Ezekiel speaks of vast armies who attack the land of Israel from the north, and of their defeat when God draws from His storehouses to rain fire and brimstone and devastation upon them. God fears no earthly army.

Neither should we. With God as our defense, we hold our heads high when trials of this life attack us. He is as close as the mention of His Holy Name. His reputation is at stake when the well-being of His people is challenged. He will fight our battles.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You have been our helper in times past, and You will be our deliverer in the future when times are rough. Bless Your Holy Name, Jesus.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 38,39

The fruit from the Holy Land is some of the fullest and finest in the world. Ezekiel prophesied this because God wanted to show the nations surrounding His People that even their dirt would speak of His goodness to them.

You and I can enjoy that same blessing upon whatever we own. God’s blessing upon our material possessions witnesses to all His favor.

The greatest favor we can experience, though, is to see His blessing upon our loved ones.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we are grateful for Your blessing. We sing to You and bless You because You’ve been so good to us.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 36,37

In Ezekiel’s discourse, the Lord identifies the duties of a good shepherd. Instead of looking after his own interests, he cares for the flock, strengthens the weak, heals the sick, binds up the wounded, and gathers the strays. Sounds like Jesus, right?

When we sense the inclination to do the above mentioned things, it’s the presence of the Great Shepherd within us seeking to care for His Flock.

Are we our brother’s keeper? A resounding “YES!”

DAILY PRAYER: Father use me today to extend Your care to a member of Your great family of believers. In Jesus’ name, I will go.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 34,35

Ezekiel outlined the duties of a watchman in chapter 33. A great concern today is how many teenagers are threatening their futures by the damaging use of technology, the spreading of graphic nudity, and making themselves prey for sexual predators who lurk on popular apps.

It is time for those accountable for these teenagers to sound the alarm of warning. Spiritual leaders, parents, teachers, coaches, and others who have influence must now intercede to corral the destructive use of technology, or see the lives of these precious youngsters begin a downward spiral.

“You have been appointed to be a watchman.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, stir our hearts to be vigilant concerning the well-being of our youth. We pray that they will heed our warning and keep themselves from the enemy of their souls.

DAILY READING: 32,33

To Ezekiel was given the role of declaring God’s will for the nations who interacted with  Israel. It’s apparent that God controls them to do His bidding,  as evidenced by the accuracy of the prophecy over Egypt.

When listening to the daily news in the world, one can become concerned about the tension everywhere. Then, when reading the Bible, that same tension disappears at the realization that God sits in control of it all.

Trust in the Lord. He is the only safe haven for us.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, keep us safe as You unfold Your mighty plan for the nations of the earth. We trust in You alone.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 29-31

Tyre was a beautiful and successful coastal city, yet her success went to her head. Ezekiel prophesied her demise and described it as a shipwreck. As I listened to her description, I thought of the similarities with the U.S.

As the writer of Proverbs put it, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” [16:18]

Daily reading of God’s Word is the most healthy equalizer available. Prideful people rarely read God’s Word.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I will stay close to You through Your Word. Keep me clear of besetting pride.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 25-28

Ezekiel likened the spiritual unfaithfulness of God’s people to that of a young virgin dedicated to God but chasing sensual fulfillment like a harlot. Of course, she thereby invited devastation into her life in doing so.

Nothing that looks good apart from God’s provision will ever bring lasting fulfillment. It always has a destructive penalty, but can be forgiven and forsaken through Christ’s redemptive ability. God’s Word, from cover to cover, shows us the sting of sin and the blessing of living for God.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, forgive us for chasing carnal desires. Renew us, cleanse us, restore us, and use us to build Your kingdom.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 23,24

To Ezekiel was given the task of calling out the leaders of his day for their hypocrisy and damaging example to God’s people.

James echoes a warning to leaders as he says, “Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]. -James 3:1

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, give us the grace to be solid leaders who set an acceptable example to Your followers. It’s only by Your ability and Spirit within us that we stand.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 21,22

When God judged Israel, they became aware of what He liked and what He didn’t like. The same principle is true in the home, the school, and the workplace. When constituents are judged and given corrective measures, all the other constituents get a quick lesson on survival.

Leaders are wise to carefully consider their punitive actions as each are an opportunity to communicate to their followers the desired behavior.

“He that has My commands and keeps them, he it is that loves Me.” Jn. 14:21

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, help me to be a good leader.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 17-20

Ezekiel described God’s relationship with His people as that of a lover whose faithfulness had been spurned. “Lewd and detestable practices” learned by associating with ungodly neighbors seems to be the primary objectionable practice by Israel.

In our culture, Christians are bombarded by innumerable “lewd and detestable” influences which can lure our devotions away from a faithful God whose unconditional, constant love has been set upon us.

Amazing love. He deserves our fidelity.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You showed us what real love is. Grace us to return that love and show it to others around us.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 16