Readings through December 2023

OT  6th Cycle.   NT  11th Cycle.

Tue 12Dec23
Genesis 29:1 – 31:55 (133 verses) NET
Matthew 18:1 – 20:34 (99 verses) KJV

Sun 17Dec23
Matthew 21:1 – 46 (46 verses) WEB

Tue 19Dec23
Genesis 32:1 – 34:31 (83 verses) NIV
Matthew 22:1 – 23:39 (85 verses) ASV

Wed 20Dec23
Genesis 35:1 – 38:30 (138 verses) GNB
Matthew 24:1 – 25:46 (97 verses) ASV

Thu 21Dec23
Genesis 39:1 – 41:57 (103 verses) NET
Matthew 26:1 – 28:20 (161 verses) KJV

Fri 22Dec23
Genesis 42:1 – 50:26 (280 verses) NKJV
Luke 1:1 – 2:52 (132 verses) KJV

Sat 23Dec23
Exodus 1:1 – 4:31 (100 verses) JND
Luke 3:1 – 4:44 (82 verses) NET

Sun 24Dec23
Exodus 5:1 – 9:35 (145 verses) ESV

Mon 25Dec23
Exodus 10:1 – 14:31 (143 verses) WEB
Luke 5:1 – 6:49 (88 verses) WEB

NET — New English Translation
KJV — King James Version
WEB — World English Bible
NIV — New International Version
ASV — American Standard Version
GNB — Good News Bible
NKJV — New King James Version
JND — J.N.Darby's Translation
ESV — English Standard Version

Overall progress
OT = 1,678 / 23,145 verses (7.25 %)
NT = 1,373 / 7,957 verses (17.26 %)

Over the remaining weeks of this month since my last blog post on 10Dec23, I have finished reading the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament and have gone on with the first fourteen chaptes of Exodus. In my New Testament readings, I have finished reading the Gospel according to Matthew and, skipping Mark for the time being, continued with six chapters of Luke's Gospel

By today, I have read about 7 % of the Old Testament and 17 % of the New Testament.

Back to Genesis and Matthew

OT  6th Cycle.   NT  11th Cycle.

Fri 01Dec23
Genesis 1:1 – 3:24 (80 verses) WEB

Sat 02Dec23
Genesis 4:1 – 6:22 (80 verses) WEB
Matthew 1:1 – 3:17 (65 verses) WEB

Sun 03Dec23
Genesis 7:1 – 9:28 (74 verses) WEB
Matthew 4:1 – 5:48 (73 verses) WEB

Mon 04Dec23
Genesis 10:1 – 12:20 (84 verses) WEB
Matthew 6:1 – 7:29 (63 verses) WEB

Tue 05Dec23
Genesis 13:1 – 15:21 (63 verses) WEB
Matthew 8:1 – 9:38 (72 verses) WEB

Wed 06Dec23
Genesis 16:1 – 18:33 (76 verses) WEB
Matthew 10:1 – 11:30 (72 verses) WEB

Thu 07Dec23
Genesis 19:1 – 21:34 (90 verses) WEB
Matthew 12:1 – 50 (50 verses) WEB

Fri 08Dec23
Genesis 22:1 – 24:67 (111 verses) WEB
Matthew 13:1 – 58 (58 verses) WEB

Sat 09Dec23
Genesis 25:1 – 26:35 (69 verses) WEB
Matthew 14:1 – 15:39 (75 verses) WEB

Sun 10Dec23
Genesis 27:1 – 28:22 (68 verses) WEB
Matthew 16:1 – 17:27 (55 verses) WEB

WEB — World English Bible

Overall progress
OT = 795 / 23,145 verses (3.4%)
NT = 583 / 7,957 verses (7.3%)

Over these first ten days of December, I have read through Genesis chapters 1 to 28 along with Matthew chapters 1 to 17.

I have covered about 3% of the Old Testament and 7% of the New Testament.

Starting new cycles of Bible Reading

OT  6th Cycle.   NT  11th Cycle.

After a break of more than two months since I completed the 5th and 10th reading cycles of OT and NT respectively, I have decided to resume my daily Bible readings today.

I am embarking on my 6th round of OT readings hand-in-hand with the 11th and 12th rounds of NT readings for the whole year of 2024, starting a month ahead of time.

As I have done for last year, the readings for 2024 will be carried out by covering 64 verses of OT and 44 verses of NT each day. This will enable me to finish reading 23,145 OT verses and 7,957 NT verses in one year.

End of 10th Cycle of New Testament Reading

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sat 16Sep23
Revelation 13:1 – 22:21 (193 verses) WEB

WEB — World English Bible

Saturday 16Sep2023

Today I read the final ten chapters of the book of Revelation while travelling on a two-hour train journey. At last, I have reached the end of my Tenth Cycle of New Testament reading.

I began this round of NT readings at the beginning of June, finishing it today in the middle of September. It has taken about 4½ months to finish this 10th round of NT, well within my current target of completing it withing six months.

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)
• 9th NT Cycle: 23Dec22 – 18May23 (4¾ months)
• 10th NT Cycle: 01Jun23 – 16Sep23 (4½ months)

I will take a rest from this regimen of systematic Bible reading until the end of this year and will embark on the 11th Cycle of NT readings when the New Year 2024 begins.

Again, my target is to complete it within six months, i.e. by the end of June 2024.

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

Trustworthy sayings

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Wed 30Aug23
2 Thessalonians 1:1 – 3:18 (47 verses) NIV

Sun 03Sep23
1 Timothy 1:1 – 6:21 (113 verses) NIV
2 Timothy 1:1 – 4:22 (83 verses) NKJV

Mon 04Sep23
Titus 1:1 – 3:15 (46 verses) NET
Philemon 1:1 – 25 (25 verses) NET

Tue 05Sep23
Hebrews 1:1 – 13:25 (303 verses) WEB

Wed 06Sep23
James 1:1 – 5:20 (108 verses) WEB

Fri 08Sep23
1 Peter 1:1 – 5:14 (105 verses) ESV
2 Peter 1:1 – 3:18 (61 verses) ESV

Sat 09Sep23
1 John 1:1 – 5:21 (105 verses) ESV
2 John 1:1 – 13 (13 verses) ESV
3 John 1:1 – 15 (15 verses) ESV
Jude 1:1 – 25 (25 versrs)

Tue 12Sep23
Revelation 1:1 – 3:22 (71 verses) WEB

Fri 15Sep23
Revelation 4:1 –12:17 (140 verses) WEB

NIV — New International Version
NKJV — New King James Version
NET — New English Translation
WEB — World English Bible
ESV — English Standard Version

Over the past two weeks, I have read the Epistles of Paul — beginning with Second Thessalonians through the end of Hebrews.

This was followed by my reading of the Epistle General of James, the two Epistles of Peter and the three of John.

I began reading the book of Revelation three days ago and have completed chapter 12 today.

---

Passage of the Day

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.
16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17  New International Version

1 Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
1 Timothy 3:1 - 3  New International Version

7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
1 Tim othy 4:7 - 9  New International Version

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
2 Timothy 2:11 - 13  New International Version

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Titus 3:4 - 8  New International Version

(Conclusion)

End of 5th Cycle of Old Testament reading

29Aug2023

Today I have come to the end of my Fifth Round of reading the Old Testement.

I started reading the Old Testament for the fifth time on 25Dec22. It took me about 8 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)
5. 5th OT Cycle: 25Dec22 – 29Aug23 (8 months)

I will be taking a short break from reading Old Testament, for the remaining months of this year, and will embark on my Sixth Cycle of OT reading when the new year 2024 begins.

For my next round of OT reading, I plan to continue with my present reading pace of about 64 verses a day instead of my previous 128 verses a day. This means I will take the whole of next year to complete my Sixth 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

The Branch — the Ruler from of Old

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Mon 21Aug23
Zechariah 4:1 – 8:23 (81 verses) JND
Ephesians 1:1 – 6:24 (155 verses) NET

Wed 23Aug23
Philippians 1:1 – 4:23 (104 verses) NET

Thu 24Aug23
Zechariah 9:1 – 14:21 (90 verses) JND

Sat 26Aug23
Colossians 1:1 – 4:18 (95 verses) WEB

Tue 29Aug23
Malachi 1:1 – 4:6 (55 verses) ASV
1 Thessalonians 1:1 – 5:28 (89 verses) WNT

JND — J.N.Darby's Translation
NET — New English Translation
WEB — World English Bible
WNT — Weymouth New Testament

Over the last week, I have finished reading the last two books of the Old Testament bringing me to the conclusion of my 5th Cycle of OT readings.

In my New Testament readings, I continued with reading the Epistles to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and the First Epistle to the Thessalonians.

---

Passage of the Day

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me [who is] to be Ruler in Israel: whose goings forth are from of old, from the days of eternity.
Micah 5:2  JN Darby's Translation

12 . . . Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold a man whose name is [the] Branch; and he shall grow up from his own place, and he shall build the temple of Jehovah:
13 even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
Zechariah 6:12 – 13  JN Darby's Translation

Today we are reminded by the prophets Micah and Zechariah that our Lord Iesus the Anointed is the Ruler from of Old, the Branch who will build the Temple of God and who will be both Ruler and Priest upon His Throne.

As for me, I will look unto Yehovah

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Wed 16Aug23
Micah 1:1 - 7:20 (105 verses) GNB
2 Corinthians 9:1 - 11:33 (66 verses) NKJV

Thu 17Aug23
Nahum 1:1 - 3:19 (47 verses) ASV
Habakkuk 1:1 - 3:19 (56 verses) ASV

Sun 20Aug23
Zephaniah 1:1 - 3:20 (53 verses) NIV
Haggai 1:1 - 2:23 (38 verses) NIV
Zechariah 1:1 - 3:10 (44 verses) WEB
2 Corinthians 12:1 - 13:14 (35 verses) NIV
Galatians 1:1 - 6:18 (148 verses) NIV

GNB — Good News Bible
NKJV — New King James Version
ASV — American Standard Version
NIV — New International Version
WEB — World English Bible

Since last Wednesday, I have finished reading the prophets Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai, along with three chapters of Zechariah in the Old Testament.

In my New Testament readings, I covered the last four chapters of Second Corinthians followed by all six chapters of Galatians.

---

Passage of the Day

5 Believe ye not in a companion, put not confidence in a familiar friend: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. 6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law: a man's enemies are the men of his own household. 7 But as for me, I will look unto Jehovah; I will wait for the °God of my salvation: my °God will hear me.
Micah 7:5 – 7  JN Darby's Translation

21 “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:21 - 22  World English Bible

34 “Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 A man’s foes will be those of his own household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me.
Matthew 10:34 - 37  World English Bible

The Prophet Micah of Moresheth-Gath prophesied that a perplexing time will come in future when people become so wicked that one cannot even trust his own family and friends. In fact, a man's enemies will come from his own household (Micah 7:6)

This words are echoed in the teachings of our Lord Iesus in Matthew chapter 10, when the Lord warned his disciples about the difficult times that will have to pass before his Second Coming.

In fact, our Lord told the disciples that it was his very ministry among the children of Israel at that time that would trigger such disturbing conflicts, setting children against parents to the extent that a man's foes will be those of his won household (Matthew 10:36).

In saying these words, our Lord revealed to his disciples that the fulfilment of the prophecy in Micah chapter 7 was already happening.

It is in this context — that of the fulfilment of Micah's prophecy — that our Lord told his disciples these solemn words in Matthew 10:37 :

He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;
and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me.

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, we are living in difficult times. We are surrounded by wickedness. Many around us will hate us because of the Name of Iesus, even those of our own family. What shall we do? How shall we live through such times?

The prophet Micah has the answer, "But as for me, I will look unto Yehovah, I will wait for the God of my Salvation. My God will hear me" (Micah 7:7 JND).

Our Lord likewise told his disciples, " . . . he who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22 WEB)

Let us continually look to Our Father in Heaven, the God of Salvation. He will hear us. Let us endure to the end. We will be saved.

---

The following are links to several related blog posts on the Lord's teaching about loving our Lord more than our family, that I have written between the years 2010 and 2019 —

• The Course of Discipleship (Feb2010)
• The Course of Discipleship: a Summary (Feb2010)
• Trying Times (Sep2019)

In an acceptable time I heard you

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sun 13Aug23
Amos 2:1 – 9:15 (131 verses) NIV
1 Corinthians 14:1 – 16:24 (122 verses) NIV

Mon 14Aug23
Obadiah 1:1 – 21 (21 verses) WEB
2 Corinthians 1:1 – 5:21 (98 verses) WEB

Tue 15Aug23
Jonah 1:1 – 4:10 (47 verses) GNB
2 Corinthians 6:1 – 8:24 (58 verses) NKJV

NIV — New International Version
WEB — World English Bible
GNB — Good News Bible
NKJV — New King James Version

Since last Sunday, I have finished reading the Old Testament Books of Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah.

In the New Testament, I finished First Corinthians and went on to read the first eight chapters of Second Corinthians.

---

Passage of the Day

1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:

“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:1  New King James Version

8 Thus says the Lord:
“In an acceptable time I have heard You,
And in the day of salvation I have helped You;
I will preserve You and give You
As a covenant to the people,
To restore the earth,
To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages;
Isaiah 49:8  New King James Version

Today we are reminded from the writings of the Apostle to the believers in Corinth, quoting from the Prophet Isaiah, that our God has heard us and has helped us in an acceptable time.

When is this acceptable time?

The Apostle tells us, "Now is the accepted time, Now is the day of salvation". In saying this, he pleads with the Corithian brethren not to receive the grace of God in vain.

Brothers and Sisters in Iesus the Anointed One, has any of us received the Grace of God in vain? Let us ask our Father in Heaven to search our hearts that we may live our lives in His Grace.

Rend your heart, not your garments

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sun 06Aug23
1 Corinthians 8:1 – 10:33 (73 verses) NIV

Tue 08Aug23
Joel 1:1 – 3:21 (73 verses) YLT
Amos 1:1 – 15 (15 verses) NIV
1 Corinthians 11:1 – 13:13 (78 verses) NRSV

NIV — New International Version
YLT — Young's Literal Translation
NRSV — New Revised Standard Version

I finished reading the first ten chapters of First Corinthians on Sunday, skipped my Bible Readings yesterday, and went on reading until the end of chapter 13 today.

In the Old Testament, I finished reading Joel this morning, followed by the first chapter of Amos.

---

Passage of the Day

12 And also now -- an affirmation of Jehovah, Turn ye back unto Me with all your heart, And with fasting, and with weeping, And with lamentation.
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, And turn back unto Jehovah your God, For gracious and merciful [is] He, Slow to anger, and abundant in kindness, And He hath repented concerning the evil.
Joel 2:12 – 13  Young's Literal Translation

Sow in righteousness, Reap according to mercy

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Thu 03Aug23
Daniel 8:1 – 12:13 (133 verses) LXXupd
Romans 12:1 – 16:27 (118 verses) NET

Fri 04Aug23
Hosea 1:1 – 4:19 (58 verses) LXX2012
Hosea 5:1 – 7:16 (42 verses) LXXupd
1 Corinthians 1:1 – 3:23 (69 verses) NIV

Sat 05Aug23
Hosea 8:1 – 14:9 (97 verses) JND
1 Corinthians 4:1 – 7:40 (94 verses) WEB

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LXXupd — Septuagint Brenton Updated
LXX2012 — Septuagint British English 2012
NET — New English Translation
NIV — New International Version
JND — J.N.Darby's Translation
WEB — World English Bible British Edition

My last three days' OT readings covered the last five chapters of Daniel followed by all fourteen chapters of Hosea.

In the NT, I finished the Epistle of Paul to the Romans followed by seven chapters of First Corinthians.

---

Passage of the Day

12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek Jehovah, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
13 Ye have ploughed wickedness, reaped iniquity, eaten the fruit of lies; for thou didst confide in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.
Hosea 10:12 – 13  J.N.Darby's Translation

1 O Israel, return unto Jehovah thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
2 Take with you words, and turn to Jehovah; say unto him, Forgive all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips.
Hosea 14:1 – 2  J.N.Darby's Translation

2 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God; for the people have fallen through your iniquities.
3 Take with you words, and turn to the Lord your God: speak to him, that you may not receive the reward of unrighteousness, but that you may receive good things: and we will render in return the fruit of our lips.
Osee 14:2 – 3  Septuagint British English 2012

The prophet Hosea ben Beeri prophesied to the children of Israel, particularly to the tribes of Ephraim and Judah in Hosea chapter 10, telling them to break up their fallow ground, to sow in righteusness instead of ploughing in wickedness; and to reap according to mercy instead of reaping iniquity.

In verse 12, Hosea tells them, "it is time to seek Yehovah"

Towards the end of the book in chapter 14, the prophet Hosea calls the children of Israel to return to the Lord (Adonai) their God, taking words with them, to render to God the fruit of their lips (ref Osee 14:3 LXX)

This call to offer the fruit of our lips to God is again given by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter 13, quoted below:

Through him (Iesus) then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. Hebrews 13:15  American Standard Version

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Iesus Anointed, let us likewise remind ourselves to break up fallow ground in our lives, to sow seeds of righteousness, that we may reap according to the mercy of God our Father in Heaven.

It is time to seek God, to return to Him with our words, offering a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips through Iesus our Lord.

The Son of Man was given dominion, honour and kingdom

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Thu 20Jul23
Ezekiel 8:1 - 11:25 (76 verses) WEB
Acts 8:1 - 9:43 (83 verses) WEB

Fri 21Jul23
Ezekiel 12:1 - 16:63 (145 verses) WEB
Acts 10:1 - 11:30 (78 verses) WEB

Sat 22Jul23
Ezekiel 17:1 - 19:14 (70 verses) WEB
Acts 12:1 - 13:52 (76 verses) WEB

Sun 23Jul23
Ezekiel 20:1 - 24:27 (188 verses) NIV
Acts 14:1 - 16:40 (109 verses) NIV

Mon 24Jul23
Ezekiel 25:1 - 28:26 (100 verses) ASV
Acts 17:1 - 19:41 (103 verses) KJV

Tue 25Jul23
Ezekiel 29:1 - 33:33 (130 verses) JND
Acts 20:1 - 21:40 (78 verses) BBE

Wed 26Jul23
Ezekiel 34:1 - 36:38 (84 verses) WEB
Acts 22:1 - 23:35 (65 verses) WNT

Thu 27Jul23
Ezekiel 37:1 - 39:29 (80 verses) WEB
Acts 24:1 - 28:31 (161 verses) WNT

Fri 28Jul23
Ezekiel 40:1 - 43:27 (122 verses) YLT
Romans 1:1 - 2:29 (61 verses) NWB

Sat 29Jul23
Ezekiel 44:1 - 48:35 (138 verses) ASV
Romans 3:1 - 5:21 (77 verses) NET

Sun 30Jul23
Daniel 1:1 - 3:30 (100 verses) JND
Romans 6:1 - 8:39 (87 verses) BBE

Mon 31Jul23
Daniel 4:1 - 37 (37 verses) WEB
Daniel 5:1 - 7:28 (124 verses) LXXupd
Romans 9:1 - 11:36 (90 verses) NET

WEB — World English Bible
NIV — New International Version
ASV — American Standard Version
KJV — King James Version
JND — J.N.Darby's Translation
BBE — Bible in Basic English
LXXupd — Septuagint Brenton updated
WNT — Weymouth New Testament
NWB — Noah Webster Bible
NET — New English Translation

Over the last twelve days, I have finished reading the book of Ezekiel followed by the first seven chapters of Daniel.

In the New Testament, I finished reading the Acts of the Apostles and went on to cover eleven chaptes of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.

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Passage of the Day

13 I beheld in the night vision, and, lo, one coming with the clouds of heaven as the Son of man, and he came on to the Ancient of days, and was brought near to him.
14 And to him was given the dominion, and the honor, and the kingdom; and all nations, tribes, and languages, shall serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13 – 14  LXX Brenton Updated

The Father loves the Son and has placed all things under his authority
John 3:35  New English Translation

And Jesus came to them and said, All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:18  Bible in Basic English

He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly,
Ephesians 1:22  World English Bible

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
1 Peter 3:22  King James Version

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, today let us remind ourselves that our Lord Iesus is given dominion and honour and the Kingdom by our God, the Ancient of Days. God has placed all things under the authority of our Lord Iesus, in heaven and on earth, and has made Iesus the head over all things in our Assembly.

Today, our Lord is seated at the right hand of God our Father in heaven. Angels and authorities and powers are being made subject to our Lord. Let us live under the authority and Lordship of Iesus the Son of God.

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The following are links to my observations about the Lord Iesus as the Son of God, posted on my devotional blog over a span of thirteen years:

• The Three Amens (May2009)
• Worship Him who sits on the Throne (Aug2014)
• Amen, Faithful, True Witness, Head of God's Creation (Nov2020)
• I will be their God, They shall be my people (May2022)

This Iesus - He has received the Holy Spirit from the Father

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Tue 11Jul23
Jeremiah 26:1 - 29:32 (95 verses) WEB
John 9:1 - 10:42 (83 verses) WEB

Wed 12Jul23
Jeremiah 30:1 - 32:44 (108 verses) WEB
John 11:1 - 57 (57 verses) KJV

Thu 13Jul23
Jeremiah 33:1 - 37:21 (120 verses) WEB
John 12:1 - 13:38 (88 verses) WEB

Fri 14Jul23
Jeremiah 38:1 - 41:18 (80 verses) NIV
Jeremiah 42:1 - 43:13 (35 verses) WEB
John 14:1 - 16:33 (91 verses) WEB

Sat 15Jul23
Jeremiah 44:1 - 48:47 (117 verses) GNB
John 17:1 - 18:40 (66 verses) NKJV

Sun 16Jul23
Jeremiah 49:1 - 52:34 (183 verses) WEB
John 19:1 - 21:25 (98 verses) WEB

Mon 17Jul23
Lamentations 1:1 - 3:66 (110 verses) NWB
Acts 1:1 - 2:47 (73 verses) WNT

Tue 18Jul23
Lamentations 4:1 - 5:22 (44 verses) WEB
Ezekiel 1:1 - 2:10 (38 verses) WEB
Acts 3:1 - 4:37 (63 verses) WEB

Wed 19Jul23
Ezekiel 3:1 - 7:27 (102 verses) WEB
Acts 5:1 - 7:60 (117 verses) WEB

WEB — World English Bible
KJV — King James Version
NIV — New International Version
GNB — Good News Bible
NKJV — New King James Version
NWB — Noah Webster Bible
WNT — Weymouth New Testament

In my Old Testament readings, I finished the book of Jeremiah last Sunday and began reading Lamentations the following day. Yesterday I reached the end of Lamentations and went on to read the first seven chapters of the book of Ezekiel.

It was also on Sunday that I finished reading the Gospel of John in the New Testament, embarking on the Acts of the Apostles the next day. I have read up to Chapter 7 of Acts by today.

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Passage of the Day

23 Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word which you hear isn’t mine, but the Father’s who sent me.
John 14:23 – 24  World English Bible

23 This Jesus, God has raised to life -- a fact to which all of us testify.
33 'Being therefore lifted high by the mighty hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out this which you see and hear.
34 For David did not ascend into Heaven, but he says himself, ''The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand
35 until I make thy foes a footstool under thy feet.'
36 'Therefore let the whole House of Israel know beyond all doubt that God has made Him both LORD and CHRIST--this Jesus whom you crucified.'
Acts 2:32 – 36  Weymouth New Testament

We read from Acts chapter 2 the words of the Apostle Peter, speaking to the huge crowd of Jews from every part of the world (Acts 2:5, 9,10 WNT) telling them that God has raised "this Iesus" to life and that Iesus has received the promised Holy Spirit from God.

Particularly, in verse 33, Peter said that Iesus has poured out the Holy Spirit on all the 120 disciples together with him in the upper room on that Pentecost Day (Acts 1:15). As a result of that outpouring of the Spirit, the disciples spoke in various foreign languages — "which you see and hear" (Acts 2:33b) — a confirmation of the Holy Spirit.

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Iesus, like the Peter and the 120 believers in the upper room, let us also be full of the Holy Spirit. Let us walk in the Spirit as we also live in the Spirit. And let us seek the confirmation "which you see and hear" from the Lord.

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I wrote two blog posts on my devotional blog in 2013 about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit — oon the Jews in Jerusalem and on the Gentiles in Caesarea. And again last year, I wrote related observations in another two blog posts, all links below :

• The Promise that is for you, for your children and for all afar (May2013)
• So I knew (Sep2013)
• The Day of Shavuot (Feb2022)
• The day of outpouring of the Spirit upon the Gentiles (Feb2022)

The One who has come down from Heaven

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Thu 06Jul23
Jeremiah 1:1 – 3:25 (81 verses) WEB
Luke 23:1 – 24:53 (109 verses) WEB

Fri 07Jul23
Jeremiah 4:1 – 7:34 (126 verses) BBE
John 1:1 – 2:25 (76 verses) WEB

Sat 08Jul23
Jeremiah 8:1 – 12:17 (113 verses) JND
John 3:1 – 4:54 (90 verses) WNT

Sun 09Jul23
Jeremiah 13:1 – 16:21 (91 verses) WEB
Jeremiah 17:1 – 19:15 (65 verses) YLT
Jeremiah 20:1 – 22:30 (62 verses) NIV
John 5:1 – 6:71 (118 verses) ASV

Mon 10Jul23
Jeremiah 23:1 – 25:38 (88 verses) KJV
John 7:1 – 8:59 (112 verses) ASV

WEB — World English Bible
BBE — Bible in Basic English
JND — J.N.Darby's Translation
WNT — Weymouth New Testament
YLT — Young's Literal Translation
NIV — New International Version
ASV — American Standard Version
KJV — King James Version

Since last Thursday, I have read through the first 25 chapters of Jeremiah and the first 8 chapters of the Gospel of John.

Thursday was also the day I finished reading the Gospel of Luke

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Passage of the Day

13 There is no one who has gone up to Heaven, but there is One who has come down from Heaven, namely the Son of Man whose home is in Heaven.
14 And just as Moses lifted high the serpent in the Desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
15 in order that every one who trusts in Him may have the Life of the Ages.
John 3:13 – 15  Weymouth New Testament

5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 23:5 – 6  King James Version

Brothers and Sisters our Lord Iesus is the promised righteous Branch, the King who shall reign and execute judgment and justice on earth. He is called "YHWH our Righteousness".

The Lord told Nicodemus in John chapter 3 that He had come down from Heaven, that His home is in Heaven, and that just as Moses lifted up the brass serpent on a pole in the wilderness so that the children of Israel who looked up at the serpent could be saved from their snake bites, our Lord Iesus "the Son of Man" must also be lifted up (meaning to be crucified) so that all who put their trust in Him may be saved from sin and have everlasting life.

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Over the last nine years, I have written my thoughts and observations about the expression "to be lifted up", as used by our Lord Iesus in the Gospels, in several blog posts, links below:

• I am He (Feb2023)
• If I am lifted up (Nov2022)
• Lift Jesus higher? (Mar2014)

In His Name the Gentiles will hope

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sat 01Jul23
Isaiah 34:1 – 39:8 (117 verses) WEB
Luke 13:1 – 14:35 (70 verses) WEB

Sun 02Jul23
Isaiah 40:1 – 43:28 (113 verses) GNB
Luke 15:1 – 16:31 (63 verses) NIV

Mon 03Jul23
Isaiah 44:1 – 46:13 (66 verses) NKJV
Isaiah 47:1 – 49:26 (63 verses) WEB
Luke 17:1 – 18:43 (80 verses) ESV

Tue 04Jul23
Isaiah 50:1 – 57:21 (124 verses) NET
Luke 19:1 – 20:47 (95 verses) ASV

Wed 05Jul23
Isaiah 58:1 – 66:24 (160 verses) GNB
Luke 21:1 – 22:71 (109 verses) KJV

WEB — World English Bible
GNB — Good News Bible
NIV — New International Version
NKJV — New King James Version
ESV — English Standard Version
NET — New English Translation
ASV — American Standard Version

Today I have finished reading the Book of Isaiah. In the New Testament, I have completed chapter 22 of the Gospel of Luke, leaving me only two more chapters before the end of the Gospel.

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Passage of the Day

1The LORD says,
“Here is my servant, whom I strengthen —
the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased.
I have filled him with my Spirit,
and he will bring justice to every nation.
2He will not shout or raise his voice
or make loud speeches in the streets.
3He will not break off a bent reed
or put out a flickering lamp.
He will bring lasting justice to all.
4He will not lose hope or courage;
he will establish justice on the earth.
Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching.”

5God created the heavens and stretched them out;
he fashioned the earth and all that lives there;
he gave life and breath to all its people.
And now the LORD God says to his servant,
6“I, the LORD, have called you and given you power
to see that justice is done on earth.
Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples;
through you I will bring light to the nations.
7You will open the eyes of the blind
and set free those who sit in dark prisons.
Isaiah 42:1 – 4; 5 – 7  Good News Bible

1 Jacob is *my servant, I will help him: Israel is my chosen, my soul has accepted him; I have put my Spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor shall his voice be heard without. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench; but he shall bring forth judgment to truth. 4 He shall shine out, and shall not be †discouraged, until he have set judgment on the earth: and in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
Esaias 42: 1 – 4  Septuagint Brenton

15 Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all,
16 and charged them that they should not make him known:
17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
18 'Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him,
He will declare judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He will not strive, nor shout; Neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
20 He won't break a bruised reed, He won't quench a smoking flax, Until he sends forth judgment to victory.
21 In his name, the Gentiles will hope.'
Matthew 12:15 – 21  World English Bible

A long time ago, the prophet Isaiah had prophesied that the Anointed One, the Servant of God, will be filled with the Spirit of God and will come to bring justice to all Gentile nations.

In the LXX, Isaiah (Esaias) 42:4b records Isaiah's prophecy, " . . . in his name shall the Gentiles trust".

This is quoted in Matthew 12:21, "in his name, the Gentiles will hope".

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Back in 2013, I wrote my thoughts, based on the prophecy of Amos 9:11,12 quoted in Acts chapter 15, in a post entitled, "Gentiles who bear the Name of Yehovah" (link below).

In February last year, I wrote another two posts, one about how the Holy Spirit was first poured on the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius the Centurion in the city of Caesarea, and another about God waiting until the full number of Gentiles come into His Kingdom before the children of Israel is saved (all links below).

• Gentiles who bear the Name of God (Nov2013)
• Outpouring of the Spirit upon Gentiles (Feb2022)
• Until the fulness of Gentiles come (Feb2022)
• Gentiles called by God (Dec2022)

Those who are weaned from milk

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Tue 27Jun23
Isaiah 10:1 – 14:32 (110 verses) WEB
Isaiah 15:1 – 20:6 (75 verses) NASB
Luke 8:1 – 56 (56 verses) WEB
Luke 9:1 – 62 (62 verses) NET

Wed 28Jun23
Isaiah 21:1 – 24:23 (83 verses) WEB
Luke 10:1 – 42 (42 verses) WEB

Thu 29Jun23
Isaiah 25:1 – 28:29 (75 verses) WEB
Luke 11:1 – 54 (54 verses) WEB

Fri 30Jun23
Isaiah 29:1 – 33:24 (110 verses) NET
Luke 12:1 – 59 (59 verses) WEB

WEB — World English Bible
NASB — New American Standard Bible
NET — New English Translation

Over the last four days, I finished reading Isaiah chapters 10 to 33 and Luke chapters 8 to 12.

I am on track to complete my ongoing 5th round of Old Testament reading and my 10th round of New Testament reading by the end of the year.

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Passages of the Day

9 Whom will he teach knowledge? To whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts? 10 For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little. 11 But he will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language, 12 to whom he said, “This is the resting place. Give rest to the weary,” and “This is the refreshing;” yet they would not hear.
Isaiah 28:9 – 12  World English Bible

(speaking of Melchizedek)
11 Of whom we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing.
12 For when by reason of the time you ought to be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food.
13 For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby.
14 But solid food is for full grown men, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
Hebrews 5 – 14  World English Bible

I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
1 Corinthians 3:2  New International Version

A week of milestones

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sun 18Jun23
Proverbs 4:1 – 7:27 (112 verses) ESV
Mark 4:1 – 5:43 (84 verses) NKJV

Mon 19Jun23
Proverbs 8:1 – 11:31 (117 verses) RBV
Mark 6:1 – 7:37 (93 verses) RBV

Tue 20Jun23
Proverbs 12:1 – 15:33 (121 verses) NIV
Mark 8:1 – 9:50 (88 verses) NRSV

Wed 21Jun23
Proverbs 16:1 – 24:34 (270 verses) WEB
Mark 10:1 – 13:37 (166 verses) WEB

Thu 22Jun23
Proverbs 25:1 – 31:31 (202 verses) WEB
Ecclesiastes 1:1 – 3:22 (66 verses)NET
Mark 14:1 – 16:20 (139 verses) WEB
Luke 1:1 – 80 (80 verses) GNB

Fri 23Jun23
Ecclesiastes 4:1 – 12:14 (156 verses) NET
Luke 2:1 – 52 (52 verses) GNB

Sat 24Jun23
Song of Solomon 1:1 – 8:14 (117 verses) WEB
Luke 3:1 – 4:44 (82 verses) WEB

Sun 25Jun23
Isaiah 1:1 – 6:13 (128 verses) NET
Luke 5:1 – 6:49 (88 verses) WEB

Mon 26Jun23
Isaiah 7:1 – 9:21 (68 verses) WEB
Luke 7:1 – 50 (50 verses) WEB

ESV — English Standard Version
NKJV — New King James Version
RBV — Revised Berkeley Version
NIV — New International Version
NRSV — New Revised Standard Version
WEB — World English Bible
NET — New English Translation
GNB — Good News Bible

It has been a week of crossing milestones in my daily Bible readings. I finished reading Proverbs and Mark last Thursday, followed by Ecclesiastes on Friday, and Song of Solomon on Saturday.

Today I read chapters 7 to 9 of Isaiah along with chapter 7 of the Gospel of Luke.

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Passages of the week

23Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
24Put away from you crooked speech,
and put devious talk far from you.
25Let your eyes look directly forwards,
and your gaze be straight before you.
26Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
27Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4:23 – 27  English Standard Version

24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more
and there is one who increases more than right, but it leads to poverty.
25 The generous soul will be made rich,
and he who waters will be watered himself.
Proverbs 11:24 – 25  Revised Berkeley Version

17He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17  Revised Standard Version

12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.
13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
Mark 6:12 – 13  Revised Berkeley Version

17He will go ahead of the Lord, strong and mighty like the prophet Elijah. He will bring fathers and children together again; he will turn disobedient people back to the way of thinking of the righteous; he will get the Lord's people ready for him.
Luke 1:17  Good News Bible

Then you will understand the fear of the LORD

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Fri 16Jun23
Psalm 141:1 – 147:20 (95 verses) KJV
Mark 1:1 – 45 (45 verses) GNB

Sat 17Jun23
Psalm 148:1 – 150:6 (29 verses) KJV
Proverbs 1:1 – 3:35 (90 verses) ESV
Mark 2:1 – 3:35 (63 verses) GNB

KJV — King James Version
GNB — Good News Bible
ESV — English Standard Version

Today I finish reading the final Book V of the Psalms along with the first three chapters of Proverbs

In the New Testament, I read the first three chapters of the Gospel according to Mark.

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Passage of the Day

1My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1 – 5  Good News Bible

I have often heard people quote the verse that says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom . . ." (Proverbs 9:10). This verse makes me ask myself what the fear of the LORD means in my life.

This morning's passage answers my question by telling another side of this truth about the fear of the LORD — that if I seek wisdom from God, seeking it like silver, searching for it like for hidden treasures, virtually calling out and raising my voice for insight and for understanding, then I will understand the fear of the LORD.

Brothers and Sisters in Iesus the Anointed One, do you want to understand the fear of the LORD? Do you wish to find the knowledge of God? I urge you to seek wisdom and understanding from God. Seek wisdom. Search for it as for hidden treasure. Then you will understand the fear of the LORD.

Is thine eye evil?

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sun 11Jun23
Psalm 107:1 - 111:10 (104 verses)NET
Matthew 20:1 - 21:46 (80 verses) GNB

Mon 12Jun23
Psalm 112:1 - 118:29 (95 verses)WEB
Matthew 22:1 - 23:39 (85 verses) WEB

Tue 13Jun23
Psalm 119:1 - 176 (176 verses) KJV
Matthew 24:1 - 51 (51 verses) NIV

Wed 14Jun23
Psalm 120:1 - 134:3 (101 verses) ASV
Matthew 25:1 - 26:75 (121 verses) NWB

Thu 15Jun23
Psalm 135:1 - 140:13 (101 verses) WEB
Matthew 27:1 - 28:20 (86 verses) WEB

NET — New English Translation
GNB — Good News Bible
WEB — World English Bible
KJV — King James Version
NIV — New International Version
ASV — American Standard Version
NWB — Noah Webster Bible

I started reading Book V of the Psalms (Ps 107 – 150) on 11Jun23. In the New Testament, I finished reading the Gospel of Matthew today.

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Passage of the Day

15 Don't I have the right to do as I wish with my own money? Or are you jealous because I am generous?
Matthew 20:15  Good News Bible

15 Am I not permitted to do what I want with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?
Matthew 20:15  New English Translationre

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Matthew 20:15  King James Version

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I wrote my observations about the Hebrew meaning of the expression "good eyes" and "evil eyes" in my devotional blog in January last year, link below —

• Is thine eye evil because I am good?

In the spirit and power of Elijah

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sat 03Jun23
Psalm 36:1 - 41:13 (117 verses) NIV
Psalm 42:1 - 11 (11 verses) ESV
Matthew 6:1 - 7:29 (63 verses) KJV

Sun 04Jun23
Psalm 43:1 - 49:20 (102 verses) ESV
Matthew 8:1 - 9:38 (72 verses) KJV

Mon 05Jun23
Psalm 50:1 - 58:11 (122 verses) RSV
Matthew 10:1 - 11:30 (72 verses) KJV

Tue 06Jun23
Psalm 59:1 - 72:20 (230 verses) WEB
Matthew 12:1 - 50 (50 verses) WEB

Wed 07Jun23
Psalm 73:1 - 78:72 (165 verses) NRSV
Matthew 13:1 - 58 (58 verses) NKJV

Thu 08Jun23
Psalm 79:1 - 89:52 (193 verses) NET
Matthew 14:1 - 15:39 (75 verses) NKJV

Fri 09Jun23
Psalm 90:1 - 96:13 (100 verses) WEB
Matthew 16:1 - 17:27 (55 verses) WEB

Sat 10Jun23
Psalm 97:1 - 106:48 (221 verses) WEB
Matthew 18:1 - 19:30 (65 verses) WEB

NIV — New International Version
ESV — English Standard Version
KJV — King James Version
RSV — Revised Standard Version
WEB — World English Bible
NRSV — New Revised Standard Version
NKJV — New King James Version
NET — New English Translation

Over the past week I reached the end of Book I of Psalms (Ps 41) on 03Jun23, followed by Book II (Ps 72) on 06Jun23, Book III (Ps 89) on 08Jun23, and Book IV (Ps 106) on 10Jun23.

In the New Testament, I read chapters 6 to 19 of the Gospel according to Matthew.

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Passage of the Day

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Matthew 11:13 – 14  King James Version

10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Matthew 17:10 – 13  King James Version

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just;
to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Luke 1:17  King James Version

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I wrote my observations on the similarities between John the Baptist and Elijah on my devotional blog in February last year, link below:

• Garment of hair, Belt of leather

Understanding the Counsel of God

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Fri 02Jun23
Psalm 28:1 - 35:28 (139 verses) NIV
Matthew 3:1 - 5:48 (90 verses) KJV

NIV — New International Version
KJV — King James Version

Today, I continue with my readings from Book I of the Psalms, and from the Gospel according to Matthew.

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Passage of the Day

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
Psalm 32:8 – 9  New Internatinal Version

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed Iesus, let us pay attention to the instruction and counsel of our Heavenly Father. Let us receive His counsel with understanding.

Walking in integrity, Trusting in the LORD

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Thu 01Jun23
Psalm 21:1 - 27:14 (108 verses) RSV
Matthew 1:1 - 2:23 (48 verses) KJV

RSV — Revised Standard Version
KJV — King James Version

I continue reading Book I of Psalms today, covering Psalm 21 to 27, reading a total of 108 Old Testament verses.

In the New Testament, I embark on a new cyle of reading, the 10th Cycle of NT, by reading the first two chapters of the Gospel according to Matthew.

I will continue reading about 64 verses a day from the Old Testament, and about 44 verses a day from the New Testament in order to finish reading my 5th Cycle of OT and 10th Cycle of NT by the end of the year.

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Passage of the Day

1Vindicate me, O LORD,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2Prove me, O LORD, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
3For thy steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in faithfulness to thee.
Psalm 26:1 – 3  Revised Standard Version

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14  Revised STandard Version

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Iesus, let us walk in our integrity while we trust in the LORD without wavering.

Mid-point of OT 5th Cycle

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Wed 31May23
Psalm 1:1 – 20:9 (251 verses) RSV

RSV — Revised Standard Version

With my ongoing plan of completing this 5th Cycle of Old Testament readings in 12 months, I am approaching the mid-point of this cycle today, the last day of May.

I am comfortably ahead of schedule, embarking on my reading of the first twenty Psalms today. I expect to finish all five Books of Psalms by the end of June.

Tomorrow, 01Jun23, I will begin my journey on the next milestone of New Testament readings — the 10th NT Cycle, which I plan to complete in six months by the end of this year.

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Passage of the Day

9The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10And those who know thy name put their trust in thee,
for thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek thee.
Psalm 9:9 – 10  Revised Standard Version

7I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm 16:7 – 8  Revised Standard Version

Brothers and Sisters in Iesus the Anointed One, let us put our trust in the LORD our God. He will not forsake those who seek Him. Let us keep the LORD always before us.

A thousand verses long reading

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Mon 29May23
Job 1:1 – 3:26 (61 verses) WEB

Tue 30May23
Job 4:1 – 42:17 (1,009 verses) WEB

WEB — World English Bible

The last time I read the entire book of Job in one day was more than forty years ago, sometime in 1982 or 1983, when preparing, at short notice, to represent my church in a national level Bible Quiz organised by the Bishop's Office.

Today, having some free time, I decided to read Job again in one sitting. Well, not actually the entire book because I had made a headstart covering the first three chapters yesterday, leaving thirty-nine chapters for me to read through today.

Today's reading covers more than one thousand verses.

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Passage of the Day

It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts.” Job did so continually.
Job 1:5  World English Bible

7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head. 8 He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat amongst the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die.”
10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?”
In all this Job didn’t sin with his lips.
Job 2:7 – 10  World English Bible

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In August 2020, I wrote a post in my devotional blog entitled, "It's in your hands . . . again", referring to Job's making a covenant with his own eyes, that he would not look at a virgin with lust. This post was written in the context of our Lord's seemingly harsh command in his Sermon on the Mount, that if our hands, feet, or eyes cause us to sin, then it would be better for us to cut those limbs off.

This post was preceded by a similar post written two weeks earlier, entitled, "Eyes over evil, Hands over heart"

• It's in your hands . . . again (Aug2020)
• Eyes over evil, Hands over heart (Jul2020)

In October 2021, I wrote briefly on the patience and steadfastness of Job when great misfortune and sorrow befell him.

• Job lost all he had in one day (Oct2021)

In September 2022, I made notes on my observations about how Job described his self-righteous friends who showed no empathy towards his unbearable sufferings but instead chose to accuse him of sin and to rebuke him.

• Worthless physicians, miserable comforters

If I perish . . .

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sun 28May23
Nehemiah 4:1 – 13:31 (343 verses) NKJV
Esther 1:1 – 10:3 (167 verses) NASB

NKJV — New King James Version
NASB — New American Standard Bible

Today is Pentecost Sunday in the Methodist Church Calendar. I arrived early in church and was able to read through ten chapters of the book of Nehemiah, from chapter four to chapter thirteen at the end of the book.

After worship service, I continued to read the entire book of Esther at home.

Tomorrow, I will embark on reading the book of Job, a long book of forty chapters, which I hope to finish reading over the remaining three days until the end of the month.

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Passage of the Day

15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:
16‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’
Esther 4:15 – 16  New International Version

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Today's passage from the Book of Esther reminds me of a post I wrote in my devotional blog two years ago, link below:

• Do not eat or drink for three days (November 2021)

According to the hand of my God

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Sat 27May23
Ezra 1:1 – 10:44 (280 verses) NIV
Nehemiah 1:1 – 3:32 (63 verses) NKJV

NIV — New International Version
NKJV — New King James Version

This morning, while waiting to for my wife to board a flight to Singapore at the Ipoh Airport, I read through the entire book of Ezra. After returning home later in the day, I continued to read the first three chapters of the book of Nehemiah.

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Passages of the Day

27Praise be to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem in this way 28and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.
Ezra 7:27 – 28  New International Version

4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”
So I prayed to the God of heaven.
8 . . . And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me
Nehemiah 2:4, 8b  New King James Version

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Two years ago, I wrote a post in my devotional blog, from Ezra chapter 7, about how the hand of God was on Ezra as he set his heart to study the Law of YeHoVaH, to do it and to teach it to the children of Israel.

• Ezra was skilled in the Law of Moses (November 2021)

If you seek Him . . .

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  10th Cycle.

Tue 23May23
1 Chronicles 15:1 – 19:19 (135 verses) WEB
1 Chronicles 20:1 – 29:30 (268 verses) ESV

Wed 24May23
2 Chronicles 1:1 – 18:34 (383 verses) WEB

Thu 25May23
2 Chronicles 19:1 – 22:12 (80 verses) GNB

Fri 26May23
2 Chronicles 23:1 – 36:23 (360 verses) GNB

WEB — World English Bible
ESV — English Standard Version
GNB — Good News Bible

I managed to carry out some long readings over the last three days, finishing all 29 chapters of 1st Chronicles on Tuesday and 36 chapters of 2nd Chronicles by today.

I will embark on the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther over the coming weekend, hoping to finish reading them before the month is over.

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Passages of the Day

9“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off for ever.
1 Chronicles 28:9  English Standard Version

1 The Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded. 2 He went out to meet Asa, and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin! The LORD is with you while you are with him; and if you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
2 Chronicles 15:1 – 2  World English Bible

For the LORD’s eyes run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him.
2 Chronicles 16:9a  World English Bible

King David's Mighty Men

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  9th Cycle.

Mon 22May23
1 Chronicles 1:1 – 14:17 (539 verses) WEB

WEB — World English Bible

On this quiet Monday morning, I read through the first fourteen chapters of First Chronicles. Most of these fourteen chapters consist of genealogies.

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Passage of the Day

11 This is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time. 12 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men.
1 Chronicles 11:11 – 12  WEB

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From 1 Chronicles chapter 11, I am reminded of the three mighty warriors, or famous soldiers of King David. I wrote about this passage in my devotional blog in March last year, link below —

• Three Famous Soldiers of King David

The reforms of King Josiah ben Amon: revisited

OT  5th Cycle.   NT  9th Cycle.

Sun 21May23
2 Kings 5:1 – 10:36 (182 verses) GNB
2 Kings 11:1 – 25:30 (423 verses) NIV

GNB — Good News Bible
NIV — New International Version

On this First Day of the Biblical Week, I managed to read a long reading, finishing 21 chapters of the Book of Second Kings, from chapter 5 right until the end of the Book at chapter 25.

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Today I am reminded from 2 Kings chapter 23, the drastic and sweeping reforms carried out by King Josiah ben Amon, the 16th King of Judah. His kingdom-wide reforms were so thorough that they virtually brought about a great reset of the entire kingdom under his 31 years of reign. I wrote a post about King Josiah in my devotional blog last September, link below —

• The Great Reset

A list of all the Kings of Judah and Israel can be found on the following page —

• Kings of Judah and Israel