Today's Reading
It's hard to trust God when I am steeped in the world. Today's two chapters reminded me of that. The unfaithfulness described in Chapter 16 is the seedbed of the unbelief in Chapter 17. It's the same in my life. My level of faith is either fed or destroyed by my level of faithfulness.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
August 30, Day 242
Today's Reading
God continued to drive home to Ezekiel the depth of sin among God's people. Prophets were whitewashing the sins, leaders were keeping secret sins and it was so bad that God proclaimed the inability of righteous men to pray it away. If Noah, Daniel and Job couldn't save them through intercession, who could?
God continued to drive home to Ezekiel the depth of sin among God's people. Prophets were whitewashing the sins, leaders were keeping secret sins and it was so bad that God proclaimed the inability of righteous men to pray it away. If Noah, Daniel and Job couldn't save them through intercession, who could?
Monday, August 29, 2011
August 29, Day 241
Today's Reading
It is utterly amazing what took place in today's reading. Ezekiel was far away in Babylon, but the Babylonian army was besieging Jerusalem. God showed Ezekiel that Judah's King Zedekiah would escape through city walls under cover of darkness, which is exactly what he did. Then Zedekiah would be captured and taken to Babylon, which he was. But Zedekiah wouldn't see Babylon, which he didn't because they put his eyes out after they captured him. Just before they put his eyes out, they killed his sons in front of him so the last memory of sight he would have the rest of his life was the slaughter of his sons. God showed it all to Ezekiel hundreds of miles away. Amazing!
It is utterly amazing what took place in today's reading. Ezekiel was far away in Babylon, but the Babylonian army was besieging Jerusalem. God showed Ezekiel that Judah's King Zedekiah would escape through city walls under cover of darkness, which is exactly what he did. Then Zedekiah would be captured and taken to Babylon, which he was. But Zedekiah wouldn't see Babylon, which he didn't because they put his eyes out after they captured him. Just before they put his eyes out, they killed his sons in front of him so the last memory of sight he would have the rest of his life was the slaughter of his sons. God showed it all to Ezekiel hundreds of miles away. Amazing!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
August 28, Day 240
Today's Reading
Ezekiel was a contemporary of Isaiah and Jeremiah. In today's passage, he was given a vivid description of God's judgment upon Jerusalem. One third would die in the city during the siege. One third would die outside the walls of the city. One third would be scattered about the earth. Then God showed him some of the detestable sins that were bringing them down. What would it do to us if God opened our eyes to see some of the sins hidden behind closed doors in our nation?
Ezekiel was a contemporary of Isaiah and Jeremiah. In today's passage, he was given a vivid description of God's judgment upon Jerusalem. One third would die in the city during the siege. One third would die outside the walls of the city. One third would be scattered about the earth. Then God showed him some of the detestable sins that were bringing them down. What would it do to us if God opened our eyes to see some of the sins hidden behind closed doors in our nation?
Saturday, August 27, 2011
August 27, Day 239
Today's Reading
We enter the prophecy given to Ezekiel. Some prophets were like Jeremiah, speaking from the hot zone of Jerusalem while God was carrying out His judgment upon His people. Ezekiel was from the northern kingdom of Israel and was among previous exiles to Babylon. It is amazing what God showed him about what was going on in Jerusalem and what was coming soon after.
I am requiring you to bear Israel's sins for 390 days—one day for each year of their sin. After that, turn over and lie on your right side for 40 days—one day for each year of Judah's sin. (Ezekiel 4:5, 6 NLT) Having read that, can we really believe that God takes sin lightly? I shudder to think about how lightly we take it!
We enter the prophecy given to Ezekiel. Some prophets were like Jeremiah, speaking from the hot zone of Jerusalem while God was carrying out His judgment upon His people. Ezekiel was from the northern kingdom of Israel and was among previous exiles to Babylon. It is amazing what God showed him about what was going on in Jerusalem and what was coming soon after.
I am requiring you to bear Israel's sins for 390 days—one day for each year of their sin. After that, turn over and lie on your right side for 40 days—one day for each year of Judah's sin. (Ezekiel 4:5, 6 NLT) Having read that, can we really believe that God takes sin lightly? I shudder to think about how lightly we take it!
Friday, August 26, 2011
August 26, Day 238
22 The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT) Sometimes, Scriptures verses are like a soaking rain in the midst of a long drought. My prayer is that we will become known as people whose only hope is in Him!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
August 25, Day 237
Today's Reading
Reading Lamentations today reminded me of the current news from Somalia and some other parts of the world. No wonder Jeremiah was writing a lament!
Reading Lamentations today reminded me of the current news from Somalia and some other parts of the world. No wonder Jeremiah was writing a lament!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August 24, Day 236
Today's Reading
We leave the book of Jeremiah. Israel and Judah captives, their land in shambles. We know from his prophecies that Judah will be captives for 70 years. Then a remnant will return. There's always hope!
We leave the book of Jeremiah. Israel and Judah captives, their land in shambles. We know from his prophecies that Judah will be captives for 70 years. Then a remnant will return. There's always hope!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
August 23, Day 235
Today's Reading
Announcements of pending judgment continue. Two observations. First, it's never good to side against Israel...never. Second, if you read Jeremiah 50 with a little imagination, you can almost see the armies of the world roll over Babylon (Iraq) just a few years ago.
Announcements of pending judgment continue. Two observations. First, it's never good to side against Israel...never. Second, if you read Jeremiah 50 with a little imagination, you can almost see the armies of the world roll over Babylon (Iraq) just a few years ago.
Monday, August 22, 2011
August 22, Day 234
Today's Reading
God gave Jeremiah messages of judgment for Egypt, Philistia and Moab. He will judge all nations, including ours.
God gave Jeremiah messages of judgment for Egypt, Philistia and Moab. He will judge all nations, including ours.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
August 21, Day 233
Today's Reading
I am always amazed at this part of Jeremiah. "Jeremiah, tell us what God wants us to do and we'll do it, no matter what it is."
"Stay in Judah. Don't flee to Egypt. You'll fall under God's judgment if you go to Egypt." (Remember, Egypt symbolizes the world system in Scripture.)
"We won't do that! We MUST go to Egypt! They are the only ones who can help us. We don't CARE that we're sacrificing to other gods!" (Scary, huh!)
The message to Baruch (Jeremiah's scribe) in Chapter 45 is potent: Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord , have spoken!'" (Jeremiah 45:5 NLT) I have made the mistake of seeking great things for myself. It's worthless!
I am always amazed at this part of Jeremiah. "Jeremiah, tell us what God wants us to do and we'll do it, no matter what it is."
"Stay in Judah. Don't flee to Egypt. You'll fall under God's judgment if you go to Egypt." (Remember, Egypt symbolizes the world system in Scripture.)
"We won't do that! We MUST go to Egypt! They are the only ones who can help us. We don't CARE that we're sacrificing to other gods!" (Scary, huh!)
The message to Baruch (Jeremiah's scribe) in Chapter 45 is potent: Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord , have spoken!'" (Jeremiah 45:5 NLT) I have made the mistake of seeking great things for myself. It's worthless!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
August 20, Day 232
Today's Reading
I have love Habakkuk for years today was like a feast on many delicacies. It's hard to imagine one little book that is so oft quoted. The opening captured me...
How long, O Lord , must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
"Violence is everywhere!" I cry,
but you do not come to save.
Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look,
I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people
who love to argue and fight.
The law has become paralyzed,
and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous,
so that justice has become perverted. (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT) What an apt description of our time and our land.
Read this little book carefully. Ask God to speak to you through it. Get to the end with the declaration..."yet I will rejoice in the Lord!" God has called us to such a time as this!
I have love Habakkuk for years today was like a feast on many delicacies. It's hard to imagine one little book that is so oft quoted. The opening captured me...
How long, O Lord , must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
"Violence is everywhere!" I cry,
but you do not come to save.
Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look,
I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people
who love to argue and fight.
The law has become paralyzed,
and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous,
so that justice has become perverted. (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT) What an apt description of our time and our land.
Read this little book carefully. Ask God to speak to you through it. Get to the end with the declaration..."yet I will rejoice in the Lord!" God has called us to such a time as this!
Friday, August 19, 2011
August 19, Day 231
Today's Reading
In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia,s the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah.s He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:
"This is what King Cyrus of Persia says:
"The Lord , the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any of you who are the Lord 's people may go there for this task. And may the Lord your God be with you!" (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23 NLT)
Those of you who have studied Zechariah with us this summer at Stone Ridge will perhaps recognize that this fulfillment of prophecy and proclamation by Cyrus is the event that triggers the events in Ezra, Nehemiah and Zechariah. The remnant went home and built the Temple and the walls around Jerusalem.
In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia,s the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah.s He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:
"This is what King Cyrus of Persia says:
"The Lord , the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any of you who are the Lord 's people may go there for this task. And may the Lord your God be with you!" (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23 NLT)
Those of you who have studied Zechariah with us this summer at Stone Ridge will perhaps recognize that this fulfillment of prophecy and proclamation by Cyrus is the event that triggers the events in Ezra, Nehemiah and Zechariah. The remnant went home and built the Temple and the walls around Jerusalem.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
August 18, Day 230
Today's Reading
Can you imagine the chaos that was described in today's reading? Some people willingly left to Babylon; others were dragged away. Some waited until "the coast was clear" and sneaked back in to Judah. Jeremiah was given a choice of where to live and he chose to stay with the misery of those left in the devastated land rather than having all his needs met in Babylon. We have all seen images of looting after a huge storm or something else that drives people from the city. Chaos. That's what happened in those days in Israel.
Can you imagine the chaos that was described in today's reading? Some people willingly left to Babylon; others were dragged away. Some waited until "the coast was clear" and sneaked back in to Judah. Jeremiah was given a choice of where to live and he chose to stay with the misery of those left in the devastated land rather than having all his needs met in Babylon. We have all seen images of looting after a huge storm or something else that drives people from the city. Chaos. That's what happened in those days in Israel.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 17, Day 229
Today's Reading
Something about the imagery of a ruler who is sent the Word of God (Jeremiah's scroll), but who burns it as it is read, just grips me this morning. O God, give us leaders who have hearts for You!
Jeremiah's calling was difficult, to say the least. He was faithful and faced trials at every turn. What a man he was to stay faithful to God in the midst of peril and pain.
Something about the imagery of a ruler who is sent the Word of God (Jeremiah's scroll), but who burns it as it is read, just grips me this morning. O God, give us leaders who have hearts for You!
Jeremiah's calling was difficult, to say the least. He was faithful and faced trials at every turn. What a man he was to stay faithful to God in the midst of peril and pain.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
August 16, Day 228
Today's Reading
"O Sovereign Lord ! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation's sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the Lord of Heaven's Armies. You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve. You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt—things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day. (Jeremiah 32:17-20 NLT)
His name is famous! Let's celebrate Him today!
"O Sovereign Lord ! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation's sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the Lord of Heaven's Armies. You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve. You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt—things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day. (Jeremiah 32:17-20 NLT)
His name is famous! Let's celebrate Him today!
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 15, Day 227
Today's Reading
I was moved today by these simple, beautiful words...The young women will dance for joy,
and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration.
I will turn their mourning into joy.
I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. (Jeremiah 31:13 NLT)
Someone recently described this world as a campsite where we stay until we go home. How appropriate!
I was moved today by these simple, beautiful words...The young women will dance for joy,
and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration.
I will turn their mourning into joy.
I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. (Jeremiah 31:13 NLT)
Someone recently described this world as a campsite where we stay until we go home. How appropriate!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
August 14, Day 226
Today's Reading
And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7 NLT) I am always challenged by that verse. As a kid in a church program for boys, I learned a song which said, "I am a stranger here within a foreign land; my home is far away upon a golden strand..." While here, we are to work together to show the love of God to this broken land. It's what Jesus did.
And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7 NLT) I am always challenged by that verse. As a kid in a church program for boys, I learned a song which said, "I am a stranger here within a foreign land; my home is far away upon a golden strand..." While here, we are to work together to show the love of God to this broken land. It's what Jesus did.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
August 13, Day 225
Today's Reading
But stop using this phrase, `prophecy from the Lord .' For people are using it to give authority to their own ideas, turning upside down the words of our God, the living God, the Lord of Heaven's Armies. (Jeremiah 23:36 NLT) The older I get, the more respect I have for that command.
Over the summer, Stone Ridge Church has been studying Zechariah, who prophesied after God's people returned from 70 years of captivity. Jeremiah (Chapter 25) prophesied exactly that number of years before it came about.
Stern warnings today from a prophet who lived in perilous times. You and I have been called to live in such times, too, I think.
But stop using this phrase, `prophecy from the Lord .' For people are using it to give authority to their own ideas, turning upside down the words of our God, the living God, the Lord of Heaven's Armies. (Jeremiah 23:36 NLT) The older I get, the more respect I have for that command.
Over the summer, Stone Ridge Church has been studying Zechariah, who prophesied after God's people returned from 70 years of captivity. Jeremiah (Chapter 25) prophesied exactly that number of years before it came about.
Stern warnings today from a prophet who lived in perilous times. You and I have been called to live in such times, too, I think.
Friday, August 12, 2011
August 12, Day 224
Today's Reading
"People from many nations will pass by the ruins of this city and say to one another, `Why did the Lord destroy such a great city?' And the answer will be, `Because they violated their covenant with the Lord their God by worshiping other gods.'" (Jeremiah 22:8, 9 NLT) Right after those verse, God went on to describe through Jeremiah that one of the great sins was how the rich king had no problem trampling on the poor as he built his lavish palace. What an apt warning for us in this rich nation!
"People from many nations will pass by the ruins of this city and say to one another, `Why did the Lord destroy such a great city?' And the answer will be, `Because they violated their covenant with the Lord their God by worshiping other gods.'" (Jeremiah 22:8, 9 NLT) Right after those verse, God went on to describe through Jeremiah that one of the great sins was how the rich king had no problem trampling on the poor as he built his lavish palace. What an apt warning for us in this rich nation!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
August 11, Day 223
Today's Reading
"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7, 8 NLT)
After the recent bad news about the economy, this is a perfect time to reflect on the above passage. Jeremiah's life and ministry were during an era of significant difficulty. He had to live this one out. We are called to do the same.
"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7, 8 NLT)
After the recent bad news about the economy, this is a perfect time to reflect on the above passage. Jeremiah's life and ministry were during an era of significant difficulty. He had to live this one out. We are called to do the same.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 10, Day 222
Today's Reading
Can an Ethiopians change the color of his skin?
Can a leopard take away its spots?
Neither can you start doing good,
for you have always done evil. (Jeremiah 13:23 NLT)
What a statement of truth in the face of those who think they can make themselves good enough to merit God's forgiveness. We can't make ourselves good. The closest we can get is akin to turning our lives into something like the idols they carved back then. We may look "alive" but we are still spiritually lifeless until God gives us new birth.
Can an Ethiopians change the color of his skin?
Can a leopard take away its spots?
Neither can you start doing good,
for you have always done evil. (Jeremiah 13:23 NLT)
What a statement of truth in the face of those who think they can make themselves good enough to merit God's forgiveness. We can't make ourselves good. The closest we can get is akin to turning our lives into something like the idols they carved back then. We may look "alive" but we are still spiritually lifeless until God gives us new birth.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
August 9, Day 221
Today's Reading
Don't you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the Lord , have spoken! (Jeremiah 7:11 NLT) Sound familiar? When God used these words, He was speaking about the place thieves go to hide as they keep doing their evil. Is it possible that churches become dens of thieves where people with hard hearts gather to make friends with others just like them? God, forgive us!
Don't you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the Lord , have spoken! (Jeremiah 7:11 NLT) Sound familiar? When God used these words, He was speaking about the place thieves go to hide as they keep doing their evil. Is it possible that churches become dens of thieves where people with hard hearts gather to make friends with others just like them? God, forgive us!
Monday, August 8, 2011
August 8, Day 220
Today's Reading
Yesterday I was thinking about Jeremiah 4:3, "Plow up the hard ground of your hearts." We were traveling across western New Mexico and eastern Arizona, returning from a family reunion in the mountains. Friends had traveled with us and the husband questioned why part of the meadow next to the road was green; another patch was brown. Since he was driving, I took a moment and studied the area. It had rained on both the green grass and the brown patch. It hit me that the brown area was probably over a rocky surface barely covered with soil. The water washed right off that surface without penetrating the hardness beneath.
Immediately my mind ran to this verse in Jeremiah. The Lord can be present and working among people in the same town, the same church or even the same home. But, while one person is spiritually flourishing, another is hard and barren. That means it's time to do some heaving repenting and seek God for help in breaking up the hard ground!
Yesterday I was thinking about Jeremiah 4:3, "Plow up the hard ground of your hearts." We were traveling across western New Mexico and eastern Arizona, returning from a family reunion in the mountains. Friends had traveled with us and the husband questioned why part of the meadow next to the road was green; another patch was brown. Since he was driving, I took a moment and studied the area. It had rained on both the green grass and the brown patch. It hit me that the brown area was probably over a rocky surface barely covered with soil. The water washed right off that surface without penetrating the hardness beneath.
Immediately my mind ran to this verse in Jeremiah. The Lord can be present and working among people in the same town, the same church or even the same home. But, while one person is spiritually flourishing, another is hard and barren. That means it's time to do some heaving repenting and seek God for help in breaking up the hard ground!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
August 7, Day 219
Today's Reading
Jeremiah was known as "the weeping prophet" because of his cries to and for his sinful nation. He also is given some of the most visual word pictures to help the people understand how far from God they were. "For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! (Jeremiah 2:13 NLT)
Jeremiah was known as "the weeping prophet" because of his cries to and for his sinful nation. He also is given some of the most visual word pictures to help the people understand how far from God they were. "For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! (Jeremiah 2:13 NLT)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
August 6, Day 218
Today's Reading
Zephaniah received his prophetic message during the days of King Josiah. It was a time of revival for the nation as Josiah sought the Lord and cleaned out the pagan worship that had overrun them. Zephaniah's prophecy was about coming judgment on God's enemies and rescue of those who humbly seek Him. It's a good message for you and me.
Zephaniah received his prophetic message during the days of King Josiah. It was a time of revival for the nation as Josiah sought the Lord and cleaned out the pagan worship that had overrun them. Zephaniah's prophecy was about coming judgment on God's enemies and rescue of those who humbly seek Him. It's a good message for you and me.
Friday, August 5, 2011
August 5, Day 217
Today's Reading
Josiah, unlike so many of the kings, was fully devoted to the Lord. Joash, the previous "boy king" was devoted only as long as the High Priest held him to it. Josiah was far more devoted that many of the religious leaders around him.
As you read today about the various altars and idols Josiah had destroyed, consider just how pagan God's people had become. It's sobering when you consider our own nation and many who call the name of Christ, but are far from Him. May God break our hearts and bring us to repentance!
Josiah, unlike so many of the kings, was fully devoted to the Lord. Joash, the previous "boy king" was devoted only as long as the High Priest held him to it. Josiah was far more devoted that many of the religious leaders around him.
As you read today about the various altars and idols Josiah had destroyed, consider just how pagan God's people had become. It's sobering when you consider our own nation and many who call the name of Christ, but are far from Him. May God break our hearts and bring us to repentance!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
August 4, Day 216
Many years earlier, Jonah had preached the judgment of God to the people of Nineveh. They repented and God spared the city. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, one of the world powers that conquered Israel at one time. Now, God calls Nahum to speak out a message of His strong judgment and the demise of the city and the nation.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August 3, Day 215
Today we read some of the additional details about Hezekiah and his son Manasseh that we mentioned yesterday. 2 Chronicles gives a more comprehensive look at what happened to them.
I am fascinated by 2 Chronicles 32:31, which says, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." (NLT) It's easy for some people to serve God when they are awash with blessings. Take away those blessings and their commitment goes away, also. O, how I want to be faithful to God in good times and bad!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
August 2, Day 214
For some reason, the historians who gave us today's passage in 2 Kings provided much less detail about Hezekiah and Manasseh than we received in 2 Chronicles (some of which we will read tomorrow). Manasseh ended up repenting and turning back to God; we just don't read about it in thoday's chapters.
Monday, August 1, 2011
August 1, Day 213
Isaiah's long prophecies come to an end with a look forward to the judgment of God which will be followed by His forever kingdom. What a stark contrast between those who rebel against Him and those who love Him and long for Him.
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