Monday, July 24     

The Elect Keep the Commandments       

Deuteronomy 7:7-11 NRSV

Therefore, observe diligently the commandment—the statutes and the ordinances—that I am commanding you today. (Deuteronomy 7:11)

Why is it sometimes difficult to follow God’s commandments?

Sunday, July 23                        

Ezekiel’s Call to Speak                               

Ezekiel 3:1-11 NRSV

(T)hen go to the exiles, to your people, and speak to them. Say to them, “Thus says the LORD God”; whether they hear or refuse to hear. (Ezekiel 3:11)

Prepare in prayer, be obedient and boldly speak that which God commissions you to speak.

Saturday, July 22                   

Israel Exalted at Last                             

Ezekiel 17:22-24 NRSV

All the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken; I will accomplish it. (Ezekiel 17:24)

Isn’t it good to know that God will accomplish God’s Word? Believe God and watch God’s Word come to pass in your life!

Friday, July 21               

Sentinel Must Convey God’s Message          

Ezekiel 3:12-21 NRSV

Mortal, I have made you a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. (Ezekiel 3:17)

Pray to God for the strength to deliver God’s Word even if you are afraid it will not be received.

Thursday, July 20         

Written Edict Stops Jewish Calamity             

Esther 8:7-10 NRSV

The king’s secretaries were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews and to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one hundred twenty-seven provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language. (Esther 8:9)

Esther was a strong and brave woman. Can you think of a time when you had to be brave in order to support a friend or family member?