Day 239

What a just and loving God we serve!

Israel was a sinful nation that needed to be punished. It had to pay for the sins it had committed. However, Lamentations 3, verses 32 and 33 say, "Though He cause grief, He will have compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love; for He does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men."

The Lord causes grief. He allows for the bad things to happen as punishment, or as part of His plan. However, He will have compassion, because of His love for us! He does not willingly afflict us. He is not a God that delights in the suffering of His children. But instead, He allows bad things to happen in order to shape us, or punish us as needed.

He is just in that He punishes us when we need it. However, He is also loving in that He does not willingly afflict us, but instead, He has compassion and love for us.

He has the perfect balance of justice and love beyond measure!

Day 238

Wow. Even in war, the Lord delivers!

Jeremiah is in Judah when the Babylonians come to capture the city. The king of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar) sends most of the people into exile, however, he has something special for Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 39 verses 12 is the king giving orders on what to do with Jeremiah. It says, "'Take him, look after him well, and do him no harm, but deal with him as he tells you.'"

Jeremiah 39 verse 18 says, "'For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in Me, declares the Lord.'"

King Nebuchadnezzar is going to take over Judah, but the Lord protects Jeremiah from them! I also like the way Jeremiah puts this last verse. You shall have your life as a prize for war, because you have put your trust in Me, declares the Lord.

Because Jeremiah put his trust in the Lord, you will have your life.

I also wanted to note the order in which this occurs. It says, "Because you have put your trust in Me." This imples that one must trust the Lord first, in order for receive your prize, or reward.

I quite often get it backwards and say, "Lord, if You bless me with..., I will trust in You always." The problem is, the Lord blesses us when we trust Him first! I have to keep this in mind, especially when praying.

Day 237

I think it is so cool how the Lord takes care of us and makes His presence known.

Ezekiel 28 verse 24 says, "And for the house of Israel there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord."

Through the Lord's protection of Israel from its neighbors, the Lord will show His presence.

I really like how Ezekiel states that; there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors. The Lord will protect them from even the smallest of annoyances.

It is a comfort to me knowing that I have a God who protects me from those who are to harm me. It is also a comfort to know that the Lord pursues me and shows me each day that He is the Lord. I thank the Lord for being so invested in me.

Day 236

Again, I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness to His people.

The people of Israel and Judah deserve to be punished for their wickedness. That is why the Lord is allowing Nebuchadnezzar to take over Israel and Judah. However, Jeremiah 32 verses 37, 38 and 40 say, "I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. And they shall be My people, and I will be their God...I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of Me in their hearts, that they may not turn from Me."

The Lord has promised that we are His and He is ours. He will not turn from us if we are faithful to Him! What a comfort that is to know that I am the Lord's and He is mine!

What an amazing and faithful God I serve!

Day 235

Ezekiel is talking to the Pharaoh in Egypt with words from the Lord in Ezekiel 29 verses 9 and 10 when he says, "Because you said, 'The Nile is mine, and I made it,' therefore, behold, I am against you and against your streams, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation..."

From reading this, Pharaoh believed himself to be greater than the Lord. He took credit for things that the Lord deserved credit for. Because of this, the Lord was against Pharaoh and made the land of Egypt a waste.

This is rather powerful considering how many times I may take credit for things that really the Lord deserves credit for. The Lord has blessed me with all the abilities I have, and to take credit for anything takes away from the Lord. The Lord ruined Egypt for this!

If one is to boast, boast in the Lord!

I have to remember this in each day.

Day 234

Part of the way through Ezekiel chapter 23, I realized that Oholah and Oholibah are actually metaphors for Samaria and Jerusalem.

All of chapter 23 explains how God sees the sins of His people. He sees them lusting over the ways of the Assyrians and the Babylonians; worshiping their idols and intermarrying.

The Lord saw this as a spouse or a lover cheating on Him! He compared them to prostitutes and eventually handed them over to their evil ways, which in reality was when the Babylonians overtook them.

I often wonder how the Lord sees me and my actions. I do sin and sometimes, I lust over the ways of those who are not Christians. I am tempted too. I wonder how this makes the Lord feel. He gave so much for me, but I so quickly turn from Him and chase after temporary indulgences that I know displease Him.

I will try to keep in mind the thoughts of the Lord and how He sees sin as cheating on Him! I will continue to do all I can to chase after the Lord alone.

Day 233

Today there was a verse that spoke to me. It is a unique verse, but I believe it says something important.

Ezekiel 20 verse 39 says, "As for you, O house of Israel, thus says the Lord God: Go serve every one of you his idols, now and hereafter, if you will not listen to me; but My holy name you shall no more profane with your gifts and your idols."

To me, the Lord is saying if one will not listen and obey and be righteous, okay. But do not speak of Me or act in My name. This profanes Me.

If someone is not righteous, do not claim to be a child of God! This only brings the Lord down and does not give Him glory. We must be good examples of the Lord and be righteous to speak of Him and claim Him as our Lord and Savior.

Day 232

Ezekiel 18 verses 21 to 24 say, "But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all My statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die."

This emphasizes the Lord's just nature. If someone turns from being sinful to being righteous, he is saved! However, if someone turns from being righteous to being sinful, he shall not live. With these verses, hope is brought to the sinful and a reality is brought to believers.

One line in this passage struck me. The Lord says, "Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked?" The Lord does not want to see souls die! He is a loving God that cares for Children! He does not want to see the sinful die, but, as I said before, He is just and in His infinite wisdom, knows that they must.

I thank God for His just nature and the hope for all sinners and commit to Him to always strive to be righteous.

Day 231

I believe one of the things God calls us to do is to be a good example of the Lord to others. We must show what a Christian looks like and acts like.

Ezekiel 16 describes an Israel who was not living up to the example that was expected. Chapter 16 verses 51 and 52 say, "Samaria has not committed half your sins. You have committed more abominations than they, and have made your sisters appear righteous by all the abominations that you have committed. Bear your disgrace...Because of your sins in which you acted more abominably than they..."

Non believers were acting more upright and Godly than the Lord's chosen people. They were an embarrassment to the Lord. So the Lord said to bear their disgrace. Take responsibility for your actions and be a good example of the Lord.

I always try to relate the reading to myself and I wonder how often I am a disgrace to the Lord by my example. I believe I have not been doing as well as I expect out of myself lately.

This is also something I am continually working on in order better display the joy I have in Him, and to demonstrate to others what a joy it is to be a child of the Lord!

Day 230

Ezekiel 11 verses 14 through 25 describes the restoration of Israel. It says all the inhabitants of Israel will be called back and the Lord will work in their hearts.

Ezekiel 11 verses 19 and 20 say, "And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh that they may walk in My statutes and keep My rules and obey them. And they shall be My people and I will be their God."

I think there are a few things to note here. First, the Lord gives a new heart and a new spirit. It does not come from what we do, but from the Lord. Also, once the Lord gives a new heart and a new spirit, they shall be the Lord's people and the Lord will be their God.

Salvation and grace is not given by anything we do, but instead, by what the Lord does! All He asks is that we trust and have faith. What a great and generous God!

Day 229

How insulting it must have been for the Lord in Ezekiel's day!

The people of Israel had forgotten the Lord. They would be in the Lord's temple, yet worshiping the sun rather than to the Lord! (Ezekiel chapter 8)

The people of Israel were forgetting God and bowing down to idols. This angered the Lord and He told Ezekiel that He would kill those who did not worship Him and have their bodies lay before their idols.

Ezekiel 6 verse 7 says, "And the slain shall fall in your midst, and you shall know that I am the Lord."

The Lord does not want to be insulted! He wants us to know that He is the Lord and there is no other! I know the Lord is the only God and I will serve Him only.

Day 228

In chapter 3, Ezekiel is getting his assignment for being a prophet of the Lord. He is being assigned the souls of the house of Israel. It is his responsibility to warn them of bad things to come.

After Ezekiel gets his assignment from the Lord, chapter 3 verse 22 says, "The hand of the Lord was upon me there. And He said to me, 'Arise...'"

The Lord put his hand on him. The Lord made it physically known to Ezekiel that the Lord is with him and he is doing the Lord's will.

I do not believe the Lord has made it physically known to me that He is with me, but He has shown me many other signs.

I am confident I am right where the Lord wants me, and I look forward to what He has in store for me!

Day 227

Ezekiel lived in Babylon and was called by God to prophesy to the people of Israel. Ezekiel saw a glimpse of the Glory of the Lord when he saw the creatures. The creatures sparkled like burnished bronze. Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal.

These are just a glimpse of the glory that makes up the Lord. I cannot imagine what the day will be like when I see my Lord in heaven with all those who have gone before me. I look forward to seeing all creatures glorifying God!

I will continue to pray for that day.

Day 226

I can't imagine how bad things must have been when a king was in place that did not chase after the Lord's heart. The times of Zedekiah were no exception. He also did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.

2 Kings 24 verse 20 says, "For because of the anger of the Lord it came to the point in Jerusalem and Judah that He cast them out from His presence."

They were a people that turned away from the Lord and therefore, the Lord was no longer with them. I can't imagine what it would be like without the Lord! To me, that would be the scariest experience to be in a place where the Lord is not there!

I thank the Lord for His forgiveness and for His never ending love for me. I promise to chase after Him always.

Day 225

How wonderful my God is! Jeremiah 31 verses 18 and 20 say, "I have heard Ephraim grieving...Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he My darling child?...Therefore My heart yearns for him..."

My God is a loving God who hears me. I am His dear son, His darling child! The Lord's heart yearns for me!

The Lord has such a love for His children that He yearns for us! What a wonderful, loving God I serve!

Day 224

One of the most quoted verses in the Bible can be found in Jeremiah 29 verse 11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

There are are two words that I long for and do not want to worry about; future and hope. I do not know what the future may bring, but this verse reminds me that the Lord has plans for me to give me a future and hope. I must not worry because the Lord already has my future taken care of and worked out!

This is a tough concept still for me, but I will continue to trust in the Lord for my future! Thank you Lord for Your promises to Love me, give me a future, and always be my hope!

Day 223

I always find the Lord's words challenging. Jeremiah 23 verses 23 and 24 say, "Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord."

I really like it when the Lord speaks in rhetorical questions, because it makes me realize that the questions He asks are always no brainers.

Of course the Lord is a God that is always with us. Of course no one can hide themselves from God. Of course He is the Lord of heaven and earth.

So why do we act the way we do? Why do we act like the Lord is not with us or that He cannot do everything? These actions and thoughts are pointless!

Day 222

Again today, I am reminded to trust. Jeremiah 17 verses 7 and 8 say, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

I really like this analogy. The man who trusts is like a tree that sends its roots out by the stream. With a strong root system, the tree cannot be shaken and can withstand anything that is brought upon it.

Plain and simple; trust in the Lord and you will be able to withstand.

Day 221

There was a verse that struck me this morning. Jeremiah 13 verse 23 says, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to doing evil."

This is an interesting concept to me. It is saying that if one practices evil, or if one is accustomed to sinning, how can that person do good? How can that person be pure?

I am finding that living for Christ is a continuous act and practice, not just when people are around or when I am at church. I believe that is what this verse is saying too. If one does not practice good, how can good come from them?

This is good to think about and work on. How can we be good examples to others for Christ when we are not good examples of Christ at home?

Day 220

This is interesting; The same theme I saw in Daniel yesterday is in Jeremiah today.

Jeremiah 9 verses 23 and 24 say, "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."

The only thing worth boasting of is the Lord. All other things come from Him. For He is a God who delights in steadfast love, justice and righteousness; a great way to summarize the Lord. If we are to boast, boast about these things. That is what truly delights the Lord.

Day 219

I find the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego amazing. The Lord spared them from the fiery furnace which was heated to seven times more than it usually was.

I noticed something significant while reading this story. When these three men were before the king explaining themselves and why the would not bow down to the statue the king had made, the king threatened to throw them into the furnace if they did not bow down.

Daniel 3 verse 17 says, "If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king."

As 1 Corinthians 1:31 says, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." These men claimed their salvation in Christ and He delivered!

I have to remember that the Lord is there and can do so much more than I can imagine. Also, when I boast, I must boast in the Lord. He is the one who has blessed me and can do all things.

Day 218

What a ride Daniel was on! First his city is taken by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Then he is taken and educated. Finally he is brought before the king as a test and he blows the king away!

I bet if you asked Daniel when he was young, if he would believe that he would be standing in front of the king of Babylon, he would have laughed and not believed it. Daniel did not grow up preparing to stand in front of the king of Babylon. He had no idea.

But God did! God had it in His plan all along for Daniel and his friends to be captured, educated then blow the pants off of Nebuchadnezzar! Daniel chapter 1 verse 17 says, "As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."

God had it in His plan for Daniel and his three friends to be in front of Nebuchadnezzar and God equipped them with all they needed to impress the king; to fulfill the Lord's plan.

And that holds true for me too. I never thought that I would move to Texas, work in the Aerospace Industry, have a wife and son and one on the way, and do all that I have done, but God did. And the best part of it all is, He equipped me with all I needed to accomplish what He had planned for me!

I continue to trust in Him to equip me with all I need to accomplish what He has in store for me and I know He is with me always and will bless me beyond measure; even more than He already has!

Day 217

If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is people who cannot take criticism or listen to warnings.

In Jeremiah 36, Jeremiah has a scroll written that gives warning to what is coming to Judah and has his scribe present it to the temple where it makes its way to the king. Everyone who hears it believes and is frightened, but once it makes it to king Jeremiah, he ignores it, cuts the scroll up and throws it in the fire.

I wonder how often I receive warnings and criticism but, instead of listening and taking warning, I ignore it and tear down those offering the criticism. I believe the Lord speaks to me through others and that is one way He provides criticism to me.

I have to work on not ignoring the criticism of others, but instead listen and take warning.

Day 216

Why does Judah do evil in the eyes of the Lord? Josiah was king just before and removed all the evil things from the land and restored the Law. Then he dies and it is as though everyone forgets!

Jeremiah was sent along with many others before him to warn Judah of their fate unless they turn from their ways, but the people do not listen. And as a result, they are overtaken and laid captive for 70 years.

I wonder how often the Lord sends someone to warn me, but I do not listen. I get so caught up in the business of every day that I am too busy to see the Lord's gentle tone.

I get frustrated reading about Judah, but I get even more frustrated with myself when I think of the distractions that I face that keep me from focusing on the Lord.

I must continue to focus on the Lord and set Him first in my priority list each day.

Day 215

In the passage for today, Josiah dies. He is killed in battle. I was blown away at how the people reacted to his death.

2 Chronicles 35 verses 24 and 25 say, "All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah; and all the singing men and singing women have spoken of Josiah in their laments to this day. They made these a rule in Israel; behold, they are written in the Laments."

It has been a while since reading about a reaction like this to a king passing away. I think it is amazing that they made it a rule to mention Josiah in the Laments. It was that sad for them.

This inspires me. I see the impact of what one person chasing after the Lord with all their heart can do. I see what an effect he had on others.

I know God has great things planned for me. I pray that I can fulfill all of the Lord's expectations and make an impact for Him like Josiah did.

Day 214

I really enjoyed reading Habakkuk. He poses some great questions that are still relevant today.

The one that stood out the most for me was the first one. Chapter 1 verse 2 says, "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?"

I have been there too where it seems as though the Lord has left me and is no longer there. I know this isn't true, but sometimes it can seem like it when there is no response.

But the Lord answers Habakkuk in chapter 1 verse 5. It says, "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told."

The Lord is doing great things, especially when I feel He is not there. It is on us to open our eyes and look. See Him and be astounded. He is here and doing so much more than I could ever believe! That is my God!

Day 213

The book of Nahum describes destruction and torment of Nineveh. However, it also gives a further description of the Lord.

Nahum 1 verse 3 says, "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power..."

It is such a comfort to me to know that the Lord is slow to anger. I am a sinner, I confess. I know I do not please him on a regular basis. However, I also know that He is slow to anger and has the power to forgive.

I thank the Lord for His slow temper and his ability to forgive.

Day 212

I think I found a new role model in Josiah. He became king at 8 years old and faithfully follows after the Lord's heart.

Josiah ordered for the cleanup and purification of the temple of the Lord. When doing so, the Book of the Covenant was found. After hearing from this book, Josiah gathered all his officials, and all the people together and read the Book of the Covenant. He then committed, along with all the people, to follow what was written in that book.

Josiah, even at his young age, took control, saw a need for reform, and made it so. He took a stand for the Lord.

We can never be too young to take a stand for the Lord. I pray I can be like Josiah and stand up for the Lord when called to do so.

Day 211

In this passage, Jeremiah is talking about the men of Israel and Judah. Both have become sinful in the eyes of the Lord. However, the Lord is merciful and will take them back.

Jeremiah 4 verses 1 and 2 say, "If you return, O Israel...If you remove your detestable things from My presence, and do not waver, and if you swear, 'As the Lord lives,' in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory."

Our God is good! Even when we sin and do everything to push the Lord away, He still sticks with us! He says, "If you return to me, purify yourselves and do not waver; if you acknowledge the Lord is above truth, justice and righteousness, then you will be blessed.

That is great news, but also a challenge to purify ourselves, and also believe the Lord is above all things and trust in Him.

I know this is all for the good, so I will continue to strive to trust in Him for everything without wavering.

Day 210

Every time I hear the story of Josiah I am amazed. He became king at age 8! He reigned for 31 years and he followed the Lord through it all without swerving to the right or to the left.

Just a little background that still amazes me; The previous kings were evil and corrupt beyond measure. Manasseh set a bad example, but towards the end of his reign he tried to reconnect with the Lord. He did, but the people did not follow.

Manasseh's son Amon reigned only 2 years before being overthrown by others. He was also evil in the eyes of the Lord. His servants ended up putting him to death and the people of the land killed all those who conspired against king Amon.

This part to me is the kicker; 2 Chronicles 33 verse 25 says, "And the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place."

The people made him the king. He is only 8 years old! This is what amazes me. What did the people see in him to make him king at 8 years old? There had to be so many more men of age, but the people chose someone who was 8 to run the country. However, Josiah did great! He followed the Lord unswervingly.

I wish I were there and knew what possessed the people to make an 8 year old king of an entire nation! What an impression Josiah must have made for the people to put Him in charge. I believe this was the Lord's doing. The Lord knew he would do a great job and the people saw this too.

It makes me think, is the Lord preparing me for something great? Could I handle something like that? Does the Lord trust me that much that He would put me in a position that requires so much responsibility?

I thank God that He has a plan and that I fit in that plan. I thank Him for equipping me with the tools needed to do what He has in store for me. he will not send me in unequipped! I thank the Lord that no matter what happens, or where He leads me, He will be there and He will take care of me! What a comfort! Through these scriptures, I am reminded how great it is to be a child of God!

Day 209

One thing I love about the Lord is that He is always there for me and He is a big part of my life.

Isaiah 64 verse 8 says, "...we are the clay and you are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand."

God has molded me into who I am which is exactly what He wants me to be. He also continues to mold me and shape me into something better every day through my joys and my sorrows, my frustrations and my relaxations.

I take great comfort in knowing that the Lord has shaped me and continues to shape me into exactly what He wants me to be and exactly what is needed to fulfill what He has planned.