Let's read the Bible together in the next year. Today our passages are Zephaniah 1:1–3:20; Revelation 10:1-11; Psalm 138:1-8; and Proverbs 30:11-14. The readings are the Contemporary English Version.
Zephaniah 1-3:20 (Contemporary English Version)
Zephaniah 1
1I am Zephaniah, the son of Cushi, the grandson of Gedaliah, the great-grandson of Amariah, and the great-great-grandson of Hezekiah. a] When Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah, b] the LORD gave me this message.
Judgment on Judah
2I, the LORD, now promise to destroy everything
on this earth--
3people and animals,
birds and fish.
Everyone who is evil
will crash to the ground, c] and I will wipe out
the entire human race.
4I will reach out to punish
Judah and Jerusalem--
nothing will remain
of the god Baal; d] nothing will be remembered
of his pagan priests.
5Not a trace will be found
of those who worship stars
from their rooftops,
or bow down to the god Milcom, e] while claiming loyalty
to me, the LORD.
6Nothing will remain of anyone
who has turned away
and rejected me.
7Be silent! I am the LORD God,
and the time is near.
I am preparing
to sacrifice my people
and to invite my guests.
8On that day I will punish
national leaders
and sons of the king,
along with all who follow
foreign customs. f] 9I will punish worshipers
of pagan gods g] and cruel palace officials
who abuse their power.
10I, the LORD, promise
that on that day
noisy crying will be heard
from Fish Gate, New Town,
and Upper Hills.
11Everyone in Lower Hollow h] will mourn loudly,
because merchants
and money changers
will be wiped out.
12I'll search Jerusalem with lamps
and punish those people
who sit there unworried
while thinking,
"The LORD won't do anything,
good or bad."
13Their possessions will be taken,
their homes left in ruins.
They won't get to live
in the houses they build,
or drink wine from the grapes
in their own vineyards.
on this earth--
3people and animals,
birds and fish.
Everyone who is evil
will crash to the ground, c] and I will wipe out
the entire human race.
4I will reach out to punish
Judah and Jerusalem--
nothing will remain
of the god Baal; d] nothing will be remembered
of his pagan priests.
5Not a trace will be found
of those who worship stars
from their rooftops,
or bow down to the god Milcom, e] while claiming loyalty
to me, the LORD.
6Nothing will remain of anyone
who has turned away
and rejected me.
7Be silent! I am the LORD God,
and the time is near.
I am preparing
to sacrifice my people
and to invite my guests.
8On that day I will punish
national leaders
and sons of the king,
along with all who follow
foreign customs. f] 9I will punish worshipers
of pagan gods g] and cruel palace officials
who abuse their power.
10I, the LORD, promise
that on that day
noisy crying will be heard
from Fish Gate, New Town,
and Upper Hills.
11Everyone in Lower Hollow h] will mourn loudly,
because merchants
and money changers
will be wiped out.
12I'll search Jerusalem with lamps
and punish those people
who sit there unworried
while thinking,
"The LORD won't do anything,
good or bad."
13Their possessions will be taken,
their homes left in ruins.
They won't get to live
in the houses they build,
or drink wine from the grapes
in their own vineyards.
A Terrible Day
14The great day of the LORD is coming soon, very soon.
On that terrible day,
fearsome shouts of warriors
will be heard everywhere.
15It will be a time of anger--
of trouble and torment,
of disaster and destruction,
of darkness and despair,
of storm clouds and shadows,
16of trumpet calls
and battle cries
against fortified cities
and mighty fortresses.
17The LORD warns everyone
who has sinned against him,
"I'll strike you blind!
Then your blood and your insides
will gush out like vomit.
18Not even your silver or gold
can save you on that day
when I, the LORD, am angry.
My anger will flare up
like a furious fire
scorching the earth
and everyone on it."
On that terrible day,
fearsome shouts of warriors
will be heard everywhere.
15It will be a time of anger--
of trouble and torment,
of disaster and destruction,
of darkness and despair,
of storm clouds and shadows,
16of trumpet calls
and battle cries
against fortified cities
and mighty fortresses.
17The LORD warns everyone
who has sinned against him,
"I'll strike you blind!
Then your blood and your insides
will gush out like vomit.
18Not even your silver or gold
can save you on that day
when I, the LORD, am angry.
My anger will flare up
like a furious fire
scorching the earth
and everyone on it."
Zephaniah 2
Turn to the LORD
1You disgraceful nation, gather around,
2before it's too late.
The LORD has set a time
when his fierce anger
will strike like a storm
and sweep you away.
3If you humbly obey the LORD,
then come and worship him.
If you do right and are humble,
perhaps you will be safe
on that day
when the LORD
turns loose his anger.
2before it's too late.
The LORD has set a time
when his fierce anger
will strike like a storm
and sweep you away.
3If you humbly obey the LORD,
then come and worship him.
If you do right and are humble,
perhaps you will be safe
on that day
when the LORD
turns loose his anger.
Judgment on Philistia
4Gaza and Ashkelon will be deserted
and left in ruins.
Ashdod will be emptied
in broad daylight,
and Ekron i] uprooted. 5To you people of Philistia j] who live along the coast,
the LORD has this to say:
"I am now your enemy,
and I'll wipe you out!"
6Your seacoast will be changed
into pastureland
and sheep pens. k] 7The LORD God hasn't forgotten
those survivors in Judah,
and he will help them--
his people will take your land
to use for pasture.
And when evening comes,
they will rest
in houses at Ashkelon. l]
and left in ruins.
Ashdod will be emptied
in broad daylight,
and Ekron i] uprooted. 5To you people of Philistia j] who live along the coast,
the LORD has this to say:
"I am now your enemy,
and I'll wipe you out!"
6Your seacoast will be changed
into pastureland
and sheep pens. k] 7The LORD God hasn't forgotten
those survivors in Judah,
and he will help them--
his people will take your land
to use for pasture.
And when evening comes,
they will rest
in houses at Ashkelon. l]
Judgment on Moab and Ammon
8The LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel, said:
I've heard Moab and Ammon
insult my people
and threaten their nation. m] 9And so, I swear by my very life
that Moab and Ammon will end up
like Sodom and Gomorrah--
covered with thornbushes
and salt pits forever.
Then my people who survive
will take their land.
10This is how Moab and Ammon
will at last be repaid
for their pride--
and for sneering at the nation
that belongs to me,
the LORD All-Powerful.
11I will fiercely attack.
Then every god on this earth
will shrink to nothing,
and everyone of every nation
will bow down to me,
right where they are.
I've heard Moab and Ammon
insult my people
and threaten their nation. m] 9And so, I swear by my very life
that Moab and Ammon will end up
like Sodom and Gomorrah--
covered with thornbushes
and salt pits forever.
Then my people who survive
will take their land.
10This is how Moab and Ammon
will at last be repaid
for their pride--
and for sneering at the nation
that belongs to me,
the LORD All-Powerful.
11I will fiercely attack.
Then every god on this earth
will shrink to nothing,
and everyone of every nation
will bow down to me,
right where they are.
Judgment on Ethiopia
12People of Ethiopia, n] the sword of the LORD will slaughter you!
Judgment on Assyria
13The LORD will reach to the north to crush Assyria
and overthrow Nineveh. o] 14Herds of wild animals
will live in its rubble;
all kinds of desert owls
will perch on its stones
and hoot in the windows.
Noisy ravens will be heard
inside its buildings,
stripped bare of cedar. p] 15This is the glorious city
that felt secure and said,
"I am the only one!"
Now it's merely ruins,
a home for wild animals.
Every passerby simply sneers
and makes vulgar signs.
and overthrow Nineveh. o] 14Herds of wild animals
will live in its rubble;
all kinds of desert owls
will perch on its stones
and hoot in the windows.
Noisy ravens will be heard
inside its buildings,
stripped bare of cedar. p] 15This is the glorious city
that felt secure and said,
"I am the only one!"
Now it's merely ruins,
a home for wild animals.
Every passerby simply sneers
and makes vulgar signs.
Zephaniah 3
Sinful Jerusalem
1Too bad for that disgusting, corrupt, and lawless city!
2Forever rebellious
and rejecting correction,
Jerusalem refuses to trust
or obey the LORD God.
3Its officials are roaring lions,
its judges are wolves;
in the evening they attack,
by morning nothing is left.
4Jerusalem's prophets are proud
and not to be trusted.
The priests have disgraced
the place of worship
and abused God's Law.
5All who do evil are shameless,
but the LORD does right
and is always fair.
With the dawn of each day,
God brings about justice.
6The LORD wiped out nations
and left fortresses
crumbling in the dirt.
Their streets and towns
were reduced to ruins
and emptied of people.
7God felt certain that Jerusalem
would learn to respect
and obey him.
Then he would hold back
from punishing the city
and not wipe it out.
But everyone there was eager
to start sinning again.
2Forever rebellious
and rejecting correction,
Jerusalem refuses to trust
or obey the LORD God.
3Its officials are roaring lions,
its judges are wolves;
in the evening they attack,
by morning nothing is left.
4Jerusalem's prophets are proud
and not to be trusted.
The priests have disgraced
the place of worship
and abused God's Law.
5All who do evil are shameless,
but the LORD does right
and is always fair.
With the dawn of each day,
God brings about justice.
6The LORD wiped out nations
and left fortresses
crumbling in the dirt.
Their streets and towns
were reduced to ruins
and emptied of people.
7God felt certain that Jerusalem
would learn to respect
and obey him.
Then he would hold back
from punishing the city
and not wipe it out.
But everyone there was eager
to start sinning again.
Nations Will Turn to the LORD
8The LORD said: Just wait for the day
when I accuse you nations.
I have decided on a day,
when I will bring together
every nation and kingdom
and punish them all
in my fiery anger.
I will become furious
and destroy the earth.
9I will purify each language
and make those languages
acceptable for praising me. q] Then, with hearts united,
everyone will serve
only me, the LORD.
10From across the rivers
of Ethiopia, r] my scattered people,
my true worshipers,
will bring offerings to me.
11When that time comes,
you won't rebel against me
and be put to shame.
I'll do away with those
who are proud and arrogant.
Never will any of them
strut around
on my holy mountain.
12But I, the LORD, won't destroy
any of your people
who are truly humble
and turn to me for safety.
13The people of Israel who survive
will live right
and refuse to tell lies.
They will eat and rest
with nothing to fear.
when I accuse you nations.
I have decided on a day,
when I will bring together
every nation and kingdom
and punish them all
in my fiery anger.
I will become furious
and destroy the earth.
9I will purify each language
and make those languages
acceptable for praising me. q] Then, with hearts united,
everyone will serve
only me, the LORD.
10From across the rivers
of Ethiopia, r] my scattered people,
my true worshipers,
will bring offerings to me.
11When that time comes,
you won't rebel against me
and be put to shame.
I'll do away with those
who are proud and arrogant.
Never will any of them
strut around
on my holy mountain.
12But I, the LORD, won't destroy
any of your people
who are truly humble
and turn to me for safety.
13The people of Israel who survive
will live right
and refuse to tell lies.
They will eat and rest
with nothing to fear.
A Song of Celebration
14Everyone in Jerusalem and Judah, celebrate and shout
with all your heart!
15Zion, your punishment is over.
The LORD has forced your enemies
to turn and retreat.
Your LORD is King of Israel
and stands at your side;
you don't have to worry
about any more troubles.
16Jerusalem, the time is coming,
when it will be said to you:
"Don't be discouraged
or grow weak from fear!
17The LORD your God
wins victory after victory
and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings
because of you,
and he will refresh your life
with his love." s]
with all your heart!
15Zion, your punishment is over.
The LORD has forced your enemies
to turn and retreat.
Your LORD is King of Israel
and stands at your side;
you don't have to worry
about any more troubles.
16Jerusalem, the time is coming,
when it will be said to you:
"Don't be discouraged
or grow weak from fear!
17The LORD your God
wins victory after victory
and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings
because of you,
and he will refresh your life
with his love." s]
The LORD's Promise to His People
18The LORD has promised: Your sorrow has ended,
and you can celebrate. t] 19I will punish those
who mistreat you.
I will bring together the lame
and the outcasts,
then they will be praised,
instead of despised,
in every country on earth.
20I will lead you home,
and with your own eyes
you will see me bless you
with all you once owned.
Then you will be famous
everywhere on this earth.
I, the LORD, have spoken!
Footnotes:- Zephaniah 1:1 Hezekiah: Ruled 716-687 B.C.
- Zephaniah 1:1 Josiah. . . king of Judah: Ruled 640-609 B.C.
- Zephaniah 1:3 Everyone. . . ground: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Zephaniah 1:4 Baal: A Caananite fertility god.
- Zephaniah 1:5 Milcom: An Ammonite fertility god.
- Zephaniah 1:8 follow foreign customs: Hebrew "wear foreign clothes."
- Zephaniah 1:9 worshipers. . . gods: The Hebrew text has "all who jump over the threshold," which was a Philistine religious practice (see 1 Samuel 5.5).
- Zephaniah 1:11 Fish Gate, New Town, and Upper Hills. . . Lower Hollow: Names for different sections of Jerusalem: Fish Gate was probably the main gate on the north side of the city; New Town was a newer section; Upper Hills may have been a suburb north of the city; Lower Hollow was probably on the southern edge of town.
- Zephaniah 2:4 Gaza. . . Ekron: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath (not mentioned because it was already destroyed) were the five major Philistine towns.
- Zephaniah 2:5 people of Philistia: The Hebrew text also mentions "Canaan" and "Cherethites," which are other ways of referring to the Philistines.
- Zephaniah 2:6 pens: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 6.
- Zephaniah 2:7 Ashkelon: A Philistine town; see the note at 2.4.
- Zephaniah 2:8 threaten their nation: Or "boast about their own nation."
- Zephaniah 2:12 Ethiopia: The Hebrew text has "Cush," which was a region south of Egypt that included parts of the present countries of Ethiopia and Sudan.
- Zephaniah 2:13 Nineveh: The capital of Assyria; Nineveh was protected by a moat filled with water from the nearby Tigris River.
- Zephaniah 2:14 stripped. . . cedar: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Zephaniah 3:9 I will. . . praising me: Or "I will change the hearts of all people and make them fit for praising me."
- Zephaniah 3:10 Ethiopia: See the note at 2.12.
- Zephaniah 3:17 refresh. . . love: Two ancient translations; Hebrew "silently show you his love."
- Zephaniah 3:18 celebrate: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 18.
and you can celebrate. t] 19I will punish those
who mistreat you.
I will bring together the lame
and the outcasts,
then they will be praised,
instead of despised,
in every country on earth.
20I will lead you home,
and with your own eyes
you will see me bless you
with all you once owned.
Then you will be famous
everywhere on this earth.
I, the LORD, have spoken!
Footnotes:
- Zephaniah 1:1 Hezekiah: Ruled 716-687 B.C.
- Zephaniah 1:1 Josiah. . . king of Judah: Ruled 640-609 B.C.
- Zephaniah 1:3 Everyone. . . ground: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Zephaniah 1:4 Baal: A Caananite fertility god.
- Zephaniah 1:5 Milcom: An Ammonite fertility god.
- Zephaniah 1:8 follow foreign customs: Hebrew "wear foreign clothes."
- Zephaniah 1:9 worshipers. . . gods: The Hebrew text has "all who jump over the threshold," which was a Philistine religious practice (see 1 Samuel 5.5).
- Zephaniah 1:11 Fish Gate, New Town, and Upper Hills. . . Lower Hollow: Names for different sections of Jerusalem: Fish Gate was probably the main gate on the north side of the city; New Town was a newer section; Upper Hills may have been a suburb north of the city; Lower Hollow was probably on the southern edge of town.
- Zephaniah 2:4 Gaza. . . Ekron: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath (not mentioned because it was already destroyed) were the five major Philistine towns.
- Zephaniah 2:5 people of Philistia: The Hebrew text also mentions "Canaan" and "Cherethites," which are other ways of referring to the Philistines.
- Zephaniah 2:6 pens: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 6.
- Zephaniah 2:7 Ashkelon: A Philistine town; see the note at 2.4.
- Zephaniah 2:8 threaten their nation: Or "boast about their own nation."
- Zephaniah 2:12 Ethiopia: The Hebrew text has "Cush," which was a region south of Egypt that included parts of the present countries of Ethiopia and Sudan.
- Zephaniah 2:13 Nineveh: The capital of Assyria; Nineveh was protected by a moat filled with water from the nearby Tigris River.
- Zephaniah 2:14 stripped. . . cedar: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Zephaniah 3:9 I will. . . praising me: Or "I will change the hearts of all people and make them fit for praising me."
- Zephaniah 3:10 Ethiopia: See the note at 2.12.
- Zephaniah 3:17 refresh. . . love: Two ancient translations; Hebrew "silently show you his love."
- Zephaniah 3:18 celebrate: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 18.
Revelation 10:1-11 (Contemporary English Version)
Revelation 10
The Angel and the Little Scroll
1I saw another powerful angel come down from heaven. This one was covered with a cloud, and a rainbow was over his head. His face was like the sun, his legs were like columns of fire, 2and with his hand he held a little scroll a] that had been unrolled. He stood there with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3Then he shouted with a voice that sounded like a growling lion. Thunder roared seven times. 4After the thunder stopped, I was about to write what it had said. But a voice from heaven shouted, "Keep it secret! Don't write these things." 5The angel I had seen standing on the sea and the land then held his right hand up toward heaven. 6He made a promise in the name of God who lives forever and who created heaven, earth, the sea, and every living creature. The angel said, "You won't have to wait any longer. 7God told his secret plans to his servants the prophets, and it will all happen by the time the seventh angel sounds his trumpet."
8Once again the voice from heaven spoke to me. It said, "Go and take the open scroll from the hand of the angel standing on the sea and the land."
9When I went over to ask the angel for the little scroll, the angel said, "Take the scroll and eat it! Your stomach will turn sour, but the taste in your mouth will be as sweet as honey." 10I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. The taste was as sweet as honey, but my stomach turned sour.
11Then some voices said, "Keep on telling what will happen to the people of many nations, races, and languages, and also to kings."
Footnotes:- Revelation 10:2 scroll: See the note at 5.1.
8Once again the voice from heaven spoke to me. It said, "Go and take the open scroll from the hand of the angel standing on the sea and the land."
9When I went over to ask the angel for the little scroll, the angel said, "Take the scroll and eat it! Your stomach will turn sour, but the taste in your mouth will be as sweet as honey." 10I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. The taste was as sweet as honey, but my stomach turned sour.
11Then some voices said, "Keep on telling what will happen to the people of many nations, races, and languages, and also to kings."
Footnotes:
- Revelation 10:2 scroll: See the note at 5.1.
Psalm 138:1-8 (Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 138
(By David.)
Praise the LORD with All Your Heart
1With all my heart I praise you, LORD.
In the presence of angels a] I sing your praises.
2I worship at your holy temple
and praise you for your love
and your faithfulness.
You were true to your word
and made yourself more famous
than ever before. b] 3When I asked for your help,
you answered my prayer
and gave me courage. c] 4All kings on this earth
have heard your promises, LORD,
and they will praise you.
5You are so famous
that they will sing
about the things you have done.
6Though you are above us all,
you care for humble people,
and you keep a close watch
on everyone who is proud.
7I am surrounded by trouble,
but you protect me
against my angry enemies.
With your own powerful arm
you keep me safe.
8You, LORD, will always
treat me with kindness.
Your love never fails.
You have made us what we are.
Don't give up on us now! d]
Footnotes:- Psalm 138:1 angels: Or " gods" or " supernatural beings" who worship and serve God in heaven or " rulers" or " leaders."
- Psalm 138:2 You were. . . before: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Psalm 138:3 and gave me courage: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Psalm 138:8 You have. . . now: Or " Please don't desert your people."
In the presence of angels a] I sing your praises.
2I worship at your holy temple
and praise you for your love
and your faithfulness.
You were true to your word
and made yourself more famous
than ever before. b] 3When I asked for your help,
you answered my prayer
and gave me courage. c] 4All kings on this earth
have heard your promises, LORD,
and they will praise you.
5You are so famous
that they will sing
about the things you have done.
6Though you are above us all,
you care for humble people,
and you keep a close watch
on everyone who is proud.
7I am surrounded by trouble,
but you protect me
against my angry enemies.
With your own powerful arm
you keep me safe.
8You, LORD, will always
treat me with kindness.
Your love never fails.
You have made us what we are.
Don't give up on us now! d]
Footnotes:
- Psalm 138:1 angels: Or " gods" or " supernatural beings" who worship and serve God in heaven or " rulers" or " leaders."
- Psalm 138:2 You were. . . before: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Psalm 138:3 and gave me courage: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Psalm 138:8 You have. . . now: Or " Please don't desert your people."
Proverbs 30:11-14 (Contemporary English Version)
11Some people curse their father
and even their mother;
12others think they are perfect,
but they are stained by sin.
13Some people are stuck-up
and act like snobs;
14others are so greedy
that they gobble down
the poor and homeless.
and even their mother;
12others think they are perfect,
but they are stained by sin.
13Some people are stuck-up
and act like snobs;
14others are so greedy
that they gobble down
the poor and homeless.
Thought for the Day
“You, my son, will be called a prophet of God in heaven above. You will go ahead of the Lord to get everything ready for him. You will tell his people that they can be saved when their sins are forgiven. God's love and kindness will shine upon us like the sun that rises in the sky.” (Luke 1:76-78 - Contemporary English Version) Jesus came to proclaim God's forgiveness. And through his death, not only have we been forgiven, but we've also been cleansed.
Quote for the Day
“You, my son, will be called a prophet of God in heaven above. You will go ahead of the Lord to get everything ready for him. You will tell his people that they can be saved when their sins are forgiven. God's love and kindness will shine upon us like the sun that rises in the sky.” (Luke 1:76-78 - Contemporary English Version) Jesus came to proclaim God's forgiveness. And through his death, not only have we been forgiven, but we've also been cleansed.
American journalist, humorist, and author whose books were popular in the 1940s and 1950s, H. Allen Smith wrote, On Monday mornings I am dedicated to the proposition that all men are created jerks.
Joke for Today
Due to recent cutbacks...
The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off till further notice!
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 those in business, government and media would resist exploiting human fear or greed to shape public opinion.
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