Reading for today: Ezekiel 44:1-14 and Malachi 4:1

“…the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD; and I fell on my face.”  Ezekiel 44:4b 

Also, see Isaiah 6:1-4 and 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, 5:14. When God manifested His glory, the people could not stand, they could not even enter the temple. Yet Jesus promised that when two or more are gathered together, there He is! Do we realize this magnificent reality as we worship together, meet together, and speak to each other about Him?

Reading for today: Ezekiel 43:13-27 and Malachi 3:17-18

“‘They shall be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels…’” Malachi 3:17a

The LORD speaks His plan and promise for the few who truly believe and trust in His incredible loving awesomeness. They discuss His greatness and meditate often on His name and on who He says He is. This takes faith in His Word! Do you not wish to be one of His “jewels,” His special treasure? Ask Him to open your eyes to His name, to know Him closely and dearly. Trust Him to continually increase your faith to make this a reality.

Reading for today: Ezekiel 43:1-12 and Malachi 3:16

“‘Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him…” Malachi 3:16

Besides the majority whom He chastised for not taking Him seriously, there were the few who feared Him, held Him in awe and great respect. They spoke to each other about His awesomeness, as in our prayer groups, focus groups, and Bible studies. The Lord took notice of this remnant. How joyful it is to truly fear the Lord and how incredibly wonderful that He promises a reward for His faithful servants.

Reading for today: Ezekiel 42:10-20 and Malachi 3:15

“‘…So now we call the proud blessed, for those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.’” Malachi 3:15

Sometimes it is hard when we see others “getting away” with sin, but we must remember that no one escapes the eyes of the living God. Galatians 6:7 tells us that  God will not be mocked. Romans 12:19b tells us, “…’Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Remain close to His heart, listen to Him as He speaks to you with His Word, and humble yourself as you walk in His truth and in His love.

Reading for today: Ezekiel 42:1-9 and Malachi 3:14

“You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the LORD of hosts. So now we call the proud blessed, for those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.” Malachi 3:14

This is a sure sign that the service to the Lord has been done in the flesh. We have no joy when there is no filling of the Holy Spirit. The things of God ought not to be mundane but should be done out of a love and respect for our Lord (see Colossians 3:23). Ask for the Lord’s forgiveness and then pray that He fill you with a renewed love and desire to serve Him with all your heart.

Reading for today: Ezekiel 41:13-26 and Malachi 3:13

 ”‘Your words have been harsh against Me,’ Says the LORD…” Malachi 3:13 

Do you find yourself murmuring or questioning God’s sovereignty or justice? Do you have the Word of God hidden in your heart that you might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11)? Consider Numbers 11 where the Lord judged His people for complaining. Philippians 2:14 tells us to do all things without complaining and disputing. If you have sinned in this way, repent and make things right between you and the Lord today. You will find that God is faithful and just to forgive you your sins when come before Him with a broken and contrite heart.

Reading for today: Ezekiel 41:1-12 and Malachi 3:12

“‘And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:12

In Psalm 86:9-10 it says, “All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.” This is true revival and it will come to pass. What a wonderful hope we have in Christ alone!

Reading for today: Ezekiel 40:32-49 and Malachi 3:11

“…and by the steps which led up to it there were pillars by the doorposts…” Ezekiel 40:49b

When I read and think of all that is said in this chapter of Ezekiel, it makes me realize that “step by step,” He is bringing us closer to knowing Him. The Lord is preparing all of His children for the glorious day when we are finally home with Him! This ought to bring us to our knees with a great reverence and love for our Father.

Reading for today: Ezekiel 40:17-31 and Malachi 3:10

“…palm trees were on its gateposts on this side and on that side…” Ezekiel 40:31b

It is so interesting that palm trees would be used as a decorative detail in the temple. When I think of a palm tree, I immediately think of a beautiful, warm, and safe haven. Psalm 92:12-15 reads, “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” Keep this Psalm in your heart. He will renew your strength!

Reading for today: Ezekiel 40:1-16 and Malachi 3:8-9

“In the visions of God He took me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain; on it toward the south was something like the structure of a city.” Ezekiel 40:2

We can only imagine Ezekiel’s amazement when he was able to sit and ponder this profound vision of this last temple Israel would build. We find in Revelation 21:10 that John had a more amazing experience when he saw the city that God would build. For all of us who have trusted the Savior as our Lord, we too, will see this great city, the New Jerusalem in all of its splendor! What a beautiful reminder to press on, keeping our eyes on the prize.