Month: January 2024

Day 21 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 42:18–43:34; Matthew 13:47–14:12 Psalm 18:16-36; Proverbs 4:7-10

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In our New Testament reading today in Matthew, Jesus continues to use parables to teach about the Kingdom of God. He uses the parable of the net in teaching that at the end of the age, there will be a separation of the righteous and the wicked. Matthew 14 recounts the beheading of John the Baptist, reminding us, just as it did those in Jesus’ day, of the cost of discipleship and the opposition faced when following Him.

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like Unto a Net Cast into the Sea
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 13:47-50

Every Scribe Which is Instructed Unto the Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. – Matthew 13:51-52

Whence Hath this Man this Wisdom, and These Mighty Works?
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him.- Matthew 13:53-57

He Did Not Many Mighty Works There Because of Their Unbelief
But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. – Matthew 13:58

Herod Said This is John the Baptist Risen from the Dead
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, and said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. – Matthew 14:1-2

Give Me Here John Baptist’s Head in a Charger
For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. – Matthew 14:3-12

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In our reading in Genesis today, the story continues of Joseph’s brothers going to Egypt to buy food during a famine. In today’s reading, the brothers have returned to Joseph, bringing Benjamin along as Joseph commanded them to do.

Bring Your Youngest Brother Unto Me
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: but bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. – Genesis 42:18-20

We are Verily Guilty Concerning Our Brother
And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes. Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man’s money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them. – Genesis 42:21-25

My Son Shall Not Go Down with You
And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me. And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again. And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. – Genesis 42:36-38

If I be Bereaved of My Children, I am Bereaved
And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: and take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight: take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: and God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. – Genesis 43:11-14

Peace Be to You, Fear Not
And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house, and said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food: and it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand. And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks. And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them. And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender. And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there. – Genesis 43:19:25

He Lifted Up His Eyes and Saw His Brother Benjamin
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread. And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians. – Genesis 43:29-32

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Proverbs Chapter 4:7-9 emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding. It teaches us that they are the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life.

Wisdom is the Principal Thing
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: She shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: A crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. – Proverbs 4:7-9

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He Delivered Me, Because He Delighted in Me
He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because he delighted in me. – Psalm 18:19

Thy Gentleness Hath Made Me Great
As for God, his way is perfect: The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, And maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, And setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: And thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, That my feet did not slip. – Psalm 18:30-36

Day 20 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 41:17–42:17; Matthew 13:24-46; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 4:1-6

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Psalm 18 is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, protection, and deliverance. The psalmist declares that God is his rock and fortress. He describes the difficult circumstances in which God saved him and acknowledges that it was only through God’s strength and power that he overcame his enemies.

I Will Love Thee, O LORD, My Strength
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from mine enemies.- Psalm 18:1-3

It is God that Girdeth Me with Strength
For who is God save the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and markets my way perfect. He markets my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. – Psalm 18:31-33

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In Genesis today, the story of Joseph continues as he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and is subsequently appointed as second in command in Egypt. This section also covers the beginning of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers, who come to Egypt seeking food during a famine.

There is None so Discreet and Wise as Thou Art
And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. – Genesis 41:37-41

Go Unto Joseph; What He Saith to You, Do
And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands. – Genesis 41:55-57

Joseph’s Brothers Came and Bowed Down Themselves Before Him
And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. – Genesis 42:6-9

One is Not
And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not. – Genesis 42:13

Hereby Ye Shall Be Proved
hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies. And he put them all together into ward three days. – Genesis 42:15-17

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In the New Testament today, we read Matthew 13:24-46. Jesus speaks with His followers using several parables. The most well-known parable in this section is the Parable of the Mustard Seed. Here, Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed. The seed is tiny in appearance but grows into a large tree. Jesus also shares the Parable of the Yeast, where he compares the Kingdom of Heaven to yeast mixed into flour that causes the dough to rise. These two parables emphasize that even small actions obeying His will can lead to significant growth and impact. Other parables in today’s reading were the parable of the wheat and tares, the treasure hidden in the field, and the pearl of great price.

The Kindom of Heaven is Likened to a Man Which Sowed Good Seed
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. – Matthew 13:24-30

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like to a Grain of Mustard Seed
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. – Matthew 13:31-32

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like Unto Leaven
Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. – Matthew 13:33

Without a Parable Spake He Not Unto Them
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. – Matthew 13:34-35

Declare Unto Us the Parable of the Tares
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. – Matthew 13:36-43

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like Unto Treasure Hid in a Field
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. – Matthew 13:44

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like A Merchant Man, Seeking Pearls
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. – Matthew 13:45-46

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Proverbs 4:1-6 advises children to listen to their father’s instruction and to pay attention to his teachings, for they will provide them with good guidance and understanding. It emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom and knowledge to make the right choices in life.

She Shall Preserve Thee, She Shall Keep Thee
Get wisdom, get understanding: Forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: Love her, and she shall keep thee. – Proverbs 4:5-6

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More Thoughts on Psalm 18
In Psalm 18 – The Psalmist said the Lord is my rock. A rock is a symbol of power and strength. It speaks to me of a firm foundation. He says the Lord is my fortress. A fortress is a fortified place – a secure and strong place. The Lord is my deliverer – to be delivered means to be brought or transported to a proper place.

He says the Lord is his Strength. Indeed the LORD is our strength – if we allow Him to be. We can see in our reading that Joseph had physical, emotional, and spiritual strength as he trusted the Lord throughout his life.

The psalmist said the Lord was his buckler. A buckler is a shield used to support, defend, protect. The Lord was Joseph’s protector and defender.

The psalmist says that the Lord is the horn of his salvation. What is that? It is a common biblical symbol of victory of being rescued from oppression. He is saying the LORD is his rescuer. The LORD was the Horn of Joseph’s salvation.

And then the psalmist says the Lord is his high tower. He is his refuge. He sits him in a high place where he can see the things of his world but live above them.

Is the Lord your Rock? Your Fortress? Your Deliverer? Your Strength? Your Defense? The Horn of Your Salvation? Your High Tower? He will be if you allow Him to be…even as he was all of these for Joseph.

Verse three of Psalm 18 goes on to say – I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. He is worthy to be praised, so let’s end here today as even the psalmist began this Psalm by saying – I LOVE THEE O LORD!!!

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Day 19 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 39:1–41:16; Matthew 12:46–13:23; Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 3:33-35

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Today, our Proverbs state that the Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but his blessing is on the home of the righteous. He opposes mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. The wise will be honored, but fools disgraced.

The Wise Shall Inherit Glory
The wise shall inherit glory: But shame shall be the promotion of fools. – Proverbs 3:35

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In our reading today in Genesis, Joseph’s brothers sold him and he went to live as a slave to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. The Lord is with Joseph, and Potiphar knows it, so he puts Joseph in charge of his household. In time, Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph, but he resists her advances. One day, she grabs Joseph’s garment, and Joseph flees. Then, she falsely accuses him of attempting to assault her. Potiphar is angry and throws Joseph into prison. But the Lord is still with Joseph and blesses him even in prison.

His Master Saw that the LORD was with Him
And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. – Genesis 39:3-6

That Which He Did the LORD Made it to Prosper
And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper. – Genesis 39:20-23

Do Not Interpretations Belong to God?
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his Lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you. – Genesis 40:4-8

Pharaoh Dreamed
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. – Genesis 41:1

There was None that Could Interpret
And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh. – Genesis 41:8

Pharaoh Sent and Called Joseph
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. – Genesis 41:14

It is Not in Me: God Shall Give Pharaoh an Answer of Peace
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. – Genesis 41:15-16

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Matthew 12:46-13:23 tells of Jesus’ mother and brothers coming to see him and his response that his true family are those who do the will of God. Jesus also teaches the crowds in parables, including the parable of the sower, which describes different reactions to the Word of God and the importance of having a receptive heart to receive the Word.

Who is My Mother? And Who are My Brethren?
While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. – Matthew 12:46-50

Great Multitudes Gathered Together Unto Him
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. – Matthew 13:1-2

He Spake Many Things Unto Them in Parables
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. – Matthew 13:3-9

Why Speakest Thou Unto Them in Parables?
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. – Matthew 13:10-12

In Them is Fulfilled the Prophecy of Esaias
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest at any time they should see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And should understand with their heart, And should be converted, and I should heal them. – Matthew 13:13-15

The Prophecy – And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. – Isaiah‬ ‭6:9-10‬‬‬

Blessed are Your Eyes for They See, and Your Ears for They Hear
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. – Matthew 13:16-17

Hear Ye Therefore the Parable of the Sower
Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. – Matthew 13:18-23

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Psalm 17 is a prayer for protection and justice, where the Psalmist asks God to defend him against his enemies and to vindicate him from false accusations.

Hold Up My Goings in Thy Paths
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. – Psalm 17:4-5

Keep Me as the Apple of the Eye
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings. – Psalm 17:8

I Shall Be Satisfied, When I Awake, with Thy Likeness
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. – Psalm 17:15

Day 18 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 37:1–38:30; Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 3:27-32

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As we continue in Matthew 12, Jesus encounters issues with the Pharisees. In one of these encounters, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man who is both blind and mute. The Pharisees accuse Jesus of using Satan’s power to perform the miracle, but Jesus rebukes them and explains it is through God’s power He casts out demons. Jesus warns of the consequences of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of bearing good fruit in your life.

This Fellow Doth Not Cast Out Devils But by Beelzebub
Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. – Matthew 12:22-24

Every Kingdom Divided Against Itself is Brought to Desolation
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: and if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. – Matthew 12:25-30

The Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost Shall Not Be Forgiven
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. – Matthew 12:31-32

The Tree is Known By His Fruit
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. – Matthew 12:33-35

You Will Give Account for Every Idle Word
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. – Matthew 12:36-37

An Evil and Adulterous Generation Seeketh After a Sign
Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. – Matthew 12:38-40

Men of Nineveh and Queen of the South Shall Rise in Judgment
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. – Matthew 12:41-42

When the Unclean Spirit is Gone Out of a Man
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. – Matthew 12:43-45

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In today’s reading of Genesis 37, we have the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob (now Israel), who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. The chapter includes Joseph’s famous coat of many colors and his dreams of future greatness. It also tells of the lengths the brothers went to cover up their acts done in jealousy. In Genesis 38, the focus shifts to Judah, another of Jacob’s sons, and his relationship with his daughter-in-law, Tamar. Both chapters involve deceit and the consequences of deceitfulness. Both chapters remind me of something a pastor used to say frequently – 

Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay

Israel Loved Joseph More Than All His Children
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. – Genesis 37:3-4

Joseph Told His Brothers His Dream
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: for, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. – Genesis 37:5-8

Joseph Told His Brothers Another Dream
And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying. – Genesis 37:9-11

Joseph’s Brothers Dip His Coat in Blood, Jacob Mourns
And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; and they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. – Genesis 37:31-35

Tamar Went and Dwelt in Her Father’s House
Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house. – Genesis 38:11

Tamar Put Her Widow’s Garments Off
And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep. And she put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. – Genesis 38:13-19

Tamar Hath Been More Righteous than I
And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more. – Genesis 38:24-26

Twins Were in Tamar’s Womb
And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah. – Genesis 38:27-30

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Psalm 16 is a beautiful expression of trust in God attributed to King David. It speaks of finding refuge in God, the joy of being in His presence, and the assurance of His faithful care. The psalm also contains Messianic prophecy, with verses 8-11 pointing towards the resurrection of Christ. This psalm is a source of comfort and inspiration for believers and includes one of my all-time favorite verses and promises of God.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. – Psalm‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭

The LORD is the Portion of Mine Inheritance
The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly heritage. – Psalm 16:5-6

Neither Wilt Thou Suffer Thine Holy One to See Corruption
I have set the LORD always before me: Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: My flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. – Psalm‬ ‭16‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭

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Proverbs 3:27-32 advises individuals not to withhold good from those deserving of it when they can help them. Do not plot against your neighbors or accuse someone without reason. Do not envy violent people or those that oppress others, and do not choose their ways! The Lord detests such but takes into His confidence the upright.

Withhold Not Good from Them to Whom it is Due, When it is in the Power of Thine Hand to Do It
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, And to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, If he have done thee no harm. – Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬-‭30‬ ‭

The Froward is Abomination to the LORD
Envy thou not the oppressor, And choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: But his secret is with the righteous. – Proverbs 3:31-32

Froward – willfully contrary; not easily managed

Day 17 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 35:1–36:43; Matthew 12:1-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 3:21-26

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In Matthew 12:1-21 Jesus’ disciples pluck corn and eat, and Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. The Pharisees are right there to question, critique, and accuse. Jesus answers, and the Pharisees gather to discuss how they can destroy Jesus. So, Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from the Pharisees and healed many of the people following Him. The passage for today concludes by sharing how Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah by not quarreling or shouting in the streets.

His Disciples Were an Hungred and Began to Pluck the Ears of Corn
At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. – Matthew 12:1-2

In This Place is One Greater than the Temple
But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. – Matthew 12:3-8

Is it Lawful to Heal on the Sabbath
And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: and, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. – Matthew 12:9-13

That it Might Be Fulfilled Which was Spoken by Esaias the Prophet
Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; and charged them that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; My beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, And he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; Neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. – Matthew 12:14-21

The Prophecy
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. – Isaiah 42:1-4

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In today’s reading in Genesis, God commands Jacob to go to Bethel and build an altar to Him. Jacob and his family leave Shechem and travel to Bethel, where Jacob has a vision of God, and God reaffirms Jacob’s name, now Israel. He built the altar, and God blessed him. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin, and Israel buries her in Bethlehem. Reuben sleeps with Bilhah, one of his father’s wives, and Israel hears about it. The remaining text lists the descendants of Esau, known as Edom. These descendants of Esau became the Edomites and lived in the land of Seir. The end of the passage sets the stage for future conflicts between the Israelites and the Edomites.

Arise, Go Up to Bethel and Dwell There
And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: and let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. – Genesis 35:1-3

He Built There an Altar
So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Beth-el, he and all the people that were with him. And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. – Genesis 35:6-7

God Appeared Unto Jacob Again and Blessed Him
And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padan-aram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; and the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Beth-el. – Genesis 35:9-15

Rachel Travailed and Died as Benjamin was Born
And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin. And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Beth-lehem. And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day. – Genesis 35:16-20

Isaac Died
And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years. And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. – Genesis 35:27-29

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Psalm 15 describes those who dwell in God’s presence. What stood out to me was the importance of living a blameless life, speaking truth, and treating others respectfully and fairly. 

Who Shall Dwell in Thy Holy Hill?
LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; But he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, Nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. – Psalm 15:1-5

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Let Not Them (Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge) Depart from Thine Eyes
My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: Keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, And thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, And shall keep thy foot from being taken. – Proverbs 3:21-26

Heavenly Father, I come to you today and thank you for Your Word in Proverbs 3:21-26. I pray that You would help me keep Your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding before me and Your commands in my heart so that I may walk in Your ways and live a life that honors You.

I trust in You, Lord, and pray that You fill me with Your peace and protect me from all schemes of the enemy to bring fear and distraction. May Your love and faithfulness be my constant companions, and may I walk today and always in the light of Your glorious presence.

I ask all these things in the name of Your precious and holy Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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(more notes from today’s Daily Bible Reading in Matthew 11:7-30)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭

Notes on Verse 28 
This was Jesus’ first recorded invitation to all men to “come to Him” or “follow Him.”

In this passage of scripture “Rest” is promised twice to all who are labouring, heavy ladened, distressed, or sick. The first time is in verse 28 and He also makes a promise in verse 29. 

Notes from Verse 29 

Take my yoke upon you

Take’s for believers:

• Take the yoke of Christ (Mt. 11:29)
• Take up the cross daily (Lk. 9:23)
• Take no thought for life (Mt. 6:25)
• Take no thought for raiment (Mt. 6:31)
• Take communion (1Cor. 11:24)
• Take the whole armor (Eph. 6:13)
• Take heed to yourselves (see below)

Take Heed to Yourselves:

(1) How you give alms (Mt. 6:1-4)
(2) What you hear (Mk. 4:24)
(3) How you hear (Lk. 8:18)
(4) What you covet (Lk. 12:15)
(5) How you forgive (Lk. 17:1-4)
(6) How you overload yourselves in eating, drinking, and cares of this life (Lk. 21:34-36)
(7) How you feed and care for the church (Acts 20:28; Col. 4:17)
(8) How you build on Christ (1Cor. 3:10-15 2Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10)
(9) How you use your liberty (2Cor. 8:9-13 Rom. 14:1–Rom. 15:3)
(10) Lest you fall (1Cor. 10:12-13)
(11) Lest you destroy each other (Gal. 5:15; Eph. 4:31-32)
(12) Lest you backslide (Heb. 3:12)
(13) How you take suffering for your own faults (1Pet. 2:20-21)
(14) How you walk in light (2Pet. 1:19; 1Jn. 1:7)

Learn of me

Three commands here (Mt. 11:28-30):

• Come unto Me (Mt. 11:28)
• Take My yoke upon you (Mt. 11:29)
• Learn of Me (Mt. 11:29)

I am meek and lowly in heart

Four things about Christ (Mt. 11:28-30):

• I will give you rest (Mt. 11:28)
• I am meek and lowly in heart (Mt. 11:29)
• My yoke is easy (Mt. 11:30)
• My burden is light (Mt. 11:30)

Notes For Verse 30

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

Seven things the believer receives:

1. Acquaintance with Christ and eternal life (Mt. 11:28; Jn. 17:2-3)
2. Relief from fatigue (Mt. 11:28)
3. Relief from heavy burdens (Mt. 11:28)
4. Soul rest forever (Mt. 11:28-29 Heb. 4)
5. Truth, wisdom, knowledge–learn of Me (Mt. 11:29; Jn. 14:6; 1Cor. 1:30)
6. An easy yoke or obligation (Mt. 11:29-30 cp. Acts 15:10; Gal. 5:1)
7. A light burden (Mt. 11:30; Ps. 55:22)

Day 16 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 32:13–34:31; Matthew 11:7-30; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 3:19-20

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In today’s reading of the Old Testament, we learn about Jacob’s encounter with God as he prepared to meet with his brother, Esau. Jacob wrestled with God throughout the night and at the end of that night, his name was changed to Israel. We read about Jacob’s reconciliation with Esau, how he settles in the land of Canaan, and how his daughter was defiled there, and how vengeance for her defilement was executed.

Thy Name Shall Be Called No More Jacob, but Israel
And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank. – Genesis 32:22-32

And Esau Ran to Meet Him
And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my Lord. And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. – Genesis 33:4-11

Dinah Defiled
And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. – Genesis 34:1-2

The Sons of Jacob Answered Deceitfully, Every Male Circumcised
And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: and they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: but in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised; then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. … And the young man deferred not to do the thing. – Genesis 34:13-19

Dinah’s Brethren Slew all the Males
And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. – Genesis 34:25

Should He (Shechem) Deal with Our Sister as with an Harlot?
And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? – Genesis 34:30-31

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Jesus talks about John the Baptist in today’s passages from Matthew. He’s speaks of those who don’t believe and predicts judgment will come to those cities holding onto unbelief. On the other hand, He rejoices over the simplicity of truth. He invites those listening to become His disciple, which is the secret to finding rest!

Jesus Began to Say Unto the Multitudes Concerning John
And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Which shall prepare thy way before thee. – Matthew 11:7-10

He that is Least in the Kingdom of Heaven is Greater Than He
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. – Matthew 11:11-15

Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. – Matthew 11:16-19

Jesus Began to Upbraid the Cities Wherein Most of His Works were Done Because They Repented Not
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.-Matthew 11:20-24

Because Thou Hast Hid These Things from the Wise and Prudent
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. – Matthew 11:25-27

Come Unto Me, All Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

(for more notes on Matthew 11:28-30 see today’s post titled – I Will Give You Rest)

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Psalm 14 contains some insights regarding the foolish (or the wicked). The psalmist shares not one or two but twelve things about the foolish. Additionally, he writes about five things concerning the nature of God. It’s fascinating to observe how the text sheds light on the characteristics of the foolish, which are often our own, and how God searches for anyone who seeks Him and lives according to His ways.

The LORD Looked to See if There Were Any that Did Understand
The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, There is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, And seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: There is none that doeth good, no, not one. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? Who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. There were they in great fear: For God is in the generation of the righteous. Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, Because the LORD is his refuge. Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. – Psalm 14:1-7

Twelve Characteristics of Fools

• Deny the existence of God (Ps. 14:1)
• Live corrupt lives 
• Do abominable works 
• Are without understanding (Ps. 14:2) 
• Ignore God–do not seek Him 
• Are not good, not one (Ps. 14:1,3) 
• Have all gone astray from God (Ps. 14:3) 
• Have become filthy in life 
• Live in ignorance of God (Ps. 14:4) 
• Destroy God’s people 
• Never pray 
• Oppress the poor (Ps. 14:5)
  
  

Facts About God in Psalm 14

• God looks down from heaven
• God waits from His children to call on Him
• God dwells among His people
• God is a refuge to the poor
• God reserves the right of vengeance for the mistreatment of His children

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His Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; By understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, And the clouds drop down the dew. – Proverbs 3:19-20

God’s infinite wisdom, knowledge and understanding created, established, and maintains the earth, heavens, and everything in them.

Day 15 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 31:17–32:12; Matthew 10:24–11:6; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 3:16-18

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It Is Enough for the Disciple that He Be As His Master
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his Lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? – Matthew 10:24-25

What Ye Hear in the Ear, that Preach Ye Upon the Housetops
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matthew 10:26-28

Ye are More Valuable than Many Sparrows
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. – Matthew 10:29-31

Whosoever Shall Confess Me Before Men
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 10:32-33

I Came Not to Send Peace, but a Sword
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. – Matthew 10:34-39

He that Receiveth You Receiveth Me
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. – Matthew 10:40-42

When Jesus Had Made an End of Commanding His Twelve Disciples
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. – Matthew 11:1

Art Thou He that Should Come, or Do We Look for Another?
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. – Matthew 11:2-6

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Except the God of My Father Had Been with Me
This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight. – Genesis 31:38-42

Let Us Make a Covenant
And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. – Genesis 3143-44

Deliver Me, I Pray Thee, from the Hand of My Brother
And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude. – Genesis 32:9-12

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My Heart Shall Rejoice in Thy Salvation
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; And those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

But I have trusted in thy mercy; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. – Psalm 13:1-6

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Regarding Wisdom – All Her Paths are Peace
Length of days is in her right hand; And in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her. – Proverbs 3:16-18

Day 14 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 30:1–31:16; Matthew 10:1-23; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 3:13-15

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He Called Unto Him His Twelve Disciples
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Lebbæus, whose surname was Thaddæus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. – Matthew 10:1-4

Go to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. – Matthew 10:5-15

I Send You Forth as Sheep in the Midst of Wolves
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. – Matthew 10:16-18

It is Not Ye that Speak, but the Spirit of Your Father
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. – Matthew 10:19-20

He that Endureth to the End Shall be Saved
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. – Matthew 10:21-23

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I Learned by Experience the LORD Hath Blessed Me for Thy Sake
And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. – Genesis 30:25-27

Return Unto the Land of Thy Fathers and To Thy Kindred
And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. – Genesis 31:1-3

The Speckled Shall Be Thy Wages; The Ringstraked Thy Hire
And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, and said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked. Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. – Genesis 31:4-10

I am the God of Bethel Where Thou Vowedst a Vow Unto Me
And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. I am the God of Beth-el, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. – Genesis 31:11-13

Whatsoever God Hath Said Unto Thee, Do
And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is our’s, and our children’s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do – Genesis 31:14-16

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Happy is the Man that Findeth Wisdom and Getteth Understanding
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, And the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. – Proverbs 3:13-15

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For the Oppression of the Poor
For the oppression of the poor, Or the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. – Psalm 12:5

The Words of the LORD are Pure Words
The words of the LORD are pure words: As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. – Psalm 12:6-7

Day 13 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Genesis 28:1–29:35; Matthew 9:18-38; Psalm 11:1-7; Proverbs 3:11-12

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A Certain Ruler Whose Daughter was Dead
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. – Matthew 9:18-19

A Woman Diseased With an Issue of Blood
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. – Matthew 9:20-22

The Maid Arose
And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, he said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. – Matthew 9:23-26

Two Blind Men
And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. – Matthew 9:27-31

A Dumb Man Possessed with a Devil
As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. – Matthew 9:32-35

The Multitudes as Sheep Having No Shepherd
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. – Matthew 9:36

The Harvest Truly is Plenteous, But the Laborers are Few
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. – Matthew 9:37-38

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God Almighty Bless Thee and Make Thee Fruitful
And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padan-aram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother’s brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; and give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padan-aram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. – Genesis 28:1-5

A Ladder Set Up on the Earth and the Top Reached to Heaven
And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. – Genesis 28:10-17

If God Be With Me So I Come Again to My Father’s House in Peace
And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Beth-el: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: and this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. – Genesis 28:18-22

I Will Serve Thee Seven Years for Rachel
And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be? And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. – Genesis 29:15-20

In the Morning, Behold, It was Leah
And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. – Genesiis 29:25-27

He (Laban) Gave Him Rachel His Daughter to Wife Also
And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid. And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. – Genesis 29:28-30

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Despise Not the Chastening of the LORD
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; Neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. – Proverbs 3:11-12

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The Righteous LORD Loveth Righteousness
The LORD trieth the righteous: But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: This shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; His countenance doth behold the upright. – Psalm 11:5-7