Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 33 & 34
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A watchman on the wall. This metaphor to the spiritual leaders who are called to speak the truth is just as needed today as it was back in Ezekiel’s time. A watchman was placed on the city wall to look out for invaders. If he saw devastation coming and did not warn the people, he would be held responsible for their deaths. Today we have spiritual leaders, pastors, who are accountable to warn people about God’s truth. If they are uncommitted or rebellious against God, and do not warn the people, they will be held accountable for the people’s spiritual destruction. Sadly, there are many who fit that description.
Ezekiel was God’s watchman to the nation and he was to faithfully continue to warn the people to turn from sin and accept God’s salvation. Sadly, today, many pastors are not warning, but they are changing God’s truth to make it more acceptable and be more popular. Jesus never worried about popularity, and, neither should spiritual leaders today. Serving the Lord is not a popularity contest.
Another important point: God takes no pleasure in the death of wicked people. He does not delight in bringing judgment on rebellious people. His righteousness requires it. He desires that everyone to turn to Him for salvation. God judges everyone fairly. So, it is imperative that people repent.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The people were listening to Ezekiel, but they were ignoring him. They refused to change their hearts, attitudes and lifestyles. They were living far from the Lord. It seemed that they were more interested in entertainment and were not living for the Lord. Today we see drifting in churches, and times of worship to God do not seem to be holy before God. A greater emphasis is put on performance or entertainment. Who has the best musicians and lights? These things in and of themselves do not truly honor God and his Word. We must not only go through a form, but we must really serve and worship God.
Ezekiel prophesied against the spiritual leaders of Israel. They failed to direct God’s people in the right way because of greed, corruption and selfishness. They used their positions for personal gain rather than leading the people to God. God held them responsible for Judah’s problems and He judged them harshly. Those who are faithful spiritual shepherds truly care for the people. God will bring blessings on them. They search for people and bring them to the Lord. Having spent my life in ministry, I understand this issue and see the importance of telling the truth to people, even when they don’t want to hear it. I also understand the pressure to compromise to make people happy. Compromise is not an option.
3. How can I help someone?
Because of Jesus, we have a covenant of peace. He will restore the peace and perfection that described life before sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden. We have His peace in our hearts when we serve Him and have the promise of eternal peace in our eternal home that He is preparing for all who love Him.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 31 & 32
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
In reading this large section of chapters about the downfall of nations, there is a constant reminder of the importance of obedience to God. I find myself writing about this over and over. The conclusion I draw is that obedience is vitally important to God. Since God is the same every day throughout eternity, these warnings are just as important today. God spoke of Egypt’s pride and arrogance, because it set itself so high above the others, it was judged. It deserved destruction because of its wickedness. Modern nations had better wake up, or the same fate awaits them.
A very interesting message to Pharaoh, king of Egypt. From chapter 32 (NLT) “You think of yourself as a strong young lion among the nations, but you are really just a sea monster, heaving around in your own rivers, stirring up mud with your feet. Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will send many people to catch you in my net and haul you out of the water. I will leave you stranded on the land to die. All the birds of the heavens will land on you, and the wild animals of the whole earth will gorge themselves on you.” Pharaoh thought no one could touch him, but all it took was a word from the Lord. Enough said.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What can we apply to life? What can we learn? The fate of many of these proud people was not what they expected. They have a resting place among the slaughtered. They terrorized nations. They ended up in shame with others in the pit, all of them outcasts. Ezekiel compared the glory days of Egypt and Assyria. But they fell. Once major world powers, they were destroyed. They were destroyed because of their wickedness. God’s judgments do not happen by chance. They are a direct result of the iniquity done by people. One day God will judge those who reject Jesus as Lord. Everyone will one day have to answer to God. We all have to follow God’s direction in the Bible for face the consequences.
3. How can I help someone?
How strong are you, really? How independent are you? I think of what God said to Job in a time of Job’s boasting. Where were you when I formed the world? That is a good question for all to ask of themselves. We are all dependent on God. We must all submit to Him and receive the blessings of life and eternity He has promised.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 29 & 30
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God has a purpose for all of His actions. As this writing continues, talking to various nations that had rejected God, we come to His judgement against Egypt. Here we find seven prophecies of judgment against Egypt. It was a world power that had rejected God and worshiped many gods and proudly boasted of its strength. Again, we see the issue of pride. So God said that he would bring an army against Egypt and destroy everything, people and animals. Egypt will become a desolate wasteland. Sadly, there are times when God has to use a divine sledge hammer to get the attention of stubborn people. God said that then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.
Again we see God declaring Himself the enemy of a nation. He promised to make the land of Egypt a totally desolate wasteland. For forty years no one would pass that way, it would be completely uninhabited. Then, after forty years the Egyptians would be home again from the nations to which they had been scattered. But Egypt would remain an unimportant, minor kingdom, the lowliest of all the nations, never again great enough to rise above its neighbors. An interesting thought and purpose was that Israel would quit being tempted to trust in Egypt for help.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The people, the nations, the organizations that seem so important and powerful can quickly be gone. I have seen many famous names disappear during my lifetime. All it takes is the word from the Lord and they are gone. Anyone who doesn’t put their trust in God will some day see how weak they really are. Nations that at one time were great have vanished from the face of the earth. Civilizations have disappeared. So, what does this say? We only have life and vitality from God. He will bless the faithful and obedient and judge the wicked and rebellious. Wow, that’s a powerful lesson.
3. How can I help someone?
How did you get to where you are in life? How have you made so many great accomplishments? Where did you get your talents and abilities? For the answer to these questions, I am reminded of James 1:17 (NKJV)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 27 & 28
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A funeral song. This was a message of finality and judgement for Tyre, that had been a mighty gateway to the sea and a trading center of the world. God sent this message because they boasted of their perfection. They thought they were the best. Throughout this passage we see their pride. But, judgement was coming. They would be wrecked in the heart of the sea! Everything will be lost, their riches and wares, sailors and pilots, ship builders, merchants, and warriors. It will all be gone. They will cry aloud and weep bitterly. They will be a wrecked ship, broken at the bottom of the sea. All their merchandise and crew will be gone.
God spoke to the leader of Tyre. In his great pride he claimed to be a god. But God reminded him that he was only a man and not a god, even though he boasted that he was a god. It is true that he had amassed great wealth, gold and silver for the treasuries. His riches made him very proud. So, God told him that foreign armies would come against him and bring him down to the pit. His boasts will then do him no good. His death was sure. God judges the proud. Pride is one of Satan’s biggest faults and he uses it to bring down many people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As I read this passage, I am reminded of the importance of a proper attitude towards pride. Pride, wisdom and accomplishments were the downfall of Tyre. Corruption came to them. So, God threw them down to the ground and exposed their sin and dishonest trade. They were consumed. God said to another group, the people of Sidon, that He was their enemy. That is scary, the thought of being God’s enemy. God said he would reveal His glory by what He did to them. He brought judgment and revealed His holiness among them. It is vital to not let pride get in the way of serving the Lord and keeping Him in control and giving Him honor and obedience.
3. How can I help someone?
With all this emphasis on pride in this passage, I am reminded of the inimitable words of my mother. If someone was acting in a prideful way, she would say, “S.P.S.” It means Self Praise Stinks. That’s some really good advice.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 25 & 26
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
There has been a battle by the forces of evil to destroy God and His plans for a long time. We see here evidence that God is well-aware of this battle and is more powerful than any enemy who tries to take Him on. He will win. God spoke through Ezekiel to prophesy against nations who were hostile to God’s commands and His people. All nations and people are accountable to God for their actions. Human power and government will never destroy God’s plan of salvation. God will judge all evil. He told what He was going to do and He did it. He destroyed wicked nations.
Ezekiel prophesied against Moab because they believed that Israel’s God was no greater than the “gods” of other nations. We see this attitude expressed today. We hear that all religions are the same, and that truth is what you make it. Today, when Christians say Jesus is the only way to God, they are called ignorant and narrow-minded.
God’s judgement came because people clapped and danced and cheered at the destruction of His people. He promised to cut them off from being a nation and destroy them completely.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When I think of how people live their lives, I see many who, through their lifestyles and actions, appear to think that nothing can hurt them. One passage jumped out to me of the powerful judgement God can and does bring. Describing Tyre, God said He was their enemy. He promised to bring many nations against them. God’s insight and destruction is so thorough that He said he would even scrape away its soil and make it a bare rock. Those who are proud to say they can take care of themselves and don’t need to worry about what God says would find it hard to survive with all the soil gone, living on a rock. God said He would turn their land into a rock in the sea, a place for fishermen to spread their nets. Remember, we are totally dependent on God for everything.
3. How can I help someone?
People, look at the comparison between what people can do and totally control against what God can do and control. We are nothing on our own. God will win in the end every time.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 23 & 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God often uses word pictures to teach. Here He used the picture of two sisters, representing Samaria and Jerusalem. The prophet described them as unfaithful to God as they committed spiritual adultery. They are described as prostitutes because they made alliances with ungodly nations rather than trusting in God alone as their source of strength and protection. One of the reasons why God didn’t want them to do this was that He knew that eventually they would imitate the heathen and conform to the ungodly lifestyles as well as worship idols. And, unfortunately, they did. This is an important lesson for God’s people today, never compromise or get close to sin. It is very powerful and people are too easily drawn in.
In the word picture, we see that one sister went into extreme evil, and her sister followed right in her footsteps. And, the second sister was even more depraved, abandoning herself to her lust. She gave herself to many evil men. This brought God’s disgust and rejection as He allowed them to be swallowed up by their sin. This brought on even greater sin. God brought judgement from all directions.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
There is a thought-provoking and scary concept here. God reached a point where they were hopeless, their corruption couldn’t be cleaned out. So He said to throw it into the fire. Their impurity, lewdness and corruption of idolatry brought them to a dangerous state. They refused God’s cleansing. As a result, they remained in their filth until God’s fury against them was satisfied. Their spiritual adultery brought them to this place, as seen in Ezekiel 23:35 (NLT) “And because you have forgotten me and turned your back on me, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: You must bear the consequences of all your lewdness and prostitution.”
Note to self: never allow yourself to get even close to this point. Always strive to get close to Jesus.
3. How can I help someone?
Quit listening to the lies that say the only place where you will find fun and fulfillment is in a sinful lifestyle. That only brings problems. Turn to God’s ways. You will have eternity to be thankful that you did.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 21 & 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
As I continue to read the prophetic words given from God for His people, I am continually reminded that people don’t seem to change. Today there is still judgement coming on the world because they refuse to obey God. God promised judgment against Jerusalem and the nation of Judah to come by the Babylonian army, the sword. They would be destroyed. And, because of the sin of many, even the righteous would suffer along with the wicked. Ezekiel did emphasize that the righteous would not undergo the eternal punishment of the wicked. But, they all suffered the consequences. Today, people are just as stubborn and defiant against God. So, judgement and discipline is here and more is also coming.
History repeats itself. Jerusalem had become a violent place filled with wickedness. Respect for God, families and those in need was gone. Does that sound like today? Sexual immorality was common. Back then, as well as today, people turn from God and reject His commands. This brought judgment and always brings judgement. Unless our nation repents, we will also bring on God’s judgement. We cannot try to cover up sin and make it look righteous.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Many years ago I heard a man preaching on verse 30, where God said He looked for someone to rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. He searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so He wouldn’t have to judge the land, but He found no one. The challenge given was that there needs to be believers who pray, who stand in the spiritual gap to intercede. We were challenged to be that person. Ezekiel wrote about 2,600 years ago, and I heard this challenge over 35 years ago, but the need today is greater than ever. God needs people to stand up against evil, not compromise with it. He needs people to be spiritually strong and not cave to the iniquity in the world. God looked for a man to stand in the gap and found none. Today, can God find people to stand in the gap? A powerful question. I want to stand for God’s way.
3. How can I help someone?
You may be having fun for a while. The Bible talks about the pleasures of sin for a season. The thing about seasons is that they always end. Then, if a person is active in sin, payday comes. Those who judge themselves in need of God’s forgiveness and receive it will be spared from the eternal judgement and, instead, receive God’s eternal reward. There is only one way, His name is Jesus.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 19 & 20
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
It is interesting, but here we find a funeral song for the princes of Israel. They had so much potential and would be so strong, but they failed to live in obedience and do what God wanted them to do. As a result, they lost out. As a result, a funeral song.
God gave some stern warnings to the people. He said to them that they must get rid of the vile images they were so obsessed with. They were warned to not defile themselves with the idols of Egypt. I often wonder about those who are drawn to everything evil. Sadly, they rebelled against God and would not listen. They did not get rid of the vile images or forsake the idols of Egypt. God gave them reminders that He had set them apart from the world to be holy. But the people rebelled and refused to obey God’s commands in the wilderness. They wouldn’t obey even though obedience would have given them life.
One of the failures of God’s people down through the generations is the desire to be like the nations. They seem to think that being like the heathen all around them is better. That is never better. God’s ways are always best.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Remember that God is eternal. His perspective is eternal. He is not limited to the short space of time we have here living on this earth. God said he will judge us and every generation. He will examine each one carefully and hold us to the terms of His Word. He will purge all who rebel and revolt against Him. Then people will know that He is the Lord. For all who mock and scoff at God today, there will come a time when their eyes are opened and they are judged. Then they won’t doubt any more. It is vital to keep this in mind daily.
3. How can I help someone?
God really has your best interest at heart. Listen to what He has proclaimed in His Word.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 17 & 18
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The themes of the impact of the decisions people make continues. This includes parables about the failures of the kings. Many of the people believed they were punished for the sins of their ancestors. Some were accusing God of being unjust. They didn’t recognize that their sins were worse than the sins of their ancestors. God wants us to understand that each person is accountable to Him for their own sins. It is up to us to decide to surrender to God’s way.
While we are accountable for our own life choices, we also impact others. They quoted a proverb: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste’. But, Ezekiel emphasized that this was not intended to instruct them that their children were to be punished for their fathers’ sins. Each person is accountable for their own choices. Righteous people who live by the principles of God’s law will be rewarded. A wicked child of a godly father will not be freed from his own accountability because of his righteous father. Refusal to repent and turn to God will bring eternal death.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What is God’s desire for people? Does He like to see wicked people die? Never!! He longs for them to turn from their wicked ways and live a righteous life. Unfortunately, it is possible for a righteous person to turn from righteousness and doing sinful acts. If they do this all their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins. This is speaking to those who are living for the Lord. Those who trust God and live in His ways must never think they are unconditionally secure, that it is impossible to lose their relationship with God. The Bible says that if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die.
This truth is critical to continue to apply in my life. I am blessed to come from a godly line of believers. I have over forty years of ministry. But, I must finish strong and faithful.
3. How can I help someone?
In the words of my father, “Learn from I have gone through”. Learn the lessons God is giving in these chapters. Live a faithful Godly life till the end. You will never regret it.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 15 & 16
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God has used many different illustrations in the Bible to teach His message. Here He used a grapevine and asked how it compares to a tree. Is a vine’s wood as useful as the wood of a tree? Can you make things with it? The answer is no. It can only be used for fuel, and it is not good fuel because it burns too quickly. The comparison is with the people of Jerusalem. They are quite useless because they are unable to grow fruit. They showed no spiritual fruit. The things God was looking for in their lives didn’t exist. So, they would be judged, burned in the fire. We see a New Testament application where Jesus taught that any who fail to be faithful and produce spiritual fruit in their lives will be cut off and thrown into the fire of judgment.
We then see a long chapter that portrays Jerusalem as a wife and God as her husband. She is portrayed as an adulterous wife. God took a city that had no natural qualities and made her special. God loved her and transformed her. The city (the people) was ungrateful to her Husband. She became unfaithful and committed spiritual adultery. The city became promiscuous. Because of her harlotry, she would suffer very severe results. This is a very sad story.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We see here that God helped the people thrive. He gave them so much. They had everything they could want. They were powerful. God blessed them. And yet, they turned from Him and lived any way they pleased. There was a greater longing for temporal pleasure than serving and worshiping God. They paid a miserable price. And, it is very easy to fall into that same trap today. I am seeing it in many places where they have a form of worship and godliness, but it is more of an act than a full commitment to the Lord. It is critical to avoid being caught up in that trap.
3. How can I help someone?
Pay attention to the message that is repeated over and over in the Bible about the importance of obedience. Pay attention to the message that sin will always hurt in the end. Pay attention to the message of grace and forgiveness and receive the gift of life that God promises to all who believe.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 13 & 14
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God sent His message to the people. It was against the false prophets of Israel because they were inventing their own prophecies. They were not hearing from God. God promised them sorrow because they were following their own imaginations and had received nothing from God. They were making it all up to gain a following of people. The Lord was against the false prophets who were prophesying that judgment was not coming. They were saying that the nation was secure and had nothing to worry about. Rebellion was a major part of what was going on. These false prophets gave the rebellious people a false sense of security. They were saying all is peaceful when there was no peace at all.
God told the prophets that they had discouraged the righteous with their lies. He also proclaimed that these leaders had set up idols in their hearts. They embraced things that would make them fall into sin. God promised to respond with the kind of answer their great idolatry deserves.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Idolatry in the heart. This is a powerful message in these chapters. Some of the influential men were guilty of idolatry in their hearts. Their loyalty to God faded and they allowed other things to take priority in their lives. They rejected God’s purposes and lived a sinful lifestyle.
What happens to people who abuse their leadership positions like that? God will judge and bring punishment on those who claim to believe in Him while they reject what God says about living a holy life. Immorality takes over. These leaders who live in insurrection against God and then expect Him to answer their prayers will some day have a rude awakening. They are hypocrites and enemies of God. They will be destroyed. I must always remember this lesson.
3. How can I help someone?
The short-term fun that one has while sinning will soon turn to ruin, frustration and defeat. The consequences that will come will always be a larger price to pay that was expected. Sinful activities always leave a person disillusioned and looking for answers. The real meaning of life is found in obedience to God and learning to follow His ways. This is eternal fulfillment.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 11 & 12
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This was a hard time for the nation. So many were not listening to God. The people who stayed in Jerusalem after the Babylonian invasion felt protect by God. They thought of themselves as choice people. They refused to believe the prophet’s proclamation that their sins would bring God to destroy them. God told them their city would not be a safe place for them. He promised judgement even to the borders of Israel. They would be reminded and the would know that He IS the Lord.
A critical statement and vital lesson to learn: they refused to obey God’s decrees and ordinances. They copied the standards of the other nations. This speaks to them in the past and to those who, today, claim the name of Jesus. God’s people are continually tempted to conform to the standards of ungodly people. We must learn to firmly resist imitating the customs of wicked people. God has called us to live holy lives.
We also see that they were a rebellious people who refused to believe that God would destroy their city. They believed that God would protect them even though they actively participated in sin.
There was hope for some who would return in the future. They were told that when the people return to their homeland, they will remove every trace of their vile images and detestable idols. This is what God always wants from His people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
A common thread throughout this book is the rebellion of the people. God told the prophet that he lived among rebels who have eyes but refuse to see as they rejected God. They have ears but refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious people. The church world today has lost the concept of the dangers of rebelling against God. Popularity and acceptance seem to be more important. They don’t believe that God will come through with the judgements He has promised. We are close to the time when there will be no more delays. God has spoken and He will do it. I believe we are living in days of judgement. So, it is critical to live according to the Bible.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people SEE, HEAR and then DO. See and hear what God’s Word says and then do what it says without seeking compromise and the easy way out.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 9:10
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
We see here a picture of coming judgment. After Ezekiel saw how corrupt Jerusalem had become, God called for judgement. One messenger was sent to spare the small minority that had been faithful. The spiritual leaders of Israel openly promoted idolatrous beliefs. Sadly, the people abandoned God and followed them.
God’s glory. God is completely above people and their limitations. His presence is overwhelming. God loves us so much that He reveals Himself to us so that we can worship and follow him.
We see here that the glory of the Lord rose. The focus here is the departure of God’s glory, His presence from the temple and Jerusalem because of the sin of the nation. God’s glory left the innermost sanctuary of the temple, then it went through the temple. The glory then passed over the entrance. The cherubim moved with the glory to the east gate and then left the temple area. The glory of God left the temple because of the people’s sin and idolatry. God is holy, pure, perfect and has nothing to do with evil.
God told the man with the writer’s case to put a mark on those who were faithful to God. Their faithfulness was determined by their sorrow over the people’s sin. Those with the mark were spared when the destruction of the wicked people came.
The people made excuses and said the Lord wouldn’t see their sin. The deception that “It doesn’t matter” destroyed them. Never make excuses to sin.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We who call ourselves believers must passionately desire God’s glory and His presence. We must also have a strong hatred for sin and immorality. Any other attitude will lead to spiritual compromise and God’s judgment. I believe that the strong presence of God, the glory of God, is what the world is longing for. I believe that most people who call themselves Christians have not fully experienced the glory of God. If they did they would want more of HIM and not be satisfied with the entertainment called church in so many places.
3. How can I help someone?
Call on God for His powerful presence. You will discover that nothing else that anyone can offer even comes close.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 7 & 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
We find here a very direct and scary passage. These chapters tell us exactly what God promised and why. It was because of sin, and sin after sin, that God’s people committed that He promised judgement. When people sin, there will be consequences. Many sin and think they are getting away with it. They don’t see God doing anything. They are deceived to think that because they appear to get away with sin that nothing will happen. That is not so. God told the prophet to tell the people the end is here. Your land is finished. God promised to unleash His anger against them. He promised to repay them for all their detestable sins. Then the world will know that He is the Lord. Final doom is waiting!
What people need to understand is that God will call them to account for all their detestable sins. This is no laughing matter. The issue is not that the rich people have not done enough for the poor. All the wealth won’t mean anything. What God has said applies to everyone. People will give up on their money and gold, tossing it out like worthless trash. Their silver and gold won’t mean anything of save them. It will neither satisfy nor feed them, for their greed will only trip them up. Money isn’t the issue, wickedness and pride are the issue. All their wealth and prestige will be swept away.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Look at these thoughts, important to apply to life. This is especially in our modern world. It is common to see lives twisted by sin. Here the prophet says they won’t recover. They will be judged and pay the price. People don’t realize that God’s fury is against them all.
Another issue is the pride of wealth. People are proud of their beautiful jewelry, beautiful homes, lavish wealth, etc. But God is not impressed. Putting trust in material wealth will only fail. What God requires is repentance. I must never get caught up in the desire for things. They will all pass away.
3. How can I help someone?
Look at 7:25, New Living Translation
Terror and trembling will overcome my people. They will look for peace but not find it.
This is God’s powerful warning to people. Listen, pay attention. Repent and turn to God.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 5 & 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The more I read the prophets, the more I see the truths of the Bible. God is consistent and truth is unchanging. When people who know better obey, they receive the presence and blessings of God. When they decide to do whatever they want (actively participate in sin), they bring on God’s judgement. We see this in these chapters. God was angry with Jerusalem because the people had defiled the temple through idol worship. They had been warned, but they did it anyway. As a result, God said He would cut them off completely. He would show no pity because they had defiled His Temple with their vile images and detestable sins.
We must never view God as unwilling to punish those who defile His work and Word. He will judge those who reject His commands. God keeps his Word, and He will judge sinners. The result was war, famine and disease. The pagan shrines and altars were demolished, and the places of worship destroyed.
Then when they were in exile among the nations, they remembered the Lord. They recognized how hurt God was by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that longed for their idols. God was really saddened and hurt by the people’s spiritual adultery.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
One part of this passage really jumped out to me. The prophet gave God’s message that people will know that He alone is the Lord and that He is serious when He says that He will bring calamity on them for their sin. Throughout history we have seen this happen over and over. Yet, people seem to not learn and keep repeating the sins of the past while rejecting God’s eternal truth. I must be alert to not fall into these traps.
3. How can I help someone?
The more I know the Bible, live it and share it, the more I can help people see the truth. There is much fear and confusion spreading throughout society. The only real hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ and the salvation He bought and paid for on the cross.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God gave the prophet, Ezekiel, a daunting task. He was to speak to a nation that was not willing to listen. They would not believe the prophetic message of judgment because their hearts were hardened against the truth. God knew they would reject the bad news. God empowered Ezekiel to face their rejection. God’s preparation for Ezekiel was to let all God’s words sink deep into his own heart first. Then he was to go to the people and say to them what the Lord said.
Ezekiel had a critical position: a watchman for Israel. God challenged him to warn people immediately with the message he received.
Part of the preparation for telling the message was to make bread. It would be plain and minimal food. This showed how scarce food and water would be during the Babylonian siege. They were facing famine and hunger. These things were coming because the nation had defiled so many things and broken so many of God’s laws. How bad would it be? Food will be very scarce. It will be weighed out with great care. The water will be rationed out drop by drop.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Ezekiel was called as a prophet. Not all believers are called to be prophets, but all are called to tell, to warn unbelievers about the impact of sin. I believe that one of the enemy’s tricks today is to get Christians to hold back on telling the truth. Millions of unbelievers resist the message of the truth and not many people are trying to tell them. God told Ezekiel that he was responsible to tell the truth about righteousness and sin. That is just as true today. People must hear the salvation that Jesus paid for on the cross.
3. How can I help someone?
Pray: Lord, open the eyes of the spiritually blind so that they can see YOU, that they can see eternal truth that will bring them to you and their eternal home in heaven.
Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 1-2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The book of Ezekiel is connected to the early years of the Jewish exile in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar took Jewish captives to Babylon in three stages. Ezekiel was a part of the second stage in 597 B.C. God called Ezekiel to be a prophet while he was in exile. His intent was to make known God’s message to those in Babylon while Jeremiah was prophesying in Jerusalem.
Ezekiel was to tell the exiles the reason for their captivity. He was to foretell Jerusalem’s destruction. God’s purpose was to turn the exiled people back to Himself. The prophecy would inspire hope by declaring God’s promise of restoration.
God gave Ezekiel an amazing and awesome vision of His radiant glory and holiness. It is impossible in human terms to fully describe God. He wrote that all around the Lord was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds after a storm. This is what the glory of the Lord looked like. Ezekiel said that he fell face down on the ground. The glory of the Lord is awesome.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I think about the powerful purpose and message of this young man called to be a prophet for the Lord. It was a challenging responsibility. God has called all of us who believe in Jesus as Lord, not to be a prophet like Ezekiel, but to live without fear and proclaim the truths of God’s Word. These following thoughts from Ezekiel give a potent challenge.
I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me. They are stubborn and hard-hearted. I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says!’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen, at least they will know they have a prophet among them. Do not fear them or their words, even though their threats surround you. You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious! Do not join them in their rebellion.
3. How can I help someone?
Listen to God’s statements to those who have been rebellious. Rebellion is one of the most destructive things that any person can do, especially to rebel against God. Don’t rebel, submit to God and receive the blessings that brings.
Bible Chapter: Lamentations 5
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This short book ends with prayer for the people. LORD, remember what has happened to us. They had lost everything. Strangers had taken over. Their lives had become unbearable, they had to pay for water to drink, and their firewood was expensive. They were exhausted, but given no rest. It all looked horrible. And then we see a very interesting thought: Their ancestors sinned, but they had since died and future generations were suffering the punishment the ancestors deserved! That is a good illustration of the fact that sin has far-reaching impact. People who think that they can do whatever they want and it won’t affect anyone else need to wake up. That is a horrible lie. Atrocious things were happening to them. They had no more joy.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This book has an ending word of encouragement and prayer. Lord, you remain the same forever! Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! They prayed for God to give them back the joys they once had! There is always hope in the Lord. Keep focusing on Him, even when you can’t see the hope.
3. How can I help someone?
Hope in the Lord. Jesus came to this world to give us hope. He is more powerful than sin. Put your full trust in HIM.
Bible Chapter: Lamentations 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The nation was suffering through God’s punishment, while at the same time they had hope of being restored to a right relationship with God. This hope grasps the truth that God’s love and help will come to those who repent and wait for God. Those who serve God can expect Him to hear their prayers. Those who reject God and live in sin can’t live with that expectation. Those who follow God do have hope, even when everything seems horrible. God’s love never ceases. God is gracious and merciful.
The expression “Bear the yoke” is used by the author. This agricultural illustration symbolizes difficult or oppressive situations. God sometimes uses problems or pain to come to those who have sinned to humble them, to get their attention. God’s ultimate goal is to bring them to repentance. God forgives the repentant heart. God never takes pleasure in the “yoke”, but the goal is restoration of our personal relationship with Him.
When people sin, they can sometimes look back at their former glory, their former position with God. But, as it says, their gold became dull. Disobedience always brings problems. There was corruption in the spiritual leaders and the people trusted more in human effort than God for their strength and success.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Your punishment, your trials will end. This was a hopeful prophecy from Jeremiah. Judah’s captivity would come to an end in God’s timing when His purpose for the suffering and discipline reached its goal. This is encouraging. The spiritual battles we face are not eternal. Get close to God and watch Him do His perfect work.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn through the lessons you have experienced. Learn so you don’t have to take the same “class” again. Learn from God.
Bible Chapter: Lamentations 1 & 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jeremiah mourned that Jerusalem had been destroyed. He was filled with grief because the people’s continual rebellion toward God brought the destruction. He expressed his sorrow describing Jerusalem as a deserted widow who had lost her children. She was completely alone. Sin was the issue. The devastation and loss were because of sin. Whenever people reject God, He will bring His judgement. This judgment was their own fault. God was justified in His anger toward those who refused to respond to his continual call to turn from their sin and follow him. Sin brings sorrow. Yes, there are many pleasures of sin and immorality for a season, but eventually an active sinner will reap the consequences of evil.
There is a spiritual battle that has gone on from the beginning. The tempter comes to make sin look like the best option. It is especially true that people who have known the Lord and received the benefits of serving Him, and then turn from away to actively participate in sin, become the enemies of God. This will always bring terrible results. We cannot abandon the Lord and His Word and expect God to do nothing.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. In this book we see that he felt an intense empathy and sorrow for the people and the suffering they brought on themselves by rejecting God. As I am reading this book, and as I was reading preliminary material about this book, I see sad correlations between the book and the modern world. I see the sad spiritual condition of people enslaved to sin and Satan. I see the destruction happening because of sin. It is a strong message to stay as close to Jesus as possible.
3. How can I help someone?
WAKE UP!!!!! Pay attention to God’s Word and quit listening to the liar in chief who tells you that sin is the way to go. Quit listening to the tempter and fulfilling any longing you may have for sinful activity without paying attention to the price you will pay. Receive the salvation Jesus bought and paid for on the cross.
Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 51 & 52
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The Lord said He would stir up a destroyer against the people of Babylon. Foreigners would come and winnow her, and she would be blown away as chaff. They would come from every side to rise against her.
Jeremiah again wrote about Babylon’s doom. The Lord would definitely cause the complete overthrow of Babylon to rescue His people from oppression. We also see the picture of the last days during the tribulation and God’s final judgment on the earth. God will judge sinful people for all their sin, rebellion and immorality.
God told His people to flee Babylon before the final destruction. The New Testament picture is for all Christians to separate from the ungodly world system, pictured as the end-time Babylon. All who are a part of that worldly system will be judged and punished. So much sin has been practiced and it will be judged. The Bible says that we will reap what we plant.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Jeremiah spoke God’s word, even though it wasn’t popular. The things he said God promised happened. More and more there is pressure to conform and say only things that make people feel good. Generations of children are growing up thinking that everything must be given to them and that nothing can happen that upsets them. They are so fragile that they can’t handle any “bumps” in life. I want to help people see that we all must receive God’s truth, even if it goes against what we want. We will be stronger for going through some of the rough places in life.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to experience life. There are hard things that will happen, along with the fun and good things. Life goes on. It is important to prepare for eternity by applying what God says.
Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 49 & 50
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
We see here the future destruction of many peoples because of their sins. Looking through these chapters we see that some of their sins were idolatry (worshiping false gods in place of the one true God), pride, intense hatred of Israel and trust in riches. There was over confidence. They thought that because of their fortified dwellings, they could not be overcome. We see their arrogance and overconfidence. They didn’t think they needed to rely on God. They had their own gods. But those false gods failed them.
Babylon was recognized as the greatest world power at that time, but Jeremiah predicted its downfall. Even though God had used the nation to fulfill His plans, Babylon resisted the Lord and was proud. God’s plan was that this nation would be humiliated. Pride and rejection of God’s laws is revolting to God and He will judge those who live this way.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Who or what do I let influence my life? Because of the proliferation of influences in the modern world, it is more challenging than ever to be cautious about influences. It is impossible to keep up with all the voices clamoring for my attention. I must be cautious and specific about what I read and see and listen to. I must sort out the bad and let God’s Word be the standard for measuring all thoughts and actions. Or, it will be easy to let the strange voices control just as we read in these chapters. Those strange voices pulled many away from serving God.
3. How can I help someone?
What is most important in life? How do you determine who will have influence? I want to help people face these questions and find eternal answers. We must be careful where we are headed, for eternity is a really long time.
Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 47 & 48
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The Philistines occupied the coastal region of Judah. Reading the scriptures shows a continual fighting, hostility between them and God’s people. There were many battles fought. God said that He was going to destroy them. God promised a flood from the north to overflow the land. The result will be the destruction of the land and everything in it. People will scream in terror when it happens. I am guessing that they didn’t believe these things would happen.
Then there was a message concerning Moab. Great sorrow was coming to the city of Nebo. God said it would soon lie in ruins. Other cities would be humiliated and captured, their fortress humiliated and broken down. Another passage says that they will stagger and fall like a drunk, for he has rebelled against the Lord. Moab will wallow in his own vomit, ridiculed by all.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must remember what has happened to people who thought they could do what they wanted. As I read the promised consequences for Moab, the message jumped out to me. They would be humiliated and captured, they would be broken down. They would stagger like a drunk and wallow in their own vomit. The way to avoid similar results is to live in submission and obedience to God.
3. How can I help someone?
I wish I could make people really SEE the issues of life. People have one problem after another, and yet they continue along the same path. Failure leads to failure. Problem leads to problem. The deceptive lie today seems to be that there is someone, somewhere who can fix things for them and they don’t need to do anything but wait for an expert to solve their problems. No, turn to Jesus and seek the changes He will make.
Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 45 & 46
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Baruch was Jeremiah’s secretary. Chapter 45 was written to encourage his faith. He had become discouraged because it seemed as if Jeremiah’s ministry was a failure. God spoke through Jeremiah for Baruch to not to seek a position of power for himself. Because of his dedication to Jeremiah and his faithfulness to God, this encouraging message is that he would survive Jerusalem’s destruction.
The next chapters go into a series of messages to other nations. Here we see prophecies about God’s judgment against other countries. Jeremiah was not only a prophet to Judah, but also a prophet to the nations.
The first nation discussed was Egypt. Their defeat was a day of vengeance from God because of Egypt’s history of oppressing Judah. Eventually, God will punish any people who reject His Word and/or mistreated His people. Jeremiah prophesied that the Babylonians would defeat Egypt at Carchemish and also on their own land.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God made it clear that Egypt’s gods could not rescue them from defeat. This is an important lesson to remember. We can think that we can do what we want and control the outcome. That is not true. Many nations have believed that they can do anything and no one can touch them. God showed many nations that they were too weak to take God on. No other gods can ultimately win against the God who created everything.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the eternal truths of the Bible. There are many examples of how nations mocked God’s truths and then paid a major price. Our modern world needs to learn this lesson quickly, or there will be horrible suffering. We are seeing the beginning of it now.
Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 43 & 44
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
In the last chapter we read that the people promised to fully obey God, no matter what He said through the prophet. But, they only pretended that they would obey God. They didn’t believe that their nonstop dishonesty would bring extreme consequences. So, we see that the people refused to obey the voice of the Lord and went to Egypt.
Again and again God sent prophets to plead with the nation. But they continued to do the horrible things that God hates. The people wouldn’t listen or turn from their wicked ways. This brought God’s judgement on them. They sinned by neglecting to listen to God and take what He said seriously.
They had forgotten the sins of their ancestors and showed no remorse or reverence for God. They neglected God’s Word.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Some very sad words are: We will not listen to your messages from the LORD! We will do whatever we want. That is a recipe for disaster that still goes on today. I see people, in the name of Jesus, do despicable things without fear of judgement. They are in for a sorry awakening some day when they stand before God as their Judge.
The people also said that when they were sacrificing to idols that they were well off and didn’t have troubles. It was when they stopped that they had problems. That is a deception of Satan.
I must remember these lessons and not get trapped in deception that causes people to walk away from life with the Lord.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to recognize spiritual deception. Recognize that God is righteous and His way is the best way. Anything else is only temporary and there is a high price to pay for going against God’s way.
Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 41 & 42
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Ishmael killed Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar. It is possible that he believed Gedaliah endorsed the cruel way the Babylonians treated King Zedekiah. Ishmael also slaughtered 70 of 80 pilgrims coming to worship. He probably wanted their supplies and money. We see here that he killed many people. He must not have feared God or cared about doing the right things. He neglected to acknowledge that the Lord would judge his actions and punish him for his sins.
After Gedaliah was murdered, the people were afraid. They asked Jeremiah for a word from God. They promised to obey what God said. But, they had already made up their minds to go to Egypt. God told them to stay in the land. They rejected the message and went to Egypt anyway.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As I was reading these chapters, one part jumped out to me. It is when they said to Jeremiah whether we like it or not, we will obey the LORD our God. If we obey him, everything will turn out well for us. That is a true statement that things are better when people obey. They promised to obey whatever God said. It must have been that they planned to reject God if they didn’t like the things He said. What good does it do to promise to obey if you don’t do it???? God expects obedience and that is the only response that makes sense for eternity. As I am writing about these chapters I find myself talking lots about obedience. These chapters show the results of obedience and disobedience. Note to self: learn the lessons here.
3. How can I help someone?
People: learn the lessons of these chapters. God is powerful. God is wise. God is loving. Listen and learn and apply.
Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 39 & 40
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The city of Jerusalem was under siege for about 18 months. It was a devastating time, for they were cut off from any help. There was no way to bring in food. This brought on a horrible famine, and the people were starving. God had promised destruction of the city because of the sin of the people.
King Zedekiah suffered because he refused to listen to God and obey. God longs to help people who are suffering and lost, but those who ignore His Word by keeping on their sinful lives will bring judgement and suffering on themselves. Something that seems so obvious, and yet people don’t see it is that if they would be willing to see the unhappiness and destruction that results from rebellion against God, they would turn to Him in repentance. What the Bible reveals is that Satan has spiritually blinded and deceived so many people that they don’t see their condition and the horrific consequences ahead for eternity.
During this horrible time for the nation, Jeremiah was treated well. Nebuchadnezzar treated him kindly when they captured Jerusalem, putting him under protective custody.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What happens when people don’t trust and obey God? There are many things that happen. Human pride and wisdom makes people think they can do anything they want and can control the outcome. That simply is not true. We are seeing much evidence of that in the modern world. In these chapters we see that the people were carried into exile. This was a common practice of the time for conquering empires to capture people and then scatter them throughout their empire. This forced the exiles to live in a new culture until they had adopted their ways. The national identity of the defeated nation was stripped away. These events that happened after Jerusalem’s fall demonstrate that the people still refused to trust God. We must trust and obey or there will be consequences to pay.
3. How can I help someone?
People must see that they cannot control the outcome of events in the world. There will always be evil people who are out to steal, kill and destroy. It is only as we live for the Lord that we can have His help and protection.
Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 37 & 38
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Again we see the king and the people refusing to give heed to the Word of God. And yet, the king wanted the prophet to pray for them. I wonder about people who don’t want to listen to God, and yet they want God’s help and favor. So many people want God’s help while they insist on sharing in the world’s sinful pleasures. This is an indication of shallow religion and no real relationship with God. Many political leaders today insist on leaving God out of the picture(separation of church and state), and then when catastrophe strikes, they talk about prayer and call on God, expecting to receive His help. God is not a magic wand we wave in times of trouble.
Jeremiah fearlessly stood before the king without hesitation to declare the unpopular message that the city would be destroyed. The prophet refused to compromise truth, even in their desperate circumstances.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Obey the Lord. This theme comes up all the time in studying the Bible. King Zedekiah believed Jeremiah’s message, but his fear of others, along with his weak character and lack of faith kept him from obeying God. What happened? The king brought shame on himself and destruction to the nation. I see multitudes in our modern world who reject doing the right things, even though their decisions will bring God’s judgment.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see God for who He really is. He is loving and kind. He is also righteous. His righteousness will always demand that He do the right thing. God never looks at popularity polls. He makes decisions based on His eternal righteousness and truth. His mercy, love and forgiveness flow out of His righteousness and truth.
