Fan the Flame of our Faith.
All we can deal with is our own hearts.
Ezekiel 14:14 ~ Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves,” Noah could only focus on his family, his sin. He could not save the whole world. Same with Daniel and Job. Only Christ can rescue us and save us from ourselves, from this world. All three of these men were rescued, delivered, and held by a very Good God while their world crumbled around them and they could do little to save people. Noah - A guilty world drowned. They didn't listen to his words.
Daniel - Raised up only a few in his country. They didn't buy into his prayers.
Job - Lost 10 children; his reputation; all his friends; his position.
They couldn't save their communities, their children, their contemporaries.
Ezekiel knew Daniel well.
Daniel was in his 14th year of captivity when these words were written.
"The holiness of any man can only avail for himself." John Gill
So let go of your control over your children, your community, your co-workers.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
God, You wrote: "You make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. O God, let the Wind of Your Holy Spirit blow over our unholy lives and make them come alive. Blow away the chaff that does not matter---those things we take too lightly---those times we live for here not Eternity. May Your Fire fan the flame of our faith.
As for dealing with our own hearts, and not being encumbered by our desire that those we love and the world around us to be saved. Amen. Fan the Fire of Your Spirit within us, Lord.
ReplyDelete"For anyone of the house of Israel or of the immigrants who stay in Israel who separates himself from Me, sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity... "
ReplyDeleteOne of the convictions of my heart often comes from the question, "Where in my life, in my heart, is the Lord not Lord?" Where do I put something or someone before the Lord or some sin as a stumbling block comes between us? I asked Him to be Lord of my life now forty-one years ago. It has been a lifelong journey to really let go and let Him rule as Lord!
Though today's reading pertains to Israel, it illustrates to more in control we think we are, or the more we try to control - ultimately we fail. Yaweh is in control. May we remain humble, grounded in the Word and prayer, never ceasing to thank Him and praise Him.
ReplyDeleteThe "stumbling block of my own iniquity" is more than one. While I have made a decision to never go down that road again, it is with my heart I sin not with my mind. Transformation. Gal 4:19 ~ may Christ be formed in us this year. Love your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWe are on the road traveling back from Kansas City. Gorgeous rolling farmland.