2015DBRP_264 2Chron9 Pro28b Mat11a

Yesterday we heard God’s famous response to Solomon, which is so often applied as a promise to America. It is stretching it past the breaking point to apply that promise to America. First of all, our country does not have a personal relationship with God like that of Israel in Solomon’s time. We also skate over all the conditions of humbling ourselves, turning from wicked ways, and praying. And we are not in the position of having made many sacrifices to the Lord.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/2ch.9.nlt

Here is today’s highlighted verse:

26Those who trust their own insight are foolish,

but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/pro.28

Jesus’ instructions to the disciples show that Jesus wants total commitment— even if it means dying in his service:

38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/mat.11

Check out this episode!

2015DBRP_263 2Chron7-8 Pro28a Mat10b

Yesterday we heard Solomon’s famous prayer at the dedication of the temple. He understood that the people would need forgiveness from the Lord, and requested the Lord’s mercy.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/2ch.7.nlt

Another favorite:

8Income from charging high interest rates

will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/pro.28

Yesterday we heard the list of the 12, and the beginning of the instructions to them. It is clear that Jesus gave this message for all of us, not just the 12.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/mat.10

Check out this episode!

JoySightings_017

Tales of the Kingdom: Hero's Quest

Check out this episode!

2015DBRP_262 2Chron6 Pro27b Mat10a

Yesterday we heard of the various things that Huram-abi made under Solomon’s direction for the temple, and of the dedication of the temple. In today’s (not reverent) language, we might say that the Lord ‘showed up’ for that dedication, just like He did for the dedication of the tabernacle.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/2ch.6.nlt

Our hightlighted verse for today:

21Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,

but a person is tested by being praised.d

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/pro.27

Many stories were brought together in chapter 9, including the calling of Matthew, who is most likely the writer of this book. Note that opposition is ramping up against Jesus from the religious teachers and the Pharisees. Like at the end of John 4, Jesus spoke of the need for God to send workers into the spiritual harvest.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/mat.10

Check out this episode!

2015DBRP_261 2Chron4-5 Pro27a Mat9

Yesterday we heard of the preparations for building the temple, and then the dimensions and the beginning of the construction starting in the 4th year of Solomon’s reign.

Translation note:

6He also made ten smaller basins for washing the utensils for the burnt offerings. He set five on the south side and five on the north. But the priests washed themselves [at/in] the Sea.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/2ch.4.nlt

Today’s first verse is very like the advice of James in the New Testament:

1Don’t brag about tomorrow,

since you don’t know what the day will bring.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/pro.27

Yesterday we heard of several powerful healings and the miracle of calming the storm. One of the one-becomes-two instances is in the Gadarene demon possessed man, called Legion in the other Gospels. If Matthew was present, as I posited before, it would be before the story of his joining the disciples in this chapter.

Translation notes:

22Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “[0//Daughter,

]be encouraged! Your [belief in Me//faith] has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

29Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because [you have believed in Me//of your faith], it will happen.”

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/mat.9

Check out this episode!

2015DBRP_260 2Chron2-3 Pro26b Mat8

In yesterday’s reading we returned to the books of Chronicles, and picked up the story following King David, with the beginning of Solomon’s reign. Solomon gave 1,000 burnt offerings to the Lord, then the Lord appeared to Solomon. Solomon requested wisdom to rule Israel, and the Lord was pleased with his request.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/2ch.2.nlt

Today’s highlighted verse:

23Smootha words may hide a wicked heart,

just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/pro.26

We completed reading the Sermon on the Mount yesterday with the parable of building a house on sand or on a rock. Building a house on sand is easier. But let’s be those who persevere and lay a good foundation.

Translation note:

26 Jesus  responded, “Why are you afraid? [Why is your belief in me so small?//You have so little faith!]” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/mat.8

Check out this episode!

2015DBRP_259 2Chron1 Pro26a Mat7b

Yesterday we heard the touching conclusion of Hosea. Finally Hosea penned the people’s rather short apology and request for forgiveness, and God responded lovingly, pleading Israel to stay away from idols. And we return to the story in the books of Chronicles that we left in the middle.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/2ch.1.nlt

A highlighted verse for today:

12There is more hope for fools

than for people who think they are wise.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/pro.26

Yesterday’s reading included one of the most often quoted but most poorly understood verses of the Bible. Check yourself before telling someone, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” If you are saying that in order to deflect criticism against yourself,  you are doing what a hypocrite does. And ironically, not being a hypocrite is main point of the passage. Nor is the meaning that we Christians must not judge other people at all. We must not judge hypocritically, but the Bible shows us how to judge rightly and fairly— as is necessary for us in this world.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/mat.7

Check out this episode!