Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52; Mark 1:1-8; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:1-18

The boy, Jesus, has been difficult to locate following his family's trip to Jerusalem. His staying in Jerusalem borders on disobedience to his parents, Joseph and Mary. Still, when they locate him Jesus goes with them and is obedient to them. And Mary treasures all of these things, including both disobedience and obedience in her heart. (Luke 2:51b)

Earlier, after Jesus' birth Mary ponders many things in her heart--the baby's birth, the visit of the shepherds, and the things they reported concerning angels' visitation.

God, enlarge my heart both to ponder and to treasure Christ Jesus in my heart.

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Luke 2:21-40

Luke's gospel first tells how John grew strong in spirit. At Luke 2:40 he tells how Jesus grew strong, was full of wisdom, and covered in God's grace. 

Strong of body and spirit, full of wisdom, and covered by grace: O that all children might grow likewise!

Luke 1:1-80

John is the son of a priest, Zechariah. His conception and birth are uncommon, if not miraculous, given the advanced age of his parents. The advent of John is announced by an angel of the Lord, and so the baby is named, not according to family tradition, but according to the angel's message. John grows strong in spirit and lives in the wilderness until his public ministry begins. 

Joel 3:1-21; Malachi 1:1-4:6

According to "The One Year Chronological Bible," Malachi, the last Old Testament prophet, prophesied to the Jews in Jerusalem between 433 and 430 B.C.

Nehemiah 13:1-31; Joel 1:1-2:32

Joel the Prophet announces God's judgment..."And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."

We Christians tend to agree with Peter the Apostle (Acts 2) that Joel's prophecy is fulfilled on the first Pentecost after Jesus' death and resurrection when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus' followers. Yet I hope for a day when God will pour out the Spirit on "all people," as in every living human being everywhere. I don't see evidence of such a widespread spiritual anointing on Planet Earth today.

1 Chronicles 9: lb-34; Nehemiah 12:147

As an amateur guitarist and singer it pleases me to note the part that music seems to play in the day-to-day affairs of ancient Jerusalem. For example, musicians stay in the temple, because their work continues both day and night. (1 Chronicles 9:33) Singers are brought to sing at the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 12:28) Two choirs are sent to to the top of the walls in order to sing thanks to God. (Nehemiah 12:31) Afterward the two choirs join together with musicians in the temple, offering up a concert of praise that can be heard far away from Jerusalem! (Nehemiah 12:40-43)

Halleluiah! Praise the Lord!

Nehemiah 9:38-11:36

The Israelis' rule keeping is still a problem. They separate from the non-Jewish people living all around them, promising not to intermarry. (Nehemiah 10:30) This action is seen as part of their commitment to follow carefully all the commands, regulations, and decrees given by the Lord through Moses. (Nehemiah 10:29) They ignore the command to expel non-Jewish people living in the land of promise (Exodus 23:31 and others), and thereby they demonstrate commitment to follow carefully part of the commands, regulations, and decrees.

I am tempted to criticize the Israelis' choice of particular parts of the Law of Moses they plan to uphold and other parts they allow to lapse. But another thought comes to mind, namely, that their choice may represent a step of growth in the direction from rule keeping religiosity to relationship with God. 

Which, if any, of the rules I try to obey should be allowed to lapse in favor of greater intimacy with God?

Psalm 146:1-10; Psalm 147:1-20; Nehemiah 7:73b-9:37

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

This is one of my favorite readings from scripture. Why? Because the joy of the Lord is linked with strength in Nehemiah 8:10. Strength is not linked with military power, physical prowess, wealth, or ingenuity. No! Strength is tied to joy originating in and emanating from the heart of God. 

From this scripture reading I infer a need to shun negativity, to cast off bitterness, to drop my defenses, and to embrace all the good that comes from God. As I rejoice in the Lord, I grow stronger. Complaining, griping, and harboring regrets only weakens me. None of that! I'll take joy, thank you!

Psalm 121:1-8; Psalm 122:1-9; Psalm 123:14; Psalm 128:1-6; Psalm 130:1-8; Psalm 134:1-3; Psalm 135:1-21; Psalm 136:1-26

Psalm 136 consists of 26 phrases, some of which are imperatives, such as, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good..." (Psalm 136:1a) Other phrases continue words that describe God's activities in history, such as, "...who made the great lights..." (Psalm 136:7a) But every one of the phrases is tied directly or indirectly to an act of giving God thanks. Likewise, every one of the phrases is affirmed by the statement: "His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:26b, for example)

I wonder how my outlook might change if a voice or voices responded to each and every one of my thoughts with the truth that His love endures forever?

Psalm 119:73-176

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Above is the biblical text that inspired Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith to write another Christian song that I like--"Thy Word." Check it out by clicking on the link below...

Video of "Thy Word"

Psalm 111:1-10; Psalm 112:1-10; Psalm 117:1-2; Psalm 119:1-72

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)

In this reading I found the biblical source text for a chorus that I learned as a child. You may play the video below and sing along, if you choose.

Nehemiah 5:1-7:3; Psalm 1:1-6; Psalm 107:1-43

Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord. (Psalm 107:43)

Nehemiah 1:1-4:23

In his prayer (Nehemiah 1:5-11) Nehemiah remembers God's promise of restoration after exile (Deuteronomy 30:1-5), and on the basis of that promise he asks for God's favor, as he takes before the king his concerns over rebuilding the city of  Jerusalem and its temple. He finds favor with Artaxerxes, the king, and goes to Jerusalem in about 445 B.C. The king gives him authority to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 

Nehemiah leads well. The walls are rebuilt in 52 days, even though the workers are opposed and hindered in their work.

When I am afraid I need to hear encouragement similar to the words spoken by Nehemiah: "Don't be afraid...Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." (Nehemiah 4:14b)

Ezra 8:15-10:44; 1 Chronicles 3:17-24

The Jewish families assemble at Jerusalem to do as their leaders suggest, that is, to send their Gentile wives and children away. Four of the Jewish men oppose this decision. Their names are Jonathan son of Asahel, Jahzeiah son of Tikvah, Meshullam, and Shabbethai the Levite. (Ezra 10:15).

I feel sorry for those sent away. I wonder if those divorcing their Gentile wives did the right thing and how they may have felt about their decisions throughout the remainders of their lifetimes.

Psalm 106:1-48; Ezra 7:1-8:14

Rebuilding the Jewish community in Jerusalem had begun under Cyrus the Great, who had permitted Jews held captive in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of Solomon. Consequently, a number of Jews returned to Jerusalem in 538 B.C., and the foundation of this "Second Temple" was laid in 520 B.C.

Artaxerxes sends Ezra, a Jewish priest and scribe to take charge of the ecclesiastical and civil affairs of the Jewish nation. A copy of this decree is recorded in Ezra 7:13-28.

Ezra leaves Babylon in the first month of the seventh year of Artaxerxes' reign (458 B.C.), leading a band of Jews that includes priests and Levites. They arrive in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month that year (Hebrew Calendar).

Esther 9:18-10:3; Ezra 4:6-23; Psalm 105:1-45

During the same period of time when Mordecai and Esther were defending Jews in the Persian Empire, contentious neighbors of the Jews in Jerusalem find a way to halt the work of rebuilding the walls of that city. How disappointing to the Jews who had returned to their homeland for the purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem and its temple!

My work grinds to a halt at times. The hope of achieving my goals is thwarted. In times like these it is good to stop, breathe deeply, and to remember God's faithfulness throughout history. 

Psalm 105 would be a good guide for refreshing the disgruntled Jews' confidence.  I will look to it again when my sense of progress comes to a standstill. 

Esther 5:1-9:17

Antipathy toward Mordecai and his people, the Jews, originates in Haman's pride, his desire to see others bow in his presence, and his anger that Mordecai will bow in worship to no one, except God. Haman's pride, narcissistic desire, and anger ultimately bring about his downfall.

[Jesus says,] "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25)  

Esther 1:1-4:17

Xerxes and the leading men value beauty and obedience in women, particularly in their wives. When Queen Vashti defies the king's order to come to his banquet and to display her beauty to his guests she is deposed, not simply for her defiance toward Xerxes, but also because the men feared that their wives would follow the queen's example and defy their authority. 

What do men value in women today, particularly in their wives?

Zechariah 10:1-14:21

This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. On that day men will be stricken by the Lord with great panic. Each man will seize the hand of another, and they will attack each other. (Zecharaih 14:12-13)

Zechariah's vision describes a horrible end for those who oppose the Lord.

Psalm 118:1-29; Psalm 129:1-8; Psalm 148:1-14; Psalm 149:1-9; Psalm 150:1-6; Ezra 6:19-22; Zechariah 9:1-17

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever...This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:1, 24)

Forever...and a day...today...forever the Lord is good, and today the Lord is good. God loves forever, and God loves all of creation today. These truths are causes for a grand celebration. Why not be happy? 

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:6)

Zechariah 7:1-8:23; Ezra 5:1-6:18

The work on the temple in Jerusalem is completed in the sixth year of Darius' reign as king or 516 B.C. Sacrifices are offered and priests are installed in their offices. Prophecies of the temple's restoration are fulfilled. 

History shows that the temple stood--with improvements to it--until 70 A.D. 

Zechariah 1:1-6:15

The prophet Zechariah was the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo. His first prophecy was delivered in the second year of Darius Hystaspis in 520 B.C. He was a contemporary of Haggai the prophet, Zerubbabel the governor, and Joshua the high priest. He was born in Babylon of the tribe of Levi, so he was a priest as well as a prophet.     

Psalm 97:1-12; Psalm 98:1-9; Psalm 99:1-9; Psalm 100:1-5; Ezra 4:1-5; Ezra 4:24; Haggai 1:1-2:23

For you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. (Psalm 97:9)

I love it when I rediscover the scripture reference for a favorite song of faith. Psalm 97:9 provides the text for the song, "I Exalt Thee," composed by Pete Sanchez, Jr. Here is a link to Jesus Culture's take on the song:

"I Exalt Thee" Video

Daniel 11:36-12:13; Psalm 93:1-5; Psalm 94:1-23; Psalm 95:1-11; Psalm 96:1-13

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Daniel 12:1-4)

This time of great trouble is sometimes identified with the "great tribulation" predicted by Jesus, as recorded in the Bible's books of Matthew, chapter 24, verse 21, and Mark, chapter 13, verse 19.

Another word for the awakening of multitudes "who sleep in the dust of the earth" is resurrection. Jesus speaks of both resurrection and judgment in the Bible's books of Matthew, chapter 25, verse 46, and John, chapter 5, verses 28 and 29.

Ezra 3:1-13; Psalm 92:1-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Daniel 10:1-11:35

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. (Psalm 126:5)

How happy are those who are released from confinement and returned to their homeland!

Ezra 2:21-70; Nehemiah 7:26-73a

Both Ezra 2:61-63 and Nehemiah 7:63-65 record the dilemma of some supposed members of priestly families, namely that no family records could be found to prove that they indeed belonged to the lineage of Israel's priests. What happens? They are not permitted to perform priestly duties--not until a priest becomes established who ministers "with the Urim and Thummim." 

Urim and Thummim are sacred lots used by the Hebrews in Ezra's and Nehemiah's era.  I presume that a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim would be able to get a "yes or no" answer to the question of the families' claim that they belong to Israel's priestly tribe.

Ezra 1:1-4; Daniel 6:1-28; Ezra 1:5-2:20; Nehemiah 7:4-25

"Daniellion" by After Briton Rivière - Manchester City Art Gallery [sic!]. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daniellion.jpg#/media/File:Daniellion.jpg

Daniel 8:1-27; Daniel 5:1-31; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Daniel 9:1-27

In 538 B.C. Cyrus, king of Persia, releases any Jews living in Babylon who want to return to their homeland. (2 Chronicles 36:22-23) His proclamation fulfills Jeremiah's prophecy that the Jews exiled in Babylon would be set free. That prophecy is recorded in a letter that Jeremiah sent some time after the first deportation of Jews from Judah to Babylon in 597 B.C. (Jeremiah 29:10) 

Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34; Daniel 7:1-28

"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed...Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him." (Daniel 7:13-14, 27)

Daniel is given a vision and an explanation for the vision. The saints belonging to God will suffer oppression under the rule of successive kingdoms. But one "like a son of man" will come "with the clouds of heaven" and will establish an "everlasting kingdom." The authority of this kingdom will extend over "the kingdoms under the whole heaven." 

Saints, holy people of God, wait for the fulfillment of the vision given to Daniel. 

Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; Ezekiel 29:17-30:19

Ezekiel has a vision of a holy temple at the center of a holy city sited within a holy land. The temple's dimensions are measured. The city's boundaries are described. The division of the land, according to the tribes of Israel, is specified. 

Ezekiel's vision foreshadows John's vision, recorded in the Bible's book of Revelation, chapter 21.

The Scriptures I Hope to Read in September

September 1 - Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; Ezekiel 29:17-30:19

September 2 - Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34; Daniel 7:1-28

September 3 - Daniel 8:1-27; Daniel 5:1-31; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Daniel 9:1-27

September 4 - Ezra 1:1-4; Daniel 6:1-28; Ezra 1:5-2:20; Nehemiah 7:4-25

September 5 - Ezra 2:21-70; Nehemiah 7:26-73a

September 6 - Ezra 3:1-13; Psalm 92:1-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Daniel 10:1-11:35

September 7 - Daniel 11:36-12:13; Psalm 93:1-5; Psalm 94:1-23; Psalm 95:1-11; Psalm 96:1-13

September 8 - Psalm 97:1-12; Psalm 98:1-9; Psalm 99:1-9; Psalm 100:1-5; Ezra 4:1-5; Ezra 4:24; Haggai 1:1-2:23

September 9 - Zechariah 1:1-6:15

September 10 - Zechariah 7:1-8:23; Ezra 5:1-6:18

September 11 - Psalm 118:1-29; Psalm 129:1-8; Psalm 148:1-14; Psalm 149:1-9; Psalm 150:1-6; Ezra 6:19-22; Zechariah 9:1-17

September 12 - Zechariah 10:1-14:21

September 13 - Esther 1:1-4:17

September 14 - Esther 5:1-9:17

September 15 - Esther 9:18-10:3; Ezra 4:6-23; Psalm 105:1-45

September 16 - Psalm 106:1-48; Ezra 7:1-8:14

September 17 - Ezra 8:15-10:44; 1 Chronicles 3:17-24

September 18 - Nehemiah 1:1-4:23

September 19 - Nehemiah 5:1-7:3; Psalm 1:1-6; Psalm 107:1-43

September 20 - Psalm 111:1-10; Psalm 112:1-10; Psalm 117:1-2; Psalm 119:1-72

September 21 - Psalm 119:73-176

September 22 - Psalm 121:1-8; Psalm 122:1-9; Psalm 123:14; Psalm 128:1-6; Psalm 130:1-8; Psalm 134:1-3; Psalm 135:1-21; Psalm 136:1-26

September 23 - Psalm 146:1-10; Psalm 147:1-20; Nehemiah 7:73b-9:37

September 24 - Nehemiah 9:38-11:36

September 25 - 1 Chronicles 9: lb-34; Nehemiah 12:147

September 26 - Nehemiah 13:1-31; Joel 1:1-2:32

September 27 - Joel 3:1-21; Malachi 1:1-4:6

September 28 - Luke 1:1-56; Luke 1:57-80

September 29 - Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Luke 2:21-40

September 30 - Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52; Mark 1:1-8; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:1-18