November 18 Psalm 128 James 2 Ezekiel 33:21-33; 34; 35
Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.
Reading the Bible is helpful in taking next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.
- What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
- Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
- What should you do about that truth?
November 18 Psalm 128 James 2 Ezekiel 33:21-33; 34; 35
Psalm 128
When we live out of gratitude to God there is a joy that is with us today and will be with us tomorrow. When we live in constant awareness of God there is a love and respect that fills our hearts and homes. This song describes the benefits of a life given to wholehearted devotion to God. Let us give our utmost respect and highest praises to God with the best of our energy. God is able to bless us with vibrant healthy happy homes. A focus on God brings many blessings to a family.
James 2
If we treat some people as less valuable than others, we are not faithful followers of Jesus. Favoritism and prejudice bring brokenness into a relationship with Jesus. My suggestion to all Christians is to read the words of Jesus found in Matthew 5 -7 and then James 1 – 5 for a helpful perspective. We are certainly saved by grace through faith in Jesus as Savior (as evidenced by our true repentance). This means that our change of heart is seen by a change of actions. If the trajectory of our lives as Jesus followers shows no change in our values, decision making, and acts of service (for people in need) then it is quite possible we are spiritually sick at the least. As Jesus followers, we have received mercy and so we must show mercy. God shows us, love, by making forgiveness and new spiritual life available through Jesus. As we receive this love, we believe in Jesus as Savior. This faith must produce action.
Ezekiel 33:21-33; 34; 35
Through the life of the prophet Ezekiel, God has been calling people into a loving committed relationship. After years of rejection and subsequent violence, God has been sending warnings. Through Ezekiel, God called people to repent and brought judgment on those who replied with lip service and yet no change in their actions. Our God knows the heart of each person and mourns the punishment needed for those who reject His covenant agreement of peace. The day will come when everyone will recognize Yahweh as Sovereign Lord.