Devoted to Scripture

Devoted to Scripture

By Devoted to ScriptureReligion & Spirituality
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Devoted to Scripture episodes

  • #224 Jeremiah 10-13

    Day 224 of the podcast, reading Jeremiah 10-13 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Jeremiah+10-13/

    This is day 224 of our journey.

    Today starts with a rant against the false gods that people create to replace the True and Living God.  These gods are just things made by man with no power and their foolish worshippers will be overthrown.  Jeremiah then reminds the people of the covenant that their ancestors made with the Lord, specifically of the curses connected with failing to fulfill their commitments.  Judah will now be destroyed in response to their failure to keep the terms of that covenant.  Foreign rulers will invade and devastate the land and the highly exalted position that Jerusalem holds will be ruined because the people have refused to obey and follow God.

    Join me in Jeremiah 10-13 turn to the true God alone!

    Key verses:

    Jeremiah 10:11

    You people of Israel should tell those nations this: ‘These gods did not make heaven and earth. They will disappear from the earth and from under the heavens.’  

    Jeremiah 11:3

    Tell them that the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘Anyone who does not keep the terms of the covenant will be under a curse.  

    Jeremiah 12:10

    Many foreign rulers will ruin the land where I planted my people. They will trample all over my chosen land. They will turn my beautiful land into a desolate wilderness.

    Jeremiah 13:9

    “I, the Lord, say: ‘This shows how I will ruin the highly exalted position in which Judah and Jerusalem take pride.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    21 min
  • #223 Jeremiah 7-9

    Day 223 of the podcast, reading Jeremiah 7-9 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Jeremiah+7-9/

    This is day 223 of our journey.

    The Lord laments his people.  They have treated the temple as if it were a lucky charm.  "We have the Lord's temple, no harm will come on us!"  But, the Lord does not honor people because of a temple, but rather for seeking him.  They will be punished for their evil.  God questions, "When people fall, don't they get back up?  Why do my people refuse to turn from their sin and repent?"  Finally, he relents, "What else can I do?", I will "purify them in the fires of affliction".

    Join me in Jeremiah 7-9 turn back to God when you fall!

    Key verses:

    Jeremiah 7:11

    Do you think this temple I have claimed as my own is to be a hideout for robbers? You had better take note! I have seen for myself what you have done! says the Lord.  

    Jeremiah 8:5

    Why,  then, do these people of Jerusalem continually turn away from me in apostasy? They hold fast to their deception. They refuse to turn back to me.

    Jeremiah 9:7

    Therefore the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “I will now purify them in the fires of affliction and test them. The wickedness of my dear people has left me no choice. What else can I do?  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    20 min
  • #222 Jeremiah 4-6

    Day 222 of the podcast, reading Jeremiah 4-6 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Jeremiah+4-6/

    This is day 222 of our journey.

    God's judgement is coming.  The Israelites refuse to listen to the Lord's warnings, they refuse to get rid of their idols and worship the one true God alone.  When the prophets warn them of God's coming punishment, the people refuse to listen and accuse the prophets of deceit.  This shouldn't be a surprise because, after generations of sin, the people themselves are full of deceit and live only for themselves.  For this, God will send destruction on Jerusalem.  The city will be torn down because of the leaders who ignore instruction and the people who only seek their own gain, no matter the cost.  Unfortunately, even all this refinement through judgement will not be enough to purify the people.  They are likened to "rejected silver" and, for their unapologetic sinfulness, God himself has rejected them.

    Join me in Jeremiah 4-6 and mourn for the depravity and coming destruction of Israel.

    Key verses:

    Jeremiah 4:1

     “If you, Israel, want to come back,” says the Lord, “if you want to come back to me, you must get those disgusting idols out of my sight and must no longer go astray.  

    Jeremiah 5:5

    I will go to the leaders and speak with them.Surely they know what the Lord demands. Surely they know what their God requires of them.” Yet all of them, too, have rejected his authority and refuse to submit to him.

    Jeremiah 6:13

     “That is because, from the least important to the most important of them, all of them are greedy for dishonest gain. Prophets and priests alike, all of them practice deceit.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    21 min
  • #221 Jeremiah 1-3

    Day 221 of the podcast, reading Jeremiah 1-3 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Jeremiah+1-3/

    This is day 221 of our journey.

    Today we are introduced to the prophet Jeremiah.  In chapter 1, we read about his background and his calling as a prophet. Jeremiah lived during the time of the last kings of Judah and served as God's prophet into the period of the exile.  He was called as a young man to preach both judgement and hope to the people of Judah.  In chapter 2, God states his case against Judah.  He recalls that Judah had once followed him faithfully as a young bride, but they had turned away from God and prostituted themselves with false gods.  They had been an adulterous people.  Because of this, they had no reason to think that God would accept them back, and yet, God called out to them to repent and promised deliverance if they would simply follow His will.

    Remember to check out the Bible Project video linked in the description for a more complete summary of the book.

    Join me in Jeremiah 1-3 for the introduction to this powerful book.

    Key verses:

    Jeremiah 1:7

    The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ But go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you.

    Jeremiah 2:9

     “So, once more I will state my case against you,” says the Lord. “I will also state it against your children and grandchildren.  

    Jeremiah 3:22

    Come back to me, you wayward people.I want to cure your waywardness. Say, ‘Here we are. We come to you because you are the Lord our God.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

    The Bible Project:

    https://thebibleproject.com/explore/jeremiah/

    19 min
  • #220 Isaiah 63-66

    Day 220 of the podcast, reading Isaiah 63-66 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Isaiah+63-66/

    This is day 220 of our journey.

    Isaiah concludes today with a declaration of victory.  God's people serve him, but all the good deeds we do are worthless rags compared to his glory.  We are clay in his hands and our good deeds are simply an outpouring of his labor in our lives.  He will recognize those that seek him, he will establish them in the new heavens and the new earth that he is creating.  In his new home, there will be no more mourning or sadness, no more sickness or disaster.  We will rejoice forevermore!

    Join me in Isaiah 63-66 and marvel at the new heaven and new earth that God is preparing for us!

    Key verses:

    Isaiah 63:10

    But they rebelled and offended his holy Spirit, so he turned into an enemy and fought against them.

    Isaiah 64:8

    Yet, Lord, you are our father.We are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the product of your labor.

    Isaiah 65:17

    For look, I am ready to create new heavens and a new earth! The former ones will not be remembered; no one will think about them anymore.  

    Isaiah 66:22

    “For just as the new heavens and the new earth I am about to make will remain standing before me,” says the Lord, “so your descendants and your name will remain.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    18 min
  • #219 Isaiah 58-62

    Day 219 of the podcast, reading Isaiah 58-62 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Isaiah+58-62/

    This is day 219 of our journey.

    Isaiah continues to speak of the coming deliverance of the Lord.  He reminds the people that God is just and mighty.  God deserves to be praised whole-heartedly, without reservation and without holding back.  Our praise must be genuine, or it is of no value.  God doesn't simply look at our actions, he sees our true motivations and recognizes the deepest desires of our heart!  

    In the coming days, we won't get our light from the sun and moon, our light will be provided by God himself!  He will bring prosperity and rejuvenation to his people, in his proper timing. In the meantime, we must keep vigilant, watch and pray.

    Join me in Isaiah 58-62, look forward to his coming deliverance, do what he has called you to do!

    Key verses:

    Isaiah 58:10

    You must actively help the hungry and feed the oppressed. Then your light will dispel the darkness, and your darkness will be transformed into noonday.  

    Isaiah 59:16

    He sees there is no advocate; he is shocked that no one intervenes. So he takes matters into his own hands; his desire for justice drives him on.

    Isaiah 60:22

    The least of you will multiply into a thousand; the smallest of you will become a large nation.When the right time comes, I the Lord will quickly do this!”

    Isaiah 61:11

    For just as the ground produces its crops and a garden yields its produce, so the Sovereign Lord will cause deliverance to grow, and give his people reason to praise him in the sight of all the nations.  

    Isaiah 62:6

    I post watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they should keep praying all day and all night. You who pray to the Lord, don’t be silent!  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    18 min
  • #218 Isaiah 54-57

    Day 218 of the podcast, reading Isaiah 54-57 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Isaiah+54-57/

    This is day 218 of our journey.

    God's people will be secure!  He will reestablish and vindicate those who seek him.  The Lord has a plan that is higher and greater than any plan we could come up with.  He draws us to himself to cover us with joy and fill us with peace.  His gift is not for Israel alone, it is an invitation to all men, all are welcome at his throne and will worship in his temple.  Likewise, his denouncement of the pagans is for all people, any who seek out idols will be overthrown.  God will provide for his people and punish the wicked.

    Join me in Isaiah 54-57 and let his plan direct your life!

    Key verses:

    Isaiah 54:14

    You will be reestablished when I vindicate you. You will not experience oppression; indeed, you will not be afraid. You will not be terrified, for nothing frightening will come near you.

    Isaiah 55:9

    “for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans.  

    Isaiah 56:7

    I will bring them to my holy mountain; I will make them happy in the temple where people pray to me. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my temple will be known as a temple where all nations may pray.”  

    Isaiah 57:13

    When you cry out for help, let your idols help you!The wind blows them all away, a breeze carries them away. But the one who looks to me for help will inherit the land and will have access to my holy mountain.”  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    15 min
  • #217 Isaiah 50-53

    Day 217 of the podcast, reading Isaiah 50-53 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Isaiah+50-53/

    This is day 217 of our journey.

    Today we read 4 chapters, but I want to take a moment to focus on Isaiah 53.  This chapter so clearly lays out what the Messiah will do for his people.  "He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed."  This chapter has been called 'The Forbidden Chapter' because of the fact that it is NOT read in the Jewish synagogues.  Many Jews claim that Jesus did not fulfill the prophecies, so he can't be the Messiah, but this chapter gives clear prophecies that he did fulfill.  I've included 2 links in the description to articles and videos related to this powerful chapter.

    Join me in Isaiah 50-53 and rejoice in the mercy of our Messiah!

    Key verses:

    Isaiah 50:10

    Who among you fears the Lord?Who obeys his servant?Whoever walks in deep darkness, without light, should trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.  

    Isaiah 51:12

     “I, I am the one who consoles you. Why are you afraid of mortal men, of mere human beings who are as short-lived as grass?  

    Isaiah 52:8

    Listen, your watchmen shout; in unison they shout for joy, for they see with their very own eyes the Lord’s return to Zion.  

    Isaiah 53:5

    He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

    The Forbidden Chapter

    https://godtv.com/forbidden-chapter-in-the-hebrew-bible-jews-acknowledge-jesus-as-the-messiah/

    https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/inescapable-truth-isaiah-53/

    15 min
  • #216 Isaiah 46-49

    Day 216 of the podcast, reading Isaiah 46-49 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Isaiah+46-49/

    This is day 216 of our journey.

    In these 4 chapters, Isaiah continues to tell of God's goodness.  He will deliver his people, he has not forgotten them.  He has proven himself in the past by his deliverance and by his former predictions that have come to pass.  The claims he is making now will be fulfilled!  He will bring his people back into their land and comfort them.  Meanwhile, Babylon will fall.  Their gods are worthless.  The pride of Babylon will be their undoing.  God will be glorified!

    Join me in Isaiah 46-49 and rejoice in the God who delivers!

    Key verses:

    Isaiah 46:13

    I am bringing my deliverance near, it is not far away;I am bringing my salvation near, it does not wait.I will save Zion; I will adorn Israel with my splendor.”  

    Isaiah 47:15

    They will disappoint you, those you have so faithfully dealt with since your youth. Each strays off in his own direction, leaving no one to rescue you.”

    Isaiah 48:6

    You have heard; now look at all the evidence! Will you not admit that what I say is true? From this point on I am announcing to you new events that are previously unrevealed and you do not know about.

    Isaiah 49:13

    Shout for joy, O sky! Rejoice, O earth! Let the mountains give a joyful shout! For the Lord consoles his people and shows compassion to the oppressed.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    18 min
  • #215 Isaiah 43-45

    Day 215 of the podcast, reading Isaiah 43-45 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Isaiah+43-45/

    This is day 215 of our journey.

    In today's reading we become immersed in the greatness of God.  He proclaims his power and his will to step in and rescue. He says, "Look, I am about to do something new."  In chapter 44, he rants about the absurdity of worshiping idols.  How could something formed by our own hands be worthy of praise?  In chapter 45 we see a proclamation to King Cyrus of Assyria, long before King Cyrus lived, to allow Israel to return and rebuild their land and temple.  According to the historian Josephus, this proclamation was later read by Cyrus, and being impressed that Israel's God knew him, he did exactly as the Scripture foretold!

    Join me in Isaiah 43-45 and worship the one true God!

    Key verses:

    Isaiah 43:1

    Now,  this is what the Lord says, the one who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel:“Don’t be afraid, for I will protect you. I call you by name, you are mine.

    Isaiah 44:20

    He feeds on ashes; his deceived mind misleads him.He cannot rescue himself, nor does he say, ‘Is this not a false god I hold in my right hand?’  

    Isaiah 45:22

    Turn to me so you can be delivered, all you who live in the earth’s remote regions! For I am God, and I have no peer.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    18 min

About Devoted to Scripture

From the publisher's feed

This will be a daily posting of my trip through the Bible. I will be reading the NET aloud. Each day I will introduce the passage with a brief commentary. But mostly I will simply be reading the Word of God for you.