confess your sins – Be Still…

Job 34:1-37 – Rebuked Again

Read Job 34:1-37

If Job responded to Elihu, as he was invited in our last reading, Job’s words are not recorded here. Rather, Elihu continues to share his observations and accusations. It seems Elihu’s audience is larger than just Job and a handful of friends.

Job may think he’s sinless, but even we know that all people are sinful. Thanks to Adam and Eve, we are all afflicted with sin now. That’s why they got thrown out of Eden. God’s presence could not allow sinfulness. Elihu confirms, “Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.” Elihu makes quite a generalization there assuming “everyone knows.” Continue reading “Job 34:1-37 – Rebuked Again”

Ezekiel 23:36-49 – Shameless

Read Ezekiel 23:36-49

This reading concludes the section speaking of the sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, and their detestable sins. The LORD wants Ezekiel to call them out and not be afraid to speak against Samaria and Jerusalem. Their judgment is set. The LORD decreed, “Bring an army against them and hand them over to be terrorized and plundered.”

When personification is used like this, it’s easier to assign human emotion or responses to these lewd acts. It was a nation, not an individual, who engaged in the shameful behaviors. From all the accounts we’ve read, these nations didn’t seem to care. These people were clearly more focused on their own agenda without regard for the consequences. Continue reading “Ezekiel 23:36-49 – Shameless”

Obadiah 10-14 – You Should Not Have…

Read Obadiah 10-14

Obadiah speaks to the reasons Edom is facing their judgment. They sinned for their evil behavior against their own relatives. This passage leaves no doubt “why” calamity would fall on Edom. The Edomites brought it on themselves for more than one reason.

There is so much emphasis on “you should not have” in this reading. We often kick ourselves after doing something we realize later was a mistake. Don’t we say, “I should have known better.” The Edomites won’t get a chance to say that since they will all be destroyed. All they have is the advance warning which sets the expectation for what is coming in motion.

1 John 1:5-10 💚 Be Cleansed, Be Free!

Read 1 John 1:5-10

We all do it. We walk around lugging our baggage behind us while we miss out on the life of freedom God desires for us. Why do we do it? Good question. I’ve got my theories, and I’d love to hear yours.

Our baggage may simply be the lies we’ve told ourselves so long we almost believe them, like we’re not good enough. Perhaps they are doubts we can’t face, sins we can’t forgive ourselves for, excuses for not taking action. Guilt may also be the baggage robbing you of your joy. But there is good news.