Daily Devotional: Monday, August 5 – Reviving Communities

“Then he stated to me, ‘Prophesy to those bones and say to them, “Dry bones, hear the phrase of the Lord! That is what the Sovereign Lord says to those bones: I’ll make breath enter you, and you’ll come to life.”‘” — Ezekiel 37:4-5

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Within the 1800s, a number of cities have been constructed through the gold rush to California. The San Francisco 49ers acquired their identify from that bygone period. Nonetheless, lots of these short-term cities are largely empty in the present day. Vacationers can go to the Bodie and Calico communities in California to see trinkets, purchase souvenirs and listen to tales about how issues was once, however the cities aren’t what they as soon as have been. They’ve develop into ghost cities — abandoned locations that have been as soon as bustling with exercise.

Many previous Olympic venues have suffered the identical destiny. Amenities used for the Video games are sometimes maintained or repurposed, however typically they’re abandoned and forgotten. Rio and Athens are a few of the most up-to-date examples. In some instances, metropolis leaders will strive all the things attainable to assist a group thrive, however circumstances past their management make it essential for a big portion of the inhabitants to maneuver elsewhere for alternatives.

Among the many Israelites within the Bible, the prophets defined that one of the simplest ways to see God’s approval and have stability was to observe God’s commandments and pay attention rigorously to the Lord’s steering. Nonetheless, the nation declined as a result of most individuals thought they knew greater than God. Although God allowed Israel to achieve a low level, He promised forgiveness and restoration sooner or later.

On one event, God confirmed one among His prophets, Ezekiel, a imaginative and prescient of the pitiful situation of the nation. It was in comparison with lifeless, dry skeletons as a result of no life or enthusiasm appeared to dwell there. “The hand of the Lord was on me, and he introduced me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the midst of a valley; it was stuffed with bones. He led me forwards and backwards amongst them, and I noticed an ideal many bones on the ground of the valley, bones that have been very dry” (Ezekiel 37:1-2). Because the prophet regarded on the scenario, it appeared inconceivable for bodily or religious life to be renewed.

Nonetheless, God assured Ezekiel and urged him and the folks to not be discouraged as a result of in time they’d be restored and lively once more. Although the prophet’s hearers appeared like zombies for therefore lengthy, they’d awaken and reply to the message when he spoke this time. “Then he stated to me, ‘Prophesy to those bones and say to them, “Dry bones, hear the phrase of the Lord! That is what the Sovereign Lord says to those bones: I’ll make breath enter you, and you’ll come to life”‘” (Ezekiel 37:4-5).

As absolutely as Christ rose from the lifeless, the Lord is ready to restore life, save souls and provides hope to the hopeless at all times and without end. Nothing is past His attain — not our communities, our nation or our world. We desperately want Him!

— Invoice Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia

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