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But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18:21

There is still hope for all who continue to fall short in this journey we call life (I am included)… Though we have made mistakes and given into temptations we are reminded today that we still can overcome and be victorious… Ezekiel speaks to a rebellious house today who turned from God to seek other gods and other possessions… The message written at the time of Israel’s disobedience carries the same value and weight for us today… We too, have strayed away from God’s will… It’s not about the magnitude or ripple affect of your ways, but the fact that you must humble yourself in your imperfection and seek to turn from sin… Even though you may not be suffering or experiencing great turmoil in your life, Ezekiel reminds us that we all have to turn in order to live and not die… This means that the person that feels like their life is successful still needs Jesus just as much as the person who may be in the dark alley amongst spirits of addiction… The scripture we find today informs us of the process that we must undergo in becoming a child of God and reaching the heights in this life that only God can and has made possible… As I have stated several times through different devotions or inspirational messages, it doesn’t matter how far you have fallen, how many mistakes you have made or how many temptations that you have given into… God sits high and looks low, He desires to have a more intimate relationship with you and if you desire the same Ezekiel outlines the way that this relationship can be established and maintained… Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” All have sinned and fallen short, every man or woman, every boy or girl… It’s a sobering reality, but it is also the first step in developing the right relationship with the Lord…; today we find the steps to redemption and salvation which are outlined here in the book of the prophet Ezekiel…

1) The first step “But if the wicked…” We must not acknowledge our position as sinners and accept the fact that we are not nor will we ever be perfect on this earth… Ezekiel is speaking to a rebellious house, a people that abstained, objected and denied God… We too have rejected the teachings of God; we have denied the will of God in our lives and clothed ourselves with the will and ways of the world… God desires all creation to return unto him, but we must understand that we are wicked and acknowledge that we are in need of a savior in order to open up the door that God will enter into… The process of becoming a child of God and receiving His blessings begin with this vital step. In acknowledging sin, we humble ourselves and allow God to become the center of our lives…

2) The second step is “turn from all his sin that he hath committed…” you must have an attitude that learns from your mistakes and doesn’t continue in the path of darkness! We all have fallen short, but must realize that until we turn away and back to God we will not be released from the weight of our sin… Change is never easy to accept of to do, but we must “turn” and change our lifestyle, habits and friends in order to even begin to entertain a relationship with God… This step is critical after acknowledging your wickedness because it isn’t until we turn that change can begin to manifest itself… The first two steps go hand and hand, the bible says “if you confess with your mouth (acknowledge) and believe in your heart (turn) you shall be saved…

3) The third step in this process of sanctification is “…and keep all my statues…” Even though we understand the importance in recognizing your sin and desiring to turn away from it, it is not enough to turn from your wickedness, that is the beginning but that doesn’t release you from eternal damnation; in turning you are prepared for accepting and committing your life to Christ! Once you join a gym, results are not seen until you actually workout and develop your regimen; likewise, we must abide within God’s will if we want to experience results and receive God’s bountiful blessings and rewards!

4) The last step in this process is that you “…do that which is lawful and right…” No only must we keep his statures, but we must remain steadfast in God’s laws; understand that this is not an overnight process, and that it takes time… You must do that which is lawfully right, adhere to His commandments daily, when you begin to analyze your ways and thoughts and focus your attention on God, you will begin to live and death will have no more dominion over you!

BE BLESSED!!!