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FREEDOM IS ONLY FOR BRAVE HEARTS JESUS IS THE BRAVE HEART Picture the scene [1], William Wallace standing before the ramshackle Scots army, when they see their formidable enemy, some begin to break ranks and leave. Wallace addresses the men, “Which of you when you are old and about to die in your beds would not rather know that you had fought today and even died for freedom?” He inspires them and they fight for successfully for freedom. Also, you may consider the reputed address of King Robert the Bruce to his army before the battle of Bannockburn (1314) : Scots wha` hae wi` Wallace bled Scots wham Bruce has often led Welcome tae your gory bed Or to victorie Concludes We shall drain or dearest veins But they shall be free! The human heart cries for freedom Freedom from Oppression Freedom from Slavery Freedom from Bondage But it is not the English who are the enemy today It is not the Irish who are the enemy today It is not the Russians who are the enemy today Jesus never came to defeat the Romans. The true enemy of every man, whatever his race or nationality is Satan. For it is he who comes to steal, kill, and destroy every human being, those who been made in the image of the Living God. He enslaves them in sin. He takes them captive at will, with lies, deceit, and temptation. Human beings have few natural defences against the devil and his wiles. Half of the people today do not even believe he exists! What a lie, what a deception. He just binds them in his chains. Winston Churchill said, “We shall fight them (The Germans) on the beaches, air, sea, and land.” But the real battle in life for freedom is not fought with tanks, guns, or aircraft. It is a fought in the hearts, minds of men, women, and children against a supernatural foe, who knows our every besetting sin and weakness Who can deliver us from such bondage (to have to keep on committing the same sins)? Praise the Lord for Jesus Christ the Braveheart. He came, he saw, he died He rose and lives forever No one else was worthy No one else was able No one else loved the Father like He did Jesus Christ the Braveheart willingly surrendered himself to false judgement, to lies and to extreme brutality. His skin was flayed, his beard plucked, he was wearing a crown of thorns and yet willingly gave his life on that cruel cross. Yes, even the humiliating death of the cross, that you and I might be set free from the penalty of sin and eternal death. What a Braveheart to live and to die for freedom, not for himself, for he was, is and for evermore is free. But freedom for you and me today, and to all who would receive Him, they would become the free children of God. Jesus the Braveheart came to set us free, God anointed Jesus Christ of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power to preach the gospel to the poor, to open blind eyes and deaf ears, to set the captives free, to bind up the broken hearted. Jesus the Braveheart mends the broken-hearted. Jesus is the Gospel. And what is this gospel of Jesus Christ Romans 3:23 We are all sinners Acts 4:10-12 Only Jesus can save you Acts 2:34-36 We all need to repent (turn around completely) Romans 10:9-10 We all need to confess Jesus Christ with your mouth and believe in your heart You Christians Jesus Christ the Braveheart stands before you His army tonight and calls each you to inspire each other to victory. To overcome the sin in your life, to keep our eyes on Him. He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Our captain was willing to shed his blood for the remission of our sins. Shall we shrink back from the cross? Lord, make us willing to the drain our dearest veins for the freedom not only of this nation but for all peoples. Brave hearts are willing to die for freedom, including dying to sin, to self, to selfish pleasure, to your own hopes, plans, and ambitions but alive to Christ, his will, his Word, and his Spirit. We are God`s freedom fighters We will need to fight mighty powers and principalities over this land, for it is they who hold the people in bondage through the fear of death. We must make every sacrifice that God requires. 1. Prayer, fasted prayer 2. Going the extra mile 3. Loving your enemies 4. Sacrificing for others 5. Forgiving Jesus the Braveheart has led the way, we must follow Him into the thick of the battle and bring his freedom to all people starting at our own doorsteps. To you an unbeliever Definition: People who have never taken Jesus as their personal saviour. Are you brave enough today? 1. To admit you are a sinner. 2. To be willing to turn from your sins with God's help. 3. To believe in Jesus Christ and confess him as your Lord? (see prayer and advice on next page) Now is the day, Now is the hour, to let Jesus Christ the Braveheart break your chains and shackles of your sins and bondage. Today is the day of to finally stop being Satan’s slave. Find out how by clicking the link below The bible is clear in Romans 10:9-10 it says v9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. v10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We now need to turn this belief into a prayer spoken from your heart. Dear Jesus , thank you for taking my punishment on the cross, which I deserve for all the wrong things I have done in the past. Help me turn away from the ways of this world and all its the false promises. I ask now for your forgiveness and a fresh start in my life. I invite the Holy Spirit into my heart and mind to show me how to live from this time on. Amen You now need to start praying, reading your bible and find a church where they teach and believe the bible. Bless you , the angels in heaven are rejoicing over your decision to turn to God. [1] As in the movie Braveheart starring Mel Gibson. https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/jesus-our-braveheart

The fruit of the Spirit Part 2 Jesus says ‘by their fruit shall ye know them’ referring to the character of the false prophets. We need to know what good fruit is like to be able to spot the false prophet. This is important in these last days of increasing deception. Or how about a marriage, business, or ministry partner or even a leader in the church, it is all about character. We need to be able to compare the lusts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit to recognise whether we are walking in the flesh or in the Spirit. This provides a measure of our growth and maturity as we mortify the deeds of the flesh and walk in the Spirit. If any of the lusts of the flesh are still present in our lives, we need to repent and forsake them. The fruit of the Spirit being manifest in a believer’s life is a much more accurate way of assessing maturity than to consider their operation in the gifts of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit in your life will draw those who are open to salvation to you and will cause those who hate God to hate you. Fruit in the natural sense contains seeds for reproduction. When an unbeliever tastes or sees the fruit in your life, a seed of love is sown in their hearts which God can bring to life or you might say, love reproducing love. The battle between the spirit and the flesh Galatians 5:16 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. that are Christ's v.16. To walk in the Spirit means to live your life constantly in the truth of the word of God, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and being led and guided by them working together. This involves being constantly aware of the reality of all the promises of God to you and of the reality of all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ Jesus. It also involves constant refusal to yield to selfishness, unforgiveness and all other forms of sin. Love must always be our motive to please God. See also below 'How to walk in the Spirit' v.17 From the moment that we are saved there begins a lifelong battle between the flesh and the spirit. Our flesh has the old sin nature in it and is selfish, sinful, and indulgent and always insists on getting its own way. The regenerated human spirit has been made in the image of God and its nature is the selfless love of God. The flesh seeks to dominate and rule over the spirit whilst the regenerate human spirit seeks to crucify the flesh. The victory in any given situation is decided in the mind of the believer when we decide to obey God or yield to the flesh v.18 Jesus Christ completely fulfilled the Law and when we are led by His spirit, we are not under the Law but are at liberty by the grace of God. We are free to choose to obey His royal law of love which is written in our hearts. We are free to choose life, that zoe abundant life! Amen Personal prayer For full text for printout and access to Part 1 of 'The fruit of the Spirit' please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-part-1 For a specific teaching on how to walk in the Spirit please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/how-to-walk-in-the-spirit-part-4-of-4

The battle between the spirit and the flesh Our key text is Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. As we study the fruit of the Spirit you will begin to see that we are really studying is the character of God. We must become Christ-like and therefore it is essential that we know what he is like, so we know what we are aiming at in our lives. Jesus says ‘by their fruit shall ye know them’ referring to the character of the false prophets. We need to know what good fruit is like to be able to spot the false prophet. This is important in these last days of increasing deception. Or how about a marriage, business, or ministry partner or even a leader in the church. It is all about character. We need to be able to compare the lusts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit to recognise whether we are walking in the flesh or in the Spirit. This provides a measure of our growth and maturity as we mortify the deeds of the flesh and walk in the Spirit. If any of the lusts of the flesh are still present in our lives, we need to repent and forsake them. The fruit of the Spirit being manifest in a believer’s life is a much more accurate way of assessing maturity than to consider their operation in the gifts of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit in your life will draw those who are open to salvation to you and will cause those who hate God to hate you. Fruit in the natural sense contains seeds for reproduction. When an unbeliever tastes or sees the fruit in your life, a seed of love is sown in their hearts which God can bring to life; love reproducing love. The battle between the spirit and the flesh Galatians 5:16 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. that are Christ's v.16. To walk in the Spirit means to live your life constantly in the truth of the word of God, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and being led and guided by them working together. This involves being constantly aware of the reality of all the promises of God to you and of the reality of all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ Jesus. It also involves constant refusal to yield to selfishness, unforgiveness and all other forms of sin. Love must always be our motive to please God. See also below 'How to walk in the Spirit' v.17 From the moment that we are saved there begins a lifelong battle between the flesh and the spirit. Our flesh has the old sin nature in it and is selfish, sinful, and indulgent and always insists on getting its own way. The regenerated human spirit has been made in the image of God and its nature is the selfless love of God. The flesh seeks to dominate and rule over the spirit whilst the regenerate human spirit seeks to crucify the flesh. The victory in any given situation is decided in the mind of the believer when we decide to obey God or yield to the flesh. v.18 Jesus Christ completely fulfilled the Law and when we are led by His spirit, we are not under the Law but are at liberty by the grace of God. We are free to choose to obey His royal law of love which is written in our hearts. We are free to choose life, that zoe abundant life! Amen Personal prayer For full text for printout and access to Part 1 of 'The fruit of the Spirit' please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-part-2

Can your tongue be tamed? In Part 2 we saw from James Chapter 3 how powerful the tongue is, both for good and for evil. We looked at several pictures of our tongues; like a bit in a horse’s mouth, like a small rudder on a big ship, like a spark that sets a forest on fire, or a fire that corrupts our whole life, although a small body part it makes great boasts, the tongue is all but impossible to tame and is full of deadly poison, we bless the Lord with tongue and curse our fellow man…. If your lips would keep from slips, five things observe with care: To whom you speak, of whom you speak, and how and when and where (William E Norris- journalist). Today we consider how we go about trying to tame our tongues. Since it is impossible for man to tame the tongue, we must look to God for the strength to do this. Matthew 12:33“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. What your heart is full of, is what comes out of your mouth! Put only that which is good into your heart. Romans 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Did you know that the Holy Spirit is continually pouring the love of God into your heart? Let it flow into good deeds and words. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. As we develop the fruit of the spirit, particularly self-control, we are in a better place to tame our tongues. Here are some practical suggestions to help you tame your tongue whilst waiting for the fruit of self-control to develop; a) Count to ten before responding in high-risk conversations b) Robert Murray M’Cheyne resolved that if he could not say anything good about someone, he would say nothing at all c) Jonathan Edwards always tried to include something that would bless others when he spoke d) Resolve to set a watch over your mouth. e) Resolve to be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak (James 1:19). May the Lord help us in this matter! Amen Closing Prayer For full text and access to other parts of 'The power of your tongue' please click on the link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/the-power-of-your-tongue-part-3

Thoughts by Christine Scobie For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. 1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. v1-4 God my Heavenly Father sees me, He knows me through and through. What a sense of wellbeing and contentment! 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. v5 I am covered and protected by my Heavenly Father. What security and safety! 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. v6 How wonderful that the Almighty God, the God of all creation is mindful of me and is watching over me. Too amazing! 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. v7-10 My Heavenly Father is always with me, my hand held securely in his. What an assurance! 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. v11-12 Even in the darkest night I need not fear. God sees me and is with me. What a comfort! 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. v13-16 God has made me on purpose, for his purpose. May I live all my days for him. What a privilege! 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, [1] God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you. v17-18 How wonderful, that I can know God's ways and thoughts, by His Holy Spirit, through His Word and prayer. What fellowship! 19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! 20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? 22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. v23-24 Thank God that he loves me enough to teach me, correct me and change me, forgive me. What mercy, what grace! Thank God for Jesus, who loves me and gave himself for me, to make it all possible. Such Love! Footnotes 1. Psalm 139:17 Or How amazing are your thoughts concerning me

Uplift someone today In Part 4 we considered why is it necessary for afflictions to come into the believer’s life. Today in the 5th and final part we are purposing to uplift people. Definition: to uplift: lift (something) up; or to boost, raise, buoy up, elevate, inspire, cheer up, perk up, brighten up, gladden, encourage, revive, or restore etc. etc. To uplift someone is a way of encouraging them (be like Barnabas). Can you recall any times in your life you felt uplifted? Perhaps it was when you were going through a rough patch? Someone showed you enough kindness and thoughtfulness to make you feel a bit better. Sometimes a story of kindness can be uplifting, so can the sharing of a relevant scripture or perhaps being reminded of God’s promises. Think of the Good Samaritan, he went well out of his way to take care of someone from a rival tribe, he was willing to get his hands dirty, he gave his time, materials and even money to take care of a wounded stranger. What about you…and me? In the workplace, everyone can use a little encouragement on a regular basis. Very often it does not take much more than a kind word of concern or a simple statement of appreciation to boost our feeling of accomplishment to exuberant levels. Research has found that people are much happier on the job if they feel appreciated for their work. This factor is more important in day-to-day job satisfaction than the amount of one's salary. On the other hand, a well-deserved raise in pay is like your boss saying, "I appreciate your work!" We can develop an idea of purposing to uplift people such as when we visit the sick at home or in the hospital, the elderly, the disabled, those down on their opportunities, and those in prison etc. Basically, anyone who is going through a difficult time would likely appreciate you uplifting them in some way. When we recognise a possible opportunity to uplift someone, we should pray saying something like ‘Lord when I visit ‘Joe’ today I pray you will give me words of life for him, words that will uplift him in his present situation and that these words will remind him that the season of suffering will soon be over, and Your plan will be fulfilled in his life. If you cannot visit in person then phone the individual that is on your mind (or is it heart)? To uplift someone, is to encourage them to keep going, and at its best restores hope and renews faith, so contact, or call someone today. Closing Prayer Amen Can you recall any times in your life you felt uplifted? Perhaps it was when you were going a rough patch? Someone showed you enough kindness and though

Why do afflictions come to the believer? In Part 3: We looked at the Holy Spirit as out comforter, helper, advocate etc. i.e. our Divine Paraclete. Today in Part 4: Why do afflictions come to the believer? Could it even be that that it is in the face of affliction that Christian ministry becomes most effective? Do you remember the story of Paul’s thorn in the flesh (TITF)? 2 Cor. 12:7-10 “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Paul's thorn in the flesh is a colloquialism used to describe various possibilities such as a chronic infirmity, an annoyance, or trouble in a believer's life. It is mostly used by Christians. A minister friend of mine calls me his thorn in the flesh! Through the centuries various meanings have been ascribed to Paul’s thorn in the flesh; persecutions and unfortunate experiences, the temptation to unbelief, a pain in the ear/head, an eye condition etc. My own view is that it was hindering spirit (angelos) which stirred up opposition wherever Paul went. So, what was the purpose of the thorn in the flesh? Christian ministry seems to be most effective when the believer recognises her own weakness and this is exactly what the TITF achieves! It is the irritation of the grains of sand that leads to the oyster producing a pearl. In 2 Cor 1:7 ‘Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.’ Closing Prayer Amen

The Holy Spirit is the divine Comforter In Part 2: We saw that the Holy Scriptures in the bible contain tremendous comfort and encouragement for not only for ourselves but also that we can share with others. In Part 3 we are going to look at the Holy Spirit as the divine Comforter (Paraclete or Parakletos) which can also be translated as Comforter, Advocate, Helper, one called alongside to help and Counsellor. John 14:16-20, 25-27, with the translation of Paraclete as Advocate (shown in bold): 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. To have the Holy Spirit as our Paraclete is to have God Himself indwelling us as believers. The Holy Spirit teaches us the Word and guides us into truth. He reminds us of what Jesus has taught so that we can depend on His Word in the difficult times of life. The Spirit works in us to give us His peace (John 14:27), His love (John 15:9–10), and His joy (John 15:11). He comforts our hearts and minds in a troubled world. The power of the indwelling Paraclete gives us the ability to live by the Spirit and “not gratify the desires of the sinful flesh” (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit can then produce His fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23) to the glory of God the Father. What a blessing to have the Holy Spirit in our lives as our Paraclete—our Comforter, our Encourager, our Counsellor, and our Advocate! Amen Closing Prayer

Part 2 of 5 Comfort from the bible In Part 1, we saw that all comfort comes from God and that Paul gives the example of his own life, a life full of affliction but also full of comfort for us to follow. Comfort should move in a circle between the believers (see Part 4). In Part 2 our focus is on the comfort that we get from God’s Word, the bible. Here are a number of examples of strong comfort from the bible. John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Psalm 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod (discipline) and your staff (protection), they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows…. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind. The way scripture comforts us is by the indwelling Holy Spirit making the comforts of the bible alive to us. When we comfort others with a scripture, we are giving the Holy Spirit (the divine Comforter) an opportunity to comfort them. We will pick up on this in Part 3. Closing Prayer Amen

New 5 part mini-series on giving and receiving comfort- Paul explains how it works Part 1 Comfort: How to receive it/ how to give it. Some people think God is in the business of comforting the afflicted and others think that God afflicts the comfortable! In these days of the global pandemic and lockdown it is important we know to how to both give and receive comfort. The flow of comfort from God and between his people 2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. What does it mean to comfort someone? Dictionary definition 1. To soothe in time of affliction or distress. 2. To ease physically; relieve: comforted the feverish patient with a cool cloth. Here in our passage, the idea of comfort is “to strengthen much,” ''to encourage — to stand by another and encourage him as he endures testing''. Paul wanted his hearers to understand that the merciful Father is the author of all possible comfort and consolation. There is no enduring comfort apart from him. What were Paul’s afflictions that he needed comfort from? Paul was certainly one of the most afflicted men ever. He suffered cold, nakedness, beating, imprisonment, criminal assault, shipwreck, betrayal, desolation, desertion, and more. His was a life of perpetual death: “For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake” 2 Corinthians 4:11. However, this said, he found that God comforted him in all his afflictions. Not in some afflictions but in “all” of them! Every one of Paul’s epic miseries was attended by God’s comfort. His repeated imprisonments were venues of God’s comfort. Through each of the forty lashes administered on five separate occasions, with the final lashes meant to bring him to the point of death, he experienced the comfort of God. When he was stoned in Lystra he experienced the comfort of God. Adrift on the high seas (for the third time!) he knew the comfort of God again. When he was in danger from rivers — God’s comfort, danger from robbers — God’s comfort, danger from his own people — God’s comfort, danger in the city — God’s comfort, danger in the wilderness — God’s comfort, danger from false brothers — God’s comfort. “In toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure” 2 Corinthians 11:27, Paul always experienced God’s comfort. Never once was he without the comfort of God. Paul significantly tells us that, God can get you through your present affliction and Paul's own life was proof! Closing Prayer. Amen

Chapter 3 Ezekiel is appointed as a watchman to Israel 1 Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness. The Lord commands Ezekiel to the eat the scroll which he does immediately. In his mouth the scroll surprisingly tasted sweet. 4 Then He said to me: “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. 5 For you are not sent to a people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, but to the house of Israel, 6 not to many people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, had I sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7 But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted. 8 Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. 9 Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.” The Lord had sent the prophet to his very own people who spoke the language as Ezekiel. Had God sent him to a foreign people then they would have been more receptive that the Jews who continued their impudence and hard-heartedness towards God. God has toughened Ezekiel to be able to cope with this rebellious people. Ezekiel is reminded not to fear this rebellious people or their fierce looks. 10 Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. 11 And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.” The Lord instructs the prophet to take all his words into his heart and tell them to the Jews whether they would listen or not. 12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: “Blessed is the glory of the Lord from His place!” 13 I also heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, and a great thunderous noise. 14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the Lord was strong upon me. 15 Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat and remained there astonished among them seven days. The Spirit of God causes Ezekiel to stand on his feet and immediately he hears from behind him a voice like thunder declaring that ‘blessed is the glory of the Lord from His throne.’ The man of God is now aware of the noise coming from the wings of the cherubim as they touch each other and the noise of the wheels moving and another sound like thunder. Ezekiel is filled with sadness of the message and is now transported by the Spirit of God back to the exiles camp at Tel Abib near the River Chebar. 16 Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: 18 When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. 20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.” One-week later God speaks to Ezekiel again telling that he has been appointed as a watchman over the house of Israel. If the prophet is faithful in passing on God’s warnings to the wicked in Israel, then they will be responsible for their own guilt. Even if God tells him to warn a righteous man who is in sin, then Ezekiel will be innocent, and the righteous man will be responsible for his own obedience or disobedience. However if Ezekiel fails to warn either the wicked or the righteous man then God will hold Ezekiel accountable for this. 22 Then the hand of the Lord was upon me there, and He said to me, “Arise, go out into the plain, and there I shall talk with you.” God now calls the prophet to come out onto the plain where he will receive further instructions. 23 So I arose and went out into the plain, and behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, like the glory which I saw by the River Chebar; and I fell on my face. 24 Then the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet and spoke with me and said to me: “Go, shut yourself inside your house. 25 And you, O son of man, surely, they will put ropes on you and bind you with them, so that you cannot go out among them. 26 I will make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth, so that you shall be mute and not be one to rebuke them, for they are a rebellious house. 27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house. Ezekiel now sees the glory of the Lord just as before when he saw it on the banks of the River Chebar. He immediately falls face down before the Lord. The spirit of God enters him and sets him on his feet then instructs him to go to his house and lock himself in. God tells the man of God what is going to happen to him next. The Jews will tie him up as though he were a madman. His tongue will stick to the roof of his mouth so that he cannot even speak to these rebels against God. At a certain time, the Lord will enable Ezekiel to speak to the Jews and some will listen, but some will not.

Chapter 2 Ezekiel is commissioned and tested Ezekiel is not addressed by his name in the whole book, but he is referred to several times as ‘son of man.’ This has a strong connotation of indicating his place in the creation order. In this chapter the prophet receives his commission and a test of obedience from the Lord. 2:1 And He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.” 2 Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me. 3 And He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. 4 For they are impudent and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ 5 As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them. The speaker is the man sitting on the throne is in fact the Lord. The Lord comes straight to the point and commands Ezekiel to go to his own people the children of Israel a rebellious nation just as their fathers were. The Lord further describes the Israelites as an impudent and stubborn people. Ezekiel is further commanded to speak directly to the Jews in the manner of ‘thus says the Lord’ whether they would listen to him or not. 6 “And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. 7 You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” The Lord commands Ezekiel not to live in fear of these people though he will have to listen to their horrible words and demeanour towards him that he could expect from these rebels against God. Ezekiel is to be different and be hungry to receive God’s word. 9 Now when I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me; and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. 10 Then He spread it before me; and there was writing on the inside and on the outside and written on it were lamentations and mourning and woe. A hand now stretched out to the prophet and scroll was in the hand. As the Lord opens the scroll Ezekiel sees that there is writing on both sides of the scroll. The subject matter was very grave and consisted of lamentations mourning and woe.