Dry Bones (August 28)

Then he said to me, "Prophecy 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.'"
                                          Ezekiel 37:4-6 NIV

The Word of God, as spoken by Ezekiel, tells of the transition from death to life.  Think of how inanimate, lifeless, stone like and more or less useless dry bones are.  Perhaps there are uses for dry bones, however the only use that comes to mind is to grind up dry bones and use for fertilizer.

We read how our almighty, powerful, awesome God through His word takes dry bones and gives them life.  We, with human understanding at first, may take issue with dry bones being brought to life.  Upon second thought and considering that God with His words created darkness and light; water and soil; plants and animals; mankind and relationships.  As a result, do we in anyway have doubts about the possibility of dry bones being given life?

Have you experienced any 'dry bones' time in your life?  Some of those 'dry bones' times may be times of trial or loss: legal challenges; health issues; death; divorce; unemployment and others as they may come to mind may serve as some examples.  How did you survive, persevere, cope, grow or make it through those times?

Are you in the midst of a 'dry bones' time in your life right now?  Are you, on a moment by moment basis, letting the Lord know about your challenges, feelings, thoughts and needs?

As you reflect on 'dry bones' times, consider that it is God's time, not our time.  Remember that God's plan for all of us is abundant life, eternal life, and joyful life.  He wants us to have life, so that we will know He is Lord.

What helped you get though 'dry bones' times in your life?

How did the Spirit guide you though those 'dry bones' times?

How do you help and encourage others during 'dry bones' times?

How are you showing your thanfulness for Christ's work to bring you from death to new life?

Pray for the ability for fruits of the Spirit to be present in abundance during 'dry bones' times.

In Christ,

David P