Biblical Wisdom Still Relevant by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=13&article=1802

Biblical Wisdom Still Relevant

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

About 3,000 years ago, one of the wisest men to have ever lived penned through divine inspiration this statement: “A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Solomon’s statement speaks to the fact that in many cases, it is the emotional and spiritual attitude of an individual that sustains his or her physical existence as much or more than physical factors. On March 28, 2006, a brief article on loneliness provided some excellent modern scientific documentation for Solomon’s sentiments.

The study was in no way exhaustive since it only looked at information from about 229 adults. But the results were quite interesting. In a nut shell, the study showed that loneliness can be a potential factor that increases blood pressure. The study further indicated that when individuals became more emotionally connected to others and less lonely, their blood pressure can decrease. In fact, the authors of the study suggested that the “magnitude of the effect of loneliness on blood pressure is comparable to the magnitude of reduction that can be achieved through weight loss and exercise” (Hawkley and Berry as quoted in Minerd, 2006). Thus, one can see that the physical factors of losing weight and exercise can potentially be matched or eclipsed by the emotional attitudes of an individual, exactly as Solomon suggested.

Drs. Hawkley and Berry noted that many factors in the culture of the United States tend to increase the opportunity for loneliness and that, “under these circumstances risk of loneliness increases, and along with it so does risk of morbidity and mortality” (Minerd, 2006). In other words, emotional distress “dries the bones.”

Solomon’s ancient wisdom is as relevant to today’s society as it was to his three millennia ago. The Bible’s timeless nature is exactly the product that what would be expected from an all-knowing God Who can declare “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10).

REFERENCE

Minerd, Jeff (2006), “Loneliness Weighs Heavily on the Heart,” [On-line], URL: http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Hypertension/tb/2947.

BLOOD—The Liquid of Life by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=13&article=843

BLOOD—The Liquid of Life

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Blood always has been a curious substance whose vast mysteries and capabilities have yet to be fully explored. Doctors in the twenty-first century transfuse it, draw it, separate it, package it, store it, ship it, and sell it. And, although modern-day scientists have not uncovered completely all of the wonders of blood, they have discovered that it is the key to life. Without this “liquid of life,” humans and animals would have no way to circulate the necessary oxygen and proteins that their bodies need in order to survive and reproduce. Hemoglobin found in the red blood cells carries oxygen to the brain, which in turn uses that oxygen to allow it to control the entire body. A brain without oxygen is like a car without gas or a computer without electricity. Blood makes all of the functions in the body possible.

In the past, ignorance of blood’s value caused some “learned” men to do tragic things. For instance, during the middle ages, and even until the nineteenth century, doctors believed that harmful “vapors” entered the blood and caused sickness. For this reason, leeches were applied to victims of fever and other illnesses in an attempt to draw out blood containing these vapors. Also, the veins and arteries located just above the elbow were opened, and the patient’s arms were bled to expunge the contaminated blood. George Washington, the first President of the United States, died because of such misplaced medical zeal.

Maybe you have seen a red and white striped, twirling pole at the entrance to a barbershop. In the middle ages, barbers did much more than cut hair. They also performed minor surgeries (such as tooth extractions). One of their most frequent feats was bloodletting. Barbershops generally kept on hand a fresh supply of leeches—stored in a basin on top of the pole.

But what does all this have to do with the Bible? Thousands of years before the lethal practice of bloodletting was conceived, mankind had been informed by God that blood was indeed the key to life. In Leviticus 17:11, Moses wrote: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood.” Because red blood cells carry oxygen (due to hemoglobin in the cells), life is made possible. In fact, we know today that human red blood cells carry approximately 270,000,000 molecules of hemoglobin per cell. If there were any less, there would not be enough residual oxygen to sustain life after, say, a hard sneeze or a hefty pat on the back.

Today, we understand completely the truthfulness of Moses’ statement that “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” But how did an ancient shepherd like Moses come to know such information? Just a lucky guess? How could Moses have known almost 3500 years ago that life was in the blood, while it took the rest of the scientific and medical community thousands of years (and thousands of lives!) to discover this truth? That answer, of course, is that Moses was guided by the Great Physician—and therein lies the difference between life and death.

Born Among History by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=13&article=953

Born Among History

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

How do we know that the New Testament is not a book of myths and lies? How can people born 1,900 years this side of its completion have total confidence in the New Testament’s accuracy? What is it that causes so many of us to believe in the truthfulness of this book?

One thing that makes the New Testament such a unique work is how many times the events recorded therein are verified by other independent historical witnesses. Repeatedly, history has shown itself to be an ally, rather than an enemy, to the twenty-seven books that make up the New Testament. As a person reads through these books, he will find names of kings and queens, governors and priests. He will read of cities and villages, and sometimes even learn of the roads and passageways that connected them. The New Testament was born among historical people, places, and events, which allows twenty-first-century readers opportunities to inquire about its trustworthiness.

Consider just one example. As a non-Christian reads through the New Testament book of Acts, he comes to the account where Herod is addressing a group of people from Tyre and Sidon (Acts 12:20-23). In verses 21-23, he reads:

So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

Perhaps the person reading this account begins struggling with whether or not “this whole Christian thing is for me,” and whether there is any evidence that corroborates the information found in the New Testament. How much more open to the truth of God’s Word might this skeptical gentlemen be if he could come in contact with the vast amount of historical data that supports the facts found therein? In this particular case, he might find it very helpful to learn that a well-educated, first-century Jewish historian by the name of Josephus gave a detailed account of Herod’s death in his work, The Antiquities of the Jews (18:8:2). Notice how the two accounts stand side by side.

• Where Luke wrote that Herod was “arrayed in royal apparel,” Josephus wrote that “he put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture truly wonderful.”
• Where Luke wrote that “the people kept shouting, ‘The voice of a god and not of a man!,’ ” Josephus mentioned that “his flatterers cried out…that he was a god; and they added, ‘Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature.’ Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, nor reject their impious flattery.”
• And finally, where Luke recorded: “Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died,” Josephus wrote: “A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner. He therefore looked upon his friends, and said, ‘I whom you call a god, am commanded presently to depart this life….’ [H]is pain was become violent…. And when he had been quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life.”

Although the accounts of Luke and Josephus were written independently, regarding the death of Herod they agree in all of the essentials.

Acts 12:20-23 represents only one of many examples in Scripture where secular history upholds its reliability. Over the past 1,900 years, the Bible has been examined more critically than any other book in the world, and yet it repeatedly is found to be historically accurate. Such accuracy surely gives the skeptic something important to consider in his examination of Scripture.

REFERENCES

Josephus, Flavius (1987 edition), Antiquities of the Jews, in The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus, transl. William Whiston (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson).

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN" Certainties Of The Christian Faith (5:18-21) by Mark Copeland

 "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

Certainties Of The Christian Faith (5:18-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. In this last section of John's epistle, we find him summarizing
   three facts or "certainties" that his readers should have learned 
   - 1Jn 5:18-21

2. These "Certainties of the Christian Faith" relate to sin, the evil
   one, and the truth concerning fellowship with God and Jesus Christ

3. Each of these "certainties" is introduced by the words "we know", 
   and as we consider these three facts we shall begin each section in 
   the same way

[First of all, then, "we know"...]

I. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE BORN OF GOD AND SIN (18)

   A. "WHOEVER IS BORN OF GOD DOES NOT SIN"
      1. This statement, like the one in 1Jn 3:9, can be somewhat 
         troubling to the English reader
      2. But as we noticed in the lesson on that portion of scripture...
         a. John has already affirmed that Christians sin - cf. 1Jn 1: 8,10
         b. To say we have no sin is to lie, and to make God a liar
         c. So John is talking about one who does not "continuously 
            practice sin" (in light of the present tense of the verb, 
            this is an acceptable translation)
      3. As stated by Plummer, "A child of God may sin; but his normal
         condition is one of resistance to sin." (The Epistles of St.
         John, p.125)

   B. "BUT HE WHO HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD KEEPS HIMSELF"
      1. John explains why the one born of God does not continuously 
         practice sin, but it is difficult to know exactly what he means...
         a. Some translations have "keeps him" instead of "keeps  himself"
         b. This is because most translators believe "he who has been 
            born of God" is a reference to Jesus
         c. And yet in his epistle, the phrase "born of God" always has
            reference to the child of Christ, i.e., the Christian
      2. Assuming that "himself" is the correct wording...
         a. It becomes clear that the individual bears some 
            responsibility in keeping oneself from sinning
         b. While it is true that we have help from God (cf. 1Jn 3:9,
            "for His seed remains in him"), our faith must cooperate
            with God's power - e.g., 1Pe 1:5
         c. Thus the charge to "keep yourselves..." - cf. 1Jn 5:21; Jude 21

   C. "THE WICKED ONE DOES NOT TOUCH HIM"
      1. When we cooperate with God, Satan has no chance...
         a. When we submit to God, and resist the devil, the devil 
            flees! - cf. Jm 4:7
         b. For God who is in us is certainly greater than the devil! - 1Jn 4:4
      2. Instrumental in our cooperation with God is allowing His word
         to abide in us - 1Jn 2:14
      3. Even as the Word was instrumental in helping Jesus overcome 
         the temptations of Satan - cf. "it is written..." Mt 4:4,7,10

[So the first "certainty" of the Christian faith is that one born of 
God does not treat sin lightly, and with God's help is able to win the
conflict with "the wicked one".

Now for the second "certainty" summarized by John:  "We know"...]

II. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND THE WORLD (19)

   A. "WE ARE OF GOD"
      1. The Christian has been "born of God" - 1Jn 5:1
      2. The Christian is privileged to be called the "child of God"  - 1Jn 3:1,2a
      -- Thus we are blessed to be "of God"!

   B. "THE WHOLE WORLD LIES UNDER THE SWAY OF THE WICKED ONE"
      1. Sadly, those in the world are not "of God"
      2. For when one rejects Jesus Christ, they demonstrate who their
         "father" truly is - cf. Jn 8:42-47
      3. While they remain in their sins, they remain under the sway of
         Satan - cf. 1Jn 3:8,10

[Whose "child" are we?  Those who are in Christ have the assurance that
God is their father.  Those not in Christ are still under the 
influences of Satan who has blinded them! - cf. 2Co 4:3-4

Finally, "we know"...]

III. THE BASIS OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE (20)

   A. "THE SON OF GOD HAS COME AND HAS GIVEN US UNDERSTANDING"
      1. Jesus has come to give us true insight concerning God
      2. As John declared in his gospel:  "No one has seen God at any 
         time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the 
         Father, He has declared Him." - Jn 1:18

   B. "THAT WE MAY KNOW...
      1. "...Him who is true"
         a. Or as expressed in other translations: "He is the true God"
         b. "By true God [John] does not mean one who tells the truth,
            but him who is really God." (Calvin, The First Epistle of John, p. 273)
         c. By coming in the flesh, Jesus has manifested the true God 
            to us - cf. Jn 14:7-9
      2. "...and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ"
         a. Jesus has also given us understanding about how we can be in God
         b. It is through His Son, as we keep His words and His
            commandments, that we can abide in God - Jn 14:21,23

   C. "THIS IS THE TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE"
      1. Again, the expression "true God" is saying He who is "the real God"
      2. With this declaration, John is also defining what "eternal life" truly is...
         a. It is to "know" Him who is true
         b. It is to be "in Him" who is true, and "in His Son Jesus Christ"
      3. I.e., eternal life (as defined by John) is that abundant life...
         a. Which comes from "knowing" the Father and the Son intimately
         b. Which comes by having "fellowship" with the Father and the Son
      4. So John intimated at the beginning of his epistle - 1Jn 1:2-3
      5. And so Jesus declared in His prayer in Jn 17:1-3

CONCLUSION

1. Here then are the "Certainties Of The Christian Faith" as summarized by John...
   a. "We know" the relationship between those born of God and sin
   b. "We know" the difference between us and those of the world
   c. "We know" the basis of fellowship with God and eternal life

2. May the First Epistle of John always serve to remind of these 
   certainties, and may the last verse always remind us of the need for diligence:

          "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

3. With his favorite term of endearment, John admonishes us to stay 
   away from anything that would replace our devotion to the One True God
   a. We may think that we are too sophisticated to succumb to idolatry
   b. But as Paul pointed out time and again, anything that replaces 
      God in our hearts is an idol - Ep 5:5; Col 3:5

NOTE WELL:  If there was no danger of being led astray, there would be
            no need for a warning!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

 

Just feeling a bit paranoid by Gary Rose

A couple of weeks ago, I had my monthly Chiropractic treatment in Wesley Chapel and then began the trip home. After a few minutes a police car began following me. And he kept following me. Whenever I turned, he turned – it made me nervous. I am a good driver (everybody thinks they are) but why was that cop following me? Did I do something wrong? Was there some sort of outstanding warrant that I wasn’t aware of? Why did he just keep following and following and following. Finally, though, he turned onto another street. Frankly, I felt just like the small dog in the picture – paranoid.

Fast forward to this morning, its 1:30 in the A.M. I can’t sleep. Then I remember the episode with the patrol car and I thought about the picture of the dog with another (and much bigger) dog following him. Then it hit me – that is just how a faithful Jew must have felt under the law. Did the Jew often think that God was watching him, just waiting for him to do something against HIS law? Had he forgotten just one of the smallest commandments and committed a sin? And then I remembered the following passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians…

Galatians 3 ( World English Bible )

 ⁶ Even as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.”  ⁷ Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham.  ⁸ The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you all the nations will be blessed.”  ⁹ So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.  ¹⁰ For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.”

Truth: nobody’s perfect; everyone makes mistakes. God’s Law under the Old Testament was perfect, but since we are not – we have a problem. The Good News is, God has given us grace through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Those who do their best to do God’s will can be forgiven because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.

So, the next time I notice a police car behind me, I will try to remember this passage and not be paranoid. Besides, my truck is bigger than a puny police cruiser, anyway! How nice it is to be the BIG DOG on the block. On second thought… forget everything I just said and just do your best to stay out of trouble.

Bible Reading September 4, 5 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading September 4, 5

World  English  Bible

Sept. 4

Psalms 36-39

Psa 36:1 An oracle is within my heart about the disobedience of the wicked: "There is no fear of God before his eyes."

Psa 36:2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, too much to detect and hate his sin.

Psa 36:3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit. He has ceased to be wise and to do good.

Psa 36:4 He plots iniquity on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He doesn't abhor evil.

Psa 36:5 Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Psa 36:6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. Yahweh, you preserve man and animal.

Psa 36:7 How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.

Psa 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures.

Psa 36:9 For with you is the spring of life. In your light shall we see light.

Psa 36:10 Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.

Psa 36:11 Don't let the foot of pride come against me. Don't let the hand of the wicked drive me away.

Psa 36:12 There the workers of iniquity are fallen. They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.

Psa 37:1 Don't fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness.

Psa 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb.

Psa 37:3 Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.

Psa 37:4 Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psa 37:5 Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this:

Psa 37:6 he will make your righteousness go forth as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun.

Psa 37:7 Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don't fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen.

Psa 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don't fret, it leads only to evildoing.

Psa 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land.

Psa 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more. Yes, though you look for his place, he isn't there.

Psa 37:11 But the humble shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psa 37:12 The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth.

Psa 37:13 The Lord will laugh at him, for he sees that his day is coming.

Psa 37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to kill those who are upright in the way.

Psa 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart. Their bows shall be broken.

Psa 37:16 Better is a little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked.

Psa 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but Yahweh upholds the righteous.

Psa 37:18 Yahweh knows the days of the perfect. Their inheritance shall be forever.

Psa 37:19 They shall not be disappointed in the time of evil. In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

Psa 37:20 But the wicked shall perish. The enemies of Yahweh shall be like the beauty of the fields. They will vanish-- vanish like smoke.

Psa 37:21 The wicked borrow, and don't pay back, but the righteous give generously.

Psa 37:22 For such as are blessed by him shall inherit the land. Those who are cursed by him shall be cut off.

Psa 37:23 A man's goings are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way.

Psa 37:24 Though he stumble, he shall not fall, for Yahweh holds him up with his hand.

Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.

Psa 37:26 All day long he deals graciously, and lends. His seed is blessed.

Psa 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good. Live securely forever.

Psa 37:28 For Yahweh loves justice, and doesn't forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

Psa 37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever.

Psa 37:30 The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. His tongue speaks justice.

Psa 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart. None of his steps shall slide.

Psa 37:32 The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to kill him.

Psa 37:33 Yahweh will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

Psa 37:34 Wait for Yahweh, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

Psa 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.

Psa 37:36 But he passed away, and behold, he was not. Yes, I sought him, but he could not be found.

Psa 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and see the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.

Psa 37:38 As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together. The future of the wicked shall be cut off.

Psa 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

Psa 37:40 Yahweh helps them, and rescues them. He rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, Because they have taken refuge in him.

Psa 38:1 Yahweh, don't rebuke me in your wrath, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure.

Psa 38:2 For your arrows have pierced me, your hand presses hard on me.

Psa 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation, neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin.

Psa 38:4 For my iniquities have gone over my head. As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

Psa 38:5 My wounds are loathsome and corrupt, because of my foolishness.

Psa 38:6 I am pained and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all day long.

Psa 38:7 For my waist is filled with burning. There is no soundness in my flesh.

Psa 38:8 I am faint and severely bruised. I have groaned by reason of the anguish of my heart.

Psa 38:9 Lord, all my desire is before you. My groaning is not hidden from you.

Psa 38:10 My heart throbs. My strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me.

Psa 38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague. My kinsmen stand far away.

Psa 38:12 They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long.

Psa 38:13 But I, as a deaf man, don't hear. I am as a mute man who doesn't open his mouth.

Psa 38:14 Yes, I am as a man who doesn't hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs.

Psa 38:15 For in you, Yahweh, do I hope. You will answer, Lord my God.

Psa 38:16 For I said, "Don't let them gloat over me, or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips."

Psa 38:17 For I am ready to fall. My pain is continually before me.

Psa 38:18 For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.

Psa 38:19 But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous.

Psa 38:20 They who also render evil for good are adversaries to me, because I follow what is good.

Psa 38:21 Don't forsake me, Yahweh. My God, don't be far from me.

Psa 38:22 Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation.

Psa 39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I don't sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me."

Psa 39:2 I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred.

Psa 39:3 My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue:

Psa 39:4 "Yahweh, show me my end, what is the measure of my days. Let me know how frail I am.

Psa 39:5 Behold, you have made my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath." Selah.

Psa 39:6 "Surely every man walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain. He heaps up, and doesn't know who shall gather.

Psa 39:7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.

Psa 39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don't make me the reproach of the foolish.

Psa 39:9 I was mute. I didn't open my mouth, because you did it.

Psa 39:10 Remove your scourge away from me. I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

Psa 39:11 When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, You consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath." Selah.

Psa 39:12 "Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Don't be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, as all my fathers were.

Psa 39:13 Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away, and exist no more."

Sept. 5

Psalms 40-42

Psa 40:1 I waited patiently for Yahweh. He turned to me, and heard my cry.

Psa 40:2 He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand.

Psa 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yahweh.

Psa 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes Yahweh his trust, and doesn't respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Psa 40:5 Many, Yahweh, my God, are the wonderful works which you have done, and your thoughts which are toward us. They can't be declared back to you. If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Psa 40:6 Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire. You have opened my ears. You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.

Psa 40:7 Then I said, "Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll.

Psa 40:8 I delight to do your will, my God. Yes, your law is within my heart."

Psa 40:9 I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly. Behold, I will not seal my lips, Yahweh, you know.

Psa 40:10 I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart. I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation. I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great assembly.

Psa 40:11 Don't withhold your tender mercies from me, Yahweh. Let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me.

Psa 40:12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me. My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up. They are more than the hairs of my head. My heart has failed me.

Psa 40:13 Be pleased, Yahweh, to deliver me. Hurry to help me, Yahweh.

Psa 40:14 Let them be disappointed and confounded together who seek after my soul to destroy it. Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt.

Psa 40:15 Let them be desolate by reason of their shame that tell me, "Aha! Aha!"

Psa 40:16 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let such as love your salvation say continually, "Let Yahweh be exalted!"

Psa 40:17 But I am poor and needy. May the Lord think about me. You are my help and my deliverer. Don't delay, my God.

Psa 41:1 Blessed is he who considers the poor. Yahweh will deliver him in the day of evil.

Psa 41:2 Yahweh will preserve him, and keep him alive. He shall be blessed on the earth, and he will not surrender him to the will of his enemies.

Psa 41:3 Yahweh will sustain him on his sickbed, and restore him from his bed of illness.

Psa 41:4 I said, "Yahweh, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you."

Psa 41:5 My enemies speak evil against me: "When will he die, and his name perish?"

Psa 41:6 If he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood. His heart gathers iniquity to itself. When he goes abroad, he tells it.

Psa 41:7 All who hate me whisper together against me. They imagine the worst for me.

Psa 41:8 "An evil disease," they say, "has afflicted him. Now that he lies he shall rise up no more."

Psa 41:9 Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psa 41:10 But you, Yahweh, have mercy on me, and raise me up, that I may repay them.

Psa 41:11 By this I know that you delight in me, because my enemy doesn't triumph over me.

Psa 41:12 As for me, you uphold me in my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

Psa 41:13 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting! Amen and amen.

Psa 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God.

Psa 42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

Psa 42:3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, "Where is your God?"

Psa 42:4 These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day.

Psa 42:5 Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.

Psa 42:6 My God, my soul is in despair within me. Therefore I remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon, from the hill Mizar.

Psa 42:7 Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls. All your waves and your billows have swept over me.

Psa 42:8 Yahweh will command his loving kindness in the daytime. In the night his song shall be with me: a prayer to the God of my life.

Psa 42:9 I will ask God, my rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

Psa 42:10 As with a sword in my bones, my adversaries reproach me, while they continually ask me, "Where is your God?"

Psa 42:11 Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.

Sept. 4

Romans 16

Rom 16:1 I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,

Rom 16:2 that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.

Rom 16:3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

Rom 16:4 who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.

Rom 16:5 Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.

Rom 16:6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us.

Rom 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Rom 16:8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.

Rom 16:9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.

Rom 16:10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

Rom 16:11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.

Rom 16:12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.

Rom 16:13 Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Rom 16:14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.

Rom 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

Rom 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

Rom 16:17 Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.

Rom 16:18 For those who are such don't serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.

Rom 16:19 For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.

Rom 16:20 And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Rom 16:21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.

Rom 16:22 I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.

Rom 16:23 Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother.

Rom 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.

Rom 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages,

Rom 16:26 but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations;

Rom 16:27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

Sept. 5

1 Corinthians 1

1Co 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

1Co 1:2 to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:

1Co 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Co 1:4 I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;

1Co 1:5 that in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge;

1Co 1:6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

1Co 1:7 so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;

1Co 1:8 who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

1Co 1:10 Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1Co 1:11 For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.

1Co 1:12 Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ."

1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?

1Co 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius,

1Co 1:15 so that no one should say that I had baptized you into my own name.

1Co 1:16 (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; besides them, I don't know whether I baptized any other.)

1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Good News--not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn't be made void.

1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.

1Co 1:19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."

1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1Co 1:21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.

1Co 1:22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,

1Co 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,

1Co 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1Co 1:26 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;

1Co 1:27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

1Co 1:28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:

1Co 1:29 that no flesh should boast before God.

1Co 1:30 But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

1Co 1:31 that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."