Author: kezha1

Sadly, the prophet Ezekiel was often seen as a performer rather than a messenger of God. The people of Israel were captivated by Ezekiel’s eloquent and vivid imagery of his prophecies, but to many, his divine messages became mere entertainment rather than a call to repentance and transformation. The Church today needs to take heed of their Church Services becoming concerts…of people coming for entertainment only and not hearing the entreatment for change…or attending for a performance, not accepting the divine prophecy.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16 that we are to let our light shine before men. For we are all children of the light. (I Thessalonians 5:5) But we aren’t to just brag about our Christian Walk, but in fact, to show it by our actions. (I John 3:18) For a lamp doesn’t have to boast of its brightness and sparkle…it just glows in the darkness…showing the way for others to follow.

The Psalmist was frightfully honest in this Scripture…he was having a crisis of faith…a moment when a person questions everything they regard as God’s truth and even have doubts about their own faith in Him. I dare say that as a Believer, every one of us has come to this point sometime in our life. That’s because our spiritual life is like a straight & narrow path that we walk. But this path is also choked with the pitfalls of skepticism, tragedy, and temptation. And so, this is when we have the challenge of maintaining our faith amidst adversity and struggling to keep going when our path gets hard. A crisis in faith does not have to be fatal, especially if we remember to not stop doing these things: don’t stop attending Church and gathering with other Believers, don’t stop praying, don’t stop reading the Bible, and finally, don’t believe the lie that God has given up on you because of your doubts.

This simple verse emphases the preeminence of Christ, indicating that He existed before all creation, (John 1:2 “He was with God in the beginning.”) and that all things are sustained through Him. To that, our very life and breath continue to exist and are maintained as He holds us together minute by minute. For Jesus is eternal, just as God is eternal…and through Him and for Him all things were created by Him. So, if today life seems incomprehensible and out of control…ask the Lord to hold you together.

As Jeremiah 50:4 tells us, we come in tears seeking the Lord in times of suffering and sorrow. But God promises to turn our mourning into gladness and give us comfort and joy instead of sorrow. (Jeremiah 31:13) For God our Redeemer can reverse and overrule all evil with good, and suffering with blessings as He restores, renews, and revives our broken spirits. We will then be able to enter Zion with singing and shouts of joy…with this everlasting joy being our crown. (Isaiah 35:10)

Jesus and His disciples were traveling from Jericho back to Jerusalem, and the disciples were terrified and confused as to why Jesus was heading back to the very people who wanted Him dead. There had been several attempts to arrest and kill Jesus by Church Leaders (John 7:32-52, John 8:58-59, John 10:22-39, John 11:45-54) so it was no surprise that they were frightened at the prospect of Jesus losing His life this time. There will be experiences in all our lives when our path is shrouded with the darkness of dismay and bewildering chaos. But as we look ahead, we will always see Jesus leading the way with resolve. So, continue to follow the light with confidence and trust…because Jesus knows exactly where He’s going.

Physical rest for the body is essential for our wellbeing…but emotional rest is just as important. In this Scripture, Jesus invites us to find rest and refreshment in Him when we’re weary from the day’s trials and tribulations. That’s why when our mind is in turmoil with confusion and agitation, we need to ask God to re-establish our rest in Him. For Psalm 62:1 tells us, “My soul finds rest in God alone.” Which is so very true…for it is only in Him that we can find lasting calm and peace.

Today, there may be no enthusiasm left in your life. Hope and encouragement seem far off as you endeavor to serve God despite the crushing weight of suffering, affliction, and anguish. It’s at this time that you require the grace of Almighty God to take the next weary step in your devotion to Him. How? It starts with daily dedication to be in His Word and steady perseverance to overcome your flesh. For true service to God demonstrates our integrity, love for others, and great endurance under pressure…for our good and His glory.

Romans 2:8 tells us that when we are self-seeking, overly ambitious, and selfish…we are not honoring God. Jesus also made it plain in Matthew 6:33 that we are to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness…denying pride in our heart, eyes, and actions. (Psalm 131:1) This means a right relationship with God has to be our highest priority in life…not power, honor, or prestige. John put it well when he wrote, “For I seek not to please myself but Him Who sent me.” (John 5:30)

At the foot of the Cross, we can fully realize the free gift given that cost us nothing but cost it all to Jesus Christ. This greatest act of forgiveness is God’s mercy, love, and grace called the Gospel Message. For only God can forgive our sins through our faith in His Son. (Psalm 103:3, Isaiah 43:25) But to fully understand how we may imitate His forgiveness, we must stay at the Cross…gazing intently at His broken body as Jesus utters, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)