Category: Psalms

Day 234 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

2 Corinthians 5 gives the assurance of the resurrection, and we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. In the meantime we have been given the ministry of reconciliation, and “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This verse was inscribed in the New Testament given to me at my confirmation in Sweden more than half a century ago. I didn’t understand it then, but since I became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ it all started to make sense.

Isaiah 11 speaks of the Branch from Jesse, containing this gem “and a little child shall lead them”.  Even the animals will make peace.

Isaiah 12 is a hymn of praise to finish up the first part of Isaiah, the future of Israel.

Isaiah 13 is a prophecy against Babylon.

Psalm 72, of Solomon. Most likely Solomon compiled Book Two of Psalms (Psalms 42-72) and composed or edited this psalm as a fitting end to the collection of mostly David’s psalms. It is a fitting conclusion, because it does not focus upon David himself, but on the coming Messiah – the King of Kings and Son of David.

Day 233 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

2 Corinthians 4. Believers are treasures in jars of clay to proclaim the light of Christ’s gospel. They may be cast down but still unconquered “We believe and therefore speak” “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.” Read this chapter carefully with thought.

Isaiah 10 speaks of the punishment of Syria (and Assyria), after which the remnant of Israel shall return.

Psalm 71. This Psalm has the same theme as Psalm 70, but is much more detailed. It is of an older man, strong in faith, most probably David.

Day 229 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

1 Corinthians 16. The Apostle Paul urged the believers to take up collections for the saints in Jerusalem. He mentioned personal plans, gave final exhortations, final greetings and finally bid farewell.

Isaiah 2. The famous chapter containing “beating swords into plowshares” “study war no more” and the Day of the LORD is introduced.

In Isaiah 3 the prophet proclaimed judgment on Jerusalem and Judah.

Psalm 70, of David, a short, urgent petition for deliverance, full of praise.

Day 227 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

1 Corinthians 15:1-34. In this great resurrection chapter the Apostle Paul spoke of the risen Christ: Faith’s reality, the risen Christ: Our hope, the last enemy destroyed, the error of denying the resurrection, the glorious body and our final victory!

Proverbs 13 lists more proverbs of Solomon.

Psalm 69, of David. When you get that sinking feeling, this Psalm lifts you back up, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”

Day 223 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34. The Apostle Paul deals with with desired conduct at the Lord’s Supper and the very institution of the Lord’s Supper. Examine yourself so you may participate in a worthy manner.

Proverbs 12 is one chapter in the collection of Proverbs of Solomon.

Psalm 67, a Song. A short, beautiful Psalm of praise and singing. It ends with the prophetic “God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.“

Psalm 68, of David. George Horne described how this psalm was assigned to Pentecost in the Anglican liturgy, no doubt because it describes gifts given upon ascension and is quoted in Ephesians 4. “This beautiful, sublime, and comprehensive, but very difficult Psalm, is one of those which the church has appointed to be used on Whitsunday.”

Day 222 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

1 Corinthians 11:1-16. This chapter starts out with a long dissertation ending with “if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.”

Job 41. God’s challenge to Job continued.

Job 42. Job repented, “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” and God completely restored Job.

Psalm 66, a Song. “This Psalm is said to be recited on Easter day, by the Greek church: it is described in the Greek Bible as A Psalm of the Resurrection, ”

Day 207 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

Romans 12:9-21. Paul reminds us to behave like Christians (little Christs), act in love, bless those who persecute you and overcome Evil with Good.

Job 6. Time for Job to reply: “My Complaint is Just.” And

Job 7. “My Suffering is without Comfort.” 

Job 8. Bildad, the Shuhite replied: “Job Should Repent.”

Psalm 64, of David. The enemy has arrows and shoots at the man who prays for God’s protection. But God has arrows too, and He hits his targets. The righteous shall be glad and trust in the LORD.

Day 206 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

Romans 12:1-8. Paul reminds us that we shall offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, serve God with the spiritual gifts He has given us, and do it as members of one spiritual body.

Job 5. Job has sinned, and for that Job is chastened by God.

Psalm 63, of David. Seek God early, praise Him, this is better than life, praise Him.

Day 202 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

Romans 8:28-39. This is my favorite chapter in all the Bible, and is far too important for my feeble comments. Read it together with all the Old Testament references, let them serve as the commentary; then read it again. Let it sink in, then pray with thanksgiving. 

Proverbs 11. The list of Solomon’s Proverbs is many chapters long.

Psalm 62, of David. David, as always claimed God to be his rock and salvation, even when surrounded by false and evil men, he would not be moved. All power belongs to God.

Day 200 of reading the Holy Bible in 365 days.

Romans 7. Thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are free from the Law when we belong to Him. Yet, we struggle with sin; “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” The chapter ends up with “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” It will all make sense in chapter 8.

Esther 5. Esther prepared for a banquet with only her, the King and Haman in attendance. Meanwhile Haman’s rage against Mordecai was so great that he had built a seventy-five feet high gallows, on which to hang Mordecai.

Esther 6. As it so happened, the king had a case of insomnia. To become drowsy he had the annals read to him, which told that Mordecai had averted a coup. During the banquet the king wanted to honor somebody, and rather than Haman, Mordecai was honored.

Esther7. And so it was, Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai.

Psalm 61, of David. As so often happened, David was in trouble and cried out to God, proclaiming his trust in God, singing praises.