"There I saw a stream flowing..."
Ezekiel 47:1
"There I could see the water flowing..."
Ezekiel 47:2
Ezekiel 47:1
"There I could see the water flowing..."
Ezekiel 47:2
My Take Aways
Something Old:
The water flowing from the Temple-the Spirit flowing from us-brings the dead in spirit to life. (reference to the life in the Dead Sea)
The water flowing from the Temple-the Spirit flowing from us-bears fruit. (reference to the fruit trees on the riverbanks)
John 4:13-13
John 7:38-39b
John 4:13-13
John 7:38-39b
Something New:
Ezekiel 48:35
The city will be called "The LORD is there." Yahweh Shammah- At this point everyone should know the Lord is there, don't you think?
Something to Do:
Don't quench the Spirit! (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Keep a repented heart before the Lord as to keep the river of Living Water flowing in me and out of me to reach those who are lost for the Kingdom of Christ.
EWordtoday.org
EWordtoday.org
20 Comments:
Happy Monday gigs.
I'm back after a wonderful weekend. Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day weather wise and fellowship wise. My cousin Chris and his wife and two kids got to the hotel at 1 P.M. and we met them and my aunt and uncle for lunch. That was a nice time and I sat next to my aunt and my dad. The wedding was at 6 p.m. and everyone met at the groom's, Eian, Parent's house. They didn't live too far from the hotel. Then we all walked about a half a mile to the beach which was where the wedding was going to take place. My cousin Katherine, the bride, told us about this over 4th of July weekend. We were right next to the water. The weather was wonderful. It was sunny and not too hot at all. After the ceremony we all walked back up to the house where they had the reception. I happen to sit at the table with my aunt and uncle, sister Michelle, and cousin Chris. Katherine sat with us for a short time and so did Eian's father. My dad sat at another table. It was wonderful being able to be with other people other than my dad all the time. I seem to do better talking to other people when I'm not with my dad. I still didn't have much to say but I didn't feel as uncomfortable as I did Friday night at dinner. It was a big back yard so people were spread out. Eian's mom introduced me to her brother and mom and his sister even helped me out a little. Eians mom asked me if I was going to eat because on Friday night I sat next to her at dinner and didn't eat. There was a woman who was either a friend of Eian and Katherine or one of Eian's family members who made sure I got some food and then checked on me in case I needed or wanted something else. When someone asks me if I need help I'm not as uncomfortable as I am when I have to ask my family to help me. I don't know why I get uncomfortable about asking my family for help or asking anyone for that matter. After we got back to the hotel my aunt and uncle, cousin Chris, my sister Michelle, and bil Doug along with me all went to the hotel's lounge. I had such a nice time hanging out with them and we were there until after midnight. When Michelle and Doug both used a word my dad uses, that I hate to hear, when he's frustrated with something it didn't bother me probably because it wasn't said with the tone my dad uses when he says them. They all drank alcohol except for me and my aunt and this bothers me a little but I didn't become uncomfortable or frustrated by it. I enjoyed the conversation and fellowship.
To be continued.
My aunt and uncle, Chris and his family, and I think even Eian's parents believe in God and go to church. My uncle said a blessing before each meal and Eian's dad said one before we ate after the wedding. My dad does believe in God and goes to church and has even been baptized but I get uncomfortable when he talks about God. Maybe it's because of the way he complains so much instead of talking about whatever is bothering him like how people drive too fast and the problems he's having with his new car. Michelle and my bil believe in God I'm sure but they don't go to church or talk about God and Jesus. My two Nieces do read the Bible story books I gave them and their pre school was at a Baptist church and they were going to the day care there during the summer.
I'm sorry for the rambling. I will be back at my house this afternoon.
Lori and Michelle thank you for your encouraging words and hugs.
Teeny thank you for the sweet thought of meeting up with me if you could have and giving me a hug. I pray one day I get to meet one of you if I'm ever in your area. In a few weeks I will probably go with my dad to visit my aunt and uncle at their house on the lake. It's in VA but not too far from N.C. I can't remember what part. My grandmother also lives in VA almost at the N.C. border. I don't think too far from Raleigh.
Kate when my dad and I drove past Richmond when we went to N.C. the other week I thought of you. I was there in 1988 and 1991 at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind on Azalea Dr.
Ok, this post is long and I'm sorry. I guess a comment can be too long to post as one comment, smile.
Wendy I enjoyed the song you posted today. It was the exact type of song the choir sings at my aunt's and uncle's church. My aunt Leslie who lives in Seattle, WA would probably say it is the type of song they sing at her church also. It's much different than the music at my church. A few of you have seen a youtube video of what my church is like.
I'm off to go watch the vlog before going to bed.
Jennifer Renee,
I'm glad the wedding trip was a good experience for you! I am also glad you got to spend time with others and that people were helpful and you were not frustrated. I know that God sent those moments to you so you would not be discouraged, but would be encouraged. So happy for your weekend!
Wendy, I loved the whole river passage! I underlined almost all of it! What does this river of life bring;
* purity - it purifies us, and purifies the spiritually dead (Dead Sea),
* Swarms of living things wherever the water flows - it brings life and sustains life
* Fish will abound, and fishermen will stand along the shores- Jesus'apostles, his followers, the followers of the great commission; "Go out and preach to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit"( Matt. 28:29, Mark 16:15) "I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:9, Mark 1:17)
* Trees that never die, and fruit abundant. "The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing"
Psalm 1:1-3
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.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
I picture God's grace and forgiveness as a stream that flows from Him through me. When I pray the Lord's prayer and get to the part about forgiving me as I forgive others, this is my mental image; a crystal clear mountain stream (at the base of a waterfall) flowing over me, in me and through me to others. I ask God to keep the waters freely flowing, that my attitude not be a blockage to the grace and forgiveness that He bestows.
As related to the post I made earlier on the weekend blog, I can't fully understand the division of land in Ezekiel 47. Through Christ there is no longer a need to divide the land among the tribes of Israel. But I did note Eze. 47:22 "22 Distribute the land as an allotment for yourselves and for the foreigners who have joined you and are raising their families among you. They will be like native-born Israelites to you and will receive an allotment among the tribes. "
I also noted the names over the gates (Eze. 48:30-34). So to get a better understanding, I went to Revelation 21. Here there are also 12 gates and they are each inscribed with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. However, there are also 12 foundations, each inscribed with the names of the 12 apostles. There is an angel with a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its walls (and they are HUGE!). Here the gentiles and the Jews each shall have a blessed lot (Rev. 7, Isaiah 56:3).
It is good to know that the central message is grace, salvation, peace, restoration and healing. Thank you Father for giving me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to understand your message for me today. Amen
Karen, Basel
Good morning GIGs - Wow, something finally jumped right out to me in the reading today! I, too, was struck by the living water and the tie to Jesus and the NT, but the verse that really hit me was right before that part. The man had taken Ezekiel and walked off the measurement of 1,750 feet four times, each time, the water got deeper and deeper. And then, "6 He asked me, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Then he led me back along the riverbank."
"Have you been watching?" I find all of the measurements mundane. But look what happened - when they returned, all of the sudden, trees were springing up, waters were going to be filled with living creatures, fruit trees would become abundant. "Have you been watching?" I am going about my life, doing laundry, preparing my lesson plans, cleaning up, etc. Just doing the everyday things that are necessary. Am I watching?? Mostly no, I have to say. I don't watch for God in my ordinary circumstances. I stand convicted this morning. God is busy working miracles and wonders even in the midst of the "mundane."
Jennifer Renee - So glad you had fun at the wedding. I smiled when I read that you thought of me as you passed through good ole Richmond.
Karen - Thank you for your additional insight. I always enjoy reading your research that you so kindly share with us.
Lori - PTL that your son is okay!! I have a new fervor for praying over my children. They are only 7 & 4 - I can't even imagine how nervous I am going to be when they start driving!!!
I hope that you all have a great day - Jodie - praying for no rain for your party today. Happy b-day Elliot! I have an Elliott too, but she's a she & we call her Ellie. (Elliott is my mom's maiden name.)
Kate in VA
Good morning, GIGs,
Wendy, great teaching today. I am so excited that we are so close to the New Testament, and I cannot wait to hear you teach us on it!!
Oftentimes my little dog wakes me before dawn, needing an allergy pill, poor thing. But, all things do work together for good, because once I'm up, it's some of my best time with the Lord. This morning, I was reading "The Deeper Christian Life" by Andrew Murray (1828-1917). Wendy, I bought the book at your conference here in April, after an older woman came up to me out of the blue at the book table and effusively recommended it and another book. So of course I thought better not ignore this older, wiser woman even though the title scared me a little. Anyhoo, this morning at about 4:30, I wrote an excerpt from it in my journal, and after viewing the vlog, it seems like a perfect day to share it with those who may feel like the Spirit is "quenched" in them. Murray writes than when we don't feel full of the Holy Spirit, we must say to God:
O God, I have given myself to be filled
Here I am, an empty vessel, trusting and expecting to be filled by You.
My God, You are faithful.
I have entered into a covenant with You for Your Spirit to fill me,
And I believe You will fulfill it.
Murray instructs us to pray this "with full surrender and a bold, believing attitude!" Amen!
Karen, welcome back!
Jen Ren, it sounds like you had a wonderful, sweet memories making weekend at the wedding. May I suggest, from experience, that your comfort level with relatives other than your dad is because those relationships don't come with all the "baggage and hot buttons" that your (and my) relationship with your dad involves. Sometimes before I spend time with my dad I think to myself "shields up", which is my way of asking the Lord to put his shield of peace between me and my dad so that his words cannot penetrate into my soul. And usually the Lord does bring me peace so I don't react badly.
Lori, how is your son doing today? Does the motorcycle have a For Sale sign on it yet? I'll pray for that when I pray over our Childrens' List today [smile]
Have a blessed, 4:8 day all, and may we all be filled with the unquenchable Holy Spirit!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Morning FIG!...Good message today Wendy! I haven't read my verses yet...but as you spoke about the streams flowing...I pictured when a stream stops flowing, or slows to a trickle. This usually happens when garbabe or junk gets in the stream and clutters it up. Soon, more junk sticks to and piles up making the water stop, or flow in a different direction.
Let's keep our hearts repentant and free. Let's stay in the Word, be consistent in our prayer and praise, SEEKING Him daily. This is how we keep our streams flowing freely everyday...from The Source, into the sea of the unsaved; all those in need of the living water of Jesus!
Amen, and amen
Morgen
P.S. Jodie, Happy Birthday to Elliot, and happy anniversary of becoming a mother day to you!! Prayers for wonderful weather for the party today!
Michelle in New England
Happy Labor Day Sweet Sisters!
“a stream flowing” ( Ezekiel 47:1)
“water flowing” (2)
“water was up to my ankles” (3)
“water was up to my knees” (4)
“was up to my waist” (4)
“was too deep to walk across” (5)
This stream, turning into a deep water originated “beneath the door of the Temple” (47:1) –coming from God and flowing out to all who are willing to believe in Him. Today, His Temple is inside us; his life, hopefully, coming out to others’ around us. I love how you put this Wendy, welling up inside us, to the point of coming right out! Tears coming out as we are filled to the brim –overflowing right out of our eyes! His joy coming out –eyes streaming with tears! Something I thought of –a stream many times originates from a mountain. “My Mighty Rock” – “The Spring of Living Water” – descriptions of God.
Oh, sweet sisters, God alone gives us our life. His will for us, comes from reading His Bible, - at first it’s just a stream of knowledge in us, but the more we read and listen to Him talking to us, the more the stream turns into a deep well, as we walk on His path. Each year we keep following Him, through His Word, and each year He continues watering us! Opening up more of Himself to us. And, the more He waters us, the more our fruit grows! Others can’t help but notice: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control coming out of us. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit. May His love pour out of us today. God desires to change us, to transform us into His image.
The hope we have in Him, the blessings of eternal life. Praise you Father, for the gift of life, today with our loved ones, and in due time – forever with You. Lord, my desire is to sing your praises and tell others what you have done for me! “I will praise you as long as I live” (Ps. 63:4). I remember Beth Moore saying, “What a joy to realize that while we are sleeping, our spirits are often still praising. Hallelujah!” Praise you Father for the gift of your Holy Spirit, that is inside me. May You flow out of me –“set my heart on fire, so that my life may tell your story”. (words from today’s song!)
Dear Girlfriends, now who said Ezekiel was dry? Smile…I’m so sorry, but I just have to say, I’m lovin’ the Old T. (sorry, but truly I am!) Not, to say, the New will not be exciting, too! God’s Word. Bring it on dear Lord, fill us up, teach us, and guide us. And, just like Kate said, “let’s watch for God in our ordinary circumstances.”
Michelle, loved what you shared with us from your quiet time! Will be back with more… Lori
Jennifer, welcome home! You have been a busy traveler this summer! I am so happy you got to visit with other family members this weekend!
Rhonda I just loved what you pulled out on Saturday! Isn’t that our purpose, who are we leading to the Lord, anyway? And, this just lead right into Amy’s Sunday post, which left me really thinking! HOW do we get to that point, where someone is coming up to us, tugging on our hem saying, “I want what you have. Tell me about this Jesus that you know.”
I will say, fig’s I do know this one lady who glows. She is so full of the Spirit, you can see it from across the room! She just has a loving way about her, that sets her apart, makes her stand out, ya just want it! I think it must be what you said Amy, a peace permeating around us, only because we are totally filled up with His spirit! Abiding in Him. Trusting Him with everything. Knowing in our heart – that He is in control. He is a Sovereign God, doing what is best for all. Praising and thanking Him about everything, not just the good, but the bad as well.
Karen, nice to have you back, loved your post today, and the Psalms you brought to us!
Morgen, you had some good insight! What stops our stream? The junk, the clutter, - in our life!
Kate, “have you been watching?” wow, that gives us all something to think on!
Jodie, we need to do a weather switch – a – roo! You send down some rain, and I’ll send up some sun! Thinking of Elliot today!
Yesterday, Colton, as only he could say, said – “ya know mom, how you’ve been telling me that everyone has an accident eventually, and to always be on the look out, be careful…etc…well, now mom, I’ve had my accident, so it’s all good.” YIKES! He is such a positive son, always looking at the bright side of things. Truly, he is a gem, and that is why I want to keep him around! The peace I have is knowing that God even loves him more than I do! So, no there is not a ‘for SALE’ sign on the bike, as much as I’d like to put one there, Michelle! Smile! But, at least for the time being, it does not work! And, that is something to praise the LORD about! We took the bandages off, to reapply the medicine, and ladies, I about fainted. But. Praise the Lord, it could have been much, much worse! God is with him. I’m praying that God heals his wounds.
Ya’ll have a wonderful day, ‘watching for Him.’ Smile! Lori
Lori,
I too prayed for your son today. I also smiled because whewn I was 17 (and yes they had motorcycles Even way back then!) On Labor Day, I wa4 riding my cousin's bike and wiped out. Major Roadrash! Spent the night in the ER getting gravel "sanded" out of my leg. I had to promise my Mom never to egt on another motorcycle (ever). Of course me boyfriend in college had a bike too... My poor mother! I know she sent up endless prayers for me her waward daughter!
God is watching and has Colton safely in his arms!
Between you and Michelle though, I think the mother's prayers are storming the gates of heaven!
Be blessed,
Karen
Sorry about the typos, I'm doing this on the shuttle between worksites on my blackberry and the bumps maked my thumbs jump...:)
Gals,
I had an breath-taking experience with the Lord this morning at 5am. For some reason, I walked outside and what a sight I saw: a cresent moon, so close that I could see the rest of it,(I wanted to touch it) lite against a dark, clear sky; stars all around, the dippers, fork, and others I can't name. Truly He is the God of the universe, our Creator and Sustainer of life. I get too busy in my own little world and don't consider the mass universe out there, which an awesome God runs.
Such special blessings; look around and you will see one, too in your world.
Actually, I was looking for Venus, but it appears in the southwestern sky after sunset, as a dot. Look this Sat. at sunset in the western sky for a white dot. I'll be looking too. Did you know Venus is 10 times larger than earth? Wow! No words to describe our God's work.
So I can trust this God with my everything-soul, family, finances, health. Yes indeed!
I haven't read yet, so thought I'd pass on my blessing for the day.
Linda from Ark.
Hi everyone,
I finally got internet service. I had to get a new modem as my old one decided to quit on me the day I moved.
My cleaning up my apartment and moving in one week went well. My friend and her husband came down to help me with my move and we had a great ride up to my new home with no problems.
My job is coming along good. It keeps me very busy. I am out in the country on 4 acres. There is a vegetable garden and a couple of berry bushes.
I am attending my friend's church. The preaching is great.
Thank you for your prayers.
Elizabeth in CA
“But they encouraged my people to worship idols , causing Israel to fall into deep sin” (Ezekiel 44:12).
Ladies, these words leaped off the page at me yesterday! I want to share my thoughts as they continue to lay heavy on my heart, even today. As I walked and prayed this morning, God spoke to me again about these 15 words.
Are we encouraging our children to worship idols today?
Idols come in many colors: sugar, sports, materialism, recreation, technology
What exactly are idols? Anything that blocks God out of our day. Things that take up our time, things that keep us from spending time with Him. If we are too busy to read His Word, daily, most likely, we have (like Morgen said) some junk in our stream! In church yesterday we learned that many Christians have a “Spiritual hearing” problem. We don’t hear the whispers from God. Why?
*We are running around; we need to slow down. (Psalm 46:10)
*We need to spend time with God, in His Word & through praying – daily. (John 10:1-4)
*We need to ask Him, to help us to hear Him. (thank you to my pastor for his teaching)
Are we (their moma’s) the ones raising them to fall into deep sin? Dear Lord, investigate our hearts; show us the way You want our children raised.
For this short period of time, we are God’s watchmen over his precious children.
Are we encouraging our children, God’s children, to worship idols today?
I’m sorry to say, that for most of my boys lives, I was. Team sports consumed our thoughts, words, days & time. We went to church once a week, but that is about it. By the world’s standards we were shining, but aahh, but by God’s standards, He was weeping.
Humbly, I met with Him dear friends, as yesterday, I encouraged my sophomore son, to play basketball during the time I went to church alone. He was asked to play on a traveling club team, a competitive team of a sweet sister - friend of mine. It was not even his own team! As I drove to church alone, I heard God loud and clear. I asked forgiveness, I knew how sinful my heart was. I went one step further, and prayed that He would not cause my sin to put a damper on Connor’s day. In God’s mercy he showed favor to Connor, and allowed him to score more points than anyone else on the team. But, the price sisters, breaks my heart. It even brings tears to my eyes, not the joyful ones that I wrote about this morning! I lead my son away from the Body of Believers, and deeper into sin. Am I trying to please my Father, or my friends? My heart is heavy today. How easily the enemy can come in and draw us from what we know is right.
In awe that He still loves me! Lori
PS Karen, YOU on a motor cyle?! I would never have guessed! smile
PS Jodie, on my walk, i saw (really!) rain clouds! Could it be possible? Do you see sun? smile
Lori
Wendy,
Your words were meant for me! The Spirit has been trying to flow,but I have been unknowingly quenching Him. Thank you Lord for reminding me how thirsty I am. Praying to unquench the Sprit in my life to overflowing strength and beauty.
Claire says "Hi Wendy,do you want me" In Claire lingo that means she wants you to hold her :) Thank you for the care page message,your caring heart touches mine so deeply!
She will start pre-school on Thurday,praise the Lord for the blessing of her life. She is living it to the full!
Praising God today for Wendy and friends and the amazing way He works in our lives.
Wendy,
I believe I was the one this message was meant for! It was a big kick in the pants that I needed.
I'll be honest here. I've been wallowing for a month or so in grief and loneliness feelings. As I am at home today alone on Labor Day, still grieving over the surprising loss of my job a month ago. My husband has been working all weekend and today, and I'm sad that we didn't get to go see our daughter and family (and our grandchildren -sob) who live 9 hours away as we had previously planned to go visit them before I lost the finances that were going to pay for our trip. I know things could be so much worse and I know that the Lord never leaves my side. I think Satan has worked hard on pushing guilt feelings at me through all of this too. This devotion and scripture and your words today on your video have been what I've needed to hear.
"Do Not Quench My Spirit Lee Ann"
"By the blood I may enter your brightness. Search me, try me, consume all my darkness. SHINE ON ME. Set my heart on fire! May my life tell your story."
The spirit needs to be flaming inside of me so that I can testify in great ways for HIM.
Thank you Wendy! I needed to hear this today. I can testify that my Lord has never left my side. He has been giving me little gifts of saying hello to me too, such as the pretty little butterfly that landed right on my shirt sleeve yesterday. And then allowed me to see three butterflies sitting all on one flower yesterday! He even gave me time to run in and get my camera so I could photograph it!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share everyday here. God used you to encourage me to movement.
♥ Lee Ann
Lori, I've been mulling about your situation from yesterday about Connor, and I have an idea. When a situation arises again when one of your kids requests to miss church, could you "trade" with them by requesting that they listen to a sermon on-line at their convenience? That even gives them the advantage of choosing a sermon that speaks to whatever issue your son may be facing at the moment. One such site I am familiar with is, of course, In Touch Ministries with years' worth of Dr. Stanley's sermons listed by topic. Just a thought for your consideration.
Michelle in New England
Lori... Imagine yourself in the embrace of the Lord. Feel the warmth, the love, the acceptance and the life emanating within and around you. Breathe a sign of contentment... Begin. Your heavy heart is felt. From one sports Mom to another...(((hugs))). I just hopped on for today I've done my readings this morning...My time with my Lord is precious. Your heavy heart is being felt and this heart needs a clear mind... so much to say. Had a funneral this morning ...senior picts this afternoon...just that my brain right now is overjammed. I wonder about sports alot too believe me. There are days where it is clear and days where it is very cloudy...even some rainy...The clear days...I see God has given these young men a gift/talent in this area.....for Brady this desire is pretty strong. Cloudy days will they be influenced by doing what the others do? I was pretty impressed with Brady at the end of the school year last year his buddy got a mo-hawk haircut (for a baseball game)...was??...Can?? Brady/Connor be Godly influences in the sports world? Rainy days when doubt comes in. Need more time to think and explain the rainy days...Lori just dropping in to give yhea a hug.
Amy...We picked a bushel of apples yesterday. I use to do what you did this year...but need a new one...Will be peeling them...I don't mind it....boys will be in school I make it a pondering time.
Jennifer Renee....Welcome Home!!
Karen...Loved what you shared yesterday.
Tina...Will send up prayers for Claire's on Thursday for her pre-school days.
Evening walk is calling, God Bless ....Sleep well and in Peace,
Rhonda
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