ICHABOD
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 10-12
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Angels opening a scroll are depicted in beautiful artwork inside the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome. Ezekiel’s visions of the most unusual creatures, which he refers to as Cherubim, leave us in awe at the nature of these beings.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Ezekiel 10:18a, 12:28
Then the glory of the Lord departed….Thus says the Lord God: “None of My words will be postponed anymore, but the word which I speak will be done,” says the Lord God.
In 1 Samuel 4:11-22 we find the story of an earlier time when the “Glory” departed from Israel. The time comes when God, who is 100% Holy, is so grieved by the actions of His people that He ceases to manifest His presence anymore until there is a deep sorrow for sin, a turning away from sin, and a turning back to Him. Phineas, son of the high priest Eli, who participated in removing the Ark of God from the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, was killed, and his widow bore a son whom she named “Ichabod,” which means “the glory has departed.” As our second key verse tells us, God will not postpone forever the consequences of human rebellion against His clearly stated will.
Don’t give up, family of God! He has made over 7,000 promises which are recorded in the Bible. Here’s one of them found in Ezekiel 11:17-19. Let’s read that one again from today’s reading. Verse 19 says, “I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take away the stoney heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I think of the saying, “Have a heart!” Yes! I pray for that “one heart,” and that “new spirit” to be renewed daily within me. You have created me as an eternal being as spirit, soul (heart), mind, and body. Like a father and mother care for their children, so You care for me. I rest in Your arms, totally confident in the constancy of Your love! May Your presence, Your glory, permeate my entire being 24/7. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
One time, shortly after Norma-Jean and I were married, we had retired for the night. I was half asleep when suddenly I was wide awake, sat bolt upright, and cried out in fear. Norma-Jean remembers this also. I sensed that an intensely evil presence had entered our bedroom and was threatening to destroy us. I cried out the name of our Lord and Saviour “Jesus” in a loud voice, and immediately that sense of dread and evil was gone, never to return to this day, 57 years later. That has happened only once, but over and over through the years I have experienced the presence of our loving God, sometimes with greater intensity than at other times. The Scriptures tell us that in His “presence is fullness of joy!” King David wrote a song about this. Read Psalm 16:5-11.
Yours for experiencing the presence of God! (He’s always there; I’m the one who is not constant. May God do an ongoing work in me until that day when I’ll see God face to face in eternity!),
David
Crossroads has helped train hundreds of people from 82 countries in the art of producing good TV programs. Ashvin Dev, seen over Norma-Jean’s right shoulder, is one of our graduates. He and his team presented us with scarves from India as a “thank you.” They now have three over-the-air TV stations licensed by the government of India. Dr. John Hull, a host of 100 Huntley Street, is on the right.
Did any blog readers watch Olympic hockey a while back. It’s in the Canadian nature to apologize, most of the time for any evidence of triumphalism. I thought you might enjoy the Canadian beaver and the American eagle.
That is my prayer too, David. Also, the first thing out of my mouth is a cry to God when a fearful situation seems to be developing. Cute (bad) cartoon!
I have just begun to receive 100 Words,and I am delighted with it!
I am so glad I can be a learner from the wisdom of an older person who has a lifetime of walking with God and loving His word.And who has been so wonderfully used to bless untold millions of people !
I love the beautiful pictures he posts, and the humour, too : two fun birds & carrying a stick ! And it was re-assuring to know that David related the evil he & Norma Jean experienced long ago. Even good folks are sometimes attacked..thank you David for telling it for real !
We cry out to You, oh Lord God, as our shield of protection, whenever we feel fear in a situation or the presence of evil. Yes, I, too, have experienced the same feeling of fear with a dark entity in my room. I cried out loudly to God and asked for Jesus to come aid me and rebuked the evil spirit present. We do not assume God’s presence but call on Him, and are assured of His shield. “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” Psalm 91:4 NLT. Love the photos, today, especially the church. God’s blessings dearest saints in the Lord almighty.
“You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV
Crowder – Come As You Are (Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2zhf2mqEMI
Dear David, Thank you for your daily blog! Your blog is so encouraging, fun and I always learn a lot.
God Bless you and yours!!
Amen!
Good Morning David … I do appreciate your sense of humor… 🙂 Thank you again for your continued faithfulness … I do so enjoy your blog every morning. Praying with you by the way for the birthing of the Children’s book you mentioned a while back. What a great idea … I will stand with you and pray for it’s fulfillment as God makes a way.
Blessings to you and all the family
Elfie
Amen! Elfie.
Praise God Almighty,
EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CAN’T HEAL, AMEN!!!
Amen!!!
Have a Blessed day everyone.
Pastor David, thank you for your fresh bread every morning. I also live you sense of humour. Nice pic of you and Norma Jean weari bg your scarves. Blessings to all bloggers.
Oops meant to say love
Love the scarves! thanks for the “eagle” and “beaver” …good for a chuckle, “a merry heart is like a medicine” always:)
You truly have a “creative” mind and heart Pastor David! thanks for sharing it with us!
I find it puzzling that people only read day time blogs!