In the temple Ezekiel saw, the worshipers were to enter a gate but exit from a different gate. In other words, they were different when they left. Also, the prince (Jesus) was to be present when they were there.

They were changed in the presence of the prince. It’s the same with us … we need to be changed in God’s presence and leave a better person than we came in. John the Baptist said, “I must decrease and He must increase.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, change me from what I am to what You want me to be. May I show forth Your glory through my life today.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 45,46

Ezekiel was shown that the sons of Zadok were the only priests allowed to serve in the temple he saw. They had been faithful when others priests had neglected to serve the Lord as He had required. To them God said that He would be their inheritance. They were to forego receiving material possessions and land as others.

At the end of life, all we really have is God. Everything else will pale in significance. When we discover that pursuing our relationship with the Lord is the only life that really matters, we save ourselves the grief and emptiness of pursuing materialism.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, as the Psalmist said, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee. You are my portion.”

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 43,44

Ezekiel was shown in a vision the temple by a man with a measuring rod. He was shown the exact dimensions of each aspect and room of this structure. A recurring theme of this display of heavenly dimensions was the element of God’s holiness. In fact, the outer wall separated the holy from the unclean.

God’s measurements and standards were the ruling design element of this structure, as are the components of our lives if we allow it. God’s ways and standards and measurements are to be the ruling component of our daily lives thus indicating holy living.

Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, let the measuring device of my daily life be Your W0rd and Your Ways. I want to walk in the way of holiness.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 40-42

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