READ/HEAR: Dan. 1

Daniel preferred to live on a diet of vegetables and water rather than meat and wine and all the other delicacies of the day after being kidnapped by the Babylonians.  After a trial period of ten days there was a marked difference in his appearance and performance … he and the other Hebrews were ten times better than their counterparts.

Can we challenge ourselves to improve our diet for the coming year. I take the challenge. I’ll let you know in ten days how I’m doing.

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 47,48

In my opinion, the stream of water that flowed out from the new temple and became a river is figurative of God’s Spirit and power that comes from the relationship He has with His saints. This happens in every church where His Spirit is in control … His power flows and brings life to everything touched by it.

This River of Life is available to all of God’s people on a consistent basis. We come to His River for whatever we need … healing, refreshing, sustenance. It’s always flowing and is as close as the calling upon His name, Jesus.

There is a river
That flows from deep within,
There is a fountain
That frees the soul from sin,
Come to this water,
There is a vast supply,
There is a river
That never shall run dry

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 45,46

After Christ’s Second Coming, He will rule the earth for 1000 years. This is known as the Millennium. The temple Ezekiel saw could well be constructed during this time in or near Jerusalem. The rei-nstitution of the priesthood and sacrifices could be either literal or figurative. (Theologians much more enlightened than me can shed more light on this issue)

Much of the Bible remains a mystery to us. As we abide in Christ, we can be sure He will make us aware of our necessary obedience and compliance to be faithful to Him. Then, we can rely upon a “This is that” mentality where He will help us understand the complete meaning of scriptural events foretold in His Word.

God is not trying to fool anyone, nor is He willing that we perish. He always supplies our needs.

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 42-44

Those ministering in the new temple were to follow strict guidelines to maintain a holy life that was acceptable to the Lord.

We follow the teachings of Christ and He imputes His Holiness to us. As New Testament Christians, we are under His Blood and His sacrifice for our sins rather than any system of the offering of animals for atonement.

To see the extent of God’s requirements expected in the Old Testament gives us a holy awe for the scope of the righteousness offered to us through Christ.  “How can we neglect SO GREAT A SALVATION?”

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 40,41

Ezekiel was shown a temple, yet to be built, by a man in a vision. Detailed measurements and building concepts were given to him to record. (There are visualizations available online to show what this building could look like.)

There is no other apparent reason that these dimensions were given to Ezekiel but that it is a new temple that will be built sometime in the future. Building techniques available at the time of his writing would not have permitted such complex accomplishments. Also noteworthy is that the area of the present structure in Jerusalem could not hold this new temple.

God’s detail to the prophet is noteworthy … He is precise in His message to us. Every detail God gives is important and worth our notice. His details are freely given in the Bible, hence its importance to us to build strong and meaningful lives.

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 38,39

Ezekiel describes great battles in which God draws enemy armies into the land of Israel only to be defeated and consumed by His great weapons. These battles are yet to be held, but the outcome is certain! … God will handily defeat the best the world has to offer to avenge the reputation of His name.

The battles we face on a daily basis are no different. God wants to give His people great victories over every enemy … lust, gluttony, disease, destructive addictions, poverty etc. His glorious name and reputation motivate Him to move on our behalf.

“Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you shall receive that your joy may be full.”  John 16:24

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 37

God instructed Ezekiel to prophesy (speak for God) to the dead, dry bones in a valley. As he did, they came to life.

God is calling each of us to begin speaking in the name of Jesus to the dead, dry areas of our lives. His Word gives us the words to use. It gives us the authority also. What can be more powerful than speaking God’s Word to every area of our life, and to the lives of those around us.

Let’s begin speaking out in the name of Jesus.

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 35,36

Hope Caldwell, my four year old grand-daughter, woke up singing “Joy to the World” as loud as she could this morning. It’s the message brought to us by the angels at the time of Christ’s birth.

Ezekiel spoke so favorably of the coming Kingdom where God would bring honor to His name by the way He blesses His people. It’s all because God became flesh and paid the total penalty of our sin and rebellion.

There’s no earthly joy quite like that of the new birth, being born and then born again.

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 34

Only God can make it rain. He uses water to grow plants, clean the earth, and keep man alive. Rain is a gift of God to us.

As Ezekiel brought a prophetic indictment upon self-serving shepherds in Israel, he also identified the fore-coming of Christ, the Messiah and Perfect Shepherd. Under Christ’s rule and care he predicted “Showers of Blessing,” a perfect refreshing rain for the sheep of God’s pasture.

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 33

Ezekiel 33 espouses the importance of issuing warnings.

If an unsuspecting motorist is blindly driving down a street that falls off a cliff, they should be warned by those who can see the tragedy about to happen.

The Christian knows that there is a Lake of Fire prepared for the devil and his demons. All who reject Christ are likewise headed in that direction. They should be warned about the coming torment.

Warnings should be sincere, timely, and worded wisely. The crusty pride of so many will resist the warning if it is not shared with wisdom and love.