Creative Space for Wanderers
Read: We’re nearing the end of the words against Jerusalem through Ezekiel, hard words to read for sure. Don’t miss if you read nothing else. Judgment on Jerusalem’s Sins Chapter 22 provides a summary and list of offenses found in the holy city of Jerusalem, the choice place for the chosen people. You city that …
Continue reading “Jerusalem Convicted; The Gap; Two Prostitutes: Samaria and Jerusalem”
Read: Ezekiel is told to demonstrate what the exile will look like: “Therefore, son of man, pack your belongings for exile and in the daytime, as they watch, set out and go from where you are to another place. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious people. Most will not understand, most …
Continue reading “Ezekiel Symbolizes the Exile of Jerusalem”
Read: The world was turning upside down during Ezekiel’s ministry. Major power shifts were in play as Assyrians are defeated by the Babylonians and Medes, then the Egyptians assert their influence as our ancestors were defeated over and over again. It was a particularly bad time to be a prophet, especially on the heals of shifting …
Read: From prayers for relief during a drought to remembering the Sabbath, Jeremiah reminds us to turn to God for all of our needs. He even pauses to ask God for consideration for himself as his ministry is not so popular (to say the least). No doubt there are seasons in our lives when we …
: Sin and Punishment This rather somber reading may be characterized by : “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.” So many times I’ve joked at the wrong time and wrong place, words that burned because I didn’t weigh the thought before speaking. I forget how serious ministry is …
Read Jeremiah’s message is direct, blunt and forceful. He is trying to wake the people from their senseless state, God’s people, our ancestors. Hear his relentless words of persuasion that seem to fall on deaf ears: “Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, …
Today we finish our journey through the book of Isaiah. It’s hard to appreciate the kind of ministry prophets had back in those times. They didn’t publish books or go on speaking tours. In fact, most of the time when they showed up it was more a threat than a treat. The last chapters remind …
From recognition of my many sins to the image of Beulah Land, through the land of despair and discouragement, today’s reading was a challenge for me for deep personal reasons. God is so faithful as I read this morning. I hoped He would speak to me in these verses and then it happened–nearly the last …
Continue reading “Sin, Favor, New Heavens and New Earth; Beulah Land”
Day two at Exponential East 2017 is about to begin. The Healthy Growing Churches pre-conference was insightful and the opening sessions at Exponential was excellent as always. Words of wisdom from many who have taken on the mantle of ministry, those who have crossed the line and accepted the call to vocational ministry with complete …
and The reading today covers a lot of territory: Isaiah’s call to ministry, the infamous prophecy about the birth of Jesus and the warning to trust God above all others. Isaiah’s ministry to the southern kingdom came at a time when the northern kingdom, a huge number of Israelites, was swept away into exile. pinpoints …