Ezekiel 25, 26

Ezekiel wrote down what God said to him and dated it. We have his book because of it.

When God speaks, He is not just “Whistlin’ Dixie.” His impressions and spiritual thoughts to us are precious. When we show Him that we are paying attention to Him and acting upon His instructions, we create a flow of revelation that directs our life in TRUTH.

In essence, this daily blog that I write is an example of what I’m talking about. Please remember, this exercise is to likewise stimulate YOU to seek Him EARLY in your day. It’s a wonderful and rewarding way of life.

Ezekiel 24

God showed Ezekiel a pot on a fire. It was heated up to be red hot until the pots contents were refined so that impurities would rise to the top, available to be skimmed off.

Men don’t normally cleanse themselves. However, they can request that the Lord cleanse them. He turns on the heat. Impurities are revealed. Sin is confessed. They become more pure.

Jesus said blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Ezekiel 23

Jerusalem was likened to a prostitute who chased after lovers. This broke God’s heart and caused Him to create animosity between her lovers and herself.

Lust will do that. When it has its way, it doesn’t create satisfaction … only grief.

 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. [James 1:14, 15]

Ezekiel 22

Corrupt leaders and widespread sin in cities is nothing new. Ezekiel’s main target was Jerusalem but this reveals to us God’s focus on the judgment of cities. Recently, our news reveals turmoil and rampant violence in the largest cities of our nation.

God told Ezekiel he was looking for intercessors who would take up a burden for their City and pray. Scripture says he found none. Let’s let a different narrative be written about the cities we live in.

Ezekiel 19-21

While riding the escalator in the Atlanta airport, I asked a passenger about his t-shirt which had the name of his church on it. From his fellow passenger’s mouth came Eph. 2:8,9 which says salvation comes ONLY from Christ and not from works. Of course I agree with that. I said, “It’s JESUS!”

In looking back, I think I feel that I was stabbed by the sword of the Word of God rather than being skillfully operated on by a sharp scalpel. A surgeon prepares the area to be cut with anesthetic and sterilization. He removes or corrects the unwanted unhealthy portion of the body. The body then heals up and functions better.

Do your best to know that God is pleased with you. Be as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of. Teach the words of truth in the right way. [2 Tim. 2;15 NIV]

Ezekiel 17, 18

On my flight to Ohio I sat next to a lady who said, “As long as your good outweighs the bad, I think you’ll go to heaven.” Once when I was a young man, I allowed a man to say that without correcting him. He passed shortly. I hope someone more courageous than me got to him. Anyway, I quoted her some appropriate verses about Christ being the ONLY way to God. She got quiet.

Each person is responsible for their sin. They can either accept Christ and be forgiven,or perish because of it to eternal damnation. That is a chilling thought. We can’t let unbelievers living in erroneous theological misconception continue that way if we can do something about it.

Ez. 15, 16

The prophet declares the painful penalty of unfaithfulness upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem likening her to a prostitute who is horribly abused. Her natural beauty was used for immoral purposes and she suffers greatly at the hands of lustful lovers.

So much of God’s relationship with man is represented by the holy love of a man with a woman. Christ and the Bride, the Church, are prime actors in this portrayal.

Marriage is to be a holy, earthly example of God’s love for His People.

My mom and dad have exemplified a true love relationship their entire lives, especially now that they are in their nineties. You should see them.

Ezekiel 12-14

Here is a word we don’t use often. The prophet encouraged the renouncing of evil and sinful practices. When you renounce something, you make a formal declaration that you are abandoning something or somebody.

You are making your intentions clear to God and all onlookers.

Ezekiel 11

The prophet challenged the leaders of Jerusalem to abide in His Laws in the city and land God gave them. They were judged when they failed, although God was patient and long-suffering with them.

God has blessed us with SO MUCH. From homes to cars to golf clubs etc. He has been TOO GOOD to us. The least we can do is take good care of it.

How about our nation? Are we taking good care of it? I’m not talking about “Green” this and “Green” that … I’m talking about following His ways and being grateful for His blessings.

Ezekiel 8-10

God’s Spirit carried the prophet to see the detestable things being done by the people and priests in Jerusalem. God sent His ambassador to mark those who were lamenting the sin of the city. God seemed to commend their concern and anguish over the spiritual decay around them. They were spared the grief of judgment.

The message for us is: carry a spiritual burden and concern for the condition of your surroundings. The moral decadence, the lustful appetites, the outright contempt for the things of God … these are a few of the detestable conditions of the world we live in. It should break our heart and stir up a longing for revival in our land.

Love what God loves and hate what He hates.