One Year Bible Blog

November 23rd One Year Bible Readings

Ezekiel 45:13-46:24 ~ 1 Peter 1:13-2:10 ~ Psalm 119:33-48 ~ Proverbs 28:11
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Ezekiel chapters 45 & 46 describe some new regulations on how offerings are to be done, when compared to the original Pentateuch regulations - primarily from Numbers chapter 28.   Apparently these chapters in Ezekiel have created some reconciliation work for rabbis in the past to figure out the proper regulations.  Chapter 45 verses 13 through 15 speak of taxes to the prince that must be brought and will be used as offerings for the people who bring them: ""This is the tax you must give to the prince: one bushel of wheat or barley for every sixty you harvest, one percent of your olive oil, and one sheep for every two hundred in your flocks in Israel. These will be the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings that will make atonement for the people who bring them, says the Sovereign LORD."

Verse 20 in chapter 46 did stand out at me in today's readings: "He explained, "This is where the priests will cook the meat from the guilt offerings and sin offerings and bake the flour from the grain offerings into bread. They will do it here to avoid carrying the sacrifices through the outer courtyard and harming the people by transmitting holiness to them."  Per a previous chapter this goes along the lines of the priests needing to take off their clothes in a special room after being in the Temple, to avoid transmitting holiness.   This is interesting to me because you would think that transmitting holiness would be a good thing.  Apparently not in this case.  This does remind me of when Moses was on the mountain receiving the Laws, he had to wear a veil over his face amongst the people when he came down from the mountain because his face was so radiant from being in the presence of God.   I read a commentary that said this transmission of holiness, in this case in Ezekiel, was not something for the Israelites to concern themselves with, because this was a vision of a future temple.  I read another commentary that made the interesting point that these passages in Ezekiel can help demonstrate the transmission of holiness from Jesus' robe to the woman who suffered from bleeding for 12 years - see Mark 5:22-34.  She was healed by reaching out and touching Jesus' robe.  Of course Jesus says that it was the woman's faith that healed her - not her touching his robe.  It is intriguing to think about the transmission of holiness via garments or sacrifices.  I'll need to do more study on the problem of "transmitting holiness" in this case in Ezekiel.  If anyone has ideas about this, please post up in the comments section below.  Thanks.

New Testament - Today in First Peter chapter 1 verse 15 we read: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.””  Do you believe that God is holy?  Do you believe that you are called to be holy?  Is this a goal in your life – to be holy?  What are some ways you can move forward on this goal of being holy?  Have you moved forward in holiness this year?  Will you continue to move forward in holiness next year?  What are some specific areas of your life that God is calling you to holiness in during this coming year?

1 Peter 2 verse 2 is awesome! "You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness."  Do you crave pure spiritual milk?  What is pure spiritual milk?  Could it be the Word of God, the Bible?  Do you believe the Bible can help you grow into the fullness of your salvation?  Do you cry out for this nourishment?  Do you drink deeply of this nourishment?  Daily?

Verse 5 is beautiful imagery: "And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are God's holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ."   Do you believe that you are a living stone in God's spiritual temple?  Do you believe you are a holy priest of God?  If realizing that you are a holy priest of God is something new for you, how might this change how you live your life?

Psalms - Today in Psalm 119 verses 47 & 48 we read – “I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” Do you believe it is possible to delight in God’s commands? Why might this be a good thing? Do you believe it is possible to actually love God’s commands? What are God’s commands? Where can we find them? (okay, I’ll give you a hint – the answer is all over Psalm 119 :) - God’s Word, the Bible is where we can find God’s commands) Do you meditate upon God’s decrees as found in the Bible? Do you love the Bible? This seems like a strange question to ask in some regards. . . but, maybe ask yourself this – do you love books in general? I think many of us would say we love books. (Maybe using the term loosely. . .) So, if we were to consider just one book that it would really make sense to invest our time in; to meditate upon; to read for all of our lives; to love – what would that book be? Why would it be that book?  Are you a bookworm when it comes to the Bible?

Today in Psalm 119 verse 37 we read:  “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”  Are there currently things in your life that you are spending time on – focusing your eyes on – that are worthless?  What are these things?  Do you want to turn your eyes away from these things?  Will you?  Do you believe that your life can be preserved by the Word of God – the Bible?  How will you continue to preserve your life according to God’s Word on a daily basis next year? Do you consider the Bible literally to be a "life preserver" for you in the midst of the raging rivers of life?  Will you hold onto this life preserver each and every day?

Proverbs - Proverb 28:11 today teaches us: "Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them." This is a great reminder to not think of ourselves as being wise in our own eyes... others will see through our supposed "wisdom"!  And yes, at this time I feel that it's been a long time since I brought out the photo of the cute little monkey who some say is being "haughty" or wise in his own eyes.  I say the monkey is just being cute!  :)  (I really couldn't find a good image for this proverb.... and it's time for bed... so I punted and went with the monkey...  please forgive... :)

YouTube - Today's readings in First Peter remind me of the beautiful 33 Miles song "One Life to Love:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuIloWyJNXM

How are you spending your one life to love?  Click here for Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. " 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you crave pure spiritual milk. Pray that you are growing up in your salvation. Pray that you have tasted that the Lord is good!

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 22nd One Year Bible Readings

Ezekiel 44:1-45:12 ~ 1 Peter 1:1-12 ~ Psalm 119:17-32 ~ Proverbs 28:8-10
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - In Ezekiel chapters 44 and 45 today we see the priesthood restored to Israel!  It's interesting that the Levites are taken down a notch in how they can serve in the temple and the Zadokites are elevated.  Zadok was a priest during the time of David & Solomon and a descendent of Eleazar and ultimately Aaron.  Below is a fresco of Zadok by Michelangelo from the year 1611 and is in the Capella Sistina at the Vatican in Rome:

Chapter 44, verse 28 really stood out to me today: "As to property, the priests will not have any, for I alone am their inheritance."  I like that!  God alone is the priests' inheritance.  What is our inheritance?  Is it property?  Is it things of this earth?  Or could our inheritance be God as well?  Should God be our inheritance?  How is God our inheritance?  If the Lord is not our inheritance, what then do we inherit?  The wind?  It's an age old debate as you'll see in the image above.  Where do you stand?  Can we inherit eternal life through the grace of God and faith in Jesus?  Or do we simply inherit the wind?  (Nothingness) What does your heart tell you?  Most importantly, what does the Bible tell you?

In Ezekiel chapter 45 verses 1 through 8 today we read about the division of the land for Ezekiel's temple vision.   A nice simple image for these verses is below:

New Testament - Today we begin the Apostle Peter's first epistle!  Below is a Russian Orthodox icon of Peter -

~ First Peter ~
Author: Peter the apostle
Place: Uncertain, perhaps Rome
Date:  A.D. 63 or 64
Content:  The apostle Peter wrote this letter near the end of his life to comfort and encourage the Jewish Christians who were living in Asia Minor.  He points out that suffering is part of the Christian life and that God has an imperishable reward reserved for those who trust him.  In case any were thinking of returning to Judaism to escape from persecution, Peter points out that the church is now the chosen nation and the priesthood of God.  Hence any thoughts of returning to Judaism were futile.  Peter then presents the example of Christ who suffered and admonished the believers to be prepared for the same experience.
Theme:  The theme of First Peter is triumph through suffering.  Early Christians lived difficult lives, often paying for their faith with their lives, but this letter shows us that it is worth it, no matter what the price.  God knows all that is occurring and in his eternal plan will work everything out for the best.  (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 32)  A great overview of First Peter and the other “Non-Pauline Epistles” by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link. Scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews & James to get to his commentary on First Peter.  Below is an oil painting of Peter by the artist El Greco (known as "The Greek", but the artist's real name was Domenikos Theotokopoulos) from the early 17th century -

1 Peter 1:4-6 are powerful verses: "For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while."  These verses tie in nicely with the Ezekiel 44:28 comments above, no?  :)  Are we truly glad about this priceless inheritance?  Do we believe there is a priceless inheritance for us in heaven?  Do we understand that we may have to endure many trials in this life before receiving this inheritance?  Will you endure the many trials that will come your way, knowing that God's inheritance is awaiting you through His grace and your faith in Christ?

Verse 8 is a beautiful thought about Jesus and our relationship with him (and ties in nicely with this picture above) - "You love him even though you have never seen him." Even though you have never seen Jesus, do you love Him?

Psalms - Wow.  Psalm 119 verse 29 is powerful - "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law." Do you ever lie to yourself? If you answered no, are you lying to yourself now?  :)  I think that lying to ourselves is part of our fallen human condition.  I think we're probably pretty good at it.  And I think that maybe the cure for this is even found in this same verse - the prayer of "give me the privilege of knowing your law."   It is a privilege to know God's Word.  It is a free privilege, but a privilege that I think we can often take for granted or simply ignore.  Through our study of God's Word let us pray that we allow God to show us any area of our life where we might be lying to ourselves.  And let us allow God to redeem that area and give us the clarity of Truth.  Like this Psalmist, will you pray to God and ask Him to keep you from lying to yourself?  Will you pray this prayer often?

Proverbs - Proverb 28:9 makes me simply say yikes... "The prayers of a person who ignores the law are despised." This proverb is quite the opposite from yesterday's readings in James telling us the prayers of a righteous person are powerful in James 5:16b:  "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results."   Think there is a correlation between what these two verses teach?  Lord, please let our earnest prayers be heard!

YouTube - Today's readings in First Peter remind me of the Sanctus Real song "Whatever You're Doing:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vaHsFMEhf8

What is God doing inside of you?  Click here to find out!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that even though you have not seen Jesus, you love Him. Pray that you are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, through your saving faith and belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 21st One Year Bible Readings

Ezekiel 42:1-43:27 ~ James 5:1-20 ~ Psalm 119:1-16 ~ Proverbs 28:6-7
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Ezekiel chapter 42 continues the description of the temple in Ezekiel's vision and the dimensions.  In this chapter we learn about the rooms for the priests of the temple.  The interesting thing for me, as I was reading this chapter today, is that my mind wandered a bit and wondered if maybe somehow this was / is a heavenly temple that Ezekiel was describing?  I'm not sure.  I have so much more to learn about the temples.  But, it's interesting to think if maybe somehow we might see something like this temple in heaven?  An interesting thought at least for me to ponder.   However - the tricky thing is that in chapter 43 there are descriptions of sacrifices for the altar in this temple.  And of course Christ was the final sacrifice for our sins  - so there is no need for the old covenant sacrifices.  So, this could certainly dash my imagination of this being a heavenly temple we'll see some day.   Though - I did read somewhere that if this is a heavenly temple, the sacrifices described in chapter 43 may be "memorials" or ceremonial - but not required, as they were in the old covenant.  I don't know... fascinating stuff to ponder however!  Below is an artist's rendition of "Ezekiel's Temple":

Back to how all this might apply to our lives today.  Verse 20 in chapter 42 stood out to me: "So the area was 875 feet on each side with a wall all around it to separate the holy places from the common."   The last part of that verse stands out - to separate the holy places from the common.   I wonder about that in our lives - do we do anything that separates the holy from the common in our own lives?  Do we need to?   My thought here is that if we don't allow for some "holy places" to appear in our lives, might we just settle for common places throughout our lives?   A Holy Place for us might be 5 minutes of prayer.  Or 15 minutes of reading the Bible.  Or going to a church service.  Or listening to worship music.  Or not scheduling anything one day a week, so we can take a Sabbath day of rest.   What are you doing to create some Holy Places in your life?

Chapter 43 is incredible with God's return to the temple.  I love this verse - "And this is the basic law of the Temple: absolute holiness!"   Absolute holiness.  Okay - so this is not something we are going to see or "achieve" this side of heaven.  It's impossible for us to be absolutely holy on this earth.  Only Jesus was absolutely holy and sinless.  However, I think the call for our eternal lives is absolute holiness.  So, know that faith in Jesus will ultimately lead you in this direction - and I do believe we can grow in holiness in this life.  God's grace gives ultimate absolute holiness in heaven.  Do you want absolute holiness?  Are you moving toward absolute holiness in your life today?  Do you also realize you won't reach absolute holiness this side of heaven?   But, yet, do you still desire absolute holiness someday?

Verse 21 in this chapter is a foreshadowing of Jesus' death on the Cross at Mt. Calvary: "Then take the young bull for the sin offering and burn it at the appointed place outside the Temple area."   How does this apply to Jesus' death on a hill outside of Jerusalem's city gates?  This is best explained in Hebrews chapter 13 verses 11-13 as follows: "The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore." Powerful...  Will you walk with Jesus outside the city gates of Jerusalem?  Up to Mt. Calvary?  Will you follow Jesus all the way up that hill?

 

New Testament - Today we wrap up the book of James.  This has been such a powerful book for me to read these past few days!  I am convicted and challenged by this book, which is wonderful.  Today in chapter 5, verse 5 stands out: "This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment."  This reminds me of the scene at the end of the movie "Schindler's List" where Oscar Schindler breaks down crying when the war is over - and after he has saved so many lives - and yet he cries out - "This gold pin - this pin could have saved a life! This car.... could have saved 10 lives!"   This scene - and this verse - makes me ask myself if I am using my finances wisely?  Am I investing in others?  Are my luxuries taking away from other's very lives?  Am I accumulating treasure when I could have been serving others?  I cannot encourage you enough to watch this scene in Schindler's List again if you haven't seen it in a while.  Every time I watch this scene something happens to my heart that only God can explain...  it changes me...

Verse 9 stands out: "Don't grumble about each other, my brothers and sisters, or God will judge you."  This is such a great reminder of Jesus' call to not judge others!  Don't grumble about others.  How often do we grumble about others?  Are we grumbling about someone currently?  Is this a healthy practice?  By the way, I have been bad about grumbling about others recently - in fact, I almost got sideswiped on a freeway recently by a guy who was not paying attention to where he was going.  In all honestly, I have no idea how we avoided not hitting each other, but for the grace of God.  I was so shook up by the near miss I was "grumbling" big time about this guy's carelessness.  Interestingly and thankfully I was not cussing at him nor giving him bad gestures, but I was grumbling in my heart about how not smart I thought he was - and I immediately caught myself and asked God to forgive me for this sin.  And I believe He did.  Let us not grumble in our hearts about others.  It is a sin.  Let us stay away from grumble corner in our lives!  :)

The first half of verse 16 is so true - "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."  Is there someone in your life you can confess your sins to?  Someone you can ask to pray for you?  Do you believe this practice will heal you of that sin?

And the last half of verse 16 also is amazing to remember - "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results."   Are you praying for others?  Earnestly?  Do you believe prayer has great power and that God listens and can bring about wonderful results?

Psalms - Today we begin Psalm 119, the longest Psalm and chapter in the Bible! This Psalm is a beautiful meditation on God's Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. Almost every verse in this Psalm mentions God's Word.  I pray that this Psalm is encouraging to you as you read through the One Year Bible!

Today in Psalm 119 verse 11 we read: "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Have you hidden God's word in your heart? So that you might not sin against God? Do you realize that all sin is indeed a sin against God? Are you memorizing Scripture on a regular basis? And, more importantly, reflecting on Scripture?

Proverbs - Proverbs 28 verse 6 teaches us today: "It is better to be poor and honest than rich and crooked."  I have often paraphrased this proverb in this way - "It is better to be poor and happy than to be rich and miserable."  Though, I think the Proverb reads better and has more truth in the way it is actually written in the Bible.  "Honest" is better than "Happy"...   Actually, the more I think about this, I think that honesty actually will lead to happiness.  If you are honest with yourself and others, I do think you'll be happier obviously than if you are dishonest with yourself and others.  To take this a step further, and to reflect on the "absolute holiness" verse in Ezekiel today, I might even paraphrase this Proverb to say "It is better to be poor and holy and than rich and un-holy."  Not sure if this works?  I do want to say that I don't think being rich means you'll be crooked or miserable or un-holy.  But, I think there is so much truth to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 16:26 - "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"  We need to be careful around too much money or too much power or of course too much (any?) pride.  Too much can distract us from God...  In fact, whether we're rich or poor, I think if we don't always keep in mind that absolutely everything we have comes from and belongs to God then we can indeed become "blinded" by money in one way or another...

YouTube:  As I reflect on the ending of Schindler's List in the New Testament blog comments today, here's the beautiful ending of the movie that I refer to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIp_8RNNX4k

Do you need our Saving God?  Click here and get to know him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for righteousness in your life. Pray for others, powerfully and effectively.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 20th One Year Bible Readings

Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 ~ James 4:1-17 ~ Psalm 118:19-29 ~ Proverbs 28:3-5
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Ezekiel chapters 40 and 41 in today's readings include verses where we read a lot about measurements and cubits and such!  I have to admit that I sometimes zone out a bit when reading these types of details in the Old Testament.  However - something that popped into my mind once when reading through these types of verses that has benefited me greatly in my appreciation of measurements and such is this - God is a God of precision.  God is a God of detail.  God is an organized God.  Which I think is great news!  I mean, look at our own human bodies and all our internal organs.  We are wonderfully made by a God who is a God of precision and detail.  So, remembering this when I read these types of measurements verses helps.  It helps me keep my focus and interest on what I'm reading.   I hope this helps you in some way as you read through detailed chapters like these in the Bible.  If God showed this much organization and care for Ezekiel's Temple, do you suppose he continues to show his organization and care for our local churches today?

Ezekiel chapter 41 verse 3 stands out today: "Then he went into the inner room at the end of the Holy Place."  This is interesting in that the angelic being leading Ezekiel through this vision and the temple enters the Most Holy Place - Ezekiel does not.  Even though it's a vision.  And even though God's presence is not in the Most Holy Place at this time (we'll see the Presence coming next chapter).  Yet Ezekiel does not enter.  Why?  Because the law was that only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place.   This shows great obedience on Ezekiel's part!  Even in a vision, he's obedient.  Are there areas of our life where God is calling us to be obedient?  Even if we think our obedience in a specific circumstance or situation won't matter (e.g. a vision or a dream or even a small circumstance in real life) - will we still be obedient?  Below is one of my all-time favorite images demonstrating obedience that I have to post up a couple of times a year!  :)

New Testament - James chapter 4 continues to just level me...  This book is phenomenal.  I need to read this book more than just once a year when I come around to it in the One Year Bible.  The verse today that just made me set the Bible down for a minute and reflect was verse 4: "You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you can't be a friend of God."   That is some heavy duty language...  it pierced me in reading it today.   Am I a friend of the world?  Am I trying to be a friend of the world?  Per this verse, where does this pursuit of the world put me with my relationship with God?   Am I an "adulterer", in the sense of my relationship with God and the world?   (now, please keep in mind, I'm a huge fan and believer of grace...  but sometimes we need to let verses like this really sink in.  We need to reflect.  And respond if need be... and let Jesus save us and heal us if need be...)

Verse 7 is something surely each one of us should commit to memory: "Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you."   This is so true.  Resist.  And he will flee!  Please know this is true!  Resist!

And verse 8 is so true as well: "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you."  Another one to put into memory - and practice each day.  Have you drawn close to God this very day?  And has God drawn close to you?

Verse 14 I think is so helpful for us to remember - and to give Thanks for each day we have: "How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone."  Life is short.  Every day is indeed a blessing and an opportunity to love and know God more.  Please take advantage of each and every day God gives you.  Diving into his Word each day through the One Year Bible is one amazing thing you can do every day.  As is prayer of course!

Psalms - Psalm 118 is the last half of the psalm possibly sung by Jesus and the disciples after the Last Supper - see yesterday's posting below for details.   What an amazing Psalm...  Verse 22 was quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10 and Luke 20:17 and he used this verse to refer to himself - "The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone."  Do you believe this verse applies to Jesus?  Is Jesus the cornerstone in your life?

Verse 26 was the chant of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday" "Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD."   And verse 29 Michael W. Smith quotes in a song! "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."   :)

Proverbs - Proverbs 28 verse 4 today teaches us: "To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them." This is a great reminder that obeying God "heaps coals upon the head" of those who are not obeying God.  Let us obey the Lord!  Let us obey the lion of Judah!

Worship God:  James 4:8 reminds me of Michael W. Smith's song "Draw Me Close:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG9-PJFcK8

Have you drawn close to God?  Click here and He will draw close to you!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." James 4:8 ESV

Prayer Point: Pray that you draw near to God each and every day. Pray in thanksgiving that He draws near to you!

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 19th One Year Bible Readings

Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 ~ James 2:18-3:18 ~ Psalm 118:1-18 ~ Proverbs 28:2
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Ezekiel chapter 39 continues the destruction of Gog! See yesterday's posting below for more details on who and what Gog may be.  Verse 25 stands out to me in today's readings: "So now the Sovereign LORD says: I will end the captivity of my people; I will have mercy on Israel, for I am jealous for my holy reputation!"  We see that the exile is coming near to an end.  Ezekiel and Jeremiah have been two pretty heavy books with prophecies against Israel.  This chapter continues to show the redemption and return of the exiles from Babylon to Israel is soon coming.  It is interesting that God is jealous for his holy reputation in the verse above...  are we ourselves also jealous for God's holy reputation?  Should we be?

Ezekiel chapter 40 is very interesting!  It begins the vision and description of what many call "Ezekiel's Temple."  Essentially, this temple has not been built.  Some say that this temple will be built in the future - during Christ's millennial reign.  Some say it's a heavenly temple.   Some say it was the vision for the temple that should have been built during Ezra's days in 517 B.C., but was not.  It is fascinating to look at various theories on the various temples.  An interesting look at a potential scale model of Ezekiel's temple and it's history is at this link.

New Testament - James chapter 2 today continues in the strong words about good deeds accompanying a living faith.  James' arguments are summed up in verse 26: "Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds."  Another very interesting verse in this chapter that always jumps out at me is verse 19 - "Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!"  I had someone once tell me that they believed in God - but that they realized that so do the demons.  The difference of course is that the demons are not indwelled by the Holy Spirit, as are those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Still, a bit of a scary verse to think about, no?  Not necessarily for our own lives, perhaps, but maybe for others we know.  Let us pray that we and others we know not only know God, but know Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit!

James 3 verses 9 and 10 are powerful reminders on the danger of what can come out of our mouths: "Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!"  How true is this...  Reminds me of the old saying of being "two-faced".   Or maybe having a forked-tongue?  The key here to how we can control the tongue I believe is answered in verse 13 - "If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!"   If we can focus on wisdom and what's going on inside our hearts and minds, we won't have to worry about what comes out of the mouth!

Psalms - I came across a wonderful speculation on Psalm 118!  Commentaries suggested that Jesus and the disciples sung this psalm/hymn at the end of the Last Supper.  Matthew chapter 26 verse 30 tells us - "When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."   This adds a bit of a new dimension to this Psalm!  The reason for this speculation is because this is the final Psalm in the Egyptian Hallel of Psalms 113 through 118.  These Psalms were used in Jewish liturgy at the great religious festivals of Passover, Tabernacles, Dedication, Weeks, New Moon.  At Passover Psalm 113 & 114 were sung before the meal and Psalms 115 - 118 were sung after the meal.  Perhaps, even after the Last Supper by Jesus and the disciples?  Below is Russian artist Simon Ushakov's "The Last Supper" from the year 1685 -

Verse 8 in this Psalm stands out to me big time: "It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people." Kind of strong words I know...  but what do you think?   Might people, on occasion, let you down?  Obviously, we know the answer to this one.  People will let us down.  Even our closest friends and family at some point will let us down.  However - I don't think this means we give up on investing and loving friends and family!  It just means we should not be surprised when someone let's us down.  That's human nature.  None of us is perfect this side of heaven - you will obviously let people down too.  Realizing this, I think all of us should be prepared to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness of others.  However, what do you think on this question:  Will God ever let you down?  Will Jesus ever let you down?  Please know He won't!  In fact, I believe that He's holding you up right this very moment...

Proverbs - Proverbs 28 verse 2 today is a great reminder for us to pray for our leaders in power nationally, locally, and worldwide.  "When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability."  How often do you pray for your leaders?  Will you cover them with prayer today?

Worship God:  Ezekiel 39:25 reminded me of the fantastic song "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman!  Here's the Newsboys performing a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLycgKxlgc0

Do you know our God of blessing?  Click here and praise his name!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that your faith is fully alive. Pray that your saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior produces the fruit of loving deeds.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!