Day 24

Job 8:1-11:20 KJV NLT
Bildad tried to replies to Job's sorrowful pleas and asks him how much longer will he carry on like this. He wants him to know that if Job is so against the idea that he himself is guilty, then he is therefore suffering as a result of what his children has done. God is a just God and if Job just prays to him and seek favor, He will provide for him. Job replies to that comment saying that he knows what his friend is saying is true but who is he to try and reason with God. Job is but a mere mortal and can not understand at all why God does the things that he does. He just wants to complain freely about not knowing what he has done and why was he born if to just suffer in such a way. Job's other friend Zophar replies to him and says something profound , " Verse 2 Is a person found innocent just by talking a lot? That is all Job has been doing and his friends are convinced that there was something that occurred in Job's life that warranted his punishment. This friend also want him to just get rid of his sins and leave all iniquity behind you (Job11:14). Once he does that all should be clear in the eyes of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:1-28 KJV NLT
I encourage everyone to read this verse to affirm their Christian beliefs.
³ I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. ⁴ He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. ⁵ He was seen by Peter^[c] and then by the Twelve. ⁶ After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers^[d] at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. ⁷ Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. ⁸ Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.

Please read this letter twice to yourselves because the words are so profound.

Psalm 38:1-22 KJV NLT
Passage Psalm 38:1-22:

Psalm 38

¹O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

²For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

³There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

⁴For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

⁵My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

⁶I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

⁷For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

⁸I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

⁹Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

¹⁰My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

¹¹My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

¹²They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

¹³But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

¹⁴Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

¹⁵For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

¹⁶For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

¹⁷For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

¹⁸For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

¹⁹But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

²⁰They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

²¹Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

²²Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Proverbs 21:28-29 KJV NLT
Passage Proverbs 21:28-29:

²⁸A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

²⁹A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

Tomorrow's Reading

Job 12:1-15:35 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 15:29-58 KJV NLT
Psalm 39:1-13 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:30-31 KJV NLT

Day 23

I have decided that I am going to take the reading of Job very slowly because of the fact that it is very heavy reading. I am also backtracking to the date in the book The One Year Bible of August 22 since I was ill last week.
Job 4:1- 7:21
We come to a point in the reading where Job's friends are trying to comfort him when he is at his lowest. Satan had dealt his most severe blow to Job which has left him very ill and almost helpless. Job in the previous chapter (3:1-26) was cursing the day he was born but not cursing at God , which is what the devil had wanted. His friend Eliphaz the Termanite was the first to reply to Job. Job 4:3-6 In the past you have encouraged many in a troubled soul to trust God; you have supported those who were weak. Your words have strengthened the fallen; you steadied those who wavered. But now when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken. Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn't you believe that God will care for those who are upright?
My husband often tells me the same thing. We are always ready to give advice, pray for one another but when it comes to ourselves we tend to have doubts, and start to feel sorry for ourselves when these rough patches hit. It is at this time that our faith is tested and when we should lean on God and trust in him to be able to overcome these obstacles. In Job 5:8, Eliphaz gave Job advice and told him to Go to God and present your case to him. He continues and explains the many things that God is capable of doing such as performing miracles, and outsmarting the crafty and evil minded.
Job replies to his friend in chapter 6 and 7. He lets him know that all he really wants is to be out of his misery and to know what sins has he committed to deserve this torment.

1 Corinthian 14: 18-40
Okay I have a BIG problem with this reading . Verse 34. ³⁴ Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. ³⁵ If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings. Really Paul. What happened to the whole idea of if the women is the Christian one in the relationship the hope is to bring that into the family. Isn't that a non-submissive role. What about people like Esther, Mary Magdalene who spoke up and did things to help our faith. Please help me to understand is this what God wants us to continue to do right now?

Psalm 37:30-40
Passage Psalm 37:30-40:

³⁰ The godly offer good counsel;
they teach right from wrong.
³¹ They have made God’s law their own,
so they will never slip from his path.

³² The wicked wait in ambush for the godly,
looking for an excuse to kill them.
³³ But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed
or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.

³⁴ Put your hope in the Lord.
Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land.
You will see the wicked destroyed.

³⁵ I have seen wicked and ruthless people
flourishing like a tree in its native soil.
³⁶ But when I looked again, they were gone!
Though I searched for them, I could not find them!

³⁷ Look at those who are honest and good,
for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.
³⁸ But the rebellious will be destroyed;
they have no future.

³⁹ The Lord rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
⁴⁰ The Lord helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him.

Proverbs 21:27
Passage Proverbs 21:27:
²⁷ The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable,
especially when it is offered with wrong motives.

Tomorrow's Reading

Job 8:1-11:20 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 15:1-28 KJV NLT
Psalm 38:1-22 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:28-29 KJV NLT

Day 21 & 22

Please forgive me my readers and blog followers , but I have been under the weather for the entire week. I have been reading but I was not able to get on the computer. So I decided on this Friday night I will back track and write until I am at the current date. Most of this week's comments will definitely about Job and I will be combining them.

Job 1:1-3:26 KJV NLT
The Book of Job is very heavy reading. Job is seen by God as a a dutiful servant who would never curse him. He had wealth, a large family, a lot of property, and it pretty much seemed as if he was content in life . Now I guess it is around this time while I am reading that questions pop up. Here are the verses : ⁶ One day the members of the heavenly court^[a] came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan,^[b] came with them. ⁷ “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” ⁸ Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” ⁹ Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. ¹⁰ You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! ¹¹ But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” ¹² “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.

Why was Satan allowed to go to Heaven and be in such close proximity with God?

How come there were having such a casual conversation and not something harsh?

Afterwards , many horrible things happened to Job that would have left any other man feeling helpless and cursing God. He lost his family, his wealth, his servants, and his herds of animals. He even got a debilitating disease, and yet he just want to know what did he do to cause God to be angry with him.

1 Corinthians 14:1-17 KJV NLT

Psalm 37:12-29 KJV NLT
Passage Psalm 37:12-29:

¹²The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

¹³The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

¹⁴The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

¹⁵Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

¹⁶A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

¹⁷For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

¹⁸The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

¹⁹They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

²⁰But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

²¹The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

²²For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

²³The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

²⁴Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

²⁵I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

²⁶He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

²⁷Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

²⁸For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

²⁹The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

Proverbs 21:25-26 KJV NLT
Passage Proverbs 21:25-26:

²⁵ Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin,
for their hands refuse to work.

²⁶ Some people are always greedy for more,
but the godly love to give!

Day 21

Queen Esther's Shrine

Esther 8:1-3:26 KJV NLT
Purim- Hebrew term for casting lots ( bets). This Jewish festival commemorates the Jews escape from Haman's treacherous plan of annihilation . Haman cast lots to decide which day he was going to kill the Jews but unfortunately for him, Esther spoiled his plans. After he was hanged in the gallows , Queen Esther pleaded with the king to issue another decree to end Haman plots. This decree led to Jews being allowed to defend themselves by any means necessary against any of their enemies. The day after the Jews did battle with their enemies, they celebrated and feasted. This festival is celebrated even now. In the modern day version of Purim, the Book of Esther is read out loud, people give charity to the poor, there is gift giving of food and wine, and a celebratory meal. I would like to know how come this festival is not celebrated by Christians?


1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 KJV NLT

Chapter 13 is one of my favorite ones from the Bible and just summarizes to me what God has been trying to instill in us.

1 Corinthians 13

Love Is the Greatest

¹ If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. ³ If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;^[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

⁸ Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages^[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! ⁹ Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! ¹⁰ But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.

¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. ¹² Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.^[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

¹³ Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Psalm 37:1-11 KJV NLT
Passage Psalm 37:1-11:

Psalm 37

¹Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

²For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

³Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

⁴Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

⁵Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

⁶And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

⁷Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

⁸Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

⁹For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

¹⁰For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

¹¹But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Proverbs 21:23-24 KJV NLT
Passage Proverbs 21:23-24:

²³Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Didn't your mother always tell you that. Now we see where they get it from

²⁴Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

Tomorrow's Reading
Job 1:1-10:3 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 14:1-17 KJV NLT
Psalm 37:12-29 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:25-26 KJV NLT

Day 20

Esther 4:1-7:10 KJV NLT
As a modern day feminist , I am glad to a story in the bible that portrays women in a different light especially in the Old Testament. It first started with the former Queen Vashti and now today's reading displays Esther cleverness and bravery. Once she was made aware of what was troubling Mordecai, she decided to risk her life and speak to the King and let loose her plan for stopping the decree. Her plan worked in two major ways -- the King took some time to remember the things Mordecai has done and he put a stop to the decree for the sake of Esther, his Jewish wife; plus Haman who has started this whole mess in the first place was found out, humiliated and hung. I am definitely appreciating this story of Esther and admire her for her bravery.

1 Corinthians 12:1-26 KJV NLT
Paul gives us a good lesson about the Holy Spirit and the role it plays in our lives. We know that there is some driving force within us that allows us to make decisions, give advice, to heal the sick, etc. That force is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us many different gifts , "as a means of helping the entire church" ( Verse 7). In the same breath of doing things for the entire church, we need to remember that we are all one body who needs each other. If there is any type of division it will harm the body (church). There is supposed to continued symbiosis amongst all parts of the church. ( Verse 26) If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all parts are glad.


Psalm 36:1-12 KJV NLT

Psalm 36

For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord.

¹ Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts.
They have no fear of God at all.
² In their blind conceit,
they cannot see how wicked they really are.
³ Everything they say is crooked and deceitful.
They refuse to act wisely or do good.
⁴ They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots.
Their actions are never good.
They make no attempt to turn from evil.

⁵ Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
⁶ Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
⁷ How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
⁸ You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
⁹ For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.

¹⁰ Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you;
give justice to those with honest hearts.
¹¹ Don’t let the proud trample me
or the wicked push me around.
¹² Look! Those who do evil have fallen!
They are thrown down, never to rise again.

Proverbs 21:21-22 KJV NLT
Passage Proverbs 21:21-22:

²¹ Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.

²² The wise conquer the city of the strong
and level the fortress in which they trust.


Tomorrow's Reading
Esther 8:1-10:3 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 KJV NLT
Psalm 37:1-11 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:23-24 KJV NLT

Day 19

Esther 1:1-3:15 KJV NLT
Today we are introduced to the Jewish/Persian queen Esther , also known as Hadassah. When we first start reading, King Xerxes I was having 180 day festival in Persia and at one point he had summoned the presence his current wife , Queen Vashti, to show off her beauty. When she refused to come, the king was angered and so were his many male followers . They believed that if she could disobey the king that all women would feel they could do that to their husbands as well. With advice from one of his advisers, the search was on to replace her as queen. Just to interject for a moment...... I do have to give some props to Vashti, because most women in the bible tend to be very submissive and she chose the opposite role. She did not want to appear as just the Kings pet but as a Queen. As you can guess on the search for a new queen, they stumbled upon Esther. It was unknown to them about Esther's Jewish background and she swore that it would stay that way. She was an orphaned child that her cousin, Mordecai, took in and raised as one of his own. Not to mention that their family lineage is from the Jewish tribe of Benjamin ( we saw them mentioned as returning exiles in Nehemiah). For the time being , Esther was used as a concubine for whenever king wanted her. Her cousin also gained a position at the palace. With this position came some drama. Hanan the Agagite, was angered when Mordecai refused to bow down before him. It was against Jewish law to bow down to anyone but God and Hanan later found out that Mordecai was Jewish. This led to a decree being issued under the King's approval to kill all Jewish people in the area. What does this mean for Esther? My other question is, why is important to keep the fact that Esther and her cousin were Jewish?

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 KJV NLT
As Paul continues to reprimand the Corinthians, he brings up a point that has crossed my mind several times....receiving communion. Many people just receive communion because it is part of routine. But I always wonder if every single week do they believe they are worthy to receive it. I know that if I was going through some stuff I would not go up because I didn't think I was deserving of Jesus' body and blood. Paul reminds us that we must examine ourselves and be honest with the Lord and confess our sins prior to receiving communion. Although it is a personal thing it also effects our Christian family. If you do not receive communion with a clear conscience we are shaming not only ourselves but our Christian family as well.


Psalm 35:17-28 KJV NLT
Passage Psalm 35:17-28:

¹⁷ How long, O Lord, will you look on and do nothing?
Rescue me from their fierce attacks.
Protect my life from these lions!
¹⁸ Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly.
I will praise you before all the people.
¹⁹ Don’t let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat.
Don’t let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.
²⁰ They don’t talk of peace;
they plot against innocent people who mind their own business.
²¹ They shout, “Aha! Aha!
With our own eyes we saw him do it!”

²² O Lord, you know all about this.
Do not stay silent.
Do not abandon me now, O Lord.
²³ Wake up! Rise to my defense!
Take up my case, my God and my Lord.
²⁴ Declare me not guilty, O Lord my God, for you give justice.
Don’t let my enemies laugh about me in my troubles.
²⁵ Don’t let them say, “Look, we got what we wanted!
Now we will eat him alive!”

²⁶ May those who rejoice at my troubles
be humiliated and disgraced.
May those who triumph over me
be covered with shame and dishonor.
²⁷ But give great joy to those who came to my defense.
Let them continually say, “Great is the Lord,
who delights in blessing his servant with peace!”
²⁸ Then I will proclaim your justice,
and I will praise you all day long.

Proverbs 21:19-20 KJV NLT
Passage Proverbs 21:19-20:

¹⁹ It’s better to live alone in the desert
than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.

²⁰ The wise have wealth and luxury,
but fools spend whatever they get.

Day 18

I have been doing my daily reading over the weekend but I have been a little preoccupied when it came to writing about it on my blog. Please for give me. Where I am as far as my reading is finishing up the book of Nehemiah. I remember when I first started it I really enjoyed reading it, but towards the end I will admit that I got a little bored because of the several lists that were mentioned . Last week I asked my Dad if it was really important to read the list of family names Nehemiah 7: 8-73, Nehemiah 10:1-28, Nehemiah 11:3-12:26 or the inventory list. He told me yes because it is important to know and understand lineage and where people came from. While I was reading Nehemiah I did see some references to the descendants of Aaron, Jeshua, and King Solomon. That made things relevant to me because I was very familiar with the roles those people played in the Bible . The lists also allowed for keep historical documentation to which of the different families came back to Jerusalem when the wall was finished.

As I am doing now with re-studying the Law of God in order to keep my commitment to Him , that is what these former exiles had to do with the help of one of God's chosen scribe, Ezra. Even if it is something you are revisiting you always discover new things. For example, the priest and the people learned of how they were hold festivals properly. The first festival during the earlier part of the fall the people learned," that the Lord had commanded through Moses that the Israelites should live in shelters during the festivals to be held that month" Nehemiah 7:14. Once they found that out, the people knew that they had to follow suit. During the Festival that occurred later in the fall, the priests had the Book of the Law of the Lord read out lout to the and afterwards they confessed their sins and praised the Lord as they recounted what events had brought them to this place -- Nehemiah 9:22- 10:39. This story in Nehemiah just let's me know that there might be still hope for us in the world today. We are so far removed from the practices of those days, but the Bible, that includes the Law, serves as our guide that we can use to live the way God had intended. The Israelites continuously disobeyed God, but He who is slow to become angry, stood by their side during their many trials and tribulations. God is also there for us and we must remember that. We can always go to him and re-commit to him. He will hear us.

Tomorrow's Reading - August 18
Esther 1:1-3:15 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 11:17-34 KJV NLT
Psalm 35:17-28 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:19-20 KJV NLT

Day 14

I spent alot of time this week discussing Nehemiah and his completing the building for the wall in Jerusalem despite opposition. I have decided that for today's blog I would focus on Paul's letters to the Corinthian's Ch 7 & 8.
Now as we know Paul previously sent letters to them that was of a disciplinary nature. In chapter 7 he responded to questions that the followers had about lustful behavior, marriage, etc. Due to the fact that this past week was my first wedding anniversary , I found it quite fitting that the topic of marriage came up. This is how I broke it down.





Marriage is a gift............
Paul is not saying that everyone one should get married. Actually he prefers if we were single like him but the reality is that not everyone can live without a mate. He suggests that if you are lucky enough to find someone that is right for you you should marry them ( as supposed to lusting for them which is a great sin)

Marriage is a ministry........
Both Jon and I are Christian but currently we do not go to church because we have not found the right one for us. We still however study the word together and pray together. If I feel low sometimes, he encourages me through God's word and by praying together and vice versa for him. It is only through our faith in God and understanding of his word that we are able to function daily. Paul discusses in verses 10-16 that when at least one of the spouses is a Christian, they bring holiness to the marriage.

Marriage is a challenge.......
The time that you share with your mate you have ups and downs that you must face together.

My final word on this subject can be summed up this way." Success in marriage involves much more than finding the right mate. It also requires being the right mate.

I dedicate this blog message to my husband, Jon to whom I re-commit to everyday my love , honor and devotion to you. I love you.

Nehemiah 5:14-7:73a KJV NLT

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 KJV NLT

The human conscience is what makes us different from the rest of the animal kingdom. It drives us as human beings. As a person studies the word , they gain knowledge and this knowledge strengthn our conscience. The knowledge you gain, should be use as a tool to help build people up as supposed to shaming them and taring them down.

Psalm 33:1-11 KJV NLT
Passage Psalm 33:1-11:

Psalm 33

¹Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

²Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

³Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

⁴For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

⁵He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

⁶By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

⁷He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

⁸Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

⁹For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

¹⁰The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

¹¹The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Proverbs 21:8-10 KJV NLT
Passage Proverbs 21:8-10:

⁸The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

⁹It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

¹⁰The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

Tomorrow 's Readings
Nehemiah 7:73b - 9:21 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 9:1-18 KJV NLT
Psalm 33:12-22 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:11-12 KJV NLT

Day 13

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13 KJV NLT
I admire Nehemiah because he shows me what can be done when your back is against the wall and you have faith in God . Nehemiah was trying to do the right thing for God and the people. However, people like Sanballat, the Samaritan leader, were always trying to prevent Nehemiah and the other exiles from completing the wall. Every single time Sanballat and Tobiah the Ammonite tried, Nehemiah prayed to God. God made the way straight for him and prevented his adversaries from getting through with their plans. If it could be that easy for us? But it can be we just have to make that commitment.




1 Corinthians 7:25-40 KJV NLT


Psalm 32:1-11 KJV NLT
Passage Psalm 32:1-11:

Psalm 32

A psalm^[a] of David.

¹ Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
² Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,^[b]
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
³ When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
⁴ Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.Interlude

⁵ Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.Interlude

⁶ Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
⁷ For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.Interlude

⁸ The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
⁹ Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

¹⁰ Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
¹¹ So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Proverbs 21:5-7 KJV NLT

Passage Proverbs 21:5-7

⁵ Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

⁶ Wealth created by a lying tongue
is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.^[a]

⁷ The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,
because they refuse to do what is just.

Tomorrow 's Readings
Nehemiah 5:14-7:73a KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 KJV NLT
Psalm 33:1-11 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:8-10 KJV NLT

Day 12

Nehemiah 1:1-3:14 KJV NLT
We are introduced to Nehemiah in today's reading . When we meet him it is during the 20th year of King Artaxerxes reign. Nehemiah has learned of the poor state that Jerusalem is in and makes him very worrisome. He pleads his case to God and asks for forgiveness for his people. God gives Nehemiah the wisdom to know what to do and with that he goes to the king to ask for a release to go and help Jerusalem. There are a few individuals who were not happy with his arrival and try to sabotage his efforts. With the Lord's protection, Nehemiah went to survey the area to figure out his plan of action. Despite some opposition, Nehemiah kept focused and started rebuilding the wall ( with help of course). I would think that by doing this it should hopefully try to encourage the people to want to go back to a time that was happier and pleasing to God.


1 Corinthians 7:1-24 KJV NLT

Psalm 31:19-24 KJV NLT
Passage Psalm 31:19-24:

¹⁹Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

²⁰Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

²¹Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.

²²For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

²³O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

²⁴Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Proverbs 21:4 KJV NLT

⁴An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.



Tomorrow 's Readings
Nehemiah 3:15-5:13 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 7:25-40 KJV NLT
Psalm 32:1-11 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:5-7 KJV NLT

Days 10 & 11

I apologize for missing my publishing for Sunday. It was my first wedding anniversary and we spent the day together. I still did my reading yesterday and I will include both responses in today's entry. You will also see that I will add some comments that were made by my father-in-law in reference to the book of Ezra. My father and I also had a discussion on Sunday about what I have been reading and how it relates to Daniel's prophecy. I know that at some point in the week I need to do some extra research on that .

Ezra 8:21- 9:15 KJV NLT
Ezra continues on his journey with his continued faith in God , who protected his camp during that time. Amongst his camp were Levite priests. I found out after re-reading Day 9's bible verses that yet it is true that the Levites did not volunteer to join Ezra on his journey, some were hand picked to go. Some of these Levites were a part of the group of 12 priest that were in charge to watch and transport the items the king had given Ezra.They arrived safely in Jerusalem and rested for three days. After that time, Ezra went over the inventory of things that were brought along on his journey. It appears that all is right with the world until the Jewish priest came to tell Ezra how the exiles have been intermingling with the Pagans and following their practices.
My question is: what is wrong with these people? Time and time again God has given them chance and opportunity. It was for these same reasons that they were exiled, but they still continue to follow the pagans. This entire ordeal shocked and disappointed Ezra to the point of him tearing off his clothes and pulling his hair. He immediately prayed to God and acknowledging the issues that brought his people to this place originally and how God has been giving them chances to rebuild what was lost due to their ancestors.

Ezra 10:1-44 KJV NLT
I found it interesting that while Ezra was praying , a person from the group who were committing these sins, came to him and admitted to their wrong doings. He also suggested that they should make a new covenant with God. Ezra listen to him and agreed. It was ordered that all of the exiles who participated in these acts were to come to Jerusalem to settle the matter. This took a few months to do.

1 Corinthians 5:1-13 KJV NLT
Ooh OOh someone did a bad thing . Paul speaks to the people of Corinth like a parent speaks to a child They are dissappointed in what you did and lets you know how to handle it differently. The only concern I have is this talk about judgement. Too often I hear people being shunned from a church or any type of organization because they are different. Isn't our duty as Christians to get others closer to Christ. Ok I do understand why you do not want to associate with them ( worry that like the exiles in Ezra's story you may follow suit with wrong doings). I can also understand that if the persopn doesn't give the impression that they want to change , that you should do away with them. But I worry that man being man takes this idea of judging people too far.

1 Corinthians 6:1-20 KJV NLT
Paul continues on his rampage about why these Corinthians can't settle simple matters on their own instead of going to the highers ups. The underlying meaning that I get is that communication is key. All peoples involved are on the same level and could speak to each other in order to solve the situation. He also reminds us of how precious our body that belongs to God is special and should not be defiled in any way.

Psalm 31:1-8 KJV NLT

Psalm 31

¹In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

²Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

³For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

⁴Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.

⁵Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

⁶I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

⁷I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

⁸And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

Psalms 31:9-18 KJV NLT

Psalm 31

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ O Lord, I have come to you for protection;
don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me, for you do what is right.
² Turn your ear to listen to me;
rescue me quickly.
Be my rock of protection,
a fortress where I will be safe.
³ You are my rock and my fortress.
For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.
⁴ Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,
for I find protection in you alone.
⁵ I entrust my spirit into your hand.
Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

⁶ I hate those who worship worthless idols.
I trust in the Lord.
⁷ I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
for you have seen my troubles,
and you care about the anguish of my soul.
⁸ You have not handed me over to my enemies
but have set me in a safe place.

Proverbs 21:1-2

Proverbs 21

¹ The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;
he guides it wherever he pleases.

² People may be right in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their heart.

Proverbs 21:3

Passage Proverbs 21:3:
³ The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
than when we offer him sacrifices.

Tomorrow 's Readings
Nehemiah 1:1-3:14 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 7:1-24 KJV NLT
Psalm 31:19-24 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:4 KJV NLT

Day 9

Ezra 7:1- 8:20 KJV NLT
In this chapter we finally get introduced to the scribe Ezra. The King Artaxerxes of Persia knew that this man was one whom God has shown favor to. Ezra has come to Jerusalem and with him many followers. He was determined to obey and teach the law of the Lord God and this was pleasing news to the king who did not want to anger God. In his welcome letter that he sent to Ezra , the king welcomes him and offers Ezra anything he need in order to honor God . This can range from cash tot get the items to not taxing the priest. Ezra rejoices in this and praise God. I also notice that this is when Ezra changes from the role of narrator to speaking in first person. He brought with him on this journey to Jerusalem was host of people and as he was checking the list he noticed that the only group that did not volunteer to join him were the Levites. I was wondering why ? Were the Levites skeptical of returning to the land that cause their exile? What do you think ?


1 Corinthians 4:1-21 KJV NLT
Psalm 30:1-12 KJV NLT

Psalm 30

¹I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

²O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

³O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

⁴Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

⁵For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

⁶And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

⁷LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

⁸I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.

⁹What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

¹⁰Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.

¹¹Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

¹²To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Proverbs 20:28-30 KJV NLT

²⁸ Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
his throne is made secure through love.

²⁹ The glory of the young is their strength;
the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

³⁰ Physical punishment cleanses away evil;^[a]
such discipline purifies the heart.

Tomorrow's Reading
Ezra 8:21- 9:15 KJV NLT
1 Corinthians 5:1-13 KJV NLT
Psalm 31:1-8 KJV NLT
Proverbs 21:1-2 KJV NLT