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What is my purpose in life? It’s a question everyone asks or at least wonders about. Recently, someone asked me, “I’m trying to find my purpose, my calling. I don’t know where to begin!” I smiled as I read that question because it brought me back to my journey—to a moment when I felt the same way. We know we’re one of billions, yet deep down, something tells us we’re unique and here on this earth to do something. But what?

I asked myself this question thirty years ago as a young mom. That’s when I discovered the Bible study Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. This study answered my questions, but not in the way I expected. Let me explain.

New Question: What is God Doing?

First, this Bible study turned my question on its head. I had been looking at myself, my gifts, and my talents. While I saw some strengths, I discovered even more weaknesses. Instead of asking, “What am I supposed to do?” I learned to ask, “What is God doing, and how can I join him?” God is already at work in the world. Our prayer must be, “Open my eyes, Lord, so that I can see your work. Then show me my part in it.”

Although I’d felt called to be a writer, God opened my eyes to other writers who also felt alone and unseen. I started an email prayer circle that we continued for over a decade. We walked the journey together, and even now, I count those women as some of my dearest friends.

God also opened my eyes to the need to serve women facing crisis pregnancies in my community. As a former teen mom, I had compassion for other young women. When my pastor approached me about helping him start a pregnancy care center, I initially didn’t think I had time. Then God reminded me how it felt to be so scared and uncertain about my future. 

These two paths seemed very different, but both involved my purpose. And in the unique way God works, these paths merged when my first non-fiction book—a book for teen moms—was published. How amazing is that?

Asking what God is doing opens our eyes to His work around us. Psalm 25:4-5 says, “Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you,” NLT.

Remember, Jesus is a Person

Discovering what God is doing around you doesn’t come through a formula or a worksheet. Instead, it comes through a love relationship with God. “Through this relationship, God reveals His will and invites you to join Him where He is at work. When you obey, God accomplishes through you something only He can do. Then you come to know God in a more intimate way by experiencing Him at work through your life,” writes Henry Blackaby.

Maybe this is the step you’ve been missing. You know God, but you haven’t had a relationship with Him. If you sense a need to accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, now is the time to settle this matter with God. Ask God to speak to you as you read the following Scriptures.

• Romans 3:23: All have sinned.
• Romans 6:23: Eternal life is a free gift of God.
• Romans 5:8: Because of His love for you, Jesus paid the death penalty for your sins.
• Romans 10:9-10: Confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead.
• Romans 10:13: Ask God to save you, and he will.

When Jesus walked the earth, He did not say, “I will show you the way.” Instead, He said, “I am the way.” Like any other relationship, the closer you grow to Jesus, the more you’ll understand Him and His ways.

To Know God, You Must Know His Word

Many books are written about God, yet the Bible is the most important book to read to know God’s Will. I know sometimes the Bible is hard to understand. That’s why my friend Michelle and I started the Daily Bible Podcast. Every day, we read through the Bible and share what we learned and how we can apply it. Working on this podcast has made me a more diligent student, and I understand God’s Word more clearly. And we’ve heard from many people that it’s helping them understand God’s Word more than ever. 

To know God’s direction for our lives, we must follow the directives in His Word. For example, God’s directive to “care for the widows and the orphans” (James 1:27) led us to open our home to my grandmother and adopted children. I give many other examples in my book Walk It Out, but reading God’s Word and actually doing it has changed everything.

What is God’s purpose for your life? I don’t know, but God does. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to show you His work around you and how you can join Him in it. The purpose you seek is found in knowing Him and doing His work.

Keep going even if you don’t understand immediately. Trust Him. Wait on Him. He will reveal Himself to you in His timing. Remember, your purpose is found in a relationship with Him. And once you know Him, you’ll know what He has planned for you. For as Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” This hope, this reassurance, is what you’ll experience when you trust in God’s timing.

So, seek Him. Know Him. And in knowing Him, you’ll find the purpose for which you were made. And there is no greater joy than knowing God and doing His work. I’m proof of that. This joy, this contentment, is what you’ll experience when you find your purpose in God.

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Want more insight? Join us in reading Job on the Daily Bible podcast! 🎧 LISTEN & 📺 WATCH

Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle

August 26
Jeremiah 39:11 – 18, Jeremiah 40:1 – 6, 2 Kings 25:8 – 21, Jeremiah 52:12 – 27, 2 Chronicles 36:15 – 21, Lamentations 1:1 – 22

From Captivity to Freedom

The Fall of Jerusalem and Jeremiah’s Unyielding Faith

Jerusalem has fallen. We’ve been reading about the prophecies foretelling this tragic event for months. Jeremiah, the prophet, not only had the burden of delivering these warnings, but actually lived through the devastation. Yet, even in overwhelming despair, God’s care for His people shines through in surprising ways.

Word of the Day: Captivity

Captivity represents confinement, bondage, and a loss of freedom. In Jeremiah’s time, the people of Judah found themselves in physical captivity under Babylonian rule. However, this physical bondage was preceded by spiritual captivity—their stubborn resistance to God’s Word.

God’s Unexpected Care: Jeremiah and Ebed-Melech

Even as Jerusalem fell, God showed that He had not abandoned His people. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, ordered his captain of the guard, Nebuzaradan, to look after Jeremiah. Jeremiah, who had been warning his people for years, was cared for by their very enemies. But God’s care was evident even earlier, in His promise of safety to Ebed-Melech, the Ethiopian who saved Jeremiah from the cistern. God’s words to him were clear: “Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe” (Jeremiah 39:18).

Ramah: A Place of Mourning and Release

Jeremiah’s release at Ramah is deeply symbolic. Ramah, the place associated with Samuel, is also the setting of a prophecy of deep mourning: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping…” (Jeremiah 31:15). It is here, among the captives, that Jeremiah was freed, while the rest of Jerusalem’s exiles were led away to Babylon.

Personal Takeaway: Finding Freedom in Captivity

Captivity is a powerful metaphor. The people of Judah were physically confined, but their spiritual captivity had long preceded their exile. Yet, even in their rebellion and sin, God did not abandon them. He cared for His prophet, He mourned with His people, and He was with them in their suffering.

Today, we might find ourselves in other forms of captivity—trapped by fears, sins, or circumstances. But just as God was with Jeremiah, He is with us. Our true freedom comes not from escaping our circumstances, but from surrendering to God’s will. In this surrender, we find the freedom that only He can give.

Conclusion: A God Who Turns Captivity into Freedom

Jerusalem’s fall was tragic, but it also marked the beginning of a journey toward freedom—a journey that began with recognizing their captivity and turning back to God. The same God who cared for Jeremiah and His people then is the same God who reaches out to us now. Let us lean into Him, trust in His care, and allow Him to turn our captivity into a beautiful journey toward freedom.

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August 27
Lamentation 2-4

Rejected, Yet Not Forsaken

Jerusalem’s Fall and the Pain of Rejection

Lamentations paints a heartbreaking picture of Jerusalem’s fall—a time when God’s chosen city lay in ruins, the temple destroyed, and its people scattered. The once vibrant city, cherished by God, now rejected due to the people’s disobedience. Lamentations 2:19 calls the people to cry out to the Lord, to pour out their hearts like water. Yet, amid this mourning, Jeremiah reminds us that even in the darkest times, God’s mercy is ever-present.

Word of the Day: Rejected

The word “rejected” echoes through the lament of Jerusalem’s fall. The city, once a symbol of God’s presence and favor, was now rejected because the people had turned away from God. This rejection wasn’t arbitrary—it was the result of a broken covenant, of a people who had forsaken the ways of their Creator.

The Purpose Behind Rejection: A Call to Return

Rejection, as painful as it is, often serves a purpose. For Jerusalem, it was a call to return to God, to self-examine and repent. Rejection can be an invitation—a painful but necessary pathway back to the heart of God. It forces us to confront our own shortcomings and to rebuild our relationship with God on a foundation of trust, obedience, and love.

Personal Takeaway: Rejection as an Invitation to Restoration

We’ve all experienced rejection in one form or another—whether from people or from a perceived distance from God. But rejection doesn’t have to define us. Instead, it can be a stepping stone toward deeper faith and renewal. God’s rejection of Jerusalem wasn’t the end of the story. It was an invitation to return, to be restored, and to rebuild.

The same is true for us. If you’re feeling the sting of rejection today, let it be an opportunity to turn back to God, to seek His compassion and mercy. His love is unwavering, and His compassions never fail. As Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Conclusion: Rejection as the Start of a New Chapter

Jerusalem’s rejection led to mourning, but it also paved the way for restoration. In our own lives, rejection can feel like the end, but with God, it can be the beginning of something new. Let “rejected” not be the label that defines you, but a stepping stone toward a deeper relationship with God. Remember, He is the One who never truly rejects you. In His eyes, you are cherished, loved, and His forever.

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August 28
Lamentations 5:1 – 22, Obadiah 1:1 – 21, 2 Kings 25:22 – 26, Jeremiah 40:7 – 41:18

Desolation Doesn’t Have the Final Say

Embracing the Unresolved

Have you ever felt like the story just… ends? No resolution, no neat conclusion, just lingering pain? Today, we reached the final chapter of Lamentations, and it’s clear—Israel is in deep sorrow. Their joy has turned to mourning, their strength to weakness, and they cry out to God, questioning if He has utterly rejected them. Lamentations 5 leaves us hanging, unresolved. Yet, this unresolved anguish was never meant to be the final word. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, our stories feel incomplete, filled with lament, grief, and suffering. But is that the end?

Obadiah: A Prophecy of Destruction

As we turn the page to the book of Obadiah, we’re met with a prophecy against Edom, Israel’s bitter enemy. God declares that He will cut Edom down to size, exposing their pride and bringing them to desolation. Edom rejoiced over Israel’s suffering, but now their judgment is at hand. Their fate is sealed—complete destruction, with no survivors. Yet, even in this harsh judgment, there’s a contrast: while Edom faces utter desolation, God promises to restore Israel.

The Drama Continues: 2 Kings and Jeremiah

In 2 Kings 25 and Jeremiah 40-41, we witness more chaos and treachery. Gedaliah, appointed governor after Jerusalem’s fall, is assassinated despite warnings. Fear and uncertainty grip the people, leading many to flee to Egypt. Desolation seems to rule the day, but is this really the end of the story?

Word of the Day: Desolation

Desolation—a state of complete emptiness or destruction. It’s a word that resonates deeply with today’s readings. The pain of Lamentations, the judgment in Obadiah, the betrayal and chaos in 2 Kings and Jeremiah—they all point to a time of profound desolation. But here’s the truth: Desolation might describe a season, but it does not define our destiny.

Personal Takeaway: Desolation is Not the End

As we reflect on the word “desolation,” it’s natural to want to look ahead to a brighter day. Yet, God often meets us in our desolate places. The Bible teaches us that desolation is never the final word. God is a Redeemer and Restorer. Even in the most barren times, He’s working behind the scenes, shaping and molding us for what’s to come.

When you find yourself in a desolate place, remember that it’s not your final destination. Desolation may mark a difficult season, but God’s plan for you is one of restoration, hope, and renewal. Cry out to Him in your pain; He hears you and is near to the brokenhearted. Trust that He’s writing a beautiful story with your life, one that will turn desolation into something thriving and beautiful.

Conclusion: From Desolation to Declaration

Desolation does not have the final say—God does. And His declaration over your life is one of unfailing love and faithfulness. Your desolation is not your destination; it’s a stepping stone to God’s glorious purpose for you. Trust Him, and watch as He turns the broken places into something beautiful.

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August 29
Jeremiah 42-44, Ezekiel 33:21-33

A Canopy of Protection

A Remnant’s Fear and Disobedience

In today’s readings from Jeremiah 42 and 43, we see the remnant of Israelites in Jerusalem, a group broken and afraid. They ask Jeremiah to seek God’s guidance, promising to obey whatever He commands. After ten days, Jeremiah returns with God’s instructions: “Stay here in this land. I will build you up and plant you; do not fear, for I am with you.” But the remnant, consumed by fear and doubt, chooses disobedience. Despite God’s clear command, they decide to flee to Egypt, dragging Jeremiah along with them. This decision marks a significant moment of defiance, highlighting their lack of trust in God’s protection.

The Symbolism of the Canopy: God’s Hidden Plan

As the remnant heads to Egypt, God speaks to Jeremiah again, instructing him to bury large stones at the entrance of Pharaoh’s house. These stones symbolize the foundation upon which Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, will set his throne—an assertion of his conquest over Egypt. Jeremiah 43:11 reveals a powerful image: “He will spread his royal canopy over them.” This canopy, a symbol of authority and shelter, signifies God’s control over the events that will unfold. Though the remnant defies God, He remains sovereign, orchestrating His plans under this symbolic covering.

Continued Defiance: Worshiping the Queen of Heaven

Jeremiah 44 brings a strong message from God to the Judeans in Egypt. Despite witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem due to idolatry, they boldly continue to worship the “Queen of Heaven.” Their defiance is astonishing, as they openly declare their intent to continue their idolatry, believing it brought them prosperity. God, through Jeremiah, warns them of impending judgment, but their hearts remain hardened. This chapter underscores the dangers of idolatry and the importance of obedience to God.

Ezekiel’s Warning: A Call to Genuine Obedience

In Ezekiel 33, we see a similar theme. God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel, but the people listen to his words without acting on them. They treat his prophecies like beautiful songs—pleasant to hear but not worth obeying. This passage emphasizes personal responsibility in our relationship with God. It’s not enough to hear the word; we must respond in obedience.

Word of the Day: Canopy

The word of the day is “Canopy”—a sheltering cover that signifies protection. In Jeremiah 43:11, the canopy represents God’s sovereignty and His ability to shelter His people, even in their disobedience. It also symbolizes the hidden plans of God, which He carefully covers and reveals in His time. Just as Nebuchadnezzar’s throne was set over the hidden stones, our lives are often guided by God’s hidden hand, working in ways we cannot always see or understand.

Personal Takeaway: God’s Canopy Over Our Lives

As we reflect on the word “canopy,” we see how God’s protection and sovereignty extend even into our moments of disobedience. The Israelites chose to defy God’s command, yet His plans remained intact. This should be a powerful reminder that while our choices have consequences, God’s overarching plan is never thwarted. He is our shelter, our canopy, even when we stray from His will.

In your life, there may be times when you feel tempted to flee from God’s guidance, thinking that your way is better or safer. But remember, God’s canopy of protection covers you wherever He leads you. Trust in His shelter, His timing, and His plans. Even when things seem hidden or unclear, God’s canopy is a sign of His ever-present care and sovereignty.

Conclusion: Under God’s Canopy

Today’s readings challenge us to trust in God’s covering, even when we are afraid or tempted to go our own way. His canopy is not just a symbol of authority, but of shelter and protection. Whether you are standing firm in faith or struggling with doubt, remember that God’s canopy is over you, guiding and sheltering you in every season of life.

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August 30
Ezekiel 34-36

Eden Restored:
Finding Delight in
God’s Promise

A Shepherd’s Love for His Flock

In Ezekiel 34, God delivers a powerful message to the leaders of Israel, likening them to negligent shepherds who have failed their flock. These leaders have sought their own gain, leaving the people neglected, weak, and scattered. But God, in His compassion, promises to take on the role of the Good Shepherd Himself. He declares that He will search for His lost sheep, heal their wounds, and bring them back to safety. This imagery not only reflects God’s care for His people in the present but also points forward to the coming of the Messiah, the “Davidic Shepherd,” who will rule with justice and mercy.

Ezekiel 35: Judgment on Edom

As we move to Ezekiel 35, God’s judgment against Edom, a nation that has harbored animosity against Israel for generations, becomes clear. Edom’s pride and hostility have led to its downfall. God’s judgment is a reminder that no nation or people can oppose His will and escape the consequences. Edom, once filled with hatred and aggression, will become a desolate land, a stark contrast to the restoration that God promises to Israel.

The Promise of Restoration: Ezekiel 36

Ezekiel 36 brings a message of hope and restoration. After addressing the failures of the past and the consequences that Israel faced, God promises to renew the land and the hearts of His people. The desolate places will once again flourish, and the land of Israel will be like the Garden of Eden—full of life, beauty, and delight. But this restoration is not just about physical renewal; it’s about spiritual transformation. God promises to cleanse His people, give them new hearts, and place a new spirit within them. This echoes the promise of Eden—a place of pleasure and delight—pointing us to the ultimate fulfillment in heaven.

Word of the Day: Eden

The word of the day is “Eden,” which means “place of pleasure and delight.” In Ezekiel 36:35, God compares the restored land of Israel to the Garden of Eden. The Hebrew root of the word ‘Eden’ is linked to the concept of pleasure, as seen in other scriptural references. This connection to Eden not only recalls the beauty and abundance of the original garden but also points us forward to the eternal Eden—heaven. While Eden was touched by sin, heaven will be untouched by it, making it a place of eternal delight.

Personal Takeaway: The Restoration of Our Hearts

As I read Ezekiel 36:25-26, my heart soared: “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” This passage is not just about the physical restoration of Israel, but about the spiritual renewal of our hearts. It’s a reminder that God is in the business of transforming lives, taking what was once hard and unyielding and making it tender and responsive to Him.

Eternal Eden: A Promise for Us All

The restoration of Israel is a foreshadowing of the eternal Eden that God promises to those who follow Him. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the renewal of all things, where those who have followed Him will inherit eternal life. This eternal Eden is not just a place; it’s a state of being—one where we live in perfect harmony with God, in a place untouched by sin and filled with eternal delight.

Conclusion: For the Sake of His Name

God’s restoration of Israel was not just for their sake but for the sake of His holy name. As we look forward to the eternal Eden, let’s remember that it is by God’s grace that we are invited into this place of delight. It’s not about what we have done, but about what God has done for us. As we turn our hearts to Him, we can trust that He will lead us to that eternal Eden, where we will dwell with Him forever.

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August 31
Ezekiel 37-39, Ezekiel 32:1-16

Finding Life in the Valley
of Dry Bones

The Power of God’s Breath

Remember that old Sunday School song about the dry bones? The one that goes, “Toe bone connected to the foot bone, foot bone connected to the heel bone…” It’s a catchy tune, but the story behind it, found in Ezekiel 37, is far more powerful than a simple children’s song. It’s a story of hopelessness turned to hope, of death transformed into life, all through the breath of God. Today, as we dive into Ezekiel 37 and 38, we’ll explore how God’s breath can bring life to the most desolate places in our lives.

Ezekiel 37: The Valley of Dry Bones

In Ezekiel 37, the prophet is given a vision of a valley filled with dry bones—an image of utter desolation and death. But God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to these bones, and as he does, something miraculous happens. The bones begin to rattle and come together, forming skeletons. Then, sinews, flesh, and skin cover them, but they are still lifeless. It’s only when God commands Ezekiel to call upon the breath—His breath—that the bodies come to life. The breath of God transforms these dry bones into a living, breathing army.

This powerful imagery is not just about a physical resurrection but symbolizes the spiritual revival that God promises to His people. They were like those dry bones—scattered, lifeless, without hope. But with His breath, God restores them, giving them life, hope, and a future. As Charles Spurgeon noted, we must be attentive to every movement of God’s Spirit, recognizing that even the smallest signs of life are part of His restorative work.

Ezekiel 38: The Battle Against Gog

As we move to Ezekiel 38, we encounter another dramatic scene—a prophecy against Gog, the leader of a mysterious and powerful nation. Gog’s armies rise against Israel, threatening to overwhelm God’s people. But just as quickly as they rise, God declares their defeat. He promises to bring confusion among Gog’s forces, causing them to turn on each other, and He will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur to destroy them. This display of God’s power serves as a reminder that no enemy, no matter how great, can stand against Him.

The defeat of Gog is symbolic of all the forces that rise against God’s people throughout history. It’s a reminder that God’s protective hand is always over us, and His breath—His life-giving Spirit—will sustain us in the face of any adversity.

Word of the Day: Breathe

The word of the day is “Breathe.” In the story of the dry bones, it’s God’s breath that brings life to what was once dead. The Hebrew word for “breath” is also the word for “spirit” or “wind,” and it represents the life-giving power of God. In Genesis 2, we read that God breathed into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. This breath of life is what sustains us, not just physically, but spiritually.

Personal Takeaway: Inviting God’s Breath Into Our Lives

We all go through seasons where our spirits feel dry and lifeless, where hope seems distant, and dreams feel shattered. It’s in these moments that we need God’s breath to revive us, to infuse us with new life, passion, and purpose. Just as God breathed life into the valley of dry bones, He wants to breathe life into us. His breath can restore what is broken, heal what is wounded, and revive what seems dead.

But there’s another lesson in these chapters. The story of Gog reminds us that while we may face battles and adversities, we are not alone. God’s breath strengthens us, and His power protects us. When we try to do things on our own, like the Egyptians, we distance ourselves from the true source of life and strength. Instead, we should invite God into our struggles, asking Him to breathe life into our darkest moments.

Conclusion: Breathe on Us, Lord

As you reflect on today’s readings, ask yourself: Do you need God’s breath to revive a particular area of your life? Are there ‘Gogs’—fears, doubts, or challenges—that are intimidating you? Or is there a place where pride has taken root, causing you to rely on your strength instead of God’s? Let’s invite God’s presence into these areas. Breathe on us, Lord. Revive, protect, and humble us so that we may walk in alignment with Your perfect will.

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September 1
Ezekiel 32:17-32, Ezekiel 33:1-20, Jeremiah 52:28-30, Psalm 137:1-9, 1 Chronicles 4:24-43, 1 Chronicles 5:1-17

Navigating the Path of Choices and Their Consequences

The Weight of Consequences

As we journey through Ezekiel 32:17-32, Ezekiel 33:1-20, and Jeremiah 52:28-30, the theme of consequences looms large. Every action, every choice, carries weight—whether for good or for ill. God, through His prophets, constantly reminded Israel and the surrounding nations that their decisions would lead to inevitable outcomes. Today, we explore the significance of these consequences and how they continue to resonate in our lives.

Ezekiel 32: The Fall of Nations

In Ezekiel 32, we see a vivid picture of the downfall of mighty nations, including Egypt. God instructs Ezekiel to weep for Egypt and other powerful nations, for they are destined for the pit—Sheol, a place of the dead. These nations, once feared and powerful, now face the ultimate consequence of their arrogance and violence: destruction and shame. Their power and terror brought them no lasting security; instead, it led them to the grave.

This passage serves as a stark reminder that no matter how powerful a nation or individual may appear, their actions have consequences. When pride, violence, and disobedience reign, the result is always downfall.

Ezekiel 33: The Watchman’s Warning

God’s message to Ezekiel in chapter 33 is one of deep responsibility. Ezekiel is likened to a watchman—someone who stands guard and warns the people of impending danger. If the watchman fails to sound the alarm, the blood of the people falls on his hands. But if he warns them and they do not heed, then their blood is on their own heads.

This responsibility is a sobering reminder that we are called to be vigilant, both in our spiritual lives and in the lives of those around us. God’s plea through Ezekiel is clear: “Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?” God does not delight in punishment; He desires repentance and life. But the choice is ours, and with it comes the consequence—life or death.

Jeremiah 52: The Reality of Exile

Jeremiah 52:28-30 recounts the numbers of Israelites taken into exile in Babylon. The total number of captives was 4,600—a small remnant compared to the population before the exile. This passage, though brief, is a poignant reminder of the consequences of a nation’s collective disobedience to God. The exile was not just a historical event; it was the direct result of Israel’s persistent rebellion against God.

Word of the Day: Consequences

The word of the day is “Consequences”—a term that carries the weight of actions and decisions. Throughout the Bible, we see the principle of sowing and reaping. What we sow in our lives—whether righteousness or wickedness—will bear fruit, and that fruit is the consequence of our choices.

Personal Takeaway: Living with Awareness of Consequences

As I reflected on these passages, I couldn’t help but think of a recent visit to the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. Standing in the watchtower, I thought about Ezekiel’s role as a watchman. What would happen if a watchman saw danger coming and didn’t warn the others? The result would be disastrous—a direct consequence of inaction.

In our lives, the consequences of our choices may not always be immediate, but they are inevitable. Ezekiel and Jeremiah serve as powerful reminders that we must live with an awareness of the outcomes our actions produce. Are we making choices that align with God’s will, leading us toward His blessings? Or are we heading toward our own “Babylon,” a place of captivity due to poor decisions?

Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Live Wisely

The choices we make today shape the consequences we will face tomorrow. God’s desire is for us to live in alignment with His will, to make decisions that lead to life and blessing. But this requires discernment, vigilance, and a willingness to heed His warnings. This week, let’s commit to making choices grounded in God’s wisdom, fully aware of the ripples they will create in our lives and the lives of those around us.

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