Category: Daily Encouragement

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 43:14-45:10
  Ephesians 3:1-21
  Psalm 68:1-18
  Proverbs 24:1-2

Isaiah 43:14-15 — Notice the titles for the LORD. Who is this that is addressing us? The LORD, Our Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the Creator of Israel, Our King! Sometimes we forget Who we serve.

Isaiah 43:22 — Have we ever grown weary of our LORD, Redeemer, Creator, and King? Have we gone without calling on the LORD, have we wearied Him with our iniquities (Isaiah 43:24)?

Isaiah 43:25-26 — 

The 1 John 1:9 of the Old Testament! We can have our sins blotted out! Notice the play on words:

• If you remember me – I won’t remember thy sins!
• Instead, we forget God and He remembers our sins!

Isaiah 44:2 — “Jeshurun” – this is the only mention of this name other than in Deuteronomy. Ellicott believes it’s a tender nickname:

“Jeshurun is a diminutive—a term of endearment: either ‘the child of the upright’, or ‘the beloved Israel'”. He suggested that “the letters of the diminutive of Israel, if slightly abbreviated, would make ‘Jeshurun'”

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/32.htm

Isaiah 44:3 — While the verse comes from Isaiah 55:1-2, the chorus comes from Isaiah 44:3 – “Ho! Every One That Is Thirsty“.

Isaiah 44:19 — Jacob (Genesis 35:2) knew God’s commands 400 years before Moses had them carved into stone (Exodus 20:3). Eight hundred years after Moses, God is having to point out to His people the stupidity of idol worship. That which isn’t burned as fuel is worshiped as a god? Really?

Isaiah 44:25 — Speaking of foolish:

Andrew Grove was one of the founders of Intel, which profoundly shaped the semiconductor industry. He was Time Magazine‘s Man of The Year in 1997. Yet in 1992 he made a prediction that looks amazingly shortsighted in retrospect.

A New York Times article described Grove as standing diametrically opposed to the position taken by Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) that smartphones, then imagined as “personal communicators,” might develop into a huge business.

Grove disagreed. The idea of a communicating device that people carried around with them is “a pipe dream driven by greed,” he said.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/26/3-horrendously-bad-stock-market-predictions-from-o.aspx

Isaiah 44:28 — Cyrus? No, we’re not teaching the Donald Trump Prophecy! The more exciting prophecy is that Cyrus was called out by name 150 years before he was born over 2,000 kilometers away. We read the fulfillment of this prophecy in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. It is rumored that Daniel was the one who showed Cyrus the prophecies. By the way, liberals see this verse as proof that Isaiah was written after Cyrus was king! From Josephus:

This was known to Cyrus by his reading the book which Isaiah left behind him of his prophecies. For this Prophet said, that God had spoken thus to him in a secret vision: “My will is, that Cyrus, whom I have appointed to be King over many and great nations, send back my people to their own land, and build my temple.” This was foretold by Isaiah one hundred and forty years before the temple was demolished. Accordingly when Cyrus read this, and admired the divine power, an earnest desire and an ambition seized upon him, to fulfil what was so written. So he called for the most eminent Jews that were in Babylon, and said to them, that “He gave them leave to go back to their own countrey, and to rebuild their city Jerusalem, (3) and the temple of God; for that he would be their assistant; and that he would write to the rulers and governours that were in the neighbourhood of their countrey of Judea, that they should contribute to them gold and silver, for the building of the temple; and besides that, beasts for their sacrifices.”

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/josephus/ant-11.html

Ephesians 3:6 — Paul has been hinting at the mystery (Ephesians 3:3, Ephesians 3:4) that the Gentiles would be part of the same body as God’s chosen people, the sons of Jacob! And not only that, but God called Paul “less than the least of all saints” to preach this mystery (Ephesians 3:8)!

Ephesians 3:13 — Notice Paul’s attitude. He does not chide the Ephesians (see Galatians 3:1); he is praying for them to continue to be:

• strengthened (Ephesians 3:16)
• indwelt (Ephesians 3:17)
• rooted (Ephesians 3:17)
• grounded (Ephesians 3:17)
• comprehending (Ephesians 3:18)
• knowing (Ephesians 3:19)
• filled (Ephesians 3:19)

Psalm 68:9 — I was at the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, and Franklin Graham said that rain was a sign of God’s blessing.

Psalm 68:18 — Tomorrow, we’ll read about this verse in Ephesians 4:8!

Proverbs 24:1 — A message to Asaph in Psalm 73! We’ll read about him in a few days.

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 41:17-43:13
  Ephesians 2:1-22
  Psalm 67:1-7
  Proverbs 23:29-35

Isaiah 41:23 — God dares the other gods to a challenge. Can they prophesy the future? What are they? Nothing (Isaiah 41:24)!

Isaiah 42:1 — If you feel whiplash reading Isaiah, don’t worry. Matthew Henry felt the same way:

The prophet seems here to launch out yet further into the prophecy of the Messiah and his kingdom under the type of Cyrus; and, having the great work of man’s salvation by him yet more in view, he almost forgets the occasion that led him into it and drops the return out of Babylon; for indeed the prospect of this would be a greater comfort and support to the believing pious Jews, in their captivity, than the hope of that. And (as Mr. Gataker well observes) in this and similar prophecies of Christ, that are couched in types, as of David and Solomon, some passages agree to the type and not to the truth, other to the truth and not to the type, and many to the type in one sense and the truth in another.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/isaiah/42.html

Isaiah 42:8 — The LORD God is a jealous God. This is repeated in Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, 1 Kings, Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Zechariah. Elijah was jealous for God (1 Kings 19:20), and Paul was jealous (2 Corinthians 11:2). God was jealous because He has a right to be unrivaled.

Isaiah 42:10 — Sing to the LORD a new song!

Isaiah 43:1 — From Earl Martin:

Isaiah 43:2 — ”Be Not Afraid” is based on this verse.

Isaiah 43:11 — The Acts 4:12 of the Old Testament!

Ephesians 2:4 — Only God could do this! From children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) to seated in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)! From aliens and strangers (Ephesians 2:12) to made right by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13)! From strangers and foreigners (Ephesians 2:19) to fellow citizens of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19)!

Ephesians 2:7 — Stop and think about that for a moment … we have no clue what all God will show to us in the ages to come. God’s grace to us has only just begun!

Ephesians 2:8-9 — From Earl Martin:

Psalm 67:3 — Praise the Lord for His mercy and His grace!

Proverbs 23:33 — They say 1 out of 8 people meet their spouse in a bar. Solomon says it’s a great place to also find the strange woman!

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 39:1-41:16
  Ephesians 1:1-23
  Psalm 66:1-20
  Proverbs 23:25-28

Isaiah 39:3 — Joshua said the same thing about the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:6). Seek the LORD first before you start making alliances (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Isaiah 40:3 — John the Baptist quoted this to identify his role (John 1:23, Mark 1:3).

Isaiah 40:5 — The Lawrence University Orchestra performed this part of Handel’s Messiah:

Isaiah 40:8 — The only two things that will live forever are God’s Word and a person’s soul. Spend time in God’s Word and with people!

Isaiah 40:11 — The Shepherd of Psalm 23 will come (from Isaiah’s perspective) and has come (from ours)!

Isaiah 40:12 — This sounds a lot like the end of Job. This wisdom poetry reminds us that we are unable to compare the LORD to anyone (Isaiah 40:25)!

Isaiah 40:28 — This is a great memory verse on the nature of God: His infinitude!

Isaiah 40:31 — This is an incredible chapter we’ve read, ending with the phrase “wings as eagles.” From our good friend, Ron Hamilton:

Isaiah 41:10 — Another great verse to memorize thanks to another good friend, Earl Martin:

Ephesians 1:1 — We’ve read Paul’s doctrinal discussions with the Romans, his dealings with the deep troubles of the Corinthians, his disputations with the defecting Galatians, but now we read of his delight in the Ephesians!

Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption through his blood! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

Ephesians 1:11 — Notice how “inheritance” is used three times – we’ve obtained an inheritance through Christ (Ephesians 1:10), the Holy Spirit is the “down payment” (Ephesians 1:14), and there is unknown riches of glory ahead (Ephesians 1:18). All things, starting with our redemption, are through Jesus Christ!

Psalm 66:3 — As we mentioned before, the English language has devolved. “Terrible,” from the Latin “Terreo“ 66:18 — The psalmist shares with us this important truth about prayer. As we see sad tales of pastors falling into sin, we realize that their sins were done in secret. What’s sad is that, like David, it’s possible to spend a year as the leader of God’s chosen people, and yet not spend any time with God (2 Samuel 11:27).

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 37:1-38:22
  Galatians 6:1-18
  Psalm 65:1-13
  Proverbs 23:24

Isaiah 37:1 — We read earlier in Kings and Chronicles that Hezekiah finally, after losing 46 cities and strip mining the Temple for the gold, entered the temple to pray.

Isaiah 37:2 — Interesting that Eliakim and Shebna are working together. Isaiah 22:20 says that Eliakim was more devout and replaced Shebna from his position. Also, interesting that instead of Isaiah speaking, Isaiah is spoken to.

Isaiah 37:6 — “Fear not” is found 48 times in the Old Testament. “Be not afraid” is found 19 times.

Isaiah 37:14 — God had delivered once through disinformation (Isaiah 37:7) but allowed the threat to return – this time Hezekiah went to God first!

Isaiah 37:16 — What makes the God of Israel different from other gods (Isaiah 37:12)? This God is the Creator of heaven and earth! No other god has created anything – much less heaven and earth! In fact, they were no gods (Isaiah 37:19).

Isaiah 37:33 — He shall not shoot an arrow? Nor come with shields? Let’s look at the Lachish Reliefs (now in the British Museum). This miracle would be done not for the faithfulness of Hezekiah (took him 46 losses to turn to the LORD), but for the LORD’s own name’s sake!

Sennacherib’s Siege of Lachish

Isaiah 38:5 — The LORD who took life in Isaiah 37:36, now gives life (Isaiah 38:5).

Hezekiah shares his testimony: “My life was miserable (‘great bitterness’), but God so loved me that I should not perish, because He has forgiven me!” As the Psalmist says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” (Psalm 32:1)

Hezekiah was a good king (Isaiah 38:3), but his goodness could not save him for Hezekiah was still a sinner (Isaiah 38:17). But God forgives those who call upon His name – The LORD is ready to save (Isaiah 38:20)!

Galatians 6:1 — At the Christian school I work at, this was one of the verses I challenged our staff with at In-Service. We have a responsibility not just for ourselves but for our fellow brethren as well. Restore the fallen. Bear their burdens (Galatians 6:2). It’s not enough to say, “I’m ok – but the Joneses are struggling.” Love one another!

Galatians 6:6 — It is appropriate and good to share financially with those who have shared with you spiritually.

Galatians 6:7 — From our friend Patch the Pirate – “You Reap What You Sow!“

Galatians 6:9 — The Christian School teacher’s life verse! Pray for those who are serving in high stress fields!

Galatians 6:13-14 — Paul exposes motives. Those teaching obedience to the Law really don’t care about the Law, only about getting a following. Paul didn’t care about a following but in being faithful!

Psalm 65:7 — Who stills the noise of the seas (Psalm 89:9, Psalm 107:29)? The God of our Salvation (Psalm 93:4)! Interesting that this predated God’s calming of the seas after Jonah (Jonah 1:15), and the LORD’s calming of the sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:26). Yet the disciples didn’t connect His action to His deity (Matthew 8:27).

Proverbs 23:24 — Is the joy of a father found in the hours spent at the office or in the raising of a wise and godly son? Steve Jobs was an interesting example. A brilliant inventor, but by most accounts, he was a bad father. While he was alive, his fame for invention grew, but now his tales of parenting are edging out his reputation.

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: Sennacherib’s Siege of Lachish. generationword.com/bible_museum/biblical_artifacts/Sennacherib_siege_of_Lachish.html.

September 20

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Isaiah 33:10-36:22
  Galatians 5:13-26
  Psalm 64:1-10
  Proverbs 23:23

Isaiah 33:15 — More of the “disciplines of a godly man” – walking right, speaking right, spurning dishonest gain, controlling his hands, ears, and eyes. Self-control is the marks of a man following the Lord!

Isaiah 33:22 — America was born with a split of governing authority. The King of England, on the other hand, could dismiss judges if he didn’t like what they did. The LORD in His theocracy exercises the role of all three branches of government: the judicial (judge), the legislative (lawgiver), and the executive (king). Social critics say that power corrupts, so we in America try to have a “balance of power,” but when the Lord rules, no one can (or needs to) check the power of the King!

Isaiah 34:8 — This is the last reference to the “Day of the LORD” in Isaiah, and the first mention in the Old Testament that ties the Day of the LORD to vengeance. Job and the Psalmist often cry for God to right the wrongs in this world. He will!

Isaiah 34:11 — What’s a cormorant? It’s derived from the Latin for “sea raven.” The bitterns are a subgroup of herons.

Isaiah 34:12-13 — The nobles and princes will be gone, the palaces and fortresses will be abandoned. The powers of today will not stand in the Day of the LORD.

Isaiah 35:4 — Isaiah gives the signs of what will happen when God comes. The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The lame will leap. The mute will sing. Roughly six hundred years after this prophecy, another prophet sat in a prison cell discouraged. He sent some of the few people who would listen to his words to seek an answer to a question he had: “Art thou he that should come?” Jesus told these messengers that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear (Matthew 11:5). Yes, Jesus, the one whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” is the God who came to save. He’s the One that Isaiah prophesied about. The vengeance will be coming soon, but we’re in a narrow gap of mercy. Peter declared that the gap between Isaiah 35:6a and 35:6b is not millennia, but just a couple of days (2 Peter 3:8). God is just waiting for some sinners to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)! It’s not until the last sinner comes to repentance that the vengeance will fall (2 Peter 3:10), and the world will be restored (Isaiah 35:6b).

Isaiah 36:1 — This is the third time we’ve read about this incredible miracle. Mat Staver recently talked about this at a VCY rally in Milwaukee. Sennacherib was 46-0 when it came to tallying battles against the fenced cities of Judah. We know this from the Taylor Prism in the British Museum.

Isaiah 36:10 — God doesn’t take kindly to false prophets. Be careful when you say, “God told me.” Deuteronomy 18:20-22 prescribes the death penalty for any who presume to speak for the LORD.

Isaiah 36:18 — The LORD is not the god of Hamath (a town in Syria, just north of modern Lebanon). He is not a god made with hands. He is the Creator of heaven and earth!

Galatians 5:14 — The 613 laws of the Torah are fulfilled in the Second Greatest Commandment. Paul doesn’t say that we’re excused from it. Now, as heirs of Christ, we must by love serve. By love we must reject the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:19-21 — Here we read about the “disciplines of an ungodly man!” Fornication is a work of the flesh, even though more and more people think that buying fur is more immoral than fornication! But fornication isn’t a big problem … is it? Better read the end of verse 21!

Galatians 5:24 — There is no middle ground. Have we crucified the flesh with its lusts (Galatians 5:19-21), and are we displaying the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? The challenge is that Christians today are mixing the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. A 1994 study on college students, religion, and drinking found that 1 out of every 8 college students who came from a total abstinence Protestant denomination were self-described regular drunks.

Psalm 64:9 — Declare God’s works! Share the testimonies of what He has done in your life!

Proverbs 23:23 — Charles Spurgeon preached on this verse Sunday night, June 26th, 1870.

John Bunyan pictures the pilgrims as passing at one time through Vanity Fair, and in Vanity Fair there were to be found all kinds of merchandise, consisting of the pomps and vanities, the lusts and pleasures of this present life and of the flesh. Now all the dealers, when they saw these strange pilgrims come into the fair began to cry, as shopmen will do, “Buy, buy, buy—buy this, and buy that.” There were the priests in the Italian row with their crucifixes and their beads. There were those in the German row with their philosophies and their metaphysics. There were those in the French row with their fashions and with their prettinesses. But the one answer that the pilgrims gave to all the dealers was this—they looked up and they said, “We buy the truth; we buy the truth,” and they would have gone on their way if the men of the Fair had not laid them by the heels in the cage, and kept them there, one to go to heaven in a chariot of fire, and the other afterwards to pursue his journey alone. This is very much the description of the genuine Christian at all times. He is surrounded by vendors of all sorts of things, beautifully got up and looking exceedingly like the true article, and the only way in which he will be able to pass through Vanity Fair safely is to keep to this, that he buys the truth, and if he adds to that the second advice of the text, and never sells it, he will, under divine guidance, find his way rightly to the skies. “Buy the truth and sell it not.”

WWW.ROMANS45.ORG/SPURGEON/SERMONS/3449.HTM

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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Image¹ Credit: Wikipedia contributors. File:Microcarbo Melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg – Wikipedia. 29 June 2009, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Microcarbo_melanoleucos_Austins_Ferry_3.jpg#filelinks.
Image² Credit: Seney Natural History Association, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image³ Credit: Images by David Castor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons