Thursday, August 31, 2017

DayStarters_032 JHN.16


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 199.


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GN-DBRP_244 1CH.13 1CH.14 PRO.18.13-24 1TH.3


1CHRONICLES 13-14:
Yesterday we heard of mighty men who joined David in war, and the roll call of people who joined him politically to become king. And today we hear more about important events under David’s leadership.

PROVERBS 18b:
A highlighted verse for today:

22 Find a wife and you find a good thing; it shows that the Lord is good to you.

1THESSALONIANS 3:
Yesterday Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the way he, Silas, and Timothy lived among them, and they definitely loved them like family. And at the end of the chapter Paul compares them to a crown (or like the crowning achievement in their ministry) which he longs to bring before Christ at His second coming. Paul’s statement that “God’s anger has come down on” the Jews, shows that events were moving toward the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD.

GNT Translation note:
1Th. 3:2 while we sent Timothy, our brother who works with us for God in preaching the Good News about Christ. We sent him to strengthen you and [encourage you in your fully believing in Christ//help your faith],
5 That is why I had to send Timothy. I could not bear it any longer, so I sent him to find out [whether you were still fully believing in Christ//about your faith]. Surely it could not be that the Devil had tempted you and all our work had been for nothing!
6  Now Timothy has come back, and he has brought us the welcome news [that you still fully believe in Christ//about your faith and love]. He has told us that you always think well of us and that you want to see us just as much as we want to see you.
7 So, in all our trouble and suffering we have been encouraged about you, friends. It was your [fully believing//faith] that encouraged us,
10 Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed [in order to strengthen your belief//in your faith].

NLT Translation note:
1Th. 3:10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your [believing/faith].


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NL-DBRP_244 1CH.13 1CH.14 PRO.18.13-24 1TH.3


1CHRONICLES 13-14:
Yesterday we heard of mighty men who joined David in war, and the roll call of people who joined him politically to become king. And today we hear more about important events under David’s leadership.

PROVERBS 18b:
A highlighted verse for today:

22 Find a wife and you find a good thing; it shows that the Lord is good to you.

1THESSALONIANS 3:
Yesterday Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the way he, Silas, and Timothy lived among them, and they definitely loved them like family. And at the end of the chapter Paul compares them to a crown (or like the crowning achievement in their ministry) which he longs to bring before Christ at His second coming. Paul’s statement that “God’s anger has come down on” the Jews, shows that events were moving toward the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD.

GNT Translation note:
1Th. 3:2 while we sent Timothy, our brother who works with us for God in preaching the Good News about Christ. We sent him to strengthen you and [encourage you in your fully believing in Christ//help your faith],
5 That is why I had to send Timothy. I could not bear it any longer, so I sent him to find out [whether you were still fully believing in Christ//about your faith]. Surely it could not be that the Devil had tempted you and all our work had been for nothing!
6  Now Timothy has come back, and he has brought us the welcome news [that you still fully believe in Christ//about your faith and love]. He has told us that you always think well of us and that you want to see us just as much as we want to see you.
7 So, in all our trouble and suffering we have been encouraged about you, friends. It was your [fully believing//faith] that encouraged us,
10 Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed [in order to strengthen your belief//in your faith].

NLT Translation note:
1Th. 3:10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your [believing/faith].


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Wednesday, August 30, 2017

DayStarters_031 JHN.16.1-15


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 198.


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GN-DBRP_243 1CH.11 1CH.12 PRO.18.1-12 1TH.2


1CHRONICLES 11-12:
In yesterday’s reading, we heard of the people who returned after the exile. Then, starting with the genealogy of King Saul, we jumped to the story of how he died. This prepares us for the stories about King David.

PROVERBS 18a:
Our highlighted verse today:

Pro. 18:10 [GNT The Lord is like a strong tower, where the righteous can go and be safe.//The name of the LORD is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.]
[The GNT translates the Jewish metonymy of ‘the Lord’s name’ correctly. This way of translating will prevent readers who don’t understand how metonymy works in Scripture from supposing that Christians should use the name of the LORD (‘YHWH’) as a magic charm.]

1THESSALONIANS 2:
Chapter 1 ended with Paul saying what other people were saying about the Thessalonians: 

1Th. 1:10 NLT And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

 


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NL-DBRP_243 1CH.11 1CH.12 PRO.18.1-12 1TH.2


1CHRONICLES 11-12:
In yesterday’s reading, we heard of the people who returned after the exile. Then, starting with the genealogy of King Saul, we jumped to the story of how he died. This prepares us for the stories about King David.

PROVERBS 18a:
Our highlighted verse today:

Pro. 18:10 [GNT The Lord is like a strong tower, where the righteous can go and be safe.//The name of the LORD is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.]
[The GNT translates the Jewish metonymy of ‘the Lord’s name’ correctly. This way of translating will prevent readers who don’t understand how metonymy works in Scripture from supposing that Christians should use the name of the LORD (‘YHWH’) as a magic charm.]

1THESSALONIANS 2:
Chapter 1 ended with Paul saying what other people were saying about the Thessalonians: 

1Th. 1:10 NLT And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

 


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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

DayStarters_030 JHN.15


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 197.


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GN-DBRP_242 1CH.9 1CH.10 PRO.17.14-28 1TH.1


1CHRONICLES 9-10:
This is the last name chapter at the beginning of this book, bringing us up to the time of the returning exiles. And king Saul’s genealogy is given, because we pick up Israel’s narrative with Saul in the next chapter.

PROVERBS 17b:
This special verse reminds me of an old song we used to sing every Sunday evening with fellow missionaries.

Pro. 17:22 NLT A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

1st THESSALONIANS 1:
The book of Revelation has the reputation of being about the second coming of Christ, but our doctrines about the second coming come much more from the two letters to Thessalonica. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians includes a reference to the second coming. And the second coming is mentioned 20 times in these two little letters. Paul, Timothy and Silas spent only three Sabbath days in Thessalonica. They did an amazing work in grounding these believers, and Timothy was sent back soon afterward. The believers had questions. Some were worried about believers who had died or would die before Christ’s return. Others were thinking Jesus would return so soon that they need not do any work now. This is a highly personal letter to people who had become dear to Paul in a very short time, and one of his earliest letters, written around 51 AD.

 


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NL-DBRP_242 1CH.9 1CH.10 PRO.17.14-28 1TH.1


1CHRONICLES 9-10:
This is the last name chapter at the beginning of this book, bringing us up to the time of the returning exiles. And king Saul’s genealogy is given, because we pick up Israel’s narrative with Saul in the next chapter.

PROVERBS 17b:
This special verse reminds me of an old song we used to sing every Sunday evening with fellow missionaries.

Pro. 17:22 NLT A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

1st THESSALONIANS 1:
The book of Revelation has the reputation of being about the second coming of Christ, but our doctrines about the second coming come much more from the two letters to Thessalonica. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians includes a reference to the second coming. And the second coming is mentioned 20 times in these two little letters. Paul, Timothy and Silas spent only three Sabbath days in Thessalonica. They did an amazing work in grounding these believers, and Timothy was sent back soon afterward. The believers had questions. Some were worried about believers who had died or would die before Christ’s return. Others were thinking Jesus would return so soon that they need not do any work now. This is a highly personal letter to people who had become dear to Paul in a very short time, and one of his earliest letters, written around 51 AD.

 


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Monday, August 28, 2017

DayStarters_029 JHN.15


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 196.


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GN-DBRP_241 1CH.8 PRO.17.1-14 EPH.6


1CHRONICLES 8:
Hang on! We’re almost through with the names chapters!

PROVERBS 17a:
I must say that it is hard to choose just one verse to highlight in today’s reading:

Pro. 17:9 NLT Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Re-reading EPHESIANS 6:
I like the way our translation of the spiritual armor portion of this chapter helps the reader understand how the various parts of the armor are actually applied or ‘picked up’ and ‘worn’. So in the podcast for today I read verses 10-17 in an English translation of our plain Indonesian translation.

PET: 10 As final instructions, you should each become strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you have become one with Him. 11 Just like a soldier wears his equipment for war, you must wear all the battle equipment that God gives us. In that way you can reject the devil's lies. 12 For we aren't fighting against people on this earth. But we fight against evil spirits and all the powers who rule those evil spirits. They're the ones who now control this dark world from the sky above. 13 That's why you need to use all the tools of war given by God, so that when the enemy comes to attack you, you won't run, but can oppose him and keep enduring until the war is over.

14 So stand firm. Hold on to the true teaching from God, because true teaching is like a belt that makes you ready to act. Live a righteous life, because a righteous life is like a metal vest that will protect you from the enemy's attacks. 15 And keep holding on to the Good News about Christ. That news helps you to feel calm in the protection of God. Continually hold on to that news, just like a soldier always wears strong boots, so that you stand firm in war. 16 Besides that, keep believing in the Lord. For your [fully believing/faith] is like a shield that protects you from all of the flaming arrows that the devil shoots at us. 17 Keep on being certain that God has saved you, because that is like your war helmet. And hold onto all of God's words like holding a sword, because His words have the power of the Holy Spirit.

GNT Translation notes:
Eph. 6:1 Children, it is your [duty as the Lord’s followers//Christian duty] to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. [The command,]
4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them [bitter//angry]. Instead, raise them with [the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord//Christian discipline and instruction].
16 At all times carry [belief in Christ//faith] as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.
23 [Dear brothers and sisters, my prayer is that//May] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give [you peace, love and full belief//to all Christians peace and love with faith]. 

NLT Translation notes:
Eph. 6:10 A[s my] final word: [PET: each one of you, be strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you are joined as one with Him.//NLT Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.]
21-22 [PET: Our beloved brother, Tychicus, has brought this letter to you. He serves the Lord very faithfully as our brother who is joined as one with the Lord. I also sent him so that he could give you news about my situation and ministry, so that you can know about our situation and so that he can strengthen your hearts.//NLT To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.]

 


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NL-DBRP_241 1CH.8 PRO.17.1-14 EPH.6


1CHRONICLES 8:
Hang on! We’re almost through with the names chapters!

PROVERBS 17a:
I must say that it is hard to choose just one verse to highlight in today’s reading:

Pro. 17:9 NLT Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Re-reading EPHESIANS 6:
I like the way our translation of the spiritual armor portion of this chapter helps the reader understand how the various parts of the armor are actually applied or ‘picked up’ and ‘worn’. So in the podcast for today I read verses 10-17 in an English translation of our plain Indonesian translation.

PET: 10 As final instructions, you should each become strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you have become one with Him. 11 Just like a soldier wears his equipment for war, you must wear all the battle equipment that God gives us. In that way you can reject the devil's lies. 12 For we aren't fighting against people on this earth. But we fight against evil spirits and all the powers who rule those evil spirits. They're the ones who now control this dark world from the sky above. 13 That's why you need to use all the tools of war given by God, so that when the enemy comes to attack you, you won't run, but can oppose him and keep enduring until the war is over.

14 So stand firm. Hold on to the true teaching from God, because true teaching is like a belt that makes you ready to act. Live a righteous life, because a righteous life is like a metal vest that will protect you from the enemy's attacks. 15 And keep holding on to the Good News about Christ. That news helps you to feel calm in the protection of God. Continually hold on to that news, just like a soldier always wears strong boots, so that you stand firm in war. 16 Besides that, keep believing in the Lord. For your [fully believing/faith] is like a shield that protects you from all of the flaming arrows that the devil shoots at us. 17 Keep on being certain that God has saved you, because that is like your war helmet. And hold onto all of God's words like holding a sword, because His words have the power of the Holy Spirit.

GNT Translation notes:
Eph. 6:1 Children, it is your [duty as the Lord’s followers//Christian duty] to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. [The command,]
4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them [bitter//angry]. Instead, raise them with [the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord//Christian discipline and instruction].
16 At all times carry [belief in Christ//faith] as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.
23 [Dear brothers and sisters, my prayer is that//May] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give [you peace, love and full belief//to all Christians peace and love with faith]. 

NLT Translation notes:
Eph. 6:10 A[s my] final word: [PET: each one of you, be strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you are joined as one with Him.//NLT Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.]
21-22 [PET: Our beloved brother, Tychicus, has brought this letter to you. He serves the Lord very faithfully as our brother who is joined as one with the Lord. I also sent him so that he could give you news about my situation and ministry, so that you can know about our situation and so that he can strengthen your hearts.//NLT To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.]

 


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Sunday, August 27, 2017

DayStarters_028 JHN.14.15-31


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 195.


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GN-DBRP_240 1CH.7 PRO.16.18-33 EPH.6


1CHRONICLES 7:
Yesterday we heard about Levite and priestly genealogies and their allotment of towns. The pace quickens as today we hear of six tribes.

PROVERBS 16b:
Today’s highlighted verse is this:

18 Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

EPHESIANS 6:
This is another chapter break that interrupts the flow. Yesterday we started a new topic with the words “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We have heard about the husband-wife relationship under this, and now we hear of two more relationship pairs.

GNT Translation notes:
Eph. 6:1 Children, it is your [duty as the Lord’s followers//Christian duty] to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. [The command,]
4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them [bitter//angry]. Instead, raise them with [the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord//Christian discipline and instruction].
16 At all times carry [belief in Christ//faith] as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.
23 [Dear brothers and sisters, my prayer is that//May] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give [you peace, love and full belief//to all Christians peace and love with faith].

NLT Translation notes:
1Chr. 7:21 Zabad, Shuthelah, Ezer, and Elead. These [last] two were killed trying to steal livestock from the local farmers near Gath.
====
Eph. 6:10 A[s my] final word: [PET: each one of you, be strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you are joined as one with Him.//NLT Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.]
21-22 [PET: Our beloved brother, Tychicus, has brought this letter to you. He serves the Lord very faithfully as our brother who is joined as one with the Lord. I also sent him so that he could give you news about my situation and ministry, so that you can know about our situation and so that he can strengthen your hearts.//NLT To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.]

 


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NL-DBRP_240 1CH.7 PRO.16.18-33 EPH.6


1CHRONICLES 7:
Yesterday we heard about Levite and priestly genealogies and their allotment of towns. The pace quickens as today we hear of six tribes.

PROVERBS 16b:
Today’s highlighted verse is this:

18 Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

EPHESIANS 6:
This is another chapter break that interrupts the flow. Yesterday we started a new topic with the words “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We have heard about the husband-wife relationship under this, and now we hear of two more relationship pairs.

GNT Translation notes:
Eph. 6:1 Children, it is your [duty as the Lord’s followers//Christian duty] to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. [The command,]
4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them [bitter//angry]. Instead, raise them with [the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord//Christian discipline and instruction].
16 At all times carry [belief in Christ//faith] as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.
23 [Dear brothers and sisters, my prayer is that//May] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give [you peace, love and full belief//to all Christians peace and love with faith].

NLT Translation notes:
1Chr. 7:21 Zabad, Shuthelah, Ezer, and Elead. These [last] two were killed trying to steal livestock from the local farmers near Gath.
====
Eph. 6:10 A[s my] final word: [PET: each one of you, be strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you are joined as one with Him.//NLT Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.]
21-22 [PET: Our beloved brother, Tychicus, has brought this letter to you. He serves the Lord very faithfully as our brother who is joined as one with the Lord. I also sent him so that he could give you news about my situation and ministry, so that you can know about our situation and so that he can strengthen your hearts.//NLT To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.]

 


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Saturday, August 26, 2017

JoySightings_043


Three more parables from The Wit and Wisdom of Safed the Sage:

  • The Time for Weariness
  • Crumbs and Bubbles
  • The Barber Shop

 


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DayStarters_027 JHN.14.1-21


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 194.


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GN-DBRP_239 1CH.6 PRO.16.1-17 EPH.5


1CHRONICLES 6:
Yesterday we heard details about the leaders of three tribes, Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

PROVERBS 16a:
Today’s collection of proverbs contains a famous one:

Pro. 16:3 GNT Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

Re-reading EPHESIANS 5:
Although today’s chapter does not contain an instance of the theme words “joined with Christ”, this chapter contains the highest example and explanation of that oneness.

NLT Translation notes:
Eph. 5:28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually [is showing//shows] love for himself.
32 This is a great mystery, [and I am saying that it is also//but it is] an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

 


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NL-DBRP_239 1CH.6 PRO.16.1-17 EPH.5


1CHRONICLES 6:
Yesterday we heard details about the leaders of three tribes, Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

PROVERBS 16a:
Today’s collection of proverbs contains a famous one:

Pro. 16:3 GNT Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

Re-reading EPHESIANS 5:
Although today’s chapter does not contain an instance of the theme words “joined with Christ”, this chapter contains the highest example and explanation of that oneness.

NLT Translation notes:
Eph. 5:28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually [is showing//shows] love for himself.
32 This is a great mystery, [and I am saying that it is also//but it is] an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

 


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NE-DBRP_005 GEN.9 GEN.10 JOB.5 MRK.4.1-25


Welcome to this podcast number 5 in the NE series of the Daily Bible Reading Podcast.

The whole purpose of these podcasts is to promote the reading, understanding, and fully believing of God’s Word. The NE series podcasts are for reading the New English Translation. I plan to talk more about the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different kinds of Bible translations in the companion Comments issue for this number 5 podcast. You can find information about the two other Bible translations I have recorded at dailybiblereading.info in a blog post entitled More about Bible translations, and linked in today’s episode notes.

http://dailybiblereading.libsyn.com/website/more-about-bible-translations

Because of my Bible translation experience, there are things that I want to tweak in any translation. Listeners to the podcasts from 2014-16 have not accused me so far of making controversial changes or of being doctrinally biased. The little tweaks I make to the GNT/NLT are intended to help listeners understand the meaning contained in the Biblical source languages, and they are documented at the bottom of the episode notes.

The Scripture texts quoted are from the NET Bible®, which can be found at http://netbible.org. The copyright© dates are from 1996 to 2016, and the NET text is used by permission of Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.  All rights reserved.

See complete information about Everything DBRP at dailybiblereading.info.

GENESIS 9-10:
In chapter 8 the flood waters receded. After everyone came out of the boat, Noah made a sacrifice.

JOB 5:
In chapter 4 Eliphaz implied that Job’s guilt was the reason he was being punished:

Job 4:6 NLT How come//Doesn’t] your reverence for God [doesn't/0] give you confidence?
[Perhaps you place too much confidence in your own integrity.//Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope?]

Job 4:6 NET Is not your piety your confidence, and your blameless ways your hope?

7 Call to mind now:
Who, being innocent, ever perished?
And where were upright people ever destroyed?

8 Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity
and those who sow trouble reap the same.

MARK 4a:
In chapter 3 we have seen that opposition to Jesus was mounting from the Jewish religious leaders. They were already plotting to kill him and saying he performed miracles by the power of Satan.

I want to comment briefly about the sin of blaspheming or reviling the Holy Spirit that we heard about at the end of chapter 3. Some people worry about whether they have done this and committed the unforgivable sin. Note the context here. The experts in the Law were saying the Jesus was working by the power of _Satan_. But Jesus was working by the power of the _Holy Spirit_. A person in a frame of mind like those Law experts will never repent. It is actually that non-repentance that brings the result of not being forgiven. So I want you to know this: If you worry about whether in some past time you have blasphemed the Holy Spirit, then you haven’t! If you are the kind of person who feels sorrow for sins already committed and are ready to repent on the occasions where you trip up and commit a sin, then you have never blasphemed the Holy Spirit, nor are you likely to ever do so.

NET translation notes:

Genesis 9:5 [If you are killed,] For your lifeblood I will surely exact punishment, from every living creature I will exact punishment. From each person [who commits murder] I will exact punishment for the life of the individual since the [person killed//man was [his/her] relative.

[I can’t believe that this lack of gender sensitivity got past the correctness editors!]

Genesis 10:5 [NLT Their descendants became the seafaring peoples that spread out to various lands, each identified by its own language, clan, and national identity.//NET From these the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands, every one according to its language, according to their families, by their nations.]

Genesis 10:15 NET Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, [then] Heth,

Gen. 10:20 [NLT These were the descendants of Ham, identified by clan, language, territory, and national identity.

// NET These are the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their languages, by their lands, and by their nations.

31 [NLT These were the descendants of Shem, identified by clan, language, territory, and national identity.//NET These are the sons of Shem according to their families, according to their languages, by their lands, and according to their nations.]

32 [NLT These are the clans that descended from Noah’s sons, arranged by nation according to their lines of descent. All the nations of the earth descended from these clans after the great flood.// NET These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, by their nations, and from these the nations spread over the earth after the flood]

====

Job 5:1 NET “Call now! Is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy [heavenly beings//ones] will you turn?

2 For wrath kills the foolish person, and anger slays the [stupid//silly] one.

3 I myself have seen [a//the] fool taking root, but [I called a curse down upon his household, saying,.//suddenly I cursed his place of residence.]

4 [“May his children always lack security. May no one defend them when they are brought to trial, and may they receive all the punishment they deserve.//His children are far from safety, and they are crushed at the place where judgment is rendered, nor is there anyone to deliver them.]

5 [May hungry people eat up that foolish man’s harvest, even plucking every last grain from among the thorns. And may thirsty people swallow up all all his ill-gotten wealth.”//The hungry eat up his harvest, and take it even from behind the thorns, and the thirsty swallow up their fortune.]

11 he sets the lowly on high, [so] that those who mourn are raised to safety.

15 [But God saves the poor and helpless from the cutting words of the powerful.//So he saves from the sword that comes from their mouth, even the poor from the hand of the powerful.

16 [So at last the poor and helpless find their hopes fulfilled, while evil people are silenced.//Thus the poor have hope, and iniquity shuts its mouth.]

21 You will be protected from malicious gossip, and will not be afraid of [the] destruction when it comes.

23 [God’s blessing will extend even to not being bothered by large stones in your fields or by wild animals attacking your flocks.//For you will have a pact with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.]

24 And you will know that your home  will be secure, and when you inspect [all that you own//your domains], [you won’t find that things are missing.//you will not be missing anything.]

====

Mark 4:5‬ NET Other seed fell on rocky ground where it did not have much soil. [It produced sprouts that quickly became visible,//It sprang up at once] because the soil was not deep.

6  When the sun came up [the sprouts were//it was] scorched, and because [they hadn’t really taken root//it did not have sufficient root], [they//it] withered.
[Seed in Greek and English is a collective singular noun. Like ‘sand’ we speak of it as a singular thing, but it is made up of many grains. When singular seed turns into many plants, English speakers start using plural forms to refer to ‘it’.]

7 Other seed fell among [thorny plants//the thorns], and [the thorn plants//they] grew up and choked [the little wheat shoots so that they//it, and it] did not produce grain.

8 But other seed fell on good soil and produced grain, sprouting and growing; some [single stalks] yielded 30, 60, or even 100 grains of wheat.//thirty times as much, some sixty, and some a hundred times.]”

9 And he said, “[If you have//Whoever has] ears to hear [with, you] had better listen!”

11 He said to them, “The secret[s] of the kingdom of God [have//has] been given to you. But to those outside, [I will teach] everything [in the form of//is in] parables,
[Even though the word 'mystery' is singular in Greek, it is more natural in English to use plural 'secrets'. One mystery can contain many secrets. Jesus is opening the possibility of his disciples understanding many things that were previously unrevealed to mankind. He is not saying he has given them just one secret.]

12 so that [(just as God said through the prophet Isaiah)// [“Even though they see many amazing things, they won’t understand what is really happening.
And even though they hear many amazing things, they won’t catch on.
What a pity they won’t repent, because then I would forgive them!”
//NET although they look they may look [and look] but not see, and although they [keep on listening, they won’t understand//hear they may hear but not understand], so they may not repent and be forgiven . ”
13 He said to them, [“How could you fail to understand the meaning of that parable? If so, you will be hopeless at understanding all my other parables!”//“Don’t you understand this parable? Then how will you understand any parable?]
[Jesus is using two rhetorical questions as a mild rebuke.]

14 The sower sows [God’s message//the word].

15 [Remember that some of the seed fell on the path. That seed pictures people who hear the message, but// These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: Whenever they hear,] immediately Satan comes and snatches away the word that was sown in them.]

16 [Remember that some of the seed fell//These are the ones sown] on rocky ground: [This pictures people who— the moment//As soon as] they hear the word, they receive it with joy.

17 But they have no root in themselves and do not endure. Then, when trouble or persecution comes because of the [message//word], immediately they fall away.

18 [Some other seeds fell//Others are the ones sown] among thorny plants: [This pictures people who hear the message//They are those who hear the word,]

19 but worldly cares, the seductiveness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke [out the message//the word], and [that the message doesn’t help them at all.//produces nothing.]

20 But [remember the seed that was//these are the ones]  sown on good soil: [That pictures people who//They] hear the [message//word] and receive it[,] and bear fruit[.//,] [Some people are like single stalks that produce 30, 60, or even 100 grains of wheat.//one thirty times as much, one sixty, and one a hundred.”

21 He also said to them, “A [lighted] lamp isn’t brought [out] to be put under a basket or under a bed, is it? [We always put lamps on lampstands!//Isn’t it to be placed on a lampstand?]

22 [Similarly//For] nothing is hidden [now] except to be revealed, [NLT and every secret will be brought to light.//and nothing concealed except to be brought to light.]

[Greek has a 'gar' connector here which is often translated as 'for'. But 22 is not a REASON for 21, but instead is showing the point of similarity with 21.]

23 [If you have//Whoever has] ears to hear [with, you] had better listen!”

24 [PET Then Jesus said to them again, “Each of you must save the things I’m teaching you in your hearts. Because however much you endeavor to understand My teaching, in the same measure also God will  add to your ability to understand it. In fact, He’ll add even more insight.//And he said to them, “Take care about what you hear. The measure you use will be the measure you receive, and more will be added to you.]


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Friday, August 25, 2017

DayStarters_026 JHN.13.12-38


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 193.


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GN-DBRP_238 1CH.5 PRO.15.16-33 EPH.5


1CHRONICLES 5:
In yesterday’s reading, we heard of important ancestors of the tribes of Judah and Simeon. In Ezra’s time, I can imagine that it was important to figure out who was who and what their relationship was, as this would determine the redistribution of land to the exiles who were returning.

PROVERBS 15b:
I wish I was more like this proverb:

23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (NLT)

EPHESIANS 5:
There is no topic change at the first of this chapter. Paul is still giving instructions about our new life in union with Christ. Chapter 4 ended with this:

Eph. 4:30 GNT And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God's mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort.
32 Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.

NLT Translation notes:
Eph. 5:28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually [is showing//shows] love for himself.
32 This is a great mystery, [and I am saying that it is also//but it is] an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

 


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NL-DBRP_238 1CH.5 PRO.15.16-33 EPH.5


1CHRONICLES 5:
In yesterday’s reading, we heard of important ancestors of the tribes of Judah and Simeon. In Ezra’s time, I can imagine that it was important to figure out who was who and what their relationship was, as this would determine the redistribution of land to the exiles who were returning.

PROVERBS 15b:
I wish I was more like this proverb:

23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (NLT)

EPHESIANS 5:
There is no topic change at the first of this chapter. Paul is still giving instructions about our new life in union with Christ. Chapter 4 ended with this:

Eph. 4:30 GNT And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God's mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort.
32 Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.

NLT Translation notes:
Eph. 5:28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually [is showing//shows] love for himself.
32 This is a great mystery, [and I am saying that it is also//but it is] an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

 


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Thursday, August 24, 2017

DayStarters_025 JHN.13.1-17


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 192.


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GN-DBRP_237 1CH.4 PRO.15.1-17 EPH.4


1CHRONICLES 4:
In yesterday’s reading we started with David’s sons, then for the descendants of King Solomon, only the kings were listed. So we jumped up to the period of the exile to Babylon.

PROVERBS 15a:
Here is a favorite verse from today’s group of proverbs:

Pro. 15 NLT 17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love
is better than steak with someone you hate.

Re-reading EPHESIANS 4:
This chapter has only one instance of the words I translate as ‘joined as one with Christ’, but the chapter is all about that oneness. Let me share this translation note about the verse mentioning baptism:

5 NLT [We all worship//There is] one Lord, [we all fully believe in Christ/one faith], [we all have been baptized as his followers/one baptism],

In Indonesia ‘one baptism’ has been misunderstood by people on both sides of the main baptism debate. One side say, “One baptism means you should only be baptized once (so if you were baptized as a baby, don’t get baptized again anywhere else!)” The other side says, “One baptism means there is only one way to be baptized, and that is by immersion.” Both sides miss the point, because this passage is about things that unify us, not divide us!

GNT Translation notes:
1Chr. 4:21 Shelah was one of Judah's sons. His descendants included [six groups. First,] Er, who founded the town of Lecah; [Second,] Laadah, founder of the town of Mareshah; [third,] the clan of linen weavers, who lived in the town of Beth Ashbea;
22 [Fourth,] Jokim and the people who lived in the town of Cozeba; [And fifth and sixth,//and] Joash and Saraph, who married Moabite women and then settled in Bethlehem. (These traditions are very old.)
====
Pro. 15:13 [NLT A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
//GNT When people are happy, they smile, but when they are sad, they look depressed.]
====
Eph. 4:12 He did this to prepare all God's people for [his//the work of Christian] service, in order to build up the body of Christ.
13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our [believing//faith] and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.
22 So[, like throwing away old clothes,] get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.
24 and [like putting on new clothes,] you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

NLT Translation notes:
Eph. 4:5 [We all worship//There is] one Lord, [we all fully believe in Christ/one faith], [we all have been baptized as his followers/one baptism],
[In Indonesia ‘one baptism’ has been misunderstood by people on both sides of the main baptism debate. One side say, “One baptism means you should only be baptized once (so if you were baptized as a baby, don’t get baptized again anywhere else!)” The other side says, “One baptism means there is only one way to be baptized, and that is by immersion.” Both sides miss the point, because this passage is about things that unify us, not divide us!]
6 and [we all serve the same//one] God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the [non-Jewish pagans/Gentiles] do, for they are hopelessly confused.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God [has forgiven you because of your being joined to Christ./through Christ has forgiven you.]

 


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NL-DBRP_237 1CH.4 PRO.15.1-17 EPH.4


1CHRONICLES 4:
In yesterday’s reading we started with David’s sons, then for the descendants of King Solomon, only the kings were listed. So we jumped up to the period of the exile to Babylon.

PROVERBS 15a:
Here is a favorite verse from today’s group of proverbs:

Pro. 15 NLT 17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love
is better than steak with someone you hate.

Re-reading EPHESIANS 4:
This chapter has only one instance of the words I translate as ‘joined as one with Christ’, but the chapter is all about that oneness. Let me share this translation note about the verse mentioning baptism:

5 NLT [We all worship//There is] one Lord, [we all fully believe in Christ/one faith], [we all have been baptized as his followers/one baptism],

In Indonesia ‘one baptism’ has been misunderstood by people on both sides of the main baptism debate. One side say, “One baptism means you should only be baptized once (so if you were baptized as a baby, don’t get baptized again anywhere else!)” The other side says, “One baptism means there is only one way to be baptized, and that is by immersion.” Both sides miss the point, because this passage is about things that unify us, not divide us!

GNT Translation notes:
1Chr. 4:21 Shelah was one of Judah's sons. His descendants included [six groups. First,] Er, who founded the town of Lecah; [Second,] Laadah, founder of the town of Mareshah; [third,] the clan of linen weavers, who lived in the town of Beth Ashbea;
22 [Fourth,] Jokim and the people who lived in the town of Cozeba; [And fifth and sixth,//and] Joash and Saraph, who married Moabite women and then settled in Bethlehem. (These traditions are very old.)
====
Pro. 15:13 [NLT A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
//GNT When people are happy, they smile, but when they are sad, they look depressed.]
====
Eph. 4:12 He did this to prepare all God's people for [his//the work of Christian] service, in order to build up the body of Christ.
13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our [believing//faith] and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.
22 So[, like throwing away old clothes,] get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.
24 and [like putting on new clothes,] you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

NLT Translation notes:
Eph. 4:5 [We all worship//There is] one Lord, [we all fully believe in Christ/one faith], [we all have been baptized as his followers/one baptism],
[In Indonesia ‘one baptism’ has been misunderstood by people on both sides of the main baptism debate. One side say, “One baptism means you should only be baptized once (so if you were baptized as a baby, don’t get baptized again anywhere else!)” The other side says, “One baptism means there is only one way to be baptized, and that is by immersion.” Both sides miss the point, because this passage is about things that unify us, not divide us!]
6 and [we all serve the same//one] God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the [non-Jewish pagans/Gentiles] do, for they are hopelessly confused.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God [has forgiven you because of your being joined to Christ./through Christ has forgiven you.]

 


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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

DayStarters_024 JHN.12.20-50


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 191.


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GN-DBRP_236 1CH.3 PRO.14.17-35 EPH.4


1CHRONICLES 3:
So far we have traced Jakob/Israel’s descendants into the time of David, and today’s reading picks up with David himself.

PROVERBS 3b:
Here is a quote from today’s group of proverbs:

Pro. 3:20 NLT The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
while the rich have many “friends.”

EPHESIANS 4:
Paul’s letters are usually divided into two parts, with the ethereal and theological part first, followed by the practical part. Yesterday we concluded the ethereal and theological part with Paul’s incredible prayer for his readers and for us at the end of chapter 3. And now we enter the practical part of his letter.

GNT Translation notes:
Eph. 4:13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our [believing//faith] and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.
22 So[, like throwing away old clothes,] get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.
24 and [like putting on new clothes,] you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

NLT Translation notes:
Pro. 3:5An honest witness does not lie;
a false witness breathes [out] lies.
====
Eph. 4:5 [We all worship//There is] one Lord, [we all fully believe in Christ/one faith], [we all have been baptized as his followers/one baptism],
[In Indonesia ‘one baptism’ has been misunderstood by people on both sides of the main baptism debate. One side say, “One baptism means you should only be baptized once (so if you were baptized as a baby, don’t get baptized again anywhere else!)” The other side says, “One baptism means there is only one way to be baptized, and that is by immersion.” Both sides miss the point, because this passage is about things that unify us, not divide us!]
6 and [we all serve the same//one] God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the [non-Jewish pagans/Gentiles] do, for they are hopelessly confused.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God [has forgiven you because of your being joined to Christ./through Christ has forgiven you.]

 


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NL-DBRP_236 1CH.3 PRO.14.17-35 EPH.4


1CHRONICLES 3:
So far we have traced Jakob/Israel’s descendants into the time of David, and today’s reading picks up with David himself.

PROVERBS 3b:
Here is a quote from today’s group of proverbs:

Pro. 3:20 NLT The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
while the rich have many “friends.”

EPHESIANS 4:
Paul’s letters are usually divided into two parts, with the ethereal and theological part first, followed by the practical part. Yesterday we concluded the ethereal and theological part with Paul’s incredible prayer for his readers and for us at the end of chapter 3. And now we enter the practical part of his letter.

GNT Translation notes:
Eph. 4:13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our [believing//faith] and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.
22 So[, like throwing away old clothes,] get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.
24 and [like putting on new clothes,] you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

NLT Translation notes:
Pro. 3:5An honest witness does not lie;
a false witness breathes [out] lies.
====
Eph. 4:5 [We all worship//There is] one Lord, [we all fully believe in Christ/one faith], [we all have been baptized as his followers/one baptism],
[In Indonesia ‘one baptism’ has been misunderstood by people on both sides of the main baptism debate. One side say, “One baptism means you should only be baptized once (so if you were baptized as a baby, don’t get baptized again anywhere else!)” The other side says, “One baptism means there is only one way to be baptized, and that is by immersion.” Both sides miss the point, because this passage is about things that unify us, not divide us!]
6 and [we all serve the same//one] God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the [non-Jewish pagans/Gentiles] do, for they are hopelessly confused.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God [has forgiven you because of your being joined to Christ./through Christ has forgiven you.]

 


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Tuesday, August 22, 2017

DayStarters_023 JHN.12.1-26


Re-release of NT reading from GN series edition 190.


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GN-DBRP_235 1CH.2 PRO.14.1-18 EPH.3


1CHRONICLES 2:
Yesterday we traced from Adam to Noah, and the genealogy to Abraham.  Then we heard of Abraham’s two other families, those descending from Keturah and the sons and rulers descended from Esau. So now we take up Jacob’s descendants, but in this book he is frequently called by his other name, Israel. (GNT has used ‘Jacob’ instead in this chapter, as it is more understandable for modern readers.)

PROVERBS 14a:
This chapter has one of my all-time favorite proverbs:

4 NLT Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.//
GNT Without any oxen to pull the plow your barn will be empty,
But with them it will be full of grain.]

Re-reading EPHESIANS 3:
There are two instances of ‘joined with Christ’ in this chapter. This brings the total to 13 so far in this letter.

GNT Translation note:
1Chr. 2:47 (A man named Jahdai [whose relationship was not specified] had six sons: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.)

NLT Translation notes:
Pro. 14:5 An honest witness does not lie;
a false witness breathes [out] lies.
====
Eph. 3:5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed [that secret plan//it] to his holy apostles and prophets.
12 [PET: Because we who fully believe in Christ are joined as one with Him, we feel confident/bold/free and no longer need to be afraid to come to God in prayer.//Because of Christ and our faith in him,d we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.]
20-21 PET: May God— who is able to do far more than we can ask or think, always be glorified by the unity of His whole church. Let us glorify Him because of His amazing power which works in each of our lives. And because we are one with Christ Jesus, let us glorify God from age to age, forever! Amen!///NLT:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

 


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NL-DBRP_235 1CH.2 PRO.14.1-18 EPH.3


1CHRONICLES 2:
Yesterday we traced from Adam to Noah, and the genealogy to Abraham.  Then we heard of Abraham’s two other families, those descending from Keturah and the sons and rulers descended from Esau. So now we take up Jacob’s descendants, but in this book he is frequently called by his other name, Israel. (GNT has used ‘Jacob’ instead in this chapter, as it is more understandable for modern readers.)

PROVERBS 14a:
This chapter has one of my all-time favorite proverbs:

4 NLT Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.//
GNT Without any oxen to pull the plow your barn will be empty,
But with them it will be full of grain.]

Re-reading EPHESIANS 3:
There are two instances of ‘joined with Christ’ in this chapter. This brings the total to 13 so far in this letter.

GNT Translation note:
1Chr. 2:47 (A man named Jahdai [whose relationship was not specified] had six sons: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.)

NLT Translation notes:
Pro. 14:5 An honest witness does not lie;
a false witness breathes [out] lies.
====
Eph. 3:5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed [that secret plan//it] to his holy apostles and prophets.
12 [PET: Because we who fully believe in Christ are joined as one with Him, we feel confident/bold/free and no longer need to be afraid to come to God in prayer.//Because of Christ and our faith in him,d we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.]
20-21 PET: May God— who is able to do far more than we can ask or think, always be glorified by the unity of His whole church. Let us glorify Him because of His amazing power which works in each of our lives. And because we are one with Christ Jesus, let us glorify God from age to age, forever! Amen!///NLT:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

 


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