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Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 ~ James 4:1-17 ~ Psalm 118:19-29 ~ Proverbs 28:3-5
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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:  The intricate details in Ezekiel chapters 40 and 41 today reminded me of Rich Mullin's song "Awesome God!" Here's a great live version of this song performed by Michael W. Smith:

Do you know our awesome God?  Click here to get to know God!

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8 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

Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 ~ James 2:18-3:18 ~ Psalm 118:1-18 ~ Proverbs 28:2
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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 - and another take 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 a great live choir version of this song:

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

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."  James 3:17 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

Ezekiel 37:1-38:23 ~ James 1:19-2:17 ~ Psalm 117:1-2 ~ Proverbs 28:1
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - 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."  Today in our lives, do we know that the Lord is the Lord?  (please forgive this picture below... when I saw it I couldn't help posting it up...  sometimes you just have to put all kinds of different facts & info out there for people who pull into your parking lot. :)

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 verses 24 through 28 point toward the coming Messiah, Jesus.  Verse 26 stands out - "And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant."  Have you entered into this covenant of peace with God?  The everlasting covenant?  Have you opened the door to Jesus in your heart?  Do you hear him knocking?   Maybe late at night, do you hear Jesus knocking?  Offering you an everlasting covenant of peace?  Will you open the door of your heart?

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.   Verse 22 tells us - "I will punish you and your hordes with disease and bloodshed; I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur!" 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!"

New Testament - James' verses today again are all so powerful...  I am enjoying this book immensely.  Chapter 1 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 you caring for those in their time of trouble?  Are you refusing to let the world corrupt us?  Do you care for orphans and widows?

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 alone 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.

Psalms - Psalm 117 is the shortest of all the Psalms - and the shortest chapter in the entire Bible.  This Psalm is said to basically be one long Alleluia.  :)  Actually verse 1 has a very important message - "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 - Proverbs 28 verse 1 today teaches us: "The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions."  This can only cause us to ask ourselves - are we running with no one chasing us?  Or are we bold like lions?

YouTube - Psalm 117 today reminds me of Michael W. Smith's song "A New Hallelujah!"

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" James 1:19 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

Ezekiel 35:1-36:38 ~ James 1:1-18 ~ Psalm 116:1-19 ~ Proverbs 27:23-27
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

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!  Below is an oil painting of " St. James, The Less" by the artist El Greco from about the year 1610 - (very interesting note - James that wrote this book is called "the Less" (Mark 15:40) by the Evangelists to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee, who was called "the Great".)

~ 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

Ezekiel 33:1-34:31 ~ Hebrews 13:1-25 ~ Psalm 115:1-18 ~ Proverbs 27:21-22
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - In Ezekiel chapter 33 today 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 your life where God may be calling you to "Turn!"?  Will you Turn?

Verse 32 stands out to 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?  Even hear what is said?  But don't do anything about 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 you doing something to care for these brothers and sisters on a consistent basis?  What are you doing?

New Testament - We wrap up the book of Hebrews today, and start James tomorrow!  Hebrews chapter 13 verse 2 has always stood out to me - "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"   Powerful eh?  When we show hospitality to strangers, we may be entertaining angels!  Something to definitely keep in mind...  Below is an engraving from the 16th century by Georg Pencz of Abraham entertaining angels from Genesis:

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 to study 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 card or 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.  :)

Psalms - Today in Psalm 115 verse 1 we will read – “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory.” (Chris Tomlin fans out there will recognize this as one of his many awesome worship tunes. . .) I don’t know how this verse strikes you, but it strikes me hard. Which is good. I think sometimes I do things for my own glory. And this verse, and really the entire Bible, is clear that the glory is God’s and not ours. Yeah, sure, we will live our lives full of “glorious” moments when we are loving God and loving people. But, we should not be living our lives to build up our own fame or our own glory. As Rick Warren states so well in the 1st sentence of the 1st chapter of his book “Purpose Driven Life”- “It is not about you.” And this is true. It is about God. And this is good news! Really. I have tried to live my life in the past where it was all about me. And this was a miserable way to live life. I pray that you see the incredible wisdom in this verse - “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory.” How are you living your life? Are you living your life to advance the fame and glory of God? Are you doing this by loving God and loving other people with all that you are? Or, are you by chance living your life to advance the fame and glory of yourself? And if so. . . how’s this going for you?

Proverbs - 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?

Worship God:  Ezekiel 34:4 today reminded me of this great video below set to the amazing Sara Groves song "Add to the Beauty."  This video shows the urgent work of Blood:Water Mission, an organization drilling wells in Africa. (among other important work) The band Jars of Clay are very involved in this great organizaton.  Please take a few minutes to watch this video and then explore http://www.bloodwatermission.com/

Do you know our God of Beauty?  Click here and add to the Beauty!

Please join me in memorizing 2 verses of Scripture today:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8 NIV

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1 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

Ezekiel 31:1-32:32 ~ Hebrews 12:14-29 ~ Psalm 113:1-114:8 ~ Proverbs 27:18-20
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - 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 should ask ourselves this question today as well.  And think about how we would 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 this of you now: "To whom would you compare your greatness?"

Ezekiel chapters 31 & 32 are great studies on pride... pride of a nation, and 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 ever struggle with pride?  Do we compare ourselves to others?  Do we consider ourselves lovelier than others?  My hunch is that we too often do...

New Testament - 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 love this!  If we seek to live in peace with everyone and live a clean and holy life people around us will see the Lord.  This is very powerful 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?  Are others reading the Bible through you?

Verse 28 stands out to me today: "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 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...  Because then verse 29 tells us "For our God is a consuming fire."  Which reminds me of a great Third Day song....  :)

Psalms - Psalm 113 & 114 today are very interesting and important Psalms!  These are 2 of 6 Psalms, 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?

Proverbs - This week 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 First Corinthians chapter 13 for a good refresher on love) What is your heart reflecting to others you come in contact with these days? Are you reflecting love to others? Are you reflecting Jesus?

Worship God:  Hebrews 12:29 of course reminded me of the fantastic Third Day song "Consuming Fire."  Here is a great live version of this song!

Do you know our God who is a Consuming Fire? Click here for His flame to burn down deep in your soul!

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." Proverbs 27:19 TNIV

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

Ezekiel 27:1-28:26 ~ Hebrews 11:17-31 ~ Psalm 111:1-10 ~ Proverbs 27:15-16
~ Click on this link for todays Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
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Old Testament - Ezekiel Chapter 27 indicates that Tyre was certainly good at business and trading!   This was in large part due to Tyre's prime real estate location, which you can see in the two maps below:

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 definitely stands out to 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 we get prideful enough, might we even consider ourselves a god??  Do you hear others in our culture today telling us that we are gods?  Good idea or bad idea here....?

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...

New Testament - Hebrews 11 verses 25 & 26 today 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?  Will we pursue the character and faith of Moses in our own lives today?

Psalms - Psalm 111 is a wonderful Psalm of praise!  I love the way it ends in verse 10: "Reverence for the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom.  The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!" Do you believe that reverence for God is the foundation of true wisdom?  Do you believe that there are rewards of wisdom if you obey God?  Will you praise his name forever?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 27 verse 16 is a great teaching that it is tough to try to stop the wind or hold something with greased hands... How's that for avoiding the real point of this Proverb?  :) I'm newly married, so I'll punt to you veteran married folks to give commentary from here about that dripping analogy in verse 15!  :)

YouTube:  Today's readings about Tyre's pride reminded me of the great need for humility in our lives.  And this call to humility reminded me of a Pastor's recent confession on his need for humility in this YouTube clip below.  This is Pastor Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church in Seattle.

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." Psalm 111:10 TNIV

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

Ezekiel 29:1-30:26 ~ Hebrews 11:32-12:13 ~ Psalm 112:1-10 ~ Proverbs 27:17
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There are a lot of great teachings in today's readings!  Particularly Hebrews is packed with good teachings! (and thus, get ready for a lengthy post here today... :)  Are you ready to learn from Jesus today?  And the Old Testament scrolls?  Below is an image of Jesus teaching from the scrolls of the Old Testament in the Temple:

Old Testament - 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 reflect on this.

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?  Do you keep your promises in your life?  Are you careful to never make empty promises?

The end of chapter 29 is fascinating in that God decides to allow Babylon to take plunder from Egypt in light of its war against Tyre (see yesterday's readings below).  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...   Below is a map of how big the Babylonian empire is around this timeframe - (a map like this one below once again proves the amazing truth & history in God's words and prophecies in the Bible...)

New Testament - Hebrews chapter 11 verses today finish out this chapter on "faith" strongly!  Please take a minute to re-read this entire chapter 11 if you can.  It is an amazing chapter of our spiritual ancestor's faith.  How does reading about our spiritual ancestor's 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 stands out to 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 is 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 this 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 think that this verse should make us conceited or arrogant in any way - being "too good" for this world - but hopefully it helps us realize that this life is not necessarily going to be easy in this world if we are truly living in faith....   In fact, sometimes I wonder that if our life is really easy if we are really living our faith?  I just hope we never get complacent and chill out and relax because "we are so saved"....  There is a dying world out there that needs us!  How are you truly living your life in faith these days?

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 thing alone.  We think we are in this alone - just us & God.  I think this verse helps remind us that there 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?  Will you allow Jesus to strip it away so that the cloud of witnesses can continue to cheer you on toward the finish line?  Below is an image of some of the "crowd of witnesses" to our life of faith - Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samson, and David:

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 Jesus' 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."  Think about what Jesus endured at the hands of the Roman guards.  Think about Jesus' resolve.  He was running the race toward the finish line.  Can reflecting on Jesus' passion help us resist becoming weary and giving up?  How often do you reflect on Jesus' 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 accepting or 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?

Psalms - Psalm 112 is a great look at a godly person's life.   Today in verse 1 we read: “Blessed is the person who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.” Is fear of the Lord healthy? Why or why not? Is fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? Are you blessed if you fear the Lord? Do you find great delight in God’s commands? What are God’s commands?

Verse 4 stands 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...  Below is a fresco from 1517 by Raffaello of God separating the light from the darkness -

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?  Below is an oil on canvas painting from 1611 by Bartolomeo Schedoni titled "The Charity" -

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 27:17 we read: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  This is such a powerful proverb to memorize, meditate upon, and put into practice in our lives!  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? Is there some dullness spiritually in your life today? How will you seek to sharpen that dullness?  Will you seek to sharpen that dullness through involvement in a local church?  Do you think that a church community can sharpen you?  Do you think involvement in a weekly small group can sharpen you?

Worship God:  Our Hebrews 12:5-6 readings today about discipline and Psalm 112:4 reminded me of Josh Turner's fantastic song "Long Black Train."  This song and video is powerful!  There is victory in the Lord!  Don't go riding on that long black train!

Have you experienced victory in the Lord?  Click here for Victory!

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 TNIV

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

Ezekiel 24:1-26:21 ~ Hebrews 11:1-16 ~ Psalm 110:1-7 ~ Proverbs 27:14
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Old Testament - An important note from our readings in Ezekiel chapter 24 today is that Ezekiel's wife dies on the exact same day the Temple is Jerusalem was burned!  August 14, 586 B.C.  As I read these verses about Ezekiel's wife and the Temple I am reminded of a verse in the book of Job - 13:15- "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him."  Though Ezekiel's wife dies and though the Temple burned, the Lord still instructs Judah in verse 23: "You will not mourn or weep".  The Job situation is of course different in that Job was righteous and Judah was not at this time.  And there is not clear hope for Judah at this time - though there ultimately is redemption for Jerusalem.   However, again, look at Job's faith in the midst of all he was going through: "yet I will hope in him."  When times are bad - or times are good - do you hope in Him?  No matter what, will you hope in Him?

In Ezekiel chapter 25 today we begin reading God's oracles against the nations surrounding Israel.  We'll read 7 oracles over the next few days through chapter 32.  It's noteworthy that frequently in the Old Testament God's words of judgment against Israel through the prophets is often accompanied by oracles of judgments against the nations.  Below is a map that shows the oracles against the nations we read about in chapters 25 & 26 today and through chapter 32 in the coming days.  This map is helpful to see where Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon and of course Egypt are all located in comparison to Jerusalem:

New Testament - Today we read Hebrews Chapter 11, which is a great reflection of the faith of our spiritual ancestors in the Old Testament! Some call this chapter the "Hall of Faith" - as in the Hall of Fame.  :)  I would encourage you to read this chapter entirely today – and again tomorrow in its entirety. Chapter 11 opens with this critically important verse for us to memorize and take to heart: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Are you sure of what you hope for? Are you certain of what you do not see? As you read through this chapter, do you see the value in the faith of our spiritual ancestors? In what area of your life might God be calling you to step forward in faith?

Enoch in verse 5 is an intriguing example of faith coming from Genesis chapter 5's genealogy from Adam to Noah (see Genesis 5:24 at this link): "It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—"he disappeared, because God took him." For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God."  Below is a painting of Enoch being taken up to heaven by the Italian painter Sebastiano Ricci (1659-1734):

Verses 13 through 16 I think are four of the most amazing verses we've read in Hebrews and I think each of us should really meditate on what these verses might mean in our lives today:  "All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back.  But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."  What do you think of these verses?  If these heroes of our faith died still believing what God promised them - even though they did not receive what was promised here on earth - do you think that perhaps you and I should always be faithful in our lives to God no matter what we may think we're not "receiving" here on earth?  If we're not receiving perfect health.  If we're not receiving a perfect job.  If we're not receiving a perfect family.  If we're not receiving a perfect mental state.  If not, if not, if not....  will we still believe what God promised us?  Will we still believe that God is not ashamed to be called our God?  Will we still believe that God has prepared a heavenly city for us?  Let us believe!

Psalms - Psalm 110 is a powerful Psalm today!  It is considered Messianic and some say the most prophetic of all the Psalms.  Verses 1 & 4 are the 2 verses that are believed to be most prophetic of Jesus and both verses are referenced in the New Testament, most often verse 1. 

Verse 1 -
"The LORD said to my Lord,
        "Sit in honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies,
        making them a footstool under your feet.""

Verse 4 stands today, with very similar teachings to what we've just been reading about this in Hebrews this past week or so!
"The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow:
       "You are a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek.""

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 110 titled "David's Lord" is at this link.

Proverbs - Proverbs 27:14 today makes me laugh: "If you shout a pleasant greeting to your neighbor too early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse!"  This reminds me of my visit to the coffee shop in the morning before I've had a chance to drink my coffee...  those people behind the counter are already wired on their espresso shots and are just way too pleasant first thing in the morning!  :)  Any other coffee addicts out there...?  Coffee may be an idol for me that I need to not worship anymore...  really...

Worship God:  Today's readings in Psalm 110 reminded me of Third Day's fantastic song "King of Glory"!  Below is a live version of this song.  Watch this to the 2:15 remaining mark to hear Mac Powell leading an awesome reflection/prayer on the power of Jesus' name.  Who is this King of Glory!

Do you know the King of Glory?  Click here for Glory! 

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 TNIV

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

Ezekiel 23:1-49 ~ Hebrews 10:18-39 ~ Psalm 109:1-31 ~ Proverbs 27:13
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Old Testament - Ezekiel chapter 23 is interesting in its use of prostitution and lust as the metaphors for Israel's political alliances with neighboring lands.  My thoughts here are that we live in a "sexualized" world in so many ways today - and perhaps things weren't so different back then.  Sex is obviously something that was created as a good by God - but can so quickly and easily be twisted into something that is not good.   Sex is good in the right context of marriage.  Detrimental in the wrong.  It seems to me that lust and the selling of sex was as prevalent back in Ezekiel's today as it is in ours.  To which we may need to remember well Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 6:18 - "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."  And of course James 4:7 - "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  Is there an area of our lives related to sex that you must flee from?  Will you flee?

New Testament - Hebrews chapter 10 today is amazing!  In verse 22 we read: "Let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water."  Great stuff!  The last few words of this verse remind me of the blessing of Baptism - as an outward sign of our inner transformation and faith in Christ. Verse 24 is just pure joy & goodness: "Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds." Outbursts of love & good deeds indeed!  Who are you encouraging these days to outbursts of love and good deeds?  Can you think of some ways to do this?  And verse 25 reminds me of the importance of finding a church community to do life with together: "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near."  Do you meet together with others in a local church?  Have you found a small group, community group, or prayer group that you can spend some quality time with outside of regular church services?  A group where you can encourage, warn, and pray for each other? Verse 26 and the following verses are strong reminders of the one option we have for our faith - the one true God to follow: "Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received a full knowledge of the truth, there is no other sacrifice that will cover these sins."  Is there another sacrifice besides Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that will cover our sins?

Psalms - Today in Psalm 109 verse 4 in the NIV we read these words of David – “I am a man of prayer.”  Wow. I like that. And I’m not sure I can honestly say that about myself right now. Sure, I will roll out of bed and offer up some prayers. Yeah, I’ll try to say a prayer before meals. And yes, I’ll pray briefly before going to sleep. Oh yeah, maybe in church once a week too I’ll offer up some prayers. But, for me to say “I am a person of prayer” would probably not be truthful. Ouch. Don’t worry – I’m not beating myself up too badly over it. But - if I really want to realize that God is holy and a Rock and if I really want to love God and other people, then I have a hunch that being a person of prayer is a critical part of the equation. I don’t think that prayer is so much talking to God as it is really slowing down and listening to God. Sure, it’s a conversation, but I think in our fast pace world today we would do well to really slow down in prayer and listen to God. Listen for that still small voice within our hearts leading us to God’s kingdom and glory and peace. It’s there. I think it takes prayer to really hear it oftentimes. How about you? Are you a person of prayer? Do you want to be a person of prayer? When you pray, do you talk more or listen more to God? Do you want to live your life as a person of prayer?

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 109 titled "A Prayer for the Punishment of the Wicked" is at this link. 

Proverbs - Proverbs 27:13 today teaches us: "Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt.  Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners." This is a great simple but important reminder to get collateral or security on debts!  Particularly if the guarantee is for someone you don't know - though I'd recommend a guarantee on family loans too...  :)  Otherwise you may see your money "fly away" from you...

YouTube - Today's readings in Psalm 109 reminds me of Third Day's song "Call My Name:"

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

Ezekiel 21:1-22:31 ~ Hebrews 10:1-17 ~ Psalm 108:1-13 ~ Proverbs 27:12
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
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Old Testament - In Ezekiel chapter 21 today we read about the Lord's sword of judgment! Which, in this case is Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar.  I did not realize until today that there is actually a "sword song" in the Bible - a song that warriors may have sung and even danced to before going out to battle.  Unfortunately, this sword song in verses 9 through 11 was being sung for Jerusalem because of her many sins... "A sword, a sword is being sharpened and polished. It is sharpened for terrible slaughter and polished to flash like lightning! Now will you laugh? Those far stronger than you have fallen beneath its power! Yes, the sword is now being sharpened and polished; it is being prepared for the executioner."

Okay, so Ezekiel Chapters 21 & 22 are the types of chapters where you might you think about stereotypes of the Old Testament - a "grouchy/mean" God perhaps one might say about these two chapters...   However! - context of course is key to keep in mind.  We must also know the book of Jeremiah or Ezekiel prior to these chapters.  God has been slow to anger, compassionate, asking - no, begging - people to repent.  And they have not.  And things just keep getting worse and worse and worse.  Check out chapter 22 verses 1 through 16 for how bad the sins of Jerusalem have gotten...  All of this reminds me that the consequences for sin are very real.  Let us never forget the truth of Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

And, once again, in verse 30 of chapter 22 we see God's compassion and God seeking an opportunity to stop the coming judgment: "I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one." No one was found...  This verse makes me think about this - sometimes I think we tell ourselves, "What difference does it make?  What difference does it make if I'm good or bad?  What difference does it make if I serve and love others in need?"   Check out verse 30 above again.  Think one person could have made a difference then?  What about now?  Will you make a difference today?  Will you stand in the gap?

New Testament - Hebrews chapter 10 is powerful today!  I did come across a great learning, which I hadn't really picked up before.  In verse 9 we read this about Jesus: "He cancels the first covenant in order to establish the second."  At first glance you might think, wow, the old / first covenant is over.  Things like the Ten Commandments don't matter anymore.  Well, not so fast!  Tyndale's One Year Bible companion tells us that this verse refers to the doing away (canceling) of the system of sacrifices contained in the ceremonial law.  However, this does not mean canceling / eliminating God's moral law (the Ten Commandments).  Only through faith in Christ we can fulfill the moral law, as Jesus lives in us.  Good to know, eh?  I'd never really picked up this distinction before of Jesus canceling the ceremonial law but not the moral law.  Do you see this distinction?  As I've done some more reading on this, I realize this is a bit of a contentious point for many Christians.  Check out this great overview of the Mosaic Law in light of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection - including a disagreement on my point above about the moral law - at bible.org at this link.

Psalms - I love Psalm 108 verse 1 today: "My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my soul!"   Is your heart confident in God?  Do you sing God's praises?  Is your soul awake?  Or does your soul need a wake up call?  Where do you suppose you can find that wake up call for your soul?  The Bible?  Jesus?  The Holy Spirit?  God?  Will you answer the call today?  Will your soul wake up?

Proverbs - Proverbs 27:12 reminds us that it's good to be a defensive driver on the roads!  :)  "A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."  Honestly, I do think that we do well when we are "defensive" drivers or defensive walkers or defensive workers or this list could go on.  I am afraid that all too often we can drive or walk or work like we are #1 and there is no one else in this world...  well, guess what?  The person you crash into with your car, or get in a fight with when you walk, or get in an argument with when you work is thinking the exact same thing - except they are thinking that they are #1!  This is where Jesus wisely encouraged us to consider others before ourselves.   Imagine if our world operated this way - in Jesus' way of humility and service to others - instead of everyone thinking they are #1?  How would our world be different if this was the case?  Are you helping our world be different?  Are you humbling yourself to be a #2 or #3 or #4 instead of being #1 all the time?  Think this is prudent?  A good way to foresee the dangers ahead?  And a good way to take precautions?   Or are you going on blinding as a #1 and suffering the consequences?  (I have to admit - this kiddo below does appear to be #1 in his household at this very moment... and suffering any consequenses is probably not going to happen in this case!  :)

YouTube - Today's readings in Hebrews reminds me of the Big Daddy Weave song, "What Would Life Be Like:"

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

Ezekiel 20:1-49 ~ Hebrews 9:11-28 ~ Psalm 107:1-43 ~ Proverbs 27:11
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Ezekiel chapter 20 verse 12 stands out to me today: "And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I, the LORD, had set them apart to be holy, making them my special people."  I like learning this - the Sabbath days of rest were given as a sign between God and his people.  How are you doing on taking a day of rest each week?  Would taking a day of rest each week - a Sabbath day - benefit your relationship with God?  And with others?  Would it benefit perhaps the other 6 days of your week?  Below is a great painting titled "The Sabbath Rest" by the Jewish Polish painter Samuel Hirszenberg from the year 1894:

After verse 12 above, we read this from God in verse 13: ""But the people of Israel rebelled against me, and they refused to obey my laws there in the wilderness. They wouldn't obey my instructions even though obedience would have given them life. And they also violated my Sabbath days. So I threatened to pour out my fury on them, and I made plans to utterly consume them in the desert." The thing that stood out to me in this verse was "they also violated my Sabbath days."  I don't get too caught up on which day of the week we take a Sabbath - as some may work weekends and have Mondays off, for example.  Whatever the day is for you - do you have 1 day a week that you consider a Sabbath?  Why might this be a smart thing to do?  A healthy thing to do?  A faithful thing to do?

In Ezekiel 20:40 we read: “There I will require your offerings and your choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices.” What are your offerings, choice gifts and holy sacrifices to the Lord?  Your life, your thoughts, your finances?  Do you give a percentage of your income to your local church, ministries, and nonprofits?  Would this perhaps be a "holy sacrifice" if you did so?  Would this be a bold act of faith?

New Testament - Hebrews chapter 9 verses 27 & 28 today teaches us: "And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people."  This stands in stark contrast to the old covenant where the High Priest had to atone for the people's sins over and over and over again.  With faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven all at once - for eternity - and Christ does not need to forgive us of our sins over and over and over again.  Faith in Christ is the one and only thing that matters.  Do you believe this?

Psalms - Psalm 107 today is a wonderful Psalm of thanksgiving!  Okay, be honest, who started busting out singing the Michael W. Smith worship tune "Forever" when you read verse 1? - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."  I did!  That's a great tune... based on a great verse in a great Psalm.  Listen to a short portion of the tune "Forever" for free at this link here - song #1 at this link.  Sing it y'all! 

Psalm 107 repeats a verse four times - starting with verse 6 here - ""LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress."  (then see verse 13, verse 19, and verse 28 - same verse) This is a great reminder to pray - and yes, it's great to pray during times of distress of course.  But, how about praying during times of happiness & joy?  Or even times of just regular blahs?  I recently read much of the book "The Life You've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg (great book!), and it has a great chapter on prayer.  It is so true that one of the best ways to truly know and love God is through prayer.  Simple prayer.   5 minutes a day.  Do you pray to God 5 minutes a day?  When the storms of life come, do you cry out for help to Jesus?  Do you know that he will always be there for you in the midst of the storm?

Proverbs - It is interesting to read Proverbs 27:11 as if God was writing this to each of us:  "My child, how happy I will be if you turn out to be wise! Then I will be able to answer my critics."  Are we spending our lives striving to be wise in God's eyes or the world's eyes?  Do you think that God will be happy if you are wise?  Do you want godly wisdom?  Where will you find it?  Below is an image of a young Jesus growing in wisdom with Scripture - think this made God happy?

Worship God:  The image of Jesus calming the storm above in the Psalms reflection reminded me immediately of the incredible Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm."  I don't know what it is about all these storm songs on the radio that are resonating with me lately - MercyMe's "Bring the Rain" being my current favorite song - other than I know this:  It's not a matter of "if" storms will come in our life.  It's a matter of "when."  Storms will come.  And when they do, we have the option to try to weather the storms all on our own.  Or we have the option to invite God into the storms with us.  Well, I believe God's already there with us in the storms even if we don't realize it - so, I think we can simply open our hearts and praise God in the storms!  He will never abandon us or leave us.  Even in the midst of the worst storms this fallen world might bring, God is there with us.  Will you praise God in the storms?

Do you believe there is a God who is worthy of being praised even in the midst of storms in your life?  Click here to get to know God of heaven and earth who is worthy of being praised in the storms!

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy."  Ezekiel 20:12 TNIV

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

Ezekiel 18:1-19:14 ~ Hebrews 9:1-10 ~ Psalm 106:32-48 ~ Proverbs 27:10
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Ezekiel chapter 18 is a powerful chapter!  What we are seeing in this chapter is the Old Covenant - which I do believe was compassionate & "fair", but different from the New Covenant, which I believe is compassionate & graceful (which may not necessarily be "fair" - but which is good news - Gospel - for us sinners!).  Verse 30 is a good look at the Old Covenant: "Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign LORD. Turn from your sins! Don't let them destroy you!"   Verse 4 of course stands out too with: "And this is my rule: The person who sins will be the one who dies." You read this at a high level and you'll get a bit nervous, no?  :)  Indeed this is the Old Covenant:  your actions will dictate your death or your life.  It's up to your actions.  It's up to you.  You'll get what you deserve.  And this is certainly "fair."  However, this changes through Jesus Christ's atonement for our sins once and for all on the cross.  Under the New Covenant, through God's gift of grace, we now simply need to have faith that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, died for our sins and rose from the dead.  As we've been reading in Hebrews currently - we simply need to have faith in Christ as our High Priest.  God's grace and our faith becomes the key (regeneration).  Not our actions on their own.  This being said, after our salvation (justification) through grace and faith, God is very interested in our actions and wants us to live a life of holiness (sanctification).   This is a lot of theology here... and more than I can blog on without goofing it up - actually I probably already have.  :)  Check out a good overview of justification and sanctification (and regeneration!) on bible.org at this link.    Also, I'll copy this image below, which I found interesting.  I may not agree with every point on this image, but overall I find this useful:  (though, I'd say you could take a thick black magic marker and just write "Jesus" and "Grace" all over this image below too, and that would really be all you need to know :)

Verse 32 can be argued to be the single most important point in all of the book of Ezekiel - "I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign LORD. Turn back and live!"  This is a powerful verse.  Think this verse shows us that God is compassionate?  Think this might be the single most important point in the book of Ezekiel?  Think this verse can apply to our lives today? Are their areas of sin in your life which God is calling you to turn back from?  Calling you to turn toward true Life?  And to be free from the slavery of sin?  Will you turn back?  Will you repent?

Ezekiel Chapter 19 is a funeral song and allegory about the land of Judah and Jerusalem.  Jerusalem is the lioness and the lions are two of her sons, two kings - one who ended up trapped and deceived by Egypt and the other by Babylon.   The last sentence of verse 14 is a sad one...  "This is a funeral song, and it is now time for the funeral." As we know, it is now time for the funeral for Jerusalem in Ezekiel's time.  However, of course, there is the redemption to come and the continuation of the house of David.  The promise to Abraham won't die here!  There is another Lion of Judah yet to come...

New Testament - Hebrews chapter 9 is a fairly brief reading today on the Old Covenant rules for approaching God.  We also read today about the ark of the covenant: (replica below - no Indiana Jones claims here... :)

Below are a couple of good images of the tabernacle, which you'll recall details about from our readings in Exodus chapters 26 & 27 earlier this year:

One thing that stands out in my mind when reading this chapter today is that just after Jesus dies on the cross there is an earthquake, which shakes the Temple in Jerusalem where the Most Holy Place was located at the time of Jesus' death.  The curtain separating the Most Holy Place from the rest of the Temple is torn in two.  This is incredible imagery that shows that no longer is the Most Holy Place and an earthly high priest the only way to God.  Jesus has torn that veil in two and Jesus is our new and eternal High Priest ushering in the New Covenant!

Psalms - Psalm 106 verse 39 stood out to me today, speaking about the Israelites: "They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the LORD's sight."  I think this Psalm verse stands the test of time with our modern world today.  Do you believe that we still defile ourselves with our evil deeds today?  Do you believe that our love of idols is adultery in God's sight?  How can we stop defiling ourselves with evil deeds and stop loving idols in our modern world today?  Who can save us from ourselves?

Proverbs - Proverbs 27:10 is interesting and not something I would think of on my own: "Never abandon a friend--either yours or your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away."  I would of course think it's better to ask a distant relative for help than a friend.  But, this Proverb tells us differently...  Why do you suppose this is?  I guess as I think about it, it is probably because when our "time of need" comes we will first turn to our neighbors in our local community - to call the fire department or call the police or call the paramedics or whatever the case may be.  We'll need our neighbors during that time of need initially.  And then, longer term, yes we'll need our relatives who live far away.  But that unforeseen time of immediate need is just one more reason to live in loving community with our neighbors!  And let us always be ready to serve our neighbors when they need us.  Do you really know your neighbors?  Are you a good neighbor?

Worship God:  Today's readings in Hebrews chapter 9 about the holiness of God remind me of Chris Tomlin's song "Holy is the Lord!"  Chris does a nice job quoting from Nehemiah 8:10 in this song: for the joy of the Lord is our strength!

Is the joy of the Lord your strength?  Click here for your Joy!

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:32 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

Ezekiel 16:42-17:24 ~ Hebrews 8:1-13 ~ Psalm 106:13-31 ~ Proverbs 27:7-9
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Ezekiel chapter 16 compares the sins of Jerusalem to those of Sodom!  These are bold comparisons, as you know the story of Sodom and the wipeout there.  The Israelites were in relationship with God - they should have known better - hence the Sodom comparison.  Verse 49 stood out to me in this chapter "Sodom's sins were pride, laziness, and gluttony, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door."  The interesting thing to note is that Sodom's social injustice sins are highlighted here - rather that their sexual sins.  Sodom was not taking care of the poor.  And nor was Jerusalem at this time of the 6th century B.C.  What about in our world today?  Are there poor and needy suffering outside our door today?  Are we not taking care of them because of our pride, laziness, or gluttony?  Where is our "door"?  Who is our neighbor?  What will you do?

Ezekiel chapter 17 is a great story of the two eagles!  This is basically a story of the city of Jerusalem's vacillating foreign policy between Babylon and Egypt.  The first eagle is King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the treaty Jerusalem makes w/ Babylon is in the story.  Then, the second eagle represents a pharaoh from Egypt, whom Jerusalem makes another treaty with subsequently, which goes against Babylon.  The bad part of this is that the Babylon treaty was sworn to by the king of Jerusalem/Judah in the Lord's name - then broken.   This is a very bad idea to swear something in the Lord's name and then not uphold it...   Below is a map to give you a quick snapshot of the Babylonian empire, Judah, and Egypt at this time:

The close of this chapter is phenomenal when it takes a Messianic turn, foreshadowing Jesus in verses 22 and 23: "And the Sovereign LORD says: I will take a tender shoot from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of Israel's highest mountain. It will become a noble cedar, sending forth its branches and producing seed. Birds of every sort will nest in it, finding shelter beneath its branches."  Do these verses sound like Jesus to you?

New Testament - Hebrews chapter 8 is awesome in that it dives into some verses we read recently in the book of Jeremiah about the new covenant!  Verse 3 stands out: "And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too."  What was the offering Christ made for our sins? Verse 13 stands out too: "When God speaks of a new covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and ready to be put aside."  Something I learned recently - the old / first covenant referred to in this chapter is the "Sinaitic" covenant and not the Abrahamic covenant - the difference being not the promise to Abraham that his descendants will outnumber the stars in the sky and God will be our God and we his people (the Abrahamic covenant) - but the "Sinaitic" covenant are the laws given to Moses on Mt. Sinai and in the desert for how the Israelites were to live - including how priests would make sacrifices for sin.   The Abrahamic covenant still stands today - the Sinaitic covenant is now out of date and ready to be put aside because it was completed by the new covenant of Jesus Christ.  Our High Priest who offered His life for our lives.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 106:19-21 we read: “At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt.” This of course sounds very familiar to Romans chapter 1 verses 22 and 23: "Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."  Was this wise that the Israelites exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull? Why did they do this? What should have been their Glory? What is your Glory today? Do you, at times, exchange your true Glory for something else? Is this wise? Are you forgetting the God who saved you? The God who has done great things for you? Please don’t ever exchange the true Glory for a false idol!

Verse 13 in this Psalm also stands out: "Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn't wait for his counsel!"  Is this true of us?  Do we forget or take for granted all of the blessings God has poured out into our lives?  In doing so, do we decide to take matters into our own hands - not waiting on God's counsel for our direction?  Will we remember?  Will we wait?  Patiently...?

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 27 verse 8 we read: "A person who strays from home is like a bird that strays from its nest." Where is our spiritual home?  Who is our spiritual home?  Have we strayed from our spiritual nest?  As I read this I of course think about our relationship with Jesus first - and then manifestation of his body in the local church as being our spiritual home.  And I realize that if I do not attend church on a weekly basis, I am like a bird straying from its nest.  Our prime home is Jesus – we do not want to stray from our relationship with Him, ever.  It’s far too risky to do so, for obvious reasons.  But I think we can sometimes feel like we don’t need Jesus’ body, his church.  We feel like we can do life fine without church.  I submit to you that this is far too risky of a way to live life.  I am just afraid that if we stray away from the nest of our local church, then we are at risk of potentially straying away from Jesus.  We need the church.  We need Jesus.  Are you going to church each week these days?  Do you think you should?  If there is one thing I can encourage you on, almost more than anything, is to please find a local church where Jesus is clearly the cornerstone and the Bible is clearly taught.  And then please do not stray away from that nest. . .   I cannot encourage you enough on this point.  I love the church so very much.  I pray that you do as well.  (It brings tears to my eyes to even try to think of my life without the church – I cannot imagine it.  I pray this is the case for you as well . . .)

YouTube - Today's Proverb reminds me of the very last song in the play Les Miserables, "Do You Hear the People Sing." Enjoy this live version!

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

Ezekiel 14:12-16:41 ~ Hebrews 7:18-28 ~ Psalm 106:1-12 ~ Proverbs 27:4-6
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - I am fascinated by God's words in Ezekiel chapter 14 verses 13 & 14 today:  "Son of man, suppose the people of a country were to sin against me, and I lifted my fist to crush them, cutting off their food supply and sending a famine to destroy both people and animals. Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves, says the Sovereign Lord."  The first thing these verses tell us is that God's judgment upon Jerusalem at this time was certain.  Even the righteousness of Noah, Daniel, and Job couldn't change that - only these 3 men would have been saved.  However, this got me thinking.  Is it possible that sometimes today we try to build up our own righteousness to ensure our own salvation and basically do nothing to try to build up others righteousness and help them toward their salvation?  Meaning, do we sometimes retreat into a "Christian bubble" and ignore the rest of "the world."  Leave them to their own devices.  It just made me think when reading about Noah, Daniel, and Job that my hunch is that these 3 would not just chill out and relax in the glory and certitude of their own righteousness.  My hunch is that they would get out there on the streets and try to save others.  So, what about you and me?  Are we just cocooning in our own righteousness and salvation, or are we taking salvation to the streets?  Are we retreating from the battle for others' salvation or are we engaged in it?  What say you?

Ezekiel chapter 14 verse 23 tells us today:  "When you meet them and see their behavior, you will agree that these things are not being done to Israel without cause, says the Sovereign LORD."  I think sometimes we can read some select verses in the Old Testament out of context and think God is being harsh.  God here reminds us that he is not being harsh without cause.  And we'll see more of the cause in chapter 16 today...  Below is an image of Ezekiel prophesying to the elders who visited him in chapter 14 verse 1:

Ezekiel chapter 15 is an interesting one for me today, where God basically calls Jerusalem a useless grape vine.  In reading this I am also reminded that Jesus in John 15 uses the grape vine analogy again saying "I am the vine and you are the branches."  This tells me that Jesus redeems even useless grape vines!  :)  However, using this Ezekiel analogy, are we growing in our lives like trees or like vines?  How thick are your roots?  How solid is your core?

Ezekiel chapter 16 is a fascinating and sad look at the city of Jerusalem.  This is the first time I have really spent a little bit of time with this chapter.  The question I find for myself in reading this chapter is this: has God blessed us similarly in some ways that he blessed Jerusalem?  Have we, perhaps, in some ways used the blessings that God has given us in improper ways?   Verse 6 in this chapter stood out to me: "But I came by and saw you there, helplessly kicking about in your own blood. As you lay there, I said, `Live!'"  Bible commentaries suggest that this one word - Live! - is God's basic desire for all humans.  How powerful is that realization?  How very beautiful...  Live!  Let us Live!

New Testament - Hebrews chapter 7 verse 27 teaches us today: "Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices every day like the other high priests. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people." I hadn't really thought a lot about this before.  In the Old Testament the Levitical priests had to offer sacrifices first for their own sins - and then they would be clean / pure enough to offer sacrifices for others sins.  The good news of course in the New Testament and in this chapter is that we now have the perfectly clean and pure High Priest of Jesus Christ - who does not need to purify himself first!  He never sinned.  Will you take your sins to Jesus, your High Priest?

Psalms - Psalm 106 is a repentive Psalm, likely written by a Levitical priest after returning to Jerusalem after its destruction.  Verse 2 stood out to me today - "Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD? Who can ever praise him half enough?"  Can you list all of the glorious miracles of God?  Can anyone?  Are you praising God today?  Every day?

Verse 3 is powerful- "Happy are those who deal justly with others and always do what is right." I think this is such an important thing to know - we will be happy when we deal justly with others and when we do what is right.  This is happiness.  Not money or fame or power or luxuries.  Dealing justly with others and doing what is right is happiness.  So, Biblically, are you happy?

Proverbs - Proverbs 27 verse 6 is an interesting one.  And indeed true. "Wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." Why should we watch out for many kisses from an enemy?  Let us thank God for a friend who will speak truth into our life!  Even if it hurts at first to hear it.  Think about this - is someone being a better friend to you if they tell you a truth about your life that may wound you - or if they say nothing at all and let you keep on keepin' on with something wrong you may be doing?  Let us embrace and welcome truthful wounds from our friends!  We need this type of iron sharpening iron.  Sometimes we need to be lovingly and truthfully wounded by our friends to grow closer to God.

Worship God:  Ezekiel 16:6's call to "Live!" reminded me of Casting Crowns wonderful worship tune called "Lifesong."  Let this be our prayer today - "Let my lifesong sing to you!"

Is your lifesong singing to God?  Click here and start singing!

Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:6 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

Ezekiel 10:1-11:25 ~ Hebrews 6:1-20 ~ Psalm 105:16-36 ~ Proverbs 27:1-2
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Ezekiel's vision of the Lord in Jerusalem continues today in chapters 10 and 11 as the glory of the Lord first leaves the Temple and then leaves Jerusalem completely! This is a big deal as the glory of the Lord had pretty much been in the Temple since it's construction. We are also visited by the cherubim again in these chapters - check out the November 1st readings calendar link below/left for more commentary on the cherubim.  I really like this artwork by Priscilla Silver called "The Four Faced Cherubim" -

Today in chapter 11 verse 13 we read - "While I was still speaking, Pelatiah son of Benaiah suddenly died. Then I fell face down in the dust and cried out, "O Sovereign LORD, are you going to kill everyone in Israel?""

Chapter 11 verses 19 & 20 stood out to me today, with a message for the exiles in Babylon - "I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their hearts of stone and give them tender hearts instead, so they will obey my laws and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God." How are our hearts today? Are they tender? Single in their focus on God? Do we have a new Spirit within us?

New Testament - Hebrews Chapter 6 verse 1 definitely stood out today: "So let us stop going over the basics of Christianity again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start all over again with the importance of turning away from evil deeds and placing our faith in God." I think sometimes we can get too caught up on the basics of Christianity and then never really grow in our faith.  I do believe God is calling us first and foremost to come into relationship with Him through faith in his son Jesus.  But, after that, let us grow!  Let us no longer conform to our worldly ways and passions, even though we now have faith in Jesus.  Let us become saints.  Let us love and serve God, other people, and the poor more and more with each passing day.  Let us go on and become mature in our understanding!  Let us move forward from always being "disciples" to becoming "apostles."  How is your spiritual growth these days?  Are you growing?  Do you want to grow?

In verses 7 & 8 today we read: "When the ground soaks up the rain that falls on it and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has the blessing of God. But if a field bears thistles and thorns, it is useless. The farmer will condemn that field and burn it."

Verse 18 is awesome: "Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence." Have you fled to Jesus for refuge? Are you holding on to God's promise with confidence?

Psalms - Psalm 105's verses today give us a good Cliff Notes version of the end of the book of Genesis and beginning of the book of Exodus!

Proverbs - Proverbs verse 1 today is fantastic: "Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what the day will bring." Indeed, don't brag about tomorrow - each day is such a blessing to be thankful for. Live for today. With Jesus. And don't brag about tomorrow!

Today in Proverbs 27:2 we read: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.” How often do we heap praise on ourselves? Maybe even in our own minds, if not verbally? Where does our strength and wisdom and achievements truly come from? Is the Lord your strength? If we are praised by others, do we accept the praise into our own hearts? Or, do we share with the person giving the praise, where the praise truly should be directed? Psalm 115 verse 1 wisely reminds us - “Not to us O Lord, Not to us – but to your name be the Glory.” Amen! 

Worship God:  Ezekiel 11:19-20 reminded me of the fantastic worship song "Friend of God" by Israel Houghton.  Enjoy!

Are you a friend of God?  Click here to get to know your friend!

Please join me in memori