"Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Category: Bible Study (Page 2 of 4)

Choose to be Grateful

 

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
(Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that bring us hope and happiness. But amidst it all, we have a powerful choice – the choice to be grateful.

How you feel – how happy you are, how stressed you are, even how well you sleep – may seem like it’s out of your hands, but it is actually a choice you make. You can choose to be grateful for what you have and allow God to bring joy in your heart. Or you can choose to focus on what you’re lacking, who has wronged you, and what’s not going your way. And guess what? You’ll feel miserable. You may blame others, circumstances, or fate for your unhappiness. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the choices you make. You choose happiness or misery.

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion that comes and goes; it is a powerful mindset and a way of life. It goes beyond simply saying “thank you” – it is about cultivating an attitude of appreciation and acknowledging the abundant blessings, big or small, that God provides each and every day. When we choose to embrace gratitude, we are able to shift our perspective from focusing on what may be lacking in our lives to recognizing the incredible abundance that is already present. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13 KJV, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Gratitude allows us to find joy in the ordinary moments, to see beauty in the simplest of things, and to truly appreciate all that life has to offer. So let us take a moment each day to pause, reflect, and thank God for the myriad of blessings that enrich our lives.

Embracing a mindset of gratitude doesn’t require us to turn a blind eye to the challenges and hardships we encounter on our journey. Rather, it empowers us to find strength and resilience through Christ in the face of adversity. It is through these struggles that we grow and learn valuable lessons that shape our character. Expressing gratitude allows us to discover moments of joy even in the simplest things. It is about pausing, taking a deep breath, and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us every day. Whether it’s the warmth of sunlight on our skin or the laughter shared with loved ones, gratitude opens our hearts to the abundance of blessings in our lives. Let us strive to be thankful not only during moments of triumph but also during times of difficulty. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and find solace in knowing that every experience contributes to our personal development. Within every struggle lies an opportunity for growth, and within every difficulty lies a chance for resilience. James 1:2-3 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Embrace gratitude as your guiding light, allowing it to illuminate your path and infuse each day with a greater appreciation of God’s work in your life.

When we consciously choose to embrace gratitude in our lives, we are inviting an abundance of positivity and joy to flow into every facet of our existence. Gratitude is not just a mere expression of thanks; it is a powerful mindset that can transform the way we perceive the world. By practicing gratitude, we open doors to new opportunities that may have otherwise been overlooked. It allows us to recognize the blessings and gifts that surround us, even in times of challenge or difficulty. As we cultivate a grateful heart, our outlook becomes brighter, and we become more receptive to the endless possibilities that await us.

Gratitude has a profound impact on our relationships with others. When we express appreciation and acknowledge the goodness in those around us, we strengthen the bonds that connect us. The act of showing gratitude creates an atmosphere of love and understanding, deepening our connections with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Beyond personal benefits, gratitude has a ripple effect on society as a whole. When one person chooses to be grateful, it spreads like wildfire touching the lives of those they encounter. Gratefulness becomes contagious as it ignites kindness and compassion within others. By simply expressing gratitude, we have the power to uplift spirits and make a positive difference in someone’s day. So let us remember that when faced with life’s challenges or mundane routines, choosing gratitude allows God to transform our lives for the better. Embrace this beautiful practice and watch as it brings forth abundance, strengthens relationships, and radiates kindness throughout your journey.

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Hope in 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.
(Psalms 43:5 KJV)

David found himself in trouble many times during his life. Oppressed by his enemy often thrust this Hebrew king into depression. In this Psalm, though, David realizes he has no reason to worry for the God of Israel was his Master.

In times of uncertainty, finding hope in God’s sovereignty can bring us comfort and peace. Trusting in His divine plan allows us to let go of our worries and anxieties, knowing that He is in control. In the midst of uncertainty, placing our trust in God’s sovereignty can be a source of great comfort and peace. It’s reassuring to know that He has a divine plan for each of us and is in complete control. So, we can let go of our worries and anxieties, knowing that He is guiding us every step of the way.

When we praise God for His goodness and faithfulness, our hope is strengthened. It reminds us of His past faithfulness and gives us confidence that He will continue to provide for us in the future. Praising God for His goodness and faithfulness is such a wonderful way to strengthen our hope. It’s like looking back at a beautiful tapestry of His past faithfulness and being reminded that He will always be there for us in the future. Praising Him, my friend, and let your confidence soar knowing that He will provide for you every step of the way.

Finding contentment in God’s presence is a source of great joy. It allows us to focus on the blessings we have rather than constantly striving for more. When we trust in Him completely, we can experience true contentment and find joy in every circumstance. Finding contentment in God’s presence brings immense joy and peace to our lives. It’s a beautiful reminder that true happiness doesn’t solely depend on external circumstances, but rather on our connection with Him. When we trust in His plans and surrender ourselves to His will, we can find contentment even when faced with challenges. This deep-rooted faith allows us to appreciate the blessings we already have instead of always seeking more. In God’s presence, joy becomes a constant companion that uplifts us through every season of life.

So let us hold onto hope, praise Him with grateful hearts, and find contentment in His loving presence. For with God as our foundation, there is always reason to be joyful and hopeful.

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The Blind May See

John 9:5-7 KJV “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
(6) When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
(7) And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”

What a powerful passage from the Bible! In John 9:5-7, we witness Jesus proclaiming himself as the light of the world. His words are filled with hope and assurance. It is truly inspiring to see how he then takes action to demonstrate his power by healing a blind man. Jesus’ compassion knows no bounds as he uses humble elements like clay and spittle to bring about this miraculous healing. The simple act of anointing the blind man’s eyes with clay ignites faith and creates a path for transformation. Moreover, Jesus instructs the blind man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. This act signifies not only physical cleansing but also spiritual renewal. Many times in scripture we know that water signifies the Word of God. There can be no transformation without the Word of God.

By obeying Jesus’ command without hesitation, the blind man experiences an incredible miracle—he goes from darkness into sight. This story is a beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for restoration and transformation. Just as Jesus was the light of that world then, he continues to be our guiding light today. Let us trust in his power and have faith that he can bring about miracles in our lives too.

In the journey of discipleship, we often find ourselves spiritually blind, unable to see the path ahead. However, just as Jesus brought physical sight to the blind, He also offers us a spiritual awakening that can illuminate our lives.

The story of the blind man in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how lost we may feel, there is always hope for transformation. Jesus not only healed the physical blindness of this man but also opened his eyes to a deeper understanding of faith and truth.

Just as Jesus used His divine power to restore sight to the blind man, He can also bring light into our lives and help us see things from a new perspective. Through prayer, reflection, and seeking His guidance, we can experience a profound revelation that leads us towards growth and fulfillment.

Let us remember that even in our darkest moments, there is an opportunity for spiritual growth. Like the blind man who encountered Jesus, we too can be transformed by His love and grace. Embrace this journey with faith and trust in Him, for through Him, even the blind may see.

Take inspiration from this passage and remember that you are not alone on your journey. With faith, obedience, and perseverance, you too can experience extraordinary breakthroughs just like the blind man did when he washed in Siloam’s pool. Keep shining your light brightly!

 

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Living in God’s Word

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV)

In a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be challenging to stay grounded and connected to our faith. However, by choosing to live in God’s Word, we can find solace, guidance, and unwavering truth. When we abide in His teachings, we embark on a journey of discipleship that leads us closer to Jesus.

Living in God’s Word means more than just reading the scriptures; it means allowing its wisdom to shape our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. It is through this intentional immersion that we begin to understand the depth of His love and purpose for our lives.

As disciples of Christ, we are called to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. By embracing His teachings and embodying His grace and compassion, we become vessels for spreading His light in a world desperately in need of hope.

Let us remember that living in God’s Word is not a solitary endeavor but a communal one. As we gather with fellow believers and engage in heartfelt discussions about scripture, we strengthen our faith and encourage one another on this transformative journey.

Today, let us recommit ourselves to abiding in the truth found within God’s Word. Let us seek understanding, wisdom, and guidance from its pages as we navigate life’s challenges. May our lives be a testament to the power of living according to His will as we strive each day to reflect the love of Christ within us.

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Evening Bible Reading June 8th

John 17:1-26 KJV
(1)  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
(2)  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
(3)  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
(4)  I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
(5)  And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
(6)  I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
(7)  Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
(8)  For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
(9)  I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
(10)  And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
(11)  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
(12)  While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
(13)  And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
(14)  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
(15)  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
(16)  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
(17)  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
(18)  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
(19)  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
(20)  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
(21)  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
(22)  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
(23)  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
(24)  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
(25)  O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
(26)  And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

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Morning Bible Reading June 8th

2 Chronicles 26:1-23 KJV
(1)  Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.
(2)  He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
(3)  Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
(4)  And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.
(5)  And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
(6)  And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.
(7)  And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.
(8)  And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.
(9)  Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
(10)  Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
(11)  Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains.
(12)  The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.
(13)  And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.
(14)  And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.
(15)  And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
(16)  But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.
(17)  And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men:
(18)  And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.
(19)  Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.
(20)  And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.
(21)  And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.
(22)  Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.
(23)  So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 27:1-9 KJV
(1)  Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.
(2)  And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.
(3)  He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.
(4)  Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.
(5)  He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third.
(6)  So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.
(7)  Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
(8)  He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.
(9)  And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 28:1-27 KJV
(1)  Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
(2)  For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
(3)  Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
(4)  He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
(5)  Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
(6)  For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.
(7)  And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king’s son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
(8)  And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.
(9)  But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.
(10)  And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?
(11)  Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.
(12)  Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,
(13)  And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.
(14)  So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation.
(15)  And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.
(16)  At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him.
(17)  For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.
(18)  The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.
(19)  For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.
(20)  And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.
(21)  For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.
(22)  And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
(23)  For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.
(24)  And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.
(25)  And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.
(26)  Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
(27)  And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

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Evening Bible Reading June 7th

John 16:16-33 KJV
(16)  A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
(17)  Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
(18)  They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
(19)  Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
(20)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
(21)  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
(22)  And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
(23)  And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
(24)  Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
(25)  These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
(26)  At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
(27)  For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
(28)  I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
(29)  His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
(30)  Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
(31)  Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
(32)  Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
(33)  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

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Evening Bible Reading June 6th

John 16:1-15 KJV
(1)  These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
(2)  They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
(3)  And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
(4)  But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
(5)  But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
(6)  But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
(7)  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
(8)  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
(9)  Of sin, because they believe not on me;
(10)  Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
(11)  Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
(12)  I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
(13)  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
(14)  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
(15)  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

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Morning Bible Reading June 7th

2 Chronicles 23:1-21 KJV
(1)  And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.
(2)  And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.
(3)  And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David.
(4)  This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the doors;
(5)  And a third part shall be at the king’s house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.
(6)  But let none come into the house of the LORD, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites; they shall go in, for they are holy: but all the people shall keep the watch of the LORD.
(7)  And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever else cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.
(8)  So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go out on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.
(9)  Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been king David’s, which were in the house of God.
(10)  And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about.
(11)  Then they brought out the king’s son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.
(12)  Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the LORD:
(13)  And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.
(14)  Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD.
(15)  So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king’s house, they slew her there.
(16)  And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD’S people.
(17)  Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
(18)  Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David.
(19)  And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the LORD, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in.
(20)  And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the LORD: and they came through the high gate into the king’s house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.
(21)  And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

2 Chronicles 24:1-27 KJV
(1)  Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Zibiah of Beersheba.
(2)  And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
(3)  And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.
(4)  And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the LORD.
(5)  And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.
(6)  And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
(7)  For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.
(8)  And at the king’s commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD.
(9)  And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.
(10)  And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.
(11)  Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king’s office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the high priest’s officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.
(12)  And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.
(13)  So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.
(14)  And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the LORD, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.
(15)  But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.
(16)  And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.
(17)  Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.
(18)  And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
(19)  Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
(20)  And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.
(21)  And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.
(22)  Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon it, and require it.
(23)  And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king of Damascus.
(24)  For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.
(25)  And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.
(26)  And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.
(27)  Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 25:1-28 KJV
(1)  Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
(2)  And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.
(3)  Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father.
(4)  But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.
(5)  Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.
(6)  He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.
(7)  But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim.
(8)  But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
(9)  And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.
(10)  Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.
(11)  And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.
(12)  And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.
(13)  But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil.
(14)  Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.
(15)  Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?
(16)  And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king’s counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
(17)  Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.
(18)  And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.
(19)  Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
(20)  But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.
(21)  So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, both he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.
(22)  And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent.
(23)  And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
(24)  And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obededom, and the treasures of the king’s house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.
(25)  And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.
(26)  Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?
(27)  Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.
(28)  And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

Photo by Rachel Strong on Unsplash
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Evening Bible Reading June 5th

John 15:1-27 KJV
(1)  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
(2)  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
(3)  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
(4)  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
(5)  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
(6)  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
(7)  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
(8)  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
(9)  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
(10)  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
(11)  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
(12)  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
(13)  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(14)  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
(15)  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
(16)  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(17)  These things I command you, that ye love one another.
(18)  If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
(19)  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
(20)  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
(21)  But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
(22)  If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
(23)  He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
(24)  If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
(25)  But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
(26)  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
(27)  And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

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