Saturday, September 10th: Jeremiah 42-44 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 42-44

Sin is blinding.

It seems so obvious to us as we're reading this passage. Every one of Jeremiah's prophecies have come true. According to every measurable evidence he is clearly a prophet that speaks the Wird of God as directed by Him. And now this prophet is once again prophesying, very clearly, what will happen if they go to Egypt.

And the people don't listen. Not only do they not listen, they accuse him of being a liar and false prophet, and leave for Egypt (and certain destruction), forcing Jeremiah to come with them.

Sin is blinding. Willful disobedience is heart hardening.

It seems unimaginable to us. Stupid even.

Are we guilty of the same thing? Are we determined to do what seems right to us, instead of listening to the Word? Are we asking God to give us a sign or give us peace about a decision, when He's already given us the answer in His Word, but it's not the one we wanted so we keeping asking the same question different ways hoping someone will give us the answer we want and justify our actions? If you try hard enough you can always find someone willing to tell you what you want to hear. But, just like for the Israelites, that path inevitably leads to destruction.

May we have faith to take God at His Word and obey, even when it's difficult or the last thing we want to do. He is Truth. And He is good. Trust in Him alone.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 33:21-36:38

Friday, September 9th: Obadiah 1, 2 Kings 25:22-26, Jeremiah 40:7-41:18 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Obadiah 1, 2 Kings 25:22-26, Jeremiah 40:7-41:18

"The day of the Lord is near  for all nations.  As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head." Obadiah 1:15

Obadiah prophesies judgment against the people of Edom.  God would destroy them as a result of their violence against Israel, for their delight in the destruction of Jerusalem, and for their involvement in plundering the city.

Reading this reminded me of how much God wants us to love our brothers.  Not only our blood brothers, but all people, as we are all an offspring of God.  God loves His people and because of this love, He will not allow anyone to remain unpunished for their actions.

This reading was directed towards the people of Edom, but it is relevant for us today too.  We will be held accountable for all our actions and thoughts.  Just as God restored Israel, we too can be restored through Jesus Christ.  If God loves and offers His gift of restoration to all, we too should show love to all.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 42-44

September 8th: Lamentations 3:37-5:22 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Lamentations 3:37-5:22

Lamentations 3:52-57 stood out to me today...

My enemies, whom I have never harmed,
    hunted me down like a bird.
They threw me into a pit
    and dropped stones on me.
The water rose over my head,
    and I cried out, “This is the end!”
But I called on your name, Lord,
    from deep within the pit.
You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading!
    Hear my cry for help!”
Yes, you came when I called;
    you told me, “Do not fear.”

I don't know if you've every felt the way Jeremiah does here, but I have an idea of how he must have felt.  I have had to deal with feeling like those who I had loved (not enemies as in this case) were casting me into a pit. I've been where it feels like it doesn't matter what you do, there is no good outcome and you will be cast out.  That feeling of betrayal.  I can't say that I am completely healed from the damage of the "dropped stones" yet.  Sometimes I still feel like I'm calling to God from deep in that pit. But I keep holding on the those 3 words - "Do Not Fear" - and know that someday all the damage caused by the "enemies" will be gone and I will be refined by the fire.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Obadiah 1, 2 Kings 25:22-26, Jeremiah 40:7-41:18

September 7th: Lamentations 1:1 - 3:36 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Lamentations 1:1-3:36

It is generally accepted that the book of Lamentations is written with the destruction of Israel by Babylon, as the background. This took place around 586 BC (Wikipedia).

A few things that stood out to me while reading this portion of scripture,

1:7 In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old. When her people fell into enemy hands, there was no one to help her. Her enemies looked at her and laughed at her destruction.

How sad this must have been, to look back and remember better days. This is the opposite of how our lives should be, we have it good here in Canada now, but better days are coming for us who believe, we can look forward to an eternity in Heaven!

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2:3 In fierce anger he has cut off every horn of Israel. He has withdrawn his right hand at the approach of the enemy. He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire that consumes everything around it.

The middle sentence in this verse caught my attention. Here God has withdrawn His protection, how terrifying that would be? We don't realize how much He does for us and how He protects us today.

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3: 25,26, 27 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; [26] it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. [27] It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.

No matter how difficult a time we've had at certain points in our lives, God watches over those that chose to live for Him. We need to make that choice daily, to live for Him and have Him first.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Lamentations 3:37-5:22

Tuesday, September 6th: 2 Kings 25:3-7, Jeremiah 39:2-10, Jeremiah 52:6-11, Jeremiah 39:11-40:6, 2 Kings 25:8-21, 2 Chronicles 36:15-21, Jeremiah 52:12-27 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 25:3-7, Jeremiah 39:2-10, Jeremiah 52:6-11, Jeremiah 39:11-40:6, 2 Kings 25:8-21, 2 Chronicles 36:15-21, Jeremiah 52:12-27

I always find it interesting to read how prophecy & God’s word is fulfilled throughout the Bible.

2 Chronicles 36:20-21
He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power. The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.

My bible commentary brought my attention to this word of God fulfilled.

Leviticus 26:27-45 strikingly predicts the captivity, telling how God’s people would be torn from their land for disobeying him. One of the laws they had ignored stated that one year in every seven the land should lie fallow, resting from producing crops (Exodus 23:10-11). The 70-year captivity allowed the land to rest, making up for all the years the Israelites had not observed this law. We know that God keeps all his promises—not only his promises of blessing, but also his promises of judgment.

As I considered these verses, I realized the character of God that is shown by his actions.

There was logic even behind the punishment that was given. They hadn't observed the law stating that every seventh year the land should lie fallow & so their punishment was a practical application.

God isn't a God of chaos or randomness, He has order & reason in his design.  When we are making decisions or looking for understanding in a situation, we can know that confusion & chaos is not from him.  God will be clear & direct in his response.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Lamentations 1:1-3:36

Monday, September 5th: Ezekiel 26-28 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 26-28

In Ezekiel 28 God promises that His people will again live in their own land, in complete safety. This prophecy was partially fulfilled when the exiles were allowed to return, but they didn't, and still do not, live in complete safety. This promise, like many of God's promises, will be completely fulfilled when Christ returns and sets up His eternal kingdom.

The sad thing is that more people do not come to Him before it's too late. They do not listen to the good news, or even perceive it to be good. They are deceived by their sin and the false peace Satan gives to them, and continue to ignore God. But He will not be ignored forever.

Ezekiel 28:22-24
Give the people of Sidon this message from the Sovereign Lord: "I am your enemy, O Sidon, and I will reveal my glory by what I do to you. When I bring judgment against you and reveal my holiness among you, everyone watching will know that I am the Lord. I will send a plague against you, and blood will be spilled in your streets. The attack will come from every direction, and your people will lie slaughtered within your walls. Then everyone will know that I am the Lord. No longer will Israel's scornful neighbors prick and tear at her like briers and thorns. For then they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.

May we not wait for God's judgment before acknowledging that He is God alone!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 25:3-7, Jeremiah 39:2-10, Jeremiah 52:6-11, Jeremiah 39:11-40:6, 2 Kings 25:8-21, 2 Chronicles 36:15-21, Jeremiah 52:12-27

Sunday, September 4th - Jeremiah 31-33 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 31-33

In Jeremiah 31 God shows His kindness.  I particularly liked the second half of verse 10 where it says "He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd."  How reassuring to know that God is such a loving God and carefully watches over us. 

I found Jeremiah 31:29-30 interesting.  The people blamed others for their sins and God recognizes this and says:  "Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes - his own teeth will be set on edge."  How easy it is to blame others for our mistakes but in the end we are accountable for our own mistakes. 

In Jeremiah 32, God told the prophet Jeremiah told buy a field even though it was currently occupied by soldiers.  Jeremiah showed his faith and trust in God by doing this and what this again shows me that even though we don't always understand God's purpose we should obey and continually trust and pray to God.  I loved the part of verse 17 in this chapter where Jeremiah prays to God and says "Nothing is too hard for you."  How wonderful to know that no matter the circumstances God is always in control. 

Finally Jeremiah 33:3 is another verse that stood out for me.  "Call on me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."  God is able to take care of us without us asking but He wants us to call on Him and by doing so this shows God that we recognize that we cannot do it ourselves but need God to help us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezekiel 26-28

Saturday, September 3rd: Jeremiah 34, 21, 29, 30:20-26 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 34, 21, 29, 30:20-26

At the beginning of today's passage we see a few instances of Zedekiah and the people half heartedly trying to do what's right, or at least trying to get back into God's good graces.  But it was never genuine, it never acknowledged God's warnings, and it was certainly never accompanied by repentance.

How often do we expect God to help us in our times of trouble, even though we have ignored Him in our times of prosperity.  God is not a genie awaiting our command when we get around to summoning Him from His lamp.  He wants a genuine and lasting relationship born out of repentance, faith, and love for Him.

This verse also struck me....
Ezekiel 29:3 Give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: "I am your enemy, O Pharaoh, king of Egypt - you great monster, lurking in the streams of the Nile. For you have said, 'The Nile River is mine; I made it for myself.'

My Life Application Bible says
The Nile was Egypt's pride and joy, a life-giving river cutting through the middle of the desert. But rather than thanking God, Egypt declared, "The Nile River is mine; I made it." We do the same when we say, "This house is mine; I built it," or "I have brought myself to the place where I am today," or "I have built this church, business, or reputation from the ground up." These statements reveal our pride. Sometimes we take for granted what God has given us, thinking we have made it ourselves. Of course, we have put forth a lot of hard effort, but God supplied the resources, gave us the abilities, and provided us with the opportunities to make it happen. Instead of proclaiming our own greatness, as the Egyptians did, we should proclaim God's greatness and give him the credit.

May we give Him the glory for every success in our lives!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 31-33

Friday, September 2nd: 2 Kings 25:1-2, Jeremiah 39:1, Jeremiah 52:3-5, Ezekiel 24-25 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Kings 25:1-2, Jeremiah 39:1, Jeremiah 52:3-5, Ezekiel 24-25

"Say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary—the stronghold in which you take pride, the delight of your eyes, the object of your affection. The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword."
Ezekiel 24:21

Sin inevitably leads to judgment.  What Jeremiah prophesied to the people of Judah, Ezekiel prophesied to the exiles in Babylon.  Ezekiel knew that this judgment was imminent, and he also had words of judgment against the nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre.

Unfortunately, sin also affects others.  I do not imagine that many people liked Ezekiel.  After all, he was going out warning people of their corruption and sinful ways.  It must have been a great comfort to him knowing that at the end of each day, he had a wife to come home to who loved and cared for him.  But then he receives word from God that as a sign to the people, his wife will be taken from him,  AND, God commands Ezekiel to "not lament or weep or shed any tears." 

This would be a really good scenario of a "why me Lord?" situation.  Just going through this kind of loss would leave me lost (no pun intended) where everything would feel like it was turned upside down.  But Ezekiel is able to handle this great loss and this great command by God.  Ezekiel is able to be an example to the exiles for when they realize that their sacred temple in Jerusalem along with their relatives have been lost in the siege on Jerusalem.

Three points that I was reminded of from today's reading:
1. Sin leads to judgment
2. Sin affects everyone around us
3. When God calls us to fulfill His plan, He will equip us in ways that seem unimaginable

God reigns supreme as King of kings, and Lord of lords.  All that happens is in his all powerful and loving hands.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 34, 21, 29, 30:20-26

Thursday, September 1st: Ezekiel 22-23 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 22-23

Ezekiel 22 is broken into three separate messages for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Verses 1-16 catalogues their sins and exposes the people of Jerusalem for what they are. Then in 17-22 Israel is compared to dross (the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal; waste or foreign matter; something that is base, trivial, or inferior). And finally in 23-31 the message is that since every ranking of man is taking part in the corruption the punishment will be for all.

Ezekiel 23 shows the corruption of Israel and Judah by using a metaphor of the two harlots and their lewdness.

The anger and judgement of God in the face of all this corruption is very evident in these verses and I find myself knowing that I don't ever want to find myself on that side of it.

I pray that I and those entrusted to my care, can lives so that God will never have to compare us to dross.

2,

Jeremiah 39:1, Jeremiah 52:3

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5,

Ezekiel 24

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25

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 25:1-2, Jeremiah 39:1, Jeremiah 52:3-5, Ezekiel 24-25