I don’t know about you, but I’m not fond of being reminded of my shortcomings, especially throughout a forty day period like Lent. No doubt the elders sitting at Ezekiel’s feet squirmed as he launched into a history lecture that pretty much skewered Judah at every turn. Malfeasances, dull hearts, disobedience—it was all there. This dressing down in Ezekiel 20 follows chapter after chapter of accusation and judgment. Enough already! How about some encouraging tidbits?
Nevertheless, the Lord had every reason to say “enough already” to Judah, and He has every reason to say it to us. He blesses us; we turn around and complain. He rescues us from our stunning missteps; we forget those merciful deliverances. Idols, idols, idols—they are lodged insidiously in our wayward hearts.
It ought not surprise us that Israel was in trouble yet again. God’s memory first reached back to Egypt. As He brought them out of that living prison and gave them rest from the constant brutal grind, He did require them to get rid of all the trappings of the surrounding culture. Drop the idols of Egypt, the vile images that seized their attention and demanded allegiance. Imagine that; they were to be counter-cultural to the point where people living around them knew whose they were! They had trouble with that. So do we. We’d like to stay under the radar, be like everyone else, and maintain an acceptable cultural presence—whatever that means.
In the wilderness, the Lord gave Israel precious gifts—instructions designed for their flourishing; food and water to stay alive, guidance and protection, and that wonderful provision of Sabbath rest. The last was a holy sign that they were the Lord’s people. How perverse that they rejected the joy of the Sabbath that was intended to be restorative! Both generations, however, faltered seriously in the wilderness, succumbing to the tyranny of bondage to their own desires.
They forgot—we forget—that this is about the radiant pure glory and majesty of God’s Name. Once we get that—even if only fleetingly—we will guard our every choice of word and action, encouraging each other daily, and seeking to bring glory to the name that is above all other names.
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78 thoughts on "Israel’s Rebellion"
Congratulations mama! So glad to hear you both are doing ok!
Stacy Smith-Fulia: Like the rainbow was a sign for the covenant with Noah, the Sabbath was a sign to Israel of God’s promises in the covenant. It was a time set aside for turning their eyes from everyday needs and tasks and trusting in His promises of provision and peace. This would be radically different from the nations around them and be a testimony to how great God is.
LISA – you are seen and held. I will be praying for your desert season. I have been in similar deserts and in the waiting, have wondered the same of why it feels so lonely, even when I know I am nearer to my King. In my situations, I learned that He tenderly used those seasons to awaken my eyesight to how I was creating idols in my life apart from Him. He used the echos to sing songs of love and identity. When I was in a quieter place, with less distractions, wisdom grew and my eyes were opened more clearly that I needed a reset. I needed to see myself the way He sees me. I needed to go only to HIS feet for approval and comfort. He uses the community to speak through, but He definitely doesn’t need other lips to speak for Him. That is the glorious news of our direct relationship with The Father, The Son, & The Spirit. We don’t have to have a third party bring us to Him. He beckons us by name.
I know your revelation of this season will likely look different than mine, but I hope this is a comfort to you – it will not be in vain. There will something glorious that you could have only learned at this moment in time, through the stillness. Sending love and prayers!
Lisa, you are seen and held. I will be praying for your desert season. I have been in similar deserts and in the waiting, have wondered the same of why it feels so lonely, even when I know I am nearer to my King. In my situations, I learned that He tenderly used those seasons to awaken my eyesight to how I was creating idols in my life apart from Him. He used the echos to sing songs of love and identity. When I was in a quieter place, with less distractions, wisdom grew and my eyes were opened more clearly that I needed a reset. I needed to see myself the way He sees me. I needed to go only to HIS feet for approval and comfort. He uses the community to speak through, but He definitely doesn’t need other lips to speak for Him. That is the glorious news of our direct relationship with The Father, The Son, & The Spirit. We don’t have to have a third party bring us to Him. He beckons us by name.
Lisa, you are seen and held. I will be praying for your desert season. I have been in similar deserts and in the waiting, have wondered the same of why it feels so lonely, even when I know I am nearer to my King. In my situations, I learned that He tenderly used those seasons to awaken my eyesight to how I was creating idols in my life apart from Him. He used the echos to sing songs of love and identity. When I was in a quieter place, with less distractions, wisdom grew and my eyes were opened more clearly that I needed a reset. I needed to see myself the way He sees me. I needed to go only to HIS feet for approval and comfort. He uses the community to speak through, it is in that order – Him through others,
El
How did the Sabbath serve as a sign to them? I didn’t understand that…
How fitting for the passage we’re memorizing about God replacing our heart of stone with one of flesh! Hebrews 3:8 “do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness,” and 12 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God”. We don’t have to be like Israel, with hearts of stone, unbelieving. God is giving us new soft hearts that long to know and follow him. God please keep making my heart soft and drawing me to know you, and keep me from rebelling and turning from you in the shame of my sin
Congratulations!! Such a miracle and a blessing! Praying for you- that you will be able to experience the beauty of this stage in the weeks ahead and that God would bond you together!
In response to Lisa.
Just want you to know that I feel the same way. I have had to change the way I look it though. I try to look at it as God’s protection instead of God isolating me. It does feel as though the circle of true believers is shrinking. Those who truly seek to follow Christ. Hope this makes sense. You are not alone! ☺️
This is my second SRT study. It has helped me dig deeper into Gods word. My family and I are walking through an isolated desert season and it is starting to wear me down. I feel closer to God then ever but farther away from community. I have no close confidants at the time and even though I know God has spoken things clearly to me I begin to doubt why if I am following after God do I feel so alone. Just asking for prayer and wisdom in this time. I have read your comments often and I know you are a genuine group. Happy to be a part of this group
@HOPE— thank you! And I will do more research on that area you mentioned. I appreciate it!
@HEIDI— thank you for the explanation. I appreciate it.
Congratulations Victoria E. Praising God along with you for this precious gift.
Congratulation!!!!!! Praise God for a healthy mama and baby!!! Praying that the Lord will continue to bless you ❤️
@Victoria E …Thank you for this sweet birth update! That is wonderful news that you and precious Elijah are doing great! Blessings to you and your family! ❤️
Praise God for your miracle son Elijah !
So glad both Momma and Baby are doing well !
Answered prayers of many ! SRT community rejoices with you !
Blessings on you and your family
So grateful that you have included us in this adventure blessed by God of
the making of your family.
Much love to you and baby and hubby.
Hello sisters ! Elijah was born today at 1:18 pm PST at 7 pounds 14 ounces. We are both doing great by God’s special grace ! Praise His name and thank you for praying for us ❤️❤️❤️
Victoria E. I pray everything goes well and you are finally blessed with your baby!
God says it so simply over and over again: If you do them, you will live. What are we waiting for?
Praying for you Victoria E. and your precious gift from God!
I’m on my lunch break Victoria and just this. I am praying for you sweet girl.
As many of you have stated previously, the reading of Ezekiel is challenging. Sometimes after I read it, I sit and just try and figure out what the Lord may be saying to me through it. What stick out to me today was, that like a parent, God knows what is good and not good for us. When he gives us direction and guidance, he is doing so from a heart of love and not control. If he really wanted to control us, he wouldn’t have given us free will.
Victoria E: praying for you and your baby on this big day. All the best on the next exciting adventure. May your days be more colorful and filled with much joy and happiness!
Martha Hix: praying for your brother, SIL during this time, and their son, may God deliver him out of the situation with His rich mercy. May God deliver your SIL of the Alzheimer report- by his stripes may your SIL be healed. May God bless you with a safe drive to Texas tomorrow, and a wonderful time with your grand kids. Thank you for sharing your prayer requests that we can pray with you.
Sarah D. : praying for your first mission trip in DC area, may God’s glory shine brightly through you. You’re amazing for doing this!
Angie: praying for your husband and recovery.
Taylor: may God provide for your car.
Heidi: praying for your strength, and the drive to the rehab, for your niece and her friend to know Jesus. May God be gloried through your sacrifice and faithfulness. May His grace, goodness, protection, favors, rewards be poured out to you.
I want to start with prayer request for Finley and family: apparently it’s worse than we thought, they are going to have to go back in to the same area today and check to make sure she isn’t leaking spinal fluid. Also, they are starting her on a different antibiotic and running lots of blood spinal fluid tests. She will be in the hospital for 7-10 days. I need prayers also, because — even though I do have some means of support for while she is in the hospital — I was not expecting this; I need to make wise decisions about my spending, and picking up work from the nursing agency I work for.
Elaine just spoke to me with the last paragraph especially; how many times have I/we not gone to the Lord with even the smallest of problems or praised Him for even allowing us another day to live on this wonderful planet He made for us?!!!
Sisters be blessed and remember God is with us even in the smallest of problems and praises.
I am reading Leviticus with another group. I looked up some of the commentaries on Chapter 15. This Chapter is about bodily discharges. One lady was questioning about these ways set before the people when some things were natural and not sinful. They commentaries explained it this way: They were also taught their duty, which was to preserve the honour of their purity, and to keep themselves from all sinful pollutions. It was easy for them to argue that if those pollutions which were natural, unavoidable, involuntary, their affliction and not their sin, rendered them for the time so odious that they were not fit for communion either with God or man, much more abominable and filthy were they if they sinned against the light and law of nature, by drunkenness, adultery, fraud, and the like sins, which defile the very mind and conscience. And, if these ceremonial pollutions could not be done away but by sacrifice and offering, something greater and much more valuable must be expected and depended upon for the purifying of the soul from the uncleanness of sin.
Yes, this said the word odious.
In my basic way of seeing this is that none of could approach Holy God without Jesus! Thankfully, we can repent and be forgiven and He can help us change our desires. As the writer above shared today: They forgot—we forget—that this is about the radiant pure glory and majesty of God’s Name. Once we get that—even if only fleetingly—we will guard our every choice of word and action, encouraging each other daily, and seeking to bring glory to the name that is above all other names. May God help me. I know this can’t happen without Him.(Hope this makes sense! I cut a lot out. Sorry if this is confusing or seems unconnected. I’m just thinking how Holy He is , and how unworthy I am.)
Prayers for you all today! I’m so excited for Victoria E. I wish we could see a picture!
Praying for you and baby boy @Victoria E ❤️
I am usually a quiet observer to this community, but I love everyone’s responses and comments and the community here.
Victoria E: I’m super excited about your delivery today! I pray all goes well, and you enjoy the little bundle of joy. :)
The repeated reference to the Sabbath being so important in God’s eyes has me rethinking my weekend.
I am usually a quiet observer to this community, but I love everyone’s responses and comments and the community here. Victoria E: I’m super excited about your delivery today! I pray all goes well, and you enjoy the little bundle of joy. :)
I am usually a quiet observer to this community, but I love everyone’s responses and comments. Victoria E: I’m super excited about your delivery today! I pray all goes well, and you enjoy the little bundle of joy. :)
All of you are in my prayer. I feel like I glean as much reading the comments as I do the daily reading. Blessings to you all.
I was talking to my husband about “enough already” when people complain. But it came out of arrogance at the fact that I did not complain and had so much on my plate. I was 27 when I received Tanner’s diagnosis. There are only 2,000 cases in the entire world. His dad chose to drink, I chose to leave him. Ouch..I was self employed. If I didn’t work I didn’t get paid. I’ve had so many say to me what a “strong woman” I am. BUT I know that only comes from God. How could I complain or whine about my situation. I didn’t ask “why me” because that meant why not you instead of me. I couldn’t do that. God used my situation to change me. To soften me…sometimes I’m still harsh. I don’t have patience with complainers. That’s bad and I know it. I want to yell “get it together!” But I realize I was that complainer before I had my son. That hardship is what it took to change me. I’m far from perfect. God has so much more work to do in me. My husband is always saying “that’s my wife.” I say it like it is. I need to pray for God to guard my mouth and all my choices of action. To speak His words. I don’t want to forget those Merciful Deliverances. To ask what idols are in my way and pulling me from my relationship with my Lord. Help my to remember that this IS about the radiant pure glory and majesty of God’s name.
Chris S: Yes, about the comment on abortion! I never thought of it this way and love how you pointed this how here. I have always been pro-life. Especially during the season of my husband and I waiting and praying for our baby. Thanks for sharing this!
I am so blessed to have you all praying for me. We are getting ready to go to the hospital now thank you to everyone who has prayed through our entire journey! I wish I had time to individually thank you all, but I have to go! God is good. Angie praying for your husband.
Chris S. I completely agree, abortion is the sacrifice of children created by God on the altar of self and self worship. Abhorrent and detestable. Our nation has been taking pride and “shouting” the murder of the most vulnerable as some sort of sick badge of independence and “women’s rights”. Praying for all those entrapped in the lies of abortion! There is a way out, CHOOSE LIFE!❤️ the Lord has given you a GREAT gift for a new direction in your life, there is HOPE! Lord help us. Guide us. Have mercy on us & show everyone your goodness in this wilderness worse than Sodom.
I am so thankful for each of you. Last night I was sharing with my brother and sister-in-law about SRT, the study, message, and the comments. They have an adult son who is in prison on drug related offenses and soon to be released. Like so many, it is complex and they realize they were caring and loving but also codependents. I was sharing stories from here in the comments sections and the wonderful community praying for each other. I shared about how recently @searching and @heidi and others had included me in those they were praying for and what a comfort it was to feel seen by God during a time when I am hurting from grief and what a difference it makes. My brother and SIL were like Wow! I told them about the He Reads Truth also. It is a surprise to see your name included and the thoughtfulness. Thank you Holy Spirit for these promptings that illicit such gratitude.
They have alot going on with my SIL having early onset alzheimer’s. She’s 67. Please pray for my brother and SIL as they prepare for the release of their son and for my nephew and to give them wisdom and discernment about what their relationship will look like.
I would also appreciate your prayers as I drive tomorrow in Texas. I am going to babysit my grandkids while my daughter and husband are out of town! Thank you for your kindness and faithfulness. ❤️
So excited for Victoria E. and baby boy E. on this long awaited birth day arrival. Praying for the many needs mentioned today. Like HEIDI, the podcast comments of Dr. Bryan Loritts on practicing a “rhythm of fasting “ caught my attention.
Victoria E. Praying for you and your baby to have a safe delivery & praising GOD for this new life!!!! Joyous day! Prayers!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Abortion!!! Is this any different than their pagan sacrifices? The god of convenience— the god of self!!
@HeatherTomberlin I get frustrated with the Israelites as well, but then I remember that I’m just like them too. I’m so thankful that God is always waiting for me to return to Him. He is always faithful.
@Victoria – so excited for you to meet your baby! Prayed for you this morning, as I have been ever since I read your first post!
@Rhonda J – prayed for you all weekend, sorry to hear of your disappointing conversation with your nephew. I have learned, (and am still learning!) that you can’t argue or debate with those who don’t believe – they don’t have the Holy Spirit, so it is impossible for them to understand. What I have been trying to do instead is ask questions such as, “have you always believed as you do now”; “when did your thoughts on God/ faith change”; “where do you most struggle with believing”; “is there something I can pray for you?” …I will pray for your relationship with your nephew, & that God will give you an opportunity to share your testimony with him.
I am so very thankful for this community of ladies here at SRT. Just this morning I was thanking God for all of you, and asking Him to answer every prayer request made – according to His will. Although we’ve never met I feel like I know many of you because I have seen your names over and over again through the years that I’ve been doing SRT. What a joy it would be to meet some of you one day — and all of you in our future home in heaven! God bless you all have a great day.
Help me have a believing heart, that turns to only you Lord GOD. Help us to seek to bring glory to your name Lord of Lords, King of kings! Amen
@Victoria E, praying for you with the other Shes, as we have been from the start of his sweet life. @Heidi praying for you and your niece. Thanks for the words about fasting, I’ve begun to fast in the mornings on Wednesdays. Today I thought, do I really need to do this? Your words helped me, yes yes I do!
The idea of REMEMBER is here in Ezekiel, help us remember your works Lord GOD, these reminders helps us hold on to his characteristic-he is faithful.
I am here every morning, learning and growing with you, thanks to these devotionals and your comments. Lots of love!
Oh, Lord, create in me a new heart…
Malfeasances: Wrongdoings, especially by a public official.
Thanks, Elaine, for this poignant and good word! Although hard, I am glad to be reminded that God has called me to live differently and it is important to actually do it!
@Searching!!!
I am still doing these readings every day.
Thank you for the shout out. That touches me. I literally think to myself that I am not very known in this community, so I focus on my physical community. How blessed it is to know you remember me and seek me. God bless you. :)
I find myself rushing to do these devos — so I haven’t been reading the comments. There are always so many and like I said, I like to be present to my community in person.
God is doing a new thing this season and I have become self employed to now be able to focus on ministry things more. Because my heart is to serve the church — encouraging and equipping. I was doing these things already, but now it is more of a focus than building a career in business.
I had gotten my Bachelor’s degree in 2015 (in Business and culinary arts associate) and was kind of confused why I spent so much time seeking a career if it wasn’t God’s heart for me. Learning to roll with the seasons. Like I said, God is doing new things!
anyways– God bless you all. I am grateful for these devotionals and when I have time to read, I love to see God working in all your comments.
Love <3
Praying for you @Heidi and @Rhonda J, for your interactions with family that others would see Jesus in you.
@Taylor, praying for you and your car issues!! Also, when you mention temptation, not sure if you’ll see this but can I ask what that entails for you? The wording sounds similar to what I’ve struggled with in the past (pornography), and I would love to pray for freedom/encourage you in that.
@Victoria E, praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby and mama!
@Angie, praying for your husband’s surgery now!
I would love your prayers today and until Sunday, me and a group from my church are going on a missions trip to the DC area! It’s my first missions trip, and I’m excited for what God will do during this time. Praying it would get my focus off myself and onto others, and that God would teach us more about himself through this and strengthen our relationship with him. Love to all!!
Thank you for your prayers for my husband’s hip surgery this morning. He is in surgery as I type. The days leading up to this have been difficult but God has provided loving friends with kind words and prayers, including you ladies. I was touched this morning as several of you already shared you were praying for him. Thank you for living for Jesus and making a difference. The nurse who checked us in is also a believer. The doctor is experienced and loves what he does. He has a genuineness that is truly a gift. We have so much to be thankful for. Praise God.
I went through yesterday and prayed for needs and those listed this morning. I hope to be able to write them down and pray additionally later today.
This is the morning Victoria that you get to meet your son in person and hold him in your arms! Congratulations…❤️
Blessings sisters.
Thank you Shaena for your message this morning. I observe Gods grace when you speak and strive to live by your example of reading the Bible every morning. I’m currently in grad school full Time in Michigan, and my demanding schedule has thrown me off course in my Lent devotional reading. I am also struggling with a disability that impacts my quality of life, which is hard in a highly competitive program. Yet, I feel that God is telling me to not adhere to the culture of my grad school (cutthroat, competitive) and instead let go of that culture and embrace Gods culture and desires – as he asked the Israelites as tried to leave Egyptian culture behind. I pray that I’m able to be Gods vessel by living out the right Godly culture in my life. (P.S. I also love Tim Keller sermons (I listen to Gospel in Life online/Spotify) and attend his church Redeemer in NYC where I lived before grad school.)
Praying for you and your baby today, Victoria!
Israel’s laundry list of sin is profound. More profound is God’s faithfulness to Israel.
God forgive me when I don’t put You first in Jesus name, Amen
The Israelites had a pattern: Gods grace(he initiates and sets the terms of every human relationship), Gods revelation(He gives his ppl his word including warnings), Israel’s disobedience(they rebel), Gods judgement(wrath against sin & purging of idolatry), and Gods restoration(for the sake of His name).
He asks them in vs 29: Where are you going? They were going nowhere if spiritual value. Made me stop and think where am I going? What high place am I going to instead of God. I get so frustrated with the Israelites, but I am so much like them. God is continuously having to remind me to refocus and turn my eyes to him. Thank you Lord for your grace and that you chase after me.
@MARIA BAER, it’s not a silly question. My understanding is that it’s literal. There was a Canaanite pagan practice of sacrificing children to the idol Molech. The Isrealites adopted this practice which deeply angered God. I’m going to get fuzzy on the details now and maybe someone with a better understanding could fill in the details, but I seem to remember that there child sacrifice took place in an area outside of Jerusalem. This area later became a dump where they would toss their refuse. Something of a wasteland. It’s worth looking into the history and future of this area and how it will be eventually redeemed by God. Again, my memory is really fuzzy on the details so I don’t want to misspeak.
MARIA- yes- sadly children had little to no value in these early societies… what they could do for the financial state of the family was usually their only worth- be it farming, working- even “pimping” their daughters out was not considered strange. It’s why God used the parable earlier on with finding the baby girl on the side of the road- historically that wouldn’t have been an odd concept or difficult to understand. Seeing babies literally tossed out was culturally and socially acceptable. It wasn’t until Jesus stepped onto the scene that a new narrative was written. Mind you- these acts against children were never ok to God, and we don’t see it with families who honored God- but this is partly why the disciples were so annoyed when Jesus said “let the children come to me”… it’s another beautiful example of what the presence of Jesus can do in our lives. He was the first to bring value and honor to women and children… So while it’s unbelievably difficult to wrestle with the fact this happens in scripture- it’s not representative of our Savior and it gives us such an amazing perspective to see how truly radical Jesus was/is… :)
The Israelites had a pattern: Gods grace(he initiates and sets the terms of every human relationship), Gods revelation(He gives his ppl his word including warnings), Israel’s disobedience(they rebel), Gods judgement(wrath against sin & purging of idolatry), and Gods restoration(for the sake of His name).
I sent one response and it posted three times! Where is the delete? Ha! Blessings y’all!
@Victoria E joining others in prayers for a safe delivery and praise for this wonderful gift from God!!
Also thank you everyone who is praying for me and my situation with my car! The waiting is hard but I know the Lord will provide!
I’ve been reminded over the last few takes to guard my heart and take every thought captive. Laying my struggles down at the foot of the cross and praying for strength and victory as the temptations to fall back into sin can be so strong
Maria~ As gruesome as it seems, yes, the sacrifice of children is literal. The god Moloch required child sacrifice. History indicates that his body was a bronze furnace used to burn the child sacrifices.
Maria~ As gruesome as it seems, yes, the sacrifice of children is literal. The god Moloch required child sacrifice. History indicate that his body
MARIA, as I understand it, at least other nations did sacrifice their children in the fire to their gods. Sad but literal.
Thank you Sheena for such insight in today’s reading!
In todays reading we hear about how God became angry at the Israelites but did not destroy them because of the covenant he had with them and so he would not profane his name to the surrounding nations. I listened to a Tim Keller sermon yesterday that made a similar point. He said anger is not inherently bad. Anger at sin is needed and we must take action in anger to destroy the sin. The problem is when we get angry because our ego is bruised and we take action in anger to destroy a person…..I keep noticing that every time the Israelites sin God takes an action or gives the Israelites over to their desires as a way to use his anger to attack the sin….and always following that up with “so they will know I am the Lord.” God uses his anger to destroy sin! I’m not sure I have this part right but it seems like God uses wisdom over emotion when making decisions. God would be justified in destroying Israel because they broke their end of the covenant….God could pour out his Anger and wrath on them to destroy them…..but God in His wisdom knew it would further His purposes and demonstrate His character of faithfulness if he did not destroy them. So much to think on!!! And I know I will never fully comprehend God but I do know I want to pursue knowing Him more each day. VICTORIA E celebrating delivery day and praising God for this blessing today! HEIDI prayers for strength and discernment DOROTHY how is Finley? Praying for you both ANGIE if I remember correctly I believe today is hip surgery day for your husband, praying over the procedure REBECCA prayers over your son and your marriage TAYLOR prayers for peace and provision as you await news on your car/financial situation, trust God, he is a good father/provider BROOKE P prayers over your pregnancy SISSY prayers over your marriage, lean into God and he will guide your steps CHURCHMOUSE prayers for your recover, I am blessed by your wisdom daily ❤️ PRAYERS for all those with loved ones who have rebelled against God, may their hearts be softened so they can repent and return to Him by Gods grace. Praying throughout my day for more of your specific requests. I am noticing a shift in my energy throughout the day now that I have become more intentional with my prayer time. If I’m honest prayer can feel like a heavy burden to carry for me at times, what I am finding is when I commit to it and follow through it has blessed me ❤️
In todays reading we hear about how God became angry at the Israelites but did not destroy them because of the covenant he had with them and so he would not profane his name to the surrounding nations. I listened to a Tim Keller sermon yesterday that made a similar point. He said anger is not inherently bad. Anger at sin is needed and we must take action in anger to destroy the sin. The problem is when we get angry because our ego is bruised and we take action in anger to destroy a person…..I keep noticing that every time the Israelites sin God takes an action or gives the Israelites over to their desires as a way to use his anger to attack the sin….and always following that up with “so they will know I am the Lord.” God uses his anger to destroy sin! I’m not sure I have this part right but it seems like God uses wisdom over emotion when making decisions. God would be justified in destroying Israel because they broke their end of the covenant….God could pour out his Anger and wrath on them to destroy them…..but God in His wisdom knew it would further His purposes and demonstrate His character of faithfulness if he did not destroy them. So much to think on!!! And I know I will never fully comprehend God but I do know I want to pursue knowing Him more each day. VICTORIA E celebrating delivery day and praising God for this blessing today! HEIDI prayers for strength and discernment DOROTHY how is Finley? Praying for you both ANGIE if I remember correctly I believe today is hip surgery day for your husband, praying over the procedure REBECCA prayers over your son and your marriage TAYLOR prayers for peace and provision as you await news on your car/financial situation, trust God, he is a good father/provider BROOKE P prayers over your pregnancy SISSY prayers over your marriage, lean into God and he will guide your steps CHURCHMOUSE prayers for your recover, I am blessed by your wisdom daily ❤️ PRAYERS for all those with loved ones who have rebelled against God, may their hearts be softened so they can repent and return to Him by Gods grace. Praying throughout my day for more of your specific requests. I am noticing a shift in my energy throughout the day now that I have become more intentional with my prayer time. If I’m
@RHONDA J. I can sympathize. Knowing how to talk to unbelieving family is difficult. I recently read part of Dr. Tim Keller’s book “Making Sense of God.” It is directed towards the skeptical heart and it might be helpful.
Praying for you.
❤️
Searching— thank you for the beautiful short prayer about clarify on where we are wasting our time.
Dr Bryan Loritts is the guest speaker on the podcast this week and he brought up the “forgotten” practice of fasting. He brought up the idea that anyone who claims to truly be following after Christ and attempting to live life as he did, but isn’t practicing a “rhythm of fasting” should stop and deeply consider that. Not in a sense of legalism at all- but in a sense of obedience, intentional focus, and literally doing something that our savior did while on this earth.
I’ve thought of that in the terms of demolishing idols. It’s much harder to keep focus on an idol when I practice intentionally giving it up and allowing that time to be spent deepening my relationship with God. I toyed around with the idea some this week and on a couple of occasions where I would’ve turned on mindless Netflix reruns to have in the background, I instead chose, at one time, a mix of prayer & worship music, and at one time a podcast that walks through explanations/commentary of chapters in the Bible… Fasting the mindless Netflix for the mindful Spiritual focus brought intentional prayer and put my heart in a place of worship… It got me thinking about the rhythms I have set up in my days/weeks and what areas I could be more intentional at dedicating to prayer/worship – OUTSIDE of the usual quiet time I carve out in my early mornings. Nothing will knock an idol out of position like the practice replacing my time/focus of it with time/focus of my God.
VICTORIA E- praying a beautiful, memorable day!
RHONDA- I’m sorry you’re feeling discouraged about the conversation with your nephew. When I’m that kind of “prove it!” conversation, sometimes I’ve had to just fall back on the beauty behind the statement of the “once blind man” that Jesus healed on the sabbath- when questioned by the Pharisees his response simply was “Hey- if He’s the messiah, I don’t know- but I know THIS: I was blind? But NOW? I see… so there ya go” (CLEARY paraphrased!! ;)) His examples and story in our lives can speak much louder than the facts we can prove. Pray for your nephews heart to soften- and to have your heart ready to share what goodness you’ve experienced with your God :)
There are more to comment to but I’m running late this morning/ but you’re in my prayers today..
I will be making the drive to the rehab facility again today. I don’t know if I will be allowed to see her – weather here is bad so standing outside may not be something they are willing to do… I am bringing her some clothes as she has very little with her, and of course will be praying. Please continue to pray for her to relearn who Jesus is and let go of the punishing, judgmental God she was taught lords over her. Continue to pray He will grow her DESIRE to be sober. To give her vision of a life sober. She has no concept… Her attitude is so angry and annoyed… Pray for me too please.
I really love you all… you’re uplifting and helping I’m ways you don’t know.
I’m so so grateful for you.
Hello sisters, I’ve been meaning to ask this question, but I feel silly. In previous parts of Ezequiel including today’s, it mentions the sacrifice or burning of children. Is this literal? Did they actually burned children as sacrifice or this imagery?
Constant
Ouch! Thank You Jesus for making a way for me to inquire of the Lord! Thank You Holy Spirit that You arr within me to guide and intercede to the Father on my behalf! May I only bring glory ro Your Name, Lord; only glory.
HEIDI – be encouraged that your part is to obey what rhe Lord asks you to do. Your niece’s response, while may be disappointing, is not your responsibility – that is the Holy Spirit’s. Continue to love and be faithful to move when God says “move” and leave the rest to Him.
DOROTHY – praying for Finley and her family.
VICTORIA E – so excited for you. Praying all goes well. Welcome Baby E!
ANGIE – praying for your husband’s hip surgery to go well
Ouch! Thank You Jesus for making a way for me to inquire of the Lord! Thank You Holy Spirit that You arr within me to guide and intercede to the Father on my behalf! May I only bring glory ro Your Name, Lord; only glory.
HEIDI – be encouraged that your part is to obey what rhe Lord asks you to do. Your niece’s response, while may be disappointing, is not your responsibility – that is the Holy Spirit’s. Continue to love and be faithful to move when God says “move” and leave the rest to Him.
DOROTHY – praying for Finley and her family.
VICTORIA E – so excited for you. Praying all goes well. Welcome Baby E!
❤️
How can I so busy that I “can’t” honor the Lord’s Sabbath? What is more important than my relationship and obedience to the Lord? Lord, I pray that you would show me where I am wasting time on unimportant things, help me to use my time wisely, help me keep my focus on you and to rest on each Sabbath and not just the ones that are convenient.
Praying for:
The people of Ukraine – I’m in tears daily over the horrors and evil
ALLY M – your friend G
HEIDI – wisdom and strength for you, salvation & rescue from dependence for your niece and her friend
VICTORIA E – today’s special delivery of your son!
JULIA – wisdom in considering opening your home to the Ukrainian woman
TAYLOR – repairs of your car
DOROTHY – Finley’s healing
SHAENA ELIZABETH – your son and his move into your home. May he see Christ in you and choose to seek Him
ASH H – healing for Milo
RHONDA J – your family to come to know the Lord
REBECCA FAITH – your driving test
MICHELLE PATIRE, ERB AND FOSTER MAMA – you are missed
Praying confidence for you and peace as you take your test. Praying the lord delivers you from any anxiety and fear and that you just focus and relax and allow “Jesus to take the wheel”. It’s not hard just make them see that you are self-assured. God bless.
Amen. Oh lord may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you lord, my rock and redeemer. Forgive me for the times that I’ve wandered and thank you for accepting me back.
Amen. Oh lord may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you lord, my rock and redeemer. Forgive me for the times I e wandered