Tue May 31/22

Verse 1

 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. Ac 23:26

This is a letter written by Claudius Lysias describing how the Jews had plotted to kill Paul, addressed to Governor Felix.

Verse 2

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Ecc 9:9

Solomon contemplating the purpose of life under the sun (without knowing God intimately). Enjoy what the Creator has given because the good and the bad are all going to die and then they no longer exist.

Verse 3

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Mk 6:30

The disciples give Jesus an update on their progress in sharing the truth about the Kingdom of God.

Sound from Heaven: We need accurate information to act responsibly.

Claudius informed Felix of the plot to kill Paul so Felix would better understand the case he was going to preside over. Solomon informed his readers that life without truly knowing God was meaningless, as all will end up no longer existing, forgotten by the living. Jesus evaluated the disciples efforts and realized they needed some rest, in a quiet solitary place. After ministering to the masses, Jesus and the disciples would need time to connect with God and recharge their spiritual batteries. Jesus didn’t want them to burn out.

Mon May 30/22

Verse 1

the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Mk 13:25

Jesus described the end time tribulation conditions.

Verse 2

you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.” Gen 46:34

Joseph instructed Jacob how to respond to the king’s question, “What is your occupation?” God wanted to keep His people separated and undefiled from Egyptian idol worship and superstitions.

Verse 3

“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. Ac 26:25

Paul refutes Fetus for not believing in the Gospel.

Sound from Heaven: We are to believe the Gospel and serve our God.

There will be difficult times coming for the world, as they refuse to believe the Gospel. God wants His people to be holy, set apart from the world and its idols. 

Sun May 29/22

Verse 1

Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless. Ecc 7:6

Fools waste their time on humorous meaningless things.

Verse 2

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jer 6:16

God exhorted the people of Jerusalem to walk righteously but they would not listen.

Verse 3

No man with a crippled foot or hand, Lev 21:19

God told Moses no one with a defect can offer food to God.

Sound from Heaven: God has a purpose for all and those who miss the mark will not be accepted.

Fools waste the time given them on insignificant events. Whereas others know what God required but will not conform. For those with physical defects—representing sin in the spiritual realm, will not be able to approach God and thus be separated from Him in eternity.

Sat May 28/22

Verse 1

I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him. SS 3:2

The Shulamite girl had been too slow in welcoming her lover in.  He had since departed. She then went out to seek him but could not find him.

Verse 2

The elders of Daughter Zion sit on the ground in silence; they have sprinkled dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground. Lam 2:10

God has brought judgment to Israel because of her many sins.

Verse 3

Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lord’s wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness. Mic 7:9

Israel admitted of her sin and will accept the Lord’s punishment and looked forward when God would return His favor towards her.

Sound from Heaven: Sin has consequences but repentance grants God’s forgiveness and blessings.

The Shulamite girl, a picture of the believer, was tardy in her response to the king, God. He therefore hid Himself for a season, to give her time to repent. Israel rebelled against God’s righteousness and would be punished but when she repented He would receive her back with blessings.

Fri May 27/22

Verse 1

That day Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well they had dug. They said, “We’ve found water!” Gen 26:32

Isaac had just made a peace treaty with Abimelek when his servants told him that they have found water. This allowed Isaac to lay down roots there. He had been wandering around for quite a time as his rivals would stop his wells and force him to move on.

Verse 2

In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the pur (that is, the lot) was cast in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. Est 3:7

After Haman had decided on his evil plot to kill Mordecai and all the Jews, he had soothsayers cast the lot to determine the exact time the gods would have Haman fulfill his plan. Unfortunately for Haman the lot cast gave Mordecai the maximum time to survive, for the lot was cast for the twelve month—eleven months in the future. Pr 16:33 revealed that all decisions are from God not from gods.

Verse 3

In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  Eph 2:2

Paul explained what it was like for people before they came to know Christ. They were in bondage to Satan.

Sound from Heaven: Circumstances provide opportunities for God’s glory.

Isaac was having difficulty finding a home to settle where other people would accept him. While at Beersheba, Abimelek made a peace treaty with him and his servants found water, demonstrating God’s favour. Haman used the opportunity of casting the lot to give creditability to his evil scheme but God used this circumstance for Mordecai’s benefit. Paul explained that Christ was the opportunity to be set free from the bondage of slavery.

Thu May 26/22

Verse 1

And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. Neh 2:8

Nehemiah found favor with King Artaxerxes to go back to Jerusalem to help rebuild the ruins. Nehemiah acknowledged that it was God who prepared the king’s heart in granting his request.

Verse 2

For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Mk 6:18

Herod had John beheaded because the prophet rebuked the king for taking his brother’s wife which was unlawful.

Verse 3

Then they are to wrap it and all its accessories in a covering of the durable leather and put it on a carrying frame. Nu 4:10

The Kohathites were in charge of the temple most holy things.  They were given specific instructions of how to wrap each item when the nation was about to move on.

Sound from Heaven: God’s people were under foreign authority, who they were to obey, but ultimately under God’s sovereignty. 

Nehemiah found favor with the king by petitioning the Lord for favor which he received. However, John the Baptist, who was faithful in preaching God’s commands to King Herod was beheaded as God did not intervene. The Levites were to obey God’s instructions when moving the tabernacle. God expected obedience but in His sovereignty would deliver some of His people, while others glorified Him through tribulation and even martyrdom.

Wed May 25/22

Verse 1

 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you. Lk 14:29

Before you start any project, Jesus told his disciples they must count the cost, know what they are getting into. If they were to follow Jesus, the perils should be considered before accepting the calling.

Verse 2

Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network. Ex 27:4

These were the instructions Moses was given to construct the altar of burnt offering. Bronze was a symbol of judgment.

Verse 3

The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. “Have you seen the one my heart loves?” SS 3:3

The Shulamite girl is searching for her lover but can’t find him.

Sound from Heaven: There is a price to pay in following Christ.

There is a cost when one decides to give up their life to Christ. Expect judgment from the Enemy.  Jesus’ advice was to count the cost before one made a decision to follow Him. One must love Him, like the Shulamite’s love for her king.

Tue May 24/22

Verse 1

 On his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 1 Sa 17:6

The writer described mighty Goliath and the equipment he wore when doing battle against his enemies.

Verse 2

When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Ps 86:7

David told God that whenever he was in distress, he turned to the Lord because the Lord was faithful.

Verse 3

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me. Jn 10:25

Jesus told the Pharisees that they didn’t believe the works He did was from God because they weren’t the Father’s sheep.

Sound from Heaven: God is bigger than any enemy but you must trust in Him.

Goliath was described as invisible and made all enemies lose hope in victory. We need to follow David’s advice when we are distressed and trust God to rescue us. It is only those who believe who will be delivered.

Mon May 23/22

Verse 1

“‘Yet hear the Lord’s promise to you, Zedekiah king of Judah. This is what the Lord says concerning you: You will not die by the sword; Jer 34:4

Jeremiah promised Zedekiah that he would not die in battle but be taken back to Babylon and die there peacefully.

Verse 2

The Lord will cause people to hear his majestic voice and will make them see his arm coming down with raging anger and consuming fire, with cloudburst, thunderstorm and hail. Isa 30:30

God will deliver Israel from Assyria, her enemy.

Verse 3

They all ate the same spiritual food 1 Co 10:3

God had provided for all of Israel in the wilderness but most were rebellious, so Paul warned his listeners that these were examples for them to heed.

Sound from Heaven: God’s word is just and true.

God rewards the faithful with deliverance and punishes the rebellious,  therefore let us take heed.

Sun May 22/22

Verse 1

The Gadites lived next to them in Bashan, as far as Salekah: 1 Chr 11:5

Chronicles is a chronological record of the historical line of families from Adam to Israel’s twelve tribes. Here, the tribe of Gad is mentioned living next to the sons of Reuben.

Verse 2

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. Dt 10:18

God asked His people to love, obey and live righteously, for He defended the fatherless and the widow and fed and clothed the foreigner living among them.

Verse 3

Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, Jos 18:25

These were three of fourteen towns given to the Benjamin tribe as their inheritance of the Promised Land.

Sound from Heaven: God knows, protects and blesses His family. He desires all people to be His.

If Israel kept a record of their lineage, then how much more does God know each one of us intimately. He watches over His people and protects them and gives good gifts. His blessings even fall on the wicked who rebel against Him Mt 5:45. His desire is for all to be part of His family 2 Pe 3:9.

Sat May 21/22

Verse 1

 On the south will be the divisions of the camp of Reuben under their standard. The leader of the people of Reuben is Elizur son of Shedeur. Nu 2:10

This was the arrangement of the tribal camps as Israel travelled in the wilderness.

Verse 2

Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Pr 6:27

No, and neither can we break God’s laws and not be judged and punished.

Verse 3

your adulteries and lustful neighings, your shameless prostitution! I have seen your detestable acts on the hills and in the fields. Woe to you, Jerusalem! How long will you be unclean?” Jer 13:27

God is angry with His people’s sinful actions and heeds them to change.

Sound from Heaven: God guides and disciplines His children.

Like a parent, God set up where each tribe would live and warned His children that there would be consequences for their sinful actions. He is concerned for their growth and will do whatever He has to, to guide them in the right direction.

Fri May 20/22

Verse 1

But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God. Nu 22:18

King Balak’s men asked Balaam to curse Israel and he told them he could only prophesy what God had placed on his lips.

Verse 2

Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief. 1 Sa 1:16

Hannah was praying fervently wanting God to give her a child, but when Eli the priest saw her, he had thought she was drunk and rebuked her. She defended herself.

Verse 3

Of Lod, Hadid and Ono 725. Ezra 2:33

This was a list of all the family lines in Israel and their numbers, who returned from the Babylonian exile.

Sound from Heaven: God is sovereign over all events.

Balaam explained to Balak’s men that only God could curse a nation, whereas Hannah recognized that only God had the ability to raise up children. God is aware of even insignificant people, and knows their exact numbers.

Thu May 19/22

Verse 1

Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. Ecc 11:7

Physical light is pleasing to the eyes but spiritual light is even more pleasing to the soul.

Verse 2

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 2 Co 11:2

Paul’s desire is to present us to Christ as a pure virgin—upright and faithful.

Verse 3

 And the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.  Mt 6:43

Jesus had just miraculous feed five thousand people on two fish and five loaves of bread, and now the disciples had gathered the leftover pieces—twelve baskets.

Sound from Heaven: God gives generously to those who seek Him.

God has blessed us abundantly in the natural world but wants to give us even more in the spiritual realm. To participate in this kind of intimacy, it is our responsibility to pursue Him wholeheartedly.

Wed May 18/22

Verse 1

I arose to open for my beloved, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the bolt. SS 5:5

The Shulammite was in bed and didn’t want to get up to open the door and when she did her lover was gone.

Verse 2

Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. Isa 60:5

Isaiah prophesied of a future day when Israel would prosper and all the nations would bring their riches to them.

Verse 3

He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. Gen 32:4

Jacob is about to meet Esau and isn’t certain if he still holds a grudge and wants to kill him so he sends his servants to discover his attitude.

Sound from Heaven: Trust in God, who knows all, and works for the good of those who love Him.

Jacob was uncertain about Esau’s attitude toward him, so he used human wisdom rather than trusting in God. The Shulammite waited too long and when she finally opened the door, her lover had gone. This was a picture of God standing at the door of our hearts and knocking, to let Him in—before it’s too late. Similarly, He has guaranteed Israel of a prosperous future but they need to believe in Him and act accordingly.

Tue May 17/22

Verse 1

Joash was seven years old when he began to reign. 2 Ki 11:21

Athaliah was the mother of King Ahaziah, who after his death, killed all royal family members. Jehosheba the sister of Ahaziah took Joash and hid him for six years. In the seventh year Jehoiada, the priest who was married to Jehosheba had Athaliah killed and Joash crowned as king.

Verse 2

 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mk 12:30

Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was and responded by saying, to love God wholeheartedly.

Verse 3

which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers. Isa 18:2

Cush offered to help Judah in war but God rejected their offer, for He is able to defend His people.

Sound from Heaven: God is sovereign and honors those who worship Him.

Athaliah was evil but in the end God had her killed, and restored Joash, who obeyed him until late in his life. God rejected Cush’s help for He always protects those who love Him with all their hearts.

Mon May 16/22

Verse 1

 and Koz, who was the father of Anub and Hazzobebah and of the clans of Aharhel son of Harum. 1 Chr 4:8

These were descendants of one of the clans of Judah.

Verse 2

How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Mt 12:12

The Pharisees had questioned Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath. Rather than breaking the law, Jesus confirmed that the Sabbath was made for man and doing good on the Sabbath was just.

Verse 3

Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s confidant. 1 Chr 27:33

This was a list of the king’s overseers.

Sound from Heaven: We are valuable in God’s eyes. 

 God keeps records of all events that happen on earth. What we may consider insignificant, such as descendants from a clan of Judah or a list of the king’s overseers, God sees as significant. He is concerned about all things, especially the people He created.

Sun May 15/22

Verse 1

Then he shall come out to the altar that is before the Lord and make atonement for it. He shall take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. Lev 16:18

After the killing of Aaron’s sons for not obeying His rules, God gave instructions to Aaron of how he should minister the sacrifices on the day of Atonement.

Verse 2

Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me Gen 48:3

On Jacob’s death bed, he recounts to Joseph how God appeared to him and blessed him.

Verse 3

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. Dan 2:20

God had just revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to Daniel in a vision, so he praises God.

Sound from Heaven: God speaks to His people and expects belief and obedience.

For those who heed God’s word and are obedient to it, He blesses. Those that are careless or walk in unbelief receive judgment.

Sat May 14/22

Verse 1

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”  “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mt 21:9

Jesus rides into Jerusalem and is welcomed as a king.

Verse 2

When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Mk 11:7

This is just prior to His entrance into Jerusalem where He will be honored by the people.

Verse 3

As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. Pr 26:21

A quarrelsome person’s nature is to cause trouble.

Sound from Heaven: An evil person can change the opinions of the masses.

Jesus was being honoured by the people as their coming king but the Pharisees changed the crowd’s opinion of Jesus, from a king to a criminal and the fickle people went from worshiping to crucifying Him.

Fri May 13/22

Verse 1

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 1 Co 8:1

Paul was counseling the Church not to cause divisions over food rituals. Not to use knowledge to win arguments, but use love to edify others and avoid schisms.

Verse 2

Solomon sent back this message to Hiram: 1 Ki 5:2

Because of all the wars David fought, he could not build a temple for God. But now, there was peace in the land, Solomon wanted to build the temple and was asking help from King Hiram.

Verse 3

I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. Eze 38:22

The Lord will judge Gog with plague, bloodshed and natural disasters.

Sound from Heaven: Wars cause misery but love brings harmony and thankfulness.

Paul warned the Church to avoid schisms by practising love. Wickedness brought judgment but peace led to grateful hearts that desired to worship the Lord. 

Thu May 12/22

Verse 1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Pr 15:1

When involved in a dispute, being diplomatic, by using positive reinforcements rather than accusing bitter words can extinguish the argument.

Verse 2

Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 2 Sa 5:22

The Philistines were about to attack David but he inquired of the Lord and the Lord gave him the victory.

Verse 3

When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you. Pr 23:1

Don’t let your flesh consume you with pleasurable appetites for it may become the ruin of you.

Sound from Heaven: Wisdom is needed in solving all problems. 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom Pr 9:10. All disputes from arguments to battles need consultation with the Lord to have the victory. Pleasing the flesh rather than God will lead to death.

Wed May 11/22

Verse 1

The Lord will afflict you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, festering sores and the itch, from which you cannot be cured. Dt 28:27

These were some of the curses Israel would bear if they were disobedient to the covenant.

Verse 2

In the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘children of the living God. Ro 9:26

Paul explained to the Jews that God was sovereign and He was going to turn to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous because of their disobedience.

Verse 3

Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons forward and washed them with water.  Lev 8:6

This was the ordination ceremony for the priesthood to serve in God’s tabernacle.

Sound from Heaven: God is righteous and will give justice to all who obey and disobey.

God listed the curses that Israel would face if they broke the covenant. God was about to turn away from Israel because of their disobedience. Aaron and his sons obeyed Moses’ instructions on how God was to be worshipped.

Tue May 10/22

Verse 1

Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Co 5:5

God created us with a hunger to want more than what is offered in the natural realm and He has supplied that need by giving us the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing an eternity of bliss.

Verse 2

 But as for you, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. Nu 14:32

The wicked community of Israelites grumbled against God for forty years and now will reap their reward—death in the wilderness.

Verse 3

After the Arameans saw that they had been routed by Israel, they regrouped.  2 Sa 10:15

After David routed the Arameans, they made peace with the Israelites and became subject to them.

Sound from Heaven: Choose to serve God and be blessed or rebel and reap the consequences.

God gives each one, the choice to choose a life of obedience, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Those who grumble against God will reap death. David’s enemies became slaves to God’s people.

Mon May 9/22

Verse 1

Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. Ps 45:3

The psalmist was writing about King David and his favor with God.

Verse 2

And they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard. Jer 38:13

Jeremiah was rescued from being thrown down the cistern and left to die.

Verse 3

So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Eze 37:10

God told Ezekiel to breathe on the dead bones and they came to life.

Sound from Heaven: God gives victory to His chosen ones.

King David had God’s favor against his enemies. Jeremiah was rescued from death by God’s servants and Ezekiel was carried away by the Spirit to be shown the future resurrection of the Israelite nation.

Sun May 8/22

Verse 1

The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is just.” 2 Chr 12:6

King Rehoboam and its leaders had abandoned God’s law leading to the Egyptian king Shishak capturing the cities of Judah. The leaders recognized their sin, accepted God’s judgment and humbled themselves.

Verse 2

Then she set it before Saul and his men, and they ate. That same night they got up and left. 1 Sa 28:25

Saul went to consult with Samuel through a medium. He wanted advice in fighting against the Philistines but was told he and his family would die the next day. The medium made him food that Saul ate but was despondent because of the word from Samuel.

Verse 3

 The pastureland for the city will be 250 cubits on the north, 250 cubits on the south, 250 cubits on the east, and 250 cubits on the west. Eze 48:17

The land was divided between the tribes and these were the measurements for the pastureland around the city.

Sound from Heaven: Judgment and reward for one’s actions.

King Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel were judged because they failed to follow God’s law. Saul was killed and his kingdom was stripped away because he disobeyed the Lord. The twelve tribes were rewarded for possessing the land that God had ordered them to enter.

Sat May 7/22

Verse 1

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Ps 73:24

The psalmist acknowledged God’s influence in his life and the result would be a blessed eternity together.

Verse 2

This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. Ro 15:22

Paul explained to the believers in Rome that God sent him to places where the gospel wasn’t present and therefore that had hindered him from visiting them.

Verse 3

After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him.  Ac 25:6

Festus would hear the charges against Paul to determine if he was guilty of any crime.

Sound from Heaven: We need to rest in our circumstances for God has a plan for us to fulfill.

The psalmist followed God’s guidance and would be rewarded with eternal glory. Paul’s purposes were sometimes hindered because they differed from God’s goals. The enemies of Paul plotted to kill him but God’s agenda differed, allowing Paul to judged in Caesarea rather than in Jerusalem where he would have been ambushed along the way Ac 25:3.

Fri May 6/22

Verse 1

 Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak. Dan 10:16

Daniel had just seen a vision of a future war and was filled with anguish and was very weak.

Verse 2

When the priest Pashhur son of Immer, the official in charge of the temple of the Lord, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, Jer 20:1

Pashhur had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks because he had prophesied that Israel would be defeated and exiled to Babylon. 

Verse 3

We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. Ps 90:7

Moses worshiped God, while he perceived that the Lord was indignant and consumed with anger because of his people’s sins.

Sound from Heaven: God’s righteous and man’s unrighteous anger contrasted.

Daniel viewing the evil of unrighteous men in a vision was filled with anguish. Pashhur, upset with Jeremiah’s truthful prophecy, had him beaten and thrown in prison. Moses acknowledged God’s righteous anger because of his people’s sins.

Thu May 5/22

Verse 1

“Yes,” he replied. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’” 1 Ki 18:8

Elijah told Obadiah to tell King Ahab that he was willing to meet with him. Obadiah begged Elijah not to send him, for the king would kill him, if Elijah failed to show up. Elijah promised to present himself to the king.

Verse 2

Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. Php 4:21

Paul extended greetings to all the Christians in Philippi to encourage them.

Verse 3

 And take some blood from the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated. Ex 29:21

God described the process the priests serving in the tabernacle had to go through to be consecrated.

Sound from Heaven: a true word can relieve anxiety, encourage others and teach reverence.

Elijah gave his word to Obadiah that he would meet with the king. Paul encouraged other believers with a warm greeting. To meet with God, the priests had to be consecrated.

Wed May 4/22

Verse 1

On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. Ac 12:21

A very proud king accepted the praise of a god and didn’t rebuke the crowd, resulting in him being struck down by an angel of the Lord.

Verse 2

 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Ro 5:5

The Gospel gives us hope in our future destination and the love God has for us.

Verse 3

Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die. Ex 28:35

God commanded the high priest robe to have bells sown on, so that the priests could hear him walking in and coming out. If they didn’t hear any sound, they would pull him out with the rope tied to his leg, meaning God had judged him for some sin.

Sound from Heaven: God accepts believers but will judge the wicked. 

God killed Herod for accepting praise, reserved only for God. Those who believe in God are accepted and loved by Him. Every person will be judged by their actions with judgment falling on those who fail the test.

Tue May 3/22

Verse 1

Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Gen 2:7

God breathed into Adam His Spirit and He became a living being to serve Him.

Verse 2

 The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him. Est 6:4

Haman planned to kill Mordecai, but God honored Mordecai through Haman’s unwitting counsel.

Verse 3

 And through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me. Gen 22:18

Abraham passed God’s faith test and his reward would be that his offspring would bless all the nations of the earth.

Sound from Heaven:  God created man and will bless those who obey Him.

God created Adam to serve Him. Haman was evil and God used him to bless rather than destroy Mordecai. Abraham obeyed God and was rewarded with blessings.

Mon May 2/22

Verse 1

So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. Ac 6:12

Jewish enemies of the Way stirred up the people to seize Stephen, who was in opposition to their teachings.

Verse 2

Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Dt 6:8

God’s commands were to be taught and remembered by His people.

Verse 3

Yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me. Gen 31:7

God told Jacob to flee Laban, so he explained to Rachel why they must leave.

Sound from Heaven:  Enemies of God will oppose His people, but the Lord will use all circumstances for His glory.

Although Stephen was stoned, God was pleased with His witness. He encouraged all of His people to be obedient to His commands. God protected and directed Jacob from Laban’s clan.

Sun May 1/22

Verse 1

 Let them come quickly and wail over us till our eyes overflow with tears and water streams from our eyelids. Jer 9:18

God told Jerusalem to send the most skillful wailing women to shed tears, as God was going to judge them because they have forsaken His law.

Verse 2

When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people assembled together as one in Jerusalem.  Ezr 3:1

The Israelites had just returned to Jerusalem after spending forty years in exile. They gathered to rebuild God’s altar and sacrifice offerings to Him.

Verse 3

The Lord has rejected his altar and abandoned his sanctuary. He has given the walls of her palaces into the hands of the enemy; they have raised a shout in the house of the Lord as on the day of an appointed festival. Lam 2:7

The Lord abandoned His sanctuary because of the wickedness of His people. The enemy has overrun Jerusalem.

Sound from Heaven:  God responds accordingly to Israel’s cycle of sin, judgment and repentance.

God warned Jerusalem to wail for He would administer judgment for their evil ways. After the judgment, the people repent and rebuild God’s altar to worship His goodness. But the Lord will abandon His sanctuary and use foreign powers whenever His people continue in disobedience.