From the time the Israelites were delivered out of Egypt to the time they were defeated by the Assyrians in the north and the Babylonians in the south, the Israelites struggled in their relationship with God. Often times the struggle included the desire to be like other nations. Rather than remain a theocracy (God ruled), they wanted a king like other nations (man ruled) – 1 Samuel 8:4-9.

They eventually wanted to serve the gods other people did and left the God of their fathers all together. God allowed them to experience the consequence of their decision, which led to an abandonment of morality, the decline of a nation, and eventually they were taken captive by neighboring nations. However, God promised to restore His people, to restore the temple, to restore the city, and to restore the land.

God is the God of restoration.

I learned this about God when I had lost family, friends, job, housing, and transportation, not to mention my dignity and self-respect to addiction. From chapter 39 of Ezekiel to the end of the book – it’s all about God’s restoration. And the when the city is restored it shall be named Jehovah Shammah – THE LORD IS THERE.

When I gave my heart to God, believing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was for me, I was saved by grace through faith and free from the bondage of sin and addiction. Most of all I realized God dwells in me (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 6:19) – THE LORD IS THERE.

It is my constant prayer that when I interact with people they would see – THE LORD IS THERE. That they would see Christ in me. That they would be guided by God’s Spirit to believe by faith and allow Him to dwell within them.

By the way… God restored me, my family, and my livelihood and for that I am most grateful.

Until next time…

PW