Category: Psalms

December 2, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments.

1 John 3:11-24. We are children of God. As children of God we no longer sin, but it is important we love and show the outworking of love, for in it is the spirit of truth.

Jonah. The short but great story of Jonah, the famous solar eclipse of 763 B.C. the great solar eclipse of 2017, the eclipse of 2024 and the tearing down of statues.

Psalm 136 is called the Great Hallel (or Great Psalm of Praise). Each one of its 26 verses repeats the phrase, “His mercy endureth forever.”  It was sung responsively by the Levites and the assembly of people at both Solomon’s and Zerubbabel’s temple dedication and is now sometimes sung or recited at the Passover Seder.

December 1, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments.

1 John 3:1-10. We are children of God, or as the King James Bible calls it “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:” As children of God we do not continue to sin, for if we do, we don’t have the spirit of God in us.

Proverbs 23, Sayings of the Wise. Do not be a glutton, do not desire riches, do not be a moocher, do not argue with a fool, do not change ancient landmarks, do not withhold correction from a child, do not envy sinners because they are having fun, do not drink wine to excess, do not despise your mother when she is old, honor your father and mother, keep away from harlots, stay sober and do not succumb to alcohol.

Psalm 134 is the last of the songs of ascents. 3 verses short and to the point. Bless the Lord and He will bless you from Zion.

Psalm 135 is a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving to the uniqueness and superiority of the LORD, His name and all that He has done! Compare that to the worthless idols!

November 30, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments

1 John 2:18-29. The Apostle John explained there will come a last hour’s deception, so let the truth abide in You. Remember you are children of God.

Obadiah is a prophecy on the coming judgment on Edom, the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Edom mistreated his brother and this will lead to Israel’s final triumph.

Psalm 131. This is the shortest of the songs of ascents, only 3 verses. David showed his contentment in hoping in the Lord.

Psalm 132. This is the longest of the song of ascents, 18 verses. Remember God’s promise to David, to Israel and to the future Messiah.

Psalm 133, a Song of Ascents, of David. This Psalm too has only three verses, and the point of it is that it is good to dwell in unity.

November 29, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments

1 John 2:1-17. The Apostle John explained for us how you can test if you know Him, warned of sin and was concerned for their spiritual state.

Proverbs 22, Proverbs of Solomon. This is a great chapter of wise advice, how to handle riches, and if not – how to come to poverty, how to raise children properly and how not to be a sluggard. It also contains some sayings of the wise.

Psalm 127, a Song of Ascents. This Psalm is written by Solomon, and tells that God is the real builder of houses, cities and families.

Psalm 128, a Song of Ascents. It states that the fear of the Lord gives blessings to families, it will go well with them, and they get to live to see their grandchildren.

Psalm 129, a Song of Ascents. In spite of many afflictions, Israel prevails thanks to the blessing of the Lord.

Psalm 130, a Song of Ascents. “Out of the depths” God helps and forgives. Wait for the Lord in hope, and He will redeem Israel.

November 25, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments

2 Peter 1:12-21. The Apostle Peter reminded the faithful of his approaching death and kept emphasizing the trustworthiness of the prophetic word.

Proverbs 21, Proverbs of Solomon. Yes, there is a difference between a wise and righteous man, and an evil, foolish and lazy man, thinking only about himself and his pleasures, and  “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.”

Psalm 123, a Song of Ascents. This is a short but fervent prayer for mercy.

Psalm 124, a Song of Ascents. This one is of David. Thank God! Only He can do the impossible.

Psalm 125 is a song of Ascents, sung by pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem to one of the three yearly prescribed feasts.

Psalm 126 likewise is a Song of Ascents. One verse: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

November 24, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments

2 Peter 1:1-11. The Apostle was greeting the faithful, urging them to be fruitful in the faith as they apply the eight godly virtues. Peter reminded them of his approaching death and kept emphasizing the trustworthiness of the prophetic word.

Joel 3. In this final chapter of the prophet Joel God judges the nations, bringing war to the valley of Jehoshaphat: “Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” And afterwards God will bless His people.

Psalm 120 is a song of ascents, that means it was sung as the people went up to Jerusalem on their way to celebrate one of the Jewish festivals.

Psalm 121, a Song of Ascents. Psalms 120 to 134 were sung on the way to Jerusalem during the festivals.

Psalm 122, a Song of Ascents. This one is of David.

November 22, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments

1 Peter 4:12-19. The apostle reminded the believers to not be surprised when they suffer,; remember, it will be much worse for those who do not believe.

Joel 1. The Word of the LORD told Joel of the great locust attack, the drought and the land laid waste. Lament for the land, for the day of the LORD is near.

Psalm 119 is a meditation on the excellence of the Word of God. It it anonymous, but is most probably a collection made by David and put in its final form during the time of Ezra. The Psalm is in the form of a true acrostic with eight verses for every letter of the Hebrew alphabet, totaling 176 verses. The acrostic form makes it possible to memorize, and this the students learning the Law did; even during Jesus’ time.

November 21, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments

1 Peter 4:1-11. The apostle urged the believers to serve God as the end of all things is near. He told them to practice hospitality to the glory of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 20, more proverbs of Solomon. Don’t be lead astray by alcohol! Who can find a faithful man? Dishonest weights are an abomination to the Lord. Do not love sleep, or you will become poor. These are timeless proverbs, some quoted even today.

Psalm 117. The shortest Psalm of them all with only two verses, but they are full of praise.

Psalm 118. This is one of the best example of Hebrew poetry with verses repeated with only small variations. It is quoted in the New Testament in many places, even by Jesus directly.

November 16, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments

1 Peter 1:1-12. The apostle Paul was greeting his fellow elect pilgrims scattered among the nations and reminded them of their heavenly inheritance, as they were living before God their Father.

Hosea 1. God told Hosea to marry a harlot. She gave birth to three children, given negative sounding names. In spite of this God promised the restoration of Israel.

Hosea 2 tells of God’s unfaithful people, how they are punished and restored, and finally to be shown unmerited mercy.

Psalm 115 through Psalm 118 are part of the Hallel (praise) Psalms and are sung after the Passover meal. Psalm 115 gives praise that the Lord is our help and shield. Not so the heathens, their idols are worthless.

Psalm 116. The Lord heard my prayers, I will pay my vow of gratitude with the sacrifice of praise.

November 15, read the Bible in a year in PowerPoint; with comments

James 5 begins with a stern warning to rich oppressors, much like Old Testament teaching, but this letter is to the Jews scattered around the world. He tells them to be patient, persevere, meet each other’s need and above all do not swear, but let their yes be yes and their no be no. If anyone is sick, call in the elders and pray for him.  ” The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Bring Back erring Brothers. “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

Proverbs 19, Proverbs of Solomon. There is wisdom in getting along with others, but do not give in to the wicked ones, a prudent wife is a gift is from the Lord, but a foolish son is his fathers ruin.

Psalm 114 is the second Psalm of the Hallel. In eight short verses it retells of God’s miracles of delivering them out of Egypt and into the promised land. Short and to the point.