Ezek. 17-19; Rev. 7

We’ve all seen a picture of a mighty eagle swooping down on its prey. Ezekiel 17 starts out with some great visual imagery of an eagle ripping the treetops off a cedar tree, ultimately showing a display of power that is sometimes bridled and sometimes unbridled.




Mighty conquerors are aptly likened to birds or beasts of prey, but their destructive passions are tempered by their desire to follow God's plans. Later we see God’s promise to us (Ezekiel 17: 22-24) as He talks about He Himself taking a shoot from the very top of a cedar and planting it. This tree will bear fruit and become a splendid tree because it is by the Lord’s design not man’s. As we go on in Chapter 18 we see that in our design and left to our own sin we will surely die.

Thankfully we have a way out. "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live! (Ezekiel 18:30-32)

Through our repentance and relationship with Christ we are a new creation and can have eternal life and I thank the Lord for this gift and grace.


Blessings,
Pastor Jason

NEXT READING: Ezek. 20,21; Ps. 111; Rev. 8

Ezekiel 15-16; Psalm 70; Rev. 6

In the book of Ezekiel, God’s initiative and control is expressed more clearly and pervasively. It is a book that sounds and echoes God’s sovereignty. The allegory in chapter 16 of an unfaithful Jerusalem describes the history of this people and their continual rejection of God. We see God’s forgiveness and rescue of a people who were not content with their love relationship with the Lord.
Our Lord’s righteous judgment and faithfulness in this portion of scripture speaks to us in these days we live. A true warning for us to see and then ask, “I’m I so easily persuaded to reject God’s commandments?”
Discontent can be the doorway that will lead us on a pathway of temptation against God’s great plan. When we are discontent, we might tend to go places we shouldn’t go or make alliances we shouldn’t be making. Several weeks ago Pastor Rick encouraged us to guard our hearts and to protect our ‘Heart of Worship.’ Prioritize going to church and staying connected with others. Let us commit to having our lives to be a reflection of His good work by serving in ministry and giving to others. Let us hold on to our covenant with the Lord and remember His faithfulness.
“Nevertheless I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.” Ezekiel 16:60

Be Blessed He is Our Covenant Keeper!
Pastor Kim

Next Bible Reading: Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7

Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5

"For I am the LORD, I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass;" Ezekiel 12:25

Observe with me how many times, in the three chapters we have just read, Ezekiel says 'the word of the Lord came to me'.
     Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying: (Ez. 12:1)
     And in the morning the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (Ez. 12:8)
     Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (Ez. 12:17)
     And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (Ez. 12:21)
     Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (Ez. 12:26)
     And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (Ez. 13:1)
     And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (Ez. 14:2)
     The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, (Ez. 14:12)

I can identify with Ezekiel. Throughout my life I have been privileged to hear God speak to me, sometimes loud and clear, while other times in a still small voice. The words He has spoken have challenged me, guided me, comforted me, exhorted me, and even shocked me. Whatever the case might have been, the words have always been timely and needed. I don't know where I would be today if I hadn't heard His voice, therefore I cherish the simple fact that He Speaks. But not only does He Speak, what He says is always the truth and reliable. You can count on it, base your life on it, follow it and expect it to come to pass.

We do not serve a mute God. He speaks. Are you listening?

My prayer for you is that you would draw near to the Lord, expecting to hear from Him. I pray that you would get to know His voice, in such a way, so that you won't be mislead by the other voices which try to drown out the Lord's.

Following Jesus Christ,

Pastor Juan

P.S. Please share your thoughts and/or feelings with us by using the comment feature. We love hearing from you.


Next Bible Reading: Ezekiel 15-16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6

Created for His Pleasure

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4

"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." Revelation 4:11

When reading both the books of Ezekiel and Revelation you have to be in awe of the glory of God. I do not think Spielberg has even scratched the surface with special effects in comparison to the majestic, powerful and extravagant glory of God. Here we see that the 24 elders surround the throne of God as they “worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne…” This will probably be one of the first things that we see when we get to heaven, as John did; the throne of God and cherubim about the throne of God, and the worship of God as He sits on His throne. They are declaring that God created all things, He didn’t just allow things to happen but He had a plan in mind and in His greatness, He performed all that He promised. Not only did He create all things, but also it is for His pleasure all things were created. It is important that we understand and accept that God created us for His good pleasure. We were not created for our own pleasure but for God’s. If I am trying to please myself, I am not answering to the purpose of my existence. However, when I seek to please God, then I am answering to my existence. The wonderful thing is that we find that when we live to please God we find great pleasure for ourselves. This is where happiness and satisfaction is---pleasing God. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) “If any man seeks to save his life, he is going to lose it, but if he loses his life for My sake,” Jesus said, “You will find it.” (Matthew 10:39) Living all for Jesus is the greatest life of all.

In Him,
Carol

Next Reading: Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5

Ezek. 4-7: Rev.3

Rev 3:17-18
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Every time I read this scripture it affects me differently I guess because I am in a different place every time I read this. This time in my life, I am getting ready to retire (I hope). As I look toward that time in my life finances become a very important thing. Since I prably will not win the lottery (one of my retirement plans) I am going to have to figure out how to live on what little I have for the rest of my life. Then I am reminded by this scripture again “You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing”. Those riches are not my needs. My need today is ”gold refined in the fire”, “white clothes to wear” and ”salve to put on your eyes” sometimes I just need to be reminded retirement does not happen here it happens in heaven when I am finally home with my King.

May God bless you and your family with ”gold refined in the fire”, “white clothes to wear” and ”salve to put on your eyes” All a free gift from the king of the universe.

Pastor Jack

Next reading Ezek. 8-11; Rev. 4;

Jeremiah 52; Ps. 143,144; Revelation 1

Praying with the Psalmist

"Teach me to do your will, (not my own will Lord, at least not that which is outside of your best for me, rather YOUR will, that which is good, acceptable and perfect) For You are my God; (nothing compares to You, even though at times I may make the mistake of placing other things in front of you, those things are not worthy to have such a place in my life, I reaffirm that YOU are my God, my Lord and my God and I submit to your Lordship) Your Spirit is good. (and I thank you for the promise of your Holy Spirit, for filling me with power from on high, for giving me the boldness to step out in your name and make a difference in this world, You are GOOD, better than anything or anyone) Lead me in the land of uprightness. (for I am your sheep and I will follow wherever you lead me, may my life be a living testimony of your grace, mercy and holiness, cleanse me and help me to walk upright, by your power , for your glory) Amen. Psalm 143:10


Next Reading: Ezekiel 1-3; Revelation 2

Jer. 50,51; 3 John

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.                                                 3 John 1:5-6


I spoke on Sunday about the connection between falling in love with God and feeding the sheep of God. Here is the perfect example John says “you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They were all about helping to comfort and support those that were passing through their city on their way to do the work and will of the living God. But I want you to notice what the missionarys told the church John says “They have told the church about your love.” Not how much they spent or what they gave them, but about their love. That is what these men noticed the love of the brothers I am telling you the truth if you fall in love with the living God it will rub off on whoever you touch and they will see it. Jesus said “They will know you by your love” and “by this all men will know you are my disciples”. The love for God rubs off. John commends them for sending “them on their way in a manner worthy of God”. What a great statement “in a manner worthy of God”

May God bless you and keep you as you fall in love with Him and as that love extends to everyone you touch may they may say of you I was treated “in a manner worthy of God”.

Pastor Jack

Next reading Jer. 52; Ps. 143,144; Rev 1;