Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20
Scripture: Ezekiel 39:21-23
21 "I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them. 22 From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God. 23 And the nations will know that the people of Israel went into exile for their sin, because they were unfaithful to me..."
Observation: These verses of prophecy seem to indicate a time when Israel's punishment will be universally understood. Israel will understand and acknowledge God as their Lord. All the nations will understand that "Israel went into exile for their sin..." But it seems to me that, though Israel has been restored to her land, this prophecy is yet to be fulfilled.
Application: The interpretation of prophecy can be a tricky business. Events that appear right next to each other in the text can refer to events hundreds or even thousands of years apart. And there is often a switch over from actual physical events to events occurring in the spiritual realm. The reason I wanted to write about this is just to be reminded that humility is so important when trying to interpret and apply God's word. I meet many people who seem to think that they have it down cold. But I think they are mistaken. Nobody has it down cold. As the Apostle Paul wrote: "Now we see through a glass darkly."
Prayer: Lord, keep me humble but also help me to understand and apply your word as fully as I possibly can. Show us your ways and lead us in your will.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Title: Brave Obedience / Topic: Boldness
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 36; Ezekiel 37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-7
1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 ...bones that were very dry.... 4 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded...
Observation: The valley of dry bones presents such an interesting mental image -- every time I read it I imagine what it must have been like for Ezekiel. But I know "the rest of the story" while Ezekiel did not. He only knew that he was in a valley full of very dry bones. And God tells him, "Prophesy to these bones..." This is not an easy thing to do.
Application: When we look at our own valley full of dry bones, we just see dead, dry bones. We see no hope of life -- no future -- nothing other than death. God commands faith -- and prophecy. It requires great boldness and faith to speak of life and hope in the face of circumstances that scream death and hopelessness. But Ezekiel shows us how to do it. "So I prophesied as I was commanded." Just do it in sheer obedience. Ezekiel did not have any ability to make the bones live. But he did not need to do that. He only needed to speak in obedience to God. What has God told you to do or speak? You can do what he asks of you. The question is, "will you?"
Prayer: Lord, I want to be like Ezekiel and speak to the dead, dry bones in my own life. Help me to hear your instruction and to do what you say.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-7
1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 ...bones that were very dry.... 4 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded...
Observation: The valley of dry bones presents such an interesting mental image -- every time I read it I imagine what it must have been like for Ezekiel. But I know "the rest of the story" while Ezekiel did not. He only knew that he was in a valley full of very dry bones. And God tells him, "Prophesy to these bones..." This is not an easy thing to do.
Application: When we look at our own valley full of dry bones, we just see dead, dry bones. We see no hope of life -- no future -- nothing other than death. God commands faith -- and prophecy. It requires great boldness and faith to speak of life and hope in the face of circumstances that scream death and hopelessness. But Ezekiel shows us how to do it. "So I prophesied as I was commanded." Just do it in sheer obedience. Ezekiel did not have any ability to make the bones live. But he did not need to do that. He only needed to speak in obedience to God. What has God told you to do or speak? You can do what he asks of you. The question is, "will you?"
Prayer: Lord, I want to be like Ezekiel and speak to the dead, dry bones in my own life. Help me to hear your instruction and to do what you say.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Title: Turn And Live / Topic: Repentance
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 33; Ezekiel 34; Ezekiel 35; Revelation 18
Scripture: Ezekiel 33:14-16
14 And if I say to the wicked man, 'You will surely die,' but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right- 15 if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. 16 None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.
Observation: The truth expressed in and around this section in Ezekiel is so important. He talks about the fact that God doesn't dwell in the past, or condemn anyone for the past, or even reward anyone for the past (that is, if that person is doing evil in the present). God says, you can change, you can alter your life by doing different things. Specifically here, in this passage, he gives the principle of repentance. God gives a warning of impending doom. If the warning is heeded and the person truly changes, God will change the outcome for the person. But note clearly that this change must be real, not just in word but in deed. And it must demonstrate a desire to right past wrongs.
Application: Many people talk about change. Many people say they want change. But precious few actually take the steps necessary to put the change into practice. This is what true repentance is.
Prayer: Lord, help me and all your people to truly repent. Give us ears to hear your warnings, hearts to receive and grieve, and the will to carry out our repentance with actions of restoration and restitution. Lord, give us the desire and the power by your grace that we may abide in your presence.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ezekiel 33:14-16
14 And if I say to the wicked man, 'You will surely die,' but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right- 15 if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. 16 None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.
Observation: The truth expressed in and around this section in Ezekiel is so important. He talks about the fact that God doesn't dwell in the past, or condemn anyone for the past, or even reward anyone for the past (that is, if that person is doing evil in the present). God says, you can change, you can alter your life by doing different things. Specifically here, in this passage, he gives the principle of repentance. God gives a warning of impending doom. If the warning is heeded and the person truly changes, God will change the outcome for the person. But note clearly that this change must be real, not just in word but in deed. And it must demonstrate a desire to right past wrongs.
Application: Many people talk about change. Many people say they want change. But precious few actually take the steps necessary to put the change into practice. This is what true repentance is.
Prayer: Lord, help me and all your people to truly repent. Give us ears to hear your warnings, hearts to receive and grieve, and the will to carry out our repentance with actions of restoration and restitution. Lord, give us the desire and the power by your grace that we may abide in your presence.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Title: Whose Devices? / Topic: The Power Of Choice
Today’s Reading: Daniel 3; Daniel 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17
Scripture: Psalm 81:8, 11-16
8 "Hear, O my people, and I will warn you—
if you would but listen to me, O Israel!
11 "But my people would not listen to me;
Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts
to follow their own devices.
13 "If my people would but listen to me,
if Israel would follow my ways,
14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."
Observation: Two choices, two destinies. The Lord cries out to his people. "If you would but listen to me..." But they would not listen. So he "gave them over to their own stubborn hearts to follow their own devices." Their own devices. That means that their lives are in their own hands. God steps aside. But he would rather step inside. Notice that he stands ready "If my people would but listen to me... how quickly would I subdue their enemies..."
Application: It all depends on whether or not we listen to and follow the Lord. It seems insanity not to follow him. But I have done it and, unfortunately, I will likely do it again. The sin nature also stands ready to step inside and take control. Which choice will I make? Which choice will you make?
Prayer: Lord, I want to listen to and obey you. As the hymn says, "Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey." That's where I want to live.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 81:8, 11-16
8 "Hear, O my people, and I will warn you—
if you would but listen to me, O Israel!
11 "But my people would not listen to me;
Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts
to follow their own devices.
13 "If my people would but listen to me,
if Israel would follow my ways,
14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."
Observation: Two choices, two destinies. The Lord cries out to his people. "If you would but listen to me..." But they would not listen. So he "gave them over to their own stubborn hearts to follow their own devices." Their own devices. That means that their lives are in their own hands. God steps aside. But he would rather step inside. Notice that he stands ready "If my people would but listen to me... how quickly would I subdue their enemies..."
Application: It all depends on whether or not we listen to and follow the Lord. It seems insanity not to follow him. But I have done it and, unfortunately, I will likely do it again. The sin nature also stands ready to step inside and take control. Which choice will I make? Which choice will you make?
Prayer: Lord, I want to listen to and obey you. As the hymn says, "Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey." That's where I want to live.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Title: Great Man, Great Humility / Topic: Character
Today’s Reading: Daniel 1; Daniel 2; Revelation 16
Scripture: Daniel 2:27-30
27 Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these:
29 "As you were lying there, O king, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. 30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind..."
Observation: I love Daniel. The man and the book. What I love about the man is his sterling character. Here is a young man that has every reason in the world to pity himself, but there is not a hint of self-pity in Daniel. He does not see himself as a victim, because he reckons himself to be in the hands of God -- not his captors. So he views everything as coming to him with God's permission. Therefore he applies God's principles to everything. He doesn't just accept what comes, he believes that he is there as God's representative to influence his world.
And the way he interacts with the king is so great. The king asks him if he is able to interpret the dream. And even though Daniel knows the dream and the interpretation, and even though Daniel is the only one who knows it, Daniel answers with such great humility. "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries."
Application: So rarely do we see great humility today. People promote themselves with loud announcement and great bluster, asserting how great they are. But true greatness needs no bluster or announcement. True greatness can say, "Without God, I could not do it. But because God, I have something to tell you."
Prayer: Lord, I want to be like Daniel.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Daniel 2:27-30
27 Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these:
29 "As you were lying there, O king, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. 30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind..."
Observation: I love Daniel. The man and the book. What I love about the man is his sterling character. Here is a young man that has every reason in the world to pity himself, but there is not a hint of self-pity in Daniel. He does not see himself as a victim, because he reckons himself to be in the hands of God -- not his captors. So he views everything as coming to him with God's permission. Therefore he applies God's principles to everything. He doesn't just accept what comes, he believes that he is there as God's representative to influence his world.
And the way he interacts with the king is so great. The king asks him if he is able to interpret the dream. And even though Daniel knows the dream and the interpretation, and even though Daniel is the only one who knows it, Daniel answers with such great humility. "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries."
Application: So rarely do we see great humility today. People promote themselves with loud announcement and great bluster, asserting how great they are. But true greatness needs no bluster or announcement. True greatness can say, "Without God, I could not do it. But because God, I have something to tell you."
Prayer: Lord, I want to be like Daniel.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Title: Depression's Antidote / Topic: The Eternally-Loving Lord
Today’s Reading: Lamentations 3; Lamentations 4; Lamentations 5; Revelation 15
Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-26
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.
by the rod of his wrath.
Observation: This is a familiar passage of scripture. "The compassions of the Lord never fail, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." What I did not realize until reading it today is this: this scripture follows a cry of affliction. Verses 1-21 give a sad tale of woe by a man who has seen his world turned upside down and who has lost all hope -- except for one. Look at the verses immediately preceding the passage above: "So I say, 'My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.' I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me." (vss. 18-20). The writer is in great distress. But then he pauses and says in verse 21, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope..." and leads us into the beautiful and inspiring truths of the constant renewal of God's tender mercies.
Application: There is no depression so deep or calamity so dire that the reflection on God's mercies would not raise the spirits and hopes of those who will seize the moment to turn their thoughts upward. Hope springs eternal when one's hope is in the eternally-loving Lord.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for always being there and for your mercies that are always ministered in our direction. I love you and thank you that you will never fail. May I always abide in your tender mercies.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-26
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.
by the rod of his wrath.
Observation: This is a familiar passage of scripture. "The compassions of the Lord never fail, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." What I did not realize until reading it today is this: this scripture follows a cry of affliction. Verses 1-21 give a sad tale of woe by a man who has seen his world turned upside down and who has lost all hope -- except for one. Look at the verses immediately preceding the passage above: "So I say, 'My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.' I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me." (vss. 18-20). The writer is in great distress. But then he pauses and says in verse 21, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope..." and leads us into the beautiful and inspiring truths of the constant renewal of God's tender mercies.
Application: There is no depression so deep or calamity so dire that the reflection on God's mercies would not raise the spirits and hopes of those who will seize the moment to turn their thoughts upward. Hope springs eternal when one's hope is in the eternally-loving Lord.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for always being there and for your mercies that are always ministered in our direction. I love you and thank you that you will never fail. May I always abide in your tender mercies.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Title: Tragic Turns / Topic: Destructive Outcomes
Today’s Reading: Lamentations 1; Lamentations 2; Obadiah 1; Revelation 14
Scripture: Lamentations 2:5, 14
5 The Lord is like an enemy;
he has swallowed up Israel.
He has swallowed up all her palaces
and destroyed her strongholds.
He has multiplied mourning and lamentation
for the Daughter of Judah.
14 The visions of your prophets
were false and worthless;
they did not expose your sin
to ward off your captivity.
The oracles they gave you
were false and misleading.
Observation/Application: These two verses in Lamentations 2 jumped out at me.
Verse 5 is jolting! "The Lord is like an enemy..." How incredibly tragic it is that this nation (Israel) whom the Lord loved as his chosen possession should live in such a way that the Lord himself eventually becomes as their enemy. It just reminds me that it is my responsiblity to keep my relationship with the Lord healthy. It is possible to start in a good place and end in a terribly destructive place. I am the one who (with God's help) determines the course of these matters.
Verses 14 got my attention because it suscintly expresses the purpose of prophets. Prophets are to expose sin and speak in such a way as to give the hearers the opportunity to repent. Without honest prophetic voices, you and I will inevitably veer into the paths of destruction. It's as simple as that.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me on your path. I want to grow in you every day. I want to walk with you every day. Help me, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Lamentations 2:5, 14
5 The Lord is like an enemy;
he has swallowed up Israel.
He has swallowed up all her palaces
and destroyed her strongholds.
He has multiplied mourning and lamentation
for the Daughter of Judah.
14 The visions of your prophets
were false and worthless;
they did not expose your sin
to ward off your captivity.
The oracles they gave you
were false and misleading.
Observation/Application: These two verses in Lamentations 2 jumped out at me.
Verse 5 is jolting! "The Lord is like an enemy..." How incredibly tragic it is that this nation (Israel) whom the Lord loved as his chosen possession should live in such a way that the Lord himself eventually becomes as their enemy. It just reminds me that it is my responsiblity to keep my relationship with the Lord healthy. It is possible to start in a good place and end in a terribly destructive place. I am the one who (with God's help) determines the course of these matters.
Verses 14 got my attention because it suscintly expresses the purpose of prophets. Prophets are to expose sin and speak in such a way as to give the hearers the opportunity to repent. Without honest prophetic voices, you and I will inevitably veer into the paths of destruction. It's as simple as that.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me on your path. I want to grow in you every day. I want to walk with you every day. Help me, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)