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08/10/2021 DAB Transcript

Ezra 10:1-44, 1 Corinthians 6:1-20, Psalms 31:9-18, Proverbs 21:3

Today is the 10th day of August welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I’m Brian it is wonderful to be here with you today as we come…come around the Global Campfire and get ready to take the next step forward together just releasing all of the stuff that’s swirling around us, giving our heart permission to just relax and allow God’s word to speak to us and guide our steps. And, so, let’s dive in. We’ve been working our way through the book of Ezra. Today we will conclude the book of Ezra by reading Ezra chapter 10. And we’re reading from a Christian Standard Bible this week.

Commentary:

Okay. So as we continue our…our journey through the letter, the letter to the Corinthians, known as first Corinthians we’re seeing that Paul is…is being pretty direct and confronting some things that he believes should not be present in the community of faith in Corinth or really for that matter, anywhere. So, basically he begins with disputes and he’s like, why are you taking each other to court basically. Isn’t there anybody wise among you? Is there no wise people? Is there no way to handle these matters? And what he’s ultimately getting at here is do you understand that you are the light, that you are the example, that you are setting the standard? And he’s pretty direct. I quote Paul, “as it is to have legal disputes against one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do this to brothers and sisters.” Paul’s point is that that sets a standard, that sets an example. That’s not the example that we as the body of Christ want to bear witness to in the world. We need to bear witness to the light. So, we can obviously…I mean we can take that on board and apply it to any kind of sets of circumstances in our own lives, but we can see he wouldn’t be addressing this if it weren’t going on in the church. So, we can look back and go even back at the beginning this stuff was going on. This has been a struggle all along. And sort of the underlying theme that’s going on here, as Paul confronts a couple of things is actual freedom. Are you actually free if you are entangled in some kind of very long-drawn-out lawsuit with a brother or sister? That’s basically his point. But then he turns to say like everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial. So, we are free to do what we want, but not everything that we do has any benefit. And some of the things that we do can be destructive and is that freedom? So, Paul says, “everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” Why? Because that’s not freedom. And then Paul goes into the things that we do with our bodies and the ways that we sin against one another with our bodies. And again the underlying theme is freedom. He's…he’s saying your body is a part of Christ’s body, the body of Christ are those who believe in Christ on this world and you’re a part of that body. In fact, Paul says your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God. You’re not your own. You were bought at a price. So, glorify God with your body. So, we can look at the territory that we’ve been in for these first chapters of first Corinthians in this letter and go, a lot of confrontation and condemnation, but it's…the point is freedom. The point is freedom as perceived by the quote unquote world is upside down and backwards like everything else in this world, which is what Jesus taught and what the New Testament teaches. So, when we discover that we are free in Christ so often we think about that in terms of freedom…like I can say I can do whatever I want. I’m free. Sin has no control over me, has no claim to me. I’m free. And then we think of it in worldly terms, and this is what Paul’s bringing out in his letter. So, it kind of boils down to sexual immorality and the kind of confrontation that we have with each other and the ways that we fight against one another, diminishing the light, diminishing the witness that we are to be in this world for the rest of the world, to reveal that there’s a better way. If all we’re doing is the same way and overlaying words that say we’re Christians but we’re not different than we’re not revealing this kingdom and we’re not being the light. And, so, when we realize that true freedom is to understand that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, God. We are housing the Spirit of God within us. So, anything that we would rather not include God in we shouldn’t be participating in because God is within us, the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, according to Paul. If we understood…like if we believed that, that’s a game changer, that’s a life changer, that’s a world changer, that we are walking around, and wherever we go the Spirit goes because the Spirit is within us. We bring the spirit of God into every situation that we walk into, or we should if we were aware of our true freedoms.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit well up from within. May we become aware of this reality that is never off and always on. We were bought with a price. That purchase was our freedom. We are free from the claims and the customs of this world. We are freed to be true. Come Holy Spirit and lead us into all truth we pray. In the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is home base, that’s the website, its where you find out what’s going on around here. And as I say often, if you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app you can access everything that’s going on around here there.

So, be aware of the Community section. That is so important. That’s where the Prayer Wall is and lives and is always happening. So, there’s always somewhere to reach out for prayer, there’s always somewhere to go and pray for one another. I mean we are all living human lives. And, so, right? You never know what the days gonna bring exactly and we always are in need of prayer and just to know that we’re not alone. That makes such a difference, to know that this journey is not a solitary one. We are in this together. And, so, be aware of the Prayer Wall. In there in the Community section is also links to get connected on the different social media channels that we are involved in. So, be aware of that. Check that out. Like check out the Daily Audio Bible women’s page. Jill is continually posting encouragement there. It’s fantastic. So, if you’re a woman then there is a place to get connected and the DAB friends there is a place to get connected. There’s plenty of places to get connected. And also following the Daily Audio Bible channels so that whatever social media platform your on if there’s an announcement of some sort or whatever that you’re able to get that. So, check it all out in the Community section.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, thank you. Thank you. I’m looking at the calendar and going…well…we do have a way to go in this year. It’s going faster than I thought. But we do have a ways to go this year but all of these years have been in this story day by day step-by-step together and it’s a beautiful thing because if we hadn’t been together we…we wouldn’t be making the next step forward. And, so, thank you. If what’s happening here, bringing the spoken word of God and being in community together around the Global Campfire that is life-giving to you than thank you for being life-giving. There is a link on the homepage. 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 hit the Hotline button in the app, which is 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:

Hey, DABbers it’s Kira Contrite Spirit. And for months and months maybe even a year I had seen this guy who lives in his car right off of the trail behind a house in the alley and just started waving to him and he waved back and so we’ve been waving at each other. And the other day the Holy Spirit put on my heart real strong to…well…it…it, you know, went for a couple days and then I said I better just listen to the Holy Spirit. And, so, it put…put on my heart to go and talk to him and then to give him some food and it was really, really hot. And, so, I got some eggs together and a beverage and just some fruit and…and I just, you know, went up to him and real friendly talked to him. He…for a little while told him my story. He said that he believes in Jesus, but he doesn’t necessarily believe Jesus is the only way to God. So, please pray for him. His name is You and he’s 75 and, you know, he’s really, really, you know, cool guy. And I just want to encourage anybody out there, you know, don’t be afraid to talk to people, you know, even if they’re down and out because, I don’t know, I think those are the folks that need it the most, need the light that we have. So, shine your light and spread the word. I love you, DABbers. Amen.

Good morning Daily Audio Bible family this is Daniel in Arizona. It’s been…it’s been a long time since I’ve called in but I have this burden on my heart because I’m going through it myself, but I’ve been praying for actually I say the men of this nation, but I mean maybe the men of this world. A lot of times we try to go it alone and we weren’t designed…we weren’t created to be alone we were created to be part of a tribe and I’m praying for the men who feel isolated and alone and don’t have good friends to lean on or to talk to, good male friends and I’m praying that for myself. I’m praying…I’ve been having this burden of just wanting good men in my life, good friends who are…not only push me to be better but to push me to be closer to God. And I’m praying for all the men on this group, all the men who listen, I’m praying encouragement and life and God has surrounded you with good men who are willing to serve the Lord, serve others, and serve their families. That’s just been a huge burden on my heart, and I pray that…I pray that we would all reach out together, that we are part of one family under God and that we’re not alone, that you don’t do this alone. Alright I love you. Be blessed.

Good morning DAB family it’s August 5th and this is Sally in Massachusetts Amazed by Grace. Just want to thank the Lord for this community and for all He’s doing and leading us. And thank you again for Brian and Jill and all the team that makes this ministry possible. I’m praying with you all each day and thanking the Lord that He hears us, that He answers. And today I wanna pray particularly for Gigi. Thank you so much for calling Gigi. Thank you for your honesty and your vulnerability. God does hear you and He does love you. And I would just encourage you to lay all your dreams on the altar, your dreams of going to nurses training, this pregnancy and all the future plans that you had in mind. Just give them all to God. He loves you. This baby is not an accident and if the plans you had for nurses training need to be put on hold for a little while, trust God. He loves you. He loves you. He loves this baby. He loves your husband and your family, and He wants you to know His joy and peace as you trust Him. So, hard to trust when things are different than we expected them to be but trust His love. Trust His grace. Trust His mercy because He does love you and want what’s best for you and that you may be to the praise of His glory. Blessings on you Gigi and your family. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray for you for grace and peace. Amen.

My name is All for Him in Alton IL. I’ve been listening for five years I’ve wanted to call in so many times just to kind of connect with everybody. I really do appreciate the ones that call in, but this is my first time and I think a lot of time people are just kind of shy like me but they’re out there. My heart resonated with the lady who called in requesting prayer for her son and daughter in law who are taking in their niece who had attempted suicide and was sad when she didn’t die. Our granddaughter also falls into this category, and I just wanted to pray for all these kids, these young people who are being taught not the truth about You, they’re being told things that turn them away from You and they feel hopeless, and they feel lost. Lord, I lift them up to You, just this younger generation that doesn’t really know you. And Father I just pray that Your Holy Spirit would pour out and that a miracle it happened and they would come to know You. And I pray this in Your precious name. Amen.

Good morning this is Jamie from Arizona, and I just heard the prayer of the young lady who’s pregnant and in nursing school and I just wanted to offer a word of encouragement. I’ve been in your shoes honey. I waited so long to go back to school, and I was so excited, and I wasn’t expecting to be pregnant but I was excited. But I want to tell you that God will work a way for you. I actually delivered the day of my organic chemistry lab exams, and I couldn’t even do them because I wasn’t allowed in the lab because I was pregnant, but I will tell you that God worked and my professors. I was allowed to take my exams at home. And the thing with nursing and nursing programs is that you don’t have to have an A, you just need to get through. And you’ll find your professors will encourage you and will work with you. And when that baby is born nursing school will be important but there is nothing as important as a child. And I just want to encourage you that when that way was so dark, and I didn’t know how I was ever going to finish God worked it out and He made a way and He’ll make a way for you too. I just want you to know I’m praying for you. I know pregnancy is overwhelming and nursing school is overwhelming but take it a day at a time don’t try to look all the way down the road because we never know what is down that road and I could tell you that that child was such a blessing, and my nursing degree was such a blessing. It wasn’t the way I planned it but it was the way that God planned it and I’ve been in nursing 30 years now I wouldn’t change a thing about how that course went. So, please just know that we’re praying for you and your hormones are surging and you know that…

He my outstanding DAB fam this is out of breath Kingdom Seeker Daniel having a little stroll after meal on this evening of August 5th. This message goes out to my dear sister Gigi. Oh dear sister I heard your cry. Listen I have this particular scripture posted on my TV so whenever I’m looking at the TV reminded of this verse of scripture. And I want to encourage your heart with Isaiah 41 and verse 10. God says to Israel and He’s saying to Gigi fear not for I am with you. Do not be dismayed Gigi for I am your God. Gigi, I will strengthen you. Gigi, I will help you. Gigi, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Dear daughter of the King lift up your head and know that the Lord is with you and in this glorious season of pregnancy. He sees everything going on with you and your life and He’s going to help you. He’s going to strengthen you and He is going to uphold you. Be encouraged. Be encouraged. Be encouraged daughter of the king. He’s got you and you will come through this victorious. Love you sis.

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Tuesday August 10, 2021 (NIV)

Ezra 10

Sending Away Foreign Wives

10 While Ezra prayed and confessed, weeping and falling facedown(A) before the house of God, an extremely large assembly of Israelite men, women, and children gathered around him. The people also wept bitterly.(B) 2 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel,(C) an Elamite, responded to Ezra, “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the surrounding peoples,(D) but there is still hope for Israel in spite of this. 3 Therefore, let’s make a covenant before our God(E) to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God.(F) Let it be done according to the law. 4 Get up, for this matter is your responsibility,(G) and we support you. Be strong and take action!” (H)

5 Then Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said; so they took the oath.(I) 6 Ezra then went from the house of God and walked to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib, where he spent the night.[a] He did not eat food or drink water, because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.(J)

7 They circulated a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem that all the exiles should gather at Jerusalem. 8 Whoever did not come within three days would forfeit all his possessions,[b] according to the decision of the leaders and elders, and would be excluded(K) from the assembly of the exiles.

9 So all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered in Jerusalem within the three days. On the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people sat in the square at the house of God,(L) trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain. 10 Then the priest Ezra stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful by marrying foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt.(M) 11 Therefore, make a confession to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the surrounding peoples and your foreign wives.”

12 Then all the assembly responded loudly, “Yes, we will do as you say! 13 But there are many people, and it is the rainy season. We don’t have the stamina to stay out in the open. This isn’t something that can be done in a day or two, for we have rebelled terribly in this matter. 14 Let our leaders represent the entire assembly. Then let all those in our towns who have married foreign women come at appointed times, together with the elders and judges of each town, in order to avert the fierce anger of our God(N) concerning[c] this matter.” 15 Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah opposed this, with Meshullam(O) and Shabbethai the Levite supporting them.

16 The exiles did what had been proposed. The priest Ezra selected men[d] who were family heads, all identified by name, to represent[e] their ancestral families.[f] They convened on the first day of the tenth month to investigate the matter, 17 and by the first day of the first month they had dealt with all the men who had married foreign women.

Those Married to Foreign Wives

18 The following were found to have married foreign women from the descendants of the priests:

from the descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah. 19 They pledged[g] to send their wives away, and being guilty, they offered a ram from the flock for their guilt;(P)

20 Hanani and Zebadiah from Immer’s(Q) descendants;

21 Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah from Harim’s(R) descendants;

22 Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah from Pashhur’s(S) descendants.

23 The Levites:(T)

Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.

24 The singers:(U)

Eliashib.

The gatekeepers:(V)

Shallum, Telem, and Uri.

25 The Israelites:(W)

Parosh’s descendants:(X) Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malchijah,[h] and Benaiah;

26 Elam’s descendants:(Y) Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah;

27 Zattu’s descendants:(Z) Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza;

28 Bebai’s descendants:(AA) Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai;

29 Bani’s descendants:(AB) Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth;

30 Pahath-moab’s descendants:(AC) Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh;

31 Harim’s descendants:(AD) Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah;

33 Hashum’s descendants:(AE) Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei;

34 Bani’s descendants:(AF) Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, Jaasu, 38 Bani, Binnui, Shimei, 39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph;

43 Nebo’s descendants:(AG) Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah.

44 All of these(AH) had married foreign women, and some of the wives had given birth to children.(AI)

Footnotes:

  1. 10:6 1 Esdras 9:2, Syr; MT, Vg read he went
  2. 10:8 Lit would set apart all his possessions for destruction
  3. 10:14 Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg; other Hb mss read until
  4. 10:16 1 Esdras 9:16, Syr; MT, Vg read priest and men were selected
  5. 10:16 Lit name, for
  6. 10:16 Lit the house of their fathers
  7. 10:19 Lit gave their hand
  8. 10:25 Some LXX mss, 1 Esdras 9:26 read Hashabiah

Cross references:

  1. 10:1 : Ezr 9:3,5; Neh 1:4; Dn 9:3–4,20
  2. 10:1 : Ezr 3:12–13
  3. 10:2 : Ezr 10:26
  4. 10:2 : Ezr 9:1–2; 10:18,44; Neh 13:23–28
  5. 10:3 : 2Ch 34:31
  6. 10:3 : Ezr 9:4
  7. 10:4 : Ezr 7:25–26
  8. 10:4 : Jos 1:6–9
  9. 10:5 : Neh 10:29–30; 13:25
  10. 10:6 : Dt 9:18–19
  11. 10:7–8 : Ezr 7:26
  12. 10:9 : Neh 8:1
  13. 10:10 : Ezr 9:1–2; Neh 13:23–27
  14. 10:14 : 2Ch 29:10; 30:8
  15. 10:15 : Ezr 8:16
  16. 10:19 : Lv 5:14–6:7
  17. 10:20 : 1Ch 24:14
  18. 10:21 : 1Ch 24:8
  19. 10:22 : 1Ch 9:12
  20. 10:23 : Ezr 2:40
  21. 10:24 : Ezr 2:41
  22. 10:24 : Ezr 2:42
  23. 10:25–43 : Ezr 2:3–35; Neh 7:8–38
  24. 10:25 : Ezr 2:3
  25. 10:26 : Ezr 2:7; 10:2
  26. 10:27 : Ezr 2:8
  27. 10:28 : Ezr 2:11
  28. 10:29 : Ezr 2:10
  29. 10:30 : Ezr 2:6
  30. 10:31 : Ezr 2:32
  31. 10:33 : Ezr 2:19
  32. 10:34 : Ezr 2:10
  33. 10:43 : Ezr 2:29
  34. 10:44 : Ezr 10:18–43
  35. 10:44 : Neh 13:24
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.

1 Corinthians 6

Lawsuits among Believers

6 If any of you has a dispute against another, how dare you take it to court(A) before the unrighteous,[a] and not before the saints? 2 Or don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the trivial cases? 3 Don’t you know that we will judge angels—how much more matters of this life? 4 So if you have such matters, do you appoint as your judges those who have no standing(B) in the church? 5 I say this to your shame!(C) Can it be that there is not one wise person among you who is able to arbitrate between fellow believers?(D) 6 Instead, brother goes to court against brother, and that before unbelievers!(E)

7 As it is, to have legal disputes against one another is already a defeat for you.(F) Why not rather be wronged?(G) Why not rather be cheated?(H) 8 Instead, you yourselves do wrong and cheat—and you do this to brothers and sisters! 9 Don’t you know that the unrighteous(I) will not inherit God’s kingdom?(J) Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters,(K) adulterers,(L) or males who have sex with males,[b](M) 10 no thieves,(N) greedy(O) people, drunkards, verbally abusive people,(P) or swindlers(Q) will inherit God’s kingdom. 11 And some of you used to be like this.(R) But you were washed, you were sanctified,(S) you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Glorifying God in Body and Spirit

12 “Everything is permissible(T) for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 “Food(U) is for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will do away with both of them. However, the body is not for sexual immorality(V) but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.(W) 15 Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body?(X) So should I take a part of Christ’s body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not! 16 Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh.[c](Y) 17 But anyone joined(Z) to the Lord is one spirit(AA) with him.

18 Flee(AB) sexual immorality! Every other sin[d] a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral(AC) sins against his own body. 19 Don’t you know that your body is a temple(AD) of the Holy Spirit(AE) who is in you,(AF) whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought(AG) at a price. So glorify God with your body.[e]

Footnotes:

  1. 6:1 Unbelievers; v. 6
  2. 6:9 Both passive and active participants in homosexual acts
  3. 6:16 Gn 2:24
  4. 6:18 Lit Every sin
  5. 6:20 Other mss add and in your spirit, which belong to God.

Cross references:

  1. 6:1 : Mt 18:15–17
  2. 6:4 : Lk 18:9
  3. 6:5 : 1Co 4:14
  4. 6:5 : Ac 9:30
  5. 6:6 : Lk 12:46
  6. 6:7 : Rm 11:12
  7. 6:7 : Rv 2:11
  8. 6:7 : Mk 10:19
  9. 6:9 : Lk 16:10
  10. 6:9 : Mk 1:15; Ac 20:25
  11. 6:9 : Eph 5:5
  12. 6:9 : Lk 18:11
  13. 6:9 : Gn 19:5
  14. 6:10 : Jn 10:1
  15. 6:10 : Eph 5:5
  16. 6:10 : 1Co 5:11
  17. 6:10 : Lk 18:11
  18. 6:11 : Eph 2:2–3; 4:22; 5:8; Ti 3:3
  19. 6:11 : Lk 11:2
  20. 6:12 : Jn 18:31
  21. 6:13 : 1Tm 6:8
  22. 6:13 : 1Th 4:3
  23. 6:14 : Mk 5:30; Lk 1:35; 6:19; Ac 19:11; 2Co 13:4; Rv 11:17
  24. 6:15 : Rm 12:5; 1Co 12:27; Eph 5:30
  25. 6:16 : Gn 2:24
  26. 6:17 : Jn 11:52
  27. 6:17 : Ps 51:12
  28. 6:18 : Jms 4:7
  29. 6:18 : 1Co 10:8
  30. 6:19 : Lk 1:21
  31. 6:19 : Rm 8:9,23; 1Co 7:40; 2Co 4:13; Jd 19
  32. 6:19 : Jms 4:5; 1Jn 4:4
  33. 6:20 : 2Pt 2:1
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.

Psalm 31:9-18

9 Be gracious to me, Lord,
because I am in distress;(A)
my eyes are worn out from frustration—
my whole being[a] as well.(B)
10 Indeed, my life is consumed with grief
and my years with groaning;(C)
my strength has failed
because of my iniquity,[b]
and my bones waste away.(D)
11 I am ridiculed by all my adversaries
and even by my neighbors.
I am dreaded by my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street run from me.(E)
12 I am forgotten: gone from memory
like a dead person—like broken pottery.(F)
13 I have heard the gossip of many;
terror is on every side.(G)
When they conspired against me,
they plotted to take my life.(H)

14 But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”(I)
15 The course of my life is in your power;(J)
rescue me from the power of my enemies
and from my persecutors.(K)
16 Make your face shine on your servant;(L)
save me by your faithful love.(M)
17 Lord, do not let me be disgraced when I call on you.(N)
Let the wicked be disgraced;
let them be quiet[c][d] in Sheol.(O)
18 Let lying lips(P)
that arrogantly speak against the righteous
in proud contempt be silenced.(Q)

Footnotes:

  1. 31:9 Lit my soul and my belly
  2. 31:10 LXX, Syr, Sym read affliction
  3. 31:17 LXX reads brought down
  4. 31:17 Or them wail

Cross references:

  1. 31:9 : Ps 69:17
  2. 31:9 : Ps 6:7; 63:1
  3. 31:10 : Ps 102:3
  4. 31:10 : Ps 32:3; 38:3
  5. 31:11 : Jb 19:13; Ps 38:11; 88:8,18
  6. 31:12 : Ps 88:5; Ec 9:5
  7. 31:13 : Jr 6:25; 20:10; 46:5; 49:29
  8. 31:13 : Ps 41:7; Mt 27:1
  9. 31:14 : Ps 140:6
  10. 31:15 : Jb 14:5; 24:1
  11. 31:15 : Ps 59:1
  12. 31:16 : Nm 6:25
  13. 31:16 : Ps 6:4; 119:135
  14. 31:17 : Ps 25:2–3,20
  15. 31:17 : Ps 94:17; 115:17
  16. 31:18 : Ps 120:2
  17. 31:18 : 1Sm 2:3; Ps 94:4
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 21:3

3 Doing what is righteous and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(A)

Cross references:

  1. 21:3 : 1Sm 15:22; Pr 15:8; Hs 6:6; Mc 6:7–8; Mt 9:13
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.

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08/09/2021 DAB Transcript

Ezra 8:21-9:15, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 21:1-2

Today is the 9th day of August, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible, I’m Brian, it’s great to be here with you today as we do what we do, take the next step forward together. And that next step will lead us into the book of Ezra today chapter 8 verse 21 through 9, verse 15.

Commentary:

Okay, it’s kinda hard not to notice the parallels that have aligned themselves in today’s reading, both in Ezra and in 1 Corinthians. Even though these events happened centuries apart from each other. So, let’s just take a look at what’s going on here. In Ezra, we began by, you know, hearing the journey taken to Jerusalem with these people coming back for the first time. Ezra, a leader before God comes back rests, counts out the money, make sure everything is there and then begins to observe what’s going on and begins to hear the reports that some of the very things that it undermined their culture and their society, namely mixture, in this case, were occurring again. So, some of the very things that caused the temple to ultimately be destroyed and the people taken into exile, when they returned from exile, they began those practices again. So, for Ezra arriving as a leader before God to lead people in the worship of God, set up the systems that governed that and governed the culture, he’s discovering this and he’s, according to what we read today, devastated. Devastated, that’s a big word. Like it wasn’t like an annoyance or a roll of the eyes, he tore his clothes and sat down, devastated all day until the evening sacrifice. And then in his humiliation, he got up and prayed a prayer, a plea for mercy and a prayer of repentance and we’ll go back to that. It’s easy for us in a very intermingled world to look at the situation and go why are you so devastated, like why can’t people be together, like why can’t they associate together but there was a point when…when God came to Abraham, which was back at the very first beginning weeks of our year, He said he was going to create a new set of people, essentially, and it was a people with promise and there was a son of promise, Isaac, and remember the whole journey. But the point was that God was coming to earth’s people and setting apart a certain group of people that he had chosen for a particular purpose, not because they were better human beings or somehow they were superior to other people in humanity, but because this people would be His people, and they would be ordered around knowing the one true God, and they would build a culture that would broadcast that to the world. A nation of priests, a nation who feared God, a nation who walked with God to reveal to the people of earth. First of all, there is one true most high God. There is no other and secondly to show what that looks like, how that can be lived so that the example can be set for the rest of the world. They didn’t do that, like we’ve read the whole story, only in fits and starts. Kinda like us, only in fits and starts, did they do this and when they did they prospered and when they didn’t, they were no longer setting an example. They were being influenced and led astray, so no longer were they this nation of priests shining the light into the world and showing and revealing the one true God and how to walk with that one true God. Instead, they were being seduced away. They were not being the influencers; they were being the influenced. In Ezra’s like you’ve got to be kidding me, this is what destroyed us. So, he’s devastated. They aren’t setting a precedent or setting a standard, they’re mixing the standard with all kinds of other practices. Things that had led to their own destruction. Then we flip into 1 Corinthians in Paul’s writing to the church there and he’s pretty clear like not talking about judging everybody in the world, you can’t judge everybody in the world. And you can’t have an opinion about what everybody does out there, that’s, God will judge that. But inside this community of faith, this is supposed to be a new species. This is supposed to be a new thing that God is doing in the world, one in which everyone is welcome, but you have to open your eyes and know that you died, to who you were and you started over. There’s a new standard, a standard of love. And when you do things that really can’t be done in the name of Jesus, then it’s mixture that’s leading nowhere, it will ultimately, it will ultimately lead to destruction. It’s the precedent of this whole story. And for Paul, he’s a Jewish person who knows this story well and recognizes that God is doing something new in the world that he did this new thing by coming in the person of Jesus to accomplish it, and that has to change things. We can’t just go oh, I’m free and then intermingle ourselves into bondage that destroys us and then blame God for it. And man, we can rationalize just about anything, but truly, if we are honest just with ourselves, if we can be, if we pause and contemplate a set of actions that we are going to engage our mind and heart and body to participate in. We know in the core of ourselves whether that is right or whether that is wrong for us, whether that is clean, or whether that is unclean for us, whether that is holy, or whether that is unholy mixture for us. Because, because there is a couple of really, really critical things that we must observe and pay attention to. One, when we go against the flow of our new nature in Christ, we are not headed for abundance, we are headed for destruction. We are not headed into further freedoms, we are free. All of these things that we mix and intermingle, they eventually lead us into deception, where we have to wear a mask, where we aren’t true, we aren’t really who we were made to be, we’re a lot of things, we put on a lot of masks in every different circumstance, so that we are divided within ourselves. When freedom is, hey, there’s a way that this works. Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love your neighbor as yourself. If you can’t participate in it in the name of Jesus, then don’t do it. Why do you want to hurt yourself? Why do you want to lead yourself to destruction? And so, you can see why Ezra would be on the ground with torn robes devastated, because this stuff is going nowhere. And so, truly the Bible has led us today into a place to consider these things because we’re supposed to be the light of the world. Right, we may have all kinds of freedoms and don’t have to obey the Mosaic law but we’re supposed to be the light of the world. The mission hasn’t really changed. Everyone is invited but we, who have been reborn, we’re the ones supposed to be showing the rest of the world that there is a better way to be here together. That there is a better way to be a human being and if we look around man, we see the mixture, that’s what we’re full of is the mixture. And this doesn’t mean like oh okay well then, I’m gonna stop drinking wine, it’s the stuff that is intermingled in our hearts, it is bringing us anxiety and confusion that is forcing us to have several different identities in several different circumstances; we’re invited to be the light of the world, we’re invited to be true. And when we are true, we are not only walking in the light, we are free. And so, we can easily go back to Ezra chapter 9 and see this…this prayer, this plea for mercy, this cry of repentance. And maybe it’s words can actually be meaningful to us because were guilty too.

Prayer:

And so, Father we come together here before You as if we were on our knees, humbled, devastated to realize that not only have we’ve been counteracting Your work in our lives but we’ve been sabotaging Your will and sabotaging ourselves. So, we pray from the Scriptures, our Lord God, we are ashamed and embarrassed to lift our face toward You Lord, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens. Our guilt has been terrible from the days of our ancestors until the present. Because of our iniquities, we have been handed over, along with our kings and priests to the surrounding kings into the sword captivity plundering and open shame. And now, for a brief, moment grace has come from the Lord our God to preserve a remnant for us and give us a stake in His holy place, even in our slavery God has given us a little relief and light to our eyes, though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us, giving us relief so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins. Now, Lord, what can we say in light of this, we have abandoned the commands You gave through Your servants the prophets, after all that has happened to us because of our evil deeds and terrible guilt. Though You God have punished less than our iniquities deserve and have allowed us to survive. Should we break your commands again. Lord God of Israel, You are righteous, for we survive as a remnant today. Here we are before you with our guilt, though no one can stand in your presence, because of this. Father, we repent and we understand that the only reason we can stand in Your presence is that You came and rescued us and allowed it. You want us in Your presence. You want us as Your children. You want us to be the light of the world because you want all of Earth’s people to be welcomed in and yet we are seduced into the mixture so that we have been influenced, we have not been the influencer. And so come, Holy Spirit in this moment of repentance and wash us clean. Help us to reset and restart by taking the next steps that are right before You. We pray for mercy, just as Ezra did, we pray in repentance for forgiveness in the name of Jesus we ask. Amen.

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Monday August 9, 2021 (NIV)

Ezra 8:21-9:15

Preparing to Return

21 I proclaimed a fast(A) by the Ahava River,[a] so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us, our dependents, and all our possessions. 22 I did this because I was ashamed to ask the king for infantry and cavalry to protect us from enemies during the journey, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but his fierce anger is against all who abandon him.”(B) 23 So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and he was receptive to our prayer.

24 I selected twelve of the leading priests, along with Sherebiah,(C) Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers. 25 I weighed out to them the silver, the gold, and the articles—the contribution for the house of our God that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites who were present had offered. 26 I weighed out to them 24 tons[b] of silver, silver articles weighing 7,500 pounds,[c] 7,500 pounds of gold, 27 twenty gold bowls worth a thousand gold coins,[d] and two articles of fine gleaming bronze, as valuable as gold.(D) 28 Then I said to them, “You are holy to the Lord, and the articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering(E) to the Lord God of your ancestors. 29 Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the Lord’s house before the leading priests, Levites, and heads of the Israelite families in Jerusalem.” 30 So the priests and Levites took charge of the silver, the gold, and the articles that had been weighed out, to bring them to the house of our God in Jerusalem.(F)

Arrival in Jerusalem

31 We set out from the Ahava River on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. We were strengthened by our God,[e](G) and he kept us from the grasp of the enemy and from ambush along the way.(H) 32 So we arrived at Jerusalem and rested there for three days.(I) 33 On the fourth day the silver, the gold, and the articles were weighed out in the house of our God into the care of the priest Meremoth son of Uriah. Eleazar son of Phinehas was with him. The Levites Jozabad(J) son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui were also with them. 34 Everything was verified by number and weight, and the total weight was recorded at that time.

35 The exiles who had returned from the captivity(K) offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, and seventy-seven lambs, along with twelve male goats as a sin offering. All this was a burnt offering for the Lord.(L) 36 They also delivered the king’s edicts to the royal satraps and governors of the region west of the Euphrates,(M) so that they would support the people and the house of God.(N)

Israel’s Intermarriage

9 After these things had been done, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites have not separated themselves(O) from the surrounding peoples whose detestable practices(P) are like those of the Canaanites, Hethites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites.(Q) 2 Indeed, the Israelite men[f] have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed(R) has become mixed with the surrounding peoples.(S) The leaders[g] and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!” (T) 3 When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and robe, pulled out some of the hair from my head and beard, and sat down devastated.(U)

Ezra’s Confession

4 Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel(V) gathered around me, because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles,(W) while I sat devastated until the evening offering.(X) 5 At the evening offering, I got up from my time of humiliation, with my tunic and robe torn. Then I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God.(Y) 6 And I said:(Z)

My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward you, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens.(AA) 7 Our guilt has been terrible from the days of our ancestors until the present. Because of our iniquities we have been handed over, along with our kings and priests, to the surrounding kings, and to the sword, captivity, plundering, and open shame,(AB) as it is today. 8 But now, for a brief moment, grace has come from the Lord our God to preserve a remnant(AC) for us and give us a stake(AD) in his holy place. Even in our slavery, God has given us a little relief and light to our eyes.(AE) 9 Though we are slaves,(AF) our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us in the presence of the Persian kings,(AG) giving us relief, so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins,(AH) to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.

10 Now, our God, what can we say in light of[h] this? For we have abandoned the commands 11 you gave through your servants the prophets, saying, “The land you are entering to possess is an impure land. The surrounding peoples have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness by their impurity and detestable practices.(AI) 12 So do not give your daughters to their sons in marriage or take their daughters for your sons.(AJ) Never pursue their welfare or prosperity,(AK) so that you will be strong, eat the good things of the land, and leave it as an inheritance to your sons forever.” 13 After all that has happened to us because of our evil deeds and terrible guilt—though you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have allowed us to survive[i](AL)— 14 should we break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit these detestable practices?(AM) Wouldn’t you become so angry with us that you would destroy us, leaving neither remnant nor survivor?(AN) 15 Lord God of Israel, you are righteous, for we survive as a remnant(AO) today. Here we are before you with our guilt, though no one can stand in your presence because of this.(AP)

Footnotes:

  1. 8:21 Or Canal, also in v. 31
  2. 8:26 Lit 650 talents
  3. 8:26 Lit 100 talents
  4. 8:27 Or 1,000 drachmas, or 1,000 darics
  5. 8:31 Lit The hand of our God was on us
  6. 9:2 Lit they
  7. 9:2 Lit hand of the leaders
  8. 9:10 Lit say after
  9. 9:13 Lit and gave us a remnant like this

Cross references:

  1. 8:21 : Is 58:3–8
  2. 8:22 : Dt 31:6,17
  3. 8:24 : Neh 10:9,11
  4. 8:25–27 : Ezr 7:15–20
  5. 8:28 : Ezr 1:4; 2:68–69
  6. 8:29–30 : Neh 13:4–5,9
  7. 8:31 : Ezr 7:9; Neh 2:18
  8. 8:31 : Ezr 8:21–22
  9. 8:32 : Neh 2:11
  10. 8:33 : Neh 11:16
  11. 8:35 : Ezr 2:1; 6:16
  12. 8:35 : Lv 1:3–15; 2Ch 29:24,27,31–35
  13. 8:36 : Ezr 7:21,25
  14. 8:36 : Ezr 7:21–24
  15. 9:1 : Ezk 5:10–12
  16. 9:1 : Dt 12:29–31; Ezr 9:11
  17. 9:1 : Gn 15:18; Lv 18:24–30; Dt 7:1
  18. 9:2 : Dt 14:2
  19. 9:2 : Dt 7:1–4; Ezr 9:12; Neh 13:1–3,23
  20. 9:2 : Neh 13:28
  21. 9:3 : 2Kg 18:37–19:2; Neh 1:4; Dn 9:3
  22. 9:4 : Ezr 10:3; Is 66:2,5
  23. 9:4 : Ezr 2:1; 6:16
  24. 9:4 : Ex 29:38–39
  25. 9:5 : Ex 9:29; Dn 6:10
  26. 9:6–15 : Neh 1:5–11; Dn 9:4–19
  27. 9:6 : Jr 51:9; Rv 18:5
  28. 9:7 : Neh 9:30,36; Dn 9:7
  29. 9:8 : Is 10:20–22
  30. 9:8 : Is 10:23
  31. 9:8 : 1Sm 14:29
  32. 9:9 : Neh 9:36
  33. 9:9 : 2Kg 25:28; Ezr 6:22
  34. 9:9 : Ezr 1:4; 7:12–20
  35. 9:10–11 : Dt 12:29–31; Ezr 9:1
  36. 9:12 : Dt 7:1–4; Ezr 9:2; Neh 13:23–28
  37. 9:12 : Dt 7:3; 23:6
  38. 9:13 : Is 10:20–22
  39. 9:14 : Ezr 9:1–2; Neh 13:23–28
  40. 9:14 : Dt 29:26–28
  41. 9:15 : Neh 1:3
  42. 9:15 : Ps 130:3
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.

1 Corinthians 5

Immoral Church Members

5 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality(A) among you, and the kind of sexual immorality that is not even tolerated[a] among the Gentiles(B)—a man is sleeping with his father’s wife.(C) 2 And you are arrogant! Shouldn’t you be filled with grief(D) and remove from your congregation the one who did this? 3 Even though I am absent in the body, I am present in spirit.(E) As one who is present with you in this way, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who has been doing such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus, and I am with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 hand that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,(F) so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.(G)

6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little leaven[b](H) leavens the whole batch of dough?(I) 7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as indeed you are. For Christ our Passover lamb(J) has been sacrificed.[c] 8 Therefore, let us observe the feast, not with old leaven or with the leaven of malice and evil,(K) but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Church Discipline

9 I wrote to you in a letter not to associate(L) with sexually immoral people.(M) 10 I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy(N) and swindlers(O) or idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world.(P) 11 But actually, I wrote[d] you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister(Q) and is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard(R) or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. 12 For what business is it of mine to judge(S) outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside? 13 God judges outsiders. Remove the evil person from among you.[e](T)

Footnotes:

  1. 5:1 Other mss read named
  2. 5:6 Or yeast, also in vv. 7,8
  3. 5:7 Other mss add for us
  4. 5:11 Or But now I am writing
  5. 5:13 Dt 17:7

Cross references:

  1. 5:1 : 1Th 4:3
  2. 5:1 : Gl 1:16
  3. 5:1 : Lv 18:8; Dt 22:30; 27:20
  4. 5:2 : Lk 6:25
  5. 5:3 : Col 2:5; 1Th 2:17
  6. 5:5 : 1Jn 5:16
  7. 5:5 : Mt 25:13; Ac 2:20; Php 1:6
  8. 5:6 : Lk 13:21; Gl 5:9
  9. 5:6–8 : Lk 13:21
  10. 5:7 : Ex 12
  11. 5:8 : Mk 7:22; Rm 1:29
  12. 5:9 : 2Th 3:14
  13. 5:9 : 1Co 6:9; Eph 5:5; 1Tm 1:10; Heb 12:16; 13:4; Rv 21:8; 22:15
  14. 5:10 : Eph 5:5
  15. 5:10 : Lk 18:11
  16. 5:10 : Jn 17:6
  17. 5:11 : 2Th 3:6
  18. 5:11 : 1Co 6:10
  19. 5:12 : Lk 6:37
  20. 5:13 : Dt 17:7
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.

Psalm 31:1-8

Psalm 31

A Plea for Protection

For the choir director. A psalm of David.

1 Lord, I seek refuge in you;
let me never be disgraced.(A)
Save me by your righteousness.
2 Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a mountain fortress to save me.(B)
3 For you are my rock and my fortress;(C)
you lead and guide me
for your name’s sake.(D)
4 You will free me from the net
that is secretly set for me,
for you are my refuge.(E)
5 Into your hand I entrust my spirit;(F)
you have redeemed me,[a] Lord, God of truth.(G)

6 I[b] hate those who are devoted to worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.(H)
7 I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love
because you have seen my affliction.
You know the troubles of my soul(I)
8 and have not handed me over to the enemy.(J)
You have set my feet in a spacious place.(K)

Footnotes:

  1. 31:5 Or spirit. Redeem me
  2. 31:6 One Hb ms, LXX, Syr, Vg, Jer read You

Cross references:

  1. 31:1 : Ps 25:2
  2. 31:2 : Ps 71:1–2
  3. 31:3 : Ps 18:2; 71:3
  4. 31:3 : Ps 23:3; 25:11
  5. 31:4 : Ps 25:15; 46:1
  6. 31:5 : Lk 23:46
  7. 31:5 : Ps 25:5
  8. 31:6 : Ps 26:5; Jnh 2:8
  9. 31:7 : Ps 10:14
  10. 31:8 : Dt 32:30
  11. 31:8 : Jb 36:16
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 21:1-2

21 A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand:
He directs it wherever he chooses.(A)

2 All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs hearts.(B)

Cross references:

  1. 21:1 : Ezr 6:22
  2. 21:2 : Pr 12:15; 16:2; 17:3; 24:12; Lk 16:15
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.

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08/08/2021 DAB Transcript

Ezra 7:1-8:20, 1 Corinthians 4:1-21, Psalms 30:1-12, Proverbs 20:28-30

Today is the 8th day of August welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I’m Brian it’s awesome to be here with you today because we’re here at the threshold. We’re throwing open the windows and the doors on this brand-new shiny sparkly week. We normally recognize that we’re beginning…beginning a new week because it’s a really awesome time to understand that it’s in front of us. It’s in the future and we can choose how we’re gonna live this week in advance no matter what might come our way, whether known or unexpected. We can center ourselves and root ourselves in our anchor, which is the Lord of Heaven’s armies. And one of the ways that we reorient ourselves to God is through the Scriptures. And, so, we’ve got a brand-new week, whole new set of territory to move through, lots of things to talk about and life to live together in community as we take the next step forward. And, so, let’s do that. We’ll read from the Christian Standard Bible this week and picking up where we left off yesterday. Ezra chapter 7 verse 1 through eight verse 20.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word and we thank You that we’ve walked through this threshold into a brand-new week. And we always pay attention to these new beginnings even though it’s just another week. It is a start. A similar start was found in the book of Psalms today. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. We always have the chance to begin anew with You and begin to take the next right steps forward as You lead and direct our lives. May we pay attention to Your leading. May we slow things down and not react to everything but to just take it all in and invite Your spirit to guide our steps. And we might live a peaceful and joyful week as we walk with You. Come Holy Spirit into all this we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Good morning my lovely family it’s Susan from Canada __ calling and today I have a wonderful praise report. We were at the oncologist yesterday for my son Keith and he…he had had a CT scan on the 27th of July, and it shows no tumors in his lungs. He had seven of them and now there is none. There is some nodules, several, they said nodules but they’re only one to three millimeters in size. So, they’re not going to do anything about them right now and there is extensive lung damage from the radiation he had. But praise God, praise God they are all gone the tumor…the…any measurable type of tumor is just gone in the name of Jesus. I just thank you Lord Jesus. I can’t thank you enough. So, we’re…we are all unpacked in __ Belleville and Keith is off my worry list to a great degree. So, I am just gonna relax and enjoy the rest of the summer with my grandkids. I’m so happy. Thank you for your prayers one and all. And keep praying. Keep praying he’s still very weak and tired but just…awe…it’s just such a joyful time period and I just give God the praise and glory for this wonderful break where I can enjoy some time with family. Love you all and pray for you all. God bless.

Hey there DAB family it’s James the teacher in LA. I’m just having a…a moment here this morning. I want to let you guys know I pray with you whenever I hear the prayer requests every day. The lady who just called in on August 4th for her multiple myeloma, I am praying relief and restoration of health for you. For those of you who have experienced unimaginable losses, pain, exhaustion, depression, physical health, mental health it’s all really one. I…I pray for all of you, for restoration, for God’s touch and comfort. But I had a realization as I had…as I had been listening. Every one of us is suffering with something in this life. Every one of us is suffering with something in this life. And many of us are not suffering as badly as others of our brothers and sisters. Yes, we all suffer but we all should also be remembering to give thanks to God for all the things that we don’t suffer. And even when we do go through really terrible hardships, we continue to draw breath. We continue to have breath in our lungs if we’re on this earth with which we can praise God. And even if we can’t speak, we can praise God in our hearts. And I need to remember that every day. So, I praise God for life on this earth and life everlasting and the world after when we go to be with Him and when He will come to be with us. Amen. Hallelujah. I love you family.

Hi Daily Audio Bible and brothers and sisters my name is Eugene I’m 24 years old. I’m currently in Dallas TX but I’m just visiting family. I live in New York, and I just ask for your prayers. My life for the past five years has been pretty difficult ever since my dad passed away. And I’ve gotten closer to God and gotten stronger in my faith but I’m also having a problem with physical deformity in my torso which makes it hard to be around people. So, it’s been a lonely few years. And, so, yeah I would just ask for your prayer for healing in my body and just joy in my life and just to be able to be social with others and, yeah, not…not be so self-conscious. Yeah. thank you so much. God bless you.

Hi, I’m a first-time caller my name is Ann my parents gave me that name I go by Annie but I’m gonna be called Savior by Grace because that’s what the name means. I’m calling for the woman who has a daughter that has anorexia. I want you to know that I had anorexia when I was 13. I’m 53 now so this is 1981 and I was as tall as I am now at 5’6” and I got down to 78 pounds and I was hospitalized for five and a half weeks and my poor parents…my poor parents did not know what to do. A friend of mine said that it was the first time that she saw my dad cry and I’m one of four kids. And my dad was angry at me also. He poked me once in church and he say’s look what you’re doing to your mother because my mum was crying. But I had no idea…I had no idea what I was doing. So, there was a lot of prayer around me and I want you to know that I recovered. And I’m fine now, no eating disorders, nothing. So, I believe that God did heal me, and I will pray for your daughter too. And kids you know, we don’t know we do to my parents…our parents. So, I was really happy to hear you express that and it made me so sad for what I put my parents through so long ago. And prayer does work so let’s pray. Dear God please work this precious child see but she’s loved by You, and she can relax. She doesn’t have control every little thing in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dear God, I lift up the little boy and his family who saved his sister but ended up drowning. What a precious little heart. Lord I pray the best for him. I pray Your will for him Lord. I pray that You will just come and help that family in whatever your divine plan is for him Lord. Please help him to thrive wherever he is. Thank You. Thank You Lord for this little boy who gave his…who gave himself to save his sister. What a sweet, sweet little boy. I also pray for the little one in hospice with cancer Lord. I pray for him and his family Lord. I pray for healing over these children. Lord, we know You love him…them and You know what’s best for them and You know where they’re going to be and happy and thrive and where they belong Lord. So, I just pray that you be with them and their families. And I pray for Gigi. I pray for peace for her. Help her to be able to rest and to take a break and help her to be OK with it. If anything…if COVID has taught us anything it’s been had a slow down and just stop and rest, and…and Lord I pray that she will just be able to take a rest and to put things aside and…and focus on her child and her family Lord. Amen.

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Sunday August 8, 2021 (NIV)

Ezra 7:1-8:20

Ezra’s Arrival

7 After these events, during the reign of King Artaxerxes(A) of Persia, Ezra—

Seraiah’s(B) son, Azariah’s son,

Hilkiah’s(C) son, 2 Shallum’s son,

Zadok’s(D) son, Ahitub’s son,

3 Amariah’s son, Azariah’s son,

Meraioth’s son, 4 Zerahiah’s son,

Uzzi’s son, Bukki’s son,

5 Abishua’s son, Phinehas’s son,

Eleazar’s son, the chief priest Aaron’s son(E)

6 —came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses,(F) which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he requested(G) because the hand of the Lord his God was on him.(H) 7 Some of the Israelites, priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants(I) accompanied him to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.

8 Ezra[a] came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, during the seventh year of the king. 9 He began the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month(J) and arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month(K) since the gracious hand of his God was on him.(L) 10 Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach(M) its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Letter from Artaxerxes

11 This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in matters of the Lord’s commands and statutes for Israel:[b]

12 Artaxerxes, king of kings,(N) to Ezra the priest, an expert in the law of the God of the heavens:

Greetings.

13 I issue a decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including their priests and Levites, who want to go to Jerusalem, may go with you.(O) 14 You are sent by the king and his seven counselors(P) to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the law of your God, which is in your possession. 15 You are also to bring the silver and gold the king and his counselors have willingly given to the God of Israel,(Q) whose dwelling is in Jerusalem,(R) 16 and all the silver and gold you receive throughout the province of Babylon, together with the freewill offerings given by the people and the priests to the house of their God in Jerusalem.(S) 17 Then you are to be diligent to buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs, along with their grain and drink offerings, and offer them on the altar at the house of your God in Jerusalem.(T) 18 You may do whatever seems best to you and your brothers with the rest of the silver and gold, according to the will of your God. 19 Deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles given to you for the service of the house of your God.(U) 20 You may use the royal treasury[c] to pay for anything else needed for the house of your God.(V)

21 I, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers in the region west of the Euphrates River:(W)

Whatever Ezra the priest, an expert in the law of the God of the heavens, asks of you must be provided in full,(X) 22 up to 7,500 pounds[d] of silver, 500 bushels[e] of wheat, 550 gallons[f] of wine, 550 gallons of oil, and salt without limit.[g] 23 Whatever is commanded by the God of the heavens must be done diligently for the house of the God of the heavens, so that wrath will not fall on the realm of the king and his sons.(Y) 24 Be advised that you do not have authority to impose tribute, duty, and land tax on any priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

25 And you, Ezra, according to[h] God’s wisdom that you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people in the region west of the Euphrates who know the laws of your God and to teach anyone who does not know them.(Z) 26 Anyone who does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let the appropriate judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.(AA)

27 Blessed be the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king’s mind(AB) to glorify the house of the Lord in Jerusalem,(AC) 28 and who has shown favor to me before the king,(AD) his counselors, and all his powerful officers. So I took courage because I was strengthened by the hand of the Lord my God,[i](AE) and I gathered Israelite leaders to return with me.(AF)

Those Returning with Ezra

8 These are the family heads and the genealogical records of those who returned with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes:(AG)

2 Gershom, from Phinehas’s descendants;

Daniel, from Ithamar’s descendants;

Hattush, from David’s descendants,

3 who was of Shecaniah’s descendants;(AH)

Zechariah, from Parosh’s(AI) descendants,

and 150 men[j] with him who were registered by genealogy;

4 Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah

from Pahath-moab’s descendants,(AJ)

and 200 men with him;

5 Shecaniah[k] son of Jahaziel

from Zattu’s descendants,

and 300 men with him;

6 Ebed son of Jonathan

from Adin’s descendants,(AK)

and 50 men with him;

7 Jeshaiah son of Athaliah

from Elam’s descendants,

and 70 men with him;

8 Zebadiah son of Michael

from Shephatiah’s descendants,

and 80 men with him;

9 Obadiah son of Jehiel

from Joab’s descendants,

and 218 men with him;

10 Shelomith[l] son of Josiphiah

from Bani’s descendants,

and 160 men with him;

11 Zechariah son of Bebai

from Bebai’s descendants,

and 28 men with him;

12 Johanan son of Hakkatan

from Azgad’s descendants,

and 110 men with him;

13 these are the last ones, from Adonikam’s descendants,(AL)

and their names are

Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah,

and 60 men with them;

14 Uthai and Zaccur[m]

from Bigvai’s descendants,

and 70 men with them.

15 I gathered them at the river[n] that flows to Ahava,(AM) and we camped there for three days. I searched among the people and priests, but found no Levites(AN) there. 16 Then I summoned the leaders: Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam,(AO) as well as the teachers Joiarib and Elnathan. 17 I sent them to Iddo, the leader at Casiphia, with a message for[o] him and his brothers, the temple servants(AP) at Casiphia, that they should bring us ministers for the house of our God. 18 Since the gracious hand of our God was on us,(AQ) they brought us Sherebiah(AR)—a man of insight from the descendants of Mahli, a descendant of Levi son of Israel—along with his sons and brothers, 18 men, 19 plus Hashabiah,(AS) along with Jeshaiah, from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and their sons, 20 men. 20 There were also 220 of the temple servants,(AT) who had been appointed by David and the leaders for the work of the Levites. All were identified by name.

Footnotes:

  1. 7:8 LXX, Syr, Vg read They
  2. 7:11 Ezr 7:12–26 is written in Aramaic.
  3. 7:20 Lit the king’s house
  4. 7:22 Lit 100 talents
  5. 7:22 Lit 100 cors
  6. 7:22 Lit 100 baths
  7. 7:22 Lit without instruction
  8. 7:25 Lit to your
  9. 7:28 Lit because the hand of the Lord my God was on me
  10. 8:3 Or males; also in vv. 4–14
  11. 8:5 LXX, 1 Esdras 8:32; MT reads the descendants of Shecaniah
  12. 8:10 Some LXX mss, 1 Esdras 8:36; MT reads the descendants of Shelomith
  13. 8:14 Alt Hb tradition, some LXX mss read Zabud
  14. 8:15 Or canal
  15. 8:17 Lit Casiphia, and I put in their mouth the words to speak to

Cross references:

  1. 7:1 : Ezr 4:7; 6:14; Neh 2:1
  2. 7:1 : 2Kg 25:18–21; Jr 52:24–27
  3. 7:1 : 2Kg 22:4; 23:4
  4. 7:2 : 1Sm 8:17; 1Kg 1:7–8; 2:35
  5. 7:1–5 : 1Ch 6:3–15
  6. 7:6 : Ezr 7:11–12,21
  7. 7:6 : Neh 2:4–8
  8. 7:6 : Ezr 7:28; 8:22; Neh 2:8,18
  9. 7:7 : Ezr 2:1–58; Neh 7:6–60
  10. 7:9 : Ezr 8:15,21,31
  11. 7:9 : Ezr 8:32
  12. 7:9 : Ezr 7:28; 8:18,31; Neh 2:8,18
  13. 7:10 : Neh 8:1–8
  14. 7:12 : Ezk 26:7; Dn 2:37
  15. 7:13 : Ezr 1:3
  16. 7:14 : Est 1:14
  17. 7:15 : Hg 2:8
  18. 7:15 : Dt 12:5–6; 2Ch 6:2
  19. 7:16 : Ex 3:22; Ezr 1:6
  20. 7:17 : Nm 15:1–14; Ezr 6:9
  21. 7:19 : Ezr 8:33
  22. 7:20 : Ezr 6:4,8; 7:22–23
  23. 7:21 : Ezr 4:10; 7:25
  24. 7:21 : Ezr 6:8
  25. 7:23 : Ezr 6:10
  26. 7:25 : Ezr 7:10; Neh 8:1–3,8
  27. 7:26 : Ezr 6:11
  28. 7:27 : Ezr 6:22
  29. 7:27 : Is 60:7,13
  30. 7:28 : Ezr 9:9
  31. 7:28 : Ezr 7:6; 8:18
  32. 7:28 : Ezr 8:1–14,16
  33. 8:1 : Ezr 7:7
  34. 8:3 : 1Ch 3:22
  35. 8:3 : Ezr 2:3; 10:25
  36. 8:4 : Ezr 2:6
  37. 8:6 : Ezr 2:15; Neh 7:20
  38. 8:13 : Ezr 2:13
  39. 8:15 : Ezr 8:21,31
  40. 8:15 : Ezr 2:40; 7:7
  41. 8:16 : Ezr 10:15
  42. 8:17 : Ezr 2:43; Neh 7:46
  43. 8:18 : Ezr 7:6
  44. 8:18 : Ezr 8:24; Neh 8:7
  45. 8:19 : Neh 12:24
  46. 8:20 : Ezr 2:43; 7:7
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.

1 Corinthians 4

The Faithful Manager

4 A person should think of us in this way: as servants(A) of Christ and managers(B) of the mysteries of God.(C) 2 In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful.(D) 3 It is of little(E) importance to me that I should be judged(F) by you or by any human court.[a] In fact, I don’t even judge myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified(G) by this. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 So don’t judge(H) anything prematurely, before the Lord comes,(I) who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.(J)

The Apostles’ Example of Humility

6 Now, brothers and sisters,(K) I have applied these things to myself and Apollos(L) for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. 7 For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it? 8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us—and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! 9 For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ!(M) We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; 12 we labor, working(N) with our own hands.(O) When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.(P)

Paul’s Fatherly Care

14 I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.(Q) 15 For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father(R) in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 This is why I have sent(S) Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful(T) child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

18 Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon,(U) if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod,(V) or in love and a spirit of gentleness?(W)

Footnotes:

  1. 4:3 Lit a human day

Cross references:

  1. 4:1 : Jn 18:36
  2. 4:1 : Lk 16:1
  3. 4:1 : 1Co 2:7
  4. 4:2 : Nm 12:7
  5. 4:3 : Mt 5:19
  6. 4:3 : 1Co 2:14
  7. 4:4 : Ac 13:39
  8. 4:5 : Lk 6:37
  9. 4:5 : Mk 8:38; 1Pt 5:6
  10. 4:5 : 2Co 10:18
  11. 4:6 : Ac 9:30
  12. 4:6 : Ti 3:13
  13. 4:10 : 1Pt 5:14
  14. 4:12 : 2Jn 8
  15. 4:12 : Ac 18:3
  16. 4:13 : Is 64:6; Lm 3:45
  17. 4:14 : 1Th 2:11; Phm 1
  18. 4:15 : Gl 4:19; Phm 10
  19. 4:17 : 2Co 9:3; Eph 6:21–22; Col 4:7–8; Phm 12
  20. 4:17 : Nm 12:7
  21. 4:19 : Ac 19:21; 1Co 16:5; 2Co 1:15–16
  22. 4:21 : 2Co 1:23; 2:1,3; 12:20–21; 13:2,10
  23. 4:21 : Jms 3:13
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.

Psalm 30

Psalm 30

Joy in the Morning

A psalm; a dedication song for the house. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have lifted me up(A)
and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.(B)
2 Lord my God,
I cried to you for help, and you healed me.(C)
3 Lord, you brought me up from Sheol;(D)
you spared me from among those
going down[a] to the Pit.(E)

4 Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
and praise his holy name.(F)
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
but there is joy in the morning.(G)

6 When I was secure, I said,
“I will never be shaken.”(H)
7 Lord, when you showed your favor,
you made me stand like a strong mountain;(I)
when you hid your face, I was terrified.(J)
8 Lord, I called to you;
I sought favor from my Lord:(K)
9 “What gain is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your truth?(L)
10 Lord, listen and be gracious to me;
Lord, be my helper.”(M)

11 You turned my lament into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,(N)
12 so that I can sing to you and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.(O)

Footnotes:

  1. 30:3 Some Hb mss, LXX, Theod, Orig, Syr; other Hb mss, Aq, Sym, Tg, Jer read from going down

Cross references:

  1. 30:1 : Ps 3:3
  2. 30:1 : Ps 25:2; 35:19
  3. 30:2 : Ps 88:13
  4. 30:3 : Ps 86:13
  5. 30:3 : Ps 28:1; 88:4; 143:7
  6. 30:4 : Ps 50:5; 149:1
  7. 30:5 : Ps 103:9; Is 54:7–8; 2Co 4:17
  8. 30:6 : Ps 10:6; 62:2,6
  9. 30:7 : Ps 20:8
  10. 30:7 : Ps 104:29
  11. 30:8 : Ps 119:58
  12. 30:9 : Ps 6:5; 88:10–12
  13. 30:10 : Ps 4:1; 27:7
  14. 30:11 : Ec 3:4; Is 61:10; Jr 31:13
  15. 30:12 : Ps 44:8; 108:1
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 20:28-30

28 Loyalty and faithfulness guard a king;
through loyalty he maintains his throne.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,
and the splendor of old men is gray hair.(A)

30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil,(B)
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.[a]

Footnotes:

  1. 20:30 Lit beatings the chambers of the belly

Cross references:

  1. 20:29 : Lv 19:32; Pr 16:31
  2. 20:30 : Is 53:5
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.

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08/07/2021 DAB Transcript

Ezra 4:24-6:22, 1 Corinthians 3:5-23, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 20:26-27

Today is August 7th, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible, I am Brian, it’s wonderful as it always is to be here with you as we come around the Global Campfire together. Exhale, let it all go for a little bit as we just allow the Scriptures to come into our lives with open hearts and open minds, pushing pause on the cares of life, giving ourselves permission to catch our breath and reorient ourselves to God and allow his Spirit to renew us. So, let’s dive into the Old Testament. We’re in the book of Ezra today chapter 4 verse 24 through 6 verse 22.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word and again we thank You for another week that has gone by, another week, this first full week of August this eighth month of the year and we are grateful for Your faithfulness to us and for the gift of the Scriptures that You have offered to us to counsel and correct and lead and direct our steps. So, Holy Spirit, we invite You to come into all that we read this week, all that we talked about this week and seal it in our hearts that it might yield fruits. The fruit of this spirit in our lives. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is home base, it’s the website, it’s how to get connected, how to find out what’s going on around here, so check that out and if you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app you  can check it out from within the app, there’s a little drawer icon in the upper left-hand corner, if you press that a little drawer pops out and then you can find things like the Daily Audio Bible Shop where the resources for the journey that we are on exist, as well as the Community section where you can get connected on social media or the Prayer Wall is there. And you can always pray you can always ask for prayer, so check that out as well.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if what’s going on here is life giving to you and makes a difference than thank you for your partnership as we navigate these summer months. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button and that’s in the upper right-hand corner or the mailing address is P.O. Box 1996 Springhill, Tennessee 37174.

And as always if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button in the app and that will, well, it’s Hotline button so you can share no matter where you are the world’s 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.

Prayers and Encouragements:

Hi this is Victorious Solider just calling to pray for some of the DABers. I want to pray for the young man who said that he was tired. Sometimes we get tired in waiting for the Lord but I want to encourage you my brother it says that he that wait upon the Lord, He shall renew their strength, you shall mount on wings as eagles, they shall run and not faint and whatsoever they doeth he shall prosper beyond __ not so but on which the wind driveth away. I remember on the alter that I was tired and I put my trust in the Lord and He lifted my burdens and He gave me life. My brother, you want life as God, say I’m tired Lord I want life. And let the Lord give you that life. That’s what He wants to give you. I just pray for you my brother, I ask you, I ask you to trust ___ I heard a story about her daughter. I ask you to bless her daughter. I ask you to touch the young woman who’s moving and going away. I remember the days that I moved in the military and didn’t know what was gonna be there when I got there. But God always provides. And I praying my sister in my spirit and in my soul that God bless you with everything in abundance as He always do. That’s the kind of God He is. We just have to get used to that, he’s an abundant God. Lord I just thank You for touching Your people. I just thank you for blessing my sister and the one that was talking about the beautiful pool, it’s so good to hear your voice and it’s so good to know you. Oh Lord, I just ask you to bless em. Give em life and favor. Oh Lord, strengthen somebody today that don’t know You. Touch our children Lord and guide them to you. Lord, I pray also for my precious brother and your precious brother my precious brother is in the hospital in intensive care with Corona virus and a.

Hi this is Gina, God’s Princess Warrior. Just wanted to call and ask for prayer for my sister and family, my five girls. My younger sister, she and her husband just lost son yesterday, she found him in his bedroom with a drug overdose. And he was 17 and yesterday being August 2nd that she found him and August 1st was her birthday. So, the night before they had celebrated and everything so, just keep my sister Chrissy and her family in prayer. She, after having a several miscarriages they adopted two children and then she got pregnant with her third who was the son, yesterday, and he was a spitting image, looked just like our dad. And so, I can’t imagine finding your child in your home. It’s actually a brand-new home they just built, their retired now. And just moved in last October so, if you could please just be in prayer for our family. This is a great loss, please pray. They actually just talked to him two days ago about his drug addiction and were seeking for him. So, please just be in prayer for our family. And

Hello, my name is Julia I was just listening to the August 3rd podcast and I’m just seeing this repetition of mental health issues kind of coming up. I work in the mental health field and so I just wanted to come on an just pray for some people. I know there was a mom who was calling in about her daughter who was suicidal. There was also a friend calling in for their friend who was a cutter and just multiple things going on, and so I just want to lift these people up and anybody else who may be struggling with some mental health stuff. Lord, I just thank You right now that You are the King of glory the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle we lift Your name up above everything Father God, we just thank You that you are the way the truth and the life Lord. And so, when the enemy tries to come and tries to deceive us or putt lies in us or nocks us down Lord, we can just turn back to word knowing that we are never lost Lord because You’re the way. And right now, Lord, I just thank You Lord for these people that were brought forth, Lord. Right now, and we lift them up to You, Lord. I thank You Lord that because you died for us Lord, You freed us from all mental torment. You freed us from all sickness and disease Lord. You freed us from all sin, Father God. You made a spectacle out of the enemy on the cross, Father, and I just pray Lord that You would help us to renew our minds in Your word Father God. I take the authority You have given us over the enemy right now and Satan we speak to you and we serve you notice. You are to stand down and stay down in the name of Jesus, you have no right to these people. I declare that they have the mind of Christ. That they do not operate of

Hello, this is Debbie from Canada. And my son Lucas really needs prayer. He’s struggled keeping jobs. He’s just moved to the big city and he’s lost 5 jobs already. He’s on the autism scale but he’s still quite independent, so he struggles with obsessiveness and listening and remembering. He’s slow and so he really needs to find work where the boss and the company understand his situation and there willing to keep him on and he really needs that stability. He…he knows Jesus, he knows that he is loved and but he’s just really struggling and angry and doesn’t get it. Also, his girlfriend is not a Christian and it’s not a good situation there really either so I’d really appreciate if you could pray for Lucas that he could find stable work situation. Thank you so much. I listen to DAB all the time. Bye for now.

Hello brothers and sister. I’m excited. It’s been a little bit again but I’m still less than a month behind. But I just felt encouraged to call and just some encouragement and some prayer. Cheering Jasmine from Florida, no sorry, Jasmine from Virginia and then having her talk about Lorenzo from Florida. I mean, like it is, it’s encouraging for myself being in that age group and I’m just, I’m just glad God has us here. And just to pray over school, maybe you’re gonna be senior maybe look for colleges just maybe were still high school. But I just pray that God might take us on a journey that is glorious. I mean, really glorious. And that throughout that journey we might praise Him and He just might get that praise. It makes me feel a little bit more comfortable if there are people in this community that are my age. I just pray a blessing on all the teenagers. And just tonight August 3rd I am thanking God for this community. In Jesus name. Amen.

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Saturday August 7, 2021 (NIV)

Ezra 4:24-6:22

24 Then the work on God’s temple in Jerusalem was stopped. Nothing more was done until Darius’ second year as king of Persia.

Work Resumed on the Temple

5 The prophet Haggai and Zechariah, grandson of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of Israel’s God, who was over them. 2 Then Zerubbabel, who was Shealtiel’s son, and Jeshua, who was Jozadak’s son, began to rebuild God’s temple in Jerusalem. God’s prophets were with them and supported them.

3 At the same time, Governor Tattenai ⌞from the province⌟ west of the Euphrates River, Shethar Bozenai, and their group went to the Jews and asked them, “Who gave you permission to rebuild this temple and finish its walls?” 4 They also asked the Jews for the names of the men who were working on this building.

5 But the leaders of the Jews were under God’s watchful eye. They couldn’t be stopped until Darius received a report and sent a reply to it.

Permission Requested from Darius

6 Here is a copy of the letter Governor Tattenai ⌞from the province⌟ west of the Euphrates River, Shethar Bozenai and his group (the Persians west of that river) sent to King Darius. 7 They sent him the following report:

To King Darius,

We wish you peace and prosperity in everything you do.

8 Your Majesty should know that we went to the province of Judah, to the temple of the great God. The temple is being built with large stones and with wooden beams laid in its walls. The builders are doing an excellent job and making rapid progress. 9 We asked their leaders the following question: “Who gave you permission to rebuild this temple and finish its walls?” 10 For your information, we also asked them for their names so that we would have a record of the men who were their leaders. 11 This was their reply to us:

“We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the temple that was originally built many years ago by a great king of Israel. 12 But because our ancestors made the God of heaven angry, he handed them over to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (a Chaldean). So Nebuchadnezzar destroyed this temple and deported its people to Babylon.

13 “However, in the first year of the reign of King Cyrus of Babylon, Cyrus gave permission for God’s temple to be rebuilt. 14 In addition, Cyrus took out of a temple in Babylon the gold and silver utensils that belonged to God’s temple. (Nebuchadnezzar had taken them out of God’s temple in Jerusalem and brought them into a temple in Babylon.) Cyrus gave them to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor. 15 Cyrus told him, ‘Take these utensils. Place them in the temple in Jerusalem. Rebuild God’s temple on its original site.’ 16 Then Sheshbazzar laid the foundation of God’s temple in Jerusalem. The temple has been under construction from that time until now, but it still isn’t finished.”

17 If it pleases Your Majesty, allow someone to search the king’s archives in Babylon to determine whether King Cyrus gave permission for the temple of God to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Then please send us Your Majesty’s decision on this matter.

King Darius Finds King Cyrus’ Memorandum

6 Then King Darius gave the order to search the library where the archives were stored in Babylon. 2 A scroll was found in the palace of Ecbatana, which is in the province of Media. This was written on it:

MEMORANDUM

3 Date: Cyrus’ first year as king

From: King Cyrus

Subject: God’s temple in Jerusalem

The temple should be rebuilt as a place to offer sacrifices. Its foundation should be laid. It should be 90 feet high and 90 feet wide 4 with three rows of large stones and a row of wood. The king’s palace will pay for it. 5 In addition, Cyrus took out of a temple in Babylon the gold and silver utensils that belonged to God’s temple. (Nebuchadnezzar had taken them out of God’s temple in Jerusalem and brought them into a temple in Babylon.) They should be returned to their proper place in the temple in Jerusalem. You should put each one in God’s temple.

6 Governor Tattenai ⌞from the province⌟ west of the Euphrates, Shethar Bozenai, and those of your group (the Persians west of the river):

You must stay away from there. 7 Don’t interfere with the work on God’s temple. Let the governor of the Jews and the leaders of Judah rebuild God’s temple on its ⌞original⌟ foundation. 8 I am issuing this decree about how you must help the Jewish leaders rebuild God’s temple:

The cost ⌞for this⌟ should be paid out of the king’s own money from the taxes ⌞on the province⌟ west of the Euphrates. Full payment should be made to these men so that the work is not interrupted. 9 Also, whatever the priests in Jerusalem need for burnt offerings to the God of heaven—young bulls, rams, lambs, wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil—should be provided for them each day. Make sure that nothing is omitted. 10 Then they can offer sacrifices that please the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.

11 I am also issuing a decree that if anyone tampers with my orders, that person should be impaled on a beam torn from his own house and his house should be turned into a pile of rubble. 12 May the God whose name is worshiped there cause the downfall of each king and nation who tries to tamper with my orders or tries to destroy the temple of the God in Jerusalem.

I, Darius, have issued a decree. It’s to be carried out exactly as ordered.

13 Then Governor Tattenai ⌞from the province⌟ west of the Euphrates River, Shethar Bozenai, and their group did exactly what King Darius had ordered. 14 So the Jewish leaders continued to make progress because of the message from the prophet Haggai and Zechariah, the grandson of Iddo. They finished building as the God of Israel had ordered and as Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes (the kings of Persia) had ordered. 15 This temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar in the sixth year of King Darius’ reign.

The Temple Is Completed and Dedicated

16 Then the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the others who had returned from exile celebrated at the dedication of God’s temple. 17 At the dedication of God’s temple, they sacrificed 100 bulls, 200 rams, and 400 lambs. They sacrificed 12 male goats as an offering for sin, one goat for each of the tribes of Israel.

18 The priests were assigned to their divisions and the Levites to their groups ⌞to lead⌟ the worship of God in Jerusalem by following the directions written in the Book of Moses.

The Passover Is Celebrated

19 On the fourteenth day of the first month, those who had returned from exile celebrated the Passover. 20 Since the priests and Levites had cleansed themselves, all of them were ⌞now⌟ clean.[a] They killed the Passover lambs for all the people who had returned from exile, for the rest of the priests, and for themselves. 21 The lambs were eaten by the Israelites who had returned from exile and by all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of the non-Jews in the land to worship the Lord God of Israel. 22 So for seven days they celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread because the Lord had made them joyful. The Lord had made the king of Assyria change his mind so that he supported the people in their work on the temple of God, the God of Israel.

Footnotes:

  1. 6:20 “Clean   ” refers to anything that Moses’ Teachings say is presentable to God.
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.

1 Corinthians 3:5-23

5 Who is Apollos? Who is Paul? They are servants who helped you come to faith. Each did what the Lord gave him to do. 6 I planted, and Apollos watered, but God made it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is important because ⌞only⌟ God makes it grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have the same goal, and each will receive a reward for his own work. 9 We are God’s coworkers. You are God’s field.

You are God’s building. 10 As a skilled and experienced builder, I used the gift [a] that God gave me to lay the foundation ⌞for that building⌟. However, someone else is building on it. Each person must be careful how he builds on it. 11 After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 People may build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw. 13 The day will make what each one does clearly visible because fire will reveal it. That fire will determine what kind of work each person has done. 14 If what a person has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If his work is burned up, he will suffer ⌞the loss⌟. However, he will be saved, though it will be like going through a fire.

16 Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him because God’s temple is holy. You are that holy temple!

18 Don’t deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise in the ways of this world, you should give up that wisdom in order to become really wise. 19 The wisdom of this world is nonsense in God’s sight. That’s why Scripture says, “God catches the wise in their cleverness.” 20 Again Scripture says, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are pointless.”

21 So don’t brag about people. Everything belongs to you. 22 Whether it is Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life or death, present or future things, everything belongs to you. 23 You belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

Footnotes:

  1. 3:10 Or “grace.”
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.

Psalm 29

A psalm by David.

29 Give to the Lord, you heavenly beings.
Give to the Lord glory and power.
2 Give to the Lord the glory his name deserves.
Worship the Lord in ⌞his⌟ holy splendor.

3 The voice of the Lord rolls over the water.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord shouts over raging water.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful.
The voice of the Lord is majestic.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars.
The Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip along like a calf
and Mount Sirion like a wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the Lord makes the wilderness tremble.
The Lord makes the wilderness of Kadesh tremble.
9 The voice of the Lord splits the oaks
and strips ⌞the trees of⌟ the forests bare.
Everyone in his temple is saying, “Glory!”

10 The Lord sat enthroned over the flood.
The Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 The Lord will give power to his people.
The Lord will bless his people with peace.

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 20:26-27

26 A wise king scatters the wicked
and then runs them over.
27 A person’s soul is the Lord’s lamp.
It searches his entire innermost being.

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.

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08/06/2021 DAB Transcript

Ezra 3:1-4:23, 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4, Psalms 28:1-9, Proverbs 20:24-25

Today is the 6th day of August welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I’m Brian it is a joy to be here with you today as we all find our places around the Global Campfire and take the next step forward together. And that next step leads us…well…we’re kind of in some new territory in both old and new Testaments. We’re moving into Ezra and we’re moving into first Corinthians. So, that’s where we’ll be today. First, Ezra chapter 3 verse 1 through 4 verse 23.

Commentary:

Okay. So, as we began the book of Ezra we talked about, you know, what its contents are and the fact that it sort of picks up where second Chronicles, the book we previously read left off. And, so, exiles are returning back to Jerusalem with the blessing of the king to rebuild the temple and worship God there. And, so, they have. They have come back and begun to rebuild, but the people around them are being critical and some are coming and asking if they can help rebuild, the people that have been relocated into Samaria by the Assyrian Empire, the people that will come to be known as Samaritans, who worship God differently. And, so, there’s sort of a…a rift there with the returning Hebrew people, the naturally born Hebrew people wanting to rebuild the temple of God, as commanded by the king, they didn’t want any mixture, they didn’t want any help. And, so, that causes a rift, and before long the politics start, and letters are being written to the king. And by the time we finish our reading today everything is stopped. Like, their dream and their mission has come to a halt. And this book Ezra and the one that will follow it Nehemiah…I mean…we’re definitely reading of the restoration of parts of Jerusalem that had been destroyed by the Babylonians. And, so, we have a bit of a historical account here, but when we look deeper into the challenges that are faced we really do see some things for our own lives. And, so, what we’re going to begin to see here is endurance, perseverance, staying true to a specific goal that that that needs to be achieved, even if things grind to a halt, even if it’s just a millimeter forward per day until things break loose. Keep moving forward even if it’s just a little bit every day toward what we’re heading into and enduring what we must to achieve those things, these are valuable lessons for our…for our lives, because intimidation and discouragement and politics and the stuff we’re seeing begin to shape up here in Ezra are things that we face at one point or another in one circumstance or another. And, so, there’s so much here for us to watch. But what we watched today is the joy of rebuilding. And, of course, as sacrifices are starting to be offered they’re on the site of the Temple. Some people are very, very joyful. Like this is the restoration that we were praying for. And other people who had seen God’s temple before it was restored are weeping because of what was lost. And they continue forward until their halted by…by the king. And we’ll pick up with that story tomorrow.

In the letter to the Corinthians, first Corinthians that we’re in, Paul had been talking about the nonsense of the gospel in our reading yesterday and how it’s offensive to Hebrew people and Judaism because it does not line up with accepted tradition, and it doesn’t make any sense to a Gentile who’s never been involved in Judaism. It sounds like nonsense. And that kind of conversation continues today. And…and so, we…we can see this. Let me quote Paul. Now, just put on a rational mind here. Like, just listen to these words rationally and not spiritually. “We speak about the mystery of God’s wisdom. It is a wisdom that has been hidden which God had planned for our glory before the world began.” Okay that’s a statement. It’s a statement of faith. It’s a statement that you would have to believe, but if you look at that statement rationally it’s like what hidden wisdom? What glory was planned before the world began? Who knows this? How do you know this? And you can start picking it apart and go, well…well just that one verse there, that doesn’t even make sense, much less the rest of what Paul’s saying. What Paul was saying that we…we gleaned from our reading yesterday is that it’s all backwards. The world’s wisdom, the way that things are constructed is what we have done over time to try to be our own sovereign and have control over this place and control over everyone else in whatever way we can. And it’s upside down. Jesus said the same kinds of things, especially like in the Beatitudes. It’s upside down. It’s backward. And, so, Paul says that’s intentional. That’s his argument. That’s intentional. This nonsense that you…that you can’t wrap your mind around, that’s intentional. You won’t be able to hold God in your mind or control him that way by human understanding. Even if you’ve devoted your life to a theological understanding, you’re scratching the surface of the most-high God. And, so, according to Paul, God has chosen the foolishness of the world to reveal his wisdom. And to believe these things might make us look foolish to anyone out there but once we’ve tasted and seen, like once we’ve had eyes to see, even for a moment, things flipped upside down where we have eyes to see this kingdom at work in and among us and that we’re a part of this, that changes everything. We can’t unsee what we’ve seen. I quote Paul. “God has revealed those things to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, especially the deep things of God. After all, who knows everything about a person, except that person’s Spirit. in the same way no one has known everything about God except God’s own Spirit. And we didn’t receive the Spirit that belongs to the world. Instead, we received the Spirit who comes from God so that we can know the things which God has freely given us. We don’t speak about these things using teachings that are based on intellectual arguments like people do. Instead, we use the Spirits teachings. We explain spiritual things through those who have the Spirit.” So, we can look at this and go, well we are rational beings who try to create order out of the story that we’re living to try to give some linearity to it so that it makes sense as we live. And we look at things to try to understand how they work. So how then, if God is so far beyond us and we’re only can have spiritual teachings, then how will this settle in? What makes it work? Which is what brings us to a very famous saying in the book of first Corinthians. So, Paul says, “a person who isn’t spiritual doesn’t accept the teachings of God’s Spirit. He thinks they’re nonsense. They can’t understand them because a person must be spiritual to evaluate them. Spiritual people evaluate everything but are subject to no one’s evaluation. Who has known the mind of the Lord so that he can teach Him? However, we have the mind of Christ.” So, according to Paul that’s what we see through. That is the lens that we see through. It’s not our own intellectual understanding, it’s the mind of Christ opening with in us. And indeed, to those who have not accepted or believed in faith in that direction than its nonsense. For those who have opened their hearts and minds to the mind of Christ and the Spirit of the risen Christ within and the guidance of the Holy Spirit than we can’t see differently. Things have changed.

Prayer:

Father, we open ourselves to You. Even now, even as we’re here in this moment now we slow things down and open our hearts and minds to You understanding that we can’t hold onto You, that we can’t figure You out, we can’t rationalize all of this. It’s not something that we can sort out. It’s something that we have to simply be and know. So, we open ourselves. Come Holy Spirit, may the mind of Christ open within us. May our hearts open to Your Spirits guidance and direction. May we pay attention we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Community Prayer and Praise:

Good morning DABber family this is the burning Bush that will not be devoured for the glory of our God and our king. I’m calling with a praise report guys. Two years ago, this time of year I was calling in with a prayer request for my nephew who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, was undergoing several tests. The doctors had gotten to a point where they thought that this was going to be fatal and his at the time girlfriend had gone to stay in the hospital with him. They got married in the hospital and, you know, my family was praying, you guys were praying with us, and I just want to announce today that he is awaiting the…the birth of his first child. Now rewind two years ago they thought that he was not going to make it past three months and today he is alive and well. God has healed his body. His family is growing, and I just want to share this with those who are struggling with something similar. Somebody in your family has a brain tumor. Someone in your family’s struggling with cancer. Know that it’s not a death sentence, that there is nothing that God can’t do. The power of prayer still exists today. That’s it. I want to pray for God’s Smile and her husband. Father God, I praise You for the beautiful couple. I praise You for health in their family Lord. I pray that You will sustain them and keep them and help them to consistently walk in Your grace. I pray for divine health over that family right now in the name of Jesus. I also pray for all our DABbber family members who are going through sickness and fighting, battling illnesses this this year. I pray for healing God, that Your healing hands. I pray that You will put the blood of the lamb over the door of each of our members and the name of Jesus that they will not fall to any illness in the name of Jesus I pray. I love You all. Amen, Amen, Amen. Have a blessed…

Lee from New Jersey my brother from another mother this is doctor, John from Jordan New York. We missed our birthdays July 24th. I don’t know what number it is for you but for me it’ll be my 14th Daily Audio Bible birthday. And, yeah, I’d love to hear from you and see how you’re doing. I also have another request DAB family. I have a glaucoma procedure tomorrow and I’m in surgery on August the 3rd. Today is August 2nd. So, if you could pray for positive outcome, pray for the surgeon’s hands, for my vision to stabilize. For the first time ever, I have lost vision. My dad was blind at 65 and I’ve got normal pressure glaucoma which means that his vision under normal pressure. So, I’ve got to try to get my pressures lower. And, so, I’m kind of getting a taste of what my dad experienced, and I’d rather not lose anymore vision. So, if you could pray for me, I would appreciate it. Love you family. Lee, give me a call give me a shout out. Love you brother. Bye bye.

Hello DAB family this is Dasia from North Carolina. I am calling in response to prayer Mama calling about your situation with your daughter Lauren. I know the spirit of suicide firsthand. I tried several times in my life not understanding that the gifting of the burdens of my life was for the ministry of my life. So it is my prayer that God touches her mind, touches her heart to realize that everything she’s going through even though it’s painful to her has nothing to do with her. It’s all about what God has to reveal through her. So, I pray with you Mama that everything is gonna be OK. I would not recommend that you let her know you read her diary because that’s just another avenue for the enemy to play on her mind. So, just stay in prayer, fast before the Lord, keep her lifted as we will keep her lifted. And in the name of Jesus Lauren, we call against…we pray against the spirit of suicide. I bind it in the mighty name of Jesus. Hallelujah God, I thank you so much lower for the life of Lauren Lord. I thank you for the ministry of Lauren Lord. Lord, I thank you because I know that you are going to touch, I know that you’re going to reveal yourself unto this family and I bless your name in the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus. Keep your head up Mama. Everything is gonna be alright. The sun will shine again in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Good morning DABbers I’m responding to the prayer request from the mother who read her daughter’s journal. Daughter is __ suicidal. Father we lift up this daughter before You this morning. I pray Your peace and __. We ask Lord God almighty that You’ll visit her in a divine way, that You’ll take away all the suicidal thoughts away from her. We also pray for the couple that are taking in their niece. Their niece is leaving behind a lot of baggage. Father for the good heart that this couple have to be able to take this niece in, Lord I pray that You protect them, their little daughter and their son. We pray Lord God almighty for wisdom for discernment and we ask Lord that You will send help from Your sanctuary to Your children because they’re doing this good deed just like the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded us to do. Lord I pray that in the name of Jesus they will find favor, they will find direction, and they’ll find purpose for the life of their nice. Heavenly Father Lord we lift up this mother that is also smiling again. She wants to help Christine but then though Christine has so many mental issues. Lord, You place it on our hearts to reach out to all DABbers to pray for this woman. As she continues to cut herself Lord we pray that You take away this evil spirit from her and grant her Your peace, give her Your comfort, and let help reach out to her in the name of Jesus. Father we thank You for so many needs that Your children bring to You. Thank You, Lord for Brian and Jill who have put this podcast together that we can all come together and lift each other up in prayer. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Hey DABbers Bubba D with you. Prayer goes out to Tammy from Adirondacks. Father God, restore her. And we ask God for her friend who’s a cutter, asking God that You would reveal Yourself to her, that You would speak to this friend who’s been harming herself and has been hurt by it. Reveal Yourself God in a way that would affect her, revive her, bring her back to life, bring her to understanding that You love her so much Father. Would You reveal Yourself to her in her thoughts and her feelings and everything she goes through every day, that she would see You in everything and be able to experience You in a deep way. And wherever this hurt is coming from Lord, minister to that Father. Holy Spirit You are the great comforter You are the great counselor. We ask for Your blessing for Tammy’s friend in Jesus’ name Lord God. May Your peace wash over her, may Your love wash over her, Your goodness Your grace would be made known to her in new and amazing ways Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Friday August 6, 2021 (NIV)

Ezra 3:1-4:23

Worship at the Temple Site Begins Again

3 When the seventh month came, the people gathered together in Jerusalem. (The Israelites had already settled in their cities.) 2 Then Jozadak’s son Jeshua and his relatives ⌞who were⌟ priests and Shealtiel’s son Zerubbabel and his relatives built an altar for the God of Israel. They built it in order to sacrifice burnt offerings. They ⌞followed the directions⌟ written in Moses’ Teachings. (Moses was a man of God). 3 So they rebuilt the altar on its original site, though they were afraid of the people in the neighboring regions. They sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord every morning and evening.

4 Following the written directions, they celebrated the Festival of Booths. Each day they sacrificed the required number of burnt offerings. 5 After that, they sacrificed the daily burnt offerings, the offerings for the New Moon Festival and all the other holy festivals of the Lord, and all the freewill offerings brought to the Lord. 6 They started to bring these burnt offerings to the Lord on the first day of the seventh month, even though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid.

Work on the Temple Begins

7 So they gave money to the stonecutters and carpenters. Then they gave food, drink, and olive oil to the men from Sidon and Tyre in exchange for cedar, which the men would bring by sea from Lebanon to Joppa as King Cyrus of Persia had authorized them to do.

8 Zerubbabel (who was Shealtiel’s son), Jeshua (who was Jozadak’s son), and the rest of the Jews, (the priests, Levites, and all the others who had come back from exile to Jerusalem) began to rebuild the temple. This happened in the second month of the second year following their return to ⌞the site⌟ of God’s house in Jerusalem. They began by appointing the Levites who were at least 20 years old to direct the work on the Lord’s house. 9 Then Jeshua with his sons and relatives and Kadmiel with his sons who were Judah’s descendants joined Henadad’s family and their sons and relatives, the Levites, in directing those working on God’s house.

A Celebration After the Laying of the Temple’s Foundation

10 The builders laid the foundation of the Lord’s temple. Then the priests who were dressed in their robes took their places with trumpets, and the Levites who were Asaph’s descendants took their places with cymbals to praise the Lord according to the instructions of King David of Israel. 11 As they praised and gave thanks to the Lord, they sang antiphonally:

“He is good; his mercy toward Israel endures forever.”

Then all the people shouted, “Praise the Lord,” because the foundation for the house of the Lord had been laid.

12 But many of the priests, Levites, and the heads of the families who were old enough to have seen the first temple with their own eyes began to sob when they saw the foundation of this temple. Many others shouted for joy. 13 No one could distinguish between the joyful shouts and the loud sobbing because the people were shouting so loudly. The noise was heard from far away.

The Samaritans Stop the Work

4 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people who returned from exile were building a temple for the Lord God of Israel, 2 they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families. They told them, “We want to help you build because we worship the same God you worship. We have been sacrificing to him [a] since the time of King Esarhaddon of Assyria, who brought us here.”

3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of Israel’s families told them, “It isn’t right for your people and our people to build a temple for our God together. We must build it alone for the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus of Persia ordered us to do.”

4 Then the people of that region discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to continue building. 5 They bribed officials to keep the people of Judah from carrying out their plans throughout the reign of King Cyrus of Persia until the reign of King Darius of Persia.

6 When Xerxes began to rule, the enemies of Judah and Jerusalem wrote a letter in which they made an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

7 Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their group wrote to him when Artaxerxes was king of Persia. The letter was written with the Aramaic script and translated into the Aramaic language.

8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote another letter against ⌞the people of⌟ Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes. 9 At that time, Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe were with the others of their group—the people from Denya, Partakka, Tarpel, Persia, Erech, Babylon, Susa, (that is, those of Elam), 10 and the rest of the people whom the great and noble Assurbanipal deported. (Assurbanipal settled them in the cities of Samaria and the rest of the lands west of the Euphrates River.) 11 This is the copy of the letter they sent to him:

To King Artaxerxes,

From your servants, the people west of the Euphrates:

12 Your Majesty, you should know that the Jews who came to us from you are now in Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are close to finishing the walls. The foundations are already in place. 13 You should also know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, the Jews will no longer pay taxes, fees, and tolls.

Ultimately, this will hurt the king’s income. 14 Now, because we are paid by your palace, it isn’t right for us to watch something happen that will dishonor the king. So we are sending this letter to inform you 15 that you should search the official records of your predecessors. You will find in those official records that this city has been rebellious and has been a threat to kings and provinces. This city has a history of rebelliousness. That’s why this city was destroyed. 16 We want the king to know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, you will have nothing left ⌞of your province⌟ west of the Euphrates River.

17 Then the king sent this reply:

To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their group living in Samaria, and to others west of the Euphrates River: I wish you peace and prosperity!

18 The letter you sent me has been read word for word in my presence. 19 I gave the order, and a search was made. I discovered that this city has a long history of uprisings against kings. Its inhabitants are guilty of treason and rebellion. 20 Jerusalem has had powerful kings who have ruled the whole ⌞province⌟ west of the Euphrates. Taxes, fees, and tolls were paid to them. 21 So order these men to stop rebuilding. Keep this city from being rebuilt until I give the order. 22 Be careful not to neglect your duty in this matter. Why should I, the king, suffer any more harm?

23 Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and their group hurried to Jerusalem after hearing a copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter. They forced the Jews to stop rebuilding.

Footnotes:

  1. 4:2 Dead Sea Scrolls, Greek, Syriac, Egyptian; Masoretic Text “We have not sacrificed.”
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.

1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4

6 However, we do use wisdom to speak to those who are mature. It is a wisdom that doesn’t belong to this world or to the rulers of this world who are in power today and gone tomorrow. 7 We speak about the mystery of God’s wisdom. It is a wisdom that has been hidden, which God had planned for our glory before the world began. 8 Not one of the rulers of this world has known it. If they had, they wouldn’t have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as Scripture says:

“No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
the things that God has prepared
for those who love him.”

10 God has revealed those things to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, especially the deep things of God. 11 After all, who knows everything about a person except that person’s own spirit? In the same way, no one has known everything about God except God’s Spirit. 12 Now, we didn’t receive the spirit that belongs to the world. Instead, we received the Spirit who comes from God so that we could know the things which God has freely given us. 13 We don’t speak about these things using teachings that are based on intellectual arguments like people do. Instead, we use the Spirit’s teachings. We explain spiritual things to those who have the Spirit.[a]

14 A person who isn’t spiritual doesn’t accept the teachings of God’s Spirit. He thinks they’re nonsense. He can’t understand them because a person must be spiritual to evaluate them. 15 Spiritual people evaluate everything but are subject to no one’s evaluation.

16 “Who has known the mind of the Lord
so that he can teach him?”

However, we have the mind of Christ.

You Belong to Christ

3 Brothers and sisters, I couldn’t talk to you as spiritual people but as people still influenced by your corrupt nature. You were infants in your faith in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink. I didn’t give you solid food because you weren’t ready for it. Even now you aren’t ready for it 3 because you’re still influenced by your corrupt nature.

When you are jealous and quarrel among yourselves, aren’t you influenced by your corrupt nature and living by human standards? 4 When some of you say, “I follow Paul” and others say, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting like ⌞sinful⌟ humans?

Footnotes:

  1. 2:13 Or “We explain spiritual things in spiritual words.”
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.

Psalm 28

By David.

28 O Lord, I call to you.
O my rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me.
If you remain silent,
I will be like those who go into the pit.
2 Hear my prayer for mercy when I call to you for help,
when I lift my hands toward your most holy place.
3 Do not drag me away with wicked people,
with troublemakers who speak of peace with their neighbors
but have evil in their hearts.
4 Pay them back for what they have done,
for their evil deeds.
Pay them back for what their hands have done,
and give them what they deserve.
5 The Lord will tear them down and never build them up again,
because they never consider what he has done
or what his hands have made.

6 Thank the Lord!
He has heard my prayer for mercy!
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield.
My heart trusted him, so I received help.
My heart is triumphant; I give thanks to him with my song.
8 The Lord is the strength of his people
and a fortress for the victory of his Messiah.[a]
9 Save your people, and bless those who belong to you.
Be their shepherd, and carry them forever.

Footnotes:

  1. 28:8 Or “anointed one.”
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 20:24-25

24 The Lord is the one who directs a person’s steps.
How then can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for a person to say impulsively, “This is a holy offering!”
and later to have second thoughts about those vows.

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.