Ezekiel_33

Scripture - What stood out?Ezekiel 33

31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Observation - What does it say?In this chapter God compares Ezekiel to that of a watchman, who is supposed to shout warning in the event of impending danger. God then lays out a formula for understanding what is just and unjust. Who is in the right and who would be in the wrong when it comes time for God’s judgement. Understanding - What does it mean?Considering the heavy emphasis of God’s justice and His version of who is deserving of condemnation and not, I was pleasantly surprised by the verse that stood out to me. See for the past week, I have been trying so hard to work on the life application I prayed about last thursday. I have attempted to wake up, praising God no matter what. And I have found myself praising God no matter how I feel. And the results have been amazing. I have learned so much from this church family. But what a joy it has been to work for a pastor who so firmly believes that it is the application of information that leads to transformation. The above verse is such a pleasing confirmation/reminder that we are on the right track. Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?So my prayer Father God : Continue to teach me Your word. Make it a part of my life. Help me to transform my spirit, my character, my heart, by showing me how to apply your word. Brick by brick, bit by bit, I am determined to get there - as stubborn and as slow as I am. Guide me Holy Spirit, by teaching me what to do every time you reveal something new to me or I am reminded of something I ought to be doing. In the name of Jesus do I pray. Amen.-kenneth lee 

Psalm__112

Scripture

 

Psalms‬ ‭112:7-8

 

“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.”

‭‭‬Observation-What does it say?

In this psalm, the psalmist, (more than likely David), writes just how blessed are those who follow and obey God. He writes how their children will be successful. He writes how they themselves will be wealthy, generous, compassionate, and righteous. He writes that they will have influence and honor, and their good deeds will be remembered forever. But what really stuck out to me when reading this is how people who follow and obey God, won’t fear bad news. They will be confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

No God, No peace. Know God, Know peace.

 

I remember driving and saw that the car in front of me had a license plate frame with that saying. It immediately hit home with me because I knew just how true it really is. And just like David writes in this psalm, those who know and obey God, will truly be blessed and find comfort and peace no matter what life throws at you. I know I have. When you truly know God, (by reading His Word, obeying His Word, staying connected to Him in daily prayer, and staying connected to His people), you begin to understand God’s character. You begin to understand His faithfulness, His provision, His grace and mercy, and His unfailing love us. You will begin to experience peace in your life. That no matter what life throws at you, God is with you. He knows what we are going through. God knows because He came down in the flesh as Jesus, to go through everything this world had to offer. And you know what?! Jesus conquered this world...and yes, even death! Meaning we too who put our faith in Christ Jesus can conquer this world and overcome all the fears that are in it!

 

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”-‬ ‭‭John‬ ‭16:33

 

Life Application

 

Finding peace and comfort through my faith.

 

A couple of months ago, I experienced some bad news. The news I received caused me to get so angry (to the point where my blood pressure went through the roof, and I thought I was going to have a heart attack)! It caused me to have sleepless nights and stress beyond belief. Then I remembered something. I remembered that God was in control and He must have a purpose behind this stress in my life. It was up to me to seek His purpose behind it. So on those sleepless nights I would wake up, go in the family room by myself, and just pray. I literally cried out to God for help and guidance. I basically gave my troubles and concerns to God and trusted that whatever came my way, He would be there with me, and provide for me. So every morning I would wake up a couple of hours before work and seek God in prayer, and do my Bible readings and devotions. My anger over the situation was gone, the stress from it was out of my life, and I could honestly say I found peace over whatever God decided to happen next. Then a couple weeks ago that bad news turned good. I received the restitution and justice I was praying for! I immediately praised God and to this day I give Him all the glory. I now, still keep that same “morning routine” and just spend my time with Jesus. I walked away from this situation with a deepened faith and a better relationship with God. Thank You Jesus! 🙏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽

 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”-‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭

 

-Moses Gaddi

Psalm 111

Scripture

Psalm 111:10 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Observation and Understanding-What does it say and mean?

The world’s definition of wisdom is not God’s definition of wisdom. 

One of my favorite verses growing up was Proverbs 9:10-“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Because God is love, the word “fear” doesn’t imply being scared of Him. “There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18a. God is not manipulative and He doesn’t use scare tactics to keep relationship with us. He loves us deeply, but He is not an insecure Father either. Fear of God means reverence, honor and respect. Basically, I respect that You are God and You are in control and I am not. I respect that You are sovereign (of supreme power and authority) and I am not. I respect that You are Omniscient (all knowing) and I am not. I submit to what You want for my life, even though it may not be what I want or I understand it. 

According to God’s Word, the beginning of wisdom always starts with Him, not us. 

Life Application

Is our daily lives showing TRUE wisdom in the Lord?

We must change our mindset of what it means to be “wise” in this world. God’s definition of being wise has nothing to do with what job title we hold, how much experience we have in an area, what degree(s) we possess, how many followers on social media we have, how much money we have in the bank, how big our house is, what car we drive, etc. Just a disclaimer that having an education, influence and success is NOT bad at all, but when we define wisdom and ourselves through it and think we are better than others because of it, then we are being foolish with our thinking. 

When God came down as man in the form of Jesus, He didn’t come with any of that. He came in the form of a servant, fully submitted to His Father’s will for His life.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” 1 Corinthians 3:19

What are some ways that we can show TRUE wisdom in the Lord? (Hint: prayer, bible reading, journaling, having a grateful heart, serving others, giving generously, forgiving and not slandering, loving enemies, being faithful in our marriage and taking care of our home/kids, etc.)

-Michelle Gaddi