September 4, 2013 (Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Revelation 9:21 NLT
Observation: When the Seven Trumpets are sounded many horrifying events take place. One-third of the Earth is set on fire, one-third of the trees are burned and all the green grass. One-third of the water in the sea became blood, one-third of all the things living in the sea died, and one-third of the ships on the sea were destroyed. One-third of the rivers and streams were turned bitter and many people died from drinking the bitter water. One-third of the sun, the moon and the stars were darkened, one-third of the day was dark and one-third of the night. Then locust came out from the bottomless pit and they were given power to sting like scorpions. They were told not to kill, but to torture all without the seal of God on their forehead for five months. Finally one-third of all the earths’ population was killed, and yet people still refused to repent and turn to God.
Application: There is no bottom to the level of depravity mankind will sink to when they ignore and reject God. Even in the midst of great miraculous events, hardened hearts will keep people from seeing their real need. People do not become this hardened overnight; it is evidence of a slow process that blinds them little by little until they are completely without vision. Any person who allows sin to take root in his or her life will end up in this predicament. Temptation entertained today becomes sin tomorrow, a habit the next day, then death and separation from God forever in the end. To think you could never become this evil is the first step toward a hard heart. Godly sorrow that works true repentance is the only cure for such a horrible disease as a hardened heart. Confess your sins to God today and repent. Turn away from sin and turn to Jesus the Savior, He is your only hope.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the privilege and opportunity to repent and turn to You in obedience. Thank You for opening my blinded eyes and causing me to see the depravity and wickedness of my own heart. Thank You for turning my hard heart into a heart of flesh filled with love. Protect me from my enemies and keep me from all harm, in Jesus name, Amen!