End of 8th Cycle of New Testament Reading

Tuesday 20Dec2022

Today I have reached the end of my Eighth Cycle of New Testament reading.

I began this round of NT readings at the beginning of October, taking me about 2¾ months to finish it.

The following is the history of my New Testament readings:

• 1st NT Cycle: 14May20 – 08Feb21 (9 months)
• 2nd NT Cycle: 09Feb21 – 28Jun21 (5 months)
• 3rd NT Cycle: 29Jun21 – 26Sep21 (3 months)
• 4th NT Cycle: 27Sep21 – 28Dec21 (3 months)
• 5th NT Cycle: 29Dec21 – 17Mar22 (2½ months)
• 6th NT Cycle: 01Apr22 – 12Jun22 (2½ months)
• 7th NT Cycle: 13Jun22 – 15Sep22 (3 months)
• 8th NT Cycle: 01Oct22 – 20Dec22 (2¾ months)

I will begin the 9th Cycle of NT readings when the new year begins.

This time, I will read smaller portions each day. Instead of covering 88 verses a day, I wll read only about 44 verses. This means I will take half a year to finish my next round of NT readings instead of the usual three months.

My ongoing progress in Bible reading, both Old and New Testament cycles as well as the current books and chapters, can be found in the following links —

• Bible Reading Cycles
• Old Testament Books
• New Testament Books

End of 4th Cycle of Old Testament Reading

Tuesday 20Dec2022

Today I finished my Fourth Round of reading the Old Testement.

I started reading the Old Testament for the fourth time on 13Jun22. It took me 6¼ months to finish this reading cycle.

Looking back, I embarked on my first round of Old Testament reading in May 2020, just two months into the beginning of the pandemic — it was actually my second round because I first read through the Bible during my university undergraduate years in the early 1980s.

The following list summarises the start and end dates of my Old Testament readings to date:

1. 1st OT Cycle: 14May20 – 12Jun21 (13 months)
2. 2nd OT Cycle: 13Jun21 – 13Dec21 (6 months)
3. 3rd OT Cycle: 13Dec21 – 21May22 (5¼ months)
4. 4th OT Cycle: 13Jun22 – 22Dec22 (6¼ months)

I will be taking a short break from reading Old Testament, for the remaining twelve days of the year, and will embark on my Fifth Round of OT reading when the new year begins.

For my next round of OT reading, I plan to read smaller portions each day, covering only about 64 verses a day instead of my current 128 verses a day. This means I will take the whole of next year to complete my Fifth cycle of OT instead of taking six months as I have done in the past.

Full details of my Bible Reading Cycles can be found at the link below —

• My Bible Reading Cycles

Behold, I come quickly

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Tue 20Dec22
Malachi 1:1 – 4:6 (55 verses) KJV
Revelation 12:1 – 16:21 (84 verses) NWB
Revelation 17:1 – 22:21 (126 verses) WEB

KJV : King James Version
NWB : Noah Webster's Bible
WEB : World English Bible

Today I finished reading the last books of both the Old Testament and the New Testament, covering all four chapters of the prophet Malachi and the last eleven chapters of Revelation.

This brings me to the end of the 4th cycle of OT and 8th cycle of NT readings.

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Passage of the Day

Revelation 22:6 – 20  WEB  World English Bible

6

He said to me, 'These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angels to show to his servants the things which must happen soon.'

7

'Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.'

12

'Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.

16

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star. '

20

He who testifies these things says, 'Yes, I come quickly.'
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.

21

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

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Last year I wrote my thoughts on similar passages from Revelation 21 and 22 in a blog post entitled, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End", link below —

• I am the Alpha and Omega (28Dec2021)

The Corner Stone

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Thu 15Dec22
Joel 1:1 – 3:21 (73 verses) WEB
Amos 1:1 – 9:15 (146 verses) WEB
Obadiah 1:1 – 21 (21 verses) WEB
1 Peter 1:1 – 5:14 (105 verses) KJV
2 Peter 1:1 – 3:18 (61 verses) KJV
1 John 1:1 – 5:21 (105 verses) JND
2 John 1:1 – 13 (13 verses) JND
3 John 1:1 – 14 (14 verses) JND
Jude 1:1 – 25 (25 verses) JND

Fri 16Dec22
Jonah 1:1 – 4:11 (48 verses) BBE
Micah 1:1 – 7:20 (105 verses) BBE
Nahum 1:1 – 3:19 (47 verses) BBE
Habakkuk 1:1 – 3:19 (56 verses) BBE
Zephaniah 1:1 – 3:29 (53 verses) BBE
Haggai 1:1 – 2:23 (38 verses) BBE

Sun 18Dec22
Zechariah 1:1 – 4:14 (58 verses) WEB
Revelation 1:1 – 3:22 (71 verses) NWB

Mon 19Dec22
Zechariah 5:1 – 14:21 (153 verses) WEB
Revelation 4:1 – 11:19 (123 verses) NWB

WEB : World English Bible
KJV : King James Version
JND : J.N. Darby's Translation
BBE : Bible in Basic English
NWB : Noah Webster Bible

Over the past five days, I have sprinted through a series of short books of minor prophets in the OT and similarly short epistles in the NT.

In the remaining ten days of December, before the year is over, there is one book each in the OT and NT left to be read — Malachi and Revelation.

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Passage of the Day

Isaiah chapters 8 and 28, and likewise Psalm 118, contain prophecies about a corner-stone chosen by God at which some will take offense and over which some will stumble. However, those who put their trust in this corner-stone will not be put to shame.

1 Peter 2:6 – 8  KJV  King James Version

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Esaias 28:16  LXX  Septuagint Brenton

therefore thus saith the Lord, even the Lord,
Behold, I lay for the foundations of Sion a costly stone, a choice, a corner-stone, a precious stone, for its foundations; and he that believes on him shall by no means be ashamed

Romans 9:33  WEB  World English Bible

even as it is written, 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. And no one who believes in him will be put to shame.'

Psalm 117 (118):22 – 23  LXX  Septuagint Brenton

22 The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.
23 This has been done of the Lord; and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Matthew 21:42  WEB  World English Bible

Jesus said to them, 'Did you never read in the scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord. It is marvelous in our eyes?'

Mark 12:10 – 11  WEB  World English Bible

10 Haven't you even read this scripture: 'The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner.
11 This was from the Lord, It is marvelous in our eyes'?'

Luke 20:17  WEB  World English Bible

But he looked at them, and said, 'Then what is this that is written, 'The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the chief cornerstone?'

Acts 4:11  WEB  World English Bible

He is 'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which was made the head of the corner.'

Eph 2:19 – 20  WEB  World English Bible

19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,
20 being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;

Esaias 8:14 – 15  LXX  Septuagint Brenton

14 And if thou shalt trust in him, he shall be to thee for a sanctuary; and ye shall not come against him as against a stumbling-stone, neither as against the falling of a rock: but the houses of Jacob are in a snare, and the dwellers in Jerusalem in a pit.
15 Therefore many among them shall be weak, and fall, and be crushed; and they shall draw nigh, and men shall be taken securely.

Romans 9:33  WEB  World English Bible

even as it is written, 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. And no one who believes in him will be put to shame.'

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us not be ashamed to put our trust in Iesou the Chief Cornerstone, Elect and Precious.

The Son of Man and The Ancient of Days

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Tue 13Dec22
Daniel 1:1 – 2:49 (70 verses) WEB
Hebrews 1:1 – 13:25 (303 verses) KJV

Wed 14Dec22
Daniel 3:1 – 12:13 (287 verses) WEB
Hosea 1:1 – 14:9 (197 verses) WEB
James 1:1 – 5:20 (108 verses) KJV

WEB — World English Bible
KJV — King James Version

I have made some progress in catching up with my readings over the weekend, especially in the last two days, finishing the OT books of Daniel and Hosea, and the NT epistles of Hebrews and James.

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Passage of the Day

Daniel chapter 7 records a vision in which Daniel saw a being like a "son of man" coming in the clouds and was brought before the throne of the Ancient of Days. To the Son of Man was given an everlasting dominion and an indestructible kingdom.

9 “I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.
10 A fiery stream issued and came out from before him. Thousands of thousands ministered to him. Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The judgement was set. The books were opened.
Daniel 7:9 – 10  World English Bible

13 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.
14 Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13 – 14  World English Bible

A pleasant voice, plays well on an instrument

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Thu 08Dec22
Ezekiel 14:1 – 24:27 (352 verses) WEB
2 Timothy 1:1 – 4:22 (83 verses) WEB
Titus 1:1 – 3:15 (46 verses) RBV
Philemon 1:1 – 1:25 (25 verses) RBV

Fri 09Dec22
Ezekiel 25:1 – 17 (17 verses) ASV

Sat 10Dec22
Ezekiel 26:1 – 28:26 (83 verses) ASV

Sun 11Dec22
Ezekiel 29:1 – 35:15 (174 verses) ASV

Mon 12Dec22
Ezekiel 36:1 – 48:35 (378 verses) ASV

WEB : World English Bible
RBV : Revised Berkeley Version
ASV : American Standard Bible

Over the past five days, I finished reading the last thirty-four chapters of the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament along with 2nd Timothy, Titus and Philemon in the New Testament.

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Passage of the Day

Behold, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument;
for they hear your words, but they don't do them.
Ezekiel 33:32  World English Bible

May Our Lord Iesus guide, teach, build, comfort us

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Wed 07Dec22
Lamentations 1:1 - 5:22 (154 verses) NIV
Ezekiel 1:1 - 13:23 (267 verses) NIV
1 Thessalonians 1:1 - 5:28 (89 verses) WNT
2 Thessalonians 1:1 - 3:18 (47 verses) WNT
1 Timothy 1:1 - 6:21 (113 verses) WNT

NIV : New International Version
WNT : Weymouth New Testament

Today I read through the entire book of Lamentations followed by the first thirteen chapters of Ezekiel in the Old Testament.

In the New Testament, I read the First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians followed by First Timothy.

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Passage of the Day

11 But may our God and Father Himself--and our Lord Jesus --guide us on our way to you;
12 and as for you, may the Lord teach you to love one another and all men, with a growing and a glowing love, resembling our love for you.
13 Thus He will build up your characters, so that you will be faultlessly holy in the presence of our God and Father at the Coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 3:11 - 13  Weymouth New Testament

16 And may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself--and God our Father who has loved us and has given us in His grace eternal consolation and a bright hope--
17 comfort your hearts and make you stedfast in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 - 17  Weymouth New Testament

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us acknowledge the grace of God our Father working through our Lord Iesus the Anointed One. Let us ask our Lord Iesus, together with God our Father, to guide us on our way, to teach us to love one another, to build up our characters, to comfort our hearts and to make us steadfast in every good work.

The Peace of God

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Tue 06Dec22
Jeremiah 38:1 - 52:34 (475 verses) Noah Webster Bible
Philippians 1:1 - 4:23 (104 verses) World English Bible
Colossians 1:1 - 4:18 (95 verses) World English Bible

Today I finished my long drawn out reading of the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament while in the New Testament I read through the Epistles of Paul to the Philippians and Colossians.

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Passage of the Day

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice!
5 Let your mildness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
7 The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4 - 7  World English Bible

Then I knew . . .

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Mon 05Dec22
Jeremiah 23:1 - 37:21 NIV (411 verses)
Galatians 1:1 - 6;18 WEB (149 verses)
Ephesians 1:1 - 6:24 WEB (155 verses)

For today's Old Testament reading, I covered another fifteen chapters of Jeremiah, bringing me to the end of chapter 37.

In the New Testament, I read through both the Epistles to the Galatians and Ephesians.

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Passage of the Day

6 And Jeremiah said, “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 7 ‘Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you, saying, “Buy my field which is in Anathoth, for the right of redemption is yours to buy it.” ’ 8 Then Hanamel my uncle’s son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the Lord, and said to me, ‘Please buy my field that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin; for the right of inheritance is yours, and the redemption yours; buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord.
Jeremiah 32:6 - 8  New King James Version

Jeremiah became certain, he "knew", that the instructions he had heard earlier about buying over his uncle's field in Anatoth was really the word of the LORD when he saw Hanamel face to face in the court where he was imprisoned.

Likewise with us, when the word of God is proven true by significant events happening in our lives, we know that we have believed in the true word of our God and Father in Heaven.

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Nine years ago, I wrote my observations of Jeremiah 32:8 briefly in a blog post, link below:

• So I knew (29Sep2013)

According to our ways and our doings

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Sun 04Dec22
Jeremiah 1:1 - 16:21 WEB (411 verses)
Jeremiah 17:1 - 22:30 NKJV (127 verses)
2 Corinthians 1:1 - 13: 14 WEB (257 verses)

Today I managed to continue my "big chunk" readings, covering the first twenty-two chapters of Jeremiah in the OT and the entire Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians in the NT.

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Passage of the Day

9 “The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:9 - 10  New King James Version

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us examine our ways. Let us inspect the fruit of our doings everyday of our lives. We may deceive ourselves in our hearts, but we cannot run away from our works, whether good or bad. It is by our works that we will receive recompense from the LORD.

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Ten years ago, I wrote a short post in my devotional blog on this:

• Created for good works (03Jul12)

How lovely on the mountains are the feet

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Sat 03Dec22
Isaiah 51:1 - 60:22 NKJV (170 verses)
Isaiah 61:1 - 66:24 NIV (103 verses)
1 Corinthians 1:1 - 16:24 NIV (435 verses)

Today I read chapters 51 to 60 of Isaiah using the New King James Version, followed by the last six chapters using the New International Version. In my New Testament reading, I read through the entire First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians.

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Passage of the Day

How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Isaiah 52:7  New American Standard Bible 1995

This verse has been adapted in the lyrics of an old Christian song often sung on Sundays in Churches everywhere, lyrics below:

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him
Who brings good news, good news
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness
Our God reigns, Our God reigns

Refrain:
Our God reigns
Our God reigns
Our God reigns
Our God reigns

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Fri 02Dec22
Isaiah 31:1 - 44:28 WEB (311 verses)
Isaiah 45:1 - 50:11 NKJV (112 verses)
Romans 1:1 - 16:27 NIV (431 verses)

I began my Old Testament reading a little earlier last night, reading Isaiah chapters 31 to 44 from the World English Bible. This morning I continued with Isaiah chapters 45 to 50 using the New King James Version.

In the New Testament, I read through all sixteen chapters of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans using the New International Version.

I hope to continue reading big chunks of scripture for the rest of this week in order to catch up with lost time after several major interruptions in October and November.

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Passage of the Day

Today I am reminded of the promise of God to His people in Isaiah 35:10 (cf Isaiah 51:11) that the "redeemed of the LORD" will one day come to the City of God with singing and with everlasting joy.

For context, Isaiah 35:3 - 4 and 35:10 are quoted below:

3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35:3, 4, 10  King James Version

This prophecy is also similarly repeated in Isaiah 51:11, a verse which is used for a well-known song of praise sung in many Churches.

11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:11  King James Version

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Iesus the Anointed One, let us rejoice in the Lord with gladness and joy always.

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I would like to share with you a post that I wrote twelve years ago entitled, "Thanksgiving, Prayer and Praise in the Epistles". In this blog post, I present a list of verses from the Pauline Epistles showing how the Apostle Paul gave thanks and praise to the "God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christos".

• Thanksgiving, Prayer and Praise (12Mar2010)

Gentiles in the Kingdom of God

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Wed 30Nov22
Isaiah 1:1 - 10:34 NIV (230 verses)
Acts 8:1 - 18:28 NIV (408 verses)

Thu 01Dec22
Isaiah 11:1 - 30:33 NIV (366 verses)
Acts 19:1 - 28:31 NIV (345 verses)

It's the first day of December and there's only a month left for me to complete my ongoing cycles of OT and NT readings.

After encountering several delays over the past three months, I still have about a third of the OT (approx. 8,000 verses) and half of the NT (approx 4,000) verses to read before the year is over.

In order to finish reading 12,000 verses in a month, I will have to read about 400 to 500 verses a day from today onwards.

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Passage of the Day

Gentiles shall seek God.

“And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
Who shall stand as a banner to the people;
For the Gentiles shall seek Him,
And His resting place shall be glorious.”
Isaiah 11:10  New King James Version

Gentiles called by the Name of God.

16 ‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’
Acts 15:16 - 17  New King James Version

11 In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen,
and will rebuild the ruins of it,
and will set up the parts thereof that have been broken down,
and will build it up as in the ancient days:
12 that the remnant of men,
and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called,
may earnestly seek me,
saith the Lord who does all these things.
Amos 9:11 - 12  LXX Brenton

God sends His Messenger to be a light to the Gentiles.

47 For so the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 13:47  New King James Version

6 And he said to me, It is a great thing for thee to be called my servant,
to establish the tribes of Jacob,
and to recover the dispersion of Israel:
behold, I have given thee for the *covenant of a race,
for a light of the Gentiles,
that thou shouldest be for salvation to the end of the earth.
Isaiah 49:6  LXX Brenton

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I have written several posts about the calling of the Gentiles into the Kingdom of God, links as follows:

• Gentiles who bear the Name of God (24Nov13)
• The Day of Outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles (10Feb22)
• Until the fulness of the Gentiles come in (18Feb22)

The Son of Man standing at the right hand of God

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Friday 25Nov22
Acts 1:1 - 4:37 GNB (136 verses)

Sun 27Nov22
Ecclesiastes 1:1 - 4:16 WEB (82 verses)

Mon 28Nov22
Ecclesiastes 5:1 - 6:12 GNB (32 verses)

Tue 29Nov22
Ecclesiastes 7:1 - 12:14 NKJV (108 verses)
Song of Solomon 1:1 - 8:14 NKJV(117 verses)
Acts 5:1 - 7:60 NKJV (117 verses)

It has been another weekend of slow readings, covering the short books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon in the Old Testament, along with the first seven chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.

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Passage of the Day

In my reading of Acts chapter 7 today, my attention is drawn to the scene when, at the end of Stephen's preaching and rebuke, the high priest and the council, along with all the accusers were "cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth" (verse 54), but Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit at that time.

Verses 55 and 56 tells us that Stephen looked up to heaven and saw a wonderful scene: Iesus standing at the right hand of God.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
Acts 7:55 - 56  New King James Version

Brothers and Sisters in Iesus the Anointed One, when we encounter people who slander us, who falsely accuse us of heresy, even some who are angry with us and hate us because of our faith in the Lord, let us remember to do what the martyr Stephen did. Let us look up to God our Father in Heaven, and remember that our Lord Iesus, the Son of Man, is at the right hand of our God.

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Twelve years ago, I wrote my thoughts on the teachings of the Apostles regarding Iesus the Mediator between Man and God.

• Jesus Our Mediator (26Apr2010)

The Son of Man be lifted up

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Thursday 17Nov22
Proverbs 1:1 - 31:31 WEB (913 verses)
John 5:1 - 21:25 WEB (713 verses)

Today I continue with reading "big chunks" of the Bible in trying to finish my ongoing 4th and 8th cycles of the Old and New Testaments respectively by the end of the year

In the Old Testament, I read the entire book of Proverbs, a total of slightly more than 900 verses, equivalent to about seven days of my daily OT quota of 128 verses a day.

Similarly, in my New Testament reading, I finished the remaining 17 chapters of the Gospel of John, covering just over 700 verses, which is an equivalent of about eight days of my NT daily quota of 88 verses a day.

Tomorrow I will embark on the book of Ecclesiastes in the OT and the Acts of the Apostles in the NT.

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Passage of the Day

In New Testament times, the expression to be "lifted up" is an euphemism to refer to being crucified, i.e. to be nailed to a cross and be lifted high up to die.

Our Lord Iesus used this term when talking to Nicodemus in John chapter 3 and again to the Pharisees in John chapter 8, as shown in the verses below:

14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:14  World English Bible

28 Jesus therefore said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things.
John 8:28  World English Bible

In John chapter 31, we read an account where our Lord told the multitudes after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem that if he was "lifted up" from the earth, he would draw all people to himself (John 12:32). Verse 33 explains that our Lord said this to signify the kind of death he would die, i.e. by crucifixion.

31 Now is the judgement of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.
34 The multitude answered him, “We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever.✡ How do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?”
John 12:31 - 34  World English Bible

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Today many Christians think that the expression "lifted up" means to praise the Lord Iesus, to lift up his name and to glorify him, particularly during congregational worship in Church on Sunday morning. Eight years ago, I wrote my thoughts and observations on this misconception, link below:

• Lift Jesus higher (16Mar2014)

He who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Wednesday 16Nov22
Psalm 120:1 - 150:9 WEB (315 verses)
John 1:1 - 4:54 WEB (166 verses)

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This afternoon, for my Old Testament reading, I finished the remainder of Book V of the Psalms (Psalm 107 - 150), bringing me to the end of the entire collection of Psalms.

In the New Testament, I begin reading the Gospel of John, a book which I should have finished two weeks ago had I not been badly delayed. I covered the first four chapters of this Gospel.

Passage of the day

No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.
John 3:13  World English Bible

He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.
John 3:31  World English Bible

Are you with the Lord or against him?

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Tuesday 15Nov22
Psalm 119:1 - 176 WEB (176 verses)
Luke 11:1 - 24:53 WEB (638 verses)

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Today I finished reading the entire Psalm 119, a long Psalm of a hundred and seventy-six verses. In the New Testament, I read the remaining half of the Gospel of Luke, from chapter 11 to chapter 24.

Passage of the day

In response to some people who, after seeing the Lord Iesus cast out an evil spirit from a dumb man, accused the Lord of using the power of Beelzebul (Luke 11:15), the Lord rebuked them with a discourse on the kingdom of Satan being overcome by "one who is stronger" (Luke 11:22), ending with these words:

He who is not with me is against me . . .

Full text of the passage in Luke 11;17ff

17 Every kingdom in which there is division is made waste; and a house in which there is division comes to destruction.
18 If, then, Satan is at war with himself, how will he keep his kingdom? because you say that I send evil spirits out of men by the help of Beelzebul.
19 And if I, by Beelzebul, send out evil spirits, by whose help do your sons send them out? so let them be your judges.
20 But if I, by the finger of God, send out evil spirits, then the kingdom of God has overtaken you.
21 When the strong man armed keeps watch over his house, then his goods are safe:
22 But when one who is stronger makes an attack on him and overcomes him, he takes away his instruments of war, in which he had put his faith, and makes division of his goods.
23 He who is not with me is against me, and he who will not give me help in getting people together is driving them away.
Luke 11:17 - 23  Bible in Basic English

A parallel passage is found in Matthew chapter 12:

25 Every kingdom having division in itself is made waste, and every town or house having division in itself will come to destruction.
26 And if Satan sends out Satan, he makes war against himself; how then will he keep his kingdom?
27 And if I by Beelzebub send evil spirits out of men, by whom do your sons send them out? So let them be your judges.
28 But if I by the Spirit of God send out evil spirits, then is the kingdom of God come on you.
29 Or how may one go into a strong man's house and take his goods, if he does not first put cords round the strong man? and then he may take his goods.
30 Whoever is not with me is against me; and he who does not take part with me in getting people together, is driving them away.
Matthew 12:25 - 30  Bible in Basic English

When we compare the above passages to earlier accounts of the Lord Iesus' reply to his disciples in Luke 9 and Mark 9, we see that the converse is also true - that he who is not against the Lord is for the Lord:

49 And John, answering, said, Master, we saw a man driving out evil spirits in your name, and we did not let him do it, because he was not one of us.
50 But Jesus said to him, Let him do it, for he who is not against you is for you.
Luke 9:49 - 50  Bible in Basic English

38 John said to him, Master, we saw one driving out evil spirits in your name: and we said that he might not, because he is not one of us.
39 But Jesus said, Say not so: for there is no man who will do a great work in my name, and be able at the same time to say evil of me.
40 He who is not against us is for us.
Mark 9:38 - 40  Bible in Basic English

The LORD said to my Lord

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Tuesday 08Nov22
Psalm 90:1 - 106:48 WEB (321 verses)
Mark 1:1 - 16:20 WEB (678 verses)

Thursday 10Nov22
Luke 1:1 - 10:42 WEB (502 verses)

Monday 14Nov22
Psalm 107:1 - 118:29 KJV (199 verses)
Luke 11:1 - WEB ( verses)

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Over the past week, I have covered Book III of the Psalms (Psalm 90 to 106) and went on to read Book IV (Psalm 107 to 150), going up to Psalm 118 today in my Old Testament reading.

Meanwhile in the New Testament, I finished reading the entire Gospel of Mark in one day and embarked on the Gospel of Luke, covering the first ten chapters so far.

Passage of the day

1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Psalm 110:1 - 7  King James Version

1 A Psalm of David.
The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2 The Lord shall send out a rod of power for thee out of Sion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
3 With thee is dominion in the day of thy power, in the splendours of thy saints (or holiness): I have begotten thee from the womb before the morning.
4 The Lord sware, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.
5 The Lord at thy right hand has dashed in pieces kings in the day of his wrath.
6 He shall judge among the nations, he shall fill up the number of corpses, he shall crush the heads of many on the earth.
7 He shall drink of the brook in the way; therefore shall he lift up the head.
Psalm 109:1 - 7  LXX Brenton

While the two versions appear mostly similar in general, verse 3 in the LXX differs significantly from verse 3 in KJV, particularly in the second half of the verse.

The KJV renders v3b rather vaguely as,

"in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth."

In contrast, the LXX puts David's prophecy more clearly as

"in the splendours of thy saints (or holiness): I have begotten thee from the womb before the morning . . ."

Eight years ago in February 2014, I wrote my observations in two consecutive posts on this prophecy about the everlasting reign of the Seed of David, links below:

• Questions for Critics of Yeshua the Messiah (03Feb14)
• Peter explains how David understood his prophecy (06Feb14)

One alone is your Teacher, your Father, your Master

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Saturday 29Oct22
Matthew 21:1 - 22:46 WEB (92 verses)

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Sunday 06Nov22
Psalm 61:1 - 72:20 NWB (201 verses)

Monday 07Nov22
Psalm 73:1 - 89:52 WEB (358 verses)
Matthew 23:1 - 28:20 WNT (287 verses)

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I was away from my daily Bible readings for a week from Sun 30Oct22 until Sat 05Nov22.

Yesterday I resumed my readings but after several breaks from my readings throughout the month of October, I am now badly behind time in my ongoing 4th round of Old Testament and 8th round of New Testament readings, both of which I planned to finish by the end of the year.

The coming weeks of November will see me trying to catch up with my daily readings as much as I can, probably reading several hundred verses a day from each of OT and NT

Yesterday I managed to arrive at the end of Book II of the Psalms (Psalm 72) and today I ran a short sprint through Book III (Psalm 73 - 89). Tomorrow I will proceed with, and hopefully also finish reading Book IV (Psalm 90 - 106).

From the New Testament, I have finished reading the Gospel according to Matthew this morning and will continue with the Gospel of Luke tomorrow.

Passage of the day

8 As for you, do not accept the title of 'Rabbi,'
for one alone is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.
9 And call no one on earth your Father,
for One alone is your Father--the Heavenly Father.
10 And do not accept the name of 'leader,'
for your Leader is one alone--the Christ.
11 He who is the greatest among you shall be your servant;
12 and one who exalts himself shall be abased, while one who abases himself shall be exalted.
Matthew 23:8 - 12  Weymouth New Testament

Do not take your Holy Spirit from me

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Friday 28Oct22
Psalm 51:1 - 60:12 NIV (128 verses)
Matthew 21:1 - WNT ( verses)

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Passage of the day

Psalm 51:10 - 12  New International Version

10

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11

Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Only by prayer and fasting

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Tuesday 18Oct22
Psalm 42:1 - 50:23 KJV (136 verses)
Matthew 15:1 - 20:34 WNT (193 verses)

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Today I begin reading Book II of the Psalms (comprising Psalms 42 to 72). I have finished reading the first nine psalms in this book.

For my New Testament reading, I covered chapters 15 to 20 of the Gospel according to Matthew.

Passage of the day

18 Then Jesus reprimanded the demon, and it came out and left him; and the boy was cured from that moment.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked Him, 'Why could not we expel the demon?'
20 'Because your faith is so small,' He replied; 'for I solemnly declare to you that if you have faith like a mustard-seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Remove from this place to that,' and it will remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you.
21 But an evil spirit of this kind is only driven out by prayer and fasting.'
Matthew 17:18 - 21  Weymouth New Testament

The Lord Iesus drives out demons by the Spirit of God

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Wednesday 05Oct22
Psalm 31:1 - 24 WEB (24 verses)
Matthew 5:1 - 48 WEB (48 verses)

Friday 07Oct22
Matthew 6:1 - 34 WEB (34 verses)

Wednesday 12Oct22
Psalm 32:1 - 11 WEB (11 verses)
Matthew 7:1 - 29 WEB (29 verses)

Thursday 13Oct22
Psalm 33:1 - 34:22 KJV (44 verses)

Friday 14Oct22
Psalm 35:1 - 28 WEB (28 verses)
Matthew 8:1 - 9:38 WEB (72 verses)

Saturday 15Oct22
Matthew 10:1 - 11:30 NIV (72 verses)

Saturday 16Oct22
Psalm 36:1 - 41:13 ESV (115 verses)
Matthew 12:1 - 14:36 NIV (144 verses)

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I have been occupied by many pressing tasks over the last two weeks. As a result, my bible reading has been slow and somewhat sporadic. Since 05Oct22 until today, I have managed only to read ten chapters from the Gospel of Matthew and eleven Psalms, bringing me to the end of Book I of the Psalms.

I'm looking forward to a less busy week ahead and to catch up gradually with my daily bible readings, hopefully to finish my ongoing 4th round of the OT and 8th round of the NT by the end of the year.

Passage of the day

This afternoon, I am reminded from my reading of Matthew chapter 12 that our Lord Iesus performed miracles, including casting out demons, by the power of the Spirit of God.

But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Matthew 12:28  New International Version

Similarly, when Peter spoke to the crowd gathered around him and the disciples on the Day of Pentecost, he told them that the miracles, signs and wonders that Iesus performed among them were done by God working through the Lord Iesus,

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know
Acts 2:22  New International Version

Later, in Acts chapter 10, Peter told the Gentile household of Cornelius the Centurion in Caesarea that God anointed Iesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.

37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Acts 10:37 - 38  New International Version

Nine years ago, I wrote my observations on this fact - that God worked miracles through Iesus by His Spirit - in my devotional blog, link below:

• The Unpardonable Sin Revisited (May2013)

In Thy presence is fulness of joy

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Saturday 01Oct22
Psalm 1:1 - 30:12 KJV (392 verses)
Matthew 1:1 - 4:25 NIV (90 verses)

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Shabbat Shalom. Let us rest from all our work on this Sabbath Day.

Today, I begin reading the First Book of Psalms (Psalm 1 to 41). I have completed reading Psalm 1 to 30.

Today is also the beginning of the 8th Cycle of my New Testament reading since I started my daily readings two years ago on 14May2020

I have read the first four chapters of the Gospel according to Matthew.

Passage of the day

7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:7 - 11  King James Version

Verses 8 to 11 in the above passage is quoted by the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem when the disciples were first baptised in the Holy Spirit. Peter told the people of Judea and all who were gathered there, in Acts 2:25 to 28:

25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:25 - 28  King James Version

Job escaped by the skin of his teeth

OT  4th Cycle.   NT  8th Cycle.

Thursday 29Sep22
Job 13:1 - 31:40 NRSV (475 verses)

Friday 30Sep22
Job 32:1 - 42:17 NRSV (311 verses)

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I continued reading the Book of Job yesterday and today I have finished reading all 42 chapters.

Today is the Sixth Day of the Biblical Week. It is Preparation Day. Let us finish all our tasks for the week and prepare to enter into a day of Sabbath Rest beginning at sunset this evening.

Passage of the day

In the course of being badly criticised, falsely accused, and recklessly judged by Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, Job described his three friends in his replies:

As for you, you whitewash with lies;
all of you are worthless physicians.
Job 13:4  New Revised Standard Version

I have heard many such things;
miserable comforters are you all.
Job 16:2  New Revised Standard Version

Also in chapter 19 verse 20, Job described himself as one who had escaped by the skin of his teeth.

My bones cling to my skin and to my flesh,
and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.
19:20  New Revised Standard Version

Reading Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  8th Cycle.

Tuesday 27Sep22
Ezra 1:1 - 10:44 ASV (280 verses)
Nehemiah 1:1 - 13:31 ASV (406 verses)

Wednesday 28Sep22
Esther 1:1 - 10:3 ASV (166 verses)
Job 1:1 - 12:25 ASV (283 verses)

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I'm still in the midst of trying to catch up with my recent disruptions from Bible readings.

Yesterday, I finished reading through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. I continued with the book of Esther today, after which I went on to read the first twelve chapters of the book of Job.

Passage of the day

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Esther 4:16  American Standard Version

The Temple built on Araunah's threshing floor on Mt Moriah

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  8th Cycle.

Monday 26Sep22
2 Chronicles 1:1 - 36:23 GNB (820 verses)

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After a nine day break from Bible reading caused by various disruptions and events, I am able to labour through all 36 chapters of the Book of Second Chronicles, reading a total of 820 verses.

Tomorrow, I will proceed with reading the Book of Ezra which is a sequel to 2 Chronicles, at the juncture of King Cyrus of Persia giving the decree for the children of Israel to return to their homeland and to rebuild their Temple on Mount Moriah.

Passage of the day

King David, Solomon's father, had already prepared a place for the Temple. It was in Jerusalem, on Mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared to David, the place which Araunah the Jebusite had used as a threshing place. King Solomon began the construction 2in the second month of the fourth year that he was king. 3The Temple which King Solomon built was 27 metres long and nine metres wide. 4The entrance room was the full width of the Temple, nine metres, and was 54 metres high. The inside of the room was overlaid with pure gold.
2 Chronicles 3:1 - 4  Good News Bible

The Giants of Gath

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  8th Cycle.

Saturday 17Sep2022
1 Chronicles 19:1 - 29:30 GNB (280 verses)

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Shabbat Shalom.

Today is the Seventh Day of the Biblical week. It is Sabbath Day. Let us rest from all our work and keep the Fourth Commandment, to remember to honour the day on which God rested from all His work of Creation.

This morning I finished reading the book of 1 Chronicles. Tomorrow I will go on to read 2 Chronicles.

Passage of the day

1 Chronicles chapter 20 tells of how the warriors of King David killed three Philistines giants, Sippai, Lahmi brother of Goliath, and an unnamed giant who had twelve fingers and twelve toes, all of whom were descendants of giants at Gath.

4Later on, war broke out again with the Philistines at Gezer. This was when Sibbecai from Hushah killed a giant named Sippai, and the Philistines were defeated.
5There was another battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath from Gath, whose spear had a shaft as thick as the bar on a weaver's loom.
6Another battle took place at Gath, where there was a giant with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. He was a descendant of the ancient giants. 7He defied the Israelites, and Jonathan, the son of David's brother Shammah, killed him.
8These three, who were killed by David and his men, were descendants of the giants at Gath.
1 Chronicles 20:4 - 8  Good News Bible

A longer account of the defeat of these giants is found in 2 Samuel chapter 21 verses 15 to 22. In this account, a total of four giants instead of three is mentioned, namely, Ishbibenob, Saph, Goliath (most probably referring to his brother Lahmi, because Goliath had already been killed by David earlier), and the unnamed giant with twelve fingers and twelve toes.

15There was another war between the Philistines and Israel, and David and his men went and fought the Philistines. During one of the battles David grew tired.
16A giant named Ishbibenob, who was carrying a bronze spear that weighed about 3.5 kilogrammes and who was wearing a new sword, thought he could kill David. 17But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David's help, attacked the giant, and killed him. . . .
18After this there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, during which Sibbecai from Hushah killed a giant named Saph.
19There was another battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair from Bethlehem killed Goliath from Gath, whose spear had a shaft as thick as the bar on a weaver's loom.
20Then there was another battle at Gath, where there was a giant who loved to fight. He had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. 21He defied the Israelites, and Jonathan, the son of David's brother Shammah, killed him.
22These four were descendants of the giants of Gath, and they were killed by David and his men.
2 Samuel 21:15 - 22  Good News Bible

A comparison of the account in 1 Chronicles 20 with that in 2 Samuel 21 is given in the table below:

1 Chronicles 20:4-8	2 Samuel 21:15-22
(Not mentioned)	Giant: Ishbibenob Killed by: Abishai ben Zeruiah Place: unnamed
Giant: Sippai Killed by: Sibbecai of Hushah Place: Gezer	Giant: Saph Killed by: Sibbecai of Hushah Place: Gob
Giant: Lahmi, brother of Goliath Killed by: Elhanan ben Jair Place: unnamed	Giant: Goliath Killed by: Elhanan ben Jair Place: Gob
Giant: unnamed, had 12 fingers, 12 toes Killed by: Jonathan ben Shamah brother of David Place: Gath	Giant: unnamed, had 12 fingers, 12 toes Killed by: Jonathan ben Shamah brother of David Place: Gath

A long reading to catch up

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  8th Cycle.

Friday 16Sep2022
1 Chronicles 1:1 - 18:17 GNB (655 verses)

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Today is the Sixth Day of the Biblical week. It is Preparation Day. Let us finish all our work for the week and prepare ourselves to enter into a day of Sabbath Rest beginning at sunset this evening.

My reading of the Old Testament today covers the first eighteen chapters of the book of First Chronicles, a long reading of 655 verses. I am trying to catch up with my readings after having fallen behind time over the last two weeks.

Having reached the end of the 4th Cycle of New Testament readings yesterday, I will devote all my time to only read the Old Testament from today until the end of the month.

Passage of the day

Seek the LORD and his strength,
seek his presence continually!
1 Chronicles 16:11  Revised Standard Version

Checkpoint: End of 7th Cycle of New Testament readings

Today I have finished reading the last chapter of the Book of Revelation, bringing me to the end of the 7th Cycle of New Testament reading.

I began reading the New Testament for the Seventh time in mid-June and it has taken me about 3 months to complete this round of NT readings.

The following is the history of my New Testament readings:

• 1st NT Cycle: 14May20 – 08Feb21 (9 months)
• 2nd NT Cycle: 09Feb21 – 28Jun21 (5 months)
• 3rd NT Cycle: 29Jun21 – 26Sep21 (3 months)
• 4th NT Cycle: 27Sep21 – 28Dec21 (3 months)
• 5th NT Cycle: 29Dec21 – 17Mar22 (2½ months)
• 6th NT Cycle: 01Apr22 – 12Jun22 (2½ months)
• 7th NT Cycle: 13Jun22 – 15Sep22 (3 months)

I will begin the 8th Cycle of NT readings in about two weeks' time (Oct22 – Dec22).

My ongoing progress in Bible reading, both Old and New Testament cycles as well as the current books and chapters, can be found in the following links:

• Bible Reading Cycles
• Old Testament Books
• New Testament Books

Disrupted readings

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  7th Cycle.

Sun 28Aug - Wed 30Aug2022
No readings

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Thursday 01Sep2022
2 John 1:1 - 13 KJV (13 verses)
3 John 1:1 - 14 KJV (14 verses)
Jude 1:1 - 25 KJV (25 verses)
Revelation 1:1 - 2:29 KJV (49 verses)

Saturday 10Sep2022
2 Kings 18:1 - 25:30 GNB (228 verses)

Wednesday 14Sep2022
Revelation 3:1 - 16:21 GNB (240 verses)

Thursday 15Sep2022
Revelation 17:1 - 22:21 GNB (126 verses)

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My bible readings have been slow and intermittent for the past eighteen days, being disrupted by some travelling to see my grandchildren.

Today I have finished reading the last chapter of the book of Revelation. This brings me to the end of my 7th Cycle of New Testament. I will take a break from New Testament readings for the coming two weeks and will go on to the 8th Cycle of NT at the beginning of October.

Meanwhile, I will spend all my time in the remainder of September continuing my 4th Cycle of Old Testament readings. I have now reached the end of Second Kings.

Passage of the day

May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone.
Revelation 22:21  Good News Bible

By this we know . . . by the Spirit whom He has given us

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  7th Cycle.

Satuday 27Aug2022
2 Kings 11:1 - 17:41 NRSV (195 verses)
2 Peter 1:1 - 3:18 ESV (61 verses)
1 John 1:1 - 5:21 ESV (105 verses)

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Shabbat Shalom. Today is the Seventh Day of the Biblical Week. It is Sabbath Day. Let us rest from all our work and keep the Fourth Commandment of God.

In my New Testament readings today, I finished reading the Epistles Second Peter and First John.

In the Old Testament, I continued with reading chapters 11 to 17 of the book of Second Kings.

Passage of the day

23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
1 John 3:23 - 24  English Standard Version

The God who brought our Lord Iesus again from the dead

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  7th Cycle.

Wednesday 24Aug2022
1 Kings 19:1 - 22:53 GNB (146 verses)

Thursday 25Aug2022
2 Kings 1:1 - 5:27 WEB (141 verses)
Hebrews 10:1 - 13:25 RSV (94 verses)
James 1:1 - 5:20 RSV (108 verses)

Friday 26Aug2022
2 Kings 6:1 - 10:36 NRSV (151 verses)
1 Peter 1:1 -5:14 ESV (104 verses)

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Today is the Sixth Day of the Biblical week. It is Preparation Day again. Let us finish all our tasks for the week and prepare for our Sabbath Rest beginning at sunset this evening.

In my New Testament reading yesterday, I finished reading the Epistles to the Hebrews and the Epistle General of James. Today, I finished reading First Peter.

For my Old Testament reading, I finised reading First Kings on Wednesday 24Aug22, then continued with Second Kings, covering the first ten chapters.

Passage of the day

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20  Revised Standard Version

The hill of Samaria, named after Shemer

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  7th Cycle.

Monday 22Aug2022
1 Kings 15:1 - 18:46 ASV (138 verses)
Hebrews 5:1 - 9:28 WNT (103 verses)

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On this Second Day of the Biblical week, I read another four chapters from the book of First Kings, along with five chapters from the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Passage of the day

There is a brief acccount in chapter 16 of First Kings about the origin of the name of Samaria.

In verses 23 and 24, we read that Captain Omri, the sixth king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, who after reigning six years from the city of Tirzah, went on to buy over a hill from an owner called Shemer and built a city on this hill.

Omri named this hill city Samaria, after Shemer, the name of the previous owner. Omri reigned another six years from the city of Samaria before he died and was buried in Samaria. His son Ahab succeeded him. (1 Kings 16:28)

23 In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, [and reigned] twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.
24 And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and he built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill, Samaria.
1 Kings 16:23 - 24  American Standard Version

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  7th Cycle.

Saturday 20Aug2022
1 Kings 5:1 - 10:29 WEB (230 verses)
1 Timothy 1:1 - 6:21 RSV (113 verses)
2 Timothy 1:1 - 4:22 RSV (83 verses)

Sunday 21Aug2022
1 Kings 11:1 - 14:31 ASV (141 verses)
Titus 1:1 - 3:15 KJV (46 verses)
Philemon 1:1 - 1:25 KJV (25 verses)
Hebrews 1:1 - 4:16 WNT (67 verses)

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I spent Sabbath Day yesterday reading another six chapters of First King in the Old Testament along with the entire Epistles of First and Second Timothy in the New Testament.

This afternoon, the First Day of a new Biblical week, I continued with reading First Kings chapters 11 to 14, the Epistles to Titus and Philemon, and the first four chapters of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Passage of the day

The first chapter of First Timothy contains a short Doxology giving honour and glory to our God as the Eternal King, the immortal God, the invisible God, and the Only Wise God.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17  King James Version

This verse is used in the opening line of the 19th Century Hymn entitled, "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise", lyrics below:

Hymn, written by Walter C Smith, 1867

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.

Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render, O help us to see:
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Now may our Lord Iesus the Anointed himself . . .

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  7th Cycle.

Friday 19Aug2022
2 Samuel 22:1 - 24:25 WEB (115 verses)
1 Kings 1:1 - 4:34 WEB (161 verses)
1 Thessalonians 1:1 - 5:28 NRSV (87 verses)
2 Thessalonians 1:1 - 3:17 NRSV (46 verses)

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Today is the Sixth Day of the Biblical Week. It is Preparation Day. Let us finish all our tasks for the week and prepare to enter into a time of Sabbath Rest beginning at sunset this evening.

In my Old Testament reading, I finished reading Second Samuel and went on to read the first four chapters of First Kings.

Meanwhile in the New Testament, I read through both the First and Second Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians. Tomorrow I will begin reading First Timothy.

Passage of the day

Most of the benedictions found in the Epistles are pronouncements of blessings from God our Father in heaven. For example, towards the end of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle pronounced a blessing of sanctification from the "God of Peace", to keep the Thessalonian brethren sound and blameless at the coming of the Lord Iesus the Anointed One.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23  New Revised Standard Version

In Second Thessalonians, however, the Apostle wrote a benediction for blessings from our Lord Iesus himself, together with God our Father, to comfort and strengthen the hearts of the Thessalonian brethren "in every good work and word".

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, 17comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 - 17  New Revised Standard Version

Likewise, Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us bless one another with blessings from our Lord Iesus himself, that our hearts may be comforted and strengthened in good works and good words.

Epaphras wrestled in prayer

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  7th Cycle.

Thursday 18Aug2022
2 Samuel 16:1 - 21:22 GNB (176 verses)
Philippians 1:1 - 4:23 NRSV (104 verses)
Colossians 1:1 - 4:18 NRSV (95 verses)

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Today I finished reading the Epistles to the Philippians and the Colossians.

In my Old Testament reading, I continued with the book of 2nd Samuel, covering chapters 16 to 21.

Passage of the day

In Colossians chapter 4, we read about Epaphras, a servant of the Lord Iesus who continually wrestled in prayers on behalf of the Colossian brethren. He prayed for them that they would stand mature, that they would be fully assured in everything according to the will of God.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills.
Colossians 4:12  New Revised Standard Version

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us pray like Epaphras. Let us always intercede for one another, that we may also stand mature and be fully assured in all things that God wills.

Heard, Believed, Sealed.

OT  4th Cycle.    NT  7th Cycle.

Wednesday 17Aug2022
2 Samuel 5:1 - 15:37 GNB (264 verses)
Ephesians 1:1 - 6:24 ESV (155 verses)

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In my New Testament reading today, I read all six chapters of the Epistle to the Ephesians. Tomorrow I will begin reading the Epistle to the Philippians.

For my Old Testament reading, I read another eleven chapters from Second Samuel, from chapters 5 to 15.

Passage of the day

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13 - 14  English Standard Version