Monday, March 3, 2014

“I WILL” – GOD

Suggested Reading: Ezekiel 20

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Below is a model of the temple as it may have appeared in ancient times.

GOOGLE MAPS - To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Ezekiel 20:5

Say to them, “Thus says the Lord God: ‘On the day when I chose Israel and raised My hand in an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob, and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt, I raised My hand in an oath to them, saying, “I am the Lord your God.”‘”

 

Four times here in chapter 20 God speaks through the Prophet Ezekiel saying that judgment is held back, “For My Name’s sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles” (verses 9, 14, 22, 44). The writer of the most detailed of the Bible commentaries, Matthew Henry (1662 – 1714), writes, “When nothing in us will furnish Him with a reason for His favours, He furnishes Himself with one.” Ten times in the last 11 verses of the chapter God says, “I will,” and we can count on Him to consistently carry out His will. “Man proposes, but God disposes.” This is a statement by Thomas a Kempis (1380 – 1471). He wrote a classic book called, The Imitation of Christ, which can be purchased on Amazon (click here). Proverbs 16:9 tells us that “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Thank You, Lord God, that again and again You initiate action to accomplish Your will. You have given me will power. Therefore, I choose to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!” I pray this for Your “Name’s sake” and in the Name of the One who could say about His Father, “I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29b), Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When I pray the “Our Father” prayer that Jesus taught His disciples (students) to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,” I’m very conscious of the fact that God has put His plans for my best into the area of my human free will. I’m made, according to the Scriptures, in the image and likeness of God. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness'” (Genesis 1:26a). We are not like creatures programmed to behave in a certain way, but we have the freedom to make our own choices. The most dangerous and yet glorious choice is whether we will serve God or ourselves. When I give my will to do God’s will by praying for God’s will, not just in general, but concerning specific matters, God will, without violating my free will with which He created me, bring about His will. Prayer is my welcome mat for God. “Come in, Lord God. You’re in charge here!” Remember the question, WWJD? What would Jesus do? I find out the answer to that question sooner or later in God’s time, because I’ve prayed!

Yours most sincerely and prayerfully,

David

P.S. On the “Make You Think” challenge of the past few days, I’m asking readers to think about the reason that God would bother sending Prophets to speak of coming events. Surely God could’ve done anything He wanted to do without telling us in advance. Tomorrow, God willing, I’ll give my thoughts on this question.

22 thoughts on “Monday, March 3, 2014

  1. That’s an interesting question, David. In what way does God use prophesy for our purpose? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this tomorrow. It is good to know our will can be God’s will, when we submit our will in prayer. To “let go and let God.” To realize that His power can be ours, when ours is insufficient. Thank you Lord for Your Devine Will and Power as we submit our lives to You daily. Have a great day, to all!

  2. Yes Lord you are MY GOD in you alone will I Trust help me to trust in you with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding in all my ways aknowldge you and you shall direct my path
    I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and be ready for your return .Thank you Our Father in Heaven for healing David Maines and giving him the strength yo do this blog from day to day God Bless all yhe fellow bloggers and meet all their needs and heal all hheir diseases in Jesus name Amen 🙂

  3. It is most evident that God wishes that none perish, as we constantly see how He awaits our repentance, to come or to return to Him, and then forgiveness. How awesone and loving Our God is, and when He speaks He keeps His word. I pray for His will to be done in my life, and reading and studying each day throughout our blog helps kep me focused. Thank you Pastor David and fellow bloggers.

    Thank you Lord Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross for us.

  4. Why would God send prophets to speak of coming events?

    Fulfilled prophecy teaches us that God is real and not another idol creation of man. Our Saviour Jesus Christ, (God in the Flesh human like you and I) fulfilled many prophecies. In his perfection for those of us who come to believe in this FACT – that he died on the cross and was raised up again after 3 days – he became the final and perfect human sacrifice.

    His appearance to hundreds after his death proves to us that there is a heaven and a hell.

    Lord Jesus fill my heart to overflowing with your love for others – so that through studying scripture and hearing your words through brothers and sisters in this blog and your church and faithful prayer – your will not mine would be done in me.

    Praise God! Amen!

    Blessings to all this Monday as many of us start this work week… Amen!

  5. Sang “The Lord’s Prayer” before I did my Bible reading this morning. This prayer had so much meaning when I was in the hospital. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Going to look for that book you mentioned, David. Blessings everyone.

  6. Oh, how grateful we are to You, Lord! We give thanks with the utmost feeling of awe and wonder at Your greatness and ever present power in our lives! The more we resign our will, the more Your will takes over and transforms us. We serve You and live for Your glory. We are so in love with You, God! You take our breath away! We are reassured by Your love, strengthened by Your power, healed by Your precious blood, and empowered by Your Word. We are honoured to share You with everyone we meet and spread the seeds about Your greatness, that they will come to know You! Use us as Your vehicles, dear Lord! You are the only Way, the Truth, and the Light! Jehovah Jirah, our great Provider. You are Yahweh, the Author and great Creator. Jesus, the Messiah, Good Shepherd, our great Redeemer! The Prince of Peace, Lamb of God, and King of Kings, our Saviour! We cannot shout loud enough to proclaim it all for Your Glory! Amen, amen, and amen!!

    Thank you, David, for the excellent teaching, and profound quotes from Matthew Henry and Thomas Kempis. Blessings to you and fellow saints, for a spectacular day! Praise God!

  7. GOD worne’s us before calamaties through the prophets, becouse He want us to change direction, that we ripent, and live and not perish. He want’s us to live in peace and in abundance, and that non would have to suffer.
    PRAISE be his holy Name.Amen

    • I agree. As I pondered David`s question..my answer was the same as yours Maria. God is giving us another chance. Praise God.

  8. I think that God in His wonderful caring love most often sent prophets to get the peoples attention in hopes they would stop going the wrong way and turn around. God gave them warnings and the choice was theirs. God is so good. Thanks for doing this blog David, it is a great way to start my day.

  9. A prophet’s reward is given to those who accept a prophet as a prophet (God’s messanger). I’m thinking that the reward is “hearing God’s actual message and direction” which leads to blessing? Do you think?

  10. Just a question – – which Bible are you using according to your scripture verses. It seem I don’t have the right Bible. Thank you!

  11. That wall outside Ephesus is spectacular! It shows they are a praying people. God wants to involve man in his Kingdom on earth and any good father would always give his children warning before he punishes. Good sunny day here.

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