From: November 17, 2017
November 17
Scripture for today: Ezekiel 35:1-36:38; James 1:1-18; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 27:23-27
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2 NKJV)
From: November 17, 2015
James describes the spiritual mindset that the Christian should have when facing trials. What is this mindset? “All joy.” Not happiness, which is based on external happenings, but joy, which comes from within and is the fruit of the Spirit for the believer that abides in Christ. And not partial joy, but “all” joy. Pure and whole joy that comes from the knowledge that God is sovereign and that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom.8:28). This mindset is a choice of the will, one that can be “counted.” The Greek verb here is in the imperative middle voice, meaning that one is to command oneself to choose joy. Like an accounting term, one can choose to move their emotional response to trials from the sad column to the glad column. Rather than seeing trials as a reason to be discouraged, count them as a reason to trust God all the more.
“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds” (Proverbs 27:23 NLT)
From: November 17, 2014
This proverb encourages us to be responsible stewards of all that God has given us. This begins with knowing the state of your “flocks.” What are your “flocks?” Another way to ask this question would be to say, “What has God entrusted to you to manage?” Do you know the state of your finances? Do you have a budget and do you know how much you spend monthly? Are you saving for emergencies, retirement, college…? What is the state of your marriage? What is the state of your children? If you are a pastor, the state of your flock is relevant. If you are in business, do you know the condition of your store and its bottom line? Many of us go through life with a blind eye towards our “flocks.” But God would have us open our eyes and “know the state” of that which He has entrusted to us.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5)
From: November 17, 2013
Do you need wisdom or understanding? Ask God. Open your eyes to the Lord and His Word. He is a God who freely gives. He wants to reveal Himself to you. He will give wisdom and more… He will give Himself. In most situations that’s the wisdom we most need– that God is with us.
“I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
From: November 17, 2012
God’s promise to Israel after it fell to Babylon. He promised them a spiritual heart transplant. This is fulfilled in Christ. We no longer have laws written on stone tablets, but Christ’s love written on our hearts. This is the prophecy of the New Covenant, which is ours in Christ.
“I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it” (Ezekiel 36:36)
From: November 17, 2011
We have good intentions when we speak. We say ‘I’ll get around to it’ or ‘I hope to do it.’ But God does what He says. His Word is written for us to see. His Word will not return void. Do you depend on God’s Word? On what promise do you lean? Believe and do not doubt. God does what He says.