Tuesday, September 20th: 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1-2, Psalm 126, Psalm 147 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1-2, Psalm 126, Psalm 147

Scripture
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. Psalm 126:5

Observation
In my Bible, this verse has a little cross beside it which points me to a different passage (Galatians 6:9) which reads: So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.
Application
When life isn't going our way, and the answer to our prayers seems so distant, we need to not give up. We need to keep doing what is right and honourable in God's eyes. As my wise mother told me once, you can either be a slave to fear, or a slave to Christ. One brings hopelessness and destruction, the other brings love and hope. We may not get our reward here on earth, but we can be sure that if we do what God would find right and honouring to His Name, we will get our reward in Heaven.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to never lose sight of Your love. Help us to trust in You, the Author of our stories, even when we can't see anything but the troubles around us. Help us to always hope, always trust, and always persevere. Help us to remember that You are good all the time. Bless us today as we walk in a world that does not follow you, and help us to never forget the joy that is coming for the ones who fear You. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezra 3:1-4:5, Daniel 10-11

Monday, September 19th: Daniel 5-6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 5-6

Sorry, there was a mistake in the Reading Plan.  Today is supposed to be Daniel 5, 6, and 9 - but since 9 was covered yesterday, we'll just do 5-6 today.

In Chapter 5 we see Daniel being called upon to interpret prophecy, this time in the form of handwriting on the wall.  (Can you even imagine the panic you'd feel if you saw that during a party?!). The words were readable, but they didn't know what it meant.

Daniel turned down gifts that the King offered, showing that he was giving an unbiased interpretation and another example of his integrity.

It was interesting to note that Belshazzar offered him the 3rd highest position in the kingdom. Belshazzar co-ruled the kingdom with his father, Nabonidus.  Nabonidus was first ruler, and Belshazzar second, so Daniel was being offered a position eclipsed by only the kings.

Once again we also see Daniel giving all the glory for his ability to interpret prophecy to God. Daniel has bad news for Belshazzar - his days were numbered, he had not measured up, and his kingdom would be divided between the Medes and Persians.  God wasted no time in fulfilling this prophecy, as Belshazzar died that very night.

Chapter 6 is the famous story of Daniel in the lion's den.  It serves as another reminder that we need to be very careful with our vows.  The jealous administrators talked the king into invoking an unbreakable law by appealing to his vanity.  The King clearly hadn't thought it through as he would have (should have!) realized that Daniel would not pray to anyone other than the God he consistently gave glory and praise to.

Daniel's testimony was so great that the King knew Daniel's only hope was in the God he so faithfully served. And in this case, God displays His power most clearly and His name is glorified throughout the kingdom.

Are we humble and eager to give God the glory for all of our successes?
Are we swayed by offers of money and power, or do we maintain our integrity?
Do we obey God only when it's convenient to do so, or are we determined to be obedient no matter the cost, even when our life is on the line?
Is our reputation so godly that people know that the only way to accuse us is to base it on our faith?
Is our first response to appeal to God, in the face of the every day and in the face of danger or trial?

Daniel is one of the most godly examples in the Bible - so much so that he would not want the title, and would make sure any credit for his holiness went to God and God alone.  The only way we are able to live the way Daniel did, is through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and the mediation of Jesus Christ to bring us into right relationship with God the Father.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1-2, Psalm 126, Psalm 147

Sunday - Daninel 7-9 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 7-9

After reading these passages I needed some help from my Life Application Bible to help me understand what these chapters mean.  I will focus more on Chapter 9.  In Chapter 9 Daniel pleads with God about bringing his people back to the promised land. In Daniel's prayer it is interesting that he uses the word "we" throughout his prayer which shows he is not blaming others for the adversity and coming up for excuses.  It is so easy to find blame with others and not look at ourselves when something goes wrong. 

Also Chapter 9:18 "We do not make requests of you because you are righteous, but because of your great mercy." 

I read that "God sends his help, not because we deserve it, but because he wants to show great mercy". This reminds me that when I pray to remember that God doesn't need to show mercy but that he wants us to follow His will and that He wants to show His  mercy when we pray sincerely for forgiveness.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 5-6

Saturday, September 17th: Ezekiel 29:17-30:19, 2 Kings 25:27-30, Jeremiah 52:31-34 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 29:17-30:19, 2 Kings 25:27-30, Jeremiah 52:31-34

In our passage today we see glimpses of hope that God gave the Israelites.

God used the Babylonians to bring judgment on Tyre, Egypt, and yes, Judah.  But when Babylon didn't give God the glory for their victories or turn to Him, God judged it too.  God is just.

The exiled king of Israel, after 37 years (!) of captivity, was released from prison and treated with kindness.  God continued to show kindness to the descendants of King David, even in their exile.

God always extends grace and the offer of forgiveness, even during times of judgment.

Our passage today also concludes the book of Jeremiah.  My Life Application Bible says....
In the world's eyes, Jeremiah looked totally unsuccessful. He had no money, family, or friends. He prophesied the destruction of the nation, the capital city, and the Temple, but the political and religious leaders would not accept or follow his advice. No group of people liked him or listened to him. Yet as we look back, we see that he successfully completed the work God gave him to do. Success must never be measured by popularity, fame, or fortune, for these are temporal measures...God measures our success with the yardsticks of obedience, faithfulness, and righteousness. If you are faithfully doing the work God has given you, you are successful in his eyes.

Are you and I defining success the way the world does, or the way God does?
Are we being obedient to what God has called us to do, no matter the outcome?
Are we being faithful to what we know to be true from His Word?
Are we pursuing righteousness, no matter how counter-cultural it may be to do so?
Where is God extending grace to you?
Where are we taking His grace and provision for granted?
Are we giving Him the glory for every victory in our lives?


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 7-9

Friday, September 16th: Ezekiel 45-48 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ezekiel 45-48

There were a few things that stood out to me from today's reading:

 "You are to do the same on the seventh day of the month for anyone who sins unintentionally or through ignorance; so you are to make atonement for the temple."
Ezekiel 45:20

How many times have we heard our kids say "Oh, I didn't know."?  We don't let our kids get away with not knowing, and God doesn't let us go unpunished either.  Whether we sin with full knowledge or it's unintentional, it is still sin and it needs to be atoned for.  The saying that ignorance is bliss is not going to carry any weight in this area!  When in doubt, we should ask ourselves "what is right with what we are doing" instead of asking ourselves "what is wrong with what we are doing".

As I was reading the passage below, I was trying to imagine the excitement that must have come with the vision of the restored temple.  I know I was pretty pumped upon hearing and coming to the realization that the Jets were coming back, but to know and recognize God's glory of this magnitude would have been unfathomable.   

"When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah,^[z] where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.  Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea.  But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt.  Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” 
Ezekiel 47:7-12

Like the verse says, where the river flows everything will live.  The same goes for our lives.  If Christ flows in us, we will live.  He is the river of life, and without Him, we are just salt and we become limited in how we can be used.  

The passage ended with these words: "And the name of the city from that time on will be:

the Lord is there.”   48:35b

My prayer is that I can live each day and have others recognize that the Lord is there!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 29:17-30:19, 2 Kings 25:27-30, Jeremiah 52:31-34

Thursday, September 15th: Ezekiel 41-44 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 41-44

The detail that God put into designing the Temple is incredible.  And I can't imagine if He put so much detail into a temporary dwelling, how much more detail and perfection will there be in our eternal home.

Ezekiel 42:16-20
He measured the east side with his measuring rod, and it was 875 feet long. Then he measured the north side, and it was also 875 feet. The south side was also 875 feet, and the west side was also 875 feet. 20 So the area was 875 feet on each side with a wall all around it to separate what was holy from what was common.

The temple was completely symmetrical showing the perfection of the building.

Another thing I always think of when reading about the rules for the priests, the sanctuary or the sacrifices, is  how grateful I am that God sent His Son and that I don't have to try to follow all those rules.  It's His grace that saves me, not what I do or how I do it.  I think I would have failed miserably if I had to keep to all the rules.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 45-48

Wednesday, September 14th: Daniel 4, Ezekiel 40 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 4, Ezekiel 40

Nebuchadnezzar didn't listen to God's instructions, and so God told him that he would be punished because of it, yet still gave him a chance to change his ways. Nebuchadnezzar still didn't listen, and so God punished him. But, after Nebuchadnezzar realized his mistakes, God showed him mercy and took away his punishment.

God has given us so much mercy and grace. It's amazing that He continues to forgive us after we wrong Him so many times.

The sad thing is, we don't forgive as easily as God. You would think we would, considering we have experienced forgiveness that we don't deserve. We need to forgive others just as our God forgave us.

God, help us to remember how great Your mercy and forgiveness is. And help us to show it to others, even if we don't think they deserve it. Because we don't deserve Your forgiveness, yet You still gave it to us. Thank You for Your unfailing love. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 41-44

Tuesday, September 13th: Ezekiel 32:1-33:20, Jeremiah 52:28-30, Psalm 137 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 32:1-33:20, Jeremiah 52:28-30, Psalm 137

I'm hesitant to say that I'm convicted by verses in the Bible because it's scary to wonder what it will lead to or what is expected of me.  However, some verses today did really stand out to me.

Ezekiel 33:12-
Therefore, son of man, say to your countrymen, “The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him when he disobeys, & the wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to fall when he turns from it. The righteous man, if he sins, will not be allowed to live because of his former righteousness.

It's easy to read these verses thinking “well, of course” & move on.  It seems pretty straight forward, knowing that we can't rely on past good deeds to excuse today's sins &, knowing the plan of salvation, we understand that if someone turns from evil they will be forgiven.

But to stop & think how this directly applies to us…

As a Christian, it is easy to take for granted that our sins are forgiven. To casually pray a blanket prayer, “forgive my sins today,” without even taking the time to consider what they were, how they affected someone else & how we need to change or with whom we need to make things right.

The verse clearly states “when he turns from it.”  This implies action.  Are we really turning from our sins when we quickly spout off a prayer without changing our ways, making restitution & really acknowledging our mistakes.

Ezekiel 33:15-
If he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, & does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die.

That's my challenge; to really consider my words, thoughts & actions & to recognize the sins in my life (big or small).  Then, to not just sit back after a quick prayer, but to make efforts to really “turn from it,” to actually seek someone out if necessary to apologize & right my wrongs.

My mom told us a story the other day about my grandpa. She said that as a teen he had stolen cigarettes from the gas station in Ile Des Chenes. After he had become a Christian a number of years later, he had gone back to pay for what he had taken. The owner had said that was never very worried when young Mennonite boys stole from him because he knew that when they gave their lives to God, they would make things right.

That really hit me & made me think. I was surprised that he felt it necessary to go back to fix something he had done years earlier. I think, though, that I need to learn from him. It doesn't matter what it was or when it happened, if you were in the wrong & haven't made things right, it's our responsibility to do so.  We shouldn't just rely on God’s forgiveness. While that is all we need, as Christians we are responsible to live by example too.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 4, Ezekiel 40

Monday, September 12: Ezekiel 37-39 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 37-39

The first thing I thought of when reading the first chapter was that a few years ago we did the story of the dry bones for our Spring Concert at school. To tell the story of how God can make the impossible possible through a musical presentation and songs is amazing as the message of it will last and stay with the students and the families who watched it beyond that night.

The next thing that stood out for me for that first chapter was a song that I've been hearing lately while I'm listening to the radio in the van.



It has a line in the lyrics that say:
When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
When you see too far gone
I see one step away from home

I'm quite certain that seeing a valley of dry bones was like seeing broken beyond repair. But God can make all things new.  I like the last part of the chorus too that no matter how far away you seem, you're only 1 step away from coming back to God.

As we read about the judgement coming from God on Gog we can easily substitute our own generation for the people of Gog. There will be consequences for those who have turned from God and who do not follow His commands. God keeps his promises of judgement  but also redemption.

We do have hope. We are one step from home. We are broken. God can heal us beyond belief.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 32:1-33:20,Jeremiah 52:28-30, Psalm 137

Sunday, September 11th: Ezekiel 33:21-36:38 ~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ezekiel 33:21-36:38

Today's passages contain a series of prophesies from Ezekiel to the Israelites.  Even though the message was directed towards the Israelites, there are many truths that apply to us today.

1) Sunday Christians- Ezekiel 33:31-32   31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. The warning here is that it is easy for us to attend church, listen to some nice solos, be attentive to the sermon...yet walk away and have no change of heart or conviction that draws us to make changes in how we conduct ourselves on a daily basis.  Today being Sunday...the challenge for me today is to go beyond the  "entertainment mindset" and open myself up to be challenged by God's word and implement the changes God places on my heart.

2)   Leaders / Parents Need to Act Like Good Shepherds – Ezekiel 34:2b-4;8-10  Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? ³ You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.⁴ You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally……⁸ As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, ⁹ therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: ¹⁰ This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them. We can default and say that this passage applies to spiritual leaders, but essentially we are all called to be spiritual leaders in some fashion.  Be it to our children, or within our peer group, God expects us to have a servant attitude and lead by selfless example. A true leader puts the needs of others ahead of their own.  To me, this hit home as I constantly need to be less self focused and keep my eyes open and heart attentive to the needs of those around me.

3) Goats vs Sheep – Ezekiel 17-19: ¹⁷ “‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.¹⁸ Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? ¹⁹ Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet? This clear distinction made in the passage that God would judge between the sheep and the goats peaked my interest, so I researched a little on the differences. Both sheep and goats come from the same family of animals but are vastly different in their characteristics and behavior.  Goats are described as inquisitive and notorious for escaping any enclosure they are placed in. Once a goat has discovered a weakness in a fence they will exploit it repeatedly. Sheep on the other hand will stay close and compliant typically to the shepherd, with whom they develop a perceived rapport. Goats are more independent than sheep when grazing and will spread out rather than staying in tight groups like the sheep. Goats will leave their young and go graze while the sheep keep the young together and protect them.  All this being said…this is likely more than you wanted to know about sheep and goats, but it does paint a picture of God’s expectations for us. We are to look out for our fellow sheep and be supportive.  Most importantly when given direction, we need to follow His leadership and direction, knowing that the Shepherd has our best interests at heart. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: