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. 

August 31 -- "Visions of God"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 8 & 9

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Have you ever gazed into the night sky and felt a profound sense of wonder? In a similar way, when God speaks to His children through visions, there is a deep and intense sense of awe and wonder. A vision is a supernatural encounter or experience where divine revelation is imparted through visual imagery. Unlike dreams, which occur during sleep, a vision is a profound experience that happens while fully awake. God often used visions in the Bible to serve as window into the spiritual realm, offering insights, guidance, or prophetic messages.

Visions come from God, not from human imagination or dreams. In the Bible, they always have a specific purpose, whether it's to reveal future events, provide spiritual instruction, or inspire action. Genuine visions often lead to significant changes in the recipient's life. Just as a painter uses a canvas to portray a masterpiece, God can use visions to paint a picture of His will for our lives.

Ezekiel 8:3-4 provides a powerful illustration of divine visions. It describes Ezekiel's supernatural experience where he is transported from Earth to Heaven, and given a glimpse into the spiritual realm. When he looked, he was astonished. What he saw was a vision of God carrying him to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the Temple. It was there that the Lord revealed his displeasure with the abominable practices of the people of Israel. The vision served as a warning of the imminent judgment that God would bring upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants because of their persistent idolatry and sin.

The vision shows that God is fully aware of all that happens, even in secret. The people may have thought their idolatrous practices were hidden, but God reveals them to Ezekiel, demonstrating that nothing is hidden from His sight. Ezekiel’s vision implicitly calls the people to recognize their wrongdoing and repent. By exposing the hidden sins and idolatry, God gives the people an opportunity to turn back to Him and seek forgiveness.

Keep in mind that God still communicates through visions today, and He very well could give you one to reveal His will and guidance in your life or to communicate a divine message. May the Lord grant you eyes to see beyond the natural realm, a heart receptive to His divine overtures, and a spirit willing to be transported into the heights of His glorious presence.

August 30 -- "Powerless Silver and Gold"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 7

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Today, we dive into the fascinating topic of wealth and its significance in our lives. Did you know that as of 2021, there were approximately 56 million millionaires worldwide? And in 2022, we had around 3 thousand billionaires globally, according to Forbes' annual Billionaires list!

Now, having such vast wealth certainly brings numerous advantages. It can help people weather economic storms, access top-notch medical care and education, and even provide a sense of security and comfort. However, Ezekiel 7:19 reminds us that relying solely on earthly treasures can be a stumbling block when facing God's judgment.

It's crucial to remember that material possessions cannot offer the same level of security and protection that only God can provide. In times of divine judgment, wealth loses its significance as it cannot shield individuals from their mistakes. In fact, on the coming day of judgment, silver and gold will become so worthless that they will be “cast into the streets.” James 5 tells the wealthy that the day is coming when, “Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver are corroded.”

This reminds us that, while obtaining material wealth is not inherently wrong and good stewardship is encouraged in Scripture, it's crucial to remember that true security and fulfillment can only be found in a rich relationship with God, rather than relying solely on earthly possessions. Our earthly treasures may crumble or lose value, but God remains steadfast and unwavering in His love for us.

So, let's reflect on our priorities: are we seeking God first, or are we placing our trust in material possessions? In times of uncertainty, let's put our faith in the Lord's provision rather than accumulating treasures that will ultimately fail. Jesus Himself taught us this valuable lesson in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

May your heart be invested in eternal matters and not be swayed by the fleeting allure of earthly riches. Remember, true wealth lies in our relationship with God, and that's a treasure worth cherishing!

August 29 -- "Reality Discipline"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 6

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In today's verse, God is speaking about the consequences that will come to the rebellious people of Israel for not heeding His warnings. He wants them to know that His warnings were not empty threats, but rather a genuine vow of what was to come.

Discipline is an important part of teaching children about responsibility and the consequences of their actions. Consistency is key in making sure they understand that stated consequences are real and not just "empty threats." When parents follow through on the natural or logical consequences of their child's behavior, it sends a clear message that there are real outcomes for the choices their child makes. This type of parental follow-through is called “reality discipline” because it emphasizes the real consequences of one’s behavior and choices.

In the same way, God's “reality discipline” is not arbitrary. It comes from His righteousness and faithfulness. As believers, we need to recognize the reality of God's warnings and the certainty of consequences for our actions. We must understand that His warnings are not “in vain” nor empty words, but a confirmation of what will happen if we don't respond to His corrections.

Just as God's discipline comes from His righteousness and faithfulness, we must recognize the reality of His warnings and the certainty of consequences for our actions. His guidance isn't arbitrary; it's a loving reminder of what will happen if we don't heed His corrections. Unfortunately, Israel continually rejected these warnings and rebelled against their loving Father. As a result, God explained in Ezekiel 6 that the consequences He warned them about are now coming to pass.

It's crucial for us to listen to God's warnings because they guide us through life, helping us avoid danger and making better choices. These warnings aren't arbitrary mandates or empty threats; they're loving cautions from a Father who wants what's best for us. He sees beyond our current circumstances and desires to do us good. Let's heed His warnings and follow His guidance, trusting that He knows what is best for us and knowing that if we persist in defying His warnings, He will follow through with some "reality discipline" in our lives. 

Note: The term “Reality discipline” was popularized by Dr. Kevin Leman in his 1983 best-selling book, "Making Children Mind without Losing Yours.”

August 28 -- "Jerusalem: Center of Nations"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 4 and 5

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God didn't choose Jerusalem randomly - it has a deep spiritual significance. This city, nestled in the heart of nations, embodies God's unique bond with His chosen people, the Israelites. Geographically and spiritually, Jerusalem became the epicenter of God's grand plan for redemption, shining His light to every corner of the globe.

God chose this city to be His holy dwelling place among His people. The construction of the Temple further solidified its role as a hub for worship and communion with the Creator. This choice represents God's unbreakable covenant with Israel, showcasing His unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

As believers today, understanding God's deliberate choice reminds us to recognize our own unique placements and circumstances. Just like Jerusalem was at the heart of God's redemptive work, we are intentionally positioned for His purposes. Our faithfulness and obedience should mirror Jerusalem's commitment to God's plan.

Acknowledge that God's selection of Jerusalem is mirrored in your own life. Align your heart with His will, knowing that His sovereign choice in your circumstances is an opportunity to be a part of His divine masterpiece. Embrace your role, no matter how small it may seem, trusting that God is weaving a beautiful tapestry of redemption.

Consider the story of Mary, the humble young woman from Nazareth chosen by God to bear the Savior of the world. Despite the challenges and societal norms, Mary submitted to God's choice, and her obedience played a crucial role in God's redemptive plan.

Matthew 5:14 reminds us that, just like Jerusalem, we are the light of the world, called to reflect God's glory and purpose shining brightly for all to see! May the Lord bless and guide you to align your heart with His divine plan, that you may shine as a beacon of His light in this world.

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.