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Ezekiel 10:1-13:23<\/strong><\/span> Ezekiel\u2019s vision of the Lord in Jerusalem continues today in chapters 10 and 11 as the glory of the Lord first leaves the Temple and then leaves Jerusalem completely! This is a big deal as the glory of the Lord had pretty much been in the Temple since it\u2019s construction. We are also visited by the cherubim again in these chapters \u2013 check out the November 1st readings calendar link below\/left for more commentary on the cherubim.\u00a0 I really like this artwork by Priscilla Silver called \u201cThe Four Faced Cherubim\u201d \u2013 <\/span><\/p>\n Today in chapter 11 verse 13 we read \u2013 \u201cWhile I was still speaking, Pelatiah son of Benaiah suddenly died. Then I fell face down in the dust and cried out, \u201cO Sovereign LORD, are you going to kill everyone in Israel?\u201d\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Chapter 11 verses 19 & 20 stood out to me today, with a message for the exiles in Babylon \u2013 \u201cI will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their hearts of stone and give them tender hearts instead, so they will obey my laws and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.\u201d<\/em> How are our hearts today? Are they tender? Single in their focus on God? Do we have a new Spirit within us? <\/span><\/p>\n Ezekiel chapter 12 today reminds me that sometimes in my own life I believe God sends some signs and warnings and I, like the Israelites in exile in Babylon, can be a rebel.\u00a0 I ignore the signs and warnings or think \u2013 oh, that won\u2019t come to pass for a long time\u2026\u00a0 \u00a0 Do you suppose this is wise?\u00a0 \u00a0Is there a sign or a warning God may be sending your way in your life currently?\u00a0 Will you listen and obey?\u00a0 Will you pay attention to God\u2019s warning signs in your life?<\/span><\/p>\n I love the story of Ezekiel packing up his pack in broad daylight and leaving through a hole in his house during the evening in chapter 12 today!\u00a0 In verse 7 we read \u2013 \u201cSo I did as I was told. In broad daylight I brought my pack outside, filled with the things I might carry into exile. Then in the evening while the people looked on, I dug through the wall with my hands and went out into the darkness with my pack on my shoulder.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n It is interesting that in chapter 12 God says three times: \u201cThen you\/they will know that I am the LORD!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Why do you think he repeats this three times in this chapter?\u00a0 Should this be a statement we should consider in our own lives?\u00a0 \u00a0Who is the Lord of your life \u2013 yourself or God?\u00a0 \u00a0Do you know that God is the Lord?\u00a0 \u00a0Is God consistently in the very center of your life?<\/span><\/p>\n Ezekiel chapter 13 verse 2 stood out to me today: \u201cSon of man, speak against the false prophets of Israel who are inventing their own prophecies. Tell them to listen to the word of the LORD.\u201d<\/em> Do we see this in our world today?\u00a0 People inventing their own prophecies?\u00a0 Inventing their own religions?\u00a0 Picking and choosing what philosophies they like the best?\u00a0 Do we do this?\u00a0 Should we be listening instead to the Word of the Lord?\u00a0 Are you actively involved in a church where the Word is clearly taught and Jesus is clearly the cornerstone?<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video: <\/strong>Today\u2019s readings in Ezekiel reminds me of the importance of the message in the Kutless song \u201cSea of Faces:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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