Editor’s Note: I’m thankful to guest blogger Brandon Hershey for this week’s study of Ezekiel 18! How do you answer the question posed by the title of this post? One person’s view of righteousness might differ significantly from that of another. In America, righteousness is often viewed through whichever political lens a person holds. RepublicanContinue reading “What actions are considered righteous? – Ezekiel 18, Part 3”
Tag Archives: Discipleship
Are you avoiding taking responsibility? – Ezekiel 18, Part 2
Editor’s Note: I’m thankful to guest blogger Brandon Hershey for this week’s study of Ezekiel 18! Do you have older siblings? I have older siblings who went to the same school that I did. Maybe you know the feeling of walking into class on the first day, and the teacher says to you, “Oh… yourContinue reading “Are you avoiding taking responsibility? – Ezekiel 18, Part 2”
Are you making excuses? – Ezekiel 18, Part 1
Editor’s Note: I’m thankful to guest blogger Brandon Hershey for this week’s study of Ezekiel 18! Do you ever make excuses to justify your behavior? We might make excuses to justify simple things in our lives like why we don’t eat better, or why we don’t exercise more, or why we speed, or maybe evenContinue reading “Are you making excuses? – Ezekiel 18, Part 1”
A story of hope – Ezekiel 17, Part 5
This week we have been studying the parable of the Eagles and the Vine in Ezekiel 17. I described it as an ancient parable to read when you have lost hope. Why? Because Ezekiel’s parable is a message to Israel that says, “Israel, though you have turned away from me, though you are in exile,Continue reading “A story of hope – Ezekiel 17, Part 5”
When it seems like hope is lost, there is still hope! – Ezekiel 17, Part 4
Do you look around your life or around the world and wonder if things are going so badly, that there is no hope for a brighter tomorrow? If you feel something like that, you’re not alone. Many people experience the encroaching darkness in our lives, and we wonder. I wonder. Am I making a differenceContinue reading “When it seems like hope is lost, there is still hope! – Ezekiel 17, Part 4”
What is your automatic response when life goes bad? – Ezekiel 17, Part 3
Last week I caused a car accident. Thankfully it was minor, and no one was hurt. As I was driving, I glanced down at my phone to check the GPS, and in that split-second, the vehicles in a line of traffic in front of me slowed to a stop. It all happened so fast. IContinue reading “What is your automatic response when life goes bad? – Ezekiel 17, Part 3”
An ancient parable to read when it seems hope is lost – Ezekiel 17, Part 1
Have you ever had that feeling of being dead inside? Lacking hope. Lacking energy. Blah. Depressed. Feeling like there must be more to life than this. Looking around for answers and satisfaction, and maybe finding it temporarily in TV shows, social media, food, alcohol. What do you use to ease the frustration of life? MaybeContinue reading “An ancient parable to read when it seems hope is lost – Ezekiel 17, Part 1”
Practical ways to stay connected to God – Ezekiel 15 & 16, Part 5
What do we do to stay connected to God? First of all, we must spend time with him, getting to know him, hearing from him. Too often Christians have said that to build a relationship with God, “Go to church on Sunday,” as if what happens in that building is what God really wants. NotContinue reading “Practical ways to stay connected to God – Ezekiel 15 & 16, Part 5”
Do you feel disconnected from God? – Ezekiel 15 & 16, Part 4
How close do you feel to God? Do you feel distant? Maybe you participate in your church’s worship, and you feel closer, but the rest of the week is so darn busy you can go for days without giving God a thought. The result feels like a growing distance between you and God. As weContinue reading “Do you feel disconnected from God? – Ezekiel 15 & 16, Part 4”
How to be ready for Jesus’ return – Ezekiel 12, Part 5
Football season is upon us, and the idea of being ready at all times, got me thinking of Charlie Brown, the Peanuts cartoon character. Charlie Brown’s friend, Lucy, kneels down and sets up the football for Charlie Brown, saying, “I promise you I will let you kick it this time…” But we know Lucy. SheContinue reading “How to be ready for Jesus’ return – Ezekiel 12, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 