This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey | Share The Word

Ezekiel 13

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Mark Shields

The false prophet’s message comes from their own spirit and imagination. God will be against them and they will not be noted in records as being a part of His people or enter the land of Israel. They simply try to please people with lies rather than unpleasant truths and will not be a part of God’s team.

I’m thankful today for the fact that the words written in the Bible were inspired from the Spirit of God. The most important aspect of life is our relationship with God. My prayer is that you will be blessed by this video: Solid As A Rock – Avalon.

From the book, “Game Plan For Life”, Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias writes, “In real terms, the New Testament is easily the best attested ancient writing in terms of the sheer number of documents, the time span between the events and the document, and the variety of documents available to sustain or contradict it. There is nothing in ancient manuscript evidence to match such textual availability and integrity”.

This day with God, my thoughts are on the fact that truth will always be truth so I need to be honest with myself; understanding that I fall short at times and need adjustments as I go along the journey. I pray for continued growth in the proven principles of excellence found in God’s Word.

Ezekiel 13 – 15 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible, Ezekiel, God, Holy Spirit, Integrity, Israel, Land of Israel, New Testament | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 13 – 15 Questions for Reflection

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image via Wikipedia

Make use of the questions below as you study and spend each day with God this week:

Ezekiel 13
Passage Lookup

Characterize the source, content, and effect of the false prophet’s message. What is God’s attitude and consequent action toward the false prophets (note the threefold punishment in verse 9)? How do the prophetesses captivate the people? What power do they claim?

Ezekiel 14
Passage Lookup

Why can’t God give direction to the inquiring elders? What must they do? How can God guide you? What is God’s primary concern? What does this teach of God and his attitude toward the individual?

Ezekiel 15
Passage Lookup

What usual quality of a vine does Ezekiel ignore? Why? What is Israel’s value to God? What makes her value even less?

_____________________________________________________

The reading plan above can be used as a tool for daily Bible study at any place or any time. My hope is that the readings, questions above, and the experiences you have throughout this week allow you an opportunity to truly experience a deeper relationship with God. “This Day with God” devotional is here to guide your thoughts and prayers. It’s here to open up the Scriptures with ideas that may help you apply them. It’s a tool to enhance communication about faith and have an effect on how we learn from each other. It’s about providing the type of freedoms people need in the busy world in which we live.

Ezekiel 10 – 12 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible Study, Ezekiel, God, Integrity, Israel, Jerusalem, Jesus, religion & spirituality | 4 Comments

Ezekiel 12

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

By day Ezekiel was to pack his belongings for exile and at evening, he was to carry his belongings in front of the people as they watch. It was important that Ezekiel be obedient in every detail because it would be a sign and warning to the people of a bleak future due to their lack of respect of the one and only God.

Click on this piano piece above. While listening, reflect on today’s reading. What lesson is God teaching? Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you? Pray for details in carrying out the plans God has for you.

Robert Schuller who started the Hour of Power television program said once, “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it”. We may not realize it, but people watch us. Every choice we make has an end result so it is best to do the right things. God gives us instructions; He has the perfect plan with all the answers but it is up to us to be disciplined and follow.

How we live sets an example for the future. This day with God, I’m praying that I set a good example so that those that follow in my footsteps will realize the importance of God in our lives. He is with us and for us and wants the best for us.

Ezekiel 10 – 12 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Ezekiel, God, Israel, Jerusalem, Jesus, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 11

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

In reading today’s passage, we notice the rulers who regarded themselves as invincible leaders of the people. They cite the city of Jerusalem as being able to protect them but Ezekiel tells them that God will allow the city to be taken captive and they will be driven out of the city. Then it is told that God’s people will in the future change so that there is hope for a new beginning. Their practices would be agreeable to God’s principles because Jesus will bring hope.

Israel is at a stage in its history where change has to take place; much like an Eagle when it reaches a certain stage in its life, survival depends on transformation. An interesting fact about the national bird of America, the Bald Eagle is that it has the longest life-span of its species. It can live up to 70 years but to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision. In its 40’s, its’ long flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food. Its’ long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its’ old-aged and heavy wings due to thick feathers become stuck to its’ chest and make it difficult to fly. Then the eagle is left with only two options – die or go through a painful process of change which last 150 days. The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle hits its’ beak against a rock until it comes off and it can grow another one. Then it will pluck its’ talons and they grow back and then it plucks its’ feathers. After five months, the eagle takes its’ famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years.

Why is change needed? Many times, in order to survive, we have to start a change process. We sometimes need to get rid of old memories, habits and other past traditions. Only freed from past burdens, can we take advantage of the present? Take a few minutes to think about how this reading can be applied on this day with God. While thinking, listen to this piano piece.

In Christ Alone – Norm Hastings

Humbly pray for transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Rejoice in anticipation for a secure future because God is at work on the inside. His power breaks bad habits and His protection gives courage. Pray that hopelessness turns into hopefulness while being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ day by day.

Ezekiel 10 – 12 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bald Eagle, Christ, Ezekiel, God, Hope, Israel, Jerusalem, Jesus, Jesus Christ | 20 Comments

Ezekiel 10

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

Ezekiel had seen this same vision we read about today before. The wheels moved in perfect harmony as though they were full of wisdom and governed by the spirit of God; being directed with Divine purpose.

The Spirit of God has made available at least one skill for every believer and follower of Christ. It’s up to each of us to find that skill or purpose and use it. With the help of the Holy Spirit, that gift will be used for the express purpose of universal excellence. Each diverse member carries out their role to produce a fit church body. As I read this passage today, I’m reminded of a video. Take a few minutes to watch and listen at this link: Here I Am to Worship by Darlene Zschech.

Jesus did what God told Him to do. For us to discover our strengths, that’s exactly what we should do. My Sunday school teacher, Ronnie Smith once said, “Your calling is not a job – it is a relationship with God.” As a body of believers, God created us to support and complement each other. We are spiritual beings on this human journey; moved by the Spirit of God.

This day with God, think about ways to encourage, build up, and humbly pray for teamwork as Christians. Pray for ideas that will encourage others and help everyone to work together for the glory of God. As you meet people today, remember that God loves each individual for their unique abilities and He also loves you for your specific gift.