The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary 

Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, September 27, 1998

plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson

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<GT> Psalm 25

KJV w/Strong# - {15} Mine eyes <05869> [are] ever <08548> toward <0413> the LORD <03068>;...

NRSV - 15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD,...

TEV - "A Prayer for Guidance and Protection" - 15 I look to the LORD for help at all times, and he rescues me from danger. 16 Turn to me, LORD, and be merciful to me, because I am lonely and weak. 17 Relieve me of my worries and save me from all my troubles. 18 Consider my distress and suffering and forgive all my sins. 19 See how many enemies I have; see how much they hate me. 20 Protect me and save me; keep me from defeat. I come to you for safety. 21 May my goodness and honesty preserve me, because I trust in you.

<RR> Exodus 33

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And the LORD <03068> said <01696> unto Moses <04872>, Depart <03212>, [and] go <05927> up hence <02088>, thou and the people <05971> which <0834> thou hast brought <05927> up out of the land <0776> of Egypt <04714>, unto the land <0776> which <0834> I sware <07650> unto Abraham <085>, to Isaac <03327>, and to Jacob <03290>, saying <0559>, Unto thy seed <02233> will I give <05414> it:

{11} And the LORD <03068> spake <01696> unto Moses <04872> face <06440> to face <06440>, as a man <0376> speaketh <01696> unto his friend <07453>...

{12} And Moses <04872> said <0559> unto the LORD <03068>, See <07200>, thou sayest <0559> unto me, Bring <05927> up this <02088> people <05971>: and thou hast not let me know <03045> whom thou wilt send <07971> with me. Yet thou hast said <0559>, I know <03045> thee by name <08034>, and thou hast also <01571> found <04672> grace <02580> in my sight <05869>. {13} Now <06258> therefore, I pray <04994> thee, if <0518> I have found <04672> grace <02580> in thy sight <05869>, shew <03045> me now <04994> thy way <01870>, that I may know <03045> thee, that I may find <04672> grace <02580> in thy sight <05869>: and consider <07200> that this nation <01471> [is] thy people <05971>. {14} And he said <0559>, My presence <06440> shall go <03212> [with thee], and I will give thee rest <05117>.

{18} And he said <0559>, I beseech <04994> thee, shew <07200> me thy glory <03519>. {19} And he said <0559>, I will make all <03605> my goodness <02898> pass <05674> before thee, and I will proclaim <07121> the name <08034> of the LORD <03068> before <06440> thee;...

NRSV - 1 The LORD said to Moses, "Go, leave this place, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, and go to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, "To your descendants I will give it.'

11 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend...

12 Moses said to the LORD, "See, you have said to me, "Bring up this people'; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, "I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' 13 Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people." 14 He said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

18 Moses said, "Show me your glory, I pray." 19 And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, "The LORD'; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

TEV - "The LORD Orders Israel to Leave Mount Sinai" - 1 The LORD said to Moses, "Leave this place, you and the people you brought out of Egypt, and go to the land that I promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and to their descendants. 2 I will send an angel to guide you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 3 You are going to a rich and fertile land. But I will not go with you myself, because you are a stubborn people, and I might destroy you on the way."

"The Tent of the LORD's Presence" - 7 Whenever the people of Israel set up camp, Moses would take the sacred Tent and put it up some distance outside the camp. It was called the Tent of the LORD's presence, and anyone who wanted to consult the LORD would go out to it. 8 Whenever Moses went out there, the people would stand at the door of their tents and watch Moses until he entered it. 9 After Moses had gone in, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the door of the Tent, and the LORD would speak to Moses from the cloud. 10 As soon as the people saw the pillar of cloud at the door of the Tent, they would bow down. 11 The LORD would speak with Moses face-to-face, just as a man speaks with a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp. But the young man who was his helper, Joshua son of Nun, stayed in the Tent.

"The LORD Promises to Be with His People" - 12 Moses said to the LORD, "It is true that you have told me to lead these people to that land, but you did not tell me whom you would send with me. You have said that you know me well and are pleased with me. 13 Now if you are, tell me your plans, so that I may serve you and continue to please you. Remember also that you have chosen this nation to be your own." 14 The LORD said, "I will go with you, and I will give you victory." 15 Moses replied, "If you do not go with us, don't make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me if you do not go with us? Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth." 17 The LORD said to Moses, "I will do just as you have asked, because I know you very well and I am pleased with you." 18 Then Moses requested, "Please, let me see the dazzling light of your presence." 19 The LORD answered, "I will make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the LORD, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose. 20 I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive, 21 but here is a place beside me where you can stand on a rock. 22 When the dazzling light of my presence passes by, I will put you in an opening in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back but not my face."

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<B1> Isaiah 45

KJV w/Strong# - {22} Look <06437> unto me, and be ye saved <03467>, all the ends <0657> of the earth <0776>: for I [am] God <0410>, and [there is] none <0369> else <05750>.

NRSV - 22 Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

TEV - "The LORD of the World and the Idols of Babylon" - 22 "Turn to me now and be saved, people all over the world! I am the only God there is. 23 My promise is true, and it will not be changed. I solemnly promise by all that I am: Everyone will come and kneel before me and vow to be loyal to me. 24 "They will say that only through me are victory and strength to be found; but all who hate me will suffer disgrace. 25 I, the LORD, will rescue all the descendants of Jacob, and they will give me praise.

<B2> Isaiah 55

KJV w/Strong# - {6} Seek <01875> ye the LORD <03068> while he may be found <04672>, call <07121> ye upon him while he is near <07138>:

{8} For my thoughts <04284> [are] not your thoughts <04284>, neither <03808> [are] your ways <01870> my ways <01870>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>. {9} For [as] the heavens <08064> are higher <01361> than the earth <0776>, so <03651> are my ways <01870> higher <01361> than your ways <01870>, and my thoughts <04284> than your thoughts <04284>. {10} For as the rain <01653> cometh <03381> down <03381>, and the snow <07950> from heaven <08064>, and returneth <07725> not thither <08033>, but watereth <07301> the earth <0776>, and maketh it bring <03205> forth <03205> and bud <06779>, that it may give <05414> seed <02233> to the sower <02232>, and bread <03899> to the eater <0398>: {11} So <03651> shall my word <01697> be that goeth <03318> forth <03318> out of my mouth <06310>: it shall not return <07725> unto me void <07387>, but it shall accomplish <06213> that which <0834> I please <02654>, and it shall prosper <06743> [in the thing] whereto <0834> I sent <07971> it.

NRSV - 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near;

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

TEV - "God's Offer of Mercy" - 6 Turn to the LORD and pray to him, now that he is near. 7 Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the LORD, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive. 8 "My thoughts," says the LORD, "are not like yours, and my ways are different from yours. 9 As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts above yours. 10 "My word is like the snow and the rain that come down from the sky to water the earth. They make the crops grow and provide seed for planting and food to eat. 11 So also will be the word that I speak -- it will not fail to do what I plan for it; it will do everything I send it to do. 12 "You will leave Babylon with joy; you will be led out of the city in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into singing, and the trees will shout for joy. 13 Cypress trees will grow where now there are briers; myrtle trees will come up in place of thorns. This will be a sign that will last forever, a reminder of what I, the LORD, have done."

<B3> Psalm 92

KJV w/Strong# - {5} O LORD <03068>, how <04100> great <01431> are thy works <04639>! [and] thy thoughts <04284> are very <03966> deep <06009>.

NRSV - 5 How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep!

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 5 How great are your actions, LORD! How deep are your thoughts! 6 This is something a fool cannot know; a stupid man cannot understand: 7 the wicked may grow like weeds, those who do wrong may prosper; yet they will be totally destroyed, 8 because you, LORD, are supreme forever. 9 We know that your enemies will die, and all the wicked will be defeated. 10 You have made me as strong as a wild ox; you have blessed me with happiness. 11 I have seen the defeat of my enemies and heard the cries of the wicked.

<B4> Psalm 145

KJV w/Strong# - {4} One generation <01755> shall praise <07623> thy works <04639> to another, and shall declare <05046> thy mighty <01369> acts.

{7} They shall abundantly <05042> utter <05042> the memory <02143> of thy great <07227> goodness <02898>, and shall sing <07442> of thy righteousness <06666>.

{13} Thy kingdom <04438> [is] an everlasting <05769> kingdom <04438>, and thy dominion <04475> [endureth] throughout all generations <01755>.

{17} The LORD <03068> [is] righteous <06662> in all <03605> his ways <01870>, and holy <02623> in all <03605> his works <04639>.

NRSV - 4 One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

7 They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.

17 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.

TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 4 What you have done will be praised from one generation to the next; they will proclaim your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of your glory and majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. 6 People will speak of your mighty deeds, and I will proclaim your greatness. 7 They will tell about all your goodness and sing about your kindness. 8 The LORD is loving and merciful, slow to become angry and full of constant love. 9 He is good to everyone and has compassion on all he made. 10 All your creatures, LORD, will praise you, and all your people will give you thanks. 11 They will speak of the glory of your royal power and tell of your might, 12 so that everyone will know your mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of your kingdom. 13 Your rule is eternal, and you are king forever. The LORD is faithful to his promises; he is merciful in all his acts. 14 He helps those who are in trouble; he lifts those who have fallen. 15 All living things look hopefully to you, and you give them food when they need it. 16 You give them enough and satisfy the needs of all. 17 The LORD is righteous in all he does, merciful in all his acts. 18 He is near to those who call to him, who call to him with sincerity. 19 He supplies the needs of those who honor him; he hears their cries and saves them. 20 He protects everyone who loves him, but he will destroy the wicked. 21 I will always praise the LORD; let all his creatures praise his holy name forever.

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<B5> Psalm 119

KJV w/Strong# - {12} Blessed <01288> [art] thou, O LORD <03068>: teach <03925> me thy statutes <02706>.

{18} Open <01540> thou mine eyes <05869>, that I may behold <05027> wondrous <06381> things out of thy law <08451>.

{27} Make me to understand <0995> the way <01870> of thy precepts <06490>: so shall I talk <07878> of thy wondrous <06381> works. {28} My soul <05315> melteth <01811> for heaviness <08424>: strengthen <06965> thou me according unto thy word <01697>.

{37} Turn <05674> away mine eyes <05869> from beholding <07200> vanity <07723>; [and] quicken <02421> thou me in thy way <01870>.

{68} Thou [art] good <02896>, and doest good <02895>; teach <03925> me thy statutes <02706>.

NRSV - 12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes.

18 Open my eyes, so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.

68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.

TEV - "Obedience to the Law of the LORD" - 9 How can a young man keep his life pure? By obeying your commands. 10 With all my heart I try to serve you; keep me from disobeying your commandments. 11 I keep your law in my heart, so that I will not sin against you. 12 I praise you, O LORD; teach me your ways. 13 I will repeat aloud all the laws you have given. 14 I delight in following your commands more than in having great wealth. 15 I study your instructions; I examine your teachings. 16 I take pleasure in your laws; your commands I will not forget.

"Happiness in the Law of the LORD" - 17 Be good to me, your servant, so that I may live and obey your teachings. 18 Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law. 19 I am here on earth for just a little while; do not hide your commands from me. 20 My heart aches with longing; I want to know your judgments at all times. 21 You reprimand the proud; cursed are those who disobey your commands. 22 Free me from their insults and scorn, because I have kept your laws. 23 The rulers meet and plot against me, but I will study your teachings.

"Determination to Obey the Law of the LORD" - 27 Help me to understand your laws, and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings. 28 I am overcome by sorrow; strengthen me, as you have promised. 29 Keep me from going the wrong way, and in your goodness teach me your law. 30 I have chosen to be obedient; I have paid attention to your judgments. 31 I have followed your instructions, LORD; don't let me be put to shame. 32 I will eagerly obey your commands, because you will give me more understanding.

"A Prayer for Understanding" - 33 Teach me, LORD, the meaning of your laws, and I will obey them at all times. 34 Explain your law to me, and I will obey it; I will keep it with all my heart. 35 Keep me obedient to your commandments, because in them I find happiness. 36 Give me the desire to obey your laws rather than to get rich. 37 Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised. 38 Keep your promise to me, your servant -- the promise you make to those who obey you. 39 Save me from the insults I fear; how wonderful are your judgments!

"The Value of the Law of the LORD" - 65 You have kept your promise, LORD, and you are good to me, your servant. 66 Give me wisdom and knowledge, because I trust in your commands. 67 Before you punished me, I used to go wrong, but now I obey your word. 68 How good you are -- how kind! Teach me your commands. 69 Proud men have told lies about me, but with all my heart I obey your instructions. 70 These men have no understanding, but I find pleasure in your law. 71 My punishment was good for me, because it made me learn your commands.

<B6> 1 Corinthians 2

KJV w/Strong# - {9} But as it is written <1125>, Eye <3788> hath not seen <1492>, nor <3756> ear <3775> heard <191>, neither <3756> have entered <305> into <1909> the heart <2588> of man <444>, the things which <3739> God <2316> hath prepared <2090> for them that love <25> him. {10} But God <2316> hath revealed <601> [them] unto us by his Spirit <4151>: for the Spirit <4151> searcheth <2045> all <3956> things, yea <2532>, the deep <899> things of God <2316>.

NRSV - 9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

TEV - "God's Wisdom" - 9 However, as the scripture says, "What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him." 10 But it was to us that God made known his secret by means of his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. 11 It is only a person's own spirit within him that knows all about him; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. 12 We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.

<B7> Romans 1

KJV w/Strong# - {20} For the invisible <517> things of him from the creation <2937> of the world <2889> are clearly <2529> seen <2529>, being understood <3539> by the things that are made <4161>, [even] his eternal <126> power <1411> and Godhead <2305>;...

NRSV - 20 Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made...

TEV - "The Guilt of Mankind" - 18 God's anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known. 19 God punishes them, because what can be known about God is plain to them, for God himself made it plain. 20 Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all! 21 They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness.

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<B8> 2 Kings 6

KJV w/Strong# - {8} Then the king <04428> of Syria <0758> warred <03898> against Israel <03478>, and took counsel <03289> with his servants <05650>, saying <0559>, In such <06423> and such <0492> a place <04725> [shall be] my camp <08466>. {9} And the man <0376> of God <0430> sent <07971> unto the king <04428> of Israel <03478>, saying <0559>, Beware <08104> that thou pass <05674> not such <02088> a place <04725>; for thither <08033> the Syrians <0758> are come <05185> down <05181>. {10} And the king <04428> of Israel <03478> sent <07971> to the place <04725> which <0834> the man <0376> of God <0430> told <0559> him and warned <02094> him of, and saved <08104> himself there <08033>, not once <0259> nor <03808> twice <08147>. {11} Therefore the heart <03820> of the king <04428> of Syria <0758> was sore troubled <05590> for this <02088> thing <01697>; and he called <07121> his servants <05650>, and said <0559> unto them, Will ye not shew <05046> me which <04310> of us [is] for the king <04428> of Israel <03478>? {12} And one <0259> of his servants <05650> said <0559>, None <03808>, my lord <0113>, O king <04428>: but Elisha <0477>, the prophet <05030> that [is] in Israel <03478>, telleth <05046> the king <04428> of Israel <03478> the words <01697> that thou speakest <01696> in thy bedchamber. {13} And he said <0559>, Go <03212> and spy <07200> where <0351> he [is], that I may send <07971> and fetch <03947> him. And it was told <05046> him, saying <0559>, Behold <02009>, [he is] in Dothan <01886>. {14} Therefore sent <07971> he thither <08033> horses <05483>, and chariots <07393>, and a great <03515> host <02428>: and they came <0935> by night <03915>, and compassed <05362> the city <05892> about <05362>. {15} And when the servant <08334> of the man <0376> of God <0430> was risen <06965> early <07925>, and gone <03318> forth <03318>, behold <02009>, an host <02428> compassed <05437> the city <05892> both with horses <05483> and chariots <07393>. And his servant <05288> said <0559> unto him, Alas <0160>, my master <0113>! how <0349> shall we do <06213>? {16} And he answered <0559>, Fear <03372> not: for they that [be] with us [are] more <07227> than they that [be] with them. {17} And Elisha <0477> prayed <06419>, and said <0559>, LORD <03068>, I pray <04994> thee, open <06491> his eyes <05869>, that he may see <07200>. And the LORD <03068> opened <06491> the eyes <05869> of the young <05288> man; and he saw <07200>: and, behold <02009>, the mountain <02022> [was] full <04390> of horses <05483> and chariots <07393> of fire <0784> round <05439> about Elisha <0477>.

NRSV - 8 Once when the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he took counsel with his officers. He said, "At such and such a place shall be my camp." 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, "Take care not to pass this place, because the Arameans are going down there." 10 The king of Israel sent word to the place of which the man of God spoke. More than once or twice he warned such a place so that it was on the alert. 11 The mind of the king of Aram was greatly perturbed because of this; he called his officers and said to them, "Now tell me who among us sides with the king of Israel?" 12 Then one of his officers said, "No one, my lord king. It is Elisha, the prophet in Israel, who tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber." 13 He said, "Go and find where he is; I will send and seize him." He was told, "He is in Dothan." 14 So he sent horses and chariots there and a great army; they came by night, and surrounded the city. 15 When an attendant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. His servant said, "Alas, master! What shall we do?" 16 He replied, "Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than there are with them." 17 Then Elisha prayed: "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

TEV - "The Syrian Army Is Defeated" - 8 The king of Syria was at war with Israel. He consulted his officers and chose a place to set up his camp. 9 But Elisha sent word to the king of Israel, warning him not to go near that place, because the Syrians were waiting in ambush there. 10 So the king of Israel warned the men who lived in that place, and they were on guard. This happened several times. 11 The Syrian king became greatly upset over this; he called in his officers and asked them, "Which one of you is on the side of the king of Israel?" 12 One of them answered, "No one is, Your Majesty. The prophet Elisha tells the king of Israel what you say even in the privacy of your own room." 13 "Find out where he is," the king ordered, "and I will capture him." When he was told that Elisha was in Dothan, 14 he sent a large force there with horses and chariots. They reached the town at night and surrounded it. 15 Early the next morning Elisha's servant got up, went out of the house, and saw the Syrian troops with their horses and chariots surrounding the town. He went back to Elisha and exclaimed, "We are doomed, sir! What shall we do?" 16 "Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "We have more on our side than they have on theirs." 17 Then he prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!" The LORD answered his prayer, and Elisha's servant looked up and saw the hillside covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

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<B9> Isaiah 42

KJV w/Strong# - {5} Thus <03541> saith <0559> God <0410> the LORD <03068>, he that created <01254> the heavens <08064>, and stretched <05186> them out; he that spread <07554> forth the earth <0776>, and that which cometh <06631> out of it; he that giveth <05414> breath <05397> unto the people <05971> upon it, and spirit <07307> to them that walk <01980> therein:

{8} I [am] the LORD <03068>: that [is] my name <08034>: and my glory <03519> will I not give <05414> to another <0312>, neither my praise <08416> to graven <06456> images.

{16} And I will bring <03212> the blind <05787> by a way <01870> [that] they knew <03045> not; I will lead <01869> them in paths <05410> [that] they have not known <03045>: I will make <07760> darkness <04285> light <0216> before <06440> them, and crooked <04625> things straight <04334>. These <0428> things <01697> will I do <06213> unto them, and not forsake <05800> them.

NRSV - 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it:

8 I am the LORD, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols.

16 I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.

TEV - "The LORD's Servant" - 5 God created the heavens and stretched them out; he fashioned the earth and all that lives there; he gave life and breath to all its people. And now the LORD God says to his servant, 6 "I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. 7 You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons. 8 "I alone am the LORD your God. No other god may share my glory; I will not let idols share my praise. 9 The things I predicted have now come true. Now I will tell you of new things even before they begin to happen."

"God Promises to Help His People" - 16 "I will lead my blind people by roads they have never traveled. I will turn their darkness into light and make rough country smooth before them. These are my promises, and I will keep them without fail. 17 All who trust in idols, who call images their gods, will be humiliated and disgraced."

<B10> Mark 6

KJV w/Strong# - {34} And Jesus <2424>, when he came <1831> out, saw <1492> much <4183> people <3793>, and was moved <4697> with compassion <4697> toward <1909> them, because <3754> they were as sheep <4263> not having <2192> a shepherd <4166>: and he began <756> to teach <1321> them many <4183> things.

NRSV - 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

TEV - "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men" - 33 Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things. 35 When it was getting late, his disciples came to him and said, "It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. 36 Send the people away, and let them go to the nearby farms and villages in order to buy themselves something to eat."

<B11> Mark 8

KJV w/Strong# - {22} And he cometh <2064> to Bethsaida <966>; and they bring <5342> a blind <5185> man unto him, and besought <3870> him to touch <680> him. {23} And he took <1949> the blind <5185> man by the hand <5495>, and led <1806> him out of the town <2968>; and when he had spit <4429> on <1519> his eyes <3659>, and put <2007> his hands <5495> upon him, he asked <1905> him if <1487> he saw <991> ought <5100>. {24} And he looked <308> up, and said <3004>, I see <991> men <444> as trees <1186>, walking <4043>. {25} After <1534> that he put <2007> [his] hands <5495> again <3825> upon his eyes <3788>, and made <4160> him look <308> up: and he was restored <600>, and saw <1689> every <537> man clearly <5081>.

NRSV - 22 They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Can you see anything?" 24 And the man looked up and said, "I can see people, but they look like trees, walking." 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida" - 22 They came to Bethsaida, where some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch him. 23 Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. After spitting on the man's eyes, Jesus placed his hands on him and asked him, "Can you see anything?" 24 The man looked up and said, "Yes, I can see people, but they look like trees walking around." 25 Jesus again placed his hands on the man's eyes. This time the man looked intently, his eyesight returned, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus then sent him home with the order, "Don't go back into the village."

[********** 5 **********]

<B12> Psalm 18

KJV w/Strong# - {30} [As for] God <0410>, his way <01870> [is] perfect <08549>: the word <0565> of the LORD <03068> is tried <06884>: he [is] a buckler <04043> to all <03605> those that trust <02620> in him.

NRSV - 30 This God -- his way is perfect; the promise of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 30 This God -- how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. 31 The LORD alone is God; God alone is our defense. 32 He is the God who makes me strong, who makes my pathway safe. 33 He makes me sure-footed as a deer; he keeps me safe on the mountains. 34 He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow.

<B13> Psalm 101

KJV w/Strong# - {1} I will sing <07891> of mercy <02617> and judgment <04941>: unto thee, O LORD <03068>, will I sing <02167>. {2} I will behave <07919> myself wisely <07919> in a perfect <08549> way <01870>. O when <04970> wilt thou come <0935> unto me? I will walk <01980> within <07130> my house <01004> with a perfect <08537> heart <03824>.

NRSV - 1 I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing. 2 I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

TEV - "A King's Promise" - 1 My song is about loyalty and justice, and I sing it to you, O LORD. 2 My conduct will be faultless. When will you come to me? I will live a pure life in my house 3 and will never tolerate evil. I hate the actions of those who turn away from God; I will have nothing to do with them.

<B14> Psalm 26

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Judge <08199> me, O LORD <03068>; for I have walked <01980> in mine integrity <08537>: I have trusted <0982> also in the LORD <03068>; [therefore] I shall not slide <04571>.

{3} For thy lovingkindness <02617> [is] before <05048> mine eyes <05869>: and I have walked <01980> in thy truth <0571>.

{6} I will wash <07364> mine hands <03709> in innocency <05356>: so will I compass <05437> thine altar <04196>, O LORD <03068>:

NRSV - 1 Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.

6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O LORD,

TEV - "The Prayer of a Good Man" - 1 Declare me innocent, O LORD, because I do what is right and trust you completely. 2 Examine me and test me, LORD; judge my desires and thoughts. 3 Your constant love is my guide; your faithfulness always leads me. 4 I do not keep company with worthless people; I have nothing to do with hypocrites. 5 I hate the company of evil men and avoid the wicked. 6 LORD, I wash my hands to show that I am innocent and march in worship around your altar. 7 I sing a hymn of thanksgiving and tell of all your wonderful deeds. 8 I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells. 9 Do not destroy me with the sinners; spare me from the fate of murderers -- 10 men who do evil all the time and are always ready to take bribes.

<B15> Matthew 5

KJV w/Strong# - {6} Blessed <3107> [are] they which <3588> do hunger <3983> and thirst <1372> after righteousness <1343>: for they shall be filled <5526>.

{8} Blessed <3107> [are] the pure <2513> in heart <2588>: for they shall see <3700> God <2316>.

{48} Be ye therefore <3767> perfect <5046>, even <5618> as your <5216> Father <3962> which <3588> is in heaven <3772> is perfect <5046>.

NRSV - 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

TEV - "True Happiness" - 3 "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 4 "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! 5 "Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised! 6 "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! 7 "Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! 8 "Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! 9 "Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!

"Love for Enemies" - 43 "You have heard that it was said, "Love your friends, hate your enemies.' 44 But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. 46 Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! 47 And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! 48 You must be perfect -- just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

<B16> 1 Corinthians 13

KJV w/Strong# - {9} For we know <1097> in part <3313>, and we prophesy <4395> in part <3313>. {10} But when <3752> that which is perfect <5046> is come <2064>, then <5119> that which is in part <3313> shall be done <2673> away <2673>.

{12} For now <737> we see <991> through <1223> a glass <2072>, darkly <135>; but then <5119> face <4383> to face <4383>: now <737> I know <1097> in part <3313>; but then <5119> shall I know <1921> even <2531> as also <2532> I am known <1921>.

NRSV - 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end.

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

TEV - "Love" - 4 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; 5 love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; 6 love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. 8 Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass. 9 For our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; 10 but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear. 11 When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am a man, I have no more use for childish ways. 12 What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete -- as complete as God's knowledge of me. 13 Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.

[********** 6 **********]

<B17> 1 John 1

KJV w/Strong# - {1} That which <3739> was from the beginning <746>, which <3739> we have heard <191>, which <3739> we have seen <3708> with our eyes <3788>, which <3739> we have looked <2300> upon, and our hands <5495> have handled <5584>, of the Word <3056> of life <2222>; {2} (For the life <2222> was manifested <5319>, and we have seen <3708> [it], and bear <3140> witness <3140>, and shew <518> unto you that eternal <166> life <2222>, which <3748> was with the Father <3962>, and was manifested <5319> unto us;) {3} That which <3739> we have seen <3708> and heard <191> declare <518> we unto you, that ye also <2532> may have <2192> fellowship <2842> with us: and truly <1161> our <2251> fellowship <2842> [is] with the Father <3962>, and with his Son <5207> Jesus Christ <5547>.

NRSV - 1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life -- 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us -- 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

TEV - "The Word of Life" - 1 We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. 2 When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. 3 What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We write this in order that our joy may be complete.

<B18> 1 John 2

KJV w/Strong# - {3} And hereby <5129> we do know <1097> that we know <1097> him, if <1437> we keep <5083> his commandments <1785>.

NRSV - 3 Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments.

TEV - "Christ Our Helper" - 1 I am writing this to you, my children, so that you will not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf -- Jesus Christ, the righteous one. 2 And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone. 3 If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him. 4 If someone says that he knows him, but does not obey his commands, such a person is a liar and there is no truth in him. 5 But whoever obeys his word is the one whose love for God has really been made perfect. This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God: 6 whoever says that he remains in union with God should live just as Jesus Christ did.

<B19> Philippians 2

KJV w/Strong# - {12} Wherefore <5620>, my beloved <27>, as ye have always <3842> obeyed <5219>, not as in my presence <3952> only <3440>, but now <3568> much <4183> more <3123> in my absence <666>, work <2716> out your <1438> own <1438> salvation <4991> with fear <5401> and trembling <5156>. {13} For it is God <2316> which <3588> worketh <1754> in you both <2532> to will <2309> and to do <1754> of [his] good pleasure <2107>.

NRSV - 12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

TEV - "Shining as Lights in the World" - 12 So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, 13 because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, 16 as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted.

<B20> Philippians 1

KJV w/Strong# - {9} And this <5124> I pray <4336>, that your <5216> love <26> may abound <4052> yet <2089> more <3123> and more <3123> in knowledge <1922> and [in] all <3956> judgment <144>; {10} That ye may approve <1381> things that are excellent <1308>; that ye may be sincere <1506> and without <677> offence <677> till <1519> the day <2250> of Christ <5547>; {11} Being filled <4137> with the fruits <2590> of righteousness <1343>, which <3588> are by Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, unto the glory <1391> and praise <1868> of God <2316>.

NRSV - 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

TEV - "Paul's Prayer for His Readers" - 9 I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, 10 so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. 11 Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.

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