Author: biblereadingchallenge

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 15:1-18:7
  Galatians 1:1-24
  Psalm 58:1-11
  Proverbs 23:12

Isaiah 16:6 — Pride brings judgment. If God judged Moab for their pride, how much more will He judge us for our pride?

Isaiah 17:7-8 — Judgment is to point man to his Maker. Amazing that man can make objects with his fingers, and then put his trust in those objects. We’ve seen in Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles example after example of kings (even good kings like Hezekiah) not turning to God until all else had failed. Especially what we saw in Isaiah 7 with Ahaz refusing Isaiah’s declaration of deliverance.

Isaiah 17:10 — How soon we forget the LORD! The Children of Israel who walked through the Red Sea started murmuring almost as soon as the waters returned. America itself has seen waves of revival, but then it returns to apathy soon after.

Isaiah 18:1 — What land is this? From Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers:

A new kingdom, hitherto unnamed by Isaiah, comes now within his horizon. The movements of Tirhakah, king of Cush or Ethiopia, from the upper valley of the Nile, subduing Egypt, and prepared to enter into conflict with the great Assyrian king (Isaiah 37:9), had apparently excited the hopes of such of Hezekiah’s counsellors as put their trust in an arm of flesh. To these Isaiah now turns with words of warning.

Galatians 1:1 — Paul starts out jumping right into his thesis – the Gospel is not from man but from Jesus Christ, risen from the dead!

Galatians 1:6 — Paul has been declaring the attributes of Jesus:

• risen from the dead (Galatians 1:1)
• the vicarious sacrifice (Galatians 1:4)
• the deliverer (Galatians 1:4)

These people have abandoned the power of Jesus for something else.

Galatians 1:7 — Paul clarifies his statement in the previous verse. The English word “another” in vs. 6 is “heteros” (referring to something completely different, like apples and oranges); the English word “another” in vs. 7 is “allos” (referring to something that’s of a different sort, like McIntosh vs. Granny Smith).

From Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words:

Allos expresses a numerical difference and denotes “another of the same sort”; heteros expresses a qualitative difference and denotes “another of a different sort.”

Galatians 1:8-9 — “Accursed” in Greek is “anathema.” It sounds “tolerant” to say that all roads lead to heaven. It may seem “intolerant” to declare that there is only one way to God, but that’s what the Bible teaches (Acts 4:12). Even more so, it is unkind and unloving to not warn someone of the curse coming (Ezekiel 33:6).

Galatians 1:12 — Paul is declaring that the Gospel is superior to any other teaching. Greater than anything given by any other man or even an angel from heaven. The Apostle says he was the least likely convert (Galatians 1:13-14) to the message revealed by the Father through the Son (Galatians 1:16). Paul went three years before even seeing Peter once (Galatians 1:18).

Galatians 1:23 — Only God can change a heart like that! Paul’s testimony encouraged others to glorify God!

Psalm 58:6 — When the wicked are surrounding you, and it seems hopeless, do not seek for personal vengeance. Give it to the LORD (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19)!

Proverbs 23:12 — The message of Proverbs. Unfortunately, too many fail to apply it.

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 12:1-14:32
  2 Corinthians 13:1-14
  Psalm 57:1-11
  Proverbs 23:9-11

Isaiah 12:1 — What a great picture of salvation! God was angry with us, but He turned away His anger toward us. Those who God was once angry with are the ones that God now comforts! What changed? God is my salvation!

Isaiah 12:2 — Note that it says LORD JEHOVAH. In Hebrew that’s “YAH-YAHWEH.” This is the first of two uses; the other is Isaiah 26:4. “Yah” is found in Psalm 113:1 where the KJV renders it in English as “Praise ye the LORD”. That’s a literal translation of the Hebrew phrase “Hallelu-Yah”

From Barnes’ Notes:

In this place, and Isaiah 26:4, “the repetition” of the name seems to be used to denote “emphasis;” or perhaps to indicate that Yahweh is the same always – an unchangeable God.

Isaiah 13:8 — Notice the similarity between this and 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Both are talking about the Day of the LORD compared to childbirth.

Isaiah 13:10 — The plague of darkness is spoken of many times (Ezekiel 32:7, Joel 2:31, Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, Revelation 6:12). Exodus 10:22 foreshadows what God will do in Egypt.

Isaiah 13:11 — Why will God judge the world? Evil must be punished! God is too just to excuse sin.

Isaiah 14:1 — From Jimmy DeYoung:

The Lord promised to have “mercy” on Jacob, the nation of “Israel”. The Lord had chosen these people in the past, Deuteronomy 7:6-8, and will “yet choose Israel” and “set them in their own land”.

It really doesn’t matter what the rest of the world may say about the land, God will set His chosen “Israel”, the Jews of today, back in the land of their forefathers, the land He has given them for the future, as well. From the sidelines we today can see the Lord beginning that process, the process that will move to completion after the Rapture and culminate at His Second Coming.

Isaiah 14:12 — It’s hard to keep up with Isaiah. He’s bouncing from millennia future to millennia past! You wonder just how magnificent the vision was that made him struggle to keep up. We now see what happened to Lucifer, now known as Satan. He fell from heaven for these 5 “I will’s.”

Isaiah 14:13 — From Jimmy DeYoung:

Please notice the last “I will” in verse 13, “I will sit also upon the Mount of the Congregation, in the sides of the North”. According to Psalm 48:2 this is describing the city of Jerusalem. Satan said he will be worshiped in Jerusalem, actually on the Temple Mount. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 is the prophecy of when the Antichrist, energized by Satan, claims to be God, from the Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 13:1 — For the past few days we’ve seen Paul pouring out his heart to the Corinthians. You can feel the hurt that he has in his heart from how the Corinthians have dealt with him.

2 Corinthians 13:14 — While the word “trinity” isn’t in the Bible, we see Paul making the LORD Jesus Christ equivalent to the Father and to the Holy Ghost. Since some religions teach that Jesus is not co-equal to the Father, this is an awkward verse for them to deal with.

Psalm 57:2 — Does this sound like your prayer life? In America we are tempted to make prayer into a passing phrase before a meal or a vain repetition before bed. But the Psalms show the depth of a relationship we can have with our Father in heaven! We can cry to Him because He performs all things for us!

Proverbs 23:9 — Solomon’s saying was condensed by Jesus into Matthew 7:6.

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 10:1-11:16
  2 Corinthians 12:11-21
  Psalm 56:1-13
  Proverbs 23:6-8

Isaiah 10:2 — God has active concerns for how we act here on earth, and for how we deal with the needy, the poor, the widows, and the fatherless. Note that He is not advocating equality of outcome (redistribution), but equality of access (e.g. I do not have a right to a “Not Guilty” verdict, but I do have a right to a fair trial). Laws that hurt the poor and needy are bad laws. The Heritage Foundation has an interesting report on big government policies that hurt the poor and how to address them.

Isaiah 10:21 — What is the point of all this judgment? That the remnant of Israel returns to the Mighty God! While this is Old Testament, we see parallels in the New Testament. Many Christian families have mourned their children going astray. Yet, those children who experience not only the pleasures of sin for a season but also the chastening of the LORD, will return to the Father.

Isaiah 11:1 — Who is this Branch? We read about the Branch in Isaiah 4:2. The Branch is beautiful and glorious and sanctifying Israel. Now we read that this is the descendant of David (Jesse’s son), who shall have a special spirit – judging the poor, smiting the earth, and slaying the wicked.

Lion and Lamb

Isaiah 11:6 — When has the wolf lain down with the lamb? Not in my lifetime, but in the Millennial Kingdom we will see this era of peace (Isaiah 11:6-9). This is the time spoken of in Isaiah 2:4 as well. Obviously, this time hasn’t come yet.

Isaiah 11:16 — A new Red Sea Highway? This will be interesting to see!

2 Corinthians 12:15 — The woes of many a pastor! The more love you show to people sometimes the less you are loved.

2 Corinthians 12:17 — Paul has been emphasizing throughout this chapter that he sought nothing from the people. He wasn’t a televangelist raising money for a new Gulfstream G650. He spent and was spent for them (2 Corinthians 12:15).

2 Corinthians 12:20-21 — How many of these things do we find in our lives? No, Paul wasn’t going to house-search for “envyings” and “strifes,” but Jesus was! He’s always with the believer (He indwells them), so let’s examine our lives and live for God!

Psalm 56:3 — Here’s an easy way to memorize from Mr. E!

Psalm 56:13 — The psalmist thanks God for his soul’s salvation from spiritual death, but now he asks for deliverance from physical death. If God has saved our soul, He can save our body!

Proverbs 26:7 — Guarding your thoughts is so important because thoughts determine actions, and your actions determine your character.

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

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Image Credit: “Lion and Lamb.” SketchPort, www.sketchport.com/drawing/5835404957712384/lion-and-lamb.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 8:1-9:21
  2 Corinthians 12:1-10
  Psalm 55:1-23
  Proverbs 23:4-5

Isaiah 8:1 — Mahershalalhashbaz is the longest name in the Old Testament. The name means, “Hurry to the spoils!” Soon the Northern Kingdom of Israel would be wiped out.

Isaiah 8:12-13 — Military alliances would not deliver Judah, but the LORD Himself would!

Isaiah 8:19 — Under the Mosaic code, what was the punishment for wizards (Luke 20:27)? Why try to communicate to the dead? Seek the Living God!

Isaiah 8:20 — An Old Testament warning to search things according to the Law. Deuteronomy 13:2-3 says that even if the wizard does wonders, do not listen.

Isaiah 9:2 — Who is this light? It comes from one who is faithful to the Law (Isaiah 8:20). It is the glory of the LORD (Isaiah 60:1).

Isaiah 9:6 — What kind of child is this that is called “The Mighty God?” “The Everlasting Father?” This same child will sit on the throne of David. If a child is the Mighty God, then He is “God with Us,” Immanuel. This is the promise of Isaiah 7:14 … the child of a virgin would be the Everlasting Father!

2 Corinthians 12:1 — Paul is very personal in this letter. Not so much doctrine and teaching but humbly imploring his beloved Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 12:2 — If there is a third heaven, there must be a first heaven and a second heaven. You can see the first heaven in an airplane, this is where our weather comes from (Genesis 7:11). You can see the second heaven in a spaceship, this is where the planets and stars are located (Nehemiah 9:6). But to see the third heaven, you must go with Jesus, this is where God the Father is.

2 Corinthians 12:7 — What was the thorn in the flesh? Whatever it was, he besought the Lord that it might depart (2 Corinthians 12:8). Interestingly, the only other time Paul uses the word “depart” in his epistles to the Corinthians is in relation to a wife departing her husband (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).

Psalm 55:17 — How often does God hear your voice?

Proverbs 23:4 — What is your goal in life? Riches are fleeting (Proverbs 23:5).

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 6:1-7:25
  2 Corinthians 11:16-33
  Psalm 54:1-7
  Proverbs 23:1-3

Isaiah 6:1 — The year is 740 BC. The political establishment was in upheaval because Uzziah had been king for 52 years. This was the only king Isaiah had ever known. Uzziah was such a great king (2 Kings 15:3) that he thought he’d make a good priest as well (2 Chronicles 26:18). For that he was cursed with leprosy (2 Chronicles 16:19). They’ve even uncovered a burial stone that claims to be where he was reburied:

Gravestone of King Uzziah in Jerusalem¹

What else happened in 740 BC?

In 740 BC, Tiglath-Pileser III took Arpad after a siege of three years, and razed Hamath. Uzziah had been an ally of the king of Hamath, and thus was compelled by Tiglath-Pileser to do him homage and pay yearly tribute.

Wikipedia

Also, Isaiah was taken from the earthly realms into the heavenly realms! The earthly king was dead, but the King of Kings was still on the throne!

Isaiah 6:2 — People have tried to portray this scene – but this is an incredible look into heaven!

Seraphim – Hagia Sophia²

Isaiah 6:3 — We see similar creatures in Revelation 4:8. Day and night they declare, “Holy! Holy! Holy!”

Isaiah 6:5 — Isaiah realized he was an unworthy sinner when he saw the KING! But God sent a seraphim to purge his sin (Isaiah 6:7).

Isaiah 6:8 — God is still calling today: “Who will go for us?” Isaiah said, “Here am I, send me!” Listen to this reminder from Patch the Pirate:

Isaiah 6:9-10 — How’s that for a message to share on deputation? Called by God to preach a message that the people will be unable to understand or perceive, a message that they have rejected God, so God will close the door of healing, and a message that Judah will be wasted desolate (Isaiah 6:11).

Isaiah 7:1 — We’ve just jumped ahead from the death of Uzziah to the reign of his evil grandson Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:2-4). We’re at the same time when Rezin and Pekah are teaming up against Ahaz. God had a message for Ahaz about Judah’s deliverance (Isaiah 7:7), as well as a message of judgment on Israel (Isaiah 7:8).

Isaiah 7:12 — Ahaz is trying to be pious (“I will not tempt the LORD”), but God recorded for us that Ahaz was actually trusting in Assyria (2 Chronicles 28:16); he was even sacrificing to the gods of Syria, his enemy (2 Chronicles 28:23)! Ahaz vandalized the House of the LORD (2 Chronicles 28:24), yet God still reached out to him.

Isaiah 7:14 — KnowingScripture.com debunks the argument that the word “virgin” should mean “young woman.” They also address the question, “Why was God giving a messianic prophecy to Ahaz when he’ll be dead for 600 years before Jesus is born?”

First, the Lord offers a sign to Ahaz that he would defend Jerusalem, but Ahaz rebelliously refused it. In reply, the prophet addresses not Ahaz personally but the house of David: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign …” (Isaiah 7:13-14). In Hebrew, the “you’s” in this passage are plural. So the proper recipients of the sign are a broader category than Ahaz personally. The promise is made to the entire royal house as such.

Tomorrow we will read more about the child in Isaiah 9:6-7.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27 — Paul is wondering why the Corinthians are willing to follow people who will fleece them, devour them, belittle them, even smite them on the face (2 Corinthians 11:20). Paul gives a great advertisement for missionary service in these verses, sharing what he has endured for the cause of Christ:

• 195 beatings from the Jews
• 3 times beaten with rods
• stoned once
• 3 times shipwrecked
• wearied, painful
• hungering, thirsting
• cold, naked

Paul didn’t have his best life now, but he had in mind a future with the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ!

Psalm 54:7 — Paul can declare with the psalmist, “He hath delivered me out of all trouble!”

Proverbs 23:2 — Gluttons beware – don’t eat with royalty!

Share how reading thru the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

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Image¹ Credit: yoav dothan, GFDL http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html, via Wikimedia Commons
Image² Credit: © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro