Let's read the Bible together in the next year. Today our passages are Isaiah 45:11–48:11; Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalm 68:19-35; and Proverbs 24:3-4. The readings are the Contemporary English Version.
Isaiah 45:11-48:11 (Contemporary English Version)
11I am the LORD, the Creator,
the holy God of Israel.
Do you dare question me
about my own nation
or about what I have done?
12I created the world
and covered it with people;
I stretched out the sky
and filled it with stars.
13I have done the right thing
by placing Cyrus in power,
and I will make the roads easy
for him to follow.
I am the LORD All-Powerful!
Cyrus will rebuild my city
and set my people free
without being paid a thing.
I, the LORD, have spoken.
the holy God of Israel.
Do you dare question me
about my own nation
or about what I have done?
12I created the world
and covered it with people;
I stretched out the sky
and filled it with stars.
13I have done the right thing
by placing Cyrus in power,
and I will make the roads easy
for him to follow.
I am the LORD All-Powerful!
Cyrus will rebuild my city
and set my people free
without being paid a thing.
I, the LORD, have spoken.
The LORD Alone Can Save
14My people, I, the LORD, promise that the riches of Egypt
and the treasures of Ethiopia [a] will belong to you.
You will force into slavery
those tall people of Seba. [b] They will bow down and say,
"The only true God is with you;
there are no other gods."
15People of Israel,
your God is a mystery,
though he alone can save.
16Anyone who makes idols
will be confused
and terribly disgraced.
17But Israel, I, the LORD,
will always keep you safe
and free from shame.
and the treasures of Ethiopia [a] will belong to you.
You will force into slavery
those tall people of Seba. [b] They will bow down and say,
"The only true God is with you;
there are no other gods."
15People of Israel,
your God is a mystery,
though he alone can save.
16Anyone who makes idols
will be confused
and terribly disgraced.
17But Israel, I, the LORD,
will always keep you safe
and free from shame.
Everyone Is Invited
18The LORD alone is God! He created the heavens
and made a world
where people can live,
instead of creating
an empty desert.
The LORD alone is God;
there are no others.
19The LORD did not speak
in a dark secret place
or command Jacob's descendants
to search for him in vain.
The LORD speaks the truth,
and this is what he says
20to every survivor
from every nation:
"Gather around me!
Learn how senseless it is
to worship wooden idols
or pray to helpless gods.
21"Why don't you get together
and meet me in court?
Didn't I tell you long ago
what would happen?
I am the only God!
There are no others.
I bring about justice,
and have the power to save.
22"I invite the whole world
to turn to me and be saved.
I alone am God!
No others are real.
23I have made a solemn promise,
one that won't be broken:
Everyone will bow down
and worship me.
24They will admit that I alone
can bring about justice.
Everyone who is angry with me
will be terribly ashamed
and will turn to me.
25I, the LORD, will give
victory and great honor
to the people of Israel."
and made a world
where people can live,
instead of creating
an empty desert.
The LORD alone is God;
there are no others.
19The LORD did not speak
in a dark secret place
or command Jacob's descendants
to search for him in vain.
The LORD speaks the truth,
and this is what he says
20to every survivor
from every nation:
"Gather around me!
Learn how senseless it is
to worship wooden idols
or pray to helpless gods.
21"Why don't you get together
and meet me in court?
Didn't I tell you long ago
what would happen?
I am the only God!
There are no others.
I bring about justice,
and have the power to save.
22"I invite the whole world
to turn to me and be saved.
I alone am God!
No others are real.
23I have made a solemn promise,
one that won't be broken:
Everyone will bow down
and worship me.
24They will admit that I alone
can bring about justice.
Everyone who is angry with me
will be terribly ashamed
and will turn to me.
25I, the LORD, will give
victory and great honor
to the people of Israel."
Isaiah 46
Babylonia's Gods Are Helpless
The LORD said:
1The gods Bel and Nebo [c] are down on their knees, as wooden images of them
are carried away
on weary animals. [d] 2They are down on their knees
to rescue the heavy load,
but the images are still taken
to a foreign country.
3You survivors in Israel,
listen to me, the LORD.
Since the day you were born,
I have carried you along.
4I will still be the same
when you are old and gray,
and I will take care of you.
I created you. I will carry you
and always keep you safe.
5Can anyone compare with me?
Is anyone my equal?
6Some people hire a goldsmith
and give silver and gold
to be formed into an idol
for them to worship.
7They carry the idol
on their shoulders,
then put it on a stand,
but it cannot move.
They call out to the idol
when they are in trouble,
but it doesn't answer,
and it cannot help.
8Now keep this in mind, [e] you sinful people.
And don't ever forget it.
are carried away
on weary animals. [d] 2They are down on their knees
to rescue the heavy load,
but the images are still taken
to a foreign country.
3You survivors in Israel,
listen to me, the LORD.
Since the day you were born,
I have carried you along.
4I will still be the same
when you are old and gray,
and I will take care of you.
I created you. I will carry you
and always keep you safe.
5Can anyone compare with me?
Is anyone my equal?
6Some people hire a goldsmith
and give silver and gold
to be formed into an idol
for them to worship.
7They carry the idol
on their shoulders,
then put it on a stand,
but it cannot move.
They call out to the idol
when they are in trouble,
but it doesn't answer,
and it cannot help.
8Now keep this in mind, [e] you sinful people.
And don't ever forget it.
The LORD Alone Is God
9I alone am God! There are no other gods;
no one is like me.
Think about what happened
many years ago.
10From the very beginning,
I told what would happen
long before it took place.
I kept my word 11and brought
someone from a distant land
to do what I wanted.
He attacked from the east,
like a hawk swooping down.
Now I will keep my promise
and do what I planned.
12You people are stubborn
and far from being safe,
so listen to me.
13I will soon come to save you.
I am not far away
and will waste no time;
I take pride in Israel
and will save Jerusalem.
no one is like me.
Think about what happened
many years ago.
10From the very beginning,
I told what would happen
long before it took place.
I kept my word 11and brought
someone from a distant land
to do what I wanted.
He attacked from the east,
like a hawk swooping down.
Now I will keep my promise
and do what I planned.
12You people are stubborn
and far from being safe,
so listen to me.
13I will soon come to save you.
I am not far away
and will waste no time;
I take pride in Israel
and will save Jerusalem.
Isaiah 47
Babylon Will Fall
The LORD said:
1City of Babylon, You are delicate
and untouched,
but that will change.
Surrender your royal power
and sit in the dirt.
2Start grinding grain!
Take off your veil.
Strip off your fancy clothes
and cross over rivers. [f] 3You will suffer the shame
of going naked,
because I will take revenge,
and no one can escape. [g] 4I am the LORD All-Powerful,
the holy God of Israel.
I am their Savior.
5Babylon, be silent!
Sit in the dark.
No longer will nations
accept you as their queen.
6I was angry with my people.
So I let you take their land
and bring disgrace on them.
You showed them no mercy,
but were especially cruel
to those who were old.
7You thought that you
would be queen forever.
You didn't care what you did;
it never entered your mind
that you might get caught.
8You think that you alone
are all-powerful,
that you won't be a widow
or lose your children.
All you care about is pleasure,
but listen to what I say.
9Your magic powers and charms
will suddenly fail,
then you will be a widow
and lose your children.
10You hid behind evil
like a shield and said,
"No one can see me!"
You were fooled by your wisdom
and your knowledge;
you felt sure that you alone
were in full control.
11But without warning,
disaster will strike--
and your magic charms
won't help at all.
12Keep using your magic powers
and your charms
as you have always done.
Maybe--just maybe--
you will frighten somebody!
13You have worn yourself out,
asking for advice
from those who study the stars
and tell the future
month after month.
Go ask them how to be saved
from what will happen.
14People who trust the stars
are as helpless
as straw
in a flaming fire.
No one can even keep warm, [h] sitting by a fire
that feeds only on straw.
15These are the fortunetellers
you have done business with
all of your life.
But they don't know
where they are going,
and they can't save you.
and untouched,
but that will change.
Surrender your royal power
and sit in the dirt.
2Start grinding grain!
Take off your veil.
Strip off your fancy clothes
and cross over rivers. [f] 3You will suffer the shame
of going naked,
because I will take revenge,
and no one can escape. [g] 4I am the LORD All-Powerful,
the holy God of Israel.
I am their Savior.
5Babylon, be silent!
Sit in the dark.
No longer will nations
accept you as their queen.
6I was angry with my people.
So I let you take their land
and bring disgrace on them.
You showed them no mercy,
but were especially cruel
to those who were old.
7You thought that you
would be queen forever.
You didn't care what you did;
it never entered your mind
that you might get caught.
8You think that you alone
are all-powerful,
that you won't be a widow
or lose your children.
All you care about is pleasure,
but listen to what I say.
9Your magic powers and charms
will suddenly fail,
then you will be a widow
and lose your children.
10You hid behind evil
like a shield and said,
"No one can see me!"
You were fooled by your wisdom
and your knowledge;
you felt sure that you alone
were in full control.
11But without warning,
disaster will strike--
and your magic charms
won't help at all.
12Keep using your magic powers
and your charms
as you have always done.
Maybe--just maybe--
you will frighten somebody!
13You have worn yourself out,
asking for advice
from those who study the stars
and tell the future
month after month.
Go ask them how to be saved
from what will happen.
14People who trust the stars
are as helpless
as straw
in a flaming fire.
No one can even keep warm, [h] sitting by a fire
that feeds only on straw.
15These are the fortunetellers
you have done business with
all of your life.
But they don't know
where they are going,
and they can't save you.
Isaiah 48
The LORD Corrects His People
1People of Israel, you come from Jacob's family
and the tribe [i] of Judah. You claim to worship me,
the LORD God of Israel,
but you are lying.
2You call Jerusalem your home
and say you depend on me,
the LORD All-Powerful,
the God of Israel.
3Long ago I announced
what was going to be,
then without warning,
I made it happen.
4I knew you were stubborn
and hardheaded.
5And I told you these things,
so that when they happened
you would not say,
"The idols we worship did this."
6You heard what I said,
and you have seen it happen.
Now admit that it's true!
I will show you secrets
you have never known.
7Today I am doing something new,
something you cannot say
you have heard before.
8You have never been willing
to listen to what I say;
from the moment of your birth,
I knew you would rebel.
and the tribe [i] of Judah. You claim to worship me,
the LORD God of Israel,
but you are lying.
2You call Jerusalem your home
and say you depend on me,
the LORD All-Powerful,
the God of Israel.
3Long ago I announced
what was going to be,
then without warning,
I made it happen.
4I knew you were stubborn
and hardheaded.
5And I told you these things,
so that when they happened
you would not say,
"The idols we worship did this."
6You heard what I said,
and you have seen it happen.
Now admit that it's true!
I will show you secrets
you have never known.
7Today I am doing something new,
something you cannot say
you have heard before.
8You have never been willing
to listen to what I say;
from the moment of your birth,
I knew you would rebel.
The LORD Warns Israel
9I, the LORD, am true to myself; I will be praised
for not punishing
and destroying you.
10I tested you in hard times
just as silver is refined
in a heated furnace. [j] 11I did this because of who I am.
I refuse to be dishonored [k] or share my praise
with any other god.
Footnotes:- Isaiah 45:14 Ethiopia: See the note at 11.11.
- Isaiah 45:14 Seba: See the note at 43.3.
- Isaiah 46:1 Bel and Nebo: Bel was another name for Marduk, the chief god of the Babylonians. Nebo was the son of Marduk and also an important god.
- Isaiah 46:1 as. . . animals: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Isaiah 46:8 Now. . . mind: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Isaiah 47:2 Strip. . . rivers: This may be a command to get ready for work that requires wading in the river, or it may be a warning that they are going to be taken away as slaves.
- Isaiah 47:3 escape: Or "oppose me."
- Isaiah 47:14 keep warm: Or "cook food."
- Isaiah 48:1 tribe: Hebrew "waters."
- Isaiah 48:10 furnace: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 10.
- Isaiah 48:11 I refuse to be dishonored: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
for not punishing
and destroying you.
10I tested you in hard times
just as silver is refined
in a heated furnace. [j] 11I did this because of who I am.
I refuse to be dishonored [k] or share my praise
with any other god.
Footnotes:
- Isaiah 45:14 Ethiopia: See the note at 11.11.
- Isaiah 45:14 Seba: See the note at 43.3.
- Isaiah 46:1 Bel and Nebo: Bel was another name for Marduk, the chief god of the Babylonians. Nebo was the son of Marduk and also an important god.
- Isaiah 46:1 as. . . animals: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Isaiah 46:8 Now. . . mind: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Isaiah 47:2 Strip. . . rivers: This may be a command to get ready for work that requires wading in the river, or it may be a warning that they are going to be taken away as slaves.
- Isaiah 47:3 escape: Or "oppose me."
- Isaiah 47:14 keep warm: Or "cook food."
- Isaiah 48:1 tribe: Hebrew "waters."
- Isaiah 48:10 furnace: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 10.
- Isaiah 48:11 I refuse to be dishonored: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
Ephesians 4:1-16 (Contemporary English Version)
Ephesians 4
Unity with Christ
1As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. 2Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. 3Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. 4All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God's people. 5We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. 6There is one God who is the Father of all people. Not only is God above all others, but he works by using all of us, and he lives in all of us. 7Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us. 8As the Scriptures say,
"When he went up
to the highest place,
he led away many prisoners
and gave gifts to people."
9When it says, "he went up," it means that Christ had been deep in the earth. 10This also means that the one who went deep into the earth is the same one who went into the highest heaven, so that he would fill the whole universe.
11Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, 12so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. 13This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him. [a] 14We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. 15Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head 16of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.
Footnotes:- Ephesians 4:13 and we will be completely like him: Or and he is completely perfect.
"When he went up
to the highest place,
he led away many prisoners
and gave gifts to people."
9When it says, "he went up," it means that Christ had been deep in the earth. 10This also means that the one who went deep into the earth is the same one who went into the highest heaven, so that he would fill the whole universe.
11Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, 12so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. 13This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him. [a] 14We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. 15Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head 16of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.
Footnotes:
- Ephesians 4:13 and we will be completely like him: Or and he is completely perfect.
Psalm 68:19-35 (Contemporary English Version)
19We praise you, Lord God!
You treat us with kindness
day after day,
and you rescue us.
20You always protect us
and save us from death.
21Our Lord and our God,
your terrible enemies
are ready for war, [a] but you will crush
their skulls.
22You promised to bring them
from Bashan
and from the deepest sea.
23Then we could stomp
on their blood,
and our dogs could chew
on their bones.
24We have seen crowds marching
to your place of worship,
our God and King.
25The singers come first,
and then the musicians,
surrounded by young women
playing tambourines.
26They come shouting,
"People of Israel,
praise the LORD God!"
27The small tribe of Benjamin
leads the way,
followed by the leaders
from Judah.
Then come the leaders
from Zebulun and Naphtali.
28Our God, show your strength!
Show us once again.
29Then kings will bring gifts
to your temple
in Jerusalem. [b] 30Punish that animal
that lives in the swamp! [c] Punish that nation
whose leaders and people
are like wild bulls.
Make them come crawling
with gifts of silver.
Scatter those nations
that enjoy making war. [d] 31Force the Egyptians to bring
gifts of bronze;
make the Ethiopians [e] hurry to offer presents. [f] 32Now sing praises to God!
Every kingdom on earth,
sing to the Lord!
33Praise the one who rides
across the ancient skies;
listen as he speaks
with a mighty voice.
34Tell about God's power!
He is honored in Israel,
and he rules the skies.
35The God of Israel is fearsome
in his temple,
and he makes us strong.
Let's praise our God!
Footnotes:- Psalm 68:21 are ready for war: The Hebrew text has " have long hair," which probably refers to the ancient custom of wearing long hair on special occasions, such as a " holy war."
- Psalm 68:29 Our God. . . Jerusalem: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 28,29.
- Psalm 68:30 animal. . . swamp: Probably Egypt.
- Psalm 68:30 war: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 30.
- Psalm 68:31 the Ethiopians: The Hebrew text has " the people of Cush," which was a region south of Egypt that included parts of the present countries of Ethiopia and Sudan.
- Psalm 68:31 presents: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 31.
You treat us with kindness
day after day,
and you rescue us.
20You always protect us
and save us from death.
21Our Lord and our God,
your terrible enemies
are ready for war, [a] but you will crush
their skulls.
22You promised to bring them
from Bashan
and from the deepest sea.
23Then we could stomp
on their blood,
and our dogs could chew
on their bones.
24We have seen crowds marching
to your place of worship,
our God and King.
25The singers come first,
and then the musicians,
surrounded by young women
playing tambourines.
26They come shouting,
"People of Israel,
praise the LORD God!"
27The small tribe of Benjamin
leads the way,
followed by the leaders
from Judah.
Then come the leaders
from Zebulun and Naphtali.
28Our God, show your strength!
Show us once again.
29Then kings will bring gifts
to your temple
in Jerusalem. [b] 30Punish that animal
that lives in the swamp! [c] Punish that nation
whose leaders and people
are like wild bulls.
Make them come crawling
with gifts of silver.
Scatter those nations
that enjoy making war. [d] 31Force the Egyptians to bring
gifts of bronze;
make the Ethiopians [e] hurry to offer presents. [f] 32Now sing praises to God!
Every kingdom on earth,
sing to the Lord!
33Praise the one who rides
across the ancient skies;
listen as he speaks
with a mighty voice.
34Tell about God's power!
He is honored in Israel,
and he rules the skies.
35The God of Israel is fearsome
in his temple,
and he makes us strong.
Let's praise our God!
Footnotes:
- Psalm 68:21 are ready for war: The Hebrew text has " have long hair," which probably refers to the ancient custom of wearing long hair on special occasions, such as a " holy war."
- Psalm 68:29 Our God. . . Jerusalem: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 28,29.
- Psalm 68:30 animal. . . swamp: Probably Egypt.
- Psalm 68:30 war: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 30.
- Psalm 68:31 the Ethiopians: The Hebrew text has " the people of Cush," which was a region south of Egypt that included parts of the present countries of Ethiopia and Sudan.
- Psalm 68:31 presents: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 31.
Proverbs 24:3-4 (Contemporary English Version)
-20-
3 Use wisdom and understanding to establish your home;4let good sense fill the rooms
with priceless treasures.
Thought for the Day
"My children, I am writing this so that you won't sin. But if you do sin, Jesus Christ always does the right thing, and he will speak to the Father for us.” (1 John 2:1 - Contemporary English Version) We have an advocate within the Godhead, and his name is Jesus Christ. And he helps us but not because we've been so good. Rather, it's because he loves us so much.
"My children, I am writing this so that you won't sin. But if you do sin, Jesus Christ always does the right thing, and he will speak to the Father for us.” (1 John 2:1 - Contemporary English Version) We have an advocate within the Godhead, and his name is Jesus Christ. And he helps us but not because we've been so good. Rather, it's because he loves us so much.
Quote for the Day
American writer, poet, cartoonist, songwriter and playwright, Shel Silverstein wrote, “Comfortable shoes and the freedom to leave are the two most important things in life.”
Joke for Today
Two husbands, Bill and Doug, were discussing their married lives. Although happily married, they admitted that there were argument sometimes.
Then Bill said, "I've made one great discovery. I now know how to always have the last word."
"Wow!" said Doug, "How do you manage that?"
"It's easy," replied Bill. "My last words are always 'Yes, Dear.'"
A Prayer Request
As Christians, we can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Below is the need that we're laying before God today.
That textbooks would honor and reflect the godly heritage of our country and the contributions made by all the different groups within our country.
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