Thursday, October 31, 2013

Self Reliance Brings On Pride

Ezekiel 29 & 30

Inspired thots

The Lord judges Egypt for her pride in being self sufficient. Another reminder that the whole earth belongs to the Lord and no one can take that glory away from Him. He will punish those who thinks they are gods or in control of their lives or destiny. Only God is in control of destinies.

Lets keep a humble heart towards our Maker and enjoy the life He has blessed us with according to His ways. Why rebel? Why seek self glory?

Our time on earth is limited. But eternity... is eternity.... 

Think about the means to THE END....

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Pride before Fall

Ezekiel 27 & 28

Inspired thots

Tyre and Sidon gloated over the chastisement of Israel by God which was to refine them and bring them back to His presence. Hence, God punished them for belittling Israel despite their wisdom and wealth. Tyre grew proud from its vast riches and acted like a god. It forgot its humble beginnings. It was blameless until it fell subtly into sin.

One must be very careful in life to walk righteously before God for there are subtle temptations and distractions which can cause our downfall through sin like pride and self righteousness as well as an over dependence on the things of this world instead of God.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Do Not Scheme Against Others

Ezekiel 26

Inspired thots

Tyre was gloating over the downfall of Jerusalem which was punished by God for disobedience. Tyre was scheming to take advantage of Jerusalem's weak condition in that dire hour. But God will not allow it to be so; the Lord God watches over His own.

He may chastise His stubborn people but He will protect them like a loving Father. We are always safe in God's hands regardless the circumstances.


Monday, October 28, 2013

Do Not Gloat Over Others' Chastisement

Ezekiel 25

Inspired thots

God may chastise His people out of love like a father disciplines his children; others should not gloat or glee over the misfortunes befallen on another party. God will bring on due vengeance as EVERYONE would have sinned against Him in some form or way.

Let us be humble and plead for His mercy to turn away His wrath. God is Good; He sets us on His right path to enjoy His blessings!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Signs that are Testimonies

Ezekiel 23 & 24

Inspired thots

God will work in His people's lives with signs of judgment that would be testimonial of His greatness. God chastises His people to have them return to Him; and in turn, they would be testimonies of His greatness to others.

God's purpose is wonderful; beyond comprehension. It is better to remain in God's covering than to come under His judgment. When God performs signs, we'd better listen and understand His message for our own good.

Friday, October 25, 2013

God is Looking

Ezekiel 22

Inspired thots

God is looking for those among the rebellious to BUILD UP the wall and STAND in the GAP for the land so that He would not have to destroy it for the sins of the people. He is better than Abraham who negotiated up to 10 righteous men to save Sodom and Gomorrah. God only needed ONE RIGHTEOUS man who is for Him; with a heart for God and willing to be compassionate for the sinful land.

Sadly, there was none in Israel as in Sodom and Gomorrah. Is there such a lack of righteous men to appease God?

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Sword of Judgment

Ezekiel 21

Inspired thots

It is God's sword of judgment that will come against those who are stubborn to obey Him. God's sword would be unsheathed, sharpened and wielded; used by the enemy upon God's people who do not repent and return to God.

How long would God's people remain stubborn to their own wicked sinful ways to fall into judgment? How long would they be blinded with their own foolish wisdom that they do not see the impending destruction to themselves? 

Praise God for His word to teach and instruct lest we fall like them.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

God's Honor

Ezekiel 20

Inspired thots

God has to defend His own honor against those who perform abominable things as His people. He has to maintain His righteousness and dignity on a wider circle as others are watching and judging. He has to maintain His character as a consistent God who is right and true.

But how sorrowful God must be to act against His sinful people; yet a choice is to be made ~ His honor or His people. It is a most difficult choice. Would that sorrow bring on regret? Would God regret choosing His people? 

Yet, He does not forsake them forever; He is compassionate to turn away His wrath from them after a time. How great is our God of mercy!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Way of Man in Life

Ezekiel 19

Inspired thots

A lamentation on the princes of Israel; how God depicts them in their way of life. The princes are brought up to devour others but the enemies can unite to overcome even the strongest opponent. Hence, without God, all human efforts are in vain. Much suffering and even death come upon those who trust in their own strength and wisdom. Sorrow comes at the end of the day.

A lion can be subdued; a vine can be plucked up despite its abundance. These are helpless without God. The wise will consider God in their ways to enjoy blessings and honor for a blessed life. 

Monday, October 21, 2013

Each their Own Judgment

Ezekiel 18

Inspired thots

It may seem hard to understand the ways of God but it is not too difficult in reality.
Every person has to account for his or her self before our righteous God who wants only righteousness from His creation; his people.

Those who sin against Him shall die...although God has no pleasure in any one dead. He would rather the wicked repent and be saved. Each shall be accountable to his or her own deeds on God's judgment day. Lets not be found wanting as we cannot presume on our past righteousness or rest on our laurels.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Pass Up Greed & Discontentment

Ezekiel 17

Inspired thots

The LORD GOD warned Israel against greed and discontentment which can bring about severe consequences. Let the Lord have his way and be Lord over our lives regardless of our current dissatisfying condition which may be the hand of God upon us.

The best approach to take in unpleasant situations is to seek the Lord and submit totally to Him for grace and mercy rather than planning alternatives on our own. Israel faced dire consequences when they planned to seek help from Egypt while under Babylon's captivity.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

All in God's Hand OR Our Hands?

Ezekiel 15 & 16

Inspired thots

God is merciful and kind to care for His people; He looks upon them kindly with favor and set them up on dignity in life. But ungrateful people turned their backs on God to seek after other pleasures. O, the consequence is intense!

Our lives are molded by our greed and sinful nature ~ ungrateful, greed, discontent, pride, lust... all draws us away from God and evoke His anger and judgment on ourselves. Lets be wise to put our hands in God's hands of grace and favor rather than anger and judgment.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Saved by Righteousness

Ezekiel 14

Inspired thots

When the judgment of God falls, one can only escape through RIGHTEOUSNESS and nothing else. The righteous cannot even save another. Each one has to account for him or herself; and it is his or her righteousness before God that will save them. Examples of Noah, Daniel and Job were given. These were men of righteousness in God's eyes and heart.

Righteousness for self is secured only through humility and obedience to God.
Jesus died on the cross to wash away our iniquities so that we can be righteous before God and be saved. 

Simple message of love!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Warning to Those who Speak Falsely

Ezekiel 13

Inspired thots

False prophets of men and women spoke falsely to the people of God to give them hope when God has declared judgment. These prophets spoke to appease the fear of the people instead of speaking what God wants His people to hear.

Prophetic words need not be all the time blessings and prosperity as warnings are also given to turn the sinner back to God.

Obedience to the word of God would bring honor and blessing to the hearer. One must learn to discern the voice of God and obey the given word regardless of the condition of the word - favorable or unfavorable.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Signs for Confession, Repentance and Fulfilment

Ezekiel 12

Inspired thots

The Lord God is very merciful to His people. He gives them signs and symbolic acts to help them understand His intentions so that they can repent and tell nations of His greatness. His words and visions shall come to pass in due time.

And NOW is the time for God's words to come to pass; there will be NO MORE Delays; no more false prophecies. The same message for TODAY! God's KAIROS is NOW! Every vision shall be fulfilled.

DD mentioned it yesterday at Malaysiagathering2013. God's church must awake & rise up for His kingdom to be built on.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Stony Hearts Made Flesh

Ezekiel 11

Inspired thots

Ezekiel was given another vision about the impending judgment on rebellious Israel that has become idolatrous. Their hearts have turned into stone; a symbol of stubbornness. But God is merciful; He will not always be angry.

If we repent of our wicked stubborn ways, He can turn our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh; one that would feel for Him and obey Him. And the glory of God shall rest upon us.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Four Living Creatures

Ezekiel 10

Inspired thots

This chapter describes the four living creatures that carry out the works of God. Although their description is explicit, it is still difficult to envision their exact form. But one thing is for sure...  These obey God faithfully unlike men. These creatures are faithful to God and do what is instructed to them by God. They are created to obey God for His glory.

And thus, the Glory of God fills and overwhelms the place... Brightness covers the area where God is.  


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Abominable Sins

Ezekiel 8 & 9

Inspired thots

There are certain sins that are abominable to the Lord which anger Him to pronounce judgment on His people.

1) Idol worship

God is a jealous God who wants us to worship Him alone for He is our Creator and Lover of our souls. He is angered by idol worship even from His most trusted and appointed priests. People chose to seek their solace apart from God and cause their own destruction.

2) Sun worship

People worship the image rather than the creator; they are worshiping the WRONG 'sun'... it is the SON of God who deserves all worship.

3) Fertility god

Again the people forgot their Creator who opens the womb; they choose to appeal to Tammuz a fertility god than God himself who gives life.

But the RIGHTEOUS shall be saved. 

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Know the Lord

Ezekiel 6 & 7

Inspired thots

Disasters come upon those who are disobedient to God so that they will know that HE is the Lord!

It is important to make Christ PRE-EMINENT in our lives to enjoy His blessings instead of Judgment.

Why choose pain and suffering for eternity when Christ reveals the best through Him to our loving Heavenly Father?

Friday, October 11, 2013

A Harsh Judgment

Ezekiel 5

Inspired thots

When disobedience continues through stubborn will, only harsh judgments from God will come about; if one does not repent after warnings from the Lord, there is no more mercy and hope but severe judgment.

How sad that one does not see and note the severity of their sin and stubborn nature but insists on enjoying the things of the world for this time alone?

The Lord speaks out His judgment on His disobedient and rebellious people through anger and disappointment. The sin of the people is so alarming that even God gives up on them...

Thursday, October 10, 2013

A Symbolic Prophecy

Ezekiel 4

Inspired thots

Ezekiel was instructed by God to perform a symbolic act of the impending prophetic suffering of Israel and Judah. Disobedient people will suffer want; life would be difficult. They would be paying for their stubbornness against God.

What is our response then? If God gives us a clear warning, He is giving us time to repent and return to Him. Let us be alert to take His grace and mercy. Thank YOU Lord!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

A Difficult Task

Ezekiel 3

Inspired thots

It is not easy to be a prophet or spokesman of God. Not only is the vision so astounding; the accompanying task is a great challenge. One must hear rightly the Word of God especially to others; how heavy the responsibility in conveying the Word of God (good or bad) to the targeted recipients.

But a total obedience brings protection and blessings. May the Lord grant us grace to speak His words boldly to save others from their wicked ways without fearing men.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

A Difficult Vision

Ezekiel 1 & 2

Inspired thots

This is not an easy book to read; only God can give understanding by His mercy and grace.

Lord, what is it for me from this Book of Ezekiel?

A great and awesome vision; a terrible message of judgment and compassion. God brings forth a prophet to forewarn His people. Will they listen?

the Vision
The vision is very explicit yet it is difficult to envisage. It is explained as "...the form of.."  and "...with likeness of..." But the great brightness is a clear indication of the impending presence of the Lord. No satisfactory words could describe a heavenly revelation. The Lord is SO MAJESTIC it is hard to describe Him in mere words.

the Lesson
God is merciful and loving; He prepares His people for His coming & judgment. He gives them time to repent and sends prophets to warn them beforehand. He knows us through and through. He is compassionate to forewarn us.

Prophets are humans too; they can be discouraged by people who do not share their views or accept their messages from God. However, it is wiser to obey and rely on God than man.
Difficult visions may be given; ask God for boldness and wisdom to deliver well.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Trouble on Self

Lamentations 5

Inspired thots

This is one book that ends without a happy ending... a recollection of how trouble is brought unto the self when sin is allowed in our lives. How sad that the people of God is forsaken by their Creator when they remain stubborn in their wicked ways and not repent to Him.

There is only trouble when we choose to go our own ways instead of God's ways. Misery and weary souls are our lot when we do not come back to God quickly. We cannot hinge on God's grace and yet sin.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

A Sad Affair

Lamentations 4

Inspired thots

What a sad story for those who do not trust in the Lord but run after the vanities of the world! There is no other ending but a sad conclusion to those who are rebellious and stubborn before God. When we are wicked in our ways, we would be rejected by God as well as by man. Past friends become foes when the rebels live in want if they continue in their wanton ways.

Only God is merciful to His people; He does not forsake them forever. How important to remember God in our lives to stay in His blessings and favor.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Remember God in Hope

Lamentations 3

Inspired thots

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. Hence, it is not surprising that Israel falls into sin and turns away from God. But if a sinner takes time to ponder over his situation and REMEMBERS God, he has hope. (v21)

When we HOPE in GOD, we have peace that God's steadfast love never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. Great is His faithfulness. Repent and Return to God to enjoy His goodness and grace. It is NOT His intention to inflict sorrow and judgment onto men but they sin against Him.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Be Wise to Turn Back to God

Lamentations 1 & 2

Inspired thots

One will soon realize we cannot escape God's wrath through our stubbornness and rebellion. Our pride and own wisdom will land us into trouble with God.

It is wiser to keep on God's ways to enjoy blessings and protection. It is important to REMEMBER that God's ways are always the best for us regardless of how attractive the world is with its offerings. Do not depend on prophets who prophesy deceptive visions and not expose iniquity.

2:19 ~ Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! 

Come, let us be true before God to receive His forgiveness, healing and blessings. 

Why should we allow the wrath of God to come upon us instead of His favor? That would be foolishness.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Rebellion Against the Lord Brings Dire Consequences

Jeremiah 52

Inspired thots

The book of Jeremiah ends with an overview of the lesson to be grasped.

It is NOT WISE to rebel against the Lord with our own wisdom and wickedness for we bring on dire consequences upon ourselves and others. The poor choices of the kings brought hardship to their people. Wealth from God should be shared to bless others so that all will enjoy life for God is the Creator of man.

Although Israel was made captive, God also stirred the hearts of their enemy to treat them kindly. When God's people are humbled, God's favor comes on even from the unexpected resources. 

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The Lord is Rising

Jeremiah 51

Inspired thots

God has set His plans in motion. He is rising up to vindicate His people from their enemies. Though they are rebellious, the Lord is merciful and gracious to His people. He does not rebuke or chastise forever. He will bring down the haughty; He rescues those who trust in Him regardless of the seemingly long wait.

It is TIME for WAR; sound the battle cry for the Lord! One must be prepared by sharpening the arrows and taking up the shield. (v11) The army of God must be prepared NOW for the coming battle as God will arise soon to vindicate. God's army must LIFT UP THE BANNER, reinforce the guard and STATION the WATCHMEN! (v12)

Let us be used as a WAR CLUB in the Lord's hand (v20) "Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumor is heard in the land" (v46)

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The Lord Avenges

Jeremiah 50

Inspired thots

The Lord is VERY good! He is always merciful and compassionate towards His people though they may sin against Him. He turns to vindicate them from the enemy that bullies them. He avenges on behalf of His people who suffer in the hands of their enemy.

Terrible deeds will fall upon those who go against the Lord; even the wicked will know and fear Him on the day when He acts. There is no mistaking of the Lord when He proves Himself mighty and victorious.