Thursday, September 9, 2021

Daily Scripture & Questions
Ezekiel 16-17 Chapter 16 is an extended metaphor.  God had rescued the discarded baby and then cared for her.  When she was grown, he married her and provided for all of her needs and wants, but what did the bride do?  Have we forgotten the day of our youth (16:12, 43) and been unfaithful to the God who loved us so?  In chapter 17, we find a parable that talks about Babylon and King Zedekiah's failure to keep his covenant by seeking Egypt's help to rebel, but in 17:22-24, God presents a new parable.  How does this new parable give the readers hope?

Family Devotions—Scripture & Questions
Read Ezekiel 16:59-63. How do you feel when someone doesn't keep their promises to you? Had Israel kept their oath to God? Although they didn't deserve it, God still keeps His promises to them. How will that make God's people feel (vv. 62-63)?

Biblical Prayer Focus
Psalm 64:1-4
Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.

People's words can really hurt. Give your hurts to the Lord and ask for His protection from those who use words like weapons. Ask Him to help you speak words today that will build up and encourage others.
Posted in