SHCOC Daily Bible Reading

Day 334: Ezekiel 24:15-26:21; James 3, 5 — When Words Collide

November 30th, 2010 by Matt Lee

There is so much to talk about today. I’d like to reference Matt Wilson’s post from Sunday for a few reasons. If you have not read it, please stop now and go read it. It’s a beautiful remembrance of a beloved family member. Now imagine if he and his family were commanded not to show any sign of sorrow at her passing. It seems that is just what God asked of Ezekiel at the passing of his wife (Ezekiel 24:15-18). It’s a strange object lesson, but no stranger than some of the others God passed along through his prophets over the years.

In addition, since Matt did not cover James 3 that day I’d like to do so now. It is a powerful passage and one of my favorite. Simple, and yet extremely difficult. James is one of my favorite letters because of its simple practicality for everyday Christian living. Paul sometimes puts my mind in a twist, but James gets right to the everyday issues that I face as a Christian. James starts out by admonishing those of us in leadership (specifically teachers) to be extra careful especially in what we say (or write on a blog I suppose). The ability to keep my tongue in check is a skill I have not yet mastered and James sheds some light on just why that is. If I can control my tongue, I stand a good chance of keeping my whole body in check. Already this week in a single day I have had the opportunity to speak out harshly on two different occasions. Thankfully, in both cases I refrained from speaking immediately. In one case, others were able to say with grace and tact what I would have said with anger and spite. In another instance, I was able to think through my words with prayer and deliver a measured response. Now that I’ve used up my quota of patience and control for the week I would advise everyone to steer clear or you may receive a tongue lashing.

Finally, I’d like to consider James 5. James starts out by slamming the rich that will be put in their place because of their uncompassionate treatment of others. The words are a striking parallel to the condemnation of Tyre in Ezekiel 26. Go read it. If you are a fan of fantasy fiction like I am, it will remind you of many of the battle sequences throughout the genre (such as the Battle of Palennor Fields in Tolkien’s The Return of the King). God is very detailed in what he’s about to do to them. Our treatment of those who are suffering and downtrodden is extremely important to God apparently. Who would have thunk it?!? James continues by encouraging the Christians to patience in their sufferings.

Then we come to a passage that has long stumped me in trying to discern its meaning. I like to take the words of the Bible at face value, and yet there seems to be something missing in my understanding here. What does James mean when he writes:

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

I have heard different interpretations across the entire spectrum, but nothing seems to fully explain what will actually happen when I faithfully pray over someone (being the righteous person that I am). The tie in between physical and spiritual health is reminiscent of Jesus’ own words when the lame man was lowered through the roof and Jesus forgave him then healed him. Whatever the case, there is the aspect of faith when praying, confession of sins to each other, and praying for each other. Maybe I don’t need to worry about the results and just practice the process more and leave the hard part up to God.

“Who is wise and understanding among you?” Not I.

Posted in Anger, Ezekiel, faith, James, Redemption, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | 2 Comments »

Day 333: Ezekiel 23:1-24:14; James 4:1-17 — Scimmace

November 29th, 2010 by Powell Pendergraft

Both of our readings today have very stiff warnings. Certainly at some point even Ezekiel must have been aghast to understand the way Israel and Judah had treated their true and only God. James warns the church that their compromise with the cultural anti-God values will erode and destroy their relationship with God. To both peoples our Creator says they are as a spouse who deserts the marriage vows by unspeakable evil while yet remaining in the marriage in name only.

I really have to tell you, if disgust and wincing and grimacing at these readings is what God wants from us, He has it ! While I read this it makes me squint, scrunch up my face, and frown as though I have eaten something very bitter. I tried using the only term that came to mind for this, but the dictionary would not accept it, so I have a new word for it: scrimmace, both noun and verb. When I read these passages I develop a profound scrimmace. How much God loves us, but hates the sin, hates the soiling of the world on our garments which Jesus has purchased for us and with which he has clothed us, Galatians 3:27! I have to learn to purify myself, 1 John 3:1-3. Every day I must try to keep myself unspotted by the world, but I find these old stains that are so hard to whiten. Please, Jesus, whiten me up!

These tell me, too, that I need to constantly reassess the world about me for the influences that are good, that really express the design and will of God, and watch for the developments of human expression that confute the will of God, and tout human will. This creeps in easily, as we are immersed in the culture around us and may be much like fish who do not know what “wet” means until out of the water. One thing worship does for me, prayer, reading of the Bible, talking with Christians is to help me to see the effects of culture, good and bad, on me, and to learn to see what the will of God really is. One thing we need to learn to do as Christians is to “scrimmace” at the squandering of God’s power and design by the abuses of the world, we need to help each other to learn to discern, Hebrews 5:14. I need to learn that my life is a vapor, and to use today to live holy, righteously, and godly in this present age, Titus 2:12.

Prayer: Holy, Righteous Father, in this day I want to be holy, to be faithful to You. I want to see the world as You do, see souls as You do, to yearn for their renewal by Your Spirit, and mourn their spiritual death, and abhor evil and its destructive nature. Use me today that the world may know You. In Jesus name, amen.

Posted in Ezekiel, James | Comments Off

Day 332: The Comfort of Prayer

November 28th, 2010 by Matt Wilson

I hope that you will forgive me for this, but today’s post isn’t about the scripture assigned to this day. We are in the midst of 40 Days of Prayer and I thought I would share with you about what this endeavor has meant to me.

For the past several weeks my Grandmother (Gigi) has endured several strokes, kidney failure, liver failure, depression and dementia. It was a slow and terrible way to go. Sadly, I’m quite sure that almost all of you have had a family member go through this. This past Wednesday morning my family was driving to Lubbock to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with our family. As we were nearing Lubbock, I received the call from a family member to get there as soon as we could. Leah and I arrived at the nursing home in time to spend some time with Gigi. She couldn’t see me. We’re somewhat sure she could hear me. I told her I loved her so much and that I was so happy to see her. She waited until all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were home. At 9:45PM on Wednesday night, she went home to our Lord.

Brothers and sisters, for the past few days I have dedicated time for prayer in accordance with our 40 Days of Prayer. In that time I have spent a considerable amount of time praying for Gigi – praying that she wouldn’t suffer, praying that I would see her one more time, praying for our family, praying for a way to tell my girls and explain death. Of all the things that I prayed about, God has blessed me with an answer for them all.

We buried Gigi on Friday afternoon. I can tell you that we are all at peace and have experienced the comfort that only God can provide. Praise God for the power of prayer. Praise God that death is not the end for us! Praise God for his steadfast love!

May God bless you and keep you. Put your heart into 40 Days of Prayer.

Matt

Posted in Prayer | 3 Comments »

Day 331: James 2:12-13 — Judgment or mercy?

November 27th, 2010 by Bob Mathews

“Do you want God’s judgment or His mercy?” I’ve heard that question many times before — generally in a Bible class, or perhaps a sermon. If there’s a spoken answer, normally it’s not immediate. People sometimes have to think about that one.

Mercy. Why would I need that? I’m basically a pretty good person. Mercy? Sure, a thief or a murderer, or maybe a tax cheat might hope for mercy, but I’m none of those.

Judgment. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Finally all these so-and-sos I see every day will get what’s coming to them. Why would I worry about judgment? Like I said, I’m one of the good guys.

The truth is, we all deserve judgment (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23), not just the sexually immoral, idolaters, haters, drunks, and the others Paul lists in Galatians 5:19-21. We all deserve judgment, but all who live for Christ (and live in Him — Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 2:6) will receive mercy as well. James makes a pretty good point though, with this warning:

¹²Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ¹³because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13)

So just as Jesus warned that we will be forgiven with the same degree with which we show forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15), we will also me shown mercy in proportion to how we show mercy.

And that realization causes me to strive for more compassion, more tolerance, more understanding in how I deal with others.

Posted in James, Judgment, Mercy | Comments Off

Day 330: James 1:13-2:7 — Religiousity

November 26th, 2010 by Scott Epperson

This set of scriptures defines what God sees and expects of a religious person. “Religious” is defined as showing the outward expression of our inner being or spirit. So what does God look for of a religious person?

²⁶If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. ²⁷Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:26-27 (ESV)

This ties into the preceding scripture, James 1:19, which discusses how we should conduct ourselves and James 1:22, which says that the real people of God are people who “do” the Word of God and not just “listen” to it. Nothing does more to give Christians a black eye than someone who outwardly professes to be a person of God and then speaks and lives as if he/she is anything but a person of God. It’s so hard to keep ourselves unstained from the world when we don’t do anything to separate ourselves from the world. Yes, most of us do have jobs or social contacts that keep us in contact with people of all different beliefs or unbeliefs. The challenge is to not get caught up with them but to be an example of God to them — “keeping oneself unstained from the world”. This can only be accomplished through Christ.

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Day 329: Hebrews 13:20-21 — Thanksgiving Benediction

November 25th, 2010 by Randy Consford

Happy Thanksgiving! As you gather together today with family and friends today, may the closing benediction from Hebrews 13:20-21 be a blessing for you today. May we be equiped with everything good to build upon our relationships in Jesus Christ. May we remember to give glory to our God in all that we say, do, and model for Him. May this day not just be about us but about our Father in Heaven who gives salvation through our Lord. Thank you Father!!!

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Day 328: Ezekiel 12-14:11 — A Lover

November 24th, 2010 by Scott Dutton

Ezekiel tried to reach the people with the message of God. They paid no attention to him; they were more elite than that. I most likely would have given up. “If they won’t listen, why am I wasting my time?” but not Ezekiel; he just kept preaching and loving God’s people even though they were unfaithful to God.

I have never been asked by God to endure hardship that compares to what the prophets of old had to deal with. Yet I find myself discouraged by events around me. Ever so often I stop and have a little pity party then I read a great passage like our text for today. Reading causes me to realize I don’t have it so bad. Ezekiel bore more in his life than I have ever even come close to yet he was a shameless lover of God’s people. He never lost hope they would repent.

How many good works have I walked away from in anger and frustration when a little more effort might well have made a great difference. I’ll have to wait until eternity to find out for sure but for now I’m trying to go one more day, one more week, one more year with my brethren loving them in spite of their failings and asking them to love me in spite of mine.

Posted in Ezekiel | Comments Off

Day 327: Hebrews 12:2 — Joyfully

November 23rd, 2010 by Matt Lee

Hebrews 12:2 has long been right at the top of my list for favorite Bible verse. The idea that Jesus went to the cross as a sacrifice for my sins is very powerful. But add to that the thought that he went there joyfully and it blows my mind. I try not get the picture in my head of him skipping down the roads of Jerusalem carrying the cross on his shoulders, whistling all the way. And yet on the inside, that joy gave him the strength to carry on and complete his task.

Would his sacrifice have been as meaningful if it had been out of duty or a fear of retribution for disobedience? After all that Jesus had gone through in his life, if he had become disheartened at the end and merely wished it to be over, would our sins be forgiven? Big questions that I am glad I do not have to answer, and I am glad they don’t even need an answer because he did it all for “the joy set before him.” It was not because of duty or fear or despair. It was because he loved me enough to want to go through all that and attain my salvation.

How many times do I fulfill my Christian duties out of obligation, fear of retribution, or even habit? When I give money to the church is it because I know I have to? When I give my time in service, is it so I will feel like I am a good Christian. When I keep the 10 commandments and all the other laws and regulations found in the Bible, am I doing it so I will not suffer an eternity in hell?

God does not just want me to give. He wants me to want to give. He does not want me merely to serve. In order to be like him I must want to serve. God does not just want me to be good and righteous. He wants me to want to be good and righteous. Like his son, on the cross giving and serving joyfully, not out of compulsion or duty or fear, but out of love.

A tough message for me. It is much easier to just do the things I do out of habit and think I am good enough to get by. But God calls me to something higher though the death of his Son and his joyful example on the cross.

Posted in Hebrews, Obedience, Salvation | 1 Comment »

Day 326: Ezekiel 6:1-8:18; Hebrews 11:1-31 — Whose team do you play for?

November 22nd, 2010 by Powell Pendergraft

Well, football fans, we are deep into a season of surprises, upsets, winning and losing. ”Wrong Way” Riegels, I found in searching, is an historic example of a player who, in confusion, scored one for the other team, but later came back to give it all he had. You can read about him more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Riegels — but do return to your Bible reading.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob tells Judah that utter destruction, death will overtake the city where He put His name and the people He had held as dear to Himself. They carve images on the walls of the temple area. The turn their backs to the temple to worship the sun. Women weep for Tammuz, a type of the ancient myth for death and rebirth of the seasons. They place abominations in the city entrances! They hold the twig/branch to their nose. “Their” may have been originally “my,” changed to “their” to be reverent to God. Involving God in a cultic worship practice? One English version notes: “goad me to fury.” How horrible a scene, nearly everything in the covenant to which their ancestors had agreed, Exodus 24:3, these people turn to sacrilege and abomination !! When they ran the wrong way, they just kept on going, despite the screaming and shouts of the prophets, “Turn around, come back this way!!”

Quickly turning to that Hall of Fame of Faith, what a counterpoint this provides! Men whose lives were based on faith — confident commitment to the One Who leads and blesses them. The list is impressive, especially when we stop to reflect on the fact that they were flesh and blood, just like me. When they fell they got up and kept on going. Where He led they followed, even when following God made absolutely no sense. They trusted totally. For the Hebrew Christians how assuring, how invigorating, how “pumped” they must have been after reading and hearing this! I certainly am!

So — what do I have in my house? in my heart? Are there abominations or praise to God? I involve the Holy Spirit in my daily notions and actions, 1 Corinthians 6:19. Do I worship Him with this current temple? What do I have on the walls of my heart? in my “secret” places? in my earthly house?

When you go on the field today, whose team will you play for? Will you run, press toward the goal, Philippians 3:14, or in the midst of uncontrolled passion and confusion, score one for the “other” team?

Prayer: Holy Righteous Father, today cleanse me, make me whole. I have made commitment that I will be faithful as those loved ones of old. With Your Spirit, help me do just that. Then the world will see not me, but You. Help us press for the prize You have already won for us. Thank You, in Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in Ezekiel, Hebrews | Comments Off

Day 325: Hebrews 10:19-39 — Jesus is Coming Soon!

November 20th, 2010 by Matt Wilson

It’s a song that we have been singing for years, isn’t it? Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear…freedom we all hold dear now is at stake. Remember this one? Of course you do. Jesus is coming soon. Morning or night or noon. Sing it brother Charlie!

Jesus is coming soon. Do you believe it?

We talk about Jesus returning. Do we live our lives in preparedness for that day? I sometimes think about that day as if it’s a great happening in the far distant future. The reality is that it could come before I finish this sentence. Am I ready for that? Because one of two things are going to happen to me — a.) I die and will wait for judgment or, b.) Jesus will return and I will be judged. Either way, I have no idea when either of those things will happen.

Turn with me to Hebrews Chapter 10. The writer of Hebrews sends a very strong message with today’s selection. Hebrews 10:26-31 is a slap upside the head to me for sure. “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” Deliberately keep on sinning? Been there. Done that. That is hard to type…but it is the truth. I pray for forgiveness and mercy.

Jesus is coming soon. Believe that. Live your life accordingly.

“In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”

May God bless you and keep you!