Destiny controlled

Today's Readings: Ezekiel 29:17-21, 30:1-19, 47:1-23, 48:1-35; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34; Daniel 5:1-31, 7:1-28, 8:1-27

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"For you have proudly defied the Lord of heaven and have had these cups from his Temple brought before you.  You and your nobles and your wives and concubines have been drinking wine from them while praising gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone-gods that neither see nor hear nor know anything at all.  But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny!  So God has sent this hand to write this message."  Daniel 5:23-24

Belshazzar was the king during Daniel's time in Babylon. Daniel became well-known for God-given gift of interpreting dreams.  The king called Daniel to help him with a dream that none of his enchanters, astrologers or fortune-tellers were able to explain to him.  He was relieved to learn that Daniel could interpret it's meaning, but his answer did not take away his fear.  The message from Daniel was that King Belshazzar's reign would soon end, that he had not honored God, and that his kingdom would be given to others.  That very night Belshazzar was killed.

My response to God: O God, let me never forget that you are the one that gives me life and controls my destiny.  Guide me away from the desire to 'be in control', but let me let you be God of my life.

Transmitting holiness

Today's Readings: Ezekiel 44:1-31, 45:1-25, 46:1-18, 46:19-24

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Instead of safeguarding my sacred rituals, you have hired foreigners to take charge of my sanctuary." Ezekiel 44:8

"They must leave them in the sacred rooms and put on other clothes so they do not endanger anyone by transmitting holiness to them through this clothing." Ezekiel 44:19b

"Stop your violence and oppression and do what is just and right." Ezekiel 45:9b

"They will do it here to avoid carrying the sacrifices through the outer courtyard and endangering the people by transmitting holiness to them."  Ezekiel 46:20b

This portion of Ezekiel gives the prince, Levites, and priests their instructions for dividing the land among the tribes of Israel, for holding the celebrations and accepting special offerings, and specifics for the Temple kitchen use.  What this word tells me is that the people were not doing things the way they were supposed to and God wanted to make it clear exactly what behaviors needed to be improved.   The instructions regarding the clothing requirements really stood out to me.  The spirit of the Lord was physically real to the point that the priest's had to take extreme care not to 'transmit holiness' to others for it could endanger them.  Can you just imagine being in the midst of that holiness?  

My response to God: Lord, help me to keep my heart and soul open to recognizing the presence of your holiness.  Guide me in my daily life so that I do not let the busyness of the day distract me from the instructions you have for me.  Bring me peace and give me a place to rest and be with you.

Face down on the ground

Today's Readings: Ezekiel 40:38-49, 41:1-26, 42:1-20, 43:1-27

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east.  The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory.  This vision was just like the others I had seen, first by the Kebar River and then when he came to destroy Jerusalem.  I fell face down on the ground." Ezekiel 43:1-3

In a vision from God, Ezekiel was shown the specifics of the New Temple.  Chapter after chapter goes into detail of the temple, from it's measurements to placement of the gateways and walls.    Immediately before his 'tour guide' gets to the altar, God himself shows up and Ezekiel did the only thing he could do -- fall face down to the ground at the sight of the glory of the Lord.  Oh, to be given that honor to be in the very presence of God's glory just makes me speechless.  I look forward to that day.

My response to God: Lord, ready me for your presence.  Guide me in this world to be prepared and to prepare others for your glorious presence.  Make clear your plan for my time here on this earth so that I will be ready when it is time to join you in that 'new temple' in Heaven.

Dreams fulfilled

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 8:29-9:1a; Daniel 4:1-37; Ezekiel 40:1-37

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven.  My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever." Daniel 4:34

King Nebuchadnezzar had ruled and lived in comfort in his palace until he had THE dream.  He finally found someone, Daniel, to interpret his dream for him.  Unfortunately, Daniel did not have good news for the King.  The fulfillment of the dream was when he was driven mad, away from all people and his kingdom, and lived in insanity for seven periods of time.  After this time had passed was when the Lord allowed his sanity to return and that he be brought back as King.  It took this very traumatic experience for him to listen to God and change his wicked ways.  How many of the traumatic experiences in our lives are brought about to get our attention?  Are we going to be like the King and change our ways by honoring 'the one who lives forever'?

My response to God: O God, help me to learn from my mistakes without being 'driven from human society' like it took to get King Nebuchadnezzar's attention.  Let me hear your word and heed it the first time, not the second, or third, or fourth, or hundredth.  Forgive me for all the times I have not done that.

Trust or consequences

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 5:18-26, 6:3b, 6:4-15, 6:49, 7:1-40, 8:1-28

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him."  1 Chronicles 5:20

"But these tribes were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors."  1 Chronicles 5:25a

Today's scriptures are from the time that the tribes east of the Jordan waged war and acquired land and property.  The part that stood out to me was where they showed their faith in God by asking for his help to win their battle -- and God answered that prayer because they did believe.  It was sad, however, that only a short time later these very people turned their backs on God and began to not pray to him but began to worship the gods of the nations that God had helped them to destroy.  Just like children who are disobedient, the tribes had to suffer the consequences of their actions when God caused the Assyrians to invade the land and exile the Israelites. Oh, how God must have disappointed and frustrated in his children who, yet again, disobeyed him.

My response to God: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for answering my prayers.  I admit they are not always answered the way I am expecting, or hoping for, but they are answered.  Help me, Lord, to always worship you and not be distracted and pulled away by the gods of this world.  Forgive me for the times I have let that happen in the past.

Being a Watchman

Today's Readings: Ezekiel 32:17-32, 33:1-20; Jeremiah 52:28-30; Psalm 137; 1 Chronicles 4:24-43, 5:1-17

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity."  Ezekiel 33:6

"Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel.  Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me.  If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths."  Ezekiel 33:7-8

"I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.  I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.  Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel!"  Ezekiel 33:11

"The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins."  Ezekiel 33:12

Ezekiel was given such a huge responsibility by the Lord when he was given that task as 'the watchman'.  Not only was his responsibility to warn the people, but he was also held accountable if they died in their sins.  Earlier this week I heard an interview of an avowed atheist that hit home on this point.  He shared how a Christian had kindly and gently given him a Gideon New Testament.  He said this man's actions had really impressed him and then the atheist shared something that was crucial: If you truly believe that only those with faith will have eternal life, then how can you not share that faith with anyone that you care anything about?  Otherwise, you must just not want them to have this great thing you have (paraphrased of his comments).  Wow.  Such wisdom coming out of the mouth of someone who does not even believe.  How many times have I not even mentioned the Lord while in a conversation with someone who may not know him?

My response to God: Heavenly Father, give me the words to speak to those who do not know you.  Help me to bring them to your saving grace and love.  Forgive me for all of the times I have not taken the time or effort to share you with others.  Thank you for the grace through Jesus Christ that gives us all the way to life eternal.

Dry bones

Today's Readings: Ezekiel  32:1-16, 37:1-28, 38:1-23, 39:1-29

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land." Ezekiel 37:14

"I will have mercy on all Israel, for I jealously guard my holy reputation! They will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness after they come home to live in peace in their own land, with no one to bother them.  When I bring them home from the lands of their enemies, I will display my holiness among them for all the nations to see."  Ezekiel 39:25b-27

This portion of Ezekiel is responding to the message from the Lord on the valley of dry bones coming back to life.  We are like those old, dry bones when we give up hope.  But God is the one who can cause us, just like those old dry bones, to rise up again as he draws us closer to him.    The Lord continued to demonstrate his glory and holiness for all the nations to see as he brought down those who attack his people.  Then he brought restoration through his mercy -- it was only after that they took responsibility for their unfaithfulness.  Oh what a gracious God we serve.

My response to God:  O Lord, I come to you yet again asking you to accept my gratitude for your mercy and grace.  Thank you for being here for me on those days where I feel like giving up only to find that, like those dry bones, you bring me back to life with you.  Draw me closer and closer to you so I will not fall into that valley again.  

Showers of blessing

Today's Readings:  Ezekiel 34:1-31, 35:1-15, 36:1-38

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the injured.  You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost.  Instead, you have ruled them with harshness and cruelty."  Ezekiel 34:4

"Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord.  This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I now consider these shepherds my enemies, and I will hold them responsible for what has happened to my flock." Ezekiel 34:9-10a

"I will make a covenant of peace with my people and drive away the dangerous animals from the land...And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:25-26

"You are my flock, the sheep of my pasture.  You are my people, and I am your God." Ezekiel 34:31

"Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it.  I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which you brought shame while you were scattered among the nations." Ezekiel 36:22

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean.  Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols.  And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you.  I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.  And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations." Ezekiel 36:25-27

Even though we fail God in so many ways, and are held responsible for our actions, he still does not just discard us from his presence.  He still promises to be our shepherd, provide for our needs, and give us a new life even though we are so undeserving.  How blessed we are to have the opportunity to accept a new heart and new spirit -- let us not to miss out on that opportunity.

My response to God: Thank you, Lord, for your grace and mercy and your covenant of peace that provides our showers of blessings from you.  Wash the filth away from me and make me clean so that my heart will be responsive to you, Lord.

Being sincere

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 44:1-30; Ezekiel 33:21-33

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But my people would not listen or turn back from their wicked ways...and so my fury boiled over..." Jeremiah 44:5-6a

"Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: I am determined to destroy every one of you!" Jeremiah 44:11

"Then all the women present and all the men who knew that their wives had burned incense to idols -- a great crowd of all the Judeans living in northern Egypt and southern Egypt -- answered Jeremiah, 'We will not listen to your messages from the Lord! We will do whatever we want.'" Jeremiah 44: 15-17a

"'I have sworn by my great name,' says the Lord, 'that my name will no longer be spoken by any of the Judeans in the land of Egypt.  None of you may invoke my name or use this oath: "As surely as the Sovereign Lord lives." For I will watch over you to bring you disaster and not good." Jeremiah 44:26-27

"So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you.  They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say.  Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money.  You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument.  They hear what you say, but they don't act on it! But when all these terrible things happen to them -- as they certainly will -- then they will know a prophet has been among them." Ezekiel 33:31-33

I've been sitting on these verses for awhile -- partly due to my own misguided priorities.  So much of these verses are reminiscent of so many other verses found in the books of the prophets.  However, the last verses I annotated above stood out to me.  How many times have I sat in the Lord's house, listening to the Word being shared all while I am just pretending to be sincere? Sitting there making 'to do' lists (even if they are ministry-related), thinking about the logistics for lunch or dinner, being distracted by some ornamentation in the room, or even counting ceiling tiles are all ways that do not portray sincerity in worship.  Okay, I really have not counted ceiling tiles, but, you know what I mean.  The same goes for letting my appreciation for musical talents get in the way of my appreciation for the Lord being ministered about in song.  Again, I am reminded of more ways that I need to work on myself.

My response to God: Lord, forgive me for not always putting you first -- whether I am at home, grocery shopping, spending time with friends, or in your house of worship.  Show me daily where I can spend more time with you, about you, and for you.  Don't let me miss out on the messages you have given others for me to hear.  Open my eyes, my ears, my heart, and my soul.