September 18 -- "The Day the Music Died"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 25 and 26

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When Don McLean sang of the “day the music died,” he was recalling an event where several legendary rock ‘n’ roll musicians were tragically killed in an airplane crash. His poignant question, “Do you recall what was revealed the day the music died?”, he was prompting his listeners to reflect on the profound impact of that day.

In today’s passage, the Lord speaks prophetically about another day when the “music died” in the ancient city of Tyre. Tyre was a bustling city that truly embodied vibrancy and prosperity. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it was a bustling maritime hub known for its wealth and extensive trade networks. The streets of Tyre were filled with the sounds of music, dancing, and merriment.

However, the vibrancy of Tyre’s trade and culture was a double-edged sword. While it brought immense wealth and influence, it also set the stage for its downfall. The city’s grandeur and economic dominance became symbols of its vulnerability, as prophesied by Ezekiel. The eventual destruction of Tyre served as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of human pride and the importance of humility before God.

In Ezekiel 26:13 the Lord tells the people of Tyre, “I will stop the music of your songs. No more will the sound of merriment be heard among your people.” This verse is part of a prophecy against the city which had rejected God, His will, and His truth. Stopping the music symbolized the end of joy and prosperity due to God’s judgment for their sin and rebellion.

Walking through Tyre after the music stopped would have been a haunting and somber experience. The once-bustling markets are deserted, the stalls empty, and the streets eerily quiet. The grand buildings and fortified walls, which once stood as symbols of Tyre’s wealth and power, now seem like hollow shells. The absence of music and mirth is palpable, a stark reminder of the city’s fall.

Today, our nation enjoys immense prosperity, technological advancements, and cultural richness. Our cities are alive with music, entertainment, and economic activity. Much of our prosperity was brought about because of God’s providence and blessing. However, just like Tyre, there is a risk of becoming too self-reliant and prideful, placing our trust in wealth, achievements, and human wisdom while rejecting the truth of God. If we fail to heed God’s call to return to Him, the music in our country will one day die, just as it did in Tyre.

To stave off the day of the music dying in America, we as a people need to take intentional steps to return to God and prioritize our obedience to Him and principles. As prosperous as we may be, we are not exempt from God’s correction and judgment.

May we prayerfully return to Him and may His truth reign once again in our nation.

September 17 -- "What Prophecy Tells"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 24

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Imagine a political analyst who consistently predicts the outcome of elections. After accurately predicting multiple elections, someone might say, "When this person says an election will go a certain way, you know without a doubt they're right. Well, in today’s verse from Ezekiel, the Lord says something similar: "When this happens, you'll know without a doubt that I am the Lord God!"

These powerful words from Ezekiel 24 are like a spotlight, shining brightly on God's total control over everything. Ezekiel was a messenger for God, and when he shared these messages, it was like God was saying, "Watch me work!" It was a big, bold statement that proved God is in charge.

God uses His prophets to tell us all sorts of things for different reasons. It's like He's having a conversation with us, and He wants us to fully understand His plans. First, He wants us to know what He wants us to do. Prophets are like His guides, pointing us in the right direction.

Next, God tells us the future! He knows the future, so He tells us what's going to happen. It's like a sneak peek into tomorrow, and when it comes true, it's a huge 'I told you so!' moment for God. fulfilled prophecy tells us a great deal about God's omniscience, sovereignty, and loving nature. It demonstrates His ability to see beyond the present moment and know the future with absolute certainty. It’s His way of  saying, "See, I know what I'm doing!"

But God isn't just about showing off. He loves us, and He wants to protect us. Sometimes, the prophets had to give warnings. It was like a loving parent saying, "Hey, slow down! This path isn't safe." God doesn't want us to get hurt, so He gives us a heads up.

Knowing that God's revelation of future events is infallible can be both liberating and challenging. It invites us to surrender control, trust His perfect timing, and discover our purpose. This means cherishing relationships, seeking spiritual growth, and living fully in the power of the Holy Spirit.

But remember, while God's ultimate plan for the world is fixed and unchanging, the specific paths our individual lives take are influenced by the choices we make. Our lives are part of God's grand plan, but our decisions shape the unique journey we take within that plan. Our choices can either align with God's purpose or divert us from it, but ultimately, His sovereignty prevails.

September 16 -- "Breaking Modern Idols"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 23:22-49

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In today’s key verse, we encounter a powerful reminder: "you shall bear the penalty for your sinful idolatry.” This verse reverberates throughout Scripture, highlighting the serious consequences of turning our hearts away from the one true God.

In Biblical times, idolatry often involved physical statues or images made of wood, stone, or metal. These tangible objects were worshipped in place of the true God, and the Bible frequently condemns this practice, emphasizing that worshiping anything other than God is both misguided and harmful. As this verse candidly tells us, there is a future penalty for persisting in sinful idolatry.

Today, the concept of idolatry has evolved beyond these ancient artifacts. Modern-day idols are anything that occupies the central place in our hearts and lives that rightfully belongs to God. These can include our identity, money, jobs, physical appearance, entertainment, sex, comfort, technology, family, and the pursuit of influence or fame. When we allow these things to dominate our hearts and minds, they distract us from our true purpose and relationship with God.

Addressing the issue of modern idolatry involves intentional steps to realign your priorities and focus on your relationship with God. The first step is to reflect on your life and honestly identify what might be taking precedence over God. Ask yourself, “What do I turn to for comfort? Where do I spend the most time and energy? What do I fear losing the most?” These questions can help you pinpoint where your heart’s allegiance lies.

Once you’ve identified these potential idols, it’s time to reclaim your devotion to God. This doesn’t mean abandoning your interests or responsibilities but rather reorienting them in a way that honors God. Invite Him into every aspect of your life—your work, relationships, hobbies, and even your struggles. Let Him be the guiding force in all you do.

As you realign your priorities, you’ll begin to rediscover the joy of true worship. Worship isn’t just about singing songs on a Sunday morning; it’s a lifestyle that glorifies God in every moment. Whether you’re at work, with your family, or enjoying a quiet moment, you can offer up your heart as a form of worship to the Lord.

May you walk in the freedom that comes from placing God at the center of your life. As you cast aside the idols that seek to steal your affection, may you experience a renewed sense of peace, purpose, and joy in your relationship with Jesus. 

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.