Today's Readings and Stuff -- Saturday, 07 July 2018

Saturday.
I'd been planning all week long to be down at the church at 08:00 to be a part of the mid-summer "clean-up" effort that's been going on for the previous two Saturdays.  Planned that.  But Wife was sick and miserable all night, didn't sleep much.  I'm not feeling that great myself, and didn't get much sleep either.  Very little of that for either of us, in fact.  So it's after 10:00 and a Very Quiet Day.  Don't think I'll be doing much, either of us.
Monday, Lord willing, we'll either call "primary care" doctor and try to get her in (again:  this is the fourth episode of this malady since the first of the year).  Failing that, go over to the "Urgent Care" office, the "doc in a box".  I would have taken her this morning, but the weekend co-pay is more than she is willing to pay, so she's determined to "tough it out" two more days.  Hoping that the allergies -- which is possibly the root cause of all of this -- moderate somewhat over the next 48 hours.
Such a fun life we lead!

Niece and husband next door had found an inflatable swimming pool at the Wally Mart.  About a 14 foot diameter and about 30 inches deep max.  For $20 and came with a filter system!!  So they set it up Thursday and we filled it up.  And, so, yesterday we had the next-door great-niece, and the cross-town great-niece and great-nephew over in the joint back yard, splashing and giggling and doing all that kid-type stuff.   A good time was had by several.  So niece and the 1-year-old great-nephew sat nearby, with Wife occasionally making the trek, and watched kids play. 
No, it's not the stuff of great books and movies, but it is Making Memories.  That's surely worth something.

Being, as we are, estranged from our own kids, yet remembering those days, it's more than a little bit bittersweet.  But it's a good experience anyway.  And, perhaps, we can have a positive lasting impact on these kids' memories.  Worth a try, at least.



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2nd Chronicles 3

3:1 Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
3:2 And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.
3:3 Now these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.
3:4 And the porch that was in the front of the house, the length of it was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.
3:5 And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.
3:6 And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.
3:7 He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubim on the walls.
3:8 And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.
3:9 And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.
3:10 And in the most holy house he made two cherubim of image work, and overlaid them with gold.
3:11 And the wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.
3:12 And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub.
3:13 The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward.
3:14 And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubim thereon.
3:15 Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.
3:16 And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.
3:17 And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.

2nd Chronicles 4

 4:1 Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.
4:2 Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
4:3 And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.
4:4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.
4:5 And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.
4:6 He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.
4:7 And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.
4:8 He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basins of gold.
4:9 Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.
4:10 And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south.
4:11 And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basins. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;
4:12 To wit, the two pillars, and the pommels, and the chapiters which were on the top of the two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were on the top of the pillars;
4:13 And four hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths; two rows of pomegranates on each wreath, to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were upon the pillars.
4:14 He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases;
4:15 One sea, and twelve oxen under it.
4:16 The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.
4:17 In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah.
4:18 Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.
4:19 And Solomon made all the vessels that were for the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables whereon the shewbread was set;
4:20 Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;
4:21 And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;
4:22 And the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the censers, of pure gold: and the entry of the house, the inner doors thereof for the most holy place, and the doors of the house of the temple, were of gold.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Friday, 06 July 2018

Sorry, not at my best this morning.  Perhaps more later.


Song of the day:  "Oh I Want To Know  You More".  Ain't it the truth?!

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And now, 2nd Chronicles.
I am told that this was originally something on the order of Volume 2 of the Chronicles, something left to us by Ezra, and of first interest to the Israelites returning to the land from the Captivity in Babylon.  After all, the captivity was 70 years.  What do YOU know about the details of life and faith from 70 years ago, just in your own family?  So it was important that the people understand what the Lord had done in the past, the story of their own family, clan, tribe, and culture.  We'd like to think that the families had passed that along, but we see in our own time that this doesn't always occur.

2nd Chronicles 1

1:1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

1:2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.

1:3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

1:4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

1:5 Moreover the brazen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.

1:6 And Solomon went up thither to the brazen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

1:7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

1:8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

1:9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

1:11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

1:12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

1:13 Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.

1:14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

1:15 And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance.

1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

1:17 And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.

2nd Chronicles 2

2:1 And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

2:2 And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

2:3 And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me.

2:4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

2:5 And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.

2:6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

2:7 Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,

2:9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great.

2:10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

2:11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.

2:12 Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

2:13 And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

2:14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

2:15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

2:16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

2:17 And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.

2:18 And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.


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Psalm 119, verses 129 - 136

129 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
130 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
131 The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
132 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
133 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
134 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
135 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
136 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.

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Today, chapter 2 in the first epistle to the Corinthians.
Pay, I beg you, particular attention to verse 16.  It's important.  Nay, it is foundational and critical.

1st Corinthians 2

2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Today's Readings And Stuff. -- Thursday, 05 July, 2018

Day after the holiday.  In my 40+ years in the work world, I very often had to work the holidays as if it was just another day.  Later, I would often take the whole week off, using that period to make the LOOONG trips (1700 - 2000 miles, depending) to go up to the Frozen Lands to see family.  Now we live in the Frozen Lands, but all too many parts of the family have passed over.  I miss them.  Well, some of them anyway.  But I don't miss working 10 hours, then changing clothes, and driving 1000 miles, fortified with coffee and energy drinks. 

But with retirement and relocation, well, the impact of it has changed.  A lot.  It does reduce the anticipation factor by a good bit.

We're Next Door at niece's house.  She is at work, husband is finishing a MAJOR brake job on a local landscaper's truck, so we are "watching" the Grand - nephew and grand- Niece.   Wife is feeling lousy, and wants to go back home as soon as he is finished.

My one brother's birthday is tomorrow.   He should turn 63.   I don't know what his future plans are re work, etc.  He's been with current employer more than 20 years.  His ex-wife took him for quite a lot:  her actual name of Delilah was most appropriate.  I don't know how long until he wants to Hang It Up.  My sister, age between the two of us, just took retirement with a buyout in May.  But brother has some significant health issues.  Last time we spoke, he was considering buying a place near us and moving nearby.  Might be nice.

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Just getting home.  

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Today, chapter 29 in 1st Chronicles, completing it.

29:1 Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.

29:2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

29:3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.

29:4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:

29:5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?

29:6 Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,

29:7 And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.

29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.

29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

29:10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

29:11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

29:12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

29:15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

29:16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.

29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

29:18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

29:19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

29:20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

29:21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:

29:22 And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.

29:23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

29:24 And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.

29:25 And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

29:26 Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.

29:27 And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

29:28 And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.

29:29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,

29:30 With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.

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Today, Psalm 119, verses 121-128

This gives the "song of the day", which the Psalms are a good inspiration for.  And this song is a personal favorite.     My Help (Cometh From The Lord).   (by the way, Psalm 121 also inspired the song).

121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

121:5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

121:6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

121:7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

121:8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

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Today, chapter 1 in 1st Corinthians.

Corinth was (and perhaps still is) a very different sort of a  place, certainly not much like Jerusalem or Israel.  But there were believers there, and a movement.  Issues came along with that, and those issues are much of the reason for the epistles sent there.

1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Today's Readings And Stuff -- Wednesday, 04 July 2018 commemorated in America as Independence Day

Today is a holiday, Independence Day.  Today is, and will increasingly be, celebrated with excess drinking, various sorts of fireworks of all sizes, and the related incidents of drunk driving, bad behavior, injuries, and probably more than a couple deaths.  After more than half a century of observation, I've not yet seen the 4th of July without such.  Too bad, really.

Wife had a bad night with little sleep, and I got almost none myself.  I've already made the trip Across The Line into Pennsyltucky to pick up one of her prescriptions, one that she was notified last evening was ready.  Only to discover that the pharmacy at the Big Box store is closed today, something that her message carefully avoided communicating to her.  So, I guess I'll try again tomorrow.  I did get a package of an over-the-counter remedy (fexofenadine) which we hope will assist with the sinus blockages and gunk that had her coughing last night for hours on end.

So she's resting right now, fast asleep in fact, and I'd love to join her in that but never got into these mid-day siestas.  Once I'm up, I'm up.  But am being quiet, which seems to be a good plan.  The usual crowd of drunks two doors down on the corner and their counterparts on the corner diagonal from them, haven't cranked up the volume yet, so it's still quiet around here. 

I was out yesterday weeding in the garden.  It's always discouraging.  I know that I pulled a whole lot out, but you can't tell.  Which, of course, means that I cleared away enough that you can see the stuff that the stuff I took out had hidden.  Now it's in the open (and laughing at me, maybe).  It's like that in life:  the closer you get to seeing Jesus, the more the "stuff" in you (me) shows, the things that were hidden before.  Getting close to Him is still the objective, and must always be.  And I mean that "getting close" in all the ways it can be taken.  We want people to look at us and see Him.  Always.  But there are a lot of weeds in the way.  Distracting ones at that.  Tempting to forget the objective and to just focus on the weeds.
Now, some of those "weeds" (the ones in the garden) aren't evil in themselves.  Some are actually pretty, some are even useful plants in other contexts.  But they do interfere with the ability of the tomatoes and cucumbers to bear fruit.  Same with us.  The "weeds" in my life aren't necessarily evil, some anyway, but they distract from the focus  on Him, keeping me (us) from being fruitful, and distracting from the focus.
Lots easier to just go the the market and buy the tomatoes already grown and picked, but that's not our assignment.


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1st Chronicles 27

27:1 Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

27:2 Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:3 Of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

27:4 And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand.

27:5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:6 This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.

27:7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

27:16 Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

27:17 Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:

27:18 Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:

27:19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:

27:20 Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:

27:21 Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:

27:22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.

27:23 But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

27:24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.

27:25 And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:

27:26 And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:

27:27 And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:

27:28 And over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the low plains was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:

27:29 And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:

27:30 Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:

27:31 And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.

27:32 Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:

27:33 And Ahithophel was the king's counselor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:

27:34 And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.

1st Chronicles 28

28:1 And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

28:2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

28:3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

28:4 Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:

28:5 And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

28:6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

28:7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.

28:8 Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.

28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

28:10 Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

28:11 Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlors thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

28:12 And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:

28:13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

28:14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:

28:15 Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.

28:16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:

28:17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basins he gave gold by weight for every basin; and likewise silver by weight for every basin of silver:

28:18 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubim, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

28:19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

28:21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skillful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.


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Today, verses 113-120 in Psalm 119.

Psalm 119, Verses 113 - 120

119:113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

119:115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

119:118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.

119:119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.


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Today, chapter 16 in the Epistle To The Romans, completing it.
This is, of course, the close of the letter.  Most of us these days haven't had much experience in writing long letters (other than business ones, and often not then) to far-off friends and family members.  I can still recall, dimly of course, far-off maiden aunts, some elderly, who, particularly at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other events, would pen LONG letters all over.  They were filled with observations, thoughts, complaints (often) including health issues or misbehaving children or neighbors or the like.  I didn't get them, but my mom (rarely my dad, or at least I think so) did, and kept them I guess.  It used to be "the thing".  Bear in mind that, just as in Paul's time, the instantaneous communication links of telephones, internet, e-mail, etc. didn't exist:  many of these ladies did not even have a "land line" telephone.  So the sort of casual yak-yak didn't occur.  And few people traveled (willingly) more than moderate walking distance from their homes.  I used to commute nearly 100 miles back and forth to work, a distance most would never travel in their lifetimes.
So Paul was putting out something that would be read aloud, passed around, certainly be copied laboriously by hand (which is how we have it now) and was intended to be regarded seriously.  Which it was and still is.
Note the names and the requests.  Do you ever think that no one realizes what you do for the Lord?  It's a temptation, surely, and more than a few of those called to the various roles within the church feel that discouragement at times.  It's real.  But, never fear, the Lord knows.  And, even if (when) the people neglect to say the "thank you" and "I am here to help", know that most notice.  How would you like it if your name was in this list of "greet ..... "??  It is in one such list, at least one.

Romans 16

16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.

16:11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

16:14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.

16:15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.

16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Tuesday, 03 July 2018

This has been a day run amok.  We had to be up rather earlier than we wanted, because we'd been "volunteered" to "watch" the Wife's nephew's kids.  This isn't the family next door, the niece and family, but the nephew and his wife, their kids.  They were both of them working, and leaving an 11-year-old and a 6-year-old at home alone is Just Not Done (though I survived it as a kid, many times), particularly this pair.  So we Did The Deed.  Mom was home by mid-afternoon, so it wasn't TOO bad.  Got the word that next-door nephew-in-law got the job he'd been trying for, and will start his training period two weeks from yesterday.  It will, eventually, pay him a good bit more than he'd been earning at his old job.  So that's good. 
Yesterday, he and niece were at something like a court hearing: he's appealed the initial determination of the pen-pushers to deny his claim for unemployment compensation.  Be  7 - 10 days before a decision is announced.   
And then a complication.  He sold the car he'd been driving mostly.  The $900 offered came in VERY handy.  So he'd been out there today working on another one, the one I'd intended to swap for our 18-year-old SUV, but he needs an alternative to the Suburban, particularly if he's going to be having a long commute every day.  So, he's working on the bad struts, the coil on the RF wheel that's about to break, a few other things.  But he tripped and fell a bit ago (part of the reason for the delay in this posting), got a really nasty cut on his backside, with a good bit of bleeding, etc.  NOT what they need when wihtout insurance and not much money either.  We were running around gathering some heavy-duty bandages, antiseptic, goop for killing germs, etc. 

And, of course, tomorrow is the annual commemoration of Independence Day.  An important thing, to be sure.  Now, the fact that our various neighbors are "celebrating" with an unsafe combination of alcohol and industrial-grade fireworks.  Our cats are NOT happy about the noise.  Neither are any of the other dogs and cats in the area, but it's part of the of the local  "culture".  Based on my 40+ years of observations, the next few days will be marked with numerous deaths, injuries, fights, traffic accidents, and much else that the Chamber of Commerce will choose to ignore.

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1st Chronicles 25

25:1 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.

25:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.

25:3 Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father.

25:4 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.

25:5 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.

25:6 He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valor out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.

25:7 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.

25:8 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.

25:9 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.

25:10 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.

25:11 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.

25:12 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.

25:13 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.

25:14 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.

25:15 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?

25:16 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.

25:17 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.

25:18 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.

25:19 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?

25:20 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.

25:21 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.

25:22 And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent.

25:23 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.

25:24 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.

25:25 And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

25:26 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?

25:27 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.

25:28 And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

1st Chronicles 26

26:1 Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

26:2 And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,

26:3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.

26:4 Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth.

26:5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.

26:6 Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they were mighty men of valor.

26:7 The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.

26:8 All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom.

26:9 And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.

26:10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)

26:11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.

26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

26:13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

26:15 To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.

26:16 To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.

26:17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.

26:18 At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.

26:19 These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.

26:20 And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.

26:21 As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli.

26:22 The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the LORD.

26:23 Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:

26:24 And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.

26:25 And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.

26:26 Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.

26:27 Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD.

26:28 And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.

26:29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.

26:30 And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valor, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king.

26:31 Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valor at Jazer of Gilead.

26:32 And his brethren, men of valor, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.


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Psalm 119, verses 105-112

119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
119:106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

119:108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

119:109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

119:112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.




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Romans 15

15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Monday, 02 July 2018

Happy Monday to all

Wife is Next Door, there to "watch" the 1-year-old Great Nephew.  Mom and Dad are off, in attendance at a hearing ref his application for unemployment compensation.  About six weeks ago, he was one of several, mostly with manager titles, who were "let go" in a campaign at his workplace.  He's been locked in a battle ever since on the issue of drawing unemployment compensation.  I believe he now has two employers who want him there, but the last six weeks have done their finances no good, and he believes that the money is due him.  And he may be right, but I've seen some pretty awful misuses of that system, misuses going in both directions.  So we wish them the best.

AND .....  the first news that I saw this morning was of at least one arrest up in Cleveland.  Seems that the FBI boys interrupted a well-advanced plot for a major terror event to be perpetrated up there as part of the Independence Day celebrations in two days.
Anyone familiar with the acronym "ROPMA"?   You can look it up, but the tenor of it is that there is grave doubt about the accuracy of the "Great Religion of Peace" stupidity that former President Bush rattled off after the 9/11 attacks.  In 1400 years now, that has not deviated.  Not a bit.

Wife was pretty sick all day yesterday.  She sounds a little bit better today, and was able to shower and dress and walk over next door unaided (not always the case), so perhaps it's turned a corner.  We hope so anyway.



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1st Chronicles 23

1 So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

2 And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.

33  Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.

44  Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:

55  Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.

66  And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

77  Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei.

88  The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.

99  The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan.

10010  And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.

1111  And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house.

1212  The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.

1313  The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

1414  Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi.

1515  The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.

1616  Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief.

1717  And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.

1818  Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.

1919  Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

2019  Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah the first, and Jesiah the second.

2120  The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.

2221  And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them.

2322  The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.

2423  These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; eventhe chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.

2524  For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:

2625  And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.

2726  For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:

2827  Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;

2928  Both for the shewbread, and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all manner of measure and size;

3029  And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even;

3130  And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:

3231  And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.

1st Chronicles 24

1  Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

22  But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.

3  33  And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.

44  And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.

55  Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

66  And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and before the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.

77  Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

88  The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,

99  The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

1010  The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,

1111  The ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,

1212  The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

1313  The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,

1414  The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

1515  The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,

1616  The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel,

1717  The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,

1818  The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.

1919  These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.

2020  And the rest of the sons of Levi were these: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah.

2121  Concerning Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, the first was Isshiah.

2222  Of the Izharites; Shelomoth: of the sons of Shelomoth; Jahath.

2323  And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.

2424  Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah: of the sons of Michah; Shamir.

2525  The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah.

2626  The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.

2727  The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri.

2828  Of Mahli came Eleazar, who had no sons.

2929  Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was Jerahmeel.

3030  The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These werethe sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.

3131  These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

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Psalm 119, verses 97 - 104

MEM. 

97  O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

9898  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

9999  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

100100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

101101  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

102102  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

103103  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

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This passage has long interested me.  Like anyone who has lived "a while", I've encountered quite a few of those  (and am related to quite a few) of those who seek to impose additional rules on Christian believers to "fill in the blanks" in Scripture.  Some of those rules aren't necessarily bad ones:  the prohibitions against beverage alcohol being a good example.  I'm not totally convinced that drinking is wicked.  I AM fully persuaded that it is unwise (to say the least) having had more than sufficient observations of the results of that.  Wicked?  I don't know.  But I don't use the stuff.
My parents caused a commotion in the church when, back around 1959, they bought a TV set.  First one in the church, and caused quite a stir.  Until we had gatherings in the living room for a week so people could watch a Billy Graham crusade on that TV. 
I know people who are convinced that eating meat is wicked.  Others who will eat beef, but not pork.  Some who are sure that worship services should be on Saturday, others hold out for Sunday.  Some of our old-line Quakers (Society of Friends to the uninitiated) believe that those names of the days -- Sunday, Monday, etc. -- are of themselves wicked, maintaining that it honors pagan deities and such:  Wednesday to honor Wotan/Odin, Thursday to honor Thor, Saturday to honor Saturn, etc., so they use "First Day", etc. instead.  Whatever.
Such things have been part of the landscape for 2,000 years now, it may be part of (fallen) human nature, I don't know.  But Paul was addressing it.

Romans 14

1  Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

22  For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

33  Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

44  Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

55  One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

66  He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

77  For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

88  For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

99  For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

1010  But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

1111  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

1212  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

1313  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in hisbrother's way.

1414  I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

1515  But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

1616  Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

1717  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

1818  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

1919  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

2020  For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

2121  It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thingwhereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

2222  Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

2323  And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.