Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Sept. 1, 2009
Read Ezekiel 1 -- 4

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Verse 1:1 sets the stage: Ezekiel is a captive in Babylon when God calls him! No one can stand in God's presence (1:26-28). The message to the people of Israel is also hand-fed by God to His watchman (that's also us) (2:8 -- 3:17). Check our responsibility carefully (3:18-21)! Ezekiel acts out God's messages (chap. 4).
As a captive of heathen Gentiles in Babylon, Ezekiel must have felt hopelessly separated from God. The Temple of God was gone -- NO God-given place to offer sacrifice; NO God-given Table of Shewbread; NO God-given Laver for cleansing. Circumstances looked very hopeless. To his great joy, the Word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest (1:3).

Ezekiel's first vision appeared as a whirlwind . . . out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it. . . . Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures (cherubim) (1:4-5; 10:1-20). Each of the creatures had four faces, wings, and hands.

Each had the face of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle (1:10). The lion is the ruler of the animal kingdom and symbolizes majesty; the ox was the most valuable domesticated animal and represents submission and strength; the eagle is admired above all other birds because of its superior ability to rise into the heavens, above its enemies; and man, created in the image of God, illustrates unrivaled in intellectual ability. As one, these four were prepared at all times to instantly obey the will of God and go in any direction.

The cherubim stood within the wheels -- in which one wheel was revolving north-south and the other east-west. The wheels were omnidirectional and symbolized instant activity of the Sovereign God in every direction: They turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward (1:9,12,17). The wheels had their rings . . . full of eyes round about (1:18). Under the control of God the Creator, these innumerable eyes could look immediately in every direction, seeing everything.

Not only would God deliver the Israelites from a heathen world power, but He would prepare them to overcome their greatest failure -- the sinful worship of false gods. This incredible vision reminds us that our Heavenly Father is in control, working through everyday activities of life to deliver us from sin and make it possible to fulfill His Word. This is the key to gaining the best in life.

Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another (Ps. 75:6-7).

Thought for Today:

For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods (Ps. 135:5).
Christ Revealed:

In a likeness as the appearance of a man, who sat upon the throne (Ezek. 1:26-28). This foreshadowed God who appears as a Man, the Man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5).
Word Studies:

1:18 dreadful = awesome, wonderful; 1:20 up over against = close beside; 3:12 rushing = tumultuous, shouting; 3:14 heat = anger; 3:26 dumb = unable to speak to warn them; 4:16 break the staff = cut off the supply.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts for the month of September sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts in Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for the month of September in memory of Cody James Redman • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Ander Crenshaw (FL) and Rep. Al Green (TX) • Country: Botswana (1.5 million) in southern Africa • Major languages: English and Setswana • Limited religious freedom because of local chiefs • 58% Christian; 40% Indigenous; .8% Baha'i; .2% Muslim; .2% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayer of thanksgiving for the marvelous blessings of God (Ps. 18:1-3).
Optional Reading: Revelation 6

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:28
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 2, 2009
Read Ezekiel 5 -- 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

What a haircut (5:1-4)! God's reaction to disobedience (5:5-17) plus His prophesied consequences against Israel as the "End" nears (chap. 6, 7,9)! They shall know that I am the Lord (7:27).
Fourteen years after Nebuchadnezzar conquered the Kingdom of Judah, life in Jerusalem seemed to have returned to "normal." Her priests have violated My Law . . . profaned Mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane (22:26). They continue "business as usual." Consequently, the people were indifferent to Ezekiel when he said: I will cast down your slain men before your idols. And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols. . . . In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste (6:4-6). What a horrifying thought! But no repentance.

For many, their hearts' chief concern was wealth and it had become another idol. Just as Ezekiel had prophesied, the Israelites refused to repent until it was too late -- they shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed (discarded like rubbish): their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord (7:19). How typical this is of many in our generation with their emphasis on material success and sex.

Wealth itself is not sinful and can be a means to bring about miracles with spiritual and eternal values. But wealth was never meant to be lavished upon us with no regard for others' needs.

Fourteen months after his first vision (1:1), Ezekiel reported: As I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me. . . . and the Spirit lifted me up . . . and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem . . . at the gate of the altar (was) this image of jealousy in the entry. (8:1-5). The prophet was led to see the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth (8:6).

Still no repentance. Ezekiel was then told that he would see greater abominations that they do. . . . and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz (8:13-14) the Babylonian god of fertility. Next he was led to see that the land (was filled) with violence (8:16-17).

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (I John 3:17).

Thought for Today:

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit (Ps. 34:18).
Christ Portrayed:

By the man clothed in linen (Ezek. 9:2-11) who represents Christ as High Priest, marking His people to be spared from the flaming sword of vengeance. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast (firmly) our profession (confession) (Heb. 4:14; also Rev. 7:2-3).
Word Studies:

5:16 staff = supply; 6:4 images = idols; 7:26 counsel from the ancients = counsel from the aged; 8:12 chambers of his imagery = shrine of his own carved idol.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Casmir A. Zuranski • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Sen. Jim DeMint (SC) and Rep. At-Large Earl Pomeroy (ND) • Country: Brazil (168 million) in South America • Major languages: Portuguese and Spanish • Religious freedom • 67% Catholic; 21% Protestant; 4% spiritist; .7% Buddhist; .7% Muslim; .15% Indigenous; 2.4% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in time of trouble, for He promises to hear us (Ps. 18:6).
Optional Reading: Revelation 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:28`

[Judy Harder]

Sept. 3, 2009
Read Ezekiel 10 -- 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Ezekiel foretold that our Creator God is Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever (Heb. 13:. He has provided a new spirit within you. It is the only way for God to correct us (Ezek. 11:19-20). False prophets are warned that follow their own spirit (not the Holy Spirit) (13:3).
Ezekiel's second vision continued with one man . . . clothed with linen who marked the foreheads of all who remained faithful to the Lord (9:2-7). This marking process points out our individual responsibility. Participating in worship services in the Temple did not distinguish the elect remnant but repentance over sin did. God will judge nations and churches as He did the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:17,26; 3:5,13,21-22). The appeal to each was for personal repentance. Biblical repentance is much more than a change of direction. Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death (II Cor. 7:10).

Our affections can now be centered upon Christ since we have His spiritual nature and our thoughts can be in harmony with Him. (Comp. John 1:12-13; 3:3,5-7.) I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness . . . which they have committed (Ezek. 12:21).

While the wicked majority of Israelites was being judged, the godly minority was being protected.

Concerning Israel's evil leadership, God said: Ye have not . . . executed My judgments (11:12). Consequently, the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city (11:23). The Israelites were so involved in their "religious activities" that they were not aware or concerned that God had forsaken them.

Ezekiel had observed the leaders of Jerusalem who appeared to be the chosen ones and the favored people, blessed and called to remain in charge while so many others had been killed or taken captive. In reality, it was those captive in Babylon who learned, through suffering, to repent of their pagan idolatry and trust in the One True God of Israel.

Everything depends on the right action of our will. God gives us the power of choice. We cannot change our heart, but we can choose to repent of our sins and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior (be born again) as the Lord revealed to Ezekiel.

By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are . . . created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph. 2:8-10).

Thought for Today:

He (God) healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds (Ps. 147:3).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who gives a new Spirit (Ezek. 11:19). This is the promise fulfilled when we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives. God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts (Gal. 4:4-7).
Word Study:

12:3 stuff for removing = belongings to take into exile; 12:23 effect of every vision = fulfillment, every prophecy will come to pass; 13:9 upon = against; 13:18 women that sew pillows to all armholes = false prophetesses who sew magic charms upon the wrists of garments; 13:21 kerchiefs = veils; 13:23 divine divinations = practice witchcraft visions.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shorwave Broadcasts in memory of Mr. Lester Claussen • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Official: Rep. John Olver (MA) • Country: Brunei (400,000) on the northern coast of Borneo • Major languages: Malay and English • Limited religious freedom • 66% Muslim; 19% Chinese religions; 6% animist; 4% Protestant; 4% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Ps. 18:30).
Optional Reading: Revelation 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:28
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 4, 2009
Read Ezekiel 14 -- 16

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Each person clearly accountable for their own choice to be saved (14:12-23). A breathtaking, tragic account of the love and faithfulness of God to Judah and her inconsiderate attitude (chap. 16). We must guard against spiritual adultery.
Once again, certain elders of Israel (14:1) came to consult with Ezekiel as if they desired to know the will of God. But God revealed their hypocrisy: Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols (14:3-4,6-8).

As an illustration of Israel's one purpose as the people of God, Ezekiel then presented the question: What (how) is the vine tree (representing Israel) more than any tree? . . . Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon? (15:2-4; Gen. 49:22; Deut. 32:32; Ps. 80:8-11; Is. 5:1-7; Jer. 2:21; Hos. 10:1).

Nothing was more familiar to the Israelite than the grapevine. Every Israelite knew that it was worthless to make furniture, houses, or other useful items. No one would use a vine to make even a pin (peg) to hang his hat on. If it bears no fruit, it is uprooted and cast into the fire (Ezek. 15:4,7; John 15:1-6).

The Lord looked for obedience in Israel, but there was only rebellion. He looked for spirituality, but found only formality and hypocrisy. He looked for sincere, heartfelt devotion and worship, but there was only idolatry and immorality. The long-suffering of God had not caused the Israelites to love Him, nor to bear the fruit of righteousness, nor to repent of their sins.

Northern Israel had already been cast into the fire by the Assyrian invasion. Most of Judah would be destroyed by the Babylonians' coming destruction of Jerusalem fulfilling the Word of God (Lev. 26:27-35,43; Deut. 29:15-28).

God's purpose in judgment is to reclaim the hearts of His people who have wandered away to idols, the pursuit of pleasure, the race for riches, the struggle for power, the toil for knowledge, and greed for possessions.

God is unchanging in His character and He will not bless people who assume He will overlook their sinful lives because their good religious works are highly praised by others. Jesus said: I am the vine, ye are the branches. . . . If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch . . . and . . . burned. . . . If ye keep My Commandments, ye shall abide in My love. . . . Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:5-6,10,14).

Thought for Today:

Blessed is the man whom Thou chasteneth, O Lord, and teachest him out of Thy Law (Ps. 94:12).
Christ Revealed:

In the everlasting Covenant (Ezek. 16:60). He is the Mediator of a better Covenant (Agreement) (Heb. 8:6).
Word Studies:

16:8 I spread My skirt over thee = symbolic of a covenant of marriage (Ruth 3:9; Deut. 22:30); 16:25 opened thy feet = offered yourself as a harlot; 16:30 imperious whorish woman = shameless prostitute; 16:31 eminent place = prominent public location; thou scornest hire = you refused a fee; 16:43 fretted me = provoked me to anger.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shorwave Broadcasts sponsored by Bett Brown • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Rep. Bob Filner (CA), Gov. Brian Schweitzer (MT), and Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY) • Country: Bulgaria (8.2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages • Newly opened to evangelism • 85% Eastern Orthodox; 12% Muslim Sunni; 1% Shi'a Muslim; .6% Catholic; .27% Protestant; .1% Armenian Gregorian; .03% Jewish; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to show you any sins that you are not aware of and to cleanse you of them (Ps. 19:12).
Optional Reading: Revelation 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:28
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 5, 2009
Read Ezekiel 17 -- 19

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Two eagles, symbolic of Babylon and Egypt, and three kings. The last two kings of Israel are replaced with the Lord Himself (17:22-24; see Is. 11:1). A just God deals with sinners (18:19-24). Turn and live (18:31-32; 19:14).
Ezekiel warned the Israelites that, because of their sins, they had become unfruitful to God and would, as a worthless vine, be destroyed. Ezekiel was given another parable: The Word of the Lord came unto me, saying . . . a great eagle (Nebuchadnezzar) with great wings . . . full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon (symbolic of Jerusalem, since the Temple and many of the houses were built of the cedars of Lebanon (I Kin. 5:2-10), and took the highest branch (the king) of the cedar (tree): He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants (Ezek. 17:1-4).

The eagle's feathers represent the great number of nations Nebuchadnezzar had conquered. Removing the highest branch represents the removal of Judah's king (17:12). The top of his young twigs symbolized Jehoiachin, youthful king of Judah, and a city of merchants (Babylon) where he would be taken by Nebuchadnezzar for 37 years (II Kin. 25:27-30).

Eventually, there was a spreading vine of low stature (Zedekiah), whose branches turned toward him (Ezek. 17:6). Zedekiah had taken an oath in the Name of the Lord God of Israel to administer the Kingdom of Judah in subjection to Nebuchadnezzar (II Chr. 36:13). But Zedekiah deceitfully made a covenant with Egypt. His disregard for truth resulted in untold miseries.

No one can escape the consequences of disobedience to the Word of God. God is the God of love, but He is also the God of perfect justice. Genuine repentance, turning to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness of all sins, is a sincere desire to faithfully do His will according to His Word. The people suffered many horrible months of famine and pestilence before the city and Temple were destroyed. After Zedekiah watched the ruthless murder of his sons, the Babylonians then gouged his eyes out. Afterwards, he was dragged in chains to Babylon where he died in prison, physically and spiritually blind (Jer. 52:1-11), thus proving once again that you can be sure that God will fulfill every detail of His Word. The amazing prophecy was fulfilled: Thus saith the Lord God . . . I will bring him (King Zedekiah) to Babylon . . . yet he shall not see it, though he shall die there (Ezek. 12:10,13).

Thought for Today:

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever (Is. 40:.
Christ Revealed:

As the One whose forgiveness provides life everlasting (Ezek. 18:20-22). God so loved (the people of) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Word Study:

17:18 had given his hand = pledged his word; 18:8 not given forth upon usury . . . taken any increase = loaned money at no interest; 18:25 not equal = unfair.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Joyce Rutherford • Government Official: Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL) • Country: Burkina Faso (11 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and Sudanic tribal languages • Religious freedom • 48% Muslim; 33% belief in false gods, idolatry, and heathenism; 14% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to deliver you from willful sins (Ps. 19:13).
Optional Reading: Revelation 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:28
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 6, 2009
Read Ezekiel 20 -- 21

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Israel's leaders refuse to listen to the prophets of God. The consequences are inevitible(chap. 20). God guides Babylon to fulfill His judgment against Israel (21:3). A fork in the road. Babylon heads for Judah (21:18-23). God accuses the people of open sin with no shame (21:24).
Thus far, the political and religious leaders of Judah had expressed growing hatred of the prophet Jeremiah over his messages of the coming destruction of Jerusalem.

Certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the Lord, and sat before me (20:1). God responded through Ezekiel: As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you. . . . they . . . would not hearken unto Me: they did not . . . cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt (20:3,8). Following this Ezekiel had a horrifying vision of a gigantic sword and heard the Lord say to Israel: Behold, I am against thee, and will draw . . . My sword. . . . To give it into the hand of the slayer (Nebuchadnezzar) (21:3,11).

The prophet also foretold how Nebuchadnezzar would come to the fork in the road at the parting of the way . . . to use divination: he made his arrows bright (to cast lots), he consulted with images (false gods), he looked in the liver (of an animal) (21:20-21). To decide whether to attack the Ammonites or the Israelites, he marked one arrow Jerusalem and the other Rabbah (modern Amman, Jordan). These arrows were placed in a vessel which was shaken until one fell out indicating the direction Nebuchadnezzar should take.

Nebuchadnezzar didn't know it, but he was getting directions directly from the Living God: The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord (Prov. 16:33). King Zedekiah, the wicked prince of Israel (Ezek. 21:25), would soon be captured; Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed to fulfill this prophecy: Until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him (21:27).

Although the believing Israelites returned to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, over two thousands years have passed without another king of Israel sitting on the throne of David. In Jesus' time, an Edomite named Herod was "appointed" by Rome to govern but he was merely a puppet-king over the Israelites.

God is the Judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another (Ps. 75:7). Unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom (Heb. 1:.

Thought for Today:

The righteous Lord . . . doth behold the upright (Ps. 11:7).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who will gather His people from all nations and will purge out the false from the true (Ezek. 20:34-38). When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. . . . And these (goats) shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Matt. 25:31-46; also 3:12).
Word Studies:

20:5 I lifted up mine hand = I bound myself by an oath; 21:2 drop thy (your) word toward = pour out your words against; 21:13 the sword contemn even the rod = there is a testing in store by the sword since you despised the rod (refused to be corrected).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Danny Davis (IL), Rep. John Kline (MN), Rep. Sander Levin (MI), Rep. Kendrick Meek (FL), and Gov. Bill Ritter (CO) • Country: Burundi (6 million) in east-central Africa • Major languages: Kirundi and French • Losing religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 12% animist; 11% Protestant; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your words and thoughts will be pleasing to the Lord (Ps. 19:14).
Optional Reading: Revelation 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:29
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[Judy Harder]

 
Bible Pathways

Sept. 7, 2009
Read Ezekiel 22 -- 24

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Ezekiel's mission: Denounce their terrible deeds in public (chap. 22). Who will save them (22:30)? Two sisters betray God, causing destruction (23:2-3,30,46-49). Who are they (23:4)? The Israelites' complete corruption in a boiling pot (24:3). Judgment follows (24:6-14). Did you get the message when Ezekiel's wife died (24:15-24)?
On the day God revealed to Ezekiel that Jerusalem and His Holy Temple would be destroyed (24:2-14), He said: Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes . . . yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down (24:16). Ezekiel received word from the Lord that after his wife's death he was to refrain from all the conventional signs of public mourning: weeping, covering his head with ashes, going barefoot, covering his lip, and eating bread or the food that was commonly brought to the bereaved (24:17; Lev. 13:45; Is. 15:3; Joel 1:8,13; Mic. 3:7). Instead, he was to mourn with the Lord over the far greater sorrow of God in the death of His chosen nation.

Ezekiel's message was illustrated by the parable of two unfaithful sisters, Aholah and Aholibah (prostitutes), representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The elder sister Aholah, because of her sins, was destroyed by the Assyrians. When her sister Aholibah saw this, she was more corrupt . . . in her whoredoms . . . than her sister. . . . Thus saith the Lord God; I will bring up a company (Nebuchadnezzar's army) upon them . . . they shall slay their sons and their daughters. . . . ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord God (23:11,46-49).

Then the people realized that those who prophesied of prosperity and their soon return to Jerusalem had deceived them. The Israelites' acceptance of false gods and indifference to their own sins had brought upon them the slaughter of their sons and daughters, just as had been foretold by Jeremiah in Jerusalem and by Ezekiel in Babylon.

How often we see the worldly-minded express great joy over worldly achievements, but have little to say about spiritual victories or the importance of reading God's Word to know His will.

Let our hearts be broken over the sins of our friends, loved ones, and a lost world, for these things break the heart of God. Jesus was known as a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (Is. 53:3). As a reminder that our hearts need to grieve for the lost, it is also recorded that Jesus grieved for the hardness of their hearts (Mark 3:5).

Thought for Today:

The Lord will also be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble (Ps. 9:9).
Christ Revealed:

In the denunciation of Israel's false prophets (Ezekiel 22: 25-28). Compare these words with those Christ spoke against the scribes and Pharisees. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23:13-36).
Word Studies:

22:7 they set light by father and mother = they treated parents with contempt; dealt by oppression with the stranger = treat oppressively and suffer extortion from a foreigner; they vexed the fatherless and the widow = they wrong the orphan and the widow; 22:12 gifts = bribes; 23:16 doted upon = lusted for them, was infatuated with; 23:20 doted on their paramours = lusted after their male prostitutes; 24:17 tire = turban.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Sen. Daniel Inouye (HI) • Country: Cambodia (12 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Khmer and French • Confused and unsettled at this time • 88% Buddhist; 3% animism and spirit worship; 2% Muslim; .6% Roman Catholic/Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal His perfect will for you (Ps. 25:4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:29
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 8, 2009
Read Ezekiel 25 -- 28

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Six of Judah's enemies receive promises of destruction from the Lord. Can you name them (25:1, 8, 12,15; 26:2;28:2,21)? What did they do against God? Read and learn (25:3,8,12,15; 26:2; 28:24).
The prophetic judgments against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia were comparatively short. But the prophecy against Tyre covered more than three chapters (26:1 -- 28:19). Along with Babylon and Egypt, Tyre was at that time a world power.

A detailed prophecy concerning the destruction of Tyre leaves no doubt that only a sovereign God who ruled every detail on earth would be able to say: They shall destroy the walls of Tyrus (Tyre), and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea (an island): for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God (26:4-5).

Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre for 13 years and fully destroyed the city, which was on the mainland. More than two centuries later, Alexander the Great also besieged the capital city of Tyre, which had been rebuilt on an island nearly half a mile from the mainland. Since Alexander had no fleet, his force used stones, timber, and dirt from the ruins of the first ancient walled city to build a causeway 200 feet wide to reach the island (26:12). After the Chaldean invasion under Nebuchadnezzar, Tyre never regained independence and was never again a prominent nation.

Tyre, the Queen of the Seas, was fully destroyed. The Phoenician city anticipated that it would gain what Jerusalem was about to lose: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste (26:2). Tyre was rejoicing over the downfall of Jerusalem because it lessened its competition and heightened its own fame. Tyre had said: I shall be replenished; but God said: I will make thee like the top of a rock (bare) . . . for the spreading of nets (a place for fishermen) (26:4,5,14).

This should be a warning to the merchant who rejoices when his competition goes bankrupt or to the Christian who is envious of others' position in the church or in the marketplace who seem to be rivals: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21).

Thought for Today:

Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge (Prov. 23:12).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who will rule over the destruction of Satan at the end of time: Therefore will I bring forth a fire . . . it shall devour thee (Ezek. 28:18-19). As Jesus reigns following the Great White Throne Judgment, Satan, the devil . . . was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:1-10,14).
Word Studies:

25:5 couchingplace = resting place; 26:9 engines of war = battering rams; 26:17 haunt it = dwell there.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter & Penelope Swanson • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Sen. Bernard Sanders (VT), and Rep. Michael Simpson (ID) • Country: Cameroon (15 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: English and French • Pressure on Christians from authorities and Muslims • 28% Roman Catholic; 23% Muslim; 18% animism, divination, and animal sacrifices; 14% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for understanding of His will as you read the Word of God (Ps. 25:5).
Optional Reading: Revelation 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:29
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 9, 2009
Read Ezekiel 29 -- 32

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Another enemy and its destiny (29:3,13-15)! How quickly we forget the days of slavery (29:16)! A sad day for Egypt and its allies (30:2-8). Egypt, a prideful and arrogant nation (chap. 31). Look who God uses to bring down the Egyptians (32:11). Read the list of others who received the judgment of God (32:17-31).
The prophecy concerning Egypt came to Ezekiel about a year after the siege of Jerusalem began. He foretold the doom of Pharaoh as a ruler and of the ruin of Egypt as a prestigious nation: Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt. . . . because they have been a staff of reed (never a true help) to the House of Israel. . . . I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee. And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the Lord (29:2,6,8-9).

They shall be there a base (lowly) kingdom. . . . neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations (29:13-15).

Egypt has remained a base nation over the centuries. It still stands as a base nation among the nations of the world. Egypt would not be left totally desolate, as would the island of Tyre; nor would it be completely destroyed, as Babylon would be.

The purpose of all prophecy concerning judgment upon Israel, Judah, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt, and even nations and people today that seek to kill Christians is to force them to realize that I am the Lord. This phrase, stressing the importance of the Word of God, is mentioned more than 67 times in this book.

However, a future time of restoration was also foretold: In that day will I cause the horn of the House of Israel to bud forth (29:21; Ps. 92:10). The horn is a symbol of power and strength (I Sam. 2:10). Israel's time of helplessness was to be succeeded by one of restoration. The 70 years of Israel's bondage forever removed its desire to worship false gods. The people of God have a future destiny of glory. As prophesied, God will, in His time, restore His people with Jesus as their True Messiah.

The beginning of Christ's earthly life was humble but on His return He will come as King of kings with glory and power such as the world has never seen. He will come in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . When He shall come to be glorified in His saints (II Thess. 1:8-10).

Thought for Today:

I have set the Lord always before me: because He is my right hand, I shall not be moved (Ps. 16:.
Christ Revealed:

By the Word of the Lord (Ezek. 29:1). In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). God . . . hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).
Word Studies:

29:7 loins to be at a stand = their legs to give way or stagger; 29:18 peeled = rubbed bare; 30:2 Woe worth the day = mourn the coming day (of terror); 31:3 a shadowing shroud = overshadowing the forest.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Officials: Rep. John Linder (GA), Rep. Howard (Buck) McKeon (CA), Rep. Glenn Nye (VA), and Rep. Ted Poe (TX) • Country: Canada (31 million) in North America • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 47% Roman Catholic; 37% Protestant; 3% Eastern Orthodox; 2% cults; 1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to be merciful and to forgive your sins (Ps. 25:6-7).
Optional Reading: Revelation 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:29
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 10, 2009
Read Ezekiel 33 -- 36

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Our responsibility and judgment as watchmen (33:8-17). What is self accountability (33:20)? The Good Shepherd (34:11-20). The Covenant of Peace (34:25-31). Don't slander Israel (chap. 35)! Although God disciplines us, He's our hope (36:9,22-30).
Ezekiel had been called to be a prophet of God (Ezek. 33:7; 3:17) in the . . . fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity (1:1-2). In the twelfth year of . . . captivity (33:21), he was again reminded of his calling as a watchman unto the house of Israel (33:1-7). The remaining Israelites in Jerusalem and Babylon refused to give up their idolatries and worship only the Lord God. To the very day of Jerusalem's destruction, except for a small minority, the Israelites believed they would always possess the City of God (Jer. 39:2; 52:6-7).

The Jews charged God with injustice, saying: The way of the Lord is not equal (fair or just), but His response was: When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. . . . I will judge you every one. . . . ye . . . lift up your eyes toward your idols . . . ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour's wife . . . shall ye possess the land? . . . Then shall they know that I am the Lord, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations (33:17-20,25-29). It all happened just as it had earlier been revealed to Ezekiel on the day of his wife's death (24:25-26).

Ezekiel's message proclaiming holiness as the Israelites' responsibility in their Covenant relationship with God was rejected by the popular religious crowd who were unwilling to forsake their sins. We too are to be holy (I Pet. 1:15-16; II Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14; Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7). The Apostle John confirmed: We do know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the Truth is not in him (I John 2:3-4).

Like the Israelites, many today dwell only on the love of God while ignoring His perfect justice. They assume they are still children of Abraham and "good enough" to go to Heaven without repenting of their sins and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives. God will judge all who love the world . . . the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:15-17).

Thought for Today:

Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart (Ps. 119:2).
Christ Revealed:

As the Shepherd (Ezek. 34:23). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep (John 10:14).
Word Studies:

34:14 a fat = the best; 34:27 delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them = redeemed them from slavery; 36:3 an infamy of = slandered, ridiculed by.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Tammy Davis • Government Officials: Rep. Cynthia Lummis (WY) and Rep. James Oberstar (MN) • Country: Cape Verde (405,000) 15 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 390 miles off the coast of Africa • Major languages: Portuguese and Crioulo • Religious freedom • 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the guidance of God in meekness (Ps. 25:9).
Optional Reading: Revelation 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:29
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