Devotionals
From a Trickle to a Torrent: When God’s Life Flows Through You
In Ezekiel 47, we read about a river flowing from the temple, starting as a trickle but quickly becoming a mighty, life-giving stream. As the river moves, it transforms everything in its path, bringing life to barren lands and healing even the salty, lifeless Dead Sea. This vision is more than a geographical restoration; it’s... Read More →
Son of Man — What Does THAT Mean?
During today’s reading, I again noticed Ezekiel being constantly referred to as the “son of man.” So I would like to briefly explore what this phrase means, where we see it in Scripture, and why it is significant. In the case of Ezekiel, “son of man” is meant to underscore his human frailty and his... Read More →
Ignoring God’s Warnings? Why Defiance Leads to Disaster
In Jeremiah 44:16-17, the people of Judah blatantly refuse to listen to the prophet’s warnings. They declare their intention to continue worshiping the “Queen of Heaven,” a pagan deity, despite knowing the consequences of their idolatry. This brazen attitude—choosing their own way over God’s commands—is strikingly similar to what we see in modern times. People... Read More →
It’s Okay to Grieve
In today’s readings from Lamentations 5, Obadiah 1, and Jeremiah 40-41, we’re reminded that even the most faithful servants of God, like Jeremiah, experience deep grief and sorrow. Jeremiah, who had prophesied the eventual restoration and glory of Jerusalem, was still profoundly affected by the immediate devastation and loss that he witnessed. This leads us... Read More →
Why Your Life Needs to Burn Down… Sometimes
When I read today’s passage, one thought struck me above the others: Israel, now “desolate,” would finally have its “Sabbath Rest.” This isn’t just about a nation lying in ruins—it’s about the spiritual renewal that only comes after the flames of destruction have swept through. Imagine a forest. For centuries, forest fires were a natural... Read More →
The Dangerous Mistress of Success
In Ezekiel 28:16, we see the fall of Tyre, a city once renowned for its wealth, beauty, and power. Tyre was a prominent trade center in the ancient world, its merchants known for their success and influence. However, with prosperity came pride, and with pride came corruption. The very success that elevated Tyre to great... Read More →
Rightly Jealous: Understanding God’s Jealousy
Jealousy is bad. Paul tells us so in Galatians 5. So why do we constantly read about God’s “good” jealousy in passages like today’s reading? See, when we think of jealousy, it’s easy to imagine something negative—a destructive emotion rooted in envy or insecurity. Yet, when we read about God’s jealousy in Scripture, it is... Read More →
Grief, Glory, and God’s Eternal Purposes
Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience that manifests in various ways. Some people express it openly, with tears and lament, while others may internalize their sorrow, showing little outward signs of their inner turmoil. The Christian response to grief is multifaceted. We are called to mourn with those who mourn, showing compassion and... Read More →
The Allure of Destruction
Sin and evil rarely present themselves as dangerous or destructive. Instead, they are often wrapped in enticing packages, appealing to our fleshly desires and offering fleeting moments of pleasure. Whether it’s indulging in a secret sin, embracing a lifestyle that contradicts God’s commands, or simply turning a blind eye to the ways of the world,... Read More →
Defeat as Discipline
In today’s readings, we encounter a challenging truth: not every obstacle or hardship is meant to be overcome. Sometimes, the “bad things” that happen to us are actually God’s way of protecting or disciplining us. Ezekiel 3:20 (NLT) presents a sobering warning: “If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles... Read More →
Consuming Conviction
In Ezekiel 3, we encounter the striking image of the prophet being instructed to eat a scroll. This was not just any scroll but one filled with words of “lamentation and mourning and woe” (Ezekiel 2:10). Despite its bitter content, when Ezekiel obeys and consumes the scroll, it tastes “as sweet as honey” in his... Read More →
For Now Isn’t Forever
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves adjusting to our circumstances, whether they be moments of joy or seasons of hardship. This adjustment, while necessary, can sometimes deceive us into believing that our current situation is permanent. Psychologists refer to this tendency as the “status quo bias,” where we assume that the way... Read More →