06-16 - From Heb-3 Lk-1

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

Hebrews 3:1-6  Luke 1:1-25

            ☀️ A.M. Hebrews 3:1-6

1 - And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus. He is God’s messenger to us, and our High Priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, like Moses was faithful in all of God's household.  {Moses chizeled the ten society preservative “commandments” on stone, and wrote the historical first five books of the Bible, likely on leather.}

     3 But Jesus has been counted worthy of much more glory than Moses. Like the glory of the builder of a house, has more honor than the house he builds.

     4 For every house is built by someone! But the builder of all things is God. 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify of the things that were spoken to him, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. [A firstborn Son.] And - we - are his house, if indeed we hold fast to our confidence and joyful hope [elpis - (our joyful) expectation, trust, confidence].

            🌙 P.M. Luke 1:1-25

[The gospel account written by Luke, a Greek doctor who met Paul during Paul’s second missionary journey.]

     Chapter 1, verse 1 - Inasmuch as many have undertaken to write an account of the things that have occurred among us, 2 and just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and heralds of the message, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all these things closely for some time now, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so you may know for certain, concerning the things you’ve been taught. {This is one of my favorite paragraphs of the Bible.🤓}

     5 It was in the days of Herod, king of Judea {“the Great” Rev.12:4; ch.12 one of 3 tellings of the rev. vision, vs.17 w/mt.23:39}. There was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in the commandments and statutes of the LORD. 7 But they had no child. Elizabeth was barren, and both of them were now advanced in years.

     8 And while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the LORD to burn incense.

     10 And the people were praying outside (in the courts around the temple, especially in the court of the women) at the hour of incense and prayer.

     11 And there appeared to Zechariah an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 Which frightened him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid. For your prayer has been heard, Zechariah. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the LORD. He must not drink wine or strong drink, for he will be filled with the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God) even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the LORD their God, 17 for he will go forth before him, and in the spirit and power of Elijah {in God’s Spirit/Presence} to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. To make ready for the LORD a people prepared.” {For Messiah/sent, anointed one, aka King, deliverer, savior.}

     18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I’m an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

     19 And the angel said, “I’m Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 Now you’ll be silent, unable to speak, until these things take place, because you didn’t believe my words {and spoke, and might again?} which will be fulfilled in its allotted time.”

     21 The people were outside waiting, and were wondering about Zechariah’s delay in the temple. 22 When he came out, he was unable to say anything, and they realized he had seen a vision. He made signs to them but remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went home.

     24 And after these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself isolated, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked upon me, to take away my reproach {embarrassment, feeling shamed} among the people.”

           

Tomorrows verses, 06/17

Hebrews 3:7-11  Luke 1:26-38

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

06-01 - From 2Tim-3 Mt-27

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

 2 Timothy 3:8-17  Matthew 27:50-61

            ☀️ A.M. 2 Timothy 3:8-17

8 - Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these oppose the truth, corrupted in mind and not genuine regarding the faith. 9 But they’ll not get very far, for their folly will become plain to all, as was that of Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses. {If we’re grounded in Truth, the Logos - reasoning, truth, both the personified aNd, the written. Preferably as “inspired” by God.}

     10 You, however, have followed the teaching I’ve taught, and have seen my conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, and steadfastness. 11 Also my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, persecutions I endured.

     Yet from them all, the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 While evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse, both being deceived and deceiving.

     14 But as for you, continue in what you’ve learned and have firmly believed, knowing those from whom you learned it. {Originally from eyewitnesses.} 15 And how from childhood you’ve been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out (inspired) by God and profitable for teaching, for convincing, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so the person of God may be complete, and ready and able for every good work.

            🌙 P.M. Matthew 27:50-61

50 - When Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit, 51 right then, the (thick, cloth and metal weaved) curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs also were opened. And, after his resurrection, many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and came out of the tombs and went into the holy city and appeared to many.

    54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over the crucifixion, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with wonder and said, “This truly was the Son of God!”

     55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, and helped him with their resources, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James (called lesser) and his brother Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee (John and James).

     57 And then when evening was soon beginning, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate ordered it to be given over to him.

     59 And so he took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone over the entrance of the tomb and went away.  {They wanted him in the tomb by the sun’s full setting, as sunset began the first Sabbath/no work day of Spring holy week, next Sabbath would be the regular weekly Sabbath, then last day of Unleavened Bread would be a Sabbath/no work day as well, with also, three preparation days for the Sabbaths.} 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting nearby.

           

Tomorrows verses, 06/02

2 Timothy 4:1-8  John 19:28-42

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

05-24 - From 2Pet-2,3 Mt-26 Jn-18

 N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

 • 2 Peter 2:18-3:7  Mt.26:58-75 Jn.18:15-27

            ☀️ A.M. 2 Peter 2:18-3:7

18 - Speaking loud boasts of foolishness, they entice by sensual passions of human nature, those who only recently escaped living in error.

     19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that they’re a slave! 20 For if, after we have escaped the contamination of the world, through knowing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse than the first. 21 For it would have been better never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment received. 22 Then what the proverb says has happened! “The dog returns to its excrement, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

     3:1 - This is now the second letter I (Peter) am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I’m stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through the apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where’s the promise of his coming!? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things are the same since the formation.”

     5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens of old, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God {a spoken biG bang into the universe as is, then set in motion} 6 and that by means of these (waters) the world that then existed {where “every thought was only evil” thus act. Imperfect is an abyss of potential and pre-flood was hands off.. even(?) cannibaalism? Was widespread? So was} deluged with water and perished. {Like being transplanted in a not yet rained on garden, awaiting rising/resurrection into an “aionion kolasin” mt.25:46 / eonian korrection / aGe of correction during the 8th millennial day. Rev.20 is told like describing only the crests of waves and not much of the in between.}

     7 But by the same word {logos - truth, reasoning} the heavens and earth that now exist are headed toward the fiery day of judgment, and the destruction of ungodly man(kind). [Peter, seeing as a prophet.]

     {Is.24:20 - “The Earth will shake to and fro” Rev.10:4 - “when the 7 thunders make their voices heard”. The 3 mentions of lake of fire, are at huge, fiery events.}

            🌙 P.M. Mt.26:58-75 (or) Jn.18:15-27

  (Eye witness accounts always differ in details. Jesus has been arrested, and is being immediately tried.) Mt.26:58 - Peter was following at a distance. He went as far as the courtyard of the high priest. And then going inside the courtyard, he sat with the guards to see what would happen. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council of leaders were holding court and seeking false testimony against Jesus, so they could have him put to death. 60 But although many false witnesses came forward, they were finding nothing that would suffice. But at last two came forward who said, 61 “We heard this man say he could destroy the temple of God! And rebuild it in three days!”

     62 So the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make?! What is it that these men accuse you of?”

     63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God!”

    64 Jesus answered, “You, have said so. And, I tell you now, you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” {Those individuals will during GWT Judgment/discernment/review/closure for all ‘Day’, the “aionion kolasis” mt.25:46 / eonian korrection / age of correction.}

     65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy! What further witnesses do we need! You have now heard his blasphemy! 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death!”

     67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

     69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.”

     70 But he denied it before all, saying, “I don’t know what you mean.” 71 And he went out to the entrance, but another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man!”

     73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for you have the Galilean accent.” 74 Then, cursing again, he said, “I tell you! I do not know the man!”

     And immediately he heard a rooster crow.

75 And he remembered how Jesus had said, “Before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

     JOHN.18:15 - Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple (John, the author). Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood outside near the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You’re not one of this man's disciples, are you?” And he said, “No, I’m not.”

     18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. So Peter stood with them, warming himself.

     19 The (former) high priest (father in law to the current high priest, Jn.18:13) was questioning Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

     20 Jesus answered, “I’ve spoken openly to the world [kosmos- kósmos - literally, something ordered – properly, an ordered system. The english word cosmetic, is derived from kósmos - world, universe, adornment].

     I’ve taught in the synagogues and in the temple, where the people come together. I’ve said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who’ve heard me. For they know what I’ve said.”

     22 One of the officers standing by struck Jesus, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?!”

     23 Jesus answered, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong, but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the (acting) high priest.

     25 Now Peter was standing and warming himself, and they said to him, “Are you not one of his disciples?” He denied it, saying, “No, I’m not.” 26 But one of the servants of the high priest, who was a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it.

     And at once a rooster crowed.

           

Tomorrows verses, 05/25

2 Peter 3:8-18  Matthew 27:1-10

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

04-14 - Phil-3 Mt-21

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

 • Philippians 3:1-7  Matthew 21:10-22

            ☀️ Philippians 3:1-7

1 - Finally, my brethren! Rejoice in the Lord!

To repeat these things to you is no trouble to me! (Paul.) And it’s safety for you!

     2 Look out for the dogs {eat dogs, don’t be like them} look out for the evildoers, for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus and we put no confidence in our own efforts {to save us out from death and its cause}.

     4 Though I actually could boast and have confidence in those things that are esteemed among man. I could boast more than others! 5 I was circumcised on the “eighth day”, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. As to the law, a Pharisee. 6 As to zeal, a persecutor of the church! And so, as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever standing I had {in man’s world, in an empire of man} I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

            🌙 Matthew 21:10-22

10 - Jesus had entered Jerusalem (riding a donkey, with a crowd before and behind crying “Hosanna!” and waving palm branches).

     And so the whole city (crowds there for Passover) was stirred up. People were saying, “Who is this?!” 11 And others answered, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee!”

     12  Meanwhile, Jesus went into the temple, and drove out all who were selling and buying, by overturning the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who were selling. 13 And he said to them, “It is written! ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’! But you’ve made it a den of thieves!”

     14 Then the blind, and the lame, came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes (leaders of the nation) saw the wonderful things he was doing, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and offended.

     16 They said to him, “Do you hear what these children are saying?!” Jesus answered, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have put praise’?”

     17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there. 18 Then in the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but leaves only.  {No fruit.} And he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!”

     {Cursed the “fruit” tree! Like saying(?) “Fear God!” if you are abusing others, especially “little ones”.. For it’s He - who cAn destroy body and soul/psyche in gehenna”/this slow fading away/entropy/crucible of imperfection - but who doesn’t! Being “savior of aLL” 1Tim.4:10.}

     And the fig tree withered at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once like that!?” 21 And Jesus answered, “Truly, I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you’ll not only do what’s been done to this fig tree, but if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

     22 And whatever you ask for in prayer, you will receive. If you have faith.”

          

Tomorrows verses, 04/15

Philippians 3:8-14  Matthew 21:23-32

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

02-05 - Ro-7 Jn-5

🗝️s New Testament & Bible prophecy study, verses paraphrased [ ] references { } thots

 • Romans 7:5-10  John 5:1-17 and ACTS 16:1-19 separately

            ☀️ Romans 7:5-10

5 - For while we were living in the lower nature/carnality [Gal.5:20 ..discord, dissensions, factions, hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition..] our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in us bearing {dark} fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law {system, courts} - having died to that which held us captive - so that we now serve in the new way of the Spirit. And not in the old way of the written code. {Outward compliance to earn Life/transformation, doesn’t work. The Law is to sum up the moral code that preserves society. But genuine inward change and newness - is worked by God who iS life. And that is what works. Submission, a “whole burnt offering on his altar” fully yielded. After all, it’s He who has our highest blueprint!}

     7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? [Hamartia - misses the mark?] Of course not! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known what is sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet, if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” 8 But {tricky} sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness! {Like forbidden fruit, seduces, entices and excites.} Otherwise it lies dormant. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life, proved to be death to me.

            🌙 John 5:1-17

1 - After this there was an annual feast day {Purim? Not in Lev.23, added later in commemoration of being saved from annihilation in the days of Esther} and so Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

     2 In Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate is a pool, and its Aramaic name is Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a number of people, blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 There was a man there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus knew he had been lying there a long time, and he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred (by an angel, healing the first person to enter the pool) and while I am going, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said, “Get up, take up your bed/mat and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

     Now it was the Sabbath. 10 So the leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It’s the Sabbath! And it’s not lawful for you to carry your bed.” 11 And he answered them, “The man who healed me, he said to take up my bed, and walk.”12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 Now the man who had been healed didn’t know who it was, there being a crowd, and Jesus had gone on.

     14 Later Jesus found him in the temple and told him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went to the leaders and told them it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. {Breaking theiR rules for the Sabbath, no compassion for the man now healed.} 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working all this while, and so am I.”

           

Tomorrows verses, 02/06

Romans 7:11-8:2  John 5:18-29

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

12-28 - 2 Corinthians 6 11-18

🗝️’s to riddles, N.T. in a yr study, verses paraphrased Logic [ ] references { } thots

☀️ 11 - We (Paul and Co.) have spoken openly to you, our heart has been open to you. 12 You’re not hampered by us, but by your own sentiments and attitudes. 13 As it is, I speak as to children - widen your hearts, even as we have.

     14 Don’t be unequally {closely}partnered with unbelievers. For what true unity does righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what friendship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial [belial - lawlessness, wickedness; reputed to be a name of a demon]? Or what share or allotment does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, as God has said, “I will make my dwelling among you and walk among you, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people [Lev.26:12, Ezek.37:27, Rev.21:3]. 17 Therefore go out from among them, and be separate from them, says the Lord. Participate in no unclean thing, then will I welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord All-Powerful.”

Tomorrows verses - 2 Corinthians 7:1-10

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Have a great day! ☀️🕊️

12 27 - Luke 2 39-52

🗝️’s to riddles, N.T. in a yr study, verses paraphrased, Logic [ ] references { } thots

☀️ (After his “8th day”, I have this in the wrong order.. the visit of wise men from Chaldea was later.) 39 - And having performed everything according to the Law of the LORD, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, being strong and filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

     41 Every year for the Feast of Passover (week) Joseph and Mary went up to Jerusalem. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was over, they were on their way back home, but without Mary and Joseph realizing, Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem. 44 And supposing him to be with them in the group, they went about a day's journey, before looking for him among their relatives and friends.

     45 When they didn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem, 46 and after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking them questions. 47 And everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding, and at his answers.

     48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been searching for you in great distress!” 49 And he said, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know I would be in my Father's house?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant. 51 And he went home with them, to Nazareth and was always obedient to them. But his mother pondered all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and also in favor with God and man.

Tomorrows verses - John 1:6-18

12-17 - Luke 1 1-25

N.T. in a year reading & study, verses R paraphrased [  ] references {  } thots

🌙 [Luke was a Greek physician who met Paul, was known to travel with him, and wrote this gospel account and the Book of Acts ..acts of some of the earliest believers.]

     1 - Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning of it all were eyewitnesses, and then they were messengers of the word and message they delivered to us, 3 it seemed good to me to also - having followed all things closely for some time now - to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so you may have certainty concerning the things you’ve been taught.

     5 In the days of Herod (the Great) king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both were advanced in years.

     8 Now while he was serving as priest before God, on duty with his division, 9 according to the ways of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple and burn incense to the LORD.

     10 And all the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to Zechariah an angel of the LORD standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And he was troubled and afraid when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he will not drink wine or strong drink, but will be filled with the Holy Spirit {/Presence of the LORD} even from his mother's womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the LORD their God, 17 and he will go forth in the presence of him, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient [apeithés - disobedient, unbelieving] to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” {Prepared, 2Tim.3:16, Mt.25:1-13.}

     18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I’m an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said, “I’m Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 But listen, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things happen, because you didn’t believe my words, but they will be fulfilled on time.” {To prevent his further speaking unbelief/negativity?} 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering what was taking him so long in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak, and they realized he had seen a vision. And he kept making signs to them for he was mute. 23 And when his time of service was over, he went home.

     24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself in isolation, saying, 25 “Thus has the Lord done for me in the days when he looked upon me to take away my reputation of being barren.”

Tomorrows verses - Luke 1:26-38