May-15 From Jn-14 1Pet-3

  Enter The Story Daily 

a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ John 14:22-31 ~

22 - Judas (not Iscariot) said to Jesus, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal [emphanizó - exhibit, appear in person, declare, reveal] yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, they will do as I have said, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. And what you have heard me say, isn’t from me, but is from the Father who sent me.

     25 “I have told you these things while I’m still with you. 26 But the helper [paraklétos - called to one's aid, from para - close beside, and kaleo - to call, (the) advocate] the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God) which [ho - who, which, this, that] the Father will send in my name (for his cause) [onoma - a name, authority, cause]. He will teach you all things and will bring to mind, and to your memory all which I have said to you. 27 It’s peace I am leaving with you. It’s my peace I give to you. I don’t give as the world gives, so don’t let your hearts be troubled! Don’t be afraid. (His answer to Judas’ “Lord, what has happened..?”)

     28 You heard me say, ‘I’m going away, but I will come to you.’ If you love me, you will rejoice, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And I have been telling you before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe [pisteuó - to believe, entrust, (know the truth of the matter?) from pístis - faith, in turn derived from peíthō - persuade, be persuaded, have confidence]. 30 I will not talk with you much longer, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has - no claim - upon me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.

     Rise, let us go from here.”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1 Peter 3:15-22 ~

15 - In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope [elpis - expectation, hope] that is in you. And do so with respect, humility and gentleness. 16 So as to have a good conscience, for when you are slandered, those who insult your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which (Spirit) he went and reached to the spirits under watch [phulassó - to guard, watch] (locked into perishing in the flood) 20 having disobeyed in time past, awaiting (during) the longsuffering of God, in [en - in, on, at, by, with, within] the days of Noah, when making ready and preparing the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. (Paraphrased of the original word for word. Since “the dead know nothing” Eccles.9:5(10), I think he went via the Spirit preaching - through “Noah a preacher of righteousness” 2Pet.2:5, “while the ark was being prepared”.) 21 Baptism, which is like the eight, now saves you, not as a washing of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a - good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (the “conscience” by “Christ Crucified” appeased) 22 who has gone into heaven and is now at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

John 15:1-17

1 Peter 4:1-8

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

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WeekLy BooK oF Acts 2 1-21

       a paraphrased study

Brief review/background from chapter one - In the first book (the gospel bearing Luke’s name) ..I (Luke) have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up, having given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles which he had chosen. 3 Jesus, by many proofs, presented himself alive after his suffering, having appeared to them for forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God to them. 4 And while he was still there, he told them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. “The promise you heard from me” he said, 5 “for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit (with God’s veRy Presence!) a few days from now.”

     (And so later) 2:1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly! A sound like a mighty rushing wind from above! And it filled the entire house where they were. 3 Flames of fire like tongues appeared and rested upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God) and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them utterance.

     5 Now there were in Jerusalem Hebrews/Jews, devout men from many nations. 6 And at the sound, a crowd came together, and they were bewildered, because everyone was hearing them speak in their own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear them, each in our own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes, Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, from  Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome! 11 Both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God!”12 And they were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and said: “Men of Judea, and all who are here in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give an ear to my words. 15 For these are not drunk. It’s only the third hour of the day! 16 But this is what was prophesied by the prophet Joel when he said, ‘In the last days - God declares - I will pour out my Spirit upon all the living. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 On my male servants and my female servants, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 I will show portends in the heavens above and signs upon earth below. And there will be blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke 20 the sun will turn to darkness (from the smoke?) and the moon to blood (reflecting red of fires? red moon) before it is the day of the Lord - the great and magnificent ‘day’! 21 And all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved [sozo - saved, healed, preserved, rescued].’”

     (Saved from what? From the dangers at hand, and from death (& its cause).. “the wage/result of sin - greek hamartia - missing the mark - is death” Romans 6:23. Unavoidably because God iS life and “is perfect” Mt.5:48, Jn.12:32. So the remedy was built in from the beginning/foundation, Rev.13:8.) (And part of the “good news of the kingdom” is, life, creation, has to be perfect. God has each person’s highest blueprint.. “beneath us are the everlasting arms” Deuteronomy 33:27 (paraphrased, the verse is a word to every human being there is and ever has been and will be. Like footprints in the sand.. And sand through the hourglass..)

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May-14 From Jn-14 1Pet-3

  🕊️Enter The Story Daily

a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ John 14:12-21

     Jesus is alone with his eleven disciples having had his “last supper”. Judas has left, the others thinking perhaps he has gone to buy what they will need for the Passover meal, since he is in charge of the money bag. John previously, in chapter twelve, says he would take coins from the money bag for his own use. (“LOVE of money is a root of much evil” and “many sorrows”.)

     Jesus continues, 12 - “Truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. And greater works than these they will do, because I am going to the Father. (The gospel to vastly more people.. And there is the helping and serving called reigning during the Lord’s long second advent, which ultimately reaches and heals all, with satisfactory closure concerning all things.) 13 What you ask in my name I will do, so the Father will be glorified in the Son. 14 If it is asked in my name (for my cause) I will do it.

     15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments [entolé - directives, orders, instructions, commands; from en - in, which intensifies télos - reach the end, consummation – properly, in the end, literally “the end-aim” (translated “end”) focusing on the end-result, the objective of the instruction, commands]. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another [állos - (a primitive word) – another of the same kind, another of a similar type] helper/help [paraklétos - called to one's aid, from pará - close-beside, and kaléō - call; closely call, a legal advocate who makes the right judgment call because close enough to know the situation] to be - with you - forever. (The “Shekinah glory” God, our father’s Presence. Shekinah means dwelling, settling.) 17 The Spirit of truth, which the world is not able to receive, because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you know him, for he abides with you and he will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans, I will be coming to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will no longer see me. But you will see me, and because I live, you too shall live. 20 You will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I in you. (Goal/design/end-aim, a sealed creation.) 21 Whoever has my commands (instructions) and keeps them, are those who love me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love each one of them and will make myself known to them.”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1 Peter 3:7-14 ~

7 - Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, respecting that she is the physically weaker vessel, and honoring her as a joint heir with you of the grace of life. So that your prayers will not be hindered.

     8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind. Have sympathy, brotherly love, tender hearts, and genuine humility. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil or cross word for cross word, but instead, bless. For it’s to this you were called, to inherit the blessing. 10 For it’s written, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let them keep their tongue from evil and their lips from speaking falsehood. 11 Let them turn away from evil and do good. Let them seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those doing evil.” 13 But who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. So have no fear, nor be troubled.

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

John 14:22-31

1 Peter 3:15-22

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

May-13 From Jn-24 1Pet-3

   Enter The Story Daily

a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ John 14:1-11

Jesus, alone with his eleven disciples on the evening before his execution, and before his arrest, Judas has left, the other disciples thinking perhaps he has gone to buy what they need for the Passover meal, as he was the one who carried the money bag.

     1 - “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe now also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions [monḗ - from ménō - to remain, abide – an abiding dwelling-place i.e. not transitory; monḗ - used twice in the NT both times by Christ, an individual dwelling place]. If this wasn’t so, would I tell you that I go to prepare a place for you? (I go to be crucified, so that where I am you may be.) 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, that where I am you may be. 4 And you know the way to where I’m going.” 5 Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?”6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you know my Father also. So from now on you do know him, and see him.” [See - horaó - to see, perceive, understand.] 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and it will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus said, “Have I been with you so long, and you have not known me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. So why say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not know that I am in the Father? And the Father is in me? The words I say to you I don’t say by my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me, that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or believe because of the works [ergon - work, task, employment; a deed, action; that which is wrought or made, a work, act/deed that carries out a purpose].

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1 Peter 3:1-6 ~

1 - Likewise, wives, adapt to your own husbands, so that even if he doesn’t obey the word, he may be won over without a word 2 when he observes your peaceful and respectful spirit. 3 Let your adorning not be the external of the hair, and jewelry and clothing, as much as the 4 unfading beauty of a gentle and peaceful spirit, the hidden person of the heart, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God would adorn theirselves, by adapting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah ranked herself as submissive to Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and are not easily fearful and exciteable.

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

John 14:12-21

1 Peter 3:7-14

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

Zechariah Chapters 5 - 9 Study

   Why study prophecy? One reason is history repeats. Like a trumpet sounding? In increasing circle and crescendo..?

Chapter 5 - 9 Condensed & Paraphrased

Again I looked and I saw a flying scroll! 2 “What do you see?” the angel said. “I see a flying scroll. Its length seems to be twenty cubits, and its width ten” I answered. 3 Then he said to me, “This scroll is the curse that goes out over the face of all the land. For everyone who steals will be cleaned out according to what is written on one side of the scroll. And everyone who swears falsely will be cleaned out according to what is written on the other side. (The Babylons always crash.). 4 It will enter the house of the thief, and the house of the one who swears falsely. And it will remain in their house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

     5 Then the angel said, “Look and see what it is that is going out.” 6 And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is a basket [an ephah] going out, it is - ayin - an eye - in all the land.” 7 And look! The heavy lid was lifted, and there was a woman sitting in the basket! 8 And he said, “This is Wickedness.” And thrust her back into the basket, and put the leaden weight on its opening. 9 And I looked and saw two women with wind in their wings. They had wings like a stork [chasidah - stork, a bird noted for being very maternal]. They lifted up the basket between earth and heaven. 10 Then I said, “Where are they taking the basket?” 11 He said, “To the land of Shinar (Babylonia) to build a house for it. And when this is prepared, they will set the basket down there on its base.” (Rev.14:4?)

Chapter 6

Again I looked and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains. And the mountains were mountains of bronze. [No longer at rest as in chapter 1(8-10).] 2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black, 3 the third white, and the fourth had dappled horses—all of them strong. 4 Then I asked, “What are these, my lord?” 5 And the angel answered, “These are going out to the four winds of heaven.. 6 The chariot with the black horses goes to the north (Persia?) the white go after them (Alexander/Greece? Councidence? the gospel went out in Greek) and the dappled ones go toward the south (Rome?) These are restless to march to and fro.. 11 ..Make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua [a ‘type’ of Jesus, as prophecy] the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12 And say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD (Yhvh) of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch. For he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord. 13 It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne.. 15 “And those who are far off shall come and help build the temple of the Lord. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent this message. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”

Chapter 7

In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is Chislev. 2 Now the people of Bethel had sent.. to entreat the favor of the Lord, 3 saying to the priests and the prophets, “Should I weep and abstain in the fifth month, as I have done for so many years?” 4 Then the word of the LORD [Yhvh] of hosts came to me: 5 “When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years (in Babylonian captivity where Daniel was prophet and had adventures) was it for me that you fasted? 7 Were not these the words the LORD [Yhvh] proclaimed by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous, with her cities around her, and the South and the lowland were inhabited? - To have honest courts, show kindness and mercy to one another, 10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart. 11,12 But they made their hearts stone-hard ..and would not hear the prophets. 13 And I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear.. 14 whirlwind and storm scattered them among distant nations, where they lived as strangers. Their land became desolate, the pleasant land a desert.”

Chapter 8

And the word of Yhvh came, 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: With great zeal and fervor I am jealous for Zion.. 3 I will return to Zion and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and it shall be called the faithful city, and the holy/sacred mountain of Yhvh of hosts. 4 ..Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. 5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. 6 ..Should it not be marvelous to see? 7 ..Behold, I will save my people from the east and from the west, 8 and bring them to live in Jerusalem. I will be their God, and they will be my people in both faithfulness and righteousness [from root tsedeq - rightness, righteousness]. 9 So let your hands be strong (build the temple for my Spirit/Presence - ultimately of course, that’s us!) You hearing the words from these prophets present on the day the foundation of the temple was laid.. there was no safety.. 12 But there will be a sowing of peace. The vine will fruit, the ground will give its produce, and the heavens their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess it.. 13 As you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong. 14 ..As I purposed and didn’t relent.. 15 so now do I purpose to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah, fear not. 16 These are the things that you shall do — Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates/“courts” judgments that are true and make for peace. 17 Do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD. 19 And then the seasons that have been of fasting (mourning) shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Wherefore love truth and peace. 20 ..Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. 21 The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the God of hosts.’ 22 Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat his favor. 23 In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Hebrew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

Chapter 9

The oracle of the word of the Lord ..the Lord has an eye on mankind and on all the tribes of Israel,

Tyre (nations) heaped up silver like dust ..and gold.. But will be stripped ..power on the sea (trade) stricken.. Ashkelon shall see and fear, Gaza too, Ekron (of Philistine, an aggressor) also, its hopes are confounded. The king shall perish from Gaza, Ashkelon uninhabited, a mixed people shall dwell in Ashdod, and will be cut off the pride of Philistia.. taken away the blood from its mouth and abominations from between its teeth and it too will be a remnant for our God, it shall be like a clan in Judah and Ekron like the Jebusites (who became peacefully of the nation). Then I will dwell.  guard .. so none march to and fro, no oppressor shall again march over them.. 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and saving is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. [And the second tkme on a white horse.] 10 No more chariot from Ephraim, no war horse from Jerusalem. The battle bow shall be cut off, and the LORD will speak peace to the nations, his dominion (kingdom) will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of earth.. 11 Because of the blood oath of the covenant with you I will set free from the waterless pit (desert conditions? dry leaf?) 12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope, today I declare that I will restore to you double. 13 Judah as a bow bent, Ephraim its arrow. Stirred up oh sons, of Zion, against your sons Greece ..like a warrior's sword. 14  Then the LORD will be seen over them, and his arrow will go forth like lightning, the Lord God will sound the trumpet.. with whirlwinds (of/from/to?) the south. 15 The Lord of hosts will protect them, and they shall devour, and tread down the sling stones, and they shall drink and roar as if drunk with wine, and be full like a bowl, drenched like the corners of the altar (Rev.16:13-16, Mt.13:30). 16 For on that day the Lord their God will save them, as the flock of his people, and like the jewels of a crown they will shine upon his land. 17 For how great is his goodness, and how great his beauty! Grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the young women.

May-12 From Jn-13 1Pet-2

 🕊️Enter The Story Daily

a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ John 13:21-38

21 - Then Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and said, “Truly, I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, not knowing what to think. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved (this is John, it’s how he sometimes referred to himself) was at the table by Jesus, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning close to Jesus said, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him, and Jesus said to him, “What you’re going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this. 29 Some thought because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him to go buy what they would need for the feast or that he should give something to the poor.

     30 And so it was, that after receiving the morsel of bread, Judas went out into the night.

     31 And when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him (first advent?) also God will glorify him in himself (second advent?) and at once. 33 Little children, it’s only a short while that I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the other of your countrymen, ‘Where I am going you cannot go.’ 34 And now a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love (true affection) for one another.” 36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I’m going you cannot follow me now, but you’ll follow me afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, I tell you Peter,  the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1 Peter 2:17-25 ~

17 - Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 18 Servants/workers (in a work for a loan of money or land system) be subject to your masters/misters/boss with respect. And not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a mindful thing, when conscious of God, if one endures sorrow while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it, if you sin and when suffering for it, you endure? But if when you do good, you suffer for it with quiet endurance, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 Indeed to this you’ve been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither did any falsehood cross his lips. 23 When he was insulted, he didn’t insult in return. And when he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but continued entrusting himself to he who judges justly. 24 And he suffered for us, bearing our sins in his body on the tree. That we might die to sin and live to all that is right. It is by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For like sheep, you were straying, but you have now returned (a pleasant sacrifice, a whole burnt offering) to the shepherd and bishop [episkopos - superintendent, bishop, from epí - upon, a fitting contact, which intensifies skopós - look intently, keep an eye on (you have returned to the) overseer, manager] of your soul.

                       ~*~

🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

      (  ) - thots

Tomorrow’s Verses:

John 14:1-11

1 Peter 3:1-6

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

May-11 From Jn-13 1Pet-2

    Enter The Story Daily

 a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ John 13:1-20 ~

1 - As  the Feast [heorté - feast, festival] of the Passover was approaching, when Jesus knew the hour to depart out of the world, to the Father had come, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing the Father had put all things in his hands, and that he had come from God, and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper, laid aside his outer garment, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and washed the disciples' feet and wiped them with the towel. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said, “Lord! do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “What I’m doing you don’t understand now, but afterward you will.” 8 Peter said, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 Simon Peter then said, “Lord, not my feet only! But also my hands and head too.”10 Jesus said, “The one who has bathed doesn’t need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean.” (Dusty, tired, hot feet from daily travels. It was good manners to offer a visitor a basin of water to refresh their feet.) “And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him.

12 When he had washed their feet and put his outer garment back on and sat back down, he said, “Do you understand why I did that? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and so I am.14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have so treated you, so should you treat one another. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I do. 16 Truly, I tell you, a worker isn’t greater than his master/mister/boss, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.18 I’m not speaking of all of you, I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against (has betrayed) me’ (Ps.41:9). 19 I am telling you this now, before it happens, so when it does happen you may believe that I am he (the promised and prophesied one). 20 Truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send, receives me, and whoever receives me receives he who sent me.”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1 Peter 2:9-16 ~

9 - But you are chosen persons [genos - family, offspring] a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession! So that you may proclaim the excellence of he who called you out of darkness, into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not so, but now you are his. Previously you had not received mercy, but now you have. 11 So beloved, I urge you as sojourners and strangers in a strange land, to abstain from the passions of the lower nature, which wage war against your soul [psyche]. 12 Keep your behavior among the nations (unbelievers) honorable, so if they speak against you, they may see your good ways and glorify God on the day of visitation [episkopé - a visiting, an overseeing, oversight that naturally goes on to provide the care and attention needed]. 13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to human institutions, whether it be to the emperor as governing, 14 or to governors [hégemón - leader, guide, commander] as sent by him to punish the doing of evil and to praise the doing of good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of accusation and slander. 16 Live as children who are free, but don’t use freedom as a cover-up for evil, but live as genuine servants of God.

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

John 13:21-38

1 Peter 2:17-25

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

€XpLoR!n9 ReVeLaTion 4 8-11

      WeeKly BooK oF Revelation

                paraphrased study

     a BaZinGa !⚡️Act to This Vision?

8 - And the four living creatures, each of them having six wings, are full of eyes, all around and within. And day and night they never cease saying “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to he who is seated on the throne, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him and worship he who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our LORD and God, to receive glory, honor and power, for you created all things. And by your will they exist and are created.” (In this production, this vision about to be portrayed, at each new progression, there is the reminder that [1] all is well, God is sovereign, and [2] no matter how grievous upon Earth, God is still to be praised, for this unfortunate, “shadow of death” - fading away life as we presently know it - this unavoidable yet all important contrast, must run its full course. God had two options for creation? One option being a total ant farm? But instead he opted for ToTaL ‘herd’ immunity? He is - of course - 100% unfettered Genius.) (And as Life, itself, he suffers, lives through, and experiences all things which ever occur. And he created genuinely able to think and reason beings anyway! ..Both “angelos” and “antropos” and the rebel anthropos happen to serve as an accelerant. “..Your father in heaven is perfect” Mt.5:48 — The end result of all this can only be the very best one possible. — Before knowing, acknowledging this.. we are not casting our crown before him..? He is grace.. His love and - faithfulness - is steadfast, immoveable. Beginning this weekly reading, I have not really understood this section, so I prayed for his Quiet voice to tell me what it means, for he is ever speaking to us all.) 

                         ~*~

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See Intro - This Year’s Revelation Study

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May-10 From Mt-26 1Pet-2

   Enter The Story Daily 

a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ Matthew 26:20-29

20 - Later that evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly, I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 22 This made them very sorrowful and each one said to him, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who dipped his bread in the dish with me will betray me.” (Sort of a quote of Ps.41:9 - Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.“) 24 “The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.” (A saying. Prophesying Judas’ near future.) 25 “Judas, who would betray him, asked, “Is it I, Rabbi?” Jesus said, “So you have said.” (According to John Judas then left, Jn.13.)

     26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat, this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, each of you, 28 this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many [polus - much, many, multitudinous, plenteous, "much"; "great" in amount or extent] for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1 Peter 2:1-8 ~

1 - So put away from you all malice, deception, hypocrisy, envy and slander. 2 Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up unto salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good, 4 as you come to him, a living stone rejected by man but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves are living stones being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, and to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus. 6 For it stands in Scripture (Is.28:16): “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a chief stone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be ashamed.” 7 For you who believe, honor, but for those who do not believe - “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” (Ps.118:23) 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” (Is.8:14) They stumble by disobeying the word, to which they were appointed [tithémi - put, place, lay, set, fix, establish, (as set down?) assigned]. (The role, part being played, in this unavoidable, all important contrast.) 

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

John 13:1-20

1 Peter 2:9-16

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

May-09 From Mt-26 1Pet-1

      Enter The Story Daily

 

   a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ Matthew 26:14-19

14 - Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver over Jesus to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment on he looked for an opportunity to betray him.

     17 Now on the first day of (the seven days called) Unleavened Bread - (Spring holy week was referred to as both Passover, and Unleavened Bread. The meal/feast is upon 1st Day of Unleavened Bread - which the days begin at sunset, not midnight - and the meal includes the lamb that was sacrificed earlier - in preparation - during the previous day called Passover.)

     On the first day of Spring holy week (at evening as Passover was beginning) the disciples asked Jesus, “Where do you wish us to make ready for you to eat the Passover?”18 And he said, “Go (across the valley and) into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The teacher says, my time is at hand, with you I will keep the Passover with my disciples.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they made preparations for Passover.

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1 Peter 1:13-25 ~

13 - So gird up your minds, be sober minded and ready for action. Set and keep your hope. [Elpízō - from elpís - expectation, hope (the noun) – to hope, actively waiting for (expecting) God's fulfillment concerning the faith He has inbirthed through the power of His love.] Set it fully upon the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation/revealing of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be enticed into the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, be holy (innocent) in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call upon him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's actions, conduct yourselves with a healthy fear throughout the time of your sojourn [paroikia -  a sojourning and dwelling in a strange land] 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 Foreknown before the foundation of the world but made known now in late (as of late?) time [chronos - time] for your sakes. 21 For through him you are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory. So that your faith and hope are in God.

     22 And having purified your souls, by your obedience to the truth, love one another with a sincere brotherly love, with true affection from a pure heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God: 24 for “All flesh is like grass�    and all its glory like the flower of grass.�The grass withers,�    and the flower fades,

25 but the word of the Lord 

     remains forever.” (Is.40:6-8)

And this word [rhéma - a word, by impl. a matter, from rhéō - to speak – and rhḗma - a spoken word, interesting commentary: made "by the living voice" (J. Thayer) spoken-word, is commonly used in the NT (and in the LXX) for the Lord speaking His dynamic, living word in a believer to inbirth faith, His inwrought persuasion. Ro 10:17: "So faith proceeds from (spiritual) hearing” and this hearing is consummated through a rhēma-word from Christ" (Gk text). See also Gal 3:2,5 which refers to "the hearing of faith" inbirthed, i.e. a spiritual hearing] (of) the good news that was preached to you.

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

Matthew 26:20-29

1 Peter 2:1-8

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

WeekLy BooK oF Acts 11-26

  a paraphrased study

 

1 - In the first book, O Theophilus, I (Luke) have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up, having given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles which he had chosen. [Luke is a Greek doctor who met Paul during Paul’s travels. Like the gospel account he wrote, some in this book must have been compiled by interviewing people who were involved or witnesses. Luke traveled some with Paul, evidenced by where he uses the word “we”.]

     3 Jesus, by many proofs, presented himself alive after his suffering, having appeared to them for forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God to them. 4 And while he was still there, he told them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. “The promise you heard from me” he said, 5 “for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit (with God’s veRy Presence!) a few days from now.” 6 And they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”7 He answered them, “It’s not for you to know the times and seasons that the Father has fixed by his own counsel. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God with you) has come upon you, and then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in (neighboring) Samaria, and to the very ends of earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, they saw him lifted up. And a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 Then while they were gazing into heaven watching as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white (aka, radiant?) robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you, will come in the same way as you saw him go up.”

     12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 They were spending their time in prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

     15 And during those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the whole company of persons was in all about 120) and said,16 “Brothers, the Scripture was fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by (king) David concerning Judas, who is the one who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his part in this ministry.”18 (This following insert by Luke is one way it was remembered and thought of by the time of this writing, which was some time later. Paul writes it as occurring differently.) — Now this man [Judas] acquired a field with the reward (coins) of his wickedness, and then fell upon a sword and 19 all Jerusalem heard of it, and so in their language they named the field Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood — 20 “For it is written” Peter continued, “in the Book of Psalms, ‘May his place (seat, office) become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’ and ‘Let another take his place.’ 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time when the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up - one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, saying, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” [Topos - place, region, seat, part] (his part to play..) 26 And then they cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (“Chosen” anybody chosen is by a lucky shake of the heavenly dice! It is not according to any sort of worth. He simply decided for his purposes to call/wake up some now, and the many more later - Lev.23:23-36.)

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May-08 From Jn-12 1Pet-1

   Enter The Story Daily

a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ John 12:37-50

37 - Though they had seen him do so many signs, they still didn’t believe in him, 38 so the word spoken by prophet Isaiah is fulfilled, “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Because of this they couldn’t believe, for again Isaiah said, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and made their hearts hard, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory (understood the full glory?) and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many, even some of the authorities believed, but for fear of the Pharisees they didn’t say so, lest they be put out of the synagogue. 43 For they esteemed the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

     44 And Jesus (in Jerusalem, that Passover/Unleavened Bread week) cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in he who sent me! 45 And whoever sees me sees he who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, and whoever believes in me will not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I don’t judge them, for I didn’t come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and doesn’t receive my words has a judge, the word (truth) that I have spoken will judge them on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself told me what to answer and what to say. 50 And I know that all he says and commands is life unfading. What I say, therefore, is what the Father has told me to say.”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1Peter 1:8-12 ~

8 - Though you have not seen him, you love him. And though you do not now see him, you believe in him, and you rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and full of glory! 9 And so you receive the result of your faith, the salvation [sótéria - welfare, prosperity, deliverance, preservation, salvation, safety] of your soul [psuché, psyxḗ - from psyxō, "to breathe, blow" which is the root of the English words "psyche," "psychology" – soul, psyche, a person's distinct identity, unique personhood, individual personality, breath, the soul]. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours, searched it out diligently, 11 searching for what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the following glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been proclaimed to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God) sent from heaven. These are things angels long to look into.

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

Matthew 26:14-19

1 Peter 1:13-25

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

May-07 From Jn-12 1Pet.1

     Enter The Story Daily

 a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ John 12:20-36

20 - Now among those who went up to worship at the feast, the week of Passover/Unleavened Bread, were some Greeks. 21 And they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 So Philip went and told Andrew (who is Peter’s brother). And then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it will bear a lot of fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever doesn’t love his life less  in this world (than the kingdom life) will keep their it for unfading life. 26 If anyone serves me, they must follow me. And where I am, there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor them.

     27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it’s for this purpose that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it had thundered. Others said, “An angel spoke to him!” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice came for your sake, not mine. 31 Now the judgment of the world will be. And now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 For I, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to myself.” 33 He said this to show what kind of death he was about to die. 34 But the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. What do you mean the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus answered, “The light is not among you for very much longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness should overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where they are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become inheritors of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he left and went somewhere to be alone..

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                ~ 1 Peter 1:1-7 ~

1 - Peter, an apostle of Jesus - To those who are elect [eklektos - chosen out] and sojourners of the Dispersion who are in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 Who according to the foreknowledge [prognósis - foreknowing, predetermination] of God the Father, for the sanctification of the Spirit (Presence of God) unto obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. (Sprinkling with his blood. Logically, what is it really that demands to be appeased? Most logically. …Our own conscience! And consider, it has to be strong enough to convince even the most cruel and decadent, etc.)

     3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again, adhering to the living hope [elpis - expectation] displayed by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. 4 It’s an inheritance that is imperishable, unsullied, and unfading, and kept in heaven for you 5 who are being guarded by God's power through the living faith, for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last days. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, it’s inevitable, you have been grieved by various trials. 7 But which prove the genuineness of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes - though tested by fire, it may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

John 12:37-50

1Peter 1:8-12

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

Zechariah - Chapter 4

And the angel who talked with me came again and roused me as from a daze. 2 And he said, “What do you see?” I said, “I see, a lampstand all of gold. [A lampstand promises a temple for it to be in, see study of Haggai - Israel had been in captivity in Babylon (sound familiar? all of us?) Daniel read the prophet Jeremiah and found out the captivity would last seventy years. Right on schedule King Cyrus said all Israel could go home, then came Haggai and Zechariah after a while saying it’s time to rebuild the temple.] The lampstand of gold had a bowl at the top and branches to seven lamps. (The oil to the lamps comes from above.) 3 And there were two olive trees standing beside it, one on the right and one on the left.” 4 I asked the angel, “What are these, my lord?” 5 And the angel who was talking with me said, “You don’t know what these are?” (Must seem obvious to the angel?) I said, “No, my lord.” 6 Then he said, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel - (the message being?) it’s not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. (Surely his Spirit is his Presence.) 7 Who are you! O great mountain/obstacle! Before Zerubbabel you shall become level as a plain. And he will bring forward the cap stone amid shouts of ‘Grace! Grace to it!’” [Zerubbabel was a leader in getting the temple built. And he is “a type” of Jesus, a prophetical type of Jesus who will build humanity - into a temple of God’s Spirit/Presence, who is love and the source of every good thing, including life.] [Grace - chen, hen - favour, grace, elegance, gracious, adornment, acceptance.]

     8 Then the word of the Lord came to me (Zechariah) saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house (temple). His hands will also complete it. Then (when it’s built) you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. 10 Who despising the day of small things will rejoice in the big things? The seven (lamps) are the eyes of the Lord, which see throughout the whole earth.” 11 Then I said, “What are these two olive trees supplying the bowl, on either side of the lampstand? 12 What are these two olive trees?” 13 He said to me, “You don’t know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” 14 Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” [In this case, and at that time is Zerubbabel and Joshua.. led by the Holy Spirit/Presence of God to encourage a small, feeble band of returning exiles to rebuild, amid much opposition, what was laid utter waste. But the calling was of the highest, and God would provide. And will provide.]

May-06 From Mt-26 Titus-3

    Enter The Story Daily

 a paraphrased scripture study

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GospeL Verses ~ Matthew 26:1-13

1 - When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days is Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to be crucified.”

     3 The chief priests and the elders (leaders) of the people were at that very moment gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they were plotting together how to arrest Jesus by stealth and have him killed. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

     [On the day of Passover the lamb was sacrificed and prepared, and the feast was after sunset, which begins the next day. The days beginning at sunset rather than at midnight. This commemorates the rescue of Israel out of a harsh slavery in Egypt. God, through Moses, instructed that blood from a lamb be painted (with a hyssop plant) upon the upper door posts and frames of their houses, as a seal against an angel of death that was passing over at midnight to take away all the firstborns of Egypt. It would “pass over” the painted house, doing no harm. Afterwards the Israelites had hastily departed Israel, as Pharaoh and the Egyptians had finally agreed and now insisted.]

     (..Death to God is not what it is to us. God sees all of time at once. And death is his taking out and transplanting elsewhere. There’s the two sections of his garden and harvest. The wild and wooley, which once or twice the getting was too wild, had gotten too wooley. Noxious weeds had fully overgrown. It was a choked to death garden.. the little plants.. trampled. .. Pull out the noxious bramble weeds.. make them to be seed, plant them in the soil of the other section, which is of newly turned soil..)

     6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany (the village where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived) and he was in the home of Simon who had been a leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive oil, and she poured it upon his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were grumbling, saying, “Why this waste? 9 This could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.”10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing for me. 11 For you always have the poor with you. But you won’t always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on me, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

     [John in his account says it was Judas who complained, not because he cared about the poor but because he was the one in charge of the money bag, and would take coins out for his own use.]

         - - - - - - - - - - - -

From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                  ~ to, TITUS 3:8-15 ~

8 - These things are trustworthy, and I want you to strongly affirm them, so those who are believing in God may be devoted to helpful works. For these things are excellent and profitable. (Will keep order, peace, and fruitfulness.) 9 But avoid foolish controversies - genealogies, dissensions, quarrels about the law - for they are worthless and hinder. 10 As for a person who stirs up and causes division, after warning once, and then twice, have nothing more to do with that one, 11 perceiving that they are off course and missing the mark, and are self-condemned [autokatakrinó - from auto - self, and katakrinó - to give judgment against].

     12 When Artemas or Tychicus arrive, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there. 13 Be sure to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos (a well known to the believers, teacher) on their way, and see that they lack nothing for their journey. 14 Let our people learn to be devoted to good works, so as to be helpful where it’s needed, and so shall we be fruitful.

     15 All who are with me send greetings to all of you who are in our mutual love in the faith.

       ..Grace be with you all.

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

John 12:20-36

1 Peter 1:1-7

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

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May-05 From Mt-25 Titus-3

     Enter The Story Daily

 a paraphrased scripture study

          - - - - - - - - - - - -

GospeL Verses ~ Matthew 25:34-46

Parables.. 34 - “Then the King will say to those to the right hand of him, ‘Come, those being blessed by my Father, and inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation [katabolé - laying down] of the world. [Greek is most always in the present tense, as in “being blessed”.] 35 I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you were welcoming to me, 36 I lacked clothing and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you came and visited me, I was in prison and you came to see me.’ 37 Then the righteous (the being blessed) will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and gave you something to eat, or thirsty and we gave you a drink? 38 And when did we see you as a stranger and welcomed you, or you lacked clothing and we gave you clothes? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the King will answer, ‘Truly, I tell you, as you did it for the least of any, you did it for me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Go from me [poreúomai - go from, from poros -a ford, passage] those being cursed [kataráomai - accursed, doomed] (earthly) into the ‘pertaining to an age [aionios/eonian] fire [pýr] prepared [hetoimazó - made ready, from hétoimos - sure to happen as needed. (Mt.13:30 “gather first the (still) tares.. then gather the wheat” is the fiery 2Thes.1:7,8 and Rev.16:13-16; also notice this, Mt.13:33, key word 3, with 1Cor.15:22-24,28, three harvests, barley, the wheat aNd grape-at the second vivification) (..Will have part in the fire? made ready] for (“for” is assumed) the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you fed me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not make me welcome. I lacked clothing and you did not give me with any clothes. I was sick and in prison and you didn’t come to see me.’44 Then they will say, ‘Lord! When did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and provided you no help?’45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I tell you, as you did not do for one of the least, you did not do it for me.’ 46 And so they shall go into aionion punishment [kolasin - korrection, correction] but the righteous (through the cross of Christ, the being blessed) - into - life unfading.” ((Into “the” millennium, to serve, called reigning, during his long second advent of the thousand years and judgment ‘day’. For to do His works surely(?) is to reign ..crowns of Life, not metal?)) Mt.25:1-13.

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                  ~ Titus 3:1-7 ~

1 - Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey authority and be ready for every good work. 2 To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, and slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. (Our human condition all too often!) 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (/Presence of God) 6 which he poured out upon us - richly - through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by HiS grace we might become - heirs - according to the hope [elpis - expectation] of the unfading life. (God, surely? iS life, and he “is perfect” Mt.5:48, so what is the effect of straying, and lack of perfection?)

                       ~*~

🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

Matthew 26:1-13

Titus 3:8-15

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

€XpLoR!n9 ReVeLaTion 4 1-7

        WeeKly BooK oF Revelation

                paraphrased study

1 - After this, and look! A door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I (disciple/apostle John) had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 And at once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne standing in heaven, and upon the throne one was sitting. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper [a “clear stone”] and carnelian [a “fiery red stone”] and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders (white and gray haired?) clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder (note: count one of such descriptions) and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne were four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third had the face of a man, and the fourth living creature was like an eagle in flight. (Character of God? - clear as crystal - that man is being formed into? By the slow motion fiery gehenna that’s life as we presently know it.. the crucible, laver and sieve. Into the ‘new’/totally born again nature of inner strength like a lion, able to work (and peacefully graze:) like an ox, being always humane, with high perception/understanding? Ever lofty and flying high? ..Emerald green, real..? Actually quite down to earth..?)

                         ~*~

🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

      (  ) - thots

See Intro - This Year’s Revelation Study

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

May-04 From Mt-25 Titus-2

    Enter The Story Daily

 a paraphrased scripture study

          - - - - - - - - - - - -

GospeL Verses ~ Matthew 25:24-33

24 -  “But he who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you didn’t sow, and gathering where you didn’t scatter any seed” (another facet of the human condition to overcome) 25 “so I was afraid” (I’m really quite convinced what’s needed, NEEDS to be appeased, isn’t God. Though we think it is. It’s our own psyche. The guilty conscience ..somehow tied into cause and effect.. God made a cause and effect universe and reality.. Calls it his wrath.. He’s not only Love, and Life/Perfection, but he is 100% unfettered Genius. This is the reality I want in my psyche. ..Rev.7:9,4?) ..”So I went and hid your talent and buried it in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master/mister/boss answered him, ‘You wicked and lazy worker! You knew I reap where I haven’t sown” (you’re supposed to be doing the work dude) “and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers! And then at my coming I should have received what was my own with more besides. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what they have will be lost. 30 And cast the unprofitable [achreios - from alpha as a neg. prefix and chreios - useful, without use, (greek word #888.. can’t help but think of the eighth day!)] worker into the outer darkness [skotos - darkness, either physical or moral]. [In that place - there is no “in that place” in the original verse as written.] There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.’ (In life as we presently know it [crucible] and, or as initial conditions during the GWT judgment ‘day’.) 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. (“All the world’s a stage”..? Shakespeare) 32 Before him will be gathered all nations, and he will separate one from another as a shepherd separates his sheep from his goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                  ~ Titus 2:9-15 ~

9 - Workers/bondservants using a form of borrowing and paying back by work, are to be respectful in every way, well-pleasing and useful, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all,12 training us to renounce ungodliness and selfish worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 while waiting for the blessed hope [elpis - expectation] the appearing of the glory of our great God, our Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness, and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for every good work. 15 Declare these things, Titus, speak and encourage with all authority. Let no one disregard you! [Titus is with believers, new and not as new(?) on the Island of Crete, in the Mediterranean Sea.] 

                       ~*~

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

Matthew 25:34-46

Titus 3:1-7

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

WeekLy BooK oF Acts 28 16-31

  a paraphrased study

1 - And when we came into Rome itself, Paul was allowed to stay in his own house, with a soldier to guard him. 17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jewish faith, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had questioned me, they would have set me at liberty, because there was no good reason for a death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge I wanted to bring against my nation. 20 But for this reason, I have asked to see you and speak to you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am in these chains.” 21 And they said to him, “We’ve not received any letters from Judea about you. And none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil of you. 22 But we would like to hear what your views are, in regard to this sect, which everywhere is spoken against.”

     23 On another day they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers, and from morning until evening he talked, testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus, both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others were not. 25 After disagreeing among theirselves, they left after Paul had said, “The Holy Spirit was right in saying through Isaiah the prophet, 26 ‘Go to this people, and say - You will indeed hear but not understand, and you will indeed see but not perceive.’” (Human condition.) 27 “‘For this people's heart has grown dull, with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 28 Therefore this salvation of God will be sent to the Gentiles (the nations) and they will listen.” (And thus begins the “time of the nations”.)

     30 Then Paul lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus with all boldness and no one bothered him.

 🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

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May-03 From Mt-25 Titus-2

    Enter The Story Daily

 a paraphrased scripture study

          - - - - - - - - - - - -

GospeL Verses ~ Matthew 25:14-23

Parable of the Talents - 14 - “For the times will be like a man” (the Son of man!) “going on a journey, who called his workers and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another he gave one, to each according to their ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went at once and traded and made five talents more. 17 So also the one who had the two talents, went and made two talents more. 18 But the one who had the one talent dug a hole in the ground and buried it. 19 Now after a long while the mister/boss (lord of the house) of those workers came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents, and here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 The Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will appoint you over much. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents, and here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will appoint you over much. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                  ~ Titus 2:1-8 ~

1 - But as for you (Titus) teach what accords with sound [hugiainó - to be sound, healthy, reasonable, sound, pure, uncorrupted] doctrine [didaskalia - instruction, the function or information, teaching]. 2 Older men should be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, grounded in faith, love, and steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine, and a teacher of what is good. 4 And to so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.7 Show yourself in all respects to be an example of good works, teaching well in integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having no evil to say about us.

                       ~*~

🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

      (  ) - thots

Tomorrow’s Verses:

Matthew 25:24-33

Titus 2:9-15

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

May-02 From Mt-25 Titus-1

    Enter The Story Daily

 a paraphrased scripture study

          - - - - - - - - - - - -

GospeL Verses ~ Matthew 25:1-13

1 - “Then” Jesus continued, (at that time) “the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. (For in the brightly lit procession.) 2 Five were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil for them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became tired and dozed off. 6 But at midnight there was the cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come and meet him.’ 7 Then the bridesmaids rose up and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out!’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Go to the dealers, there will not be enough for us and for you, and we will all miss the wedding. (Everyone needs lit lamps.) 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the brightly lit marriage feast, and the door was shut.

     (After the wedding, the union, there is the banquet, the reception and celebration. And at that time, the door is to “the” millennium.) 11 Afterward the other maids arrived also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’12 But he answered, ‘But, I don’t know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you do not know the day or the hour.”

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From New Testament Letters

     (In the Order Believed Written)

                  ~ Titus 1:10-16 ~

10 - For, Titus, there are many who are pretenders, empty babblers and deceivers [phrenapatés - self-deceiving, from phren - outlook from insight, and apatáō - deceive, -  properly, deceivers, leading others into their delusions] especially those of the circumcision party [letter of the law for salvation/earning which actually cannot be done, but “the law” is to show what is wrong/notGood, and was to separate and keep separate, Israel for delivering to the world its savior, and God’s message, the “good news for all”. 11 They are upsetting whole families by teaching what they ought not. And all for shameful gain! 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy, and gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. (Of all of us! Before God’s inner rebirth of us.) Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith! 14 Not devoting themselves to myths and the advice/teaching of people who turn away from the truth.15 To the pure, all things are pure [foods and days, marital love] but to the corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and their consciences are corrupt. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works [ergon - work, deed, action, from ergo (energy?)]. They are being  detestable and disobedient [apeithés - literally, unwilling to be persuaded] and so unfit for any good work.

                       ~*~

🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

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Tomorrow’s Verses:

Matthew 25:14-23

Titus 2:1-8

Acts & Rev - weekly

And currently Zechariah.. recently Daniel

Is.11:7 - The lion will eat straw like the ox!⛲️

               📜🍞+🍷🕊️(+Logic)

Zechariah Context and Chapter 3

598bc babylonia conquers Judah (Israel has already been carried off to Assyria, Israel had split into two.)

     586bc Nebuchadnezzar sacked Jerusalem, carried many off to Babylon.. Babylon later fell to Persia:

    Belshazzar (Nebuchadnezzar’s son and last Babylonian king) - the writing on the wall king, followed by 

    Darius the Mede (Otherwise known as Nabonidus? And the lions den Darius) “received the kingdom” (under? his nephew) Cyrus the Great of Persia 550bc to 538bc - ruled only two years -  Cyrus decreed all Israel in all his kingdom should go home, and some/many did, led by Zerubbabel (who was a descendent of King David) and they began to “rebuild the TEMPLE” (and at the time of Cyrus’ proclamation, the massive empire included once again Assyria)

Then there’s 3 kings (Dn.11:2) Cambyses; Smerdis; Darius the Great-521 to 486bc

520bc Zechariah is shown visions

516bc the rebuilt temple is dedicated

(4th king, Dn.11) 486bc Xerxes’ great and famous war against Greece …non-consequential reigns are left out of the prophecy list. Alexander such a while later said his war against Persia was in revenge …464bc to 425bc Artaxerxes (son of Xerxes) ruled the Persian empire, Esther was one of his queens, it was from his court, around 440bc that Ezra and Nehemiah traveled from Persia to Jerusalem to start rebuilding the rubble that was Jerusalem’s WALLS.

[520bc] Zechariah 3:1 - Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. [An interesting cross reference is Rev.12:7-12, “war breaks out in heaven.. and Satan and his angels are no longer allowed access to the heavens.. woe to the earth however for he knows his time is short - I think next came the medieval inquisitions. But I read Rev.12 as an insert (fascinating!) with Mt.23:39 with verse 17.] 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” [Rev.12:10 - “who accused them day and night before God..”] (A brand plucked from the fire will be all of us. Like saved from a compost heap, where everything heats up/burns/decomposes - the worm that doesn’t quit.) 3 Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with old, stained and unclean (decomposing) garments. 4 And the angel said to others, “Remove the old and self soiled garments from him.” And to Joshua he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity [avon - iniquity, guilt, punishment] away from you. (Have you noticed how we will sabotage ourselves? how we wait ‘for the axe to fall’? Guilt is the monster in our closet, liable to jump out at any time.) And I will clothe you with pure vestments [machalatsah - rich robe,  robe of state].” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban [tsaniph - wound cloth] on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with fine garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by. 6 And the angel of the Lord solemnly assured Joshua (the priest) 7 “Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. 8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest,..behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. [Jesus, only begotten Son, only straight out from God one.. So close both can administer God’s Spirit/Presence.] 9 For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with “seven eyes” I will engrave its inscription, declares the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. 10 And in that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.”

                     🎺🎉🕊️