Ezekiel_15

Scripture

Ezekiel 15:5

 

If it was not useful for anything when it was whole, how much less can it be made into something useful when the fire has burned it and it is charred?

Observation - What does it say?

Because the people of Jerusalem had forsaken God and given themselves to idolatry, they had become useless, unfit for anything but the fiery wrath of God. God is pointing out to Ezekiel that they are already useless, but if possible to be any more useless, they will be after passing through the fire of God’s judgment.

Understanding - What does it mean?

People become like the God (or gods) they worship.

2 Kings 17:15 They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless.

The fate of those who worship idols is they become useless, without value. Jesus said if we get disconnected from Him we’re like a branch that is thrown away, withers, and eventually is thrown in the fire. He also said if we lose our saltiness we're no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled by men.

However, those who purify themselves of idolatry and sin not only avoid the fire but have the incredible privilege of becoming a useful tool in God’s hands! I love this passage from Paul’s second letter to Timothy…

2 Timothy 2:20

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Life Application

Prayerfully consider: Are there any idols in my life that are keeping me from being more useful to God?

God, I want to be useful to you! I want to be pure and holy, set apart for whatever You would have me do. Reveal to us any idols in our lives; any thing or any one we are turning to for comfort before You, any thing we are pursuing more passionately than You, any thing that is keeping us from fully obeying You. Draw all of us closer to You. Reveal the areas of sin and make us "instruments for special purposes." In Jesus' name, amen.

- Levi Thompson

2 Peter_1

Scripture:  2 Peter 1:5-7 

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. Observation-What does it say?  In Peter’s second letter, he continues in addressing practical topics.  While in his first letter he addressed dealing with persecution from outside the church, in the second letter, he tackles dealing with false teachers and medlers from within.  Peter encourages his readers in a combination of Christian faith and practice.  Throughout the letter, he also aims to stimulate Christian growth, combat false teaching, and encourage good behavior in light of Christ’s certain return.  The qualities discussed in chapter one, verses five through seven, are all virtues that produce a well-rounded and fruitful Christian life.   Understanding-What does it mean?  I’m not really a morning person, but I like to get up early.  It allows me time to get things done that would otherwise be disrupted with the rest of life.  So often, on my days off, I can be found on my bicycle before the sun is up.  On the days I work, I am up at a completely unholy hour, usually 3:00 or 3:30 AM), to fit in a workout in our little garage gym (honestly some of my friends are just getting to bed when I am doing reps).  Now, I could definitely go through life without doing these things.  But, I am convinced they make me a better person.  By supplementing my life with discipline and discomfort, I strive to become a more well rounded person. The Message version of this passage states it in this way, “So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others.”  We can have faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and stay at that level, or you can supplement your faith life with practices that not only make you a more well rounded Christian, but they also help you to experience God’s glory and joy more fully before we are transformed at the time of our earthly death.   To steal from Dan John, a fitness coach and Fulbright Scholar, the way we get better at things is simple, but it takes work.  “Little and often over the long haul,” is one of his statements as to how we build strength.  Or as Pastor Gary pointed out recently, “No pain, no gain.”  Like Paul said to the Corinthians, “I treat my body hard [discipline/subdue/pummel my body] and ·make it my slave [subdue it] so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others” (1 Corinthinians 9:27 EXB).
Life Application: 

Holy Spirit, help me with my discipline.  When I wake in the morning, help me to seek first after God’s word and after His presence.  When I find myself alone and can take a shortcut without anyone noticing, help me to have the integrity to do right in your eyes.  Help me to use this discipline as a way to be more gracious to others and help lead them to a life full of love for you.  

 

-Tyler Galloway

Ezekiel_13

Scripture - What stood out?EZEKIEL 13:23 ... I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord.’”Observation - What does it say?

Ezekiel 13 is a prophecy against the false prophets and diviners of that particular time in Israel’s history. Plagued by these false messengers of the Lord they had managed to lead the nation of Israel astray and confuse not just the wicked but also the righteous. This chapter was a notice to all false messengers as well as God’s faithful at that time that God was about to shake things up! Understanding - What does it mean?If you read this entire chapter the message is crystal clear that God is very very mad at these false prophets and “magicians”. They were clouding his people’s judgement. They were creating confusion and chaos. They were leading His people astray. And some of them were doing it for pennies on the dollar!  I feel like this chapter was a reminder for me to be constantly testing the spirits by using the bible, the HS, my community of believers, my pastors to test the words and visions that may get sent my way. But I think the bigger takeaway for me was to take what comes out of my mouth very seriously. And not mince God’s message...especially when there isn’t one. Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today? Lord continue to use me. Teach me when to speak your word and when not to speak...anything at all. Help me to continue growing in your wisdom. Grant me your Holy Spirit to discern when something is from You. Help me to grow in my knowledge of the bible. Continue to surround me with faithful believers who trust in Your scriptures. Thank you Lord. In the name of Jesus do I pray. Amen.

-kenneth lee