Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 17; Ezekiel 18; Ezekiel 19; Revelation 7
Scripture: Ezekiel 18:32 ...Repent and live!
Observation: God appeals to His people to change their lives. The above phrase from verse 32 is the climax to that appeal. The phrase is one of the basic rules of spiritual life: "Repent and live." That is, true spiritual life is only possible as we repent. Repent means to change positively toward God's will.
Application: I must be repent-ready: always prepared to bend, shift, redirect, or reorient my life based on the promptings of God. I need to recognize my propensity toward missing the mark (sin) and brokenness (the results of sin). This keeps me humble and seeking and available to God's direction.
Bottom line: Constant repentance is the only truly spiritual lifestyle. It must be cultivated and maintained. Repentance is not a one-time event. Repentance is a long-term way of life.
Prayer: Lord, I want to repent and live. I purpose to be constantly "on the stretch" for You. I desire to attune my ears, head, and heart to Your voice, and keep myself pliable to Your will. Help me to do so more and more.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Friday, September 01, 2006
Title: The Moment Of Truth / Topic: Judgment
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 15; Ezekiel 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6
Scripture: Revelation 6:15-17
15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
Observation: Kings, princes, general, the rich, the powerful -- at this one moment they are just like everyone else. Facing the wrath of God and the judgment of God has the effect of stripping away all of our human inventions of pride, prestige, and power. The earmarks of fame, fortune, power. and pleasure fall away as every person is confronted with God's great day of wrath.
Application: This is just another reminder that there are things that bring comfort here on this earth that are ultimately worthless. If a person has not made the decision to surrender and submit to God, then a rude awakening awaits.
Bottom line: Seek first God and the things of God, and let the other things come as God gives the opportunity and the blessing. This is not a one-time decision -- it is a daily decision.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that I and everything I have belongs to You. I thank You, Father, that Jesus took my punishment upon Himself and died for my sins so that I will not have to face Your wrath. Help me to live mindful of Your blessings and focused on You as my first priority. Thank You for the many blessings You have poured on me. May I never be distracted by the gifts but may I always find my delight in You, the Giver.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Revelation 6:15-17
15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
Observation: Kings, princes, general, the rich, the powerful -- at this one moment they are just like everyone else. Facing the wrath of God and the judgment of God has the effect of stripping away all of our human inventions of pride, prestige, and power. The earmarks of fame, fortune, power. and pleasure fall away as every person is confronted with God's great day of wrath.
Application: This is just another reminder that there are things that bring comfort here on this earth that are ultimately worthless. If a person has not made the decision to surrender and submit to God, then a rude awakening awaits.
Bottom line: Seek first God and the things of God, and let the other things come as God gives the opportunity and the blessing. This is not a one-time decision -- it is a daily decision.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that I and everything I have belongs to You. I thank You, Father, that Jesus took my punishment upon Himself and died for my sins so that I will not have to face Your wrath. Help me to live mindful of Your blessings and focused on You as my first priority. Thank You for the many blessings You have poured on me. May I never be distracted by the gifts but may I always find my delight in You, the Giver.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Title: The Whitewash / Topic: Truth
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 12; Ezekiel 13; Ezekiel 14; Revelation 5
Scripture: Ezekiel 13:10-12
10 Because they lead my people astray, saying, "Peace," when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, 11 therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth. 12 When the wall collapses, will people not ask you, "Where is the whitewash you covered it with?"
Observation: Lies are flimsy walls, in spite of the fact that they can be dressed up to look nice. But even the best coat of whitewash does not provide any substance and structure. Only that can be provided by truth. There is no substitute for truth.
Application: Lies and falsehoods may work for awhile. But there will come a time when all lies will be shown for what they are. They will not be able to hold up under the strain of life. And they will collapse.
Bottom line: Live and speak the truth. It may seem easier to act and speak to please others, saying and doing what people want to hear and see, but that is only true in the short term. Ultimately, all falsehood will fail. Live and speak the truth.
Prayer: Lord, I don't want to live a whitewashed life. And I don't want to whitewash Your truth, no matter how socially unacceptable it seems sometimes. Give me the voice of truth and an earnest and sincere heart. And may everything I say be seasoned with Your grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ezekiel 13:10-12
10 Because they lead my people astray, saying, "Peace," when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, 11 therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth. 12 When the wall collapses, will people not ask you, "Where is the whitewash you covered it with?"
Observation: Lies are flimsy walls, in spite of the fact that they can be dressed up to look nice. But even the best coat of whitewash does not provide any substance and structure. Only that can be provided by truth. There is no substitute for truth.
Application: Lies and falsehoods may work for awhile. But there will come a time when all lies will be shown for what they are. They will not be able to hold up under the strain of life. And they will collapse.
Bottom line: Live and speak the truth. It may seem easier to act and speak to please others, saying and doing what people want to hear and see, but that is only true in the short term. Ultimately, all falsehood will fail. Live and speak the truth.
Prayer: Lord, I don't want to live a whitewashed life. And I don't want to whitewash Your truth, no matter how socially unacceptable it seems sometimes. Give me the voice of truth and an earnest and sincere heart. And may everything I say be seasoned with Your grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Title: He Sees / Topic: God's View
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 8; Ezekiel 9; Ezekiel 10; Ezekiel 11; Revelation 4
Scripture: Ezekiel 8:12 He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, 'The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.'"
Observation: In a vision, Ezekiel is shown the leaders of Israel worshipping idols. Each is doing it in in his own home -- they think that no one can see. (God even tells Ezekiel, "They say, 'The LORD does not see us...") The problem with their thinking is that they are wrong, God does see -- and He also shows what they are doing to Ezekiel.
Application: In reality, it is not a problem that God sees. It is actually a safeguard. I am glad that God has His eye on me -- that He is watching me -- that He is looking out for me. This provides many benefits to my life: safety, security, accountability, motivation. It also advances the truth that God loves me because one of the earmarks of love is attention. But because "God is watching," I need to be mindful to do right (that's the motivation I mentioned earlier). But since I love God and want to please Him and do His will, this only reinforces the good, spiritual motivation that I want to have in my life anyway.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I know You have Your eyes on me -- You have been observing me -- You know me. And the amazing thing about that is that You love me anyway. I know that You use what You observe in me to direct help and good things and people I need into my life. Assist and empower me to live in a way that makes You proud of me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ezekiel 8:12 He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, 'The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.'"
Observation: In a vision, Ezekiel is shown the leaders of Israel worshipping idols. Each is doing it in in his own home -- they think that no one can see. (God even tells Ezekiel, "They say, 'The LORD does not see us...") The problem with their thinking is that they are wrong, God does see -- and He also shows what they are doing to Ezekiel.
Application: In reality, it is not a problem that God sees. It is actually a safeguard. I am glad that God has His eye on me -- that He is watching me -- that He is looking out for me. This provides many benefits to my life: safety, security, accountability, motivation. It also advances the truth that God loves me because one of the earmarks of love is attention. But because "God is watching," I need to be mindful to do right (that's the motivation I mentioned earlier). But since I love God and want to please Him and do His will, this only reinforces the good, spiritual motivation that I want to have in my life anyway.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I know You have Your eyes on me -- You have been observing me -- You know me. And the amazing thing about that is that You love me anyway. I know that You use what You observe in me to direct help and good things and people I need into my life. Assist and empower me to live in a way that makes You proud of me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Title: The Extreme Call / Topic: Sacrifice
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 4; Ezekiel 5; Ezekiel 6; Ezekiel 7; Revelation 3
Scripture: Ezekiel 4:4-6
4 "Then lie on your left side and put the sin of the house of Israel upon yourself. You are to bear their sin for the number of days you lie on your side. 5 I have assigned you the same number of days as the years of their sin. So for 390 days you will bear the sin of the house of Israel.
6 "After you have finished this, lie down again, this time on your right side, and bear the sin of the house of Judah. I have assigned you 40 days, a day for each year."
Observation: Poor Ezekiel! Every time I read through this passage, I feel so sorry for Ezekiel. 430 day laying on his side! Ouch. (And he didn't have a Sleep Number Bed.) Plus, he had to camp out and build his camp fire with cow manure. Yum! What fun!
Application: This is such an extreme call. It makes me glad for the call that I have. I can sometimes complain to God about my "hardships." I think God must smile at my complaints. When I look at Ezekiel's call, I realize that I have it easy.
Ezekiel's call was something that God knew he could do. And my call is something that God knows I can do. And every person's call is something that God know he or she can do. Of course, regardless of one's specific call, none of us can do it on our own. I must have God's empowerment. I need to humbly seek Him that I may be able answer His call to the utmost of the opportunity that God has given.
Prayer: Lord, I want to answer Your call with excellence. I want You to be pleased with what You see and hear in me. And thank You, Lord, for the high privilege of being called to Your service. Empower me to do it well.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ezekiel 4:4-6
4 "Then lie on your left side and put the sin of the house of Israel upon yourself. You are to bear their sin for the number of days you lie on your side. 5 I have assigned you the same number of days as the years of their sin. So for 390 days you will bear the sin of the house of Israel.
6 "After you have finished this, lie down again, this time on your right side, and bear the sin of the house of Judah. I have assigned you 40 days, a day for each year."
Observation: Poor Ezekiel! Every time I read through this passage, I feel so sorry for Ezekiel. 430 day laying on his side! Ouch. (And he didn't have a Sleep Number Bed.) Plus, he had to camp out and build his camp fire with cow manure. Yum! What fun!
Application: This is such an extreme call. It makes me glad for the call that I have. I can sometimes complain to God about my "hardships." I think God must smile at my complaints. When I look at Ezekiel's call, I realize that I have it easy.
Ezekiel's call was something that God knew he could do. And my call is something that God knows I can do. And every person's call is something that God know he or she can do. Of course, regardless of one's specific call, none of us can do it on our own. I must have God's empowerment. I need to humbly seek Him that I may be able answer His call to the utmost of the opportunity that God has given.
Prayer: Lord, I want to answer Your call with excellence. I want You to be pleased with what You see and hear in me. And thank You, Lord, for the high privilege of being called to Your service. Empower me to do it well.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Title: The God Of The Second Chance / Topic: Grace
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 2; Ezekiel 3; Revelation 2
Scripture: Ezekiel 1:1-3
1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
2 On the fifth of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin- 3 the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the LORD was upon him.
Observation: I love the fact that God speaks to Ezekiel and gives him visions even though he and the rest of God's people have been exiled to Babylon because of their pathological rebellion. God's great graciousness is so evident! He does not abandon or forget His people. He reached out to them even as they are in the midst of the justly deserved consequences that He Himself has brought upon them.
Application: God does not stop loving me no matter what. And the range of His reach is unlimited. It transcends church, or other settings of seeking Him. He can and does find me even in the middle of the messes I make for myself. And He lovingly calls to me.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your gracious faithful ways. You continue to seek me and find me when I am the one who wanders away. You continually draw me back and woo me with reminders of the sweet and precious times we have had. This amazes me. Thank You for being the God of the second chance. Help me to respond to Your call and to stay close to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ezekiel 1:1-3
1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
2 On the fifth of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin- 3 the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the LORD was upon him.
Observation: I love the fact that God speaks to Ezekiel and gives him visions even though he and the rest of God's people have been exiled to Babylon because of their pathological rebellion. God's great graciousness is so evident! He does not abandon or forget His people. He reached out to them even as they are in the midst of the justly deserved consequences that He Himself has brought upon them.
Application: God does not stop loving me no matter what. And the range of His reach is unlimited. It transcends church, or other settings of seeking Him. He can and does find me even in the middle of the messes I make for myself. And He lovingly calls to me.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your gracious faithful ways. You continue to seek me and find me when I am the one who wanders away. You continually draw me back and woo me with reminders of the sweet and precious times we have had. This amazes me. Thank You for being the God of the second chance. Help me to respond to Your call and to stay close to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Title: Sharing The Struggle / Topic: Endurance
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143; Psalm 144
Scripture: Revelation 1:9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Observation: I love the way John wrote this, our "brother and companion in" ...what? In "the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus." WOW! We share these things with John and with every other believer on the planet throughout the ages.
Application:
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Update: My lovely bride, Cynthia, also happened to select the same passage for her devotional blog on this date. Please take the time to read it by clicking here.
Scripture: Revelation 1:9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Observation: I love the way John wrote this, our "brother and companion in" ...what? In "the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus." WOW! We share these things with John and with every other believer on the planet throughout the ages.
Application:
- the suffering -- the way of Christ is the Calvary Road. "If any man would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." The apostle Paul said this: "I die daily," and this: "dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." We are companions in suffering.
- the kingdom -- ironically, we also share a kingdom -- an eternal, powerful, amazing kingdom, ruled by our Redeemer and Friend, who Himself shared in our suffering by bearing our sin and shame on the cross. We have a kingdom and a King!
- the patient endurance -- this is what we need to get through the suffering into the kingdom! We must hang onto Jesus and to each other and we will be rewarded in that final day. But for now we share patient endurance.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Update: My lovely bride, Cynthia, also happened to select the same passage for her devotional blog on this date. Please take the time to read it by clicking here.
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