September 21 -- "Humbling a Nation's Arrogance"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 29

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Ezekiel 29 delivers a powerful prophecy against Egypt, specifically targeting Pharaoh and the nation’s pride and arrogance. Through the vivid metaphor of Pharaoh as a great “dragon” or sea creature, Ezekiel highlights the dangers of pride and self-reliance. Egypt, with its worldly power and confidence, boasted in its own might rather than acknowledging the supremacy of Yahweh.

The Lord, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, objects to Pharoah’s arrogance and self-assertions. The imagery of the Nile River sea creature, symbolizing Egypt’s power and prosperity, vividly portrays God’s intention to humble the proud and exalt the humble. The Hebrew term used for sea creature in this chapter is “tannin” and can be translated as “dragon,” “monster,” or “sea serpent.” This creature, a metaphor for Pharoah, represents immense power and a formidable presence in the waters of the Nile.

The core reason for God’s displeasure with Egypt was their boastful declaration that “the Nile is mine, I made it.” By this statement, Egypt was taking credit for something that only belongs to God Himself – the creation of the world and all that it contains, including its waterways. Isaiah 42:8 states, “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” God’s glory is intrinsic to His nature and cannot be compromised or shared with any other entity.

In the case of Egypt, its Pharaoh and people exalted themselves in their power and achievements, attributing their success to their own prowess rather than acknowledging God’s providence and sovereignty. This prideful attitude ultimately led to their downfall and served as a testament to God’s supremacy over all nations.

As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize and submit to the sovereignty of God in all aspects of our lives. In our journey of faith, we are challenged to examine our own hearts, rooting out even the slightest inclination to take credit or glory for ourselves. Let us heed the warning of Ezekiel and humbly submit to the lordship of Christ. He alone deserves the glory for His mighty works!

May the Lord bless you and keep you, as you submit to His sovereign plan. May your heart be humbled before Him, recognizing that all power and might belong to our Creator alone.

September 20 -- "Fall From Glory to Shame"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 28

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Ezekiel's words in chapter 28 paint a vivid picture of Lucifer's descent from glory to shame. Once a radiant being in the heavenly courts, Lucifer was expelled, his glory stripped away, and he was sentenced to an eternity apart from God. His rebellion not only disrupted the peace of Heaven but also transformed him into Satan, the devil, the constant adversary of God and all humanity.

In this chapter, we first meet the "king of Tyre," a real-life human ruler of a bustling, wealthy Phoenician city. But as we read on, the narrative takes a fascinating turn, shifting from this human king to the spiritual force behind him, which points directly to Satan, the evil one, the fallen angel.

Lucifer's story is a dramatic cautionary tale, showcasing the tragic downfall that comes from pride and defiance against the Living God. This "anointed cherub," blessed with stunning beauty and profound wisdom, let his heart swell with pride. He became so captivated by his own splendor that he yearned to elevate himself above the Lord, forgetting his own created status and his reliance on the Creator.

This narrative of Lucifer's fall is a stark reminder of the perils of pride. It teaches us that no matter how exalted or beautiful, any being can fall prey to the temptation of self-worship. Just like Lucifer, we might get caught in the trap of our own perceived greatness, beauty, or intelligence, losing sight of our need for God and His rightful place in our lives.

As we ponder over Lucifer's story, let it serve as a beacon of warning about the dire outcomes of pride and rebellion. May it encourage us to humbly place ourselves under God's loving authority, seeking His wisdom and grace in all we do. By doing so, we can steer clear of the destructive paths of pride and embrace the full richness of God's love and redemption.

May you always remember your dependence on your Creator, relying upon His grace to keep your heart from the folly of self-exaltation. 

September 19 -- "Worldly Wealth Shipwrecked"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 27

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Imagine yourself transported to the bustling port city of Tyre, where majestic ships filled the harbor and wealth overflowed like a treasure trove. As you take in the grandeur of this Mediterranean metropolis, you can't help but notice the profound lesson that Ezekiel's prophetic vision holds for us today.

The story of Tyre is a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust and worldly glory. It's easy to get caught up in material wealth and fleeting achievements, but as believers, we're called to a higher standard – one rooted in faithfulness to God.

Consider the allure of Tyre's riches: its merchants traded in precious goods, its craftsmen fashioned vessels of exquisite beauty. But amidst this abundance, Tyre forgot the Source of all blessings – the Lord God. As we navigate life's currents, let us heed Ezekiel's warning not to be lured by temporal treasures.

Instead, as we pursue success and provision, may we remember that true wealth lies in anchoring our trust in the unchanging character of God. It is in Him alone that we find security and fulfillment beyond measure.

The story of Tyre serves as a sobering reminder that worldly wealth is fleeting, like ships dashed upon the rocks. But the riches of God's grace endure for eternity, offering us hope that transcends this world's transient pleasures.

So let us set our sights on the eternal treasures stored up in heaven. As Jesus taught us, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21)

May your heart be anchored in His unchanging love and your soul be nourished by His eternal grace. May you lay up for yourself riches that will never fade or rust, and may your treasure be found in the heart of God alone.

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.