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Today is Tuesday September 01, 2009 and we will be beginning our studies in the book of Ezekiel, please read chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-1.php

Today's Message: God Is In Control
We may not have all the answers or understand many of the things that are going on in the world today, but as Christian's we need not fear what is to come because God is in control and He will take care of us.

The book of Ezekiel is the twenty-sixth book of the Old Testament/Bible and it contains forty-eight chapters. The author of the book is Ezekiel and it was written to the people of Judah. The purpose of the book was to warn them of the coming captivity, then prophesied to the captives after it occurred. What we are to learn from the book is that God orders historical events so that the nations will know He is God. The book of Ezekiel is a complete covering of what will happen to the children of God, in both the House of Judah, the Jews of today; and the House of Israel, the Christian nations scattered around the earth today.

As a captive of the most powerful nation on earth, Ezekiel was forced to live far from the promised land. “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.” - Ezekiel 1:1-5.

Ezekiel's opening vision is one of the most remarkable in the Bible and reveals that behind all the events which take place on earth is the administration of the supernatural power of God. “As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.” - Ezekiel 1:10-13. Each creature had the face of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. The lion is the ruler of the animal kingdom and symbolizes majesty; the ox was the most valuable domesticated animal and represents submission and strength; the eagle is admired above all other birds because of its superior ability to rise into the heavens, above its enemies; and man, created in the image of God, illustrates unrivaled in intellectual ability. As one, these four were prepared at all times to instantly obey the will of God and go in any direction. Ezekiel beholds the throne of God, who is in control of the affairs of all human government throughout the world.

Our greatest concern in reading the Book of Ezekiel is not to be disturbed over what we cannot understand. God will give us understanding of His Word in direct proportion to our submission to the Holy Spirit whom will help us know what all these things mean. God reveals things a little at a time for us so we can let it all sink in. Our eyes can become so preoccupied with the staggering powers of evil that we lose sight of the glory-flashing throne of God. We also lose sense of the divine sovereignty of God and the destiny of His Church. But, Ezekiel's vision reveals that nothing is beyond the immense power of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” - Hebrews 4:12,13. World leaders have staggering powers and weapons that make the international situation fearfully disturbing. To be fearful or discouraged would be to lack faith that God is in control, He will protect and direct the lives of anyone who yields to the His will in every situation.

Today's Prayer:

Dear God,
Lord, we want to grow in the grace and knowledge imparted to us through the teachings of Jesus and Your faithful servants as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.  We know this involves much more than simply reading the Scriptures; it includes meditating and memorizing principles and portions of the inspired text.  It includes saying “no to ungodliness and worldly passions and living self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”  As our world continues the slide into decadence and self-indulgence, it means that we, with great intention, set our heart’s desires on that which is pure and holy so that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless You,
Christina

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