Longing to Prosper
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Today is Friday September 25, 2009 and we are studying the book of Micah, please read chapters 1-7
in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-25" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-25" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: Longing to Prosper
While we all want to be prosperous, many Christian's are longing to prosper from the things that are in the world instead of from God.
The book of Micah is the thirty-third book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains seven chapters. The author of the book is Micah and it was written to the people of Judah and Israel. The purpose of the book is a call to repentance to avoid judgment, what we are to learn from the book is that God judges the oppressors of His people.
Micah was raised up to support Isaiah, and to confirm his predictions, he encouraged the northern kingdom of Samaria and the southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem) to repent. “The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the LORD from his holy temple. For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place. For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem? Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof. And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.” - Micah 1:1-7. God is addressing everyone that is on the earth and warning them that He is going to come down to earth and destroy all the high places. The high places were where the Israelite's were forbidden to set up altars, but they did just that in order to worship other gods. Jerusalem is actually on a hill and the reason it is referred to as a high place is because it had ceased to be the place where they worshiped only God. He is telling everyone that is found worshiping idols that destruction will come their way. Their idols will never prosper nor do them any good because what they got by one lust is laid in waste by another. God is addressing all of us today as well, He is trying to tell us that nothing we do will satisfy us because once we get what we want we get bored with it and want more. All the money or possessions in the world can not satisfy those whom seek only to please themselves.
700 years before Jesus was born, Micah was led to prophesy about it, “Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders. And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.” - Micah 5:1-7. Having showed how low the house of David would be brought, a prediction of the Messiah and his kingdom is added to encourage the faith of God's people. His existence from eternity as God, and his office as Mediator, are noticed. Here is foretold that Bethlehem should be his birthplace. As a descendant of King David, Joseph had to go to David's hometown of Bethlehem to register. In issuing his command from Rome, Caesar could only have thought of his own kingdom. However, he had no idea that God used the heathen emperor's authority to fulfill Micah's prophecy. The most significant statement of Micah's prophecy is, “Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting”. This proclaims the deity and eternal existence of the Redeemer who will be King, Jesus. He could not have been the Savior of mankind and suffer for the sins of the world if He had a sinful nature like everyone else. Because of this, Jesus the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary without a human father.
I have seen many people over the years, including myself, search endlessly for something to give meaning to their lives, yet never satisfied with anything once they get it. The truth is that No possession on earth can give meaning to our lives like Jesus Christ can, He gives our lives meaning and a purpose. When we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives, we no longer long for the things that we want, but long for the things God wants. This in turn not only helps us to prosper, it also helps us to keep our relationship with God in tact.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, so many of us live in a state of discontent when we find ourselves long for things of the world. It distorts our priorities and while it gives temporary thrills, it always leaves us with long term dissatisfaction within ourselves and our relationships. Lord, help us learn to place You above all material things for you promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us and that You will provide us all the desires of our hearts as we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, Your Son, who died to save us all and give us the most important and wonderful gift of eternal life, which no possession here on earth can compare. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and
God Bless You,
Christina
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Stop Complaining
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday September 10, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 33-36 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-10" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-10" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: Stop Complaining
If things are not going the way you planned, it's time to stop complaining, repent, and seek God for guidance. You can turn any situation around as long as you put your efforts, faith and trust in Him.
Both Jeremiah who was in Jerusalem and Ezekiel who was in Babylon continuously warned the Israelite's that Judah and Jerusalem would be destroyed if they did not turn from their wicked ways. Yet, the Israelite's who remained in Jerusalem disregarded their warnings and now the prophecies are coming to pass. God Said to Ezekiel, “Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.............So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” - Ezekiel 33:2-4,7-11. The watchman was Ezekiel and he was to sound the trumpet to warn those who were living in sin that judgment was coming so they could have one last chance to repent before they get destroyed. This was a command fro m God, He did not want to see His people destroyed, He wanted them to live. Today, we as Christian's are the watchman and we are to warn every one about Christ's return so they too have a chance to repent and turn from their wicked ways.
You would think that this would have gotten the Israelite's to drop to their knees and repent so they did not have to face judgment? However, they refused to repent and now their loved ones in Babylon are criticizing and complaining to God about their families and homeland being destroyed. Answering them, God said, “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.” - Ezekiel 33:15-20. What God is saying here is to everyone, including us Christian's, that everyone is responsible for their own actions, regardless of whether or not we are His chosen people. If we continue to live in sin and not repent we face judgment and death, just as the rest of the world, but if we repent and turn from our sin that sin will no longer be remembered and we will live, including those whom have lived wicked lives. God is no respector of persons, whether we are Christian's or not we will suffer if we do not repent. Although we can be an example to our loved ones, we can not be responsible for them, they must take responsibility for their own actions. God can save them too, but they must be willing to take that step, nothing we do for them can change their situation, they must be willing to make that effort themselves.
It is mind boggling to think that there are Christian's out there who think that they are above the law. Just because we have accepted Christ into our lives that does not mean that we are exempt from facing judgment if we continue to live in sin. Yes, we are saved from hell, but being a Christian is far more than just saying that I believe in Jesus as the Son of God who died for our sins. When one accepts Christ into their lives he/she is acknowledging that Jesus is his/her Savior and that he/she is ready to be reborn and new. Of course change does not happen all at once, but day by day those who accept Christ truthfully literally become a new person. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” - Romans 6:3-6.
It's time to stop complaining and start doing something about the situations that we either get ourselves into or have no control over, stop blaming God and take responsibility for your own actions. We may have some problems, but we can get through them, we just need to put God first and let Him guide us. Do you think He wants to see us suffering? No! God loves us all, but unless we endure some suffering we will never know how much He loves us. Remember what Jesus went through in order to save us. If that is not love for His people than I do not know what is. He wants everyone to have a good, prosperous life, the best life we can have and that goes for all of us, including the biggest sinner out there, but we must be willing to put our trust in Him to get us there.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, Your almighty power is balanced with Your tender compassion toward all of creation. It is because of Your abundant mercies that we are not consumed or utterly forsaken. You provide exceedingly more than the bare essentials for our earthly dwelling. Your abiding presence provides faithfulness, stability, and expectant hope for every challenge we face. Thank You for clothing us with dignity, providing us with salvation and for abiding with us day in and day out. In Jesus' Name...........Amen
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless You,
Christina
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God Is The Answer
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday September 09, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 29-32 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-9" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-9" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: God Is The Answer
Ignoring that God is in control does not escape the fact that each and every person or thing on this earth belongs to Him. The sooner we realize that the better off we will be. Ignorance is not the answer, God is.
Often nations strive off of the suffering of others, the smallest nation can become so large that it deems itself as indestructible and above God. At the time of the Exodus, Egypt had grown to be a magnificent world power and had become famous in commerce, art, literature, science, and military might. Egypt was a great nation that never seemed to grasp the fact that God is in control of even heathen nations. You would think that the ten plagues that forced the Egyptians, the Pharaoh, and his counselors to acknowledge that their own gods were powerless against the One True God would have caused them to reject their idols and worship the One True God of creation? However, they refused to hearken to God and Ezekiel foretold of the end of Egypt as a great nation. “Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt: Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself. But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales. And I will leave thee thrown into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven. And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. ” - Ezekiel 29:2-6. Nations can turn away from God all they want, but that does not change the fact that He is still in control and sooner or later He will make that fact known.
Although Egypt would no longer be a great powerful nation of the world, it would not be utterly destroyed as Babylon would be. “Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered: And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations. And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.” - Ezekiel 29:13-16. Still today, Egypt has never regained the status of a world empire. It remains as a witness to the supreme authority of God. As well as Egypt, God cause judgment upon Israel, Judah, Tyre, Sidon, Babylon, and many other nations proving to them that God is always in control and that “I am the Lord”. Incidentally, this phrase is mentioned 66 times in this book alone to point out the importance of obeying the Word of God.
There is nothing more self destructive than wanting to improve ourselves, God will give us everything that we desire, but we need to make sure that what we want lines up with God's Word or we will never get it or keep it for very long. The worldly carnal mind prides itself on it's skills, possessions, and wealth, disregarding the fact that it was received from God. Naturally, everything that we enjoy and possess should be used for God's purpose, but rarely is it even acknowledged that He gave them to us. Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21. God blesses us with temporary things here on earth to enjoy, but none of it needs to be taken to the grave with us so to speak. We can not take any of it with us and to tell you the truth no one is really happy with these things. Oh, they temporarily make us smile, but deep down we know something is missing. In fact the more we receive, the more we want because no one is ever satisfied with what they have at present. It took me a long to to recognize that fact, I spent years reaching for a certain title, person, or thing and every time I got what I wanted I always wanted more. I was never truly happy until I gave it all up and realized that God was in control, no matter how independent I am I know that I can not do anything without God, unless I want to see everything fall apart again. It is time that we all recognize the fact that we truly have nothing without God.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I know that contentment with godliness is of great benefit. It brings about a lasting peace and grateful heart that only You can give. Help me not to focus so much on the material possessions that I lose sight of that which is of vital importance. May the character of my soul and the fruit of my actions be of much greater importance than the treasure I seek here on earth. I look to You for proper balance in the things You have blessed me with and the attitude in which I receive these good things from Your hands. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless You,
Christina
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Rejoice Through Suffering
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Today is Tuesday September 08, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 25-28 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-8" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-8" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: Rejoice Through Suffering
There are two kinds of suffering, one is the suffering we have to deal with when we sin and the other is one that strengthens our relationship with God. We can rejoice through all our suffering, if we are willing to stick with God in the midst of it.
God gave the Israelite's plenty of warning to change their ways before their nations would be destroyed, but they refused to heed the warnings and are suffering because of it. God did not want to see His people destroyed, He does not want to see anyone destroyed. He in no way rejoiced at their pain, in fact, He was sorrowful of it. Through Ezekiel He told every nation that rejoiced over their suffering that they too will endure suffering. “Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them; And say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity; Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk. And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couching place for flocks: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel; Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.” - Ezekiel 25:2-7. It is wicked and sinful to be glad at the pain and suffering of anyone, especially one of God's people. He will be sure that He lets everyone know that He is the One and Only God who is LORD of all and no one is to rejoice over the pain and suffering of others, no matter how much suffering they seem deserve.
Many people who do not know God never understand His Word, oh they say they have read the Bible, but fail to understand what it truly means. I am talking about people who criticize every bit of it, only pick and choose what they want to believe, or claim that it was man made and contradicts itself. They question God, wondering why true Christian's prove God to be so loving when He allows death and destruction of His people. I ran into a man who was actually reading the book of Ezekiel and said that God was a nasty and cruel man. What all the so called Bible scholars, skeptics, and haters of God fail to realize is that He is in control and He is not about to let so called men and women of God continue to destroy and defile His name or any of His children's names for that matter. Yes, He could have prevented much of the pain, suffering, and famine that occurs in the world, but so could have we. We can not blame God for things that we do to ourselves. “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength............He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” - II Samuel 2:2-4,8-10. God made and loves each and every one of us, regardless of who follows Him or not. We are to always remain kind to those whom have treated us wrong and we should never stoop to their level. God will take care of everything for us. “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” - Proverbs 25:21,22.
Unfortunately, since we who are children of God live in an ungodly world we have to go through some of the same suffering as the wicked. However, we can rejoice through the suffering knowing that He is growing us and creating in us a stronger will toward Him. Although God allows one to suffer for a time, He knows what is best for us and a little bit of suffering is far better to overcome, knowing who God is, than to have everything this world has to offer and be ignorant of Him. Jesus suffered the worst pain and suffering that anyone should and could ever have to endure and He was a sinless man. Just before He was about to be betrayed by one of His disciples, Jesus said, “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:32,33. Just as God was with Jesus during His temporary suffering and helped Him overcome it, He is with us through all of ours. If Jesus can overcome death we certainly can overcome any suffering that we are faced with.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless You,
Christina
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Worldly Minded Christian's
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday September 06, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 20-21 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-6" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-6" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: Worldly Minded Christian's
Often we see the worldly-minded Christian express great joy over worldly achievements, but have little to say about spiritual victories or the importance of reading God's Word and knowing His will.
Realizing that Ezekiel was a true prophet from God, the elders came to Ezekiel for guidance and questions, it was during this time that God revealed why He caused and would not save them from the pain, suffering, and destruction of the House of Judah and House of Israel. “And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the LORD your God; In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands: Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt. ” - Ezekiel 20:5-8. It was out of pure rebellion, disregarding His Word, and falling into the corruption of the heathen nations that He let them suffer. Israel did not just volunteer to be God's people, they were chosen by Him personally. That alone should have been a blessing to them, but that fact never seemed to grasp their attention. God let it be known to them while they were in Egypt, that He was their God, and loved them. He showed that love by the miracles He performed in bringing them out of their captivity there, yet, they continued to rebel against Him.
Does all this sound a little too familiar about our nation today? God tells us over, and over, and over again to cast away the abominations that keep us from needless pain and suffering, yet we continue to follow false gods and defile ourselves. Many churches of today are formed by worldly minded Christian's, they are following traditions created by men, yet speak of them as if they were from God. All the modern bibles, the fancy buildings, the toys, and the statues are an abomination to God and used for nothing more than idolatry. God is giving us fair warning to get away from the false doctrine and corruption that these churches are teaching before it is too late. Jesus said, “For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.” - Mark 13:19-23. Jesus, who is God in the flesh, is giving us fair warning about many of the things that are coming to pass right now. We are being deceived and the sad thing is that we are buying into all this garbage.
People often wonder what the big deal is with reading the right Bible or going to the right church, the big deal is this, Jesus. Jesus is the big deal! Just because a church looks good on the outside, has hundreds or even thousands of members, and plays modern day music it does not mean that they are telling the truth about Jesus and that God is with them. God does not dwell in a house that does not teach His True Word! There are man made bibles that these churches use claiming to be God's Word, but leave out very important truths, like Jesus being the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin. That Salvation is a gift that can not be taken away. That acknowledge that hell exists, and even that the devil exists. If we do not know the truth and are not being taught the truth by those claiming to be men of God than we will never be prepared when the antichrist comes, who will deceive many into believing that he is the true Christ. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” - I John 4:1-6. We need to truly examine the church we attend and what we are being taught. Is it worldly minded or authored by God's Word?
I use to belong to a non-denominational church, they played music that really got you moving so by the time the preacher came out to speak one was already hyped up. He was very good at talking, rarely read a verse out of the Bible and when he did, used every version known to man. I had some questions, but then thought since it was a non-denominational church they were trying to get everyone to understand. We were not encouraged to read the Bible for ourselves so I rarely read it and when I did it was a modern day version. A year later God used my brother to get me and my family out of that church and into the church that we attend now. What I failed to realize that was that I was deceiving myself because what I was doing was feeding the flesh rather than the spirit. The music made me feel good and the preaching made me feel good, but once I left the church I was just as unhappy and confused as ever. Today, I go to an Independent Baptist church and the Preacher preaches straight from the King James Bible and does not sugar coat anything, yet every time I leave that church I learn something and no matter what struggles I face I am happy knowing that God truly is with me right now.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and week.
God Bless You,
Christina
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Always Accountable
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Today is Saturday September 05, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 17-19 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-5." title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-5." target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: Always Accountable
Just as obedience brings God's blessings, sin brings His judgment, no matter how many think they have escaped the consequences , they are always accountable for their actions.
It seems that many people think that if they accept Christ into their lives it makes them exempt from suffering the consequences of their continued sins. During the final days before the destruction of Jerusalem, the people of Judah endured much suffering before they were taken as slaves to Babylon. They were bitter with God and could not understand why they were suffering and why He was not protecting them. Through Ezekiel, God answers their questions, “What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” - Ezekiel 18:2-4. The House of Israel was putting the blame on everything that was happening to them on their forefathers, yet refused to justify their own actions. God is telling them that He is the creator and father of every living soul, even our children, and when a soul sins it dies. A soul is the core of a human being, without a soul we are dead, even though we may be alive physically, we are dead spiritually.
The House of Israel are the Christian nations of today and many are bitter and angry with God. They are putting the blame of everything that is happening to them on God, their father's, mother's, or others instead of taking responsibility for their own actions. God addresses this as well, “Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like, …...........As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity. Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” - Ezekiel 18:14,18-21. Often we see other Christian's living in sin and never seem to suffer, yet whenever we sin, we seem to have endless suffering and are left with the question of why. However, no sin goes unpunished, we are accountable for all our actions. Things one thinks he/she has gotten away with, even forgotten, somehow always resurface and he/she will end up suffering for them. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” - I Corinthians 6:9,10.
No one can escape the consequences of disobedience to the Word of God. God is the God of love, but He is also the God of perfect justice. The Israelite's suffered many horrible months of famine and pestilence before the city and Temple were destroyed. God said Himself that He does not want to see anyone die, but the truth is this, no one who lives a wicked life will live. “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. Yet ye say, The way of the LORD is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.” - Ezekiel 18:23-27. Genuine repentance, turning to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness of all sins, is a sincere desire to faithfully do His will according to His Word. God is pleading with us here. He is telling us that He finds no pleasure in destroying our souls, and causing us to die. He is begging us to turn form our sins, to repent and to seek His ways. God offers us all eternal life and all we have to do to receive it is to accept Jesus Christ. It's that simple. Regardless of what state of wickedness anyone has lived, God has stated in these verses they are all forgiven, every last one of them and all we have to do is repent of them in Jesus Name. Jesus Christ's blood paid the price, and there is nothing that you can do except take what has been offered to you and in return, God offers us, by His Word, eternal life.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, you know the longings of my heart. When I seek thrills and quick fixes to satisfy these needs I am eventually disappointed. Your supply of Living Water never runs dry and satisfies the inner desires of my heart because You are the only One who can meet my spiritual needs. Lord, as I come today dry and thirsty I look to You, for You satisfy the thirsty and fill the hungry with good things. In Jesus' Name........Amen.
God Bless You,
Christina
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Abide In The Vine
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Today is Friday September 04, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 14-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-4" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-4" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: Abide In The Vine
The grape vine was created for one purpose, to bear fruit. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, if we want to be fruitful we need to abide in the vine.
Although the Israelite's regularly offered sacrifices to God, they also worshiped the heathen idols of other nations. This caused the the House of Judah, to be brought into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, while the House of Israel had been scattered for several hundred years by the Assyrians. After seeing these things come to pass certain elders of Israel came to consult Ezekiel, as if they desired to know the will of God. Knowing what they were up to, God said, “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.” - Ezekiel 14:3-5. What God is saying here is that the House of Israel has set up all sorts of stumbling blocks between themselves and Him. For many years this ancient house of Israel carried on with many abominations. They were killing their children for sacrifices, worshiping golden calves that they had made, and they refused to go to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship as God had instructed them to do. They put up their own stumbling blocks and now they are seeking help from God, knowing that they have no intentions of changing their ways.
People who like to play religion must understand that we are entering a generation where the religion of the Antichrist is a religion of one on one. Satan, the Antichrist is going to give every person the answers they want to hear, and make whatever promises it takes to claim their obedience, and take their soul. Each person that sets up his own idols in his mind, puts a stumbling block between himself and God. This is an individual thing and is addressed to all the people of the House of Israel, which are the ten tribes that were scattered throughout the world and now call themselves Christian nations. “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” - II John 1:7-9.
To illustrate their one purpose as the people of God, God presented a parable to Ezekiel, “Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest? Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon? Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work? Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for any work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned? Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”- Ezekiel 15:2-6. What God is saying here is that those of the vine that are inhabiting Jerusalem will be like a vine amongst the trees of the forest. They are not much good for anything, not even to burn for heat, for there is no substance to them. Every Israelite knew that the grapevine was valued only for its fruit and was worthless for making anything useful or of lasting value. Ezekiel also spoke of the vine as representing Israel, who was chosen of God to let the world know there was only One True God, who would bless all who honored Him by keeping His Word. But the vine had failed to produce fruit, consequently, the only alternative was for it to be uprooted and cast into the fire.
Today, Christ is the vine and we are the branches, the fruit of the vine is the wine, which is symbolic of Christ's blood that was shed for us all. Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” - John 15:1-6. The time is coming shortly when another vine that claims to be the true vine comes, however he is an imposter. Men will think that this is the true vine, only they will be deceived. Those of God's elect are of the True Vine, which is of Christ, and there is great value to them, however many will attach themselves to this false vine, and we will see how God will get rid of the vines that are of no value to Him. Those that look to the Antichrist will end up cast into the fire and burned.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You taught us that You are the vine and we are the branches. If we abide in You we will bear much fruit. Fruitfulness in our lives is not automatic nor can it be purchased or inherited since You are the sole source of our fruitfulness. Help us to be healthy vines bearing much fruit so that we bring glory to You and also bear witness to the world that we are truly Your disciples. Remind us that although You purge us at times, it is to make us even more fruitful and all things work together for our own good and Your glory. In Jesus' Name...........Amen.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless You,
Christina
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Relight The Fire
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Today is Thursday September 3, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 10-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-3" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-3" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: Relight The Fire
Circumstances and day to day life can cause the Holy Spirit that dwells inside all believers to smolder and cause them to wonder if God is there. It's time to Relight the Fire knowing that God is always with us.
Before Jesus came, the only way anyone could get close to the presence of God was in the Temple, where He dwelt above the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant. “And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.” - Exodus 25:21,22. Even then, it was only the Levite's whom were able to get close to the Ark. “At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.” - Deuteronomy 10:8.
Ezekiel revealed in a vision the dispatching of seven men, one to spare the faithful minority and six to slay the idolatrous majority of Israelite's. “And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.” - Ezekiel 9:2. The one man, clothed in white linen marked the foreheads of all who remained faithful to the Lord. “Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight. Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD's glory.“ Ezekiel 10:1-4. These coals of fire, represent God's Word. We do not have to be a Bible scholar to recognize that the man in white linen represents Jesus Christ, He is the Word in the flesh who came to teach us the truth and mark the faithful. Incidentally, God's presence is in His Word, when we read it we receive energy from that fire. This is the Glory of God and it is from this fire that God comforts our hearts and gives us the strength and energy to go forth with His Word. It is from this fire that men and women of God will stand up and act like men and women of God, instead of the majority whom will never see the brightness of God's glory.
Ezekiel watched as God departed from the Mercy Seat and away from the Temple, brokenhearted, He went to the Mount of Olives slowly in hopes that His people would repent. “Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD's house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.” - Ezekiel 10:18,19. Looking out of the east gate is the Mount of Olives, this is the place where Jesus gave His sermon on the mount. This east gate is very important for it is here that the Antichrist will rule the world over his religious system, and it is also here that Jesus Christ will also rule His Millennium Kingdom for a thousand years before the judgment comes, and the devil and his followers fall into the lake of fire and are destroyed forever.
God then gave Ezekiel a prophecy that reached far into the future.” Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” - Ezekiel 11:16-20. God, did in fact create a little sanctuary for His faithful to abide in. That little sanctuary is known as the Temple of God and today we are the Temple of God. After Christ died on the cross, arose from the grave, and ascended to heaven, God in the form of the Holy Spirit came to dwell in all who believe in Christ.
Yes, we are the Temple of the Living God, that is all who accept the True Christ. That means that God dwells in all of us through the Holy Spirit. It may seem as though He is not there are times, but He is always with us. Often, what we need to do is relight that fire, that fire that desires to know more of God's Word, to know Him more personally, and that fire that reminds us that God is with us in all that we do. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” - I Corinthians 3:16-18. We need to pay attention to what we are doing because God is always with us and every time we go against His Word we are defiling not only the Temple that He gave us, but we are defiling Him.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, When we came to know You through the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we became apart of the elect few that get to join You in heaven while Jesus restores things to the way that You intended them to be. Lord, You promised that You will never leave us and that promise is fulfilled through the Holy Spirit who dwells in every believer. Lord, help us to be reminded that we are Your Temple and that all we do needs to be done with regards to this fact. Also, Lord there may be some who read this who do not know You personally, work in their hearts and help them see that they too can enjoy the same blessings that we do. In Jesus Name........Amen.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of the week.
God Bless You,
Christina
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Worship Only Him
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Today is Wednesday September 02, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 5-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-2" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-2" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: Worship Only Him
It is possible to call ourselves Christians, believe in the fundamental doctrines, attend religious services, and go through the motions of worship because we feel it is our religious duty and, yet, never truly worship only Him.
Many people fear reading the book of Ezekiel because of all the references to the end of the world, but we do not have to fear what is to come when we know Christ. It is amazing that this book was written between 595 B.C. and 574 B.C, yet it is a picture of what is happening right now. The fact is that God is warning all Christian nations that He is fed up with the wickedness from people that are supposed to be God nations. Through Ezekiel, God is speaking to all nations who claim to know God, yet are more wicked than heathen nations, this includes America. “And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair. Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them. Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. Then take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; for thereof shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel. Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her. And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.” - Ezekiel 5:1-6. The divided hairs are referring to God's judgment upon the nations, God will consume one third by fire, one third by the sword, and one third will be scattered in the wind, meaning that they will be taken by spirits of false doctrine.
The few hairs that God tells Ezekiel to bind in his skirts is referring to the few people amongst the wicked that will be saved from God's wrath. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” - Matthew 7:13,14. There has always been a small number of people that understood God's word and refused to follow Satan's systems of the world. We are considered a Christian nation, yet we sit back and justify in our minds all sorts of evil acts, and tell ourselves that God would condone them, when God's word tells us just the opposite. Things like homosexuality, abortion, and evolution are being justified even in the churches. Our government, schools, churches and even families of those calling themselves Christian are mocking God and they wonder why He is so angry.
There is a time for God's anger and His fury; yet when it is all over with, He will be comforted. “Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken it in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them. Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.” - Ezekiel 5:13,14. God is a jealous God. God has given his word and promises in jealousy, and what He has spoken will come to pass exactly as God has given us in the Scriptures. This does not mean that God is jealous of you, this means that He is intolerant of your disloyalty to Him for other people and things. God said. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” - Exodus 20:3-6. Think about it. If a spouse or loved one began doing things or hanging around people during times when he/she is to be spending time with you wouldn't you get jealous? Any time we put other people, things, careers, and hobbies before God we are serving other gods. It is time to truly examine ourselves, are we truly worshiping God or going with the motions. Remember, God sees and knows everything, including the heart so if we are not giving Him our heart fully then we will suffer for it.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, we confess that we are weak and fearful people apart from Your Holy Spirit that makes us valiant and strong as we stand up for Your righteousness. The conflicting philosophies, the indulgent sinful behaviors of humanity, the worship of creatures rather than our Creator, and the false religions that abound require us to be equipped daily in Your spiritual armor. Our struggle is not physical, but spiritual in nature as the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms battle for our souls. This conflict will not end until we unite with You in heaven, so keep us vigilant and trusting as we do battle with our enemy. You are the captain of our army and we will be victorious as we follow Your every command. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.
God Bless You,
Christina
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God Is In Control
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday September 01, 2009 and we will be beginning our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-1.php" title="http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-1.php" target="_blank"http://www.readytofollow.com/...
Today's Message: God Is In Control
We may not have all the answers or understand many of the things that are going on in the world today, but as Christian's we need not fear what is to come because God is in control and He will take care of us.
The book of Ezekiel is the twenty-sixth book of the Old Testament/Bible and it contains forty-eight chapters. The author of the book is Ezekiel and it was written to the people of Judah. The purpose of the book was to warn them of the coming captivity, then prophesied to the captives after it occurred. What we are to learn from the book is that God orders historical events so that the nations will know He is God. The book of Ezekiel is a complete covering of what will happen to the children of God, in both the House of Judah, the Jews of today; and the House of Israel, the Christian nations scattered around the earth today.
As a captive of the most powerful nation on earth, Ezekiel was forced to live far from the promised land. “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.” - Ezekiel 1:1-5.
Ezekiel's opening vision is one of the most remarkable in the Bible and reveals that behind all the events which take place on earth is the administration of the supernatural power of God. “As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.” - Ezekiel 1:10-13. Each creature had the face of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. The lion is the ruler of the animal kingdom and symbolizes majesty; the ox was the most valuable domesticated animal and represents submission and strength; the eagle is admired above all other birds because of its superior ability to rise into the heavens, above its enemies; and man, created in the image of God, illustrates unrivaled in intellectual ability. As one, these four were prepared at all times to instantly obey the will of God and go in any direction. Ezekiel beholds the throne of God, who is in control of the affairs of all human government throughout the world.
Our greatest concern in reading the Book of Ezekiel is not to be disturbed over what we cannot understand. God will give us understanding of His Word in direct proportion to our submission to the Holy Spirit whom will help us know what all these things mean. God reveals things a little at a time for us so we can let it all sink in. Our eyes can become so preoccupied with the staggering powers of evil that we lose sight of the glory-flashing throne of God. We also lose sense of the divine sovereignty of God and the destiny of His Church. But, Ezekiel's vision reveals that nothing is beyond the immense power of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” - Hebrews 4:12,13. World leaders have staggering powers and weapons that make the international situation fearfully disturbing. To be fearful or discouraged would be to lack faith that God is in control, He will protect and direct the lives of anyone who yields to the His will in every situation.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, we want to grow in the grace and knowledge imparted to us through the teachings of Jesus and Your faithful servants as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. We know this involves much more than simply reading the Scriptures; it includes meditating and memorizing principles and portions of the inspired text. It includes saying “no to ungodliness and worldly passions and living self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” As our world continues the slide into decadence and self-indulgence, it means that we, with great intention, set our heart’s desires on that which is pure and holy so that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless You,
Christina
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