“When my spirit was overwhelmed…”

June 11, 2024June 10, 2024Leave a comment

“When my spirit was overwhelmed…” those are the words David wrote at a very tumultuous time in his life. He spent many days on the run, hiding, with his life hanging in the balance because the current king, Saul by name, had it in his mind to kill David without a second thought. Therefore David ran, with many days running together into a blur of trying to stay out of Saul’s target range just to remain alive.

Some of those running experiences took him to a certain cave. David was known for staying in a cave referred to as Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1). This was a hiding place for him, but it was also a gathering place for his brothers and those from his father’s house to join him. Some others who were also in “distress” and dealing with other issues of discontentment of the way things were joined forces with him as well in that place (1 Samuel 22:2). There, David became a captain over this group of men, but also there, David prayed.

A life spent hiding in a cave and on the run is not a life anyone with a promise on him would deliberately sign up for. But, this is where David found himself and it was overwhelming. He has already been driven into the wilderness. He had already escaped the throw of a javelin more than once that was purposed to end his life. He had already dealt with a king whose anger, fear, and jealousy were eating him up and caused him to eye David with a suspicion that made his every step miserable. He knew if he didn’t flee he would die and if he didn’t pray to the only God who could comfort and strengthen him through this whole situation, he would collapse because he was weak from it all.

That was one of the special things about David: he knew how to pray (Psalm 142:1-2). He knew how to take everything he was facing to the Lord without hesitation. It didn’t matter if he was dealing with enemies such as Saul, or if he was dealing with his own sin (Psalm 51) – David knew that there are times in this life that are just plain old overwhelming, and rather than get crushed, he prayed to the true God who could redeem him from the crush; who could lift him above that trials and the storms, and strengthen and heal the brokenness he was dealing with.

In that, David knew all that he was going through had never escaped God’s notice. Every heart-rending prayer, every night of dealing with the unease of another attack from Saul, and every moment that caused him to be anxious over his situation, David confidently believed and stated, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path,” (Psalm 142:3). Trouble may have seemed like it was following him everywhere he was going, but so were the eyes of God. There was never a time when he was off of God’s radar, and neither are we.

Listen, we may not be hiding in a cave, but there may be other things that we are dealing with that cause us concern, and make us feel weak as if the world is crashing in us. We may be in our own cave experience without a cave, but the same God who knew the path David was on, is the same God that knows the way you take also. Psalm 139 assures us that God sees every part of us and He knows everything about us. He knows our beginning from our end. He sees. He knows. Our paths are not hidden from Him. Everything is opened before Him! Every trial, every test, every burden that you carry, and every overwhelming thing you are facing, God is very much aware of it all. As our Sovereign, Heavenly Father, you dear child of God, are on His mind, and He knows.

He knows how hard it is for you right now. He knows when the paths they push you on is unfair. He knows the tears that you have cried all night long. He knows the heartbreak that you constantly face. He knows when some are against you and try to tear you down. He knows it all.

When overwhelmed, David found comfort in releasing the pressure of everything he was feeling into the only hands that could truly help. He released all his worries and pent-up frustrations into the hands of God. He prayed and poured out every burden he was carrying at the throne of grace. When nobody else stood with him, he prayed to the only God who would be there with him through the thick and thin of life, and he placed his confidence in Him.

Though situations may have tossed him about, they never tossed his faith. David stayed planted with his hope steadfastly anchored in God. Friend, whatever overwhelming situation you are facing today, I pray that you would mimic the steps David took in dealing with the hardships of life, and take it to the Lord in prayer. And, not only take to Him in prayer but keep your hope anchored in Him as well.

At the end of David’s Psalm 142 prayer, he stated boldly and confidently, “For thou shall deal bountifully with me,” (vs. 7). David knew, in the end, faithfulness always wins out. We may not be able to personally do anything about some of the stuff we face, but God can. If we don’t quit; if we handle our “overwhelming” moments by remaining secured in the God who can save, heal, and deliver – no matter what distress or hardship we currently face, in the end, God has the final say over it. Believe as David believed and trust God through it all.

Life can feel overwhelming at times, but nothing we face will ever overwhelm God. When everything seems to come crashing down all around you, God is the one who can raise you above it all. Every dark night, He can turn into a day. In times of mourning, He can bring comfort. In the days when you see nothing but ashes, He can make it into something beautiful. In the cave experiences of our life, we can find hope, because He knows and will be there with us through it all. “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” (Psalm 61:2).

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What to do with days when things just aren’t going right?

May 17, 2024May 15, 2024Leave a comment

What to do with this day when things aren’t clicking and time keeps ticking? When things refuse to fall into the designated places you had for them? When it feels like it’s completely squashed before it starts? So many plans lay ahead but the weight, the feeling, and the pressure of it all leaves one with a sense of having things unaccomplished and unfulfilled. To look on the outside, it seems that everyone else is getting on with this day and their doings, but the fight in here, right now, and the press that comes with it, it just doesn’t seem to want to work out. All the gears for all the mechanics of this day are present, in place, and spinning, but they are just not grabbing correctly to move what we are trying to achieve successfully.

What to do with this day when there seems to be conflict and strain with one another? When relationships don’t hug the way you want them to hug or love in a way you want to be loved? When misunderstandings, assuming, and yes, even one’s own personal views on a matter put barriers between the spirit of fellowship and love. When hurts cause one’s steps to move ever so fragile as if on eggshells, fearing the disappointment and disapproval of someone else?

What to do with this day when rogue feelings break away from the pack you had planned for the day and invade and try to rob you of the potential joy that lay ahead in the hours to come? Thieves of insecurity. Thieves of shame. Thieves of feeling woefully torn. These thieves come with many hideous and damaging names. The day was brand new and fresh at the start, but that didn’t stop these unwanted parasitic nuisances from latching on and tainting it with the feelings of mess-ups, adversity, pain, and disappointments from your yesterdays.

So, what to do with these kinds of days when our plans, people, or feelings just don’t want to cooperate with the vision you had set for it?

Give it to God! That one answer tells us how to deal with it, the proper response to it, and what to do with the rest of it. This is not some Christian rhetoric or cliche. It is a solid truth that we can stand on and base our faith upon. We give it to God.

The real truth is that at any given time on any given day, we will all or have all experienced one or many of the daily upsets listed above (and sometimes even more than these). It is all a part of life, a part that can really throw us off-kilter if we don’t process it right and deal with it in the right way.

Therefore, when everything is going absolutely bonkers, sometimes without rhyme or reason; when nothing within our power or control is working, we give it all to Him who has all power and control. Not as a mythical genie creature whose bottle we rub to have things or people turn out how we want them to. But, as releasing it to His majesty and sovereign will. It’s saying, “I trust you, God.” Whether this day turns out how I configured it or not, my plans, my people, my times, my heart, and my feelings are all in Your hands.

God is not only the Creator of all the universe and the Author of all mankind, but He is concerned about your daily needs for each individual day also. All the areas that need filling, all the upsets that need dealing with, all the plans that need to be taken care of, and all the worries that bog us down – He’s concerned about it all.

But, as we release the day to Him we must also realize His best answer for us may be to not move everything or anything into the places where we see fit. Sometimes, His best answer for what we are going through with this day is to let us learn from it, experience it, and still maintain trust in Him. Regardless of how it goes forward, despite what we feel in the process, no matter who we are dealing with and how we are dealing with them – He still sees it all, knows it all, and has it all in His loving and powerful hands.

So, when days like this come, we give it to God, step back, and just trust Him for every part of it.

Here are some verses and prayers to hold in your heart when the days just aren’t going right for you:

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Father God, I acknowledge that I don’t know everything about this day, my future, or even how to properly respond to it all. I pray for Your leading to show me the right path to walk so that my life might be pleasing in Your sight. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Father God, the end of all things may be vague to me or even remain a mystery. Help my heart hold on to the very real fact that You knew me from the beginning and You know how my story ends; and that if I am in Your hands, then I am in Your plan. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Psalm 126:6 “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Father God, my tears and confusion for the day, You see it all. Help me to know that it is not all in vain. Let my confidence be in You and Your love for me above all else, knowing that for every sadness, there will be joy. When You restore, for every sorrow sown there will be a reaping of happiness and peace. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Be Patient | Words to Live By

May 11, 2024November 18, 2024Leave a comment

When it doesn’t go your way… be patient.

When it doesn’t fall into place as you imagined… be patient.

When it doesn’t seem fair… be patient.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Everything that is not like God will fade away, but you who endure to the end and remain patiently in hope, will see the reward of your perseverance. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” James 5:7

Remembering…

May 3, 2024January 13, 2025Leave a comment

“𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒍𝒅…” 𝑫𝒆𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚 32:7.

As I write these articles and begin the editing process, it will sometimes require me to go through old photos to post with the article. Often, I come across times of family events, vacations, and the like and in my mind, I am allowed to momentarily relive and remember those precious moments.

Today is a good day for reflection. It may be Monday and the beginning of the week, or it may be a Wednesday, a Friday, or a Sunday, but if we just take a moment to think about God’s goodness and where He has brought us from, oh, the impact that would have for this day! The remembrance of His holy protection and love that has carried us this far could ignite a fire of passion inside us to do more, to be more, and to come up to where He wants us more.

The status quo goes into these given days’ business as usual. We can enter with a refreshed spirit and a new mindset because we remember, and our past has already testified that God has been there for us. So far, we have survived everything we have been through, and it is because of His power, His grace, and His mercy that has been directing and covering us. No, the path hasn’t always been easy. But we are here today because of the love of God at work in our lives and the belief that He has so much more in store for us.

Remembering and reflecting on the old days would reassure our hearts and souls that no matter what I am facing today, God is still faithful. Looking back reminds us, that He didn’t bring us this far to leave us. Recalling His goodness tells us, that if He did it once, He’ll do it again. The mindset is our God is able, He has before, and He will again be there for us through it all.

Today has just started, but because of the God in our lives, we can already see a victorious end. This day might be brand new, but it’s not new to Him. He has our days numbered. We are in His thoughts. He knows all about us, and it is in Him we rest and believe for so much more. The journey of our soul will keep pushing ahead because we believe God has held us thus far, and He will hold us through today as well.

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Blessings~

“Study Him!”

April 26, 2024April 19, 2024Leave a comment

“The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them,” Psalm 111:2, NKJV

Why such doubt? Why such confusion? Have you studied Him? Have you studied the works of our God?

Open your understanding to the truth of who He is. Open, and expand your knowledge of our Heavenly Father. Seek Him, and search Him out. As the greatest treasure that is to be found, don’t stop digging till you have unearthed His glorious truths.

“His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever,” (Psalm 111:3, NKJV). So, dig deep, my friends, and find Him for yourself.

Look through His holy pages and see Him. See what He has done. See the testimonies of the lives that have walked in those written lines. See the things He performed in them and through them. See what He continues to do even in this day. See, and believe.

For where the truth of this treasure is, it leaves no room for doubt and confusion. Truth eats up the empty spaces that make room for lies.

Therefore, study Him. Let not your appetite be quenched by the false junk and ideologies of this age. Take your fill of God, our Father. Learn of Him. Explore Him, and you will not only be satisfied with that which nourishes for all eternity, but you will enter an abundant adventure of a lifetime today (John 10:10).

It’s there, in those pages of the Bible. Seek Him. He’s not hiding from you. Study Him, and enrich your own life further and deeper than you could have ever imagined.

“He has made His wonderful works to be remembered . . .” Psalm 111:4, NKJV

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You are not forgotten! | An Isaiah 49:15 Devotional

April 17, 2024January 14, 2025Leave a comment

“Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;” Job 29:2

Have you ever experienced these same thoughts that Job expressed? Have difficult times ever made you look back to times when you felt everything in your world was right? When adversity strikes and we deal with things we do not understand, I am sure many of us like Job take our mind’s eye to those past days when trouble wasn’t knocking on our door.

The difficulty of the days he was presently in caused Job to look at those previous times as times of favor, saying, that’s when “God preserved me”. But now, his expressions tell a different story of what his feelings are feeling. His troubles caused him to think that just because he was going through adversity, God was not as presently with him as before.

Little did Job know, and many times we need to be reminded, that just as God was with us in the good times, so too is He with us in the troubling times. It may look different than we are used to seeing it, and it may feel different, but just because we don’t understand and may question it, it doesn’t negate the fact that God is presently near, watching, and keeping His people.

Jesus taught, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

A bird sold is not forgotten before God, and neither was Job, and neither are you. Our value before God is so precious and more than we could ever imagine. The clouds that come during those dark days may try to hide that fact, but the truth of God’s Word is a fact, that no matter how we feel or how hard it may seem, God is still there for us. Even if you are dealing with hurtful situations and even if you feel like you have been wronged, God’s loving eyes see and His precious hands are working behind the scenes, holding you, loving on you, and valuing you when others may not.

Difficult times are difficult because they are not easy. During these times, see Him with eyes of faith. See that He is still with you and that you have not been left in this alone (Hebrews 13:5). Take your cares, your disappointments, your hurts, and your discouragements to God in prayer. He is there listening. And trust me, He does care.

Just because it hurts it does not mean He’s not feeling what you are feeling (Hebrews 4:15). And just because we can’t figure out all this stuff, God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), and we must trust Him with it, and with all the times in between.

God is here for you today, God is here. Regardless of what you feel or are going through, you are not forgotten.

“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Isaiah 49:15

Instinctively His!

April 12, 2024March 26, 2025Leave a comment

As I sit here working on another writing project I glance out my window to ponder a thought. Upon doing so, a squirrel captures my attention and I am altogether fascinated by what I see. He is hopping in mid-air from branch to branch without what seems to be care or thought in the world.

What I mean is he doesn’t stop to measure the distance to see if he can make it, nor does he seem to contemplate the physics involved that would put a web-using superhero to shame as he sails through the air, grabbing hold of the next limb, and going again with ease of effort.

Instinctively he knows and is wired to map out the trees and venture through them without slip or fail in a matter of seconds.

Every creature of God has ingrained instincts. We are all born with a sense of knowing. For some those senses are geared toward survival and protection. Some naturally know how to camouflage in order to ward off predators or to find food. Others are excellent skill-building machines that know how to make stable houses for their families in the harshest climates.

Back to our friend the squirrel. As he bounces through the trees with his ingrained knowing, not worrying or stressing over life, I must ask, dear child of God, are we navigating life with the same confidence? He, the squirrel, is wired to know what to do and how to live by what’s inside of him. What of us?

The Bible tells us, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world,” (1 John 4:4). As we are going about life we are to know in whom we belong. “You are of God!” the Word tells us. Therefore, because of our holy lineage, because of how we are wired through the blood of Jesus Christ, you and me are to instinctively operate like the “greater” is in you.

When faced with the adversities of life our holy intuitiveness should kick in; faith should carry us into our spiritual survival mode and say, “Hey, wait a minute! I am more than this! I won’t give in! I won’t quit! I KNOW to whom I belong! I KNOW He that is on the inside of me, and He is greater than anything and everything I am facing!”

Our friend the squirrel went from branch to branch without worrying because he knew what was inside of him. Do you know Who is in you today? If you are a child of God you have the greatest living inside of you and you have to instinctively know within yourself that you are His. Let that knowing empower you as you swing through the trees of life today.

Text free Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com

“Be Hopeful!”

April 2, 2024April 1, 2024Leave a comment

“For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.” Psalm 71:5-6

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on despite it all. And so today I still have a dream.” Life goes on and dreams fade. Aspirations and ideas that were once prevalent, now sit in a dusty corner of our sub-conscience only to be peeked at from time to time. But, what we are learning is today, that does not have to happen. Today we can remain hopeful. That it’s not too late!

Hopelessness kills this world. It’s like a ravenous disease spreading from individual to individual, house to house, community to community, city to city until everywhere we look all that is seen is what looks like people drowning in the distresses of this life. Barely holding onto a fading thread of what could be in order to make it through another day. There is no vigor for or in life. It’s just a daily trudging through, each step getting harder and harder.

No wonder so many give up and are found sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else go by. An individual can attend a thousand motivational seminars but if he walks away without true hope then nothing was accomplished. No real help can come of it because without real hope, as Dr. King stated, “you lose the vitality that keeps life moving.” But, when one can begin to get a glimpse of what could be, through faith, through the eyes of God, they can begin to see that there can be a greater tomorrow, or better yet, a greater day today for them.

I believe this psalmist knew the secret. As dismal as life can be sometimes he knew that there was a reason to believe that this all would get better. All he had to do was view the evidence of the working hand of God that was already performed in his life. He said, “You are my hope. . . my trust from my youth.” The fact that we have made it this far from way back then is proof of His sovereignty over our lives. By His strength, we have been blessed to be here today to tell of His goodness; to say, “I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.” So, “my praise shall be continually of thee.“

You have a reason to remain hopeful. This is not the final chapter. There is more to your story than this. I don’t believe God brought you through this far to not complete what He has in store for you. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). It is not over yet. We still have hope!

You can declare, “Today will be different. Today I make the choice to ignore all the negative stuff that’s trying to override the promises of God. Today, I turn my back on my problems and turn my eyes to Jesus, ‘the author and finisher of our faith,’ (Heb. 12:2). I have more important things to occupy my mind with rather than all of these trials and tribulations. All I have to do is remember how He has kept me thus far. Remember, how He has brought me through to see this day. Then, I can have hope that what He did once before, He’ll do it again.”

Hope! Stay anchored in Him, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,” (Heb. 6:19). He shall not be moved. Therefore, since He is not moved and I am in Him – I shall not be moved. Hope!

Never stop being hopeful for with it comes possibilities. Believe what you can’t see. Grab hold of what you can’t touch, and hope! If you still have a dream then there must be hope to feed it. Who knows what you will be capable of doing unless you give yourself a chance and remain hopeful.

Sunday School Lesson – “Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River” Ezekiel 47:1-12

March 20, 2024July 22, 2025Leave a comment

VERSE DISCOVERY: Ezekiel 47:1-12 (KJV, Public Domain)

One day, Jesus, walking with His disciples, felt compelled to go through Samaria (John 4:4). Resting on a well while His disciples proceeded into the city to buy food (v.8), He had an encounter with a woman from Samaria who came seeking water (v.7). Seeing her intent, Jesus asked, “Give me to drink.”

Her response was nothing unusual for the days they lived in. Knowing the animosity that was between the Jews and the Samaritans, she stated what was to her a normal fact: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans” (v.9).

Jesus, bypassing her hesitation to reach her heart, said to her, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:10, 14; emphasis added).

Water is life-sustaining. No matter what climate or environment one dwells in, water is a mandatory need that must be met to thrive physically. For Jesus, to identify what He has to offer as “water springing up into everlasting life” is triumphal. It meets the soul’s deepest need and satisfies all that is required spiritually for one to enter life everlasting.

Living water springing up into everlasting life is picturesque of this lesson. In this portion of Ezekiel’s visions (for he had many), there is a life-giving river that flows from the sanctuary of God, healing all it touches much like our Lord promised the woman at the well of Samaria.

The Beginning Flow

Ezekiel 47:1, 2 “Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.”

When traveling through uncharted, unfamiliar territories, places where your feet have not stepped before, nor have your eyes seen, it is always wise to have someone along who can lead the way and show you things you may miss or not understand.

During this vision, Ezekiel has such a person to help him navigate and understand what he is witnessing. The one escorting him is simply referred to as “the man” (Ezekiel 40:1-4), or “he” here in verse 1.

The Bible does not clarify who “the man” is, but he has walked with Ezekiel through several visions, unfolding the truth of each one along the way.

Whoever “the man” was, he knew his way around and he knew what he was talking about. Therefore, Ezekiel, in faith, continued to follow his lead, learning what God wanted him to learn along the way. Truths for himself. Truths for the people of the day. And truth for us as well.

In this lesson, he is brought back to the door of the temple, or “house.” It was here that he saw something unusual and out of the ordinary. Water was flowing from under the threshold of the door of the temple. This was a sight to see for Ezekiel, but even more so for us being that other verses of the Bible speak of the same thing occurring.

Joel 3:18 speaks about “a fountain shall come forth out of the house of the LORD.” And Zechariah 14:8 tells us, “living waters shall go out from Jerusalem.”

Traveling to the end of the Bible, there is a very vivid picture of this life-giving river and its source which was “Proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1).

Ezekiel became an eyewitness to a phenomenon of God. A miracle was unfolding before his eyes, reminding us of what the prophet Isaiah once wrote: “Every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters…” (55:1).

There is a miracle unfolding in the house of God for all who will come to Him.

The man had taken Ezekiel out of the north gate and brought him around to the gate that “looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side” (v. 2).

Some may ask why they traveled this path? Why not just go directly out the east gate to witness this phenomenon?

Let us travel back in history a bit to find out.

First, let’s talk about Ezekiel and why he was having these visions in the first place. He was a prophet/priest who was ministering God’s word to the captives in Babylon, and unfortunately, they were noted as being rebellious people (Ezekiel 2:3,7).

Through many demonstrations and illustrations, God relayed His message through Ezekiel to the people. Then, we reach Ezekiel 8, where in another vision, Ezekiel is shown the following: “Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary?…” (Ez. 8:6).

Reaching Ezekiel 10, he then saw God’s glory depart from the temple because of the wickedness of the people.

By the time we reach Ezekiel 43, and after much goings on in between the two references, the Bible tells us, “And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east” (Ez. 43:4).

Because of this, Ezekiel 44:2 says, “Then said the Lord unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.” So, no man can tread through there.

The Increasing Flow

Ezekiel 47:3-5 “And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.”

After coming out of the gate and witnessing the “waters on the right side” (v. 2), our focus is then brought back to “the man” who was leading Ezekiel through this vision, and who now has a measuring “line in his hand.”

Moving “eastward,” in the same direction as the water flow, the man began to take measurements. Marking out “a thousand cubits” following the water flow, they found the waters to be to the “ankles.”

Measuring in “cubits” was the normal practice of the day. It was usually the length of a man’s elbow to the top of his middle finger, or approximately 18 inches long.

The man repeats his measurements of “a thousand cubits” three more times. Going through the waters till we see the measurements and the depth of the water reach the “knees,” the “loins,” and lastly, until the waters are too deep for wading and the only choice left was to “swim” in it.

Although we are not given specifics for the growing depth and spreading of the waters, we fully appreciate all they touch and the effects they produce.

The Healing Flow

Ezekiel 47:6-10 “And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.

Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.

And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”

The man, addressing Ezekiel asked, “Son of man, hast thou seen this?”

In previous visions, when he witnessed the wickedness of the people and their abominations of worship, he probably wished he could unsee and forget that horrible sight. But now, what he sees is so wonderful and so refreshing, because what he is witnessing is a testament to what God wants to do through His mercy and restoration power.

The Bible says, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Yet, God allowed Ezekiel this illustrative preview of the glorious.

God has stuff in store that will blow your mind, and you want to be very attentive to see every bit of it.

“Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.” Where the water flowed, vegetation appeared in abundance. Both sides of the river were thick with “trees.”

Trees that are planted by water tend to do great in their growth. All they absorb from the river gives them the nutrients to not only develop and increase, but to thrive (compare Psalm 1:3). One may assume that’s why there are “very many” of them present in the vision.

“Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.” No wonder there are so many trees. “These waters” are healing waters. This is the result of flowing from the sanctuary. Anything that flows from where God resides must be healed or made whole.

That little trickle that started at the threshold impacted everything it touched, and what follows is abundance. They are experiencing an outpouring of the bounty of God’s power in action. God has the cure for everything that needs to be restored!

“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.” Don’t you love it when you see the word “shall” attached to the promises and blessings of God? It speaks of the authority of the author of the words to make happen what was said to happen. It is essentially a command word, and here the command is to “live.”

Wherever “these waters” flow, life flows with it. Whatever the river touches, it will be penetrated by the power of God. Wherever the currents move – life, restoration, and healing will be stirred in the ripples of it.

Why? “For they shall be healed.” Since we’ve already discussed the healing of the waters in the previous section, let’s focus on what occurred after the waters moved through these rivers.

One thing we noticed is that now, as opposed to its previous condition, “there shall be a very great multitude of fish.”

A significant note indeed, considering the body of waters being referenced is none other than the Dead Sea, whose extremely high salt content makes it impossible for life to exist there.

But when the waters that flow from the sanctuary touch that which was dead, life springs forth anew. Fish are not only able to inhabit that which was considered uninhabitable, but they thrive “because these waters shall come thither.”

“Fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim” and cast out their nets with guaranteed results of a good catch.

Today, there are myriad ways for people to catch fish. Some launch out in boats. Some have waterproof bibbed overalls that equip them to walk deeper in the water where the fish are. Visiting beach areas you may find some positioning themselves on a pier or a bridge to let down their lines into the waters.

Depending on the type of fishing and fish one is looking for, methods such as airboats, sonar, different baits and bobbers are used to guarantee a good catch. But none of those tricks and tactics would be needed in this river. Put away your new-fangled gadgets and gizmos, because all they had to do was stand on the side, and fish.

A fisherman’s paradise, if you will, because of the abundance.

So. Many. Fish. This wasn’t a man-made, pre-stocked pond that made catching easy. Nor was it a catch-and-release program. The abundance experienced here was because of the miracle flowing from the sanctuary.

Not only was there abundance in numbers, but there was abundance in “kinds,” or species of fish: “Their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”

Science has tried to put a number on the many species of fish that may swim in this planet’s waters. But they are only what is known to us. It seems the more we explore, the more we find out. I don’t know how many different species of fish swimming in these waters in this lesson are, but it was so much that it was noted here: “exceeding many.”

Ezekiel 47:11 “But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.”

God, on purpose, let an area remain unaffected by the flow of healing waters. There are many speculations about why it goes untouched, but none substantiated by the Word. For His reasons, God commanded it to remain as is. This really exemplifies the sovereignty of God at work in all areas of life. If He commands healing, then it shall be healed. If He commands a condition to stay in the state that it is, then we can rest knowing that it is still a part of His perfect plan and that there must be a divine purpose at work even if we don’t know why. Romans reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (8:28).

Ezekiel 47:12 “And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.”

We see nearly the exact thing written by John in Revelation 22:2 where it says, “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

In both instances, there are the trees with fruit every month, and leaves adorned for healing or “medicine.” All because of those life-giving waters that support them.

The culmination of all that God is doing and touching is with the end result of healing and restoration; to bring new life.

Is this not what Jesus promised the woman at the well? “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Everlasting life. Does that not speak of being wholly restored and healed for all eternity? Does that not reverse the curse of sin and bring life to the place that was dead?

Let us take heed to the call of Isaiah: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters,” (55:1). There is life, the power of His Spirit, waiting to touch and heal all that come. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” (Romans 6:23).

PDF Full Printable Sunday School Lesson Pack (With easy to read instructions following the P.E.A.R.L. format on how to conduct each lesson with areas for adding personal notes): Sunday School Lesson – Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River

Recommended Activities:

Water Bottle Verse:

Water is life-sustaining. There is no hiding the value it has for our physical health. But what about our spiritual health?

Jesus told the woman of Samaria, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:10, 14).

Copy, cut out, and attach/tape these verses to your water bottles (disposable or other) throughout this week. These verses will not only serve as a reminder of what Christ offers us, but they can also be used as a witnessing tool to others. Click here for a free water bottle verse printable ► Water Bottle Verse

Game Idea for younger students: To the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” sing this modified version indicating the flow of the increasing, healing waters found in Ezekiel’s vision. Sing:

“Ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders,

Hips and shoulders.

Ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders,

Hips and shoulders.

Healing the trees,

And fish,

And waters.

Ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders,

Hips and shoulders.” © Word for Life Says

Adult Journal Page: Adult Journal Page – Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River

Kid’s Journal Page: Kid’s Journal Page – Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River

Blank Journal Page: These pages, one designed for adults and one for children, can be used to bring out, remember, or write a particular part of the lesson you wish for you and/or your class to focus on. Click>>Blank Adult and Kid’s Journal Pages to access the journal pages.

Draw the Scene: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Draw the Scene

Simple Coloring Sheet: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Simple Coloring Sheet

Leaf Lace-Up Craft: This simple craft connects the children with the effects this life-giving river has on the fruit and the leaves of the trees. Use PDF: Ezekiel 47 12 Lace Up Leaf to put together this simple, yet fun activity. Print out on cardstock and use a hole punch to put holes around the leaf. Use any materials you have lying around for lacing: yarn, string, pipe cleaners, etc. I used crumbled party streamers. Go figure! Enjoy!