August 27 -- "When the Spirit Enters"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 2 and 3

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In today’s verse, the prophet Ezekiel reveals a powerful and private moment in his life. The moment he was called by God and the Holy Spirit entered into him, empowering him to boldly speak out the messages he hears from God  As the Holy Spirit entered him, Ezekiel gained the courage to share the messages from above, even if others didn't want to hear them (verse 7!). We too can tap into the power of the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength to fulfill our divine purpose.

How can you know when the Holy Spirit has entered you? While everyone's experience may be different, the Bible describes several signs of the Holy Spirit in your life. These include:

Peaceful Assurance: An inner confidence and peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Spiritual Awakening: A renewed appreciation for Scripture and a deep desire to know God more intimately (Ephesians 1:18). Empowerment: Courage, strength, and boldness to serve others and share our faith (Acts 1:8). Fruit of the Spirit: Exhibiting qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Receipt of Spiritual Gifts: Receiving abilities such as prophecy, healing, teaching, service, or tongues to edify others and build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Christlikeness: Becoming more like Jesus through a transformed character (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once wrote, "The clearest evidence of the Spirit's presence is not in extraordinary gifts or experiences, but in the transformed character of a person, making them more and more like Jesus." As we grow into Christlikeness by the Holy Spirit’s power, we become more loving, patient, forgiving, compassionate, and humble.

Remember, these signs of the Spirit in your life aren't always dramatic or attention-grabbing; they can be subtle yet profound changes in our lives. As you seek the Holy Spirit's infilling, be open to experiencing these manifestations in your own unique way.

Today, may the Holy Spirit's presence fill you with peaceful assurance, spiritual awakening, empowering strength, godly fruit, spiritual gifts, and Christlike character.

August 26 -- "I Fell On My Face"

 Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 1

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Imagine witnessing the divine splendor of God! This was the incredible experience that the prophet Ezekiel had. As he gazed upon the glory of the Lord, Ezekiel beheld a spectacle of unparalleled beauty and power. A dazzling array of elements filled his vision - stormy winds, great clouds, brilliant light, fiery flashes, gleaming metal, living creatures with four faces and wings, burning coals, lightning, and much more.

This unfathomable display was not something that could be understood or explained by human reasoning alone. As the Apostle Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 2:14, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." The truth of God's nature transcends our finite understanding.

Yet, we don't need to dissect or analyze this vision. Instead, we simply need to realize that these revelations came to him through the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit. In verse 28, Ezekiel explains that what he saw was "the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD." It was an exact representation of God's magnificent splendor and outshining. It was like peeking behind a curtain to see the amazingness of our Creator.

So, what would you do if you were granted a vision of God? Like Ezekiel, you would likely fall on your face in reverence. When someone sees God for who He truly is (holy, pure, magnificent, powerful), they see themselves for who they truly are (unholy, unworthy, sinful, powerless). The sight of divine majesty is so overwhelming that it demands our deepest humility and respect. This is the essence of true worship - to be humbled by the sheer magnificence of God's glory.

When we stand before something so magnificent, so far beyond our human understanding, it naturally humbles us. But it's not just our size that humbles us. It's also His holiness. God is perfectly good, perfectly just, and completely without fault. When we, with all our imperfections and flaws, come face-to-face with that kind of purity, it exposes our flaws and shortcomings and makes us feel a sense of reverence and awe for the One who is flawless.

Though we may not all experience this vision firsthand, when we seek God with all our heart, we can catch glimpses of His splendor. As He is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, we "see" Him in spirit. When we do, we will inevitably respond with deep and intense humble worship. So let us continue to pursue a deeper relationship with our Creator, that we might be awed by His glorious presence and respond with the reverence He so deserves.

August 25 -- "Grace Amid the Wreckage"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 39 and 40

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The incredible book of Jeremiah spans over several decades, chronicling the powerful and passionate ministry of the prophet Jeremiah. Throughout this time, he tirelessly called out to God's people, urging them to repent and return to their loving Creator. Jeremiah's messages were clear: the people of Judah needed to turn away from their sins and back to the Lord or face the consequences.

Fast forward to Jeremiah 40:3, and we find ourselves in the midst of a heart-wrenching scene. Amidst the ruins of Jerusalem, Jeremiah receives a sobering message from the captain of the Babylonian guard. He points out the utter defeat of Judah, acknowledging that the Lord had spoken this disaster into existence. It's a gut-wrenching "I told you so" moment, as God's judgment falls upon the nation through the hands of Babylon. This was a moment Jeremiah had warned about for over 40 years, but sadly, the people refused to listen.

Yet, even in the midst of destruction and despair, we witness the incredible sovereignty and grace of God. Despite the great defeat, the Lord shows favor to Jeremiah, preserves a remnant for Himself, and begins to turn the hearts of His people back to Himself. Jeremiah's life is a testament to the fact that God's plans unfold according to His perfect will, even in the darkest of seasons.

At times, we may find ourselves in the ruins of broken relationships, shattered dreams, or unexpected challenges. But let us not forget that God is still on the throne! He remains in control, even when our circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Look for the residue of His grace in the midst of trials. Acknowledge His sovereignty, and trust that He can bring forth beauty from the ashes.

Just as a flower can push through the cracks in the pavement, so too can God's grace break through the hardness of our circumstances, bringing unexpected blessings and new beginnings. So, let's hold onto hope, dear friend, and remember that no matter where we find ourselves, God's grace persists, and His love endures forever.

August 24 -- "Heeding Good Advice"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 38

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Obeying God's voice, even in difficult circumstances, leads to enduring peace, blessing, and fulfilling our purpose. This is illustrated through the story of Jeremiah, who continued to speak God's message even when imprisoned and faced with opposition.

Have you ever felt like Jeremiah, trapped and tossed into a cistern of despair? We've all been there, right? Life can throw some curveballs, making us doubt and want to bury our hopes and dreams.

But guess what? Jeremiah's story teaches us something powerful. Even in the darkest pit, he continued to speak God's message. And that's a lesson for us too! We shouldn't stay silent when God speaks to us.

In Jeremiah 38:20, he declares, "Obey now the voice of the Lord in what I say to you, and it shall be well with you, and your life shall be spared." Talk about courage and faith! Jeremiah understood that good advice – God's advice – is a lifeline, even in the darkest moments.

So, what's the good advice Jeremiah gives us? It's simple: "Obey the voice of the Lord." Obedience to God is always good advice. It's the foundation of a consistent truth that echoes throughout Scripture. Embracing and obeying God's truth isn't just good advice; it's the key to a life marked by God's goodness, blessing, and purpose. So let's remember Jeremiah's story and keep obeying God's voice, no matter what!

The key to this advice lies in recognizing God's sovereignty, His infinite love, and His perfect knowledge. Throughout the Bible, obedience to God is consistently presented as the path to blessing, favor, and fulfilling our purpose.

In our daily lives, obeying God's voice can be tough. But heeding Jeremiah's advice, even in tough circumstances, will always lead to enduring peace and blessing. May the truth of Jeremiah's counsel of obedience to the Lord’s voice take root in your heart. 

August 23 -- "The Peril of Unheeding Ears"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 37

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In the midst of chaos during the time of Jeremiah 37, we see the stark consequences of not listening to the Lord's guidance. God sent His prophet with a vital message, but the king, his servants, and the people chose to ignore it. The lesson here is clear: there are serious consequences when we neglect the counsel of the Lord. Disobedience often leads us down a dangerous path.

As a result of their refusal to listen, and in-fact, reject God's message, the Babylonian army besieged Jerusalem. The city faced a dire situation with famine, pestilence, and the horrors of war. King Zedekiah and his officials, who had ignored Jeremiah's warnings, found themselves in a desperate situation, trapped within the walls of the city.

This historical account serves as a sobering reminder that neglecting God's guidance and ignoring His warnings can lead to profound and lasting consequences. It highlights the timeless principle that obeying God's word is crucial for the well-being and preservation of individuals and nations.

In modern-day America, we see parallels between the historical context of Jerusalem and contemporary societal attitudes. Just as ancient Israel faced consequences for turning a deaf ear to God's counsel, the same cautionary tale applies to us today. We must consider the consequences of secular ideologies and moral relativism. A society that neglects the moral and spiritual compass found in God's Word risks collapse and downfall.

However, it's essential to note that these potential consequences are not inevitable. There's hope in the possibility of repentance, renewal, and a return to godly principles. As we consider the consequences of neglecting God's counsel in the context of modern America, let us be stirred to action. May believers arise as ambassadors of truth, seeking the welfare of the nation by advocating for righteousness and pointing others towards the enduring wisdom found in God's Word. And may the people of our nation heed the call.

August 22 -- "The Mysterious Power of God’s Word"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 36

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The written Word of God is not just a collection of words on a page, but a living, breathing entity that has the power to change our hearts and minds. It's a two-edged sword, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:12, that pierces through our souls, revealing the deepest thoughts and intentions of our hearts. This means that when we read and study the Scriptures, we are not just reading words, but we are encountering the very voice of God Himself.

God’s Word has the power to convict us of our sins and prompt us to seek forgiveness and restoration with God. This is what happened to the people of Judah when they heard the prophetic message from Jeremiah and Baruch. They were struck with fear and realization of their disobedience and rejection of God's commands. This fear led them to confront the reality of their actions and seek God's mercy and grace.

God uses the Scriptures as a powerful tool for transformation. His Word has the ability to change the way we think, feel, and act. When we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, we allow God's truth to shape our minds and hearts, and this leads to spiritual growth and transformation.

The written Word of God endures, even in a world filled with fleeting messages and distractions. As we read in Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." God’s truth remains relevant and powerful, just as it has always been. This is because the Word of God is eternal and unchanging, and it speaks to us across the ages, addressing our deepest needs and desires.

The words of the Bible are a powerful, transformative force in our lives. They have the ability to convict us of our sins, change our hearts and minds, and lead us to a deeper relationship with God. Let us treasure the Scriptures and allow them to transform us from the inside out.

May the Lord's truth take root in your hearts. May the Holy Spirit impart these words into your soul, transforming and renewing you. May you be strengthened in your faith and emboldened to live out His truth daily.

August 21 -- "Listen and Receive"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 34 and 35 

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Have you ever had a conversation where you kind of hear the words, but they don't quite click? That's the difference between listening and receiving.

Our verse today is like a gentle nudge from God, reminding us to truly pay attention. Listening to Him involves focusing on His voice, whether it's through the Bible, prayer, someone speaking His truth, or the subtle impressions of the Holy Spirit on your heart. It's like perking up your ears and engaging your mind fully.

But there's more to it than just hearing. Receiving means taking what God says and applying it to your life. It's like opening your arms to a gift, letting His words change your beliefs, your outlook, and even your actions. It's a deeper level of connection, where you don't just hear the message, you live it.

To grow spiritually, every believer needs two things: “The Word OF God” and “A Word FROM God.” The difference may seem subtle, but the reality is that we all need the Lord to personalize His message to us with a voice that speaks directly into an area of our spiritual life. The Word of God – the Bible – is the foundation, the big picture - God's overall message for humanity, His character, and the path He wants us on. It provides a framework for understanding.  "A word from God” is the Holy Spirit impressing upon you and highlighting specific parts of the Word of God for your current situation. It helps you apply the big picture to your own life.

In Jeremiah 35, God asks, "Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words?" He's saying both are important! We need to be attentive listeners, but also open-hearted receivers. It's when we truly take in His message that it can truly transform us.

So, on your faith journey, remember – listening and receiving go hand in hand. By truly opening yourself up to God's voice, you can build a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him, and experience the amazing changes He can bring to your life. May you open our heart to both hearing God's word and receiving His guidance for a transformed life.