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Good News Daily

Volume VIII
November 9–15, 2008
Number 45

Sunday, November 9
Ezekiel 14:1-14 Mortal, these men have taken their idols into their hearts and placed their iniquity as a stumbling block before them...I the Lord will answer those who come with the multitude of their idols, in order that I may take hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, all of whom are estranged from me through their idols. (vv.3a, 4b-5 NRSV)

As I ponder these words, I must ask myself, “What holds me captive and keeps me estranged from my Lord?” Is it material things, items I may want but do not need? Perhaps it is my tendency to put myself and my desires first. Do I strive to impress others, to build and maintain a glittering image which is really my false self? Do I harbor jealousy or judgments against others? Whatever these things that corrupt my heart and keep me separated from my Lord, they must be eradicated. I must repent of all attitudes and desires which are stumbling blocks and which prevent my heart from being wholly God’s possession.

Psalms 93, 96; 1 Corinthians 14:1-12; Matthew 20:1-16

Monday, November 10
Luke 14:12-24 “But they all began to make excuses....Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’” (vv.18a, 21b)

In studying this I begin to wonder if we become the Pharisees of our time. Do we pat ourselves on the back for the way we always keep the Sabbath? Are we prideful as we proclaim our church as having the best worship “experience” while we disdain other Christians and forget about proclaiming Jesus as Lord? Do we look with arrogant pity upon those less fortunate, yet do nothing to help them?

Our God continues to be a God of surprises! We may be amazed that some of the folks we have written off as hopeless, and some we have deemed “spiritually disabled,” may indeed become God’s elect and participate in the heavenly banquet.

The Lord delights in amazing us with the absolute extravagance of His grace, love, and power!

Joel 1:1-13; Psalm 80; Revelation 18:15-24

Tuesday, November 10
Psalm 78:1-39 He divided the sea and let them pass through it, and made the waters stand like a heap. He split rocks open in the wilderness, and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep…Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. (vv.13, 15, 17)

Although God acted consistently in wondrous power, the people forgot what he had done. How often we too ignore the continual blessings and provisions of the Lord, and grumble against him. We forget all that he has done for us, and struggle through life as though everything depended upon us! “They had no faith in God, and did not trust his saving power” (v.22).

Let us be determined to be diligent in keeping our hearts and minds continually upon him and constantly rehearse all of his mighty deeds, remembering continually his tender mercies toward us!

Joel 1:15—2:11; Revelation 19:1-10; Luke 14:25-35

Wednesday, November 12
Joel 2:12-19 Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. (vv.12-13)

What is the antidote to our having become spiritually weak or destitute? What is the answer when one’s life becomes difficult? The Word of the Lord, through the prophet Joel, suggests that we must reorient our hearts, minds, and wills toward Him and return to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning (v.12).

We may assume that a perfunctory recitation of our sins and a half- hearted attempt at repentance is sufficient. But the passage in Joel insists that only a fervent response to a God from whom we have distanced ourselves, will bring us into His Holy Presence. Is it only when things are not going well that we should go down on our knees and make ourselves spiritually vulnerable before the Lord? No, we must continually and fervently seek him with heart, soul, mind, and strength.

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word” (Psalm 119:114).

Psalm 119:97-120; Revelation 19:11-21; Luke 15:1-10

Thursday, November 13
James 1:1-15 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know the testing of your faith produces endurance. (vv.2-3)

I am not always ready to count it all joy when I face struggles. I may instead spiral downward into despair and grumbling, even when I know that God is faithful, and that “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). During these times, I must keep reminding myself to keep my eyes upon Jesus and not allow myself to drown in the despair of the situation. God is faithful and will repay us for the years the locust has devoured (Joel 2:25). Although we may be walking through the darkest of valleys we are not to fear, but give thanks, knowing that our Lord is with us, strengthening, healing, and upholding us. “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14).

Joel 2:21-27; Psalms 23, 27; Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Friday, November 14
James 1:16-27 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. (vv.19)

Do we really take time to listen to one another? Or are we so focused on what we are going to say in response to the individual that we don’t attend to their words? Perhaps we are so intent on justifying ourselves and our position, that we spout off self-righteously and wound the other person.

The Lord has taught me to be quiet and listen, totally focusing on the person while praying silently in the Spirit. What amazing things one can perceive while doing this! The Lord can reveal to us the pain and anguish of another’s heart, the hurt, the fear, and the loneliness, despite hostile words from their lips. Then, as we listen to the still small voice of the Spirit within, we can respond in His love and tender mercy, instead of speaking words of pride and anger.

Joel 2:28—3:8; Psalm 88; Luke 16:1-9

Saturday, November 15
Psalm 90 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (v.14)

Arising early to be with the Lord is a necessary spiritual discipline for me. To begin each day praising God, seeking the continued infilling of His Spirit, and reading and reflecting upon His Word, strengthens me and sets the tone for the day.

Also, being in His presence in total silence, listening to His still, small voice provides guidance for the challenges of the day ahead. The Lord is a refuge for his people (Joel 3:16).

Not only do these disciplines establish the Lord as my refuge and strength for the day, they allow me to go forth in joy, knowing that the Lord is with me! They enable me to stay centered upon Him, protecting me from going off course and out of His will. I am in perfect peace, my mind, heart, and will centered in Him. “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations” (Psalm 90:1).

By Carolyn Petersen

Used with permission from the BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP
P. O. Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790