August 31, 2012

243 - The destruction of Gog

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 37: 15-19, 37: 20-28, 38: 1-23, 39: 1-29.

The sign of the two sticks This is what the Lord god says; I am going to take the stick of Joseph which is in the hand of Ephraim and the tribes of Israel associated with him, and put them together with the stick of Judah. I will make them into a single stick so that they become one in my hand.

Judah and Israel to be one nation
The malice of Gog The word of the Lord came to me; Son of man, turn your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him and say; This is what the Lord God says; Look, I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.

God's punishment of Gog I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone on him, as well as his troops and the many peoples who are with him. I will display My greatness and holiness and will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.

The burial of Gog Now on that day I will give Gog a burial place there in Israel - the Valley of the Travelers east of the Sea. It will block those who travel through, for God and all his hordes will be buried there. So it will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog
The house of Israel will spend seven months burying them in order to cleanse the land.All the people of the land will bury them and their fame will spread on the day I display My glory. This is the declaration of the Lord God.

Israel's restoration They will know that I am the Lord their God when I regather them to their own land after having exiled them among the nations. I will leave none of them behind. I will no longer hide My face from them, for I will pour out My Spirit on the house of Israel. This is the declaration of the Lord God.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; May those who love you prosper; may there be peace within your walls, prosperity with in your fortresses. Psalm 122: 6-7

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 29, 2012

242 - New Life

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 34: 20-31, 35: 1-15, 36: 1-38, 37: 1-14.

The Lord's flock I will appoint over them a single shepherd, My servant David, and he will shepherd them. He will tend them himself and will be their shepherd. I the Lord, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I will make a covenant of peace. I will make them a area around My hill a blessing. I will send down showers in their season - showers of blessings.
I will establish for them a place renowned for its agriculture, ad they will no longer be victims of famine in the land. They will no longer endure the insults of the nations.
You are My flock, the human flock of My pasture, and I am your God. This is the declaration of the Lord God.

Prophecy against Edom 
God's blessing on Israel You mountains of Israel, will put forth your branches and bear your fruit for My people Israel, since their arrival is near. Look! I am on your side; I will turn toward you, and you will be tilled and sown. I will fill you with people, with the whole house of Israels in its entirety, The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt.
I will no longer allow the insults of the nations to be heard against you, and you will not have to endure the reproach of the peoples anymore.

Israel's former sins
Israel's new life For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances. Then you will live in the land that I gave your fathers' you will be My people, and I will be your God.

A witness to neighbouring nations
The valley of dry bones Then He said to me "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look how they say; Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished, we are cut off.. Therefore, prophesy and say to them; This is what the Lord God says; I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them, My people, and lead you into the land of Israel, You will know that I am the Lord, My people,  when I open your graves and bring you and you Will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I am the Lord. I have spoken, and I will do it. This is the declaration of the Lord.

The Lord's blessing enriches and struggle adds nothing to it. Prov. 10:22

Blessings
Kathleen.


August 28, 2012

241 -The Fiery furnace.

Kathleen's thoughts

Daniel 3: -18, 3: 18-30, 4: 1-3
Ezekiel 33: 1-20, 34: 1-19

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego These men refused to bow down to the golden image of King Nebuchadnezzar. When he found out about this he became furious and gave orders to bring in Shadrach, Meshachk, and Abdnego and when they came before the king he asked this "is it true that you don't serve m;y gods or worship the gold statue I have set up?" And so he threatened them by telling if you hear the sound of the horn etc that they must fall down and worship but if you don't worship it, you will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire.  - and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?
These men told the king we don't need to give you an answer to this question. If the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.

The fiery furnace Because these men refusing to bow down this infuriated King Nebuchadnezzar giving orders for the furnace to be heated 7 time hotter than the customary. he then commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire dressed in their attire but the furnace was so hot that these men that were throwing the Jews into the fire killed them  King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm, He said to his advisers, "Didn't we throw three men,k bound into the fire?"
Ye, of course Your Majesty "  He exclaimed, "Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God The king then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and called; "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego you servants of the Most High God come out!" They came out unaffected by the fire not even smelt of fire. The king exclaimed "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. For there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.

The king's proclamation To those of every people, nation, and language, who live in all the earth;
May your prosperity increase. I am pleased to tell you about the miracles and wonders the Most High God has done for me.
How great are His miracles, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom so eternal kingdom and His dominion is from generation to generation.

The watchman This is interesting read!As for you son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. When you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. If I say wicked; Wicked one, you will surely die, but you do not speak out to warn him about his way, that wicked person will die for his iniquity, yet I will hold you responsible for his blood. But if you warn a wicked person to turn from his way and he doesn't turn from it, he will die for his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

Individual responsibility We are all responsible for our own actions here on earth. The Lord says this... I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked person should turn from his way and live. Repent of your evil ways!

Message to faithless shepherds Here one see's that the Shepherds (ministers) are not leading their sheep in the way they should go but are only for themselves and God see's this and they will stand accountable to God for leading his flock astray.

The Good Shepherd. The Lord says he will Shepherd His flock  and bring them back home. I will tend them with good pasture, and their grazing place will be on Israel's lofty mountains. There they will lie down in a good grazing place; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
I will ten d My flock and let them lie down..
I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak, but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will shepherd them with justice.
This remind's of Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want

The flock judged. The Lord will take everyone into account and you will be judged.

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped fork, the proof of what is not seen. Heb. 11:1

Blessings
Kathleen.



240 - The seventh deportation; 582: BC

Ezekiel25: 1-17, 28: 20-28, 32:1 - 32
Jeremiah52: 30
Daniel 3: 1-7

Prophecy against Ammon
Prophecy against Moab
Prophecy against Edom
Prophecy against Philistia
Prophecy against Sidon

The above prophecies the Lord said I will destroy you and you will know that I am the Lord.

Blessings for Israel The house of Israel will no longer be hurt by prickling briers or painful thorns from all their neighbors who treat them with contempt. They they will know that I am the Lord God.
This is what the Lord God says When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples where they are scattered and demonstrate My holiness thought them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their own land, which I gave to My servant Jacob. They will live there securely, build houses, and plant vineyards. They will live securely when I execute judgements against all their neighbors who treat them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.
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The fall of Egypt
The world of the dead
745 more captives taken

Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. He has a golden statue 90 feet high and nine feet wide and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. The herald loudly proclaimed. People of every nation and language, you are commanded. When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the gold statue that king Nebuchadnezzar has set up But whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire.

By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the diving nature, ascaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires
2 Peter 1:4

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 27, 2012

239 - The Jews in Egypt.

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 46: 13-28, 44: 1-30
Ezekiel 33: 21-33

The coming of Nebuchadnezzar
The Lord's message to Jeremiah
Egypt's overthrown

God's promise to the Jews... But you , My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged, Israel, for without fail I will save you from far away and your descendants, from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return and have calm and quiet with no one to frighten him.
And you My servant Jacob do not be afraid this is the Lord's declaration for I will be with you I will bring destruction on all the nations where I have banished you, but I will not bring destruction on you. I will discipline you with justice, but I will by no means leave you unpunished.

Their idolatry in Egypt
The Jews' refusal to reform... Jeremiah is told by the people. As for the word you spoke to us in the name of the Lord, we are not going to listen to you ! "Instead, we will do everything we siad we would: burn incense to the queen of heaven and offer drink offerings to her just as we, our fathers, our kings and our officials did in Judah's cities and in Jerusalem's streets.

What Did God Say About The "Queen Of Heaven"?
IdolWorship of the "queen of heaven" is a confusion of people that angers God:

"The children gather wood, the fathers kindle fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke me to anger. Is it I whom they provoke? says The Lord. Is it not themselves, to their own confusion?" (Jeremiah 7:18-19 RSV)
The Jewish people were plainly told not to do it, but they defiantly continued anyway, just as millions of supposed Christians still do today



Jeremiah's denouncement
Ezekiel hears of Jerusalem's fall  Yes to them you are like a singer of love songs who has a beautiful voice and plays skilfully on an instrument. They hear your words, but they don't obey them. Yet when it comes - and it will definitely come then they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to defeat the land of Egypt;

Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol! Proclaim it in Memphis and in Tahpanhes! Say; Take positions! for the sword devours all around you

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says; I am about to punish Amon, god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt her gods and her kings Pharaoh and those trusting in him. I will hand them over to those who want to take their lives to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, it will be inhabited again as in ancient times.
This is the Lord's declaration.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able. but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.
1 Cor. 10:13

Blessings
Kathleen.

238 -No help in Egypt

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 40: 13-16, 41: 1-18, 42: 1-6, 47: 7-22, 43: 1-13
2 Kings 25:26

Gedallah killed
Ishmael's escape
The exodus to Egypt
Jeremiah's assistance requested
Safety in Judah
Destruction in Egypt
Jeremiah taken to Egypt
Conquest of Egypt foretold

The sad thing in this reading is how hatred in one person can turn a nation upside down.
Ishamel killing Gedallah and the people fleeing to Egypt. The people come to Jeremiah for word from God and when he delivers what the Lord says they still do not believe Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 42: 10-12 He said to them, This is what the Lord says, the God of Israel to whom you sent me to bring your petition before Him; If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will rebuild and not demolish you, and I will plant and not uproot you, because I relent concerning the disaster that I have brought on you. Don't be afraid of the king of Babylon whom you now fer; don't be afraid of him this is the Lord's declaration Because I am with you to save you and deliver you from him. I will grant you compassion,, and he will have compassion on you and allow you to return toy our own soil.

Jeremiah 42; 13 - But if you say; We will not stay in this land, so as not to obey the voice of the Lord your God, and if you say No, instead we'll go to the land of Egypt where we will not see war or hear the sound of the ram's horn or hunger for food, and we'll live there.

This is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says' If you are firmly resolved to go to Egypt and live there for a while then the sword you fear will overtake you there in the land of Egypt.

When Jeremiah had finished speaking to all the people, the people accused him of lying. So they did not obey the voice of the Lord and they went to the land of Egypt
The men women, children, king's daughters  and everyone whom Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, had allowed to remain with Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, along with Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah and they went to the land of Egypt. because they did not obey the voice of the Lord. They went as far as Tahpanhes.

Jeremiah was given a word from the Lord to pick up some large stones and set them in the mortar of the brick pavement that is at the opening of Pharaoh's palace at Tahpanhess. Do this in the sight of the Judean men.
I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and I will place his throne on these stones that I  have embedded, and he will pitch his pavilion over them. He will come and strike down the land of Egypt.

He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40: 29-31

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 24, 2012

237 - Unexpected kindness

Kathleen's thoughts

Lamentations 3: 37: 66, 4: 1-22, 5: 1-22
2 Kings 25: 22-24
Jeremiah 39: 11-14, 40:1-12

Jeremiah's plea
Jerusalem after the fall
A prayer for mercy
Gedaliah becomes governor
Kindness shown to Jeremiah
Jeremiah stays with Gedaliah
Gedaliah's care for the poor

Lam. 3:40-42 Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord.
Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven;
We have sinned and rebelled; You have not forgiven.

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, over the rest of the people he left in the land of Judah.
Gedaliah swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, Don't be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the King of Babylon, and it will go well for you.

Then speaking through Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon give orders concerning Jeremiah, Saying Take him look after him, and don't let any harm come to him; do for him whatever he says.
The he had Jeremiah brought from the guard'c courtyard and turn him over to Gedaliah to take him home. So he settle among his own people

Jeremiah 40: 2 The captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him, 'the Lord your God decreed this disaster on this place, and the Lord has fulfilled it. He has done just what He decreed. Because your people have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed Him this thing has happened. Now pay attention to what I say. Today I am setting you free from the chains that were on your hands.
And so the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him.

THE CAPTIVITY 586-6-16 BC

Gedaliah's care for the poor. This man must have been a well loved man among the peoples and news spread about his kindness and the people started to return those who were banished and came to the land of Judah.

Carry one another's burdens, in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. Gal, 6:2

Blessings
Kathleen.

236 - Jeremiah laments Jerusalem's fate

Kathleen's thoughts

Lamentations 1: 1-22, 2: 1-22, 3:1-36

Jerusalem;s miserable state
Jerusalem's sorrow
The Lord's terrible punishment
Jeremiah's deep sorrow
Jeremiah's suffering
Hi hope
The Lord's mercy.

Jeremiah's moans and groaning must have been a wrenching cry when he saw what happened to Jerusalem/Judah. His cry to the Lord and some of the scriptures in today's reading I found of most interest was
2:1 How the Lord has overshadowed Daughter Zion with His anger!
He has thrown down Israel's glory from heaven to earth.
He has abandoned His footstool in the day of His anger. Remembering here that scripture "The earth is His footstool"
2: 6 He has done violence to His temple as if it were a garden booth, destroying His place of meeting.
The Lord has abolished appointed festivals and Sabbaths in Zion.
He has despised king and priest in His fierce anger.
2:9 Zion's gates have fallen to the ground; He has destroyed and shattered the bars on her gates.Her king and her leaders live among the nations, instruction is no more, and even her prophets receive no vision from the Lord.
2:10 The elders of Daughter Zion sit on the ground in silence.
They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sack cloth.
The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground.
2: 12 They cry out to their mother; where is the grain and wine?
as they faint like the wounded in the streets of the city, as their lives fade away in the arms of their mothers.

3: 22-24 Because of the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end.
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
I say; The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in  Him.
3:28 Let him sit alone and be silent, for God has disciplined him.
3: 31-33 For the Lord will not reject us forever,
Even if He causes suffering, He will show compassion according to His abundant, faithful love.
For He does not enjoy bringing affliction or suffering on mankind.

Blessings
Kathleen.

235 - The Lord's temple looted

Kathleen's thoughts

2 Kings 25: 11-21
2 Chronicles 36: 18,20-21
Jeremiah 39: 9-10, 52: 15-16, 27,
Psalm 94: 1-23, 74: 1-23, 79: 1-13

Fifth deportation; the poor left behind
God the judge of all
The Temple looted
Priests deported
Prayer for Nation's deliverance
Important men killed.

In this reading was a very sad day when the Lords temple is destroyed
Now the Chaldeans broke into pieces the bronze pillars of the Lord's temple, the water carts, and the bronze reservoir, which were in the Lords temple, and carried the bronze to Babylon. They also took the pots, the shovels the wick trimmers, the dishes, and all the bronze articles used in temple service. The commander of the guards took away the fire pans and the sprinkling basins - what ever was gold or silver.
In 2 Chronicles 36:18 He took everything to Babylon all the articles of God's temple, large and small the treasures of the Lord's temple, and the treasures of the king and his officials.
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Then the commander of the guards also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of the second rand, and the three doorkeepers.

Jeremiah 52: 25-27 
From the city he took a court official who had been appointed over the warriors; seven trusted royal aides found in the city; the secretary of the commander of the army, who enlisted the people of the land for military duty; and 60 men from the common people who were found within the city.
Nebuzaradan, the commander of the guards, took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. The king of Babylon put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath.
Thus Judah went into exile from its land.

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 21, 2012

234 - The fall of Jerusalem

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 38: 14- 28, 39: 15-18,c52: 6, 39: 2-8 12-14, 52: 7-11
2 Kings 25: 3-10
2 Chronicles 36:17

Zedekaih seeks advice Jeremiah therefore said To Zedekiah, This is what the Lord, the God of  Hosts, the God of Israel, says; "If indeed you surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. But if you do not surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city will be handed over to the Chaldean's. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape from them.

God's message to Ebed-melech This is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says; I am about to fulfill My words for harm and not for good against this city. But I will rescue you that day as you have trusted in Me.

The fall of Jerusalem Jeremiah remained in the guards courtyard until the day Jerusalem was captured, and he was there when it happened.

The famine It was so severe in the city that the people had no food.

fall of Judah 586BC

The Babylonian princes. In the fourth month of Zedekiah's  eleventh year, on the ninth day of the month, the city was broken into All the king of Babylon's officials entered via the Middle Gate.

Zedekiah's fight and capture Zedekiah left at night by way of the king's garden through the gate between the two walls. However, the Chaldean's army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, arrested him and brought him to king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The king passed sentence on him there.

The slaughter 
Zedekiah's sons slain At Ribiah the king of Babylon slaughtered Zedekiah sons before his eyes, and he also slaughtered all Judah's nobles.

Zedekiah's blindness Then he blinded Zedekiah and bound him with bronze chains. The king of Babylon brought Zedekiah to Babylon, where he kept him in custody until his dying day.

Temple and walls destroyed On the seventh day of the fifth month, which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan, the commander of the guards, a servant of the king ob Babylon, entered Jerusalem. He burned the Lord's temple the king's palace,k and all the houses of Jerusalem; he burned down all the great houses. The whole Chaldean army with the commander of the guards tore down the walls surrounding Jerusalem.

NB..So here we see that the Lord's temple and utensils is burnt down and the guards tore down the walls surrounding Jerusalem.

Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like Me. I declare the end from the beginning; and from long ago what is not yet done, saying; My plan will take place and I will do all My will Isaiah 46; 9-10.

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 20, 2012

233 - The promised Messiah

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 32: 6-44, 33: 1-26, 34: 1-1-7, 38: 1-13.

Jeremiah buys a field God told Jeremiah to purchase his cousins field. He did this with a written contract of the purchase which was sealed and put into a earthen storage jar which will last for a long time. The witness to this was "And gave the purchase agreement to Baruch in the sight of my cousin Hanamel, the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement, and all the Judeans sitting in the guards courtyard. This is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel says; Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land.

Jeremiah's prayer 
The Lord's answer

The Lord's promise Now therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to this city about which you said; It has been handed over to Babylon's king through sword, famine, and plague; I am about to gather them from all the lands where I have banished them in My wrath, rage, and great fury, and I will return them to this place and make them live in safety. They will be My people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way so that for their good and for the good of their descendants after them, they will fear Me always.

The restoration of the Jews While he was still confined in the guards courtyard, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time. The Lord who made the earth, the Lord who forms it to establish it, the Lord is His name, says this.
Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know.

The promised Messiah Look, the days are coming - this is the Lord's declaration - "when I will fulfill the good promises that I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a Branch of righteousness to sprout up for David, and He will administer justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. This is what she will be named; The Lord is Our Righteousness.
the Levitical priests will never fail to have a man always before Me to offer burnt offerings to burn grain offerings and to make sacrifices;

The hosts of heaven cannot be counted; the sand of the sea cannot be measured. So too, I will make the descendants of My servant David and the Levites who minister to Me innumerable.

A message for Zedekiah Zedekiah comes face to face with the king of Babylon.
God also says that he will die peacefully.

Jeremiah in the well Because of the prophesy that was spoken against the king the warriors said that Jeremiah ought to die so king Zedekiah here he is He's in your hands since the king can't do anything against you. So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah the king's son, which was in the guards courtyard, lowering Jeremiah with rope's. There was no water in the cistern, only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.
So Ebedmelech a Cushite court official who was employed in the king's palace heard that Jeremiah was put into the cistern went to King Zedekiah and told him his men have done evil to the prophet,
So the king commanded Ebedmelech, to take 30 men and under his authority to pull Jeremiah the prophet up from the cistern before he dies. This he did and Jeremiah continued to stay in the guards courtyard.

Consider it a great joy, my brothers whenever you experience various trials knowing that hte testing foyer faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete lacking nothing. James 1: 2-4

Blessings
Kathleen.

232 - Further prophecies.

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 27: 26-36, 28: 1-12 & 19, 30: 20-26, 31: 1-18,
Jeremiah 37: 3-21

Tyre's funeral song.
The fall of the king of Tyre Your hearts has become proud because of your wealth. Therefore this is what the Lord God says
Because your regard your heart as that of a god. I am about to bring strangers against you, ruthless men from the nations, they will draw their swords against your magnificent wisdom and will defile your splendor,.  They will bring you down to the bottomless pit and you will die a violent death in the heart of the sea.

Prophecy against Pharaoh I will strengthen the arms of Babylon's king but Pharaoh's arms will fall. They will know that I am the Lord when I place My sword in the hand of Babylon's king and he wields it against the land of Egypt.

Further prophecy against  Egypt Who then are you like in glory and greatness among Eden's trees? You also will be brought down to the underworld to be with the trees of Eden.You will lie among the uncircumcised with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his hordes - the declaration of the Lord God.

Jeremiah's advice sought King Zedekiah sen Jehucal son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah son Maaseiah, the priest to Jeremiah the prophet requesting. Please pray to the Lord our God for us.

Egyptian intervention 
Egyptian army to return home

Jeremiah arrested, then released When Jeremiah was at the Benjamin Gate, an officer of the guard was there whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah, and he apprehended Jeremiah the prophet saying "You are deserting to the Chaldeans'
That's a lie, Jeremiah replied I am not deserting to the Chaldean's Irijah would not listen to him but apprehended Jeremiah and took him to the officials. The officials were angry at Jeremiah and beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and stayed there many days.
Then king Zedekiah later sent for him and received him, and in his house privately asked him, Is there a word from the Lord?
There is Jeremiah responded and he continued, You will be handed over to the king of Babylon.
Jeremiah asked the king ... How have I sinned against you or your servants or these people that you have put me in prison.
Then Jeremiah asked the king not to put him back in prison for he will surely die there so the king gave orders for Jeremiah to be placed in the guards court yard and there he was fed daily.

Butt He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Therefore I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.
2 Cor. 12: 9

Blessings
Kathleen

231 - The overthrow of Tyre

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 34: 12-22
Ezekiel 19: 1-16, 26: 1-21, 27: 1-25

Dishonourable treatment punished. The people first obeyed God by letting go their slaves in the 7th year then they retracted and sinned against God and because of their dishonour towards God He punished them by using the Babylonians to take them hostage to Babylon.

Prophesy against Egypt Then the Lord said...turn your face toward Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all of Egypt.
When Israel grasped you by the hand you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you you shattered and made all their hips unsteady and because of this I Will leave you in the desert, you and all the fish of your streams. You will fall on the open ground and will not be taken away or gathered for burial I have given you to the beasts of the earth and the birds of the sky as food.

The desolation of Egypt This part I found interesting about Egypt! The land of Egypt will be a dissolute ruin It will be uninhabited for 40 years I will disperse the Egyptians  among the nations and scatter them across the countries and at the end of 40 years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations where they were dispersed and restore their fortunes of Egypt and bring them  them back to the land of Pathros and land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom. Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself over the nations. I will make them so small they cannot rule over the nations. It will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel. drawing attention to their sin of turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord God.

Tyre rejoicing
Tyre's enemy
Tyre's attacker
Tyre's destruction
A terrifying example
Tyre's funeral song.

How you have perished, city of renown, you who were populated from the seas! She who was powerful on the sea, she and all of her inhabitants inflicted their terror. Now the coast lands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are alarmed by your demise.

And so Tyre... I will make you an object of horror, and you will no longer exist. You will be sought but will never be found again. This is the declaration of the Lord.
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Therefore whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. 1 Cor. 10: 12

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 19, 2012

232 - My grace is enough for you

The Prophet Jeremiah
Chareen's Thoughts
This week we enter into week 34 of our bible reading and while reading the word has been interesting writing about it is at time a chore and a challenge.  However the challenge has been to really think about what I am reading.  It is good for me to do so.
But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [a]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [b]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Amplified Bible)
I often live out of my feelings and do not stop to pray as all I want to do is escape circumstances.  This verse today made me stop and consider how do I attack my day ?  I aught to look to Him who is my grace and portion.

Blessings
Chareen

August 18, 2012

231 - Take heed lest he fall

Chareen's Thoughts
  • Yesterdays reading finished with the reading of how the slaves were set free and then the owners changed their minds and re-enslaved the slaves.
  • Today we begin with reading what the Lord said about this action to and through Jeremiah.
  • He brought a word against Egypt.
  • Beacause of Israel looking to Egypt for protection and trust the Lord said this: 14 And I will reverse the captivity of Egypt [as I will that of Israel] and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros [under Egypt], the land of their origin, and they shall be there a lowly kingdom. 15 It shall be the lowliest of the kingdoms, neither shall it [a]exalt itself any more above the nations; I will diminish [the Egyptians] so they shall never again rule over the nations. 16 And never again shall Egypt have the confidence and be the reliance of the house of Israel; their iniquity will be brought to remembrance whenever [Israel] looks toward them [for help]. They shall know (understand and realize) that I am the Lord God [Who demands loyalty and obedient service]. Ezekiel 29:14-16 
  • The Lords word towards Tyre. The Lord instructed Ezekiel to lament and sing a song for Tyre.
Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. 1 Corinthians 10:12

Self sufficiency is what brought down Tyre.

Blessings
Chareen  

August 17, 2012

230 - He will direct and make straight your paths

Chareen's Thoughts
  • Yesterday the Lord painted a picture of Israel and Egypt using a parable of two sisters Oholibah and Ohalah.  Today begins with His judgement on each.
  • I was a little saddened as I read about the consequence and realised how some false religions have taken this picture literally and punish adulterous woman this way.
  • The Lord gives Ezekiel a parable to speak forth.
  • Jerusalem is taken by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
  • The Lord warns Ezekiel that He is about to take His wife home and instructs him not to mourn publicly.
  • Jeremiah is imprisoned the first time.
  • The Lord instructed that the slaves be set free.  At first the people obeyed but then they acted deceitfully and took them back and enslaved them.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. Proverbs 3:6-7 (Amplified Bible) Reading about the cause and effect of sin and the Lords heart about it I come to realise more and more how much He desires my heart for Him and Him alone.

Blessings
Chareen

230- The fourth deportation: 588 BC

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 23: 22 -49, 24: 1-27
Jeremiah 39:1, 52: 3-5,29, 32: 1-5, 34: 8-11
2 Kings 25: 1-2

God's judgement on Oholibah Therefore, this is what the Lord God says' Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your indecency and promiscuity.

God's judgement on Ohoiah and Oholibah Then the Lord said to me; Son of man, will you pass judgment against Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare their abominations to them.

The boiling cauldron And so it is as the refiners fire the Israelites will experience God's hand on them . Set the empty pot on its coals so that it becomes hot and its copper glows. Then its impurity will melt inside it; its rust will be consumed. It has frustrated every effort, its thick rust will not come off. into the fire with its rust! Because of the indecency of your uncleanness- since I tried to purify you, but you would not be purified from your uncleanness you will not be pure again. until I have satisfied My wrath on you. I the Lord has spoken.

Jerusalem's capture approaches In the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign on the tenth day of the tenth month, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon advanced against Jerusalem with his entire army. They laid siege to the city and built a siege wall all around it. The city was under siege until King Zedekiah's eleventh year.

Ezekiel's wife dies Gosh, I can't imagine having to do this is my spouse goes home to be with the Lord. What was required of Ezekiel must have been  frightfully hard to do.
Son of man, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you with a fatal blow. But you must not lament or weep or let your tears flow. Groan quietly , do not observe mourning rites for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache or eat the bread of Mourners.
I spoke to the people in the mourning and my wife died in the evening. The next morning I did just as I was commanded.

832 Captives taken

Jeremiah's first imprisonment 

Deceitful treatment of slaves. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah after King Zedekiah made a covenant with all the people who were in Jerusalem to proclaim freedom to them.BUT afterwards, however they changed their minds and took back their male and female slaves they had freed and forced them to become slaves again.

Think about Him in all your ways and He will guide you on the right paths. Prov 3: 6-7

Blessings
Kathleen.


August 16, 2012

229 - God's refinery

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 21: 8-32, 22: 1-31, 23: 1-21

Judgement by the sword A sword! A sword is sharpened and also polished. It is sharpened for slaughter, polished to flash like lightning!
Is is a sword for massacre, a sword for great Massacre it surrounds them!
17... I also will clap My hands together and I will satisfy My wrath. I, the Lord have spoken

The king of Babylon's approach Now son of man, mark out two roads that the sword of Babylon's king can take. At the cross roads mark out that the sword can take to Rabbah of the Ammonites and to Judah into fortified Jerusalem.
The king of Babylon stands at the split in the road and shakes the arrows consults the idols and observes the liver. The answer marked Jerusalem appears in his right hand indicating that he should set up bettering rams. and give order to slaughter,

The Ammonites destruction You will be fuel for the fire. Your blood will be spilled in the land. You will not be remembered for I, the Lord, have spoken.

The sins of Jerusalem You are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled from the idols you have made. You have brougt your judgment days near and have come to your years of punishment. Therefore I have made you a disgrace to the nations and a mockery to all the lands.
One can understand why the world mocks Israel today just by this reading, most sad! 

God's furnace Refiners fire ...

Zechariah 13:9 ESV / 101 helpful votes
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”

Malachi 3:1-18 ESV
“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts. ...

Malachi 3:2-4 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Yes I will gather you together and blow on you with the fire of My fury, and you will be melted within the city. As silver is melted inside a furnace, so you will be melted inside the city. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have poured out My wrath on you.

The sins of Israel's leaders God searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me and Found no one so He poured out His indignation on them and consumed them with the fire of His fury. He brought their actions down on their own heads.

The lustful sisters Oholah represents Samaria and Oholibah represents Jerusalem.

For thought and contemplation
Israel spent much of their time in God's refinery. This was because as we have seen. they failed to heed His word.Ever been in God's refinery.?

For you God, tested us; You refined us as silver is refined Psalm 66:10

Blessings
Kathleen.

229 - Refined, and purified

Chareen's Thoughts
  • The Lord calls Ezekiel to look at the sword and it's uses. 
  • He explains that Babylon is coming.
  • Thus says the Lord God: Remove the [high priest’s] miter or headband and take off the [king’s] crown; things shall not remain as they have been; the low is to be exalted and the high is to be brought low. Ezekiel 21:26
  • He gives Ezekiel a prophesy about the Ammonites
  • The Lord speaks about Jerusalem's sin, His furnace and the sin of Israel's leaders.
  • When I read this verse it made me think of how we still are this way today.  This caused the wrath of God upon a city. In you have they treated father and mother lightly; in the midst of you they have dealt unjustly and by oppression in relation to the stranger; in you they have wronged the fatherless and the widow. Ezekiel 22:7 The people of the land have used oppression and extortion and have committed robbery; yes, they have wronged and vexed the poor and needy; yes, they have oppressed the stranger and temporary resident wrongfully. Ezekiel 22:29
  • And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30 Are we willing to stand in the gap and pray ?  Will we fill the gap for our families, friends, politians, our land ??
  • The Lord uses a picture of two sisters to explain the adultery of Israel and Egypt.  
In today's readings we see how the Lord loved and yearned for His people.  He was frustrated but He continued to reach out and send them through the fires of refining.  
For You, O God, have proved us; You have tried us as silver is tried, refined, and purified. Psalms 66:10

Blessings
Chareen



August 15, 2012

228 - The Lord's reminder

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 19: 1-14, 20: 1-49, 21: 1-7

A lament for Israel's princes
Another lament
A reminder to the leaders
In the wilderness
In Canaan
Pardon and restoration
Prophecy against Jerusalem
The Lord's sword

When I read this reading of how the Israelites just continued to worship other gods and perform such abominable things and God with His compassion and constant reminders of what He did to get them out of Egypt and His promises and yet they hardened their hearts and continued to sin. The prophesy was given to them and we today still do not listen the prophesy in Revelation and throughout the Bible and yet we still do not listen.

We serve a awesome God who's grace and favour is in abundance turn to Him it's thee only way, there is no other than our creator who we call Yahweh

We must therefore pay even more attention to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away Heb 2:1

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 14, 2012

227 - A Parable explained

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 16: 44-63, 17: 1-24, 18: 1-32

Like mother, like daughter A interesting proverb one hears all the time and then you read this in Ezekiel from where it comes from. Look, everyone who uses proverbs will say this proverb about you;
Like mother, like daughter.
You are the daughter of your mother who despised her husband and children You are the sister of your sisters, who despised their husbands and children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite.

Judah worse than Sodom and Samaria. Walk in idolatry and commit abominable things before the Lord then the Lord removes their fortunes.
Sodom and Samaria's future prosperity The Lord restores their fortunes

The renewed covenant 

Parable of the eagles and the vine
The parable explained

God's promise This is what the Lord God says:
 I will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and plant it.
I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high towering mountain.
I will plant it on Israel's high mountain so that it may bear branches, produce fruit. and become a majestic cedar,
Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches.
Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the Lord.
I bring down the tall tree, and make the low tree tall
I cause the green tree to wither and make the withered tree thrive.
I Yahweh, have spoken and I will do it.

No respecter of persons The word of the Lord came to me; What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel;
The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
As I live - this is the declaration of the Lord God  - You will no longer use this proverb in Israel. Look, every life belongs to Me. The life of the father is like the life of the son - both belong to Me. The person who sins is the one who will die.
God also explains about a man being righteous in everything and walks in God's statues and keeps His ordinances, acting faithfully. Such a person is righteous; he will certainly live.

But then suppose a man has a violent son who sheds blood and does abominations he will not live!. Since he has committed all these abominations he will certainly die. His blood will be on him.

Now suppose he has a son who sees all the sins his father had committed and does not do likewise. He will not die for his father's iniquity. He will certainly live.

THE PERSON WHO SINS IS THE ONE WHO WILL DIE. A SON WON'T SUFFER PUNISHMENT FOR THE FATHER'S INIQUITY, AND A FATHER WON'T SUFFER PUNISHMENT FOR THE SON'S INIQUITY. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS PERSON WILL BE ON HIM, AND THE WICKEDNESS OF THE WICKED PERSON WILL BE ON HIM.

The Lord's vindication Now if the wicked person turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right., he will certainly live; he will not die. None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. He will live because of the righteous he has practiced.

Now when a righteous person turns from the Lord and does abominable things NONE OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE REMEMBERED!

BUT WHEN A WICKED PERSON TURNS FROM THE WICKEDNESS HE HAS COMMITTED AND DOES WHAT IS JUST AND RIGHT, HE WILL PRESERVE HIS LIFE.

Invitation to repent.

Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways. This is the declaration of the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so they will not be a stumbling block that causes your punishment.
Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone's death. Thais is the declaration of the Lord God. So repent and live!

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 13, 2012

226 - Jersusalem's adultery

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 14: 1-23, 15: 1-8, 16: 1-43.

Hypocrites threatened This is what the Lord God says' When anyone from the house of Israel sets up idols in his heart, puts a sinful stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the Lord, will answer him appropriately. I will answer him according to his many idols. So  that I may take hold of the house of Israel by their hearts, because they are all estranged from Me by their idols.
Therefore, sat to the house of Israel'; This is what the Lord God says; Repent and turn away from your idols; turn your faces away from all your abominations.

God's punishment God says that if you are right with Him you will be saved but because of your rightiousness you cannot save your daughters and sons they stand accountable for their own actions.

Parable of the vine Like the word of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire as fuel, so I will give up the residents of Jerusalem. I will turn against them. I will make the land desolate because you have been unfaithful.

The lord's covenant Then I passed b y you and saw you, and you were indeed at the age for love. So I spread the edge of My garment over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant  with you, and you became Mine. This is the declaration of the Lord God.

God's blessings This blessing is beautifully given to the Israelites.
I washed you with water, rinsed off your blood, and anointed you with oil. I clothed you in embroidered cloth and provided you with leather sandals I also wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with jewelry, putting bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful tiara on your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil. You became extremely beautiful and attained royalty. Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor, which I had bestowed on you. This is the declaration of the Lord God.

Jerusalem's unfaithfulness And then you sinned against the Lord and started to worship other gods, even putting your sons and daughters through the fire  and your forgot your days of your youth when your were stark naked and lying in your blood.
How easy it is to forget and walk in sin.

Her adultery You then turned the your beauty into an abomination  Therefore the Lord stretched out His hand against you and reduced your provisions. How your heart became inflamed with lust.

God's judgment on Jerusalem I will also bring your actions down on your own head. This is the declaration of the Lord God.

For thought and contemplation.
Spend a few moments comparing the vine in Ezekiel with the vine in John.15. Remember that in both cases, the only value of a vine is in the fruit. It produces; its wood is quite useless. Ezek 15:3 How much fruit is growing on your vine.

Interesting thought to contemplate!

I am the vine; you are the branches, The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. John 15: 5.
This is so true, we cannot prosper without our Heavenly Father as the Psalmist says "Only a fool says there is no God" 

Blessings
Kathleen.

226 - Men have given their hearts to idols

Chareen's Thoughts

Hello I'm back.  I do confess that I am learning just how much I let life get in the way of spending time in the word.  There always seems something else more pressing or interesting to look at on the web and Pinterest has become a little bit of an addiction, so many beautiful things and wonderful people who share their knowledge.

I have been struggling with my journey through the old testament.  It can be so monotonous.  I am however back in the saddle and looking forward to hearing His word for the day.

The Prophet Ezekiel
Today
  • I jump in at the book of Ezekiel and start with a section titled Jerusalem's adultery.
  • We start with Hypocrites
  • Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts and put the stumbling block of their iniquity and guilt before their faces; should I permit Myself to be inquired of at all by them? (AMP) Mortal man, he said, these men have given their hearts to idols and are letting idols lead them into sin. Do they think I will give them an answer? (GNT) Ezekiel 14:3
  • Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Every man of the house of Israel who takes his idols [of self-will and unsubmissiveness] into his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity [idols of silver and gold] before his face, and yet comes to the prophet [to inquire of him], I the Lord will answer him, answer him according to the multitude of his idols, ... Ezekiel 14:4
  • The Lord has declared his intent towards those who have idols in their hearts.
  • The Lord explains the depth of devastation He will bring to a land that is faithless to Him.  He explains that even the faith of the father can not save the family. He explains using the names of Noah, Daniel and Job.
  • He explains that He will make the land a desolate place.
  • The Lord continues and declares His covenant with Israel. 
  • I have always felt a little on the edge about piercing my ears because of the different arguments for and against piercing.  Today I read this and my heart is at ease: And I put a ring on your nostril and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown upon your head! Ezekiel 16:12 This is what the Lord said about Israel.
  • He mourns over Jerusalem's unfaithfulness and adultery.
  • Moreover, you have taken your sons and your daughters whom you have borne to Me, and you have sacrificed them [to your idols] to be destroyed. Were your harlotries too little, That you have slain My children and delivered them up, in setting them apart and causing them to pass through the fire for [your idols]? Ezekiel 16:20-21 I grieved as I read these verses. I thought of all the little ones being sacrificed in abortion and walking through the fires of medical waste. It's still this way today. I was touched by the words He used He called them MY children. It made me realise that they are not ours they are HIS.
  • Part of His judgement is a reduction in food and provision.
I feel so blessed to be back.  A little like the prodigal returned. 
Blessings
Chareen

August 12, 2012

225 - The Lord's condemnation.


Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 10: 16 - 22, 11: 1-25, 12: 1-28, 13;: 1-23

The Lord's departure
Jerusalem is condemned The Spirit then lifted me up and brought me to the eastern gate of the Lord's house, which faces east, and at the gates' entrance were 25 men. Among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur, and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people. The Lord said to me, "Son of man, these are the men who plan evil and give wicked advice in this city.

God's promise to the exiles 
God's glory leaves Jerusalem
Ezekiel the refugee
The approaching captivity
the sing of the trembling prophet
Objections answered
False male prophets condemned
False female prophets condemned.

God is against false witnessing and prophesy God reveals to Ezekiel what is going to happen to those who disobey and not walk in His statues. 
God wants to bless us but we need to look to His statues, walk in them in sincerity with praise and worshipping Him.

For Thought and contemplation
Much of Israel's downfall was due to the failure of her shepherds - those who plundered rather than protected the flock. How true is the saying that it takes dedicated leaders to produce dedicated followers. Pray for your spiritual shepherd today. 

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you
Heb 13: 17

224 - Ezekiel's second vision.

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 7: 1-27,8: 1-18, 9: 1-11, 10: 1- 15

The desolation of the land And the word of the Lord came to me; Son of man, this is what the Lord God says to the land of Israel;
An end! The end has come on the four corners of the land.
The end i s now on you; I will send My anger against you and judge you according to your ways
I will punish you for all your abominations
I will not look on you with pity or spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for your abominations within you.
Then you will know that I am the Lord.

The distress of the few
The captivity
Idolatry in Jerusalem In the sixth year, in the sixth month on the fifth day of the month, I was sitting in my house ad  the elders of Judah were sitting in front of me, and there the hand of the Lord God came down on me. I looked and there was a form that had the appearance of a man. From what seemed to be His waist down was fire, and from His waist up was something that looked bright, like the gleam of amber. He stretched out what appeared to be a hand and took me by the hair of my head. Then the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and carried me in visions of God to Jerusalem. to the entrance of the inner gate that faces north. where the offensive statue that provoked jealousy was located. I saw the glory of the God of Israel there, like the vision I had seen in the plain.

The hole in the wall Son of man Go in and see the terrible abominations they are committing here. I went in and looked, and there engraved all around the wall was every form of detestable thing, crawling creatures and beasts, as well as all the idols of the house of Israel.

Seventy elders from the house of Israel were standing before the, with Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing among them each had an incense burner in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising up.

Then He said to me "Son of Man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness., each at the shrine of his idol/ for they are saying; The Lord does not see us. The Lord has abandoned the land.

Mourning for Tammuz
The sun worshippers God shows Ezekiel a greater abomination.
So He brought me to the inner court of the Lord's house, and there were about 25 men at the entrance of the Lord's temple, between the portico and the altar, with their backs to the Lords temple and their faces turned to the east. They were bowing to the east in worship of the sun.

The Lord's response And He said to me, Do you see this, son of man? Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here, that they must also fill the land with violence and repeatedly provoke Me to anger, even putting the branch to their nose? Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not show pity or spare them. Though they cry out in My ears with a loud voice, I will not listen to them.

Marked men. Then the Glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim where it had been, to the threshold of the temple. He called to the man clothed in linen with the writing equipment at his side.
Pass throughout the city of Jerusalem, the Lord said to him, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed in it.
Then to the threes He said in my hearing, Pass through the city after him and start killing; do not show pity or spare them!
So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple. Then He said to them,  Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go!
Then the man clothed in linen with the equipment at his side reported back, I have done as You commanded me.

The Lord's departure. 

For thought and contemplation
What foolishness was manifested by  the elders of Israel in thinking that what they did in the dark could not be seen.by the Lord. Someone has said that sin is the greatest of detectives' Be sure your sin will catch up with you. Numbers 32:23

Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. 1 Cor. 4:5

223 - Ezekiel portrays the siege.

Kathleen's thoughts

Ezekiel 3: 10 - 27, 4: 1- 17, 5: 1 -17, 6: 1 - 14.

God reveals to Ezekiel the abominations of the nations and what is to come "I will stretch out My hand against them, and however they live I will make the land a desolate waste, from the wilderness to Diblah. Then they will know that I am Yahweh" 
Ezekiel appointed watchman
God's glory
Filled with the Spirit again
The sign of the tile
The sign of the sharp sword
Idolatry condemned
Remnant to be spared
Desolation to come

For thought and contemplation.
Three are two essential prerequisites to an effective ministry for God. They are 
1. An overwhelming vision of God's power and greatness and 
2. An understanding of where one fits into God's programme for the world. Ezekiel knew something of both these factors,. Do you?

It is food for thought as we ask ourselves that question.

Blessings
Kathleen.

Brothers consider your calling not many are wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen the world's foolish things to  shame the wise, and God has chosen the world's weak things to shame the strong.

August 10, 2012

222 - Ezekiel's vision.

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 28: 1-17, 51:59
Ezekiel 1:1-28, 2: 1-10, 3: 1-9

Hananiah's false prophesy This is what the Lords of Hosts, and the God of Israel, says. "I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will restore to this place all the articles of the Lord's temple that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took from here and transported to Babylon. And I will restore to this place Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon - And I will restore to this place Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon this is the Lord's declaration - for I will brake the yoke of the king of Babylon.

However...
 The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and told him that it is a lie and false prophesy.

The prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, "Liesten, Hananiah. The Lord did not send you, but you have led these people to trust in a lie. Therefore, this is what the Lord says, I am about to send you off the face of the earth. You will die this year because you have spoken rebellion against the Lord.

His death The prophet Hananiah died that year in the seventh month.

Seraiah and Zedekiah visit Babylon

Ezekiel preparation In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, while I was among the exiles by the Chebar Canal, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God.

His vision of God imagine standing and seeing this vision which is in Ezekiel 1: 2-14 The beauty of visions of God. The form of the living creatures was like the appearance of burning coals of fire and torches. Fire was moving back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, with lightning coming out of it. The creatures were darting back and forth like flashes of lightening.

The Four wheels Wherever the Spirit wanted to go, the creatures went in the direction the Spirit was moving The wheels rose alongside them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose alongside them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

God's throne This is awesome... The shape of an expanse, with a gleam like awe-inspiring crystal, was spread out over the heads of the living creatures. And under the expanse their wings extended one toward another. each of them also had two wings covering their bodies. When the moved, I heard the sound of their wings liked he roar of mighty waters, like the voice of the Almighty, and a sound of commotion like the noise of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.
A voice came from above the expanse over their heads; when they stood still, they lowered their wings. The shape of a throne with the appearance of sapphire stone was above the expanse. There was a form with the appearance of a human on the throne high above. From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire enclosing it all around. From what seemed to be His waist down, I also saw what looked like fire. There was a brilliant light all around Him. The appearance of the  brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the Lord's glory. When I saw it, I fell face down and heard a voice speaking.

Ezekiel filled with the Spirit God speaks to Ezekiel... Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak with you. As He spoke to me, the spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and i listened to the one who was speaking to me.

Ezekiel's commission as prophet And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you; Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you. so I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and there was a written scroll in it. When He unrolled it before me, It was written on the front and back; words of lamentation, mourning and woe were written on it.

He said to me; Son of man, eat what you find here. Eat this scroll then go and speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll. Son of Man, he said to me "eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you. So I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.

He then told Ezekiel to go to the house of Israel and not to be afraid of them.
I have made your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint, Don't be afraid of them or discouraged by the look on their faces, even though they are a rebellious house.

I enjoyed this reading today May the Lord bless you.
Blessings. 
Kathleen.

August 08, 2012

221 - Israel's bright future.

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 29: 15, 20, 21-32, 30: 1-24, 31: 1-40

Jeremiah's letter to the exiles Hear the word of the Lord, all you exiles I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon. You have said, The Lord has raised up prophets for us in Babylon.

Message to Shemaiah
Shemaiah's punishment Send a message to all the exiles, saying; This is what the Lord says concerning Zshemaiah the Nehelamite. Because SHemaiah prophesied to you though I did not send him and made you trust a lie. This is what the Lord says. I am about to punish Shemaiah and his descendants.

coming trouble The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah Write down on a scroll all the words that I have spoken to you for the days are certainly coming. When I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.

The Lord's promises  They will serve the Lord their God and I will raise up David their king for them
I will certainly restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents and show compassion on his dwellings. Every city will be rebuilt on its mound every citadel will stand on its proper site. Thanksgiving will come out of the a sound of celebration.
You will be My people and I will be your God.

Future restoration
Israel's return home
I have loved you with an everlasting love.therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.
The One who scattered Israel will gather him. He will watch over him as a shepherd guards his flock.

The Lord's mercy
Future prosperity

God's new covenant with Israel I will place My law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. No longer will one teach his neighbour or his brother, saying; Know the Lord, for they will all know Me, from the least to the greatest of them. The Lord's declaration and never again remember their sin.

His everlasting mercy Look the days are coming - the Lord's declaration - when the city from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate will be rebuilt for the Lord. A measuring line will once again stretch out straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn toward Goah. The whole valley the corpses, the ashes, and all the fields as far as the Kidron valley to the corner of the Horse gate to the east - will be Holy to the Lord. It will never be uprooted or demolished again.

Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways'; and sinners will return to you. Psalm 51; 12-13

Blessings
Kathleen.

220 - Good and bad figs

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 23: 1-40, 24: 1-10, 27: 12-22, 29: 1-19

Faithful shepherds rebuked...Who to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! This is the Lord's declaration.
Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who shepherd My people. You have scattered My flock, banished them, and have not attended to them. I will attend to you because of your evil acts - the Lord's declaration. I will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands where I have banished them, and I will return them to their grazing land. They will become fruitful and numerous. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them. They will o longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any be missing.
This is the Lord's declaration.

Israel's future restoration. The Lord is Our Righteousness. The days are coming the Lord's declaration - when it will no longer be said: As the Lord lives who brought the Israelites from the land of Egypt, but As the Lord lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the land of the north and from all the other countries where I had banished them. They will dwell once more in their own land.

Message to prophet To stop lying that they are prophesying in the Lords name when it's not from the Lord.

The Lord's burden

Two baskets of figs Good figs and bad figs - explaining that good figs are like people who do what is right in the Lords sight and the bad figs are those who do what is evil in the Lord's sight.

Jeremiah's advice to Zedekiah This is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel says about the articles that remain in the temple of the Lord, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem; They will be brought to Babylon and will remain there until I attend to them again. This is the Lord's declaration. Then I will bring them up and restore them to this place.

Jeremiah's letter to the exiles For this is what the Lord says. For i know the plans I have for you - this is the Lord's declaration - plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I wail listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you - The Lord's declaration - and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you - The Lord's declaration. I will restore you to the place I deported you from.

Message to those who remained. Because you have refused to obey the Lord  this is what the Lord will do "I will send against them sword, famine, and plague and will make them like rotten figs that are inedible because they are so bad. I will pursue them with sword, famine and plague.

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 07, 2012

219 - Second and third deportations: 598 BC

Kathleen's thoughts

2 Kings 24: 2-20
2 Chronicles 36: 6-10
Jeremiah 22: 1-9, 24-30, 37: 1-2,52: 1-2, 21: 1-14,
Ester 2:6

Jehoiakim's enemies. The Lord sent the Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and the Ammonite to raid against Jehoiakim. He sent them against Judah to destroy it. according to the word of the Lord He had spoken through His servants the prophets.

Second deportation 3,023 captives These are the men Nebuchadnezzar deported in the seventh year. He also took some of the utensils from the Lord's temple and placed them in his.

Jehoiakim's death He rested with his fathers and his son Jeholachim became king in his place.

Jehoiachin He was 18 years old when he became king he reigned three months and10 days in Jerusalem He did what was evil in the Lord's sight.

His captivity foretold Record this man as childless, a man who will not be successful in his lifetime. None of his descendants will succeed in sitting on the throne of David or ruling again in Judah.

Third deportation 10,000 captives Jehoiachin king of Judah, along with his mother, his servants, his commanders and his officials surrendered to the king of Babylon. So the king of Babylon took him captive in the eight year of his reign. He also carried off all the treasuries of the Lords temple and the treasures of the king's palace. and he cut into pieces all the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made for the Lord's sanctuary, just as God had predicted.
Then he made Jehoiachin's brother Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. This is also found in Ester 2:6

Zedekiah Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiahchin's uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah. He was 21 years old when he became king; he reigned 11 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. Zedekaih did what was evil in the Lord's sight just as Jehoiakim had done.

Jeremiah 37: 1-2 Zedekiah son of Josiah reigned as king in the land of Judah in place of Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made him king. He and his officers and the people of the land did not obey the words of the Lord that He spoke through Jeremiah the prophet.

Israel's captivity foretold Many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, Why did the Lord do such a thing to the great city? They will answer; because they abandoned the covenant of the Lord their God and worshiped and served other gods.

Jeremiah's message to the king of Judah

Blessings
Kathleen.

218 - Cursed is the one who does the Lord's business deceitfully.

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 48: 1-47. 49:1-39.

The Lords Judgement
Because of the sin of the people who choose to worship other gods
the Lord see's this and brings judgement upon the people 
After all the warnings through the prophets the nations are still stubborn
then we ask ourselves "WHY" today things are going wrong in 
around the world.
One cannot serve two masters and be faithful.

The destruction of Moab
Cities of Moab destroyed
Moab will be hunmbled
No escape for Moab
The Lord's judgement on Ammon
The Lord's judgement on Edom
The Lord's jugdement on Damascus
His judgement on Kedar and Hazor
The Lord's judgment of Elam

Blessings
Kathleen.

August 04, 2012

217 - Further sings.

Kathleen's thoughts

Jeremiah 17: 14 -27, 18: 1-23, 19: 1-15, 20: 1-18, 24: 1 47: 1-7

Jeremiah's prayer Hear me, Lord and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise.

The Sabbath If you do not listen to Me to consecrate the Sabbath day by not carrying a load while entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, I will set fire to its gates, and it will consume the citadels of Jerusalem and not be extinguished.

The sign of the potter's vessel The word of the Lord came to me House of Israel, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? This is the Lord's declaration. Just like clay in the potter's hand so are you in My hand, house of Israel.

The people's rejection I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face on the day of their calamity.

A plot against Jeremiah The certain ones said
Come let's make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost from the priest, or counsel Fromm he wise, or an oracle from the prophet. Come let's denounce him and pay no attention to all his words.

The broken jug Then you are to shatter the just in the presence of the people traveling with you, and you are to proclaim to them...This is what the Lord of Hosts says. I will shatter these people and this city, like one shatters a potter's jar that can never again be mended.

Jeremiah's conflict with Pashhur Jeremiah came back from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophesy, stood in the courtyard oft he Lord's temple, and proclaimed to all the people
This is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says; I am about to bring on this city - and on all its dependent villages 0 all the disaster that I spoke against it, for they have become obstinate, not obeying My words.
Then Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer and chief officer in the house of the Lord heard Jeremiah prophesying these things. So Pashhur had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put him the stocks at the Upper Benjamin Gate in the Lord's temple. The next day Jeremiah said to him The Lord does not call you Pashhur, but Magormissabib, for this is what the Lord says. I am about to make you a terror to both yourself and those you love. and will fall by the sword. as for you Pashhur, and all who live in your house, you will go into captivity. You will go to Babylon. There you will die, and there you will be buried, you and all your friends that you prophesied falsely to..

Jeremiah's complaint He complains to the Lord because of the prophesy he told.

Jehoiakim's rebellion


Message against Philistia


Blessings
Kathleen.
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