV
In Jeremiah chapter 52, we read of the fall of Israel, the temple being burned, and the exile of the people of Babylon.
How painful this must have been for the people of Judah. In fact, the next two days we will read the book of Lamentations. A book in which Jeremiah laments what has happened to Israel.
But in the midst of these trying times for Israel, God never forgot His people. From the time of renewal that would come 70 years later, as Jeremiah 29:10-14 prophesied, to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah when the wall and temple of Jerusalem were rebuilt, to the time of Christ when God provided a savior for the Jews and for all mankind, God has never forgotten His people.
We as Christians often have had, are having, or will have difficult times in our lives. Of that, Scripture tells us to be certain.
But as Christians we can also be certain of another great truth that Scripture asserts:
"...for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was written by Russ Shellhamer.
In Jeremiah chapter 52, we read of the fall of Israel, the temple being burned, and the exile of the people of Babylon.
How painful this must have been for the people of Judah. In fact, the next two days we will read the book of Lamentations. A book in which Jeremiah laments what has happened to Israel.
But in the midst of these trying times for Israel, God never forgot His people. From the time of renewal that would come 70 years later, as Jeremiah 29:10-14 prophesied, to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah when the wall and temple of Jerusalem were rebuilt, to the time of Christ when God provided a savior for the Jews and for all mankind, God has never forgotten His people.
We as Christians often have had, are having, or will have difficult times in our lives. Of that, Scripture tells us to be certain.
But as Christians we can also be certain of another great truth that Scripture asserts:
"...for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was written by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Jeremiah 49-50
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2049-50&version=ESV
Jeremiah 50:33-34 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. All who took them captive have held them fast; they refuse to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon."
In chapter 50, we read of the judgment of Babylon. It is interesting that even though God used Babylon for His purposes in disciplining Israel, He still took note of how Babylon was vicious and cruel to His people. And that He promised to redeem them from Babylon, and He did.
This is a truth that holds true for us today as well. The Lord has redeemed us and has promised us a better life with Him. The world is a cruel place, especially towards Christians who stand up for their faith and are active in proclaiming the Gospel to the world.
We may not reap the better life, in terms of earthly tranquility and peace on this earth, yet we will fully inherit the better life in heaven. But while we are here on earth, we who are Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who gives us peace when we are going through trials and tribulations. So that even if our lives from an outward perspective to the world are mundane, not exciting in their eyes, involve self-denial from fleshly desires, we have an inner peace from the Holy Spirit that we are trying to live lives that are glorifying to God.
Babylon is reaping what it sowed. As Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7-8:
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Babylon sowed to the flesh and reaped destruction. So friends, I ask you today, what are you sowing to? The desires of the flesh or to the desires of the Spirit?
The fall of Babylon is a strong warning to us and our nation. God in His sovereignty can cause even the mightiest nations to fall. Let us pray that our people and nation would turn back to God and be spared a similar fate as that of Babylon.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Jeremiah 50:33-34 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. All who took them captive have held them fast; they refuse to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon."
In chapter 50, we read of the judgment of Babylon. It is interesting that even though God used Babylon for His purposes in disciplining Israel, He still took note of how Babylon was vicious and cruel to His people. And that He promised to redeem them from Babylon, and He did.
This is a truth that holds true for us today as well. The Lord has redeemed us and has promised us a better life with Him. The world is a cruel place, especially towards Christians who stand up for their faith and are active in proclaiming the Gospel to the world.
We may not reap the better life, in terms of earthly tranquility and peace on this earth, yet we will fully inherit the better life in heaven. But while we are here on earth, we who are Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who gives us peace when we are going through trials and tribulations. So that even if our lives from an outward perspective to the world are mundane, not exciting in their eyes, involve self-denial from fleshly desires, we have an inner peace from the Holy Spirit that we are trying to live lives that are glorifying to God.
Babylon is reaping what it sowed. As Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7-8:
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Babylon sowed to the flesh and reaped destruction. So friends, I ask you today, what are you sowing to? The desires of the flesh or to the desires of the Spirit?
The fall of Babylon is a strong warning to us and our nation. God in His sovereignty can cause even the mightiest nations to fall. Let us pray that our people and nation would turn back to God and be spared a similar fate as that of Babylon.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Jeremiah 46-48
Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2046-48&version=NASB
In chapter 46-48, Jeremiah describes God’s coming judgment on Egypt, Philistia, Moab. He has referred to God often during these prophesies as the Lord of Hosts. The International Standard Bible Dictionary says that the “meaning of the title is that all created agencies and forces are under the leadership or dominion of Yahweh, who made and maintains them (Genesis 2:1 Isaiah 45:12). It is used to express Yahweh's great power.” So, as Jeremiah refers to the Lord of Hosts, he is saying that God, who created all armies and their leaders, has absolute power over them. Whether they liked it or not, the actions of the Babylonian army were used by God as part of his plan. Their battle plans were not a surprise to God, he created that army, he was in control, and He used them to bring judgment on Egypt, Philistia and Moab.
In today’s world, we have some pretty scary leaders out there, with some pretty scary armies. Take comfort in the knowledge that God is in control. He will use them to fulfill His perfect plan as well.
Of course that doesn’t excuse us from action. It is still our responsibility to pray for the leaders of our world. It is still our responsibility to get educated and vote for our own leaders. It is still our responsibility to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and to pray for guidance in doing so. But, at the end of the day, we serve the Lord of Hosts. He is in control and His plan is perfect and nothing can thwart His plan.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
In chapter 46-48, Jeremiah describes God’s coming judgment on Egypt, Philistia, Moab. He has referred to God often during these prophesies as the Lord of Hosts. The International Standard Bible Dictionary says that the “meaning of the title is that all created agencies and forces are under the leadership or dominion of Yahweh, who made and maintains them (Genesis 2:1 Isaiah 45:12). It is used to express Yahweh's great power.” So, as Jeremiah refers to the Lord of Hosts, he is saying that God, who created all armies and their leaders, has absolute power over them. Whether they liked it or not, the actions of the Babylonian army were used by God as part of his plan. Their battle plans were not a surprise to God, he created that army, he was in control, and He used them to bring judgment on Egypt, Philistia and Moab.
In today’s world, we have some pretty scary leaders out there, with some pretty scary armies. Take comfort in the knowledge that God is in control. He will use them to fulfill His perfect plan as well.
Of course that doesn’t excuse us from action. It is still our responsibility to pray for the leaders of our world. It is still our responsibility to get educated and vote for our own leaders. It is still our responsibility to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and to pray for guidance in doing so. But, at the end of the day, we serve the Lord of Hosts. He is in control and His plan is perfect and nothing can thwart His plan.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
jeremiah 41-45
Todays Passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2041-15&version=NIV
Jeremiah 42:7 “At the end of ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah.”
Finally, in chapter 42, the Judeans come to Jeremiah and they seem to have had a heart change. They ask Jeremiah to pray for a word from the Lord and they assure him that they are ready to be obedient – whether it is good or bad.
If I were Jeremiah, my heart would have leapt! This was what he had been yearning for! The disobedience of the Judeans had brought Jeremiah to tears and finally, they were ready to listen.
Those 10 days must have felt like eternity to our weeping prophet. I can’t help but wonder why those 10 days were necessary. Was God giving his people time to prepare their hearts for obedience? Was God using this time to remind both his prophet and his people that God responds in his own perfect timing? Or maybe God just wanted to draw Jeremiah into an even deeper relationship with Him as he sought a response from the Lord. Perhaps it was a combination of the three. Regardless of the reason, Jeremiah sets a wonderful example of someone who patiently waits on the Lord for guidance.
You see, God has his reasons for asking us to wait. Sometimes we never figure out what those reasons are, and we just have to trust in his infinite wisdom. Often, when I’m writing this blog, I BEG for guidance, hoping for a quick word from God so I can write my blog and move on to the next item on my checklist for the day. Sometimes I read and pray and study for hours trying to write a simple one page blog. It may be a little frustrating at the time, but at the end of the day, I realize how much He has taught me through my reading and studying and praying. I realize that all He is doing is trying to spend time with me. I realize that even though I just wanted a quick word from him, He wanted a long conversation with me. I realize that He just wants me to spend time the revealed Word of God so that my tiny mind might just catch a glimpse of just how ginormous his love for me is. We can’t command a word from Him like a genie in a bottle, but we can seek Him with all our hearts and trust in Him for guidance in His perfect timing and in His perfect way.
A couple of things to think about: Have you ever asked for a word from God, sat for few minutes waiting for an answer and given up, only to do what you had planned to do in the first place? What was the result? Have you ever sought guidance from the Lord and found it only after a journey that brought you closer to Him. Care to share on the blog? Click the link below and let us know your thoughts! Take a moment to thank Him for the lessons you’ve learned and the journeys that He’s guided you though.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Jeremiah 42:7 “At the end of ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah.”
Finally, in chapter 42, the Judeans come to Jeremiah and they seem to have had a heart change. They ask Jeremiah to pray for a word from the Lord and they assure him that they are ready to be obedient – whether it is good or bad.
If I were Jeremiah, my heart would have leapt! This was what he had been yearning for! The disobedience of the Judeans had brought Jeremiah to tears and finally, they were ready to listen.
Those 10 days must have felt like eternity to our weeping prophet. I can’t help but wonder why those 10 days were necessary. Was God giving his people time to prepare their hearts for obedience? Was God using this time to remind both his prophet and his people that God responds in his own perfect timing? Or maybe God just wanted to draw Jeremiah into an even deeper relationship with Him as he sought a response from the Lord. Perhaps it was a combination of the three. Regardless of the reason, Jeremiah sets a wonderful example of someone who patiently waits on the Lord for guidance.
You see, God has his reasons for asking us to wait. Sometimes we never figure out what those reasons are, and we just have to trust in his infinite wisdom. Often, when I’m writing this blog, I BEG for guidance, hoping for a quick word from God so I can write my blog and move on to the next item on my checklist for the day. Sometimes I read and pray and study for hours trying to write a simple one page blog. It may be a little frustrating at the time, but at the end of the day, I realize how much He has taught me through my reading and studying and praying. I realize that all He is doing is trying to spend time with me. I realize that even though I just wanted a quick word from him, He wanted a long conversation with me. I realize that He just wants me to spend time the revealed Word of God so that my tiny mind might just catch a glimpse of just how ginormous his love for me is. We can’t command a word from Him like a genie in a bottle, but we can seek Him with all our hearts and trust in Him for guidance in His perfect timing and in His perfect way.
A couple of things to think about: Have you ever asked for a word from God, sat for few minutes waiting for an answer and given up, only to do what you had planned to do in the first place? What was the result? Have you ever sought guidance from the Lord and found it only after a journey that brought you closer to Him. Care to share on the blog? Click the link below and let us know your thoughts! Take a moment to thank Him for the lessons you’ve learned and the journeys that He’s guided you though.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
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