November 17th One Year Bible Readings

Ezekiel 35:1-36:38 ~ James 1:1-18 ~ Psalm 116:1-19 ~ Proverbs 27:23-27
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Old Testament - Ezekiel chapter 36 is an awesome chapter looking at the restoration of Israel, post-exile.  I like that there are prophecies to the mountain and hills and valleys in this chapter!  Great verses.  Verses 8 & 9 stood out to me - "But the mountains of Israel will produce heavy crops of fruit to prepare for my people's return--and they will be coming home again soon! See, I am concerned for you, and I will come to help you. Your ground will be tilled and your crops planted."   I like that God is concerned for the mountains and he wants them to be fruitful.  If He is concerned for the mountains, think how much more He is concerned for each of our lives...   Think He wants our lives to be fruitful as well?

Verse 22 shows God's grace - "I am bringing you back again but not because you deserve it.  I am doing it to protect my holy name."  The first sentence shows grace in that God is bringing them back, even though they are undeserving.  The second sentence you might not initially see the grace in it - but, God is protecting his holy name so that ultimately all people's in all nations will come to faith in him - and not idols, which deliver nothing and lead to the grave.  If God did not bring the Israelites back and protect his name, the rest of the world would see no reason to turn from their idols. 

Verses 26 & 27 sound very New Testament / new covenant - "And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command." Do you have a new heart?  With new and right desires?  Do you have a new Spirit in you?

New Testament - Whoo-hoo!  Today we begin the book of James!

~ James ~
Author: James
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 45-49
Content: The book of James was written to Jewish Christians in order to provide them with some practical instructions in the Christian life. It contains many short proverbial sayings and reflects in a remarkable way the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. The problems addressed show the kind of difficulties that were troubling the church. We read of pride, discrimination, greed, lust, hypocrisy, worldliness, and backbiting. James writes to correct these evils by showing that faith without works is dead; that is, mere profession of faith is not enough. True faith will issue forth in a good life as surely as a good tree bears good fruit and not thistles.
Theme: James stresses the need for Christian living both to show the reality of one’s inner faith and to show the world that the Gospel does in fact change lives. If a person says he is a Christian but is no different than when he was an unbeliever, what benefit has there been either for him or for the needy world? But in fact the Gospel does change lives and if we will commit ourselves to Jesus, we will find that from our living faith will flow living deeds of love and kindness. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 31-32) A great overview of the book of James and the other “Non-Pauline Epistles” by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link. (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews to get to his commentary on James)

Today in James chapter 1 verses 2 – 4 we read: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Are you facing a trial of some kind in your life today? Do you see the wisdom in considering this trial pure joy? Do you think it is possible that this trial will develop perseverance in your life? Maturity? Completeness? Will you persevere in this trial? Will you persevere with pure joy?

I like verse 17 today - "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights.  Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows."  Think about this for a bit - God is a God of no shadows.  Pure light.  Unchanging.  No shadows.  I like that thought of no shadows a lot...  Of course, this means we can't hide out in God's shadows either!  :)  Praise God for his unchanging, un-shadowed & pure Light!

And verse 18 is an awesome closing to the James readings today - "In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession."  Congratulations to you for diving into God's true Word today - the Bible!  Please continue to accept the gift of God's true word by reading the Bible each day....  this will bless and change your life immensely.   Do you realize that you are God's choice possession?  Do you realize that you are a child of God?

Psalms - Psalm 116 verses 1 & 2 are amazing- "I love the LORD because he hears and answers my prayers.  Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!" How is your prayer life these days?  Do you believe God bends down and listens to your prayers?  And answers them?   Will you pray as long as you have breath?

Proverbs - Proverbs 27:23-27 are pretty much just agricultural advice.  :)  Agriculture was obviously a huge part of the B.C. economy - and still is today.  So, a few proverbs verses on agriculture certainly makes sense!

Worship God:  Ezekiel 36:8 reminded me of the fantastic worship song "Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble" by Delirious!  Here's a great live version of this song:

Do you know our Risen Lord?  Click here to fling wide the heavenly gates!

Please join me in memorizing 2 verses of Scripture today:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."  James 1:2-3 NIV

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

Comments

[Anka]

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Most people((me included)come to God when we realise we can't do without him...I got into a few teachings that made me think God would just make my life great,all I needed to do was ask.This world isn't home,we're just passing through and during that period there will be tough times...times when we wonder how can God let this happen to us christians.Paul went through times of want..I'm sure Stephen had family who wondered why God didn't save him,Timothy(if I remember correctly)took medicine cos he had stomach problems...Some christians seem to have no problems..others wonder why a loving father would let them go through such hard trials....God has much more for us...Jesus said that Himself....Giving thanks in all situations can be pretty hard but then obedience never does come easy.I pray God helpes us all run this race remembering the saints of old didn't always have a rosy life...I pray God lays in each of our hearts our purpose here on earth and helps us fulfil it....
God bless you all

[Pat]

Mike, all the commentaries that I have read state that James was written by the half-brother of Jesus, not James the Less. James the brother of Christ could not fully accept Jesus as the Messiah until after the resurrection. However, once he did accept it, he expressed his thoughts in a simple straightforward manner that could be understood by everyone. From the link you provided in this study it states: From the commentary The Non-Pauline Epistles by J. Hampton Keathley: This epistle begins with “James of God … to the twelve tribes.” To clearly indicate the sender, the NET Bible translates, “From James, a bond-servant of God … to the twelve tribes …” But there were four men with the name James in the New Testament. These were: (1) the son of Zebedee and brother of John (Mark 1:19), (2) the son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:18), (3) the father of Judas (not Iscariot; Luke 6:16), and (4) the half brother of the Lord (Gal. 1:19). Regarding this, Ryrie writes: Of the four men bearing the name James in the New Testament, only two have been proposed as the author of this letter—James the son of Zebedee (and brother of John) and James the half brother of Jesus. It is unlikely that the son of Zebedee was the author, for he was martyred in A.D. 44 (Acts 12:2). The authoritative tone of the letter not only rules out the two lesser known Jameses of the New Testament (“James the Less” and the James of Luke 6:16) but points to the half brother of Jesus who became the recognized leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18). This conclusion is supported by the resemblances in the Greek between this epistle and the speech of James at the Council of Jerusalem (James 1:1 and Acts 15:23; James 1:27 and Acts 15:14; James 2:5 and Acts 15:13).

James is my favorite book of the Bible. It is not evangelical written to win people to Christ but instead was written to us that have already accepted Christ. It is a blueprint to follow in living the Christian life. When I read it, I feel like James is talking directly to me and helping me keep my head on straight in this mixed up world we live in.

These are my favorite verses in today’s readings: (2-3) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (5) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (13) When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. (16-17) Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

It always amazes me when I hear a Christian say “Why is God doing this to me” or “Why is God testing me” because James teaches us clearly that God never puts anything bad on us – illnesses, grief, indecision, accidents, natural disasters, financial worries, etc. The trials of life happen because we are humans living on the planet Earth occupied by other humans and Satan. What Christ does is assure us that He has physically and spiritually walked in our shoes and understands what we endure while living here in these frail bodies, and He will give us the strength to get through the trials that life places on us. Under the old covenant God tested the nation and tribes but we live under the new covenant. We have an individual relationship with Christ, he lives within us as the Holy Spirit. He sure doesn’t have to test us because He is all knowing!

Life will hand us a lemon but Christ can take that lemon and turn it into lemonade! My favorite verses of the Bible are Habakkuk 5:17-19: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he will carry me over the mountain.”

God Bless,
Pat

[Jenny]

ugh...i am going through a rough time, this isnt joyful at all, wont lie. I cant see that far by my limited view, but i must keep walking and keep trusting.

In James, v. 6 "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." ...this is not the 'name it, claim it' movement... that is false doctrine! Being in Christ doesnt mean, everything you desire and believe, if you have enough faith will come to pass. When I have a prayer request, some ppl say, 'believe and its yours'. No!! If the living were that easy, we'd all be healthy, trial-free, and have want we want. This passage is in accordance to GOD's will, not MINE. Life will not always go our way, bad things will happen to "good" God-fearing people, and not due to lack of faith. God's ways are perfect and so far from our ways. Look at Job, a God-fearing man. His friends said, 'you must have hidden sin' or 'you must not have enough faith'. Not at all! God's purposes are so beyond what we can imagine.

I'm feeling Ps. 116:3 "The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD. "O LORD, save me!""

This has really been my cry these past couple days. I know He will bring me through...the tears will stop, He will restore me....as David declares in v 5-8.

I need the Lord's help! Hear my cry oh God!!!!!! I know the God of the universe can hear my prayer, see my tears, though I dont feel anything, He is working things out for His good purpose. His ways are not my ways, i have to keep that in mind. I must praise Him all the more in times of trouble...there is great reward and breakthrough when we praise God in the storms. I like that song 'I will praise you in this storm'. forgot who sings it, but its a good one.

Prov 27:23 'Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.' Good advice to pastors/teachers, parents, etc. As the good shepard went after the one sheep that wondered away...he noticed the sheep, and that one sheep's condition, it had wandered away...he didnt just notice, but he went after it and sought to restore it.

This can also apply to all peeps... we should care for fellow-believers. If we notice a brother/sister has fallen away, we should seek to restore them.

[Mae]

And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command." Do you have a new heart? With new and right desires? Do you have a new Spirit in you?

~~ There's a lot of difference between the Mae I was and the Mae I became after my rebirth. I surely believe that I gained a new heart after my rebirth and I truly feel Him living inside of me! Even my husband tells me that he sees a new Mae! He told me that he sees a smile on my face 24/7 ... now that's good to hear, eh? I've learned a whole new meaning of love, which points out my new heart!

"I love the LORD because he hears and answers my prayers. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!" How is your prayer life these days? Do you believe God bends down and listens to your prayers? And answers them? Will you pray as long as you have breath?
~~ I'm still learning how to pray good. I've several people that are helping me with it. I do keep notes with me while I'm praying, that way I make sure I'm not forgetting something or somebody. I keep a little notebook with me in my pocket or purse, I always write something/somebody down during the day to pray for when I bump into something. To pray is not easy, yes ... it's talking to God, that comes easy. But to REALLY pray, I find that hard from time to time. That's why I need help with it sometimes. I absolutely believe that God bends down and listens to me while I'm praying. He answered sooooooooo many of my prayers, He had to listen carefully to them!

[Vance]

EZEKIEL 36 (CEV – Contemporary English Version)

22
so tell the Israelites that I am saying: You have disgraced my holy name among the nations where you now live. SO YOU DON'T DESERVE WHAT I'M GOING TO DO FOR YOU. I WILL LEAD YOU HOME TO BRING HONOR TO MY NAME
23
AND TO SHOW FOREIGN NATIONS THAT I AM HOLY. THEN THEY WILL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD GOD. I HAVE SPOKEN.
24
I will gather you from the foreign nations and bring you home.
25
I will sprinkle you with clean water, and you will be clean and acceptable to me. I will wash away everything that makes you unclean, and I will remove your disgusting idols.
26
I will take away your stubborn heart and give you a new heart and a desire to be faithful. You will have only pure thoughts,
27
because I will put my Spirit in you and make you eager to obey my laws and teachings.
28
You will once again live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
29
I will protect you from anything that makes you unclean. Your fields will overflow with grain, and no one will starve.
30
Your trees will be filled with fruit, and crops will grow in your fields, so that you will never again feel ashamed for not having enough food.
31
You will remember your evil ways and hate yourselves for what you've done.
32
PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, I'M NOT DOING THESE THINGS FOR YOUR SAKE. YOU SINNED AGAINST ME, AND YOU MUST SUFFER SHAME AND DISGRACE FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. I, THE LORD GOD, HAVE SPOKEN.

NOTE:
1. Thank God for His Kindness! Verse 32 highlights that we do not deserve His Kindness! If I feel I have anything for which to be thankful, may I always pause and thank the Father for His Kindness!

2. HIS KINDNESS IS THE ONLY BASIS FOR REPENTANCE. Without His Kindness, there would be no OPPORTUNITY for repentance.
Romans 2
(CEV – Contemporary English Version)
4
You surely don't think much of God's wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. DON'T YOU KNOW THAT THE REASON GOD IS GOOD TO YOU IS BECAUSE HE WANTS YOU TO TURN TO HIM?
Amplified Bible
4
Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience?
Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God's will)?

3. “The mind set on the flesh is death. The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
The mind I choose to have—to allow God to reveal Himself and His true character to me—will determine if I enter into the inheritance Jesus paid for me to have.
AS I SEEK GOD WITH ALL MY MIND, HEART AND WILL—then God will come to me and reveal Himself to me. God is not available to the casual seeker.

Convicting… encouraging…pressing through thoughts.

Vance

[Patsy Ray]

I agree with Pat on two points. First, every commentary I have read with the exception of one narrows the author of the Book of James to James the earthly brother of Jesus, son of Mary and Joseph. Secondly, James is my favorite book in the New Testament. James was a simple speaker in so far as his message is direct and to the point. He speaks without eloquent examples but instead in a language that can be understood by everyone reading them, and he gives simple instructions for living a Christian life. It’s hard for me to pull out my favorite verses from this book because all verses are pertinent to Christians living in this day and time just as they were pertinent for the first Christians. Matter of fact, my favorite verses change each time I read it depending on what is going on in my my life at that time. In my personal opinion, I feel that James is one book of the Bible that should be read slowly and meditated upon as it addresses both our weak points and our strong points. This is my third year with this Bible study and each year I take delight in studying the book of James in the week preceding Thanksgiving. For me it is the perfect book to study as we celebrate Thanksgiving and then Christmas.

God Bless!
Patsy Ray

[Cynthia]

We'd been talking about shepherds who abuse sheep and will get what's coming in Ezekial, and then we get to Proverbs talking about how stupid it is for a shepherd who abuses the sheep. I agree with the one who says the shepherd goes after the lost sheep and restores it, not abuse it, roasts it for dinner. The Good Shepherd leaves the 99 alone and goes after that one lost sheep. That's the announcement against Mt Seir. They abused Isreal, and now it will be left desolate, and it is still desolate today if my notes are still true. Yet in James we see ruin and desolation is a good thing. Count it all joy, my brothers. We are being changed just like Mae. I'm being changed by this ruin and desolation like Jenny. I'm not the same person as I was six months ago! We must believe and not doubt, be tossed about like the waves. We're to stand firm, unshaken, with the armour of God, believing in the goodness of God. Jenny, I'll pray for you.

[Kary]

Thank you so much, Mike, for this blog and may God bless you for doing this, encouraging and facilitating for all of us to read the One Year Bible.

I would say about your comment about today's Proverbs pertaining only to agriculture as it was the major industry in the Old Testament, I would respectfully disagree that it was only about that. I belive, really, this is fantastic business advice, agriculture was just the business at that time. Do you know how many people don't really have a good handle on their finances (flocks)? They don't really know, much less understand, their retirement pensions, savings, etc, or they don't look at their spending patterns, budget, etc, financial situation (state of their finances or if in business their financial statements) to really understand and "know" their state, and they really should.

We should remember how rich Salomon actually was and I believe this was actually advice about this area of our lives we would do well to consider and ponder how it pertains to our finances or our business today.

This is also good management advice as well for those in a managerial position. I might also consider that often in the Bible the analogy to sheep, flocks, etc pertains to Christians or the church and we should see what wisdom there is in that too (such as Church planting, missionary support, etc).

Blessings to you Mike, and again, thank you for your blog....