Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 35 & 36

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 truly is the righteous Judge, in spite of what mockers today say.  There are those who are turning away from faith in the Lord while they claim that God is a vicious bully.  This was happening in Ezekiel’s time and it is happening today.  But, God wants the world to know that He is the Sovereign Lord.  When the proper time comes, He will raise his fist against the evil ones and destroy them completely. Then they will know that He is the Lord.  This is especially true for those with hatred for the people of Israel.
Whoever a nation of people are, when they sin, God will bring righteous judgement on them.  This is a scary thought for our modern world that is turning its back on everything that God has declared.  Truth is mocked and those who follow the Word of God are ridiculed.  In God’s perfect plan He will show His power and be the righteous Judge of sinners.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Here is our hope: God will give a new heart, and will put a new spirit in all who submit to His Lordship in their lives.  He promised to take out a person’s stony, stubborn heart and, instead, give a tender, responsive heart.  Along with that, God promises His Spirit in believers so that they will follow His decrees and be careful to obey God’s Word.  The changed heart will despise all the detestable things of the past.  All of this is because of God’s mercy, not because anyone deserves it.
Then restoration comes in God’s time.  Fields that were empty and desolate will be farmed again.  The former wasteland will bloom.  Then unbelievers and scoffers will know that God is the Lord.

3.  How can I help someone?
Be careful who influences you.  Fame doesn’t mean anything.  Many famous people have messed up their lives and negatively influence their followers.  If some famous person turns their back on God, know that they will some day deeply regret their foolish decision.  Don’t follow their path of destruction.