Corinthians 9. The Apostle Paul gave advice in how to administer the gift, one way being the cheerful (hilarious) giver. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!
Isaiah 21. The prophecies continue, this time against Babylon, Edom and Arabia.
Isaiah 22 contains a prophecy about Jerusalem.
Psalm 75, of Asaph. A song of praise to the LORD. The theme is: He executes proper judgement. It ends with: “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.”
2 Corinthians 8. The Macedonians excelled in giving, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord. Christ is our pattern in giving himself. The Corinthians took up a collection for the Judean saints. Titus was sent to the Corinthians.
Isaiah 18 features a prophecy against Cush (with a vignette from modern Sudan).
Isaiah 19 gives an oracle about Egypt and tells of the future blessing of Assyria, Egypt and Israel.
Isaiah 20 is a short chapter. It contains a prophecy against Egypt and Cush.
Psalm 74, of Asaph. This Psalm describes the destruction of the Temple. This Asaph may have been penned by a descendant of the earlier musician, or may be prophetic. In any case he asked God to defend His case against the evildoers.
2 Corinthians 7 is an exhortation to holiness, and the entire church is included. The Apostle Paul rejoiced in their sorrowing to repentance, and was comforted that Titus had been together with the believers.
Isaiah 15 is a prophecy against Moab.
Isaiah 16 speaks of the destruction of Moab.
Isaiah 17 tells of the oracle against Damascus (with a side note featuring Nancy Pelosi in Damascus)
Psalm 73 begins Book Three of Psalms, (Psalms 43-89) . It is of Asaph, a great singer and musician from the time of David and Solomon. He complained about the good fortune of the wicked and the misfortune of the righteous until he “went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.“
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 on David himself, but on the coming Messiah – the King of Kings and Son of David.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
Romans 16. Sister Phoebe is commended, the Apostle Paul gave thanks, especially to Priscilla and Aquila, followed by a long list of greetings by name. Paul then warned the Romans to avoid divisive persons, followed by greetings from Paul’s friends, even Tertius the scribe wrote a note. The letter ends with a benediction.
Job 17. Job continued praying for relief.
Job 18. Bildad pours it on; the wicked are punished.
Job 19. “I know that my redeemer liveth“.
Psalm 65, of David. A Psalm full of thanksgiving for atonement for iniquities, setting things straight in nature and among people, and providing for an abundant harvest, and the response is to burst out in song
Romans 12:9-21. The Apostle 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.
Len Bilén's blog, a blog about faith, politics and the environment. 