 Scripture: “... if a country sins against Me by committing unfaithfulness, and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it and cut off from it both man and beast, even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves...survivors will be left in it who will be brought out...you will see their conduct and actions; then you will be comforted for the calamity...' Ezekiel 14:13-14,22 Application: God doesn't operate, and never has operated, by whim. He is clear and consistent. If a country chooses to follow false prophets (who will be revealed), that country will be destroyed. But note: God will not destroy everyone. His faithful will survive. Unfortunately, even they won't be able to pray away the country's destruction. Perhaps they can pray for more time for people to come out of deception, but they may only rescue themselves. But now, Christ's righteousness will cover more people (believers). Prayer: We're asking for more time for the deceivers of the world to be revealed and people to return to You, dear Lord our Father. Amen.  Scripture: "I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us." 2 Corinthians 7:3, 9 NASB For if I cause you sorrow, who then makes me glad but the one whom I made sorrowful? Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him." 2 Corinthians 2:2, 8 NASB For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. 2 Corinthians 10:8,9 NASB Application: We as the body of Christ should never take joy in tearing each other down. Even when we feel compelled to correct another Christian, we must do it in love. Our joy in life comes from the bond we share with each other as our Father's children. Prayer: Father, show us how to be positive in encouraging our sisters and brothers, even when we believe we should help them by correction. Amen.  Scripture: "And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God." Ezekiel 11:19-20 NASB Application: We're far overdue for a "heart transplant" in the nations of the world today. We're doomed without God, and He won't share heart space with evil. Prayer: We yield our pride and fear to You Father so that You can change our hearts and be our God and we can be Your people. Amen. |