"It is I who makes the green tree wither and gives the dead tree new life. I the LORD, have spoken, and I will do what I said."
Ezekiel 17:24
Ezekiel 17:24
My Take Aways
Something Old:
I love the connection to Psalm 1:
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. he is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."
Also Isaiah 61:3
"They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting for the display of His splendor."
Something New:
"All the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD; I bring down the high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will perform it." (NASB)
- Disciplines His Children (Bring down the high tree)
- Exalts His Children (Exalt the low tree)
- Humbles His Children (Dry up the green tree)
- Advances His Children (Flourish the dry tree)
Agree with God's discipline, exaltation, humbling, and advancing in my life. Allow Him to lead while I follow so that I might be a display of His splendor.
15 Comments:
Wendy, I like the way you told us more about the green and dry trees. I needed more understanding this morning! I want to follow His leading, too.
I liked Ez. 18:20 today, the repetition that we are only responsible for our own behavior. In part that's scary because the good things we do can't help those that we love, but of course, since our misdeeds outweigh those, I'm glad that my children won't be punished for my mistakes! It's freeing to know that we're not going to be held accountable for the sins of those who went before us and that we are only responsible ultimately for our own choices, though I hope that I can at least point my children to the right path. I hope that they are like the son of the sinful man - that they recognize my mistakes and learn from them and make better choices for themselves.
"I don't want you to die!" says the Sovereign Lord. "Turn back and live!" I just liked that. How great is it to know that He's right here, cheering us on, directing us to the right way, wanting what's best for us??
Karen, thanks for the maps! You're the best! :-)
Kindergarten open house went well last night, and we nearly had tears when it was time to go. This little girl is ready for school - I only wish her Mommy was. :-/
Happy Friday, everybody!
My Old:
The judgment on bad conduct
Blessings = good conduct
My New:
Today, one phrase struck me over the head: “Oh, [Lori of AZ,] it is you who [is] not doing what’s right, not I” (Ezekiel 18:29). Girls’, at times, I have thoughts, where I seem to think it’s ok to judge my mother. Through Christ, I can be victorious for months, then, in just a split second - the enemy’s dart can hit and take over! I mean, just like that! I try to rationalize this of course, but, truly I need to “turn back and live!” Ez. 18:32). Today, I’m doing what our pastor said needs to be done: tackling the issue of ME! Truly, I need to be a better listener to my mom, with compassion and love - (with an open mind - rather than judge her because she is not caring for her own mother -ouch, my self-ish side coming out) – if I refuse to listen to her, and love her without any conditions attached, how can I learn? And, like my pastor said, if I don’t learn – I’ll never change. If I don’t change I’ll never grow; if I don’t’ grow, I will surely stagnate, which means I will regress! (Cal Jernigan)
Humbly, I need to sit at the cross today. I need to get over myself, and get under the cross! I need to get off of the throne, and put back who belongs there: My Father!
It’s funny girls, how God can use a sermon to speak right out of his scriptures! Once again, I must “demolish arguments and every pretension (conceit) that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
To Do:
“For all people are mine to judge” (Ezekiel 18:3). Lord, yesterday I wasted precious time lingering off of your path. Today, I’m setting out to tarry with the Lord. Thank you dear Lord, for teaching me your will for my life through your precious Word! Today, I’m going to apply what I’ve read! I love you with all of my heart… with all of my soul... with all of my body and mind... with everything I am, truly I love YOU.
Twin, I’m joining you today, clinging to Phil. 4:8!
Hugs, Lori
I listened to a Charles Stanley podcast last night...and he asked the listener, "what is your goals?"...mine all tended to be directly linked to my relationship with Jesus. I desire to know Him more, to have Him work thru and in me, to be found resting in Him, seeking Him, etc...
Today's lesson goes along with that..we need to stay in the Word - really make it a priority in our lives - that we are planted by the water of life...so that we bear much fruit.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
TGIF!
Morgen
Today is day number 232. It is also my 21st Spiritual Birthday. 21 years ago I was filled with the precious Holy Spirit (Ghost Acts 2:1-4 KJV). I may not be where I want to be but I'm so glad I'm not where I used to be.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you so much for bringing me this far and bringing me closer to the day when I'll be blessed to see you but don't make that day too soon. You have helped me through the valleys in my life and helped me through all the tests and trials even when I failed. You have also taken me over many mountain tops where you have blessed me abundantly. You've been my rock, my strong tower, and my ever present help and so much more. Draw me closer to you Lord. Amen.
The following is a poem I wrote after becoming saved. I was living at home but felt very lonely and depressed and feeling like no one from church cared about me. I used to try and hurt myself either by cutting my arm with a razor or overdosing.
It was the grace and mercy of the King who came and rescued me from sin. He put me in a life I've never known. There have been so many things that I've done wrong even after he saved my soul. But because he loves me I am still around. If it wasn't for God's great love I don't know where I would be. Having God in my life has been the greatest thing for me. The Lord knows what lies ahead and that is why he kept me alive when I should have been dead. I know at times I may still sin but as long as I continue to repent the Lord will rescue me again and again.
Hey, twin, I think you could use a great, big, hug this morning. Here it comes {HUG}. As we learned in today's reading, we will all be judged on our own merits, so leave you mom to Him. And, like me with my earthly father and sister, God has given us these "assignments". Care for your grandmother because He wants you to and just leave your mother out of it. I know, way easier said then done, sigh. Thank you, Lori, for being a good role model for all of us by asking the Father for help with this challenge.
Yesterday's posts about pride (especially yours, Grace & Peace) were very useful to me in helping my husband deal with a situation at his work. Thank you, GIGS.
My nugget: (Ezekiel 19:12) "But the vine was uprooted in fury and thrown down to the ground. The desert wind dried up its fruit and tore off its strong branches so that it withered and was destroyed by fire."
My to do: Acknowledge that my Heavenly Father has provided all I need to prosper abundantly, to be joyful and happy and thankful. This calls to mind one of my favorite songs, Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." I'll have to catch that on YouTube today!
Today, while looking up a scripture on Google, I stumbled upon a devotional site written by a gentleman (in your great state of N.C., Wendy) and a recent essay dealt with the unsaved in our lives (specifically, this man's son). It ties in to today's vlog message about "Christian lifestyle", vs. preaching at people, so I share it for those who may have the time and interest to check it out.
http://www.devotions.com/2010/08/turning-a-problem-over-to-jesus-is-easier-said-than-done-2.html
Have a blessed, 4:8 day, all.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Jennifer Renee,
HAPPY SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAY, DEAR ONE!
What a beautiful, beautiful post. Our Lord is smiling from ear to ear after reading that, as was I. Thank you soooo much for sharing your wonderful thoughts with us. You are a blessing to this Sisterhood, and the Holy Spirit is glowing right out of you today, Jen Ren! Love you!
Michelle in New England
In Ez.18, the characteristics of a righteous man is given:
-does what's just and right,
-not worship idols,
-not commit adultery,
-is a merciful creditor,
-doesn't keep security items
belonging to poor debtors,
-not rob poor,
-gives food and clothing to needy
-grants loans without interest,
-stays away from injustices,
-is honest and fair when judging
others
-faithfully obeys God's decrees
and regulations.
Verse 9 says,"Anyone who does these things is just and will surely love,"says the Sovereign Lord.
Wow! What a tall glass of tea.
The Lord asks,"Am I the one not doing what's right, or is it you?"
in verse 25. He answers in verse 29-It is you.(Israel and Linda) (Does it need an exclamation point instead of a period at the end of that sentence?)
I want my actions to be righteous, don't you?
Have an extraordinary weekend, gals.
Linda from Ark.
The best bithday of all is our spiritual. So the happiest of birthdays dear Jen Ren. Have the greatest of blessing heaped on your head today, and may you be aware of each one of them. Thanks for the poem, we can really see in your heart with those words. Love, Love to you.
Thank you Gaylene for the "vine" explanation.
Wendy thanks for Psalm 1 today. I would not have thought of making that the verses for today. But they are right on. You all knew by this time that I love to tell stories so here is Psalm in a story form.
As I was out for a "walk" I came upon a man and walked with him. His words were not what I really believed but I was intrigued. I knew where I could find him and I "stood" next to him as he talked. Then I heard that he was speaking and I "sat" and listened to his words. Walking didn't take any time away from my schedule. Standing took a little more, but sitting and listening took more and more of my time. I was then following him about. Even when I was closing my eyes at night I thought of his words. # My time was now taken up with this man's words. I no longer had time to be with God, listen to His words, meditated on those words as I fell asleep. My life was drying up. I found new friends and I was lonely. All of this because I went for a simple walk, and didn't guard myself as I knew I should. #### The devil will take advantage of every weak moment we have. That is why this study is so wonderful. We get filled up each day, visiting with this sisterhood, loving each other because we all love our Maker and LORD.
I love my morning time and can't wait to read, listen, and post. I am no longer lonely at this time of day. God - thank you - thank you for this time of the day.
Donna = TX
In a little proof reading that I just did, to try to see if I was clear, I realize that I ended with 3 things to counter the walking, standing, and sitting. They are reading God'Words, listening to Wendy's devotional, and posting my thoughts. But that was not my thoughts, God gave me those words. Glory be to God to make His Words relevent today.
Good morning praying friends,
A dear friend, Kathy, began her journey with us about a month ago and loves doing the study of His Word with you. She just called me and asked if I would pass her prayer request on to my friends. She has had fever and chills for several days and is anxious about the cause. She has a doctor's appointment this afternoon. Thank you for your love and prayers,
Lyn in Texas
Jennifer Renee, HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY!!!! It shows the evidence of God's love to you that during those times that you were hurting yourself, He did not let go of you. I love the poem that you wrote.
Lyn, thank you for letting us know about Kathy. Praying that God will touch her with His healing hand and restore her health. May the doctors determine the cause and be given wisdom to find the cure.
Lori, praising God for the insights He has given you this morning. Your words ministered to my soul.
Linda,thank you for the list of characteristics of the righteous man.
Michelle, I can't wait to check out that link. Thank you.
Morgen, I want your goals, too. :) And I heart Pastor Stanley. He's always right on point.
Amy & Donna, love your nuggets this morning. Thank you for sharing them.
My dear Wendy and precious GIGs, This has been quite a week! I drove to Norfolk, VA on Monday for a test re my swallowing and again on Wednesday for two more tests. Haven't heard from the doctor re treatment.
In the meantime, Seth called my Cardiologist re my dizziness and weakness. Had my pacemaker retested this morning and will get a new one on Tuesday, 8/24. Have had chest x-ray and lab work. Blood too thin so I'm off Coumadin and aspirin and told to eat plenty of Vitamin K leafy veggies. Will have another test on Monday to see if it is within the correct numbers. Will be in Virginia for several weeks until staples are out.
I've played catch-up since getting here on Wednesday and the vlog and posts have been so helpful. I feel great while sitting and driving, but it's when I get up and walk that I am unstable on my feet and very light-headed. May not post until after Tuesday, but I am praying for all of your requests.
The doctor said I would be like a new person with my new pacemaker!!
I really am! I'm a new creation in the Lord.
Sarah is seeing the radiologist next Friday and will know then about her radiation treatment. She thanks you for your prayers.
Blessings to each of you and have a great 4:8 weekend.
Teeny
Teeny,
Thank you for letting us know what is happening with you. Will be praying for continued healing for you and Sarah. And strength for Seth as he takes care of you.
Praying friends,
I just returned from a visit with Stephanie, Jason, and precious Kailyn. Stephanie is not doing well. She is struggling with anxiety and post partum depression. She feels inadequate, unprepared and that she doesn't measure up as a mom. She's had very little sleep and has had to give up nursing the baby and then feels guilty because of that. The good news is Kailyn is beautiful and heathy and that Jason is able to be home with her. He's a godly young man with strong shoulders to lean on. I asked Stephanie for permission to share this. She asked for prayers that she and Kailyn would "bond". I knew you would want to know and I assured her of our love and prayers. Praying for you also Teeny. You are a blessing to this group!
Lyn in Texas
Teeny, thank you so much for checking in. As I read I felt as though I could "see" you sitting at your computer composing your words to us. I have thought of you often this week, dear Sister. You will soon be doubly "new" - what an exciting thing!He has renewed your mind and now the plan is to renew your heart. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful plan for Teeny! Continuing prayers for Sarah.
Lyn, would you please tell Stephanie that in addition to having two C-sections, which I shared with her earlier, I, too, could not successfully breast feed. BUT the important thing is that she has a healthy child. Also, please remind her that she was handpicked by the Father to be this child's mother, and that he has prepared her perfectly for this role and is right there beside her. I will be praying mightily for Stephanie. Please give her a hug from me when next you see her.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Heavenly Father: I pray today for Lyn's friend Kathy, our new sister on this vlog site. Lord, I pray that you ease her anxiety as she waits to find out why she is having fever and chills. Help her to relax in You, and trust that You have her in the palm of Your hand.
Lord, I also lift up Stephanie, Jason, and baby Kailyn as they begin their new life adventure together. I pray that you would remove Stephanie's post partum blues and that You would assure her that she will be a fine mother to precious Kailyn. Strenthen Jason as he has a little heavier burden right now until Stephanie gets feeling more like herself. Allow her peaceful rest and healing of her body. Let her know that she is never alone, she only needs to call out to You and You are there. Bless this new family as they grow in You. Amen.
Morgen
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