Day 239 (Ezekiel 1-4)

[@antoinettehereford8180]

Wow. The life of a prophet is a very hard thing. Ezekiel is called to do different acts before the people to display before the people. To lay on your side for over a year and eat food that has been prepared over a fire with cow manure as the fuel ... yikes! But, that is symbolic of how Israel has defiled themselves because of their unfaithfulness and disobedience to the Lord. My God shot came in the very first chapter. I can't imagine seeing the glory of the Lord. That had to be so awesome to witness, but at the same time frightening. It is a picture of how we should see God. He is glorious and majestic. He is holy and awesome. That should lead us to worship Him. Today's podcast was so good. Thank You, Lord, for creating me as You did. You make no mistakes in Your creation. Thank You for the gift of salvation and bringing me from death to life. Praise God!

[@laurievarney2668]

! You, too, have helped in my faith journey! Blessings to you and all my fellow Bible readers! 🧡🙏

[@laurievarney2668]

Thank you for reminding us of God's kindness and how Good He is. We are to do things for His glory. I was baptized at 6 weeks and today, at 72, I am being baptized again! I have committed to follow Him and do as He wants, not as I want. I will live for Him. I wish I had read the Bible long ago but it is never too late. Thank you Tara Leigh

[@sheilajohnson3383]

We have to remember historically they would use human dung as fuel. Cow dung was a down grade.

[@karlacastillo780]

I am the 5’2” introvert and I thank God that everyday He continues to work on me to break out and share the gospel boldly. All the glory to God!

[@DonZimmerman52]

I’m intrigued and amazed by God’s physical glory, represented and guarded by the bizarre and fearsome cherubim that we see later in Revelation. No wonder His ways are not ours and His thoughts are higher than ours-and yet He reveals Himself to us.

[@jodyrigler9375]

I just had a conversation with my daughter yesterday about how no matter how we feel about ourselves, there is someone out there that is praying for what we don’t love about ourselves. Someone’s goal weight is our current weight, someone’s desired hight is ours current height, someone is grumbling and wishing for our hair type. I happen to be 5’ 2” “I like to say 5’ 2 and 3/4 because that matters when your my height 🤣” and an introvert 😁. I have always wondered why God did not make me taller and mor outgoing! I could have done so much more for His kingdom if I wasn’t such a coward 😊… no! That is from Satan! I am, we all are, just who God made us for His purpose! I am so thankful God made made Tara-Leigh just how he did because I have learned so from this person she wished he hadn’t made her! Thank God for some unanswered prayers! 🥰

[@fratboytrey8675]

Beautifully said, God made all of us perfect in his way to fulfill his plan. God is good.

[@robins9729]

Amen from another 5'2" introvert. God made me for His purpose and is using me to glorify Him.

[@PattyMoor]

Amen from a 5’3” and 1/2” introvert when it has come to Gods Word and sharing. I pray for More enlightenment daily🙏🏼

[@thefranciscofam4225]

I'm also 5'2 and an introvert. I thought that was spot on when she said that. It really spoke to me because I wish I was more outgoing and a little taller. God made me this way on purpose!

[@kathleeneckel8117]

Today, like SO many days, God has placed me in a position to hear what I needed for my life. I am so grateful for this program. Thank you

[@ginamiller6754]

I’m not even 5 foot and an introvert. I wanted to be taller and out spoken. I’m thankful now for how God made me and pray that He uses me for His glory.

[@mariatripp]

Amen 🙏 5ft here & kind of a mix of an introvert and extrovert lol

[@wanda5305]

Thanks for the ways you help with difficult parts of the Bible! I’ve been a Christian for over 50 years, have read through the Bible many times, but every year there are always things that I didn’t realize before, am now connect the dots, or whatever, and your daily teachings are so good and helpful to keeping me learning more and more. And this is my 3 full year of going through TBR and by far one of my favorite helps to my daily devotions!

[@marykayecole972]

My God shot today comes from Ezekiel 2 and 3 where several times the Spirit raises Ezekiel up. This reminds me of the time I felt God literally give me a hug during a very trying time in my life. God has the power to physically touch and move us.

[@susanepperson2957]

God called Ezekiel as a prophet instead of a priest. He was a clear, consistent speaker when describing the visions God gave Him. It amazes me that God spoke from His Throne, and He lifted Ezekiel up. God pursued Israel with Ezekiel, even though they were rebellious, He still loved them and called them back to Himself.

[@DonZimmerman52]

Each day we start our Recapping with “Let me see something new about You I haven’t seen before.” Today, this is the first time we see “Son of Man,” as well as the Glory of God depicted as the Cherubim Throne with God Almighty and His Spirit Who speaks and commissions. The only other place we see “Son of Man” in the OT is Daniel 8:7, and then, of course, we see Jesus call Himself the Son of Man: One Who is filled with the Spirit to deliver the Lord God’s message to hard-hearted people. The Son of Man has necessarily seen God’s Glory-with its four faces (reason, courage, strength, and speed), its all-seeing ability and mobility, its flaming presence and multi-colored jewel-like emanation. And what are we supposed to do with this? Well, what are we supposed to do with Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, or the Northern Lights? At the least, we are supposed to fall down like Ezekiel, and worship-with a little more insight into Who God is.

[@fratboytrey8675]

““Now lie on your left side and place the sins of Israel on yourself. You are to bear their sins for the number of days you lie there on your side.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This verse stood out to me today as my God shot because it serves as a snapshot of the incoming Messiah Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice. This verse also puts into perspective how amazing Christ sacrifice for us was, he was humiliated, tortured, and mocked, and yet he still let himself die and be sacrificed for our sins. Our God and our Messiah is so good. Glory be to God and praise be to Jesus.

[@RM-ck6ov]

Amen!

[@cindinorton6440]

“Vegan scroll” made me smile ! And Tara Leigh…. I imagine God is smiling at how you are using your God given personality! Thank you Lord for Tara Leigh and Thank you TLC for sharing your gift!

[@dorimatney8639]

It is not easy to be a Christian among people who are not Christian. We are called to tell others about God and about Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins. This is very difficult when we are met with unbelievers whose hearts are hard and they react with anger. Even if they react with argument or insult, it is very challenging to talk about God and what He has done for me and what He wants to do for them who don't believe. God, you create each of us with unique personalities and strengths so that we can share Your story and potential salvation with those we love. Ezekiel 3:11 NIV "Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.” ' God had to harden Ezekiels forehead to prepare him for talking to the hard headed Israelites. God, give me thick skin for the insults that people I love give when I talk about God and His LOVE. It is hard, but we are told to share the Good New of Jesus even if we are rebuked. Lord, Your spirit is in me. Guide us, your believing children to carry out You Will for our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[@diorocksmetalon5993]

Amen!

[@lindawilson4117]

Ezekiel 3:8 ESV [8] "Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads." We were sent a preacher like this one time . . . . AND no one listened. And our study in Sunday school was the book of Ezekiel. Coincidence? I don't think so.

[@sherylkilpatrick1727]

That moment God makes you remember who you are❤🙌🏻

[@jeankaniewski3091]

Thank you Tara for the encouragement that God made me exactly how He needed me to be. I too can be hard on myself and wonder why I am the way I am at times. He is my God, knows me, and created me for Himself 💕

[@chinitamadrina2150]

I'm 5"3 and an introvert! Lol Tara Leigh, thank you for the encouragement. I have no idea yet what he wants to use me for, but surely he created me for his glory and I'm just following him day by day

[@danabrooks9364]

Same here! 5'3 introvert reporting for duty.. Hopefully I will find out what it is one day.

[@michellemybelle9591]

You can know the TRUTH and still NOT be impacted by it.....

[@catherinescourtis]

I am glad TLC pointed to the Holy Spirit entering Ezekiel which didn't really happen until after the Ascension and the parallels between Jesus's acts and those demanded of Ezekiel - taking on our burdens. I noticed that in correlation to the fact that God repeatedly calls him Son of man and son of man throughout chapters 2-4. This name/title is usually reserved for Jesus. Is Jesus the Spirit indwelling Ezekiel? I don't know but this whole thing is so cool! He's all over the OT! The Triune God is present and working in unison. I love it. Who's thriving inthe OT?!😅❤🎉

[@allisonc9645]

As an introvert and a sensitive person I often remind myself that God made me exactly who I am supposed to be. Can you imagine if he only made extroverted insensitive people! What a loud uncaring world we would live in!! God needs listeners and certainly people sensitive to the needs of those around us.

[@valeriewhite2576]

Hi bible Family ❤️🙌🏾 He's where the Joy is ❤️❤️💯 Have a blessed day in His Presence ❤️

[@karenevans6035]

Day 239 Ezekiel 1-4 A major prophet. This book is 48 chapters long. Ezekiel was exiled into Babylon in the first round of deportation. He starts prophesying several years later. Seven years after this, Jerusalem will fall. Ezekiel is from a line of priests. He is supposed to be a priest when he turns 30 but he is an exile far away from the temple. So God calls him to serve as a prophet. One of Ezekiel‘s most common phrases is, then they will know that I am the Lord. God’s plans revolve around His people getting to know Him. Chapter 1- He has a vision from God. Out of a storm cloud come human yet heavenly creatures with several faces, covered in eyes and magnificent details. We believe he is seeing cherubim because he will describe them in Chapter 10 as cherubim. Ezekiel sees God sitting on a throne. Rainbows, fire, light, metal and jewels are around God. God tells Ezekiel to stand up. The spirit of God lifts him up and enters Him. This is a rare occurrence before Jesus that the Spirit of God comes to dwell in people. The Spirit of God will lift Ezekiel up 3 times and teleport him. Wow. God tells Ezekiel to speak to Israel because they have been rebellious. God has him eat the scroll which has the message for the people. God has him speak to the people of Judah, not the Babylonians holding him captive. God says the Babylonians would have listened, but His own people will not. Interestingly, Ezekiel sadly leaves the presence of the Lord as he is brought to the people. God gives him a week to be among the people before calling them to repentance. I can imagine what a bummer it must’ve been to go from God’s presence to then be put among rebellious people. God gives him case law. Different scenarios for different people. But ultimately consequences for sin are death.All sin demand the death penalty. This is what makes us so grateful for Jesus. That was my penalty, all of our penalty. Since Ezekiel‘s failure to warn people would result in their death, God says if he does not warn them he would get the death penalty also. God has Ezekiel set up a model of Jerusalem and the siege and lie facing it on his left side, looking at it for 390 days. Then turn to the right side for 40 days. Almost 14 months total. He is also supposed to ration his food and water and have chords tied around him during that time. Prob for a portion of time each day. A humbling desperate experience. Ezekiel will experience and bear similar burdens to what those in exile will go through. Bound, starving, thirsty. This is a picture of Christ to come. He would bear our burdens. 3:8-9 God made Ezekiel stubborn to bear His purposes. God made and designed him exactly for what the course of his life and God’s will would be. Those things about yourself you wish were different are often times the things God built into us for reasons we don’t know. Thank you Father for how You made me. Use my personality, body type, strength and weakness for Your special purposes.

[@Letdownyournets]

Thank you Lord for making me just as I am today. My personality isn’t for me but for your glory! ❤

[@jeffandvikipendergrass]

Our responsibility is to do and say what God tells us regardless of how others respond. Just like He told Ezekiel to speak to the people whether they listen or not.

[@allisonc9645]

Oh yes! Thank you for pointing this out! I do often remind myself that I am to follow the nudging of the spirit regardless of the outcome. I’m to do my part, the rest is up to the other person / God to take care of it.

[@eniolaokunlaya142]

Thank you Intentional God ❤🙏

[@AnchoredinHIM]

I love what Tara-Leigh highlights today. "His design for me is consistent with His purpose for me. My personality isn't for ME, it's for His glory." I appreciate that He makes us all unique, different, and special. I tell my class of first graders all the time, year after year, that it's our differences and uniqueness that make us so special, yet sometimes I forget to remember when it comes to myself. If only I were... if only I could. If only I had... whatever I choose to fill in those blanks, God made me and gave me everything I need to be my unique and perfectly (imperfect) self! Just like it makes me sad when I hear my sons or students bashing themselves for one of their God given specialties, God feels the same way (but stronger) when we bash ourselves and wish we were someone we aren't. Ouch. Great reality check and reminder. I also love the reminder that God uses His people to spread the word and introduce them to Him, but the responsibility to listen and change their hard hearts is their own decision. That's between Him and them. Praise the Lord. Please, God. Continue to refine me and sanctify me, use me and my personality for Your plan. Thank you for running after me and embracing me. Thank you for setting me free! I pray in the holy and mighty name of Jesus, Amen! Have a blessed day!

[@SlackerWannaB]

What an encouraging word that God made all of us, exactly as we are, to fulfill his purpose for us.

[@BobbieBland-f8j]

Aloha, praise God, good morning BR family. Glory be to God for who I am. His child made in his own image. Thank God for another great day reading and sharing God's words. He is where the JOY is!!!

[@CotishaMcNair]

God made us all exactly the way we are for a reason. We all have a unique purpose. I’m so glad that God made me this way I am uniquely and wonderfully made. 🙏🏽

[@inh0usegraphics]

This video lesson today really struck a chord with me. Especially the encouragement that God created us according to His purpose for us. I AM that introvert - a 5’8” version, but still. This helps me see that the gifts and talents He has given me actually do fit my personality. And even if it’s not as obvious as in Moses or Abraham, I am usable for His kingdom in a specific way that calls for just what I have to offer. He had a purpose in mind when He made me and I’m ready to celebrate it!

[@carolwalker7354]

Another 5 2 introvert - thank you so much for the encouragement- He truly is where the joy is!!

[@EneidaRios]

So grateful for you! Thank you for helping me understand & clear up the Bible for me. I’ve been a Christian for more than 30 years, but there is ALWAYS something new to learn from & about God! God bless you!🙏🏽 ❤

[@sheilajohnson3383]

I too wished I had been granted an introverted personality instead of one of matter-of-fact. Thank you for sharing that GOD made us this way for a reason.

[@valeriewhite2576]

Good afternoon bible Family excited about the new book of Ezekiel thanks TLC for the teaching and the tips for discerningly scripture ❤❤❤ Have a blessed day in His Presence ❤️🙏🤗

[@Leslie-vz3dr]

That's interesting you wanted to be an introvert! I can't imagine why. Thanks for sharing!

[@diorocksmetalon5993]

Amen Tara-Leigh Cobble! To God be the glory!

[@kallierice]

God uses so much for a purpose even we we don't see a way at all.

[@toyosibiyi]

Following & serving God had always been a spiritual journey but the Israelites thought it to be an outward service rather than inward. 8:48 - My personality isn't for me, it's for His glory. Funny how introverted & shy I can be (I don't like being the spotlight) but recently I've seen God show me evidences that my introvertedness isn't for me to coil up in my bed & just learn but for His name to be known even in the most introverted way I can pass the message across as possible. These days, I'm choosing to lean on His wings because being in the spotlight is a different part of me & will take me a while getting used to such.

[@pinkandpearlsenterprisesll5827]

❤❤❤thank you God

[@linacarmelasardo8458]

Amen. Thank You Father for our unique designs.❤

[@beechannel27]

Wow! I love what you said about the way God designed us being kind. I am so glad that God is strategic. Being a prophet seems like a hard road to walk.

[@jeffandvikipendergrass]

In Ezekiel chapter 3, God had Ezekiel eat the scroll and Ezekiel said it tasted as sweet as honey (Ez 3:3). God's Word is sweet.

[@chariswhaley8798]

I am so glad that you are outspoken

[@diorocksmetalon5993]

Hey Bible Readers!

[@truthdupree9163]

Touch & agreeing with this message GLORY to ABBA🙌🙏🏿

[@allisonc9645]

I’m not sure the people at Ezekiel Bread want us to know this whole story. 🤣

[@DonZimmerman52]

Right: what DO they use to heat their ovens?

[@robins9729]

🤣🤣

[@RM-ck6ov]

​@@DonZimmerman52good question! 😅

[@Alexandria_S1222]

I'm continually reminded what a crazy job it must be to be a profit. It makes me wonder how life looks for profits today!

[@lorenadinzey]

Contentment is sometimes difficult! God help us!

[@KBlue728]

Good point about your God shot!!

[@egl1111]

I find it very intriguing that the total number of years for Israel and Judah's sins equalled 430. That is the same number of years that the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. If you add 430 years from Plymouth Rock (1620), it takes America to the year 2050. I wonder if this is significant?

[@catherinescourtis]

This is very interesting!

[@rachelkoop3547]

I'm 5'2" and an introvert and I would give anything to be just a few inches taller and a lot more outgoing. I'm still trying to figure out why on earth God would make me this way.

[@Chrisp765]

I appreciate your insights and use them when I teach my Sunday school class.

[@debb6898]

We were wondering about the tshirts also. Our church group is doing this study and we are a little behind.

[@gabchristie5305]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@umutesianitha468]

Thank youuuuuuu🎉🎉

[@TheSteveBOliver]

"It's a vegan scroll!" LOL

[@lindawilson4117]

Ezekiel 3:8 ESV [8] "Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads." We were sent a preacher like this one time . . . . AND no one listened. And our study in Sunday school was the book of Ezekiel. Coincidence? I don't think so.

[@melodynowak709]

Poor Ezekiel! To be the prophet of the Lord was a mixed basket. You get the benefit of seeing the Lord and hearing His words. But you have to be a theatrical demonstration of His message to the world. On the other hand, there are some references to Jesus here. God called Ezekiel "Son of Man" which is one way Jesus referred to Himself. And Ezekiel has to bear the sins of his people, innocent but defiled and suffering for things he didn't do.

[@patriciaruth3483]

That’s exactly what I was thinking: how difficult to be called to be a prophet!

[@fiftyfive70]

💙

[@fiftyfive70]

💙

[@jmewms123]

I’m not seeing either of the shirts mentioned in your store. Will they be there anytime soon? I really want one 🤗

[@Tonibolognaaintnophony]

The angels, "living beings", these are also the "us" in Genesis, not Jesus. Ezekiel didn't eat the scroll. It's a metaphor that he internalized the mission he was charged with. Saying he ate it can make others consider doing the same instead of understanding the Word of correctly. Remember, it's a vision. This is an example of teaching what 1 believes instead of what God says. Anything written in the Tanach needs to read the Tanach through the eyes of a Jew, not a Christian. Inserting Jesus where he wasn't intended is teaching falsely.