Beginning October 1, my reading schedule took me into the book of Ezekiel. I really enjoy reading through the prophets but they can be tough as you see the heavy judgment of God. In Ezekiel 1:3 there is a phrase used to describe Ezekiel. The New King James reads, “and the hand of the Lord was upon him (Ezekiel) there.”

For some reason that phrase caught my attention more than it has when reading through this portion of Scripture before. I begin to think of times in my life when the “hand of the Lord” felt heavy. Normally it has been seasons of correction, refreshing, empowering or all of the above (God’s correction often leads to refreshment and empowerment because it puts us on a path closer to Him).

Seven times in the book of Ezekiel we see “the hand of the Lord” was on him and empowering Ezekiel to do the ministry laid before him. Would you be so courageous as to ask for the hand of the Lord on your life, your family, and on God’s church at First Baptist? It may lead to personal and/or corporate discipline, but oh, that it would lead to personal and corporate refreshing and empowering for the work that lies ahead for God’s people!