Author: Melissa Lynne

Day 287 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 23:21–25:38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 25:15

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For a Day in Thy Courts
Behold, O God our shield, And look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts Is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: The LORD will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Psalm 84:9-12

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By Long Forbearing
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Proverbs 25:15

By patience and a calm spirit a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft and gentle tongue breaks the bone [of resistance].
Proverbs 25:15 AMP

Forbearance – patience endurance; a refraining from something; abstaining from the enforcement of a right.

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Let No Man Deceive You by Any Means
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Revealed in His Time
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
2 Thessalonians 2:5-6

Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now [from being revealed]’ it is so that he will be reveal at his own [appointed] time.
2 Thessalonians 2:5-6 AMP

The Mystery of Iniquity Doth Already Work
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-10

For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one [the Antichrist] will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming. The coming of the [Antichrist, the lawless] one is through the activity of Satan, [attended] with great power [all kinds of counterfeit miracles] and [deceptive] signs and false wonders [all of them lies], and by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them].
2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 AMP

God Shall Send Them Strong Delusion
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 AMP

God Hath from the Beginning Chosen You
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

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If They Had Stood in My Counsel
I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
Jeremiah 23:21-22

I Have Heard What the Prophets Said
Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.
Jeremiah 23:23-27

Is Not My Word Like as a Fire?
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Jeremiah 23:28-29

Day 286 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 22:1–23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14

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A Wise Reprover
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Proverbs 25:12

A Faithful Messenger
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to them that send him: For he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Proverbs 25:13

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If Ye Do This Thing Indeed
Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates: Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place. For if ye do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people.
Jeremiah 22:1-4

But if Ye Will Not Hear These Words
But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation. For thus saith the LORD unto the king’s house of Judah; Thou art Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon: yet surely I will make thee a wilderness, and cities which are not inhabited. And I will prepare destroyers against thee, every one with his weapons: and they shall cut down thy choice cedars, and cast them into the fire. And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city? Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.
Jeremiah 22:5-9

Woe Be Unto the Pastors that Destroy and Scatter the Sheep of My Pasture!
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 23:1-4

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They that Hate Thee Have Lifted Up the Head
Keep not thou silence, O God: Hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: And they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, And consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; That the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
Psalm 83:1-4

Thou, Whose Name Alone is JEHOVAH
Fill their faces with shame; That they may seek thy name, O LORD. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; Yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, Art the Most High over all the earth.
Psalm 83:16-18

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Second Thessalonians
Second Thessalonians is a letter from Paul the Apostle to the church in Thessalonica, located in modern-day Greece. Paul expresses gratitude for their faith and perseverance amid trials and tribulations. He reassures that God will judge those troubling them and reward them for their faithfulness. Like First Thessalonians, a theme running throughout is the second coming of Jesus Christ and remaining steadfast and prepared for that day.

Grace Unto You, and Peace
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-2

That Ye May Be Counted Worthy of the Kingdom of God
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-10

Wherefore Also We Pray Always for You
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Day 285 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 19:1–21:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 25:9-10

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Ye Are All the Children of Light
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-7

This is the Will of God for Your Life
But let us, who are of the day,

– be sober,
– putting on the breastplate of faith and love;
– and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

– Wherefore comfort yourselves together, 
– and edify one another, even as also ye do.

And we beseech you, brethren, 

– to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 
– and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.
– And be at peace among yourselves.

Now we exhort you, brethren,

– warn them that are unruly,
– comfort the feebleminded, 
– support the weak,
– be patient toward all men.
– See that none render evil for evil unto any man; 
– but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
– Rejoice evermore.
– Pray without ceasing.
– In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
– Quench not the Spirit.
– Despise not prophesyings.
– Prove all things;
– hold fast that which is good.
– Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

– Brethren, pray for us.
– Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
– I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens.
1 Thessalonians 5:8-28

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Pashur Smote Jeremiah the Prophet, and Put Him in the Stocks
Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things. Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD. And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks.
Jeremiah 20:1-3a

All that Dwell in Thine House Shall Go into Captivity
Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magor-missabib. For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold it: and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword. Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon. And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.
Jeremiah 20:3b-6

I Cried Violence and Spoil
O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.
Jeremiah 20:7-8

As a Burning Fire Shut Up in My Bones
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
Jeremiah 20:9

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Debate Thy Cause with Thy Neighbour Himself
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; And discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, And thine infamy turn not away.
Proverbs 25:9-10

Argue your case with your neighbor himself [before you go to court]; And do not reveal another’s secret, Or he who hears it will shame you And the rumor about you [and your action in court] will have no end.
Proverbs 25:9-10 AMP

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Defend the Poor and Fatherless
Defend the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: Rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82:3-4

Thou Shalt Inherit All Nations
Arise, O God, judge the earth: For thou shalt inherit all nations.
Psalm 82:8

Day 284 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 16:16–18:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–5:3; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 25:6-8

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Stand Not in the Place of Great Men
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, And stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince Whom thine eyes have seen.
Proverbs 25:6-7

Do not be boastfully ambitious and claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men; For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
Proverbs‬ ‭25:6-7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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As You Have Received of Us
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

For This is the Will of God
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Ye Yourselves are Taught of God to Love One Another
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Concerning They Which are Asleep
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Day of the Lord So Cometh as a Thief in the Night
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

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Open Thy Mouth Wide, and I will Fill It
Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; There shall no strange god be in thee; Neither shalt thou worship any strange god. I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people would not hearken to my voice; And Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: And they walked in their own counsels.
Psalm 81:8-12

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Shall a Man Make Gods Unto Himself?
O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods? Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD.
Jeremiah 16:19-21

Cursed be the Man that Trusteth in Man
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:5-8

Cannot I Do With You as This Potter?
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; if that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; if it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good. And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.
Jeremiah 18:1-12

Day 283 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 14:11–16:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:9–3:13; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 25:1-5

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That Ye Would Walk Worthy of God, Who Hath Called You
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: as ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

When Ye Received the Word of God Which Ye Heard of Us
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judæa are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

For What is Our Hope, or Joy, or Crown of Rejoicing?
But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

For Now We Live, If Ye Stand Fast in the Lord
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; and sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: that no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

To the End He May Stablish Your Hearts Unblameable in Holiness Before God
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

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Pray Not for this People for Their Good
Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.
Jeremiah 14:11-12

The Prophets Prophesy Lies in My Name
Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
Jeremiah 14:13-14

Thus Saith the LORD Concerning the Prophets that Prophesy in My Name
Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.
Jeremiah 14:15-16

Thus Saith the LORD, If Thou Return
Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
Jeremiah 15:19-21

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Turn Us Again, O LORD God of Hosts
Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, Cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80:19

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It is the Glory of God to Conceal a Thing
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: But the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Proverbs 25:2

Day 282 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 12:1–14:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1–2:8; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 24:30-34

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A People, a Name, a Praise, and a Glory
Thus saith the LORD unto me, Go and get thee a linen girdle, and put it upon thy loins, and put it not in water. So I got a girdle according to the word of the LORD, and put it on my loins. And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, Take the girdle that thou hast got, which is upon thy loins, and arise, go to Euphrates, and hide it there in a hole of the rock. So I went, and hid it by Euphrates, as the LORD commanded me. And it came to pass after many days, that the LORD said unto me, Arise, go to Euphrates, and take the girdle from thence, which I commanded thee to hide there. Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.

Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Thus saith the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem. This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing. For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.
Jeremiah 13:1-11

My Soul Shall Weep in Secret Places
But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD’s flock is carried away captive.
Jeremiah‬ ‭13:17‬

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Eleven Requests to God
Pour out wrath upon the heathen that have not know Thee (Ps. 79:6). 
Pour out Your wrath upon the kingdoms that have not called upon Thee.
Remember not our former iniquities (sins) (Ps. 79:8). 
Let Your tender mercies speedily prevent (come to meet) us. 
Help us, O God of our salvation (Ps. 79:9). 
Deliver us.
Purge away our sins. 
Let God be known among the heathen in our sight by revenging the blood of Your servants (Ps. 79:10). 
Let the sighing of the prisoner (the captive) come before You (Ps. 79:11). 
Preserve those appointed to death (under the sentence of death). 
Render a sevenfold reproach unto those nations near us as they have reproached You (Ps. 79:12).

We Will Give Thee Thanks Forever
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: We will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
Psalm 79:13

The Psalmist asked eleven things of God for the people and promised that in return for Him answering their prayer, they would do one. And the one thing was something they should be continually doing anyway in all things. Isn’t that so much like us today?

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The Slothful
I went by the field of the slothful, And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, And nettles had covered the face thereof, And the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; And thy want as an armed man.
Proverbs 24:30-34

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First Thessalonians
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter known as First Thessalonians to the church in Thessalonica, Greece. It is believed to be one of the earliest Christian writings and is known for its teachings on the second coming of Jesus Christ. Paul also uses this letter to remind these disciples of the fundamental truths already taught them, encourage them to continue living in holiness and comfort them concerning those who had died in the faith. It is still relevant as well as being a valuable source of insight into the early Christian church.

Grace Be Unto You, and Peace
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:1

What Manner of Men We Were for Your Sake
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

And Ye Became Followers of Us, and of the Lord
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-10

We Were Bold In Our God to Speak Unto You the Gospel
For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

But We Were Gentle Among You
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Day 281 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 10:1–11:23; Colossians 3:18–4:18; Psalm 78:56-72; Proverbs 24:28-29

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Wives – Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Husbands – Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Children – Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Fathers – Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Servants – Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Masters – Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Colossians 3:18-4:1

Redeeming the Time
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:2-6

Tychicus – All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

Onesimus – with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Colossians 4:7-9

Aristarchus – Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you,

Marcus – and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Jesus, Which is Called Justus – and Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Epaphras – Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Luke – Luke, the beloved physician,

Demas – and Demas, greet you.

The Brethren – Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea,

Nymphas – and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

Archippus – And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Colossians 4:7-17

Remember My Bonds
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Colossians 4:18

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Hear Ye the Word Which the LORD Speaketh
Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭

O LORD Thou Art Great
Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭

The LORD is an Everlasting King
But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities. Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men. But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭

He Hath Established the World by His Wisdom
Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭

The LORD of Hosts is His Name
Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭

Cursed be the Man that Obeyeth Not the Words of This Covenant
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant, which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God: that I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.
Jeremiah 11:1-5

What Hath My Beloved to Do in Mine House?
Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble. What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest. The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken. For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.
Jeremiah 11:14-17

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He Fed and Guided
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; And guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Psalm 78:72

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God Will Render to the Man According to His Work
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Proverbs 24:29

Day 280 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 8:8–9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27

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For Ye Are Dead, and Your Life is Hid with Christ in God
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4

Mortify Therefore Your Members Which are Upon the Earth
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Colossians 3:5-11

Put On Therefore as the Elect of God
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:12-16

Do All in the Name of the Lord Jesus
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17

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They Know Not Me, Saith the LORD
Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:1-3

In These Things I Delight, Saith the LORD
Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-24

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Yeah, Many a Time Turned He His Anger Away
But he, being full of compassion, Forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, And did not stir up all his wrath. For he remembered that they were but flesh; A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
Psalm 78:38-39

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Prepare Thy Work
Prepare thy work without, And make it fit for thyself in the field; And afterwards build thine house.
Proverbs 24:27

Prepare your work outside And get it ready for yourself in the field; Afterward build your house and establish a home.
Proverbs 24:27 AMP

Day 279 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 6:16–8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26

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Hearken to the Sound of the Trumpet
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me. Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.
Jeremiah 6:16-21

Amend Your Ways
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Stand in the gate of the LORD’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; if ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.
Jeremiah 7:1-7

Amend – to alter, modify, rephrase; to change for the better; to remove or correct faults in; to grow or become better by reforming oneself

Ye Trust in Lying Words that Cannot Profit
Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 7:8-11

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Beware Lest Any Man Spoil You
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Colossians 2:8-15

Let No Man Beguile You
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Colossians 2:16-19

Wherefore IF Ye be Dead with Christ
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Colossians 2:20-23

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A Right Answer
Every man shall kiss his lips That giveth a right answer.
Proverbs 24:26

He kisses the lips [and wins the hearts of people] Who gives a right and straightforward answer.
Proverbs 24:26 AMP

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I Will Open My Mouth in a Parable, I Will Utter Dark Saying of Old
Give ear, O my people, to my law: Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come, The praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
Psalm 78:1-4

Seven Reasons for Teaching the Law
That the generations to come might know the truth and laws of God (Ps. 78:6)
That the generations to come might pass the truth on to others
That they might hope in God (Ps. 78:7)
That they might not forget the great works of God
That they might keep His commandments
That they might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation (Ps. 78:8)
That they might set their hearts right and be steadfast in God

For He Established a Testimony in Jacob
For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, Which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, Even the children which should be born; Who should arise And declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; A generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭78‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭

Day 278 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Jeremiah 4:19–6:15; Colossians 1:18–2:7; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25

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Having Made Peace Through the Blood of His Cross
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Colossians 1:18-20

Now Hath He Reconciled in the Body of His Flesh Through Death, to Present You Holy
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Colossians 1:21-29

I Would that You Know What Great Conflict I Have for You
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:1-3

Though I Be Absent in the Flesh, Yet Am I With You in the Spirit
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:4-5

Rooted, Built Up, Stablished, Abounding
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7

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If There Be Any that Executeth Judgment, that Seeketh Truth
Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely. O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
Jeremiah 5:1-3

Will Ye Not Tremble at My Presence?
Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying, Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?
Jeremiah 5:20-22

But This People Have Revolting and Rebellious Heart
But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Jeremiah 5:23-29

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Psalm 77 is a beautiful passage in the Bible that expresses the author’s struggles, doubts, faith, and trust in God. The author begins by pouring out his heart to God. He feels abandoned and forgotten. However, as he reflects on God’s past faithfulness, power, and goodness, he finds comfort and hope have replaced his despair. I hope you are blessed as much as I was.

I Cried Unto God with My Voice and He Gave Ear to Me
I Cried unto God with my voice, Even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭77‬:‭1b

This will always be the case with God and those who seek Him. Never has God turned down the cry of a sincere and humble soul.

What Did the Psalmist Cry to God About?
– In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord (Ps. 77:2).
– My sore ran in the night
– My sore ceased not
– My soul refused to be comforted
– I remembered God and was troubled (Ps. 77:3)
– I complained
– I was overwhelmed
– I could not sleep (Ps. 77:4)
– I was so troubled I could not speak
– I considered the old days (Ps. 77:5)
– I considered past years
– I called to remembrance how I used to sing in the night (Ps. 77:6)
– I talked to myself and searched diligently
– I questioned my relationship with God (Ps. 77:7)
– I wondered if God would ever be favorable again
– I wondered whether God would ever be merciful again (Ps. 77:8)
– I wondered if His promises would ever come to pass in my life
– I wondered if He would ever be gracious again (Ps. 77:9)
– I wondered whether He had shut up His tender mercies forever
– I complained that this was my infirmity and lot in life (Ps. 77:10)

The End Result of Preoccupation with Self
You can see from the list above that the psalmist was preoccupied with self. The final result of any prolonged period of preoccupation with self is despondency. And the more one gives in to it the more despondent he will become. This is proved by the ever-deepening despair of the psalmist from Ps. 77:2-10a. His complaint ended with questioning and misery.

Now, make it personal. Isn’t this often a picture of me, and how I think and react?

I Will Remember the Years of the Right Hand of the Most High
Finally, the psalmist ceases his dejected self-preoccupation and becomes occupied with God. His despondency vanishes. Focusing on God is the cure for misery and despair (Ps. 77:10b-12). 

– I will remember the years of God’s past blessings (Ps. 77:10b)
– I will remember the works of God (Ps. 77:11)
– I will remember His wonders of old
– I will meditate also of all His wonderful works (Ps. 77:12)
– I will talk about and praise God for His doings

If the cure for the despair of self-preoccupation is to remember, meditate on, talk about, and praise God, we should focus on His greatness and goodness now, just as the Psalmist did.

Who is So Great a God as Our God?
Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: Who is so great a God as Our God?
Psalm 77:13

– He is greater than all gods (Ps. 77:13)
– He does wonders (Ps. 77:14)
– He manifests strength among His people
– He redeems His people (Ps. 77:15)
– He controls the waters (Ps. 77:16)
– He makes the depths afraid
– He sends rain on earth (Ps. 77:17)
– He makes thunder in the heavens
– He causes lightnings to flash
– He makes His voice heard in heaven (Ps. 77:18)
– He lightens the world with lightnings (Ps. 77:18)
– He causes earthquakes
– He manifests Himself in the sea (Ps. 77:19)
– He manifests Himself in great oceans
– He travels and yet His footsteps are not known
– He leads His people like a flock (Ps. 77:20)

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These Things Belong to the Wise
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them.
Proverbs 24:23-25