Scripture: Ezekiel 3.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Ezekiel 3:20-21 (NLT)
²⁰ “If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. And if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths.
²¹ But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself, too.”

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

We could easily apply this vision given to Ezekiel to those who are sharing God’s Word as an Evangelist, or a Pastor or a Preacher, because we often think that these are the folk we pay to deliver the Word of God to the people of the world. However, I was reminded that for those of us that have accepted Jesus as Lord, we too have a responsibility to share the Word of God with those that we come into contact with. In fact, I would encourage you to read this whole chapter and notice how Ezekiel was told that his life depended on his obedience in sharing God’s love with the people of Israel. I find it so interesting how easy we find it to talk with friends about our love experienced in marriage, or from our children, or even from a friend, but yet we are so cautious about sharing God’s love and His goodness – often blaming it on shyness, or being afraid that we would offend someone. What a pitiful bunch we are! The best thing that has ever happened to us, and the best thing that could ever happen to a friend, yet we find excuses to withhold that blessing. Could it be the power of Satan that we allow to overshadow the good that God has done for us, and that He is wanting to accomplish through us? This chapter reveals that disobedience could lead to death for not only our friends that we decide not to warn, but also to us as a penalty for our disobedience. How is it with you friend? I hope that you are less guilty of disobedience than I am today.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, You are well aware of my weaknesses, but I thank You this morning for touching my life and removing the fog from my eyes so that I could see my own weaknesses and disobedience. Please help me to be concerned enough about my family and friends that I would share Your love and Your promise with them very openly and without hesitation. Although not an excuse for me, I don’t believe that I am alone in this state of disobedience dear God, so I pray that through this reminder today, You will reach out to my friend that may read this devotional and that You will impact their life like You have done in my case. May this be a day that Your people will wake up and obey Your Word like Ezekiel did, and may our boldness have an impact on our lost world for You. Thank You for loving me enough to give me another opportunity today. May I be about Your business, is my humble yet bold prayer to You today.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
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