09/27/2022 DAB Transcript

Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalms 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Today is the 27th day of September welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I’m Brian and of course it is wonderful to be here with you today as we gather around the Global Campfire and move forward together. And moving forward together looks pretty much the same every day. We pick up wherever we left off and move forward from there. And, so, that’s what we’ll be doing today, which leads us back into the book of Isaiah. We are reading from the Good News translation this week. And today Isaiah chapters 51, 52, and 53.

Commentary:

Okay. So, we covered some pretty well-known territory in the letter to the Ephesians today about wives and husbands, probably territory that we have been through before at some point in our lives. I’ve heard this passage about wives and husbands my whole life actually, well before I ever knew anything about having a wife. And kinda as I came up hearing this, this being in church world culture, sort of the dominant piece was that the husband is the head of the wife. And, so, basically the way that everything was distilled down was…I mean…out of all of this the takeaway was the husband, the man of the house has the final. And, so, many years ago, a very long time ago now in the first few years of the Daily Audio Bible we come through this passage and I would read this passage and say, wait a second, and then kinda read it again…wait a second. Like that’s not really the takeaway here. This isn’t the proof text for the power of the man of the house. Because so often I had just kinda heard it in this context that made it feel like, okay ladies, you know, stop griping and complaining and get on board. You’re not the boss. What I began to realize just from reading this over and over is that husbands have an unbelievable role to play in this equation. And, so, let’s just take a look at this. “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord.” Okay, that’s a big deal. “As to the Lord.” That’s a big deal. “For”…Paul says…“a husband has authority over his wife, just as Christ has authority over the church.” Okay, that’s a big deal too. “And Christ himself is the Savior of the church’s body. And, so, wives must submit themselves completely to their husbands just as the church submits itself to Christ.” So, since it comes first and it’s shorter than the husband piece it was like that’s where the whole conversation begins and almost that’s where the conversation ends. But my goodness, let’s continue now to the husbands. And I quote. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it.” Okay, that’s a big deal. And then jumping forward. “Men ought to love their wives, just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself.” And, so, one take away from looking at the entire passage is that wives should submit themselves to their husbands as to the Lord and that husbands should love their wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it. So, basically if she’s supposed to submit herself to her husband as to the Lord well than the husband needs to act like Jesus, laying his life down for her. What Paul is discussing here is a beautiful submission to one another. And I need to just take kinda take a sidestep for just a quick minute because I’ve been around church culture for all my life like I said. And, so, invariably being in ministry you encounter situations that are actually abusive situations. Submitting harder doesn’t make abuse end. And if you are in a situation and you’re just trying to submit yourself to the Lord and so you submit and you’re being beaten or you’re being abused in some sort of way, then someone’s not acting like Jesus. I mean to make that work out and say I just need to…to submit harder would…would force us to believe that Jesus would be willing to be abusive to us. Because the husband is supposed to love his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it. We don’t have any examples at all of Jesus being abusive to anybody and there’s good reason for that. He wasn’t abusive. And, so, like pulling us back on track here, let’s take another sidestep and backtrack into what we read in the book of Isaiah today. And…and…and I’m a husband. And, so, I can…I can call of us husbands to pay attention to this for a second because it’s important that we do. And I quote from Isaiah, with clear allusions to Jesus here. “But He endured the suffering that should have been ours, the pain that we should’ve borne. All the while, we thought that His suffering was punishment sent by God. Because of our sins He was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment He suffered, made whole by the blows He received. All of us were like sheep that were lost each of us going his own way, but the Lord made the punishment fall on Him, the punishment all of us deserved.” Okay, that is how Christ loved the church. That is how we husbands…I mean with that level of commitment and endurance are to love our wives or quoting from Paul again, “husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it.” It’s way easier considering submitting to someone that you know has your best interest, that you know loves you with all of their heart, that you know would lay down their life to keep you safe. It’s very difficult to think about submitting to an abuser. So, when I read this passage of…passage of Ephesians I see that it is mutual submission, but I see that the husband has to lead the way by being Christ, by being Jesus in his home, and I don’t mean that in some sort of weird way. But in so many ways because we are part of the body, we become the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. And if we are a husband, is there anyone we should be Jesus to more than our wife? And, so, let’s give that some thought today.

Prayer:

Father, we invite You into that. Anybody who’s married knows that it’s complicated and has many many layers at any given moment, and there’s all kinds of stuff going on as we try to intermingle our lives and allow that marriage to shape us into something different instead of us always trying to fill our brokenness with someone else. And, so, we acknowledge the complexity. We also acknowledge Your word. We also acknowledge Holy Spirit, Your presence. This is like everything else in our faith. We can’t do this on our own. We can keep ourselves on the best behavior we possibly can. And it…it’s easy when it’s easy. But when it’s not easy and it’s complicated well then, it’s complicated and hard. And usually in those times we are paying the least amount of attention. May we pay attention to our love for one another. May we love each other as You have loved us. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is home base, it’s the website, it’s where you find out what’s going on around here. The Daily Audio Bible app does that as well and you can search for that on the app store that is connected to your phone or your tablet or whatever device. So, check that out.

Check out the different sections like the Daily Audio Bible Shop. There are resources in that Shop in different categories that are for the journey that we are on through the Bible in a year. And, so, certainly check into it. Check it out.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if being around the Global Campfire is meaningful and life-giving to you then thank you profoundly and humbly for your partnership. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner, or the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can at the Hotline button in the app. That’s the little red button up at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that’s it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I’ll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

I’m calling to respond to Big Dog. He called in and talked about the spiritual battles that are waged against him. And, so, I just want to call and give him some encouragement. My names Delta Alpha Foxtrot. I’m from a little town called that’s just West of Corpus Christi, Robstown and just wanna encourage Big Dog that I…I understand where he’s coming from. I know what he’s talking about, and that know God is going to give him the strength to overcome all of those things. __ is a thing that, you know, is unfortunately out there in the world. It’s just like witchcraft and we can overcome it through the blood of…the blood of Jesus and the power of the cross. And, so, Big Dog I’m out there, I know where you’re coming from I’m praying for you I’m going to send you a prayer that…that helps every day if you pray that prayer. You’ll get that spiritual protection over your…over yourself, over your household, over your kingdom, over your domain. This is Delta Alpha Foxtrot calling from the southern Texas front. God bless you.

Hello DABbers, this is Joseph from Southeast Asia I’m a first time caller but I’ve been part of the community for the past 2 ½ years and I’m calling in for a prayer request. I call myself Joseph because just like Joseph and Genesis went through being sold off as a slave and eventually through his persistence and faithfulness God turned it around, I’m praying that that would be the case for me. The year started off quite promising with a new business and partners but just turned horribly wrong and not as expected even though it’s a good company and does a lot of good for the community. We have a good product. And I’ve just been completely caught off guard by this as well as the death of my father with the impact that financial pressures have on my family as well. I just pray your prayers. I also want to give a praise report. I’ve asked God to help me with wisdom and he’s done that through your very good teaching and some of that may help some of the other prayer requests that came in. Patrick from Seattle. __ as well as Lisa the Encourager and Isaac from Saskatchewan. I’ve really learned the valuable lessons in the company that’s taken me about 20 years of breakthrough prayer and hopefully it will be a blessing to you as it was to me. I pray for my brothers. I pray for Isaac and I…I pray that there would be a breakthrough in wisdom for you just as there was for me and I pray for Lisa the Encourage just as the passing away of a family member of yours. I pray that you may be encouraged just as I pray for encouragement. Bless you all. Thank you.

Hey Val in Vegas this is your sister and voice Annette Allison from Oklahoma City. You know, you don’t know how many times I got asked if I was going by a different name because people thought I was you or you were me. It’s pretty funny. But anyways. Hey sister, oh I’ve been there, I’ve been there, I’ve been there, I’ve been there having surgery after surgery after surgery and years and years of sickness that nobody could figure out what was wrong with me. And boy you get that down in the dumps feeling and…and you just feel like you can’t take another day. And sister, you can, and God would not put it on you if you couldn’t get through it. And He’s got some light at the end of the tunnel. I just know it’s for you and I just want you to know you’re not going through this struggle alone by yourself. Your sister Annette out here is praying for you, and I’ve got you covered, and it just warms my heart every time I hear your voice. You inspire me and I want you to know that I’m out here pulling for you, okay. And I was even looking at a trip to go to Vegas and I was hoping that you and I would someday get to meet, and I we just think that would just be the best. Alright. So, anyways. I love you I love you I love you I’m sending great big hugs and whenever you’re having a hard time do you just think about me sitting right next to you holding your hand, okay? When it’s hard I say Annette, I know you’re there. I know you’re with me. The Lord is with us all. Okay? And he’s there too. I love you and take good care and you’ll get through it. Okay? Bye-bye.

This is Peggy in Dallas and tonight I’m praying with Christy and with Tim in Kentucky. I heard the message as so many of us did and it’s good to know that many of us are praying right now, that we are with You in heart, and we are seeking the Lord. Father, I pray in the name of Jesus that You will be with Tim in a very special way. We thank You for him and we thank You for Christy and we thank You Lord that they are seeking You. I ask though Father that the suspicion that the doctor has that there’s a neurological problem that it will not be so. I’m asking for You complete healing over his body. I pray Father that You will touch him in such a way that his hands will not…will not have these symptoms, that You will minister to him in a very real way blessing him with health. And I ask this for Your honor and Your glory trusting You knowing that all things are possible with You. And Father, I pray for the young couple in Dubai and the mother who requested prayer for them and knowing all the stress that they’re going through with the new baby and work and trying to get ahead and the great job and all that…all the pressure that they are…

Hello Daily Audio Bible family this is Connie and Walla Walla WA southeast Washington and I’ve been listening consistently this year and on and off for five years. I was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the last couple days, and I am…just turned 50 this year. Three children, two of which are teenagers and one of which is 20 years old and married to my husband for more than 20 years and together 25 years. I need your prayers. I need your prayers to help me continue to take this new condition I’ve been suffering for a few months I just found out now in the last couple days what the diagnosis is. And the prognosis isn’t great. So, I need your prayers to deal with continuing and growing pain, numbing pain, an inability to eat. I haven’t been unable to eat anything of substance for more than two months. I’m getting weaker. I’m going to have tests and to consult with a surgeon on the 28th and 29th of September at the best possible cancer center for pancreatic cancer. I suffer with the fear of leaving my family behind. I…I feel regretful and sorry and guilty for that, of the thought that my children won’t grow up without their mother. And I want to combat those feelings and believe in the potential of healing and the potential for…

Hi DAB family this is Celeste I’m on here asking for prayer for myself today. I’m pretty lost. My hearts really hurting right now because there’s a lot of people that are trying to hurt me from my past mistakes. And they’re…I just think the enemy is recruiting people and they’re using my children to hurt me. You know, about five years ago I made a mistake and it hurt, you know, my family and me and I’ve repented of those things, but I just feel like I’m still being punished for those things. And I’m in…I’m new in my faith, fairly new, about one or two years following Jesus but I feel like I’ve been lukewarm. And I just want so badly to just to be close to God and be obedient but in my flesh it’s hard. I’m in an abusive marriage and I’ve been fighting, you know, just to see my children for a couple of years. And I’m all alone and it’s been so hard. So, please can you just pray for my faith and that I may be strengthened through Jesus. Thank you. I love you guys.

09/27/2022 DAB Transcript

Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalms 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Today is the 27th day of September welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I’m Brian and of course it is wonderful to be here with you today as we gather around the Global Campfire and move forward together. And moving forward together looks pretty much the same every day. We pick up wherever we left off and move forward from there. And, so, that’s what we’ll be doing today, which leads us back into the book of Isaiah. We are reading from the Good News translation this week. And today Isaiah chapters 51, 52, and 53.

Commentary:

Okay. So, we covered some pretty well-known territory in the letter to the Ephesians today about wives and husbands, probably territory that we have been through before at some point in our lives. I’ve heard this passage about wives and husbands my whole life actually, well before I ever knew anything about having a wife. And kinda as I came up hearing this, this being in church world culture, sort of the dominant piece was that the husband is the head of the wife. And, so, basically the way that everything was distilled down was…I mean…out of all of this the takeaway was the husband, the man of the house has the final. And, so, many years ago, a very long time ago now in the first few years of the Daily Audio Bible we come through this passage and I would read this passage and say, wait a second, and then kinda read it again…wait a second. Like that’s not really the takeaway here. This isn’t the proof text for the power of the man of the house. Because so often I had just kinda heard it in this context that made it feel like, okay ladies, you know, stop griping and complaining and get on board. You’re not the boss. What I began to realize just from reading this over and over is that husbands have an unbelievable role to play in this equation. And, so, let’s just take a look at this. “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord.” Okay, that’s a big deal. “As to the Lord.” That’s a big deal. “For”…Paul says…“a husband has authority over his wife, just as Christ has authority over the church.” Okay, that’s a big deal too. “And Christ himself is the Savior of the church’s body. And, so, wives must submit themselves completely to their husbands just as the church submits itself to Christ.” So, since it comes first and it’s shorter than the husband piece it was like that’s where the whole conversation begins and almost that’s where the conversation ends. But my goodness, let’s continue now to the husbands. And I quote. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it.” Okay, that’s a big deal. And then jumping forward. “Men ought to love their wives, just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself.” And, so, one take away from looking at the entire passage is that wives should submit themselves to their husbands as to the Lord and that husbands should love their wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it. So, basically if she’s supposed to submit herself to her husband as to the Lord well than the husband needs to act like Jesus, laying his life down for her. What Paul is discussing here is a beautiful submission to one another. And I need to just take kinda take a sidestep for just a quick minute because I’ve been around church culture for all my life like I said. And, so, invariably being in ministry you encounter situations that are actually abusive situations. Submitting harder doesn’t make abuse end. And if you are in a situation and you’re just trying to submit yourself to the Lord and so you submit and you’re being beaten or you’re being abused in some sort of way, then someone’s not acting like Jesus. I mean to make that work out and say I just need to…to submit harder would…would force us to believe that Jesus would be willing to be abusive to us. Because the husband is supposed to love his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it. We don’t have any examples at all of Jesus being abusive to anybody and there’s good reason for that. He wasn’t abusive. And, so, like pulling us back on track here, let’s take another sidestep and backtrack into what we read in the book of Isaiah today. And…and…and I’m a husband. And, so, I can…I can call of us husbands to pay attention to this for a second because it’s important that we do. And I quote from Isaiah, with clear allusions to Jesus here. “But He endured the suffering that should have been ours, the pain that we should’ve borne. All the while, we thought that His suffering was punishment sent by God. Because of our sins He was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment He suffered, made whole by the blows He received. All of us were like sheep that were lost each of us going his own way, but the Lord made the punishment fall on Him, the punishment all of us deserved.” Okay, that is how Christ loved the church. That is how we husbands…I mean with that level of commitment and endurance are to love our wives or quoting from Paul again, “husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it.” It’s way easier considering submitting to someone that you know has your best interest, that you know loves you with all of their heart, that you know would lay down their life to keep you safe. It’s very difficult to think about submitting to an abuser. So, when I read this passage of…passage of Ephesians I see that it is mutual submission, but I see that the husband has to lead the way by being Christ, by being Jesus in his home, and I don’t mean that in some sort of weird way. But in so many ways because we are part of the body, we become the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. And if we are a husband, is there anyone we should be Jesus to more than our wife? And, so, let’s give that some thought today.

Prayer:

Father, we invite You into that. Anybody who’s married knows that it’s complicated and has many many layers at any given moment, and there’s all kinds of stuff going on as we try to intermingle our lives and allow that marriage to shape us into something different instead of us always trying to fill our brokenness with someone else. And, so, we acknowledge the complexity. We also acknowledge Your word. We also acknowledge Holy Spirit, Your presence. This is like everything else in our faith. We can’t do this on our own. We can keep ourselves on the best behavior we possibly can. And it…it’s easy when it’s easy. But when it’s not easy and it’s complicated well then, it’s complicated and hard. And usually in those times we are paying the least amount of attention. May we pay attention to our love for one another. May we love each other as You have loved us. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is home base, it’s the website, it’s where you find out what’s going on around here. The Daily Audio Bible app does that as well and you can search for that on the app store that is connected to your phone or your tablet or whatever device. So, check that out.

Check out the different sections like the Daily Audio Bible Shop. There are resources in that Shop in different categories that are for the journey that we are on through the Bible in a year. And, so, certainly check into it. Check it out.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if being around the Global Campfire is meaningful and life-giving to you then thank you profoundly and humbly for your partnership. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner, or the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can at the Hotline button in the app. That’s the little red button up at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that’s it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I’ll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Coming soon…

9/26/2022 DAB Transcript

Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

Today is September 26th, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I’m Brian. It is great to be here with you, as it always is every day, as we move forward together in the Scriptures and through the Scriptures. So, we’ll will pick up where we left off yesterday, obviously, that’s what we do every day. And that leads us back into the book of Isaiah, we are, I’d say 75% through the book of Isaiah-ish and picking up where we left off yesterday will bring us to chapter 48 verse 12, through chapter 50 verse 11 today.

Commentary:

Okay so, several years ago reading through this passage that we read today in the letter to the Ephesians, I was reading through it and thinking of it in terms of wholeness and new nature, becoming who we were intended to be. In other words, like the full offering of what the Gospel brings to us, this transformation into a righteous and holy, set apart person. And I was trying to think like, what describes this state of being of wholeness and of course wholeness probably is the best word or shalom, the way things were supposed to be. But as I was thinking it through, I was like, what is the modern vernacular of what we’re going for, because everybody, I mean everybody, nobody really thinks they’re perfect and so we all know the things that are visible that are imperfections about us. And I don’t just mean just physically but in our character or whatever. We also know the things that are hidden really well that we’re working on, but nobody usually wakes up in the morning and thinks there’s just really nothing to work on. I’m perfect. So, everybody is aware, to some degree of some deficits in their lives. Ironically, that’s part of the cultural equation, that’s the pool we’re swimming in. And so, entire industries centered around marketing things, key into that knowledge that there are things that we want, there are things that we want to do, there are things that we very much want to improve in our lives. And so, often in like a marketing campaign is centered around showing us what we lack and showing us the solution to that lack. And for 99.99 you can fix that lack and that thing will be fulfilled, and that thing will become whole. So, as I was thinking this through a few years ago, I thought of a very, very popular thing to say. I’m trying to be the best version of myself, and I ended up using that analogy, even in writing ‘The God of Your Story’ because I think we can understand that. If we have a lack, the commercial comes on, tells us of something that we didn’t know that we needed but because of our sense of lack we realize this thing, I want this thing, because if you can become closer to the best version of yourself, why wouldn’t you want that product or service. And in so many ways this vista, this little pull off on the road of Ephesians that we get to get out of the car and look out across today, is discussing with us how to achieve or how to move toward the best version of ourselves. So, just listening to Paul as he begins in our reading today and I quote, “in the Lord’s name then, I will warn you, do not continue to live like the heathen whose thoughts are worthless and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint.” That is probably a really decent description of not the best version of who Paul’s talking to and not the best version of ourselves. Right, I mean, living like the heathen, worthless thoughts, minds in the dark, completely ignorant, stubborn, no feelings of shame about any of that, a person was given themselves over to vice and does all sorts of indecent things with no restraint. I suppose we should all be willing to agree, that’s not the best version of anybody. So how do we move away from that category and move toward the best version of ourselves? Quoting from Paul, “get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to. The old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” So, that is the best version of ourselves, that is the version we were intended to be, but that’s not just acknowledge that this would be the best version of ourselves, let’s understand what’s being said here. You must put on the new self. Okay, if we must put on the new self, then it must be possible. And this new self, according to Paul, is created in God’s likeness, in the image of God. Can we just acknowledge that because of Jesus’s love for us, that is even a sentence that can be said that we must put on the new self, which is created in the likeness of God and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. It is so encouraging to understand that what our soul longs for and what we keep seeking, which is wholeness, is not a product or service that can be bought but is a gift that is bestowed freely upon us. First of all, that it’s even possible, is mind blowing. Second of all, that it’s freely available. Now, we got a vista here that is life-changing. This is the best version of ourselves a new self, a new nature in God’s image. This is what being made new or justified or sanctified through faith is. There is no commercial of any sort that can show us any product that we need to buy that can do this for us. It is a gift, but we have to collaborate in this gift. We have to maintain this gift. We could receive the gift of a brand-new car and drive that brand-new car right into the ground by not maintaining it at all. So, what would it look like to first of all, realize the magnitude of the gift that we’re talking about and through faith receive this gift and then collaborate by maintaining what we’ve been given freely. What would that look like? I quote from Paul, “no more lying, each of you must tell the truth to the other believer because we are all members together in the body of Christ. If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin and do not stay angry all day. Don’t give the devil a chance. If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. Do not use harmful words but only helpful words, the kinds that build up and provide what is needed so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. And do not make God’s Holy Spirit sad, for the Spirit is God’s mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the day will come when God will set you free. Get rid of all bitterness, passion and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tenderhearted to one another and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you, through Christ.” Let’s just acknowledge if this is how things are supposed to look, then they are possible. The best version of ourselves is to acknowledge, receive, and live into the fact that we are created in the image of God. We have been made Holy and set apart to God. This is how we we’re made and there are things in our lives, like, if we just go back and reread what I just read the Paul said, we’ll realize we have some work to do. But in paying attention to this and doing the work, collaborating with God and opening our hearts to his transformation inside of us. We are becoming the best person we can be, the most available person to God’s work that we can be. What we want is available. So, let’s give that some thought today as we enjoy this vista from the book of Ephesians.

Prayer:

So, Jesus, we love You. Why would You do this for us? Why do You love us like this, and even beyond what we can comprehend? It is a mind-blowing mystery. And that we can be completely transformed from the old self, the person that we were, into something brand-new, created in Your image and that this is free, that this is freely offered to us. All we can do is, humbly, express gratitude and a deep hearted surrender. And so, we surrender to You, Holy Spirit, inviting You to make us more and more aware of the transformation that is, not only available but that is occurring inside of us, day-by-day. Thank You, we love You. We want to live as the best versions of ourselves, because this is how we were made, and this is what is necessary for us to be about our Father’s business in this world. So, help us live into this we pray, in the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com, that’s home base, that’s where you can find out what’s going on around here. Alternatively, if you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app, which you can download free from the App Store that works with whatever tablet or phone or device that you’re using, then you can find out what’s going on around here in the app as well. So, check that out. Check out the different sections. Check out the Community Section. You’ll find different links there to get connected on the different social media channels that we participate in. Good to kind of follow along with Daily Audio Bible that way, if there is an announcement or whatever it can show up in your feed, but it’s also way to connect with each other. Also, there in the Community Section is the Prayer Wall and that is a resource that is always on and never off. And so, no matter what time zone we’re in, what continent we’re on, what oceans may lie between us, it doesn’t really matter. We can reach out day or night, any time, just pray for one another, read each other’s stories. Let each other know that we’re praying for one another. Also, share what’s going on, what we need our brothers and sisters to come around us and pray and lift us up over. And so, that is the Prayer Wall. So, check that out.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if the mission to bring the spoken word of God, read fresh every day and given freely to whoever will listen to it, wherever they are on the planet or in life, whatever time it is, day or night and to build community around showing up around this Global Campfire together and taking the next step forward. If that brings good news and life and hope, into your world, then thank you for your partnership. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or the mailing address is P.O. Box 1996 Springhill, Tennessee 37174.

And if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button in the app, that’s the little red button up at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that’s it for today, I’m Brian, I love you and I’ll be waiting for you here, tomorrow.

Prayer and Encouragements:

This is Hands to Heaven. Father God, I lift the burdened ones to You today. You know them Lord, though many others don’t. They rarely speak of the burdened and carry the burden in their heart. Sometimes they’re embarrassed, sometimes they’re ashamed, sometimes they’re uncertain who they can trust because their trust has been betrayed, once too often. Many walk through the doors of our churches Sunday after Sunday after Sunday with a smile pasted on their faces, while inside, their hearts are bleeding. Some have held on to the burden so long that they don’t know how to let go. I lift up the burdened ones to You Father. Let them know that You can be trusted with every burden, every care, every obstacle beyond which they cannot see. Lead them to the one Lord, the brother or sister in Christ that You have chosen to share their concerns and lead them to You. You are the only one that can relieve the heaviness in our heart, but You call all of us to be Your hands and feet here. Lead the burden ones to those of Your children Lord who have experienced Your relief, firsthand. So, that they can share the encouragement and comfort You have given them. And one day Lord, let the burden ones be the very children who lead the way for others to lay down their cares at the foot of the cross. Let their stories inspire the next generation of burden ones to reach out for the hope that rests in You alone. In Jesus name I pray. This is Hands to Heaven. God Bless you all.

Hey Daily Bible Audio, this is your brother in South Florida. And I’m calling today, September 21st to answer to a prayer request from a sister who called, who’s prayer request was played today, on the 21st podcast. You didn’t leave your name my sister, but you mentioned of being in a bad place and that you needed prayers but your mental health. Holy Spirit, Heavenly Creator, Eternal God, Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ, Angels of Heaven that protects us daily, You know everybody’s heart. You know everybody that calls to this prayer request, the Hotline. You know their heart, You know their names. This sister did not leave her name, but I want to pray for her. I want to pray for her mental health, she’s in a bad place. Holy Spirit, that You fill her heart with Your love. And this prayer be heard, this request to be heard by You. Not of the ears of anyone here Lord, but You, Holy Spirit. You know her heart. She came to be in a bad place right now and I talk to You and I ask You to please deliver her to a better place, to her promised land. To a place of peace, that you bring her mental health to an ease, God. That You’re the one that controls everything Father, and she said she’s new at this podcast. Allow her to be filled with love here in this prayer request. And I pray to You God that You’ll hold her and that You’ll lift her up in Your grace and Your glory and Your love. That You allow her to feel love by You and You only. That she not look for religion but instead she looks for a relationship with You, Holy Spirit.

I have no idea how I’m gonna do this in two minutes. But I guess I’m, I guess I’m just scared. I, I’ve struggled with my faith my entire life. With really wanting to connect to it, with trying, with but something just always just felt wrong or like it wasn’t working. And I, I don’t know, I guess today I’m feeling like maybe I, maybe I just had a moment of honesty with myself, or something, I don’t know. But I, I don’t think I’m a Christian. Which is scary in part because if, because of how I was raised and because of some abuse and that but also, I just don’t know what that, what that means for me. I want to be a Christian or I thought I did but it just doesn’t ever, it’s never seemed to work no matter how hard I’ve tried to get to know, I don’t know. I ….

Hi, I’m calling from Norway. How you doing my DAB family? I’m so grateful for this community. I’m just calling because I need your prayers right now. I’m not married but I have children and my boyfriend doesn’t want to get married. I feel very shameful to go to church because I’ve been told by the pastor that I have to get married. And it’s considered fornication. I don’t do that, of course, I believe what he’s saying, and I believe in the Bible. But I feel so shameful to go to church, to bring my children to the church. And right now, I’m pregnant. I just don’t know what to do. Please pray for me. Thank you, and I know I made mistakes, like everyone else of course, but I feel so shameful. I pray Jesus for forgiveness, that He would wash me with His blood. But I need your prayers. I need to get things straight, get married and have a family like everybody else. Go to church with my husband, God willing. Thank you DAB family, God bless you. Have a blessed day. In Jesus name. Bye.

Good morning DABers, I called in a couple of times before, but I’ve never left a name. And I decided that it would Rock Hound. Anyway, I’m calling in today for Travis, he called in for friend, Lindsey, who’s mom was killed in a car accident. And I’m also calling in for Big Dawg. So, Lord, I thank You so much for Lindsey and I thank You Lord that she survived this horrible car accident. I don’t know if she’s a believer or not Lord, but You know. And I pray that she Lord, and whoever else was in that car will see that You have a purpose for their lives Lord, as they move forward. And though we can’t understand when these horrible things happen, Lord, I pray that You give Lindsey eyes to see and ears to hear Your comfort and Your love spoken over her. I pray hope and healing Lord, over her broken heart and the troubled heart and the terrible hardships that she’s been suffering, Lord. And I also pray Lord, against the spirit of fear. In Jesus name. And for Big Dawg, I pray Lord, that You’d heal his broken heart over that broken marriage too. Help him to see Lord, that when he is weak, You are strong, Lord. Remind him, oh God, that our fight isn’t against flesh and blood but against the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. So, help him Lord, to come against these things, through the power of Your Holy Spirit. And help him to remember God, that greater is he who is in me then he who is in the world. I also pray Lord, that You remind him that he’s so dear to the Father’s heart. Give him a craving for Your word Lord, that can’t be satiated. Help him to stand firm and believe that Your word is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. We thank You for Your incredible mercy and Your love Lord. And it’s in Your powerful name that we pray oh Jesus. Amen.

9/26/2022 DAB Transcript

Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

Today is September 26th, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I’m Brian. It is great to be here with you, as it always is every day, as we move forward together in the Scriptures and through the Scriptures. So, we’ll will pick up where we left off yesterday, obviously, that’s what we do every day. And that leads us back into the book of Isaiah, we are, I’d say 75% through the book of Isaiah-ish and picking up where we left off yesterday will bring us to chapter 48 verse 12, through chapter 50 verse 11 today.

Commentary:

Okay so, several years ago reading through this passage that we read today in the letter to the Ephesians, I was reading through it and thinking of it in terms of wholeness and new nature, becoming who we were intended to be. In other words, like the full offering of what the Gospel brings to us, this transformation into a righteous and holy, set apart person. And I was trying to think like, what describes this state of being of wholeness and of course wholeness probably is the best word or shalom, the way things were supposed to be. But as I was thinking it through, I was like, what is the modern vernacular of what we’re going for, because everybody, I mean everybody, nobody really thinks they’re perfect and so we all know the things that are visible that are imperfections about us. And I don’t just mean just physically but in our character or whatever. We also know the things that are hidden really well that we’re working on, but nobody usually wakes up in the morning and thinks there’s just really nothing to work on. I’m perfect. So, everybody is aware, to some degree of some deficits in their lives. Ironically, that’s part of the cultural equation, that’s the pool we’re swimming in. And so, entire industries centered around marketing things, key into that knowledge that there are things that we want, there are things that we want to do, there are things that we very much want to improve in our lives. And so, often in like a marketing campaign is centered around showing us what we lack and showing us the solution to that lack. And for 99.99 you can fix that lack and that thing will be fulfilled, and that thing will become whole. So, as I was thinking this through a few years ago, I thought of a very, very popular thing to say. I’m trying to be the best version of myself, and I ended up using that analogy, even in writing ‘The God of Your Story’ because I think we can understand that. If we have a lack, the commercial comes on, tells us of something that we didn’t know that we needed but because of our sense of lack we realize this thing, I want this thing, because if you can become closer to the best version of yourself, why wouldn’t you want that product or service. And in so many ways this vista, this little pull off on the road of Ephesians that we get to get out of the car and look out across today, is discussing with us how to achieve or how to move toward the best version of ourselves. So, just listening to Paul as he begins in our reading today and I quote, “in the Lord’s name then, I will warn you, do not continue to live like the heathen whose thoughts are worthless and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint.” That is probably a really decent description of not the best version of who Paul’s talking to and not the best version of ourselves. Right, I mean, living like the heathen, worthless thoughts, minds in the dark, completely ignorant, stubborn, no feelings of shame about any of that, a person was given themselves over to vice and does all sorts of indecent things with no restraint. I suppose we should all be willing to agree, that’s not the best version of anybody. So how do we move away from that category and move toward the best version of ourselves? Quoting from Paul, “get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to. The old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” So, that is the best version of ourselves, that is the version we were intended to be, but that’s not just acknowledge that this would be the best version of ourselves, let’s understand what’s being said here. You must put on the new self. Okay, if we must put on the new self, then it must be possible. And this new self, according to Paul, is created in God’s likeness, in the image of God. Can we just acknowledge that because of Jesus’s love for us, that is even a sentence that can be said that we must put on the new self, which is created in the likeness of God and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. It is so encouraging to understand that what our soul longs for and what we keep seeking, which is wholeness, is not a product or service that can be bought but is a gift that is bestowed freely upon us. First of all, that it’s even possible, is mind blowing. Second of all, that it’s freely available. Now, we got a vista here that is life-changing. This is the best version of ourselves a new self, a new nature in God’s image. This is what being made new or justified or sanctified through faith is. There is no commercial of any sort that can show us any product that we need to buy that can do this for us. It is a gift, but we have to collaborate in this gift. We have to maintain this gift. We could receive the gift of a brand-new car and drive that brand-new car right into the ground by not maintaining it at all. So, what would it look like to first of all, realize the magnitude of the gift that we’re talking about and through faith receive this gift and then collaborate by maintaining what we’ve been given freely. What would that look like? I quote from Paul, “no more lying, each of you must tell the truth to the other believer because we are all members together in the body of Christ. If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin and do not stay angry all day. Don’t give the devil a chance. If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. Do not use harmful words but only helpful words, the kinds that build up and provide what is needed so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. And do not make God’s Holy Spirit sad, for the Spirit is God’s mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the day will come when God will set you free. Get rid of all bitterness, passion and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tenderhearted to one another and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you, through Christ.” Let’s just acknowledge if this is how things are supposed to look, then they are possible. The best version of ourselves is to acknowledge, receive, and live into the fact that we are created in the image of God. We have been made Holy and set apart to God. This is how we we’re made and there are things in our lives, like, if we just go back and reread what I just read the Paul said, we’ll realize we have some work to do. But in paying attention to this and doing the work, collaborating with God and opening our hearts to his transformation inside of us. We are becoming the best person we can be, the most available person to God’s work that we can be. What we want is available. So, let’s give that some thought today as we enjoy this vista from the book of Ephesians.

Prayer:

So, Jesus, we love You. Why would You do this for us? Why do You love us like this, and even beyond what we can comprehend? It is a mind-blowing mystery. And that we can be completely transformed from the old self, the person that we were, into something brand-new, created in Your image and that this is free, that this is freely offered to us. All we can do is, humbly, express gratitude and a deep hearted surrender. And so, we surrender to You, Holy Spirit, inviting You to make us more and more aware of the transformation that is, not only available but that is occurring inside of us, day-by-day. Thank You, we love You. We want to live as the best versions of ourselves, because this is how we were made, and this is what is necessary for us to be about our Father’s business in this world. So, help us live into this we pray, in the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com, that’s home base, that’s where you can find out what’s going on around here. Alternatively, if you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app, which you can download free from the App Store that works with whatever tablet or phone or device that you’re using, then you can find out what’s going on around here in the app as well. So, check that out. Check out the different sections. Check out the Community Section. You’ll find different links there to get connected on the different social media channels that we participate in. Good to kind of follow along with Daily Audio Bible that way, if there is an announcement or whatever it can show up in your feed, but it’s also way to connect with each other. Also, there in the Community Section is the Prayer Wall and that is a resource that is always on and never off. And so, no matter what time zone we’re in, what continent we’re on, what oceans may lie between us, it doesn’t really matter. We can reach out day or night, any time, just pray for one another, read each other’s stories. Let each other know that we’re praying for one another. Also, share what’s going on, what we need our brothers and sisters to come around us and pray and lift us up over. And so, that is the Prayer Wall. So, check that out.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if the mission to bring the spoken word of God, read fresh every day and given freely to whoever will listen to it, wherever they are on the planet or in life, whatever time it is, day or night and to build community around showing up around this Global Campfire together and taking the next step forward. If that brings good news and life and hope, into your world, then thank you for your partnership. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or the mailing address is P.O. Box 1996 Springhill, Tennessee 37174.

And if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button in the app, that’s the little red button up at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that’s it for today, I’m Brian, I love you and I’ll be waiting for you here, tomorrow.

Prayer and Encouragements:

This is Hands to Heaven. Father God, I lift the burdened ones to You today. You know them Lord, though many others don’t. They rarely speak of the burdened and carry the burden in their heart. Sometimes they’re embarrassed, sometimes they’re ashamed, sometimes they’re uncertain who they can trust because their trust has been betrayed, once too often. Many walk through the doors of our churches Sunday after Sunday after Sunday with a smile pasted on their faces, while inside, their hearts are bleeding. Some have held on to the burden so long that they don’t know how to let go. I lift up the burdened ones to You Father. Let them know that You can be trusted with every burden, every care, every obstacle beyond which they cannot see. Lead them to the one Lord, the brother or sister in Christ that You have chosen to share their concerns and lead them to You. You are the only one that can relieve the heaviness in our heart, but You call all of us to be Your hands and feet here. Lead the burden ones to those of Your children Lord who have experienced Your relief, firsthand. So, that they can share the encouragement and comfort You have given them. And one day Lord, let the burden ones be the very children who lead the way for others to lay down their cares at the foot of the cross. Let their stories inspire the next generation of burden ones to reach out for the hope that rests in You alone. In Jesus name I pray. This is Hands to Heaven. God Bless you all.

Hey Daily Bible Audio, this is your brother in South Florida. And I’m calling today, September 21st to answer to a prayer request from a sister who called, who’s prayer request was played today, on the 21st podcast. You didn’t leave your name my sister, but you mentioned of being in a bad place and that you needed prayers but your mental health. Holy Spirit, Heavenly Creator, Eternal God, Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ, Angels of Heaven that protects us daily, You know everybody’s heart. You know everybody that calls to this prayer request, the Hotline. You know their heart, You know their names. This sister did not leave her name, but I want to pray for her. I want to pray for her mental health, she’s in a bad place. Holy Spirit, that You fill her heart with Your love. And this prayer be heard, this request to be heard by You. Not of the ears of anyone here Lord, but You, Holy Spirit. You know her heart. She came to be in a bad place right now and I talk to You and I ask You to please deliver her to a better place, to her promised land. To a place of peace, that you bring her mental health to an ease, God. That You’re the one that controls everything Father, and she said she’s new at this podcast. Allow her to be filled with love here in this prayer request. And I pray to You God that You’ll hold her and that You’ll lift her up in Your grace and Your glory and Your love. That You allow her to feel love by You and You only. That she not look for religion but instead she looks for a relationship with You, Holy Spirit.

I have no idea how I’m gonna do this in two minutes. But I guess I’m, I guess I’m just scared. I, I’ve struggled with my faith my entire life. With really wanting to connect to it, with trying, with but something just always just felt wrong or like it wasn’t working. And I, I don’t know, I guess today I’m feeling like maybe I, maybe I just had a moment of honesty with myself, or something, I don’t know. But I, I don’t think I’m a Christian. Which is scary in part because if, because of how I was raised and because of some abuse and that but also, I just don’t know what that, what that means for me. I want to be a Christian or I thought I did but it just doesn’t ever, it’s never seemed to work no matter how hard I’ve tried to get to know, I don’t know. I ….

Hi, I’m calling from Norway. How you doing my DAB family? I’m so grateful for this community. I’m just calling because I need your prayers right now. I’m not married but I have children and my boyfriend doesn’t want to get married. I feel very shameful to go to church because I’ve been told by the pastor that I have to get married. And it’s considered fornication. I don’t do that, of course, I believe what he’s saying, and I believe in the Bible. But I feel so shameful to go to church, to bring my children to the church. And right now, I’m pregnant. I just don’t know what to do. Please pray for me. Thank you, and I know I made mistakes, like everyone else of course, but I feel so shameful. I pray Jesus for forgiveness, that He would wash me with His blood. But I need your prayers. I need to get things straight, get married and have a family like everybody else. Go to church with my husband, God willing. Thank you DAB family, God bless you. Have a blessed day. In Jesus name. Bye.

Good morning DABers, I called in a couple of times before, but I’ve never left a name. And I decided that it would Rock Hound. Anyway, I’m calling in today for Travis, he called in for friend, Lindsey, who’s mom was killed in a car accident. And I’m also calling in for Big Dawg. So, Lord, I thank You so much for Lindsey and I thank You Lord that she survived this horrible car accident. I don’t know if she’s a believer or not Lord, but You know. And I pray that she Lord, and whoever else was in that car will see that You have a purpose for their lives Lord, as they move forward. And though we can’t understand when these horrible things happen, Lord, I pray that You give Lindsey eyes to see and ears to hear Your comfort and Your love spoken over her. I pray hope and healing Lord, over her broken heart and the troubled heart and the terrible hardships that she’s been suffering, Lord. And I also pray Lord, against the spirit of fear. In Jesus name. And for Big Dawg, I pray Lord, that You’d heal his broken heart over that broken marriage too. Help him to see Lord, that when he is weak, You are strong, Lord. Remind him, oh God, that our fight isn’t against flesh and blood but against the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. So, help him Lord, to come against these things, through the power of Your Holy Spirit. And help him to remember God, that greater is he who is in me then he who is in the world. I also pray Lord, that You remind him that he’s so dear to the Father’s heart. Give him a craving for Your word Lord, that can’t be satiated. Help him to stand firm and believe that Your word is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. We thank You for Your incredible mercy and Your love Lord. And it’s in Your powerful name that we pray oh Jesus. Amen.

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Monday September 26, 2022 (NIV)

Isaiah 48:12-50:11

Cyrus, the Lord's Chosen Leader

12 (A)The Lord says,

“Listen to me, Israel, the people I have called!
I am God, the first, the last, the only God!
13 My hands made the earth's foundations
and spread the heavens out.
When I summon earth and sky,
they come at once and present themselves.

14 “Assemble and listen, all of you!
None of the gods could predict
that the man I have chosen would attack Babylon;
he will do what I want him to do.
15 I am the one who spoke and called him;
I led him out and gave him success.

16 “Now come close to me and hear what I say.
From the beginning I have spoken openly
and have always made my words come true.”

(Now the Sovereign Lord has given me his power and sent me.)

The Lord's Plan for His People

17 The holy God of Israel,
the Lord who saves you, says:
“I am the Lord your God,
the one who wants to teach you for your own good
and direct you in the way you should go.

18 “If only you had listened to my commands!
Then blessings would have flowed for you
like a stream that never goes dry.
Victory would have come to you
like the waves that roll on the shore.
19 Your descendants would be as numerous as grains of sand,
and I would have made sure they were never destroyed.”

20 (B)Go out from Babylon, go free!
Shout the news gladly; make it known everywhere:
“The Lord has saved his servant Israel!”
21 When the Lord led his people through a hot, dry desert,
they did not suffer from thirst.
He made water come from a rock for them;
he split the rock open, and water flowed out.

22 (C)“There is no safety for sinners,” says the Lord.

Israel, A Light to the Nations

49 (D)Listen to me, distant nations,
you people who live far away!
Before I was born, the Lord chose me
and appointed me to be his servant.
(E)He made my words as sharp as a sword.
With his own hand he protected me.[a]
He made me like an arrow,
sharp and ready for use.
He said to me, “Israel, you are my servant;
because of you, people will praise me.”

I said, “I have worked, but how hopeless it is!
I have used up my strength, but have accomplished nothing.”
Yet I can trust the Lord to defend my cause;
he will reward me for what I do.

Before I was born, the Lord appointed me;
he made me his servant to bring back his people,
to bring back the scattered people of Israel.
The Lord gives me honor;
he is the source of my strength.

(F)The Lord said to me,

“I have a greater task for you, my servant.
Not only will you restore to greatness
the people of Israel who have survived,
but I will also make you a light to the nations—
so that all the world may be saved.”

Israel's holy God and savior says
to the one who is deeply despised,
who is hated by the nations
and is the servant of rulers:
“Kings will see you released
and will rise to show their respect;
princes also will see it,
and they will bow low to honor you.”

This will happen because the Lord has chosen his servant;
the holy God of Israel keeps his promises.

The Restoration of Jerusalem

(G)The Lord says to his people,

“When the time comes to save you, I will show you favor
and answer your cries for help.
I will guard and protect you
and through you make a covenant with all peoples.
I will let you settle once again
in your land that is now laid waste.
I will say to the prisoners, ‘Go free!’
and to those who are in darkness,
‘Come out to the light!’
They will be like sheep that graze on the hills;
10 (H)they will never be hungry or thirsty.
Sun and desert heat will not hurt them,
for they will be led by one who loves them.
He will lead them to springs of water.

11 “I will make a highway across the mountains
and prepare a road for my people to travel.
12 My people will come from far away,
from the north and the west,
and from Aswan[b] in the south.”

13 Sing, heavens! Shout for joy, earth!
Let the mountains burst into song!
The Lord will comfort his people;
he will have pity on his suffering people.

14 But the people of Jerusalem said,

“The Lord has abandoned us!
He has forgotten us.”

15 So the Lord answers,

“Can a woman forget her own baby
and not love the child she bore?
Even if a mother should forget her child,
I will never forget you.
16 Jerusalem, I can never forget you!
I have written your name on the palms of my hands.

17 “Those who will rebuild you are coming soon,
and those who destroyed you will leave.
18 Look around and see what is happening!
Your people are assembling—they are coming home!
As surely as I am the living God,
you will be proud of your people,
as proud as a bride is of her jewels.

19 “Your country was ruined and desolate—
but now it will be too small
for those who are coming to live there.
And those who left you in ruins
will be far removed from you.
20 Your people who were born in exile
will one day say to you,
‘This land is too small—
we need more room to live in!’
21 Then you will say to yourself,
‘Who bore all these children for me?
I lost my children and could have no more.
I was exiled and driven away—
who brought these children up?
I was left all alone—
where did these children come from?’”

22 (I)The Sovereign Lord says to his people:

“I will signal to the nations,
and they will bring your children home.
23 Kings will be like fathers to you;
queens will be like mothers.
They will bow low before you and honor you;
they will humbly show their respect for you.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
no one who waits for my help will be disappointed.”

24 Can you take away a soldier's loot?
Can you rescue the prisoners of a tyrant?

25 The Lord replies,

“That is just what is going to happen.
The soldier's prisoners will be taken away,
and the tyrant's loot will be seized.
I will fight against whoever fights you,
and I will rescue your children.
26 I will make your oppressors kill each other;
they will be drunk with murder and rage.
Then all people will know that I am the Lord,
the one who saves you and sets you free.
They will know that I am Israel's powerful God.”

50 (J)The Lord says,

“Do you think I sent my people away
like a man who divorces his wife?
Where, then, are the papers of divorce?
Do you think I sold you into captivity
like a man who sells his children as slaves?
No, you went away captive because of your sins;
you were sent away because of your crimes.

“Why did my people fail to respond
when I went to them to save them?
Why did they not answer when I called?
Am I too weak to save them?
I can dry up the sea with a command
and turn rivers into a desert,
so that the fish in them die for lack of water.
I can make the sky turn dark,
as if it were in mourning for the dead.”

The Obedience of the Lord's Servant

The Sovereign Lord has taught me what to say,
so that I can strengthen the weary.
Every morning he makes me eager
to hear what he is going to teach me.
The Lord has given me understanding,
and I have not rebelled
or turned away from him.
(K)I bared my back to those who beat me.
I did not stop them when they insulted me,
when they pulled out the hairs of my beard
and spit in my face.

But their insults cannot hurt me
because the Sovereign Lord gives me help.
I brace myself to endure them.
I know that I will not be disgraced,
(L)for God is near,
and he will prove me innocent.
Does anyone dare bring charges against me?
Let us go to court together!
Let him bring his accusation!
The Sovereign Lord himself defends me—
who, then, can prove me guilty?
All my accusers will disappear;
they will vanish like moth-eaten cloth.

10 All of you that honor the Lord
and obey the words of his servant,
the path you walk may be dark indeed,
but trust in the Lord, rely on your God.
11 All of you that plot to destroy others
will be destroyed by your own plots.
The Lord himself will make this happen;
you will suffer a miserable fate.

Footnotes:

  1. Isaiah 49:2 With his own hand … me; or He kept me hidden in his hand.
  2. Isaiah 49:12 A city in southern Egypt, where a large Jewish community had settled.
Good News Translation (GNT)

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.

Ephesians 4:17-32

The New Life in Christ

17 In the Lord's name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless 18 and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. 19 They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint.

20 That was not what you learned about Christ! 21 You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. 22 (A)So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 (B)and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

25 (C)No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ. 26 (D)If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. 27 Don't give the Devil a chance. 28 If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. 29 Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. 30 And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God's mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. 32 (E)Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.

Good News Translation (GNT)

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.

Psalm 69:1-18

A Cry for Help[a]

69 Save me, O God!
The water is up to my neck;
I am sinking in deep mud,
and there is no solid ground;
I am out in deep water,
and the waves are about to drown me.
I am worn out from calling for help,
and my throat is aching.
I have strained my eyes,
looking for your help.

(A)Those who hate me for no reason
are more numerous than the hairs of my head.
My enemies tell lies against me;
they are strong and want to kill me.
They made me give back things I did not steal.
My sins, O God, are not hidden from you;
you know how foolish I have been.
Don't let me bring shame on those who trust in you,
Sovereign Lord Almighty!
Don't let me bring disgrace to those who worship you,
O God of Israel!
It is for your sake that I have been insulted
and that I am covered with shame.
I am like a stranger to my relatives,
like a foreigner to my family.

(B)My devotion to your Temple burns in me like a fire;
the insults which are hurled at you fall on me.
10 I humble myself[b] by fasting,
and people insult me;
11 I dress myself in clothes of mourning,
and they laugh at me.
12 They talk about me in the streets,
and drunkards make up songs about me.

13 But as for me, I will pray to you, Lord;
answer me, God, at a time you choose.
Answer me because of your great love,
because you keep your promise to save.
14 Save me from sinking in the mud;
keep me safe from my enemies,
safe from the deep water.
15 Don't let the flood come over me;
don't let me drown in the depths
or sink into the grave.

16 Answer me, Lord, in the goodness of your constant love;
in your great compassion turn to me!
17 Don't hide yourself from your servant;
I am in great trouble—answer me now!
18 Come to me and save me;
rescue me from my enemies.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 69:1 HEBREW TITLE: By David.
  2. Psalm 69:10 Some ancient translations humble myself; Hebrew cry.
Good News Translation (GNT)

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.

Proverbs 24:5-6

-21-

Being wise is better than being strong;[a] yes, knowledge is more important than strength. After all, you must make careful plans before you fight a battle, and the more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win.

Footnotes:

  1. Proverbs 24:5 Some ancient translations Being wise is better than being strong; Hebrew A person is wise in strength.
Good News Translation (GNT)

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Sunday September 25, 2022 (NIV)

Isaiah 45:11-48

11 The Lord, the holy God of Israel,
the one who shapes the future, says:
“You have no right to question me about my children
or to tell me what I ought to do!
12 I am the one who made the earth
and created human beings to live there.
By my power I stretched out the heavens;
I control the sun, the moon, and the stars.
13 I myself have stirred Cyrus to action
to fulfill my purpose and put things right.
I will straighten out every road that he travels.
He will rebuild my city, Jerusalem,
and set my captive people free.
No one has hired him or bribed him to do this.”
The Lord Almighty has spoken.

14 The Lord says to Israel,

“The wealth of Egypt and Ethiopia[a] will be yours,
and the tall men of Seba will be your slaves;
they will follow you in chains.
They will bow down to you and confess,
‘God is with you—he alone is God.
15 The God of Israel, who saves his people,
is a God who conceals himself.
16 Those who make idols will all be ashamed;
all of them will be disgraced.
17 But Israel is saved by the Lord,
and her victory lasts forever;
her people will never be disgraced.’”

18 The Lord created the heavens—
he is the one who is God!
He formed and made the earth—
he made it firm and lasting.
He did not make it a desolate waste,
but a place for people to live.
It is he who says, “I am the Lord,
and there is no other god.
19 I have not spoken in secret
or kept my purpose hidden.
I did not require the people of Israel
to look for me in a desolate waste.
I am the Lord, and I speak the truth;
I make known what is right.”

The Lord of the World and the Idols of Babylon

20 The Lord says,

“Come together, people of the nations,
all who survive the fall of the empire;
present yourselves for the trial!
The people who parade with their idols of wood
and pray to gods that cannot save them—
those people know nothing at all!
21 Come and present your case in court;
let the defendants consult one another.
Who predicted long ago what would happen?
Was it not I, the Lord, the God who saves his people?
There is no other god.

22 “Turn to me now and be saved,
people all over the world!
I am the only God there is.
23 (A)My promise is true,
and it will not be changed.
I solemnly promise by all that I am:
Everyone will come and kneel before me
and vow to be loyal to me.

24 “They will say that only through me
are victory and strength to be found;
but all who hate me will suffer disgrace.
25 I, the Lord, will rescue all the descendants of Jacob,
and they will give me praise.

46 “This is the end for Babylon's gods!
Bel and Nebo once were worshiped,
but now they are loaded on donkeys,
a burden for the backs of tired animals.
The idols cannot save themselves;
they are captured and carried away.
This is the end for Babylon's gods!

“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,
all who are left of my people.
I have cared for you from the time you were born.
I am your God and will take care of you
until you are old and your hair is gray.
I made you and will care for you;
I will give you help and rescue you.

“To whom will you compare me?” says the Lord.
“Is there anyone else like me?
People open their purses and pour out gold;
they weigh out silver on the scales.
They hire a goldsmith to make a god;
then they bow down and worship it.
They lift it to their shoulders and carry it;
they put it in place, and there it stands,
unable to move from where it is.
If any pray to it, it cannot answer
or save them from disaster.

“Remember this, you sinners;
consider what I have done.
Remember what happened long ago;
acknowledge that I alone am God
and that there is no one else like me.
10 From the beginning I predicted the outcome;
long ago I foretold what would happen.
I said that my plans would never fail,
that I would do everything I intended to do.
11 I am calling a man to come from the east;[b]
he will swoop down like a hawk
and accomplish what I have planned.
I have spoken, and it will be done.

12 “Listen to me, you stubborn people
who think that victory is far away.
13 I am bringing the day of victory near—
it is not far away at all.
My triumph will not be delayed.
I will save Jerusalem
and bring honor to Israel there.”

Judgment on Babylon

47 (B)The Lord says,

“Babylon, come down from your throne,
and sit in the dust on the ground.
You were once like a virgin, a city unconquered,
but you are soft and delicate no longer!
You are now a slave!
Turn the millstone! Grind the flour!
Off with your veil! Strip off your fine clothes!
Lift up your skirts to cross the streams![c]
People will see you naked;
they will see you humbled and shamed.
I will take vengeance, and no one will stop me.”

The holy God of Israel sets us free—
his name is the Lord Almighty.

The Lord says to Babylon,

“Sit in silence and darkness;
no more will they call you the queen of nations!
I was angry with my people;
I treated them as no longer mine:
I put them in your power,
and you showed them no mercy;
even the aged you treated harshly.
You thought you would always be a queen,
and did not take these things to heart
or think how it all would end.

(C)“Listen to this, you lover of pleasure,
you that think you are safe and secure.
You claim you are as great as God—
that there is no one else like you.
You thought that you would never be a widow
or suffer the loss of your children.
But in a moment, in a single day,
both of these things will happen.
In spite of all the magic you use,
you will lose your husband and children.

10 “You felt sure of yourself in your evil;
you thought that no one could see you.
Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray,
and you said to yourself, ‘I am God—
there is no one else like me.’
11 Disaster will come upon you,
and none of your magic can stop it.
Ruin will come on you suddenly—
ruin you never dreamed of!
12 Keep all your magic spells and charms;
you have used them since you were young.
Perhaps they will be of some help to you;
perhaps you can frighten your enemies.
13 You are powerless in spite of the advice you get.
Let your astrologers come forward and save you—
those people who study the stars,
who map out the zones of the heavens
and tell you from month to month
what[d] is going to happen to you.

14 “They will be like bits of straw,
and a fire will burn them up!
They will not even be able to save themselves—
the flames will be too hot for them,
not a cozy fire to warm themselves by.
15 That is all the good they will do you—
those astrologers you've consulted all your life.
They all will leave you and go their own way,
and none will be left to save you.”

God Is Lord of the Future

48 Listen to this, people of Israel,
you that are descended from Judah:
You swear by the name of the Lord
and claim to worship the God of Israel—
but you don't mean a word you say.
And yet you are proud to say
that you are citizens of the holy city
and that you depend on Israel's God,
whose name is the Lord Almighty.

The Lord says to Israel,

“Long ago I predicted what would take place;
then suddenly I made it happen.
I knew that you would prove to be stubborn,
as rigid as iron and unyielding as bronze.
And so I predicted your future long ago,
announcing events before they took place,
to keep you from claiming
that your idols and images made them happen.

“All I foretold has now taken place;
you have to admit my predictions were right.
Now I will tell you of new things to come,
events that I did not reveal before.
Only now am I making them happen;
nothing like this took place in the past.
If it had, you would claim that you knew all about it.
I knew that you couldn't be trusted,
that you have always been known as a rebel.
That is why you never heard of this at all,
why no word of it ever came to your ears.

“In order that people will praise my name,
I am holding my anger in check;
I am keeping it back and will not destroy you.
10 I have tested you in the fire of suffering,
as silver is refined in a furnace.
But I have found that you are worthless.
11 What I do is done for my own sake—
I will not let my name be dishonored
or let anyone else share the glory
that should be mine and mine alone.”

Footnotes:

  1. Isaiah 45:14 Hebrew Cush: Cush is the ancient name of the extensive territory south of the First Cataract of the Nile River. This region was called Ethiopia in Graeco-Roman times, and included within its borders most of modern Sudan and some of present-day Ethiopia (Abyssinia).
  2. Isaiah 46:11 See 41.2.
  3. Isaiah 47:2 This probably refers to going into exile.
  4. Isaiah 47:13 Some ancient translations what; Hebrew from what.
Good News Translation (GNT)

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.

Ephesians 4:1-16

The Unity of the Body

I urge you, then—I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. (A)Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together. There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all.

Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. (B)As the scripture says,

“When he went up to the very heights,
he took many captives with him;
he gave gifts to people.”

Now, what does “he went up” mean? It means that first he came down to the lowest depths of the earth.[a] 10 So the one who came down is the same one who went up, above and beyond the heavens, to fill the whole universe with his presence. 11 It was he who “gave gifts to people”; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. 12 He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. 13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature. 14 Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. 16 (C)Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.

Footnotes:

  1. Ephesians 4:9 the lowest depths of the earth; or the lower depths, the earth itself.
Good News Translation (GNT)

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.

Psalm 68:19-35

19 Praise the Lord,
who carries our burdens day after day;
he is the God who saves us.
20 Our God is a God who saves;
he is the Lord, our Lord,
who rescues us from death.

21 God will surely break the heads of his enemies,
of those who persist in their sinful ways.
22 The Lord has said, “I will bring your enemies back from Bashan;
I will bring them back from the depths of the ocean,
23 so that you may wade in their blood,
and your dogs may lap up as much as they want.”

24 O God, your march of triumph is seen by all,
the procession of God, my king, into his sanctuary.
25 The singers are in front, the musicians are behind,
in between are the young women beating the tambourines.
26 “Praise God in the meeting of his people;
praise the Lord, all you descendants of Jacob!”
27 First comes Benjamin, the smallest tribe,
then the leaders of Judah with their group,
followed by the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali.

28 Show your power, O God,
the power you have used on our behalf
29 from your Temple in Jerusalem,
where kings bring gifts to you.
30 Rebuke Egypt, that wild animal in the reeds;
rebuke the nations, that herd of bulls with their calves,
until they all bow down and offer you their silver.
Scatter those people who love to make war![a]
31 Ambassadors[b] will come from Egypt;
the Ethiopians[c] will raise their hands in prayer to God.

32 Sing to God, kingdoms of the world,
sing praise to the Lord,
33 to him who rides in the sky,
the ancient sky.
Listen to him shout with a mighty roar.
34 Proclaim God's power;
his majesty is over Israel,
his might is in the skies.
35 How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary—
the God of Israel!
He gives strength and power to his people.

Praise God!

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 68:30 Verse 30 in Hebrew is unclear.
  2. Psalm 68:31 Some ancient translations Ambassadors; Hebrew unclear.
  3. Psalm 68:31 Hebrew Cushites: Cush is the ancient name of the extensive territory south of the First Cataract of the Nile River. This region was called Ethiopia in Graeco-Roman time, and included within its borders most of modern Sudan and some of present-day Ethiopia (Abyssinia).
Good News Translation (GNT)

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.

Proverbs 24:3-4

-20-

Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding.[a] Where there is knowledge, the rooms are furnished with valuable, beautiful things.

Footnotes:

  1. Proverbs 24:3 Homes … understanding; or It takes care to lay the foundations of a house, and skill to build it.
Good News Translation (GNT)

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.

09/25/2022 DAB Transcript

Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalms 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Today is September 25th welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian it is great to be here with you today as we do what we do at the beginning of every week. We consider that this week is out in front of us and it’s brand-new. And we do this at the beginning of most of our weeks just as a mental reset. Like, yeah, time just kinda keeps going on and we mark the days, but this is the beginning of a new week, a span of time that we will live into, and we have all kinds of choices that we will have to make during this week. Just kinda resetting and realizing it’s all on in front of us right now helps us to understand that His mercies are new every morning and every week. And, so, just exhale what is in the past and now and look forward to what is before us is always a good thing because the week is waiting to be lived. And it’s shiny and new and waiting for us to write our story upon it. And we can trash the place. Like we certainly can. We can take this beautiful new week that’s out in front of us and trash it or we can make it more beautiful than the week before. Let’s do the latter. And part of the way that we do this is show up every day around the Global Campfire and take the next step forward in the Scriptures, allowing them to work within us and transform us. And, so, this brand-new shiny sparkly week we will read from the Good News Translation. And certainly, picking up right where we left off yesterday will lead us back into the book of Isaiah. Today chapter 45 verse 11 through 48 verse 11.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for this brand-new sparkly shiny week that You have provided for us, and we acknowledge that. You have provided it for us. Your mercies were new this morning, and You provided this day for us. What we make of this day, I guess, is whether or not we choose to be aware of Your presence and available to collaborate in Your work in this world. How we write the story of this week as we were talking about at the beginning is our story to tell but You have provided it for us, life this week. May we live it deeply, truthfully, honorably and loyally before You. May we acknowledge You in all things. May we humble ourselves before You and choose what You are leading as opposed to whatever it is that catches our eye that we’re chasing after. May we chase after You. And Holy Spirit, we invite You into this week and ask that You lead and direct us not only in the practical decisions of our lives, but also lead us deeper into Jesus, deeper into our understanding of the Scriptures, we pray. In the name of Jesus’ we ask. Amen.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi Daily Audio Bible family this is Renzo in Florida. I just ask for some prayers. I’m going into like a new season of my life. I’m about ready to end high school next year in May, next may that’s coming and I’m really just…what God has called me to do is reach…reach people with the gospel through Christian rap music. And I just ask for prayers that God just uses me through that and uses me to spread his name. And I ask if you could keep me in prayers because…to be more consistent in making music to honor His name and also just honoring Him with everything. And I ask if you could just pray that I get accepted into this music production school. It’s a Christian music production school and it would be a really good opportunity for next year in the fall. So, I ask for those prayers and just let every DABber know I’m praying for you guys love you guys. Thank you for calling. Keep calling. It’s a blessing to be able to pray and be a community. So, God bless you guys. Love you. Jesus loves you…

I have an adult special needs daughter that needs total care and I’ve just moved, and I don’t have caregivers yet but it’s time to get back to work and I’m not sure how to navigate all of that alone. So, I am asking for prayer for a caregiver but unfortunately, it’s hard to find them because it’s funded through the state funding which is a very low rate of pay. So, people don’t want the job. It takes a special person and that’s what I’m praying for. Thank you.

Hi DAB family this is Carlo from the Philippines. I heard Helen from North Carolina share her story about sharing your prayer requests and __ of it. So, I’m following her advice and doing it right now. So, I’d like to ask for prayers for my nephew and my mother-in-law both of whom are having mental health issues. I pray that they are able to resolve them, that they would receive the help…the professional help they need, and I pray that they would put their trust in God and God heals their disease. I pray also for my sister-in-law who is…and her family who is greatly troubled by these things. I pray that they find God’s presence and that they put their trust in God as well. Me for myself also, I’d like to pray for my anger issues, my addiction to games issues, as sometimes it would take time away from my own family. That’s it. Thank you. Thank you DAB family and know that I keep you in my prayers as well and bye for now.

Good morning DAB family this is Diana from Virginia a 10-year-old listener. I am calling to pray for my sister-in-law miss Nikki. Ms. Mikki is also a DAB listener. She posted a prayer on the prayer wall for her missing daughter Emily about three weeks ago. Family I ask you to continue praying because my niece Emily is still missing, and we pray that you all unite to pray for Emily’s safe return. Emily is 34 years and has some mental challenges. We are praying for her safety. We are praying for her safe return, and we believe that Emily is going to come back to us but we need your prayers. And I ask you to pray more specifically for Nikki her mom and the entire family for strength so that we may continue believing in God and knowing that God is taking care of Emily wherever she is and that she’s in good health and sound mind and that she will return to us. Thank you so much for your prayers.

Hi, my name is Khalisa and I’m in Oregon. I’ve been listening for about four years, and I’ve never called in because I don’t like a lot of attention. But I’ve always…I’ve thought about it many times. In that four years my husband and I have found out that we cannot have biological children. We’re starting the process of adoption. Now we’re at the phase where we can get matched with a couple of kids, or a kid and we have to find them, and they have to be a good fit according to the state and people outside of our family. So, I really struggle with having to convince other people that I’ll be a good parent. I know that I will, but I hate having to prove that kind of thing. And, so, I could just use some prayer for patience and strength and the perseverance to advocate for myself. I know I can do all things through Christ, but I hate having to convince the adoption agencies, social workers, and everybody else that I can parent some of these kids. So, yeah, just some patience. Thanks.

Good morning, everyone it’s Susan from Canada God’s Yellow Flower calling, and I want you to join me in prayer for Christy’s husband Tim. Lord God we want to just bring Tim before you. We hold him so dearly in our hearts dear God, him and Christy and we just ask that you would reach out and touch his hand Lord God and heal him from the tip of his head to the tips of his toes. Lord God you are more than able, more than able. We don’t understand your ways and goodness because you’re so much greater than ours, but you do say that if you don’t ask you don’t receive. So, we are asking with your holiness with your righteousness with your goodness with your mercies with your healing power touch Tim Lord God and make him whole again. Lord God, we just praise you for Tim and Christy’s life and in our life that he is such a God-fearing wonderful person bringing glory to your name and all days and all ways. And we pray that Christy’s strength will endure through this trial Lord God. And we pray that when they receive the response it will be incorrect. We thank you Lord in advance for your mercies and your love no matter the circumstances. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

09/25/2022 DAB Transcript

Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalms 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Today is September 25th welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian it is great to be here with you today as we do what we do at the beginning of every week. We consider that this week is out in front of us and it’s brand-new. And we do this at the beginning of most of our weeks just as a mental reset. Like, yeah, time just kinda keeps going on and we mark the days, but this is the beginning of a new week, a span of time that we will live into, and we have all kinds of choices that we will have to make during this week. Just kinda resetting and realizing it’s all on in front of us right now helps us to understand that His mercies are new every morning and every week. And, so, just exhale what is in the past and now and look forward to what is before us is always a good thing because the week is waiting to be lived. And it’s shiny and new and waiting for us to write our story upon it. And we can trash the place. Like we certainly can. We can take this beautiful new week that’s out in front of us and trash it or we can make it more beautiful than the week before. Let’s do the latter. And part of the way that we do this is show up every day around the Global Campfire and take the next step forward in the Scriptures, allowing them to work within us and transform us. And, so, this brand-new shiny sparkly week we will read from the Good News Translation. And certainly, picking up right where we left off yesterday will lead us back into the book of Isaiah. Today chapter 45 verse 11 through 48 verse 11.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for this brand-new sparkly shiny week that You have provided for us, and we acknowledge that. You have provided it for us. Your mercies were new this morning, and You provided this day for us. What we make of this day, I guess, is whether or not we choose to be aware of Your presence and available to collaborate in Your work in this world. How we write the story of this week as we were talking about at the beginning is our story to tell but You have provided it for us, life this week. May we live it deeply, truthfully, honorably and loyally before You. May we acknowledge You in all things. May we humble ourselves before You and choose what You are leading as opposed to whatever it is that catches our eye that we’re chasing after. May we chase after You. And Holy Spirit, we invite You into this week and ask that You lead and direct us not only in the practical decisions of our lives, but also lead us deeper into Jesus, deeper into our understanding of the Scriptures, we pray. In the name of Jesus’ we ask. Amen.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Coming soon…

9/24/2022 DAB Transcript

Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2

Today is the 24th day of September, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I’m Brian. It is wonderful to be here with you today, as we gather from all points of the earth and come around this Global Campfire and move forward in the Scriptures together. And as we round the corner on another one of our weeks, we’ll dive in and pick up where we left off. We’ve been reading from the Christian Standard Bible this week and today, Isaiah chapter 43 verse 14 through 45 verse 10.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word. The very thing that draws us together in community, the thing that makes us a Global Campfire, we thank You for the Scriptures. We thank You for another week to spend together in them. And now, we turn toward another weekend, toward the end of another month, time keeps flying by. But each and every day You give us nourishment for our souls from the Scriptures and we are grateful for that. Each and every day, we are offered counsel, an opportunity to reflect, an opportunity to repent, change our minds and, and moving in another direction. We see that as we engage with the Scriptures each and every day, we are being refined, day-by-day, step-by-step. So, we look back at the beginning of our journey and we look at where we are in the journey, we see that so many things have been challenged and comforted within us as we continue this journey through the Scriptures. And we ask Holy Spirit certainly for this to continue. We know that this will continue as we remain steadfast and aware of what, not only the Scriptures are doing in our lives, but what You are leading us into. So, come Holy Spirit, lead us into all truth, we pray. In the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com that is home base, home of the Global Campfire. That is where you can find out what’s going on around here. The Daily Audio Bible app will do that as well. And you can download the app free, from the App Store that is connected to whatever device that you use, so check that out. That is a fantastic way to experience the days of the Bible as we passed through them one step at a time. So, check out the Daily Audio Bible app.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible. If you find that being around the Global Campfire and showing up every day, is life-giving and encouraging and brings community and clarity, then thank you for your partnership. We wouldn’t be here, if we weren’t in this together and so thank you, profoundly, and with all humility. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner, or the mailing address is P.O. Box 1996 Springhill, Tennessee 37174.

And if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button in the app, that’s the little red button up at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that’s it for today, I’m Brian, I love you and I’ll be waiting for you here, tomorrow.

Prayer and Encouragements:

Good morning DABers, this is Morning Star from Canada calling. And I wanted to call today in response to our gal from Vegas, who called in on the podcast today, September the 20th. And just hearing your voice each month, around the 15th, not always on the 15th. But it just, it always brings a smile to my face, such a voice of joy and positivity, I guess you could say. And yet today, it was a different voice. It was a voice that sounded overwhelmed. A voice that sounded a little just overburdened. And so, today we want to pray for you Val, we want to ask just Holy Spirit to just be with you today. I’m reminded of the words of the hymn, it is well with my soul, when sorrows like sea billows roll and the waves of sorrow come and just overwhelm us, we can still say it is well, it is well with my soul. So, Holy Spirit, I just pray You’ll be with Val today. I pray You’ll touch her Father, touch her shoulders. I pray, oh God, that You would just bring strength and healing, where strength and healing is needed. Father, not only to body but to soul and to Spirit. In Jesus name we pray. We love you Val, take care. Bye from Canada. Hugs.

Hi Daily Audio Bible family. This is one of your sisters in Christ. I’m calling in to ask for prayer for my marriage. It’s in crisis. It’s gone from pushing emotional buttons to pushing my body. And I don’t know what to do. I want reconciliation but I don’t want to be a door mat. I’m tired of walking on eggshells. And I’m not gonna live in fear. This marriage is important to me. I love him but most of all I love the Lord and I want to keep my commitment that I made at the altar. And I want to offer in a way that brings Him honor and glory. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know where to turn. I don’t know what the answer is. I know you will pray for me. Thank you. And I pray for you all in the background.

Good afternoon DAB family. This is Shondura calling from Maryland. I was calling for two parts. I was listening to a recent broadcast, and I heard a guy asking in prayer for the work that he’s doing overseas. And the thing that jumped out to me the most was, how he wanted to be a part of it but physically aren’t able to. That their prayers mean just as much as those who are physically be there. And that really encouraged me because I know I’ve shared in the past calling in I’m one of those who are dealing with the effects of Multiple Sclerosis and during this time and this season I’m not at a place where I’m able to travel and participate in all the things, I want to be abroad or even across this country. But hearing I can be an encouraged how all of our prayers can do just as much if not more, than actually being there and being part of it. And I wanted to had it not only for myself, but for others who are going through things that are similar. I thank you so much. Brian, Jill, China, Ezekiel, everyone that’s part of the Hardin Family. And to all of those who are working in the background. Whether on a prayer request or those who are just listening and calling and praying, and just contributing in whatever aspect. It is so insightful and encouraging for all of us. I love you guys. And you guys not only pray for me but pray for everyone else. And you all have a blessed day and week. Thank you. Bye.

Hello, this is My Heart Belongs to Jesus. Even though my prayer request will get heard after the fact, I know that God will hear your prayers as if you’re speaking to them, right now. We have such an amazing God and I’m just so thankful that you guys are willing to join in with prayers. I’m asking for prayer for my husband’s 82-year-old uncle George. He was driving his motorcycle and at a light he didn’t see a van and he turned on the front and got hit. The doctors say that there’s nothing more they can do, his organs are failing. George is a very selfish man, Godless man. And he has hurt many people and has not cared. He has inappropriately touched many young girls, including our daughter. His own children have separated from him but despite it all my husband and I are trying to bring Jesus to his life. He is not been open. I’m going to call the hospital right now and talk to him and see if there’s anything that I can say that will help his heart be open to God. My prayer and my hope is that he will come to the Lord and God would heal him so that he could give glory to God in his life. My husband’s families are not believed families, not a believer and I am praying for his parents as well. I was able to pray with his grandmother before she died. And that was a huge excitement, but we were not able to share at all with the family because they would have been frustrated and upset. I am praying for each of them and I’m asking you to pray for them as well. I’m praying that God opens their hearts. No one deserves God’s grace. But we all need it. And I really appreciate all your prayers. Pray for my daughter cause she continues to work through the struggles of what happened, and I just pray for healing and forgiveness. In Jesus name.

Hello everyone, this is Iris from Sun City. I would like to address with prayer and sympathy, Val from Vegas’s shoulder pain. I remember a few years ago my late husband had fallen from a bus onto some black ice and badly injured his shoulder. He said that it was the worst pain he has ever experienced. This man has two purple hearts and a medal for Valor from his time in Vietnam. Yet, he said that shoulder pain was the most difficult thing he’s ever gone through. Father God, I pray that you would address this pain that Val is experiencing. Give her peace and Dear Lord, help her to find relief through doctors, through medication, through healing. However, You decide to do it. Help her to feel Your love. In Jesus Holy, Precious and Powerful name. Amen.

In the Gospel of John chapter 3, it says that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. He sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. And that includes the dear people from Afghanistan refugees who’ve ended up able to escape but leaving behind so many of their close family members, who they see every day suffering on their cell phones. I count it a great privilege, this is Candace from Oregon, to have spent the whole last school year, teaching English to a bunch of these dear ladies. And I get to continue that now, this school year. But oh, the suffering that’s going on. Please pray for them. And pray for me because we’ve only had one class so far, but one lady is in such trouble, she cannot attend the class yet. And she is so dear and it’s just, it’s just breaking my heart. And I really need your prayers for strength, for ability to set boundaries for my own self. Thank you.  

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Saturday September 24, 2022 (NIV)

Isaiah 43:14-45:10

God’s Deliverance of Rebellious Israel

14 This is what the Lord, your Redeemer,(A) the Holy One of Israel(B) says:

Because of you, I will send an army[a] to Babylon
and bring all of them as fugitives,[b]
even the Chaldeans(C) in the ships in which they rejoice.[c]
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One,
the Creator of Israel, your King.

16 This is what the Lord says—
who makes a way in the sea,
and a path through raging water,(D)
17 who brings out the chariot and horse,(E)
the army and the mighty one together
(they lie down, they do not rise again;
they are extinguished, put out like a wick(F))—
18 “Do not remember the past events;
pay no attention to things of old.(G)
19 Look, I am about to do something new;(H)
even now it is coming. Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness,(I)
rivers[d] in the desert.
20 Wild animals—
jackals and ostriches—will honor me,
because I provide water in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert,(J)
to give drink to my chosen people.
21 The people I formed for myself
will declare my praise.(K)

22 “But, Jacob, you have not called on me,
because, Israel, you have become weary of me.(L)
23 You have not brought me your sheep for burnt offerings
or honored me with your sacrifices.(M)
I have not burdened you with offerings
or wearied you with incense.[e]
24 You have not bought me aromatic cane with silver,
or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices.
But you have burdened me with your sins;
you have wearied me(N) with your iniquities.(O)

25 “I am the one,I sweep away your transgressions(P)
for my own sake(Q)
and remember your sins no more.(R)
26 Remind me. Let’s argue the case together.(S)
Recount the facts, so that you may be vindicated.
27 Your first father sinned,(T)
and your mediators have rebelled against me.(U)
28 So I defiled the officers of the sanctuary,
and set Jacob apart for destruction(V)
and Israel for scorn.

Spiritual Blessing

44 “And now listen, Jacob my servant,
Israel whom I have chosen.(W)
This is the word of the Lord
your Maker, the one who formed you from the womb:
He will help you.
Do not fear, Jacob my servant,
Jeshurun[f] whom I have chosen.(X)
For I will pour water on the thirsty land
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit(Y) on your descendants
and my blessing on your offspring.
They will sprout among[g] the grass
like poplars by flowing streams.
This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’;
another will use the name of Jacob;
still another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
and take on the name of Israel.”

No God Other Than the Lord

This is what the Lord, the King of Israel and its Redeemer,(Z) the Lord of Armies, says:

I am the first and I am the last.(AA)
There is no God but me.(AB)
Who, like me, can announce the future?
Let him say so and make a case before me,(AC)
since I have established an ancient people.
Let these gods declare[h] the coming things,
and what will take place.
Do not be startled or afraid.
Have I not told you and declared it long ago?
You are my witnesses!(AD)
Is there any God but me?(AE)
There is no other Rock;(AF) I do not know any.

All who make idols are nothing,
and what they treasure benefits no one.
Their witnesses do not see or know anything,
so they will be put to shame.(AG)
10 Who makes a god or casts a metal image
that benefits no one?(AH)
11 Look, all its worshipers will be put to shame,
and the craftsmen are humans.
They all will assemble and stand;
they all will be startled and put to shame.

12 The ironworker labors over the coals,
shapes the idol with hammers,
and works it with his strong arm.
Also he grows hungry and his strength fails;
he doesn’t drink water and is faint.
13 The woodworker stretches out a measuring line,
he outlines it with a stylus;
he shapes it with chisels
and outlines it with a compass.
He makes it according to a human form,(AI)
like a beautiful person,
to dwell in a temple.
14 He cuts down[i] cedars for his use,
or he takes a cypress or an oak.
He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest.
He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow.
15 A person can use it for fuel.
He takes some of it and warms himself;
also he kindles a fire and bakes bread;
he even makes it into a god and worships it;
he makes an idol from it and bows down to it.
16 He burns half of it in a fire,
and he roasts meat on that half.
He eats the roast and is satisfied.
He warms himself and says, “Ah!
I am warm, I see the blaze.”
17 He makes a god or his idol with the rest of it.
He bows down to it and worships;
he prays to it,(AJ) “Save me, for you are my god.”
18 Such people[j] do not comprehend
and cannot understand,
for he has shut their eyes[k] so they cannot see,
and their minds so they cannot understand.
19 No one comes to his senses;[l]
no one has the perception or insight to say,
“I burned half of it in the fire,
I also baked bread on its coals,
I roasted meat and ate.
Should I make something detestable(AK) with the rest of it?
Should I bow down to a block of wood?”
20 He feeds on[m] ashes.
His deceived mind has led him astray,
and he cannot rescue himself,
or say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?” (AL)

21 Remember these things, Jacob,
and Israel, for you are my servant;
I formed you, you are my servant;
Israel, you will never be forgotten by me.[n](AM)
22 I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud,(AN)
and your sins like a mist.
Return to me,(AO)
for I have redeemed you.(AP)
23 Rejoice, heavens,(AQ) for the Lord has acted;
shout, depths of the earth.
Break out into singing, mountains,
forest, and every tree in it.
For the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
and glorifies himself through Israel.(AR)

Restoration of Israel through Cyrus

24 This is what the Lord, your Redeemer(AS) who formed you from the womb,(AT) says:

I am the Lord, who made everything;
who stretched out the heavens by myself;(AU)
who alone spread out the earth;
25 who destroys the omens of the false prophets
and makes fools of diviners;
who confounds the wise
and makes their knowledge foolishness;(AV)
26 who confirms the message of his servant
and fulfills the counsel of his messengers;
who says to Jerusalem, “She will be inhabited,”
and to the cities of Judah, “They will be rebuilt,”
and I will restore her ruins;
27 who says to the depths of the sea, “Be dry,”
and I will dry up your rivers;
28 who says to Cyrus,(AW) “My shepherd,
he will fulfill all my pleasure”(AX)
and says to Jerusalem, “She will be rebuilt,”(AY)
and of the temple, “Its foundation will be laid.”

45 The Lord says this to Cyrus, his anointed,(AZ)
whose right hand I have grasped(BA)
to subdue nations before him
and disarm[o] kings,(BB)
to open doors before him,
and even city gates will not be shut:
“I will go before you
and level the uneven places;[p](BC)
I will shatter the bronze doors
and cut the iron bars in two.(BD)
I will give you the treasures of darkness
and riches from secret places,(BE)
so that you may know that I am the Lord.
I am the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.(BF)
I call you by your name,
for the sake of my servant Jacob(BG)
and Israel my chosen one.
I give a name to you,
though you do not know me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other;(BH)
there is no God but me.(BI)
I will strengthen[q] you,
though you do not know me,
so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting
that there is no one but me.(BJ)
I am the Lord, and there is no other.
I form light and create darkness,(BK)
I make success and create disaster;(BL)
I am the Lord, who does all these things.

“Heavens, sprinkle from above,
and let the skies shower righteousness.(BM)
Let the earth open up
so that salvation will sprout
and righteousness will spring up with it.(BN)
I, the Lord, have created it.

“Woe to the one who argues with his Maker—
one clay pot among many.[r]
Does clay say to the one forming it,
‘What are you making?’ (BO)
Or does your work say,
‘He has no hands’?[s]
10 Woe to the one who says to his father,
‘What are you fathering?’
or to his mother,[t]
‘What are you giving birth to?’”

Footnotes:

  1. 43:14 an army supplied for clarity
  2. 43:14 Or will break down all their bars
  3. 43:14 Hb obscure
  4. 43:19 DSS read paths
  5. 43:23 I.e., with demands for offerings and incense
  6. 44:2 = Upright One
  7. 44:4 Some Hb mss, DSS, LXX read as among
  8. 44:7 Lit declare them
  9. 44:14 Lit To cut down for himself
  10. 44:18 Lit They
  11. 44:18 Or for their eyes are shut
  12. 44:19 Lit No one returns to his heart
  13. 44:20 Or He shepherds
  14. 44:21 DSS, LXX, Tg read Israel, do not forget me
  15. 45:1 Lit unloosen the waist of
  16. 45:2 DSS, LXX read the mountains
  17. 45:5 Lit gird
  18. 45:9 Lit a clay pot with clay pots of the ground
  19. 45:9 Or making? Your work has no hands.
  20. 45:10 Lit to a woman

Cross references:

  1. 43:14 : Jb 19:25; Ps 19:14; 78:35; Pr 23:11; Is 41:14; Jr 50:34
  2. 43:14 : Is 1:4
  3. 43:14 : Is 23:13
  4. 43:16 : Ex 14:21–22; Ps 77:19; Is 11:15; 44:27; 50:2; 51:10; 63:11–12
  5. 43:17 : Ex 15:19
  6. 43:17 : Ps 118:12; Is 1:31
  7. 43:18 : Is 65:17; Jr 23:7
  8. 43:19 : Is 42:9; 48:6; 2Co 5:17
  9. 43:19 : Ex 17:6; Nm 20:11; Dt 8:15; Ps 78:16; Is 35:1,6; 41:18–19; 49:10; 51:3
  10. 43:20 : Is 41:17–18; 48:21
  11. 43:21 : Ps 102:18; Is 42:12; Lk 1:74–75; 1Pt 2:9
  12. 43:22 : Mc 6:3; Mal 1:13; 3:14
  13. 43:23 : Zch 7:5–6; Mal 1:6–8
  14. 43:24 : Ps 95:10; Is 1:14; 7:13; Ezk 6:9; Mal 2:17
  15. 43:24 : Is 13:11
  16. 43:25 : Is 44:22; 55:7; Jr 50:20; Heb 2:17
  17. 43:25 : Is 37:35; 48:9,11; Ezk 36:22
  18. 43:25 : Is 38:17; Jr 31:34; Mk 2:7
  19. 43:26 : Is 1:18; 41:1; 50:8
  20. 43:27 : Is 51:2; Ezk 16:3
  21. 43:27 : Is 9:15; 28:7; 29:10; Jr 5:31
  22. 43:28 : Is 24:6; 34:5; Jr 24:9; Dn 9:11; Zch 8:13
  23. 44:1 : Is 41:8–9; 42:1; 43:10,20; 45:4; 49:7; 65:9,15,22
  24. 44:2 : Dt 32:15; 33:5,26
  25. 44:3 : Is 32:15; Jl 2:28
  26. 44:6 : Is 41:14; 43:14
  27. 44:6 : Is 41:4; 43:10; 48:12; Rv 1:8,17; 22:13
  28. 44:6 : Is 43:11; 44:8; 45:5–6
  29. 44:7 : Is 41:22,26
  30. 44:8 : Is 43:10
  31. 44:8 : Dt 4:35,39; 1Sm 2:2; Is 45:5; Jl 2:27
  32. 44:8 : Is 17:10; 26:4; 30:29
  33. 44:9 : Ps 97:7; Is 42:17; 44:11; 45:16
  34. 44:10 : Is 41:29; Jr 10:5; Hab 2:18; Ac 19:26
  35. 44:13 : Ps 115:5–7
  36. 44:17 : 1Kg 18:26,28; Is 45:20
  37. 44:19 : Dt 27:15; 1Kg 11:5,7; 2Kg 23:13–14
  38. 44:20 : Is 57:11; 59:3–4,13; Rm 1:25
  39. 44:21 : Is 49:15
  40. 44:22 : Ps 51:1,9; Is 43:25; Ac 3:19
  41. 44:22 : Is 31:6; 55:7
  42. 44:22 : Is 43:1; 48:20; 1Co 6:20; 1Pt 1:18–19
  43. 44:23 : Ps 69:34; 96:11–12; Is 42:10; 49:13
  44. 44:23 : Is 49:3; 61:3
  45. 44:24 : Is 41:14; 43:14
  46. 44:24 : Is 44:2
  47. 44:24 : Is 40:22; 42:5; 45:12,18; 51:13
  48. 44:25 : 2Sm 15:31; Jb 5:12–14; Ps 33:10; Is 29:14; Jr 51:57; 1Co 1:20,27
  49. 44:28 : Is 45:1
  50. 44:28 : Eph 1:9
  51. 44:28 : 2Ch 36:22–23; Ezr 1:1; Is 14:32; 45:13; 54:11
  52. 45:1 : Is 44:28
  53. 45:1 : Ps 73:23; Is 41:13; 42:6
  54. 45:1 : Jb 12:21; Is 45:5
  55. 45:2 : Is 40:4
  56. 45:2 : Ps 107:16
  57. 45:3 : Jr 41:8; 50:37
  58. 45:3 : Ex 33:12,17; Is 43:1; 49:1
  59. 45:4 : Is 41:8; 42:19
  60. 45:5 : Is 45:6,14,18,21; 46:9
  61. 45:5 : Is 44:6,8
  62. 45:6 : Ps 102:15; Is 37:20; Mal 1:11
  63. 45:7 : Ps 104:20; 105:28
  64. 45:7 : Gn 50:20; 1Sm 16:14; 1Kg 21:21; 22:8; 2Kg 6:33; Jb 2:10; Ps 78:49; Is 13:11; 31:2; 47:11; Jr 1:14; Lm 3:38; Am 3:6
  65. 45:8 : Hs 10:12
  66. 45:8 : Ps 85:11; Is 61:11
  67. 45:9 : Is 29:16; 64:8; Jr 18:6; Rm 9:20–21
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Ephesians 3

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner(A) of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. The mystery was made known to me by revelation,(B) as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.(C) This was not made known to people[a] in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets(D) by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise(E) in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.(F)

This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches(G) of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created(H) all things. 10 This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom(I) may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.(J) 11 This is according to his eternal purpose(K) accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we have boldness and confident access(L) through faith in him.[b] 13 So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged(M) over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.(N)

Prayer for Spiritual Power

14 For this reason I kneel(O) before the Father[c] 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches(P) of his glory,(Q) to be strengthened with power(R) in your inner being(S) through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love,(T) 19 and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able(U) to do above and beyond all that we ask or think(V) according to the power(W) that works in us— 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.(X)

Footnotes:

  1. 3:5 Lit to the sons of men
  2. 3:12 Or through his faithfulness
  3. 3:14 Other mss add of our Lord Jesus Christ
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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Psalm 68:1-18

Psalm 68

God’s Majestic Power

For the choir director. A psalm of David. A song.

God arises. His enemies scatter,
and those who hate him flee from his presence.(A)
As smoke is blown away,
so you blow them away.
As wax melts before the fire,
so the wicked are destroyed before God.(B)
But the righteous are glad;
they rejoice before God and celebrate with joy.(C)

Sing to God! Sing praises to his name.
Exalt him who rides on the clouds[a]
his name is the Lord[b]—and celebrate before him.(D)
God in his holy dwelling is
a father of the fatherless
and a champion of widows.(E)
God provides homes for those who are deserted.
He leads out the prisoners to prosperity,[c]
but the rebellious live in a scorched land.(F)

God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the desert,Selah
the earth trembled and the skies poured rain
before God, the God of Sinai,[d]
before God, the God of Israel.(G)
You, God, showered abundant rain;
you revived your inheritance when it languished.(H)
10 Your people settled in it;
God, you provided for the poor by your goodness.(I)

11 The Lord gave the command;
a great company of women brought the good news:(J)
12 “The kings of the armies flee—they flee!”
She who stays at home divides the spoil.(K)
13 While[e] you lie among the sheep pens,[f]
the wings of a dove are covered with silver,
and its feathers with glistening gold.(L)
14 When the Almighty scattered kings in the land,
it snowed on Zalmon.[g](M)

15 Mount Bashan is God’s towering mountain;
Mount Bashan is a mountain of many peaks.(N)
16 Why gaze with envy, you mountain peaks,
at the mountain God desired for his abode?
The Lord will dwell there forever!(O)
17 God’s chariots are tens of thousands,
thousands and thousands;(P)
the Lord is among them in the sanctuary[h]
as he was at Sinai.(Q)
18 You ascended to the heights, taking away captives;
you received gifts from[i] people,
even from the rebellious,
so that the Lord God might dwell there.[j](R)

Footnotes:

  1. 68:4 Or rides through the desert
  2. 68:4 Hb Yah
  3. 68:6 Or prisoners with joyous music; Hb uncertain
  4. 68:8 Or God, this one of Sinai
  5. 68:13 Or If
  6. 68:13 Or the campfires, or the saddlebags; Hb obscure
  7. 68:14 Or Black Mountain
  8. 68:17 Or in holiness, also in v. 24
  9. 68:18 Lit among
  10. 68:18 Or even those rebelling against the Lord God’s living there; Hb obscure
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Proverbs 24:1-2

24 Don’t envy the evil(A)
or desire to be with them,(B)
for their hearts plan violence,
and their words stir up trouble.(C)

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.