aspiritual's Aeonity Blog - September 2008

Archives: January 2008, February 2008, March 2008, April 2008, May 2008, June 2008, July 2008, August 2008, September 2008, October 2008, November 2008, December 2008, January 2009, February 2009, March 2009, April 2009, May 2009, June 2009, July 2009, August 2009, September 2009, October 2009
My Blogs Next Page

aspiritual Bible Study: Spiritual Rejection - Subscribe

Spiritual Rejection 08.31.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we will begin our studies on the book of Lamentations, please read Chapters 1-2 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%201-2&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Jeremiah's lamentation over the destruction of Jerusalem. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that many will do anything for fortune and fame, often forgetting or even rejecting God, but no one escapes the judgement of God.

The book of Lamentations is the twentififth book of the Old Testament and contains 5 chapters. The author of the book was Jeremiah to the Jews who were captive in Babylon and the purpose of the book was to produce the repentance necessary for spiritual restoration. The book of Lamentations expresses Jeremiah's deep sorrow over his own country who was not listening to his warnings from God of the destruction of Jerusalem and their being placed into captivity. The book teaches us that God is faithful in both judgment and mercy, He corrects and protects us all.

Jeremiah was deeply grieved that the holy city of Jerusalem had been destroyed and tells us why it was. "How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary! She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies. Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits.........Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy. " (Lamentations 1:1-3,5). Jeremiah compared the once wealthy, secure, and proud Israelites to a widow who had lost her husband. The loving Lord was the generous Provider and powerful Protector of Israel, but the people had rejected Him. As a widow, Jerusalem was now alone, weeping in the night, with no one to comfort her.

Jeremiah witnessed the destruction and is a type of Christ as he wept over the same city that Jesus wept over six centuries later. "Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:34-37). Both tragedies are the result of ignoring the Word of God.

Spiritual rejection eventually led the Israelites to lose not only their personal liberty, but also the precious privilege of letting the world know that there is only One True God. They choose to follow and worship their idols which God expects them to reject and turn to Him.

We too have idols that hold us captive and from letting the world know the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Idols such as financial security, popularity, and material success keeps us from experiencing the true blessings in store for us. God does not want us to starve or go without the necessities of life, but He does want us to put Him first above all things and not get caught up in the lusts of the world. You can be sure that all who follow the world will be judged by Jesus. "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences." (II Corinthians 5:9-11).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Jeremiah's sorrow over Jerusalem at her fall (Lamentations 1:12-22). Jesus expressed His sorrow over Jerusalem's failure to come to Him before it fell again (Matthew 23:37-3

Have a great day and be blessed.
God Bless,
Christina

Learn about Salvation,
Visit A Spiritual Guide.
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments
Mood: slothful

aspiritual Bible Study: Do Not Despair Sep 2nd, 2008 12:13:09 am - Subscribe

Do Not Despair 09.01.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing and completing our studies on the book of Lamentations. Please read Chapters 3-5 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%203-5&version=9

Today we will read and learn about God's mercy; His punishment for Zion; the faithful grieving over the disaster; and the confession of their sins. Today's message focuses on the imporatnace of realizing that God's excellent power is shown through us when a Christian does not despair over affliction and puts their faith and trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Very few prophets have suffered so much public humiliation, rejection, and hostility as Jeremiah. For more than 40 years, he warned the Israelites to believe what Moses had written and to follow the Law or face the judgment of God for their sins. Eventually, because they did not repent, they faced the inevitable destruction of their glorious Temple and Jerusalem, the City of God.

The old prophet had walked with God through one adversity after another yet through it all he remianed faithful to God. Jeremiah laments over the suffering he faced, "I AM the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day. My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones." (Lamentations 3:1-4).

Although he is in deep sorrow he is assured knowing that God is with him even when it does not feel like it. "My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD." (3:20-26).

God does not permit suffering just for the sake of punishment, sometimes He places grief before us in order to strengthen us and bring us closer to Him. Often we get so caught up with day to day activities and stress that we forget that God is with us, it is by suffering that we get back on track with Him. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (I Peter 5:8-10).

Those who live in the world will never understand why a person who follows God is joyful during affliction and continues in their faith no matter how bad things look. Christian's understand that affliction strengthens their faith and trust in Him and allows them to experience His wonderful mercy and grace. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the merciful Savior (Lamentations 3:22). Jesus is our merciful Savior who died to save us from our sins.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I know that contentment with godliness is of great benefit. It brings about a lasting peace and grateful heart that only You can give. Help me not to focus so much on the material possessions that I lose sight of that which is of vital importance. May the character of my soul and the fruit of my actions be of much greater importance than the perishable goods that capture my attention. I look to You for proper balance in the things You have blessed me with and the attitude in which I receive these good things from Your hands. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day and be blessed.
God Bless You,
Christina

Learn About Salvation:
Vist A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Bible Study: Understanding God's Word Sep 4th, 2008 10:34:22 am - Subscribe

Understanding God's Word 09.02.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we will begin our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%201-4&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Ezekiel's vision of God's control of world affairs; his call; and the warning of judgment. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we need to let the God that controls all of the universe take control of our situations today.

The book of Ezekiel is the 26th book in the Old Testament and contains 48 chapters. The author of the book is Ezekiel and it was written to the people of Judah. The purpose of the book was to warn them of their coming captivity. What we learn from the book is that the Lord orders historical events so that all nations will know He is God.

As a captive of Nebuchadnezzar, and while far from the promised land, Ezekiel could not offer sacrifices to God according to the Law. Much to his astonishment he receive the Word of God. "The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him." (Ezekiel 1:3).

In Ezekiel's first vision he saw the likeness of four living creatures, "And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.......As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. " (1:4-5,10).

These heavenly beings typified Jesus Christ as seen in the four Gospels. The book of Matthew presents Jesus as the lion who is the ruler of the animal kingdom. The lion symbolizes the royality and supreme majesty of Jesus. The book of Mark presents Jesus as the ox who is represented as the most valable domesticated animal. The ox symbolizes Jesus as the strong, patient Servant of God. The book of Mark presents Jesus as fully human and represents Jesus as the perfect man. The book of John presents Jesus as an eagel. The eagle represents the swiftness of Jesus who is quick to bring protection, provision, or judgement in an instant.

Ezekiel's opening vision is one of the most remarkable in the Bible and reveals that behind all the events which take place on earth is the administration of the supernatural power of God. Ezekiel beholds the throne of God, who is in control of the affairs of all human government throughout the world. However, all evils, sorrow, and suffering are instigated by Satan.

Our greatest concern in reading the Book of Ezekiel is not to be disturbed over what we cannot understand. God will give us understanding of His Word when we are in need of it. In fact you can not read the same chapter in any book of the Bible twice and get the same meaning. God designed the Bible in a way that piece by piece we learn to understand. If we received all we needed to know all at once than we would never have the need to seek Him.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the apperance of a man who sat upon the throne. (Ezekiel 1:26-2

. This forshadowed God appearing as man. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (I Timothy 2:5).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, thank you for the absolute truthfulness of your Word. We can rely upon your promises even when the temporal evidence we are experiencing suggests otherwise. Thank you for the promises in Scripture and help us understand what Your Word says and to learn to be as strong and patient as Jesus. In Jesus name.....Amen.

Have a great day and many blesings to you.
God bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Bible Study: Idoltary Sep 5th, 2008 9:50:56 am - Subscribe

Idolatry 09.03.08

Hello My Guest/Friend,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Chapters 5-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%205-9&version=9

Today we will read and learn about famine, pestilence, and the sword; the remnant that is to be spared; the vision of the glory of God; and the vision of slaying in Jerusalem. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that failure to honor God and His Word always opens the way for idolatry instead of worship of the One True God. Idolatry is not just a image to bow down to it is also anything or person that takes us away from reading, learning, and obeying God's Word.

Fourteen years after Nebuchadnezzar's initial conquest of the kingdom of Judah, life in Jerusalem seemed to have returned to normal. Consequently, the people would not believe Ezekiel, who was in Babylon, when he prophesied concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. "And say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places. And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain men before your idols." (Ezekiel 6:3-4).

Even the Israelites who were captive in Babylon were sure that God would protect Jerusalem and the only Temple on earth where His presence dwelt, but Ezekiel continued to warn them, "They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity." (7:14-16). What a horrifying vision of what was to come and as a result of their disobedience to the Word of God, the Israelites had filled the land with violence, fulfilling the prophecy that Ezekiel warned them about.

Today, we face similar situations, many people are more worried about material success than trying to learn the Word of God. God tells us why He created us, how He expects us to live and even what He expects us to do with our lives while here on earth. Yet, when seeking wealth we become disobedient to God. Please understand that God does not want us to starve and live on the streets, but wealth was never meant to be selfishly accumulated or to be lavished only on ourselves. God entrusts us with wealth when we put Him and others before ourselves. "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" (II Corinthians 9:7-

.

The Israelites did not cease to acknowledge the Lord as their God, but what they failed to do is eliminate idols that took the place of God. Today, many do the same thing, they go to church and acknowledge God on Sunday, but the rest of the week they go back to their idols. The fearful thing is that it is possible to call ourselves Christians, believe all the fundamental doctrines of the faith, attend religious services regularly, and go through the motions of worship because we feel it is our religious duty and, yet, never truly worship only Him. Our hearts and thoughts can be elsewhere, even during the worship service. We need to get back to putting God first above all things, it is the only way to experience all that God has to offer us. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek

for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:31-33).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the man clothed in linen (Ezekiel 9:2-11) representing Christ as High Priest, marking His people to be spared from the flaming sword of vengeance.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
The comfort You provide us through the Scriptures is sort of like a safety net catching us as we tumble through life’s ups and downs. You have not immunized us from the same experiences of those who have not placed their trust in You, but Your strength is perfected in our weakness. You not only provide grace and overcoming for our present needs, but You have prepared a place for us where the best is yet to come; where we no longer face separation, pain, or sin. Keep us faithful in our walk until that appointed day when You call us to our heavenly dwelling place. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Bible Study: God's Presence Sep 5th, 2008 10:50:03 pm - Subscribe

God's Presence 09.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 10-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2010-13&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the Glory of the Lord leaving the Temple; the judgement placed upon the lying leaders; the promise of Israel's restoration and renewal; and captivity draws near. Today's mesage focuses on the importance of realizing that those that have experienced God's saving grace know the joy of having a new life in Christ Jesus free from the guilt of the past.

Ezekiel's vision revealed the dispatching of seven men, one to spare the faithful minority and six to slay the idolatrous majority of Israelites. All who were faithful to the Lord were marked on their foreheads. Slowly, Ezekiel saw God's presence leaving the Temple, "Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims." (Ezekiel 10:1

. He hesitantly departed the city and went to the Mount of Olives where He hovered as though waiting and watching to see if Israel would repent and return to Him. "And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city." (11:23).

Israel lost their most precious possession, the presence of the Lord. They were headed for disaster and it appears that the Israelites were so involved in their religious activities that they were not aware that God had even withdrawn His presence from them.

The Lord then again gave Ezekiel a prophecy that reached so far into the future that it reaches us Christian's today. "Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." (11:17-20). After Christ died on the cross, arose from the grave, and ascended to heaven, God the Holy Spirit came to dwell in all Christians.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" (Ephesians 2:19-20).

We need to realize that once we accept Jesus as our Savior we are free and no more strangers to God. He is always right there with us and the amazing thing is that all we have to do is call on Him and He will speak to us. What a great feeling it is to know that we are a part of the kingdom of God and are free. Praise the Lord!

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power, but by the Spirit of the Lord that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. I love Your Lord and I praise You. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Bible Study: Be Fruitful Sep 7th, 2008 12:09:48 pm - Subscribe

Be Fruitful 09.05.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 14-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2014-16&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the judgement pronounces upon the elders of Israel and Jerusalem; the parable of the vine; and the promises of future blessings under a New Covenant. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we can not serve God and the world. Trying to do both only seperates us from God and keeps us from being fruitful.

Although the Israelites regularly offered sacrifices to God, they also worshiped the heathen idols of other nations, which caused their estrangement (seperation) with God. "Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols." (Ezekiel 14:1-5).

Certain elders came to consult Ezekiel as if they desired to know the will of God, however the Lord revealed to him what their true intensions were and the hypocrisy Ezekiel would face from them. "And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him; That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD." (14:8-11).

To illustrate their one purpose as the people of God, the Lord presented a parable (a short simple story of illustration) to Ezekiel, "Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest? Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon? Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work?" (15:2-4). The vine represented the grapevine which was often used by God to illustrate the Israelites. The grapevine was valued only for its fruit and was worthless for making anything useful or of value thus showing the Israelites if they continued in their wicked ways that they were just like a vine with no fruit.

The righteous judgment of God upon those in Jerusalem had to be consistent with the great privileges they had willfully forsaken or they would not be fruitful. Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24). We can not serve God and continue to live the same sinful lives that we had before we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior.

In fact, God rather you not serve Him at all if you are not sincere in serving Him. "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." (Revelation 3:15-1

.

These principles of God's Word are still true today, "For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." (Ephesians 5:5-6).

When we place God before the world and make the choice to not do what everyone else is doing that is when we become fruitful and multiply our blessings.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the everlasting Covenant (Ezekiel 16:60). He is the Mediator of a better Covenant (Hebrews 8:6).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Because I love Your commands more than worldly pleasures or temporal possessions I despise the paths that lead me astray like a lost sheep. You have gone before me and cleared the way so that I might follow in Your steps and the steps of other righteous, godly saints. I am comforted in knowing that I don’t walk alone, but I walk hand in hand with You as my Guide. Through eyes of faith I see a great cloud of witnesses, those spoken of in the Bible and those I’ve known in my lifetime, who’ve already finished the race cheering me on as I persevere in this path of righteousness. May I endure hardship as a form of discipline and may I wholeheartedly seek You above everything else, for You are a Rewarder of those who diligently seek You. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day and many blessings to you.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Bible Study: Nuture Your Seed Sep 8th, 2008 1:23:45 am - Subscribe

Nuture Your Seed 09.06.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 17-19 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2017-19&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the parable of the eagles; the judgement upon bad conduct; the blessings for good conduct; and the sorrow over the leaders of Israel. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we are planted with the seed of the Holy Spirit and only we can help it grow and become frutiful.

During their final days of being invaded by Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem too place the people of Judah endured much pain and suffering. They were bitter and angry at God for what they were facing, accusing Him of being unjust by allowing them to be disgraced and defeated by Nebuchadnezzar.

They failed to realize that because of their failure to turn from their sins that God was helping them. If not for them being captured they would not have been able to escape total destruction. By God allowing them to be captive in Babylon they could learn of their mistakes and God can rebuild them into the people they were meant to be. Later on, it is foretold of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the destruction of Babylon by both Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Through Ezekiel God gave a parable about eagles. "Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants. He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree. And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs." (Ezekiel 17:2-6). The eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar and his bringing the Israelites into Babylon. The seed represents the Israelites who were placed into the land and were taught the correct doctrine and became fruitful as they repented of their sins and sought only God.

This is a lesson for all of us today that when we accepted Jesus into our lives we were planted with the seed of the Holy Spirit and in order for it to grow and be fruitful we need to water and nurture it. The only way to be fruitful is to read God's Word every day and get around godly people who know the True Word of God. That is why I provide these lessons, to be a guide to help you know the truth. The more you read His word the more you understand as the Holy Spirit grows inside you. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Corinthians 2:12-14).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One whose forgiveness provides life everlasting (Ezekiel 18:20-22). God made Jesus, who was sinless, to be sin in order to provide us with everlasting life. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Corinthians 5:21).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You that when we came to faith through the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus, we became fellow citizens with Your people and members of Your household. Our faith is now built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as our chief cornerstone. It is through Him that our whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple bringing glory and honor to Your name. We no longer live for the world, but we invite Your Spirit to indwell us so that we are being transformed into Your image day by day. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Enjoy your day and many blessings to you.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments
Mood: complete

aspiritual Bible Study: Sincerity Sep 8th, 2008 7:43:36 pm - Subscribe

Sincerity 09.07.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 20-21 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2020-21&version=9

Today we will read and learn about God's refusal to be consulted by the elders; the history of rebellious Israel, Israel's defeat by Babylon; and Israel scattering among the heathen. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that unless we are sincere in our walk with God He will not hear us when we call on Him. God will not give us anything that is going to take His place, harm others or ourselves.

God gave continuous warnings through the prophet Jeremiah and Ezekiel about the judgement upon Israel yet the Israelites continually rebeled against it, often expressing their hatred toward them instead of truly listening to what they had to say. Of course when the destruction of Jerusalem began taking place the people were questioning God and asking Him why it was happening. "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying, Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you........Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth." (Ezekiel 20:2-3,21-22). Because the Israelites disregarded His Word and loved the things and abominations of the world, God could not bless and protect them, He will not give blessings for evil doings. Had they returned to God completely He would have listened to their call for help.

Following this, Ezekiel received a terrifying message from God of the total destruction of the land. "Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked. Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more." (21:2-5).

Soon we learn of king Zedekiah and the people being captured as well as the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand. And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end," (21:24-25). Since then, no king has been anointed to sit on the throne of David in Israel for the past 2500 years. Ezekiel foretold, "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem (crown), and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase (lower) him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him." (21:26-27). In the time of Jesus, an Edomite named Herod was merely a puppet king appointed by Rome to govern only the Jews of Judea. The promised land will continue to exist without a king until the return of Jesus Christ.

To seek God in the midst of trouble without the sincere desire to put Him first above all things is just foolish. God knows our hearts and unless we repent and sincerely try to change our ways He will not listen to our call for help. What is so amazing is that God forgives us for all our sins and wipes them clean from our slate, every sinner who repents and turns to the Lord, Jesus Christ is saved by His mercy and grace. Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:14-16).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who will gather His people from all nations and purge out the false from the true. (Ezekiel 20:34-3

. Jesus said, "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another." (Matthew 25:31-32).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I lift up to you all my concerns and any areas of my life where I have unrest. I ask that you would take this burden away from me and bring your joy and peace into my life. My hope is in you and I praise you for your hand of blessing on me. Thank you that as I look to you, you shine the light of your face on me and on the path I need to walk. My hope is in you and I will look to no other one to guide me. In Jesus name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderfully blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments
Mood: sluggish

aspiritual Bible Study: Heartbreak Sep 9th, 2008 1:04:08 pm - Subscribe

Heartbroken 09.08.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 22-24 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2022-24&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the sins of Israel listed; a parable of two sinful sisters; a parable of a boiling pot; and the death of Ezekiel's wife. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that having a heart like God's will cause us to be heartbroken over our own sins and the sins of others.

For years Ezekiel prophesied about the final destruction of Jerusalem and now the time of judgement was about to come. Unbeknown to the world what seemed to be an act of fate was an act of God caused by the sins of Judah.

On that very day that God revealed to Ezekiel that his precious wife would pass away and that he was to refrain from any signs of mourning, "Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of menhe was to refrain from all the conventional signs of mourning for the dead. So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded." (Ezekiel 24:15-1

. It was not that God wanted him to be insensitive to his wifes death, but his own personal grief had to be put aside in order to handle the death of God's nation as well as the destruction of His Temple that was about to take place.

Through Ezekiel God revealed to Israel what was about to happen, "Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword. And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men. And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another. Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD." (24:21-24). The Israelites' acceptance of false gods and their indifference to the Word of God had brought about the destruction of Jerusalem and the death of their own sons and daughters, just as they had been forewarned by Jeremiah in Jerusalem.

Even today we often see people grieving the loss of material things, but showing little or no concern for their own or their children's eternal welfare. Jesus said, "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Often we see people grieving over material losses, but showing little concern for their own, or their children's, eternal welfare. Jesus said that His disciples should not be preoccupied with earthly things, not even our daily needs." (Luke 12:27-31).

Just as Ezekiel became a living sign of God's sorrow, there must be a sign of the cross of Christ over evert part of a Christian's life. We do not need to worry about tomorrow because God is right there and will take care of us not do we need to hide the fact that we are a child of God. God will bless all whose heart is set on Him and not of the world. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:11-15).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the denunciation of Israel's false prophets (Ezekiel 22:25-2

. "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26)

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As heirs of Your salvation, we have been purchased with the sacrificial blood of Your precious Son, Jesus. He gave His all that we might be saved from the eternal consequences of sin and have our names written in the Book of Life. We have the blessed assurance that we are redeemed from sin and saved for eternity in heaven. Thank You for such wondrous love and abundant provision on our behalf. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderfully blessed day!
God Bless You,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Bible Study: Comparing Others Sep 11th, 2008 3:48:26 pm - Subscribe

Comparing Others 09.10.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 25-28 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2025-28&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the judgement of the Gentiles (nations); the judgement upon Tyre's king; and the future regathering of Israel. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we can not justify our actions by comparing ourselves to the failures of others.

The island of Tyre was on the Mediterranean sea and was one of the richest cities of the world. It's wealth was gained by a commercial business of ships and it's fleet was the greatest of all the nations. However, the land was full of immoral idolatry and rejoicing over the destruction of Jerusalem. Through Ezekiel God warned them, "And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up." (Ezekiel 26:1-3). God foretold that Tyre would be fully destroyed and that its competition no longer existed.

Tyre seemed like the most secure place on earth. But, Nebuchadnezzar battled against this mighty city and besieged its fortress for thirteen years until it was defeated. Then the rulers of Tyre moved the city to an island off the mainland. Surrounded by water and their great fleet of ships they once again thought they were secure above all places on the earth.

However, Alexander the Great besieged Tyre, tore down the walls, towers, and other buildings of the old Tyre on the mainland, and used them as material to build a causeway in the water, literally a rock road directly to the island, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecy of it's destruction. "By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground. And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water." (26:10-12).

The attitude and destruction of Tyre should be a warning for us today, we can not rejoice in the downfall of our competition, whether it be business or personal. Christian's who resent the success of others and rejoice in their failure have much to repent. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:25-26). There is no failure in God's eyes, all the trials we face are opportunities for us to repent, move onward and forward to better things, and to succeed. "Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (I Corinthians 13:6-7).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who will execute judgment upon Satan (Ezekiel 28:14-19). The return of Christ will bring the judgement upon Satan, "And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:2).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
It is not by mistake, but by Your design that we experience the detours of life that give us perspective in a way that nothing else does. Though we see others who travail in difficulty, it is particularly when we ourselves experience tough terrain that we seek to understand Your purpose for the trial we are enduring. Help us to persevere in the midst of uncertainty and unfamiliar landscape. May we find joy in the simple pleasures we overlooked when life’s journey was routine and uninterrupted by the surprise of difficult detours that bring about delay or a change of plans. May the testing of our faith bring about maturity and give us a new perspective that makes us stronger in our faith and more effective in our witness to those around us. May they see a grateful spirit in us even as we undergo difficulty so that we glorify Your name rather magnify our problems. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderfully blessed day!
God Bless You,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments