End of a Journey

Well,  that's it. After a year (a little more, because, well, I didn't rush and missed a few days) we've read through the Bible together. Wow, what an incredible book, journey, and experience. God's Word is rich in wisdom, grace, and lessons.

I had always wanted to read the whole Bible, but could never get past Genesis. Then, I was inspired, determined to make my faith real and pursue the Truth of God, his Word, and deepen my relationship with Jesus. I'd always felt like I was missing something and figured it was worth a try. Boy, was it ever worth it. My life changed when I spent a few minutes of my day with The Lord, meditating on his words.

I hope and pray that you enjoyed this journey. I pray you were encouraged and inspired. But most of all, I pray that you were, or are, challenged to read all that God has to say again, or for the very first time. It will truly, radically, and eternally change your life.
And so, as my journey with you in this daily reading and mediating on scripture ends, I hope it is just the beginning for us as we pursue our loving and amazing God.

Day 348: Fishermen for Something Greater

Luke 5:1-26; Ezekiel 48; Isaiah 66

One thing that I love about this story of catching all the fish and becoming "fishers of men," is the decision of Simon, James and John. As experienced fishermen, they knew that the catching was slim that day. They had tried and tried with no results. Suddenly, with Jesus in the boat, they catch more than they can handle. Some people in this situation would want to keep on fishing, thinking that Jesus was a good luck charm. But not these men. They recognized that there was more to Jesus than just being a magic fish attractor, so they chose to leave fishing for Jesus. Even despite their new success at fishing, despite the results in that area, they decided to take that moment of productivity, of blessing, give credit to the right person, and do something more important. May we, too, not see Jesus as just a good luck charm, but as our Lord and teacher.

This passage says "News about Jesus kept spreading." Despite the fact that he probably told a lot of people the same thing he did the healed leper: Don't say anything about this. Jesus' power, his influence, is so powerful, that people shouldn't be able to help but tell about him and hear about him. The problem (as I see it), is that we aren't following the real Jesus or we aren't following him at all. Here in America, if church-goers would stop just being church attenders and start being Christ followers, I truly believe that our nation could be changed and "News about Jesus [would keep] spreading."

In Isaiah, there are a couple of powerful verses. First, "The people I (God) treasure most are the humble--they depend only on me and tremble when I speak." Very cool. Then, God says "I will comfort you there like a mother comforting her child." That has new meaning for me now. God is the ultimate comforter. I love these scriptures that give a glimpse of God's heart. He doesn't want the proud, the tough, the fearless to be his followers. He wants honest people who shake in their boots sometimes, but rely solely on him. And he loves us like a mother loves her precious child. Giving life, time, and love as much as that child needs. Our God is so good.

Day 347: Healing Power

Luke 4:31-44; Ezekiel 46-47; Isaiah 65

Wow, reading about Jesus' healings is pretty cool. I love that he heals completely, with no strings attached, no expectations. He just gives and serves. He heals people of crazy bad stuff like demons (and later raising people from death), as well as from little stuff like fevers. No sickness is too big or too small for his touch. Then the people try to stop him from leaving. They want him to stay with them. I'm sure I'd be the same way! Jesus is so awesome, of course we would want him around. However, what if he would have stayed? Where would the world be? Would the message and healing of Jesus been far-reaching? Sometimes we want to feel God really close all the time; it's an amazing experience. However, when God seems distant, we have to grow, step up, press on. When we've been healed by Jesus, it's awesome, but we need to keep living life with the rest of the world, showing how we've been healed and telling about Jesus. If Jesus would have stayed, they would have only talked to him and not to others, ultimately missing out on spreading the message further.

Here at the end of this chapter in Isaiah, God reveals his plan for a new heaven and a new earth. There will be no more crying; celebration and peace and joy will be the atmosphere and no one will go hungry or need to fear. It sounds so awesome, such a beautiful promise. And God wants everyone to be able to be there. So let us be bold and share about Jesus' love so that our friends and neighbors can one day live with us there!

Day 346: Using the Word

Luke 4:1-30; Ezekiel 44-45; Isaiah 64

Jesus gets tested by the devil "in every way possible." And what is so cool about how he overcomes Satan--through scripture. He uses the very words of God, the message of The Lord, to fight and keep himself strong and on track. If that's how Jesus did it, then that's how I want to! We can be stronger when we don't just rely on ourselves, our own mottos, other people's encouragement. There is nothing more powerful in this world for standing strong against our enemy than the Bible.

Then, Jesus puts himself in a tough position with the people of his hometown. He basically tells them that they are no better than Gentiles, than unbelievers, and if they liked him before, they definitely changed their minds. Jesus speaks truth and the people don't like it. We need to speak the truth about Jesus, even if the people around us (including our family) don't like it. There is nothing more important than the message of Christ: that he has come to set everyone free and provide salvation through himself. We should not hold back for fear of what people will think. Everyone needs to hear about the Good News, and to hold it back shows we don't love Jesus or others enough.

In Ezekiel, God is basically revealing the standards for worship. The best, the perfect, the honest, the obedient, that's the worship he wants. All the specifics aren't necessarily important to us today, but the purpose of them still is. The purpose is to give God our best, our first, and be completely obedient to him.

This chapter in Isaiah reminds us that our sins cannot be taken lightly and that God deserves so much better from us. It isn't that we have to earn our way to heaven by no sinning ever--that would be unbiblical--but it is about seeking holiness and righteousness because we love God. He has not only given us so much, shaped us, offered us salvation, but he is GOD, he deserves our obedience and worship.

Day 345: Movement of the Holy Spirit

Luke 3:21-38; Ezekiel 42-43; Isaiah 63

I think it is SO COOL that Jesus is born into a family whose lineage included David, Abraham, and eventually Adam. Of course he comes from that line!

The other thing that stands out to me in these chapters is the emphasis on the movement of the Holy Spirit. My intro to the book of Luke talks about how he made sure to mention it throughout. The Spirit is with John and gives him power. This same Spirit tells Simeon that the baby in front of him is Jesus. And when Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes upon him. It's like the promise of Jesus and Jesus himself opened the door for even more powerful movement by the Spirit. I don't know exactly how that works, but I think it is important for us to consider the movement and invovlement of the Holy Spirit in ours and others hearts and lives. How is God moving in our hearts? What is the Spirit encouraging us to do or not do?

I almost missed it! In these last few chapters of Ezekiel, he is being shown what the temple should look like. Who is showing him? A mysterious man who shines like bronze and carries a measuring stick. Who is this guy? Well he isn't an angel, or Ezekiel would have said that and described him differently. And he must not be a prophet of old, or Ezekiel would have said something like that. There is speculation that this "man" who shows up throughout the Old Testament, that doesn't have a name, but brings messages and is a powerful presence, is actually Jesus. They didn't know who he was because Jesus hadn't made his official appearance on earth, but that could be who he is. I think it's totally possible and totally cool.

In Isaiah he recounts God's goodness to his people. He rescues us. It bothers him to see us in trouble. He takes us in his arms and carries us. Yes, God can get very angry. He can be very destructive and judgmental. You don't have to read far in the Old Testament to see that. However, you also don't have to read far to see how abundant his love and concern for his people are. I truly believe that with every little ounce of anger he feels or demonstrates, his love overflows 10 times more.

Day 344: Cool John

Luke 3:1-20; Ezekiel 40-41; Isaiah 62

John is cool. Here he is in the desert fulfilling a prophecy in Isaiah, speaking the message of God, and teaching people how to live and love better to please the Lord. He rebukes them by saying that they shouldn't  come get baptized just to avoid hell, but that their lives should change because of their repentance and baptism. He instructs them to give to those who have needs and not be greedy with their money. John is bold and what a powerful precurser to Jesus. He was speaking the same message Jesus would preach and the same message of all the prophets before him. It's the same message for all of us. God wants us to repent and live our lives for him, meaning that we give to, serve, and love him and those around us.

Why all this stuff in Ezekiel about the exact measurements of the temple? I think perhaps partly because that way God is the creator and we are the builders. It is his plan and our hands that carry it out. Same is true today in everything else.

When God promises good things, he isn't skimpy. The promises that he will bring are healing, peace, strength, blessings, abundance to his people. All that he does will make the entire world see that he is Lord and we are his people. I pray that we learn to live like victors in Christ Jesus, like children of the King, and have hope in his promises of heaven.

Day 343: Jesus' Family

Luke 2:21-52; Ezekiel 38-39; Isaiah 61

The way it is written in my text in the Bible, Mary and Joseph were to go to the temple and offer a sacrifice to God for their first born son. The scripture says they had to at least offer two doves or pigeons, and that is what they did. It sounds like Mary and Joseph offered just that, a sacrifice of two birds, and the scripture implies that was the minimum. Why would they offer the minimum? My guess is, they couldn't afford anything else. If this is true, it just means that Jesus Christ came from not just a humble existence, but from a humble family. He wasn't raised in riches and so in addition to his love for the poor and needy, he also understood them from a very human standpoint.

The other thing in these verses that makes me think is that there were other people--Anna and Simeon--who proclaimed who Jesus was. There are a lot of people out there who claim that they are still waiting for the Messiah. But how could an 8 day old baby organize to have these elders prophesy over them, unless he was the real deal? Simeon tells Mary that Jesus will cause some people to fall and others to stand, that she herself will experience incredible suffering, but it will all be for a glorious purpose of salvation. Jesus is definitely the real deal.

God actually sends this crazy army to attack the peaceful villages of Israel. He prepares them for war, pumps them up, and then completely destroys them. Why? Because by human standards, an army of nations against a few unarmed, unprotected villages seems like an obvious win. However, God is going to reveal his power and control and love for his own nation by destroying the crazy foreigners. All so that everyone will know who God is and will be amazed by him. God promises that while he sent his people away to be prisoners, he will round them all up and bless them. He won't leave us as captives, but will restore us and give us peace. That's an awesome thing to look forward to.

In Isaiah, God promises that even though his people may have been in mourning, oppressed, prisoners, he will give them joy, peace, freedom, and blessings. We don't need to live as captives, weighted down with despair; through Christ we are set free and have the power and blessing of God and the Holy Spirit.

Day 342: Dry Bones

Luke 2:1-20; Ezekiel 37; Isaiah 60

"A Savior is born for you." Our Savior didn't come riding on the clouds, surrounded by a mighty army, shouting about his power, and flashing his battle gear. He didn't come in a puff of smoke or a blinding light. Jesus came the same way the rest of us showed up on this planet: as an infant, born of his mother. God loves us. He wants to be connected with us. What better way than to become like us, showing his sacrifice and humility even from the start?

I love the story of dry bones coming back to life. Imagine how crazy and creepy that would be! One of the things that I noticed is that God didn't just go 'poof' and fix it. Instead, he had Ezekiel speak to the bones and the wind to provide bodies and breath. God was in control and it was his power that made those things happen, but he used people and our environment to make a difference. Perhaps that is the same today. We don't literally see his hand or hear his voice necessarily, but he works in and through the people and environment around us to guide us, teach us, and bring us back to life in him.

Isaiah 60 is all about restoring God's people to his holy city. I truly believe this means all followers of Jesus and will happen at the end of the world as we know it. God will bring peace, victory, unity, blessings, and abundance and it will be that way for eternity. Our God is one of life and in this scripture, it paints a picture of what life with God in control will look like--and it is beautiful!

Day 341: In the Desert

Luke 1:57-80; Ezekiel 35-36; Isaiah 59

From the moment John was born, God was with him and the Holy Spirit gave him power. He grows up in the desert until God calls him to his people. There is a calling on his life from God. If he would have chosen to ignore that calling then so much of God's plan would have been lost. And why does he grow up in the desert, especially when God seems to find so much favor with him? Because I think it is safe to say that God leads those who he wants to use much through places they will struggle, but ultimately grow much. John had to learn to depend on and trust in God completely because the message he was bringing was super controversial and crazy. Our message is the same today! If we don't trust in God completely we aren't going to be bold enough to speak the gospel because it sounds ridiculous to our world.

God says he cares what foreigners think of him and he says he will restore Israel to their land (even though they don't deserve it) because he wants foreign nations to know that he is The Lord. Why would God care so much? Because even those outsiders need Him. Those people who worship other gods and idols could be welcomed into God people someday if they repent and turn to the true Lord. God is so angry at the Israelites because they represent him so poorly, thereby ruining his reputation with those foreign people, and that makes him made. I pray that we learn to represent God truly so that non-believers would catch a glimpse of the real God and want to be a part of his family.

Injustice was apparently everywhere during this time--not very different from today. God is ticked because he realized that "no one would do a thing about it. So with his own powerful arm he won victories for truth." Even though God wants us to be the hands and feet of his plan and be the outward expression of his heart, he isn't going to sit back and let people be defeated by injustice or not care for the poor, needy, abused, and broken. God will care for those in need and "win victories" as the scripture says. We serve a God who isn't ignorant and won't ignore the hurting.

Day 340: Giving, Providing, Defending

Luke 1:26-56; Ezekiel 34; Isaiah 58

Gabriel shows up to Mary to give her news of the child she is going to carry saying, "You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you." I find this very interesting because here is a crazy amazing angel talking about being blessed, not because he is there, but because God is. Then, while the news is the most important news EVER, it does mean that Mary is going to have struggles. She isn't married, is engaged, and is going to be pregnant. She technically should be stoned for that. And yet, this angel tells her she is blessed. I think it is a misconception that we common believe that blessings mean easy times--financial wealth, good health, career prosperity, etc. Instead, in this passage, we see that blessings mean God and his involvement in our lives (even if our lives end up being a little or a lot rough).

This whole passage in Ezekiel is really incredible. It begins by talking about how the shepherds that were supposed to be in charge of God's people (his sheep), were doing a terrible job, taking everything for themselves and not protecting their flock. It says specifically that these leaders have never protected the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the hurt, or looked for the lost. To me, this is a list of how leaders ought to care for their followers. Then it goes on to say that God will be the best shepherd. He will look after them, care for them, protect them, lead them into green fields, and rescue the lost. Someday he will appoint the ultimate Shepherd (Jesus) to do a perfect job at all of that. It is just a beautiful picture of how, even if those that are supposed to care for us dont, God will, he did, and he is.

Another awesome passage! And it is very much like the sheep one! This one talks about true religion: that we don't do religious stuff to be seen, noticed, respected. If we are going to act religious or obey God for those reasons, he wants nothing to do with us. The life we are to live, the religion God wants (that is referenced in James 1:27) is to remove the chains of prisoners, free the absued, feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, and give clothes to the poor. That is our "religion." And if this seems questionable, look at the life of Jesus. Every other story is about him giving, providing, defending. Very rarely (if ever) does he say "look how awesome I am!" So what happens when we follow Jesus' example, when we take care of his flock, when we follow this true religion? Your "light will shine like the dawning sun, and you will quickly be healed...When you beg The Lord for help, he will answer, 'Here I am!'...your darkest hour will be like the noonday sun. The Lord will always guide you and provide good things to eat when you are in the desert...You will be known as a builder and repairer." WOW. Who wouldn't want that? That isn't why we do those things, for our own benefit, but not only would we be helping people and following Christ's example, but the hope, joy, and healing we gain because of it is hard to pass up too.

Day 339: Epic Tale

Luke 1:1-25; Ezekiel 33; Isaiah 57

The way Luke starts his book sounds like the beginning of en epic story: "Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us..." This is the story of Jesus, the most epic story ever. I find that fiction novels that have the greatest power, that are most popular, have elements of Christ in them. (No joke, Harry Potter: represented by lions, snakes, defeating evil, resurrection, etc.) So let the most powerful, epic, life-changing story begin!

I wonder why Elizabeth did not leave the house for 5 months during her pregnancy? God had obviously worked a miracle for her and Zechariah. I suppose it might be for the same reason Zechariah was struck mute. Perhaps it was a time of growth, a time of deepening faith, focusing solely on the God who gives us a voice and life. I think there are times in our lives where we need solitude, time to go inward and upward to focus and grow.

In Ezekiel, God says that our past is behind us, it cannot save or condemn us in the present. If we made mistakes in the past but want to live holy lives, awesome, God will love us and bless us as we are now. If we did great in the past but slide into sin, then God will love us but discipline us, just as we choose to live at the moment.

The idols and sin that are listed in Isaiah 57 are still around today. People seek the spirits of the dead, they put pagan symbols around their houses, they abuse sex, kill their children, and run after all sorts of idols. I think people like to think that our generation is the worst it's ever been--but the more I read the Old Testament, the more I have to disagree. Things are no different than they have ever been, it just looks different in the 21st century.

However, there is good stuff in this chapter! God promises that even if the faithful followers of The Lord are dragged off and killed, they will find peace in obeying God. There is so much more after death! He also promises that no matter what, no matter where we are, God will heal us, protect us, give us comfort and joy if we worship him. God doesn't like to see wicked people die or punished (he says that in Ezekiel), but he wants to bless. God isn't mean or cruel, he's just fair. Thank The Lord for his wisdom that knows my heart and draws me closer to him. I pray that we can all learn to follow him no matter what the cost, basking in his blessings and promises no matter what our circumstances are.

Day 338: What Matters?

Colossians 3:18-4:18; Ezekiel 31-32; Isaiah 56
When reading some of this scripture, I had a thought: how much does our actual work here on earth matter? Paul tells them to never give up praying and be thankful. He says to be sure and pray that God will make a way for us to spread his message and explain Christ. He continues, saying, "When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time," and he closes his letter talking about people of the faith. When reading this, the focus is the message of Jesus and being a faithful follower of him. Just prior to this he talks about slaves and masters and working as if working for The Lord. I feel like the focus of these passages is all about relationships and not about the stuff we fill our lives with. We are here on earth just a short time and our goal is to please The Lord and win souls for his kingdom. When we die, we can't take our nice stuff with us. The only thing that will matter is the message of Jesus and how well we did at sharing it. It's that eternal perspective.

It's so cool in Isaiah how God talks about blessing everyone who obeys the Sabbath and doesn't do wrong. This passage talks about how foreigners are welcome to worship God, they are welcome in his temple, and The Lord will accept their offerings. ALL PEOPLE are welcomed by God, he does not reject one person or group simply by who they are, and so we should seek to bring his message of salvation to all, so that everyone has an opportunity to follow him.

Day 337: Getting In The Way

Colossians 2:20-3:17; Ezekiel 29-30; Isaiah 55

There are some really powerful ideas in Colossians 2 and 3. First, the forces of the universe do not have any control over us if we have been saved by Christ. We are free to live and do and work and serve as we choose. Paul goes on to ask why we should be bothered by rules made up by humans? He says that these things might make us look like we love God more, but they don't really do anything to help us. Instead we should simply try to be more like Jesus: gentle, kind, humble, meek, patient, forgiving, loving. We don't need to get worked up about stuff in life, but be filled with peace that only God can provide. So that makes me wonder, what humans rules am I trying to follow? What expectations do I feel like I have to live up to that are human designed, not God designed? When all that matters in my life is that I love God with all my heart and love others as myself, what else is getting in the way?

Jesus echoes the verses found in Isaiah: "If you are thirsty, come and drink water! If you don't have any money, come, eat what you want! Drink wine and milk without paying a cent. Why waste your money on what really isn't food? Why work hard for something that doesn't satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and you will enjoy the very best foods." I love these verses. I love the comparison of salvation and spiritual fulfilment to food and drink. Our souls are hungry, our lives are thirsty for the life and love that God offers. Nothing else, nothing we can buy or gain or find compares to the free gift of love and salvation God offers us. It's crazy that the God of the universe would provide the one thing we really need in life and death, at absolutely NO cost to ourselves. We don't have to do anything to earn it, we just have to accept it. Now, the cost was indeed great--Jesus' life and death--but how privileged we should feel, to be given the opportunity to own and carry the most valuable thing in the world that we paid nothing for. Thank you, Jesus!

Day 336: Overloaded Ship

Colossians 1:24-2:19; Ezekiel 27-28; Isaiah 54

Twice, Paul mentions wisdom in this passage. He says, "we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone," and "all wisdom and knowledge are hidden away in him (Jesus)." This seems mighty important. As followers of Christ, we can unlock wisdom beyond what the information of this world can provide. We can be intelligent, seeking answers and using experience to help us grow. Followers of Christ don't have to be dumb, senseless, mindless servants--we are heirs, brothers and sisters, princes and princesses of the kingdom! Let us not shut off our brains, but keep pursuing Christ in every way, including with our heads.

These chapters about Tyre are interesting. He talks about this nation who is rich beyond imagining, who trades with the whole world, and everyone on earth wants to be a part of. Sounds like a good comparison would be America. Our nation is so wealthy, we are connected to countries around the world, people seek refuge here, legally and illegally. But what happens? Like a ship in a terrible storm that sinks to the bottom of the sea, so is Tyre. And so could any nation. Tyre depended too much on their wealth, status, goods, and wanted nothing to do with God. So, The Lord sent a storm, and what do you know, the storm won. I pray that our nation would embrace God again so that we do not sink like an overloaded ship.

"Every mountain and hill may disappear, but I will always be kind and merciful to you" says The Lord. So whatever battle or strife we are facing (like mountains crumbling into nothing), God promises that he will always be loving and faithful. We don't need to be afraid because God is on our side. We can trust him, despite our world sometimes feeling like it is falling apart.

Day 335: Big Brother

Colossians 1:1-23; Ezekiel 25-26; Isaiah 53

I love the picture that Paul paints of what a growing faith in Jesus looks like: "have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will live a life that honors The Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better. His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy." Growing in wisdom and understanding. Living a life of honor. Doing good. Knowing God more. Having strength and faith to endure everything. And complete joy. Wow, if that's the way we really lived, if Christians all over this country and our world embraced this type of life, everyone would want to be a follower of Jesus!

This part of Ezekiel is haunting! God passes judgment on all these nations that celebrated when Jerusalem was destroyed and God's people were taken captive. If God was mad at his own children, then he is furious and ruthless with other nations. Basically, God shows that he isn't going to let his people be mocked for long. He will be like the tough older brother and defend and knockout anyone who messes with his followers (even if they don't deserve that kind of protection).

It is absolutely amazing the story that is told in this chapter of Isaiah. It is a perfect picture of Jesus Christ as he suffered and died for the world's sins. One verse talks about how by suffering, this servant, Jesus, will learn true obedience to God. Part of me thinks that that applies to us as well. By our suffering, in our struggles, we decide, and ultimately learn the ability, to obey. Serving God when everything is going well is easy. Doing it when life is a mess or we've lost our hope, that's when faith and obedience do the most growing.

Day 334: Chased

Philippians 4; Ezekiel 24; Isaiah 52

To sit in jail and write, "I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have," is powerful. It's so easy to want more or be frustrated by what we don't have. Paul had experienced prosperity and poverty in many ways, and he encourages us to learn to be content with what we have. If we remember that everything we have is a gift from God for a purpose, no matter how much there is or not, perhaps that will help to teach us to be thankful.

Wow, God tells Ezekiel that his wife will die and he is not to mourn her. Why? As a sign, a symbol, a warning, a message to the people of their coming future. God was trying to purify his people and nothing was working. I would be frustrated that God would feel something like taking my spouse away might work. But that's where complete trust, obedience, faith, and eternal perspective are so important. Was Ezekiel okay with all this? I don't know, but he is completely obedient, so whether or not he likes it, he trusts in God completely.

Cool verses in Isaiah: "Jerusalem, rise from the ruins! Join in the singing. The Lord has given comfort to his people; he comes to your rescue. The Lord has shown all nations his mighty strength; now everyone will see the saving power of our God."  Then there is this verse: "You won't need to run. No one is chasing you. The Lord God of Israel will lead and protect you from enemy attacks." Sometimes we do feel chased by life, by our past, but God wants to rescue us, to save us from those things that pursue us. We can trust him to save us.

Day 333: All I Want

Philippians 3; Ezekiel 23; Isaiah 51

What an awesome, powerful, encouraging chapter in Philippians. To live and believe with the kind of faith and perspective that Paul has, that would be awesome. He says, "But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him." All I want is Christ. Everything else is worthless. That's tough. I really want a horse to ride. And I really want to remodel our house. And I really want to have a gigantic garden. And I really want a full night's sleep. But when I (as Paul has done), compare those things with Christ himself and what he offers--"the prize of being called to heaven"--all of it is worthless. Wow. I pray that God would work in my heart and life and mind and help me to live and think like that. I pray that same for all believers.

Ezekiel, not an uplifting book right now. It talks about the prostitution and punishment of God's nations. Being compared to prostitution, I feel like seeking to end such horrors, including sex trafficking, is kind of a holy cause. It sort of represents the unfaithfulness of the world. God compares his people to prostitutes and explains how such horrible acts make him so angry, so why wouldn't actual, individual prostitution do the same? It just makes me feel more passionate about finding ways and being a part of groups that want to free these women and children from the sex industry.

Check this out: "My teaching will cause justice to shine like a light for every nation." This is the truth of God's word! If people, if nations, followed the will of God, truly obeyed his teachings, and the example of Christ, we would not have to wonder what is right or wrong, and would see people fighting for justice everywhere. That would be awesome. Later in the chapter it says, "Don't be discouraged when others insult you and say hurtful things." I do not need to be upset when I am persecuted, judged, or laughed at for my faith. The God I serve and worship is with me and all that matters is Christ.