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God's people fail over and over again. We're so messed up. Will there ever be a day when we get it right? The prophet Ezekiel said that God would renew his covenant by renewing hearts, and he'd do this by giving his own Spirit to those who trusted in him. God fulfilled his promise through Jesus. Now as followers of Jesus, we are invited to practice living with his Spirit. And as we do, we find our hearts are being renewed every day, filled with new desires and new decisions to love God and one another. Let's reflect on this.
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 36:22-28
Reflection Questions:
- What is one specific area in your life that God has renewed by his Spirit?
- What is one specific thing that may be hindering your life with God's Spirit?
- What is one step you can take with God's Spirit today to overcome that hindrance?
Show Credits:
Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Tim Mackie Bible Reading: Michelle Jones Production: Dan Gummel and Zach McKinley Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: Josh Leake, Chapters Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Reflect
Once you've listened to the podcast, take time to reflect on these questions.
- What is one specific area in your life that God has renewed by his Spirit? Share your story.
- What is one specific thing that may be hindering your life with God’s Spirit?
- What is one step you can take with God’s Spirit today to overcome that hindrance?
Go Deeper
If you would like to dive deeper, use these Scriptures and questions for personal study or small group discussion.
Message Question:
How did Tim’s message challenge or encourage you today?
Read: Ezekiel 36:22-36
God’s people have failed over and over again. Will there ever be a day when we get it right? The book of Ezekiel teaches us that while moral failures are costly, God is still faithful. He doesn’t abandon us. Instead, he promises to renew our hearts.
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The people’s sin polluted the reputation of God’s name. As you carefully review today's passage, what does God specifically decide to do about it and why? Make a list.
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With your list in mind, what does this response teach us about God’s character? How is this surprising or inspiring to you?
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Consider how certain behaviors may have misrepresented God’s reputation to your family, coworkers, or neighborhood. What is one specific way you can cooperate with God’s Spirit to recover an accurate reflection of his character in those spaces?
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Take some time to pray. Express your appreciation for God’s redemptive promises. Admit any specific areas where you or your community are failing to reflect God’s character. Seek to rely on his Spirit to renew his reflection in those areas.