Tag Archives: Christianity

I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day in advance. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

Ezekiel 21-22:31

Ezekiel lists the sins of Jerusalem, sins seen by our society as “normal” behavior:

contempt for parents
oppressing the foreigner
mistreating the widow and the fatherless
idolatry and the lewd acts associated with it
incest and other forms of sexual immorality
murder for hire
charging interest and making a profit off of the poor
extortion

The people do not ever even think of God and his commands.

…
     As you read this list and get towards the end, it might make you think he is talking about the mob and others acting outside of the law. But as I read it and compare it to our society today, I think he is talking about people who are acting in ways that are technically legal and approved by those holding political power. In order to understand this, look at the proposals for addressing illegal immigration, they are all designed to create a subclass that can be taken advantage of for cheap labor. I could go on, but I see it in many of our government’s policies. Politicians proclaim that they are passing laws to address problems, but if you look closely, they usually make things worse and it has reached the point where it is hard to write these things off as unintended consequences.
     Ezekiel goes on, he speaks of political leaders who act to increase the number of widows. Look at our society, at how many politicians adjust policy so as to increase the numbers of single mothers. In a sense, they are “making many widows.” But he does not stop with political leaders. He continues by condemning the religious leaders who do not distinguish between the holy and the profane, who do not teach the difference between right and wrong. He talks about political leaders who destroy people’s lives for money and the religious leaders who whitewash these deeds by making it seem like those who do them care about the poor and oppressed. It has gotten so bad that even the common people are taking advantage of the poor and powerless.
     God is looking for someone right now to rebuild the wall of righteousness and to stand in the gap. Will I step up and do as He asks? Will you?

Hebrews 10:1-17

The writer tells us that under the law, the high priest offered sacrifices again and again, thus reminding the people of their sins year after year. Under the new covenant God sent Jesus to offer Himself as a sacrifice once and for all time. Under the old covenant we were reminded of our weakness and sinfulness time after time. Under the new covenant, God has promised to no longer remember our sins and lawless acts. We are to do the same. Rather than focus on our shortcomings and how we fall short of meeting God’s standard, we are to look to how we can do God’s will going forward. Let us focus on doing God’s will, not on avoiding sin.

Psalm 108:1-13

Let us thank the Lord, no matter where we find ourselves. The entire world belongs to God. The people of every nation are His people. The psalm concludes with this statement:

With God’s help we will do mighty things

Do we believe this? Do I?

Proverbs 27:12

The wise person sees potential danger and plans accordingly, the fool charges in and suffers the consequences. Notice that it does not say that the prudent person does not take risks, merely that they plan for the risks.

Daily Bible Study

November 9, 2013 Bible Study — Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So

November 8, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 20:1-49

Some of the elders of the people of Israel came to Ezekiel to ask him to inquire of God on their behalf. Ezekiel condemned them for following in the sinful footsteps of their ancestors. He gave a list of the sins of their ancestors and suggested that the people of the current generation intended to practice those same sins. Then he tells them the root of all of their sins, they want to be like the peoples around them, the peoples of the world. All too often that is the sin that we fall into. We do not want to be different. We want to be just like everybody else. So, instead of doing the things which God tells us to do, we commit the same sins that those around us commit.

…
I will strive to live my life by the philosophy that if following God’s will makes me stand out from the crowd, so be it. The only way to be a Christian and not stand out from the crowd is to convince others to follow God’s will too.

Hebrews 9:11-28

The law of the first covenant required that nearly all of the parts of the Tabernacle be cleansed with the blood of animals. However, the Tabernacle and everything in it were mere copies of things in heaven. Christ did not enter a holy place made with human hands that was a copy of the one in heaven, rather He entered into heaven itself. As a result He needed a sacrifice that was better than the blood of animals and thus offered up His own blood in sacrifice. He did not need to do this time and again as the high priests of the first covenant did. Instead He offered Himself up once and for all to take away our sins. This happened but once so that when He returns it will not be to offer Himself up again, but will be to welcome into heaven itself those who have accepted His cleansing.

Psalm 107:1-43

The psalmist challenges us to tell others of how the Lord has redeemed us. We all have different stories to tell. Some of us were lost and homeless, some were near onto death. Some of us were in darkness and gloom, some were imprisoned in misery. Some of us were fools and rebelled against God and suffered for our rebellion. Some faced dangers in far away lands. Some were like this young man, at their wits end. But just like this man, when we cried out to God, He heard our cries and He answered us.

…
I hope you followed that link and watched the video (if you have not already seen it). I was going to summarize the story, but it is better if you watch the video for yourself. However, I will say this, the young man cried out to God for help, not truly believing there was a God, and God answered him in a way that makes it impossible for him to ever doubt that God is real.

Proverbs 27:11

If you want to make your parents happy, and leave their critics with egg on their faces, exercise wisdom in all that you do.

…

Daily Bible Study

November 8, 2013 Bible Study — We Are Each Responsible For Our Own Actions

November 7, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 18-19:14

Ezekiel quotes a proverb that was apparently common among the people of Israel at the time.

The parents eat sour grapes,
and the children’s teeth are set on edge?

The essence of the proverb is that children are punished for their parents’ sins. It was a way of saying that children were not responsible for what happened to themselves, if bad things happened to them, it was their parents’ fault. This sounds to me like much of what we hear after someone commits a heinous act today. “Oh, s/he was abused as a child.” “S/he came from a bad neighborhood. What do you expect?” and many other excuses.
Ezekiel then says that this proverb will no longer be used in Israel. God has declared that all belong to Him, both parent and child. Each shall be judged by their own actions, the child shall not be judged by his parents’ actions. God will hold the one who sins accountable for their sins, He will not pass judgment on the child for the actions of their parents. God will hold us each responsible for our own actions.

Hebrews 9:1-10

The writer describes the inner rooms of the Tabernacle as established by the law of Moses. He tells us that only the high priest ever entered the room that was the Most Holy Place, and that but once a year. Each year when he did so, he had to enter with a fresh sacrifice of blood to cover both his and the people’s sins. The writer tells us that this indicates that the gifts and offerings available under the old covenant were insufficient to clear the way for the worshiper to enter into the presence of God. The way the law of Moses set up the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle acted as a pointer towards the covenant that was to come.

Psalm 106:32-48

Again and again the people of Israel failed to keep the commands and instructions which God had given them. Rather than stay separate from the evil acts of the people in the land which God gave them, they mixed with them and took part in their evil acts. They sacrificed their children to idols and adopted evil customs. The result of this was that they fell prey to pagan nations and were ruled by those who hated them. As I read this I could not help but think about how readily the people of this nation sacrifice their children on the altar of convenience. But there is reason for hope. The psalmist tells us that when the people cried out to God, He took pity on them and gathered them back to Himself.
I will pray to the Lord that He send His Spirit upon the people and cause them to repent of their sins and turn back to Him. If they do so, God will take pity on them and gather them to Himself once more.

Proverbs 27:10

Keep up friendships, both those which you form yourself and those which were formed by your parents (and perhaps their parents before them). When your family has moved far away, those friends may be able to provide aid and support in time of need.

Daily Bible Study

November 7, 2013 Bible Study — “I Will Put My Laws In Their Minds”

November 6, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 16:42-17:24

Ezekiel lists the sins which led to the destruction of Sodom. The people of that city were proud and haughty. They were gluttonous and unconcerned by the suffering of the poor and needy. Rather than help the poor and needy, they spent their resources engaging in detestable acts. Yet, Ezekiel says that the people of Jerusalem committed even more detestable acts than Sodom or Samaria, despite seeing what happened to those cities. To what degree is our society even worse than this?
Ezekiel then gives a condemnation of the king of Judah for breaking his oaths to the king of Babylon and seeking the support of Babylon’s enemies. The sin for which he was being condemned was for failing to keep his agreements. The king made an agreement, then when he thought he could get a better deal, broke it. I think of all of those who think it is unreasonable to expect politicians to keep their word. God will judge those who enter into a covenant to act in a certain way and then when the time comes to fulfill their side of the bargain choose to act otherwise.

Hebrews 8:1-13

God has promised to put His laws in our minds and write them on our hearts. God will make His will known to anyone who seeks to know it. As I read this passage it is one of great hope and joy. God will make us His people. He will be our God. He will forgive our wickedness and no longer remember our sins. However, it is somewhat scary as well, because we have no excuses. We cannot say, “I did not know.” Fortunately, we have Jesus as our mediator.

Psalm 106:13-31

Today’s portion of this psalm tells us the key to why Israel sinned in the wilderness. “But they…did not wait for His plan to unfold.”(NIV) This is where all too often we go wrong. God has put His law in our minds and written it on our hearts, so we know what He wishes us to do, but we get impatient. We want what we think are the good things NOW. We refuse to wait to see what God has in store for us. So, we become rebellious and fail to believe that God will overcome the obstacles for us. We do not do as God has told us because we do not trust His promises.

Proverbs 27:7-9

Those who have completely satisfied their needs and wants will turn down even a very desirable offer, but those who are desperate will take whatever they can get. Running away from those who love you because they hurt your feelings (or for any other reason) is like a fledgling bird who leaves its nest before it can fly. When a friend gives advice they are firmly convinced is in our best interest it should make us happy.

Daily Bible Study

November 6, 2013 Bible Study

November 5, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 14:12-16:41

Ezekiel prophesies that when God brings judgment upon a country because of the sins of its people, the righteous will be unable to save anyone other than themselves. The time is coming when the sins of nations will be visited upon them. When that day comes, your parent’s righteousness will not spare you from the suffering and your righteousness will not spare your children. However, inherent in this prophecy from Ezekiel is the promise of God that those who righteously serve Him will be spared the coming suffering.

Hebrews 7:18-28

The writer explains that the requirements for joining the old priestly order was set aside because it was incapable of transforming sinful humans into perfect images of God. The law, and the priesthood which it established, were set aside in favor of a more effective system. The old system required a multitude of priests because death ended their service as priests. However, Jesus lives forever and death is unable to end his priesthood.

Psalm 106:1-12

I will strive to act justly and do what is right because blessings will follow…sometimes just the blessings of knowing that I have done what is right. I will give thanks to the Lord and praise His name because He has cared for me despite my sinfulness. I will ask His Spirit to teach me to do what is right.

Proverbs 27:4-6

It is dangerous to incur someone’s anger or to cause them to lose their temper, but jealousy is the most dangerous emotion. It is more beneficial to receive am open put down than to be loved by someone who will not show it. We are better off when friends tell us we are wrong than when our enemies praise us.

Daily Bible Study

November 5, 2013 Bible Study — Judgment Against False Prophets

November 4, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 12-14:11

Ezekiel issues a stern warning against those who make prophecies based on their own imagination. He warns them that God will take action to stop those who speak of seeing visions which they never saw. As I read this passage it struck me as something which some in the Church today should listen to. It warns those who make prophecies but have not been sent by God. He tells us that these false prophets have spoken in the name of God, but have not made any effort to repair the breaks in the wall so that it will stand firm on the day of battle. Rather than strengthen the wall, they cover it with whitewash so that no one else can see where it is weak and strengthen it. Their prophecies have led to the death of those who should not have died and the sparing of the life of those who should not have lived.

Hebrews 7:1-17

     The writer now explains what he means when he says that Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek. We have no record of the beginning or ending of Melchizedek’s life, which allows us to think of him as a priest whose priesthood is eternal, unlike that of priests of the order of Aaron, whose priesthood ends when they die. So saying that Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek means that His priesthood will never end. He will always be there to intercede with God on our behalf.
     Further, the writer points out that Melchizedek blessed Abraham and received a tenth of the plunder he had taken at a time before Isaac, the grandfather of Levi (from whom the priests of the order of Aaron are descended), was conceived, let alone born. The writer uses these two things to show that Melchizedek was a superior priest to Aaron (and his descendants). First, he points out that the person who receives a blessing (in this case, Abraham) is the lesser person and the one who blesses (in this case, Melchizedek) is the greater. Second, he points out that, in a figurative manner, the priests of the order of Aaron, who collect a tenth from others, gave a tenth to Melchizedek.
     Further he points out that if the Levitical priesthood could have allowed perfection to be obtained, there would have been no need for a priest to come from a different order. But since God found it necessary to establish a new order of priests, it was necessary to establish a new law as well. In order to become a priest of the order of Aaron one needed to meet physical requirements (one of which was being a descendant of Levi). Jesus did not become a priest of the order of Melchizedek by meeting physical requirements.

…
I have read through this passage numerous times, including several times today. However, just now is the first time I noticed what appears to me to be the writer’s primary purpose in talking about Jesus as a priest of the order of Melchizedek. He points out that the name Melchizedek means “King of justice” and that Melchizedek was the king of Salem, which can be translated as “King of peace.” The writer is telling us that Jesus is a priest of the order of the King of justice and of the King of peace. From this we conclude that Jesus’ priesthood is one of peace and justice. Jesus is a priest who calls us to worship God by striving for justice and peace.

Psalm 105:37-45

God has done great things for His people (both the Jewish people and those who follow Christ). He has done these things in order to encourage them to obey His decrees and follow His instructions.

…

Proverbs 27:3

Foolish talk and action causes resentment that is a greater burden than any physical weight.

Daily Bible Study

November 4, 2013 Bible Study

November 3, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 10-11:25

Ezekiel had a vision of the glory of God rising up out of the Temple in Jerusalem and departing from it. As the vision was unfolding, God gave Ezekiel explanatory side visions. First, God showed him a vision of twenty-five prominent leaders of Jerusalem (two of whom he identified by name). Ezekiel calls them out for planning evil and giving the people wicked counsel. He declares that they are telling people that the situation in Jerusalem is good, that now is a good time to plan for the future in Jerusalem. They were telling everyone that the city of Jerusalem would remain safe from the dangers surrounding them. Ezekiel tells them that God knows their secret thoughts and that they have used their positions to bring about death to the innocent. God will judge them and drag them out of the place where they think they are safe.
In addition, Ezekiel addresses those who remain in Judea who think that they it is OK to profit from the misfortune of those who have been taken into exile. He tells them that God will bring the exiles back and when He does, they will reject vile images and detestable idols. God promises to transform those who are willing into His faithful servants, but judgment will fall on those who embrace the worship of idols and images.

Hebrews 6:1-20

The writer summarizes the teachings which he considers to be basic spiritual milk for new believers. The basic things which every believer needs to understand before they can begin to mature are: the need to turn from sin, have faith in God, be baptized, the value of laying on of hands, the facts of resurrection of the dead and God’s eternal judgment. The author then goes on to talk about some of the things which he considers important for more mature believers to consider.
He points out that those who have embraced and experienced the power of the Holy Spirit who then turn away from God and reject Him, will never turn back to God once more. This is different from those who have fallen into sin through temptation. I believe the writer is talking about those who turn away from God’s plan because they want to avoid ridicule or persecution. This does not encompass those who gradually fall into sin by giving into temptation, but rather those who justify their sin by proclaiming that God’s law does not apply to them. The writer tells us that instead of attempting to take the easy way out, we are to follow those who, with faith and endurance, show their love for God by caring for their fellow believers.

Psalm 105:16-36

The psalm recounts how all works according to God’s plans. Joseph suffered enslavement and imprisonment so that God could elevate him to the highest levels in Egypt. The people of Israel suffered enslavement in Egypt so that God could mold them into a nation and bring them out of Egypt to give them the Promised Land. In the same way, God uses the hardships and difficulties in our lives to mold and prepare us for the blessings He will bring us.

Proverbs 27:1-2

There are two important points made in this proverb. The first is that we should not boast about what we are going to do in the future because we do not know what circumstances may come up. This also applies to actions of others. The classic example is fans who boast about how their team is going to defeat another, only to be embarrassed because some key player gets injured.
The second proverb warns us against singing our own praises. If we have done something worthy of praise, let others tell of it.

Daily Bible Study

November 3, 2013 Bible Study — Give Thanks to the Lord

November 2, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 7-9:11

When I began reading today’s passage, I was depressed and somewhat frightened because I have come to believe that the Old Testament prophecies predicting doom on Jerusalem apply to the U.S. today (and to many other parts of the world). I look at the culture around me and the lack of respect for God’s laws and I see God’s judgment coming. It is more than that, I see the signs of the coming doom in events happening around me. As the prophet foretells, I foresee calamity following calamity as God brings judgment against the sins of the people. As I read this, I fear the coming destruction.
However, there is cause for some hope because the calamity and destruction, while widespread and seemingly all-encompassing, does have some limits. The prophet tells us that people will suffer because of their sins. That God will bring His judgment upon the people and deal with them according to their conduct. He will judge them by the standard by which they have judged others. A calamity is coming upon our nation and we are called to act as watchmen and warn them of its coming, but if we give our neighbors God’s warning, He will not hold us accountable for their sins. Let us turn to God and throw ourselves on His mercy while there is yet time.

Hebrews 5:1-14

No one becomes high priest just because he wants the job. One only becomes high priest when called to the job. This is doubly true of God’s High Priest. The only way to become God’s High Priest is to be called by God, just as Aaron was. In this way, Jesus did not appoint Himself as High Priest, rather God called Him and made Him High Priest. But not High Priest of the order established by Aaron. Rather, Jesus is High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus does not succeed to the priesthood which served in the Temple in Jerusalem, instead He is the High Priest who serves in heaven before the throne of God.
The writer then warns us that we need to develop spiritually to the point where we consume solid spiritual foods. When we begin our Christian life, we need to feed on spiritual milk. But as we grow in our walk we need to start eating solid food. There comes a time when we need to start thinking about the more complex elements of our faith.

Psalm 105:1-15

Yes, I will do as the psalmist recommends. I will give thanks to the Lord. I will proclaim His greatness. I will tell the whole world what He has done. I will seek the Lord and rely on His strength, my own is insufficient, but His strength will overcome. As the passage from Ezekiel tells us, calamity is coming for those who do not turn to the Lord. I will proclaim His greatness and call my fellow-man to pay attention to what He has done. The day is coming when everyone will know that the Lord is God.

Proverbs 26:28

Someone who lies regularly hates those to whom they lie. If you believe what a flatterer tells you, you will fall into ruin when you discover that you are not as good as they said you were.

Daily Bible Study

November 2, 2013 Bible Study — May All My Thoughts Be Pleasing To God

November 1, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 3:16-6:14

God warns Ezekiel that He will hold him accountable if he fails to warn those who sin of God’s coming judgment. The passage makes it clear that we will not be held accountable for other’s sins. However, it also warns us that we will be held accountable if we do not warn them of God’s coming judgment. Having warned Ezekiel to be sure to pass on His messages to those for whom they are intended, God gives Ezekiel a very graphic message for those still living in Judah and the land of Israel. They are warned that God is going to bring judgment on them for their idolatry. Those who have sinned against Him by worshiping other gods will learn that God alone is supreme.

…

Hebrews 4:1-16

The writer tells us that God created a place of rest for those who serve Him. This rest has been proclaimed to all, but in order to experience the rest which God has offered us, we must have the faith to be obedient. If we trust God enough to be obedient to Him, we will enter into the rest which He has created. This is a difficult task, in and of itself. However, Jesus is our high priest and stands before God on our behalf. Jesus was tempted in just the same manner that we have been and that we will be. We can be confident that He understands our struggles in this life. Because of His presence before God, let us boldly enter God’s presence, trusting that He will treat us with mercy. If we come before God, He will give us the grace of help in our time of need.

Psalm 104:24-35

Yes, I will sing to the Lord as long as I live (although, considering my singing voice, I am sure there are some who wish I would refrain) and I will praise my God as long as I draw breath. I will seek to make all of my thoughts pleasing to God, so that they will guide me in His paths. I ask God’s Spirit to enter into my being and teach me how to discipline my thoughts to those which God finds pleasing.

Proverbs 26:27

Those who set traps and pitfalls will find themselves falling into traps and pitfalls.

Daily Bible Study

November 1, 2013 Bible Study — Listen Carefully to the Words of God

October 31, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ezekiel 1-3:15

Ezekiel was with the Judean exiles in Babylon when he received a vision from God. There are times when there is much to be made of the symbolism of Ezekiel’s vision. However, today what I saw was that when God speaks to us, He makes Himself clear. If we are not sure what God is saying to us, it is usually because we do not want to hear what He has to say.
I saw something in this passage that I have never seen before. Something that is vitally important to us as Christians today and is a word for me (and perhaps for me to share with another). God tells Ezekiel to first listen to His words and apply them in his own heart. It is only after the words which God is giving to Ezekiel have sunk into his own heart and wrought their changes there that Ezekiel is to speak them to his fellow exiles. The same applies to us. When God gives us a prophetic word or vision, first we need to let it sink deep into our own heart. Before we speak to others about the visions, prophecies, or messages that God gives us we need to think about how they apply to us, because, in one way or another, they do apply to us.

…

Hebrews 3:1-19
     Today’s passage is a reminder to listen when God speaks to us. We must be careful not to harden out hearts when His Spirit convicts us of sin. It is all too easy to try to justify our sins and refuse to acknowledge that they are sin. Every time we do that we make it harder to hear and respond to God’s voice.
     We must spend time with our fellow believers who can warn us when we start to justify our wrongdoing as the right thing to do…and we must call out our fellow believers when they start to justify their sin as God’s will. There is a give and take in this. We must be willing to listen when others point out that we have sinned and turn back to following God’s ways, but we must, also, be willing to point out to our brothers and sisters in the Lord when they are sinning and call them back to following God’s ways. Both of these must be done with love and humility.

Psalm 104:1-23

Today’s psalm continues the theme of praising the Lord. It lists the ways in which God has displayed His power and His glory. It reminds me how much spending time in natural surroundings brings me close to God.

Proverbs 26:24-26

Today’s proverbs continue the theme of how evil people disguise their wickedness by deceitful words and actions. We are warned not to be deceived by their charm. We are also told that despite their deceitfulness and prevarication, their evil will be revealed to all.

Fact and Fantasy

Tag Archives: Christianity

November 10, 2013 Bible Study — With God’s Help We Will Do Mighty Things

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November 9, 2013 Bible Study — Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So

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November 8, 2013 Bible Study — We Are Each Responsible For Our Own Actions

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November 7, 2013 Bible Study — “I Will Put My Laws In Their Minds”

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November 6, 2013 Bible Study

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November 5, 2013 Bible Study — Judgment Against False Prophets

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November 4, 2013 Bible Study

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November 3, 2013 Bible Study — Give Thanks to the Lord

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November 2, 2013 Bible Study — May All My Thoughts Be Pleasing To God

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November 1, 2013 Bible Study — Listen Carefully to the Words of God

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