respect God – Be Still…

Ezekiel 16:35-63 – What’s the Verdict?

Read Ezekiel 16:35-63

The indictment we’re given here is longest in prophetic literature, and then we get to the verdict. We have to endure reading about the depths to which Jerusalem had fallen to understand how God’s heart was breaking. How would God respond? What punishment would be appropriate?

It’s hard to read those words and almost wince at God’s fury being unleashed. We know what happened to Jerusalem. We sit on this side of history wondering why the people didn’t pay attention. It was like they were tempting God. But God is true to his word, and when these prophecies were fulfilled the people would then realize. Continue reading “Ezekiel 16:35-63 – What’s the Verdict?”

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 – Approaching God

Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

The language barrier I have with the Mexican girls at the orphanage is sometimes laughable. But one day when I was about on my last nerve because the girls were overly restless and distracted during Bible class, I asked them to imagine Jesus had just entered the room to watch our class. How would they behave then? It was amazing to watch them sit up straight, be quiet, and all the while look around to see if Jesus was actually there.

They approached Jesus, even the thought of him, with respect. It was a delight for me to see. There is no language gap when it comes to loving Jesus and seeking to please him. Solomon now tells us that how we approach God matters.

Ezra 7:11-26 – A King’s Provision

Read Ezra 7:11-26

This letter to Ezra contains many blessings from this pagan king. King Artaxerxes may not be an Israelite, but he certainly holds God in high regard. Many believers don’t have the same respect as this king. The time of exile must have made quite an impact on the kingly leadership of that day. Those who stayed faithful became tremendous testimonies to the majesty and grace of the great God we serve.

Anytime we can share our witness with others, we can make a difference. You never know who is watching. You never know how God is going to use any of the people you encounter. Ezra wanted to study and bring awareness to his own people, yet he was clearly spreading a message to non-believers as well.

Hebrews 10:26-31 – Fear of the Lord

Read Hebrews 10:26-31

I like the meme that lists all the sins I haven’t committed yet today, adding “now it’s time to get out of bed!” We sin all the time. And, we’re probably even oblivious to much of our sinfulness, but God sees. Today’s text convicts us to be mindful of our sinning, especially if we’re continuing to sin in the same way over and over. It doesn’t matter the reason or purpose we’ve created to minimize the guilt, we are to avoid deliberate sin. Period!

These would be the sins we do on purpose or do even though we know they are sinful. When is the last time you did a deep dive into your own faith life and uncovered some sins that might have soon become “deliberate”? Maybe you’ll find some deep dark sin tucked away, but you’re unable to give it up. Examples that come to mind are addicts and atheists. Whether you’re doing things that distract you from God or you’re not living to honor God, you are sinning.

Micah 2:6-11 – Are You Feeling Comforted?

Read Micah 2:6-11

Micah doesn’t just proclaim God’s words as a monologue, but he engages with the people. I don’t know about you, but I often picture our Biblical prophets walking through the streets or standing on rooftops calling out God’s proclamations.

The people are clearly in denial. They can’t imagine that what Micah is talking about involves them. It’s ludicrous! There must be some mistake. Do these people even know God? If they did, wouldn’t their faith tradition cause them to act differently?