Category: Hiding His Word

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

Day 243 One-Year Daily Bible Reaing – Job 37:1–39:30; 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:10; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 22:13

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Declare, If Thou Hast Understanding
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel By words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Job 38:1-5

Job and his friends gave words without knowledge. Words not taken to the Father to be empowered by the Holy Ghost before we speak them are words that darken the counsel given. Even flattering words that appear to build up lose their purpose if they do not come from our Father in heaven.

Please help me, Holy Ghost, be mindful that every word from my mouth is of You (or the flesh or enemy). Help my words to be a light to those they are intended to reach. Help them to be ripe with understanding because they came from Your heart and mouth. In Jesus’ Name I ask. Amen!

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He Which Raised Up the Lord Jesus Shall Raise Up Us Also by Jesus
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:13-15

Redound – to have a good or bad effect or result; to come back or reflect upon a person as to honor or disgrace

The Outward Man Perish, Yet the Inward Man is Renewed
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

An House Not Made with Hands, Eternal in the Heavens
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5

Whilst We are at Home in the Body, We are Absent from the Lord
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Our readings today in Job and 2 Corinthians remind us that there is more going on than what we can see or know – much more. Our trials may be difficult, but they have purpose and produce glory that outweighs the challenges by stretching and building our faith. Paul believed God was changing us from glory to glory, that everything of this world would one day be swallowed up, and until that day, all these trials were part of our transformation process. What would today look like if we grabbed hold of that same posture? 

Heavenly Father, Help me to live a life pleasing to You, knowing that the things of this world may be Your blessings, but there are temporary. Help me be content with such things as the few friendships I have because, honestly, I don’t want to be at home in this body yet apart from You. I want to be in Your presence each and every day for eternity. If it starts down here in some special way as I walk this next season, then let it be so…all for Your Glory, Your honor, and Your praise.

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He Knoweth the Secrets of the Heart
If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; We are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
Psalm 44:20-22

Ten Things God Knows About Man

• His imaginations (Dt 31:21; 1Chr 28:9; Prov 6:18; Rom 1:21; 2Cor 10:5)
• The hearts of all (1Sam 16:7; 1Ki 8:39; Lk 16:15; Acts 1:24; 15:8) 
• All the ways of man (Job 31:4; Ps 1:6; Prov 5:21; Mk 7:19-21 Heb 4:12)
• The secrets of the heart (Ps 44:21) 
• The thoughts of men (Ps 94:11) 
• The thoughts afar off (Ps 139:2) 
• Every word in the tongue (Ps 139:4) 
• Works and thoughts (Isa 66:18) 
• The thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12) 
• The deceitfulness of the heart (Jer 17:9).

Awake, Arise, Redeem
Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? Arise, cast us not off for ever. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, And forgettest our affliction and our oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust: Our belly cleaveth unto the earth. Arise for our help, And redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.
Psalm 44:23-26

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The Slothful Man
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
Proverbs 22:13

The lazy one [manufactures excuses and] says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets [if I go out to work]!”
Proverbs 22:13 AMP

Sloth – disinclination to action or labor; spiritual apathy and inactivity; idleness, laziness, shiftlessness

Day 242 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Job 34:1–36:33; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 22:10-12

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Behold, God is Great
Behold, God is great, and we know him not, Neither can the number of his years be searched out.
Job 36:26

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Renounce the Hidden Things
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Renounce – to give up or put aside voluntarily; to give up by formal declaration

What “HIDDEN THINGS” are we to renounce? 
– DISHONESTY, 
– CRAFTINESS (skillful in underhand or evil schemes; cunning, deceitful, sly)
– HANDLING THE WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY

If Our Gospel Be Hid
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4

We Preach Christ Jesus the Lord
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Treasure in Earthen Vessels
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Delivered Unto Death for Jesus’ Sake
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
2 Corinthians 4:11-12

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Our Fathers Have Told Us What Work Thou Didst in Their Days
We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, What work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; How thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, Neither did their own arm save them: But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, Because thou hadst a favour unto them.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭44‬:‭1-3‬ ‭

What works of old did their fathers tell them of?

• How God drove out the heathen with His hand
• How He planted Israel
• How God afflicted (punished) and cast out the heathen
• How God gave Israel to them as their possession
• How He saved Israel by His power – His own right hand, His arm, and His countenance. 

In God We Boast
In God we boast all the day long, And praise thy name for ever. Selah.
Psalm 44:8

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Cast Out the Scorner
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; Yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
Proverbs 22:10

Scorn – to mock, jeer; to reject, refuse, or ignore with contempt or disdain; open and unqualified contempt

Day 241 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Job 31:1–33:33; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 22:8-9

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O Send Out Thy Light and Thy Truth
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation:
O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me;
Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy:
Yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? 
And why art thou disquieted within me?
Hope in God: 
For I shall yet praise him,
Who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 43:1-5

In this Psalm David makes eight requests of God

• Judge me (Ps 43:1)
• Plead my cause 
• These first two requests ask God to be his lawyer in his case against the ungodly. 
• Deliver me from deceitful men. 
• Deliver me from unjust men. 
• Send out Your light (Ps 43:3)
• Send out Your truth. 
• Let them lead me. 
• Let them bring me unto Your holy hill, and to Your tabernacles

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In this Psalm David asks 4 questions of God

• For thou art the God of my strength, why dost thou cast me off? (Ps 43:2)
• Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
• Why art thou cast down, O my soul? (Ps 43:5)
• Why art thou disquieted within me?

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In this Psalm David makes 3 vows to God

• I will go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy
• Upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God
• I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God

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A Bountiful Eye
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 22:9

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A Covenant with Mine Eyes
I made a covenant with mine eyes; Why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above? And what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is not destruction to the wicked? And a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Doth not he see my ways, And count all my steps?
Job 31:1-4

Here, Job speaks of a covenant he made with his eyes. He references it toward looking upon and lusting after a woman, but indeed we can lust for many things of this world. Wealth, position, titles, ease. We look upon what others have, and we think if only we had that. We compare, and the thought develops that it would make us or our lives better. That is lust, and it bears the seeds of jealousy.

Unchecked jealousy brings along with it strife. And as we continue to feed and water jealousy and strife, the Bible says there is confusion and every evil work.

We need to make a covenant with our eyes—a covenant not to allow our eyes to compare and covet. We need to cut jealousy off before it takes root (confess), and if it has taken root, we need to pull it up by the root (repent) and burn the root and any seed that has dropped along the way (go and sin no more). It is evil and not dealt with as the horrible sin it is, leads to every evil work and destruction. It leads to an eternity in hell. Help us, LORD! Please help me!

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 3:16

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Ye Are Our Epistle Written in Our Hearts
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
2 Corinthians 3:1-3

Our Sufficiency is of God
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Glorious
But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:7-11

Turn to the Lord and the Vail Shall Be Taken Away
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: but their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
2 Corinthians 3:12-16

Changed From Glory to Glory
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Day 240 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Job 28:1–30:31; 2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 22:7

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I Found Not Titus My Brother
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13

A Sweet Savour of Christ
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the latter one an aroma from death to death [a fatal, offensive odor], but to the other an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is adequate and sufficiently qualified for these things? For we are not like many, [acting like merchants] peddling God’s word [shortchanging and adulterating God’s message]; but from pure [uncompromised] motives, as [commissioned and sent] from God, we speak [His message] in Christ in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 AMP

In verse 14 the word “savour” is the Greek word: osme. It means an aroma, an odor, a fragrance. The triumph in Christ described here makes manifest the aroma of His salvation through His ministers.

In verse 15 the Greek word for savour is not the same word. In this verse it is edodia or a “sweet savour” and means sweet perfume. Ministers are a sweet perfume unto God through Christ that is made manifest not only to God, but to all the saved and unsaved. To the saved they are an aroma of life. To the unsaved they are an aroma of death. Whoever receives the gospel (receives Jesus as their Lord and Savior) will be saved and whoever rejects the gospel will be eternally lost. 

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• As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Romans 3:10
• For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
• For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
• But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
• If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
• For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Roman 10:13
• For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭

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When I Looked for Good
When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: And when I waited for light, there came darkness.
Job 30:26

The Voice of Them that Weep
My harp also is turned to mourning, And my organ into the voice of them that weep.
Job 30:31

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My Soul Thirsteth for God
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 42:1-2

Hope Thou in God
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; For I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 42:11

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The Borrower is Servant to the Lender
The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 22:7

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