From Death to Life

Reading: Ezekiel 36-40

Ezekiel stood in a valley of dry bones and watched the amazing power of God. He “gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist” (Romans 4:17). This power of God gives hope that the graves of our loved ones will be opened and we will be joined together with Jesus in the resurrection (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). It also empowers us to live every day. The resurrected life begins at salvation (Romans 6:8-11).

Live the resurrected life today!

Next Reading: Ezekiel 41-45

Turn and Live

Reading: Ezekiel 16-20

“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declared the Lord; so turn and live.” (Ezekiel 18:32)

We are not sinners in the hands of an angry God. He does not delight to dangle our souls over the flame by a thin strand. His justice is sure: the wicked will be judged for his wickedness. But do not for a moment believe that God enjoys punishing sin.

Instead, as Peter says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (II Peter 3:9)

So consider each moment today as evidence of God’s grace. Turn and serve.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Ezekiel 21-25

Why Do We Need A Savior?

Today’s reading is Psalm 11-15.

“O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1). I’m in trouble. I think I’ve violated at least five of the principles found in this psalm. Depending on how you define them, I’ve probably violated even more. Where does that leave me? In need of a Savior. At the same time, the God Filled understand that Jesus didn’t die so we could ignore this psalm. He died so we could be set free to live it. Are you in need of a Savior?

Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 16-20.

You’re Not Stronger Than Solomon, Don’t Try to Be

Today’s reading is Nehemiah 11-13; Esther 1-2.

Why do we think we can stand where others mightier, wiser, and stronger than us have fallen? And yet that is exactly what I do again and again just like Israel as they repeatedly married foreign women who worshiped false Gods. Despite the fact that generation after generation in the past had gone into idolatry because of intermarriage, each new generation somehow thought they were different. In Nehemiah 13:26-27, Nehemiah brings up Solomon. If the wisest king of Jewish history turned from God because of foreign women, what makes this generation think they will play with the fire without getting burned? This is why Paul says, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12, ESV). The God Filled learn from the past, not only theirs, but others’. The God Filled don’t walk recklessly into temptation declaring the strength to handle it; they flee unrighteousness, knowing it is powerful and we are powerless. Only then does God’s power fill us and make us victorious.

Get God Filled Practically

Today’s reading is Ezra 6-10.

Sadly, many in today’s mainstream Christianity may be more impacted by Eastern mysticism and New Age supernatural spirituality than we realize. Even Word based people seem to think becoming God Filled is based solely on some kind of ethereal movement of the Spirit that happens as a complete mystery to the lucky few who happen to come under His sway. No doubt, as John 3:5-8, shows there is definitely mystery to the Spirit, but Ezra shows us the practical, hands on side of becoming God Filled. We obviously cannot control the Holy Spirit, but we can control ourselves, and if we want to be God Filled, we need to follow Ezra’s example: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (Ezra 7:10, ESV). Of course, I understand we are under a different covenant with different statutes, yet this principle extends to us as well. No, we cannot control the Spirit, forcing him where we want Him to go, but we can do what God has asked of us. Study God’s Word, do it, and teach others. Commit to these, and watch your life become God Filled.

Tomorrow’s reading is Nehemiah 1-5.

The God Satisfied Have Nothing to Prove

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 15-19.

I know David recants his lack of vengeance against Shimei later, and I’m not completely sure what to make of that. However, I can’t help but notice what he says in 2 Samuel 19:21-23 when Abishai wants to kill Shimei a second time: “Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” (ESV). What great God Satisfaction the God Filled have. David didn’t have to prove anything to anyone because he was personally convinced of his blessing from God. I love the mantra: “It’s none of my business what everyone else thinks of me.” Not that our reputation doesn’t matter at all, but our relationship with God matters foremost. If we focus on that and gain personal confidence in it, we don’t have to spin our wheels trying to prove it to everyone else. If you are in Christ, you are a king and have nothing to prove to anyone today (cf. 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 3:21). Let’s live like the kings God has made us.

Monday’s reading is 2 Samuel 20-24.

 

A God Filled Response to Righteous Rebuke

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 10-14.

David, a a God Filled man after God’s own heart, more than messed up, he sinned grievously. What sets David apart as God Filled, however, is not his sin, but his response to Nathan’s righteous rebuke. Not only did David accept the rebuke, respond appropriately to the rebuke, notice 1 Chronicles 3:5. David so loved his rebuker that he named one of the sons he had from Bathsheba after him. David truly lived what he wrote in Psalm 141:5: “Let a righteous man strike me–it is kindness; let him rebuke me–it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it” (ESV). Even God Filled people like you need to be rebuked from time to time. How will you respond to it today?

We’d love to know what you got out of today’s reading or if another part of the reading stood out to you. Let us know in the comments section.

Tomorrow’s reading is 2 Samuel 15-19.