Tag Archives: daily walk

August 16

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Ezekiel 23:1-24:27, Jeremiah 21:1-14

So many times in the Old Testament God used the day to day lives of people to paint a spiritual picture. Take Ezekiel for example. God told Ezekiel he was about to lose the delight of his eyes but he was not to “lament or weep or shed any tears.” Then Ezekiel’s wife died, and he did what he had been told.

Why? Why would God ask him to groan quietly and not mourn for her? The point here seems to be the lasting result of living in sin. God warns that even losing things we once held dear doesn’t effect us the way it would have in the past.

I look at our society here in the US. Our children have lost their innocence, something our parents once held dear. Maybe we shake our heads when we hear of 13 year old moms or listen to the words of songs our eight year olds are listening to. But have we ourselves become accustomed to living in this sinful world to the point where we have become desensitized? 

Personally, I can watch something on TV today that would have shocked and saddened me a decade ago. And today I hardly give it a thought. I don’t like that in me. And I’m pretty sure God doesn’t like it, either.

Ezekiel warned Israel that they would waste away because of their sin. Is that what’s happening to the church?

I pray that we will not allow sin to become “no big deal”. May we recognize sin when we see it and stand up for what is right. We serve a holy God who demands holiness of us.

How are we doing?

August 15

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Ezekiel 20:30-22:31

When you read Ezekiel you just can’t deny that God hates sin. Not only that but God punishes sinners. And everything he does is intended to show himself to the world as the One and Only God, the God to be feared and obeyed.

You know there can be only one Truth, right? Either God is who he says he is or all religions are true. You can’t have it both ways. Christianity can’t be one of many avenues to God. Nothing in the Bible even suggests that possibility.

So once again God is asking me if I really believe that. And if I do (which I do) then what am I going to do about it? Because the One True God who hates sin and will punish sin, loves sinners. He is not willing that any should perish or have to endure his wrath. He wants everyone to come to him through the precious blood of his Son Jesus. And he wants those of us who know him to allow ourselves to be used by him to draw others to the salvation he provides.

Let’s determine to live in obedience. The One True God is the God to fear. But he’s also the God who took on himself his own wrath so that we can walk with him as sons and daughters. Let’s enlarge our family today as we share God’s Truth with our loved ones, our neighbors and friends.

Father, may your people obey you today. May we put aside doubt or insecurities and share your Truth with boldness and love. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one can get to you any other way except through Him. Help us to recognize that Christianity is as inclusive as it can be because you so loved the entire world you gave your son that whoever believes, no exceptions, will have eternal life. Show us where to go today and who is ready to hear your Truth. And may you find us faithful.

August 13

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Ezekiel 14-16

When I was reading about how God adorned the nation of Israel with jewels and beautiful clothes, when he fed them with fine flour, honey, and olive oil, when he washed them and protected them, I thought, “Wow! That’s what he’s done for me!”

He washed me with his blood, clothed me with his righteousness, set a crown of life on my head, and protects me, too.

But then I read on. Israel took what God had given her and turned it into something detestable. She trusted in her own beauty, became comfortable in God’s provisions, and prostituted herself. Worse than a prostitute, she paid others to be with her.

I am convicted today. What have I done, really, with the things God has given me? How have I used his salvation? How do I wear his righteousness? Am I so comfortable in the knowledge of my redemption I think I can do what I want and still be ok? Have I convinced myself that God loves me so he must accept me for who I am?

If that describes me I am the vilest of prostitutes. And Ezekiel reminds us what God thinks about that.

Father in Heaven, forgive me when I take you for granted. Forgive me when I squander away your provisions. May I remember what it cost Jesus to provide me with cleansing, forgiveness, eternal life. May I hold those things dear, use them the way they were intended to be used, and may I be grateful for the privilege of being your child. May you be honored through my life today.

August 11

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Ezekiel 5:1-9:11

God had removed his blessing from Israel because of their disobedience. And Israel interpreted that as God not paying attention. They defied God’s instructions for worship and worshiped idols right in the temple behind closed doors, thinking God wouldn’t see them.

Dear One, let’s allow Ezekiel’s vision to remind us that God sees everything down to our innermost private thoughts and feelings. He sees what no one else can.

If you slow your car down when you see a cop ahead because you don’t want to get caught or if you wait until everyone is out of the office before you slip that paper clip in your pocket so your boss doesn’t see – you are worried about the wrong people.

How fast would you drive if Jesus was buckled up in the passenger seat? Would you take something that wasn’t yours if Jesus was looking over your shoulder? Would you go to that movie or tell that joke or drink that drink if Jesus was there?

Guess what. He is! Ezekiel’s vision makes it plain that God is paying attention. And he will get revenge for every deed committed against him.

The good news for us is that God’s revenge on believers is taken out on his Son, Jesus. I say good news because God’s revenge on sinners is devastating to say the least and those who will have to take it upon themselves will have an eternity of unspeakable agony.

My prayer is that all of you who read this today know Jesus as your Savior, that you live your life fully aware that he is right there with you 24/7. He sees. He knows. May we live our lives with that glorious truth as the reason we do what we do when others are around or when we are behind closed doors.

August 10

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Ezekiel 1:1-4:17

Ezekiel saw the wheel – Way up in the middle of the air.

What do you make of Ezekiel’s vision? Some claim he was visited by aliens from outer space. What do you think?

God allowed Ezekiel to get a glimpse of Himself in all his glory. Was it a glimpse into heaven? John’s vision in Revelation was very similar. Are we to figure out a flesh and blood interpretation of wheels and wings and faces?

Personally, I am more interested in what God SAID to Ezekiel in this vision. Here’s what I believe God wants us to hear through Ezekiel:

1. God is who he says he is.
2. We are called to tell others about him.
3. They may not like what they hear but if we obey they will hear the Truth.
4. If we tell people about Jesus and they reject him – that’s on them.
5. If we don’t tell them, we will be held accountable for their eternal souls.

That’s the real purpose of Ezekiel’s vision and prophecy. Let’s not waste time trying to figure out what chrysolite represents or why there were faces of a lion, ox, and eagle.

Let’s get out there and share Jesus with lost souls. That’s the most important thing to take from Ezekiel’s vision.

Father, you created curious people so it’s natural that we would read an account like Ezekiel’s vision and want to know as much as we can. But I pray that your people will spend less time trying to figure out some hidden meaning and more time doing what you clearly told Ezekiel to do, that is to share you with our world. May we take your commission seriously and get out there and share the Gospel.

August 8

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Jeremiah 51:1-64, 11:18-12:6

Who hasn’t felt like Jeremiah felt in chapter 12 at least once in their lifetime? You look around and see ungodly people being promoted over you, they have these perfect little families while your child is challenging you, they drink and smoke yet can run five miles a day while you struggle with a physical challenge.

“Why do the faithless live at ease?” you might ask with Jeremiah.

“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?” It’s like you finally get over one hurdle only to be slapped in the face with another, more difficult circumstance. And you just have no more energy to take one more step.

The other day I was reading another blog and the author wrote something that has stayed with me. She said, “Desperation is a great condition of heart for learning the faithfulness of God”. (Renee Beamer, sharingloveandtruth.org, “a battle of the wills”)

I don’t want to get into why there are some ungodly people who seem to get ahead and why some Christians struggle. But remember God isn’t interested so much  in the result of the race as he is in the race itself. 

What will you learn about God – about yourself as you meet the challenges of today? My prayer is that you will learn how utterly dependent you are on God and how wonderfully dependable he is!

August 6

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Jeremiah 14:1-15:9, 18:1-19:13, 24:1-10

The Bible makes it clear that each of us is accountable for ourselves. What we believe about God is between God and individuals based on his Word.

God told Jeremiah he was done playing around. He was going to punish the Jews for their sin. But Jeremiah said – wait a minute, Lord. Their preachers are telling them you’re ok with how they’re living. To which God replied – those preachers are lying. I did not send them or give them that message.

Should God excuse the congregation because the pastor is teaching false doctrine? Christianity is not a religion we should follow blindly. We should never accept what someone says without looking into God’s Word for ourselves. Because, sadly there are a lot of false doctrines being preached in too many churches.

Is what your pastor spoke on Sunday consistent with the entire Bible or did he use other authorities to tell you something different? Did he take a verse out of context to make a point not consistent with the whole of Scripture? Do you even know the Truth when you hear it?

I am praying that if you are reading this blog you are first and foremost reading the Scripture each day. I’d much rather you read the Bible and skip my rantings. 

When we stand before the Lord on that Day no one will be able to point a finger at anyone else as an excuse for not holding on to the Truth. When we stand before Jesus and he looks each of us in the eye the only question will be, does Jesus know me? Did I repent of sin according to his Word and accept his cleansing? Am I wearing his righteousness because of his grace?

We have such a treasure here in the pages of God’s Word. In here is everything we need to know for today and for eternity. Read it. Study it. Meditate on it. If you have questions, keep reading. God wants you to know him. And he’s right there in the pages of the Bible. 

Father, may we know you according to the Word you inspired men to put to paper so many years ago. May we cherish the Bible, may we spend time in its pages as we get to know you and the truth written there. Let your people recognize false teaching and may we demand of our pastors that they stay true to your Word. I pray for those pastors and teachers, Lord. As they prepare for another message or lesson for Sunday, I pray that they would cling to the truth of Scripture and present it boldly. I pray for those who read this blog today. May each of us recognize the truth because we’ve spent time getting to know that truth through your written word.

August 4

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2 Kings 24:5-6, 8-9; 2 Chronicles 36:8-9; 1 Chronicles 3:10-16; Daniel 3:1-30, Jeremiah 9:16-21, 10:17-25, 12:7-17, 19:14-20:18

When we were little girls our dad could make almost anything fun. Even bed time. We could be sitting around the TV and when 9:00 came around he would often say… Shadrach, Meshach, TO-BED-WE-GO! We would giggle, thinking he was the most clever Dad in the world. I never read this story in Daniel without thinking about Dad, and being thankful for having been his daughter.

In reality, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego loved their Father, too. They were convinced that God was who he said he was and they trusted him with every moment of every day. They spoke some of the most powerful words recorded in Scripture:

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O KIng. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18)

How is your resolve to follow God? I know some people who are facing the fiery furnace of horrific physical challenges, some of emotional pain, others financial or relational. 

Before they ever felt the heat of the fire, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego determined to stay true to God. Then in the midst of the flames they were given the privilege of seeing Jesus right there with them. They kept walking. Jesus walked with them And God brought them out of their ordeal, whole.

I know. I know. God doesn’t promise that all of our problems will turn out like these three. Sometimes God’s provision is to welcome his children home. But I don’t think the lesson in this chapter of Daniel is about the result. I think it’s about the journey.

And in their journey, King Nebuchadnezzar saw Jesus walking with them in the furnace. Think about that one for a while and realize that God would like to reveal himself to others through your journey, too.

Do you trust God with today regardless of what it hands you? Are you determined to serve him even if you lose your job or your health or someone you love? I think what God wants us to see today is Jesus there in the furnace with the men. He wants us to be aware that he knows how hot it is because he is right there in your heart. 

You are not alone. If you know Jesus as your Savior he promises never to leave or forsake you no matter how hot things get. Trust him. And keep walking even if everything in you wants to give up. You may not see him, but Jesus is walking right beside you. 

And if you do, someone who needs him might recognize his presence in your life and find him as their Savior. 

Father, we give you today. May we trust you because you can be trusted. Thank you for promising to walk with us today, even in the midst of trouble. May we, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego determine to follow you whether or not the outcome is what we think we want. Help us to see you. And may others see you in our lives. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.</p>

August 3

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Jeremiah 46:1-28; Daniel 1:3-21, 2:1-49; 2 Kings 24:7

Lately I have been considering what a life ‘set apart’ means. It seems God has been nudging me toward this idea often as I read his Word. 

People I hold dear have differing opinions. Some drink alcohol, some don’t. Some watch sit-coms on TV, some don’t. Some go to R rated movies, others don’t. 

Is ‘set apart’ an attitude? Is it a life-style?

Daniel is certainly an example of a life set apart. He refused an order of the king so as not to compromise on his commitment to the Lord. And we read that Daniel was blessed by God because of his decision.

Once again I am reminded that as a Christian, my life needs to look different than that of a non-Christian. The choices I make every day need to reflect my association with Jesus Christ. If I abstain from certain things in Jesus’ name I also need to do so with joy, in love.

Daniel’s eyes shown. He thought more clearly and was wiser as a result of his abstinence. And the king noticed the difference.

May others notice a difference in me and want what I have. May they see Christ in me and be drawn to him because of the life I lead.

August 1

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Jeremiah 7:1-8:3, 11:1-17, 15:10-21, 22:18-23, 35:1-19

What is it that your unsaved friends see in you that’s different – better – than what they have? What is that tangible sign that sets you apart as a believer in Jesus Christ? I hope it’s more than the fact that you attend church every Sunday. Millions of people do that and still don’t know the Lord. I hope it’s more than that you call yourself a Christian because ‘Christian’ means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.

Can your friends identify Christ in your life by the purity of your speech or do you use vulgar language and tell the same off-colored jokes as they? Do you go to movies with blatant sin and call it entertainment? Do you watch those sit-coms and laugh at things that disgust God?

The Recabites chose not to drink alcohol. (yes, not everyone in the Bible drank wine) These people had made a vow and were determined to keep it. They stood out in the crowd. Their life-style identified them as sons of Recab.

The world is looking for a sign. And they are looking at us. We can stand apart and still be actively involved in the lives of our unsaved friends. Don’t think you have to look like them to win them. Look like Christ and they will be sure to be drawn to you.

Let our life-style look different than that of the unsaved. Let’s stand out because of the choices we make. And let’s show a lost world that serving Christ is the best, most awesome life-style ever!