November 11

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. I googled these mysterious names used for Samaria and Jerusalem in today's reading. They are from the root Hebrew word for "tent." It's possible that the names refer to the practice of erecting tents on hilltops where the people sacrificed to pagan gods, including child sacrifice and illicit sex. Either way, the graphic description of their sins is rather disturbing, don't you think? No wonder God's judgment came upon them so harshly!  Today we have socially accepted terms for people who are living in sin.  Even in the church they are embraced with no expectation of repentance.  Can we escape God's judgment?

Hebrews. This is like a beautiful "oil on canvas" word picture of the necessity and the beauty of the church coming together for worship. Following Christ includes trials from without and temptations from within. We must not neglect gathering with other believers for encouragement and instruction. Our worship is made possible because Christ's blood has cleansed our sins. Now we can boldly go into the presence of God with a clear conscience and a humble spirit.

Psalms. What do you do when you are wrongfully accused? How do you handle it when someone intentionally speaks lies about you to hurt you? Isn't it far better to humble yourself before the Lord and let Him handle it?

Proverbs. A friend of mine once told me his policy for lending money to fellow Christians. "I don't lend money I can't afford to give away. When I do lend it, I don't fully expect to receive it back. If it is a formal loan, I agree with the borrower on the interest rate and, if they repay on time, I give them the interest money back." His wise advice has always stuck with me.

What is speaking to you today?