Month: September 2025

Day 253 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Isaiah 6:1–7:25; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 23:1-3

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The Lord is With Them that Uphold My Soul
Behold, God is mine helper: The Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
Psalm 54:4

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Deceitful Meat
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: For they are deceitful meat. – Proverbs 23:1-3

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As a Fool Receive Me that I May Boast Myself a Little
I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬-‭22‬ ‭

I Will Glory of the Things that Concern Mine Infirmities
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
2 Corinthians 11:23-30

God Knoweth that I Lie Not
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭31-‭33

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Here Am I, Send Me
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isaiah 6:1-8

The Lord Himself Shall Give You a Sign
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 
Isaiah 7:14

Day 252 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Isaiah 3:1–5:30; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 22:28-29

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Jealous Over You with Godly Jealousy
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
2 Corinthians 11:1-6

I Have Preached to You the Gospel Freely
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭

What I Do, That I Will Do, That I May Cut Off Occasion from Them Which Desire Occasion
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭

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Their Tongue and Their Doings are Against the LORD
For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory. The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people. The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
Isaiah 3:8-15

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He Shall Stand Before Kings
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.
Proverbs 22:29

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The Fool Hath Said in His Heart There is No God
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: There is none that doeth good. 
Psalm 53:1

God Looked Down To See if There Were Any that Did Understand
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Psalm 53:2-3

Day 251 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Isaiah 1:1–2:22; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Psalm 52:1-9; Proverbs 22:26-27

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Cease to Do Evil, Learn to Do Well
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Isaiah 1:15-17

Though Your Sins be as Scarlet, They Shall be as White as Snow
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Isaiah 1:18-20

Come Ye, and Let us Walk in the Light of the LORD
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Isaiah 2:2-5

Brought Low
Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: and upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, and upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. And the idols he shall utterly abolish.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭18‬ ‭

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Bold Against Some which Think We Walk According to the Flesh
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: but I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:1-6

Paul finished his instructions regarding helping people experiencing poverty and dealt again with false apostles working to discredit him in Corinth. They accused Paul of being base, vile, and a boaster. They said he lived in the flesh. Paul denies the criticisms and says that though he did live in the flesh, he did not war after the flesh. His weapons were not carnal but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds. 

What is evident when we’ve pulled down the strongholds?

• Strongholds are Destroyed – We destroy the reasonings of the accusers, whether the accusations are toward us personally, our church, or the entire body of believers. We eliminate the ideas and philosophies used to nullify the Word of God and the Gospel. We pull these strongholds and demolish them – putting Satan’s demons to flight and lifting high the Cross of Christ. 
• Imaginations are Cast Down – We reject and destroy all theories and philosophies, beliefs, religions, and any system put in place to defy the knowledge of God. 
• And every high thing that exalteth itself against the Knowledge of God –We examine ourselves and ask the LORD to look at our heart, and we then eliminate all pride that has entered our lives. 
• Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – We take every thought prisoner and keep it in captivity to obey Christ. Vain and evil thoughts of all kinds are brought down and made obedient to Jesus. That includes any thinking contrary to holiness, purity, and righteousness.
• Having the readiness to avenge all disobedience – We always stand ready to oppose anything or anyone who opposes the Gospel of Christ. We separate ourselves from them as it regards fellowship (2Cor. 10:6). We can’t do battle effectively with those who are holding intimate places in our lives. We can’t control our sword without letting go when we are also holding hands with the enemy.

Such as We Are in Word by Letters, Such Will We be Also in Deed
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
2 Corinthians 10:7-11

We Dare Not Compare Ourselves with Some that Commend Themselves
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
2 Corinthians 10:12-16

But He that Glorieth, Let Him Glory in the Lord
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18

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Be Not One that Involves Themselves in Others’ Finances
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, Or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
Proverbs 22:26-27

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And I Will Wait on Thy Name
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: And I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
Psalm 52:8-9

Day 250 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Song of Solomon 5:1–8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 22:24-25

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Your Zeal Hath Provoked Very Man
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: for I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭

Zeal – excitement of mind, fervor of spirit, eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence

As He Purposeth in His Heart, So Let Him Give
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Thanks Be to God for His Unspeakable Gift
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭12‬-‭15‬

His Unspeakable Gift – In the Greek is is the word – anekdiegetos – and it means that which cannot be fully declared. This word is used only in this passage. This gift is no doubt God’s gift of His Son.

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Many Waters Cannot Quench Love
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, As a seal upon thine arm: For love is strong as death; Jealousy is cruel as the grave: The coals thereof are coals of fire, Which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, Neither can the floods drown it: If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, It would utterly be contemned.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7

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Make No Friendship with an Angry Man
Make no friendship with an angry man; And with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, And get a snare to thy soul.
Proverbs 22:24-25

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For I Acknowledge My Transgressions
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: And my sin is ever before me.
Psalm 51:1-3

Against Thee Only Have I Sinned
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.
Psalm 51:4-5

Thou Desireth Truth in the Inward Parts
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: And in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities.
Psalm 51:6-9

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Psalm 51:10-13

Deliver Me from Bloodguiltiness
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: And my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Psalm 51:14-15

The Sacrifices of God are a Broken Spirit
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalm 51:16-17

Then Shalt Thou Be Pleased with the Sacrifices of Righteousness
Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: Then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Psalm 51:18-19

Day 249 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Song of Solomon 1:1–4:16; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 22:22-23

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Thou Givest Thy Mouth to Evil
But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, And castest my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, And hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, And thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; Thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.
Psalm 50:16-20

As I read this today, it brings conviction to over and over look at my words. Why? Because your own words can judge your own heart (Luke 6:45) and if I don’t change my heart and thus my words, one day they will be judged but it will be too late to change. 

Words of Jesus in Luke 6:45: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. 

Now Consider This
These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. 
Psalm 50:21-22

Thank You, Holy Ghost, for these warnings in Your Word. Thank You that you are here to reprove and to set me in order. Thank You, Jesus, for making a way for deliverance.

To Him that Ordereth His Conversation Aright
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: And to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
Psalm 50:23

In this scripture, God gives a great promise. But as in any of the promises of God, there is something that must be done on our part to receive it. To Him that ordereth his conversation aright (to him that lines up his conversation to God’s Word and God’s Will) he will see the salvation of God. And so, those that don’t take control of their conversation will not see God’s salvation. 

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Words of correction today. Thank You for Your conviction. Truly I have sinned against You and others by my unchecked words. Truly I have given my mouth to evil. Please forgive me, Father, for this evil I have allowed and all the damage I caused. Please help me, Lord, to take control of all conversations, every word. Please help me, Holy Ghost, to think before I speak and to cast away every word of gossip, slander, deceit, or strife. I know every word starts as a thought, so help me line my thoughts with Your thoughts every moment of the day. I ask this in the holy and precious Name above all Names…Jesus! Amen! 

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Let Me See a Thy Countenance, Let Me Hear Thy Voice
O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, In the secret places of the stairs, Let me see thy countenance, Let me hear thy voice; For sweet is thy voice, And thy countenance is comely.
Song of Solomon 2:14

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Of His Own Accord He Went Unto You
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; and not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
2 Corinthians 8:16-19

That No Man Should Blame Us in This Abundance
avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
2 Corinthians 8:20-22

My Partner and Fellowhelper Concerning You
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
2 Corinthians 8:23-24

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Rob Not the Poor
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, And spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
Proverbs 22:22-23

Do not rob the poor because he is poor [and defenseless], Nor crush the afflicted [by legal proceedings] at the gate [where the city court is held], For the Lord will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them.
Proverbs 22:22-23 AMP
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Whoso offered praise glorified me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God – Psalm 50:23

Day 248 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Ecclesiastes 10:1–12:14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 22:20-21

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The Conclusion of the Whole Matter
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

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Wise Men Die, Likewise the Fool
For he seeth that wise men die, Likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, And their dwelling places to all generations; They call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: He is like the beasts that perish.
Psalm 49:10-12

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Certainty of the Words of Truth
Have not I written to thee excellent things In counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
Proverbs 22:20-21

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Abundance of Their Joy and Their Deep Poverty Abounded
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5

See That You Abound in Grace Also
Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
2 Corinthians 8:6-7

Yet for Your Sakes He Became Poor
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 Corinthians 8:8-9

If There Be First a Willing Mind
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
2 Corinthians 8:10-12

Not That Other Men Be Eased and Ye Be Burdened
For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: as it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
2 Corinthians 8:13-15

Day 247 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Ecclesiastes 7:1–9:18; 2 Corinthians 7:8-16; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 22:17-19

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He Will Be Our Guide Even Unto Death
We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, In the midst of thy temple. According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness. Let mount Zion rejoice, Let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments. Walk about Zion, and go round about her: Tell the towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; That ye may tell it to the generation following. For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death.
Psalm 48:9-14

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Say Not, Why were the Former Days Better Than These?
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. 
Ecclesiastes 7:10

The Word warns us not to question (with complaint) the days we live in when they become difficult. To do so shows a lack of wisdom and in truth we are questioning God and the plans that He has for our good.

The Poor Man’s Wisdom is Despised
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
Ecclesiastes 9:16-17

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Bow Down Thine Ear, and Hear the Words of the Wise
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; They shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Proverbs 22:17-19

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Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2 Corinthians 7: 8-10

What Carefulness it Wrought in You
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
2 Corinthians 7:11-12

Comforted in Your Comfort
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
2 Corinthians 7:13-16

Day 246 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Ecclesiastes 4:1–6:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:7; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 22:16

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Be Ye Not Unequally Yoked
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Corinthians 6:14-16

Come Out from Among Them, and Be Ye Separate
Wherefore Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, And ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Let Us Cleanse Ourselves from All Filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1

Receive Us
Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
2 Corinthians 7:2-4

Troubled On Every Side
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
2 Corinthians 7:5-7

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A Few of Solomon’s Observations from Today’s Reading

• Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. – Ecclesiastes 4:4
  
  Most people are motivated and driven to succeed by their jealousy. This is meaningless.
• For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God. – Ecclesiastes 5:7
  
  Many dreams and many words are meaningless. Fear God instead.
• He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. – Ecclesiastes 5:10
  
  Those that love money will never be satisfied with money. It is meaningless.
• Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. – Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
  
  Contentment with your work and where God has called and placed you is truly a gift from God.
• Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. – Ecclesiastes 6:9
  
  Enjoy the things that you have rather than sitting around dreaming of and desiring all the things you don’t.

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He That Oppresseth the Poor
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, And he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Proverbs 22:16

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Shout Unto God with the Voice of Triumph
O clap your hands, all ye people; Shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is terrible; He is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, And the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, The excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
Psalm 47:1-4

Day 245 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Ecclesiastes 1:1–3:22; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 22:15

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Come, Behold the Works of the LORD
Come, behold the works of the LORD, What desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:8-10

Desolation – devastation, ruin, barrenness; sorrow, grief, woe

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Receive Not the Grace of God in Vain
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Giving No Offence
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
2 Corinthians 6:3

Approving Ourselves as Ministers of God
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,

• in much patience
• in afflictions
• in necessities
• in distresses
• in stripes
• in imprisonments
• in tumults
• in labours
• in watchings
• in fastings
• by pureness
• by knowledge
• by longsuffering
• by kindness
• by the Holy Ghost
• by love unfeigned
• by the word of truth
• by the power of God
• by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left
• by honour and dishonour
• by evil report and good report
• as deceivers, and yet true
• as unknown, and yet well known
• as dying and, behold, we live
• as chastened, and not killed
• as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing
• as poor, yet making many rich
• as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10

Be Ye Also Enlarged
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
2 Corinthians 6:11-13

We are speaking freely to you, Corinthians [we are keeping nothing back], and our heart is opened wide. There is no limit to our affection for you, but you are limited in your own affection [for us]. Now in the same way as a fair exchange [for our love toward you]—I am speaking as [I would] to children—open wide [your hearts] to us also.
2 Corinthians 6:11-13 AMP

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This Also is Vanity and Vexation of Spirit
For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 2:2

Vanity – excessive pride in one’s appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements

Vexation – to torment, trouble, distress, worry; to irritate, annoy, provoke; to disturb, to stir u

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Foolishness is Bound in the Heart of a Child
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 22:15

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him.
Proverbs 22:15 AMP

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Our Refuge and Strength
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

Day 244 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Job 40:1–42:17; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21; Psalm 45:1-17; Proverbs 22:14

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Therefore Have I Uttered That I Understood Not
Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, And that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: But now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent In dust and ashes.
Job 42:1-6

When He Prayed for His Friends
And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Job 42:10

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If One Died for All, Then All Were Dead
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:11-15

All Things Are Become New
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:16-19

We Are Ambassadors for Christ
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21

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The Mouth of Strange Women
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: He that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
Proverbs 22:14

The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit [deep and inescapable]; He who is cursed by the Lord [because of his adulterous sin] will fall into it.
Proverbs 22:14 AMP

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Thy Throne, O God, is Forever
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Psalm 45:6-7