Read To Me DAILYSample

EXODUS 11-12:
Yesterday we heard of the plague against the livestock, the plague of boils, and the plague of hail. We are not told how much time there was in between each plague. It seems there was enough time for many Egyptians to buy more livestock before they were again decimated by the hail. Then we heard about the plague of locusts followed by the plague of darkness.

I hope you noticed Who is doing the hardening of hearts and causing the stubbornness. Paul talks about that in Romans 9.

JOB 36:
Job chapter 36 is Elihu's 5th chapter preaching to Job.

JAMES 5:
In the 4th chapter of his letter, James preached against the way the world had infiltrated the church— and we could say, still infiltrates the church. He gave an important clue about why God doesn't answer our prayers. And he taught us that we need to purify our hearts from pride and having divided loyalty between God and the world. He gave a big clue on how to be rid of Satan's influence. Finally, James taught us how prideful it is to judge others, and warned about prideful planning.

Note that in verses 1-6 of today’s reading, James is using the rhetorical device called ‘apostrophe’— where he harshly rebukes rich people who are NOT actually in his audience. He is doing this to give comfort to his actual audience, which includes many who are poor. It is almost certainly the case that any rich people who were actually part of James’ audience had not done the crimes James mentions.

Let’s pray.
Our dear heavenly Father, You are the mighty and awesome God who worked wonders in Egypt. You are the God who displayed your sovereignty there, through all You did. We thank You, our awesome Father, that You allow us to come to You through your Son, Christ Jesus. Dear Father,  James has pointed out to us that no one can be the world’s friend, and at the same time be your friend. We have to choose. Lord, help us not to be unfaithful, and especially help us not to place any worldly thing, any relationship, before You, and therefore become adulterers in your sight. Lord, James also gave a wonderful promise: “Submit to God, resist the Devil, and he will run away from you.” Right now, Lord, we resist him. Help us, please, to submit to You in all areas of our lives. And especially help us to remember, that when we criticize our fellow believers, we are actually breaking your law of love. James tells us that if we humble ourselves, You will lift us up. And Father, please give us the desire to sincerely repent, and help us learn to keep a clear conscience before You.