DAY 242
5-31-10
EZEKIEL 43-45
Good Morning!
Ezekiel witnesses the glory of God entering the temple and hears God’s judgments regarding the desecration of the temple that is “the place of his throne and the soles of his feet.” (43:7)
God wants the temple to be his place among his people forever. Yet, he won’t – he can’t – abide the desecration of the temple with uncircumcised flesh and hearts; uncleanness; immorality.
The applications are clear for us as the new temples of the Holy Spirit. Since God is the one who sanctifies us; makes us pure, clean, and holy, we are to keep ourselves that way. Through Christ, God takes care of our sins; but only we can keep ourselves unstained by the world.
If God felt so passionately about his temple in Ezekiel’s day, why would he feel any less about his temple in our day? Of course, God feels the same way!
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
(1 Cor. 3:16-17)
Live your life as the temple of God. Purity and righteousness must be your way of life. It’s a big deal to have the glory of God in your life. Live in such a way where God is glad to have you as his throne and a place for the soles of his feet.
Barry
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Forever
DAY 239
5-28-10
EZEKIEL 37-39
Good Morning!
Ezekiel witnesses one of the most incredible scenes a human-being has ever seen. A valley filled with old dry bones – and God made them come alive again. There is no way anyone can miss the point. God can cause the dead to rise. Not just the physically dead; but the spiritually dead too.
God’s plan was to take the spiritually dead; breathe new life into them; rescue them from captivity; and give them a prince that would lead them forever.
God says…“I will put breath in you, and you will come to life.” (37:6)
We say…“Our hope is gone.” (37:11)
God says…“I will put my Spirit in you and you will live.” (37:14)
This scene is not just for Israel, it is for all mankind. God desires to save us; give us hope; give us a new life; put his Spirit in us; and give us our Prince – Jesus Christ…forever.
Barry
5-28-10
EZEKIEL 37-39
Good Morning!
Ezekiel witnesses one of the most incredible scenes a human-being has ever seen. A valley filled with old dry bones – and God made them come alive again. There is no way anyone can miss the point. God can cause the dead to rise. Not just the physically dead; but the spiritually dead too.
God’s plan was to take the spiritually dead; breathe new life into them; rescue them from captivity; and give them a prince that would lead them forever.
God says…“I will put breath in you, and you will come to life.” (37:6)
We say…“Our hope is gone.” (37:11)
God says…“I will put my Spirit in you and you will live.” (37:14)
This scene is not just for Israel, it is for all mankind. God desires to save us; give us hope; give us a new life; put his Spirit in us; and give us our Prince – Jesus Christ…forever.
Barry
Friday, May 28, 2010
Say Something
DAY 239
5-28-10
EZEKIEL 33-36
Good Morning!
I don’t get it. We have no problem with telling those we love to watch out; wear your seat belt; be careful; take care of yourself; and go to the doctor. We constantly remind each other of all the things we need to do to be healthy and stay alive.
Yet there seems to be a conspiracy of silence about the most important things – eternal things that are far more important – be faithful; repent; live righteously; and be saved. Obviously it can be a difficult conversation to have. Some don’t want to hear. Strained relationships make it a challenge. But it is a conversation that is vital to have…and have again.
If we are going to listen to the words of The Sovereign Lord through Ezekiel, then we must notice how God makes us responsible for each other. We are not responsible for someone else’s sin, but we are responsible to be a “watchman” and watch out for them. We are responsible to tell them and to warn them.
Ezek 33:7-9 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.”
It is amazing what “speaking the truth in love” can do. Lovingly; firmly; consistently; and urgently tell those you love about what is the most important thing in life. The reason we work so hard to maintain healthy relationships is to open doors of opportunity to tell people we love about Jesus.
Barry
5-28-10
EZEKIEL 33-36
Good Morning!
I don’t get it. We have no problem with telling those we love to watch out; wear your seat belt; be careful; take care of yourself; and go to the doctor. We constantly remind each other of all the things we need to do to be healthy and stay alive.
Yet there seems to be a conspiracy of silence about the most important things – eternal things that are far more important – be faithful; repent; live righteously; and be saved. Obviously it can be a difficult conversation to have. Some don’t want to hear. Strained relationships make it a challenge. But it is a conversation that is vital to have…and have again.
If we are going to listen to the words of The Sovereign Lord through Ezekiel, then we must notice how God makes us responsible for each other. We are not responsible for someone else’s sin, but we are responsible to be a “watchman” and watch out for them. We are responsible to tell them and to warn them.
Ezek 33:7-9 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.”
It is amazing what “speaking the truth in love” can do. Lovingly; firmly; consistently; and urgently tell those you love about what is the most important thing in life. The reason we work so hard to maintain healthy relationships is to open doors of opportunity to tell people we love about Jesus.
Barry
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Humbly Submit to the Sovereign Lord
DAY 238
5-27-10
EZEKIEL 29-32
Good Morning!
I struggle to find positive messages in much of the prophet’s writings. However, if we are going to get the message from text, we’ll just have to witness continual, chapter after chapter, pronouncements of judgment by God. There is something to be said about this – that there is so much prophetic judgment in this section of the Bible because there is so much sin and rebellion. God is not making this happen, sinful people are; and not just Israel, but all nations.
Egypt now gets God’s attention. Egypt and Pharaoh are great and proud and have long been a persecutor of God’s people. God has already shown his power over them once before – during the exodus. Remember, God’s plan among the nations is bring glory to himself; to help and teach Israel to be faithful; and to judge the sinful nations.
Exodus 14:17-18 “I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”
Many years later God decides to bring Egypt low for good; then bring them back to Egypt as a weak nation. What has always been God’s goal? That they know that God is the sovereign Lord.
Ezekiel 29:13-16 “At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations where they were scattered. I will bring them back from captivity and return them to Upper Egypt, the land of their ancestry. There they will be a lowly kingdom. It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations. Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.”
As great as our country is; as successful as our lives are; and as confident as we are in our future – never forget that God is the Sovereign LORD! His will and his plans are more important than ours; his calling is more important than anything we can ever do; and his word is supreme. Therefore we must do what Egypt and even the majority of Israel would never do – humbly submit to the Sovereign Lord.
Barry
5-27-10
EZEKIEL 29-32
Good Morning!
I struggle to find positive messages in much of the prophet’s writings. However, if we are going to get the message from text, we’ll just have to witness continual, chapter after chapter, pronouncements of judgment by God. There is something to be said about this – that there is so much prophetic judgment in this section of the Bible because there is so much sin and rebellion. God is not making this happen, sinful people are; and not just Israel, but all nations.
Egypt now gets God’s attention. Egypt and Pharaoh are great and proud and have long been a persecutor of God’s people. God has already shown his power over them once before – during the exodus. Remember, God’s plan among the nations is bring glory to himself; to help and teach Israel to be faithful; and to judge the sinful nations.
Exodus 14:17-18 “I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”
Many years later God decides to bring Egypt low for good; then bring them back to Egypt as a weak nation. What has always been God’s goal? That they know that God is the sovereign Lord.
Ezekiel 29:13-16 “At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations where they were scattered. I will bring them back from captivity and return them to Upper Egypt, the land of their ancestry. There they will be a lowly kingdom. It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations. Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.”
As great as our country is; as successful as our lives are; and as confident as we are in our future – never forget that God is the Sovereign LORD! His will and his plans are more important than ours; his calling is more important than anything we can ever do; and his word is supreme. Therefore we must do what Egypt and even the majority of Israel would never do – humbly submit to the Sovereign Lord.
Barry
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
More Evidence that God is a Good Father
DAY 237
5-26-10
EZEKIEL 25-28
Good Morning!
I can remember times when one of my kids would get in trouble at school and I’d have to accept the fact that my little “angel” was not so angelic at times. It was embarrassing. I was mad at them. Even though I made no excuses for their behavior; I still felt protective. They were going to have to suffer the consequences but I bristled at the thought of someone else giving out the consequences.
God sent Israel into captivity. God also used the pagan nations around them to punish Israel and teach them hard lessons. Yet God was not going to let the evil nations go unpunished. God did not make Egypt; the Philistines; or the Babylonians evil and send them to do his dirty work. God used the predisposition of these nations. They were already evil. God will not allow the sin of the nations to go unpunished – not the Babylonians or Israel – no one.
Yet there is one difference – Israel is God’s possession. They are his special children. Speaking of the nations that hurt Israel, God said, “I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them.” (Ezek. 25:17)
That does not diminish Israel’s guilt, however. But God said about his nation, “When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of the nations.” (Ezek. 28:25)
God is trying to cause his people to repent so he can bring them back to their land and back to him. God is also showing his holiness and judgment among pagan nations. God will punish us for sins we don’t repent of. He will punish the world that has rejected his son and hurt his children – the church. God is a God of justice; but he is also our forgiving father.
Barry
5-26-10
EZEKIEL 25-28
Good Morning!
I can remember times when one of my kids would get in trouble at school and I’d have to accept the fact that my little “angel” was not so angelic at times. It was embarrassing. I was mad at them. Even though I made no excuses for their behavior; I still felt protective. They were going to have to suffer the consequences but I bristled at the thought of someone else giving out the consequences.
God sent Israel into captivity. God also used the pagan nations around them to punish Israel and teach them hard lessons. Yet God was not going to let the evil nations go unpunished. God did not make Egypt; the Philistines; or the Babylonians evil and send them to do his dirty work. God used the predisposition of these nations. They were already evil. God will not allow the sin of the nations to go unpunished – not the Babylonians or Israel – no one.
Yet there is one difference – Israel is God’s possession. They are his special children. Speaking of the nations that hurt Israel, God said, “I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them.” (Ezek. 25:17)
That does not diminish Israel’s guilt, however. But God said about his nation, “When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of the nations.” (Ezek. 28:25)
God is trying to cause his people to repent so he can bring them back to their land and back to him. God is also showing his holiness and judgment among pagan nations. God will punish us for sins we don’t repent of. He will punish the world that has rejected his son and hurt his children – the church. God is a God of justice; but he is also our forgiving father.
Barry
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Standing in the Gap
DAY 236
5-25-10
EZEKIEL 22-24
Good Morning!
One of the things I really love about the people I work with and the friends that I have is the total assurance that they support me. The most assuring thing about their support is just fact that I know they are there for me. What I lack they make up. What I need they offer.
God desired the same kind of help for the nation of Israel. He said in 22:30 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.”
No one volunteered. No help was to be found. No support was standing by. There was a gap – a hole – that needed to be filled and no one cared. God just wanted to know that someone cared.
When you see a friend who has gap in his life; something that you can fill; stand in the gap. Be there for your friends and family. Show you care. I am reminded of how Paul felt abandoned by people at times. It should not be this way for God’s people.
"At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength." (2 Tim 4:16-17)
The Lord Jesus always stands in the gap for us. Try as I might, I will let people down; but the Lord is always there.
Barry
5-25-10
EZEKIEL 22-24
Good Morning!
One of the things I really love about the people I work with and the friends that I have is the total assurance that they support me. The most assuring thing about their support is just fact that I know they are there for me. What I lack they make up. What I need they offer.
God desired the same kind of help for the nation of Israel. He said in 22:30 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.”
No one volunteered. No help was to be found. No support was standing by. There was a gap – a hole – that needed to be filled and no one cared. God just wanted to know that someone cared.
When you see a friend who has gap in his life; something that you can fill; stand in the gap. Be there for your friends and family. Show you care. I am reminded of how Paul felt abandoned by people at times. It should not be this way for God’s people.
"At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength." (2 Tim 4:16-17)
The Lord Jesus always stands in the gap for us. Try as I might, I will let people down; but the Lord is always there.
Barry
Monday, May 24, 2010
God is Always Fair
DAY 235
5-24-10
EZEKIEL 18-21
Good Morning!
It’s a sad commentary on the arrogance of Israel that they would blame God and call him unfair because they are suffering the results of their sin. The proverb they were fond of saying was that the “sour grapes” of the fathers; and the “teeth on edge” of the children happen because they are innocent and God’s at fault. This is crazy! As crazy as that sounds, I have seen this attitude many times in people who refuse to take responsibility for their sinful actions. The Sovereign Lord said “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (18:4)
“The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.” (18:20)
God always judges with righteousness. He always does what is right. The righteousness and holiness of God demands that I live a righteous and holy life. Arrogant Israel should remember what sinful David wrote about God’s judgments in Psalm 51:3-4, “I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.”
The very best thing any sinner can do is confess what they know is right – that we are sinners; that God is a righteous judge; and that we need his forgiveness. God is a good, loving God who will bless our confession and forgive us. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-10)
Barry
5-24-10
EZEKIEL 18-21
Good Morning!
It’s a sad commentary on the arrogance of Israel that they would blame God and call him unfair because they are suffering the results of their sin. The proverb they were fond of saying was that the “sour grapes” of the fathers; and the “teeth on edge” of the children happen because they are innocent and God’s at fault. This is crazy! As crazy as that sounds, I have seen this attitude many times in people who refuse to take responsibility for their sinful actions. The Sovereign Lord said “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (18:4)
“The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.” (18:20)
God always judges with righteousness. He always does what is right. The righteousness and holiness of God demands that I live a righteous and holy life. Arrogant Israel should remember what sinful David wrote about God’s judgments in Psalm 51:3-4, “I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.”
The very best thing any sinner can do is confess what they know is right – that we are sinners; that God is a righteous judge; and that we need his forgiveness. God is a good, loving God who will bless our confession and forgive us. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-10)
Barry
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Great Whitewash
DAY 233
5-22-10
EZEKIEL 10-13
Good Morning!
Everything has fallen apart around them and the false prophets say, “’Peace’, when there is no peace.” Everything is fine. They are in captivity, and are not in fellowship with God and everything is fine? People are dead – physically and spiritually – and all is well? The sovereign Lord calls this a whitewash.
Ezek 13:10-14 "'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… 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: In my wrath I will unleash a violent wind, and in my anger hailstones and torrents of rain will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall you have covered with whitewash and will level it to the ground so that its foundation will be laid bare. When it falls, you will be destroyed in it; and you will know that I am the Lord. '"
Whitewash is a fake, thin beauty that covers a broken, ugly, mess. It’s dysfunctional marriages; ineffective churches; unfaithful Christians; unbiblical practices and ignored truths; that we deny and gloss over the obvious. Jesus said in Matt. 23:27-28, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
The answer to this is consistent in Ezekiel - return to God; follow his decrees; destroy the detestable idols; and cease their rebellion. For this to happen, they must open their eyes and ears (12:1); and admit there is a problem. They can’t whitewash it anymore. Broken marriages; ineffective churches; and unfaithful Christians can return to health and faith if they admit the obvious needs and address them. Ezekiel 12:16 says they must “acknowledge all their detestable practices. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
When they are willing to do this, God is there to help them and forgive them. “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.’” (Ezek. 11:17)
Barry
5-22-10
EZEKIEL 10-13
Good Morning!
Everything has fallen apart around them and the false prophets say, “’Peace’, when there is no peace.” Everything is fine. They are in captivity, and are not in fellowship with God and everything is fine? People are dead – physically and spiritually – and all is well? The sovereign Lord calls this a whitewash.
Ezek 13:10-14 "'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… 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: In my wrath I will unleash a violent wind, and in my anger hailstones and torrents of rain will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall you have covered with whitewash and will level it to the ground so that its foundation will be laid bare. When it falls, you will be destroyed in it; and you will know that I am the Lord. '"
Whitewash is a fake, thin beauty that covers a broken, ugly, mess. It’s dysfunctional marriages; ineffective churches; unfaithful Christians; unbiblical practices and ignored truths; that we deny and gloss over the obvious. Jesus said in Matt. 23:27-28, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
The answer to this is consistent in Ezekiel - return to God; follow his decrees; destroy the detestable idols; and cease their rebellion. For this to happen, they must open their eyes and ears (12:1); and admit there is a problem. They can’t whitewash it anymore. Broken marriages; ineffective churches; and unfaithful Christians can return to health and faith if they admit the obvious needs and address them. Ezekiel 12:16 says they must “acknowledge all their detestable practices. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
When they are willing to do this, God is there to help them and forgive them. “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.’” (Ezek. 11:17)
Barry
Friday, May 21, 2010
Be Different!
DAY 232
5-21-10
EZEKIEL 5-9
Good Morning!
The words of Ezekiel’s prophecy continue. In chapter 5, the Sovereign Lord makes a comparison between his people and the nations that surround them. What does God see? He sees no difference at all. In fact, the pagan nations are not as bad as Jerusalem.
Ezek 5:5-7 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. Yet in her wickedness she has rebelled against my laws and decrees more than the nations and countries around her. She has rejected my laws and has not followed my decrees." Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: "You have been more unruly than the nations around you and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws. You have not even conformed to the standards of the nations around you."
What an amazing thought. God’s people don’t even conform to the standard of the pagan nations! They were worse!
From the beginning, God has demanded that his people be different. He commanded that they be separate from the nations around them. Nothing has changed. Now, God says that his people are the church (“those called out of the world”); and we are not to “conform to this world, but be transformed.” (Rom. 12:1-2)
Later, in Ezekiel 20:32, it says about God’s people, "We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world.” Very sad. Look what it did for them. They lost everything. Now that is something to keep in mind.
Here’s to being different!
Barry
5-21-10
EZEKIEL 5-9
Good Morning!
The words of Ezekiel’s prophecy continue. In chapter 5, the Sovereign Lord makes a comparison between his people and the nations that surround them. What does God see? He sees no difference at all. In fact, the pagan nations are not as bad as Jerusalem.
Ezek 5:5-7 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. Yet in her wickedness she has rebelled against my laws and decrees more than the nations and countries around her. She has rejected my laws and has not followed my decrees." Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: "You have been more unruly than the nations around you and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws. You have not even conformed to the standards of the nations around you."
What an amazing thought. God’s people don’t even conform to the standard of the pagan nations! They were worse!
From the beginning, God has demanded that his people be different. He commanded that they be separate from the nations around them. Nothing has changed. Now, God says that his people are the church (“those called out of the world”); and we are not to “conform to this world, but be transformed.” (Rom. 12:1-2)
Later, in Ezekiel 20:32, it says about God’s people, "We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world.” Very sad. Look what it did for them. They lost everything. Now that is something to keep in mind.
Here’s to being different!
Barry
Thursday, May 20, 2010
God’s Right to Rule
DAY 231
5-20-10
EZEKIEL 1-4
Good Morning!
In the darkest places we find ourselves in, God is there. David said, “In the valley of the shadow of death…you are with me” (Psalm 23). Ezekiel was called by God in the darkness of captivity to continue preaching to the rebellious people. He is shown outrageous, glorified images of God and heavenly beings; and given strange requests – like eating the scroll of the word of God.
The prophetic ministry of Ezekiel is going to be very difficult. God does not hide the fact that as usual, most of the revolting people will not listen. Yet, as God’s “Watchman” his task is to warn them to repent. God tells Ezekiel that the one’s who repent, will be saved.
Ezek 3:21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning.
I think the greatest lesson in Ezekiel is that no matter who controls Israel, God is really in charge. In the whole book God is called, “Sovereign Lord” 217 times! What does Sovereign mean? God has the “right to rule.” God is always in charge.
No matter how crazy or hard our life gets; no matter if it seems things are out of control; the Sovereign Lord is always rules.
Barry
5-20-10
EZEKIEL 1-4
Good Morning!
In the darkest places we find ourselves in, God is there. David said, “In the valley of the shadow of death…you are with me” (Psalm 23). Ezekiel was called by God in the darkness of captivity to continue preaching to the rebellious people. He is shown outrageous, glorified images of God and heavenly beings; and given strange requests – like eating the scroll of the word of God.
The prophetic ministry of Ezekiel is going to be very difficult. God does not hide the fact that as usual, most of the revolting people will not listen. Yet, as God’s “Watchman” his task is to warn them to repent. God tells Ezekiel that the one’s who repent, will be saved.
Ezek 3:21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning.
I think the greatest lesson in Ezekiel is that no matter who controls Israel, God is really in charge. In the whole book God is called, “Sovereign Lord” 217 times! What does Sovereign mean? God has the “right to rule.” God is always in charge.
No matter how crazy or hard our life gets; no matter if it seems things are out of control; the Sovereign Lord is always rules.
Barry
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Lord's Great Love
DAY 230
5-19-10
LAMENTATIONS 3-4
Good Morning!
Lamentations may show the grieving heart for the demise of God’s people, but it also shows God’s mercy for those who love him and seek him.
Lam. 3:22-26 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Even if many around us do not repent; and even if the righteous are swept away with the unrighteous – we must wait on the Lord and put all our hope in him. The message of Lamentations is that God has great love and his compassion does not fail.
So, no matter how long it takes, wait for the Lord. We will not be disappointed.
Barry
5-19-10
LAMENTATIONS 3-4
Good Morning!
Lamentations may show the grieving heart for the demise of God’s people, but it also shows God’s mercy for those who love him and seek him.
Lam. 3:22-26 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Even if many around us do not repent; and even if the righteous are swept away with the unrighteous – we must wait on the Lord and put all our hope in him. The message of Lamentations is that God has great love and his compassion does not fail.
So, no matter how long it takes, wait for the Lord. We will not be disappointed.
Barry
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Lord Follows Through
DAY 229
5-18-10
LAMENTATIONS 1-2
Good Morning!
The Lamentations are the words of a grieving prophet (most likely Jeremiah); who did his best to warn God’s people to repent, but they wouldn’t. Now their punishment has come upon them. God used the Babylonians to judge his people.
Have you ever ignored a warning? Have you ever known what was right and decided not to do it? Unfortunately, human beings often choose to learn lessons the hard way. How sad!
Lam 2:17 The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed long ago.
Nine times in Jeremiah’s prophecies, God said, “You did not listen.” Were they deaf? Did they not understand? Or did they choose not to listen and obey God’s warning?
At least one thing is very clear – God does not warn in vain. He is not like a parent who warns and doesn’t follow through; or who counts to three, and doesn’t do anything. God is patient, compassionate, and merciful. He desperately wants to bless us. But he also demands that his people obey him.
Better to listen and obey than to receive God’s punishment.
Barry
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15-16)
5-18-10
LAMENTATIONS 1-2
Good Morning!
The Lamentations are the words of a grieving prophet (most likely Jeremiah); who did his best to warn God’s people to repent, but they wouldn’t. Now their punishment has come upon them. God used the Babylonians to judge his people.
Have you ever ignored a warning? Have you ever known what was right and decided not to do it? Unfortunately, human beings often choose to learn lessons the hard way. How sad!
Lam 2:17 The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed long ago.
Nine times in Jeremiah’s prophecies, God said, “You did not listen.” Were they deaf? Did they not understand? Or did they choose not to listen and obey God’s warning?
At least one thing is very clear – God does not warn in vain. He is not like a parent who warns and doesn’t follow through; or who counts to three, and doesn’t do anything. God is patient, compassionate, and merciful. He desperately wants to bless us. But he also demands that his people obey him.
Better to listen and obey than to receive God’s punishment.
Barry
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15-16)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Lost Sheep and Poor Shepherding
DAY 227
5-16-10
JEREMIAH 49-50
Good Morning!
Most of the Bible is written during a time of pastoral and agrarian-based societies. Therefore, the parables and metaphors used to teach mirror the times. Sheep, then, are often used as examples of the wandering people of God.
Sheep are so intent on grazing that they can wander off and be lost before they know it. They happily munch away until they finally look up and they are by themselves and defenseless. It’s one thing to wander off by being careless; it’s quite another to be led astray. God places blame on the ones who should be watching over the wandering and lost nation of Israel. The leaders failed them.
Jer. 50:6-7 "My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, 'We are not guilty, for they sinned against the Lord, their true pasture, the Lord, the hope of their fathers.' "
Elders, ministers, and parents have a lot of responsibility to lead God’s people in ways of righteousness. We must be careful; vigilant; and responsible. We must take care of God’s sheep with every tool and every method that will help us account for every single sheep.
I love Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15. When the sheep wanders off, the shepherd searches for it; finds it; lovingly carries it home; and rejoices over it.
Elders, ministers, and parents…we are responsible. The great shepherd watches over us; and we must watch over the sheep as well. It’s a full time job. There is no better job around.
Barry
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)
5-16-10
JEREMIAH 49-50
Good Morning!
Most of the Bible is written during a time of pastoral and agrarian-based societies. Therefore, the parables and metaphors used to teach mirror the times. Sheep, then, are often used as examples of the wandering people of God.
Sheep are so intent on grazing that they can wander off and be lost before they know it. They happily munch away until they finally look up and they are by themselves and defenseless. It’s one thing to wander off by being careless; it’s quite another to be led astray. God places blame on the ones who should be watching over the wandering and lost nation of Israel. The leaders failed them.
Jer. 50:6-7 "My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, 'We are not guilty, for they sinned against the Lord, their true pasture, the Lord, the hope of their fathers.' "
Elders, ministers, and parents have a lot of responsibility to lead God’s people in ways of righteousness. We must be careful; vigilant; and responsible. We must take care of God’s sheep with every tool and every method that will help us account for every single sheep.
I love Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15. When the sheep wanders off, the shepherd searches for it; finds it; lovingly carries it home; and rejoices over it.
Elders, ministers, and parents…we are responsible. The great shepherd watches over us; and we must watch over the sheep as well. It’s a full time job. There is no better job around.
Barry
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Never Quit Preaching
DAY 226
5-15-10
JEREMIAH 45-48
Good Morning!
Do you ever tire of proclaiming the word of God to people to no avail? Well, if you take your life in Christ seriously there will always be disappointments. However, if we stand firm, God will bring us joy and bless our efforts in his name.
I really appreciate the following exchange in the tiny little 45th chapter of Jeremiah…
This is what Jeremiah the prophet told Baruch…after Baruch had written on a scroll the words Jeremiah was then dictating: "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You said, 'Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.'"
The Lord said, "Say this to him: 'This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the land. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.'"
Baruch was so upset that the King not only rejected the word of God that he wrote down; the king had the audacity to burn it up in the fire. Who wouldn’t be upset? Who wouldn’t be disappointed and disillusioned? God encouraged Baruch; his faith was to be rewarded.
The lesson for us is to be strong and never quit living faithfully; and never quit preaching. God will reward us. Remember what God said through Isaiah…
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, nd do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: t will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isa 55:10-11)
Never quit.
Barry
5-15-10
JEREMIAH 45-48
Good Morning!
Do you ever tire of proclaiming the word of God to people to no avail? Well, if you take your life in Christ seriously there will always be disappointments. However, if we stand firm, God will bring us joy and bless our efforts in his name.
I really appreciate the following exchange in the tiny little 45th chapter of Jeremiah…
This is what Jeremiah the prophet told Baruch…after Baruch had written on a scroll the words Jeremiah was then dictating: "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You said, 'Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.'"
The Lord said, "Say this to him: 'This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the land. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.'"
Baruch was so upset that the King not only rejected the word of God that he wrote down; the king had the audacity to burn it up in the fire. Who wouldn’t be upset? Who wouldn’t be disappointed and disillusioned? God encouraged Baruch; his faith was to be rewarded.
The lesson for us is to be strong and never quit living faithfully; and never quit preaching. God will reward us. Remember what God said through Isaiah…
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, nd do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: t will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isa 55:10-11)
Never quit.
Barry
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tell Me Only What I Want to Hear!
DAY 225
5-14-10
JEREMIAH 41-44
Good Morning!
As I was reading this morning, it occurred to me how foolish people are - all people in all times. We say we want God to speak to us; and when we get his message; if we like it we’ll obey it. If we don’t like it we’ll ignore it; deny it; or change it. Case in point…
Jer. 42:1-3 “…all the people from the least to the greatest approached Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, "Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do."
Very good! That is the right request to make. That is the right decision to make. Let’s keep reading…
Jer. 42:5-6 Then they said to Jeremiah, "May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God."
Very good! That is always the right response of a person of God. Let’s continue…
Jer. 43:1-2 When Jeremiah finished telling the people all the words of the Lord their God…all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, "You are lying!
Oops! Now they blew it. That is so like us! Tell us what we want to hear; not what we need to hear. Even in Jesus’ day, when his words were too hard; or not what people wanted to hear – they left him.
John 6:60-61 & 66 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?...From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
Now read what God’s word says to New Testament believers:
2 Tim 4:3 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Trust God’s Word no matter how challenging.
Barry
5-14-10
JEREMIAH 41-44
Good Morning!
As I was reading this morning, it occurred to me how foolish people are - all people in all times. We say we want God to speak to us; and when we get his message; if we like it we’ll obey it. If we don’t like it we’ll ignore it; deny it; or change it. Case in point…
Jer. 42:1-3 “…all the people from the least to the greatest approached Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, "Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do."
Very good! That is the right request to make. That is the right decision to make. Let’s keep reading…
Jer. 42:5-6 Then they said to Jeremiah, "May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God."
Very good! That is always the right response of a person of God. Let’s continue…
Jer. 43:1-2 When Jeremiah finished telling the people all the words of the Lord their God…all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, "You are lying!
Oops! Now they blew it. That is so like us! Tell us what we want to hear; not what we need to hear. Even in Jesus’ day, when his words were too hard; or not what people wanted to hear – they left him.
John 6:60-61 & 66 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?...From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
Now read what God’s word says to New Testament believers:
2 Tim 4:3 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Trust God’s Word no matter how challenging.
Barry
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Praying for Unbelievers
DAY 224
5-13-10
JEREMIAH 37-40
Good Morning!
Have you ever been asked by a worldly, sinful person to pray for them? They don’t really know God. They are not interested in submitting to God – they just need something and know you are a Christian. In their minds, perhaps, you are the nearest thing to God they know.
King Zedekiah, “nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet. King Zedekiah, however, sent…the prophet with this message: ‘Please pray to the Lord our God for us.’” (Jer. 37:2-3) Jeremiah and Zedekiah had a strange working relationship where Jeremiah gave him the message of the Lord and Zedekiah kept him alive.
Just think, we might be the only connection to God that an unbeliever will have. Can you think of a better way to influence people to come to God than to pray for them?
Try this…it has worked for me. Live your Christianity in the open. Let your light shine. Just watch. Someone needy will notice; and you’ll have your opportunity. The people of the world need God. They will see you long before they see God.
Matt. 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Barry
5-13-10
JEREMIAH 37-40
Good Morning!
Have you ever been asked by a worldly, sinful person to pray for them? They don’t really know God. They are not interested in submitting to God – they just need something and know you are a Christian. In their minds, perhaps, you are the nearest thing to God they know.
King Zedekiah, “nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet. King Zedekiah, however, sent…the prophet with this message: ‘Please pray to the Lord our God for us.’” (Jer. 37:2-3) Jeremiah and Zedekiah had a strange working relationship where Jeremiah gave him the message of the Lord and Zedekiah kept him alive.
Just think, we might be the only connection to God that an unbeliever will have. Can you think of a better way to influence people to come to God than to pray for them?
Try this…it has worked for me. Live your Christianity in the open. Let your light shine. Just watch. Someone needy will notice; and you’ll have your opportunity. The people of the world need God. They will see you long before they see God.
Matt. 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Barry
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hard Hearts and No Fear of God
DAY 223
5-12-10
JEREMIAH 34-36
Good Morning!
We see it, but not that often, purposeful, in your face rebellion against God. We expect that from someone in the world; but not by someone who should know better. When God told Jeremiah to write down his words to present to the people, he said, “Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin." (Jer. 36:3) God was willing to try everything to get his people back. If blessings, miracles, and preaching don’t work, maybe the written word will.
King Jehoiakim didn’t care one little bit what God had written down. Think of the audacity of the King’s reaction and the reaction of his court…
Jer. 36:23-25 Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe's knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes.
This is just one more bit of evidence of how far God’s people have fallen. I am reminded of David’s words regarding those who do not fear God…
An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin. The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong. (Psalm 36:1-4)
This is the very description of a hard heart. David wrote in Psalm in 95:7, Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Good advice.
Barry
5-12-10
JEREMIAH 34-36
Good Morning!
We see it, but not that often, purposeful, in your face rebellion against God. We expect that from someone in the world; but not by someone who should know better. When God told Jeremiah to write down his words to present to the people, he said, “Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin." (Jer. 36:3) God was willing to try everything to get his people back. If blessings, miracles, and preaching don’t work, maybe the written word will.
King Jehoiakim didn’t care one little bit what God had written down. Think of the audacity of the King’s reaction and the reaction of his court…
Jer. 36:23-25 Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe's knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes.
This is just one more bit of evidence of how far God’s people have fallen. I am reminded of David’s words regarding those who do not fear God…
An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin. The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong. (Psalm 36:1-4)
This is the very description of a hard heart. David wrote in Psalm in 95:7, Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Good advice.
Barry
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
We Do Not Have to End Up Like Israel and Judah
DAY 222
5-11-10
JEREMIAH 32-33
Good Morning!
I know reading the prophets can be repetitive. Such is the repetitive sinfulness of Israel. After the death of Solomon, and the split of the nation, they continued to grow more and more pagan until they went off the deep end completely. Although there were still righteous people living in the land; they were in the minority.
So the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah and God gave him the laundry list of offenses that would finally send them off into captivity. (Jer. 32:30-35)
• "The people of Israel and Judah have done nothing but evil in my sight from their youth
• The people of Israel have done nothing but provoke me with what their hands have made.
• This city has so aroused my anger and wrath that I must remove it from my sight.
• The people of Israel and Judah have provoked me by all the evil they have done.
• They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. They set up their abominable idols in the house that bears my Name and defiled it."
If all this wasn’t bad enough, they even surprised God with the most vial thing they could possibly do – they sacrificed their children on the altar of pagan gods.
"They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it enter my mind, that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin."
The connection to us is that even though we are created in the image of God and have eternity set in our hearts; we are capable of great sin. That is the way of it in this sinful world.
I draw you back to Jer. 32:33, and why they ended up the way they did…“they would not listen or respond to discipline.” Therein lies the way we will survive as God’s holy people – listen to God and respond to his disciple.
We can do this!
Barry
5-11-10
JEREMIAH 32-33
Good Morning!
I know reading the prophets can be repetitive. Such is the repetitive sinfulness of Israel. After the death of Solomon, and the split of the nation, they continued to grow more and more pagan until they went off the deep end completely. Although there were still righteous people living in the land; they were in the minority.
So the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah and God gave him the laundry list of offenses that would finally send them off into captivity. (Jer. 32:30-35)
• "The people of Israel and Judah have done nothing but evil in my sight from their youth
• The people of Israel have done nothing but provoke me with what their hands have made.
• This city has so aroused my anger and wrath that I must remove it from my sight.
• The people of Israel and Judah have provoked me by all the evil they have done.
• They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. They set up their abominable idols in the house that bears my Name and defiled it."
If all this wasn’t bad enough, they even surprised God with the most vial thing they could possibly do – they sacrificed their children on the altar of pagan gods.
"They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it enter my mind, that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin."
The connection to us is that even though we are created in the image of God and have eternity set in our hearts; we are capable of great sin. That is the way of it in this sinful world.
I draw you back to Jer. 32:33, and why they ended up the way they did…“they would not listen or respond to discipline.” Therein lies the way we will survive as God’s holy people – listen to God and respond to his disciple.
We can do this!
Barry
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Hearts and Mouths of Worship
DAY 221
5-10-10
JEREMIAH 29-31
Good Morning!
The degradation of Israel’s heart for God was their down fall. God demanded that they follow his law. He expected obedience out of his people. However, what evolved was a heart that was far from God as they sought to draw near by artificial means of rules they made up. We are to follow God’s rules, his way, and his laws.
Isaiah 29:13 The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”
Jesus fought this tendency in his day when he was questioned about not following the traditions of the Jews in regard to hand washing. He quoted this passage from Isaiah to point out that there is no way to come near to God by man-made rule following.
So for us, our desire to come near to God in worship must be on God terms, not ours. God most definitely condemns rules that are not his rules. God does not condemn traditions as long as they stay just that – traditions. Hand washing is good. But God wants cleans hearts.
When man-made traditions become rules that God has not made – they become a barrier that keeps us from coming near to God. God wants our hearts; and our mouths; and our obedient, worshipful lives.
Barry
5-10-10
JEREMIAH 29-31
Good Morning!
The degradation of Israel’s heart for God was their down fall. God demanded that they follow his law. He expected obedience out of his people. However, what evolved was a heart that was far from God as they sought to draw near by artificial means of rules they made up. We are to follow God’s rules, his way, and his laws.
Isaiah 29:13 The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”
Jesus fought this tendency in his day when he was questioned about not following the traditions of the Jews in regard to hand washing. He quoted this passage from Isaiah to point out that there is no way to come near to God by man-made rule following.
So for us, our desire to come near to God in worship must be on God terms, not ours. God most definitely condemns rules that are not his rules. God does not condemn traditions as long as they stay just that – traditions. Hand washing is good. But God wants cleans hearts.
When man-made traditions become rules that God has not made – they become a barrier that keeps us from coming near to God. God wants our hearts; and our mouths; and our obedient, worshipful lives.
Barry
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Who is Going to Protect You?
DAY 217
5-16-10
JEREMIAH 15-16
Good Morning!
Have you ever needed a fortress – a strong place in which to hide? I guess an argument can be made that we all need fortresses to protect us from our enemies. However, we need a fortress to protect us from sin. I’m not referring to a monastery; that’s never worked. I’m referring to our strength and fortress – the Lord.
Jer. 16:19 “O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come...”
The Lord is our protector. He is our hiding place. In him we are safe from Satan and sin. I don’t want to hide from the world; they need the protection of God’s fortress just like I do. We all need the safety and freedom we find in Christ.
There is no safety, security, or freedom from the false gods. Our forefathers tried this and were destroyed. They made their own Gods that could never protect them.
Jer.16:19-20 "…Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. Do men make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods!”
The answer is for us to teach the world that only the LORD can save us and protect us. God himself said in Jer. 16:21, “Therefore I will teach them - this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord.
Where are you hiding? Who is going to protect you?
Barry
5-16-10
JEREMIAH 15-16
Good Morning!
Have you ever needed a fortress – a strong place in which to hide? I guess an argument can be made that we all need fortresses to protect us from our enemies. However, we need a fortress to protect us from sin. I’m not referring to a monastery; that’s never worked. I’m referring to our strength and fortress – the Lord.
Jer. 16:19 “O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come...”
The Lord is our protector. He is our hiding place. In him we are safe from Satan and sin. I don’t want to hide from the world; they need the protection of God’s fortress just like I do. We all need the safety and freedom we find in Christ.
There is no safety, security, or freedom from the false gods. Our forefathers tried this and were destroyed. They made their own Gods that could never protect them.
Jer.16:19-20 "…Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. Do men make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods!”
The answer is for us to teach the world that only the LORD can save us and protect us. God himself said in Jer. 16:21, “Therefore I will teach them - this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord.
Where are you hiding? Who is going to protect you?
Barry
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Acknowledging and Honoring the Name of God
DAY 216
5-5-10
JEREMIAH 11-14
Good Morning!
Three times, God tells Jeremiah, “do not pray” for Israel and Judah. It shows just how angry and disappointed God is when his people ignore him; and do not acknowledge him.
Jer. 11:10 “They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them.”
The last few verses of chapter 14 remind me to pray and acknowledge just how awesome God is; what God does for me. (14:20-22 )
I need to acknowledge my sin. “O Lord, we acknowledge our wickedness and the guilt of our fathers; we have indeed sinned against you.”
I need to acknowledge God’s greatness. “For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne.”
I need to acknowledge I am in a covenant relationship with God. “Remember your covenant with us and do not break it.”
I need to acknowledge God takes care of me. “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.”
God is not angry with his people just because they sin and struggle. All people do that. What upsets God is when he is ignored, dishonored, and unappreciated; and when his holy name is defiled.
In your life, worship, and prayers, give God the respect he deserves.
Barry
5-5-10
JEREMIAH 11-14
Good Morning!
Three times, God tells Jeremiah, “do not pray” for Israel and Judah. It shows just how angry and disappointed God is when his people ignore him; and do not acknowledge him.
Jer. 11:10 “They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them.”
The last few verses of chapter 14 remind me to pray and acknowledge just how awesome God is; what God does for me. (14:20-22 )
I need to acknowledge my sin. “O Lord, we acknowledge our wickedness and the guilt of our fathers; we have indeed sinned against you.”
I need to acknowledge God’s greatness. “For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne.”
I need to acknowledge I am in a covenant relationship with God. “Remember your covenant with us and do not break it.”
I need to acknowledge God takes care of me. “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.”
God is not angry with his people just because they sin and struggle. All people do that. What upsets God is when he is ignored, dishonored, and unappreciated; and when his holy name is defiled.
In your life, worship, and prayers, give God the respect he deserves.
Barry
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Hear the Word of the Lord!
DAY 215
5-4-10
JEREMIAH 7-10
Good Morning!
My friends, here are some of the most powerful words God has ever spoken that directly apply to his people today. If we ever let our faith in Jesus turn into religion; and live hypocritical lives; and allow fleshly form to take over spiritual substance – God help us!
Jer.7:2-15 says, Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says:
• Reform your ways and your actions.
• Do not trust in deceptive words.
• Deal with each other justly; do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood.
Later in the passage, God says, “While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your fathers.”
WOW! God spoke and called and no one would listen. Imagine that! He says that if they do not change, he is going to judge his people who put their trust in the temple, rather than in him.
Faith in anything or anyone other than the Lord is misplaced and even idolatrous. Jesus died to save us from sin and worthless religion. Our faith and allegiance must be in Christ and in him alone.
Barry
5-4-10
JEREMIAH 7-10
Good Morning!
My friends, here are some of the most powerful words God has ever spoken that directly apply to his people today. If we ever let our faith in Jesus turn into religion; and live hypocritical lives; and allow fleshly form to take over spiritual substance – God help us!
Jer.7:2-15 says, Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says:
• Reform your ways and your actions.
• Do not trust in deceptive words.
• Deal with each other justly; do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood.
Later in the passage, God says, “While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your fathers.”
WOW! God spoke and called and no one would listen. Imagine that! He says that if they do not change, he is going to judge his people who put their trust in the temple, rather than in him.
Faith in anything or anyone other than the Lord is misplaced and even idolatrous. Jesus died to save us from sin and worthless religion. Our faith and allegiance must be in Christ and in him alone.
Barry
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Way to Find Rest for Your Soul
DAY 214
5-3-10
JEREMIAH 4-6
Good Morning!
We search for peace in our hearts and lives in many places and many ways. Peace is that quiet, harmonious, and settled feeling when stress is low; problems are manageable; and emotions are good and positive. The most spiritually mature people among us are able to have peace no matter what is going on. Peace is so good for us, that God says it is actually an attribute of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian – “The fruit of the Spirit are love, joy, peace…” (Gal. 5:22).
Jeremiah was inspired to show God’s people the way to peace. He writes in 6:16, This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
If you lack peace in your life, have you ever considered that you lack peace and rest because of the “road” you are on? Often the Bible uses the term “road” or “path” or “way” to describe the kind of life we are living.
The Lord says that when we stand at the crossroads and have to choose the direction of our lives; choose the “ancient path” which is God’s way of righteous living. God says it a “good way.” When we walk in it, God will bless us with the rest we all need and desire. Jesus says that rest is blessing of coming to him. He uses the same phrase as Jeremiah in Matthew 11:28-30, "rest for your souls."
I for one have found out many times that when I leave that ancient path; or seek my own way; or arrive at the crossroads and make poor choices; I suffer in my heart and soul. However, there is one thing that God does bless me with – when I stand at the crossroads and choose the wrong path – God is still with me. He helps me; and seeks to turn me back to his way. Why? Because he loves me and he is a good father.
Jeremiah 31:7-9 “Make your praises heard, and say, 'O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.' See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father…”
Barry
5-3-10
JEREMIAH 4-6
Good Morning!
We search for peace in our hearts and lives in many places and many ways. Peace is that quiet, harmonious, and settled feeling when stress is low; problems are manageable; and emotions are good and positive. The most spiritually mature people among us are able to have peace no matter what is going on. Peace is so good for us, that God says it is actually an attribute of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian – “The fruit of the Spirit are love, joy, peace…” (Gal. 5:22).
Jeremiah was inspired to show God’s people the way to peace. He writes in 6:16, This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
If you lack peace in your life, have you ever considered that you lack peace and rest because of the “road” you are on? Often the Bible uses the term “road” or “path” or “way” to describe the kind of life we are living.
The Lord says that when we stand at the crossroads and have to choose the direction of our lives; choose the “ancient path” which is God’s way of righteous living. God says it a “good way.” When we walk in it, God will bless us with the rest we all need and desire. Jesus says that rest is blessing of coming to him. He uses the same phrase as Jeremiah in Matthew 11:28-30, "rest for your souls."
I for one have found out many times that when I leave that ancient path; or seek my own way; or arrive at the crossroads and make poor choices; I suffer in my heart and soul. However, there is one thing that God does bless me with – when I stand at the crossroads and choose the wrong path – God is still with me. He helps me; and seeks to turn me back to his way. Why? Because he loves me and he is a good father.
Jeremiah 31:7-9 “Make your praises heard, and say, 'O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.' See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father…”
Barry
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Cure for Backsliding
DAY 213
5-2-10
JEREMIAH 1-3
Good Morning!
“Backsliding” is one of those popular religious terms that were in vogue a few years ago. It described fallen or unfaithful Christians who left their faith; who were going backwards to their old life; or who would not progress to greater faith and works.
Backsliding is a perfect description of the people of God in Jeremiah’s time. They started off just fine until it got hard; or they got scared; or they got hungry; or they got tired. Instead of spiritually moving forward in a godly direction toward a godly destination; their bodies made it to the Promise Land, but their hearts and faith didn’t seem to make it. They became just like the pagan nations around them.They slid backwards. They got worse. They made no progress. This seems to be the way of many of God’s people even today.
Jeremiah 3:22 says, “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” What is the cure of backsliding? Let Jeremiah 4:1-4 tell us.
• Return to the Lord.
• Put your detestable idols out of God’s sight and no longer go astray.
• In a truthful, just and righteous way swear, “As surely as the Lord lives.”
• Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.
• Circumcise your hearts. (Have an inward faith.)
Backsliding can happen to anyone. The cure is to stay with God; stay devoted; stay faithful; and make your life with God a matter of the heart and spirit; and not just a matter of the flesh.
I love the admonition from Paul in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Barry
5-2-10
JEREMIAH 1-3
Good Morning!
“Backsliding” is one of those popular religious terms that were in vogue a few years ago. It described fallen or unfaithful Christians who left their faith; who were going backwards to their old life; or who would not progress to greater faith and works.
Backsliding is a perfect description of the people of God in Jeremiah’s time. They started off just fine until it got hard; or they got scared; or they got hungry; or they got tired. Instead of spiritually moving forward in a godly direction toward a godly destination; their bodies made it to the Promise Land, but their hearts and faith didn’t seem to make it. They became just like the pagan nations around them.They slid backwards. They got worse. They made no progress. This seems to be the way of many of God’s people even today.
Jeremiah 3:22 says, “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” What is the cure of backsliding? Let Jeremiah 4:1-4 tell us.
• Return to the Lord.
• Put your detestable idols out of God’s sight and no longer go astray.
• In a truthful, just and righteous way swear, “As surely as the Lord lives.”
• Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.
• Circumcise your hearts. (Have an inward faith.)
Backsliding can happen to anyone. The cure is to stay with God; stay devoted; stay faithful; and make your life with God a matter of the heart and spirit; and not just a matter of the flesh.
I love the admonition from Paul in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Barry
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Do Not Remember Our Sins Forever
DAY 212
5-1-10
ISAIAH 64-66
Good Morning!
Isaiah concludes his letter to Israel. All is not lost. There is hope for sinful Israel. With God, there is always hope! I too need the hope of God because of the realities of this life. What are the realities of living in this world?
My good deeds will not overcome or take away the dirtiness of my sins. In the eyes of God all my goodness are like rags. I am a sinner.
Isa 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.
What can I do about it? Well, since God makes all things; and is in control of everything; I appeal to him to make me a better man; a clean man.
Isa 64:8-9 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be angry beyond measure, O Lord; do not remember our sins forever.
And one day, this sinful world will not have a hold on me ever again. Yet, right now in Christ, I have the best life there is because God and his son make everything new! I am blessed. I have a future. My children and future grandchildren will be blessed as well. Then it when it’s over, we’ll all be blessed in heaven.
Isa 66:22 "As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me," declares the Lord, "so will your name and descendants endure.
Yes indeed! God is good.
Barry
5-1-10
ISAIAH 64-66
Good Morning!
Isaiah concludes his letter to Israel. All is not lost. There is hope for sinful Israel. With God, there is always hope! I too need the hope of God because of the realities of this life. What are the realities of living in this world?
My good deeds will not overcome or take away the dirtiness of my sins. In the eyes of God all my goodness are like rags. I am a sinner.
Isa 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.
What can I do about it? Well, since God makes all things; and is in control of everything; I appeal to him to make me a better man; a clean man.
Isa 64:8-9 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be angry beyond measure, O Lord; do not remember our sins forever.
And one day, this sinful world will not have a hold on me ever again. Yet, right now in Christ, I have the best life there is because God and his son make everything new! I am blessed. I have a future. My children and future grandchildren will be blessed as well. Then it when it’s over, we’ll all be blessed in heaven.
Isa 66:22 "As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me," declares the Lord, "so will your name and descendants endure.
Yes indeed! God is good.
Barry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
