One Year Bible Blog

November 22nd readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 44:1-45:12 ~ 1 Peter 1:1-12
Psalm 119:17-32 ~ Proverbs 28:8-10

Old Testament - In Ezekiel chapters 44 & 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.  Chapter 44, verse 28 jumped out at 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?

New Testament - Today we start the first letter of Peter.  This letter was written by the Apostle Peter during the 60's A.D.  Peter was martyred during the Roman emperor Nero's reign in 67/68 A.D. A good overview of First Peter is online here. 

1 Peter 4-6 are great 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."  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 your faith in Christ?

Verse 8 is a beautiful thought about Jesus and our relationship with him - "You love him even though you have never seen him."   Even though you have never seen him, do you love him?

Psalms - Psalm 119 continues our Thanksgiving Psalm, reflecting on God's Word, the Bible.  It is very fitting that we are reading this psalm during Thanksgiving week!   Verse 29 jumps out today - "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law." Is it possible that we lie to ourselves?  About how we are living our lives?  Can God keep us from lying to ourselves?  Do you believe that God can open our eyes to his truth?

Proverbs - Proverb 28:9 makes me simply say ouch...   Quite the opposite of James telling us the prayers of a righteous person are powerful...

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 21st readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 42:1-43:27 ~ James 5:1-20
Psalm 119:1-16 ~ Proverbs 28:6-7

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 people and 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.

Back to how all this might apply to our lives today...  Verse 20 in chapter 42 jumped out at 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 - 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 on our Sundays, 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 like 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 on this earth.  Only Christ was absolutely holy & sinless.  However, I think the call for our eternal lives is absolute holiness.  So, know that faith in Christ will ultimately lead you in this direction. 

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's 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 we walk with Jesus outside the city gates of Jerusalem?  Up to Mt. Calvary?  Will we 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 this past few days...  I am convicted and challenged by this book, which is wonderful.  Today in chapter 3, verse 5 jumps out - "This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment."  This reminds me of the scene in the movie Schindler's List where Oscar Schindler breaks down crying and says - "this watch could have saved a person.  This car could have saved 10 people."   This movie - 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?

Verse 9 jumps out - "Don't grumble about each other, my brothers and sisters, or God will judge you."  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?

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 pray has great power and that God listens and can bring about wonderful results?   

Psalms - Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm and one of the most powerful I think.  It essentially is a reflection on the Word of God - the Bible.  I pray that this Psalm is encouraging to you as you read through the One Year Bible.

Verse 11 jumps out at me today - " I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." This is such a great reminder for us to memorize scripture - to hide the Word of God in our hearts.  Why?  So that we might not sin against God.  Are you memorizing scripture?  Do you believe doing so will help you to not sin?

Proverbs - Proverbs 28 verse 6 I have often paraphrased on my own in this way - It's 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...  :)

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 20th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 ~ James 4:1-17
Psalm 118:19-29 ~ Proverbs 28:3-5

Ezekiel chapters 40 & 41 in today's readings are verses where we read a lot about measurements and cubits and such.  I have to admit.  I sometimes zone out a bit when reading this type of stuff 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 the internal organs and such.  We are wonderfully made by a God who is a God of precision and detail.  So, in remembering this when I read these types of measurements verses, it helps.  It helps me keep my focus and interest on what I'm reading.   I hope this helps in some way....

Ezekiel chapter 41 verse 3 does stand out - "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).  And 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 be obedient?

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 round 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?  Am I trying to enjoy this 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...)

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!

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.

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.

Psalm 118 is the last half of the psalm 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 I'm pretty sure is a Michael W. Smith song - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."   :)

Proverbs 28 verse 4 is a great reminder that doing good "heaps coals upon the head" of those who are not doing good.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 19th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 ~ James 2:18-3:18
Psalm 118:1-18 ~ Proverbs 28:2

Ezekiel chapter 39 continues the destruction of Gog - see yesterday's posting below for more details on who / what Gog may be.  Verse 25 jumps out 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 captivity / 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 / return of the exiles from Babylon to Israel is soon coming.  Interesting that God is jealous for his holy reputation in the verse above...  are we jealous for God's holy reputation?

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 BC, but was not.  It's fascinating to look at various theories on the various temples.  An interesting look at a potential scale model of Ezekiel's temple is at this link - and another one is at this link.   One theory of the temple history is at this link - and another look at this link.

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 - and scares me just a bit to think about 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 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 Christ as their 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.

James 3 verses 9 & 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 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.  Most of the time...  :)

I came across a very cool speculation on Psalm 118 today!  Zondervan's commentary 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."   Adds a bit of a new dimension to this Psalm, no?  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?

Verse 8 in this Psalm jumps out at me - "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 or disappoint?  Will God?

Proverbs 28 verse 2 today is a great reminder for us to pray for our leaders in power nationally, locally, and even worldwide.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 18th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 37:1-38:23 ~ James 1:19-2:17
Psalm 117:1-2 ~ Proverbs 28:1

Ezekiel chapter 37 starts with a fascinating vision.  This vision of the valley of dry bones is an allusion to the exiled Israelites.  As God brings life and breath into the bones, he will do the same for the exiles, and bring them back to their home land.  In a sense, bring them back to life.  Verse 14 sums up the purpose of this vision nicely - "I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I am the LORD."  Again, we hear the words, as we have so often in Ezekiel - "then you will know that I am the Lord."  Do we today know that the Lord is the Lord?  :)

Verses 15-23 are great - discussing the reunification of the two kingdoms of Israel since the time of Solomon.  Israel will become one kingdom again.  And verse 24 - 28 point toward the coming Messiah, Jesus.  Verse 26 jumps out - "And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant."   Have we entered into this covenant of peace with God?  The everlasting covenant?

Ezekiel chapter 38 is very interesting, with a prophesy against Gog of the land of Magog.  It will help you to know that Gog is mentioned in Revelation chapter 20 verses 7 & 8 as follows - "When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth--Gog and Magog--to gather them for battle.  In number they are like the sand on the seashore."  This can help give some context for this chapter.  This may be an end-times type of prophecy from Ezekiel.  And, again, we close this chapter with some familiar powerful words from God - "Thus will I show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the LORD!"  Do you believe that God will make himself known to all the nations of the world, showing his greatness and holiness?

James verses today again are all so powerful...  I am enjoying this book immensely.  Chapter 1 verse 25 is strong - "But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law--the law that sets you free--and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it."   Are you looking into God's perfect law?  Is this law setting you free?  Are you doing what it says?  Do you believe you will / are being blessed by God?

Verse 27 is a great reminder to care for the poor amongst us - "Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us."  Are we caring for those in their time of trouble?  Are we refusing to let the world corrupt us?

James chapter 2 verse 17 is a famous one - "So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless."  Or, paraphrased, faith without works is dead.  It's important of course to remember that works do not save us - only faith does through the grace of God.  But, works naturally come through that saving faith.  They are a natural by-product and demonstrate that we have a true and living faith.

Psalm 117 is actually the shortest of all the Psalms - and the shortest chapter in the entire Bible.  It is said to basically be a long Alleluia.  :)  Actually verse 1 has an important piece to it - "Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth."  This demonstrates that God was very interested in the salvation of the Gentiles and all the nations in the Old Testament.  And not just in the New Testament as we get to the book of Acts.  This was part of the plan all along...

Proverbs 28 verse 1 can only cause us to ask - are we running?  or are we bold?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 17th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 35:1-36:38 ~ James 1:1-18
Psalm 116:1-19 ~ Proverbs 27:23-27

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!  Very cool verses.  Verses 8 & 9 jump out - "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 seems to indicate 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.  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?

Today we start the book of James!  This is a great early letter, written by Jesus' brother James to early Jewish Christians.   Check out a good online overview of the book of James at this link. 

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? 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 that 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!  :)

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?

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?

Okay, verses 12, 13 & 14 of Psalm 116 I just have to share with everyone because I had the very good fortune of hearing Bono from U2 recite this Psalm live in concert during the opening guitar intro to the song "Where the Streets Have No Name."  It was amazing.  I think these were the verses he recited as well during the Super Bowl half time show a couple of years back too.  Along with Psalm 51 verses.   Here they are - imagine the opening guitar intro to Streets :) - "What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?  I will lift up a cup symbolizing his salvation; I will praise the LORD's name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people."

Proverbs 27:23-27 are pretty much just agricultural advice.  :)  Which is cool.  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!

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 16th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 33:1-34:31 ~ Hebrews 13:1-25
Psalm 115:1-18 ~ Proverbs 27:21-22

In Ezekiel chapter 33 we see Ezekiel appointed as the Watchman of Israel - once again.  You'll recall this happened previously in chapter 3 of Ezekiel as well.  The difference is that now we're in the post-destruction of Jerusalem & the Temple, so we'll quickly start to see more of a message of hope & redemption, in addition to continued calls for repentance.  I think in verse 11 we start to see this shift in the Lord's wanting to restore Jerusalem & Israel again - "As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?"   The call for repentance...  Are there areas in our life where God may be calling to us "Turn!"?

Verse 32 jumps out at me today when God talks about how the exiles view Ezekiel's messages  - "You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don't do it!"  This makes me think even of ourselves - maybe even in our churches...  Do we sometimes go to church looking for a good "performance" from the church or musicians or pastors?   And maybe miss the gospel message?  Do we applaud the performance?  Hear what is said?  But don't do it....  ?

Ezekiel chapter 34 reminds me a lot of the famous and beautiful Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want... "   However, before we get to God being the Good Shepherd - and hear about the Good Shepherd to come - there is some rebuking of the "shepherds" of Israel at that time, that may also have a message for us.   In verses 3 & 4 we read -  “You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured.” Could this verse speak into our lives in some way? Is it possible that we eat fine food and wear fine clothes at the expense of others in need? Are we consistently strengthening the weak? Healing the sick? Binding up the injured? 1.2 billion people in the world live on less than $1 a day. Are we doing something to care for these brothers and sisters on a consistent basis?

We wrap up the book of Hebrews today, and start James tomorrow.  Hebrews chapter 13 verse 2 has always jumped out at me - "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"   Pretty powerful huh?  When we show hospitality to strangers, we may be entertaining angels!  Something to most definitely keep in mind...

Verse 7 I think is a great reminder for each of us to rejoice in and show some appreciation for those that helped bring us to faith and the Bible - "Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do."  Is there someone right now that this verse makes you think of?  Can you send them a quick email of encouragement to thank them for the impact they have had on your spiritual life?

Verse 8 is infamous and powerful and please memorize this one - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." This is an easy verse to memorize, no?  Say it with me.   Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."   Yep, I think you got it.  :)

Psalm 115 is a psalm that was sung in temple worship, as you can see is fitting as you read through it.  Verse 1 is such a great reminder for each of us - "Not to us, O Lord, but to you goes all the glory."  If someone praises you, thank God in turn for whatever that praise was for.  As the glory is not ours, but God's...   Our life is not ours, but God's...

Proverbs 27 verse 21 I think carries forward our theme from the opening of Psalm 115 again very succinctly - "Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised."   When you are praised, where should the glory go?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 15th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 31:1-32:32 ~ Hebrews 12:14-29
Psalm 113:1-114:8 ~ Proverbs 27:18-20

I think Ezekiel chapter 31 starts out with a trick question from God to Egypt in verse 2 - "Son of man, give this message to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and all his people: "To whom would you compare your greatness?""  The proper answer to this question is probably somewhere along the humble lines of, "no one - I am not great at all.  I wouldn't dare compare myself to others.  Everything I am and have comes from you God."  Think Pharaoh would answer the question in this humble way?  :)  Better yet - maybe we better ask ourselves this question today as well.  And think about how we should answer it.  What if someone stops you on the street tomorrow and asks you this question.  What would be your reply?   Here it is.  I ask you.  "To whom would you compare your greatness?"

Ezekiel chapters 31 & 32 are great studies on pride... pride of a nation, and perhaps pride of individuals.  And the dangers of pride - where pride will ultimately lead someone.   In chapter 32 verse 19 God asks the rhetorical question (not a trick question this time) - "`O Egypt, are you lovelier than the other nations? No! So go down to the pit and lie there among the outcasts.'"  Today in our lives, do we struggle with pride?  Do we compare ourselves to others?  Do we consider ourselves lovelier than others?

Hebrews chapter 12 verse 14 starts out strong with - "Try to live in peace with everyone, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord."  I like this.  If we seek to live in peace with everyone and live a clean and holy life people around us will see the Lord.  Very cool to think about...  You've probably heard this said before.  "You may be the only Bible anyone ever reads".  Or "you may be the only Jesus anyone ever meets."  (not you being Jesus of course, but Christ within you shining through you)  Are you living in peace with everyone?  Are you seeking to live a clean and holy life?  Are others seeing the Lord in you?

Verse 28 jumps out at me today as well - "Since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe."  This is an interesting phrasing - worship God with holy fear and awe.  It reminds me a lot of a lyric in Chris Tomlin's latest single, "Indescribable."  He sings - "humbly we fall to our knees and say, "you are amazing God!""  That one word "humbly" jumped out at me in this song.  It seems to me that there should be some reverence, holy fear, awe, and humility as we worship God?  And maybe not just take worship and our relationship for God lightly?  But be thankful for the opportunity to worship God?  Just some questions...  Cause then verse 29 tells us "For our God is a consuming fire."  Which reminds me of a great Third Day song....  :)

Psalm 113 & 114 today are very interesting and important Psalms.  (thanks to Zondervan's NIV Study Bible for this great insight!)   These are 2 of 6 Pslams, 113 to 118, that form the "Egyptian Hallel."  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.

As you read these two Psalms today, do you sense joy in the Lord's work?  Justice?  Glory?  Power?  Does reading these two Psalms make you want to celebrate and give thanks for the Lord and all he has done throughout history and in your life?

Today in Proverbs 27 verse 19 we read: “As water reflects a face, so a person's heart reflects the person.” How is your heart these days? Take a minute and really reflect on this question. How is your heart? Your heart toward others? Toward your family? Toward God? Toward Jesus? Is your heart full of love? Overflowing with love? (if maybe not, please read 1 Corinthians chapter 13 for a good refresher on love) What is your heart reflecting to others you come in contact with?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 14th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 29:1-30:26 ~ Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10 ~ Proverbs 27:17

A lot of great stuff in today's readings... particularly Hebrews is jam packed w/ good stuff!

Ezekiel chapters 29 & 30 are fascinating in that we are seeing God lay out the plans for Egypt's transformation from being one of the most powerful nations in the world to one of the least powerful - but God does provide some redemption for Egypt after 40 years of hardship.  However, God says that Egypt will never again reach the heights of power in the world that it had under the Pharaohs.  Verse 14 in chapter 29 captures this - "I will restore the prosperity of Egypt and bring its people back to the land of Pathros in southern Egypt from which they came. But Egypt will remain an unimportant, minor kingdom."  Very interesting to think about this and how true this is today.  Egypt as a nation is not at the level of a world power today as it was back in the days of the Pharaohs.   Think about this as you read these chapters.... 

Verse 7 in chapter 29 stands out as to why God is unhappy with Egypt (in part -idols are another reason...)  - "Israel leaned on you, but like a cracked staff, you splintered and stabbed her in the armpit. When she put her weight on you, you gave way, and her back was thrown out of joint."  God was not happy that Israel created an alliance with Egypt as we read earlier in Ezekiel - but at the same time, God was not happy with Egypt for bailing on the alliance when Babylon attacked Jerusalem.   Think God likes for us to keep our promises in our life?

The end of chapter 29 is fascinating in that God decides to allow Babylon to take plunder from Egypt in light of it's war against Tyre (see yesterday's readings).  We continue to see that God is using King Nebuchadnezzar and the armies of Babylon for his purposes - for a time.  We are reminded though at the end of this chapter in verse 21 - "And the day will come when I will cause the ancient glory of Israel to revive."  God's still got the redemption of Israel in mind...

Hebrews chapter 11 verses today finish out this chapter on "faith" strongly.  Please take a minute to re-read this entire chapter if you can.  It is an amazing chapter of our spiritual ancestor's faith.  How does reading about our spiritual ancestors faith speak into your life today?  Are their areas of your life where you can better live with faith?   Can you turn over your fears and anxieties to God, in faith?  Knowing, in faith, God will ultimately provide and thus there is nothing to fear or worry about today?

Hebrews 11 verse 38 jumps out at me today - "They were too good for this world."  I think it is helpful to remember that this current world is not our ultimate eternal home.  It's temporary.  We're called to be saints and love others in this world.  But, we should not become too attached to it or what it offers.  God has a better home for us in mind at the end of our race - our journey through life.   This verse says that our spiritual ancestors were too good for this world - and hence, many of them suffered.  But they suffered knowing it was temporary.  Impermanent.  I don't take this verse to make us conceited or arrogant in any way - being "too good" for this world - but hopefully it helps us realize that life ain't necessarily gonna be easy in this world if we are truly living in faith....    Are you truly living your life in faith?

Hebrews chapter 12 verse 1 is phenomenal to think about - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress."   I think sometimes we think that we are doing this Christian walk / faith think alone.  We're in this alone - just us & God.  I think this verse helps remind us that their is a huge crowd of witnesses that are in this with us.  I like to think of this cloud of witnesses cheering us on in our walk.  They are rooting for us!  So - in light of knowing we have these saints rooting for us, doesn't it make sense that we should strip away sin that hinders our walk?  Is there sin your life that is hindering your walk?  Can you strip it away so that the cloud of witnesses can continue to cheer you on toward the finish line?

How do we run this race toward the finish line well?  I think verse 2 tells us how - "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."   Are your eyes on Jesus?  Constantly?   Does your faith depend solely on Jesus?   Is your faith as fresh today as when you first came to faith in Jesus?   

Verse 3 is a powerful reflection of Christ's passion.... "Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up."   This verse makes me think of Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ .  Think about the scenes in that movie and what Christ endured at the hands of the Roman guards.  Think about Christ's resolve during these scenes.  He was running the race toward the finish line.  Can reflecting on Christ's passion help us resist becoming weary and giving up?  Will you reflect on Christ's passion?

Verses 5 & 6 quote Proverbs 3:11-12 and the following verses then go into explaining this wisdom of this Proverb - "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children." Do you believe this proverb to be true?  Is the Lord perhaps disciplining you in some way today?  Are you ignoring the discipline?  Do you believe that the Lord disciplines those he loves?  And that this "divine discipline" is ultimately good for you and everyone you come in contact with in your life?

Psalm 112 is a great look at a godly person's life.  Verse 4 jumps out - "When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in."  This is encouraging.  When darkness overtakes us, if we stay true to God and Christ and faith, light will come "bursting in"!  I like that...  Know that the light is coming...

And verse 9 is a great reminder - "They give generously to those in need."  Are you doing something in your life to serve the poorest of the poor?   There are 1.2 billion people living in our world today on less than $1 per day.  Is there something you can do to give generously to those in need?

Today in Proverbs 27:17 we read: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Do you see the value in this proverb? Are you iron in someone else’s life? Is someone iron in your life? Are you being sharpened? Why would you want to be sharpened?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

November 13th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Ezekiel 27:1-28:26 ~ Hebrews 11:17-31
Psalm 111:1-10 ~ Proverbs 27:15-16

Ezekiel Chapter 27 indicates that Tyre was certainly good at business & trading!   However chapter 28 tells us that there was also a lot of pride associated with these business skills & wealth.  Verse 5 tells us - "Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich, and your riches have made you very proud."  This verse jumps out at me.  How often in our lives does something in our lives make us proud?  Verse 2 in this chapter says this - "In your great pride you claim, `I am a god!"  If you get prideful enough, might you consider yourself a god?  Do you hear others in our culture today telling us that we are gods?  Good idea or bad idea to think this way of yourself?....

Verse 11-19 in this chapter are very interesting.  It is tough to discern if these verses about the king of Tyre or Satan or both?  Commentators hedge on these verses.  Perhaps, indeed, when we let pride get the best of us and think we are a god then we risk interweaving our life story with Satan's?  I don't know.  Scary stuff to think about though - jump down to the Psalm 111 verses for a good antidote to all this pride stuff...

Hebrews 11 verses 25 & 26 tell us so much about the character and faith of Moses - "He chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of the Messiah than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the great reward that God would give him."  Do these verses speak to us today as well?  Will we share in the oppression of God's people?  Or do we enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin?  Do we suffer for the sake of Jesus?  Or would we prefer to chill out and hang out with our luxuries in life?  Do we look ahead to the great reward that God promises?

Psalm 111 is just awesome today.  Verse 3 jumps out at me - "Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.  His righteousness never fails."  So true...    And verse 10 will help us out with any of the pride issues we discussed above - "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.  The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him."  Do you realize where true wisdom comes from?  Does it come from obeying God?  Do we have reverence for the Lord?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike