"This is what the Sovereign LORD says to the mountains and hills and to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring war upon you, and I smash your pagan shrines. All your altars will be demolished, and your places of worship will be destroyed."
Ezekiel 6: 3b-4
Ezekiel 6: 3b-4
As I read more of the LORD's judgments my mind raced back to scripture we read on July 13, Psalm 121. Psalm 121 is one of the songs or psalms of the ascent. These were songs the Israelites sang as they took the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The verse that captured my attention then and now is Psalm 121:1,
I look up to the mountains, where does my help come from.
Since my post on July 13, I have noticed and marked in my Bible any reference to "the hills." Jeremiah referred to the hills and what happens in the hills six times. (2:2, 3:2, 3:6, 3:21, 3:22, 4:29) What was happening in the hills? The people had made for themselves altars for the false gods as well as shrines to the pagan gods. Idolatry was one of the main sins the Lord brought against the Israelites, disobedience being the other.
In today's reading among the prophecies and visions of Ezekiel, the Lord announces His plan for the hills. Finally, what happens in the hills will be stopped. He wants to bring total destruction to idolatry so when the remnant of Israel is rebuilt they will worship the one and only God.
I found it fascinating that God did not forgot what was happening in the hills and that He detested the activities so much its demise had its own section of scripture. This should remind us that God sees all and remembers all. He sees our idolatry. He sees what goes on in the dark rooms (Ez. 8:12) just as clearly as what happens on top of the mountain.
A question that bears repeating is: Where does my help come from? Do you have an idol in your life that you turn to for help before you turn to the Lord? I am afraid I do. Coincidentally, I was in need of some help (well more like an ear to hear my complaining about something) on Friday. I turned "to the mountain" twice, dealing her number. But God... His Spirit flooded me with truth and power not to hit send. I thanked Him for supplying what I needed. I pray I do the same the next time.
Dear Lord, we invite you today to come in and demolish our idols and to smash our pagan shrines that we have put in the place of our worship of you. Build something beautiful on the ruins. We want to be worshipers of You, the one and only God.
I found it fascinating that God did not forgot what was happening in the hills and that He detested the activities so much its demise had its own section of scripture. This should remind us that God sees all and remembers all. He sees our idolatry. He sees what goes on in the dark rooms (Ez. 8:12) just as clearly as what happens on top of the mountain.
A question that bears repeating is: Where does my help come from? Do you have an idol in your life that you turn to for help before you turn to the Lord? I am afraid I do. Coincidentally, I was in need of some help (well more like an ear to hear my complaining about something) on Friday. I turned "to the mountain" twice, dealing her number. But God... His Spirit flooded me with truth and power not to hit send. I thanked Him for supplying what I needed. I pray I do the same the next time.
Dear Lord, we invite you today to come in and demolish our idols and to smash our pagan shrines that we have put in the place of our worship of you. Build something beautiful on the ruins. We want to be worshipers of You, the one and only God.
11 Comments:
Wendy,
Thank you for your words today. I memorized Psalm 121 for my memory verse on July 15th. The mountains, the Holy Mountain of our inheritance as described in Exodus 15:17-18, they have been an important visualization as I have prayed this year.
I grieved for the people and how they had defiled the holy places. I grieve today for the same thing. This is probably not in any way on the same order, but I was walking through the Cathedral in Basel (it is a Lutheran Cathedral) and they have moved the alter down into the nave of the church. Up where the alter originally was, is a display on lighted walls, like you see in conferences used by vendors, of the churches history and interaction with the community. People walk up there and mill around, reading. I suppose it's not evil, but I am used to the alter area being sacred and symbolic of the Holy of Holies. It really struck me as being a poor idea to have such a display in such a place.
I noted Ezekiel 8:12 as well. In the KJV there is a statement that is missing in the NLT; "Son of man, have you seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? For they say, The LORD does not see us;"
It says these things were happening in the mind and imaginations of man. God, according to this translation, allowed Ezekiel a glimpse into the minds of men. We just read last week in Jeremiah 17:10 "But I, the LORD, search all hearts
and examine secret motives.
I give all people their due rewards,
according to what their actions deserve.”
He knows our in-most thoughts and judges us accordingly. I hope that I am living my life in a way that I will earn the mark on my forehead as one who is grieving for the abominations and repenting for my sins.
Have a good day!
Karen, Basel
Thank you for your post today dear Wendy! Psalm 121:1 reminded me of the song, "Where Does My Help Come From"
I lift up my eyes to the hills
Where does my help come from
My help comes from the Lord
Maker of Heaven and earth
O Maker of Heaven and earth
Your foot shall never be moved
You'll never stumble
Or slip no never
He who watches Israel
He never slumbers or sleeps
No He never slumbers or sleeps
The Lord will keep you from harm
He watches over your soul
He will watch you come and go
Now and forevermore forever
Now and forevermore
O Maker of Heaven and earth
O Maker of Heaven and earth"
When we lose sight of God's Word, we open ourselves to idols. How do we get closer to God? How can we remain in His presence?
The Word of God
Confession
Prayer
Hugs,
Lori - AZ
Hi Wendy! I loved P31 devo. The Lord spoke to me a few years ago to give up a certain medical drama. I would watch it on Thursday nights, then "wash out my brain" with a little TBN before preparing for my Friday morning Bible study. Then I read a Psalm that said "I will set my eye upon no vile thing." Oooh, I just about caught fire. I knew I was done with Dr. McDreamy and the rest of my "friends." I have never once missed it, and even notice that less racy shows have me turning the channel. Praise God that He sends His Holy Spirit to use as a barometer of what is appropriate. I never considered it from the perspective of preparing myself or purifying myself to be ready for His workings though. Thanks for a new insight!
Deb G.
Good reminder--that is a very strong verse! Thank you.
Can something beautiful be built on the ruins? Or is the flesh defiled and unsuitable for further use? We are forgiven, yet the stain remains. This will keep me pondering...
Another thought, along the lines of what Karen wrote about churches and sacred space: This weekend I visited an area church, a large non-denominational Christian church with a loud band and applause. Folks were allowed to bring their coffee into the sanctuary. However, what struck me the most was a 'cherry' '57 Chevy front and center on the stage, all shiny and impossible to miss. Was this what we were worshipping? Worldly things? The sermon was on on one of the "Classics", one of the Ten Commandments, and yes, I get the supposed tie-in. The pastor preached in front of the car, and mentioned it was one of several that had been thus displayed for the sermon series. Do we really need to use such props to get people to come to church? The sermon was good, and had everyone opening and reading from their Bibles. Very good! At the end of the sermon, everyone applauded. How very odd! Was this a performance? I won't visit there again, yet many were fed by their participation there. Is this the new face of religion? Giving into the worldly desires of man, and placing these objects where there should be an altar and consecrated space? Am I just terribly old-fashioned? Thanks for letting me raise these thoughts. I'm still shaking my head at the experience. I really am not trying to be judgmental. I am just very confused by this.
Have a blessed day,
Colleen
Wow,what powerful words God used through you this morning! I am so grateful there are for real people out there who allow themselves to be used by I AM!
Thanks for this post. I actually came over to your blog today for the first time through your P31 devotional. It really struck a chord because I, too, was definitely called to give up a particular t.v. show a few years ago.
And while I struggled the same way you mentioned at first, now it's a reminder of God's LOVE for me. If that show happens to come on while the T.V. is running, I smile as I change channels or turn it off, remembering how God is intimately involved and interested in all the details of my life... desperately wanting to sanctify me.
Thank you for the encouragement from Scripture that He is preparing us for tomorrow!
how appropriate is God's timing? almost two years ago, i quit watching two tv shows that came on late because of their content. recently, i had found some old cd's that had belonged to my late husband, some of his favorites, and was listenting to them even earlier today-until i began reading the P31 devo. i turned it off - these are unedited versions of music from the late 80's and early 90's (gnr, motley crue, etc...) i never really liked this style of music, but was listening simply for nostalgic reasons...still, why would i be so quick to let that language and those ideas into my head where it might begin to affect my thoughts, my heart, and my relationship with God now? have i not grown any wiser? Lord, please forgive me! i plan to trash these cds and never listen to them again. thank you for the reminder! God is definitely speaking volumes through this devo.
What a beautiful and powerful post. I loved reading the replies too.
God tried and tried to get the pagan shrines out of the lives of his people and that must have hurt deeply to think they would rather worship whatever else they chose. We are lucky He didn't turn His back on us completely through time.
Blessings! Nancy J Locke
Hi Sisters,
Just wanted to say hi...Miss you guys! The devotional we are doing with my church is really good, but I miss reading your comments and your thoughts Wendy each day. I have about two weeks left on my devotional with my church then I will be back on here. Hope you all are all doing well!
Blessings and love,
Brandee, TN
PS Wendy, love the devo that ran today! I am working on this concept right now with God. Giving up ordering things online for a time. Boy is it hard! :)
Where does my help come from? Wendy...how I needed to find this question tonight and remind myself again where my help DOES come from. Let's just say it's been a long day :)
This morning I rejoiced in knowing that I am still held by God. “…the Sovereign LORD took hold of me.” Ezekiel 8:1
I remember clearly the day the Sovereign LORD took hold of me.
Although I can’t write the date and time, I was about eight years old when it happened. I was reading a little story entitled, “Joy Sparton of Parsonage Hill”. The main character, “Joy”, was the daughter of a Pastor. Sharing her name and family life, it was easy to identify with the heroine as her life so closely mirrored my home situation. When the fictional character in this book realized that she would not go to heaven when she died based on her parent’s commitment, and that she needed to have a personal relationship with the Lord, I suddenly understood that I too had to make my own decision to invite Jesus into my heart. Getting down on my knees beside my bed, I confessed my sins and asked Jesus to come into my life. It was a quiet moment.
My testimony isn’t filled with captivating before and after illustrations. As an eight year old, I hadn’t walked a path of drugs or alcohol. I hadn’t left home, lived on the streets, been a victim of abuse, surrendered to passion, or committed a crime. Yet when God “took hold” the result was the same. My conversion was just as exciting. Just as many angels rejoiced. I am so thankful for all God saved me from. For all the experiences missed. For all the opportunities lost.
God took hold of a little girls heart 39 years ago and continues to hold it now and forevermore.
I'm having Internet issues...plus my laptop separated at one of the hinges...KNOW whether you hear from me or not, I AM continuing in His Word daily...so needed...especially right now.
Thanks again Wendy for this reminder tonight. I have been infused with fresh strength as I lift my eyes to the hills.
Hugs,
Joy
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