Promises Kept

O. T. #1952  "Promises Kept"

May 31, 2021

Ezekiel 48

LET IT GLOW

Let us be sure to remember those who have given their lives to preserve our free nation. Others gave limbs, like my father in WWII. Be sure to pray for those in our military currently, also.

In Psalm 79, Asaph wrote a song for worship. In it, he spoke of Jerusalem in ruins, heathen ruling, and believers killed.

We are become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. How long, LORD? (verse 4, 5a)

In the end, God's glory will be evident to all people, but in the meantime, we must endure suffering with patience and allow God to strengthen our character through it. We don't know why God allows pagan people to scoff at believers. We should be prepared for criticism, jokes, and unkind remarks because God does not place us beyond the attacks of scoffers. (Life Application Study Bible)

Then Asaph prays for the Lord to restore His reputation by bringing a worse destruction upon the enemies of Israel some 7 fold. (verse 12)

So we Thy people and sheep of Thy pasture will give Thee thanks for ever: we will show forth Thy praise to all generations. (verse 13)

Isn't that what we people of God and believers were created to do-give thanks always, in everything, for this is His will. Do we praise our loving God enough?

 

LET IT GROW

Can you believe it, we are in the last chapter of this prophets words and visions? On December 28 we began studying together the Words God gave to Ezekiel. Thank you for your faithfulness to persevere with me. this is actually the first time I have gone through an in-depth study of Ezekiel.

It starts out showing the fulfillment of God's promises to actually restore Israel's people form around the world to the Promised Land during the Millennial reign of King Jesus Christ.

First mentioned are the northern tribes of Israel to be restored: Dan (restored by grace, for they became idolaters), Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah. The 3 most northern tribes were the farthest from the Temple are the sons of Jacob's concubines. Dan and Naphtali were born to Bilhah, Rachel's maid; Asher was born to Zilpah, Leah's maid. Gag is the fourth son by concubinage, among the southern group. He is the farthest south.

Judah is the closest to the sanctuary. This tribe was the inheritor of the messianic promise through the blessing of Jacob. (Genesis 49) He superseded Reuben, the first-born, who was in the next closest position on the north side. Manasseh and Ephraim were the grandsons of Rachel, children of Joseph.

Southern land is to be given to the 5 remaining tribes of Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. Keep in mind that this is the future allotted inheritance for those blessed tribes of Jacob.

Do we keep our promises?

LET IT GO

I am chosen, not forsaken, I am who You say I am. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! In my Father's house, there's a place for me, I'm a child of God, yes I am. (What a song!)

Thank You Heavenly Father that You keep Your promises.

Many a Time

O. T. #1951  "Many a Time"

May 27, 2021

Ezekiel 47-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

 Psalm 78  contains songs written by Asaph, a Levite who led worship songs in the Temple.

But He, being full of compassion forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not; yea, many a time turned He His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath. For He remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. (verses 38-39) This is speaking of God's compassion for His sinful people, Israel. Many  a time God disciplined His children. Yet, there was always a remnant left. It was because Israel had been unfaithful in the  covenant they made with their God.

So he (David) fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. (verse 72)

David, served as king of Israel, but he was a shepherd before that. He pictured Jesus as our Good Shepherd. (John 10)

Who do we picture to others? Are we full of compassion for others? Do we forgive them and turn away our wrath? Do we have integrity in our heart as David? Many a time God has forgiven us, so should we forgive others.

LET IT GROW

Beginning with verse 13, we read about the new boundaries of the new land in the world reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, during the Millennium. Israel's land will be divided and distributed to its 12 tribes. However, the tribe of Levite will not have land, and tribes of Joseph's two sons Ephraim  and Manasseh will be blessed with his inheritance. This will be the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The borders given here were originally given to Moses in Numbers 34, but Israel never fully occupied them at any time in its history.

Isn't it wonderful that we serve a God who keeps His promises? Our God is so very faithful. Are we being faithful to Him? 

LET IT GO

Change our hearts God.

Fill us with Your compassion for others.

Give us faith so we can be faithful to You.

The Wonderful Works of God

O. T. #1950  "The Wonderful Works of God"

May 27, 2021

Ezekiel 47-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Where do we get our hope today? From what source is our strength to carry on another day?

Asaph, who was the leader in singing in the Temple, wrote the Psalm 73-83. Here are a few verses which I had already highlighted from our study in this book:

Thou art the God that doest wonders: Thou hast declared Thy strength among the people. (Ps.77:14)

We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done. (Ps. 78:4) (Speaking of God's Words)

That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments. (verse 7)

Are we sharing the great wonders and works that God has done in our life throughout the years with our family? Do we share His strength and hope that is our God? Are we keeping His commands? Are we sharing how He has blessed our faithfulness? Folks, I am guilty. I have a tendency to write about those things and not tell my grandchildren about them. It is time to start telling.

LET IT GROW

 This book has been about the decline of a nation, not just a religious decline, but also in governmental and family decline. It happened due to them not following God's statutes and commands. They turned away to worship idols. Notice that God started with judgment at His house, not at the courthouse or the White House. Until we as God's people get our kingdom agenda priorities in order, He will not skip our failings to fix what's wrong with our culture either. The time has come for judgment to begin with God's household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? (1Peter 4:17)

The reason our culture is drying up is because there's no spiritual water flowing out of the sanctuary into the world. It must flow down the aisles of our churches. If God's presence doesn't show up among His people, how will it show up in our neighborhoods, in the nation, and in the world?             [Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary] 

So, are we excusing sins of others and our self?   We read what happened to Judah and Jerusalem when they turned from God.  What awaits America? Are people calling good evil and evil good?                      

 

LET IT GO

You are a promise keeper, Your Word will never fail. I see Your goodness, right here, right now.

Holy Spirit, convict us of our sins. Turn us back to You in repentance.

We have become self-sufficient, sensual, and materialistic.

Send a Great Awakening to America!

Have mercy on us, Almighty God.

A Stream of Living Water For a Dry Soul

O. T. #1949  "A Stream of Living Water For a Dry Soul"

May 26, 2021

Ezekiel 47

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 73-83 are written by Asaph, a Levite who led one of the temple choirs. (1Chron.15:19) Either he wrote those psalms, or his choir sang them, or later choirs in the tradition of Asaph sang them, according to MacArthur.

Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73:23-26)

When Asaph once again understands God's view of life, he realizes that he is always with God, who holds his right hand. (verse 23) Notice who was holding whom. God was holding Asaph, and He wasn't letting go. Not only did Asaph have God's presence, but he also had His guidance and counsel. He recognizes that the Lord was everything to him. God's Word directs us to believe what is true and to live with wisdom.(Tony Evans)

Isn't it comforting to know that God is hold onto us? And He doesn't let go. Is God's Word directing our life? Is He our everything today?

LET IT GROW

The beginning of this chapter explains the vision of water flowing from the Temple during the Millennial reign of Christ on earth:

• It flowed eastward from the threshold of the Temple. (verse 1)
• The water was measured 4 times by the guide, who was probably Jesus.
• Beginning as a trickle, the water increased dramatically in depth every third of a mile. (verses 3-5)
• This trickle of water was issuing from the Holy of Holies, past the altar on the south side.
• Ezekiel was led out of the Temple area at the northern gate, around the Temple to the eastern gate. There the water was coming from under the building on the south side of the gate.
• The river flowed to the Dead Sea, where it brought life. (right now it is salt water) Trees grew on the banks of the river, which provided food and leaves for healing. (Currently, they are taking water from the Dead Sea to use as irrigation for the date palms. This is resulting in the Sea receding water.)

Jerusalem will have a life-giving river at this time, whether it is a literal river or a sacred symbol of the Lord's life-giving power. It is not from a palace nor from a government building, but from a Temple of God.

Water is often tied to life and the work of the Holy Spirit, so the river that will flow during this time is a river, evidence that the Spirit of God has returned to His house. God will be in His place, and His blessings will flow from Him to the entire land. (Tony Evans)

Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. (John 7:38)

Folks, I found this verse written on an old calendar (2001) with Scriptures and beautiful pictures when I was sorting through things in my office, packing up them. It is a marvelous picture of greenery around a stream, out in the woods. I do not believe in coincidences. God had it there for me as a confirmation. His Spirit and Words want to flow through us to others, like a stream.

Is this life-giving stream flowing though us today, so it gives living water to the dry soul we come in contact with today?

LET IT GO

Holy Spirit, comfort those dry souls, giving them life abundantly today.

Fill us with gratitude, worship, and joy in Christ now as we surrender to Your will.

Glory to our God on High!

Gray Hairs and the Kitchen

O. T. #1948  "Gray Hairs and the Kitchen"

May 25, 2021

Ezekiel 46-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only. (Psalm 71:16)

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. (verse 9)

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is to come. (verse 18)

David asks God to continue to sustain him in his old age. Also, that others would not take advantage of him as the years pass (verses 10-11) David vows to continue to hope in God and offer praise to God all day long. (verses 14-15)

From childhood to old age, our lives are a testimony of what God has done for us. We must never despair, but keep on expecting His help no matter how severe our limitations. Hope in Jesus helps us to keep going, to keep serving Him.(Life Application Study Bible)

How are you still serving the Lord Jesus as you get older? Seniors can share what God has done for them throughout their lifetime. Keep going, never stop.  

LET IT GROW

Have you thought about how important the kitchen area is in a house or church or Temple? Read on to find out about it.

Do you find it interesting all the details of the New Temple in Jerusalem when King Jesus returns to earth to reign over the world system for a thousand years. Ezekiel was given this vision to share with the Jews in captivity in Babylon along with him. It was to give those Jews hope for the future. In fact, some of them returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple some 70 years after the Babylonian army destroyed them.

During this time, some of the sacrifices and offerings from the O.T. will be reestablished as a reminder of what God did for His people. However, Christ will be the High Priest since He has already made the sacrifice for sin as the sacrificial Lamb of God. It is His blood that makes us righteous, for we are as filthy rags, having no righteousness on our own, nor can the blood of animals take away our sin. 

The Priests, Levites, and Temple servants will be in the Temple area to serve Jesus Christ.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                      1   Storage              1

    Kitchen                     1  Chamber             1

__________________  1_______________1

                                      1

 ___________________1_____________

Priest's                           1  Priest's             1

Kitchen                          1 Chambers          1

__________________________________1

                        1          Temple                                                Outer

Western           1 Most                                            Inner   1    Court

                         1 Holy           Holy      1Altar  1   Court    1               ----------             Eastern

End                   1 Place           Place     1          1                1               -Entrance          Outer

                                                                                                                                        Gate

 

I tried to make a drawing of the Temple area according to MacArthur, but my computer will not allow straight lines. Maybe you can get an idea of how it will be set up.

In all the far corners, north, south, east, and west, will be the kitchen area. Those rooms will be designated as a place for fellowship where people can meet and enjoy the sacrificial meals together. (Wiersbe)

The priests and servants will cook the sacrifices of animals and grain. They will do it in the kitchen areas, avoiding carrying the sacrifices through the outer courtyard and endangering the people by transmitting holiness to them. (verse 20, NLT)

I recall the times my dad's family would get together at one of the siblings' home. Most of the time the ladies would sit in the kitchen area after the meal, and catch up on everyone's life. Sweet fellowship.

My mom used to spend the month of December making homemade candy and giving it away. I haven't carried on that tradition, but I do bake banana bread to give to others.

Is our kitchen area used to minister to hurting hearts? Is it used to provide for those in need? Do we cook something to express  our gratitude for someone?  

 LET IT GO

Father, thank You for the food You provide for us.

May we share it with others, showing You love to them.

Use our kitchen to be a place of fellowship, encouraging others, meeting needs, listening to hurting hearts.

 

A Hope, Rock, and Fortress in This World"

O. T. #1947  "A Hope, Rock, and Fortress in This World"

May 24, 2021

Ezekiel 46-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Friend, are you in need of hope today? Could you use a strong refuge? In looking at Psalm 71 for encouragement today, David gives us a cup overflowing. He makes all that the Lord God does personal to him (and us). Can we say the same? God is:

• my rock and my fortress (verse 3)
• my God (verse 4)
• my hope and my trust (verse 5)
• my praise (verse 6)
• my strong refuge. (verse 7)

When we feel like we are sinking in this sin-filled world, God is a Rock that we can stand on and not sink into sin. If we feel like hope is gone in this hopeless world, that is when we must allow God to fill us with His Hope. When we are attacked and need fortress to run to, then run to God, our Fortress, who surrounds us with His love.

LET IT GROW

You know, we have been learning about the way of new worship that will occur during the Millennial reign of Christ when He returns to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. The prince, resurrected King David, will lead God's people under the lordship of the Messiah. In the New Temple, Jewish animal sacrifice practices will take place. They will remind the people of what Jesus has done for all. There will be priests serving the Lord in the Temple.

• The prince will make a freewill offering, not at a set time, but when he wants to express his love for God. (verse 12)
• The daily sacrifices will occur as a reminder of their relationship to God and will give them an opportunity to express their devotion. (verses 13-15)
• Then the new land of Israel will be governed by the ancient law of the Year of Jubilee. (Lev. 25) Every 50 years, land possession will revert back to the original owner or family. Even the land given to the servants of the prince will be reverted back to him. His sons will keep the land that the prince gives them for an inheritance.

Land is not theirs, nor ours now, but it belongs to the Lord. We are all the lessees.  (Taylor)

I have said before that we are selling my family farm. It was a very difficult decision for my family to make. As I see it, the Lord made this ground and my parents used it to make a living. They chose to give it to me, and now the Lord said to move, go, so that is what I am doing. It is as a sacrifice unto God for the benefit of those who have houses to live in here in the future. I know they will enjoy it like I have. (After all, one day I will leave this place and go onto heaven. Sooner or later I will not be living here.) Guess it is a faith-walk, seeking where God has for us to live next as we serve Him. Yep, this country road of faith will lead us to the next stop in the next season of life. We are looking forward and not back. God is my strength and fortress, so I tell myself that I can do this.

How about you? Are you walking by faith today? Are you being obedient to God as He leads you in kingdom work?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for leaving heaven to die for me a sinner.

You are my hope.

I trust in You today.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)

Does Our Worship Change Us?

O. T. #1946  "Does Our Worship Change Us?"

May 21, 2021

Ezekiel 46

LET IT GLOW

Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: and let such as love Thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: Thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying. (Psalm 70:4-5)

In Psalm 70, David asks God to help him and provide a rapid rescue from those who wish him harm. (verses 1- 2) Also, David acknowledges himself as poor and needy, desperately in need of the one and only deliverer. (verse 5) He asks that his enemies would be humiliated and retreat in shame. (verses 2-3) David cares about the glorification of God and edification of the saints. Those who know and have experienced the greatness of God should declare, God is great! (verse 4)

 Our sovereign God is able to cause malice directed at you to return on your adversary's head. But David wasn't only concerned about himself. He wanted all who seek the Lord and love His salvation to magnify Him. [Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

David admitted he was poor (humble; afflicted; depressed, in mind and circumstances) and needy (of want; destitute; beggar). Yet, he challenged us who love Jesus to say, "Let God be magnified (lifted up; excellent; boast).

Before and after David was made king of Israel, he had enemies who sought to hill him. However, even during those times, David continued to lift up and praise God. Oh that we could be that strong in faith.

LET IT GROW

Folks, the more I study this book of prophesy, the more I realize my inadequacy. Great men of God and commentators can say things so much better than I can. Thank you for continuing with me in this study. Hang on, we have almost completed it.

We continue to learn about the worship methods to be used during the Millennial reign of Christ Jesus:

• The Inner Court Eastern Gate of the New Temple will remain closed during the six days of work, but on the Sabbath it will be opened, and on the day of the new moon. This inner court was reserved exclusively for the priests and Levites. (verse 1)
• The prince made the offerings, not only for the major festivals, but also for the new moons and Sabbath. (verse 2) He worshiped at the post, porch, the threshold of the gate as a door-keeper. He was an example for the people, worshiping God with reverence and godly fear, unworthy to approach Him.
• The people would go in through the northern gate and out through the southern gate. (verse 9) This provided time for meditation, having to go a great distance around the sanctuary. Some say we are to be still pressing forward (Phil. 3:13), to not go back as we came, but have a changed heart, more holy, heavenly, and spiritual after worshiping God.
• The prince and servants, rich and poor alike are allowed to worship God together. God honors those who honor Him.

The ground is equal at the foot of the cross for sinners and saved alike. We come humbly to the One who humbled Himself to be God's servant. God looks upon the heart. No matter our status in this life, mercy is available to all. Does our worship result in a changed heart?

LET IT GO

My God is still the same.

His faithfulness and loving kindness never changes.

Jesus have mercy on my soul, for I am a sinner in need of a Savior this day.

I will magnify You today, for only Jesus is worthy of worship and praise.