September 23 -- "Unwavering Resolve"

Today's Reading: Daniel 1 

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Today we dive into the inspiring story of Daniel. This young man was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian army, but he didn't let that deter him from sticking to the deep convictions of his faith in the Lord. No matter where he found himself, Daniel remained committed to God's commands. When faced with a choice between earthly temptations and loyalty to the Lord, he chose what was right!

Daniel was faced with a choice between defiling himself by eating the king's food and wine or maintaining his purity and loyalty to God. Daniel refused to eat the king's food and drink because it violated Jewish dietary laws, was associated with Babylonian idol worship, and he wanted to remain spiritually pure and faithful to God, even in a foreign land. This decision wasn't just about food; it was about prioritizing his faith over earthly temptations.

Similarly, in our own lives, we face choices every day that challenge our integrity and commitment to our beliefs. It might be a small thing like skipping church to sleep in or something bigger like compromising our values for career advancement. These decisions can shape the course of our lives and impact those around us.

Choosing to prioritize our faith is not always easy. We might face pressure from others, feel tempted by convenience or popularity, or struggle with doubt. But Daniel shows us that it's worth standing firm in our beliefs. When we stay true to God and our convictions, we become beacons of light for those around us.

Today, take a moment to reflect on your values and convictions. What do you hold dear? What are you willing to stand up for? When faced with choices that challenge your integrity, always remember Daniel's example and choose what is right, even if it's hard.

May the Lord bless you with unwavering resolve to stand firm in your beliefs, even when it's hard. May you be inspired by the steadfast faith of Daniel and others who have gone before you. And may you be reminded that God is with you every step of the way.

September 22 -- "Wail for the Day"

  Today's Reading: Ezekiel 30

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In today’s passage God paints a vivid picture of the day of judgment as a gloomy and ominous day for the nations. It's clear that He wants us to understand just how serious and severe His judgment will be on those who refuse to repent and turn to Him. This is a day that strikes fear in our hearts, reminding us of the incredible power and authority of God over all creation!

Some folks just don't believe in divine judgment at all! They think natural disasters or societal troubles are just random events or caused by human mistakes. Others have big dreams for humanity, imagining a future where we use science, technology, and social progress to solve our problems like poverty, illness, and environmental issues. These people don’t see the coming day of judgment as something real – they're more focused on temporary gains and earthly pursuits.

But when God describes this day of judgment, He’s showing us how important it is to take moral and spiritual matters seriously. Humans often brush these things aside in favor of immediate pleasures and worldly achievements. However, throughout history, we’ve seen moments where the evidence of divine intervention and judgment became undeniable. During these times, people wake up to the fact that their choices have consequences and that they're accountable for their actions.

This contrast between God's message and human perception reminds us how easily we can get lost in our own selfish desires and blind spots. We need to repent, humble ourselves, and open our hearts to the truth of God’s love, justice, and mercy.

As believers, it's our job to bridge this gap by sharing the good news of salvation and warning others about the day of judgment that's coming. Let's show people the reality of God's love through our words and actions – inviting them to turn from their sins and find refuge in Jesus Christ before it’s too late!

May the Lord open your eyes to His truth and justice, guiding you away from selfish desires and towards a heart of repentance. May you be an instrument of peace and hope, bridging the gap between God's grace and humanity's need.

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.