Morning Devotions by Sheila Lloyd

Day Thirty Seven

Portions from Ezekiel 47:1-12 During the vision that the Lord gave to Ezekiel about the temple of God:

"The man brought me(Ezekiel) back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple...the water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar...he led me through water that was ankle deep...through water that was knee deep...through water that was up to the waist...now it was a river that I could not cross because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in -- a river that no one could cross. He asked me, 'Son of man, do you see this?' Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me...swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows...where the river flows everything will live...fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing."

I read this passage just after speaking to a new sister in Christ, a gifted violinist whom I had the pleasure to play with last weekend during a time of anointed worship. The Lord's presence was so richly in the music that we were just carried away and overwhelmed in worship! It was one of those evenings that I will treasure in my heart for the rest of my life.

When I read this passage in Ezekiel, I was struck with the imagery of the river as a symbol of worship through music that brings healing and life! First of all, the river flows from the altar of God in the temple. The altar was in the Holy of Holies, the most anointed and sacred place where the presence of Almighty God dwelt. (Ex.26:31-35; Hebrews 10:19-23 )

Friends, that is true when we worship our God! Our lives are renewed, our spirits are refreshed; God gives new vision and new energy. He bears fresh fruit through us to bring us pleasure and peace and to bring glory to His name! (Galatians 5:22-25)

Next the river is knee deep.

Then waist high...now we're learning, right? We are bathing ourselves in the Word, seeking after the Lord, wanting to grow in His love, desiring that our lives match up with our talk.

The next image is that the river is deep enough to swim in! Oh friends! This just thrilled my heart and brought tears to my eyes! Oh that we would grasp how long and wide and high and deep is the love of Christ! (Ephesians 3:14-19) May we be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God! Glory to His name! It just makes me want to sing!

Where the river flows everything lives! We serve a God of life and life abundant. (John 10:10-11 ) I am not talking about the abundance of the world, although certainly the Lord blesses us with tangible things as well. But I am speaking more about the abundance of life that is found when we totally surrender to His will, when we fix our eyes on Him, when we find the joy that surpasses knowledge of just being in His presence. Friends, that kind of worship will change our lives! That kind of worship brings healing in every form -- spiritual, emotional, relational and physical.

I pray that would swim in the ocean of the Lord Almighty's presence through worship!

Day Thirty Six

Portions from Ezekiel 47:1-12 During the vision that the Lord gave to Ezekiel about the temple of God:

I see this river flowing from God's presence, embodying His power and peace, and flowing as a rushing river in a wide path. Everything in the path of the river was full of life, was fruitful, was renewed and fresh. Friends, that is true when we worship our God! Our lives are renewed, our spirits are refreshed; God gives new vision and new energy. He bears fresh fruit through us to bring us pleasure and peace and to bring glory to His name! (Galatians 5:22-25 )

First the river was only ankle deep...at times our worship doesn't have much energy, does it? Perhaps it is because there is sin in our lives, or maybe we are just not spending the time in the Word and in prayer. Next the river is knee deep. Then waist high...now we're learning, right? We are bathing ourselves in the Word, seeking after the Lord, wanting to grow in His love, desiring that our lives match up with our talk.

The next image is that the river is deep enough to swim in! Oh friends! This just thrilled my heart and brought tears to my eyes! Oh that we would grasp how long and wide and high and deep is the love of Christ! (Ephesians 3:14-19 ) May we be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God! Glory to His name! It just makes me want to sing!

I pray that would swim in the ocean of the Lord Almighty's presence through worship!

Day Thirty Five

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!"

Psalm 139: 14a

Cookie cutters are very handy. You can choose one and know that you will have 15 dozen cookies that are the exact same size and shape. This is reassuring when you are say, making Christmas cookies and want your presentation to look especially impressive. Or, perhaps you are doing a large tray for a party - you can just slap some different colors and have picture perfect cookies which look like they belong in a Southern Living holiday edition. (By the way, mine never do look like that!)

God doesn't make cookie cutter Christians! He doesn't have a favorite mold that He merely uses over and over again. It's not as though he picks out a star shape, rolls out a length of human tissue and makes cut outs that all look exactly alike. We know this! It's as obvious as the nose on our face - literally! Look around, you will not find two people who have identical noses. Even identical twins are not exactly the same. Human beings come in all shapes, sizes, skin colors, various eye colors, body shapes, eights, and heights. There are so many different nationalities, each with features which stand out, and yet, even in those ethnicities are innumberable differences in individuals' appearance.

So, why do we believe that all Christians should be alike? Perhaps we don't often say it out loud, but it does pervade our thinking many times.

Just as human beings are varied in physical traits and appearance, so also we differ in giftings, passions, talents, abilities, intellect, information processing, creativity, thought patterns and ways of interacting with others.

We need to appreciate our differences - our unique qualities - not be threatened by them or intimidated by them. I realize this is easier said than done! I am not saying here that we need to tolerate sin or abusive behavior. And certainly, each individual must be constantly examining him or herself and being ever molded into the likeness of Christ Jesus.

I am simply saying that let's try to appreciate one another's giftings and personalities - and appreciate and embrace our own talents and abilities as well. Too often we compare ourselves to other Christians and say things like, "Well, if I only could sing like ___, then I would be more useful to God." or, "God could really use me if I could only preach the Word like ___ or write so passionately like ____."

In the Kingdom of God, "the Body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts." (1 Cor. 12:12 ) God has designed each of us with unique traits, gifts, passions and abilities to be used for the common good and the glory of God! Read 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Instead of feeling intimidated or envious of one another's gifts, we should praise God for His creativity. We can be excited to see how the various individuals can use their God-given talents together to advance the Kingdom!

God made you exactly as He wanted to! You are special! Yes, those words on preschool walls are true, "God made me, and He doesn't make mistakes!"

Spend some time reading Psalm 139 . Put YOUR name in and make this psalm personal.

Now, pray through that psalm, thanking God for the wonder of His creation - YOU.

Day Thirty Four

Jesus said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also,

because that is why I was sent."

Luke 4:43

Early in Jesus' ministry - after his baptism by the Holy Spirit and after his temptation in the desert - there are several references that tell us he was widely acclaimed. Luke 4:14-15 says, "Jesus returned [after being tempted in the desert] to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in the synagogues, and everyone praised him." Again in Luke 4:22 we read, "All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips."

Then Jesus began to move outside his home town to nearby towns and cities. Luke 4:31-32 says, "Then he went down to Capernaum...and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority." In verses 36-37 it says, "All the people were amazed and said to each other, 'What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!' And the news bout him spread throughout the surrounding area."

In the next section of Luke chapter 4 (verses 38-41), we read how Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law and then how "as the sun was setting" the house is flooded with people seeking Jesus for healing. Jesus indeed healed them and even cast many demons out of individuals. The intense time of ministry appears to have lasted all night long because in Luke 4:42 it says, "At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place."

Have you ever experienced such an intense yet wonderful time of ministry that continued for an extended period of time - whether hours, days, months or even years? Isn't it a thrill to watch the Lord work and see people respond to the Holy Spirit with willing hearts and surrendered lives? Although physically, emotionally and spiritually draining if you are one of the facilitators, such an experience in ministry is also completely invigorating! Jesus must have had all of these thoughts and emotions, since the Bible tells us that he was fully human and experienced life as we do. (Hebrews 2:17-18 ; Hebrews 4:14-16 ; 1 Timothy 3:16 ; Romans 8:2-4 )

But Jesus also had a vastly different perspective: He was fully Divine! He knew the future. He saw the events down the road and was painfully aware that he certainly would not always receive such praise from these townspeople. No doubt some of the same ones rejoicing and praising him for healing an ailment would also hurl insults and stones at him as he carried the cross up to Golgotha. Could it have been the weight of these realizations that led him to draw away "to a solitary place?" When Mark records this incident in 1:35, he includes the words, "to pray."

I wonder how much time Jesus got to spend in that quiet place that morning. Did He watch the sun that He created peek over the horizon and marvel at the vastly different perspective from this planet? Did He add any colors to the sunrise? Did any birds or animals come to pay homage to their Master? Was his heart filled with compassion as He remembered those He had just healed, seeing adoration and worship and thankfulness in their eyes?

Luke 4: 42b says, "The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them."

Have you ever done ministry in a place where the people loved you so much that they didn't want you to leave them? Where they adored you and listened to you and appreciated you? Where they begged you to stay?

The Apostle Paul did. (Acts 18:20 & 19:13-38) I have as well. Boy! It is hard to leave those places! And yet, there comes a time when the Lord reaffirms His calling in your heart - the larger picture of what He wants you to do - and you must say a hard goodbye. Acts 20:36-38 records a heart-wrenching goodbye between Paul and many beloved friends. Again in Acts 21:12-14 we see people pleading with Paul to stay with them, but he remains commited to what the Lord had told him to do.

Jesus said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." (Luke 4:43 )

I wonder if there were those who were angry with him for leaving. Perhaps they thought he had betrayed them. Maybe they felt abandoned, disappointed, disheartened. But remember, they did not see the big picture. They did not understand Jesus' calling. Even Paul's friends and companions could not fully comprehend what the Lord had revealed to Paul.

Likewise, I am only responsible for myself. If the Lord has made clear His calling on my heart and life, then I alone will be held accountable for how I live out that calling. At times there are some very difficult decisions that must be made -- good things that I must not spend time on because they will be a distraction from my true calling. Sometimes there might be unhealthy relationships that I must cut off because I can too easily become entangled and pulled away from what I need to be doing. May the Lord give us huge discernment for such decisions!

The Apostle Paul knew that the Lord was calling him to Rome. And so, despite the difficulty of leaving precious loved ones behind, he moved on.

Jesus knew that his time on this earth was limited. There were many towns, many miles to cover in order to spread the Father's message of hope and life. If he stayed in one place - even this place where he was so well received - he would be neglecting the larger calling of God. He knew that in order to bring salvation his ministry must culminate in a nasty crucifixion. But, He also knew that death would be conquered through his resurrection and then that the Kingdom of God could truly be experienced both now and forevermore.

So, Jesus "set his face like flint toward Jerusalem" and persisted toward what he knew he was called to do. (Isaiah 50:6-8 )

Lord, may we be as persistent in following what you have called us to do. When we have to leave people we love or homes we have built or relationships we have invested our lives in, console our human hearts and remind us of your Truth. Give us eyes to see the bigger picture of your calling. In Jesus' mighty name I pray, Amen.

Day Thirty Three

I just returned from a 95th birthday celebration for my sweet Daddy. Family from 7 different states were represented, and we converged on the "homeplace" for a weekend of wonderful fellowship, food and love. How grateful we are for a family that enjoys being together! My father (one of 11) was born in 1916 to Italian immigrant farmers in the town that he still lives in today. His parents were devout followers of Jesus, and that legacy has been passed down from generation to generation. We are even more grateful for such a rich Christian heritage.

Now, at 95, Dad is the last one of his siblings alive; the rest have gone on to the Great Reunion in Heaven. Our family is loud and affectionate, loves to laugh and loves to eat! How much are those things just compounded in Heaven when we are in the presence of Beloved Jesus?!

With just two exceptions, all of our immediate family gathered this past weekend. As I watched Dad surrounded by children, grand children and great grand children, I thought of the legacy this man's life has been. He is a man of integrity - as a friend of theirs said to me at church on Sunday, "Your father has always been a good dad. He has been a good man. He's been the kind of man who is willing to stand up for what is right, regardless." The woman speaking was 102! I am proud and blessed to call him my father. But I know how Dad would respond, "The Lord is good and He is faithful. I have just followed Him."

Today, I thought we might explore some scripture relating to the idea of faith heritage.

Genesis 17:7 God establishes His covenant and declares that it will endure throughout generations.

Deuteronomy 7:9 The Lord says that He shows love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Psalm 22:29-31 The psalmist says that future generations will be told about the Lord, that he will declare the greatness of God "to a people yet unborn."

Psalm 71:17-19

¹⁷ Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
¹⁸ Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

¹⁹ Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
you who have done great things.
Who is like you, God?

One of my father's favorite verses is Ecc. 12:1 _____

DayThirty Two

Today, I thought we might explore some scripture relating to the idea of faith heritage.

Day Thirty Two

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you by my righteous right hand...

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you,

Do not fear; I will help you."

Isaiah 41:10 ,13

The verses above were deemed the "life verses" of my materal grandmother, Linda Seymour. She and her husband Arthur went to Chad, Africa as missionaries in the 1920's. Even after Arthur's sudden death in 1935, grandma spent most of her life on the foreign field, retiring in 1968. Every card or letter I ever received from her bore her unmistakable script as well as four words in quotes, "I will help thee." (Isaiah 41:13 ) It was a promise she lived her life by and passed on that faith to us.

Recently I've been experiencing pain in my arms, particularly my right arm; and so I decided to do a scripture word study of "right hand" in the Bible. God revealed to me that the pain is an attack of the enemy because of the marvelous plans the Lord has in store for us in 2011. He wants to accomplish mighty works in us and through us, so satan is trying to thwart our effectiveness and energy.

Below is a copy of what I wrote in my journal during that study. I pray that you will be as encouraged as I was.

Old Testament scriptures listing reference to "right hand." (These can be easily found by using a study Bible, concordance or an online source.)

Genesis 48:13 Israel (Jacob) pronouncing blessing as he is dying. His right hand on one's head is the sign of primary blessing.

Exodus 15:6 The Lord's right hand is mighty in power and shattered the enemy.

Psalm 16:8 &11 "I have set the Lord always before me; He is at my right hand. Therefore I will never be shaken! At God's right hand are eternal

pleasures."

Psalm 17:7 God saves by His right hand those who have taken refuge in Him.

Psalm 18:35 God's right hand sustains me.

Psalm 44:3 God's right hand and His arm "won the land," brought the victory because He loved His people.

Psalm 45:4 [Lord], let you right hand display awesome deeds!

Psalm 73:23 [Lord], I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

Psalm 91:7 When my support and my strength collapse-- 10,000 may fall at my right hand, but [danger] will not come near me.

Psalm 98:1 The Lord's right hand and holy arm have worked salvation. (I, too, am holy because I belong to God. So my arm is holy.)

Psalm 110:1 refers to Jesus sitting enthroned at God's right hand

Psalm 110:5 The Lord is at your right hand = near to assist you in battle

Psalm 118:15-16 The Lord's right hand is lifted high and has done mighty things.

Psalm 137:5 If the psalmist forgets Jerusalem he says, "May my right hand forget its skill."

Psalm 139:10 Your hand guides me; your right hand holds me fast.

Isaiah 41:10 & 13 (see above) God's right hand holds onto my right hand. His great strength surrounds my own strength.

Isaiah 48:13 God's hand laid the earth's foundation. His right hand spread out the Heavens! And it is that hand which holds me!

New Testament Scripture references that contain "right hand:"

Matthew 6:5 One's right hand is giving to the needy in secret.

Matthew 22:44 ` Jesus sits enthroned at God's right hand.

Matthew 25:33 The "sheep" (God's children) will be on His right (place of security, safety, blessing, reward).

Acts 2:34 Jesus is exalted to God's right hand.

Acts 7:55 Jesus was standing at the right hand of God.

Romans 8:34 Jesus is at God's right hand and is interceding for us.

Hebrews 1:3 Jesus is seated at God's right hand actively ruling with Him.

Conclusion from New Testament scriptures: Jesus is the personification of all the Old Testament attributes of God's right hand! Amen! Praise You, Lord!

What are the conclusions and applications we can make from these scriptures? Here are a few I can up with:

What God's right hand does: Displays power, shatters the enemy, kees me strong (never be shaken), saves me, sustains me, "wins the land,"

brings victory (why? because He loves us!), displays awesome deeds, works salvation, does mighty things, holds

me fast and securely, laid the earth's foundations, spreads out the Heavens.

What "right hand" signifies: blessing, strength, power, action, security, place of honor, righteousness

What is "at His right hand"? Eternal pleasures!

What is said about my right hand? It is a sign of my skill, which is why mine was attacked. God holds me by my right hand and says to me, "Do

not fear; I will help you."

Lord God, I praise you for who you are! Thank you for the mighty display of your deeds and your strength! Lord, I believe that your right hand holds onto my right hand. I believe that you will give me strength, peace and security to do all that you have called me to do. I am in Your hands, literally! I pray that you would cause my arms and hands to come in line physically with the strength you have bestowed spiritually. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.