Daily Bible Reading from BibleStudyTools.com

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Today's Bible Reading

January 3

Luke 6:27-49; Genesis 6:1-7:24; Psalm 3 CJB

Luke 6

1 One Shabbat, while Yeshua was passing through some wheat fields, his talmidim began plucking the heads of grain, rubbing them between their hands and eating the seeds.

2 Some of the P'rushim said, "Why are you violating Shabbat?"

3 Yeshua answered them, "Haven't you ever read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?

4 He entered the House of God and took and ate the Bread of the Presence" -- which no one is permitted to eat but the cohanim.

5 "The Son of Man," he concluded, "is Lord of Shabbat."

6 On another Shabbat, when Yeshua had gone into the synagogue and was teaching, a man was there who had a shriveled hand.

7 The Torah-teachers and P'rushim watched Yeshua carefully to see if he would heal on Shabbat, so that they could accuse him of something.

8 But he knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Come up and stand where we can see you!" He got up and stood there.

9 Then Yeshua said to them, "I ask you now: what is permitted on Shabbat? Doing good or doing evil? Saving life or destroying it?"

10 Then, after looking around at all of them, he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." As he held it out, his hand was restored.

11 But the others were filled with fury and began discussing with each other what they could do to Yeshua.

12 It was around that time that Yeshua went out to the hill country to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

13 When day came, he called his talmidim and chose from among them twelve to be known as emissaries:

14 Shim`on, whom he named Kefa; Andrew, his brother; Ya`akov; Yochanan; Philip; Bar-Talmai;

15 Mattityahu; T'oma; Ya`akov Ben-Halfai;

16 Shim`on, the one called the Zealot; Y'hudah Ben-Ya`akov; and Y'hudah from K'riot, who turned traitor.

17 Then he came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his talmidim was there with great numbers of people from all Y'hudah, Yerushalayim and the coast around Tzor and Tzidon; they had come to hear him and be healed of their diseases.

18 Those who were troubled with unclean spirits were being healed;

19 and the whole crowd was trying to touch him, because power kept going out from him, healing everyone.

20 He looked at his talmidim and said: "How blessed are you poor! for the Kingdom of God is yours.

21 "How blessed are you who are hungry! for you will be filled. "How blessed are you who are crying now! for you will laugh.

22 "How blessed you are whenever people hate you and ostracize you and insult you and denounce you as a criminal on account of the Son of Man.

23 Be glad when that happens; yes, dance for joy! because in heaven your reward is great. For that is just how their fathers treated the prophets.

24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already had all the comfort you will get!

25 "Woe to you who are full now, for you will go hungry! "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and cry!

26 "Woe to you when people speak well of you, for that is just how their fathers treated the false prophets!

27 Nevertheless, to you who are listening, what I say is this: "Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you,

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

29 "If someone hits you on one cheek, offer the other too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well.

30 "If someone asks you for something, give it to him; if someone takes what belongs to you, don't demand it back.

31 "Treat other people as you would like them to treat you.

32 What credit is it to you if you love only those who love you? Why, even sinners love those who love them.

33 What credit is it to you if you do good only to those who do good to you? Even sinners do that.

34 What credit is it to you if you lend only to those who you expect will pay you back? Even sinners lend to each other, expecting to be repaid in full.

35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing back! Your reward will be great, and you will be children of Ha`Elyon; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

36 Show compassion, just as your Father shows compassion.

37 "Don't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. "Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

38 Give, and you will receive gifts -- the full measure, compacted, shaken together and overflowing, will be put right in your lap. For the measure with which you measure out will be used to measure back to you!"

39 He also told them a parable: "Can one blind man lead another blind man? Won't they both fall into a pit?

40 A talmid is not above his rabbi; but each one, when he is fully trained, will be like his rabbi.

41 So why do you see the splinter in your brother's eye, but not notice the log in your own eye?

42 How can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me remove the splinter from your eye,' when you yourself don't see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye; then you will see clearly, so that you can remove the splinter from your brother's eye!

43 "For no good tree produces bad fruit, nor does a bad tree produce good fruit.

44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit -- figs aren't picked from thorn bushes, nor grapes from a briar patch.

45 The good person produces good things from the store of good in his heart, while the evil person produces evil things from the store of evil in his heart. For his mouth speaks what overflows from his heart.

46 "Why do you call me, `Lord! Lord!' but not do what I say?

47 Everyone who comes to me, hears my words and acts on them -- I will show you what he is like:

48 he is like someone building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation on bedrock. When a flood came, the torrent beat against that house but couldn't shake it, because it was constructed well.

49 And whoever hears my words but doesn't act on them is like someone who built his house on the ground without any foundation. As soon as the river struck it, it collapsed and that house became a horrendous wreck!"

Genesis 6

1 In time, when men began to multiply on earth, and daughters were born to them,

2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were attractive; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.

3 ADONAI said, "My Spirit will not live in human beings forever, for they too are flesh; therefore their life span is to be 120 years."

4 The N'filim were on the earth in those days, and also afterwards, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them; these were the ancient heroes, men of renown.

5 ADONAI saw that the people on earth were very wicked, that all the imaginings of their hearts were always of evil only.

6 ADONAI regretted that he had made humankind on the earth; it grieved his heart.

7 ADONAI said, "I will wipe out humankind, whom I have created, from the whole earth; and not only human beings, but animals, creeping things and birds in the air; for I regret that I ever made them."

8 But Noach found grace in the sight of ADONAI.

9 Here is the history of Noach. In his generation, Noach was a man righteous and wholehearted; Noach walked with God.

10 Noach fathered three sons, Shem, Ham and Yefet.

11 The earth was corrupt before God, the earth was filled with violence.

12 God saw the earth, and, yes, it was corrupt; for all living beings had corrupted their ways on the earth.

13 God said to Noach, "The end of all living beings has come before me, for because of them the earth is filled with violence. I will destroy them along with the earth.

14 Make yourself an ark of gofer-wood; you are to make the ark with rooms and cover it with pitch both outside and inside.

15 Here is how you are to build it: the length of the ark is to be 450 feet, its width seventy-five feet and its height forty-five feet.

16 You are to make an opening for daylight in the ark eighteen inches below its roof. Put a door in its side; and build it with lower, second and third decks.

17 "Then I myself will bring the flood of water over the earth to destroy from under heaven every living thing that breathes; everything on earth will be destroyed.

18 But I will establish my covenant with you; you will come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife and your sons' wives with you.

19 "From everything living, from each kind of living being, you are to bring two into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they are to be male and female.

20 Of each kind of bird, each kind of livestock, and each kind of animal creeping on the ground, two are to come to you, so that they can be kept alive.

21 Also take from all the kinds of food that are eaten, and collect it for yourself; it is to be food for you and for them."

22 This is what Noach did; he did all that God ordered him to do.

Genesis 7

1 ADONAI said to Noach, "Come into the ark, you and all your household; for I have seen that you alone in this generation are righteous before me.

2 Of every clean animal you are to take seven couples, and of the animals that are not clean, one couple;

3 also of the birds in the air take seven couples - in order to preserve their species throughout the earth.

4 For in seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights; I will wipe out every living thing that I have made from the face of the earth."

5 Noach did all that ADONAI ordered him to do.

6 Noach was 600 years old when the water flooded the earth.

7 Noach went into the ark with his sons, his wife and his sons' wives, because of the floodwaters.

8 Of clean animals, of animals that are not clean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground,

9 couples, male and female, went in to Noach in the ark, as God had ordered Noach.

10 After seven days the water flooded the earth.

11 On the seventeenth day of the second month of the 600th year of Noach's life all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of the sky were opened.

12 It rained on the earth forty days and forty nights.

13 On that same day Noach entered the ark with Shem, Ham and Yefet the sons of Noach, Noach's wife and the three wives of his sons accompanying them;

14 they, and every animal of every species, all the livestock of every species, every animal that creeps on the ground of every species, and every bird of every species - all sorts of winged creatures.

15 They went in to Noach in the ark, couples from every kind of living thing that breathes.

16 Those that entered went in, male and female, from every kind of living being, as God had ordered him; and ADONAI shut him inside.

17 The flood was forty days on the earth; the water grew higher and floated the ark, so that it was lifted up off the earth.

18 The water overflowed the earth and grew deeper, until the ark floated on the surface of the water.

19 The water overpowered the earth mightily; all the high mountains under the entire sky were covered;

20 the water covered the mountains by more than twenty-two-and-a-half feet.

21 All living beings that moved on the earth perished - birds, livestock, other animals, insects, and every human being,

22 everything in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life; whatever was on dry land died.

23 He wiped out every living thing on the surface of the ground - not only human beings, but livestock, creeping animals and birds in the air. They were wiped out from the earth; only Noach was left, along with those who were with him in the ark.

24 The water held power over the earth for 150 days.

Psalm 3:1-0

1 A psalm of David, when he fled from Avshalom his son: ADONAI, how many enemies I have! How countless are those attacking me;

2 how countless those who say of me, "There is no salvation for him in God." (Selah)

3 But you, ADONAI, are a shield for me; you are my glory, you lift my head high.

4 With my voice I call out to ADONAI, and he answers me from his holy hill. (Selah)

5 I lie down and sleep, then wake up again, because ADONAI sustains me.

6 I am not afraid of the tens of thousands set against me on every side.

7 Rise up, ADONAI! Save me, my God! For you slap all my enemies in the face, you smash the teeth of the wicked.

8 Victory comes from ADONAI; may your blessing rest on your people. (Selah)

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Today's Bible Reading

January 4

Luke 7:1-17; Genesis 8-10; Psalm 4 CJB

Luke 7:1-17

1 When Yeshua had finished speaking to the people, he went back to K'far-Nachum.

2 A Roman army officer there had a servant he regarded highly, who was sick to the point of death.

3 Hearing about Yeshua, the officer sent some Jewish elders to him with the request that he come and heal his servant.

4 They came to Yeshua and pleaded earnestly with him, "He really deserves to have you do this,

5 for he loves our people -- in fact, he built the synagogue for us!"

6 So Yeshua went with them. He had not gone far from the house, when the officer sent friends who said to him, "Sir, don't trouble yourself. I'm not worthy to have you come under my roof --

7 this is why I didn't presume to approach you myself. Instead, just give a command and let my servant recover.

8 For I too am a man set under authority. I have soldiers under me; and I say to this one, `Go!' and he goes; and to another, `Come!' and he comes; and to my slave, `Do this!' and he does it."

9 Yeshua was astonished at him when he heard this; and he turned and said to the crowd following him, "I tell you, not even in Isra'el have I found such trust!"

10 When the messengers got back to the officer's house, they found the servant in good health.

11 The next day Yeshua, accompanied by his talmidim and a large crowd, went to a town called Na`im.

12 As he approached the town gate, a dead man was being carried out for burial. His mother was a widow, this had been her only son, and a sizeable crowd from the town was with her.

13 When the Lord saw her, he felt com passion for her and said to her, "Don't cry."

14 Then he came close and touched the coffin, and the pallbearers halted. He said, "Young man, I say to you: get up!"

15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Yeshua gave him to his mother.

16 They were all filled with awe and gave glory to God, saying, "A great prophet has appeared among us," and, "God has come to help his people."

17 This report about him spread throughout all Y'hudah and the surrounding countryside.

Genesis 8

1 God remembered Noach, every living thing and all the livestock with him in the ark; so God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water began to go down.

2 Also the fountains of the deep and the windows of the sky were stopped, the rain from the sky was restrained,

3 and the water came back from completely covering the earth. It was after 150 days that the water went down.

4 On the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.

5 The water kept going down until the tenth month; on the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains were seen.

6 After forty days Noach opened the window of the ark which he had built;

7 and he sent out a raven, which flew back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth.

8 Then he sent out a dove, to see if the water had gone from the surface of the ground.

9 But the dove found no place for her feet to rest, so she returned to him in the ark, because the water still covered the whole earth. He put out his hand, took her and brought her in to him in the ark.

10 He waited another seven days and again sent the dove out from the ark.

11 The dove came in to him in the evening, and there in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf, so Noach knew that the water had cleared from the earth.

12 He waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, and she didn't return to him any more.

13 By the first day of the first month of the 601st year the water had dried up from off the earth; so Noach removed the covering of the ark and looked; and, yes, the surface of the ground was dry.

14 It was on the twenty-seventh day of the second month that the earth was dry.

15 God said to Noach,

16 "Go out from the ark, you, your wife, your sons and your son's wives with you.

17 Bring out with you every living thing you have with you - birds, livestock and every animal that creeps on the earth - so that they can swarm on the earth, be fruitful and multiply on the earth."

18 So Noach went out with his sons, his wife and his sons' wives;

19 every animal, every creeping thing and every bird, whatever moves on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark.

20 Noach built an altar to ADONAI. Then he took from every clean animal and every clean bird, and he offered burnt offerings on the altar.

21 ADONAI smelled the sweet aroma, and ADONAI said in his heart, "I will never again curse the ground because of humankind, since the imaginings of a person's heart are evil from his youth; nor will I ever again destroy all living things, as I have done.

22 So long as the earth exists, sowing time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease."

Genesis 9

1 God blessed Noach and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth.

2 The fear and dread of you will be upon every wild animal, every bird in the air, every creature populating the ground, and all the fish in the sea; they have been handed over to you.

3 Every moving thing that lives will be food for you; just as I gave you green plants before, so now I give you everything -

4 only flesh with its life, which is its blood, you are not to eat.

5 I will certainly demand an accounting for the blood of your lives: I will demand it from every animal and from every human being. I will demand from every human being an accounting for the life of his fellow human being.

6 Whoever sheds human blood, by a human being will his own blood be shed; for God made human beings in his image.

7 And you people, be fruitful, multiply, swarm on the earth and multiply on it."

8 God spoke to Noach and his sons with him; he said,

9 "As for me - I am herewith establishing my covenant with you, with your descendants after you,

10 and with every living creature that is with you - the birds, the livestock and every wild animal with you, all going out of the ark, every animal on earth.

11 I will establish my covenant with you that never again will all living beings be destroyed by the waters of a flood, and there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth."

12 God added, "Here is the sign of the covenant I am making between myself and you and every living creature with you, for all generations to come:

13 I am putting my rainbow in the cloud - it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth.

14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow is seen in the cloud;

15 I will remember my covenant which is between myself and you and every living creature of any kind; and the water will never again become a flood to destroy all living beings.

16 The rainbow will be in the cloud; so that when I look at it, I will remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of any kind on the earth."

17 God said to Noach, "This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between myself and every living creature on the earth."

18 The sons of Noach who went out from the ark were Shem, Ham and Yefet. Ham is the father of Kena'an.

19 These three were the sons of Noach, and the whole earth was populated by them.

20 Noach, a farmer, was the first to plant a vineyard.

21 He drank so much of the wine that he got drunk and lay uncovered in his tent.

22 Ham, the father of Kena'an, saw his father shamefully exposed, went out and told his two brothers.

23 Shem and Yefet took a cloak, put it over both their shoulders, and, walking backward, went in and covered their naked father. Their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father lying there shamefully exposed.

24 When Noach awoke from his wine, he knew what his youngest son had done to him.

25 He said, "Cursed be Kena'an; he will be a servant of servants to his brothers."

26 Then he said, "Blessed be ADONAI, the God of Shem; Kena'an will be their servant.

27 May God enlarge Yefet; he will live in the tents of Shem, but Kena'an will be their servant."

28 After the flood Noach lived 350 years.

29 In all, Noach lived 950 years; then he died.

Genesis 10

1 Here is the genealogy of the sons of Noach - Shem, Ham and Yefet; sons were born to them after the flood.

2 The sons of Yefet were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Yavan, Tuval, Meshekh and Tiras.

3 The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Rifat and Togarmah.

4 The sons of Yavan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim and Dodanim.

5 From these the islands of the nations were divided into their lands, each according to its language, according to their families, in their nations.

6 The sons of Ham were Kush, Mitzrayim, Put and Kena'an.

7 The sons of Kush were S'va, Havilah, Savta, Ra'mah and Savt'kha. The sons of Ra'mah were Sh'va and D'dan.

8 Kush fathered Nimrod, who was the first powerful ruler on earth.

9 He was a mighty hunter before ADONAI- this is why people say, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before ADONAI."

10 His kingdom began with Bavel, Erekh, Akkad and Kalneh, in the land of Shin'ar.

11 Ashur went out from that land and built Ninveh, the city Rechovot, Kelach,

12 and Resen between Ninveh and Kelach - that one is the great city.

13 Mitzrayim fathered the Ludim, the 'Anamim, the L'havim, the Naftuchim,

14 the Patrusim, the Kasluchim (from whom came the P'lishtim) and the Kaftorim.

15 Kena'an fathered Tzidon his firstborn, Het,

16 the Y'vusi, the Emori, the Girgashi,

17 the Hivi, the 'Arki, the Sini,

18 the Arvadi, the Tz'mari and the Hamati. Afterwards, the families of the Kena'ani were dispersed.

19 The border of the Kena'ani was from Tzidon, as you go toward G'rar, to 'Azah; as you go toward S'dom, 'Amora, Admah and Tzvoyim, to Lesha.

20 These were the descendants of Ham, according to their families and languages, in their lands and in their nations.

21 Children were also born to Shem, ancestor of all the descendants of 'Ever and older brother of Yefet.

22 The sons of Shem were'Elam, Ashur, Arpakhshad, Lud and Aram.

23 The sons of Aram were 'Utz, Hul, Geter and Mash.

24 Arpakhshad fathered Shelach, and Shelach fathered 'Ever.

25 To 'Ever were born two sons. One was given the name Peleg [division], because during his lifetime the earth was divided. His brother's name was Yoktan.

26 Yoktan fathered Almodad, Shelef, Hatzar-Mavet, Yerach,

27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

28 'Oval, Avima'el, Sheva,

29 Ofir, Havilah and Yovav - all these were the sons of Yoktan.

30 Their territory stretched from Mesha, as you go toward S'far, to the mountain in the east.

31 These were the descendants of Shem, according to their families and languages, in their lands and in their nations.

32 These were the families of the sons of Noach, according to their generations, in their nations. From these the nations of the earth were divided up after the flood.

Psalm 4:1-8

1 For the leader. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David: O God, my vindicator! Answer me when I call! When I was distressed, you set me free; now have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

2 Men of rank, how long will you shame my honor, love what is vain, chase after lies? (Selah)

3 Understand that ADONAI sets apart the godly person for himself; ADONAI will hear when I call to him.

4 You can be angry, but do not sin! Think about this as you lie in bed, and calm down. (Selah)

5 Offer sacrifices rightly, and put your trust in ADONAI.

6 Many ask, "Who can show us some good?" ADONAI, lift the light of your face over us!

7 You have filled my heart with more joy than all their grain and new wine.

8 I will lie down and sleep in peace; for, ADONAI, you alone make me live securely.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 5

Luke 7:18-50; Genesis 11; Psalm 5 CJB

Luke 7

18 Yochanan's talmidim informed him of all these things. Then Yochanan called two of his talmidim

19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come? Or should we look for someone else?"

20 When the men came to him, they said, "Yochanan the Immerser has sent us to you to ask, `Are you the one who is to come? Or should we keep looking -- for someone else?'"

21 Right then he was healing many people of diseases, pains and evil spirits, and giving sight to many who were blind.

22 So he answered them by saying, "Go, tell Yochanan what you have been seeing and hearing: the blind are seeing again, the lame are walking, people with tzara`at are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised, the Good News is being told to the poorp --

23 and how blessed is anyone not offended by me!"

24 When the messengers from Yochanan had gone, Yeshua began speaking to the crowds about Yochanan: "What did you go out into the desert to see? Reeds swaying in the breeze?

25 No? then what did you go out to see? Someone who was well dressed? But people who dress beautifully and live in luxury are found in kings' palaces.

26 Nu, so what did you go out to see? A prophet! Yes, and I tell you he's much more than a prophet.

27 This is the one about whom the Tanakh says, `See, I am sending out my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.'

28 I tell you that among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than Yochanan the Immerser! Yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he!"

29 All the people who heard him, even the tax-collectors, by undergoing Yochanan's immersion acknowledged that God was right;

30 but the P'rushim and the Torah-teachers, by not letting themselves be immersed by him, nullified for themselves God's plan.

31 "Therefore," said the Lord, "how can I describe the people of this generation? What are they like?

32 They are like children sitting in the marketplaces, calling to one another, `We made happy music, but you wouldn't dance! We made sad music, but you wouldn't cry!'

33 For Yochanan has come not eating bread and not drinking wine; and you say, `He has a demon!'

34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking; and you say, `Aha! A glutton and a drunkard! A friend of tax-collectors and sinners!'

35 Well, the proof of wisdom is in all the kinds of people it produces."

36 One of the P'rushim invited Yeshua to eat with him, and he went into the home of the Parush and took his place at the table.

37 A woman who lived in that town, a sinner, who was aware that he was eating in the home of the Parush, brought an alabaster box of very expensive perfume,

38 stood behind Yeshua at his feet and wept until her tears began to wet his feet. Then she wiped his feet with her own hair, kissed his feet and poured the perfume on them.

39 When the Parush who had invited him saw what was going on, he said to himself, "If this man were really a prophet, he would have known who is touching him and what sort of woman she is, that she is a sinner."

40 Yeshua answered, "Shim`on, I have something to say to you." "Say it, Rabbi," he replied.

41 "A certain creditor had two debtors; the one owed ten times as much as the other.

42 When they were unable to pay him back, he canceled both their debts. Now which of them will love him more?"

43 Shim`on answered, "I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt." "Your judgment is right," Yeshua said to him.

44 Then, turning to the woman, he said to Shim`on, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house -- you didn't give me water for my feet, but this woman has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair!

45 You didn't give me a kiss; but from the time I arrived, this woman has not stopped kissing my feet!

46 You didn't put oil on my head, but this woman poured perfume on my feet!

47 Because of this, I tell you that her sins -- which are many! -- have been forgiven, because she loved much. But someone who has been forgiven only a little loves only a little."

48 Then he said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven."

49 At this, those eating with him began saying among themselves, "Who is this fellow that presumes to forgive sins?"

50 But he said to the woman, "Your trust has saved you; go in peace."

Genesis 11

1 The whole earth used the same language, the same words.

2 It came about that as they traveled from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shin'ar and lived there.

3 They said to one another, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them in the fire." So they had bricks for building-stone and clay for mortar.

4 Then they said, "Come, let's build ourselves a city with a tower that has its top reaching up into heaven, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth."

5 ADONAI came down to see the city and the tower the people were building.

6 ADONAI said, "Look, the people are united, they all have a single language, and see what they're starting to do! At this rate, nothing they set out to accomplish will be impossible for them!

7 Come, let's go down and confuse their language, so that they won't understand each other's speech."

8 So from there ADONAI scattered them all over the earth, and they stopped building the city.

9 For this reason it is called Bavel [confusion] - because there ADONAI confused the language of the whole earth, and from there ADONAI scattered them all over the earth.

10 Here is the genealogy of Shem. Shem was 100 years old when he fathered Arpakhshad two years after the flood.

11 After Arpakhshad was born, Shem lived another 500 years and had sons and daughters.

12 Arpakhshad lived thirty-five years and fathered Shelach.

13 After Shelach was born, Arpakhshad lived another 403 years and had sons and daughters.

14 Shelach lived thirty years and fathered 'Ever.

15 After 'Ever was born, Shelach lived another 403 years and had sons and daughters.

16 'Ever lived thirty-four years and fathered Peleg.

17 After Peleg was born, 'Ever lived another 430 years and had sons and daughters.

18 Peleg lived thirty years and fathered Re'u.

19 After Re'u was born, Peleg lived another 209 years and had sons and daughters.

20 Re'u lived thirty-two years and fathered S'rug.

21 After S'rug was born, Re'u lived another 207 years and had sons and daughters.

22 S'rug lived thirty years and fathered Nachor.

23 After Nachor was born, S'rug lived another 200 years and had sons and daughters.

24 Nachor lived twenty-nine years and fathered Terach.

25 After Terach was born, Nachor lived another 119 years and had sons and daughters.

26 Terach lived seventy years and fathered Avram, Nachor and Haran.

27 Here is the genealogy of Terach. Terach fathered Avram, Nachor and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot.

28 Haran died before his father Terach in the land where he was born, in Ur of the Kasdim.

29 Then Avram and Nachor took wives for themselves. The name of Avram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nachor's wife was Milkah the daughter of Haran. He was the father of Milkah and of Yiskah.

30 Sarai was barren - she had no child.

31 Terach took his son Avram, his son Haran's son Lot, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Avram's wife; and they left Ur of the Kasdim to go to the land of Kena'an. But when they came to Haran, they stayed there.

32 Terach lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.

Psalm 5:1-12

1 For the leader. On wind instruments. A psalm of David: Give ear to my words, ADONAI, consider my inmost thoughts.

2 Listen to my cry for help, my king and my God, for I pray to you.

3 ADONAI, in the morning you will hear my voice; in the morning I lay my needs before you and wait expectantly.

4 For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; evil cannot remain with you.

5 Those who brag cannot stand before your eyes, you hate all who do evil,

6 you destroy those who tell lies, ADONAI detests men of blood and deceivers.

7 But I can enter your house because of your great grace and love; I will bow down toward your holy temple in reverence for you.

8 Lead me, ADONAI, in your righteousness because of those lying in wait for me; make your way straight before me.

9 For in their mouths there is nothing sincere, within them are calamities, their throats are open tombs, they flatter with their tongues.

10 God, declare them guilty! Let them fall through their own intrigues, For their many crimes, throw them down; since they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them forever shout for joy! Shelter them; and they will be glad, those who love your name.

12 For you, ADONAI, bless the righteous; you surround them with favor like a shield.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 6

Luke 8:1-25; Genesis 12; Psalm 6 CJB

Luke 8:1-25

1 After this, Yeshua traveled about from town to town and village to village, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God. With him were the Twelve,

2 and a number of women who had been healed from evil spirits and illnesses -- Miryam (called Magdalit), from whom seven demons had gone out;

3 Yochanah the wife of Herod's finance minister Kuza; Shoshanah; and many other women who drew on their own wealth to help him.

4 After a large crowd had gathered from the people who kept coming to him from town after town, Yeshua told this parable:

5 "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the path and was stepped on, and the birds flying around ate it up.

6 Some fell on rock; and after it sprouted, it dried up from lack of moisture.

7 Some fell in the midst of thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it.

8 But some fell into rich soil, and grew, and produced a hundred times as much as had been sown." After saying this, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear with, let him hear!"

9 His talmidim asked him what this parable might mean,

10 and he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of God; but the rest are taught in parables, so that they may look but not see, and listen but not understand.

11 "The parable is this: the seed is God's message.

12 The ones along the path are those who hear, but then the Adversary comes and takes the message out of their hearts, in order to keep them from being saved by trusting it.

13 The ones on rock are those who, when they hear the word, accept it with joy; but these have no root -- they go on trusting for awhile; but when a time of testing comes, they apostatize.

14 As for what fell in the midst of thorns these are the ones who hear; but as they go along, worries and wealth and life's gratifications crowd in and choke them, so that their fruit never matures.

15 But what fell in rich soil -- these are the ones who, when they hear the message, hold onto it with a good, receptive heart; and by persevering, they bring forth a harvest.

16 "No one who has lit a lamp covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed; no, he puts it on a stand; so that those coming in may see the light.

17 For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nothing is covered up that will not be known and come out into the open.

18 Pay attention, then, to how you hear! For anyone who has something will be given more; but from anyone who has nothing, even what he seems to have will be taken away."

19 Then Yeshua's mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn't get near him because of the crowd.

20 It was reported to him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and want to see you."

21 But he gave them this answer: "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's message and act on it!"

22 One day Yeshua got into a boat with his talmidim and said to them, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake."

23 So they set out; and as they were sailing, he fell asleep. A windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat began to fill up with water, putting them in great danger.

24 They went and woke him, saying, "Rabbi! Rabbi! We're about to die!" He woke up, rebuked the wind and the rough water; and they calmed down, so that it was still.

25 Then he said to the talmidim, "Where is your trust?" Awestruck, they marveled, asking one another, "Who can this be, that he commands even the wind and the water, and they obey him?"

Genesis 12

1 Now ADONAI said to Avram, "Get yourself out of your country, away from your kinsmen and away from your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you.

2 I will make of you a great nation, I will bless you, and I will make your name great; and you are to be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed."

4 So Avram went, as ADONAI had said to him, and Lot went with him. Avram was 75 years old when he left Haran.

5 Avram took his wife Sarai, his brother's son Lot, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, as well as the people they had acquired in Haran; then they set out for the land of Kena'an and entered the land of Kena'an.

6 Avram passed through the land to the place called Sh'khem, to the oak of Moreh. The Kena'ani were then in the land.

7 ADONAI appeared to Avram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar there to ADONAI, who had appeared to him.

8 He left that place, went to the hill east of Beit-El and pitched his tent. With Beit-El to the west and 'Ai to the east, he built an altar there and called on the name of ADONAI.

9 Then Avram traveled on, continuing toward the Negev.

10 But there was a famine in the land, so Avram went down into Egypt to stay there, because the famine in the land was severe.

11 When he came close to Egypt and was about to enter, he said to Sarai his wife, "Here now, I know that you are a good-looking woman;

12 so that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife,' and kill me but keep you alive.

13 Please say that you are my sister, so that it will go well with me for your sake, and so that I will stay alive because of you."

14 When Avram entered Egypt, the Egyptians did notice that the woman was very beautiful.

15 Pharaoh's princes saw her and commended her to Pharaoh, so the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.

16 He treated Avram well for her sake, giving him sheep, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels.

17 But ADONAI inflicted great plagues on Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai Avram's wife.

18 Pharaoh called Avram and said, "What is this that you have done to me? Why didn't you tell me that she was your wife?

19 Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her to be my own wife? Now therefore, here is your wife! Take her, and go away!"

20 So Pharaoh gave orders concerning him to his men, and they sent him on his way with his wife and everything he had.

Psalm 6

1 For the leader. With stringed instruments. On sh'minit [low-pitched musical instruments?]. A psalm of David: ADONAI, don't rebuke me in your anger, don't discipline me in the heat of your fury.

2 Be gracious to me, ADONAI, because I am withering away; heal me, ADONAI, because my bones are shaking;

3 I am completely terrified; and you, ADONAI - how long?

4 Come back, ADONAI, and rescue me! Save me for the sake of your grace;

5 for in death, no one remembers you; in Sh'ol, who will praise you?

6 I am worn out with groaning; all night I drench my bed with tears, flooding my couch till it swims.

7 My vision is darkened with anger; it grows weak because of all my foes.

8 Get away from me, all you workers of evil! For ADONAI has heard the sound of my weeping,

9 ADONAI has heard my pleading, ADONAI will accept my prayer.

10 All my enemies will be confounded, completely terrified; they will turn back and be suddenly put to shame.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 7

Luke 8:26-56; Genesis 13:1-14:24; Psalm 7 CJB

Luke 8

26 They sailed on and landed in the region of the Gerasenes, which is opposite the Galil.

27 As Yeshua stepped ashore, a man from the town who had demons came to meet him. For a long time he had not worn clothes; and he lived, not in a house, but in the burial caves.

28 Catching sight of Yeshua, he screamed, fell down in front of him and yelled, "Yeshua! Son of God Ha`Elyon! What do you want with me? I beg you, don't torture me!"

29 For Yeshua had ordered the unclean spirit to come out of the man. It had often taken hold of him -- he had been kept under guard, chained hand and foot, but had broken the bonds and been driven by the demon into the desert.

30 Yeshua asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he said, because many demons had entered him.

31 They begged Yeshua not to order them to go off into the Bottomless Pit.

32 Now there was a herd of many pigs, feeding on the hill; and the demons begged him to let them go into these. So he gave them permission.

33 The demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, whereupon the herd rushed down the hillside into the lake and were drowned.

34 When the swineherds saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the town and in the country;

35 and the people came out to see for themselves. They came to Yeshua and found the man out of whom the demons had gone, sitting -- dressed and in his right mind -- at the feet of Yeshua; and they were frightened.

36 Those who had seen it told how the formerly demonized man had been delivered.

37 Then all the people of the Gerasene district asked him to leave them, for they had been seized with great fear. So he boarded the boat and returned.

38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged that he might go with him; but Yeshua sent him away, saying,

39 "Go back to your home and tell how much God has done for you." He went away proclaiming throughout the whole town how much Yeshua had done for him.

40 When Yeshua got back, the crowd welcomed him; for they were all expecting him.

41 Then there came a man named Ya'ir who was president of the synagogue. Falling at Yeshua's feet, he pleaded with him to come to his house;

42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old; and she was dying. As he went, with the crowds on every side virtually choking him,

43 a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone,

44 came up behind him and touched the tzitzit on his robe; instantly her hemorrhaging stopped.

45 Yeshua asked, "Who touched me?" When they all denied doing it, Kefa said, "Rabbi! The crowds are hemming you in and jostling you!"

46 But Yeshua said, "Someone did touch me, because I felt power go out of me."

47 Seeing she could not escape notice, the woman, quaking with fear, threw herself down before him and confessed in front of everyone why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.

48 He said to her, "My daughter, your trust has saved you; go in peace."

49 While Yeshua was still speaking, a man came from the synagogue president's house. "Your daughter has died," he said. "Don't bother the rabbi any more."

50 But on hearing this, Yeshua answered him, "Don't be afraid! Just go on trusting, and she will be made well."

51 When he arrived at the house, he didn't allow anyone to go in with him except Kefa, Yochanan, Ya`akov and the child's father and mother

52 All the people were wailing and mourning for her; but he said, "Don't weep; she hasn't died, she's sleeping."

53 They jeered at him, since they knew she had died.

54 But he took her by the hand, called out, "Little girl, get up!"

55 and her spirit returned. She stood up at once, and he directed that something be given her to eat.

56 Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Genesis 13

1 Avram went up from Egypt - he, his wife and everything he had, and Lot with him - into the Negev.

2 Avram became wealthy, with much cattle, silver and gold.

3 As he went on his travels from the Negev, he came to Beit-El, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beit-El and 'Ai,

4 where he had first built the altar; and there Avram called on the name of ADONAI.

5 Lot, who was traveling with Avram, also had flocks, herds and tents.

6 But the land could not support their living together, because their possessions were too great for them to remain together.

7 Moreover, quarreling arose between Avram's and Lot's herdsmen. The Kena'ani and the P'rizi were then living in the land.

8 Avram said to Lot, "Please, let's not have quarreling between me and you, or between my herdsmen and yours, since we're kinsmen.

9 Isn't the whole land there in front of you? Please separate yourself from me - if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left."

10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Yarden was well watered everywhere, before ADONAI destroyed S'dom and 'Amora, like the garden of ADONAI, like the land of Egypt in the direction of Tzo'ar.

11 So Lot chose all the plain of the Yarden for himself, and Lot traveled eastward; thus they separated themselves from each other.

12 Avram lived in the land of Kena'an; and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, setting up his tent near S'dom.

13 Now the men of S'dom were evil, committing great sins against ADONAI.

14 ADONAI said to Avram, after Lot had moved away from him, "Look all around you from where you are, to the north, the south, the east and the west.

15 All the land you see I will give to you and your descendants forever,

16 and I will make your descendants as numerous as the specks of dust on the earth - so that if a person can count the specks of dust on the earth, then your descendants can be counted.

17 Get up and walk through the length and breadth of the land, because I will give it to you."

18 Avram moved his tent and came to live by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hevron. There he built an altar to ADONAI.

Genesis 14

1 When Amrafel was king of Shin'ar, Aryokh king of Elasar, K'dorla'omer king of 'Elam and Tid'al king of Goyim;

2 they made war together against Bera king of S'dom and against Birsha king of 'Amora, Shin'av king of Admah, Shem'ever king of Tzvoyim, and the king of Bela (which is the same as Tzo'ar).

3 All the latter kings joined forces in the Siddim Valley, where the Dead Sea is.

4 They had served K'dorla'omer twelve years, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

5 In the fourteenth year K'dorla'omer and the kings with him came and defeated the Refa'im in 'Asht'rot-Karnayim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Eimim in Shaveh-Kiryatayim

6 and the Hori at Se'ir, their mountain, all the way to Eil-Pa'ran by the desert.

7 Next they turned back, came to 'Ein-Mishpat (which is the same as Kadesh), and defeated all the country of the 'Amaleki, and also the Emori, who lived in Hatzatzon-Tamar.

8 Then the kings of S'dom, 'Amora, Admah, Tzvoyim and Bela (that is, Tzo'ar) came out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Siddim Valley

9 against K'dorla'omer king of 'Elam, Tid'al king of Goyim, Amrafel king of Admah and Aryokh king of Elasar, four kings against the five.

10 Now the Siddim Valley was full of clay pits; and when the kings of S'dom and 'Amora fled, some fell into them; while the rest fled to the hills.

11 The victors took all the possessions of S'dom and 'Amora and all their food supply; then they left.

12 But as they left, they took Lot, Avram's brother's son, and his possessions; since he was living in S'dom.

13 Someone who had escaped came and told Avram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Emori, brother of Eshkol and brother of 'Aner; all of them allies of Avram.

14 When Avram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, who had been born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.

15 During the night he and his servants divided his forces against them, then attacked and pursued them all the way to Hovah, north of Dammesek.

16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his nephew Lot with his goods, together with the women and the other people.

17 After his return from slaughtering K'dorla'omer and the kings with him, the king of S'dom went out to meet him in the Shaveh Valley, also known as the King's Valley.

18 Malki-Tzedek king of Shalem brought out bread and wine. He was cohen of El 'Elyon [God Most High],

19 so he blessed him with these words: "Blessed be Avram by El 'Elyon, maker of heaven of earth.

20 and blessed be El 'Elyon, who handed your enemies over to you." Avram gave him a tenth of everything.

21 The king of S'dom said to Avram, "Give me the people, and keep the goods for yourself."

22 But Avram answered the king of S'dom, "I have raised my hand in an oath to ADONAI, El 'Elyon, maker of heaven and earth,

23 that I will not take so much as a thread or a sandal thong of anything that is yours; so that you won't be able to say, 'I made Avram rich.'

24 I will take only what my troops have eaten and the share of the spoil belonging to the men who came with me -'Aner, Eshkol and Mamre; let them have their share."

Psalm 7

1 A shiggayon of David, which he sang to ADONAI because of Kush the Ben-Y'mini: ADONAI my God, in you I take refuge. Save me from all my pursuers, and rescue me;

2 otherwise, they will maul me like a lion and tear me apart, with no rescuer present.

3 ADONAI my God, if I have caused this, if there is guilt on my hands,

4 if I paid back evil to him who was at peace with me, when I even spared those who opposed me without cause;

5 then let the enemy pursue me until he overtakes me and tramples my life down into the earth; yes, let him lay my honor in the dust. (Selah)

6 Rise up, ADONAI, in your anger! Arouse yourself against the fury of my foes. Wake up for me; you commanded justice.

7 May the assembly of the peoples surround you; may you return to rule over them from on high.

8 ADONAI, who dispenses judgment to the peoples, judge me, ADONAI, according to my righteousness and as my integrity deserves.

9 Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and establish the righteous; since you, righteous God, test hearts and minds.

10 My shield is God, who saves the upright in heart.

11 God is a righteous judge, a God whose anger is present every day.

12 If a person will not repent, he sharpens his sword. He has bent his bow, made it ready;

13 he has also prepared for him weapons of death, his arrows, which he has made into burning shafts.

14 Look how the wicked is pregnant with evil; he conceives trouble, gives birth to lies.

15 He makes a pit, digs it deep, and falls into the hole he made.

16 His mischief will return onto his own head, his violence will recoil onto his own skull.

17 I thank ADONAI for his righteousness and sing praise to the name of ADONAI 'Elyon.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 8

Luke 9:1-27; Genesis 15; Psalm 8 CJB

Luke 9:1-27

1 Calling together the Twelve, Yeshua gave them power and authority to expel all the demons and to cure diseases;

2 and he sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal.

3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your trip -- neither a walking stick nor a pack, neither bread nor money; and don't have two shirts.

4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and go out from there.

5 Wherever they don't welcome you, shake the dust from your feet when you leave that town as a warning to them."

6 They set out and went through village after village, healing and announcing the Good News everywhere.

7 Herod the governor heard about all that was going on and was perplexed, because it was said by some that Yochanan had been raised from the dead,

8 by others that Eliyahu had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.

9 Herod said, "I had Yochanan beheaded, so who is this about whom I keep hearing such things?" And he began trying to see him.

10 On their return, the emissaries detailed to Yeshua what they had done. Then, taking them with him, he withdrew by himself to a town called Beit-Tzaidah.

11 But the crowds found out and followed him. Welcoming them, he went on to speak to them about the Kingdom of God and to heal those who needed to be healed.

12 The day began to draw to a close. The Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away, so that they can go and get lodging and food in the towns and farms around here, because where we are is a remote place."

13 But he said to them, "Give them something to eat, yourselves!" They said, "We have no more than five loaves of bread and two fish -- unless we ourselves are supposed to go and buy food for all these people!"

14 (For there were about five thousand men.) He said to his talmidim, "Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each."

15 They did what he told them and had them all sit down.

16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking up toward heaven, made a b'rakhah, broke the loaves and began giving them to the talmidim to distribute to the crowd.

17 Everyone ate as much as he wanted; and they took up what was left over, twelve baskets full of broken pieces.

18 Once when Yeshua was praying in private, his talmidim were with him; and he asked them, "Who are the crowds saying I am?"

19 They answered, "Yochanan the Immerser; but others say Eliyahu, and others that some prophet of long ago has risen."

20 "But you," he said to them, "who do you say I am?" Kefa answered, "The Mashiach of God!"

21 However, he, warning them, ordered them to tell this to no one,

22 adding, "The Son of Man has to endure much suffering and be rejected by the elders, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers; and he has to be put to death; but on the third day, he has to be raised to life."

23 Then to everyone he said, "If anyone wants to come after me, let him say `No' to himself, take up his execution-stake daily and keep following me.

24 For whoever tries to save his own life will destroy it, but whoever destroys his life on my account will save it.

25 What will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but destroys or forfeits his own life?

26 For if someone is ashamed of me and of what I say, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and of the holy angels.

27 I tell you the truth, there are some people standing here who will not experience death until they see the Kingdom of God."

Genesis 15

1 Some time later the word of ADONAI came to Avram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Avram. I am your protector; your reward will be very great."

2 Avram replied, "ADONAI, God, what good will your gifts be to me if I continue childless; and Eli'ezer from Dammesek inherits my possessions?

3 You haven't given me a child," Avram continued, "so someone born in my house will be my heir."

4 But the word of ADONAI came to him: "This man will not be your heir. No, your heir will be a child from your own body."

5 Then he brought him outside and said, "Look up at the sky, and count the stars - if you can count them! Your descendants will be that many!"

6 He believed in ADONAI, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

7 Then he said to him, "I am ADONAI, who brought you out from Ur-Kasdim to give you this land as your possession."

8 He replied, "ADONAI, God, how am I to know that I will possess it?"

9 He answered him, "Bring me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a dove and a young pigeon."

10 He brought him all these, cut the animals in two and placed the pieces opposite each other; but he didn't cut the birds in half.

11 Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, but Avram drove them away.

12 As the sun was about to set, a deep sleep fell on Avram; horror and great darkness came over him.

13 ADONAI said to Avram, "Know this for certain: your descendants will be foreigners in a land that is not theirs. They will be slaves and held in oppression there four hundred years.

14 But I will also judge that nation, the one that makes them slaves. Afterwards, they will leave with many possessions.

15 As for you, you will join your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age.

16 Only in the fourth generation will your descendants come back here, because only then will the Emori be ripe for punishment."

17 After the sun had set and there was thick darkness, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared, which passed between these animal parts.

18 That day ADONAI made a covenant with Avram: "I have given this land to your descendants - from the Vadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates River -

19 the territory of the Keni, the K'nizi, the Kadmoni,

20 the Hitti, the P'rizi, the Refa'im,

21 the Emori, the Kena'ani, the Girgashi and the Y'vusi."

Psalm 8

1 For the leader. On the gittit. A psalm of David: ADONAI! Our Lord! How glorious is your name throughout the earth! The fame of your majesty spreads even above the heavens!

2 From the mouths of babies and infants at the breast you established strength because of your foes, in order that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place -

4 what are mere mortals, that you concern yourself with them; humans, that you watch over them with such care?

5 You made him but little lower than the angels, you crowned him with glory and honor,

6 you had him rule what your hands made, you put everything under his feet -

7 sheep and oxen, all of them, also the animals in the wilds,

8 the birds in the air, the fish in the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

9 ADONAI! Our Lord! How glorious is your name throughout the earth!

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Today's Bible Reading

January 9

Luke 9:28-62; Genesis 16; Psalm 9 CJB

Luke 9

28 About a week after Yeshua said these things, he took Kefa, Yochanan and Ya`akov with him and went up to the hill country to pray.

29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed; and his clothing became gleaming white.

30 Suddenly there were two men talking with him -- Moshe and Eliyahu!

31 They appeared in glorious splendor and spoke of his exodus, which he was soon to accomplish in Yerushalayim.

32 Kefa and those with him had been sound asleep; but on becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.

33 As the men were leaving Yeshua, Kefa said to him, not knowing what he was saying, "It's good that we're here, Rabbi! Let's put up three shelters -- one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu."

34 As he spoke, a cloud came and enveloped them. They were frightened as they entered the cloud;

35 and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to him!"

36 When the voice spoke, Yeshua was alone once more. They kept quiet -- at that time they told no one anything of what they had seen.

37 The next day, as they were coming down out of the hill country, a large crowd met him.

38 Suddenly a man in the crowd shouted, "Rabbi! Look at my son, I beg you, because he's my only child!

39 What happens is this: a spirit seizes him, and suddenly it lets out a shriek and throws him into convulsions with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty will it leave him. It's destroying him!

40 I asked your talmidim to drive the spirit out, but they couldn't."

41 "Perverted people, without any trust!" Yeshua answered, "How long do I have to be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."

42 Even as the boy was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground and threw him into a fit. But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.

43 All were struck with amazement at the greatness of God. While they were all marvelling at everything Yeshua was doing, he said to his talmidim,

44 "Listen very carefully to what I'm going to say. The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men."

45 But they didn't understand what he meant by this. It had been concealed from them so that they would not grasp its meaning, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

46 An argument arose among the talmidim as to which of them might be the greatest.

47 But Yeshua, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, took a child, stood him beside himself,

48 and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me. In other words, the one who is least among you all -- this is the one who is great."

49 Yochanan responded, "Rabbi, we saw someone expelling demons in your name; and we stopped him because he doesn't follow you along with us."

50 Yeshua said to him, "Don't stop such people, because whoever isn't against you is for you."

51 As the time approached for him to be taken up into heaven, he made his decision to set out for Yerushalayim.

52 He sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village in Shomron to make preparations for him.

53 However, the people there would not let him stay, because his destination was Yerushalayim.

54 When the talmidim Ya`akov and Yochanan saw this, they said, "Sir, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them?"

55 But he turned and rebuked them.

56 And they went on to another village.

57 As they were traveling on the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."

58 Yeshua answered him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds flying about have nests, but the Son of Man has no home of his own."

59 To another he said, "Follow me!" but the man replied, "Sir, first let me go away and bury my father."

60 Yeshua said, "Let the dead bury their own dead; you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God!"

61 Yet another said, "I will follow you, sir, but first let me say good-by to the people at home."

62 To him Yeshua said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and keeps looking back is fit to serve in the Kingdom of God."

Genesis 16

1 Now Sarai Avram's wife had not borne him a child. But she had an Egyptian slave-girl named Hagar;

2 so Sarai said to Avram, "Here now, ADONAI has kept me from having children; so go in and sleep with my slave-girl. Maybe I'll be able to have children through her."Avram listened to what Sarai said.

3 It was after Avram had lived ten years in the land of Kena'an that Sarai Avram's wife took Hagar the Egyptian, her slave-girl, and gave her to Avram her husband to be his wife.

4 Avram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she conceived. But when she became aware that she was pregnant, she looked on her mistress with contempt.

5 Sarai said to Avram, "This outrage being done to me is your fault! True, I gave my slave-girl to you to sleep with; but when she saw that she was pregnant, she began holding me in contempt. May ADONAI decide who is right - I or you!"

6 However, Avram answered Sarai, "Look, she's your slave-girl. Deal with her as you think fit."Then Sarai treated her so harshly that she ran away from her.

7 The angel of ADONAI found her by a spring in the desert, the spring on the road to Shur,

8 and said, "Hagar! Sarai's slave-girl! Where have you come from, and where are you going?" She answered, "I'm running away from my mistress Sarai."

9 The angel of ADONAI said to her, "Go back to your mistress, and submit to her authority."

10 The angel of ADONAI said to her, "I will greatly increase your descendants; there will be so many that it will be impossible to count them."

11 The angel of ADONAI said to her, "Look, you are pregnant, and you will give birth to a son. You are to call him Yishma'el [God pays attention] because ADONAI has paid attention to your misery.

12 He will be a wild donkey of a man, with his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, living his life at odds with all his kinsmen."

13 So she named ADONAI who had spoken with her El Ro'i [God of seeing], because she said, "Have I really seen the One who sees me [and stayed alive]?"

14 This is why the well has been called Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i [well of the one who lives and sees]; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.

15 Hagar bore Avram a son, and Avram called the son whom Hagar had borne Yishma'el.

16 Avram was 86 years old when Hagar bore Yishma'el to Avram.

Psalm 9

1 For the leader. On the death of Labben. A psalm of David: I give thanks to ADONAI with all my heart. I will tell about all your wonderful deeds.

2 I will be glad and exult in you. I will sing praise to your name, 'Elyon.

3 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before you.

4 For you upheld my cause as just, sitting on the throne as the righteous judge.

5 You rebuked the nations, destroyed the wicked, blotted out their name forever and ever.

6 The enemy is finished, in ruins forever; you destroyed their cities; all memory of them is lost.

7 But ADONAI is enthroned forever; he has set up his throne for judgment.

8 He will judge the world in righteousness; he will judge the peoples fairly.

9 ADONAI is a stronghold for the oppressed, a tower of strength in times of trouble.

10 Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you have not abandoned those who seek you, ADONAI.

11 Sing praises to ADONAI, who lives in Tziyon; proclaim his deeds among the peoples.

12 For the avenger of blood remembers them, he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted:

13 "Have mercy on me, ADONAI! See how I suffer from those who hate me; you raise me from the gates of death,

14 so that I can proclaim all your praises at the gates of the daughter of Tziyon and rejoice in this deliverance of yours."

15 The nations have drowned in the pit they dug, caught their own feet in the net they hid.

16 ADONAI made himself known and executed judgment; the wicked are ensnared in the work of their own hands. (Higgayon; Selah)

17 The wicked will return to Sh'ol, all the nations that forget God.

18 For the poor will not always be forgotten or the hope of the needy perish forever.

19 Arise, ADONAI! Don't let mortals prevail! Let the nations be judged in your presence.

20 Strike them with terror, ADONAI! Let the nations know they are only human. (Selah)

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 10

Luke 10:1-20; Genesis 17; Psalm 10 CJB

Luke 10:1-20

1 After this, the Lord appointed seventy other talmidim and sent them on ahead in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go.

2 He said to them, "To be sure, there is a large harvest. But there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the Harvest that he speed workers out to gather in his harvest.

3 Get going now, but pay attention! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

4 Don't carry a money-belt or a pack, and don't stop to shmoose with people on the road.

5 "Whenever you enter a house, first say, `Shalom!' to the household.

6 If a seeker of shalom is there, your `Shalom!' will find its rest with him; and if there isn't, it will return to you.

7 Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for a worker deserves his wages -- don't move about from house to house.

8 "Whenever you come into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is put in front of you.

9 Heal the sick there, and tell them, `The Kingdom of God is near you.'

10 But whenever you enter a town and they don't make you welcome, go out into its streets and say,

11 `Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off as a sign against you! But understand this: the Kingdom of God is near!'

12 I tell you, it will be more tolerable on the Day of Judgment for S'dom than for that town.

13 "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Beit-Tzaidah! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tzor and Tzidon, they would long ago have put on sackcloth and ashes as evidence that they had changed their ways.

14 But at the Judgment it will be more bearable for Tzor and Tzidon than for you!

15 "And you, K'far-Nachum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Sh'ol!

16 "Whoever listens to you listens to me, also whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the One who sent me."

17 The seventy came back jubilant. "Lord," they said, "with your power, even the demons submit to us!"

18 Yeshua said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

19 Remember, I have given you authority; so you can trample down snakes and scorpions, indeed, all the Enemy's forces; and you will remain com pletely unharmed.

20 Nevertheless, don't be glad that the spirits submit to you; be glad that your names have been recorded in heaven."

Genesis 17

1 When Avram was 99 years old ADONAI appeared to Avram and said to him, "I am El Shaddai [God Almighty]. Walk in my presence and be pure-hearted.

2 I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will increase your numbers greatly."

3 Avram fell on his face, and God continued speaking with him:

4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: you will be the father of many nations.

5 Your name will no longer be Avram [exalted father], but your name will be Avraham [father of many], because I have made you the father of many nations.

6 I will cause you to be very fruitful. I will make nations of you, kings will descend from you.

7 "I am establishing my covenant between me and you, along with your descendants after you, generation after generation, as an everlasting covenant, to be God for you and for your descendants after you.

8 I will give you and your descendants after you the land in which you are now foreigners, all the land of Kena'an, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God."

9 God said to Avraham, "As for you, you are to keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you, generation after generation.

10 Here is my covenant, which you are to keep, between me and you, along with your descendants after you: every male among you is to be circumcised.

11 You are to be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; this will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.

12 Generation after generation, every male among you who is eight days old is to be circumcised, including slaves born within your household and those bought from a foreigner not descended from you.

13 The slave born in your house and the person bought with your money must be circumcised; thus my covenant will be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant.

14 Any uncircumcised male who will not let himself be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin -that person will be cut off from his people, because he has broken my covenant."

15 God said to Avraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are not to call her Sarai [mockery]; her name is to be Sarah [princess].

16 I will bless her; moreover, I will give you a son by her. Truly I will bless her: she will be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her."

17 At this Avraham fell on his face and laughed - he thought to himself, "Will a child be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah give birth at ninety?"

18 Avraham said to God, "If only Yishma'el could live in your presence!"

19 God answered, "No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you are to call him Yitz'chak [laughter]. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.

20 But as for Yishma'el, I have heard you. I have blessed him. I will make him fruitful and give him many descendants. He will father twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

21 But I will establish my covenant with Yitz'chak, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year."

22 With that, God finished speaking with Avraham and went up from him.

23 Avraham took Yishma'el his son, all the slaves born in his house and all who had been bought with his money, every male among the people in Avraham's household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin that very day, just as God had said to him.

24 Avraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin,

25 and Yishma'el his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

26 Avraham and Yishma'el his son were circumcised on the same day;

27 and all the men in his household, both slaves born in his house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

Psalm 10

1 Why, ADONAI, do you stand at a distance? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 The wicked in their arrogance hunt down the poor, who get caught in the schemes they think up.

3 For the wicked boasts about his lusts; he blesses greed and despises ADONAI.

4 Every scheme of the wicked in his arrogance [says], "There is no God, [so] it won't be held against me."

5 His ways prosper at all times. Your judgments are way up there, so he takes no notice. His adversaries? He scoffs at them all.

6 In his heart he thinks, "I will never be shaken; I won't meet trouble, not now or ever."

7 His mouth is full of curses, deceit, oppression; under his tongue, mischief and injustice.

8 He waits near settlements in ambush and kills an innocent man in secret; his eyes are on the hunt for the helpless.

9 Lurking unseen like a lion in his lair, he lies in wait to pounce on the poor, then seizes the poor and drags him off in his net.

10 Yes, he stoops, crouches down low; and the helpless wretch falls into his clutches.

11 He says in his heart, "God forgets, he hides his face, he will never see."

12 Arise, ADONAI! God, raise your hand! Don't forget the humble!

13 Why does the wicked despise God and say in his heart, "It won't be held against me"?

14 You have seen; for you look at mischief and grief, so that you can take the matter in hand. The helpless commits himself to you; you help the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked! As for the evil man, search out his wickedness until there is none left.

16 ADONAI is king forever and ever! The nations have vanished from his land.

17 ADONAI, you have heard what the humble want; you encourage them and listen to them,

18 to give justice to the fatherless and oppressed, so that no one on earth will strike terror again.

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 11

Luke 10:21-42; Genesis 18; Psalm 11 CJB

Luke 10:21-42

21 At that moment he was filled with joy by the Ruach HaKodesh and said, "Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I thank you because you concealed these things from the sophisticated and educated, yet revealed them to ordinary people. Yes, Father, I thank you that it pleased you to do this.

22 "My Father has handed over everything to me. Indeed, no one fully knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."

23 Then, turning to the talmidim, he said, privately, "How blessed are the eyes that see what you are seeing!

24 Indeed, I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you are seeing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them."

25 An expert in Torah stood up to try and trap him by asking, "Rabbi, what should I do to obtain eternal life?"

26 But Yeshua said to him, "What is written in the Torah? How do you read it?"

27 He answered, "You are to love ADONAI your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your understanding; and your neighbor as yourself."

28 "That's the right answer," Yeshua said. "Do this, and you will have life."

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Yeshua, "And who is my `neighbor'?"

30 Taking up the question, Yeshua said: "A man was going down from Yerushalayim to Yericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him naked and beat him up, then went off, leaving him half dead.

31 By coincidence, a cohen was going down on that road; but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 Likewise a Levi who reached the place and saw him also passed by on the other side.

33 "But a man from Shomron who was traveling came upon him; and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion.

34 So he went up to him, put oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then he set him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

35 The next day, he took out two days' wages, gave them to the innkeeper and said, `Look after him; and if you spend more than this, I'll pay you back when I return.'

36 Of these three, which one seems to you to have become the `neighbor' of the man who fell among robbers?"

37 He answered, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Yeshua said to him, "You go and do as he did."

38 On their way Yeshua and his talmidim came to a village where a woman named Marta welcomed him into her home.

39 She had a sister called Miryam who also sat at the Lord's feet and heard what he had to say.

40 But Marta was busy with all the work to be done; so, going up to him, she said, "Sir, don't you care that my sister has been leaving me to do all the work by myself?"

41 However, the Lord answered her, "Marta, Marta, you are fretting and worrying about so many things!

42 But there is only one thing that is essential. Miryam has chosen the right thing, and it won't be taken away from her."

Genesis 18

1 ADONAI appeared to Avraham by the oaks of Mamre as he sat at the entrance to the tent during the heat of the day.

2 He raised his eyes and looked, and there in front of him stood three men. On seeing them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, prostrated himself on the ground,

3 and said, "My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, please don't leave your servant.

4 Please let me send for some water, so that you can wash your feet; then rest under the tree,

5 and I will bring a piece of bread. Now that you have come to your servant, refresh yourselves before going on.""Very well," they replied, "do what you have said."

6 Avraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, "Quickly, three measures of the best flour! Knead it and make cakes."

7 Avraham ran to the herd, took a good, tender calf and gave it to the servant, who hurried to prepare it.

8 Then he took curds, milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it all before the men; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

9 They said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" He said, "There, in the tent."

10 He said, "I will certainly return to you around this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."Sarah heard him from the entrance of the tent, behind him.

11 Avraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years; Sarah was past the age of childbearing.

12 So Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, "I am old, and so is my lord; am I to have pleasure again?"

13 ADONAI said to Avraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and ask, 'Am I really going to bear a child when I am so old?'

14 Is anything too hard for ADONAI? At the time set for it, at this season next year, I will return to you; and Sarah will have a son."

15 Sarah denied it, saying, "I didn't either laugh," because she was afraid. He said, "Not so - you did laugh."

16 The men set out from there and looked over toward S'dom, and Avraham went with them to see them on their way.

17 ADONAI said, "Should I hide from Avraham what I am about to do,

18 inasmuch as Avraham is sure to become a great and strong nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed by him?

19 For I have made myself known to him, so that he will give orders to his children and to his household after him to keep the way of ADONAI and to do what is right and just, so that ADONAI may bring about for Avraham what he has promised him."

20 ADONAI said, "The outcry against S'dom and 'Amora is so great and their sin so serious

21 that I will now go down and see whether their deeds warrant the outcry that has reached me; if not, I will know."

22 The men turned away from there and went toward S'dom, but Avraham remained standing before ADONAI.

23 Avraham approached and said, "Will you actually sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

24 Maybe there are fifty righteous people in the city; will you actually sweep the place away, and not forgive it for the sake of the fifty righteous who are there?

25 Far be it from you to do such a thing - to kill the righteous along with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Shouldn't the judge of all the earth do what is just?"

26 ADONAI said, "If I find in S'dom fifty who are righteous, then I will forgive the whole place for their sake."

27 Avraham answered, "Here now, I, who am but dust and ashes, have taken it upon myself to speak to Adonai.

28 What if there are five less than fifty righteous?"He said, "I won't destroy it if I find forty-five there."

29 He spoke to him yet again: "What if forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of the forty I won't do it."

30 He said, "I hope Adonai won't be angry if I speak. What if thirty are found there?" He said, "I won't do it if I find thirty there."

31 He said, "Here now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to Adonai. What if twenty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of the twenty I won't destroy it."

32 He said, "I hope Adonai won't be angry if I speak just once more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "For the sake of the ten I won't destroy it."

33 ADONAI went on his way as soon as he had finished speaking to Avraham, and Avraham returned to his place.

Psalm 11

1 For the leader. By David: In ADONAI I find refuge. So how can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountains!

2 See how the wicked are drawing their bows and setting their arrows on the string, to shoot from the shadows at honest men.

3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

4 ADONAI is in his holy temple. ADONAI, his throne is in heaven. His eyes see and test humankind.

5 ADONAI tests the righteous; but he hates the wicked and the lover of violence.

6 He will rain hot coals down on the wicked, fire, sulfur and scorching wind will be what they get to drink.

7 For ADONAI is righteous; he loves righteousness; the upright will see his face.

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 12

Luke 11:1-28; Genesis 19; Psalm 12 CJB

Luke 11:1-28

1 One time Yeshua was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of the talmidim said to him, "Sir, teach us to pray, just as Yochanan taught his talmidim."

2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: `Father, May your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come.

3 Give us each day the food we need.

4 Forgive us our sins, for we too forgive everyone who has wronged us. And do not lead us to hard testing.'"

5 He also said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend; and you go to him in the middle of the night and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,

6 because a friend of mine who has been travelling has just arrived at my house, and I have nothing for him to eat.'

7 Now the one inside may answer, `Don't bother me! The door is already shut, my children are with me in bed -- I can't get up to give you anything!'

8 But I tell you, even if he won't get up because the man is his friend, yet because of the man's hutzpah he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

9 "Moreover, I myself say to you: keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep seeking, and you will find; keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

10 For everyone who goes on asking receives; and he who goes on seeking finds; and to him who continues knocking, the door will be opened.

11 "Is there any father here who, if his son asked him for a fish, would instead of a fish give him a snake?

12 Or if he asked for an egg would give him a scorpion?

13 So if you, even though you are bad, know how to give your children gifts that are good, how much more will the Father keep giving the Ruach HaKodesh from heaven to those who keep asking him!"

14 He was expelling a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute spoke; and the people were astounded.

15 But some of them said, "It is by Ba`al-Zibbul" -- the ruler of the demons -- "that he expels the de mons."

16 And others, trying to trap him, demanded from him a sign from Heaven.

17 But he, knowing what they were thinking, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, with one house collapsing on another.

18 So if the Adversary too is divided against himself, how can his kingdom survive? I'm asking because you claim it is by Ba`al-Zibbul that I drive out the demons.

19 If I drive out demons by Ba`al-Zibbul, by whom do your people drive them out? So, they will be your judges!

20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you!

21 "When a strong man who is fully equipped for battle guards his own house, his possessions are secure.

22 But when someone stronger attacks and defeats him, he carries off all the armor and weaponry on which the man was depending, and divides up the spoils.

23 Those who are not with me are against me, and those who do not gather with me are scattering.

24 "When an unclean spirit comes out of a person, it travels through dry country seeking rest. On finding none, it says, `I will return to the house I left.'

25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.

26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they come and live there -- so that in the end the person is worse off than he was before."

27 As Yeshua was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice to call out, "How blessed is the mother that gave birth to you and nursed you from her breast!"

28 But he said, "Far more blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it!"

Genesis 19

1 The two angels came to S'dom that evening, when Lot was sitting at the gate of S'dom. Lot saw them, got up to greet them and prostrated himself on the ground.

2 He said, "Here now, my lords, please come over to your servant's house. Spend the night, wash your feet, get up early, and go on your way.""No," they answered, "we'll stay in the square."

3 But he kept pressing them; so they went home with him; and he made them a meal, baking matzah for their supper, which they ate.

4 But before they could go to bed, the men of the city surrounded the house -young and old, everyone from every neighborhood of S'dom.

5 They called Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to stay with you tonight? Bring them out to us! We want to have sex with them!"

6 Lot went out to them and stood in the doorway, closing the door behind him,

7 and said, "Please, my brothers, don't do such a wicked thing.

8 Look here, I have two daughters who are virgins. Please, let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them what seems good to you; but don't do anything to these men, since they are guests in my house."

9 "Stand back!" they replied. "This guy came to live here, and now he's decided to play judge. For that we'll deal worse with you than with them!"Then they crowded in on Lot, in order to get close enough to break down the door.

10 But the men inside reached out their hands, brought Lot into the house to them and shut the door.

11 Then they struck the men at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they couldn't find the doorway.

12 The men said to Lot, "Do you have any people here besides yourself? Whomever you have in the city - son-in-law, your sons, your daughters - bring them out of this place;

13 because we are going to destroy it. ADONAI has become aware of the great outcry against them, and ADONAI has sent us to destroy it."

14 Lot went out and spoke with his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, "Get up and leave this place, because ADONAI is going to destroy the city." But his sons-in-law didn't take him seriously.

15 When morning came, the angels told Lot to hurry. "Get up," they said, "and take your wife and your two daughters who are here; otherwise you will be swept away in the punishment of the city."

16 But he dallied, so the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand and the hands of his two daughters -ADONAI was being merciful to him - and led them, leaving them outside the city.

17 When they had brought them out, he said, "Flee for your life! Don't look behind you, and don't stop anywhere in the plain, but escape to the hills! Otherwise you will be swept away."

18 Lot said to them, "Please, no, my lord!

19 Here, your servant has already found favor in your sight, and you have shown me even greater mercy by saving my life. But I can't escape to the hills, because I'm afraid the disaster will overtake me, and I will die.

20 Look, there's a town nearby to flee to, and it's a small one. Please let me escape there - isn't it just a small one? -and that way I will stay alive."

21 He replied, "All right, I agree to what you have asked. I won't overthrow the city of which you have spoken.

22 Hurry, and escape to that place, because I can't do anything until you arrive there." For this reason the city was named Tzo'ar [small].

23 By the time Lot had come to Tzo'ar, the sun had risen over the land.

24 Then ADONAI caused sulfur and fire to rain down upon S'dom and 'Amora from ADONAI out of the sky.

25 He overthrew those cities, the entire plain, all the inhabitants of the cities and everything growing in the ground.

26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a column of salt.

27 Avraham got up early in the morning, went to the place where he had stood before ADONAI,

28 and looked out toward S'dom and 'Amora, scanning the entire plain. There before him the smoke was rising from the land like smoke from a furnace!

29 But when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Avraham and sent Lot out, away from the destruction, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot lived.

30 Lot went up from Tzo'ar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, because he was afraid to stay in Tzo'ar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave.

31 The firstborn said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there isn't a man on earth to come in to us in the manner customary in the world.

32 Come, let's have our father drink wine; then we'll sleep with him, and that way we'll enable our father to have descendants."

33 So they plied their father with wine that night, and the older one went in and slept with her father; he didn't know when she lay down or when she got up.

34 The following day, the older said to the younger, "Here, I slept last night with my father. Let's make him drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep with him, and that way we'll enable our father to have descendants."

35 They plied their father with wine that night also, and the younger one got up and slept with him, and he didn't know when she lay down or when she got up.

36 Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father.

37 The older one gave birth to a son and called him Mo'av; he is the ancestor of Mo'av to this day.

38 The younger also gave birth to a son, and she called him Ben-'Ammi; he is the ancestor of the people of 'Amon to this day.

Psalm 12

1 For the leader. On sh'minit [low-pitched musical instruments?]. A psalm of David: Help, ADONAI! For no one godly is left; the faithful have vanished from humankind.

2 They all tell lies to each other, flattering with their lips, but speaking from divided hearts.

3 May ADONAI cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks so proudly,

4 those who say, "By our tongues, we will prevail; our lips are with us. Who can master us?"

5 "Because the poor are oppressed, because the needy are groaning, I will now rise up," says ADONAI, "and grant security to those whom they scorn."

6 The words of ADONAI are pure words, silver in a melting-pot set in the earth, refined and purified seven times over.

7 You, ADONAI, protect us; guard us forever from this generation

8 the wicked strut about everywhere when vileness is held in general esteem.

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 13

Luke 11:29-54; Genesis 20; Psalm 13 CJB

Luke 11:29-54

29 As the people crowded around him, Yeshua went on to say, "This generation is a wicked generation! It asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it -- except the sign of Yonah.

30 For just as Yonah became a sign to the people of Ninveh, so will the Son of Man be for this generation.

31 The Queen of the South will appear at the Judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Shlomo, and what is here now is greater than Shlomo.

32 The people of Ninveh will stand up at the Judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they turned to God from their sins when Yonah preached, and what is here now is greater than Yonah.

33 "No one who has kindled a lamp hides it or places it under a bowl; rather, he puts it on a stand, so that those coming in may see its light.

34 The lamp of your body is the eye. When you have a `good eye,' [that is, when you are generous,] your whole body is full of light; but when you have an `evil eye,' [when you are stingy,] your body is full of darkness.

35 So take care that the light in you is not darkness!

36 If, then, your whole body is filled with light, with no part dark, it will be wholly lighted, as when a brightly lit lamp shines on you."

37 As Yeshua spoke, a Parush asked him to eat dinner with him; so he went in and took his place at the table;

38 and the Parush was surprised that he didn't begin by doing n'tilat yadayim before the meal.

39 However, the Lord said to him, "Now then, you P'rushim, you clean the outside of the cup and plate; but inside, you are full of robbery and wickedness.

40 Fools! Didn't the One who made the outside make the inside too?

41 Rather, give as alms what is inside, and then everything will be clean for you!

42 "But woe to you P'rushim! You pay your tithes of mint and rue and every garden herb, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You have an obligation to do these things -- but without disregarding the others!

43 "Woe to you P'rushim, because you love the best seat in the synagogues and being greeted deferentially in the marketplaces!

44 "Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it."

45 One of the experts in Torah answered him, "Rabbi, by saying these things you are insulting us also."

46 Yeshua said, "Woe to you Torah experts too! You load people down with burdens they can hardly bear, and you won't lift a finger to help them!

47 "Woe to you! You build tombs in memory of the prophets, but your fathers murdered them!

48 Thus you testify that you completely approve of what your fathers did -- they did the killing, you do the building!

49 Therefore the Wisdom of God said, `I will send them prophets and emissaries; they will kill some and persecute others';

50 so that on this generation will fall the responsibility for all the prophets' blood that has been shed since the world was established,

51 from the blood of Hevel to the blood of Z'kharyah, who was killed between the altar and the Holy Place. Yes, I tell you, the responsibility for it will fall on this generation!

52 "Woe to you Torah experts! For you have taken away the key of knowledge! Not only did you yourselves not go in, you also have stopped those who were trying to enter!"

53 As Yeshua left that place, the Torah-teachers and the P'rushim began to oppose him bitterly and to provoke him to express his views on all sorts of subjects,

54 laying traps to catch him in something he might say.

Genesis 20

1 Avraham traveled from there toward the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. While living as an alien in G'rar,

2 Avraham was saying of Sarah his wife, "She is my sister"; so Avimelekh king of G'rar sent and took Sarah.

3 But God came to Avimelekh in a dream one night and said to him, "You are about to die because of the woman you have taken, since she is someone's wife."

4 Now Avimelekh had not come near her; so he said, "Lord, will you kill even an upright nation?

5 Didn't he himself say to me, 'She is my sister'? And even she herself said, 'He is my brother.' In doing this, my heart has been pure and my hands innocent."

6 God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know that in doing this, your heart has been pure; and I too have kept you from sinning against me. This is why I didn't let you touch her.

7 Therefore, return the man's wife to him now. He is a prophet, and he will pray for you, so that you will live. But if you don't return her, know that you will certainly die - you and all who belong to you."

8 Avimelekh got up early in the morning, called all his servants and told them these things; and the men became very afraid.

9 Then Avimelekh called Avraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you to cause you to bring on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done things to me that are just not done."

10 Avimelekh went on, asking Avraham, "Whatever could have caused you to do such a thing?"

11 Avraham replied, "It was because I thought, 'There could not possibly be any fear of God in this place, so they will kill me in order to get my wife.'

12 But she actually is also my sister, the daughter of my father but not the daughter of my mother, and so she became my wife.

13 When God had me leave my father's house, I told her, 'Do me this favor: wherever we go, say about me, "He is my brother."'"

14 Avimelekh took sheep, cattle, and male and female slaves, and gave them to Avraham; and he returned to him Sarah his wife.

15 Then Avimelekh said, "Look, my country lies before you; live where you like."

16 To Sarah he said, "Here, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. That will allay the suspicions of everyone who is with you. Before everyone you are cleared."

17 Avraham prayed to God, and God healed Avimelekh and his wife and slave-girls, so that they could have children.

18 For ADONAI had made every woman in Avimelekh's household infertile on account of Sarah Avraham's wife.

Psalm 13

1 For the leader. A psalm of David: How long, ADONAI? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I keep asking myself what to do, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long must my enemy dominate me?

3 Look, and answer me, ADONAI my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death.

4 Then my enemy would say, "I was able to beat him"; and my adversaries would rejoice at my downfall.

5 But I trust in your grace, my heart rejoices as you bring me to safety.

6 I will sing to ADONAI, because he gives me even more than I need.

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 14

Luke 12:1-31; Genesis 21; Psalm 14 CJB

Luke 12:1-31

1 Meanwhile, as a crowd in the tens of thousands gathered so closely as to trample each other down, Yeshua began to say to his talmidim first, "Guard yourselves from the hametz of the P'rushim, by which I mean their hypocrisy.

2 There is nothing covered up that will not be uncovered, or hidden that will not become known.

3 What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.

4 "My friends, I tell you: don't fear those who kill the body but then have noth ing more they can do.

5 I will show you whom to fear: fear him who after killing you has authority to throw you into Gei-Hinnom! Yes, I tell you, this is the one to fear!

6 Aren't sparrows sold for next to nothing, five for two assarions? And not one of them has been forgotten by God.

7 Why, every hair on your head has been counted! Don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.

8 "Moreover, I tell you, whoever acknowledges me in the presence of others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels.

9 But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before God's angels.

10 Also, everyone who says something against the Son of Man will have it forgiven him; but whoever has blasphemed the Ruach HaKodesh will not be forgiven.

11 "When they bring you before the synagogues and the ruling powers and the authorities, don't worry about how you will defend yourself or what you will say;

12 because when the time comes, the Ruach HaKodesh will teach you what you need to say."

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, "Rabbi, tell my brother to share with me the property we inherited."

14 But Yeshua answered him, "My friend, who appointed me judge or arbitrator over you?"

15 Then to the people he said, "Be careful to guard against all forms of greed, because even if someone is rich, his life does not consist in what he owns."

16 And he gave them this illustration: "There was a man whose land was very productive.

17 He debated with himself, `What should I do? I haven't enough room for all my crops.'

18 Then he said, `This is what I will do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and I'll store all my wheat and other goods there.

19 Then I'll say to myself, "You're a lucky man! You have a big supply of goods laid up that will last many years. Start taking it easy! Eat! Drink! Enjoy yourself!"'

20 But God said to him, `You fool! This very night you will die! And the things you pre pared -- whose will they be?'

21 That's how it is with anyone who stores up wealth for himself without being rich toward God."

22 To his talmidim Yeshua said, "Because of this I tell you, don't worry about your life -- what you will eat or drink; or about your body -- what you will wear.

23 For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

24 Think about the ravens! They neither plant nor harvest, they have neither storerooms nor barns, yet God feeds them. You are worth much more than the birds!

25 Can any of you by wor ying add an hour to his life?

26 If you can't do a little thing like that, why worry about the rest?

27 Think about the wild irises, and how they grow. They neither work nor spin thread; yet, I tell you, not even Shlomo in all his glory was clothed as beautifully as one of these.

28 If this is how God clothes grass, which is alive in the field today and thrown in the oven tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you! What little trust you have!

29 "In other words, don't strive after what you will eat and what you will drink -- don't be anxious.

30 For all the pagan nations in the world set their hearts on these things. Your Father knows that you need them too.

31 Rather, seek his Kingdom; and these things will be given to you as well.

Genesis 21

1 ADONAI remembered Sarah as he had said, and ADONAI did for Sarah what he had promised.

2 Sarah conceived and bore Avraham a son in his old age, at the very time God had said to him.

3 Avraham called his son, born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Yitz'chak.

4 Avraham circumcised his son Yitz'chak when he was eight days old, as God had ordered him to do.

5 Avraham was one hundred years old when his son Yitz'chak [laughter] was born to him.

6 Sarah said, "God has given me good reason to laugh; now everyone who hears about it will laugh with me."

7 And she said, "Who would have said to Avraham that Sarah would nurse children? Nevertheless, I have borne him a son in his old age!"

8 The child grew and was weaned, and Avraham gave a great banquet on the day that Yitz'chak was weaned.

9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom Hagar had borne to Avraham, making fun of Yitz'chak;

10 so Sarah said to Avraham, "Throw this slave-girl out! And her son! I will not have this slave-girl's son as your heir along with my son Yitz'chak!"

11 Avraham became very distressed over this matter of his son.

12 But God said to Avraham, "Don't be distressed because of the boy and your slave-girl. Listen to everything Sarah says to you, because it is your descendants through Yitz'chak who will be counted.

13 But I will also make a nation from the son of the slave-girl, since he is descended from you."

14 Avraham got up early in the morning, took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child; then he sent her away. After leaving, she wandered in the desert around Be'er-Sheva.

15 When the water in the skin was gone, she left the child under a bush,

16 and went and sat down, looking the other way, about a bow-shot's distance from him; because she said, "I can't bear to watch my child die." So she sat there, looking the other way, crying out and weeping.

17 God heard the boy's voice, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What's wrong with you, Hagar? Don't be afraid, because God has heard the voice of the boy in his present situation.

18 Get up, lift the boy up, and hold him tightly in your hand, because I am going to make him a great nation."

19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went, filled the skin with water and gave the boy water to drink.

20 God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the desert and became an archer.

21 He lived in the Pa'ran Desert, and his mother chose a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

22 At that time Avimelekh and Pikhol the commander of his army spoke to Avraham. They said, "God is with you in everything you do.

23 Therefore, swear to me here by God that you will never deal falsely with me or with my son or grandson; but according to the kindness with which I have treated you, you will treat me and the land in which you have lived as a foreigner.

24 Avraham said, "I swear it."

25 Now Avraham had complained to Avimelekh about a well which Avimelekh's servants had seized.

26 Avimelekh answered, "I don't know who has done this. You didn't tell me, and I heard about it only today."

27 Avraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Avimelekh, and the two of them made a covenant.

28 Avraham put seven female lambs from the flock by themselves.

29 Avimelekh asked Avraham, "What is the meaning of these seven female lambs you have put by themselves?"

30 He answered, "You are to accept these seven female lambs from me as witness that I dug this well."

31 This is why that place was called Be'er-Sheva [well of seven, well of an oath] - because they both swore an oath there.

32 When they made the covenant at Be'er-Sheva, Avimelekh departed with Pikhol the commander of his army and returned to the land of the P'lishtim.

33 Avraham planted a tamarisk tree in Be'er-Sheva, and there he called on the name of ADONAI, the everlasting God.

34 Avraham lived for a long time as a foreigner in the land of the P'lishtim.

Psalm 14

1 For the leader. By David: Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God."They deal corruptly, their deeds are vile, not one does what is right.

2 From heaven ADONAI observes humankind to see if anyone has understanding, if anyone seeks God.

3 But all turn aside, all alike are corrupt; no one does what is right, not a single one.

4 Don't they ever learn, all those evildoers, who eat up my people as if eating bread and never call on ADONAI?

5 There they are, utterly terrified; for God is with those who are righteous.

6 You may mock the plans of the poor, but their refuge is ADONAI.

7 How I wish Isra'el's salvation would come out of Tziyon! When ADONAI restores his people's fortunes, Ya'akov will rejoice, Isra'el will be glad!

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 15

Luke 12:32-59; Genesis 22; Psalm 15 CJB

Luke 12:32-59

32 Have no fear, little flock, for your Father has resolved to give you the Kingdom!

33 Sell what you own and do tzedakah -- make for yourselves purses that don't wear out, riches in heaven that never fail, where no burglar comes near, where no moth destroys.

34 For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also.

35 "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit,

36 like people waiting for their master's return after a wedding feast; so that when he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him without delay.

37 Happy the slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes! Yes! I tell you he will put on his work clothes, seat them at the table, and come serve them himself!

38 Whether it is late at night or early in the morning, if this is how he finds them, those slaves are happy.

39 "But notice this: no house-owner would let his house be broken into if he knew when the thief was coming.

40 You too, be ready! For the Son of Man will come when you are not expecting him."

41 Kefa said, "Sir, are you telling this parable for our benefit only or for everyone's?"

42 The Lord replied, "Nu, who is the faithful and sensible manager whose master puts him in charge of the household staff to give them their share of food at the proper time?

43 It will go well with that servant if he is found doing his job when his master comes.

44 Yes, I tell you he will put him in charge of all he owns.

45 But if that servant says to himself, `My master is taking his time coming,' and starts bullying the men- and women-servants, and eating and drinking, getting drunk,

46 then his master will come on a day when the servant isn't expecting him, at a time he doesn't know in advance; his master will cut him in two and put him with the disloyal.

47 Now the servant who knew what his master wanted but didn't prepare or act according to his will, will be whipped with many lashes;

48 however, the one who did what deserves a beating, but didn't know, will receive few lashes. From him who has been given much, much will be demanded -- from someone to whom people entrust much, they ask still more.

49 "I have come to set fire to the earth! And how I wish it were already kindled!

50 I have an immersion to undergo -- how pressured I feel till it's over!

51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace in the Land? Not peace, I tell you, but division!

52 For from now on, a household of five will be divided, three against two, two against three.

53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."w

54 Then to the crowds Yeshua said, "When you see a cloud-bank rising in the west, at once you say that a rainstorm is coming;

55 and when the wind is from the south, you say there will be a heat wave, and there is.

56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky -- how is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?

57 Why don't you decide for yourselves what is the right course to follow?

58 If someone brings a lawsuit against you, take pains to settle with him first; otherwise he will take the matter to court, and the judge will turn you over to the bailiff, and the bailiff will throw you in jail.

59 I tell you, you won't get out of there till you have paid the last penny!"

Genesis 22

1 After these things, God tested Avraham. He said to him, "Avraham!" and he answered, "Here I am."

2 He said, "Take your son, your only son, whom you love, Yitz'chak; and go to the land of Moriyah. There you are to offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain that I will point out to you."

3 Avraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, together with Yitz'chak his son. He cut the wood for the burnt offering, departed and went toward the place God had told him about.

4 On the third day, Avraham raised his eyes and saw the place in the distance.

5 Avraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey. I and the boy will go there, worship and return to you."

6 Avraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on Yitz'chak his son. Then he took in his hand the fire and the knife, and they both went on together.

7 Yitz'chak spoke to Avraham his father: "My father?" He answered, "Here I am, my son." He said, "I see the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

8 Avraham replied, "God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son"; and they both went on together.

9 They came to the place God had told him about; and Avraham built the altar there, set the wood in order, bound Yitz'chak his son and laid him on the altar, on the wood.

10 Then Avraham put out his hand and took the knife to kill his son.

11 But the angel of ADONAI called to him out of heaven: "Avraham? Avraham!"He answered, "Here I am."

12 He said, "Don't lay your hand on the boy! Don't do anything to him! For now I know that you are a man who fears God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me."

13 Avraham raised his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. Avraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son.

14 Avraham called the place ADONAI Yir'eh [ADONAI will see (to it), ADONAI provides] -as it is said to this day, "On the mountain ADONAI is seen."

15 The angel of ADONAI called to Avraham a second time out of heaven.

16 He said, "I have sworn by myself - says ADONAI- that because you have done this, because you haven't withheld your son, your only son,

17 I will most certainly bless you; and I will most certainly increase your descendants to as many as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the cities of their enemies,

18 and by your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed - because you obeyed my order."

19 So Avraham returned to his young men. They got up and went together to Be'er-Sheva, and Avraham settled in Be'er-Sheva.

20 Afterwards, Avraham was told, "Milkah too has borne children, to your brother Nachor -

21 'Utz his firstborn, Buz his brother, K'mu'el the father of Aram,

22 Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Yidlaf and B'tu'el.

23 B'tu'el fathered Rivkah. These eight Milkah bore to Nachor Avraham's brother.

24 His concubine, whose name was Re'umah, bore children also: Tevach, Gacham, Tachash and Ma'akhah.

Psalm 15

1 A psalm of David: ADONAI, who can rest in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain?

2 Those who live a blameless life, who behave uprightly, who speak truth from their hearts

3 and keep their tongues from slander; who never do harm to others or seek to discredit neighbors;

4 who look with scorn on the vile, but honor those who fear ADONAI; who hold to an oath, no matter the cost;

5 who refuse usury when they lend money and refuse a bribe to damage the innocent. Those who do these things never will be moved.

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 16

Luke 13:1-17; Genesis 23; Psalm 16 CJB

Luke 13:1-17

1 Just then, some people came to tell Yeshua about the men from the Galil whom Pilate had slaughtered even while they were slaughtering animals for sacrifice.

2 His answer to them was, "Do you think that just because they died so horribly, these folks from the Galil were worse sinners than all the others from the Galil?

3 No, I tell you. Rather, unless you turn to God from your sins, you will all die as they did!

4 "Or what about those eighteen people who died when the tower at Shiloach fell on them? Do you think they were worse offenders than all the other people living in Yerushalayim?

5 No, I tell you. Rather, unless you turn from your sins, you will all die similarly."

6 Then Yeshua gave this illustration: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vine yard, and he came looking for fruit but didn't find any.

7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, `Here, I've come looking for fruit on this fig tree for three years now without finding any. Cut it down -- why let it go on using up the soil?'

8 But he answered, `Sir, leave it alone one more year. I'll dig around it and put manure on it.

9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good; if not, you will have it cut down then.'"

10 Yeshua was teaching in one of the synagogues on Shabbat.

11 A woman came up who had a spirit which had crippled her for eighteen years; she was bent double and unable to stand erect at all.

12 On seeing her, Yeshua called her and said to her, "Lady, you have been set free from your weakness!"

13 He put his hands on her, and at once she stood upright and began to glorify God.

14 But the president of the synagogue, indignant that Yeshua had healed on Shabbat, spoke up and said to the congregation, "There are six days in the week for working; so come during those days to be healed, not on Shabbat!"

15 However, the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Each one of you on Shabbat -- don't you unloose your ox or your donkey from the stall and lead him off to drink?

16 This woman is a daughter of Avraham, and the Adversary kept her tied up for eighteen years! Shouldn't she be freed from this bondage on Shabbat?"

17 By these words, Yeshua put to shame the people who opposed him; but the rest of the crowd were happy about all the wonderful things that were taking place through him.

 

Genesis 23

1 Sarah lived to be 127 years old; these were the years of Sarah's life.

2 Sarah died in Kiryat-Arba, also known as Hevron, in the land of Kena'an; and Avraham came to mourn Sarah and weep for her.

3 Then he got up from his dead one and said to the sons of Het,

4 "I am a foreigner living as an alien with you; let me have a burial site with you, so that I can bury my dead wife.

5 The sons of Het answered Avraham,

6 "Listen to us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us, so choose any of our tombs to bury your dead - not one of us would refuse you his tomb for burying your dead."

7 Avraham got up, bowed before the people of the land, the sons of Het,

8 and spoke with them. "If it is your desire to help me bury my dead, then listen to me: ask 'Efron the son of Tzochar

9 to give me the cave of Makhpelah, which he owns, the one at the end of his field. He should sell it to me in your presence at its full value; then I will have a burial site of my own."

10 'Efron the Hitti was sitting among the sons of Het, and he gave Avraham his answer in the presence of the sons of Het who belonged to the ruling council of the city:

11 "No, my lord, listen to me: I'm giving you the field, with its cave - I'm giving it to you. In the presence of my people I give it to you."

12 Avraham bowed before the people of the land

13 and spoke to 'Efron in their hearing: "Please be good enough to listen to me. I will pay the price of the field; accept it from me, and I will bury my dead there."

14 But 'Efron answered Avraham

15 "My lord, listen to me. A plot of land worth 400 silver shekels - what is that between me and you? Just bury your dead."

16 Avraham got the point of what 'Efron had said, so he weighed out for 'Efron the amount of money he had specified in the presence of the sons of Het, 400 silver shekels of the weight accepted among merchants [ten pounds].

17 Thus the field of 'Efron in Makhpelah, which is by Mamre - the field, its cave and all the trees in and around it - were deeded

18 to Avraham as his possession in the presence of the sons of Het who belonged to the ruling council of the city.

19 Then Avraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Makhpelah, by Mamre, also known as Hevron, in the land of Kena'an

20 The field and its cave had been purchased by Avraham from the sons of Het as a burial-site which would belong to him.

Psalm 16

1 Mikhtam. By David: Protect me, God, for you are my refuge.

2 I said to ADONAI, "You are my Lord; I have nothing good outside of you."

3 The holy people in the land are the ones who are worthy of honor; all my pleasure is in them.

4 Those who run after another god multiply their sorrows; To such gods I will not offer drink offerings of blood or take their names on my lips.

5 ADONAI, my assigned portion, my cup: you safeguard my share.

6 Pleasant places were measured out for me; I am content with my heritage.

7 I bless ADONAI, my counselor; at night my inmost being instructs me.

8 I always set ADONAI before me; with him at my right hand, I can never be moved;

9 so my heart is glad, my glory rejoices, and my body too rests in safety;

10 for you will not abandon me to Sh'ol, you will not let your faithful one see the Abyss.

11 You make me know the path of life; in your presence is unbounded joy, in your right hand eternal delight.

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading January 17 Luke 13:18-35; Genesis 24; Psalm 17 CJB Luke 13 18 So he went on to say, "What is the Kingdom of God like? With what will we compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his own garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds flying about nested in its branches." 20 Again he said, "With what will I compare the Kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with a bushel of flour, then waited until the whole batch of dough rose." 22 Yeshua continued traveling through town after town and village after village, teaching and making his way toward Yerushalayim. 23 Someone asked him, "Are only a few people being saved?" 24 He answered, "Struggle to get in through the narrow door, because -- I'm telling you! -- many will be demanding to get in and won't be able to, 25 once the owner of the house has gotten up and shut the door. You will stand outside, knocking at the door and saying, `Lord! Open up for us!' But he will answer, `I don't know you or where you come from!' 26 Then you will say, `We ate and drank with you! you taught in our streets!' 27 and he will tell you, `I don't know where you're from. Get away from me, all you workers of wickedness!' 28 You will cry and grind your teeth when you see Avraham, Yitz'chak, Ya`akov and all the prophets inside the Kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown outside. 29 Moreover, people will come from the east, the west, the north and the south to sit at table in the Kingdom of God. 30 And notice that some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last." 31 Just at that moment, some P'rushim came up and said to Yeshua, "Get out and go away from here, because Herod wants to kill you!" 32 He said to them, "Go, tell that fox, `Pay attention: today and tomorrow I am driving out demons and healing people, and on the third day I reach my goal.' 33 Nevertheless, I must keep travelling today, tomorrow and the next day; because it is unthinkable that a prophet should die anywhere but in Yerushalayim. 34 "Yerushalayim! Yerushalayim! You kill the prophets! You stone those who are sent to you! How often I wanted to gather your children, just as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but you refused! 35 Look! God is abandoning your house to you! I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of ADONAI!'" Genesis 24 1 By now Avraham was old, advanced in years; and ADONAI had blessed Avraham in everything. 2 Avraham said to the servant who had served him the longest, who was in charge of all he owned, "Put your hand under my thigh; 3 because I want you to swear by ADONAI, God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not choose a wife for my son from among the women of the Kena'ani, among whom I am living; 4 but that you will go to my homeland, to my kinsmen, to choose a wife for my son Yitz'chak." 5 The servant replied, "Suppose the woman isn't willing to follow me to this land. Must I then bring your son back to the land from which you came?" 6 Avraham said to him, "See to it that you don't bring my son back there. 7 ADONAI, the God of heaven - who took me away from my father's house and away from the land I was born in, who spoke to me and swore to me, 'I will give this land to your descendants'- he will send his angel ahead of you; and you are to bring a wife for my son from there. 8 But if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from your obligation under my oath. Just don't bring my son back there." 9 The servant put his hand under the thigh of Avraham his master and swore to him concerning the matter. 10 Then the servant took ten of his master's camels and all kinds of gifts from his master, got up and went to Aram-Naharayim, to Nachor's city. 11 Toward evening, when the women go out to draw water, he had the camels kneel down outside the city by the well. 12 He said, "ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, please let me succeed today; and show your grace to my master Avraham. 13 Here I am, standing by the spring, as the daughters of the townsfolk come out to draw water. 14 I will say to one of the girls, 'Please lower your jug, so that I can drink.' If she answers, 'Yes, drink; and I will water your camels as well,' then let her be the one you intend for your servant Yitz'chak. This is how I will know that you have shown grace to my master." 15 Before he had finished speaking, Rivkah the daughter of B'tu'el son of Milkah the wife of Nachor Avraham's brother, came out with her jug on her shoulder. 16 The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, never having had sexual relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jug and came up. 17 The servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a sip of water from your jug to drink." 18 "Drink, my lord," she replied, and immediately lowered her jug onto her arm and let him drink. 19 When she was through letting him drink, she said, "I will also draw water for your camels until they have drunk their fill." 20 She quickly emptied her jug into the trough, then ran again to the well to draw water, and kept on drawing water for all his camels. 21 The man gazed at her in silence, waiting to find out whether ADONAI had made his trip successful or not. 22 When the camels were done drinking, the man took a gold nose-ring weighing one-fifth of an ounce and two gold bracelets weighing four ounces 23 and asked, "Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please. Is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?" 24 She answered, "I am the daughter of B'tu'el the son Milkah bore to Nachor," 25 adding, "We have plenty of straw and fodder, and room for staying overnight." 26 The man bowed his head and prostrated himself before ADONAI. 27 Then he said, "Blessed be ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, who has not abandoned his faithful love for my master; because ADONAI has guided me to the house of my master's kinsmen." 28 The girl ran off and told her mother's household what had happened. 29 Rivkah had a brother named Lavan. When he saw the nose-ring, and the bracelets on his sister's wrists besides, and when he heard his sister Rivkah's report of what the man had said to her, he ran out to the spring and found the man standing there by the camels. 30 31 "Come on in," he said, "you whom ADONAI has blessed! Why are you standing outside when I have made room in the house and prepared a place for the camels?" 32 So the man went inside, and while the camels were being unloaded and provided straw and fodder, water was brought for him to wash his feet and the feet of the men with him. 33 But when a meal was set before him, he said, "I won't eat until I say what I have to say." Lavan said, "Speak." 34 He said, "I am Avraham's servant. 35 ADONAI has greatly blessed my master, so that he has grown wealthy. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels and donkeys. 36 Sarah my master's wife bore my master a son when she was old, and he has given him everything he has. 37 My master made me swear, saying, 'You are not to choose a wife for my son from among the women of the Kena'ani, among whom I am living; 38 rather, you are to go to my father's house, to my kinsmen, to choose a wife for my son.' 39 I said to my master, 'Suppose the woman isn't willing to follow me.' 40 Avraham answered me, 'ADONAI, in whose presence I live, will send his angel with you to make your trip successful; and you are to pick a wife for my son from my kinsmen in my father's house; 41 this will release you from your obligation under my oath. But if, when you come to my kinsmen, they refuse to give her to you, this too will release you from my oath.' 42 "So today, I came to the spring and said, 'ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, if you are causing my trip to succeed in its purpose, 43 then, here I am, standing by the spring. I will say to one of the girls coming out to draw water, "Let me have a sip of water from your jug." 44 If she answers, "Yes, drink; and I will water your camels as well," then let her be the woman you intend for my master's son.' 45 And even before I had finished speaking to my heart, there came Rivkah, going out with her jug on her shoulder; she went down to the spring and drew water. When I said to her, 'Please let me have a drink,' 46 she immediately lowered the jug from her shoulder and said, 'Drink, and I will water your camels as well.'So I drank, and she had the camels drink too. 47 "I asked her, 'Whose daughter are you?' and she answered, 'The daughter of B'tu'el son of Nachor, whom Milkah bore to him.'Then I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists, 48 bowed my head, prostrated myself before ADONAI and blessed ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, for having led me in the right way to obtain my master's brother's [grand]daughter for his son. 49 "So now if you people intend to show grace and truth to my master, tell me. But if not, tell me, so that I can turn elsewhere." 50 Lavan and B'tu'el replied, "Since this comes from ADONAI, we can't say anything to you either bad or good. 51 Rivkah is here in front of you; take her and go. Let her be your master's son's wife, as ADONAI has said." 52 When Avraham's servant heard what they said, he prostrated himself on the ground to ADONAI. 53 Then the servant brought out silver and gold jewelry, together with clothing, and gave them to Rivkah. He also gave valuable gifts to her brother and mother. 54 He and his men then ate and drank and stayed the night. In the morning they got up; and he said, "Send me off to my master." 55 Her brother and mother said, "Let the girl stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that, she will go." 56 He answered them, "Don't delay me, since ADONAI has made my trip successful, but let me go back to my master." 57 They said, "We will call the girl and see what she says." 58 They called Rivkah and asked her, "Will you go with this man?" and she replied, "I will." 59 So they sent their sister Rivkah away, with her nurse, Avraham's servant and his men. 60 They blessed Rivkah with these words: "Our sister, may you be the mother of millions, and may your descendants possess the cities of those who hate them." 61 Then Rivkah and her maids mounted the camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rivkah and went on his way. 62 Meanwhile, Yitz'chak, one evening after coming along the road from Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i - he was living in the Negev - 63 went out walking in the field; and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rivkah too looked up; and when she saw Yitz'chak, she quickly dismounted the camel. 65 She said to the servant,"Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?"When the servant replied, "It's my master," she took her veil and covered herself. 66 The servant told Yitz'chak everything he had done. 67 Then Yitz'chak brought her into his mother Sarah's tent and took Rivkah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. Thus was Yitz'chak comforted for the loss of his mother. Psalm 17 1 A prayer of David: Hear a just cause, ADONAI, heed my cry; listen to my prayer from honest lips. 2 Let my vindication come from you, let your eyes see what is right. 3 You probed my heart, you visited me at night, and you assayed me without finding evil thoughts that should not pass my lips. 4 As for what others do, by words from your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent; 5 my steps hold steadily to your paths, my feet do not slip. 6 Now I call on you, God, for you will answer me. Turn your ear to me, hear my words. 7 Show how wonderful is your grace, savior of those who seek at your right hand refuge from their foes. 8 Protect me like the pupil of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings 9 from the wicked, who are assailing me, from my deadly enemies, who are all around me. 10 They close their hearts to compassion; they speak arrogantly with their mouths; 11 they track me down, they surround me; they watch for a chance to bring me to the ground. 12 They are like lions eager to tear the prey, like young lions crouching in ambush. 13 Arise, ADONAI, confront them! Bring them down! With your sword deliver me from the wicked, 14 with your hand, ADONAI, from human beings, from people whose portion in life is this world. You fill their stomachs with your treasure, their children will be satisfied too and will leave their wealth to their little ones. 15 But my prayer, in righteousness, is to see your face; on waking, may I be satisfied with a vision of you.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 18

Luke 14:1-24; Genesis 25; Psalm 18 CJB

Luke 14:1-24

1 One Shabbat Yeshua went to eat in the home of one of the leading P'rushim, and they were watching him closely.

2 In front of him was a man whose body was swollen with fluid.

3 Yeshua spoke up and asked the Torah experts and P'rushim, "Does the Torah allow healing on Shabbat or not?"

4 But they said nothing. So, taking hold of him, he healed him and sent him away.

5 To them he said, "Which of you, if a son or an ox falls into a well, will hesitate to haul him out on Shabbat?"

6 And to these things they could give no answer.

7 When Yeshua noticed how the guests were choosing for themselves the best seats at the table, he told them this parable:

8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, don't sit down in the best seat; because if there is someone more important than you who has been invited,

9 the person who invited both of you might come and say to you, `Give this man your place.' Then you will be humiliated as you go to take the least important place.

10 Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the least important place; so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, `Go on up to a better seat.' Then you will be honored in front of everyone sitting with you.

11 Because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted."

12 Yeshua also said to the one who had invited him, "When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives or rich neighbors; for they may well invite you in return, and that will be your repayment.

13 Instead, when you have a party, invite poor people, disfigured people, the crippled, the blind!

14 How blessed you will be that they have nothing with which to repay you! For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

15 On hearing this, one of the people at the table with Yeshua said to him, "How blessed are those who eat bread in the Kingdom of God!"

16 But he replied, "Once a man gave a banquet and invited many people.

17 When the time came for the banquet, he sent his slave to tell those who had been invited, `Come! Everything is ready!'

18 But they responded with a chorus of excuses. The first said to him, `I've just bought a field, and I have to go out and see it. Please accept my apologies.'

19 Another said, `I've just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to test them out. Please accept my apologies.'

20 Still another said, `I have just gotten married, so I can't come.'

21 The slave came and reported these things to his master. "Then the owner of the house, in a rage, told his slave, `Quick, go out into the streets and alleys of the city; and bring in the poor, the disfigured, the blind and the crippled!'

22 The slave said, `Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.'

23 The master said to the slave, `Go out to the country roads and boundary walls, and insistently persuade people to come in, so that my house will be full.

24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet!'"

Genesis 25

1 Avraham took another wife, whose name was K'turah.

2 She bore him Zimran, Yokshan, Medan, Midyan, Yishbak; and Shuach.

3 Yokshan fathered Sh'va and D'dan. The sons of D'dan were Ashurim, L'tushim and L'umim.

4 The sons of Midyan were 'Eifah, 'Efer, Hanokh, Avida and Elda'ah. All these were descendants of K'turah.

5 Avraham gave everything he owned to Yitz'chak.

6 But to the sons of the concubines he made grants while he was still living and sent them off to the east, to the land of Kedem, away from Yitz'chak his son.

7 This is how long Avraham lived: 175 years.

8 Then Avraham breathed his last, dying at a ripe old age, an old man full of years; and he was gathered to his people.

9 Yitz'chak and Yishma'el his sons buried him in the cave of Makhpelah, in the field of 'Efron the son of Tzochar the Hitti, by Mamre,

10 the field which Avraham purchased from the sons of Het. Avraham was buried there with Sarah his wife.

11 After Avraham died, God blessed Yitz'chak his son, and Yitz'chak lived near Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i.

12 Here is the genealogy of Yishma'el, Avraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian woman bore to Avraham.

13 These are the names of the sons of Yishma'el, listed in the order of their birth. The firstborn of Yishma'el was N'vayot; followed by Kedar, Adbe'el, Mivsam,

14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa,

15 Hadad, Teima, Y'tur, Nafish and Kedmah.

16 These are the sons of Yishma'el, and these are their names, according to their settlements and camps, twelve tribal rulers.

17 This is how long Yishma'el lived: 137 years. Then he breathed his last, died and was gathered to his people.

18 Yishma'el's sons lived between Havilah and Shur, near Egypt as you go toward Ashur; he settled near all his kinsmen.

19 Here is the history of Yitz'chak, Avraham's son. Avraham fathered Yitz'chak.

20 Yitz'chak was forty years old when he took Rivkah, the daughter of B'tu'el the Arami from Paddan-Aram and sister of Lavan the Arami, to be his wife.

21 Yitz'chak prayed to ADONAI on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. ADONAI heeded his prayer, and Rivkah became pregnant.

22 The children fought with each other inside her so much that she said, "If it's going to be like this, why go on living?" So she went to inquire of ADONAI,

23 who answered her, "There are two nations in your womb. From birth they will be two rival peoples. One of these peoples will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger."

24 When the time for her delivery came, there were twins in her womb.

25 The first to come out was reddish and covered all over with hair, like a coat; so they named him 'Esav [completely formed, that is, having hair already].

26 Then his brother emerged, with his hand holding 'Esav's heel, so he was called Ya'akov [he catches by the heel, he supplants]. Yitz'chak was sixty years old when she bore them.

27 The boys grew; and 'Esav became a skillful hunter, an outdoorsman; while Ya'akov was a quiet man who stayed in the tents.

28 Yitz'chak favored 'Esav, because he had a taste for game; Rivkah favored Ya'akov.

29 One day when Ya'akov had cooked some stew, 'Esav came in from the open country, exhausted,

30 and said to Ya'akov, "Please! Let me gulp down some of that red stuff - that red stuff! I'm exhausted!" (This is why he was called Edom [red].)

31 Ya'akov answered, "First sell me your rights as the firstborn."

32 "Look, I'm about to die!" said 'Esav. "What use to me are my rights as the firstborn?"

33 Ya'akov said, "First, swear to me!" So he swore to him, thus selling his birthright to Ya'akov.

34 Then Ya'akov gave him bread and lentil stew; he ate and drank, got up and went on his way. Thus 'Esav showed how little he valued his birthright.

Psalm 18

1 For the leader. By David the servant of ADONAI, who addressed the words of this song to ADONAI on the day when ADONAI delivered him from the power of all his enemies, including from the power of Sha'ul. He said: "I love you, ADONAI, my strength!

2 "ADONAI is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer, my God, my Rock, in whom I find shelter, my shield, the power that saves me, my stronghold.

3 I call on ADONAI, who is worthy of praise; and I am saved from my enemies.

4 "For the cords of death surrounded me, the floods of B'liya'al terrified me,

5 the ropes of Sh'ol were wrapped around me, the snares of death lay there before me.

6 In my distress I called to ADONAI; I cried out to my God. Out of his temple he heard my voice; my cry reached his ears.

7 "Then the earth quaked and shook, the foundations of the mountains trembled. They were shaken because he was angry.

8 Smoke arose in his nostrils; out of his mouth came devouring fire; sparks blazed forth from him.

9 He lowered heaven and came down with thick darkness under his feet.

10 He rode on a keruv; he flew, swooping down on the wings of the wind.

11 He made darkness his hiding-place, his canopy thick clouds dark with water.

12 From the brightness before him, there broke through his thick clouds hailstones and fiery coals.

13 "ADONAI also thundered in heaven, Ha'Elyon sounded his voice -hailstones and fiery coals.

14 He sent out arrows and scattered them, shot out lightning and routed them.

15 The channels of water appeared, the foundations of the world were exposed at your rebuke, ADONAI, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

16 "He sent from on high, he took me and pulled me out of deep water;

17 he rescued me from my powerful enemy, from those who hated me, for they were stronger than I.

18 They came against me on my day of disaster, but ADONAI was my support.

19 He brought me out to an open place; he rescued me, because he took pleasure in me.

20 ADONAI rewarded me for my uprightness, he repaid me because my hands were clean.

21 "For I have kept the ways of ADONAI, I have not done evil by leaving my God;

22 for all his rulings were before me, I did not distance his regulations from me.

23 I was pure-hearted with him and kept myself from my sin.

24 "Hence ADONAI repaid me for my uprightness, according to the purity of my hands in his view.

25 With the merciful, you are merciful; with a man who is sincere, you are sincere;

26 with the pure, you are pure; but with the crooked you are cunning.

27 People afflicted, you save; but haughty eyes, you humble.

28 "For you, ADONAI, light my lamp; ADONAI, my God, lights up my darkness.

29 With you I can run through a whole troop of men, with my God I can leap a wall.

30 "As for God, his way is perfect, the word of ADONAI has been tested by fire; he shields all who take refuge in him.

31 "For who is God but ADONAI? Who is a Rock but our God?

32 "It is God who girds me with strength; he makes my way go straight.

33 He makes me swift, sure-footed as a deer, and enables me to stand on my high places.

34 He trains my hands for war until my arms can bend a bow of bronze;

35 "You give me your shield, which is salvation, your right hand holds me up, your humility makes me great.

36 You lengthen the steps I can take, yet my ankles do not turn.

37 "I pursued my enemies and overtook them, without turning back until they were destroyed.

38 I crushed them, so that they can't get up; they have fallen under my feet.

39 "For you braced me with strength for the battle and bent down my adversaries beneath me.

40 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed those who hated me.

41 "They cried out, but there was no one to help, even to ADONAI, but he didn't answer.

42 I pulverized them like dust in the wind, threw them out like mud in the streets.

43 "You also freed me from the quarrels of my people. You made me head of the nations; a people I did not know now serve me

44 the moment they hear of me, they obey me, foreigners come cringing to me.

45 Foreigners lose heart as they come trembling from their fortresses.

46 "ADONAI is alive! Blessed is my Rock! Exalted be the God of my salvation,

47 the God who avenges me and subdues peoples under me.

48 He delivers me from my enemies. You lift me high above my enemies, you rescue me from violent men.

49 "So I give thanks to you, ADONAI, among the nations; I sing praises to your name.

50 Great salvation he gives to his king; he displays grace to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever."

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Today's Bible Reading

January 19

Luke 14:25-35; Genesis 26; Psalm 19 CJB

Luke 14

25 Large crowds were traveling along with Yeshua. Turning, he said to them,

26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father, his mother, his wife, his children, his brothers and his sisters, yes, and his own life besides, he cannot be my talmid.

27 Whoever does not carry his own execution-stake and come after me cannot be my talmid.

28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Don't you sit down and estimate the cost, to see if you have enough capital to complete it?

29 If you don't, then when you have laid the foundation but can't finish, all the onlookers start making fun of you

30 and say, `This is the man who began to build, but couldn't finish!'

31 "Or again, suppose one king is going out to wage war with another king. Doesn't he first sit down and consider whether he, with his ten thousand troops, has enough strength to meet the other one, who is coming against him with twenty thousand?

32 If he hasn't, then while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation to inquire about terms for peace.

33 "So every one of you who doesn't renounce all that he has cannot be my talmid.

34 Salt is excellent. But if even the salt becomes tasteless, what can be used to season it?

35 It is fit for neither soil nor manure -- people throw it out. Those who have ears that can hear, let them hear!"

Genesis 26

1 A famine came over the land, not the same as the first famine, which had taken place when Avraham was alive. Yitz'chak went to G'rar, to Avimelekh king of the P'lishtim.

2 ADONAI appeared to him and said, "Don't go down into Egypt, but live where I tell you.

3 Stay in this land, and I will be with you and bless you, because I will give all these lands to you and to your descendants. I will fulfill the oath which I swore to Avraham your father -

4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, I will give all these lands to your descendants, and by your descendants all the nations of the earth will bless themselves.

5 All this is because Avraham heeded what I said and did what I told him to do -he followed my mitzvot, my regulations and my teachings."

6 So Yitz'chak settled in G'rar.

7 The men of the place asked him about his wife, and out of fear he said, "She is my sister." He thought, "If I tell them she's my wife, they might kill me in order to take Rivkah. After all, she is a beautiful woman."

8 But one day, after he had lived there a long time, Avimelekh king of the P'lishtim happened to be looking out of a window when he spotted Yitz'chak caressing Rivkah his wife.

9 Avimelekh summoned Yitz'chak and said, "So she is your wife, after all! How come you said, 'She is my sister'?" Yitz'chak responded, "Because I thought, 'I could get killed because of her.'"

10 Avimelekh said, "What is this you have done to us? One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us!"

11 Then Avimelekh warned all the people: "Whoever touches this man or his wife will certainly be put to death."

12 Yitz'chak planted crops in that land and reaped that year a hundred times as much as he had sowed. ADONAI had blessed him.

13 The man became rich and prospered more and more, until he had become very wealthy indeed.

14 He had flocks, cattle and a large household; and the P'lishtim envied him.

15 Now the P'lishtim had stopped up and filled with dirt all the wells his father's servants had dug during the lifetime of Avraham his father.

16 Avimelekh said to Yitz'chak, "You must go away from us, because you have become much more powerful than we are."

17 So Yitz'chak left, set up camp in Vadi G'rar and lived there.

18 Yitz'chak reopened the wells which had been dug during the lifetime of Avraham his father, the ones the P'lishtim had stopped up after Avraham died, and called them by the names his father had used for them.

19 Yitz'chak's servants dug in the vadi and uncovered a spring of running water.

20 But the herdsmen of G'rar quarreled with Yitz'chak's herdsmen, claiming, "That water is ours!" So he called the well 'Esek [quarrel], because they quarreled with him.

21 They dug another well and quarreled over that one too. So he called it Sitnah [enmity].

22 He went away from there and dug another well, and over that one they didn't quarrel. So he called it Rechovot [wide open spaces] and said, "Because now ADONAI has made room for us, and we will be productive in the land."

23 From there Yitz'chak went up to Be'er-Sheva.

24 ADONAI appeared to him that same night and said, "I am the God of Avraham your father. Don't be afraid, because I am with you; I will bless you and increase your descendants for the sake of my servant Avraham."

25 There he built an altar and called on the name of ADONAI. He pitched his tent there, and there Yitz'chak's servants dug a well.

26 Then Avimelekh went to him from G'rar with his friend Achuzat and Pikhol the commander of his army.

27 Yitz'chak said to them, "Why have you come to me, even though you were unfriendly to me and sent me away?"

28 They answered, "We saw very clearly that ADONAI has been with you; so we said, 'Let there be an oath between us: let's make a pact between ourselves and you

29 that you will not harm us, just as we have not caused you offense but have done you nothing but good and sent you on your way in peace. Now you are blessed by ADONAI.'"

30 Yitz'chak prepared a banquet for them, and they ate and drank.

31 The next morning, they got up early and swore to each other. Then Yitz'chak sent them on their way, and they left him peacefully.

32 That very day Yitz'chak's servants came and told him about the well they had dug, "We have found water."

33 So he called it Shiv'ah [oath, seven], and for this reason the name of the city is Be'er-Sheva [well of seven, well of an oath] to this day.

34 When 'Esav was forty years old, he took as wives Y'hudit the daughter of Be'eri the Hitti and Basmat the daughter of Elon the Hitti.

35 But they became a cause for embitterment of spirit to Yitz'chak and Rivkah.

Psalm 19

1 For the leader. A psalm of David: The heavens declare the glory of God, the dome of the sky speaks the work of his hands.

2 Every day it utters speech, every night it reveals knowledge.

3 Without speech, without a word, without their voices being heard,

4 their line goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world. In them he places a tent for the sun,

5 which comes out like a bridegroom from the bridal chamber, with delight like an athlete to run his race.

6 It rises at one side of the sky, circles around to the other side, and nothing escapes its heat.

7 The Torah of ADONAI is perfect, restoring the inner person. The instruction of ADONAI is sure, making wise the thoughtless.

8 The precepts of ADONAI are right, rejoicing the heart. The mitzvah of ADONAI is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of ADONAI is clean, enduring forever. The rulings of ADONAI are true, they are righteous altogether,

10 more desirable than gold, than much fine gold, also sweeter than honey or drippings from the honeycomb.

11 Through them your servant is warned; in obeying them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern unintentional sins? Cleanse me from hidden faults.

13 Also keep your servant from presumptuous sins, so that they won't control me. Then I will be blameless and free of great offense.

14 May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be acceptable in your presence, ADONAI, my Rock and Redeemer.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 20

Luke 15; Genesis 27:1-45; Psalm 20 CJB

Luke 15

1 The tax-collectors and sinners kept gathering around to hear Yeshua,

2 and the P'rushim and Torah-teachers kept grumbling. "This fellow," they said, "welcomes sinners -- he even eats with them!"

3 So he told them this parable:

4 "If one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, doesn't he leave the other ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?

5 When he does find it, he joyfully hoists it onto his shoulders;

6 and when he gets home, he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, `Come, celebrate with me, because I have found my lost sheep!'

7 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who turns to God from his sins than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

8 "Another example: what woman, if she has ten drachmas and loses one of these valuable coins, won't light a lamp, sweep the house and search all over until she finds it?

9 And when she does find it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, `Come, celebrate with me, because I have found the drachma I lost.'

10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy among God's angels when one sinner repents."

11 Again Yeshua said, "A man had two sons.

12 The younger of them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of the estate that will be mine.' So the father divided the property between them.

13 As soon as he could convert his share into cash, the younger son left home and went off to a distant country, where he squandered his money in reckless living.

14 But after he had spent it all, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he began to feel the pinch.

15 "So he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

16 He longed to fill his stomach with the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him any.

17 "At last he came to his senses and said, `Any number of my father's hired workers have food to spare; and here I am, starving to death!

18 I'm going to get up and go back to my father and say to him, "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you;

19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers." '

20 So he got up and started back to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him warmly.

21 His son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son --'

22 but his father said to his slaves, `Quick, bring out a robe, the best one, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet;

23 and bring the calf that has been fattened up, and kill it. Let's eat and have a celebration!

24 For this son of mine was dead, but now he's alive again! He was lost, but now he has been found!' And they began celebrating.

25 "Now his older son was in the field. As he came close to the house, he heard music and dancing.

26 So he called one of the servants and asked, `What's going on?'

27 The servant told him, `Your brother has come back, and your father has slaughtered the calf that was fattened up, because he has gotten him back safe and sound.'

28 But the older son became angry and refused to go inside. "So his father came out and pleaded with him.

29 `Look,' the son answered, `I have worked for you all these years, and I have never disobeyed your orders. But you have never even given me a young goat, so that I could celebrate with my friends.

30 Yet this son of yours comes, who squandered your property with pros titutes, and for him you slaughter the fattened calf!'

31 `Son, you are always with me,' said the father, `and everything I have is yours.

32 We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead but has come back to life -- he was lost but has been found.'"

Genesis 27

1 In the course of time, after Yitz'chak had grown old and his eyes dim, so that he couldn't see, he called 'Esav his older son and said to him, "My son?" and he answered, "Here I am."

2 "Look, I'm old now, I don't know when I will die.

3 Therefore, please take your hunting gear - your quiver of arrows and your bow; go out in the country, and get me some game.

4 Make it tasty, the way I like it; and bring it to me to eat. Then I will bless you [as firstborn], before I die."

5 Rivkah was listening when Yitz'chak spoke to his son 'Esav. So when 'Esav went out to the country to hunt for game and bring it back,

6 she said to her son Ya'akov, "Listen! I heard your father telling 'Esav your brother,

7 'Bring me game, and make it tasty, so I can eat it. Then I will give you my blessing in the presence of ADONAI, before my death.'

8 Now pay attention to me, my son; and do what I tell you.

9 Go to the flock, and bring me back two choice kids. I will make it tasty for your father, the way he likes it;

10 and you will bring it to your father to eat; so that he will give his blessing to you before his death."

11 Ya'akov answered Rivkah his mother, "Look, 'Esav is hairy, but I have smooth skin.

12 Suppose my father touches me -he'll know I'm trying to trick him, and I'll bring a curse on myself, not a blessing!"

13 But his mother said, "Let your curse be on me. Just listen to me, and go get me the kids!"

14 So he went, got them and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared them in the tasty way his father loved.

15 Next, Rivkah took 'Esav her older son's best clothes, which she had with her in the house, and put them on Ya'akov her younger son;

16 and she put the skins of the goats on his hands and on the smooth parts of his neck.

17 Then she gave the tasty food and the bread she had prepared to her son Ya'akov.

18 He went to his father and said, "My father?" He replied, "Here I am; who are you, my son?"

19 Ya'akov said to his father, "I am 'Esav your firstborn. I've done what you asked me to do. Get up now, sit down, eat the game, and then give me your blessing."

20 Yitz'chak said to his son, "How did you find it so quickly, my son?" He answered, "ADONAI your God made it happen that way."

21 Yitz'chak said to Ya'akov, "Come here, close to me, so I can touch you, my son, and know whether you are in fact my son 'Esav or not."

22 Ya'akov approached Yitz'chak his father, who touched him and said, "The voice is Ya'akov's voice, but the hands are 'Esav's hands."

23 However, he didn't detect him; because his hands were hairy like his brother 'Esav's hands; so he gave him his blessing.

24 He asked, "Are you really my son 'Esav?"And he replied, "I am."

25 He said, "Bring it here to me, and I will eat my son's game, so that I can give you my blessing." So he brought it up to him, and he ate; he also brought him wine, and he drank.

26 Then his father Yitz'chak said to him,"Come close now, and kiss me, my son."

27 He approached and kissed him. Yitz'chak smelled his clothes and blessed Ya'akov with these words: "See, my son smells like a field which ADONAI has blessed.

28 So may God give you dew from heaven, the richness of the earth, and grain and wine in abundance.

29 May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be lord over your kinsmen, let your mother's descendants bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!"

30 But as soon as Yitz'chak had finished giving his blessing to Ya'akov, when Ya'akov had barely left his father's presence, 'Esav his brother came in from his hunting.

31 He too had prepared a tasty meal and brought it to his father, and now he said to his father, "Let my father get up and eat from his son's game, so that you may give me your blessing."

32 Yitz'chak his father said to him, "Who are you?" and he answered, "I am your son, your firstborn, 'Esav."

33 Yitz'chak began trembling uncontrollably and said, "Then who was it that took game and brought it to me? I ate it all just before you came, and I gave my blessing to him. That's the truth, and the blessing must stand."

34 When 'Esav heard his father's words he burst into loud, bitter sobbing. "Father, bless me too," he begged.

35 He replied, "Your brother came deceitfully and took away your blessing."

36 'Esav said, "His name, Ya'akov [he supplants], really suits him - because he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright, and here, now he has taken away my blessing!" Then he asked, "Haven't you saved a blessing for me?"

37 Yitz'chak answered 'Esav, "Look, I have made him your lord, I have given him all his kinsmen as servants, and I have given him grain and wine to sustain him. What else is there that I can do for you, my son?"

38 'Esav said to his father, "Have you only one blessing, my father? Father, bless me too!"'Esav wept aloud,

39 and Yitz'chak his father answered him: "Here! Your home will be of the richness of the earth and of the dew of heaven from above.

40 You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you break loose, you will shake his yoke off your neck."

41 'Esav hated his brother because of the blessing his father had given him. 'Esav said to himself, "The time for mourning my father will soon come, and then I will kill my brother Ya'akov."

42 But the words of 'Esav her older son were told to Rivkah. She sent for Ya'akov her younger son and said to him, "Here, your brother 'Esav is comforting himself over you by planning to kill you.

43 Therefore, my son, listen to me: get up and escape to Lavan my brother in Haran.

44 Stay with him a little while, until your brother's anger subsides.

45 Your brother's anger will turn away from you, and he will forget what you did to him. Then I'll send and bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you on the same day?"

46 Rivkah said to Yitz'chak, "I'm sick to death of Hitti women! If Ya'akov marries one of the Hitti women, like those who live here, my life won't be worth living."

Psalm 20

1 For the leader. A psalm of David: May ADONAI answer you in times of distress, may the name of the God of Ya'akov protect you.

2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Tziyon.

3 May he be reminded by all your grain offerings and accept the fat of your burnt offerings. (Selah)

4 May he grant you your heart's desire and bring all your plans to success.

5 Then we will shout for joy at your victory and fly our flags in the name of our God. May ADONAI fulfill all your requests.

6 Now I know that ADONAI gives victory to his anointed one -he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we praise the name of ADONAI our God.

8 They will crumple and fall, but we will arise and stand erect.

9 Give victory, ADONAI! Let the King answer us the day we call.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 21

Luke 16; Genesis 27:46-28:22; Psalm 21 CJB

Luke 16

1 Speaking to the talmidim, Yeshua said: "There was a wealthy man who employed a general manager. Charges were brought to him that his manager was squandering his resources.

2 So he summoned him and asked him, `What is this I hear about you? Turn in your accounts, for you can no longer be manager.'

3 "`What am I to do?' said the manager to himself. `My boss is firing me, I'm not strong enough to dig ditches, and I'm ashamed to go begging.

4 Aha! I know what I'll do -- something that will make people welcome me into their homes after I've lost my job here!'

5 "So, after making appointments with each of his employer's debtors, he said to the first, `How much do you owe my boss?'

6 `Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,' he replied. `Take your note back,' he told him. `Now, quickly! Sit down and write one for four hundred!'

7 To the next he said, `And you, how much do you owe?' `A thousand bushels of wheat,' he replied. `Take your note back and write one for eight hundred.'

8 "And the employer of this dishonest manager applauded him for acting so shrewdly! For the worldly have more sekhel than those who have received the light -- in dealing with their own kind of people!

9 "Now what I say to you is this: use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it gives out, you may be welcomed into the eternal home.

10 Someone who is trustworthy in a small matter is also trustworthy in large ones, and someone who is dishonest in a small matter is also dishonest in large ones.

11 So if you haven't been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who is going to trust you with the real thing?

12 And if you haven't been trustworthy with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what ought to belong to you?

13 No servant can be slave to two masters, for he will either hate the first and love the second, or scorn the second and be loyal to the first. You can't be a slave to both God and money."

14 The P'rushim heard all this, and since they were money-lovers, they ridiculed him.

15 He said to them, "You people make yourselves look righteous to others, but God knows your hearts; what people regard highly is an abomination before God!

16 Up to the time of Yochanan there were the Torah and the Prophets. Since then the Good News of the Kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is pushing to get in.

17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter in the Torah to become void.

18 Every man who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and a man who marries a woman divorced by her husband commits adultery.

19 "Once there was a rich man who used to dress in the most expensive clothing and spent his days in magnificent luxury.

20 At his gate had been laid a beggar named El`azar who was covered with sores.

21 He would have been glad to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man's table; but instead, even the dogs would come and lick his sores.

22 In time the beggar died and was carried away by the angels to Avraham's side; the rich man also died and was buried.

23 "In Sh'ol, where he was in torment, the rich man looked up and saw Avraham far away with El`azar at his side.

24 He called out, `Father Avraham, take pity on me, and send El`azar just to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue, because I'm in agony in this fire!'

25 However, Avraham said, `Son, remember that when you were alive, you got the good things while he got the bad; but now he gets his conso lation here, while you are the one in agony.

26 Yet that isn't all: between you and us a deep rift has been established, so that those who would like to pass from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'

27 "He answered, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house,

28 where I have five brothers, to warn them; so that they may be spared having to come to this place of torment too.'

29 But Avraham said, `They have Moshe and the Prophets; they should listen to them.'

30 However, he said, `No, father Avraham, they need more. If someone from the dead goes to them, they'll repent!'

31 But he replied, `If they won't listen to Moshe and the Prophets, they won't be convinced even if someone rises from the dead!'"

Genesis 27

1 In the course of time, after Yitz'chak had grown old and his eyes dim, so that he couldn't see, he called 'Esav his older son and said to him, "My son?" and he answered, "Here I am."

2 "Look, I'm old now, I don't know when I will die.

3 Therefore, please take your hunting gear - your quiver of arrows and your bow; go out in the country, and get me some game.

4 Make it tasty, the way I like it; and bring it to me to eat. Then I will bless you [as firstborn], before I die."

5 Rivkah was listening when Yitz'chak spoke to his son 'Esav. So when 'Esav went out to the country to hunt for game and bring it back,

6 she said to her son Ya'akov, "Listen! I heard your father telling 'Esav your brother,

7 'Bring me game, and make it tasty, so I can eat it. Then I will give you my blessing in the presence of ADONAI, before my death.'

8 Now pay attention to me, my son; and do what I tell you.

9 Go to the flock, and bring me back two choice kids. I will make it tasty for your father, the way he likes it;

10 and you will bring it to your father to eat; so that he will give his blessing to you before his death."

11 Ya'akov answered Rivkah his mother, "Look, 'Esav is hairy, but I have smooth skin.

12 Suppose my father touches me -he'll know I'm trying to trick him, and I'll bring a curse on myself, not a blessing!"

13 But his mother said, "Let your curse be on me. Just listen to me, and go get me the kids!"

14 So he went, got them and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared them in the tasty way his father loved.

15 Next, Rivkah took 'Esav her older son's best clothes, which she had with her in the house, and put them on Ya'akov her younger son;

16 and she put the skins of the goats on his hands and on the smooth parts of his neck.

17 Then she gave the tasty food and the bread she had prepared to her son Ya'akov.

18 He went to his father and said, "My father?" He replied, "Here I am; who are you, my son?"

19 Ya'akov said to his father, "I am 'Esav your firstborn. I've done what you asked me to do. Get up now, sit down, eat the game, and then give me your blessing."

20 Yitz'chak said to his son, "How did you find it so quickly, my son?" He answered, "ADONAI your God made it happen that way."

21 Yitz'chak said to Ya'akov, "Come here, close to me, so I can touch you, my son, and know whether you are in fact my son 'Esav or not."

22 Ya'akov approached Yitz'chak his father, who touched him and said, "The voice is Ya'akov's voice, but the hands are 'Esav's hands."

23 However, he didn't detect him; because his hands were hairy like his brother 'Esav's hands; so he gave him his blessing.

24 He asked, "Are you really my son 'Esav?"And he replied, "I am."

25 He said, "Bring it here to me, and I will eat my son's game, so that I can give you my blessing." So he brought it up to him, and he ate; he also brought him wine, and he drank.

26 Then his father Yitz'chak said to him,"Come close now, and kiss me, my son."

27 He approached and kissed him. Yitz'chak smelled his clothes and blessed Ya'akov with these words: "See, my son smells like a field which ADONAI has blessed.

28 So may God give you dew from heaven, the richness of the earth, and grain and wine in abundance.

29 May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be lord over your kinsmen, let your mother's descendants bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!"

30 But as soon as Yitz'chak had finished giving his blessing to Ya'akov, when Ya'akov had barely left his father's presence, 'Esav his brother came in from his hunting.

31 He too had prepared a tasty meal and brought it to his father, and now he said to his father, "Let my father get up and eat from his son's game, so that you may give me your blessing."

32 Yitz'chak his father said to him, "Who are you?" and he answered, "I am your son, your firstborn, 'Esav."

33 Yitz'chak began trembling uncontrollably and said, "Then who was it that took game and brought it to me? I ate it all just before you came, and I gave my blessing to him. That's the truth, and the blessing must stand."

34 When 'Esav heard his father's words he burst into loud, bitter sobbing. "Father, bless me too," he begged.

35 He replied, "Your brother came deceitfully and took away your blessing."

36 'Esav said, "His name, Ya'akov [he supplants], really suits him - because he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright, and here, now he has taken away my blessing!" Then he asked, "Haven't you saved a blessing for me?"

37 Yitz'chak answered 'Esav, "Look, I have made him your lord, I have given him all his kinsmen as servants, and I have given him grain and wine to sustain him. What else is there that I can do for you, my son?"

38 'Esav said to his father, "Have you only one blessing, my father? Father, bless me too!"'Esav wept aloud,

39 and Yitz'chak his father answered him: "Here! Your home will be of the richness of the earth and of the dew of heaven from above.

40 You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you break loose, you will shake his yoke off your neck."

41 'Esav hated his brother because of the blessing his father had given him. 'Esav said to himself, "The time for mourning my father will soon come, and then I will kill my brother Ya'akov."

42 But the words of 'Esav her older son were told to Rivkah. She sent for Ya'akov her younger son and said to him, "Here, your brother 'Esav is comforting himself over you by planning to kill you.

43 Therefore, my son, listen to me: get up and escape to Lavan my brother in Haran.

44 Stay with him a little while, until your brother's anger subsides.

45 Your brother's anger will turn away from you, and he will forget what you did to him. Then I'll send and bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you on the same day?"

46 Rivkah said to Yitz'chak, "I'm sick to death of Hitti women! If Ya'akov marries one of the Hitti women, like those who live here, my life won't be worth living."

Genesis 28

1 So Yitz'chak called Ya'akov, and, after blessing him, charged him: "You are not to choose a wife from the Hitti women.

2 Go now to the home of B'tu'el your mother's father, and choose a wife there from the daughters of Lavan your mother's brother.

3 May El Shaddai bless you, make you fruitful and increase your descendants, until they become a whole assembly of peoples.

4 And may he give you the blessing which he gave Avraham, you and your descendants with you, so that you will possess the land you will travel through, the land God gave to Avraham."

5 So Yitz'chak sent Ya'akov away; and he went to Paddan-Aram, to Lavan, son of B'tu'el the Arami, the brother of Rivkah Ya'akov's and 'Esav's mother.

6 Now 'Esav saw that Yitz'chak had blessed Ya'akov and sent him away to Paddan-Aram to choose a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he charged him, "You are not to choose a Kena'ani woman as your wife,"

7 and that Ya'akov had listened to his father and mother and gone to Paddan-Aram.

8 'Esav also saw that the Kena'ani women did not please Yitz'chak his father.

9 So 'Esav went to Yishma'el and took, in addition to the wives he already had, Machalat the daughter of Yishma'el Avraham's son, the sister of N'vayot, to be his wife.

10 Ya'akov went out from Be'er-Sheva and traveled toward Haran.

11 He came to a certain place and stayed the night there, because the sun had set. He took a stone from the place, put it under his head and lay down there to sleep.

12 He dreamt that there before him was a ladder resting on the ground with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of ADONAI were going up and down on it.

13 Then suddenly ADONAI was standing there next to him; and he said, "I am ADONAI, the God of Avraham your [grand]father and the God of Yitz'chak. The land on which you are lying I will give to you and to your descendants.

14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the grains of dust on the earth. You will expand to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. By you and your descendants all the families of the earth will be blessed.

15 Look, I am with you. I will guard you wherever you go, and I will bring you back into this land, because I won't leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

16 Ya'akov awoke from his sleep and said, "Truly, ADONAI is in this place - and I didn't know it!"

17 Then he became afraid and said, "This place is fearsome! This has to be the house of God! This is the gate of heaven!"

18 Ya'akov got up early in the morning, took the stone he had put under his head, set it up as a standing-stone, poured olive oil on its top

19 and named the place Beit-El [house of God]; but the town had originally been called Luz.

20 Ya'akov took this vow: "If God will be with me and will guard me on this road that I am traveling, giving me bread to eat and clothes to wear,

21 so that I return to my father's house in peace, then ADONAI will be my God;

22 and this stone, which I have set up as a standing-stone, will be God's house; and of everything you give me, I will faithfully return one-tenth to you."

Psalm 21

1 For the leader. A psalm of David: ADONAI, the king finds joy in your strength; what great joy he displays in your victory!

2 You give him his heart's desire; you don't refuse the prayer from his lips. (Selah)

3 For you come to meet him with the best blessings, you place a crown of fine gold on his head.

4 He asks you for life; you give it to him, years and years forever and ever.

5 Your victory brings him great glory; you confer on him splendor and honor.

6 For you bestow on him everlasting blessings, you make him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king puts his trust in ADONAI, in the grace of 'Elyon; he will not be moved.

8 Your hand will find all your enemies; your right hand will overtake those who hate you.

9 At your appearing, you will make them like a fiery furnace. ADONAI will swallow them up in his anger; fire will consume them.

10 You will destroy from the earth their descendants, rid humankind of their posterity;

11 for they intended evil against you; but despite their scheme, they won't succeed.

12 For you will make them turn their back by aiming your bow at their faces.

13 Arise, ADONAI, in your strength; and we will sing and praise your power.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 22

Luke 17; Genesis 29; Psalm 22 CJB

Luke 17

1 Yeshua said to his talmidim, "It is impossible that snares will not be set. But woe to the person who sets them!

2 It would be to his advantage that he have a millstone hung around his neck and he be thrown into the sea, rather than that he ensnare one of these little ones.

3 Watch yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

4 Also, if seven times in one day he sins against you, and seven times he comes to you and says, `I repent,' you are to forgive him."

5 The emissaries said to the Lord, "Increase our trust."

6 The Lord replied, "If you had trust as tiny as a mustard seed, you could say to this fig tree, `Be uprooted and replanted in the sea!' and it would obey you.

7 If one of you has a slave tending the sheep or plowing, when he comes back from the field, will you say to him, `Come along now, sit down and eat'?

8 No, you'll say, `Get my supper ready, dress for work, and serve me until I have finished eating and drinking; after that, you may eat and drink.'

9 Does he thank the slave because he did what he was told to do? No!

10 It's the same with you -- when you have done everything you were told to do, you should be saying, `We're just ordinary slaves, we have only done our duty.'"

11 On his way to Yerushalayim, Yeshua passed along the border country between Shomron and the Galil.

12 As he entered one of the villages, ten men afflicted with tzara`at met him. They stood at a distance

13 and called out, "Yeshua! Rabbi! Have pity on us!"

14 On seeing them, he said, "Go and let the cohanim examine you!" And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, as soon as he noticed that he had been healed, returned shouting praises to God,

16 and fell on his face at Yeshua's feet to thank him. Now he was from Shomron.

17 Yeshua said, "Weren't ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?

18 Was no one found coming back to give glory to God except this foreigner?"

19 And to the man from Shomron he said, "Get up, you may go; your trust has saved you."

20 The P'rushim asked Yeshua when the Kingdom of God would come. "The Kingdom of God," he answered, "does not come with visible signs;

21 nor will people be able to say, `Look! Here it is!' or, `Over there!' Because, you see, the Kingdom of God is among you."

22 Then he said to his talmidim, "The time is coming when you will long to see even one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.

23 People will say to you, `Look! Right here!' or, `See! Over there!' Don't run off, don't follow them,

24 because the Son of Man in his day will be like lightning that flashes and lights up the sky from one horizon to the other.

25 But first he must endure horrible suffering and be rejected by this generation.

26 "Also, at the time of the Son of Man, it will be just as it was at the time of Noach.

27 People ate and drank, and men and women married, right up until the day Noach entered the ark; then the flood came and destroyed them all.

28 Likewise, as it was in the time of Lot -- people ate and drank, bought and sold, planted and built;

29 but the day Lot left S'dom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

30 That is how it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.

31 On that day, if someone is on the roof with his belongings in his house, he must not go down to take them away. Similarly, if someone is in the field, he must not turn back --

32 remember Lot's wife!

33 Whoever aims at preserving his own life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will stay alive.

34 I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed -- one will be taken and the other left behind.

35 There will be two women grinding grain together -- one will be taken and the other left behind."

36 Some manuscripts have verse 36: Two men will be in a field -- one will be taken and the other left behind."

37 They asked him, "Where, Lord?" He answered, "Wherever there's a dead body, that's where the vultures gather."

Genesis 29

1 Continuing his journey, Ya'akov came to the land of the people of the east.

2 As he looked, he saw a well in a field; and there were three flocks of sheep lying there next to it; because they watered the sheep from that well. The stone on the well's mouth was large,

3 and only when all the flocks had gathered there would they roll the stone away from the opening of the well and water the sheep. Then they would put the stone back in its place on the well's opening.

4 Ya'akov said to them, "My brothers, where are you from?" They answered, "We're from Haran."

5 He asked them, "Do you know Lavan the [grand]son of Nachor?" They said, "We do."

6 He asked them, "Are things going well with him?""Yes," they answered, "and here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep."

7 He said, "Look, there's still plenty of daylight left; and it isn't time to bring the animals home; so water the sheep; then go, and put them out to pasture."

8 They answered, "We can't, not until all the flocks have been gathered together, and they roll the stone away from the opening of the well. That's when we water the sheep."

9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, because she took care of them.

10 When Ya'akov saw Rachel the daughter of Lavan his mother's brother, and the sheep of Lavan his mother's brother, Ya'akov went up and rolled the stone away from the opening of the well and watered the flock of Lavan his mother's brother.

11 Ya'akov kissed Rachel and wept aloud.

12 Ya'akov told Rachel that he was her father's relative, and that he was Rivkah's son; and she ran and told her father.

13 When Lavan heard the news of Ya'akov his sister's son, he ran to meet him, hugged him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Ya'akov told Lavan all that had happened.

14 Lavan said to him, "You are indeed my own flesh and blood." After Ya'akov had stayed with him for a whole month,

15 Lavan said to him, "Why should you work for me for nothing, just because you are my relative? Tell me how much I should pay you."

16 Now Lavan had two daughters; the name of the older was Le'ah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Le'ah's eyes were weak; but Rachel was good-looking, with beautiful features.

18 Ya'akov had fallen in love with Rachel and said, "I will work for you seven years in exchange for Rachel your younger daughter."

19 Lavan answered, "Better that I give her to you than to someone else; stay with me."

20 So Ya'akov worked seven years for Rachel, and it seemed only a few days to him, because he was so much in love with her.

21 Ya'akov said to Lavan, "Give me my wife, since my time is finished, so that I can start living with her."

22 Lavan gathered all the men of the place and gave a banquet.

23 In the evening he took Le'ah his daughter and brought her to Ya'akov, and he went in and slept with her.

24 Lavan also gave his slave-girl Zilpah to his daughter Le'ah as her slave-girl.

25 In the morning Ya'akov saw that he was with Le'ah, and he said to Lavan, "What kind of thing is this that you've done to me? Didn't I work for you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?"

26 Lavan answered, "In our place that isn't how it's done, to give the younger daughter before the firstborn.

27 Finish the marriage week of this one, and we'll give you the other one also in exchange for the work you will do for me during yet another seven years."

28 Ya'akov agreed to this, so he finished her week, and Lavan gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.

29 Lavan also gave to his daughter Rachel his slave-girl Bilhah as her slave-girl.

30 So not only did Ya'akov go in and sleep with Rachel, but he also loved Rachel more than Le'ah. Then he served Lavan another seven years.

31 ADONAI saw that Le'ah was unloved, so he made her fertile, while Rachel remained childless.

32 Le'ah conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Re'uven [see, a son!], for she said, "It is because ADONAI has seen how humiliated I have been, but now my husband will love me."

33 She conceived again, gave birth to a son and said, "It is because ADONAI has heard that I am unloved; therefore he has given me this son also." So she named him Shim'on [hearing].

34 Once more she conceived and had a son; and she said, "Now this time my husband will be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore she named him Levi [joining].

35 She conceived yet again, had a son and said, "This time I will praise ADONAI"; therefore she named him Y'hudah [praise]. Then she stopped having children.

Psalm 22

1 For the leader. Set to "Sunrise."A psalm of David: My God! My God! Why have you abandoned me? Why so far from helping me, so far from my anguished cries?

2 My God, by day I call to you, but you don't answer; likewise at night, but I get no relief.

3 Nevertheless, you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Isra'el.

4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted, and you rescued them.

5 They cried to you and escaped; they trusted in you and were not disappointed.

6 But I am a worm, not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.

7 All who see me jeer at me; they sneer and shake their heads:

8 "He committed himself to ADONAI, so let him rescue him! Let him set him free if he takes such delight in him!"

9 But you are the one who took me from the womb, you made me trust when I was on my mother's breasts.

10 Since my birth I've been thrown on you; you are my God from my mother's womb.

11 Don't stay far from me, for trouble is near; and there is no one to help.

12 Many bulls surround me, wild bulls of Bashan close in on me.

13 They open their mouths wide against me, like ravening, roaring lions.

14 I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; my heart has become like wax it melts inside me;

15 my mouth is as dry as a fragment of a pot, my tongue sticks to my palate; you lay me down in the dust of death.

16 Dogs are all around me, a pack of villains closes in on me like a lion [at] my hands and feet.

17 I can count every one of my bones, while they gaze at me and gloat.

18 They divide my garments among themselves; for my clothing they throw dice.

19 But you, ADONAI, don't stay far away! My strength, come quickly to help me!

20 Rescue me from the sword, Or: "They pierced my hands and feet." See Introduction, Section VIII, paragraph 6, and Section XIV, footnote 70. my life from the power of the dogs.

21 Save me from the lion's mouth! You have answered me from the wild bulls' horns.

22 I will proclaim your name to my kinsmen; right there in the assembly I will praise you:

23 "You who fear ADONAI, praise him! All descendants of Ya'akov, glorify him! All descendants of Isra'el, stand in awe of him!

24 For he has not despised or abhorred the poverty of the poor; he did not hide his face from him but listened to his cry."

25 Because of you I give praise in the great assembly; I will fulfill my vows in the sight of those who fear him.

26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek ADONAI will praise him; Your hearts will enjoy life forever.

27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to ADONAI; all the clans of the nations will worship in your presence.

28 For the kingdom belongs to ADONAI, and he rules the nations.

29 All who prosper on the earth will eat and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him, including him who can't keep himself alive,

30 A descendant will serve him; the next generation will be told of Adonai.

31 They will come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he is the one who did it.

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 23

Luke 18:1-17; Genesis 29:31-30:43; Psalm 23 CJB

Luke 18:1-17

1 Then Yeshua told his talmidim a parable, in order to impress on them that they must always keep praying and not lose heart.

2 "In a certain town, there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected other people.

3 There was also in that town a widow who kept coming to him and saying, `Give me a judgment against the man who is trying to ruin me.'

4 For a long time he refused; but after awhile, he said to himself, `I don't fear God, and I don't respect other people;

5 but because this widow is such a nudnik, I will see to it that she gets justice -- otherwise, she'll keep coming and pestering me till she wears me out!'"

6 Then the Lord commented, "Notice what this corrupt judge says.

7 Now won't God grant justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Is he delaying long over them?

8 I tell you that he will judge in their favor, and quickly! But when the Son of Man comes, will he find this trust on the earth at all?"

9 Also, to some who were relying on their own righteousness and looking down on everyone else, he told this parable:

10 "Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Parush and the other a tax-collector.

11 The Parush stood and prayed to himself, `O God! I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, immoral, or like this tax-collector!

12 I fast twice a week, I pay tithes on my entire income, . . . '

13 But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes toward heaven, but beat his breast and said, `God! Have mercy on me, sinner that I am!'

14 I tell you, this man went down to his home right with God rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted."

15 People brought him babies to touch; but when the talmidim saw the people doing this, they rebuked them.

16 However, Yeshua called the children to him and said, "Let the children come to me, and stop hindering them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

17 Yes! I tell you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it at all!"

Genesis 29

1 Continuing his journey, Ya'akov came to the land of the people of the east.

2 As he looked, he saw a well in a field; and there were three flocks of sheep lying there next to it; because they watered the sheep from that well. The stone on the well's mouth was large,

3 and only when all the flocks had gathered there would they roll the stone away from the opening of the well and water the sheep. Then they would put the stone back in its place on the well's opening.

4 Ya'akov said to them, "My brothers, where are you from?" They answered, "We're from Haran."

5 He asked them, "Do you know Lavan the [grand]son of Nachor?" They said, "We do."

6 He asked them, "Are things going well with him?""Yes," they answered, "and here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep."

7 He said, "Look, there's still plenty of daylight left; and it isn't time to bring the animals home; so water the sheep; then go, and put them out to pasture."

8 They answered, "We can't, not until all the flocks have been gathered together, and they roll the stone away from the opening of the well. That's when we water the sheep."

9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, because she took care of them.

10 When Ya'akov saw Rachel the daughter of Lavan his mother's brother, and the sheep of Lavan his mother's brother, Ya'akov went up and rolled the stone away from the opening of the well and watered the flock of Lavan his mother's brother.

11 Ya'akov kissed Rachel and wept aloud.

12 Ya'akov told Rachel that he was her father's relative, and that he was Rivkah's son; and she ran and told her father.

13 When Lavan heard the news of Ya'akov his sister's son, he ran to meet him, hugged him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Ya'akov told Lavan all that had happened.

14 Lavan said to him, "You are indeed my own flesh and blood." After Ya'akov had stayed with him for a whole month,

15 Lavan said to him, "Why should you work for me for nothing, just because you are my relative? Tell me how much I should pay you."

16 Now Lavan had two daughters; the name of the older was Le'ah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Le'ah's eyes were weak; but Rachel was good-looking, with beautiful features.

18 Ya'akov had fallen in love with Rachel and said, "I will work for you seven years in exchange for Rachel your younger daughter."

19 Lavan answered, "Better that I give her to you than to someone else; stay with me."

20 So Ya'akov worked seven years for Rachel, and it seemed only a few days to him, because he was so much in love with her.

21 Ya'akov said to Lavan, "Give me my wife, since my time is finished, so that I can start living with her."

22 Lavan gathered all the men of the place and gave a banquet.

23 In the evening he took Le'ah his daughter and brought her to Ya'akov, and he went in and slept with her.

24 Lavan also gave his slave-girl Zilpah to his daughter Le'ah as her slave-girl.

25 In the morning Ya'akov saw that he was with Le'ah, and he said to Lavan, "What kind of thing is this that you've done to me? Didn't I work for you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?"

26 Lavan answered, "In our place that isn't how it's done, to give the younger daughter before the firstborn.

27 Finish the marriage week of this one, and we'll give you the other one also in exchange for the work you will do for me during yet another seven years."

28 Ya'akov agreed to this, so he finished her week, and Lavan gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.

29 Lavan also gave to his daughter Rachel his slave-girl Bilhah as her slave-girl.

30 So not only did Ya'akov go in and sleep with Rachel, but he also loved Rachel more than Le'ah. Then he served Lavan another seven years.

31 ADONAI saw that Le'ah was unloved, so he made her fertile, while Rachel remained childless.

32 Le'ah conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Re'uven [see, a son!], for she said, "It is because ADONAI has seen how humiliated I have been, but now my husband will love me."

33 She conceived again, gave birth to a son and said, "It is because ADONAI has heard that I am unloved; therefore he has given me this son also." So she named him Shim'on [hearing].

34 Once more she conceived and had a son; and she said, "Now this time my husband will be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore she named him Levi [joining].

35 She conceived yet again, had a son and said, "This time I will praise ADONAI"; therefore she named him Y'hudah [praise]. Then she stopped having children.

Genesis 30

1 When Rachel saw that she was not bearing children for Ya'akov, she envied her sister and said to Ya'akov, "Give me children, or I will die!"

2 This made Ya'akov angry at Rachel; he answered, "Am I in God's place? He's the one who is denying you children."

3 She said, "Here is my maid Bilhah. Go, sleep with her, and let her give birth to a child that will be laid on my knees, so that through her I too can build a family."

4 So she gave him Bilhah her slave-girl as his wife, and Ya'akov went in and slept with her.

5 Bilhah conceived and bore Ya'akov a son.

6 Rachel said, "God has judged in my favor; indeed he has heard me and given me a son." Therefore she called him Dan [he judged].

7 Bilhah Rachel's slave-girl conceived again and bore Ya'akov a second son.

8 Rachel said, "I have wrestled mightily with my sister and won," and called him Naftali [my wrestling].

9 When Le'ah saw that she had stopped having children, she took Zilpah her slave-girl and gave her to Ya'akov as his wife.

10 Zilpah Le'ah's slave-girl bore Ya'akov a son;

11 and Le'ah said, "Good fortune has come," calling him Gad [good fortune].

12 Zilpah Le'ah's slave-girl bore Ya'akov a second son;

13 and Le'ah said, "How happy I am! Women will say I am happy!" and called him Asher [happy].

14 During the wheat harvest season Re'uven went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Le'ah. Rachel said to Le'ah, "Please give me some of your son's mandrakes [so that I can be fertile]."

15 She answered, "Isn't it enough that you have taken away my husband? Do you have to take my son's mandrakes too?" Rachel said, "Very well; in exchange for your son's mandrakes, sleep with him tonight."

16 When Ya'akov came in from the field in the evening, Le'ah went out to meet him and said, "You have to come and sleep with me, because I've hired you with my son's mandrakes." So Ya'akov slept with her that night.

17 God listened to Le'ah, and she conceived and bore Ya'akov a fifth son.

18 Le'ah said, "God has given me my hire, because I gave my slave-girl to my husband." So she called him Yissakhar [hire, reward].

19 Le'ah conceived again and bore a sixth son to Ya'akov.

20 Le'ah said, "God has given me a wonderful gift. Now at last my husband will live with me, since I have borne him six sons."And she called him Z'vulun [living together].

21 After this, she gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah [controversy over rights].

22 Then God took note of Rachel, heeded her prayer and made her fertile.

23 She conceived, had a son and said, "God has taken away my disgrace."

24 She called him Yosef [may he add], saying, "May ADONAI add to me another son."

25 After Rachel had given birth to Yosef, Ya'akov said to Lavan, "Send me on my way, so that I can return to my own place, to my own country.

26 Let me take my wives, for whom I have served you, and my children; and let me go. You know very well how faithfully I have served you."

27 Lavan answered him, "If you regard me favorably, then please listen: I have observed the signs that ADONAI has blessed me on account of you.

28 Name your wages," he said; "I will pay them."

29 Ya'akov replied, "You know how faithfully I have served you and how your livestock have prospered under my care.

30 The few you had before I came have increased substantially; ADONAI has blessed you wherever I went. But now, when will I provide for my own household?"

31 Lavan said, "What should I give you?""Nothing," answered Ya'akov, "just do this one thing for me: once more I will pasture your flock and take care of it.

32 I will also go through the flock and pick out every speckled, spotted or brown sheep, and every speckled or spotted goat; these and their offspring will be my wages.

33 And I will let my integrity stand as witness against me in the future: when you come to look over the animals constituting my wages, every goat that isn't speckled or spotted and every sheep that isn't brown will count as stolen by me."

34 Lavan replied, "As you have said, so be it."

35 That day Lavan removed the male goats that were streaked or spotted and all the female goats that were speckled or spotted, every one with white on it, and all the brown sheep; turned them over to his sons;

36 and put three days' distance between himself and Ya'akov. Ya'akov fed the rest of Lavan's flocks.

37 Ya'akov took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond and plane trees and made white streaks on them by peeling off the bark.

38 Then he set the rods he had peeled upright in the watering troughs, so that the animals would see them when they came to drink. And since they bred when they came to drink,

39 the animals mated in sight of the rods and gave birth to streaked, speckled and spotted young.

40 Ya'akov divided the lambs and had the animals mate with the streaked and the brown in the flock of Lavan. He also kept his own livestock separate and did not have them mix with Lavan's flock.

41 Whenever the hardier animals came into heat, Ya'akov would set up the rods in the watering troughs; so that the animals would see them and conceive in front of them;

42 but he didn't set up the rods in front of the weaker animals. Thus the more feeble were Lavan's and the stronger Ya'akov's.

43 In this way the man became very rich and had large flocks, along with male and female slaves, camels and donkeys.

Psalm 23

1 A psalm of David: ADONAI is my shepherd; I lack nothing.

2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water,

3 he restores my inner person. He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name.

4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me

5 You prepare a table for me, even as my enemies watch; you anoint my head with oil from an overflowing cup.

6 Goodness and grace will pursue me every day of my life; and I will live in the house of ADONAI for years and years to come.

[phkrause]

Today's Bible Reading

January 24

Luke 18:18-43; Genesis 31; Psalm 24 CJB

Luke 18

18 One of the leaders asked him, "Good rabbi, what should I do to obtain eternal life?"

19 Yeshua said to him, "Why are you calling me good? No one is good but God!

20 You know the mitzvot -- `Don't commit adultery, don't murder, don't steal, don't give false testimony, honor your father and mother, . . .'"

21 He replied, "I have kept all these since I was a boy."

22 On hearing this Yeshua said to him, "There is one thing you still lack. Sell whatever you have, distribute the proceeds to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me!"

23 But when the man heard this, he became very sad, because he was very rich.

24 Yeshua looked at him and said, "How hard it is for people with wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!

25 It's easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God!"

26 Those who heard this asked, "Then who can be saved?"

27 He said, "What is impossible humanly is possible with God."

28 Kefa said, "Look, we have left our homes and followed you."

29 Yeshua answered them, "Yes! I tell you that everyone who has left house, wife, brothers, parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,

30 will receive many times as much in the `olam hazeh, and in the `olam haba eternal life."

31 Then, taking the Twelve, Yeshua said to them, "We are now going up to Yerushalayim, where everything written through the prophets about the Son of Man will come true.

32 For he will be handed over to the Goyim and be ridiculed, insulted and spat upon.

33 Then, after they have beaten him, they will kill him. But on the third day he will rise."

34 However, they understood none of this; its meaning had been hidden from them, and they had no idea what he was talking about.

35 As Yeshua approached Yericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging.

36 When he heard the crowd going past, he asked what it was all about;

37 and they told him, "Yeshua from Natzeret is passing by."

38 He called out, "Yeshua! Son of David! Have pity on me!"

39 Those in front scolded him in order to get him to shut up, but he shouted all the louder, "Son of David! Have pity on me!"

40 Yeshua stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he had come, Yeshua asked him,

41 "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said, "Lord, let me be able to see."

42 Yeshua said to him, "See again! your trust has healed you!"

43 Instantly he received his sight and began following him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they too praised God.

Genesis 31

1 But then he heard what Lavan's sons were saying: "Ya'akov has taken away everything that our father once had. It's from what used to belong to our father that he has gotten so rich."

2 He also saw that Lavan regarded him differently than before.

3 ADONAI said to Ya'akov, "Return to the land of your ancestors, to your kinsmen; I will be with you."

4 So Ya'akov sent for Rachel and Le'ah and had them come to the field where his flock was.

5 He said to them, "I see by the way your father looks that he feels differently toward me than before; but the God of my father has been with me.

6 You know that I have served your father with all my strength,

7 and that your father has belittled me and has changed my wages ten times; but God did not allow him to do me any damage.

8 If he said, 'The speckled will be your wages,' then all the animals gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, 'The streaked will be your wages,' then all the animals gave birth to streaked young.

9 This is how God has taken away your father's animals and given them to me.

10 Once, when the animals were mating, I had a dream: I looked up and there in front of me the male goats which mated with the females were streaked, speckled and mottled.

11 Then, in the dream, the angel of God said to me, 'Ya'akov!' and I replied, 'Here I am.'

12 He continued, 'Raise your eyes now, and look: all the male goats mating with the females are streaked, speckled and mottled; for I have seen everything Lavan has been doing to you.

13 I am the God of Beit-El, where you anointed a standing-stone with oil, where you vowed your vow to me. Now get up, get out of this land, and return to the land where you were born.'"

14 Rachel and Le'ah answered him, "We no longer have any inheritance from our father's possessions;

15 and he considers us foreigners, since he has sold us; moreover, he has consumed everything he received in exchange for us.

16 Nevertheless, the wealth which God has taken away from our father has become ours and our children's anyway; so whatever God has told you to do, do."

17 Then Ya'akov got up, put his sons and wives on the camels,

18 and carried off all his livestock, along with all the riches he had accumulated, the livestock in his possession which he had acquired in Paddan-Aram, to go to Yitz'chak his father in the land of Kena'an.

19 Now Lavan had gone to shear his sheep, so Rachel stole the household idols that belonged to her father,

20 and Ya'akov outwitted Lavan the Arami by not telling him of his intended flight.

21 So he fled with everything he had: he departed, crossed the [Euphrates] River and set out for the hill-country of Gil'ad.

22 Not until the third day was Lavan told that Ya'akov had fled.

23 Lavan took his kinsmen with him and spent the next seven days pursuing Ya'akov, overtaking him in the hill-country of Gil'ad.

24 But God came to Lavan the Arami in a dream that night and said to him, "Be careful that you don't say anything to Ya'akov, either good or bad."

25 When Lavan caught up with Ya'akov, Ya'akov had set up camp in the hill-country; so Lavan and his kinsmen set up camp in the hill-country of Gil'ad.

26 Lavan said to Ya'akov, "What do you mean by deceiving me and carrying off my daughters as if they were captives taken in war?

27 Why did you flee in secret and deceive me and not tell me? I would have sent you off with joy and singing to the music of tambourines and lyres.

28 You didn't even let me kiss my sons and daughters good-bye! What a stupid thing to do!

29 I have it in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night and said, 'Be careful that you don't say anything to Ya'akov, either good or bad.'

30 Granted that you had to leave, because you longed so deeply for your father's house; but why did you steal my gods?"

31 Ya'akov answered Lavan, "Because I was afraid. I said, 'Suppose you take your daughters away from me by force?'

32 But if you find your gods with someone, that person will not remain alive. So with our kinsmen to witness, if you spot anything that I have which belongs to you, take it back." Ya'akov did not know that Rachel had stolen them.

33 Lavan went into Ya'akov's tent, then into Le'ah's tent and into the tent of the two slave-girls; but he did not find them. He left Le'ah's tent and entered Rachel's tent.

34 Now Rachel had taken the household gods, put them in the saddle of the camel and was sitting on them. Lavan felt all around the tent but did not find them.

35 She said to her father, "Please don't be angry that I'm not getting up in your presence, but it's the time of my period." So he searched, but he didn't find the household gods.

36 Then Ya'akov became angry and started arguing with Lavan. "What have I done wrong?" he demanded. "What is my offense, that you have come after me in hot pursuit?

37 You have felt around in all my stuff, but what have you found of all your household goods? Put it here, in front of my kinsmen and yours, so that they can render judgment between the two of us!

38 I have been with you for these twenty years! Your female sheep and goats haven't aborted their young, and I haven't eaten the male animals in your flocks.

39 If one of your flock was destroyed by a wild animal, I didn't bring the carcass to you but bore the loss myself. You demanded that I compensate you for any animal stolen, whether by day or by night.

40 Here's how it was for me: during the day thirst consumed me, and at night the cold - my sleep fled from my eyes.

41 These twenty years I've been in your house - I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flock; and you changed my wages ten times!

42 If the God of my father, the God of Avraham, the one whom Yitz'chak fears, had not been on my side, by now you would certainly have already sent me away with nothing! God has seen how distressed I've been and how hard I've worked, and last night he passed judgment in my favor."

43 Lavan answered Ya'akov, "The daughters are mine, the children are mine, the flocks are mine, and everything you see is mine! But what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne?

44 So now, come, let's make a covenant, I and you; and let it stand as a testimony between me and you."

45 Ya'akov took a stone and set it upright as a standing-stone.

46 Then Ya'akov said to his kinsmen, "Gather some stones"; and they took stones, made a pile of them and ate there by the pile of stones.

47 Lavan called it Y'gar-Sahaduta ["pile of witness" in Aramaic], while Ya'akov called it Gal-'Ed ["pile of witness" in Hebrew].

48 Lavan said, "This pile witnesses between me and you today."This is why it is called Gal-'Ed

49 and also HaMitzpah [the watchtower], because he said, "May ADONAI watch between me and you when we are apart from each other.

50 If you cause pain to my daughters, or if you take wives in addition to my daughters, then, even if no one is there with us, still God is witness between me and you."

51 Lavan also said to Ya'akov, "Here is this pile, and here is this standing-stone, which I have set up between me and you.

52 May this pile be a witness, and may the standing-stone be a witness, that I will not pass beyond this pile to you, and you will not pass beyond this pile and this standing-stone to me, to cause harm.

53 May the God of Avraham and also the god of Nachor, the god of their father, judge between us." But Ya'akov swore by the One his father Yitz'chak feared.

54 Ya'akov offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his kinsmen to the meal. They ate the food and spent the whole night on the mountain.

55 Early in the morning Lavan got up, kissed his sons and daughters, and blessed them. Then Lavan left and returned to his own place.

Psalm 24

1 By David. A psalm: The earth is ADONAI's, with all that is in it, the world and those who live there;

2 for he set its foundations on the seas and established it on the rivers.

3 Who may go up to the mountain of ADONAI? Who can stand in his holy place?

4 Those with clean hands and pure hearts, who don't make vanities the purpose of their lives or swear oaths just to deceive.

5 They will receive a blessing from ADONAI and justice from God, who saves them.

6 Such is the character of those who seek him, of Ya'akov, who seeks your face. (Selah)

7 Lift up your heads, you gates! Lift them up, everlasting doors, so that the glorious king can enter!

8 Who is he, this glorious king? ADONAI, strong and mighty, ADONAI, mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, you gates! Lift them up, everlasting doors, so that the glorious king can enter!

10 Who is he, this glorious king? ADONAI-Tzva'ot he is the glorious king. (Selah)

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Today's Bible Reading

January 25

Luke 19:1-27; Genesis 32-33; Psalm 25 CJB

Luke 19:1-27

1 Yeshua entered Yericho and was passing through,

2 when a man named Zakkai appeared who was a chief tax-collector and a wealthy man.

3 He was trying to see who Yeshua was; but, being short, he couldn't, because of the crowd.

4 So he ran on ahead and climbed a fig tree in order to see him, for Yeshua was about to pass that way.

5 When he came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zakkai! Hurry! Come down, because I have to stay at your house today!"

6 He climbed down as fast as he could and welcomed Yeshua joyfully.

7 Everyone who saw it began muttering, "He has gone to be the house-guest of a sinner."

8 But Zakkai stood there and said to the Lord, "Here, Lord, I am giving half of all I own to the poor; and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much."

9 Yeshua said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, inasmuch as this man too is a son of Avraham.

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost."

11 While they were listening to this, Yeshua went on to tell a parable, because he was near Yerushalayim, and the people supposed that the Kingdom of God was about to appear at any moment.

12 Therefore he said, "A nobleman went to a country far away to have himself crowned king and then return.

13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten manim [a maneh is about three months' wages] and said to them, `Do business with this while I'm away.'

14 But his countrymen hated him, and they sent a delegation after him to say, `We don't want this man to rule over us.'

15 "However, he returned, having been made king, and sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what each one had earned in his business dealings.

16 The first one came in and said, `Sir, your maneh has earned ten more manim.'

17 `Excellent!' he said to him. `You are a good servant. Because you have been trustworthy in a small matter, I am putting you in charge of ten towns.'

18 The second one came and said, `Sir, your maneh has earned five more manim;

19 and to this one he said, `You be in charge of five towns.'

20 "Then another one came and said, `Sir, here is your maneh. I kept it hidden in a piece of cloth,

21 because I was afraid of you -- you take out what you didn't put in, and you harvest what you didn't plant.'

22 To him the master said, `You wicked servant! I will judge you by your own words! So you knew, did you, that I was a severe man, taking out what I didn't put in and harvesting what I didn't plant?

23 Then why didn't you put my money in the bank? Then, when I returned, I would have gotten it back with interest!'

24 To those standing by, he said, `Take the maneh from him and give it to the one with ten manim.'

25 They said to him, `Sir, he already has ten manim!'

26 But the master answered, `I tell you, everyone who has something will be given more; but from anyone who has nothing, even what he does have will be taken away.

27 However, as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and execute them in my presence!'"

Genesis 32

1 Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim. 3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4 He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. 5 I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.’ ” 6 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. 8 He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.” 9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, LORD, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’ ” 13 He spent the night there, and from what he had with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. 16 He put them in the care of his servants, each herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Go ahead of me, and keep some space between the herds.” 17 He instructed the one in the lead: “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘Who do you belong to, and where are you going, and who owns all these animals in front of you?’ 18 then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.’ ” 19 He also instructed the second, the third and all the others who followed the herds: “You are to say the same thing to Esau when you meet him. 20 And be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.’ ” For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.” 21 So Jacob’s gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp. 22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. 28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” 29 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” 31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was touched near the tendon.

Genesis 33

1 Ya'akov raised his eyes and looked out; and there was 'Esav coming, and four hundred men with him. So Ya'akov divided the children between Le'ah, Rachel and the two slave-girls,

2 putting the slave-girls and their children first, Le'ah and her children second, and Rachel and Yosef last.

3 Then he himself passed on ahead of them and prostrated himself on the ground seven times before approaching his brother.

4 'Esav ran to meet him, hugged him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him; and they wept.

5 Esav looked up; on seeing the women and children, he asked, "Who are these with you?" Ya'akov answered, "The children God has graciously given to your servant."

6 Then the slave-girls approached with their children, and they prostrated themselves;

7 Le'ah too and her children approached and prostrated themselves; and last came Yosef and Rachel; and they prostrated themselves.

8 'Esav asked, "What was the meaning of this procession of droves I encountered?" and he answered, "It was to win my lord's favor."

9 'Esav replied, "I have plenty already; my brother, keep your possessions for yourself."

10 Ya'akov said, "No, please! If now I have won your favor, then accept my gift. Just seeing your face has been like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me.

11 So please accept the gift I have brought you, for God has dealt kindly with me and I have enough."Thus he urged him, until he accepted it.

12 'Esav said, "Let's break camp and get going. I'll go first."

13 Ya'akov said to him, "My lord knows that the children are small, and the sheep and cattle suckling their young concern me, because if they overdrive them even one day, all the flocks will die.

14 Instead, please, let my lord go on ahead of his servant. I will travel more slowly, at the pace of the cattle ahead of me and at the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Se'ir."

15 'Esav replied, "Then let me leave with you some of the people I have with me." But Ya'akov said, "There's no need for my lord to be so kind to me."

16 So 'Esav left that day to return to Se'ir.

17 Ya'akov went on to Sukkot, where he built himself a house and put up shelters for his cattle. This is why the place is called Sukkot [shelters].

18 Having traveled from Paddan-Aram, Ya'akov arrived safely at the city of Sh'khem, in Kena'an, and set up camp near the city.

19 From the sons of Hamor Sh'khem's father he bought for one hundred pieces of silver the parcel of land where he had pitched his tent.

20 There he put up an altar, which he called El-Elohei-Yisra'el [God, the God of Isra'el].

Psalm 25

1 By David: I lift my inner being to you, ADONAI;

2 I trust you, my God. Don't let me be disgraced, don't let my enemies gloat over me.

3 No one waiting for you will be disgraced; disgrace awaits those who break faith for no reason.

4 Make me know your ways, ADONAI, teach me your paths.

5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God who saves me, my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember your compassion and grace, ADONAI; for these are ages old.

7 Don't remember my youthful sins or transgressions; but remember me according to your grace for the sake of your goodness, ADONAI.

8 ADONAI is good, and he is fair; this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],

9 leads the humble to do what is right and teaches the humble [to live] his way.

10 All ADONAI's paths are grace and truth to those who keep his covenant and instructions.

11 For the sake of your name, ADONAI, forgive my wickedness, great though it is.

12 Who is the person who fears ADONAI? He will teach him the way to choose.

13 He will remain prosperous, and his descendants will inherit the land.

14 ADONAI relates intimately with those who fear him; he makes them know his covenant.

15 My eyes are always directed toward ADONAI, for he will free my feet from the net.

16 Turn to me, and show me your favor; for I am alone and oppressed.

17 The troubles of my heart are growing and growing; bring me out of my distress.

18 See my affliction and suffering, and take all my sins away.

19 Consider my enemies, how many there are and how cruelly they hate me.

20 Protect me and rescue me; don't let me be disgraced, for I take refuge in you.

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, because my hope is in you.

22 God! Redeem Isra'el from all their troubles!

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Today's Bible Reading

January 26

Luke 19:28-48; Genesis 34; Psalm 26 CJB

Luke 19

28 After saying this, Yeshua went on and began the ascent to Yerushalayim.

29 As he approached Beit-Pagei and Beit-Anyah, by the Mount of Olives, he sent two talmidim,

30 instructing them, "Go into the village ahead; on entering it, you will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here.

31 If anyone asks why you are untying it, tell him, `The Lord needs it.'"

32 Those who were sent went off and found it just as he had told them.

33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

34 and they said, "Because the Lord needs it."

35 They brought it to Yeshua; and, throwing their robes on the colt, they put Yeshua on it.

36 As he went along, people carpeted the road with their clothing;

37 and as he came near Yerushalayim, where the road descends from the Mount of Olives, the entire band of talmidim began to sing and praise God at the top of their voices for all the powerful works they had seen:

38 "Blessed is the King who is coming in the name of ADONAI!" "Shalom in heaven!" and "Glory in the highest places!"

39 Some of the P'rushim in the crowd said to him, "Rabbi! Reprimand your talmidim!"

40 But he answered them, "I tell you that if they keep quiet, the stones will shout!"

41 When Yeshua had come closer and could see the city, he wept over it,

42 saying, "If you only knew today what is needed for shalom! But for now it is hidden from your sight.

43 For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will set up a barricade around you, encircle you, hem you in on every side,

44 and dash you to the ground, you and your children within your walls, leaving not one stone standing on another -- and all because you did not recognize your opportunity when God offered it!"

45 Then Yeshua entered the Temple grounds and began driving out those doing business there,

46 saying to them, "The Tanakh says, `My House is to be a house of prayer,'a but you have made it into a den of robbers!"

47 Every day he taught at the Temple. The head cohanim, the Torah-teachers and the leaders of the people tried to find a way of putting an end to him;

48 but they couldn't find any way of doing it, because all the people were hanging onto his every word.

Genesis 34

1 One time Dinah the daughter of Le'ah, whom she had borne to Ya'akov, went out to visit the local girls;

2 and Sh'khem the son of Hamor the Hivi, the local ruler, saw her, grabbed her, raped her and humiliated her.

3 But actually he was strongly attracted to Dinah the daughter of Ya'akov; he fell in love with the girl and tried to win her affection.

4 Sh'khem spoke with his father Hamor and said, "Get this girl for me; I want her to be my wife."

5 When Ya'akov heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter, his sons were with his livestock in the field; so Ya'akov restrained himself until they came.

6 Hamor the father of Sh'khem went out to Ya'akov to speak with him

7 just as Ya'akov's sons were coming in from the field. When they heard what had happened, the men were saddened and were very angry at the outrage this man had committed against Isra'el by raping Ya'akov's daughter, something that is simply not done.

8 But Hamor said to them, "My son Sh'khem's heart is set on your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife;

9 and intermarry with us: give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves.

10 You will live with us, and the land will be available to you - you'll live, do business and acquire possessions here."

11 Then Sh'khem said to her father and brothers, "Only accept me, and I will give whatever you tell me.

12 Ask as large a bride-price as you like, I'll pay whatever you tell me. Just let me marry the girl."

13 The sons of Ya'akov answered Sh'khem and Hamor his father deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah their sister.

14 They said to them, "We can't do it, because it would be a disgrace to give our sister to someone who hasn't been circumcised.

15 Only on this condition will we consent to what you are asking: that you become like us by having every male among you get circumcised.

16 Then we'll give our daughters to you, and we'll take your daughters for ourselves, and we'll live with you and become one people.

17 But if you won't do as we say and get circumcised, then we'll take our daughter and go away."

18 What they said seemed fair to Hamor and Sh'khem the son of Hamor,

19 and the young man did not put off doing what was asked of him, even though he was the most respected member of his father's family, because he so much wanted Ya'akov' s daughter.

20 Hamor and Sh'khem his son came to the entrance of their city and spoke with its leading men:

21 "These people are peaceful toward us; therefore let them live in the land and do business in it; for, as you can see, the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters as wives for ourselves, and we'll give them our daughters.

22 But the people will consent to live with us and become one people only on this condition: that every male among us gets circumcised, as they themselves are circumcised.

23 Won't their cattle, their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let's consent to do what they ask, and then they will live with us."

24 Everyone going out the city's gate listened to Hamor and Sh'khem his son; so every male was circumcised, every one that went out the gate of the city.

25 On the third day after the circumcision, when they were in pain, two of Ya'akov's sons, Shim'on and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords, boldly descended on the city and slaughtered all the males.

26 They killed Hamor and Sh'khem his son with their swords, took Dinah out of Sh'khem's house, and left.

27 Then the sons of Ya'akov entered over the dead bodies of those who had been slaughtered and plundered the city in reprisal for defiling their sister.

28 They took their flocks, cattle and donkeys, and everything else, whether in the city or in the field,

29 everything they owned. Their children and wives they took captive, and they looted whatever was in the houses.

30 But Ya'akov said to Shim'on and Levi, "You have caused me trouble by making me stink in the opinion of the local inhabitants, the Kena'ani and the P'rizi. Since I don't have many people, they'll align themselves together against me and attack me; and I will be destroyed, I and my household."

31 They replied, "Should we let our sister be treated like a whore?"

Psalm 26

1 By David: Vindicate me, ADONAI, for I have lived a blameless life; unwaveringly I trust in ADONAI.

2 Examine me, ADONAI, test me, search my mind and heart.

3 For your grace is there before my eyes, and I live my life by your truth.

4 I have not sat with worthless folks, I won't consort with hypocrites,

5 I hate the company of evildoers, I will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence and walk around your altar, ADONAI,

7 lifting my voice in thanks and proclaiming all your wonders.

8 ADONAI, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.

9 Don't include me with sinners or my life with the bloodthirsty.

10 In their hands are evil schemes; their right hands are full of bribes.

11 As for me, I will live a blameless life. Redeem me and show me favor.

12 My feet are planted on level ground; in the assemblies I will bless ADONAI.

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Today's Bible Reading

January 27

Luke 20:1-26; Genesis 35:1-36:43; Psalm 27 CJB

Luke 20:1-26

1 One day, as Yeshua was teaching the people at the Temple, making known the Good News, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers, along with the elders, came up to him

2 and said, "Tell us, what s'mikhah do you have that authorizes you to do these things? Who gave you this s'mikhah?"

3 He answered, "I too will ask you a question. Tell me,

4 the immersion of Yochanan -- was it from Heaven or from a human source?" T

5 hey discussed it among themselves, saying, "If we say, `From Heaven,' he will say, `Then why didn't you believe him?'

6 But if we say, `From a human source,' all the people will stone us, because they're convinced that Yochanan was a prophet."

7 So they answered, "We don't know where it came from."

8 Yeshua said to them, "Then I won't tell you by what s'mikhah I do these things."

9 Next Yeshua told the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to tenant-farmers and went away for a long time.

10 When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants to receive his share of the crop from the vineyard; but the tenants beat him up and sent him away empty-handed.

11 He sent another servant; they beat him too, insulted him and sent him away empty-handed.

12 He sent yet a third; this one they wounded and threw out.

13 "Then the owner of the vineyard said, `What am I to do? I will send my son, whom I love; maybe they will respect him.'

14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, `This is the heir; let's kill him, so that the inheritance will be ours!'

15 And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. "Now what will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

16 He will come and put an end to those tenants and give the vineyard to others!" When the people heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!"

17 But Yeshua looked searchingly at them and said, "Then what is this which is written in the Tanakh, `The very rock which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'?

18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken in pieces; but if it falls on him, he will be crushed to powder!"

19 The Torah-teachers and the head cohanim would have seized him at that very moment, because they knew that he had aimed this parable at them, but they were afraid of the people.

20 So they kept a close watch on the situation. They sent spies who hypocritically represented themselves as righteous, so that they might seize hold of something Yeshua said, as an excuse to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor.

21 They put to him this sh'eilah: "Rabbi, we know that you speak and teach straightforwardly, showing no partiality but really teaching what God's way is.

22 Does Torah permit us to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor or not?"

23 But he, spotting their craftiness, said to them,

24 "Show me a denarius! Whose name and picture does it have?" "The Emperor's," they replied.

25 "Then," he said to them, "give the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor. And give God what belongs to God!"

26 They were unable to trap him by anything he said publicly; indeed, amazed at his answer, they fell silent.

Genesis 35

1 God said to Ya'akov, "Get up, go up to Beit-El and live there, and make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled 'Esav your brother."

2 Then Ya'akov said to his household and all the others with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods that you have with you, purify yourselves, and put on fresh clothes.

3 We're going to move on and go up to Beit-El. There I will build an altar to God, who answered me when I was in such distress and stayed with me wherever I went."

4 They gave Ya'akov all the foreign gods in their possession and the earrings they were wearing, and Ya'akov buried them under the pistachio tree near Sh'khem.

5 While they were traveling, a terror from God fell upon the cities around them, so that none of them pursued the sons of Ya'akov.

6 Ya'akov and all the people with him arrived at Luz (that is, Beit-El) in the land of Kena'an.

7 He built there an altar and called the place El-Beit-El [God of Beit-El], because it was there that God was revealed to him, at the time when he was fleeing from his brother.

8 Then D'vorah, Rivkah's nurse, died. She was buried below Beit-El under the oak, which was given the name Alon-Bakhut [oak of weeping].

9 After Ya'akov arrived from Paddan-Aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him.

10 God said to him, "Your name is Ya'akov, but you will be called Ya'akov no longer; your name will be Isra'el."Thus he named him Isra'el.

11 God further said to him, "I am El Shaddai. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation, indeed a group of nations, will come from you; kings will be descended from you.

12 Moreover, the land which I gave to Avraham and Yitz'chak I will give to you, and I will give the land to your descendants after you."

13 Then God went up from him there where he had spoken with him.

14 Ya'akov set up a standing-stone in the place where he had spoken with him, a stone pillar. Then he poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it.

15 Ya'akov called the place where God spoke with him Beit-El.

16 Then they traveled on from Beit-El, and while there was still some distance to go before arriving in Efrat, Rachel went into labor, and she had great difficulty with it.

17 While she was undergoing this hard labor, the midwife said to her, "Don't worry, this is also a son for you."

18 But she died in childbirth. As she was dying she named her son Ben-Oni [son of my grief], but his father called him Binyamin [son of the right hand, son of the south].

19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Efrat (that is, Beit-Lechem).

20 Ya'akov set up a standing-stone on her grave; it is the stand-ing-stone of Rachel's grave to this day.

21 Isra'el continued his travels and pitched his tent on the other side of Migdal-'Eder.

22 It was while Isra'el was living in that land that Re'uven went and slept with Bilhah his father's concubine, and Isra'el heard about it. Ya'akov had twelve sons.

23 The sons of Le'ah were Re'uven Ya'akov's firstborn, Shim'on, Levi, Y'hudah, Yissakhar and Z'vulun.

24 The sons of Rachel were Yosef and Binyamin.

25 The sons of Bilhah Rachel's slave-girl were Dan and Naftali.

26 And the sons of Zilpah Le'ah's slave-girl were Gad and Asher. These were Ya'akov's sons, born to him in Paddan-Aram.

27 Ya'akov came home to his father Yitz'chak at Mamre, near Kiryat-Arba (also known as Hevron), where Avraham and Yitz'chak had lived as foreigners.

28 Yitz'chak lived to be 180 years old.

29 Then he breathed his last, died and was gathered to his people, an old man full of years; and his sons 'Esav and Ya'akov buried him.

Genesis 36

1 This is the genealogy of 'Esav (that is, Edom).

2 'Esav chose Kena'ani women as his wives: 'Adah the daughter of Eilon the Hitti; Oholivamah the daughter of 'Anah the daughter of Tziv'on the Hivi;

3 and Basmat Yishma'el's daughter, sister of N'vayot.

4 'Adah bore to 'Esav Elifaz, Basmat bore Re'u'el,

5 and Oholivamah bore Ye'ush, Ya'lam and Korach. These were the sons of 'Esav born to him in the land of Kena'an.

6 'Esav took his wives, his sons and daughters, the others in his household, his cattle and other animals and everything else he owned, which he had acquired in the land of Kena'an, and went off to a country distant from his brother Ya'akov.

7 For their possessions had become too great for them to live together, and the countryside through which they were traveling couldn't support so much livestock.

8 So 'Esav lived in the hill-country of Se'ir. ('Esav is Edom.)

9 This is the genealogy of 'Esav the father of Edom in the hill-country of Se'ir.

10 The names of 'Esav's sons were Elifaz, son of 'Adah the wife of 'Esav, and Re'u'el the son of Basmat the wife of 'Esav.

11 The sons of Elifaz were Teman, Omar, Tzefo, Ga'tam and K'naz.

12 Timnah was the concubine of Elifaz 'Esav's son, and she bore to Elifaz 'Amalek. These were the descendants of 'Adah 'Esav's wife.

13 The sons of Re'u'el were Nachat, Zerach, Shammah and Mizah. These were the sons of Basmat 'Esav's wife.

14 These were the sons of Oholivamah, the daughter of 'Anah the daughter of Tziv'on, 'Esav's wife: she bore to 'Esav Ye'ush, Ya'lam and Korach.

15 The chieftains of the sons of 'Esav were the sons of Elifaz the firstborn of 'Esav and the chieftains of Teman, Omar, Tzefo, K'naz,

16 Korach, Ga'tam and 'Amalek. These were the chieftains descended from Elifaz in Edom and from 'Adah.

17 The sons of Re'u'el 'Esav's son were the chieftains of Nachat, Zerach, Shammah and Mizah. These were the chieftains descended from Re'u'el in the land of Edom and from Basmat 'Esav's wife.

18 The sons of Oholivamah 'Esav's wife were the chieftains of Ye'ush, Ya'lam and Korach. These were the chieftains descended from Oholivamah the daughter of 'Anah, 'Esav's wife.

19 These were the descendants of 'Esav (that is, Edom), and these were their chieftains.

20 These were the descendants of Se'ir the Hori, the local inhabitants: Lotan, Shoval, Tziv'on, 'Anah,

21 Dishon, Etzer and Dishan. They were the chieftains descended from the Hori, the people of Se'ir in the land of Edom.

22 The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; Lotan's sister was Timnah.

23 The sons of Shoval were 'Alvan, Manachat, 'Eival, Sh'fo and Onam.

24 The sons of Tziv'on were Ayah and 'Anah. This is the 'Anah who found the hot springs in the desert while pasturing his father Tziv'on's donkeys.

25 The children of 'Anah were Dishon and Oholivamah the daughter of 'Anah.

26 The sons of Dishon were Hemdan, Eshban, Yitran and K'ran.

27 The sons of Etzer were Bilhan, Za'avan and 'Akan.

28 The sons of Dishan were 'Utz and Aran.

29 These were the chieftains descended from the Hori: the chieftains of Lotan, Shoval, Tziv'on, 'Anah,

30 Dishon, Etzer and Dishan. They were the chieftains descended from the Hori by their clans in Se'ir.

31 Following are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king had reigned over the people of Isra'el.

32 Bela the son of B'or reigned in Edom; the name of his city was Dinhavah.

33 When Bela died, Yovav the son of Zerach from Botzrah reigned in his place.

34 When Yovav died, Husham from the land of the Temani reigned in his place.

35 When Husham died, Hadad the son of B'dad, who killed Midyan in the field of Mo'av, reigned in his place; the name of his city was 'Avit.

36 When Hadad died, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.

37 When Samlah died, Sha'ul of Rechovot-by-the-River reigned in his place.

38 When Sha'ul died, Ba'al-Chanan the son of 'Akhbor reigned in his place.

39 When Ba'al-Chanan died, Hadar reigned in his place; the name of his city was Pa'u; and his wife's name was M'heitav'el the daughter of Matred the daughter of Mei-Zahav.

40 These are the names of the chieftains descended from 'Esav, according to their clans, places and names: the chieftains of Timna, 'Alvah, Y'tet,

41 Oholivamah, Elah, Pinon,

42 Kenaz, Teman, Mivtzar,

43 Magdi'el and 'Iram. These were the chieftains of Edom according to their settlements in the land they owned. This is 'Esav the father of Edom.

Psalm 27

1 By David: ADONAI is my light and salvation; whom do I need to fear? ADONAI is the stronghold of my life; of whom should I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assailed me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and foes, they stumbled and fell.

3 If an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear; if war breaks out against me, even then I will keep trusting.

4 Just one thing have I asked of ADONAI; only this will I seek: to live in the house of ADONAI all the days of my life, to see the beauty of ADONAI and visit in his temple.

5 For he will conceal me in his shelter on the day of trouble, he will hide me in the folds of his tent, he will set me high on a rock.

6 Then my head will be lifted up above my surrounding foes, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, sing praises to ADONAI.

7 Listen, ADONAI, to my voice when I cry; show favor to me; and answer me.

8 "My heart said of you, 'Seek my face.'"Your face, ADONAI, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me, don't turn your servant away in anger. You are my help; don't abandon me; don't leave me, God my savior.

10 Even though my father and mother have left me, ADONAI will care for me.

11 Teach me your way, ADONAI; lead me on a level path because of my enemies

12 don't give me up to the whims of my foes; for false witnesses have risen against me, also those who are breathing violence.

13 If I hadn't believed that I would see ADONAI's goodness in the land of the living, . . .

14 Put your hope in ADONAI, be strong, and let your heart take courage! Yes, put your hope in ADONAI!