Heavenly Father strengthen us as we pour out so that You can pour in and lead us as we pour forth in Your name. Amen
November 16, 2020
Good Morning Princesses,
Pictionary or Charades?
Last week we played 80's Trivia. How did you score? I'm wondering if when you looked at the answers did you say, "I knew that!" Well, no worries, because we aren't playing a trivia game, but I will ask if you can recall two particular games that have been around for quite some time.
Let's start with Charades. The game of "charades" actually started in the late 16th Century in France. "The Game" as it was called because of its popularity, was traditionally played as an after-dinner activity in large or small groups. The goal of the game was to pick a title, phrase, person, and most importantly "silently act it out". If your team guesses before the times up, you get the point. The game of Pictionary is somewhat different.
Pictionary was released in 1985 and created by a Seattle waiter by the name of Robert Angel in the early 80s who wanted to liven up social parties. The game is comprised of teams that pick a title, phrase, or person and most importantly, "silently draw it out."
So why talk about Charades and Pictionary (see this week's playlist for the "how-to" of the games)? Both require some sort of action. Both require attention. Both require a focus on the signs. The Bible tells us in Romans 1:20 that:
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Our God is amazing. If we stop and pause we are clearly able to see the magnificent wonders in His creation. As children of the Almighty, we are one of those wonders. Paul in Romans 1:20 tells us that we can easily know who God is by looking at creation. David resolves a similar message in Psalm 19:1-6 (NIV).
When we think about the goodness of our God, just walk outside, pause, close your eyes, take a deep breath and as you exhale open your eyes to see the wonder. If you're inside, go and stand in front of the mirror and complete the 4 steps with one additional step (pause, close your eyes, take a deep breath, exhale and open your eyes, and SMILE). Our God sends us signs each day of His many wonders. Sometimes we are just too busy to see them and unfortunately, we miss it.
Even in our current world and country status, our God is still sending signs and wonders of who He is and what He is still doing. Love, mercy, grace. Does He have your attention? Have you taken a moment to stop, pause, and see the signs? If not, please do so. Please don't miss them. Please be courageous and help others see them as well.
Sign of the Times...
If you are following along with our study this year, we are in Chapters 12 and 13.
Similar to the previous chapters, Ezekiel would begin engaging in symbolic acts again to demonstrate the sign of the times. As he demonstrated in charade style, the children of Israel (Judah) would watch this "watchman" convey God's warnings to them. Through repetitious and new dramatic acts, Ezekiel would be the "sign of the pending times" for God's children.
The outstanding question was, would they believe him? Even though the judgment was certain and God's love and patience was baked deeply, the certainty of judgment was not as apparent to the Judeans. In fact, because of their disregard and inability to "see", God called them "a rebellious people".
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people. (Ezekiel 12:1-2)
As such, their refusal to learn during the time of blessings had now brought them to teachable moments where they would learn during a time of judgment.
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by and every vision comes to nothing’? Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.’ Say to them, ‘The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. Ezekiel 12:21-23
But even in this time of judgment, God would still show his faithfulness and love. He would still be ever-present. They only needed to remember He was their God and they were His people.
Something for us to remember even now...
Dear Princesses, take time each day to see and smile at God's miracles. His signs are visible and ever-present - don't miss them!
Thank you Lord for your amazing miracles each day.
Thank you for your faihfulness and presence.
Amen. Yes, Lord.
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From That Time On...
Ezekiel ~
Prophet of the Spirit
When: Tuesday's from September 15, 2020 (until June 29, 2021)
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Study Source: Your Bible
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Oh, princesses of faith...remember
Prayer “empowers and ‘charges up’ every other piece so they can be used effectively against the enemy. Without prayer… your armor, cannot, will not, be infused with the power that only God’s - Spirit can give."
Closing Thoughts
Know that through the Holy Spirit you can:
do things you couldn't;
feel things you didn't; and
know things you wouldn't.
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