Ezekiel 34:20-31

The Voice of the Lord

Why do so many of us feel the need to be in control?  I have observed men, women and even children with an intense desire for control over others. These are not generally happy, content people.

The anxiety that accompanies constant attempts to govern others seems to limit ones ability to develop close relationships. If we are truly Christ followers, and believe in the Word, we must also live a life that reflects our trust and dependence upon our God.

Having a supervisory role in the workplace is an opportunity to display God's will for us as sheep. We can be relational with other employees and manage them without being controlling. As the head of a household, we can be pleasing to the Lord as we model for and direct our family in the way of the Lord without controlling them. When we do so, there will be peace within us and around us.

"You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 34:31

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11

We have been offered many gifts from God in this world. One of them is peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

We do not have to manage the world. Scripture tells us that the Lord is our master, He is in control.

Certainly we are to manage our own behaviors and keep a check on our attitudes, but the beauty that lingers within when we let go and let God, is a peace so many will never experience because of this longing for control.

Disagreement is inevitable, but conflict, fighting, and war result when we look to ourselves to be in charge rather than our Almighty and Sovereign Lord.

Dear God, we praise you and give you thanks for the many wonders you have blessed us with. For the goodness and grace you shower us with daily, and for the peace you have instilled in the hearts of many. Father, we pray for those who feel the need to be in control. Please open their eyes and soften their hearts to the example of Jesus and the life he lived here on earth. Help them to hear your voice, put their trust in you alone, and discover the strength and beauty of your peace. In the name of your precious son Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Please Read/Listen to Ezekiel 34:20-31

God's Sovereignty

This is my favorite chapter in the book of Psalms. It shows a loving God who is in control. The picture painted through the words here are one of a Heavenly father who knows us completely and intimately.

“O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.”

We see a God who will never lose us and one from whom we can never escape.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

And most of all we see a God who can’t get us off his mind. His thoughts concerning us outnumber the grains of sand on the earth. Wow, my mind can’t even wrap around the magnitude of that.

Let’s praise God today for how much he loves us.


Read today's entire passage at Biblegateway Psalm 139

Them Bones, Them Bones Ezekiel 37:1-14

Have you ever been in what seemed a hopeless situation? Maybe you felt like you didn’t have anyone who understood what you were going through, or perhaps someone you care about has lost all hope and you are starting to wonder if they can ever turn things around.

Please know there is hope. Even in the direst situations there is reason to be optimistic. Our passage today is one that I love. I believe in a God of miracles and Ezekiel has one to share with us today. He shares how God took a valley of dead, dry bones and made an army come to life.

“Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again.”

Where there is God there is hope. If you find yourself and dark hole of despair, look up to heaven and worship the King of hope.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Exekiel 37:1-14

Questions -- Isaiah 40:21-31

Reading today's text my eyes fell on, "Do you know? Have you not heard?' The questions are repeated twice so Isaiah has my attention.

Isaiah's words are describing God Almighty. God is everlasting. He is the Creator of all the earth. He never grows tired. His understanding is far beyond ours to comprehend. He gives strength when we are tired and increases His power within us when we are weak.

Hoping and trusting in the Lord God will renew our strength. He will help us soar far above our fears, difficulties, hurts, and distractions.

I find it comforting to know there is Someone greater than me who cares and thinks of me. I can call on Him when I need strength and peace to keep going. God has no limits, except the limits I sometimes put on Him, making Him less mighty than He is.

As I read Isaiah's words several times my heart is renewed and I am grateful for an Almighty God.

"Do you know [who God is]? Have you not heard [what God can do]?" Do you have a clearer picture?

Prayer: Lord God, You are awesome and wonderful. I praise You for there is none like You. You are able to do all things and by Your power all things are created. You are almighty. I am thankful for Your kindness, mercy and love. Amen

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Read today's text on Biblegateway, Isaiah 40:21-31