September 15 – "Be Careful What You Wish For"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 23:1-21 

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Today, we are reminded of the importance of remaining faithful to God and being wary of the allure of worldly pursuits. Ezekiel, chapter 23 paints a striking picture of spiritual betrayal through the metaphor of two sisters. God tells us a dramatic story about two sisters who break up with Him. It’s like a real-life soap opera, but with way higher stakes! These sisters aren’t just ordinary people; they represent entire nations who turned their backs on God.

Oholah is the wild child, representing the northern kingdom of Israel. She’s all about chasing thrills and new experiences, but she forgets about her true love, God.

Oholibah, the younger sister, is more like the good girl who secretly dreams of a wild life. She is supposed to learn from Oholah’s mistakes, but she ends up making even worse choices. She represents the southern kingdom, Judah.

God uses shockingly vivid language to describe their betrayal. It’s like He’s saying, “Look at what happens when you cheat on Me!” They trade God’s love for empty promises, and in the end, they lose everything. Their homes are destroyed, their families are taken away, and they become a laughingstock to the world.

It's like that wise old saying, "Be careful what you wish for – you just might get it!” When we chase after the allure of worldly things, we might get a temporary high, but the hangover is awful. God is offering us a love that’s deeper and more satisfying than anything this world can give.

The Apostle Paul picks up on this theme when he says in Galatians 6:7 & 8, " Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." It's like planting a seed. If you plant weeds, you'll get a garden full of weeds. But if you plant flowers, you'll have a beautiful garden.

The only thing the world has to offer is an empty wasteland. If we chase after the world, we too will end up empty and wasted. So, let's choose wisely. Today, may the steadfast love of God root you deeply, shielding you from the allure of worldly desires and guiding you towards a bountiful harvest of righteousness. 

September 14 -- "No One to Stand in the Gap"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 22

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Picture this: A walled city under siege. The enemy is at the gates, pounding relentlessly, arrows flying, and fear gripping the hearts of its people. But there's a hidden danger, a silent threat far more menacing than the enemy's weapons. A massive gaping hole in the city wall, a wide-open invitation for destruction. If the enemy manages to slip through that hole the whole city is doomed.

To save the city from destruction a brave soul is needed – someone with the courage to stand in that gap, to plug the hole and save the city. This wasn’t simply about physically blocking a gap but acting as a spiritual protector.

The "gap-stander" in this passage represents a need for a righteous individual to intercede on behalf of the people of Israel and advocate for their salvation and mercy from impending judgment. In a nation riddled with corruption and sin, God sought a champion of justice and righteousness. Such a person would be deeply committed to averting disaster through prayer and righteous living.

Tragically, no one answered this call. The Lord here expresses deep disappointment and frustration with the people of Israel because no fearless leader nor wise prophet was willing to risk their life for the people. 

Today, this passage speaks to us about the critical role of being a “gap-stander” in our own families, neighborhoods, communities, and nation. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand in the gap through prayer, advocacy, and living out God’s values in a world that often needs guidance and grace.

Our lives should reflect a commitment to protecting others from spiritual darkness while promoting the truth of the Light of the World. That's where you come in. You can be that spiritual warrior! You can stand in the gap. When you pray, share your faith, and humbly serve others you're helping to repair that broken wall. You're standing strong against the forces of evil. 

September 13 -- "Divine Disruptions"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 21

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You’ve likely heard the saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." In today’s verse, the Lord challenges this idea. God through Ezekiel, predicts that the day is coming when "things shall not remain as they are.”

Change is inevitable, but it's not always gradual. God, through Ezekiel, promises that there will come a day when He will mess with our existing norms. God’s disruption isn't arbitrary; it's an expression of His sovereign will and His desire to shake up our mundane routines. Divine disruptions can serve as a catalyst for deeper intimacy with God, as they force us to rely on Him in new and challenging ways.

Trials and disruptions can also be used by God to develop perseverance, humility, patience, and other vital qualities that strengthen our faith. They can help Christ-followers see that God is ultimately in control, even when life doesn't go according to plan. Disruptions are also a necessary step in fulfilling the plans and purposes God has for us, as they force us to reevaluate our current path and align ourselves with His will.

While disruption can be unsettling, it ultimately points toward a divine order that transcends our finite perspectives. God's disruptions are pathways to transformation, leading us from familiarity into the extraordinary. In this way, His plans for our lives unfold in ways we could never have imagined.

God's intervention and disruption of our lives is an act of love that leads us to true purposeful existence, transforming us from within and guiding us toward a richer, more fulfilling life than we could ever achieve on our own.

May the Lord, who disrupts the status quo and ushers in His divine order, guide you on a transformative journey of purposeful living. May you embrace change as an opportunity for growth, and may your heart be open to the unexpected ways He leads you.

September 12 -- "The Promise of Restoration"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 20:27-49

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Judgment is an inevitable part of life. When we disobey or stray from God's will, we often experience the consequences of our actions. In the book of Ezekiel, this theme of judgment is prevalent throughout many chapters. However, amidst these warnings and prophecies, there is also a message of hope – a promise of restoration.

Redemption refers to the process by which God forgives us and restores us to a right relationship with Himself. This is possible because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which provides forgiveness for our sins and redeems us from the consequences of judgment.

Ezekiel 20:40 specifically states that there will come a time when God's people will serve Him once again in their homeland of Israel. This verse offers hope not only to Israel but also to believers throughout history. It speaks to the idea that no matter how far we may have strayed, God is always willing to restore us and bring us back into a right relationship with Himself.

The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 serves as a powerful illustration of this concept. In this story, a father welcomes home his wayward son despite the son's poor choices and resulting consequences. This parable highlights God's unwavering love for us and His desire to restore us even after we have strayed.

Moving forward, today’s verse also points toward our ultimate future redemption in the final days. The Bible describes a coming future era where God's people will serve Him unhindered and in fullness. This idea is beautifully captured in Revelation 21, which reveals God's promise to dwell among His people, wiping away every tear and eradicating pain and suffering.

It has been said, “No matter how far you walk away from God, the return trip is only one step." This popular quote encapsulates the message of hope, forgiveness, and redemption found in the heart of your Heavenly Father. No matter how far you may have strayed from your faith or drifted away from God, the path back to Him is always within reach.

May the grace of redemption guide you back to God's loving embrace, and may you find the glorious hope found in the promise of restoration through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

September 11 -- "His Name Means Everything"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 20:1-26 

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Do you have a good name? Do you consider your good name and reputation to be important to you? Well, multiply that by infinity and you'll get a glimpse of how much God cares about His good Name! His incredible holiness and desire for a loving relationship with us drive Him to protect His reputation. 

By the way, the reason we capitalize “Name” when referring to God is to show respect and reverence for Him and to differentiate between the general use of "name" and the specific reference to God's sacred Name. In fact, many Jews, when they come across God's name while reading the Old Testament aloud, will pause and substitute it with the words "The Name" out of deep respect and reverence for the holiness and sacredness of God' Name.

So, let’s talk about the Israelites for a minute. Despite experiencing God’s amazing power firsthand, they rebelled against Him and did not honor His Name nor reflect His love and power to the world around them. Imagine the disrespect! God had to step in, not just to discipline them, but also to safeguard His incredible character from being misunderstood by the world.

Why was this so important? Because God is holy and perfect, and His Name (LORD, Yahweh, Jehovah, Adonai) represents who He is. When His chosen people messed up, it put a stain on His beautiful reputation. Plus, God had made a special promise between Himself and the Israelites. Their disobedience was like them breaking a promise with their Heavenly Father - it hurt!

But here’s the amazing thing: God wanted the Israelites to show the world who He is – a loving, gracious, powerful God. Their failure to do this meant He had to step in and remind everyone of His greatness. It was all about protecting His good Name so that people everywhere would know Him as the true and living God. This all comes from a place of love. God doesn’t want anyone to miss out on His incredible love and care. He wants everyone on Earth to turn away from their wrongdoings and experience His amazing grace.  Just like it says in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”  This tells us that He longs for salvation to come to each and every human being. And, that's why He is so careful to protect His name and reputation.

May the sacredness of God's Name dwell deeply within you. As a bearer of His light, may your life shine forth His holiness and truth to a hurting world.

September 10 -- "The Price of Unrighteous Rule"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 19

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A nation's strength and prosperity depend on the integrity of its core values and the moral character of its people, which must be rooted in righteousness. In Ezekiel 19, we find Ezekiel’s expression of sorrow and mourning (lamentation) over the state of his nation which has strayed far from the moral character of its foundations in God.

This chapter is a powerful reminder that when society strays from God, it risks destructive consequences. The phrases "no strong stem" and "no scepter for ruling" in verse 14 refer to the destruction and loss of leadership within Judah, God's chosen nation. These phrases paint a vivid picture of a once-thriving tree now barren, lacking the essential components needed for growth and stability. Ezekiel’s use of these phrases indicates that the ability for a strong ruler to arise from within the nation has been removed. This suggests a lack of leadership, stability, and guidance for the nation due to its moral decay.

The metaphor of fire consuming a nation's fruit illustrates how detachment from moral foundations leads to gradual decline. This truth is timeless and essential for us to understand: our individual choices have the power to ripple outward and impact communities and entire nations.

To maintain our personal roots in righteousness, we must diligently draw nourishment from God’s Word. As we do, our spiritual compass stays true, guiding our decisions and actions. In this way, we lay a firm foundation for personal and societal flourishing.

As followers of Christ, it's crucial that we stand as pillars of moral strength, radiating God's light in a world prone to moral decay. Our commitment to righteousness sends a ripple effect throughout the culture, influencing others for good.

May our lives exemplify the transformative power of righteousness, shining brightly even in difficult times. And may the Lord grant us wisdom to heed His words and guidance, that we may flourish under strong leadership and maintain stability in our nation.

September 9 -- "Divine Forgetfulness"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 18

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Can God forget?  The Bible says there is one thing He can, and will, forget - your sin! God's divine forgetfulness is a powerful expression of His grace, offering forgiveness and a fresh start to those who turn from their sinful ways.

In today's post, we explore the profound grace found in Ezekiel 18:22, where God declares that when a sinner repents, all past transgressions are forgiven and – believe it or not – totally forgotten. This divine forgetfulness doesn't imply a limitation in God's memory or omniscience; rather, it speaks to the richness of His grace and the complete removal of sin from the relationship between God and the repentant individual.

As humans, we often remember past wrongs and let them impact our present interactions. However, God, in His infinite mercy, chooses not to hold onto our sins or allow our past mistakes to define our current standing with Him. Hebrews 8:12 echoes this truth: "For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." This divine forgetfulness is a deliberate choice by God to treat the repentant as if their transgressions never occurred, offering a fresh start and wiping the slate clean.

As Christ followers, this reminds us that no matter how many times we fail or stumble, God's mercy is always available to restore us. When we sin, we don't have to dwell on the past or let guilt and shame define our present; instead, we can turn to God, seek His forgiveness, and receive His amazing forgetfulness.

Oh, how we need to grasp the magnitude of this truth – that when someone repents and comes to Jesus Christ by faith, all of their past and present sins are truly erased. The freedom that comes with being "remembered no more" inspires gratitude, confidence, and a deep sense of reconciliation with God.

May the reality of God's forgetfulness permeate your life, motivating you to turn from your sinful ways and experience the transformative power of His grace.

September 8 -- "From Twig to Cedar"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 17 

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Isn't it amazing how God can take something small and fragile, like a tiny twig, and turn it into something strong and beautiful, like a cedar tree? That's exactly what He does with us! As a skilled gardener, God carefully plants us in the perfect environment to cause us to grow from tiny newborn “twigs” in our walk with Him into mature and strong “cedars” - pillars of the faith. Even when life feels like a wild storm, God is in control, shaping us into His masterpiece.

In Ezekiel 17, we find a profound allegory where an eagle takes a young twig from a cedar tree and plants it in a fertile field where it grows into a mighty cedar. This symbolizes the Lord’s nurturing care for His people, even when circumstances seem dire or chaotic.

Just as the Lord directed the eagle to plant the seed in good soil, He orchestrates our lives for a divine purpose. Our challenges and trials may seem overwhelming, but God is at work, ensuring that every circumstance contributes to the growth of our faith.

Now, let’s talk about pride. It’s like a weed that can choke out our spiritual growth. But God loves to lift up the humble heart. In verse 24, God's sovereignty is vividly portrayed through two types of trees: the high tree and the low tree. The high tree represents the proud and powerful, those who exalt themselves and trust in their own strength. Conversely, the low tree depicts the humble and meek, those planted by God and who rely on Him rather than their own achievements. God declares that He will bring down the high tree (the proud and arrogant) and lift up the low tree (the humble and meek).

The lesson is clear: grow where God plants you – in humility and total dependence upon Him. Our true strength lies not in self-exaltation, but in humble dependence on our Heavenly Father. Let us be like the twig planted by God, ever growing into His divine “cedar.” 

As a vine planted by the river that sends its roots deep into the water, may the Lord plant you near the sustaining water of His Word and Holy Spirit.  May you grow where He plants you and humbly bear fruit, not for your own glory, but to the praise of the One who nourishes and sustains us. 

September 7 -- "Intentional Remembrance"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 16:30-63

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Do you remember the passion and excitement you felt when you first fell in love with the Lord? Remembering that passion and devotion of our early faith journey is crucial to maintaining a vibrant relationship with God.

The concept of "days of your youth" in Ezekiel 16 refers to the early stages of Israel's covenant with God, when they were spiritually young and fervently devoted to their relationship with Him. This period was marked by a deep sense of passion, enthusiasm, and commitment.

This spiritual youth is not just about chronological age but rather a mindset or attitude characterized by the following: genuine surrender, eagerness to learn, joyfulness in worship, fervent love for God, and a desire to obey His Laws.

Sadly over time, the Israelites moved away from the passion, devotion, and intimacy they once experienced during their early days as a nation. This was caused by several factors such as disobedience, idolatry, materialism, division, neglect of worship, and forgetfulness of His mercies. Tragically, they experienced a severe case of “spiritual amnesia” by not remembering how things used to be.

As you and I move further away from the early days of our walk with Christ, we too can become complacent or forgetful of the passion and devotion that once characterized our relationship with Him. We may begin to take Him for granted or lose sight of the fellowship we once enjoyed with Him. This is where the call to intentional remembrance becomes so crucial.

Take time right now to reflect on the "days of your youth"—recall those moments of genuine surrender, eagerness to learn, joyfulness in worship, boldness to share His love with the world, and fervent love for God. By doing so you can rekindle the fire of devotion that once burned brightly but may have dwindled. In this moment, renew your commitment to God, deepen your intimacy with Him, and commit to staying true to His will for your life.

When you renew your love for God, you will sense once again the joy, peace, hope, gratitude, excitement, vibrancy, and freedom that come only from Him.

September 6 -- "Lavish Love Betrayed"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 16:1-29 

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Have you ever felt the heartbreak of betrayal? If so, then you may have felt the heartache our loving God felt when He was betrayed. In today’s passage, God uses a powerful allegory to illustrate Israel's betrayal of His lavish love. Despite His tender care and abundant blessings, Israel turned away from Him, embracing idolatry and unfaithfulness. This passage reminds us of God's incredible love and the heartbreak He endures when we turn away from Him.

Ezekiel 16 paints a vivid picture of God's relationship with Israel. He found her abandoned and helpless. Then, with deep and lavish love, He began to nurture her, and shower her with beauty and splendor. Despite His tender care and abundant blessings, Israel chose to turn away from Him, embracing idolatry and unfaithfulness. This story serves as a powerful reminder that we can also betray God's love when we let the allure of the world capture our hearts.

Remembering God's unconditional love and the heartbreak of betrayal, we're called to examine our own hearts, return to our first love, and recommit to walking faithfully with Him. Reflect on the ways God has lavished His love upon you. Think about the times He has rescued, provided, and showered your life with blessings. Are there areas in your life where you have turned away from His love, pursuing things that do not honor Him? This passage calls us to examine our hearts and return to our first love, remembering that God's love is unwavering and His arms are always open.

Let today be the day you recommit to walking faithfully with God. Cast aside anything that has taken His rightful place in your heart.

May the Lord grant you a deep awareness of His lavish love, filling your heart with gratitude and drawing you closer to Him. As you turn to Him, may His grace renew your spirit, may you shine forth His splendor from your life.

September 5 -- "None Saved But Themselves"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 14 and 15

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Your faith cannot save others. Nor can their faith save you. Today’s verse teaches us the importance of individual responsibility and personal faith in obtaining salvation. Even righteous individuals like Noah, Daniel, and Job could not save others from judgment.

Noah's story serves as an example of how his righteousness allowed him to build the ark, saving himself, his family, and the animals from the flood. Noah was commanded by God to build the ark, which required a personal decision to obey and trust in God's plan. However, each person had to make their own faith-choice about whether to enter the ark and be saved. Noah’s faith could not save others. His righteousness did not offer a universal protection but provided an opportunity for those who, by faith, chose to follow God's plan.

Similarly, Daniel's righteous living in Babylon and influence on the king could not save others from the consequences of their own choices. Daniel remained committed to his faith despite being surrounded by idolatry and persecution in Babylon. This required him to make daily choices to prioritize his relationship with God over worldly influences. His integrity and devotion to God were personal commitments that impacted those around him but did not grant blanket salvation to those who chose not to believe.

Job's story, though one of restoration and faith, also highlights the individual nature of salvation. Job endured immense suffering but remained strong in his faith, demonstrating the importance of personal commitment and perseverance in difficult times. Despite his admirable faith, Job could not secure the salvation of his friends or family solely through his own faith or righteousness.

This emphasis on personal faith highlights that each person must take responsibility for their own relationship with God. We cannot rely on the faith or righteousness of another to secure our salvation, nor can we assume that our own faith will automatically save those around us.

May you, like Noah, Daniel, and Job, be strengthened in your personal faith, trusting in God's will and guidance as you walk the path to salvation. And may your life be a shining example of the transforming power of faith, inspiring others to seek and embrace God’s free gift of salvation for themselves.

September 4 -- "Foolish Prophets"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 13 

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When used by a prophet like Ezekiel, "woe" is often a powerful and solemn declaration from God, signaling that a grave consequence or judgment is coming.

In this particular verse, Ezekiel is delivering a message from the Lord, expressing divine displeasure with the “foolish prophets” who are following their own spirit and claiming to have received revelations from God when, in fact, they have seen nothing. The use of "woe" emphasizes the severity of the situation and the impending judgment that will befall these false prophets due to their misleading actions.

Why were these “foolish prophets” facing the impending judgment of God? Because they “follow their own spirit.” This refers to actions of misguided leaders who are not being led or guided by the Holy Spirit but are instead acting out of their own human inclinations, desires, or ideas. In the context of this verse, it describes false prophets who claim to speak on behalf of God but are not genuinely inspired by the Spirit of God.

Genuine prophets are characterized by their submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit and adherence to God's revealed Word. Those who "follow their own spirit" act independently of divine guidance, potentially leading themselves and others astray with teachings that lack the authority and truth of God's Word.

The concept of "foolish prophets" described in Ezekiel 13:3 can be applied to individuals or movements within the church that claim to represent God but are, in fact, promoting teachings or practices inconsistent with the foundational truths of the Christian faith. The influence of misguided leaders can hinder the spiritual growth and discipleship of believers. Instead of being nurtured in sound doctrine, believers may be led astray, hindering their ability to mature in their faith and fulfill their God-given purpose. Woe to those responsible for such influences.

It is crucial for the modern-day Christians to be discerning, rooted in the Word of God, and equipped to identify and address false teachings. Leaders and believers alike should prioritize Biblical literacy, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guard against the influence of "foolish prophets" and ensure the health and vibrancy of the church.

September 3 -- "The Certainty of God's Words"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 12

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God's spoken word carries unparalleled authority, power, and certainty, ensuring its fulfillment.

In the inspiring words of Ezekiel 12:25, we witness the unshakeable surety of God. This proclamation embodies the divine assurance that when God speaks, it's not just a casual utterance; it's a decree with the power to bring about its intended result. The concept of "divine fiat" refers to the idea that God's will, as expressed through His spoken word or command, is absolute and has the power in itself to bring about that which was spoken.

Genesis 1:3 provides a powerful example of this truth: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." Here, God's spoken word brings illuminating energy into existence, dispelling the darkness and transforming chaos into order. The power of His words creates life, shaping the world as we know it.

This idea resonates throughout Scripture, from Genesis' creation narrative to the promises made to Abraham and the prophecies of the Messiah's coming. It reminds us that God's words carry divine certainty, effectiveness, and inevitability, as seen in His judgment or restoration pronouncements. This timeless truth underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and the weight of His spoken word.

As believers, we find immense comfort and security in this profound assurance. It encourages us to trust in the reliability of God's promises and to anchor our faith in the unchanging nature of our God. We can rest assured that every word He speaks is accompanied by divine power necessary for its fulfillment, shaping the course of history and fulfilling His purposes with absolute certainty.

When we feel anxious or frustrated about what seem to be delayed promises, we must remember that God's timetable is perfect, and He fulfills His words in His appointed season. His timing is always right, even when it doesn't align with our expectations. Today, may you find solace in the assurance that God's plans are unfolding perfectly, and may you trust in the reliability of His spoken word.

September 2 -- "Heart Transplant"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 11 

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Today we learn of God's promise to transform His people, exchanging their hardened hearts for tender ones that are responsive to Him.

The “heart of stone” mentioned in Ezekiel 11:19, represents the Israelites' stubbornness, disobedience, and resistance to God's will. This hard-heartedness stems from their persistence in idolatry and rebellion against God's commands. As a result, they became distant from Him and unable to respond to His guidance.

In contrast, the “heart of flesh” symbolizes a tender and receptive nature that is open to God's leading. It represents the peoples’ willingness to obey and follow His statutes, as well as their desire for spiritual transformation. This imagery of exchanging hearts of stone for hearts of flesh is not a physical change but an internal and spiritual one, signifying a radical shift in our relationship with God.

This promise of a heart transplant is echoed throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah. It speaks to the depth of God's love for His people and His desire to reconcile them to Himself. He longs to remove our stubbornness and replace it with a tender and responsive heart that is yielded to Him.

In the New Testament, this promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, we receive a new heart and spirit, becoming new creations in Him. The Holy Spirit works within us to transform our hearts and minds, renewing us according to God's will.

The process of heart transformation is both instant and gradual. Instantly, at the moment of salvation, God puts this new heart within us. As we move forward in our faith it involves a lifelong journey of surrender, repentance, and faith in Christ, with each step making our hearts more tender and responsive. As we walk with Him, He gradually softens our hearts and molds us into the image of His Son. This transformation is available to all who seek Him.

God’s promise of a heart transplant, is an incredible display of God's love and power. It speaks to His desire to transform your heart, replacing your stubbornness with a responsive spirit that yields to His will.  May the Lord, who softens hearts of stone and gives new life to those who seek Him, bless you with a responsive spirit and a heart transformed by His love.

September 1 -- "The Glory of the LORD"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 10 

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Imagine God's glory like a dazzling and immersive light show display. It is a multisensory experience that can evoke a range of emotions and sensations. As you stand amidst the spectacle, you are enveloped in a vibrant tapestry of colors, shapes, and patterns. The lights dance across your skin, creating a dynamic interplay between light and shadow. The air around you seems to vibrate with energy as the pulsating beats of the music synchronize with the flashing lights. It's not just about the colors and lights, but the overwhelming sense of wonder and awe it creates.

That's what God's glory is like - a breathtaking, powerful display of His amazing character. It's like seeing the brightest, most beautiful sunrise and feeling completely amazed by its splendor.

When God's glory first filled the Temple in Jerusalem during Solomon's dedication of the Temple, it was like bringing heaven to earth. 2 Chronicles 5 describes how "the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud, because the priests could not minister before the LORD because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God." It was a tangible sign of God's presence and His commitment to His people. It was as if the whole place was vibrating with God's love and power.

But, just like a light show can fade away, so too can God's glory. When people disobey God and turn away from Him, it's like casting a shadow over His brilliance. Here in chapter 10, Ezekiel tells us a sad story about God's glory departing from the Temple in Jerusalem because of the people's disobedience.

That's why it's so important to live a life that invites God's glory to stay. We need to be like magnets, drawing His amazing presence into our hearts and lives. By choosing to obey God and follow His ways, we create a space where His glory can shine brightly. It's like being a living temple, a place where God's beauty and power are on full display.

So let's seek to live lives that are filled with God's glory. Let's be people who radiate His love and goodness and shining brightness to the world. May the Lord make your heart a welcoming place for His amazing presence.