Ezekiel 37
Prophesy on these dried up bones and they will come alive. Ezekiel 37:10 - They stood up on their feet, a huge army. The bones were the house of Israel, dried up without hope. All hope was gone. Right now, we're all singing: "Them bones, them bones gonna rise again..."
'God, the Master, says: I'll dig up your graves and bring you out alive---and you'll realize that I am God. I'll save you out of your old sinful haunts. Whatever it is we have replicated from our past to make our lives work---God is saving us from ourselves. I'll make a covenant of peace with you that will hold all things together.
Ezekiel 39
25 -29 "But now I will return you back. I'll be compassionate with all of you, and I'll be zealous for my holy name. Eventually the memory will fade, the memory of your shame over your betrayals of Me, when you lived securely in your own land, safe and unafraid...I'll leave not one soul behind. I'll look you full in the face." My word. My message.
When did we live securely, safe and unafraid? Did we live in denial? The memory of our shame over our betrayals (plural) of forgetting about God will f.a.d.e. That is a supernatural work of the Spirit of God. The supernatural is stirring in you this day. 1 Cor 2:3-4 Your life is a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit so that the faith of others may rest not on how wise you are and process all this stuff but on the power of God.
In just a few hours, after today's marriage conference, I'll drive to College Station and give up my dog to her first mama---my daughter Blair who brought her home to us when Blair was about 13. Macy is about 11. You've been such a sweet dog to me. Best dog pal I could have ever had. I'll miss you so! Look at me---I'm talking to a dog!!! Brooke said: "Mom, ever since Britt went to college, all you talk about now is the dog." My response: Well your dad even calls the dog, "Britt." Not on purpose---smile. Pray for me today as I bid my dog farewell, my furry friend who has walked with me every day for this past year and since such tears and triumph. She has brought me joy! Love you girl! It's even harder giving up my dog than giving up my home today. We moved out at 3:01 pm.
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ReplyDelete“Come, breath. Breathe on these slain bodies. Breathe life!'" Anybody else need a little fresh breath of Life today?
ReplyDelete'Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone,” We can dry up and wither without hope—thanking Him this morning for our Source of Hope.
'The nations will realize that I, God, make Israel holy when my holy place of worship is established at the center of their lives forever.'" We become holy establishing Him at the center of our lives.
When I dig up graves and bring you out as my people, you'll realize that I am God. I'll breathe my life into you and you'll live. Then I'll lead you straight back to your land and you'll realize that I am God. I've said it and I'll do it. God's Decree.'"
'I'll show you how great I am, how holy I am. I'll make myself known all over the world. Then you'll realize that I am God.'"
Here’s the thing: If we truly understood, realized, knew that He is God—it’s all He wants. The rest falls into place. We know His power and we set aside our own cheap rendition of it for the real thing. We know His transforming Glory and we gladly trade our mess of pride and self-centered living. We experience His Grace, and we fall to our knees in gratitude-- simply by knowing that He is God (Psalm 46:10) ”Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen. I will be exalted in the earth.”
"I'll reveal my holy name among my people Israel. Never again will I let my holy name be dragged in the mud. Then the nations will realize that I, God, am The Holy in Israel.” Praying for the church in Florida today not to drag His Name through the mud by burning the Koran. So few can do such destruction, and worst of all, in the Name of God.
“After I've poured my Spirit on Israel, filled them with my life, I'll no longer turn away. I'll look them full in the face. Decree of God, the Master.” He’s given us His Spirit and He’ll not turn away. Thanks be to God.
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ReplyDeleteBev, I am praying for your saddened heart. Macy's been there for you through all of the pain of the last few years and means so much to you. I'm glad Blair will have her so you can go see her sometimes (maybe some time during the retreat since we'll be so close?) Since I don't have young kids anymore, I talk about Abby like one of my own.
ReplyDeleteHugs and love, Annette
PS Sorry for my repeats. (I think I just wished it happened to someone else so I wouldn't feel so stupid. Or maybe it's just to keep me humble. Anyway, sorry, y'all.
Just reading these chapters fills me with love for my ABBA, Father. I know it's bloody and gross, scary even with the visual of the dry bones stretching skin...but this Heavenly Daddy is promising His children that His love endures for them. Through the days that He watches them "drag His name in the mud" until He turns His face on them and shuts His ears to their cries. This compassionate Daddy makes the dicipline of His children hard and painful...but just as painful to Himself.
ReplyDeleteHow this reminds me of the way He had to turn away from Jesus when Jesus took on my sin and paid the penalty for every one. God turned His face away from Jesus...from the One who died for me.
But here's a promise. Faithful Father who waits for prodigals to come home...
"I will gather them back to their own land,
leaving not one soul behind.
After I've poured my Spirit on Israel, filled them with my life, I'll no longer turn away.
I'll look them full in the face.
Decree of God, the Master."
Father, purify me. I pray that just as You tied Judah and Joseph...in the sticks...tie me to You. If it be Your will for me, tie me to my husband. Though things look hopeless...there is hope in You. Bring dry bones to life. Prophesy our dead bone covered in skin. Prophesy the wind to breathe life in us. In our marriages. In our families. In our churches and communities. I lift up every woman here, asking You to stand us up as an army of women serving You. ABBA. We come by faith. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Bev,
ReplyDeleteTake a deep, cleansing breath.
God sees your faith and love for Him in the middle of all your suffering. He has bent low to shelter you with His shadow. His Hand extends to you...reaching out to touch your tears and wipe them away. I pray that you will feel Him close. And thank Him for providing you with your new home. Even when you cannot see it, thank Him now, by faith. Thank You, Lord, for the home You have provided Bev and Bob. Thank You, Lord, for the place of service You have provided them. There is no one like You. We rejoice in Your love over us. Thank You for plowing hard ground so that You can reap a harvest. Father, You have called us to trust You. Not our jobs. Not our goodness. Not our fortunes. Not our churches. We trust You. In the name of our Suffering Saviour, Jesus, I pray. Amen.