https://esv.literalword.com/?q=eze+35%3B+James+1
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 3 October 2023:
Ezekiel 35:6, 11, 15; 36:19 — Because you did not hate bloodshed, therefore blood shall pursue you…. I will deal with you according to the anger and envy that you showed because of your hatred against them…. As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate…. In accordance with their ways and their deeds I judged them.
God’s way is to judge people according to the way they judge others. This pattern is revealed throughout the Bible. Remember Jesus’s words — “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:36-38) Remember how He taught people to pray to the Father – “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) Most are familiar with the ‘Golden Rule’ — “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) However, few truly consider the implications of not following the Golden Rule.
We should not presume to think that we can treat others harshly while receiving nothing but mercy from God. God will reveal to you and to others His Justice, His mercy, and His Grace, by treating you the way you treat others. He will glorify Himself.
Ezekiel 35:13 – And you magnified yourselves against me with your mouth, and multiplied your words against me; I heard it.
God takes offenses against His people personally, as an affront to Him, and He will deal with the offenders accordingly.
Note: Here is a link to a video overview of James — https://youtu.be/qn-hLHWwRYY
James 1:1 – James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…
James identified himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. How do you identify and introduce yourself?
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Wisdom comes only from God.
James 1:8 — He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The sinful Christian is double-minded.
James 1:12 — Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Trials are a test intended for blessing as they bring you closer to Jesus. See Romans 8:28, 29.
James 1:14, 15 — But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Among the world, the flesh, and the devil, the one you need to worry about the most is the flesh. It is his or her own desires which destroy the sinner. There are many temptations out there, but they are only an issue for you when you allow them to enter your heart.
James 1:20 – …. the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
This is not hard to understand. Christians who live by grace and who are called to proclaim the forgiveness and grace that comes through Jesus, cannot be disposed to anger.
James 1:26 – If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
How you speak to others reveals what is really in your heart. Perhaps only Jesus offers a more powerful statement about careless words than this one – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36, 37)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 3 October 2023: Let your temperament and your words reflect the grace of God.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 