Return to Me

Today: Malachi 1-4

One year ago, I started this Bible reading blog to grow in my relationship with God, to be more disciplined in my commitment to know Him better. I wanted to challenge myself and really commit to "putting God first" before my pursuits of some other major life goals and desires. I haven't been disappointed.

As I read today's passage, I reflected on the journey of this past year. I can't say that it's been all sunshine and roses. In fact, it's been pretty rocky in a few areas. But one thing that's remained constant? God's overwhelming presence--and His love for me.

This excerpt stood out to me today (even though it was written to the people of Israel many years before I even took my first breath):

God said, "I love you."

You replied, "Really? How have you loved us?"

"Look at history"
(this is God's answer).

Love this reminder! It is always good to remember just how much God has been at work in my life--in good times and in bad. He has a history of loving me and helping me. Always.

In another part of today's passage, God addresses His people--who are (again!) disobeying Him. Check it out:

"I am God—yes, I Am.

I haven't changed.

And because I haven't changed,

you, the descendants of Jacob, haven't been destroyed.

You have a long history of ignoring my commands.

You haven't done a thing I've told you.

Return to me so I can return to you,"

says God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

There is something pretty amazing about a God whose love and faithfulness is constant and unchanging. If I've learned anything over the past year, it's this: God keeps His promises--He is always there. Sometimes, we just need to return to Him, accept the love He offers and commit to living according to His purpose. When we return to God, He returns to us so much more--love we don't deserve and life more abundant than we can even imagine. On to the next adventure...

Is anything too much?

Today: Zechariah 8-14

Lately when I've asked people how they're doing (particularly while at work), one common answer I've heard is: "Overwhelmed."

In the current economy, unemployed people who are overwhelmed at the prospects of job hunting. Parents re overwhelmed with toddlers throwing random tantrums, teens testing their boundaries and new high school grads needing help with their college tuition bills. And workers are overwhelmed by "doing more with less"--the mantra of companies low on resources in need of growth. It all sounds like too much!

In today's passage, God's people were overwhelmed. They were living in captivity, but working to return home to rebuild God's Temple and their city--talk about a major project! I love what God said to them here:

"Do the problems of returning and rebuilding
by just a few survivors
seem too much?
But is anything too much for me?
Not if I have my say."

It's reassuring to know that God is never overwhelmed--and He's on my side. I have faced days that are too much for me...and chances are, I'll probably face more. In the moments when I feel overwhelmed, I know it's time to trust God. He is always strong. And instead of being overwhelmed, He overcomes--and helps me to overcome life's obstacles, too.

Tomorrow: Malachi

Religion or relationship?

Today: Zechariah 1-7

Religion is sometimes a controversial topic. One definition?

A collection of practices, based on beliefs and teachings that are highly valued or sacred;
Any practice that someone or some group is seriously devoted to;
Any ongoing practice one engages in, in order to shape their character or improve traits of
their personality...

In this definition, religion is something you practice--it's something you do. This is how many people all over the world define it: they see religion as traditions and rituals they complete.

In today's passage, God's people asked Him about one of their religious practices--routine fasting. Check out God's response:

"When you held days of fasting every fifth and seventh month
all these seventy years,
were you doing it for me?
And when you held feasts, was that for me?
Hardly.
You're interested in religion,

I'm interested in people.

"There's nothing new to say on the subject...
God-of-the-Angel-Armies said then and says now:
"'Treat one another justly.
Love your neighbors.
Be compassionate with each other.
Don't take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor.
Don't plot and scheme against one another—that's evil.'

God's response is interesting because it's actually about practices, too--but it's MORE about hearts, motivations and of course, people. Religion is about things you do, but a real relationship with God is about loving Him, loving people and living with a transformed heart, mind and spirit.

Tomorrow: Zechariah 8-14

Look at your life

Today: Haggai

Yesterday I was in close proximity to one of the most tragic events ever. I wasn't sure I should write about it, but I think it's too important NOT to write about.

In the middle of the morning, I noticed colleagues gathering around the windows of our office building. They described seeing a dead body on the street, surrounded by a pool of blood. A man's dead body was in front of a nearby parking garage.

Was he hit by a car?

No cars were nearby.

Was it a hit and run accident?

No.

We quickly learned that this man's death was not caused by either one of these tragedies. Apparently, the man jumped from a high level of the parking garage--on purpose.

I am not an expert. I don't know what it feels like to be in such a place of hopelessness. Personally, I couldn't even look out the windows. I did not want mental pictures of this tragedy imprinted on my mind.

I don't know anything about the deceased man, but as the scene unfolded and I watched the reactions of others, I couldn't help but wonder: What separates us from suicide?

That may sound like a strange question, but I think most people, at some point or another, feel that their lives are futile. They feel sad or stuck in a rut or lonely--but they don't jump. Why?

Today's passage shed some interesting light on this topic. Take a look at God's Word to His people here:

"Take a good, hard look at your life.
Think it over.
You have spent a lot of money,
but you haven't much to show for it.
You keep filling your plates,
but you never get filled up.
You keep drinking and drinking and drinking,
but you're always thirsty.
You put on layer after layer of clothes,
but you can't get warm.
And the people who work for you, what are they getting out of it?
Not much— a leaky, rusted-out bucket, that's what.

That's why God-of-the-Angel-Armies said:

"Take a good, hard look at your life.
Think it over."

Then God said: "Here's what I want you to do:
Climb into the hills and cut some timber.
Bring it down and rebuild the Temple.
Do it just for me.
Honor me.
You've had great ambitions for yourselves,
but nothing has come of it...

The beginning of this excerpt points to the emptiness of lives without a sense of purpose, love or honor for God. It's about people whose lives are focused on themselves, stuff and temporary highs.

The ambitions that seem so great are actually empty--but when we honor God, our lives are enriched.

It's interesting that in this passage, God talks to His people about how He wants to be honored: by giving to His House.

He doesn't just say to the people, "Love me. Pray. Sing me some songs." (Though in other Scriptures, it's clear God does want our love and worship). Here, He asks His people to give of their wealth to rebuild His House. God knows that our money represents our time and talent--and that we spend money on what we value. Part of God's righteous anger was because His House was in ruins while the peoples' homes were overflowing with riches--it just wasn't right to Him.

God doesn't want us to live empty lives--He doesn't want anyone to live without hope because He IS hope! God created us to live abundant adventures. However, this kind of living happens when we stop living solely for ourselves, when we honor Him first, give and hope for a greater purpose.

Tomorrow: Zechariah 1-7

Soul empty

Today: Habakkuk-Zephaniah

"You know we should probably stop for gas..." my Mom said as she glanced at a gas tank on "E."

"Don't worry--I could get us to Seattle and back on this," Dad replied jokingly...about a zillion times throughout my childhood.

Thankfully, I don't even remember running out of gas in my parents' car. I don't even know why Dad was comfortable driving on empty (at least for a little while). My parents could always afford gas. Maybe it was just easier than taking time to fill up? Or maybe it was the thrill of living on the edge? I don't know.

My Dad's gas tank may have been sooo empty, but have you ever met someone who seemed soul empty?

Today's passage described such a person:

Look at that man,

bloated by self-importance—

full of himself

but soul-empty.

But the person in right standing before God

through loyal and steady believing

is fully alive, really alive.

What a contrast!

When we think we're the most important, we're empty. When we trust in God (instead of just trusting in ourselves or things), we're really alive.

It's important to note that people who are self-important may not be the people you and I would consider arrogant, stuck up or pompous. In this context, the verse is talking about people who are self-centered and selfish--characteristics that aren't always easy to spot because often, they are tied to motives.

Being totally self-reliant or self-important may sound good, but they lead to the soul emptiness that is truly sad, isolating and destructive.

It's better to be soul filled, leaning on God's strength, provision and leadership for your life.

Tomorrow: Haggai

Patient power

Today: Nahum


If you had all the power in the world, what would you do?


I would hope that I would think of some amazingly awesome things like curing cancer, healing all kinds of addiction, ending poverty and...the beauty pageant answer...bringing "world peace."


But my hunch is that I would also exude my new found power to take out my frustration on those people who embody some of my personal pet peeves or actual hatred. For example, I might instantly take away drivers' licenses from people who don't know how to merge on the freeway. I might instantly send people who confuse "your" and "you're" back to the first grade. And I would banish child molesters to Antarctica without food or water.

It is probably a good thing for everyone--especially bad drivers, poor spellers and child molesters--that I am not all-powerful (or working in law enforcement or education).

Thank God He's the one in control of this universe. I really like what this excerpt said about His character:

God is serious business.

He won't be trifled with.

He avenges his foes.

He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.

But God doesn't lose his temper.

He's powerful, but it's a patient power.

God doesn't give up on bad drivers. And as hard as it is for me to understand, He doesn't totally abandon child molesters. God is patient and forgiving. He gives us the power to choose repentance, but He is also just: we face consequences for our actions. The consequences may happen here on Earth or in Heaven, but eventually, we'll be accountable for our actions. God's patient power is part of His perfection.

Tomorrow: Habakkuk-Zephaniah

What God thinks, does, makes and wants

Today: Micah

Today's chapters followed a similar pattern: God talked to (and through) a prophet about His disappointment in His people. He prophesied hard times ahead as consequence for their disobedience. However, as I read Micah today, I saw God's hand at work through the ups and downs of Israel. Through everything (and even through these short chapters), the love of God and the hope He has for His people was crystal clear.

Let's review this segment where Micah talks about ungodly people's views of God's work with His people:

These blasphemers have no idea

what God is thinking and doing in this.

They don't know that this is the making of God's people,

that they are wheat being threshed, gold being refined.

On your feet, Daughter of Zion!

Be threshed of chaff,

be refined of dross.

I'm remaking you into a people invincible...

I love the hope in these sentences: While God's people are facing consequences for their disobedience, God is shaping them into something stronger. He used hard times in their history to build them up. When that kind of God-shaped transformation happens, most of us don't see it because it looks like a mess--it looks like a bunch of problems and challenges and disasters. But those things can refine us--as long as God's in it and we don't allow problems, challenges, and disasters to define and destroy us.

I also liked this excerpt about God's clear direction for His people. Just before these verses, the prophet describes God's relationship with Israel through history--how He led them out of slavery and blessed them with good leaders, like Moses, who led them to the Promised Land. Take a look:

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,

what God is looking for in men and women.

It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,

be compassionate and loyal in your love,

And don't take yourself too seriously—

take God seriously.

Isn't that good?

Often we fail because we try to do things our way, instead of God's way. We think we're strong and independent. We think we know the answers. We think we don't need Him--we think wrong.

God thinks beyond what we're able to comprehend. God does the unexpected. God makes miracles--transforming lives and situations that seem lost and hopeless.

Perhaps the most shocking idea in the Bible? God wants us.

God wants us to choose Him, love Him, trust Him and live the lives He's dreamed for us long before we were ever born.

Tomorrow: Nahum

Running from God

Today: Obadiah-Jonah

I'm not a rocket scientist, but I think it would be pretty crazy to try an outrun a cheetah. Or a Ferrari. Or an Olympic athlete.

Yet, there are some people who try to run from God.

In today's passage, we met one of them: Jonah. God told Jonah to go to the city of Ninevah--and Jonah didn't want to go, so he ran. In the process, he put lives at risks--the lives of other passengers on a ship to Tarshish, his own life and the lives of the people from Ninevah. Plus, he had to go through the drama of being thrown into a wild storm, swallowed by a fish, and living in the belly of a fish (eww...can't imagine how that smelled!) for three days.

Running from God? Not a good idea. Not even possible!

It's interesting to see how Jonah--and how many people (probably me, too, at times!) try to run from God. God sees everything! Throughout this story, it was clear God saw Jonah, but God also saw the people on the ship. He saw the people of Ninevah, even though their hearts were far from Him.

God LOVED all of these people, despite their failures. God saved Jonah with the big fish. God protected the people on the ship with Jonah. And God cared enough about the people of Ninevah to send Jonah to help them--and to make sure that Jonah delivered His message!

With all of these truths in mind, I'm going to end this post with a question: Why do we try to run from God, especially when God is the One always running toward us--with love?

Tomorrow: Micah

What NOT to do

Today: Amos 6-9

There's a show on TLC (The Learning Channel) called "What Not To Wear." The show selects someone who needs serious fashion help. Typically, they show embarrassing footage. They critique their subjects' wardrobe choices--pointing out what NOT to wear (naturally, of course).

Today's passage reminded me of that show...but with some substance. God gave the prophet Amos some words about what NOT to do. I thought His words were as poignant then as they are today. Take a look:

Woe to those who live only for today,

indifferent to the fate of others!

Woe to the playboys,

the playgirls,

who think life is a party held just for them!

Woe to those addicted to feeling good—life without pain!

those obsessed with looking good—life without wrinkles!

They could not care less

about their country going to ruin.

Ouch!

It's amazing how much we can choose to focus on things that make us feel good, things that are temporary or superficial. It's not wrong to have fun--but when self-centered or temporary things supersede the eternal things that REALLY matter, there's a problem. We can learn from others' mistakes and from this excerpt--what NOT to do can help us focus on the things that really matter--which aren't things at all.

Tomorrow: Obadiah-Jonah

Things, people and God

Today: Amos 1-5

"There's a person behind the hand on the other side of your coffee cup. A person! Do you see them?"

This past weekend, I heard these words from Pastor Paul Scanlon. He was talking about the importance of truly caring for people. (Check out his book "The 15 Revolution" via the link above for more on that.)

When I read today's passage, Pastor Paul's message came to mind. Through the prophet Amos, God describes His disappointment in nations that have disregarded Him. Here's how He described His own people--the people of Israel and their view of people:

People for them are only things—
ways of making money.
They'd sell a poor man for a pair of shoes.

They'd sell their own grandmother!

They grind the penniless into the dirt,

shove the luckless into the ditch.

Everyone and his brother sleeps with the 'sacred whore'—

a sacrilege against my Holy Name.

Stuff they've extorted from the poor is piled up at the shrine of their god,

While they sit around drinking wine they've conned from their victims.
"In contrast, I was always on your side..."

It's interesting in this passage to see how Israel's treatment of people--particularly the vulnerable and less fortunate of society--was a reflection of their treatment toward God. They dismissed God and they totally dismissed the people He created. They were selfish and sacrilegious--giving idols items stolen from people--real people--God's people.

It doesn't seem to make any sense! However, I think this passage illustrates that when our views of God are off track, our views of people and things are warped, too. If we love God, we love the people He made and died for. Money and things can't top human lives created in God's image. When we really love God, we stop allowing idols to drive our actions. We live to love God and people more than ourselves or our things.

Tomorrow: Amos 6-9

Change your life

Today: Joel

If you ask people about their life goals or New Year's resolutions, often you'll hear answers like this:

"I want to lose weight."

"I'm hoping to pay off my credit card debt."

"I want to travel more."

Those goals are all good. But have you ever noticed that most people (myself included at times!) try to change external factors without changing root issues that cause their external problems?

For example, the people in the examples above could potentially be more successful if their goals sounded more like this:

"I want to change my perspective on this body God's given me--to take better care of it because God made it and has entrusted it to my care."

"I'd like to be a better care-taker over the resources I've been given. I want to be a responsible saver and a generous giver."

"I want to be passionate about my life again."

When I read today's passage, I noticed an excerpt where God was challenging people to change their hearts instead of just changing their exteriors. Take a look:

Change your life, not just your clothes.

Come back to God, your God.

And here's why: God is kind and merciful.

He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot,

This most patient God,

extravagant in love,

always ready to cancel catastrophe.

Who knows?

Maybe he'll do it now,

maybe he'll turn around and show pity.

Maybe, when all's said and done,

there'll be blessings full and robust for your God!

I really like this excerpt because it's another stunning picture of God's character. At a moment when His people are distant and deep in sin, these verses highlight His patient and extravagant love. When we genuinely approach Him and ask for forgiveness, He grants it--not begrudgingly, but instantaneously. So amazing!

Tomorrow: Amos 1-5

Just Word

Today: Hosea 8-14

Sow righteousness,

reap love.

It's time to till the ready earth,

it's time to dig in with God,

Until he arrives...

Tomorrow: Joel

We are Hosea's wife...

Today: Hosea 1-7



As I read today's passage, I couldn't help but hear the words of one of my favorite singer/songwriters--Brooke Fraser. Brooke has a song based on this book of the Bible. It's a song called "Hosea's wife" and here are a few of the lyrics:

I see the scars of searches everywhere I go

From hearts to wars to literature to radio

There's a question like a shame no one will show

"What do I live for?"

We are Hosea's wife

We are squandering this life

Using people like ladders and words like knives

If we've eyes to see

If we've ears to hear

To find it in our hearts and mouths

The word that saves is near

Shed that shallow skin

Come and live again

Leave all you were before

To believe is to begin...

When I read today's passage, the dramatic story of Hosea and his wife was striking. God called Hosea to basically become a living illustrated message--Hosea's love for his wife, a former prostitute, paralleled the love of God for His people. When Hosea's wife rejected him and their children to go back to her life of whoring, Hosea pursued her with love and care. He bought her back--He paid a great price to redeem the woman who discarded Him. That's the kind of love that God has for us!

I really loved this part of the passage:

And now, here's what I'm going to do:

I'm going to start all over again.

I'm taking her back out into the wilderness

where we had our first date,

and I'll court her.

I'll give her bouquets of roses.

I'll turn Heartbreak Valley into Acres of Hope...

God loves us despite our own stupidity, selfishness and missteps, He loves us. And in the words of Brooke (that paraphrase this excerpt)--to believe is to begin.

Tomorrow: Hosea 8-14

Grapes (and grace) under pressure

Today: Daniel 10-12

This afternoon I was watching a Travel Channel show set in the beautiful region of Provence. The host (Samantha Brown) toured a very unique vineyard. The owner showed her vines with beautiful grapes...and then discussed something unexpected...the very rocky soil where the grapes grew. The rocks below the vines were as big as my fist!

He said something like this, "The ground is full of stones. It's rocky. But that makes the grapes stronger."

I think that sometimes our lives are like that--we can be like the grapes under pressure and choose to walk in grace despite the obstacles of our lives.

In today's passage, Daniel receives a prophetic vision of end times...times far ahead from his present. In part of these chapters, the angel describes some people who faced some serious pressure. Check it out:

The king of the north will play up to those who betray the holy covenant,

corrupting them even further with his seductive talk,

but those who stay courageously loyal to their God will take a strong stand.
"'Those who keep their heads on straight

will teach the crowds right from wrong by their example.

They'll be put to severe testing for a season:

some killed, some burned, some exiled, some robbed.

When the testing is intense,

they'll get some help,

but not much.

Many of the helpers will be halfhearted at best.

The testing will refine, cleanse, and purify

those who keep their heads on straight and stay true...

I think it's interesting that this passage doesn't describe a rescue. God doesn't come down on a white horse and pick up the people severely tested (and even killed!) for doing the right thing under pressure. Perhaps that seemed strange to you. It may feel heartless, uncaring, unjust. However, pressure can make people better (or lead to rewards in heaven).

If you ever doubt God while under fire, keep this in mind: Pressure has a purpose. And God has a purpose, too.

Tomorrow: Hosea 1-7

Compassion is our only hope

Today: Daniel 7-9

Daniel was a guy who knew how to pray--he LOVED talking to God and even risked his life to do it. Today's passage includes a powerful prayer from Daniel. In this prayer, Daniel is crying out to God for his country and for the people who have walked away from God. I love Daniel's confidence in God's compassion. I love Daniel's bold requests and genuine plea for mercy. Take a look at this prayer again and consider how it might apply to our lives and how we pray:

'Compassion is our only hope,

the compassion of you, the Master, our God,

since in our rebellion we've forfeited our rights.

We paid no attention to you

when you told us how to live,

the clear teaching that came through your servants the prophets.

All of us in Israel ignored what you said.

We defied your instructions and did what we pleased.

And now we're paying for it...

"'Master, you are our God,

for you delivered your people from the land of Egypt in a show of power—

people are still talking about it!

We confess that we have sinned, that we have lived bad lives.

Following the lines of what you have always done in setting things right,

setting people right,

please stop being so angry with Jerusalem...

We're a blot on the neighborhood.

So listen, God, to this determined prayer of your servant.

Have mercy on your ruined Sanctuary.

Act out of who you are, not out of what we are.

"'Turn your ears our way, God,

and listen.

Open your eyes

and take a long look at our ruined city, this city named after you.

We know that we don't deserve a hearing from you.

Our appeal is to your compassion.

This prayer is our last and only hope...

Tomorrow: Daniel 10-12

Lions and visions and kings--oh my!

Today: Daniel 4-6

This morning I was watching the "Today" show and saw a horrific news story (fyi: this video link is only part of it) about a bear that attacked, killed and injured campers in Yellowstone National Park. This event came to mind as I read today's passage and the famous story of Daniel in the lions' den with a fresh perspective.

The campers at Yellowstone did nothing to provoke a bear attack--the bear that attacked them was probably only at each camp site for minutes. Similarly, Daniel did nothing to provoke anyone, but was placed in a den with very dangerous lions FOR HOURS! In fact, people who were thrown into the lions' den after Daniel were basically killed in seconds--before they even hit the floor.

As I read the story again today, I realized just how miraculous it was. Not that I should be surprised--even in these short chapters, God performed other major miracles for Daniel, giving Daniel the power to interpret dreams and mysterious writing on a wall (from a disembodied hand!).

In several of these incidents, it was interesting to see the responses of people who doubted God before--people who thought they were god-like in power themselves. King Darius was one of those guys. I'd like to close today's post with his reflections on the miracle of Daniel in the lions' den and the incredible power of the God who saved him:

King Darius published this proclamation to every race, color, and creed on earth:

"Peace to you! Abundant peace!

I decree that

Daniel's God shall be worshiped and feared

in all parts of my kingdom.

He is the living God, world without end.

His kingdom never falls.

His rule continues eternally.

He is a savior and rescuer.

He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth.

He saved Daniel from the power of the lions.

Tomorrow: Daniel 7-9

Standing in the fire

Today: Daniel 1-3

Sometimes when people ask me what I do for a living, I'd like to answer, "Firefighter."

At times, it feels like an accurate description of my workday. And besides--firefighters are just plain cool--and hot at the same time. :)

Do I fight actual fires? Only on my BBQ grill.

Am I under life-threatening pressure? Not exactly.

However, I think Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego could have described their lives as firefighters...and not just because of the incident described in today's passage about the latter three standing in a fiery furnace.

These guys were superhero-cool. They had courage to stand in the fire literally, but also to put their lives on the line for God. They were smart. They were strong. They were leaders...even while they were held captive in another country.

What qualities helped them stand in the fire--both literally and as the minority God-fearing group of four faced with massive obstacles?

Bold faith. Conviction. A lot of prayer! Commitment to honor God. Courage. God's miraculous power. Vision.

With God's help, you and I can develop the same characteristics as these four famous firefighters. We face fires in our everyday lives--at work, home and even at church. One thing that's interesting about fire? It can destroy or refine things, depending on what they're made of. Fire destroys buildings, paper and trees--but it refines and purifies precious metals. The fires of our lives are like that--they can damage and destroy us or make us better.

Can you handle the heat?

Tomorrow: Daniel 4-6

God's city

Today: Ezekiel 46-48

"You're the God of this city. You're the king of these people. You're the Lord of this nation. You are." If you've ever heard Chris Tomlin's "God of This City," these lyrics may sound familiar.

But have you ever thought about what it would be like...what it would really be like...if God was the God of your city?

In today's passage, God continues to give the prophet Ezekiel a vision of His city. As you read it, keep in mind that this vision took place at a time when God's people were far from Him--and while they were in exile in other countries. At the end of today's chapters, here are the words that stood out to me:

"From now on the name of the city will be Yahweh-Shammah:
"God-Is-There."

Can you imagine what Ezekiel felt in that moment?

God showed Him a picture of a beautiful, restored city--while the real city was abandoned and in ruins.

Here are a few of the things I thought about when I read today's chapters:

• God had a vision for the city beyond its current state--He saw potential.
  
• Today, there are a lot of Christians who pray for their cities, but how many have asked God to give them a vision for their cities? Even beyond that--how many Christians have taken action to make a positive difference in their communities?
  

Real, lasting change starts with vision--and a vision that leads to action.

Tomorrow: Daniel 1-3

Designated spaces for God

Today: Ezekiel 43-45

"Ahh...my own space!"

Have you ever thought that?

As I'm typing this, I'm sitting in one of my own favorite spaces--a corner of my room with a comfy chair and ottoman, perfect for reading and writing.

I also have that feeling when I drive down my street (particularly in the fall) and see my tree-lined road. I feel calm and at home. Simultaneously, I have a sense of pride like, "This is MY street!" or "How cool! That reading corner is designed just for ME!"

When I read today's passage, I pictured God having the same feeling. I bet that He has a special pride of ownership and comfort in the spaces designed to welcome Him. I believe God is present everywhere, but my hunch is that there are some places where He likes to linger.

Similarly, I think that designated spaces for God are not necessarily churches (or the Temple described in today's passage). Case in point: Designated giving to God's House. Chapter 45 describes God's instructions for His people to contribute offerings out of their harvest. The interesting thing about God's economic system? All of the people were told to sacrifice equally--based on a portion of what they had. The amounts they gave were different, but each person was instructed to give "one-sixtieth part" of their wheat, for example. God is all-powerful and owns everything anyway--but He likes the designated space in "our" wallets and purses.

I'll be extra clear in this post and say that God wants ALL of our hearts and lives. In this post about designated space for God, I'm not saying that we should keep God away from some parts of our lives--He sees and knows it all anyway!

There's a difference between opening your life to God and setting aside certain things for Him. Perhaps it's similar to marriage: There's a difference between a husband saying to his wife, "You know my life is an open book to you--you can call me anytime or ask me anything" versus the husband who says those words and then goes the extra mile to designate special time for his wife--perhaps by planning an amazing date.

With that in mind, I'll close this post with a question: What are some other examples of "space" we can designate for God in our lives?

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 46-48

The holy, the ordinary and a vision

Today: Ezekiel 40-42

Have you ever had a dream that felt crystal clear?

What if that dream was from God?

In today's passage, the prophet Ezekiel was given a very detailed vision...by God. God showed him the ins and outs of a new temple while the old one lied in ruins. As I read it, I noticed the clarity of Ezekiel's vision--measurements and rooms and even plants are described.

The part of the vision that stood out most to me appeared at the end describing the walls of the Temple:

The walls separated the holy from the ordinary.

It's a simple line, but it says a lot. At the time this passage was written, walls separated mankind from God--but the walls weren't just made of stone or bricks. Ordinary men and women were separated from God by walls of sin that they couldn't overcome--no matter how hard they tried. The holy and the ordinary were separated for centuries, even in this vision.

It was only hundreds of years later when the holy met the ordinary...in a Bethlehem stable. And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, today, the holy can meet the ordinary anywhere. You and I can have direct relationships with God--not separated by walls or guilt or any kind of barrier. The holy can meet the ordinary in a cubicle, car, church or cabin in the woods. Wow!

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 43-45