The Week in Review for November 30 – December 4, 2009

I’m going to try something new and finish the week with my top 5 and bottom 3 matches of the week and my pick for show of the week and if I can find it on Youtube the best match of the week. If this goes Ok, this will be weekly and posted after the final show of the week. So on with the best matches for the week

1. Christian & Shelton Benjamin v. Vladimir Kozlov & Ezekiel Jackson from ECW 4/5
2. Dolph Ziggler v. Matt Hardy 4/5 from Superstars
3. Alex Shelly v. Doug Williams 4.5/5 from Impact
4. Mickie James v. Beth Phoenix v. Natalya 4.25/5 from Smackdown
5. Drew McIntyre v. John Morrison 4.5/5 from Smackdown

Worst matches of the week

1. Randy Orton v. Kofi Kingston 1/5 from Raw
2. Mark Henry v. The Miz 1/5 from RAW
3. Kane v. Mike Knox 1.5/5 from Smackdown

Overall the best show of the week goes to WWE Superstars which had three great matches with a 3, 3.75 and a 4. If Impact had done a better job with Daniels v. Abyss and the main event it would have won with 4 great matches, but those two matches killed the show for me.

Overall Rankings

1. Monday Night RAW averaged a 1.75/5 for 4 matches in over two hours, which shows there was way too much filler this week and no match passed a 2.5 which went to the divas. Easily one of the worst episodes of Monday Night Raw ever.
2. ECW on Syfy averaged a respectable 3.25/5 for 3 matches. Two very good matches and one debut, which was basically a squash then. A good episode of ECW which I enjoyed, but any show with Christian, Shelton Benjamin, William Regal and Goldust, I like.
3. Superstars averaged a 3.75/5 for 3 matches. All three matches were very good, with some of the best talent in WWE. As I said in the review, not a bad match in the bunch for this week. Very pleasing episode this week.
4. TNA Impact averaged a 3.5/5 for six matches. If not for the Daniels/Abyss and main event being weak matches the rating would’ve been so much higher. Still an excellent outing from TNA this week as even the bad matches were better than the best matches on RAW which is both sad and funny at the same time.
5. Friday Night Smackdown averaged a 3.25/5 for six matches. If it wasn’t for the awful Kane v. Mike Knox match this rating would definitely have gone up. Smackdown had two of the best matches for this week and was an almost perfect show.

Overall this was a very good week for wrestling, other than the abysmally poor Monday Night RAW, which was just pathetic. Let’s hope we get a better episode of RAW this week.

For those that missed the great John Morrison vs Drew McIntyre match, I did find it on youtube and here it is, this is not my copy, just one I happened to find online. It is in two parts, enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1SZAQxFUVA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfTmDN9fEW0

Thanks for reading, and I’ll be back on Tuesday with the Monday Night RAW report.

Don’t keep it a secret. Share what you’ve been studying in Ezekiel and Hebrews with someone.  Don’t be shy .

Let the mercy and grace of the Lord wash over you.

The Happy Word

Revelation 1:3

I.  THE HAPPY READING OF THE REVELATION (Hosea 4:6;  Romans 10:17;  Revelation 22:18-19).

II.  THE HAPPY HEARING OF THE REVELATION (Luke 11:27-28;  Psalm 1:2; 119:9, 11, 16).

III.  THE HAPPY KEEPING OF THE REVELATION (James 1:22-25;  1 Peter 1:24-25).

IV.  REASONS FOR THE HAPPINESS OF THE REVELATION (Romans 13:11-14;  Titus 2:13.

Evening sermon points -

The Happy Dead

Revelation 14:13

I.  ALIVE IN CHRIST; A PASSION FOR GOD (Galations 2:20;  1 Corinthians 15:31).

II.  ALIVE IN CHRIST WE HAVE A PLACE WITH GOD (John 14:1-3;  Psalm 116:15;  Ezekiel 18:32).

III.  ALIVE IN CHRIST WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD (Philippians 4:7;  Hebrews 4:9-11).

IV.  ALIVE IN CHRIST WE HAVE THE PRAISE OF GOD (Matthew 25:21, 23, 34)

-Tim A. Blankenship

For further reading you may check out these sites. and here

Jesus’ promise of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit came to pass a few days later on the day of Pentecost. As the 120 were waiting before the Lord, the Holy Spirit of promise filled them all. The sound of the rushing wind and the many voices caused a multitude to soon gather and ask, “Whatever could this mean?”

Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?

8 “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?

9 “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

10 “Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

11 “Cretans and Arabs—-we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

Peter explained the event by quoting from the prophet Joel.

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.

15 “For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

God was fulfilling at least three great promises at one time.    1) Joel’s prophecy of the pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh.       2) God’s promise to gather His people from every nation under heaven to pour out His Spirit on them. (Ezekiel 36:21-27)  3) God’s promise to Abraham that through him and his Seed, Jesus, all the nations of the earth would be blessed.  (Genesis 22:15-18; Galatians 3:8-16)

Devout Jews from every nation under heaven were in Jerusalem, as Ezekiel had foretold. (Ezekiel 36:24) Each of them heard the disciples glorify God in their own language. Some said they were drunk.  But Peter explained what was happening by quoting from the prophet Joel. May we also heed his words?

God is truly faithful, and he tells you all about it in his word. Open your Bible today, and see what he has to say to you.

JP: Handout for 12/6/2009

Here’s what happens to be on the agenda this morning. After a read through Ezekiel 38-39 and a brief web search, I happened upon Joel Rosenberg’s blog, which touches upon the subject of prophecy and refers to a sermon titled The Lens Of Scripture given on September 30, 2009 that he gave at one of the many schools I attended during my early years, Liberty University. I have linked in the actual sermon located at the Liberty University website, but you will have to navigate back through the pages to the date of September 30, 2009, which is currently on page 3 of the link listed below.

• Ezekiel 38-39 (King James Version) – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2038-39&version=KJV
• Joel Rosenberg – http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/ezekiel-38-39-a-russian-iranian-alliance-against-israel/
• The Lens Of Scripture / Joel Rosenberg / September 30, 2009 – http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=9002&CFID=4958936&CFTOKEN=35008166
• Joel Rosenberg Ezekiel 38-39 FAQ – http://www.joelrosenberg.com/ezekiel.asp
• The Nations of Ezekiel 38 – 39 – Who Will Participate in the Battle? – http://www.biblicalstudies.com/bstudy/eschatology/ezekiel.htm
• Watchman Bible Study – Ezekiel 38,39: The Magog Invasion - http://www.watchmanbiblestudy.com/biblestudies/biblestudy_ezekiel3839.htm

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” Heb 1:1-2

Christ — Word of God, Son of God, Creator, Messiah and Savior, King.

Ezekiel in Chapter 33 is called the Watchman, appointed by God to warn Israel. This is a serious calling with serious implications:

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.” Eze 33:7-9

God called Ezekiel for a noble, higher purpose; but required much of him, as he did of all his prophets.

Back in Chapter 24, God told Ezekiel that he would take his wife in death as a symbol of the temple in Jerusalem being destroyed, and that Ezekiel must not mourn outwardly or show signs of grief, a sign to Israel of how passive they would be in reaction to the destruction of the temple. Ezekiel was to remain silent until his mouth would be opened by a fugitive of the city, telling him of the destruction.

Chapter 33 records the fulfillment of that prophesy (vs 22), and then Ezekiel is told to expose Israel’s wickedness and selfishness once again (vss 23-29). The people of Israel again seek out Ezekiel’s to learn what God has to say, but God says:

“My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.” Eze 33: 30-32

This happens all too often today, too, among Christians… Hearing God’s word, but not living it. Sitting in church once a week, but doing nothing more to further the gospel beyond the confines of that one- or two-hour period. Knowing the truth, but denying its power.

In Chapter 34 God judges the leadership of Israel, the shepherds, holding them responsible for Israel’s habit of straying into wickedness and idolatry:

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says. I will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths and it will no longer be food for them.” Eze 34:10

Punishment by plunder and destruction, famine, plague, sword, and sending the survivors into exile seems, on the surface, a harsh punishment for Israel and Judah; but God’s faithfulness and justice is like the love of a parent for a wayward child in need of guidance and sound discipline. God’s people were living in complete defiance of the covenant they had made with him. They were misrepresenting him among the nations:

“And wherever they went among the nations they profaned my holy name, for it was said of them, ‘These are the Lord’s people, and yet they had to leave his land.’ ” Eze 36:20

It was necessary to correct that perception, and strong measures were required, yet in Chapter 34, God still defends Israel against her own wicked leaders, and promises to make a new covenant with them (“You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God…. vs 31), and he speaks of renewing the desolated land and restoring Israel to it (Chs 34 and 36).

He defends Israel when the nations of Edom (Ch 35) and Gog (Ch 38) mock and scoff at Israel’s humbling.

And in the end, God promises to bring Israel and Judah back together as one nation; promising a single Shepherd, a king, to govern them forever (the Messiah) — Ch 37.

God does not judge in unjustly, and his ways are righteous, with great blessing in the end for those who repent and return to him in faithfulness.

Now, I must “sheepishly” admit that I assumed Philemon would not be filled with the richness of other books in the Bible. It’s a whopping one chapter letter from Paul to a brother in Christ, whose runaway slave has been in Paul’s part of the world for a while.

In that time, Onesimus (Philemon’s slave) has come to Christ and has been serving alongside Paul. Paul determines that it is time for Onesimus to make things right with his master and return. Onesimus is afraid because he has greatly wronged his master, so Paul writes Philemon this letter to “stand in the gap” and smooth things over for Onesimus’ return.

In the past, I have read this book as such, a simple letter from a man asking for grace and mercy for another man who has sinned.

But, isn’t this a picture of what Christ has done for us?

Paul writes:

“If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.”

Christ died for our sins on the cross, and when we return to him in repentance, accepting him as our Savior, he says of our sins, “the penalty has been charged to me.”

Philemon is ALL marked up in my Bible now, and I will refer to it often as a lesson in human forgiveness; but also a loose metaphor and, therefore, reminder of Christ’s atonement.

The reading for December 2 is Ezekiel 41-42 and Hebrews 7. I am planning a special post just on Hebrews later this week. It is a very intense book about our Lord and Savior, and I want to study it more before writing.

Christ is working in us right now. Do you feel it?

Buongiorno bellissimas! I’ve had a packed morning already. Ya know, just scoping out the Jerz Guids while ellipticalling and abbing. It was thrilling. Unfortunately, I need to practice my cell-picture skills and don’t have any pictures for you…yet.

But let’s travel back to yesterday. I normally like to relay the day in chronological order, but there is something I cannot get out of my mind. Did anyone watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last night? Did anyone feel awesome after watching? I didn’t.

If anyone recalls, I was going to audition for the show back in October and never did. One of the reasons why is that I do not want to have to worry about something other than the health of my body. I don’t want to start to think I should look exactly like the other models, consumed by thoughts of whether my stomach is toned enough or my rump is firm enough . Because here’s what: It’s ridiculous. It doesn’t matter. That’s not what I want to be remembered for.

What I do find inspiring, however, is the confidence exuded by the women on the runway. What I propose is that we all work it like that, no matter what. Whether you’re 5′1″ or 5′10″, size A or size Z, WORK. IT. OUT.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Back to more SnackFacey things. I slept in Tuesday till 6:30am, got my face on and got dressed and bossy for the day:

Working it...for myself.

I donned a luscious sweater by Free People and skinny/girdle jeans:

Love the knit.

On the feet were a pair of flats that look good from the top…:

But have holes in the soles.

Breakfast-to-go tasted exactly like a banana nut muffin:

Try this if you haven't.

Odwalla peeps are knocking my ballet flats off (I wasn’t wearing socks)! Not only are the flavors spot-on, but the texture is also dreamy. It’s not as chewy or dense as a Clif, and it has little crunchy bits throughout. Phenom.

Mistakenly, I tried to give Dunkin’ Donuts coffee a chance. I will never understand why America runs on Dunkin’. It tasted like ashy dirt water.

I was super busy at work all day. Between little assignments, I have this huge list of 60+ chefs to call to see whether they’re entering a certain contest. The phone is something I choose not to use most of the time, unless it’s to talk to MamaJ or Muffin. This assignment definitely has made me grow a pair.

Lunch should have been good, but I was left so unsatisfied I was hungry all afternoon:

Apple and tupperware in the morning light.

I packed a lovely sandwich of Ezekiel, hummus and cucumber:

And promptly took it apart post-picture.

I’d much rather eat the pieces of bread separately instead of desperately trying to taste the hummus between two slices of dry bread. Ya dig?

I worked it all afternoon and especially worked it on my walk to the train home:

Felt like a tourist taking this picture, then decided I don't care. Love this.

I ran some not-so-fun errands once back in the Jerz and eventually made it home to feed my starving self. First up, un salad:

Please combine tempeh, hummus and hot sauce. You will not regret it.

In the mix (so obvious): romaine, cucumber, tempeh, hummus, Cholula and no-name soy ginger dressing.

You best believe I couldn’t go any longer without a whole baby acorn squash:

Eaten with raspberry fruit spread. I keep using "raspberry fruit spread" because it's fabulously inane.

OMG I just spied a hair on that plate! Moving on…Despite the acorn twins in my tum, I felt the need for this:

Weetabix with raw almond butter and almond milk.

Momentarily satisfied, I watched a handful of Curb episodes. Larry David both pisses me off and makes me laugh hysterically. It’s fantastic!

An hour or two after dinner, I ate the rest of the Food Should Taste Good lime chips (please, someone yell at me in the comments if I buy chips again) and these:

Yes, I'm too lazy to plate that. Plus, I want as much almond butter as possible, when I want it. But mostly, it's the laziness.

I think that was it. Who knows though. The rest of the night was filled with switching between The Hills, The City and the VS Fashion Show. Exhausting.

But now, sugarplums, I must be off to continue the slew of calls and who knows what else. Have a gorgeous Wednesday! And don’t forget to work it.

Ciao for now,

Kailey

QUESTION: What makes you confident?
For me, it’s mostly in my head. There are always those days when I feel like poo (I normally have a blemish or two or something else stoopid), but to combat that, I wear something I love, do ma hurr and makeup and pretend I’m confident. I tell myself that being friendly and personable is far more important than anything else, and that no one will notice whatever is bothering me. Most times, this works. Also, a good pair of four-inch heels always help.

Daily Scripture: Ezekiel 34:17-24
17 ” ‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. 18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19 Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet? 20 ” ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions:
In yesterday’s passage, Ezekiel said God would replace the shepherds who abused his “flock,” the people of Israel. In today’s verses, he went on to say that he would not let the “fat” members of t he flock bully and exploit weaker ones. The good shepherd would value justice, rather than excess or exploitation.

• At times, we excuse excess spending with the logic that “it’s my money, so I only hurt myself if I blow it.” The Advent Conspiracy calls us to “spend less” this Advent. What inner fears or rewards most often drive you to spend more than you can afford, or than someone else needs? How can Ezekiel help you rethink those inner drivers?
• “My flock will no longer be plundered,” God says. “I will place over them one shepherd.” How does it affect your outlook to see God as the “one shepherd” caring about the entire human family, rather than just individuals here and there? How can you be God’s hands to help bring about greater well-being for all people?

Read Pastor Michael Maroon’s insights on today’s scripture at gpsinsights.wordpress.com

Weekly Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I remember your birth, let my sharing and giving arise out of the loving place you fill in my life. Remind me that we are celebrating your birthday, not mine. Touch my eyes and ears with your sense of justice—so that I may see and hear the cries of the needy in my world, my town, my neighborhood, my church, my family. Help me to honor you and your Kingdom this Advent. Amen.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission of International Bible Society®. All rights reserved worldwide.

0-09 by Richard L Zorek
Ezekiel’s name means “God is strong,” or “God strengthens.” He was called “son of man” over 90 times, a term later used of the Messiah. Ezekiels’ message is not only one of judgment. There is always a strong element of hope.
Ez 1:3: The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him. Ezekiel had a wide who died as a sign to Judah when Nebuchadnezzar began his final seige on Jerusalem.
Ez 2:7: And thou shalt speak my words unto them whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. His message was not dependent upon whether they would listen or not.
Ez 2: 8-10:……. Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open they mouth, and eat that I give thee….. How could Ezekiel be rebellious? By not preaching the truth about judgment that God gave him.
Ez 3:1-3: Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill they bowels with this roll that i give thee. Then did I eat it: and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness” Bowels represents the heart. “Eat it” represents take it to the heart.
Ez 3:10: Moreover he said unto me, Son of Man, all of my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. Make them a part of you.
Ezekiel 4:9 says, “Take for yourself wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them into one vessel, and make bread of them for yourself.” The Bible makes many references to barley. It was one of the earliest known nourishing grains cultivated. Some scholars even believe that the Feast of Unleavened Bread was an ancient barley festival.
Ez 5:7: Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Because you have multiplied disobedience more than the nations that are all around you, have not walked in My statutes nor kept My judgments, nor even done according to the judgments of the nations that are all around you’—. “have been more abundantly outrageous”; literally, “to tumultuate”; to have an extravagant rage for idols.
Neither have done according to the judgments of the nations-have not been as tenacious of the true religion as the nations have been of the false. The heathen “changed” not their gods, but the Jews changed Jehovah for idols (see Eze 5:6, “changed My judgments into wickedness,” that is, idolatry, Jer 2:11). The Chaldean version and the Masora support the negative. Others omit it (as it is omitted in Eze 11:12), and translate, “but have done according to the judgments,” &c. However, both Eze 11:12 and also this verse are true. They in one sense “did according to the heathen,” namely, in all that was bad; in another, namely, in that which was good, zeal for religion, they did not. Eze 5:9 also proves the negative to be genuine; because in changing their religion, they have not done as the nations which have not changed theirs, “I (also) will do in thee that which I have not done.”

Ez 7:3: In some instances God declares that the corrupt life of the nation is an abomination to Him, and He will bring judgment on the whole people because they have become a people without shame. A people without shame are a disgraced people who find virtue in their shame. A people without shame are blinded by their sin.
Ezek. 8:18
“Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity; and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet I will not hear them.”

Ez 11:19: Salvation is a soveriegn act of God’s grace. He and only he can regenerate a heart of stone.
In Exodus 12 we read that the Passover Feast required unleavened bread. Unleavened bread is simply bread that is made without yeast. Yeast, or leaven, causes dough to become full with volume. And we see that the Israelites took bowls of unleavened dough with them as they left Egypt. Moses instructed his people to keep a seven-day feast each year as a remembrance of that night, the night they were delivered from Egypt.

Experts in Bible history say that barley was a staple food of the masses. Wheat and barley, seen as an ancient and central gift of the earth, became used as a symbol of wealth. Barley, the less expensive of the two grains, was more readily available. The fact that barley was mentioned so often shows that the people of that day consumed large quantities of the grain and that it played a vital role in their health.

The best barley is whole barley. It is often used in bread, soup, stew, and hot cereal. Barley is a high-protein grain. Some people may be sensitive to the protein gluten in wheat. If so, barley is a good choice. Barley contains beta glucans, which help our immune system. It is high in fiber and in vitamin B.

You prepare bread made with barley by grinding the grain and then adding wheat, millet, and spelt, if you choose. Some health food stores have bread with barely already prepared, so you can buy it ready-made if you don’t have the time to make it yourself.

It is important to keep this bread in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve its live ingredients. If you leave the bread out for a day or two it molds. However it will remain fresh for about a week or so if placed in the refrigerator.

Many people (especially Americans) are low in B vitamins due to all the processed foods they eat. This causes some to suffer from constipation. Barley helps prevent that while providing essential B6, B12, and folic acid. It also helps prevent heart disease.

Ez 13:19: And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live
Ez 18:23: Have I amy pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways and liveThis verse is introduced by the interrogative and then we have the emphatic construction of duplication well known in Hebrew. It might be rendered, “Taking pleasure in, do I take pleasure in?” The question implies, of course, an emphatic negative. It should also be noted that the verb in this case takes a direct object, namely, “the death of the wicked” (moth rasha without any article). In this case we do not have the preposition be as in Ezekiel 33:11. It should be noted that the verb chaphez with such a construction can very properly be rendered by our English word, “desire,” as frequently elsewhere in the Old Testament. Consequently this verse may well be rendered, “Do I at all desire the death of the wicked?” The force of this is obviously the emphatic negative, “I do not by any means desire the death of the wicked,” or to be very literal, “I do not by any means desire the death of a wicked person.

Ez 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: Wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye He has no pleasure in you dying unrepentant.
Ez 33:11: “I desire not the death of the sinner, but that he should return through repentance and live.” It often happens that Satan will insidiously commune with you in your heart and say: “Think of the evil you have done; your soul is full of lawlessness, and you are wieghed down by many grievous sins.” Do not let him deceive you when he does this and do not be led to despair on the pretext that you are being humble. After gaining admission through the fall, evil has the power to commune at all times with the soul, as man to man, and to suggest sinful actions to it. You should answer it: “I have God written assurance. What was the purpose of His descent to earth except to save sinners, to bring light to those in darkness and life to the dead?”
Ez 36:26: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” God makes us a new creation by dispensing His divine life and nature into us. When we were regenerated, God gave us a new spirit and a new heart.
Ez 36:27:The new heart and the new spirit have added to them God’s spirit. The result is that the Holy Spirit causes us to walk in God’s statutes and to keep His judgements.
Ez 36:28: God’s law and His justice begin to govern the affairs of man and the world. This leads to a marvelous goal in which we dwell in the good earth God gives us in peace and safety.

Ez 37:1: The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. It was not just death, it was way after death. The carcass is bones. Note that they were in a valley.
Ez 37: 2: He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. And it goes even farther than just bones….they were very dry bones.
Ez 37: 3: He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.” Ezekiel knew that though it looked impossible…that God could do it: “You alone know.” Emphasize the “only you.” The answer to the question is found only in Him.The focus is on God, not the condition.
Ez 37:4-6: Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ” It began with “hearing the word of the Lord.” And not just the word, but the “prophesied” word: full of life and a word that never returns void. “Breath” also means wind or Spirit. These bones needed the Spirit. A full of life word from God to bring life to these bones! Tendons is also translated as “sinews” and they aid in connecting muscle to the bone. It would be impossible for the body to move the way it does without them. It is a soruce of strength or muscular power.
Ez 37:7: So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. Ezekiel prophesied as he was commanded….even though the situation looked impossible. And maybe ridiuculous to talk to a bunch of dried bones. The bones were also in pieces, apparently. Though it started with a rattle, they started to come together the way they were designed to be.
8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
Ez 37: 9: Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’ ” If hopelessness is despair, then despair can slay you. Ministry to dry bones takes calling on the Lord (prayer) to bring the four winds….a powerful move of God…..
Ez 37:10: So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. They not only came to life….but became an army. The whole account in some way resembles the story of creation in Genesis. Hope brings new life.
Ez 37:11-14: Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’ ” He will deliver even from the grave. And you will KNOW that I am Lord!!!

Honey pies! I hope your Monday was as fantastical as possible. Mine started very early and ended very late.

As my alarm rang at 5am, I asked myself, “Self, what’s wrong with you?” Actually, to tell the truth, I was so excited to get up early for a workout that I woke up every hour on the hour the night leading up to it. Isn’t that disgusting?

I made it to the gym by 5:30am thinking there was no way anyone else would be there. How silly of me. There’s a certain breed for which my lovely friend Lauryn has helped create a name: the Jerz Guid. Jerz being short for Jersey, Guid being short for Guido. In the dark morning hours, they’re pumping iron already. And I love it.

With plenty of man candy strutting about the gym, I must say I had one of the most entertaining workouts in years. I cannot wait to bust out another workout on Wednesday! Also, I discovered this piece of equipment that’s like an elliptical, but sideways. It works inner and outer thighs and is hell. Love!

By 6:35 I was back at the apartment and in the shower. I felt supa energized and accomplished all day.

To keep me going throughout the 9 to 5, I packed some essentials:

Tea for always, apple for whenever, Builder for breakfast.

I have a problem that I should share. I’m paranoid that I’m going to be late, so I leave almost an hour to a half-hour early every morning. It gives me plenty of time to pick up my addiction, settle into my desk and do blog things:

Starbeezies black coffee with soy. Hunk o' stale bar. Still edible.

The work day was a little slow. My direct boss was out of the office and I just hung around if anyone needed me. Certainly did major work on the Google Reader. I did look somewhat glamorous, though:

And by glamorous I mean ridiculous.

Black cigarette pants, black flats, H+M jacket and a blue button-down. This is actually something I would have legitimately worn in high school. I had a thing for dressing business-casual. I’ve always been an odd bird.

I waited until 1:20pm to fetch lunch, which was an absurdly long time to wait. Hunger headaches are the worst. All I wanted was soup, but the place I randomly selected for lunch only had split pea–made with poultry. Stupido. Not knowing where to turn, I relied on ol’ faithful:

Apple with a sad salad.

In the tiny salad: mixed greens, corn, chickpeas, cucumber, roasted red pepper and some fat-free dressing. AKA no substance. AKA I was starving the rest of the day.

You can imagine my hunger gradually growing throughout my evening half-hour commute. What you’ll see below, my lovely petunias, is why health experts advise small meals throughout the day. Because you’ll turn from a SnackFace to a SnackMonster.

It started with a couple new purchases:

To make up for that split-pea craving.

And:

Trap. How can I resist Food Should Taste Goods when they're on sale for $1.99?!

The eating ensued in courses. Course one:

Split pea doused in Cholula. Even better with lime chips crumbled atop. (Do it.)

Alongside, course two. Or, course one, part two:

Ezekiel with hummus, lime chips, tempeh with almond butter and raspberry fruit spread, cucumber slices to cleanse palette.

All of this was absolutely scrumptious. However, it was not enough. Next course:

Other half of Crumbs red velvet cupcake. Somewhere between fridge-y and stale. Still good!

If there’s something we all know it’s that cupcakes are fluff, not filling. If hunger were shoes, eating a cupcake is like trying to pull off a Payless shoe as though it’s a Louboutin. Perhaps that only made sense in my mind. I’m rolling with it.

Basically, I had to eat more:

Weetabix with almond milk and almond butter.

Finally, at 7pm, I was satisfied. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I stayed up until 1am watching Curb Your Enthusiasm (hilarious), which is completely new to me. What we all also know is that television-watching requires snacks. Into the chip bag my hand dove. A carrot with peanut butter may have also met my lips. That sounded unnecessarily raunchy. (What a perfect description of me!)

I hope you haven’t been horrified by the major SnackFace marathon that occurred. I’m not. That’s pretty standard, actually. Perhaps a little tame.

Anyway, I’ve figured that I can blog from work! WOOHOO!!! Who’s happy about this? I am! I shall be back tomorrow with today’s deets and, I’m hoping, stories of encounters of the Jerz Guid kind.

Ciao for now,

Kailey

QUESTION: Do you eat on a schedule, at certain times? Why or why not?
I don’t. Well, kinda, kinda not. Breakfast now falls between 8am and 9, lunch could be anywhere between noon and 2pm and dinner could be anywhere from 6pm to 8. Actually, I’m pretty sure dinner never stops for me. I definitely don’t have any rules such as, “I’m not eating past 9pm.” That’s just wackadoodle.

“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Psalm 73:28

** I am hoping to have my Thoughts Post up this evening.
Be encouraged in your readings. Pray, read, listen to his words, and live his Word. **

Daily Scripture: Ezekiel 34:1-16
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. 7 ” ‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: 8 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, 9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: 10 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them. 11 ” ‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As shepherds look after their scattered flocks when they are with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions:
Ezekiel was an Israelite exiled in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1). Like Jeremiah, he said God had not forgotten the people, but cared about their tough conditions. The future, he said, did not belong to those who enriched themselves at the people’s expense. “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them,” was God’s promise.

• In John 10:11, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” In what ways did Jesus’ earthly ministry bring Ezekiel’s promises to reality? In what respects is the complete fulfillment of the promises still something we await in the future?
• When (in any type of organization or family setting) have you seen “shepherds” who cared for their own interests, but not for “the flock”? Does knowingly self-centered leadership ever seem to “work” from a human point of view? How sure are you of the truth of Ezekiel’s message to self-serving shepherds?

Read Rev. Wendy Chrostek’s insights on today’s scripture at gpsinsights.wordpress.com

Weekly Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I remember your birth, let my sharing and giving arise out of the loving place you fill in my life. Remind me that we are celebrating your birthday, not mine.
Touch my eyes and ears with your sense of justice—so that I may see and hear the cries of the needy in my world, my town, my neighborhood, my church, my family. Help me to honor you and your Kingdom this Advent. Amen.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission of International Bible Society®. All rights reserved worldwide.

A prayer for today:

“Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.” Psalm 16:1

JP: Image is Raphael’s The Vision of Ezekiel (1518).

Helpful articles on the Book of Ezekiel:

• An Argument of the Book of Ezekiel
• An Introduction to the Book of Ezekiel
• Ezekiel: Survey
• ISBE: Ezekiel part 1
• ISBE: Ezekiel part 2
• Wiki: Book of Ezekiel

Hola bonitas! What a glorious, relaxing weekend it’s been. Hope yours has been fabulous as well.

After posting yesterday, I rushed home to feed my grumbling tum. It’s a bit of a challenge to create something both delicious and aesthetically pleasing with little to no groceries. My apologies:

Skinny carrots, leftover tempeh and the remainder of the Stacy's bag. Yeah, got TWO servings out of that bag. Hummus was eaten alongside.

Once finished with that dismal lunch, I grabbed the train to meet my favorite homegirl. Like the foodies-who-embrace-clichés we are, we met at Whole Foods. Hot bar salads were not had, though. Instead, we sipped zero-calorie Steaz (they’re missing an element… maybe Grey Goose?) and talked about life, friendships, manships, etcetera.

Two solid hours later, we trekked to Trader Joe’s for old-time’s sake. Over the summer, Brooke-baby and I had countless TJ’s dates where we’d stock up on Puffins, multi-grain crackers and triple layer hummus. Essential for a swag sista weekend.

This time, I grabbed butter lettuce, cucumber, tempeh, creamy red pepper hummus, acorn squash, raw crunchy almond butter, raspberry fruit spread, Weetabix and a new-to-me love, Ezekiel sesame. Brooke and I had to part ways after our joyous trip, but I have no concerns regarding whether we’ll see each other again. Swag sistas fo life. I’m sure I’ll see her soon.

MamaJ cheered me up while walking home. She sent me this picture text:

MamaJ in an ad, from her bossy modeling days!

By the time I got home I was starving! I threw together a fab salad while a whole acorn squash roasted in the oven:

Simple but exquisite.

In the mix: butter lettuce, cucumber, crumbled tempeh, dollop of TJ’s creamy roasted red pepper hummus and a drizzle of no-name soy ginger vinaigrette. OK, this new TJ’s hummus is delectable. Creamy, roasty, spreadable, blendable. If you spy it, buy it. (Did I just rhyme? Sorry)

The blurry pics are thanks to a dying battery and I was so hungry for this squash that I snapped a pic ASAP. Excuses, excuses:

Most pieces eaten plain, others with raspberry fruit spread. Mmmm.

Do people really not eat a whole squash? I mean, this one was a baby, but still, I have no idea how one could ever stop at half.

Although the squash was perfectly sweet, dinner requires a dessert of sorts. I’d been craving raw almond butter like mad, so I dove into the new goods:

Ezekiel topped with raw chunky almond butter and raspberry fruit spread. Addicting.

The Ezekiel is phenom. It’s dense, chewy and a bit dry, but it’s totally satisfying. The sesame seeds? To live for.

I spent the night watching the tube and painting my nails. How old am I? What happened to my insane weekends of going out?

Sunday welcomed me with gorgeous rays of sunshine. After stumbling to the bathroom and taking care of biznass, I made what I craved for breakfast:

Notha Ezekiel topped with raw chunky almond butter and raz fruit spread. Fujinated it up.

Couldn’t help it! In attempts not to lounge all day, I showered immediately after breakfast. I dressed and makeuped while watching The Sopranos. I swear, because I’m actually living in Jersey, I’m suddenly obsessed with anything mafia and Italian. Well, I’m always obsessed with anything Italian. (Italian man of my dreams, where are you? It’s time to play.)

Straightened and scarfed, I galloped uptown. First, I stopped in a quaint used bookstore and selected a new winter read, Middlesex. I didn’t realize it was cash- or check-only, but the owner asked, “Are you living here?” I said yes and she told me to drop off $5 whenever I’m near. How sweet!

My next mission was to figure out the gym situation. Friends, I cannot help it. I love a solid gym workout. So I went to the nearest gym and met the manager. After a grand tour, we sat in his office. We talked forever about which plan would work best and I agreed to $49 for a month. He tried several times to plug it into the computer, but for some reason it wasn’t working. Somehow, with the combination of his feeling bad for making me wait and a little bit of SnackFace swagger, I finagled a month of gym access for free. New favorite gym.

I took another lap around uptown, bought bananas and squash, dropped $5 off at the bookstore and treated myself to something so not vegan.

Excited, I half-jogged home and made a quick lunch:

Broccoli and carrots (had hummus on the side) and Ezekiel topped with hummus. Redundant, no?

I thought about my so-not-vegan goodie the whole time I was downing veggies with hummus:

I mean, come on! How could one resist this?

What you see above is a red velvet cupcake from the amazing bakery, Crumbs, which is a couple blocks away from my apartment. The variety of cupcakes in the shop was overwhelming. My goal is to try all of them. For today, though, I settled for one flavor:

Of all the food photos I've taken, this one may be my favorite.

Don’t let me fool you by thinking I have self control. I went back for more.

Tonight’s dinner menu is going to be identical to Saturday night’s: salad and squash. I’m very much addicted to acorn squash at the moment. Weetabix with almond milk will most likely be a nighttime snack, also. Ya know, if you were curious.

This week should be interesting. It’s a full work week and there are many restaurants to visit, people to meet, dates to be made. I cannot wait!

Ciao for now,

Kailey

QUESTION: Are you a morning, afternoon or evening workout person and why?
I’m a morning workout gal, without a doubt. I love getting it out of the way and not having to worry about it after work/class. Plus, it gives me more energy throughout the day. Monday morning, I’m hoping to be at the gym at 5:30am! GAH! The sound of it…awful. But it’s worth a shot.

P.S. I never got that guy’s number. Wuss.

“I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.” Psalm 40:10

“have been more abundantly outrageous”; literally, “to tumultuate”; to have an extravagant rage for idols.
Neither have done according to the judgments of the nations-have not been as tenacious of the true religion as the nations have been of the false. The heathen “changed” not their gods, but the Jews changed Jehovah for idols (see Eze 5:6, “changed My judgments into wickedness,” that is, idolatry, Jer 2:11). The Chaldean version and the Masora support the negative. Others omit it (as it is omitted in Eze 11:12), and translate, “but have done according to the judgments,” &c. However, both Eze 11:12 and also this verse are true. They in one sense “did according to the heathen,” namely, in all that was bad; in another, namely, in that which was good, zeal for religion, they did not. Eze 5:9 also proves the negative to be genuine; because in changing their religion, they have not done as the nations which have not changed theirs, “I (also) will do in thee that which I have not done.”

It has been quite an adventurous week for me. This scripture always brings my husband great peace when things are a little bumpy. I found this to be true, as well, and thought I would share it today.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:1-8

Time with God, prayer and reading the Bible, is an unmatched resource for finding a haven from the stress and weariness of the day. If you are not already taking advantage of this, test it out. “Take refuge in him” and see God work in your life.

I do not teach the adult class. One of our men has been teaching through the Old Testament for many years. We are up to Ezekiel 38. I will be preaching on Clapping in worship and Bibliolatry tomorrow.