"Word of God Speak"

August 31, 2013 (Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their request?” Ezekiel 14:3 NLT

Observation: Ezekiel was preaching to the people of Judah that had been exiled to Babylon in 597 B.C. False prophets not sent by God, were claiming a false message that did not come from God. They didn’t desire to hear the true message of God that Ezekiel was proclaiming because it was a message of destruction. These leaders had set up idols in their hearts. They embraced things that made them fall into sin. They accepted and believed the false message of hope and security from the false prophets because it was a more desirable prophecy. Even though they were in exile in Babylon they believed God would spare their nation because of a few faithful people. However, God clearly tells them through the Prophet Ezekiel that Jerusalem would be completely destroyed and yet there would be survivors, and they would come to join these others as exiles in Babylon. They would see with their own eyes how wicked they are and they would understand that the things done to Israel were not done without cause.

Application: Sometimes the truth is hard to hear and even harder to accept. We live our lives as if we have forever to repent and turn from wickedness. We act as if the Day of Judgment will never come for us. Too many times we trust in the righteousness of others to keep the wrath of God from coming upon our nation. Yet God’s word is true and accurate. Every nation that ever turned from God and set up idols in their hearts has fallen. Every nation that has embraced things that led them to sow sinful seeds of wickedness has eventually reaped the harvest of painful consequences. Too many of our leaders today have set up idols in their hearts and have embraced things that make us fall into sin. We have opened the doors of our courts, our homes and our churches to embrace things that cause us to sin against the God of heaven, while we boast with our lips how great we are as a nation and a people. The day of reckoning is coming, are you ready to give an account?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this wonderful day! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for the blessings You have provided for me and my family. Help me Lord be ready for the Day of Judgment. Cleanse me of anything not pleasing in Your sight. Cover me with the precious blood of Jesus and make me whole and complete by Him. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

August 30, 2013 (Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “No, this city will not be an iron pot for you, and you will not be like meat safe inside it. I will judge you even to the borders of Israel, and you will know that I am the Lord. For you have refused to obey my decrees and regulations; instead, you have copied the standards of the nations around you.” Ezekiel 11:11-12 NLT

Observation: Israel’s leaders thought they were safe and secure in the walled city of Jerusalem. They trusted in the iron laced stone walls and the army’s brut force to protect them from all enemies. However, they didn’t consider God would become their foe. Seventy of the leaders of Israel were in a hidden room near the north gate of the Temple of the Lord burning incense to idols. While twenty five prominent men of the city were at the east gate planning evil and giving wicked counsel to the city. They thought they had hidden their despicable sins from the Lord but they were wrong. God knew all about their idols and the worship taking place in hidden rooms, He also knew every thought that entered into the minds of these corrupt leaders. Israel had did what God had warned them not to do! They had refused the God of Heaven and His standards of holiness and instead copied the standards of the nations around them. Therefore they were about to be destroyed along with their iron pot and learn who the Lord really is!

Application: How often we put our trust in things that can easily be destroyed. Many are trusting in their money or success to protect them from the enemies of life. However, God is the only One we can put our trust in that will never be defeated or destroyed. His ways are right and just and we do ourselves a huge benefit to follow His standards of living. When the day of God’s judgment comes, no fortress or military power will be able to protect from God’s wrath. He simply speaks a word and it comes to pass. If He says fall, then that which He has spoken to comes down. Being obedient to God’s standards and regulations have always been important to Him and always will be, He does not change. What pleased Him thousands of years ago still pleases Him today. Faithfulness and obedience to the one true God is the only power we have to protect ourselves from the coming destruction. Will we turn back to the old paths and trust Him and His decrees, or will we copy the standards and customs of the nations around us and suffer the consequences?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. You are the God of Heaven and I know You are in complete control. Nothing is hidden from You and even the thoughts that enter my mind are known by You. Cleanse me from anything not pleasing to You. May my safety and trust be in You alone and may my actions be according to Your righteous standards always, in Jesus name, Amen!

August 29, 2013 (Ezekiel 4-7; Revelation 3)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and His angels that they are mine.” Revelation 3:5 NLT

Observation: Messages were sent to seven churches. Each message was personal to that particular church’s position and performance. Yet there was one common theme in each message to every church. Holiness was required and expected. Not just a half-hearted commitment to living for Christ, but a full time 24/7 dedication until the very end. Some churches were commended in the areas where they were thriving, five of the churches were condemned for their failures that would not be accepted or overlooked. The two churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia, were encouraged to continue in faithfulness and hold on to what strength they had. The Smyrna church was going to face suffering but was promised a “Crown of Life” if they remained faithful. The Philadelphia church was encouraged to hold on to what they had so that no one would take away their Crown. The other five churches were told to repent and turn back to God like at first.

Application: As I read through Revelation chapter’s two and three I see something that was said to every church at the end of the message given. Everyone who is victorious (2:7), whoever is victorious (2:11), to everyone who is victorious (2:17), to all who are victorious (2:26), all who are victorious (3:5), all who are victorious (3:12), those who are victorious (3:21). It appears that being victorious is pretty important. It also implies that we are in a struggle, fight, or war and we must be victorious to receive the things that were promised to everyone that is victorious. What will those that are victorious receive? Fruit from the Tree of Life, not harmed by the second death, hidden Manna and a white stone with a new name, authority over all nations, clothed in white, will become pillars of the Temple, privileged to sit with Jesus on His throne. The blessings of the victorious are too great to forfeit by loose living. We must dedicate, or rededicate ourselves today and remain faithful until the very end. Jesus promised it would be worth it, and I believe Him!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for Your word that teaches me the importance of being victorious! Thank You for the strength You have given me, help me hold on to that which I have until the very end. Find me faithful and steadfast I pray. Thank You for the desire You give me to learn and grow in grace. In Jesus name, Amen!

August 28, 2013 (Ezekiel 1-3; Revelation 2)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “And whether they listen or refuse to listen, for remember they are rebels, at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.” Ezekiel 2:5 NLT

Observation: Ezekiel was commissioned by God to proclaim a message similar to that of Jeremiah. However, Ezekiel had the responsibility of proclaiming the message to the exiles from the nation of Israel already in Babylon, of which he was also numbered. The rebellious exiles still believed the lies of the false prophets and priest which claimed, the exile would be short lived and Jerusalem would not be fully destroyed. God prepared Ezekiel for the task at hand by forewarning him they would not listen. God made Ezekiel’s forehead as hard as the hardest rock and his attitude just as obstinate and hard-hearted as the rebellious people he would speak the word of God to. Ezekiel was instructed to listen carefully and let God’s entire word sink deep into his own heart first. The purpose of Ezekiel’s task was to provide people fair warning whether they received it or not.

Application: Often times I wonder what’s the use in proclaiming the message of truth to a people that’s hard-hearted, stiff-necked and will not receive it anyway. Why waste my time proclaiming the truth to a people that are just going to refuse it! Yet, I see Ezekiel as a great example of why I should continue to preach regardless of how the people are responding. Even though a rebellious, sinful people may reject and ignore the true gospel message I have the responsibility to proclaim it anyway because of His great names sake. He always provides what people need whether or not they receive it or not. God will not measure my success by how many believe or accept the message He gave me to proclaim, but rather by how obedient I have been to proclaim the message He gave. In the end people will come to realize that God has indeed sent them prophets of truth, but they refused to hear the message proclaimed.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for the desire and determination You give me to continue on in spite of how people receive or reject You. Strengthen me to proclaim the message You give with boldness and clarity. Let Your word sink deep within my heart first so that after I preach to others I will not become a castaway myself. Open up the ears of those that can hear and transform their hearts and minds. In Jesus name, Amen!

August 26, 2013 (Jeremiah 50-51; 3 John)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.” 3 John 11 NLT

Observation: John was writing to a man named Gaius and commending him for his efforts to help traveling teachers of the gospel. Gaius opened up his home and cared for those that traveled through preaching the true gospel message. Even though some of these men were strangers not known by Gaius, he treated them as friends. However, not all pastors were like Gauis. Diotrephes, who loved to be the leader, refused to have anything to do with the traveling preachers. He refused to welcome the traveling teachers and also told others to not help them either. And when he found out that someone did help them, Diotrephes put them out of the church. Gaius was an example of godliness, while Diotrephes was an example of evilness. John was the example of the one that stood up for what was right. If sin in the church is not confronted great harm can come to the church. We cannot simply ignore sin and wait for it to go away.

Application: What are you being influenced by? The type examples we surround ourselves with will certainly have an impact on our lives. We must seek God with our whole heart and desire the gift of discernment in these last days. Many will come claiming to work in Jesus name but will be nothing more than wolves disguised in sheep’s clothing. The true workers of God will be like Gaius and John. They will give and support the body, while steadfastly holding up the banner of truth. As teachers and preachers we will be held responsible for what we promote and support. We must follow only what is good and remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. Even though our actions always speak louder than our words we must still be careful to speak the truth in love and stand boldly, yet humbly, for what’s right.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday! Thank You for the Spiritual gift of discernment. Even though at times I see things that make me tremble, I’m thankful for the revelation You give. Thank You for Your word and the way you speak to me through it. Guide me into all truths by Your Spirit just as You promised, in Jesus name, Amen!

August 23, 2013 (Jeremiah 31-32; 1 John 4)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “You show unfailing love to thousands, but You also bring the consequences of one generation’s sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the Lord Of Heaven’s Armies.” Jeremiah 32:18 NLT

Observation: Jeremiah prayed a prayer from his heart. He had just purchased a piece of land that the enemy was sure to seize. Maybe he was second guessing his decision to buy the land even though he was convinced God was leading him to do such a crazy thing. He poured his heart out to God proclaiming nothing is too hard for The Lord! He shows unfailing love to thousands and has proven His love for humanity throughout eternity. However, the laws of sowing and reaping will not be done away with. The consequences of sin are often suffered by the next generation. The seeds of destruction that are planted by one generation are often times harvested by the next. Many children suffer because of the sins of their parents. Generational curses have passed from one generation to the next because sin was not dealt with according to God’s instruction. Israel, Judah and Jerusalem were about to be seized by the enemy because of the sins of past generations that were sown in rebellion against God.

Application: The unfailing, amazing love of God is wonderful and never ending. He never runs out of love to give because He is love! Because of His great and awesome love He has provided us with instructions for living. His word teaches us and instructs us how to live in a manner that pleases Him. It’s not His desire that any should perish but that all would come to repentance. He allows the consequences of sin to be suffered so that people will recognize their great need for His grace and mercy. When we are high on life and everything is going great we tend to forget God and wander off track. We begin to sow bad seeds that are often harvested by our children and/or our grandchildren. We may be quick to say, “That’s not fair!” but God is a just God, and nothing is too hard for Him. Our rebellion against Him will always bring unwanted consequences. We very well could be the reason why our children are suffering, or will suffer. Think about the seeds you are sowing today and begin to plant seeds of mercy and grace for these produce an abundant harvest of good!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for revealing my need for Your grace and mercy to me. Thank You for the desire You give me to seek You and learn of You. Cause that desire to continue and grow! Thank You for Your unfailing love, and for the consequences of sin You allow us to suffer. Even in my suffering for sin I can see Your unfailing love at work. You are the all powerful God and indeed nothing is too hard for You! In Jesus name, Amen!

August 22, 2013 (Jeremiah 28-30; 1 John 3)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 NLT

Observation: John is relaying a gospel truth that all too often gets forgotten. We learn to speak the “Church” language but often times forget to live what we say we believe. John was saying, talk is cheap, if you really love me show me by the way you act! Real love is an action, not a feeling. It produces selfless, sacrificial giving. The greatest act of love is giving oneself for others. There is no greater love than to be willing to lay down your life for another. Our actions not only express our love to others but they also testify of our living in God’s truth. When we live in the truth and love as we should we can confidently stand before God knowing He will be pleased.

Application: What are some practical ways you can share love with someone today? Maybe a kind word or a simple smile as you pick up your morning coffee. Perhaps taking an extra thirty seconds to give your wife a real hug and kiss before you sprint out the door for work. I can think of no greater expression of love than to kneel down in prayer and lift up a brother or sister that may be facing a tough situation. Perhaps taking the time to listen to someone’s struggles instead of always telling about yours would express a sincere love for another. Maybe take a coworker out to lunch today and let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and faithful dedication. Perhaps a simple phone call to someone you haven’t spoken too in some time. There are many ways to express love, but if we only talk about it no one will ever experience it. Get into action, love someone today!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for loving me. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to die in my place, truly there is no greater example of love than this. Help me know how to love in ways that please You. Place opportunities for me to love along the path I trod today. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day, in Jesus name, Amen!