Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 14 -- 16

Highlights:

Each person is clearly accountable for his own choice to be saved (Ezek. 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.
Israel failed to honor the One True God. Their knowledge of Him should have encouraged them to be a holy people and teach the world to honor His Word and worship Him. No Israelite or Egyptian could doubt that God had delivered the Israelites from slavery and given them the promised land and led them to become a great nation. Their fame and the power of God was known by the Canaanites long before the Israelites arrived as Rahab confessed: I know that the Lord hath given you the land. . . . For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you . . . and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites. . . . And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath (Josh. 2:9-11). But Israel miserably failed to express gratitude and reverence to Him.

Through Ezekiel, the Lord's response was: Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest? (Ezek. 15:2). The grapevine was created for one purpose — to bear fruit. If it does not bear fruit, then it fails in the one purpose for which it was created (John 15:1-16). Its branches are twisted and unfit for useful lumber. It burns so rapidly that it is of no value for fuel. It is useless even for pegs and pins. That is why the prophet said: Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon? (Ezek. 15:3). NEVER!

The Israelites failed to fulfill their purpose as the chosen people of God. Consequently, they suffered the fires of affliction and became slaves. Sin is deceptive. It destroys spiritual discernment in our lives. Unless we confess and forsake our sins (I John 1:9), we will face bitter consequences just as the Israelites did.

Some "Christians" purchase "things" (idols) with their tithe that rightly belongs to God. Then they ignore worshiping God on the Lord's Day and devote their time to their idol.

The works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication . . . Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred . . . Envyings, murders, drunkenness . . . and such like . . . they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21). No exceptions!

Thought for Today:

Jesus said: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men (Matt. 5:13).
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 refuse a fee; 16:43 fretted me provoked me to anger.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy (Dr. Hash's mother) • Government Officials: Rep. Bob Filner (CA) and Gov. Brian Schweitzer (MT) • Country: Turkmenistan (4.8 million) southwestern central Asia • Major languages: Turkmen and Russian • Religious freedom • 89% Muslim (largely Sunni); 9% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Unknown/Other (Catholic, Protestant, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Hare Krishna) • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy to cleanse us from all sins (Ps. 51:2).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 9

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:10

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 17 -- 19

Highlights:

Two eagles, symbolic of Babylon and Egypt, and three kings. The last two kings of Israel are replaced with the Lord Himself (Ezek. 17:22-24; see Is. 11:1). A just God deals with sinners (Ezek. 18:19-24). Turn and live (18:31-32; 19:14).
During the final days before the destruction of Jerusalem, the people of Judah endured much suffering before they were taken as slaves to Babylon, the spectacular capital of the most powerful nation of that day. Consequently, the Israelites were bitter and accused God of being unjust in allowing them to be disgraced and defeated by Nebuchadnezzar. Why didn't God come to their rescue?

Because the Israelites refused to turn from their sins, the Holy God of righteousness could not bless and protect them. Nebuchadnezzar became His instrument for executing judgment upon them. Then, later, as foretold by both Isaiah and Jeremiah, the judgment of God fell upon the powerful and wicked Babylonians and soon they ceased to exist (Is. 13:17-20; Jer. 50:1-3).

The Kingdom of Judah complained that the ways of God were not equal — not fair (Ezek. 18:25). But, they were fair and the national distress of Israel was the result of their sins. Therefore, Ezekiel declared the solemn fact of individual accountability: The soul that sinneth, it shall die (18:20).

God spoke this Truth to Adam in the garden: In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (Gen. 2:17). It is this principle upon which every person will stand before God. If the ways of God appear unfair, the deceptive evils of sin have not been recognized.

Just as the Israelites should not have had idols in the Temple of God, sin must not be allowed to remain in the life of the Christian. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom. 6:2). He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the Truth is not in him (I John 2:4).

God often uses seemingly unfair trials and circumstances to test the reality of our faith in His Word. But, in perfect wisdom and perfect love, He has given us His Holy Spirit and greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (4:4). We cannot willfully sin and expect to enjoy the blessings of God. Without reservation, by faith we know that all things work together for good, not necessarily for our own personal self-interest, but for His eternal purpose for our lives (Rom. 8:28). The highest calling of Christ is that we make Him known to others (Matt. 28:19-20).

The Lord is . . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).

Thought for Today:

If we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
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 had 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 Broadcasts in honor of Joyce Rutherford's birthday • Staff: Bill Beach • Government Official: Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL) • Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tuvaluan and English • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for guiding you to sacrifice freely for what pleases Him (Ps. 54:6).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 10

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:10

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 20 -- 21

Highlights:

Israel's leaders refuse to listen to the prophets of God. The consequences are inevitable (Ezek. 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).
On three occasions the elders went to Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord (Ezek. 8:1; 14:1; 20:1). On the first occasion, Ezekiel exposed their sins and foretold Jerusalem's destruction because of idolatry. At the second meeting, God revealed to Ezekiel that the elders were not sincere and had no desire to do His will. The third time, Ezekiel told them that the destruction of Jerusalem and the nation was certain.

Through the prophet Ezekiel, God declared that the real reason for the Israelites' failure was because they rebelled against Me: they walked not in My Statutes, neither kept My Judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted My Sabbaths (20:21; compare 20:11,18). Morally, they had sunk to the corrupt conduct of the heathen nations around them. Because they disregarded His Word and lived like the world, God could not bless or protect them. He cannot bless evil. There was no evidence of repentance nor any sincere attempt to turn the nation back to God. The elders came only because of their concern for their own welfare and safety; they were indifferent to their guilt and unworthiness to worship only the One True God. They ignored their real need: Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. But they rebelled against Me (20:7-8).

Their hearts were set on worshiping idols. Every idol in Egypt was thought to be in control of one of their material needs. Consequently, the elders didn't want to offend their "gods." However, they also continued bringing gifts to the True God. Their sin is pointed out: When ye offer your gifts . . . ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day (20:31). It was in the midst of this rebellion against God that He said: As I live . . . I will not be inquired of by you (20:3).

To inquire of the Lord without a sincere desire to put Him above all else in your life and obey His Word is just as foolish for Christians today as it was for the Israelites then. However, God extends forgiving mercy to every sinner who sincerely repents and trusts in Christ as Savior and Lord of his life.

Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit (John 15:16).

Thought for Today:

This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me (Matt. 15:8-9).
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 your 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 International Broadcasts sponsored by Joseph Cusseaux • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Officials: Rep. Danny Davis (IL), Rep. John Kline (MN), Rep. Sander Levin (MI) and Gov. Chris Christie (NJ) • Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord and He will save you (Ps. 55:16).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 11

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:10
 

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 22 -- 24

Highlights:

Ezekiel's mission: Denounce their terrible deeds in public (Ezek. 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 (24:3-5). Judgment follows (24:6-14). Did you get the message when Ezekiel's wife died (24:15-24)?
For years Ezekiel had prophesied the final destruction ofJerusalem. The time of judgment was now fixed. The destruction of the Holy City would be brought about, not by "fate," as the world would see it, but because of Judah's sins.

Ezekiel himself is now told that he will be made a sign (Ezek. 24:24). The sign of Jerusalem's destruction was the death of Ezekiel's precious wife — the desire of thine eyes (24:16-18) — on the exact day that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon . . . besieged Jerusalem (Jer. 39:1; II Kin. 25:1; Jer. 52:4; Ezek. 24:1-2).

As Ezekiel underwent the death of his precious wife, he was instructed not to express his deeply-felt sorrow since it did not compare with the Lord's grief over the horrible destruction of the City of God and His Temple.

The people of God are described as silver taken from the ground (Ezek. 22:20-22). Silver must go through the refiner's fire several times before all impurities are removed. It is precious and valuable only after worthless elements of the ground are removed. The Israelites were taken as slaves among the Gentile nations, just as Ezekiel had foretold. They had been cast into "the furnace," so to speak, in order to purge them of idol worship and bring them into reverence of and submission to the Word of God: Ye shall know that I am the Lord God (24:24).

Christ is lovingly purifying His people even today, for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth (Heb. 12:6).

As we read the Word of God, the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and enables us to give up the things in our lives that defile us (I Cor. 2:12-16). Then we are strengthened to do His perfect will. Our foremost concern should be to allow Christ to truly be Lord of our lives.

Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13-14).

Just as Ezekiel became a living sign of the Lord's sorrow, so there must be the sign of the cross of Christ over every part of a Christian's life — over the home life, business life, social life, and our personal desires.

Our Lord will bless the precious one whose heart is set on things above, not on things on the earth (Col. 3:2).

Thought for Today:

I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18).
Christ Revealed:

In the denunciation of Israel's false prophets (Ezek. 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 set light by father and mother treated parents with contempt; dealt by oppression with the stranger treated foreigners with oppression and extortion; vexed the fatherless and the widow wronged the orphan and the widow; 22:12 gifts bribes; 23:16 doted upon lusted for, was infatuated with; 23:20 doted upon their paramours lusted after their male prostitutes; 24:17 tire.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. and Mrs. Walter Swanson • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Official: Sen. Daniel Inouye (HI) • Country: Ukraine (51 million) east-central Europe • Major languages: Ukrainian and Russian • Religious freedom • 55% Orthodox (various jurisdictions); 15% Catholic (mainly Greek-Catholic); 3.2% Protestant; 1% Jews; .5% Muslim; 25.3% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray at all times (Ps. 55:17).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 12

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:10

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 25 -- 28

Highlights:

Six of Judah's enemies are warned of their destruction by the Lord. Can you name them and tell what they did against God (Ezek. 25:2,8,12,15; 26:2; 27:2; 28:2, 21,24)?
Tyre was the greatest international trading center of the world. She gained control of world commerce when Jerusalem, her greatest competitor, was destroyed. Because of their rejoicing over the fall of the Lord's people, Ezekiel prophesied that Tyre would be like the top of a rock . . . thou shalt be built no more: for I the Lord have spoken it, saith the Lord God. . . . though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord God (Ezek. 26:14-21).

Tyre seemed like the most secure place on earth; but Nebuchadnezzar battled against this mighty city and besieged its fortress for thirteen years until it was defeated.

After the experience with Nebuchadnezzar, the rulers of Tyre decided they would move to the island a half mile from the mainland. In her new environment, surrounded by water that protected her great fleet of Phoenician ships, Tyre again appeared secure above all places on earth. But, over two centuries later, Alexander the Great besieged Tyre and tore down the walls, towers, and other buildings of the old Tyre on the mainland. He used them to build a causeway in the water — a rock road directly to the island — literally fulfilling Ezekiel's amazing prophecy: They shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water (26:12). The ancient island city of Tyre has never been rebuilt to this day. It is only a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea (26:5).

Every hour of every day the ancient Tyre is a testimony that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. If there is no God, why haven't the atheists built on this ancient site as a monument to their efforts to disprove the Bible and the very existence of God? There are no man-made laws that say they can't do it, but the One who inspired Ezekiel to make that prophecy said it shall never be rebuilt.

The sinful, gloating attitude of Tyre over Jerusalem's fall (26:2) should be a warning to those who rejoice when their competition goes bankrupt. "Christians" who resent the success of their "rivals" who conduct the choir or play the piano in the church or their competition in the marketplace should also take warning. We have much to repent of. Our gossip does more damage than we can imagine when we rejoice over the so-called "failures" of other Christians.

Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous Judgments endureth for ever (Ps. 119:160).

Thought for Today:

Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled (Matt. 5:18).
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, the devil . . . was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:1-14).
Word Studies:

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

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Sen. Bernard Sanders (VT) • Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and Farsi • Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that He has promised to sustain us at all times (Ps. 55:22).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 13

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:10

[Judy Harder]

September 09, 2011     

Bible Pathways
     

Read Ezekiel 29 -- 32

Highlights:

Another enemy and its destiny (Ezek. 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 defeat the Egyptians (32:11). Read the list of others who were judged by God (32:17-31).
At the time of the Exodus, Egypt had grown to be a magnificent world power and had become famous in commerce, art, literature, science, and military might. The ten plagues forced the Egyptians, and the nation's counselors to Pharaoh, to acknowledge that their own gods were powerless against the One True God. This should have caused Egypt to reject their idols and worship the One True God of creation.

Ezekiel courageously foretold: The Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt: Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt. . . . 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. . . . they shall be there a base kingdom. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations (Ezek. 29:1-3,8-9,14-15). Consequently, although this shocking prophecy would appear most unlikely, God did bring judgment upon Egypt, Israel, and Judah. The phrase: They shall know that I am the Lord is mentioned 66 times in this book to point out the importance of worshiping the Almighty God and obeying His Word. Nebuchadnezzar did not know that Jehovah was preparing him and his Babylonian armies to be His servants. Neither did he know that he was fulfilling prophecy even when he devastated Israel and then Egypt. But after Babylon accomplished the purpose of God, Babylon was forever destroyed.

A future time of redemption and restoration was also foretold: In that day will I cause the horn (strength) of the House of Israel to bud forth (29:21). The horn is a symbol of power (I Sam. 2:10; Ps. 92:10). As prophesied, the people of God, both Jew and Gentile, have a future destiny of glory with Jesus as their Messiah. The thoughtful disciple, therefore, will not become preoccupied with great material success or pleasures. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. . . . Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake (I Pet. 2:11-13).

Thought for Today:

Cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in Mine hand (Jer. 18:6).
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 begs to give way or stagger; 29:18 peeled rubbed bare; 30:2 Woe worth the day mourn the coming day (of terror); 31:3 with a shadowing shroud evershadowing the forest.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Howard (Buck) McKeon (CA), Sen. Chris Coons (DE) and Gov. Mary Fallin (OK) • Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59.4 million) off the coast of western Europe • Major languages: English and Welsh • Religious freedom • 55% Anglican; 16% Catholic; 6% Other Protestant; 2% Muslim; .9% Sikh; .8% Hindu; .6% Jewish; .2% Buddhist; 10.5% Other; 5% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: When you are afraid, have confidence in and rely upon the Lord (Ps. 56:3-4).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 14

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:10

[Judy Harder]

September 10, 2011     

Read Ezekiel 33 -- 36

Highlights:

Our responsibility and judgment as watchmen (Ezek. 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).
After the death of his father Isaac, Esau had settled in Edom and conquered the rocky country in the vicinity of Mount Seir, known today as Petra. From strategic mountain heights overlooking the southern border of the Holy Land, the Edomites watched with obvious envy the growing power of Jacob's favored tribes.

Edom was not satisfied just to watch the invasion and destruction of Israel under the powerful Nebuchadnezzar. Forgetful of all ties of kinship, the Edomites sent troops to assist Nebuchadnezzar in his devastating war against Jerusalem! They were even more cruel than the Chaldeans and massacred the few Israelites who escaped. Then they ruthlessly boasted of their part in the terrible destruction of Jerusalem and eagerly took possession of some of the land. Therefore the Lord told Edom: I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I am the Lord (Ezek. 35:9).

Amidst destruction, it seems strange that the Lord was there (35:10). The sentence breaks in like a rainbow in the sky following a torrential downpour. Yes, the Lord was (and is always) there in the promised land. The people were conquered and carried away and the land was desolate, but neither was forsaken by Israel's God, for the Lord was there.

God expressed His anger against Israel's religious leaders who were more concerned with their own interests than about encouraging the people to turn from their evil ways. Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? . . . Therefore will I save My flock. . . . And I will set up one Shepherd over them (34:2,22-23).

Ezekiel foretold of a Shepherd who would truly love and care for His sheep. Jesus identified Himself as Israel's Shepherd who would lay down (give up) My (His) life for the (His) sheep (John 10:15). Our Savior did not give His life as a martyr for truth or as a moral example of self-sacrifice. He, of His own free will, sacrificed His life as the only acceptable sacrifice for lost, sinful people (10:11,15,18). Jesus Christ took our rightful punishment of eternal death and died on the cross for our sins, conquering death (Rev. 1:18), that whosoever believeth in Him should . . . have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Thought for Today:

For the Lord will not forsake His people for His great Name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you His people (I Sam. 12:22).
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 breed them from slavery; 36:3 an infamy of slandered, ridiculed by.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Cynthia Lummis (WY) and Rep. Ted Poe (TX) • Country: United States (270 million) in North America • Major languages: English and Spanish • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 28% Catholic; 1% Orthodox; 2% Mormon; 2% Jewish; 1% Muslim; 11% Other/None Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers should be lifted up with confidence in God (Ps. 56:9,11).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 15

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:10
 

[Judy Harder]

September 11, 2011     

Bible Pathways
     
Read Ezekiel 37 -- 39

Highlights:

All of us are just dry, dead bones, dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1) until God fills us with eternal life (Ezek. 37:13-14). Like Job, the latter end of Israel will be far greater than before (37:24-28). You need to know verses 38:23 and 39:25.
The worship of idols had destroyed the once-magnificent Israelite kingdom. Every vestige of hope of a Jewish nation had vanished. The Temple was in ruins, Jerusalem lay waste, and all twelve tribes were slaves scattered throughout the Gentile world. It was at this time that the Lord gave Ezekiel a vision of future hope. He saw a valley full of scattered dry bones. Those bones represented the Israelite kingdom that no longer existed and which had no hope of ever again becoming a nation. They said: Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost. . . . Thus saith the Lord God . . . I will open your graves . . . and bring you into the land of Israel. . . . and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land (Ezek. 37:11-14).

To the few faithful Israelites then suffering at the hands of their relentless persecutors, this prophecy gave assurance that one day they would be restored as a nation and triumph over all opposing forces. As foretold, the outcome would free the chosen people from idol worship so that they would be loyal to their Messiah, the One True God (Matt. 2:2; Luke 1:31-33; John 14:11).

Just as God was the only One who could restore life to the dry bones, He is the only One who can restore Israel as a nation (Ezek. 37:13-14). The partial fulfillment of this amazing prophecy took place in 1948 when God miraculously resurrected the Israelite nation. The overwhelming evidence of the supernatural power of God working on behalf of His people should remove all doubt concerning the future reign of Christ.

All mankind is as spiritually dead as the dry bones of Ezekiel's vision until they are made alive by the Holy Spirit. In all ages, the forces that refuse to acknowledge the One True God have violently attacked the Word of God. There have been times when it seemed the foundations of Truth would become as dry bones and the Church would fall into apostasy. But, just as wheat is shaken to remove the chaff and gold is placed in the furnace to remove its dross, so, similarly, the Lord permits enemy attacks to sever the believer from the defilement of worshiping idols.

Often we unconsciously create "idols" in our lives. They could be a vehicle, boat, home, money, or another person. Yet in the first Commandment God gave mankind, He said: Thou shalt have no other gods before Me (Ex. 20:3).

Thought for Today:

Christ must be Lord of our lives. Only then will we see things of eternal significance accomplished, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts (Zech. 4:6).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who made possible our resurrection from the grave (Ezek. 37:12). The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout . . . and the dead in Christ shall rise first (I Thess. 4:13-18; also John 11:25; Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:

37:26 place them settle and bless them; 38:19 shaking earthquake; 39:6 carelessly securely, undisturbed; 39:14 sever out select; with the passengers with the already-collected dead.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Sen. Daniel Akaka (HI) and Rep. Tim Murphy (PA) • Country: Uruguay (3 million) on the southeastern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 60% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish; .7% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Rely upon the Lord at all times; He is your refuge (Ps. 62:.
Optional Reading:

Revelation 16

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:11
 

[Judy Harder]

September 12, 2011     


Bible Pathways
     
Read Ezekiel 40 -- 42

Highlights:

A spectacular Temple in which Jesus can dwell when He returns to earth to reign for 1000 years is outlined.
Fourteen years had passed after the destruction of Jerusalem. As a captive in Babylon, Ezekiel received a vision in which he was given specifications for a great and beautiful Temple (Ezek. chaps. 40-42). It was designed in every detail by the mind of God as His dwelling place (43:7). Later, the Prophet Zechariah would foretell: Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts . . . Behold the Man whose Name is The BRANCH (Jesus Christ) . . . He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the Temple of the Lord (Zech. 6:12).

In the Tabernacle, constructed in the time of Moses, as well as in Solomon's Temple, the Most Holy Place (Ezek. 41:3-4) was the innermost room where the visible manifestation of Jehovah's presence dwelt (Lev. 16:2). The Most Holy Place was also called the Oracle (I Kin. 6:16), because from this place the Lord declared His will as well as the Books of the Law of God given to Moses.

The Christian also is the Temple of the Lord — His dwelling place. Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are (I Cor. 3:16-17).

Because we were born again, not of the will of the flesh . . . but of God (John 1:13), we are free from Satan's control and have become the Lord's holy dwelling place. So it is vital that we refuse Satan's tempting efforts to defile the Lord's Temple with thoughts of the flesh: The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:16). The consecration of our mind, body, and soul is our reasonable service (Rom. 12:1-2) in gratitude for the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God and the priceless gift of eternal life. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5).

Freed from the control of sin, the servant of God is able to enjoy the peace of God. Jesus said: My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). Let us praise the Lord for His indwelling Holy Spirit (16:7-14) and enjoy the sacred privilege committed to our trust.

Christ being come an High Priest . . . by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle . . . by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:11-12; Col. 2:17).

Thought for Today:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:13).
Christ Revealed:

Through the sacrifice (Ezek. 40:42). Jesus made the final once for all. . . . sacrifice for sins for ever (Heb. 10:10-12). Thus He became our only Mediator with God by dying for our sins. The patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. . . . And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation (9:23-28).
Word Studies:

40:17 thirty chambers were upon the pavement 30 rooms faced this pavement terrace; 40:23 over against opposite; 41:24 turning leaves winged panels; 42:20 profane unholy, common.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Roland Wicks • Government Officials: Sen. Scott Brown (MA), Rep. Ben Chandler (KY), Rep. Henry Waxman (CA) and Gov. Sam Brownback (KS) • Country: Uzbekistan (24.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Uzbek and Russian • Limited religious freedom due to Islamic influence • 68.2% Muslim (largely Sunni); 4.4% Russian Orthodox; .2% Roman Catholic; .2% Protestant; .5% Jewish; ..5% Other; .2% Baha'i; .3% Buddhist; 25.5% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His love (Ps. 63:3).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 17

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:11

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 43 -- 45

Highlights:

God is back! His glory fills the Temple once again (Ezek. 43:5)! The Holy Altar. Pay attention to the rules of God (chap 44). God expects us to support His ministry (chap 45). Note especially the keeping of the Passover pointing to Christ's death on the cross (45:21-24).
Only the Spirit of God could lead Ezekiel to the Temple of Christ's future 1000-year reign, where he could see the glory of the God of Israel. . . . Behold, the glory of the Lord. . . . And He said unto me, Son of man, the place of My throne, and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and My Holy Name, shall the House of Israel no more defile (Ezek. 43:2,5,7).

The glory of the God of Israel had abode in Solomon's Temple in fulfillment of the Lord's promise (Ex. 25:22; Lev. 16:2). But because the Israelites had defiled the Temple and the Holy Name of God, His glory had departed (Ezek. 10:18). The glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub . . . to the threshold of the House. And . . . went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city (9:3; 11:23).

This route was followed by the resurrected Christ from Jerusalem to the mountain on the east, from which He ascended to heaven (Luke 24:33,50-51; Acts 1:9; see also Mark 11:1).

One of the serious errors of Ezekiel's day was much planning without praying — a dependence upon the head more than the heart. How can we expect Him to listen to us when we do not allow Him to speak to us? We speak to God in prayer; He speaks to us through His Word. None of the religious heads of authority in Jerusalem could discern the presence of the Lord nor hear Him speak. God could use Ezekiel because he had a desire to please God. It is the one whose heart is filled with His Word of love that can say: I heard Him speaking unto me (Ezek. 43:6). In fact, it is only obedience to His Word that makes it possible to serve our Lord acceptably. Jesus said: Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14). God has something to teach us in every chapter of the Bible. It's an insult to Christ to neglect parts and choose to read only portions of the Bible. Our spiritual power is in direct relationship to how much time we spend in His Word with a desire to obey Him.

It was a heart of love that drew the Son of God from heaven to die for our sins and provide a Guide on how we are to live. The wise disciple will: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15).

Thought for Today:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (II Pet. 1:4).
Christ Revealed:

As the glory of the Lord (Ezek. 43:4). Jesus is the brightness of His glory (the glory of God), and the express image of His Person (Heb. 1:3).
Word Studies:

43:4 whose prospect is which faces; 43:12 whole limit whole border, territory; 43:13 higher place of weight of; 43:14 settle ledge on which the priests stood; 43:17 squares sides; 44:18 bonnets turbans, headdresses; 44:22 put away divorced; 45:24 meat grain/cereal/meal.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA) and Rep. Peter Roskam (IL) • Country: Vanuatu (189,000) a group of 12 large islands southwest of the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 78% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your hands in surrender and praise as you pray (Ps. 63:4).
Optional Reading:

Revelation 18

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:11