Podcasts about mount paran

Deuteronomy 33 records Moses' message and blessings for each of the 12 tribes and contains wise words of instruction and warning. These words speaks of events to be seen in the latter days that are specific for each tribe. Verses 2-5 are prophetic and is in the Hebrew text in the future tense. Compare Habakuk chapter 3. Seir is the territory of Edom and relates to the time described in Isaiah 63:1-6. Mount Paran is in the south, in the Negev, and we are being presented with the March of the rainbowed angel of Revelation 10. Verse 3 prophetically relates to the same events described in Psalm 68. Of Reuben Moses tells of an increasing in numbers for that tribe. Verse 7 speaks of Judah. We know that this tribe was to be the progenitor of our Lord Jesus Christ – as Micah 5:2 declares. An interesting exercise is to compare Jacob's last day prophecies in Genesis 49 with those of Moses in this chapter. Contemplate the description of Judah's king in verses 8-12 of Genesis 49. Verses 8-11 of Deuteronomy 33:8-11 tell of blessings upon Levi for that tribe's faithfulness to their God at the time of the incident of the golden calf. This, too, was a mirror of their zeal for the LORD at the time of Israel's corrupting of themselves at Baal Peor – Phinehas led the tribe by his example then. The Urim and Thummim relate to the righteous divine judgments in which Yahweh aided and directed the outcome. Phinehas put his love of the LORD above natural family ties and as a result he was promised a priesthood in the kingdom age – Malachi 2 verses 4-7. For his and his tribe's faithfulness the Levites were entrusted with the responsibility to teach Israel the testimonies of their Sovereign. Benjamin's blessing relates to the proximity of his tribe's habitat being on the border of Judah and sharing of the metropolis of the kingdom age – Jerusalem. Verses 14-18 contain the longest of the blessings, which were upon Joseph, the head of the one whose life marked him as separate from his brothers. Joseph may well be the greatest type of Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. Joseph is blessed with the double inheritance as his father elevated him to the position of the firstborn son. Likewise though Adam was the firstborn son of God, Luke 3:38, our Lord was given the place of the firstborn as Is prophesied in Psalm 89 verses 26-29. Verse 16 describes the blessing of knowing Yahweh our God in the revelation that was made to Moses by the angel who abode in the bush – Exodus 3:13-18 compare with Acts 7:30-34. The reference to the ten thousands from this tribe is an allusion to Psalm 68:13-21. Verses 18-21 speak of Zebulon, meaning dwelling, being blessed with an inheritance by the Mediterranean Sea and the treasures of the sand may relate to the extensive gas fields found adjacent to this region. The worshippers arriving at this haven by ship will come from there to worship the King in Jerusalem – the mountain of the LORD as Psalm 48 reveals. Verses 20-21 tell of Gad's troop being the protectors of the Promised Land. Verse 22 shows Dan to be the vindicator – the exactor of vengeance upon Yahweh's foes. Verse 23 outlines how Naphtali will carry the burdens of the blessings that will be brought to the nation from the abundance of the Gentiles – Isaiah 60 verses 9-11 reveals this. The lake mentioned is the Dead Sea in southern Israel. and this tribe may accompany the worshippers on their way to the house of prayer for all nations. Verses 24-25 speak of Asher, whose name means “blessed”, or “happy” being blessed with abundance. The mineral wealth in this tribal allotment is enormous. The mineral deposits in the Dead Sea region are among the largest know deposits on earth. Verses 26-29 enumerate the boundless blessings to the nation. The greatest of these blessings is to have the the Eternal God as our Father and be supported day by day in His caring, but mighty, arms. With Him we experience incomparable blessings throughout our live. And we live in this blessed assurance. Chapter 34 of Deuteronomy is not written by Moses as it speaks of his death and the physical condition of his body at the time he is laid to sleep. From the top of Mount Pisgah Moses views the Promised Land. He saw it through eyes that were enhanced and allowing him to see the entire land – this was not physically possible from that location. He rests awaiting the time that the angel will raise him from his sleep so that he also inherit the home of his constant yearnings. He dies as a vigorous man of 120 years in age. His natural vitality was strong and his eyesight undimmed. Israel mourned his decease for a month. And Joshua succeeded Moses as leader of the LORD's people – by the Almighty's divine appointment and with the blessing of Moses. No like prophet ever arose Isaiah 6 tells of Isaiah's calling to be a prophet of Yahweh and his being appointed to that role. He is called as a youth and he protests his unsuitability of carrying out a challenging mission to a rebellious and unheeding nation. In fact the message that he is taking to the nation of Judah would produce an increase in their hostility. As well as his claim to be but a youth we have evidences of that work lasting for 89 years. The prophet begins his service in the year of the great earthquake when king Uzziah died – BC 796. That king had usurped the office of the High Priest and the LORD struck him with leprosy as he was attempting to offer the incense. Uzziah is driven from the Temple as one of the region's greatest earthquakes of all time is unleashed. In contrast with that event the prophet beholds Yahweh of armies enthroned in His Temple. This glorious vision of the king-priest Messiah is symbolic of our Lord Jesus Christ's kingdom reign at his second advent. Matthew tells us this in chapter 13 verses 10-17. The purpose of parables, we are told, was to bewilder the shallow and the sceptical; but to enlighten the hearers who are seeking enlightenment. Verses 9-10 of Isaiah's sixth chapter are cited. At the shaking of the Temple from the great earthquake Isaiah himself physically trembled at this display of raw power from the Almighty. The prophet declares his own unworthiness to even behold this vision, let alone be asked to be his representative. The seraphim appear to be a combination of the cherubic figures of Ezekiel and the flashing of burning fire from the symbolic creatures which Isaiah saw. The Hebrew word derives from a word meaning burning ones. A coal of fire from the smoking incense altar is placed on the prophet's tongue and he is told that there is no need for fears as his iniquity is taken away by God whose Word has purged his sins. The necessary preparation for Isaiah to proclaim the LORD's message. Isaiah is thus commissioned as a prophet of Yahweh and on behalf of his Sovereign he would take the message placed into his mouth by divine inspiration to the nation of Israel. Sadly that generation of Israelites was largely uneffected. Likewise Messiah's message failed to effect the majority of people in his age. So our Lord Jesus spoke in parables. The Apostle John speaks of this in John 12verses 32-33 when our Lord Jesus prophesied his own lifting up in crucifixion. Paul tells us that this was a great stumbling stone for the Jews as we read in  1 Corinthians 1:23. In Colossians 3 verses 1-4 tells us that since we have through the act of baptism been raised in him to a new life our thoughts and actions should be in harmony with this. And so from verses 5-9 all those past behaviours are to find no place among believers. Our new self is being renewed every day through our growth in understanding what it means to be “in Christ”. From verses 12-17 the focus of the believer's mind and actions is to centre on living with (and as) Christ. From verses 18 to the chapter's end he addresses the different groups within Christian households and advises on proper behaviour. Chapter 4 continues with instructions for masters and servants – such an important topic as five sixths of the Roman world were slaves. Verses 2-4 is a request to those at Colossae to pray for Paul's preaching. Verse 5 tells that their speech and behaviour must be sincere at all times – “seasoned with salt”. Verses 7-17 conclude with final greetings. Verse 18 tells us that the letter was written by Paul in his own handwriting.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for November 13th Publish Date:  November 13th   From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Wednesday, November 13th and Happy birthday to Steve Zahn. ***11.13.24 - BIRTHDAY – STEVE ZAHN*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. 1.      State tax revenues declined in October 2.      GCPS names finalists for Teacher of the Year 3.      State Football Playoffs: Gwinnett's First-Round Schedule Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on apples All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1:  State tax revenues declined in October Georgia's tax collections decreased by 3.4% in October compared to the previous year, totaling $2.53 billion, a drop of $89.7 million. This decline is partly due to an extended tax filing deadline following Hurricane Helene, pushing deadlines to May 1. Individual income tax revenue fell by 8.7%, largely due to a 36.5% drop in tax return payments. Net sales tax receipts decreased by 1%, while corporate income taxes saw a significant 47.4% decline, with reduced payments and increased refunds. STORY 2:  GCPS names finalists for Teacher of the Year Gwinnett County Public Schools announced six finalists for Teacher of the Year from 25 semifinalists. The finalists are Amber Melander (Patrick Elementary), Katie Lessard (Puckett's Mill Elementary), Abby Paul (Berkmar Middle), Sharese Colbert (Radloff Middle), Nakaya Manning (Central Gwinnett High), and Mia Johnson (Shiloh High). Each finalist exemplifies dedication to education, focusing on student engagement, equity, and leadership. The district's TOTY program aligns with state and national programs, with the winner serving from July 2025 to June 2026. The top teacher will be announced at a celebration on January 30.   STORY 3: State Football Playoffs: Gwinnett's First-Round Schedule In the first round of the state high school football playoffs on Friday, November 15, Gwinnett County teams will compete in several matchups starting at 7:30 p.m. In Class AAAAAA, Archer faces Harrison, Dacula plays Carrollton, Denmark visits North Gwinnett, East Coweta challenges Buford, Mill Creek meets Douglas County, Norcross takes on Lambert, Peachtree Ridge battles North Atlanta, Pebblebrook goes against Grayson, South Gwinnett plays Hillgrove, West Forsyth visits Brookwood, and Westlake faces Collins Hill. In Class AAAAA, Lanier plays Sprayberry. In Class AAA-A Private, Greater Atlanta Christian visits Mount Paran, Mount Pisgah plays Wesleyan, and Providence Christian faces Landmark Christian, while Hebron Christian has a bye.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back Break 2: 08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL STORY 4:   Suspect in murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley waives right to jury trial The undocumented migrant accused of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley waived his right to a jury trial, opting for a bench trial starting Friday. Riley, a 22-year-old student, was found dead on February 22 near the University of Georgia campus, with her death ruled as asphyxiation and blunt force trauma. Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including murder and assault. Prosecutors seek life without parole. Ibarra, who pleaded not guilty, remains in custody. Riley's murder has sparked political debate on immigration, which her family finds distressing. STORY 5:   AROUND TOWN: It's beginning to look a lot like .... The holiday season is kicking off at the Mall of Georgia with Santa's arrival and the annual tree lighting at the Village Amphitheatre on Saturday, featuring festivities from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a "The Polar Express" screening at 7 p.m. Santa will be available for photos until Christmas Eve, with special events like pet photos and Caring Santa for children with special needs. Meanwhile, the 17th annual Run for Shelter 5K, benefiting the Salvation Army's Home Sweet Home program, will take place at Tribble Mill Park on Saturday, with registration at 8 a.m. and races starting at 9 a.m.   Break 3:    And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on apples *** INGLES 3 'ASK LEAH' APPLES*** We'll have final thoughts after this.   Break 4: Ingles Markets 9 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ·         www.ingles-markets.com  ·         www.wagesfuneralhome.com ·         www.kiamallofga.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of biblical history took place east of the Jordan River. What role does the modern nation of Jordan play in end times prophecy?This week, we discuss an interesting sequence of events that may unfold during the time of the Antichrist: If Israeli Jews take notice of the references to the “abomination of desolation” in the Book of Daniel (8:13, 9:26–27, 11:31, and 12:11) and they flee to the mountains as Jesus warned his followers to do in Matthew 24:15–21 (and as apparently prophesied in Revelation 12:6), they must return at some point because the House of Judah and House of David are in Jerusalem on the Day of the Lord (Zech. 12:1–11, 14:1–15), when God Himself goes into battle for Israel.We also discuss whether Habakkuk 3:3–5 is an “already but not yet” prophecy, fulfilled already when the Israelites followed God from Teman and Mount Paran, which are alternate names for Sinai. If the wilderness to which the woman—Israel—flees in Rev. 12:6 is Petra, as some prophecy teachers believe, then yes, Habakkuk 3 may have a “not yet” fulfillment in the future.We believe Sinai was either near or at Petra, not in Arabia, for reasons we'll explain in detail another time. So, Habakkuk may have foreseen a future return from the wilderness to Jerusalem by the people of Israel prior to the final battle of the age, Armageddon.

Daily Anglican Prayer – Thursday Morning – 19th September 2024 Readings: Psalm 45 Habakkuk 2.18-3.7, Ephesians 3.14-21 5. 13-21. Led by Felicity Scott, a Liturgical Assistant with the Anglican Church, QLD, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Thursday Morning prayer from the Anglican ‘A prayer book for Australia'. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ as our saviour and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray.   1 This is the message we have heard from Christ: That God is light, in whom there is no darkness at all.     Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.    2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Grace Go up to a high mountain Herald of good tidings to Zion: Lift up your voice with strength, Herald of good tidings to Jerusalem. Lift up your voice, fear not: Say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!' See the Lord God coming with power: Coming to rule with his mighty arm. He brings his reward for the people of God: the recompense for those who are saved. God will feed his flock like a shepherd: And gather the lambs in his arms; He will hold them to his breast: And gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40.9-11     3 The Opening Prayer The night has passed, and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.     Silence may be kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.    4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each. Psalm 45     5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us in your son Jesus Christ: grant that as he came to share our human nature so we may be partakers in his divine glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen.   6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   The 1st Reading is from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk beginning at chapter 2 verse 18:   18 What use is an idol once its maker has shaped it— a cast image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in what has been made, though the product is only an idol that cannot speak! 19 Alas for you who say to the wood, “Wake up!” to silent stone, “Rouse yourself!” Can it teach? See, it is gold and silver plated, and there is no breath in it at all. 20 But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him! 1 A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk according to Shigionoth. 2 O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work. In our own time revive it; in our own time make it known; in wrath may you remember mercy. 3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 The brightness was like the sun; rays came forth from his hand, where his power lay hidden. 5 Before him went pestilence, and plague followed close behind. 6 He stopped and shook the earth; he looked and made the nations tremble. The eternal mountains were shattered; along his ancient pathways the everlasting hills sank low. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan under affliction; the tent-curtains of the land of Midian trembled.     Hear the word of the LORD. Thanks be to God.   The 2nd Reading is from the New Testament letter to the Ephesians beginning at chapter 3 verse 14:   14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.   Hear the message of Christ. Thanks be to God.   7 The Canticle, In the beginning was the word: and the word was with God, and the word was god: he was in the beginning with god. all things were made through him: and without him, was not anything made that was made. In him was life: And the life was the light of all the people. The light shines in the darkness: And the darkness has not overcome it. He was in the world: And the world was made through him yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home: and his own people received him not. But to all who received him who believed on his name: He has given power to become children of God; who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh: nor of the will of a man but of God. And the Word became flesh And dwelt among us full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory: glory as of the only son from the father and from his fullness have we all received: And grace upon grace.   8 The belief and principle is said I believe in God, creator of heaven and earth, whose love and merciful forgiveness endures everlasting. I believe in Christ the saviour, whose example of love and compassion, taught us a restored way to live, in collaborative unity with all people. I believe in the Holy Spirit, whose divine guidance brings us together to be one with the Holy Trinity.      9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  God have mercy.      10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.    Prayer of the Week Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Oh God Without you we are not able to please you; Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit May in all things direct and rule our hearts; Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen   11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need. Let us pray   God of the nations, we thank you for your sovereign rule bringing justice and peace. Have mercy on our world, share abundantly your peace in the hearts of all and increase in people the spirit that makes for peace. Instil in us that all races and peoples can live in harmony as members of one family. In God we ask; Hear our prayer.   Loving God, we pray thanks to you for bringing forward the people needed to create our loving community's. We ask you to bless medical and hospital workers that help people and the police and defence forces that protect our country, we appreciate their contributions in providing a safe country for the people to live in. In God we ask; Hear our prayer.   Saviour God, we thank you for all you provide to us in our time of need. We ask you to help those who are hungry, especially help countries who are unable to provide food for their people, guide us to help them in their hour of need. In God we ask; Hear our prayer.   Loving God, we ask your blessing for those listed on the Anglican cycle of prayer: The Diocese of Isi Mbano – The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) The Diocese of Northwest Australia: The Parish of St John's Cathedral The Domestic Violence Task Force Toowoomba Anglican School All Parishes seeking clergy. All Anglican schools seeking chaplains. All Prison Chaplaincy Ministry Teams All people joining in this prayer offering. In God we ask; Hear our prayer   12 The Morning Collect Lord and Heavenly Father, you have brought us safely to this new day: Keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin, guard us from every kind of danger, and in all we do this day direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose, Through Jesus Christ our lord.  Amen.   13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    May the God of peace equip us with everything good so that we may do his will, and may he work in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever.   Amen. Hebrews 13.20 Music by John Keys – Anglican Chant Canticle organ accompaniments. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSV bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for September 12th Publish Date:  September 12th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Thursday, September 12th and Happy heavenly Birthday to Jesse Owens. ***09.12.24 – BIRTHDAY – JESSE OWENS*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Mount Paran Moves Game to Thursday Phony Threats Disrupting Cobb Schools, District Says Proposed 20-Story Development Hopes to be a Health Hub in Smyrna   Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on plant-based items.   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA  STORY 1:  Mount Paran Moves Game to Thursday Mount Paran Christian, coming off two wins, is gearing up for a matchup against Cherokee Christian, moved to today at 7:30 p.m. due to Hurricane Francine's potential impact. Head coach Matt Ely is pleased with the team's progress, emphasizing weekly improvement and efficient practice despite new rules limiting scrimmages. Senior quarterback Andrew Overton, who won the CFF Player of the Week Award for his performance against St. Francis, is highlighted for his leadership and athleticism. Ely praises Cherokee Christian for their discipline and coaching and is focusing on building on his team's strengths and handling similar defensive schemes to previous opponents. STORY 2:  Phony Threats Disrupting Cobb Schools, District Says Since last week's tragic high school shooting in Barrow County, Cobb County School District has received over 50 fake threats. The district confirms that each threat has been thoroughly investigated and proven non-credible. A student from Dickerson Middle School faces criminal charges for making threats, although they are not considered a danger to the school. The district's swift response is praised by Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, who highlights the problem's growth due to social media. For safety information, visit the Cobb Schools website. STORY 3:  Proposed 20-Story Development Hopes to be a Health Hub in Smyrna A new 20-story, mixed-use development called South Spring is proposed by Roswell-based Rass Associates for 8.7 acres near Truist Park. The project includes 650 residential units, two commercial buildings with 175,000 square feet of space, a 10-12 story office building with 200,000 square feet of space, and 250 hotel rooms. It aims to focus on health and wellness, integrating medical and lifestyle services. The plan aligns with Smyrna's long-term development goals and is expected to undergo review by the Atlanta Regional Commission, with city consideration anticipated in early 2025. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We'll be right back  Break: DRAKE STORY 4:  'A Day of Memory': 9/11 Honored at Marietta National Cemetery On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, east Cobb resident Gayle Lorio and dozens of volunteers gathered at Marietta National Cemetery to clean headstones and honor fallen veterans. With over 17,000 buried there from all U.S. wars since the Civil War, the volunteers, organized by Carry The Load and including employees from companies like Panasonic Automotive and AT&T, aimed to pay tribute and maintain the gravesites. “It's a day of memory,” said Navy veteran Alex Smith, highlighting the significance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives. STORY 5:  Marietta Considers Downtown Branded Banners The Marietta City Council has advanced a proposal for new branded light post banners in Marietta Square. Proposed by Brittney Gray of Visit Marietta, the banners will feature the organization's new logo, website, and tagline, “Meet me on the Square.” The rebrand aims to enhance local pride, tourism awareness, and visual cohesion. The banners, in navy blue, purple, and orange, are designed to reflect the square's aesthetics and will be installed on 17 light poles around the Square. All costs will be covered by Visit Marietta, with the banners up through January. We'll be back in a moment    Break: INGLES 6   And now here is the conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss   ****LEAH INGLES INTERVIEW ON PLANT BASED ITEMS****   We'll have closing comments after this. Break: Marietta Theatre (COLOR PURLPLE)   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com mariettatheatresquare.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosea Bible Study with Laila! In wrath remember mercy. “God came from Teman,and the Holy One from Mount Paran. SelahHis splendor covered the heavens,and the earth was full of his praise.” Hab.3.3

2024-08-04 Faith, Finallyby Pastor Chris Berg Scripture Reference: Habakkuk 3:1-191 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth.2 O Lord, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O Lord, do I fear.In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3 God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. SelahHis splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4 His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5 Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.[a]6 He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8 Was your wrath against the rivers, O Lord?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9 You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.[b] Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10 The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11 The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12 You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13 You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.[c] Selah14 You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15 You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters.16 I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us.17 Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19 God, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.To the choirmaster: with stringed[d] instruments.English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: Before the Kingdom of God can be established, a number of events occur. The Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth, the dead resurrected, the living and the resurrected ones called to Judgement, the marriage of the Lamb, and the battle of Armageddon. The p gospel will be preached to all nations calling them to submit to Christ's rule. Those who refuse to submit, will be judged. These events will take place most likely over a 50 year period. A vision of these events give us a clear vision of the glorious future of the Kingdom of God. # Summary This presentation discusses the events that will take place after the return of Christ, focusing on the Judgement of the Saints. It explores the order of events, the calling away of the Saints, the location of the Judgement, and what will happen during the Judgement process. # Highlights

Habakkuk 3:1-19 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet.] 2 Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. 3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran.[b] His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. 4 His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. 5 Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. 6 He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed— but he marches on forever. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in distress, the dwellings of Midian in anguish. 8 Were you angry with the rivers, Lord? Was your wrath against the streams? Did you rage against the sea when you rode your horses and your chariots to victory? 9 You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers; 10 the mountains saw you and writhed. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high. 11 Sun and moon stood still in the heavens at the glint of your flying arrows, at the lightning of your flashing spear. 12 In wrath you strode through the earth and in anger you threshed the nations. 13 You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness, you stripped him from head to foot. 14 With his own spear you pierced his head when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though about to devour the wretched who were in hiding. 15 You trampled the sea with your horses, churning the great waters. 16 I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 9th              Publish Date:  May 9th                Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Thursday, May 9th, and Happy 74th Birthday to entertainer Billy Joel. ***05.09.24 – BIRTHDAY – BILLY JOEL*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Two Men Get Life for Crime Spree That Left Young Father Dead Challenger Decries Home Rule, Transit Tax at Cobb Forum Cobb Students Win $2,500 National Merit Scholarship   Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss hard boiled eggs.   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA  STORY 1: Two Men Get Life for Crime Spree That Left Young Father Dead In January 2020, Elijah Bailey, 20, and Miguel Romo, 21, were convicted by a Cobb jury for their roles in a violent 48-hour crime spree, including murder, home invasion, armed robbery, among other charges. This spree tragically culminated in the death of 22-year-old Daquan Murphy during one of the home invasions. The spree inflicted terror on multiple victims, notably affecting Murphy's girlfriend and their young child. Shropshire, a fellow accomplice, previously received a life sentence. Bailey and Romo were each sentenced to life imprisonment plus additional years. Cobb District Attorney Flynn Broady said the community's unequivocal stance against such acts of violence, affirming justice for the impacted families. STORY 2: Challenger Decries Home Rule, Transit Tax at Cobb Forum In the race for the District 4 seat on the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, incumbent Monique Sheffield and challenger Yashica Marshall, both Democrats, present differing stances. Sheffield supports the commission's home resolution and the proposed transit tax, advocating for specific funding for transit projects. In contrast, Marshall opposes them, suggesting alternative funding sources and emphasizing community input in development plans. Their debate spans issues such as home rule, transit tax funding, and revitalizing Veterans Memorial Highway. Sheffield touts her experience and leadership, while Marshall seeks equitable attention across the county and champions positive change. STORY 3: Cobb Students Win $2,500 National Merit Scholarship Eleven graduating high school seniors from Cobb County received $2,500 scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, chosen from 15,000 finalists nationwide based on academic records, test scores, leadership, community involvement, essays, and recommendations. The nonprofit awarded a total of 2,250 scholarships. Winners from Cobb County include students with diverse career aspirations, from computer science and engineering to medicine and marine biology. These scholars were recognized for their exceptional achievements and potential for success in college studies. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back. Break: DRAKE STORY 4: Mount Paran Christian School Works with Local Literacy Club Fourth and fifth graders from Mount Paran Christian School recently performed Disney's "Finding Nemo Kids" for parents, grandparents, and friends from the Ben Carson Reading Club at Walton Village Adventure Center. The Ben Carson Reading Club, housed within the Walton Adventure Center near Dobbins Air Reserve Base, aims to combat illiteracy and promote leisure reading among young children. Mount Paran students regularly engage with the Adventure Center through various events, including Family Serve Day, visits from the football team, and service opportunities. STORY 5: Cumberland Kroger to Close The Cumberland Kroger, a staple for 44 years, is set to close on August 17,  just two weeks before its lease ends. All 70 employees of this establishment will be reassigned to other locations in accordance with the company's collective bargaining agreement. Kroger's Atlanta division president, Victor Smith, extended his gratitude to the store's loyal customers and assured that customer service would continue unabated at nearby locations in Smyrna and Marietta.   STORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH And now here is Bruce Jenkins' conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss hard boiled eggs.   Break: INGLES 8   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com tedsmontanagrill.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Jan 19th            Publish Date:  Jan 18th    Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, January 19th and Happy heavenly Birthday to Janis Joplin. ***01.19.24 – BIRTHDAY – JANIS JOPLIN*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia. Teens Killed in Woodstock Crash to Have Joint Visitations and Funerals Kennesaw State Receives Grant to Help Children with Sickle Cell Disease Lockheed Celebrates 70 Years of the C-130   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: ESOG STORY 1: Teens Killed in Woodstock Crash to Have Joint Visitations and Funerals Gabriel Escandon, a junior at Pope High School, and Esteban Cortes-Rendon, a senior at Etowah High School, who died in a single-car crash in Woodstock, will have joint visitations and funerals. Families believe the boys, who shared life together, should be laid to rest together. The two-day joint viewing at Poole Funeral Home in Woodstock begins on Jan. 18. The funeral service is scheduled at Mount Paran Church on Jan. 20. GoFundMe campaigns have been initiated for both families, raising funds for scholarships and memorial expenses. Fundraisers have also been started for the injured passengers, Oliver Roman and Chris Peixoto. STORY 2: Kennesaw State Receives Grant to Help Children with Sickle Cell Disease Kennesaw State University's assistant professor of biomedical engineering, Paul Lee, has received a $426,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop an economical testing device for determining the risk of stroke in children with sickle cell disease. Lee aims to create an affordable, light-based device that can measure brain blood flow in children with sickle cell disease. The current screening tests using an ultrasound system are not widely accessible in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of babies born with sickle cell disease reside. The goal is to provide more children in southern African countries access to the screening protocol. STORY 3: 'Year of the Super Hercules': Lockheed Celebrates 70 Years of the C-130 Lockheed Martin's C-130 Hercules aircraft, the longest-running military aircraft production program in history, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. The celebrations for the C-130J "Year of the Super Hercules" began with a resolution presentation on Georgia Aerospace Day at the Gold Dome. Lockheed officials received resolutions honoring the C-130 Hercules and Lockheed Martin from state representatives. The C-130J, considered the most advanced Hercules ever built, was introduced in 1999, and Lockheed Martin has built over 520 C-130Js at its Marietta plant. Lockheed's Marietta plant is ideal for large aircraft manufacturing, and the company is involved in preliminary studies for a next-generation air lifter. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back.   Break:  CU of GA – GCPS STORY 4: Raffensperger: No time to take QR codes off Georgia ballots this year Georgia's Republican Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, stated that there isn't enough time to remove QR codes from paper ballots before the 2024 elections, as proposed by some GOP legislative leaders. Concerns have been raised about the transparency and trustworthiness of QR codes on ballots. The General Assembly had previously mandated a paper backup for electronic ballots in 2019. Raffensperger is requesting over $5.2 million in the fiscal 2025 budget for upgrading voting equipment, including the removal of QR codes. However, the timeline for implementing changes before the upcoming elections is a challenge, with Raffensperger emphasizing the need for technology availability from vendors. STORY 5: Developing Servant-Leaders Intrinsic to Mount Paran's Culture Mount Paran Christian School students in Georgia engaged in various fall semester service projects, aligning with the school's mission to "honor God, love others, and walk in Truth." Initiatives included a diaper drive supporting Cobb Children's Fund Diaper Day, a food drive collecting over 10,000 pounds for MUST Ministries, baseball teams aiding veterans and the homeless, a blood drive hosted by the Key Club, a Christmas toy drive for Mission 1:27, and a Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy and Spanish Club collaboration benefiting Lambs Christian Academy. Students demonstrated servant-leadership and community engagement, embodying the school's commitment to service and faith-based values. We'll be back in a moment    Break: DRAKE – INGLES 10 STORY 6: AROUND TOWN: Cobb connections to the Fani Willis scandal Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis faces controversy in the investigation into alleged 2020 election interference by former President Donald Trump. Accusations have emerged of a romantic relationship between Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade, prompting a motion to dismiss the case. Cobb-based attorney Wade, once an associate judge in Marietta, is central to the claims. The case, the first criminal case in Georgia against Trump, is notable, but allegations against Willis and Wade raise concerns. Cobb Democrats Chair Erick Allen believes the defense is throwing everything at the case, while Cobb GOP Chair Salleigh Grubbs expresses concern about the justice system's image. STORY 7: In Marietta, a book controversy involves the removal of 23 books from Marietta High School's library, sparking debate over sexual content. Superintendent Grant Rivera disputes claims that over half the books have LGBTQ+ content. The Cobb County Republican Women's Club holds an awards luncheon, highlighting accomplishments under outgoing president Nancy Couch's leadership. Reverend Tony Lowden addresses the group, emphasizing love, compassion, and respect in community work. Leadership Cobb is seeking nominations for its 2024-2025 class, with 60 individuals selected for a program focusing on personal, professional, and community growth. The deadline for nominations is February 9. STORY 8: Jurassic Quest Comes to Cobb Galleria Centre on Jan. 26-28 Jurassic Quest, North America's popular interactive dinosaur experience, is set to take place from January 26-28 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The event offers extended hands-on activities, an expanded herd of life-like dinosaurs, themed rides, live dinosaur shows, science and art activities, a giant fossil dig, and more. New attractions include "Raptor Run" races and "Rope-a-Raptor," where kids can lasso stray dinosaurs. The event aims to provide educational and entertaining experiences for families. General admission includes live shows, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur exhibits. Tickets for specific activities are available on-site, and entry is free for children under 2.   Break: Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: henssler.com ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com esogrepair.com gcpsk12.org/jobs     #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old Testament: Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 145:14–21 Psalm 145:14–21 (Listen) 14   The LORD upholds all who are falling    and raises up all who are bowed down.15   The eyes of all look to you,    and you give them their food in due season.16   You open your hand;    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.17   The LORD is righteous in all his ways    and kind in all his works.18   The LORD is near to all who call on him,    to all who call on him in truth.19   He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;    he also hears their cry and saves them.20   The LORD preserves all who love him,    but all the wicked he will destroy. 21   My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. (ESV) New Testament: Revelation 10–12 Revelation 10–12 (Listen) The Angel and the Little Scroll 10 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. 2 He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, 3 and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. 4 And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” 5 And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, 7 but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets. 8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” 9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 10 And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. 11 And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” The Two Witnesses 11 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, 2 but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. 7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit1 will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, 8 and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically2 is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10 and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13 And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come. The Seventh Trumpet

Old Testament: Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) New Testament: John 17 John 17 (Listen) The High Priestly Prayer 17 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. 6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.1 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them2 in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself,3 that they also may be sanctified4 in truth. 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Footnotes [1] 17:15 Or from evil [2] 17:17 Greek Set them apart (for holy service to God) [3] 17:19 Or I sanctify myself; or I set myself apart (for holy service to God) [4] 17:19 Greek may be set apart (for holy service to God) (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 145:14–21 Psalm 145:14–21 (Listen) 14   The LORD upholds all who are falling    and raises up all who are bowed down.15   The eyes of all look to you,    and you give them their food in due season.16   You open your hand;    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.17 

Morning: Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) Evening: Revelation 14 Revelation 14 (Listen) The Lamb and the 144,000 14 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless. The Messages of the Three Angels 6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” 8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion1 of her sexual immorality.” 9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.2 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” The Harvest of the Earth 14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” 16 So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.3 Footnotes [1] 14:8 Or wrath [2] 14:12 Greek and the faith of Jesus [3] 14:20 About 184 miles; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters (ESV)

With family: 2 Chronicles 8; 3 John 2 Chronicles 8 (Listen) Solomon's Accomplishments 8 At the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the house of the LORD and his own house, 2 Solomon rebuilt the cities that Hiram had given to him, and settled the people of Israel in them. 3 And Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and took it. 4 He built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the store cities that he built in Hamath. 5 He also built Upper Beth-horon and Lower Beth-horon, fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, 6 and Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had and all the cities for his chariots and the cities for his horsemen, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion. 7 All the people who were left of the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel, 8 from their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel had not destroyed—these Solomon drafted as forced labor, and so they are to this day. 9 But of the people of Israel Solomon made no slaves for his work; they were soldiers, and his officers, the commanders of his chariots, and his horsemen. 10 And these were the chief officers of King Solomon, 250, who exercised authority over the people. 11 Solomon brought Pharaoh's daughter up from the city of David to the house that he had built for her, for he said, “My wife shall not live in the house of David king of Israel, for the places to which the ark of the LORD has come are holy.” 12 Then Solomon offered up burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of the LORD that he had built before the vestibule, 13 as the duty of each day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses for the Sabbaths, the new moons, and the three annual feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths. 14 According to the ruling of David his father, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their service, and the Levites for their offices of praise and ministry before the priests as the duty of each day required, and the gatekeepers in their divisions at each gate, for so David the man of God had commanded. 15 And they did not turn aside from what the king had commanded the priests and Levites concerning any matter and concerning the treasuries. 16 Thus was accomplished all the work of Solomon from1 the day the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was completed. 17 Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and Eloth on the shore of the sea, in the land of Edom. 18 And Hiram sent to him by the hand of his servants ships and servants familiar with the sea, and they went to Ophir together with the servants of Solomon and brought from there 450 talents2 of gold and brought it to King Solomon. Footnotes [1] 8:16 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew to [2] 8:18 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms (ESV) 3 John (Listen) Greeting 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers1 came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Support and Opposition 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. Final Greetings 13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name. Footnotes [1] 1:3 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 5, 10 (ESV) In private: Habakkuk 3; Luke 22 Habakkuk 3 (Listen) Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.16   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.2 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.3 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed4 instruments. Footnotes [1] 3:5 Hebrew feet [2] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [3] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [4] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) Luke 22 (Listen) The Plot to Kill Jesus 22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. Judas to Betray Jesus 3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. The Passover with the Disciples 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus1 sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. Institution of the Lord's Supper 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it2 until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.3 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this. Who Is the Greatest? 24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. 28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,4 that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter5 said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus6 said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus 35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.' For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives 39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.7 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant8 of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Peter Denies Jesus 54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. Jesus Is Mocked 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. Jesus Before the Council 66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” Footnotes [1] 22:8 Greek he [2] 22:16 Some manuscripts never eat it again [3] 22:20 Some manuscripts omit, in whole or in part, verses 19b-20 (which is given . . . in my blood) [4] 22:31 The Greek word for you (twice in this verse) is plural; in verse 32, all four instances are singular [5] 22:33 Greek He [6] 22:34 Greek He [7] 22:44 Some manuscripts omit verses 43 and 44 [8] 22:50 Or bondservant (ESV)

Deuteronomy 33 33 Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death. 2 He said, “The Lord came from Sinai,And dawned on them from Seir;He shone forth from Mount Paran,And He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones;At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them.3 “Indeed, He loves the people;All Your holy ones are in Your hand,And they followed in Your steps;Everyone receives of Your words.4 “Moses charged us with a law,A possession for the assembly of Jacob.5 “And He was king in Jeshurun,When the heads of the people were gathered,The tribes of Israel together. 6 “May Reuben live and not die,Nor his men be few.” 7 And this regarding Judah; so he said, “Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah,And bring him to his people.With his hands he contended for them,And may You be a help against his adversaries.” 8 Of Levi he said, “Let Your Thummim and Your Urim belong to Your godly man,Whom You proved at Massah,With whom You contended at the waters of Meribah;9 Who said of his father and his mother,‘I did not consider them';And he did not acknowledge his brothers,Nor did he regard his own sons,For they observed Your word,And kept Your covenant.10 “They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob,And Your law to Israel.They shall put incense before You,And whole burnt offerings on Your altar.11 “O Lord, bless his substance,And accept the work of his hands;Shatter the loins of those who rise up against him,And those who hate him, so that they will not rise again.” 12 Of Benjamin he said, “May the beloved of the Lord dwell in security by Him,Who shields him all the day,And he dwells between His shoulders.” 13 Of Joseph he said, “Blessed of the Lord be his land,With the choice things of heaven, with the dew,And from the deep lying beneath,14 And with the choice yield of the sun,And with the choice produce of the months.15 “And with the best things of the ancient mountains,And with the choice things of the everlasting hills,16 And with the choice things of the earth and its fullness,And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush.Let it come to the head of Joseph,And to the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.17 “As the firstborn of his ox, majesty is his,And his horns are the horns of the wild ox;With them he will push the peoples,All at once, to the ends of the earth.And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim,And those are the thousands of Manasseh.” 18 Of Zebulun he said, “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going forth,And, Issachar, in your tents.19 “They will call peoples to the mountain;There they will offer righteous sacrifices;For they will draw out the abundance of the seas,And the hidden treasures of the sand.” 20 Of Gad he said, “Blessed is the one who enlarges Gad;He lies down as a lion,And tears the arm, also the crown of the head.21 “Then he provided the first part for himself,For there the ruler's portion was reserved;And he came with the leaders of the people;He executed the justice of the Lord,And His ordinances with Israel.” 22 Of Dan he said, “Dan is a lion's whelp,That leaps forth from Bashan.” 23 Of Naphtali he said, “O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,And full of the blessing of the Lord,Take possession of the sea and the south.” 24 Of Asher he said, “More blessed than sons is Asher;May he be favored by his brothers,And may he dip his foot in oil.25 “Your locks will be iron and bronze,And according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be... New American Standard Bible 1995 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maranatha-ministries/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maranatha-ministries/support

BABYLONIAN CHAOS TO A PALISADE WITHIN COSMOS PALISADES “Once more I looked, and this time I saw four chariots emerging from between two mountains of bronze.” ‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ ‭ Sunday, after a period of waiting the Lord said to me, “Your enemy stole your lightning…go hunt your enemy. I saw many of us under water going to spear a leviathan. Then because I didn't understand, the Lord said to me, Percy Jackson. I then looked this up online and this book came up. I didn't recognize the name of the book until Tom McManus later that evening pointed it out to me, “The Lightning Thief” and I knew then the Lord was really saying, “Our enemy has stolen our lightning” Tom proceeded to show me this. After a period of waiting I experience a strong electrical lightning type shock and transition into: “God comes from Teman, the sovereign one from Mount Paran. See X2M.139 Selah. SEAGER - SEA SPEAR You cause flash floods on the earth's surface. When the mountains see you, they shake. The torrential downpour sweeps through. The great deep shouts out; it lifts its hands high. The sun and moon stand still in their courses; the flash of your arrows drives them away, the bright light of your lightning-quick spear. You furiously stomp on the earth, you angrily trample down the nations. You march out to deliver your people, to deliver your special servant (Davidic king). You strike the leader of the wicked nation, laying him open from the lower body to the neck. Selah. SOURCE MATERIAL From the Rivers of Babylon to the Highlands of Judah: Collected Studies on the Restoration Period Sara Japhet Copyright Date: 2006 Published by: Penn State University Press, Eisenbrauns https://doi.org/10.5325/j.ctv1bxh1r4 Pages: 488 https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/j.ctv1bxh1r4 Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption Jonah and the Chaos Dragon Podcast Jonah and the Chaos Dragon Transcript JONAH AND LEVIATHAN Inner-Biblical Allusions and the Problem with Dragons The Dragon, the Mountain, and the Nations: An Old Testament Myth, Its Origins, and Its Afterlives Slaying the Dragon From Chaos to Cosmos: Creation to New Creation Leviathan ENTHRONEMENT ON 475 THUNDER MOUNTAIN God ascended his throne. In the context of vv. 3-4, which refer to the conquest of the land under Joshua, v. 5 is best understood as referring to an historical event. When the Lord conquered the land and placed his people in it, he assumed a position of kingship, as predicted by Moses (see Exod 15:17-18, as well as Ps 114:1-2). That event is here described metaphorically in terms of a typical coronation ceremony for an earthly king (see 2 Sam 15:10; 2 Kgs 9:13). Verses 1-2, 8-9 focus on God's continuing kingship, which extends over all nations. “God ascended amid a shout.” The words “his throne” are supplied in the translation for clarification. The Lord's coronation as king is described here (see v. 8). Here the perfect probably has a present perfect function, indicating a completed action with continuing effects. “You will bring them in and plant them in the mountain of your inheritance, in the place you made for your residence, O Lord, the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hands have established.” Exodus‬ ‭15‬:‭17‬ ‭NET‬‬ “As with the thunder of chariots over mountain tops, like the crackling of blazing fire consuming stubble, like the noise of a mighty army being drawn up for battle.” Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ “And the one seated on it was like jasper and carnelian in appearance, and a rainbow looking like it was made of emerald encircled the throne. From the throne came out flashes of lightning and roaring and crashes of thunder. Seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God, were burning in front of the throne” Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬, ‭5‬ ‭NET‬ STARCHILD X - PALISADE ORDER & VICTORY IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS Going Boldly Where The Last Man has Gone Before! Decrease time over target:  PayPal or Venmo @clastronaut Cash App $clastronaut

“And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day, when they traveled from the camp. And when the ark traveled, Moses would say, “Rise up, O Lord! May your enemies be scattered, and may those who hate you flee before you!” And when it came to rest he would say, “Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel!”” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭10‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭NET‬‬ "He said: The Lord 1. Came from Sinai 2. Dawned to Israel from Seir 3. Appeared in splendor from Mount Paran The “splendor” referred to in verse 3 is from the Hebrew word hod, associated with kingly authority (Numbers 27:20; 1 Chronicles 29:25). In this context, God's splendor is His glory as the sovereign King, reigning over all creation and for all time. ...and came forth with ten thousand holy ones. With his right hand he gave a fiery (flashing lightning) law to them. Surely he loves the people; all your holy ones are in your power. And they sit at your feet, each receiving your words. Moses delivered to us a law, an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob. The Lord was king over Jeshurun, when the leaders of the people assembled, the tribes of Israel together.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭33‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭NET‬‬ X2M EXODUS FROM BABYLON PASSOVER PENTACOST TABERNACLES The language in Habakkuk 3 is strikingly similar to God's appearance at Mount Sinai. At the end of Deuteronomy, Moses blesses the Israelites one final time: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones, with flaming fire at his right hand” (Deuteronomy 33:2). Habakkuk's use of similar phrases connects his song of praise with Moses' blessing. Habakkuk praises God's sovereign power and ability to provide a “second exodus” for His people—not from Egypt but from Babylon. Habakkuk 3:3 marks a shift in Habakkuk's hymn from request to praise. He notes God's power in bringing the Jewish people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Because the Lord had accomplished this great work in the past, Habakkuk was confident He would deliver His people from Babylon and bring them back to their homeland once again. After the darkness of captivity, God would be the sunrise of freedom and hope. Paran – The Centrepoint Of God's Judgement As noted above, the prophet Habakkuk locates Paran in Teman, a region of Edom. Deuteronomy 33 records that God shone from Paran during his delivery of the Sinai covenant, obviously prior to the events of Deut. 33, which immediately precede the Death Of Moses. Habakkuk, on the other hand, prophecies that God will again shine from Paran in the future. But God's future visitation to Paran will not be to deliver a new covenant – it will be for the purpose of exacting God's vengeance on His enemies, those that hate Israel. In other words, Paran is the centrepoint of God's judgement, not His chosen people. God will destroy His enemies beginning at Paran. Not bless it. God will destroy His enemies in all the earth, starting from Paran. It is absolutely clear that Paran will be totally destroyed by God. Isaiah 34 is just one example of this certainty. Habakkuk 3:3-4 describes God's shining forth from Paran in a highly similar way to Deuteronomy 33:2 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. These initial two verses seem are positive in tone and describe a time of God's visitation to Paran. But the remainder of Habakkuk 3 shows that God's shining forth from Paran is a visitation of judgement. Going Boldly Where The Last Man has Gone Before! Decrease time over target:  PayPal or Venmo @clastronaut Cash App $clastronaut

Welcome to a thrilling Week 12 of Cobb Football Friday, hosted by Brian Giffin and John Bednarowski. It's the final week of the regular season, and the stakes are high in the world of high school football in Cobb County. In this action-packed episode, we break down last week's games and highlight some standout performances: - Kell secures its first region title since 2014 with a significant victory over North Springs.- Walton dominates with a 35-0 win over Osborne, positioning themselves one win away from their first region title since 2017.- Marietta shines with Russell Bey's impressive performance, leading to a victory over Harrison.- Wheeler faces unexpected challenges against Kennesaw Mountain.- Sprayberry scores big with 53 points and Jaden Duckett's standout game, putting them in a playoff spot.- Whitefield Academy triumphs in double overtime against Mount Vernon Presbyterian, thanks to a stellar performance by quarterback Callum Neese. As we head into the final week of the season, we're in for a wild ride: - Two region championship games on the horizon.- Three games with playoff implications on the line.- Several games that will determine playoff seeding.- Only five teams have been eliminated from playoff contention – Hillgrove, Kennesaw Mountain, Lassiter, Pebblebrook, and South Cobb. Our featured matchups for the week: - Allatoona at River Ridge, with playoff hopes on the line for the No. 4 seed from Region 6AAAAAA.- Westlake at Campbell, as Campbell vies for a playoff seed from No. 2 to No. 4.- Hillgrove at McEachern, the annual intense showdown between these rivals.- Kell at Chattahoochee, with Kell preparing for the playoffs after winning its first region title in years.- North Paulding at Marietta, a game to determine the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds.- North Cobb at Osborne and Walton at Wheeler, where Region 5AAAAAA playoff scenarios remain wide open.- Sprayberry at Pope, a crucial battle for the No. 4 seed in Region 7AAAAAA.- Whitefield Academy at Mount Pisgah, with Whitefield Academy eyeing its first region title since 2008. Additionally, we have the last regular season game, Mount Paran at Washington, with the winner likely securing the No. 4 seed from Region 6AA. And don't miss the lightning-round style rundown of other matchups in Cobb County for this final regular season week. Join us as we dive deep into the exciting world of Cobb County high school football on "Cobb Football Friday." Listen now to stay in the game: https://omny.fm/shows/marietta-daily-journal-podcast/john www.esogrepair.com www.drakerealty.com www.daycosystems.com www.cuofga.org #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Cobb Football Friday, your go-to podcast for all things high school football in Cobb County! I'm your host, Brian Giffin, and with me is my co-host, John Bednarowski. This week, we've got a lot to cover, from record-breaking wins to crucial playoff matchups. Let's dive into the action. Osborne High School is making history with a 7-0 record, equalling their most wins in program history since 1994 when they won nine games. The Cardinals are on the brink of securing their first-ever state playoff berth, and we'll discuss their incredible journey. Kell had a bit of a rocky start against Cambridge but picked up the pace in the second half. McEachern, known as the "Real MHS" this year, proved their worth with a victory over Marietta, and North Cobb put up an impressive 63 points on the road against a formidable Wheeler team. Now, let's take a look at this week's exciting matchups: 1. Campbell faces Pebblebrook in a game that could determine a playoff spot. The winner will likely secure a spot, while the loser might be on the outside looking in. 2. Harrison goes up against Hillgrove in a game that could be a playoff elimination battle. Both teams are hungry for a win to stay in the race. 3. GAC takes on Kell in a game that could very well be the de facto region championship. Both teams are primed for a thrilling showdown. 4. Kennesaw Mountain faces North Cobb, with the Warriors seeking their first region win. Can they pull off an upset? 5. Pope meets Lassiter in a close-to-home rivalry. With only three games left in the season, both teams need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. 6. McEachern faces North Paulding, with the Indians looking to continue their four-game winning streak. A win would give them sole possession of first place in the region. 7. North Cobb Christian takes on Mount Paran, with the chance to win their first region title at stake. 8. Wheeler goes head-to-head with Osborne in a crucial game for playoff seeding. The winner will likely secure at least the No. 3 seed. 9. Walton faces Cherokee, with the Raiders on a roll and looking to move to 3-0 in the region. Cherokee is in need of their first region win to stay in the playoff race. 10. Whitefield Academy starts their three-game region slate against St. Francis after a long non-region schedule. And in other matchups: - Etowah plays Allatoona.- Dunwoody takes on South Cobb.- Walker goes up against Cherokee Christian. Don't miss this exciting episode of Cobb Football Friday as we break down the games, share insights, and make predictions to keep you informed about all the football action in Cobb County. Whether you're a student, a parent, or just a passionate football fan, we've got you covered!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV)

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Sept 1 Publish Date: Aug 31   Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast Today is Thursday August 31st and happy 76th birthday to musician Barry Gibb ***Gibb*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia 1. Atlanta man accused of threatening judge and prosecutor 2. Smyrna inmate accused of sharpening a utensil into point 3. And a Marietta woman stole plants from Pike Nurseries All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subcribe! Commercial : ESOG - Elon   STORY 1 threats   Andrew Thurston Murphy, an Atlanta man, has been charged with intimidation or obstruction of jurors or court officers for allegedly sending threatening emails related to a criminal case. The 39-year-old is accused of emailing threats to the judge, prosecutor, and others involved in the case. The emails contained explicit threats and racially charged language. He was arrested on August 15 and is facing charges including stalking aggravated, 13 counts of terroristic threats, and two counts of intimidation or obstruction of jurors or court officers. Murphy remains in custody on a $1,000 bond. The incident occurred at an address in Marietta, and Murphy's emails contained threats against various individuals linked to the case. ......................……... read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 2: utensil   Cesar Gonzalez-Rodriguez, a 24-year-old McDonough man, has been charged with possessing a prohibited item for inmates after allegedly sharpening a utensil into a pointed edge while in a holding cell at the Smyrna jail. The incident occurred between August 9 and August 10. Gonzalez-Rodriguez was arrested on August 11 and charged with items prohibited for possession by inmates - warden's authorization. The sharpened utensil, originally meant for meals, was confiscated by Smyrna jail staff. He was released on a $6,500 bond after being booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.   Story 3: pike   Laura Imbach, a 44-year-old Marietta woman, has been charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into and stealing items from Pike Nurseries. Imbach is also accused of loitering and prowling at the same location on August 7. A security guard identified her from security camera footage as someone resembling the individual involved in previous burglaries. After conducting a search warrant on Imbach's vehicle, stolen solar lamps from Pike Nursery were found. Further investigation revealed that she had taken multiple pots and plants from the nursery on multiple occasions. Another search warrant at her residence uncovered approximately 30 pots and plants with Pike Nursery labels and barcodes. Imbach was arrested on August 10, charged with card theft and burglary, and released on $15,000 bond.....…..(pause)   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.   we'll be right back   Break: CU – Drake- – Dayco   STORY 4: dui   Joanne Hughley, a 55-year-old Smyrna woman, has been charged with DUI, obstruction, and other offenses. She is accused of driving a white Volvo XC60 unsafely and failing to maintain her lane on August 9 on Franklin Gateway. Hughley also allegedly ran red lights and reversed her vehicle into a police officer's patrol car when attempting to flee from the police. She showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and confusion, and resisted arrest, striking an officer and requiring physical force to be handcuffed. After being detained, she exhibited strange behavior during a urine test. Hughley faces charges including failure to maintain lane, traffic control violations, obstruction, fleeing or attempting to elude, and DUI - drugs. She is in custody on a $5,000 bond.     STORY 5: burn   Wellstar Health System's inpatient burn unit at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, established a decade ago, has grown to encompass 16 beds and around 70 staff. The burn center, one of only three in the state, provides specialized care for patients with burns and soft tissue injuries. It offers comprehensive medical and surgical treatment to help patients recover and regain functionality. The center is planning to expand by adding eight more beds. The burn unit employs innovative treatments, such as using virtual reality headsets combined with pain medication for patients in pain. The center sees nearly 700 patients annually, including adults and children, with various types of burns.   Story 6: ranks   Wellstar Health System's inpatient burn unit at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, established a decade ago, has grown to encompass 16 beds and around 70 staff. The burn center, one of only three in the state, provides specialized care for patients with burns and soft tissue injuries. It offers comprehensive medical and surgical treatment to help patients recover and regain functionality. The center is planning to expand by adding eight more beds. The burn unit employs innovative treatments, such as using virtual reality headsets combined with pain medication for patients in pain. The center sees nearly 700 patients annually, including adults and children, with various types of burns.   We'll be back in a moment   Break: Powers - Ingles 2 - JRM   Story 7: ksu   Ugonna Nwoha, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound defensive lineman, didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school. Despite his lack of experience, he earned an all-county honorable mention in his senior year, recording 62 tackles and three sacks. He walked on at Kennesaw State University and has since made significant progress. As the new season approaches, Nwoha is on top of the depth chart and poised to make his first collegiate start. He's focused on improving his fundamentals and technique while adjusting to the college game's intensity. Nwoha, a cyber security major, is excited to showcase his effort and secure a consistent spot in the defensive rotation.   Story 8: Title   Mount Paran Christian secured their third consecutive Cobb County volleyball championship by defeating Hillgrove in a best-of-five championship match. After sweeping through earlier matches, Mount Paran faced a challenge from Hillgrove in the finals. After winning the first set, Hillgrove came back to win the second, forcing a decisive third set. Mount Paran ultimately prevailed with a 15-10 win, aided by Alexis Stubbs' five-point serving run. Key players for Mount Paran included Kaitlyn Moran, Sarah Schwartz, Shelby Harris, and Alexis Stubbs. The victory marked Mount Paran's sixth consecutive win and seventh win in their last eight matches. Hillgrove's 11-match winning streak was broken with this championship loss. North Cobb and Allatoona tied for third place in the tournament.   Story 9: Tie   In a game against Calhoun, Claire Lussier of Mount Paran Christian pitched six innings, allowing six hits and recording strikeouts, resulting in a 2-2 tie. Shelby Brown contributed a hit and drove in both runs for the Eagles. Other players like Maddie Penley, Shayna Suttles, Marian Collins, and Ruby Collins also had hits. The Mount Paran team, with a record of 8-0-2, has a scheduled Region 6AA game against North Cobb Christian this coming Tuesday.   …Back with final thoughts after   Break: Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.henssler.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 28 Psalm 28 (Listen) The Lord Is My Strength and My Shield Of David. 28   To you, O LORD, I call;    my rock, be not deaf to me,  lest, if you be silent to me,    I become like those who go down to the pit.2   Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,    when I cry to you for help,  when I lift up my hands    toward your most holy sanctuary.1 3   Do not drag me off with the wicked,    with the workers of evil,  who speak peace with their neighbors    while evil is in their hearts.4   Give to them according to their work    and according to the evil of their deeds;  give to them according to the work of their hands;    render them their due reward.5   Because they do not regard the works of the LORD    or the work of his hands,  he will tear them down and build them up no more. 6   Blessed be the LORD!    For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.7   The LORD is my strength and my shield;    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;  my heart exults,    and with my song I give thanks to him. 8   The LORD is the strength of his people;2    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.9   Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!    Be their shepherd and carry them forever. Footnotes [1] 28:2 Hebrew your innermost sanctuary [2] 28:8 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts is their strength (ESV) Pentateuch and History: 1 Samuel 17 1 Samuel 17 (Listen) David and Goliath 17 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. 4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six1 cubits2 and a span. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels3 of bronze. 6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. 12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years.4 13 The three oldest sons of Jesse had followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem. 16 For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening. 17 And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah5 of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. 18 Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.” 19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. 24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.” 28 Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 29 And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?” 30 And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before. 31 When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” 38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand.” 48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath6 and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. 53 And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. 54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent. 55 As soon as Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.” 56 And the king said, “Inquire whose son the boy is.” 57 And as soon as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58 And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.” Footnotes [1] 17:4 Hebrew; Septuagint, Dead Sea Scroll and Josephus four [2] 17:4 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters [3] 17:5 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams [4] 17:12 Septuagint, Syriac; Hebrew advanced among men [5] 17:17 An ephah was about 3/5 bushel or 22 liters [6] 17:52 Septuagint; Hebrew Gai (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: Habakkuk 3 Habakkuk 3 (Listen) Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.16   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.2 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.3 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed4 instruments. Footnotes [1] 3:5 Hebrew feet [2] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [3] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [4] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Luke 1:1–25 Luke 1:1–25 (Listen) Dedication to Theophilus 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah,1 of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” Footnotes [1] 1:5 Greek Zacharias (ESV)

Dunn has earned five State Championships as a high school coach. Dunn has coached collegiately at Berry College and served as the NCAA Regional Selection Committee Chair. She was the head coach at Saint Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, where she led her teams to state championships in 2004, 2006 and 2007. She is currently coaching at Mount Paran Christian School where she recently won back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kevin-furtado/support

Deuteronomy 32:48-33:5, 26-34:1-11 That very day the Lord spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” 33:1 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said, “The Lord came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones, with flaming fire at his right hand. 3 Yes, he loved his people, all his holy ones were in his hand; so they followed in your steps, receiving direction from you, 4 when Moses commanded us a law, as a possession for the assembly of Jacob. 5 Thus the Lord became king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together. 33:26 “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. 27 The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, ‘Destroy.' 28 So Israel lived in safety, Jacob lived alone, in a land of grain and wine, whose heavens drop down dew. 29 Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.” 34:1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was un-dimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had command-ed Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land.

Deuteronomy 32:48-33:5, 26-34:1-11 That very day the Lord spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” 33:1 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said, “The Lord came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones, with flaming fire at his right hand. 3 Yes, he loved his people, all his holy ones were in his hand; so they followed in your steps, receiving direction from you, 4 when Moses commanded us a law, as a possession for the assembly of Jacob. 5 Thus the Lord became king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together. 33:26 “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. 27 The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, ‘Destroy.' 28 So Israel lived in safety, Jacob lived alone, in a land of grain and wine, whose heavens drop down dew. 29 Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.” 34:1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was un-dimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had command-ed Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land.

Psalms and Wisdom: Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 (Listen) The Vanity of Self-Indulgence 2 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity.1 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines,2 the delight of the sons of man. 9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Footnotes [1] 2:1 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 (see note on 1:2) [2] 2:8 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29 Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29 (Listen) Moses' Death Foretold 48 That very day the LORD spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” Moses' Final Blessing on Israel 33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,   “The LORD came from Sinai    and dawned from Seir upon us;1    he shone forth from Mount Paran;  he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,    with flaming fire2 at his right hand.3   Yes, he loved his people,3    all his holy ones were in his4 hand;  so they followed5 in your steps,    receiving direction from you,4   when Moses commanded us a law,    as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.5   Thus the LORD6 became king in Jeshurun,    when the heads of the people were gathered,    all the tribes of Israel together. 6   “Let Reuben live, and not die,    but let his men be few.” 7 And this he said of Judah:   “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah,    and bring him in to his people.  With your hands contend7 for him,    and be a help against his adversaries.” 8 And of Levi he said,   “Give to Levi8 your Thummim,    and your Urim to your godly one,  whom you tested at Massah,    with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;9   who said of his father and mother,    ‘I regard them not';  he disowned his brothers    and ignored his children.  For they observed your word    and kept your covenant.10   They shall teach Jacob your rules    and Israel your law;  they shall put incense before you    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.11   Bless, O LORD, his substance,    and accept the work of his hands;  crush the loins of his adversaries,    of those who hate him, that they rise not again.” 12 Of Benjamin he said,   “The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety.  The High God9 surrounds him all day long,    and dwells between his shoulders.” 13 And of Joseph he said,   “Blessed by the LORD be his land,    with the choicest gifts of heaven above,10    and of the deep that crouches beneath,14   with the choicest fruits of the sun    and the rich yield of the months,15   with the finest produce of the ancient mountains    and the abundance of the everlasting hills,16   with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness    and the favor of him who dwells in the bush.  May these rest on the head of Joseph,    on the pate of him who is prince among his brothers.17   A firstborn bull11—he has majesty,    and his horns are the horns of a wild ox;  with them he shall gore the peoples,    all of them, to the ends of the earth;  they are the ten thousands of Ephraim,    and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” 18 And of Zebulun he said,   “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,    and Issachar, in your tents.19   They shall call peoples to their mountain;    there they offer right sacrifices;  for they draw from the abundance of the seas    and the hidden treasures of the sand.” 20 And of Gad he said,   “Blessed be he who enlarges Gad!    Gad crouches like a lion;    he tears off arm and scalp.21   He chose the best of the land for himself,    for there a commander's portion was reserved;  and he came with the heads of the people,    with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD,    and his judgments for Israel.” 22 And of Dan he said,   “Dan is a lion's cub    that leaps from Bashan.” 23 And of Naphtali he said,   “O Naphtali, sated with favor,    and full of the blessing of the LORD,    possess the lake12 and the south.” 24 And of Asher he said,   “Most blessed of sons be Asher;    let him be the favorite of his brothers,    and let him dip his foot in oil.25   Your bars shall be iron and bronze,    and as your days, so shall your strength be. 26   “There is none like God, O Jeshurun,    who rides through the heavens to your help,    through the skies in his majesty.27   The eternal God is your dwelling place,13    and underneath are the everlasting arms.14  And he thrust out the enemy before you    and said, ‘Destroy.'28   So Israel lived in safety,    Jacob lived alone,15  in a land of grain and wine,    whose heavens drop down dew.29   Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,    a people saved by the LORD,  the shield of your help,    and the sword of your triumph!  Your enemies shall come fawning to you,    and you shall tread upon their backs.” Footnotes [1] 33:2 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew them [2] 33:2 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [3] 33:3 Septuagint; Hebrew peoples [4] 33:3 Hebrew your [5] 33:3 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [6] 33:5 Hebrew Thus he [7] 33:7 Probable reading; Hebrew With his hands he contended [8] 33:8 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint; Masoretic Text lacks Give to Levi [9] 33:12 Septuagint; Hebrew dwells in safety by him. He [10] 33:13 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Targum; Hebrew with the dew [11] 33:17 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint, Samaritan; Masoretic Text His firstborn bull [12] 33:23 Or west [13] 33:27 Or a dwelling place [14] 33:27 Revocalization of verse 27 yields He subdues the ancient gods, and shatters the forces of old [15] 33:28 Hebrew the abode of Jacob was alone (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: Nahum 2–3:4 Nahum 2–3:4 (Listen) The Destruction of Nineveh 2   The scatterer has come up against you.    Man the ramparts;    watch the road;  dress for battle;1    collect all your strength. 2   For the LORD is restoring the majesty of Jacob    as the majesty of Israel,  for plunderers have plundered them    and ruined their branches. 3   The shield of his mighty men is red;    his soldiers are clothed in scarlet.  The chariots come with flashing metal    on the day he musters them;    the cypress spears are brandished.4   The chariots race madly through the streets;    they rush to and fro through the squares;  they gleam like torches;    they dart like lightning.5   He remembers his officers;    they stumble as they go,  they hasten to the wall;    the siege tower2 is set up.6   The river gates are opened;    the palace melts away;7   its mistress3 is stripped;4 she is carried off,    her slave girls lamenting,  moaning like doves    and beating their breasts.8   Nineveh is like a pool    whose waters run away.5  “Halt! Halt!” they cry,    but none turns back.9   Plunder the silver,    plunder the gold!  There is no end of the treasure    or of the wealth of all precious things. 10   Desolate! Desolation and ruin!    Hearts melt and knees tremble;  anguish is in all loins;    all faces grow pale!11   Where is the lions' den,    the feeding place of the young lions,  where the lion and lioness went,    where his cubs were, with none to disturb?12   The lion tore enough for his cubs    and strangled prey for his lionesses;  he filled his caves with prey    and his dens with torn flesh. 13 Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will burn your6 chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall no longer be heard. Woe to Nineveh 3   Woe to the bloody city,    all full of lies and plunder—    no end to the prey!2   The crack of the whip, and rumble of the wheel,    galloping horse and bounding chariot!3   Horsemen charging,    flashing sword and glittering spear,  hosts of slain,    heaps of corpses,  dead bodies without end—    they stumble over the bodies!4   And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute,    graceful and of deadly charms,  who betrays nations with her whorings,    and peoples with her charms. Footnotes [1] 2:1 Hebrew gird your loins [2] 2:5 Or the mantelet [3] 2:7 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered its mistress is uncertain [4] 2:7 Or exiled [5] 2:8 Compare Septuagint; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [6] 2:13 Hebrew her (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Matthew 10 Matthew 10 (Listen) The Twelve Apostles 10 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;1 4 Simon the Zealot,2 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles 5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'3 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,4 cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics5 or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

With family: Deuteronomy 33–34; Psalm 119:145–176 Deuteronomy 33–34 (Listen) Moses' Final Blessing on Israel 33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,   “The LORD came from Sinai    and dawned from Seir upon us;1    he shone forth from Mount Paran;  he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,    with flaming fire2 at his right hand.3   Yes, he loved his people,3    all his holy ones were in his4 hand;  so they followed5 in your steps,    receiving direction from you,4   when Moses commanded us a law,    as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.5   Thus the LORD6 became king in Jeshurun,    when the heads of the people were gathered,    all the tribes of Israel together. 6   “Let Reuben live, and not die,    but let his men be few.” 7 And this he said of Judah:   “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah,    and bring him in to his people.  With your hands contend7 for him,    and be a help against his adversaries.” 8 And of Levi he said,   “Give to Levi8 your Thummim,    and your Urim to your godly one,  whom you tested at Massah,    with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;9   who said of his father and mother,    ‘I regard them not';  he disowned his brothers    and ignored his children.  For they observed your word    and kept your covenant.10   They shall teach Jacob your rules    and Israel your law;  they shall put incense before you    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.11   Bless, O LORD, his substance,    and accept the work of his hands;  crush the loins of his adversaries,    of those who hate him, that they rise not again.” 12 Of Benjamin he said,   “The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety.  The High God9 surrounds him all day long,    and dwells between his shoulders.” 13 And of Joseph he said,   “Blessed by the LORD be his land,    with the choicest gifts of heaven above,10    and of the deep that crouches beneath,14   with the choicest fruits of the sun    and the rich yield of the months,15   with the finest produce of the ancient mountains    and the abundance of the everlasting hills,16   with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness    and the favor of him who dwells in the bush.  May these rest on the head of Joseph,    on the pate of him who is prince among his brothers.17   A firstborn bull11—he has majesty,    and his horns are the horns of a wild ox;  with them he shall gore the peoples,    all of them, to the ends of the earth;  they are the ten thousands of Ephraim,    and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” 18 And of Zebulun he said,   “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,    and Issachar, in your tents.19   They shall call peoples to their mountain;    there they offer right sacrifices;  for they draw from the abundance of the seas    and the hidden treasures of the sand.” 20 And of Gad he said,   “Blessed be he who enlarges Gad!    Gad crouches like a lion;    he tears off arm and scalp.21   He chose the best of the land for himself,    for there a commander's portion was reserved;  and he came with the heads of the people,    with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD,    and his judgments for Israel.” 22 And of Dan he said,   “Dan is a lion's cub    that leaps from Bashan.” 23 And of Naphtali he said,   “O Naphtali, sated with favor,    and full of the blessing of the LORD,    possess the lake12 and the south.” 24 And of Asher he said,   “Most blessed of sons be Asher;    let him be the favorite of his brothers,    and let him dip his foot in oil.25   Your bars shall be iron and bronze,    and as your days, so shall your strength be. 26   “There is none like God, O Jeshurun,    who rides through the heavens to your help,    through the skies in his majesty.27   The eternal God is your dwelling place,13    and underneath are the everlasting arms.14  And he thrust out the enemy before you    and said, ‘Destroy.'28   So Israel lived in safety,    Jacob lived alone,15  in a land of grain and wine,    whose heavens drop down dew.29   Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,    a people saved by the LORD,  the shield of your help,    and the sword of your triumph!  Your enemies shall come fawning to you,    and you shall tread upon their backs.” The Death of Moses 34 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. Footnotes [1] 33:2 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew them [2] 33:2 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [3] 33:3 Septuagint; Hebrew peoples [4] 33:3 Hebrew your [5] 33:3 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [6] 33:5 Hebrew Thus he [7] 33:7 Probable reading; Hebrew With his hands he contended [8] 33:8 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint; Masoretic Text lacks Give to Levi [9] 33:12 Septuagint; Hebrew dwells in safety by him. He [10] 33:13 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Targum; Hebrew with the dew [11] 33:17 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint, Samaritan; Masoretic Text His firstborn bull [12] 33:23 Or west [13] 33:27 Or a dwelling place [14] 33:27 Revocalization of verse 27 yields He subdues the ancient gods, and shatters the forces of old [15] 33:28 Hebrew the abode of Jacob was alone (ESV) Psalm 119:145–176 (Listen) Qoph 145   With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!    I will keep your statutes.146   I call to you; save me,    that I may observe your testimonies.147   I rise before dawn and cry for help;    I hope in your words.148   My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,    that I may meditate on your promise.149   Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;    O LORD, according to your justice give me life.150   They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;    they are far from your law.151   But you are near, O LORD,    and all your commandments are true.152   Long have I known from your testimonies    that you have founded them forever. Resh 153   Look on my affliction and deliver me,    for I do not forget your law.154   Plead my cause and redeem me;    give me life according to your promise!155   Salvation is far from the wicked,    for they do not seek your statutes.156   Great is your mercy, O LORD;    give me life according to your rules.157   Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,    but I do not swerve from your testimonies.158   I look at the faithless with disgust,    because they do not keep your commands.159   Consider how I love your precepts!    Give me life according to your steadfast love.160   The sum of your word is truth,    and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. Sin and Shin 161   Princes persecute me without cause,    but my heart stands in awe of your words.162   I rejoice at your word    like one who finds great spoil.163   I hate and abhor falsehood,    but I love your law.164   Seven times a day I praise you    for your righteous rules.165   Great peace have those who love your law;    nothing can make them stumble.166   I hope for your salvation, O LORD,    and I do your commandments.167   My soul keeps your testimonies;    I love them exceedingly.168   I keep your precepts and testimonies,    for all my ways are before you. Taw 169   Let my cry come before you, O LORD;    give me understanding according to your word!170   Let my plea come before you;    deliver me according to your word.171   My lips will pour forth praise,    for you teach me your statutes.172   My tongue will sing of your word,    for all your commandments are right.173   Let your hand be ready to help me,    for I have chosen your precepts.174   I long for your salvation, O LORD,    and your law is my delight.175   Let my soul live and praise you,    and let your rules help me.176   I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,    for I do not forget your commandments. (ESV) In private: Isaiah 60; Matthew 8 Isaiah 60 (Listen) The Future Glory of Israel 60   Arise, shine, for your light has come,    and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.2   For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,    and thick darkness the peoples;  but the LORD will arise upon you,    and his glory will be seen upon you.3   And nations shall come to your light,    and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4   Lift up your eyes all around, and see;    they all gather together, they come to you;  your sons shall come from afar,    and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.5   Then you shall see and be radiant;    your heart shall thrill and exult,1  because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,    the wealth of the nations shall come to you.6   A multitude of camels shall cover you,    the young camels of Midian and Ephah;    all those from Sheba shall come.  They shall bring gold and frankincense,    and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.7   All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you;    the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you;  they shall come up with acceptance on my altar,    and I will beautify my beautiful house. 8   Who are these that fly like a cloud,    and like doves to their windows?9   For the coastlands shall hope for me,    the ships of Tarshish first,  to bring your children from afar,    their silver and gold with them,  for the name of the LORD your God,    and for the Holy One of Israel,    because he has made you beautiful. 10   Foreigners shall build up your walls,    and their kings shall minister to you;  for in my wrath I struck you,    but in my favor I have had mercy on you.11   Your gates shall be open continually;    day and night they shall not be shut,

Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) Obadiah Obadiah (Listen) 1 The vision of Obadiah. Edom Will Be Humbled   Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom:  We have heard a report from the LORD,    and a messenger has been sent among the nations:  “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!”2   Behold, I will make you small among the nations;    you shall be utterly despised.13   The pride of your heart has deceived you,    you who live in the clefts of the rock,2    in your lofty dwelling,  who say in your heart,    “Who will bring me down to the ground?”4   Though you soar aloft like the eagle,    though your nest is set among the stars,    from there I will bring you down,      declares the LORD. 5   If thieves came to you,    if plunderers came by night—    how you have been destroyed!—    would they not steal only enough for themselves?  If grape gatherers came to you,    would they not leave gleanings?6   How Esau has been pillaged,    his treasures sought out!7   All your allies have driven you to your border;    those at peace with you have deceived you;  they have prevailed against you;    those who eat your bread3 have set a trap beneath you—    you have4 no understanding. 8   Will I not on that day, declares the LORD,    destroy the wise men out of Edom,    and understanding out of Mount Esau?9   And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman,    so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter. Edom's Violence Against Jacob 10   Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob,    shame shall cover you,    and you shall be cut off forever.11   On the day that you stood aloof,    on the day that strangers carried off his wealth  and foreigners entered his gates    and cast lots for Jerusalem,    you were like one of them.12   But do not gloat over the day of your brother    in the day of his misfortune;  do not rejoice over the people of Judah    in the day of their ruin;  do not boast5

From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Friday May the 26th and happy 74th birthday to Hank Williams Jr. ***Hank*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia Suspect in custody, another at large in fatal shooting of 19-year-old at Acworth apartment Next steps unclear for Cobb's five-year strategic plan And a Marietta councilman fields questions on proposed downtown building  Plus, of the USDA will have thoughts on that same topic. All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.   Commercial : ESOG   STORY 1 shooting     An Acworth man has been taken into custody, while another suspect remains at large in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Kennesaw man. Jaiden Lajuan Colon-Crawford, 20, is being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center as a suspect in the shooting death of Aiden Shaw. The incident occurred at the Walden Ridge Apartment Homes, where Shaw lived. David Bernard Travis, 18, is the remaining suspect, and the public is advised not to approach him but to call 911 if seen. The shooting took place during a possible home invasion, and both suspects face charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and first-degree burglary. Acworth police are investigating and encourage anyone with information to contact them. Stay up to date at MDJonline.com       Story 2: unclear   The Cobb Board of Commissioners in Cobb County, Georgia, is uncertain about the next steps for its five-year strategic plan. After hiring consulting firm Accenture for the plan, the county received a 38-page document and sought feedback from residents through listening sessions and an online survey. The plan focuses on areas such as community development, economic development, government efficiency, housing, infrastructure, transportation, and public safety. The commission is open to further input from residents before approving the plan. During public hearings, some residents expressed support for expanding public transportation, while others raised concerns about the plan becoming binding policy. The commission clarified that the plan would guide their work but decisions would still be made on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the commission approved initial upgrades to the Cobb County International Airport as part of a $3 million improvement project funded by a Federal Aviation Administration grant.       Story 3: Council   After the city of Marietta and Bridger Properties decided to continue negotiations regarding a proposed seven-story building near the Square, local residents expressed their concerns and questions during a town hall meeting. Councilman M. Carlyle Kent, representing Ward 5 which includes the proposed site, met with residents to address their inquiries. Kent has been supportive of increasing density and affordable housing in Marietta, citing the need for relief in an expensive city where many employees don't live. The City Council has allocated $500,000 from federal funds to build six houses for qualifying city or school system employees in collaboration with the Marietta Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity. Kent, who believes in managed density, remains optimistic about reaching a compromise with Bridger. The meeting also covered updates on city projects and events, including the completion of the Powder Springs Street streetscape project. Despite differing opinions, both Councilman Kent and his wife Jocelyn want the building to complement the Square's aesthetic.....we'll have more in a moment.   Break:   CU of GA– Dayco   STORY 4: Park    Celebrate America's independence on July 4 with the 4th In The Park Celebration in Marietta Square, presented by Superior Plumbing. The event will feature an Independence Day parade, live concerts, an arts and crafts show, food, carnival games, and a fireworks finale. The parade will have over 110 entries and will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the arts and crafts show and the Kid's Zone. The entertainment schedule includes various performances throughout the day, with fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m. To reserve a concert table, contact Laura McLaughlin starting June 1. For more information, reach out to the City of Marietta Parks, Recreation and Facilities.....get more on this story at MDJonline.com       STORY 5: Galleria   The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority is considering adding a new hotel to the Cobb Galleria Centre's campus. They have approved spending $175,000 on a consultant to assess the feasibility of the hotel. The authority aims to replace the struggling Galleria Specialty Shops with a hotel directly connected to the convention center. The study will examine the market feasibility, economic impact, site planning, and funding options. The findings will help determine the size and profitability of the proposed hotel. The authority plans to issue bonds for the estimated $150-170 million redevelopment project, which includes expanding ballroom space and updating the convention center. The authority has secured a long-term revenue stream through an agreement with the county to fund the project.       Story 6: Pigs     The City of Kennesaw Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival, in partnership with Luzianne Tea, has announced the "Brews & Booze" recipe contest. Participants are invited to create a mocktail or cocktail recipe using Luzianne Tea and submit it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #BrewsandBooze23, tagging both the festival and Luzianne Tea. Submissions must be made by June 21. Three semi-finalists will be selected based on creativity and flavor, and they will compete live at the City of Kennesaw's Annual Salute to America event. A tasting team will choose a final mocktail and cocktail winner. The winning recipes will be exclusively available at the festival and the winners will receive a prize package including VIP tickets, Luzianne Tea supplies, and recognition on social media and on stage at the festival. For more information on this, check out the story at MDJonline.com   Break  Drake – JRM – Ingles 2   Story 7:  Charged   Two suspects from Smyrna, Dayton Bryan Owen and Drysten Owen, have been charged with murder in the fatal beating of Caleb Demond Thomas, a Marietta man, in Bartow County. The arrests were made in a joint operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Dayton Owen is being held without bond at the Bartow County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center, while Drysten Owen is in a youth detention center awaiting judicial hearings. The incident occurred at Parkway Station condos, and witnesses reported a silver Toyota Tacoma being involved in the assault. Thomas was treated at the scene but succumbed to his injuries at Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center     Story 8: Golf   The Mount Paran Christian boys golf team won their first-ever Class AA state championship at the Okefenokee Country Club in Blackshear. They achieved a team total of 290, securing a comfortable victory over the second-place team, Walker. Freshman Brody McQueen led the way by shooting a remarkable 6-under par 66, claiming the individual title. Jace Butcher finished second with an even-par 72, and Zach Peterson tied for third at 74. The team's exceptional performance, despite challenging weather conditions, showcased their hard work and talent. Several other Mount Paran golfers also delivered strong performances, securing their team's historic win.   We'll have closing thoughts in a moment   Henssler 60 Signoff- use same bed as open Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about your community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.henssler.com www.esogrepair.com www.cuofga.com www.daycosystems.com www.drakerealty.com www.jrmmanagement.com www.ingles-markets.com www.mdjonline.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for May 18th Thursday Publish Date: May 17, Wednesday   Henssler :15,  Bed Music fires From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Thursday May the 18th, and happy 75th birthday to “Mr. October” Reggie Jackson ***Jackson Highlight*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Marietta homeowners issued incorrect tax estimates by Cobb County Board of Assessors Georgia churches have right to vote on leaving Methodists, Cobb judge rules And a Lawsuit challenges constitutionality of city of Mableton Plus we'll hear from Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets about high grocery prices, then later in the show Gary Crawford of the USDA will have thoughts on that same topic. All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.   Commercial : CU of GA STORY 1  Tax   According to Marietta spokesperson Lindsey Wiles, many homeowners in Cobb County may notice an incorrect increase in their estimated city tax amount on the 2023 notice of assessments. This discrepancy is due to the omission of the floating homestead exemption, which is a tax relief measure for qualified homeowners exempting them from taxation on reassessed residential property value increases. Wiles clarified that the floating homestead exemption is still applicable for City of Marietta taxpayers, and it reduces the taxable amount owed. The city's upcoming property tax bills in August will reflect the correct reduction, as the city's millage rate has decreased for the past four years. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact the city of Marietta Tax Division for any inquiries or concerns. STORY 2: Church ** Christian Jamar Harris, a 32-year-old man from Acworth, Georgia,  was arrested on April 27 for possessing over 100 videos of In a lawsuit between 185 Georgia churches and the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC), a Cobb County judge ruled on Tuesday that the churches have the right to vote on leaving the denomination. The dispute stemmed from the conference's pause on the disaffiliation process, which allows UMC churches to separate and retain assets if they disagree with the denomination's stance on LGBTQ participation. Cobb Superior Court Senior Judge Stephen Schuster's decision grants the plaintiffs' request to lift the pause and proceed with disaffiliation voting. This ruling reflects the ongoing schism within the UMC regarding social issues such as same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination.     Story 3: Lawsuit   Five residents of Mableton have filed a lawsuit in Cobb Superior Court, claiming that the legislation enabling the creation of the city is unconstitutional. The suit challenges the constitutionality of House Bill 839, which authorized the creation of Mableton as a city and community improvement districts (CIDs). The plaintiffs argue that the bill violates the state constitution's single subject rule by creating separate units of local government in one act. They also contend that including the creation of the city and the CIDs in the same ballot question violates legal precedent. The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment ruling that HB 839 and the city itself are void. The residents are represented by attorney Allen Lightcap, who previously challenged the constitutionality of proposed cities in Cobb County. The opposition to Mableton's incorporation has been ongoing, with a group campaigning against it and requesting de-annexation of certain areas.......…..we'll be right back   Break:   ESOG– Dayco   Story 4: Sentence   A man from East Cobb, Donald Terry Welborn Jr., has pleaded guilty to shooting at police officers and his neighbors while intoxicated and has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. The incident occurred on September 22, 2020, when Welborn fired shots at his home while his wife and daughter were present. He then threatened to shoot officers who attempted to convince him to leave. During a standoff, Welborn continued to shoot at police officers, with bullets hitting nearby houses and treetops. The incident lasted for hours, causing fear and distress for the neighboring families. Welborn pled guilty to multiple counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He will serve the first 18 years of a 35-year sentence in prison.   STORY 5: Armed Robbery   A 24-year-old named Angel Saenz has been sentenced to eight years in prison for an armed robbery that took place at a hotel in January 2022. Saenz pleaded guilty to several charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, obstruction, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The incident occurred at the Extended Stay America Hotel in Cobb, where Saenz held Danielle Roberts at gunpoint and stole her cellphone. Police identified Saenz through a photo of his driver's license found on the scene. He was later arrested, and authorities discovered a handgun, suspected narcotics, and confirmed heroin possession. Saenz also pleaded guilty to additional drug and firearm-related charges. The sentence was handed down by Superior Court Judge Sonja Brown.     STORY 6: Historic   And Now, Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets joins our Bruce Jenkins to talk about high grocery prices:   ***Leah***   More community News after this   Break  Drake– Elon   Story 7: Developer   At a Board of Commissioners zoning hearing in east Cobb, Kenneth Clary withdrew his application for developing 18 homes on 13 acres of land that included the historic Power-Jackson Cabin. Clary's attorney cited the need to address concerns raised during the application process. Initially requesting 20 homes, opposition persisted even as the number of lots was reduced. Historic preservation group Cobb Landmarks requested Clary's assistance in relocating and reconstructing the cabin for public display. The preservation of the cabin, a cemetery on the site, and the condition of two dams were contentious issues throughout the rezoning process. Concerns were raised about the preservation of the cemetery and the maintenance of the dams by nearby residents and organizations.   Top of Form   Story 8: Baseball Final In the Class AA state semifinals, Mount Paran Christian dominated Fellowship Christian with 7-1 and 6-0 victories, securing a spot in the state championship series. Their pitching staff was instrumental, with Tate McKee pitching a complete game in Game 1, allowing four hits and striking out 13, and Luke Dotson following suit in Game 2 with 11 strikeouts and just one hit allowed. Offensively, Dotson contributed with two RBIs and two walks in Game 1, while catcher Kyle Crisp had a strong performance, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs in Game 2. This sets up an all Cobb finals as Mount Paran will face their regional rival, North Cobb Christian, in the championship series. The Eagles enter the series on a 10-game winning streak and have displayed both strong pitching and hitting throughout the playoffs….back in just a moment Break: Ingles 7 Now here is Gary Crawford from the US Dept. of Agriculture talking about food prices: ***USDA*** We're back with some closing comments after this: Commercial:  Henssler 60 Signoff – ****Cobb Life bed**** Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about your community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.hensslerkennesaw.com www.cuofga.com www.esogrepair.com www.daycosystems.com www.ingles-markets.com www.drakerealty.com www.elonsalon.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawrenceville resident awarded 'Into the Fields' internship Lea Dulcio, a Mercer University senior from Lawrenceville, has been awarded the “Into the Fields” summer internship from Student Action with Farmworkers. The 10-week internship program offers 25 college students the opportunity to work directly with farmworkers in the Carolinas. Dulcio, a global health studies and Spanish double-major, will work at a rural health clinic, where her responsibilities will include translating and interpreting between English and Spanish, conducting surveys and research studies with farmworkers and providing health education. The internship comes with a $4,250 stipend, rent-free housing, room and board, and mentorship. The organization reaches more than 5,000 farmworkers and their families each summer.Mountain View High grad launches film career with internship on 'Creed III 'Raine Harkins developed a love for film production at a young age, but his path to the industry was not linear. After a year off to reevaluate his options, he enrolled at Georgia State University to pursue a bachelor of fine arts in film while also taking courses from the Georgia Film Academy (GFA). By 2022, he had completed an internship on the set of “Creed III” and achieved his professional Film and Television Production Certification from GFA. Harkins has since landed positions on reshoots of “Shazam II,” “Blue Beetle,” and Marvel Studios' “Echo.” With hopes to one day write, film and direct his own productions, Harkins is focused on moving up in the electrical department.Berkmar High School grad serves as member of U.S. Navy Medicine Force Lt.  Sarah Stalsworth, a health care administrator from Lawrenceville, is a part of Navy Medicine, a team of 44,000 military and civilian health care professionals. She helps medical forces meet readiness, training and operational requirements across a spectrum of military operations at Naval Medical Forces Atlantic. The Navy provides medical support in the water, on land and in the air for the warfighter. Stalsworth joined the Navy seven years ago because she wanted to serve her country and see what was out there. Commissioning as an officer after six years of enlisted service has been her proudest achievement so far.Shiloh High School teacher earns Career and Technical Education state award Cenise Smith, a teacher at Shiloh High School, has been named as the Georgia Marketing Education Association's 2023 Teacher of the Year. The award is nominated-based and votes are submitted by association members. Nominees are rated based on their achievement and innovations, and consideration is given to their contributions to the Career and Technical Education community. The Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education (GACTE), a state affiliate of the Association for Career and Technical Education, encourages and organizes teachers to speak in a collective voice in an effort to influence issues and policies that impact career, technical and agricultural education. Smith was praised for her devotion to her students and ability to connect, encourage and grow them.Best-selling author of the Percy Jackson series coming to Gwinnett to discuss new book Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro will discuss their new book collaboration, “The Sun and The Star,” at an event hosted by the Gwinnett County Public Library and Decatur's Brave + Kind Bookshop. The event will take place on May 4th at Gas South's Convention Exhibit Hall A. Tickets are $25 and come with a signed copy of the book. “The Sun and The Star” is about two demigods who embark on an adventure to rescue an old friend. Both characters are popular figures from Riordan's “Percy Jackson” series. Riordan is a former middle school English and history teacher and the publisher of Rick Riordan Presents. Oshiro is an award-winning young-adult novelist who resides in Atlanta.Wesleyan defeats Mount Pisgah in girls lacrosse quarterfinals Wesleyan defeated Mount Pisgah 20-8 in the Class 5A state girls lacrosse playoffs, advancing to the Final Four. The Wolves, with a 12-4-1 record, will host a semifinal matchup against the winner of Mount Paran and Westminster. Mount Pisgah finishes their season at 15-4.Grayson's Gicarri Harris shines in Final Four run  Gicarri Harris led the Grayson boys basketball team to the Class AAAAAAA Final Four with his impressive skills and leadership. Harris averaged 17.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game, and earned Daily Post Player of the Year honors. Despite picking up his fourth foul in the third quarter, Harris still led his team with 15 points in their loss to the eventual state champion. With a talented returning core, Grayson will rely on Harris to take them even further next season. Harris has shown great improvement every year and his coach describes him as a player who always plays to win. Thanks to our sponsors Henssler Financial www.hensslerkennesaw.com  Peggy Slappey Properties www.psponline.com  Mall of Georgia Chrysler Dodge Jeep www.mallofgeorgiachryslerdodgejeep.com  Tom Wages Funeral Home  www.wagesfuneralhome.com  City of Lawrenceville www.lawrencevillega.org Gwinnett County Public Schools www.gcpsk12.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Map of the Tribes of Israel Introduction      Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, Moses' death has loomed like a shadow over the nation. The book as a whole is his farewell address, as he imparts to them all that is needed for a life of success after he dies. Moses, after having communicated the core of the law to Israel, appointed Joshua as his successor and received the Lord's command to ascend Mount Nebo and die, is left only to offer his blessings to the nation before his graduation to heaven. Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33 reveals the heart of this great leader for God's people, Israel. The blessings were not predictive, but rather, express Moses' desires of what he wished for the nation. According to Eugene Merrill, “Moses' utterances concerning the tribes were in the nature of prayerful intercession. They express what he fervently desired for his people and what he confidently expected that God would do.”[1] Of course, under the Mosaic Law, Israel's blessing were conditional on the obedience of his people. The Blessing Introduction      “Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death” (Deut 33:1). This opening verse sets the tone for what follows, as it is Moses' blessing on the nation just prior to his death. The word blessing translates the Hebrew word בְּרָכָה berakah, which means to bless or favor someone. The blessing derived from Moses revealed his wish or prayer for the future of God's people. Of course, this was conditional, as they would receive the blessing if they would “listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today” (Deut 11:27). Though Moses sought their best interests, he can do no more than give them God's directives and encourage them to walk by them, knowing the Lord's blessings would follow if they obeyed.        Moses continued, saying, “The LORD came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones; at His right hand there was flashing lightning for them'” (Deut 33:2). Here, God is portrayed as the Divine Warrior who goes before His people, and this is seen elsewhere in Scripture (Judg 5:4-5; Psa 68:7-8). That God shone forth (יָפַע yapha – brightness, splendor) at various times and places revealed His glory in theophanic form. The holy ones mentioned in this verse refer to angels. The reference to flashing lightning could be a manifestation of the angels as they come with the Lord and do His work. This picture of God as Divine Warrior was intended to instill confidence among His people that He was with them, and to instill fear among Israel's enemies who sought to thwart God's purposes among His people.      Of the Lord, Moses said, “Indeed, He loves the people; all Your holy ones are in Your hand, and they followed in Your steps; everyone receives of Your words” (Deut 33:3). Here, Moses emphasized God's love for His people (cf. Deut 7:7-8), which is what motivated Him to set them apart. The holy ones in this verse refer to the nation of Israel, whom God had created as special (Isa 43:1, 15), to be set apart from the other nations and to walk with Him in righteousness (Deut 7:6, 11). The text continues, saying, “Moses charged us with a law, a possession for the assembly of Jacob. 5 And He was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered, the tribes of Israel together” (Deut 33:4-5). Moses had given Israel God's law (תּוֹרָה torah – law, instruction, direction), which was their special possession (Lev 27:34), which gave them everything they needed for a life of righteousness. And God was their king (Isa 33:22), the One who ruled over them, to provide, guide, and protect them in all things. The term Jeshurun (יְשֻׁרוּן Yeshurun) means upright one and was a nickname for Israel. Here, the word is used of how Israel was intended to be, as Moses hoped they would be, as upright to the Lord. In the NT we see where God's people are called saints (ἅγιος hagios – sacred, holy; Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:2; Eph 1:1), and the ideal Christian is one whose performance is that of his/her position in Christ (Eph 4:1; Col 1:10). Blessing the Tribes Reuben      Moses' first wish of blessing fell to Reuben, as he says, “May Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few” (Deut 33:6). Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son (Gen 29:32; 49:3). As the firstborn son, the birthright and blessing naturally fell to him. However, we know that Reuben committed a terrible sin when he had sex with his father's concubine (Gen 35:22), and for this he was cursed by Jacob just before he died (Gen 49:4), which meant he'd forfeited his inheritance. Reuben's descendants were judged, as they followed in the footsteps of their progenitor. Though there are always exceptions, children often model their parents values and behavior, and worldly parents tend to produce worldly children. According to Thomas Constable, “Reuben (v. 6) was the firstborn son of Jacob, but he did not enjoy greatness among the tribes because of his sin. He lost his father's birthright and blessing. Furthermore, no great civil or military leader or prophet ever came from this tribe, as far as Scripture records.”[2] Judah      Next in the order of Moses' blessings was Judah, where it reads, “And this regarding Judah; so he said, ‘Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people. With his hands he contended for them, and may You be a help against his adversaries'” (Deut 33:7). Judah was Jacob's fourth son (after Simeon and Levi) and was singled out for blessing, from whom would come Messiah (Gen 49:8-12). Moses asked God to help Judah, to hear his voice, and to “bring him to his people” (Deut 33:7). This phrase likely refers to the safe return of Judahites after a military campaign. According to the book of Numbers, Judah was to lead the other nations in battle, as “They shall set out first” (Num 2:9b). This meant Judah would take the lead and be in a dangerous position, militarily speaking. It's natural that as they went into battle, they would ask to be returned safely to their people and that God would “be a help against his adversaries” (Deut 33:7b). Ultimately, through Judah would come David, and through David would come Jesus, the Messiah (Matt 1:1, 6, 16). Levi Concerning the tribe of Levi, Moses said: Of Levi he said, “Let your Thummim and Your Urim belong to Your godly man, whom You proved at Massah, with whom You contended at the waters of Meribah; 9 who said of his father and his mother, ‘I did not consider them'; and he did not acknowledge his brothers, nor did he regard his own sons, for they observed Your word, and kept Your covenant. 10 They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob, and Your law to Israel. They shall put incense before You, and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. 11 O LORD, bless his substance, and accept the work of his hands; shatter the loins of those who rise up against him, and those who hate him, so that they will not rise again.” (Deut 33:8-11)      The tribe of Levi is mentioned here without regard to the tribe of Simeon. Previously, in the book of Genesis, Moses had recorded Jacob's genealogy and listed Simeon and Levi together, as the second and third sons in the lineage. Of those brothers, Jacob had said, “Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are implements of violence” (Gen 49:5). This refers to Simeon and Levi's exaggerated violence against the Shechemites, whose leader had raped their sister, Dinah (Gen 34:1-29). Jacob, having cursed his two sons for their violence (Gen 49:6-7a), said, “I will disperse them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel” (Gen 49:7). Though Levi retained land in Israel, Simeon was incorporated into the tribe of Judah (Josh 19:1, 9). Concerning this, Eugene Merrill states, “The effect of this is evident even here in the blessing of Moses because Simeon is lacking entirely in the list, and Levi appears without reference to territory of its own. Moreover, Simeon had already become involved in idolatry at Baal Peor (cf. Num 25:6–15), a sin that brought such devastating population loss that the whole tribe eventually became assimilated into Judah.”[3]      Though the tribe of Levi did not own land, they were blessed by Moses and became the tribe that was given to Aaron and his sons to help them in their priestly duties (Num 3:6-10; 18:1-7). The selection of the tribe of Levi came because of their faithfulness to God during the incident of the golden calf in which they stood with the Lord and Moses (Ex 32:25-29). In this way, they had been faithful to God's covenant (Deut 33:9b). Both Moses and Aaron were from the tribe of Levi. Part of Moses' blessing referred to the function of the high priest who was given the Urim and Thummim to wear inside a pouch on his chest and was occasionally used to discern a divine answer (Ex 28:29-30; cf. 1 Sam 28:6).[4] One of the functions of the priests was to teach God's Word to the other tribes (Lev 10:8-11; Deut 31:9-13; 33:10; 2 Ch 17:7-9; Ezra 7:10; Mal 2:7). Another function of the priests was to offer sacrifices to the Lord, as Moses wrote, “They shall put incense before You, and whole burnt offerings on Your altar” (Deut 33:10b; cf., Leviticus chapters 4, 9, 16). Moses closed out this section on Levi, saying, “O LORD, bless his substance, and accept the work of his hands; shatter the loins of those who rise up against him, and those who hate him, so that they will not rise again” (Deut 33:11). To accept the work of Levi's hands meant God approved of their work. And to shatter the loins of their enemies meant they would be destroyed completely without descendants. Benjamin      Moses blessed Benjamin, the last of Jacob's sons (Gen 49:27), saying, “Of Benjamin he said, ‘May the beloved of the LORD dwell in security by Him, Who shields him all the day, and he dwells between His shoulders” (Deut 33:12). Moses' blessing was that Benjamin would dwell in security in the land. And God would be the One to shield him, as he dwelt “between His shoulders” (Deut 33:12b). Eugene Merrill notes, “The anthropomorphism here is suggestive of the most tender compassion and solid security at the same time. The phrase speaks not of carrying on the back but of being held close to the breast or bosom.”[5] Benjamin's safety in battle came, not because of his military prowess, but because of His closeness to God. Joseph (i.e., Ephraim and Manasseh) Moving on to Joseph, Moses wrote: Of Joseph he said, “Blessed of the LORD be his land, with the choice things of heaven, with the dew, and from the deep lying beneath, 14 and with the choice yield of the sun, and with the choice produce of the months. 15 And with the best things of the ancient mountains, and with the choice things of the everlasting hills, 16 and with the choice things of the earth and its fullness, and the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush. Let it come to the head of Joseph, and to the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers. 17 As the firstborn of his ox, majesty is his, and his horns are the horns of the wild ox; with them he will push the peoples, all at once, to the ends of the earth. And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and those are the thousands of Manasseh.” (Deut 33:13-17)      Here, Joseph is represented by his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Deut 33:17). Living in Canaan meant relying on the weather—rain, dew, sun—to bring forth fertile crops. Moses' wishes for Joseph—i.e., Ephraim and Manasseh—was that their land would be blessed with fertility and production of vegetation (Deut 33:13-16). Moses also asked that they be given strength whereby they might judge other nations, perhaps in battle, as the Lord's instrument of judgment (Deut 33:17). The reference to “the ends of the earth” (Deut 33:17b), according to Merrill, “suggests an eschatological rather than historical fulfillment, a time when God's kingdom would rise above and rule over the kingdoms of the earth (cf. 1 Sam 2:10; Psa 2:8; 59:13; 72:8; Mic 5:4).”[6] Zebulun and Issachar      Next, Moses blessed Zebulun and Issachar, saying, “Of Zebulun he said, ‘Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going forth, and, Issachar, in your tents. 19 They will call peoples to the mountain; there they will offer righteous sacrifices; for they will draw out the abundance of the seas, and the hidden treasures of the sand'” (Deut 33:18-19). Zebulun and Issachar were the sixth and fifth sons of Jacob by his wife, Leah (Gen 30:18-20), here blessed by Moses in reverse order. Jacob also blessed them in reverse order of their birth (Gen 49:13-15), These two brothers were close, and so were their descendant tribes, as their land was near to each other. Both were to rejoice; Zebulun in their “going forth” and Issachar in their “tents” (Deut 33:18). The phrase forms a merism, a figure of speech with includes all activities of life. In this way, Moses wished for their blessings to be wherever they went and in all they did. These tribes would bring blessings to Israel by offering “righteous sacrifices” that were in conformity with God's directives, and by drawing out “the abundance of the seas, and the hidden treasures of the sand” (Deut 33:19). That is, their wealth was shared with their brethren, and in this way were a blessing to others. Gad      Moses' blessing on Gad was, “Blessed is the One who enlarges Gad; he lies down as a lion, and tears the arm, also the crown of the head. 21 Then he provided the first part for himself, for there the ruler's portion was reserved; and he came with the leaders of the people; he executed the justice of the LORD, and His ordinances with Israel” (Deut 33:20-21). When entering the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, all Israel proved faithful to fight, but apparently some fought harder than others and they were blessed in a special way with more land. Gad was known “as a lion” that was ferocious in battle. According to Peter Craigie, “The blessing indicates that Gad was to play an important part in the battle, and that as a result the tribe would deserve a lion's share of the fruit of victory.”[7] The tribe of Gad (as well as Manasseh and Reuben) requested to live east of the Jordan River, and Moses granted their request, but only on the condition they would help their brothers complete the military conquest into Canaan beyond the Jordan River (Deut 3:18). They would help their fellow Israelites by leaving their wives, children, and livestock behind (Deut 3:19). After victory was obtained, they could return to their own land (Deut 3:20). We know from the book of Joshua that they were faithful to help their brothers (Josh 22:1-6). Dan      Moses continued, “Of Dan he said, ‘Dan is a lion's whelp, that leaps forth from Bashan'” (Deut 33:22). As a lion's whelp, the tribe of Dan would display timidity early on, but would become strong and eventually leap forth as a powerful lion. Jacob, when blessing Dan, used similar language, saying, “Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion, who dares rouse him up?” (Gen 49:9). Naphtali      Moses' next blessing was for Naphtali, and “Of Naphtali he said, ‘O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the LORD, take possession of the sea and the south'” (Deut 33:23). This tribe was to be satisfied with the Lord's favor (רָצוֹן ratson – goodness, favor). The result of the Lord's full blessing was their taking “possession of the sea and the south” (Deut 33:23b). The sea is a reference to the Sea of Galilee. Eugene Merrill notes, “The Galilee region embraced by Naphtali did indeed enjoy many temporal and material riches (cf. Josh 20:7; 2 Chr 16:4; Isa 9:1), but by far the most abundant blessing was the fact that the Messiah spent most of his life and exercised much of his ministry there or in nearby Zebulun (cf. Matt 4:12–17).”[8] Asher      Moses continued, saying, “Of Asher he said, ‘More blessed than sons is Asher; may he be favored by his brothers, and may he dip his foot in oil. 25 Your locks will be iron and bronze, and according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be” (Deut 33:24-25). The tribe of Asher was blessed more than others and had good relations with his brothers (i.e. was favored). To dip his foot in oil was a reference to the many olive trees of that region as well as the overall fertility of the land and its produce. The reference to locks of iron and bronze meant the tribe would dwell in safety and would enjoy the leisure of their wealth. Conclusion to Moses' Blessings      Moses concludes this section, saying, “There is none like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to your help, and through the skies in His majesty. 27 The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and He drove out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!' 28 So Israel dwells in security, the fountain of Jacob secluded, in a land of grain and new wine; His heavens also drop down dew” (Deut 33:26-28). Israel's God is unique and there are none like Him (Isa 45:5-6). He is pictured as the Divine Warrior “Who rides the heavens to your help, and through the skies in His majesty” (Deut 33:26b). According to Earl Radmacher, “Like a soldier, the Lord is constantly on the lookout for ways to defend His people from attack. The Divine Warrior is always providing protection because He is eternal. God is a refuge or fortress for the people to flee to in times of distress (Psa 90:1; 91:9).”[9] And the eternal God would be Israel's “dwelling place” where they would find refuge and safety “underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut 33:27a). The same arms that brought them to safety would be the ones used to drive out their enemies and would “destroy” those who opposed. Because of their relationship with Yahweh and their walk with Him, Israel would dwell in safety and seclusion (Deut 33:28a), and would live in a land blessed by the Lord, “in a land of grain and new wine” where “His heavens also drop down dew” (Deut 33:28b). Concerning this section, Peter Craigie notes, “The substance of verse 26-28 expresses once again the apparent paradox of Israel's existence. The path lying ahead was not one of peaceful existence and quiet solitude, but it was one beset on every side with danger. Yet it was within this danger and war that Israel would find its safety (v. 28), because the path of danger was the path in which the presence and help of God would be found.”[10]      Moses closed his blessing, saying, “Blessed are you, O Israel; who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, Who is the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! So your enemies will cringe before you, and you will tread upon their high places'” (Deut 33:29). Israel's blessings were possible only because of their relationship with God, as He shielded them from danger and would defeat their enemies when they walked with Him in righteousness. And Israel's enemies would cringe in fear, knowing God was with them to grant them victory as they would “tread upon their high places” (Deut 33:29b). Summary      Moses, the man of God, blessed the sons of Israel before his death. He spoke about the Lord's love for His people and called for them to obey His law (Deut 33:1-5). Moses also made specific blessings for each tribe of Israel (Deut 33:6-25). And in conclusion, praised the greatness of God and how He protected Israel from their enemies and would allow them to dwell in safety (Deut 33:26-28). Moses ended his blessing by declaring the blessedness of the people of Israel, who were saved by the Lord and would tread upon their enemies Deut 33:29). Present Application      As Moses' death approached, his great concern was for the success of Israel in the days after his departure. The Lord had worked through Moses to liberate the people from Egyptian slavery, to guide them for forty years in the wilderness, and to educate them in the law of the Lord that they might walk with Him and know success (Deut 11:26-28; 28:1-2; 30:15-16). But God revealed to Moses that after his death the nation would turn away from Yahweh and pursue idols (Deut 31:16; cf., Judg 2:11-12; 2 Ki 18:11-12). Though this news saddened Moses, it did not hinder his efforts to guide them into righteousness, giving them what they needed for success—the Word of God.      Likewise, we see something similar in the life and ministry of the apostle Paul. Paul had taught in Ephesus for several years (Acts 19:10; 20:31), and as his ministry was nearing an end, he called for the elders of the church to come to him (Acts 20:17). He reminded them about his faithfulness to serve the Lord and to teach them the Word of God (Acts 20:18-21), and that he was about to leave for Jerusalem where he would suffer persecution (Acts 20:22-24). He told the elders of the church they would no longer see him (Acts 20:25), which was upsetting news. He also told them he was innocent of harming anyone (Acts 20:26), and that he had been faithful to declare to them “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Afterwards, Paul gave them heavy news, saying, “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). Knowing this, Paul instructed them to “be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears” (Acts 20:31). Paul was leaving, but he was not leaving them emptyhanded, as he said, “I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). Though Paul was leaving, God and His Word remained, and that was sufficient for a life of success. The church at Ephesus did well after Paul's departure, and he gave thanks for their faith and love (Eph 1:15-16). However, the generation that followed did not continue in their love, as Jesus said of them, “I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev 2:4). This shows that the faith of one generation does not automatically continue into the next, as each generation must choose for themselves whether they will learn and live God's Word.      As Christian leaders (whether pastors, parents, or teachers), we bear special responsibility for our own spiritual growth which comes by studying God's Word (2 Tim 2:15; 1 Pet 2:2), learning from gifted teachers (Eph 4:11-14), and applying His Word by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; Jam 1:22), which leads to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1). Furthermore, we seek to communicate His Word to others who will listen (Mark 16:15; Matt 28:19-20; Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 4:2; cf., Ezra 7:10). Once we've fulfilled our duty to the Lord, we then entrust our loved ones to Him, knowing that the Lord and His Word provides a fortress of truth and love that will protect their souls as they advance to spiritual maturity. Our desires and prayers for our loved ones are that they will “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18) and learn to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10). Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 431–432. [2] Tom Constable, Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Dt 33:6. [3] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, 438. [4] Only a descendant of Aaron could serve as the high priest (Ex 28:1; 40:13-15), and the non-Aaronic priests came from the tribe of Levi (Deut 17:18; 18:1; 24:8; 27:9). All priests were Levites, but not all Levites were priests. The priesthood consisted of men who could not have any physical defects (Lev 21:17-23), and restricted to the age of twenty-five to fifty (Num 8:24-25). [5] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, 440. [6] Ibid., 442–443. [7] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), 400. [8] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, 445–446. [9] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 269. [10] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, 403.

Marvin Crumbs, Marietta High School's new principal, held a meet-and-greet event to introduce himself and discuss his vision for the school. Crumbs, who previously served as principal of Columbus High School, will be the fourth principal at Marietta High in a year. He emphasized his commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere for teachers and students, and his desire to expand on the school's traditions. Parents and community members in attendance expressed their hopes for stability and increased involvement from both parents and students. Crumbs promised to work hard and prioritize the best interests of the students. Mount Paran Christian School's head of school, Tim Wiens, has resigned after months of effort and feedback channels to enhance the culture and biblical unity within the MPCS community. David Tilley, the former head of school for 18 years who retired five years ago, has been appointed as the school's interim leader. Wiens' resignation was accepted by the board, and George Ethridge, the chairman of the school's board, thanked Wiens for his service during some challenging times, including navigating the school through the global COVID-19 pandemic. Mount Paran is the largest private Christian school in Cobb County, with about 1,280 students and 275 instructional staff. Thursday saw an extremely high tree pollen count in Atlanta, the second-worst day for allergies this year, with only one other day in March having a higher count. This late into spring, it is unusual for pollen counts to be so high, and most days in March and April have seen high or extremely high pollen categories. The main trees contributing to Thursday's pollen were mulberry, pine, hickory, oak, and sedges. The National Weather Service forecasts showers Friday night and into Saturday morning, which may provide some relief, but it is not expected to be a downpour. Greater Community Church of God in Christ is hosting a Mental Health Forum on May 6, 2023, with the theme "Bridging the Gap Between the African-American Church and Mental Health." The program is sponsored by the church's Evangelism Department and will feature various speakers from the fields of social work and professional counseling. The forum will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, and a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Bishop Matthew L. Brown, the Pastor of Greater Community Church, hopes the program will bring understanding to the divide that exists between the African American Church and mental health. The public is invited to attend. The high school baseball playoffs get going in Cobb County this weekend The Cobb County 4-H senior team won first place at the State Hippology Contest on April 15th in Athens, with Cobb County Junior Team B also winning first place. The competition involves horse judging and hippology, which is a four-part competition that tests critical thinking and public speaking. Winners become Master 4-H'ers and may represent Georgia at the Western National Round Up in Denver, Colorado. The equine industry contributes $2.5 billion to Georgia's economy, and UGA faculty and industry experts provide training for contestants. Georgia 4-H aims to develop life skills, relationships, and community awareness. Contact Brittani Lee for more information. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Barry Loudermilk have requested federal earmarks for the renovation of the Paces Mill unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The Cumberland Community Improvement District has been seeking funding for the project for almost three years, and the overhaul would cost an estimated $10.8 million. Warnock has requested $9 million, while Loudermilk has asked for $5 million. The project would increase river access, expand the picnic area, upgrade the trail system, and reposition the central meadow and parking area. The CID received approval from the National Park Service to move forward with the project in 2020. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 33–34 Deuteronomy 33–34 (Listen) Moses' Final Blessing on Israel 33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,   “The LORD came from Sinai    and dawned from Seir upon us;1    he shone forth from Mount Paran;  he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,    with flaming fire2 at his right hand.3   Yes, he loved his people,3    all his holy ones were in his4 hand;  so they followed5 in your steps,    receiving direction from you,4   when Moses commanded us a law,    as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.5   Thus the LORD6 became king in Jeshurun,    when the heads of the people were gathered,    all the tribes of Israel together. 6   “Let Reuben live, and not die,    but let his men be few.” 7 And this he said of Judah:   “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah,    and bring him in to his people.  With your hands contend7 for him,    and be a help against his adversaries.” 8 And of Levi he said,   “Give to Levi8 your Thummim,    and your Urim to your godly one,  whom you tested at Massah,    with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;9   who said of his father and mother,    ‘I regard them not';  he disowned his brothers    and ignored his children.  For they observed your word    and kept your covenant.10   They shall teach Jacob your rules    and Israel your law;  they shall put incense before you    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.11   Bless, O LORD, his substance,    and accept the work of his hands;  crush the loins of his adversaries,    of those who hate him, that they rise not again.” 12 Of Benjamin he said,   “The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety.  The High God9 surrounds him all day long,    and dwells between his shoulders.” 13 And of Joseph he said,   “Blessed by the LORD be his land,    with the choicest gifts of heaven above,10    and of the deep that crouches beneath,14   with the choicest fruits of the sun    and the rich yield of the months,15   with the finest produce of the ancient mountains    and the abundance of the everlasting hills,16   with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness    and the favor of him who dwells in the bush.  May these rest on the head of Joseph,    on the pate of him who is prince among his brothers.17   A firstborn bull11—he has majesty,    and his horns are the horns of a wild ox;  with them he shall gore the peoples,    all of them, to the ends of the earth;  they are the ten thousands of Ephraim,    and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” 18 And of Zebulun he said,   “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,    and Issachar, in your tents.19   They shall call peoples to their mountain;    there they offer right sacrifices;  for they draw from the abundance of the seas    and the hidden treasures of the sand.” 20 And of Gad he said,   “Blessed be he who enlarges Gad!    Gad crouches like a lion;    he tears off arm and scalp.21   He chose the best of the land for himself,    for there a commander's portion was reserved;  and he came with the heads of the people,    with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD,    and his judgments for Israel.” 22 And of Dan he said,   “Dan is a lion's cub    that leaps from Bashan.” 23 And of Naphtali he said,   “O Naphtali, sated with favor,    and full of the blessing of the LORD,    possess the lake12 and the south.” 24 And of Asher he said,   “Most blessed of sons be Asher;    let him be the favorite of his brothers,    and let him dip his foot in oil.25   Your bars shall be iron and bronze,    and as your days, so shall your strength be. 26   “There is none like God, O Jeshurun,    who rides through the heavens to your help,    through the skies in his majesty.27   The eternal God is your dwelling place,13    and underneath are the everlasting arms.14  And he thrust out the enemy before you    and said, ‘Destroy.'28   So Israel lived in safety,    Jacob lived alone,15  in a land of grain and wine,    whose heavens drop down dew.29   Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,    a people saved by the LORD,  the shield of your help,    and the sword of your triumph!  Your enemies shall come fawning to you,    and you shall tread upon their backs.” The Death of Moses 34 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. Footnotes [1] 33:2 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew them [2] 33:2 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [3] 33:3 Septuagint; Hebrew peoples [4] 33:3 Hebrew your [5] 33:3 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [6] 33:5 Hebrew Thus he [7] 33:7 Probable reading; Hebrew With his hands he contended [8] 33:8 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint; Masoretic Text lacks Give to Levi [9] 33:12 Septuagint; Hebrew dwells in safety by him. He [10] 33:13 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Targum; Hebrew with the dew [11] 33:17 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint, Samaritan; Masoretic Text His firstborn bull [12] 33:23 Or west [13] 33:27 Or a dwelling place [14] 33:27 Revocalization of verse 27 yields He subdues the ancient gods, and shatters the forces of old [15] 33:28 Hebrew the abode of Jacob was alone (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 96 Psalm 96 (Listen) Worship in the Splendor of Holiness 96   Oh sing to the LORD a new song;    sing to the LORD, all the earth!2   Sing to the LORD, bless his name;    tell of his salvation from day to day.3   Declare his glory among the nations,    his marvelous works among all the peoples!4   For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;    he is to be feared above all gods.5   For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,    but the LORD made the heavens.6   Splendor and majesty are before him;    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7   Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,    ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!8   Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;    bring an offering, and come into his courts!9   Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;1    tremble before him, all the earth! 10   Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;    he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11   Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;12     let the field exult, and everything in it!  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy13     before the LORD, for he comes,    for he comes to judge the earth.  He will judge the world in righteousness,    and the peoples in his faithfulness. Footnotes [1] 96:9 Or in holy attire (ESV) New Testament: Acts 20 Acts 20 (Listen) Paul in Macedonia and Greece 20 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews1 as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days. Eutychus Raised from the Dead 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted. 13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and2 the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.3 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by4 the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,5 which he obtained with his own blood.6 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship. Footnotes [1] 20:3 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verse 19 [2] 20:15 Some manuscripts add after remaining at Trogyllium [3] 20:21 Some manuscripts omit Christ [4] 20:22 Or bound in [5] 20:28 Some manuscripts of the Lord [6] 20:28 Or with the blood of his Own (ESV)

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 33–34 Deuteronomy 33–34 (Listen) Moses' Final Blessing on Israel 33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,   “The LORD came from Sinai    and dawned from Seir upon us;1    he shone forth from Mount Paran;  he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,    with flaming fire2 at his right hand.3   Yes, he loved his people,3    all his holy ones were in his4 hand;  so they followed5 in your steps,    receiving direction from you,4   when Moses commanded us a law,    as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.5   Thus the LORD6 became king in Jeshurun,    when the heads of the people were gathered,    all the tribes of Israel together. 6   “Let Reuben live, and not die,    but let his men be few.” 7 And this he said of Judah:   “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah,    and bring him in to his people.  With your hands contend7 for him,    and be a help against his adversaries.” 8 And of Levi he said,   “Give to Levi8 your Thummim,    and your Urim to your godly one,  whom you tested at Massah,    with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;9   who said of his father and mother,    ‘I regard them not';  he disowned his brothers    and ignored his children.  For they observed your word    and kept your covenant.10   They shall teach Jacob your rules    and Israel your law;  they shall put incense before you    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.11   Bless, O LORD, his substance,    and accept the work of his hands;  crush the loins of his adversaries,    of those who hate him, that they rise not again.” 12 Of Benjamin he said,   “The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety.  The High God9 surrounds him all day long,    and dwells between his shoulders.” 13 And of Joseph he said,   “Blessed by the LORD be his land,    with the choicest gifts of heaven above,10    and of the deep that crouches beneath,14   with the choicest fruits of the sun    and the rich yield of the months,15   with the finest produce of the ancient mountains    and the abundance of the everlasting hills,16   with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness    and the favor of him who dwells in the bush.  May these rest on the head of Joseph,    on the pate of him who is prince among his brothers.17   A firstborn bull11—he has majesty,    and his horns are the horns of a wild ox;  with them he shall gore the peoples,    all of them, to the ends of the earth;  they are the ten thousands of Ephraim,    and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” 18 And of Zebulun he said,   “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,    and Issachar, in your tents.19   They shall call peoples to their mountain;    there they offer right sacrifices;  for they draw from the abundance of the seas    and the hidden treasures of the sand.” 20 And of Gad he said,   “Blessed be he who enlarges Gad!    Gad crouches like a lion;    he tears off arm and scalp.21   He chose the best of the land for himself,    for there a commander's portion was reserved;  and he came with the heads of the people,    with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD,    and his judgments for Israel.” 22 And of Dan he said,   “Dan is a lion's cub    that leaps from Bashan.” 23 And of Naphtali he said,   “O Naphtali, sated with favor,    and full of the blessing of the LORD,    possess the lake12 and the south.” 24 And of Asher he said,   “Most blessed of sons be Asher;    let him be the favorite of his brothers,    and let him dip his foot in oil.25   Your bars shall be iron and bronze,    and as your days, so shall your strength be. 26   “There is none like God, O Jeshurun,    who rides through the heavens to your help,    through the skies in his majesty.27   The eternal God is your dwelling place,13    and underneath are the everlasting arms.14  And he thrust out the enemy before you    and said, ‘Destroy.'28   So Israel lived in safety,    Jacob lived alone,15  in a land of grain and wine,    whose heavens drop down dew.29   Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,    a people saved by the LORD,  the shield of your help,    and the sword of your triumph!  Your enemies shall come fawning to you,    and you shall tread upon their backs.” The Death of Moses 34 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. Footnotes [1] 33:2 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew them [2] 33:2 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [3] 33:3 Septuagint; Hebrew peoples [4] 33:3 Hebrew your [5] 33:3 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [6] 33:5 Hebrew Thus he [7] 33:7 Probable reading; Hebrew With his hands he contended [8] 33:8 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint; Masoretic Text lacks Give to Levi [9] 33:12 Septuagint; Hebrew dwells in safety by him. He [10] 33:13 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Targum; Hebrew with the dew [11] 33:17 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint, Samaritan; Masoretic Text His firstborn bull [12] 33:23 Or west [13] 33:27 Or a dwelling place [14] 33:27 Revocalization of verse 27 yields He subdues the ancient gods, and shatters the forces of old [15] 33:28 Hebrew the abode of Jacob was alone (ESV) New Testament: John 4:43–5:18 John 4:43–5:18 (Listen) 43 After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. Jesus Heals an Official's Son 46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you1 see signs and wonders you will not believe.” 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. 51 As he was going down, his servants2 met him and told him that his son was recovering. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour3 the fever left him.” 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath 5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic4 called Bethesda,5 which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.6 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews7 said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Jesus Is Equal with God 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Footnotes [1] 4:48 The Greek for you is plural; twice in this verse [2] 4:51 Or bondservants [3] 4:52 That is, at 1 p.m. [4] 5:2 Or Hebrew [5] 5:2 Some manuscripts Bethsaida [6] 5:3 Some manuscripts insert, wholly or in part, waiting for the moving of the water; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water: whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had [7] 5:10 The Greek word Ioudaioi refers specifically here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed Jesus in that time; also verses 15, 16, 18 (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 96 Psalm 96 (Listen) Worship in the Splendor of Holiness 96   Oh sing to the LORD a new song;    sing to the LORD, all the earth!2   Sing to the LORD, bless his name;    tell of his salvation from day to day.3   Declare his glory among the nations,    his marvelous works among all the peoples!4   For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;    he is to be feared above all gods.5   For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,    but the LORD made the heavens.6   Splendor and majesty are before him;    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7   Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,    ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!8   Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;    bring an offering, and come into his courts!9   Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;1    tremble before him, all the earth! 10   Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;    he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11   Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;12     let the field exult, and everything in it!  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy13     before the LORD, for he comes,    for he comes to judge the earth.  He will judge the world in righteousness,    and the peoples in his faithfulness. Footnotes [1] 96:9 Or in holy attire (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 14:7–8 Proverbs 14:7–8 (Listen) 7   Leave the presence of a fool,    for there you do not meet words of knowledge.8   The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,    but the folly of fools is deceiving. (ESV)

Developer Christopher Hunt was escorted from a Cobb Board of Commissioners hearing after repeatedly disrupting proceedings related to a proposal for a subdivision in south Cobb. Hunt had proposed 11 eco-friendly homes on 6.5 acres, but Commissioner Monique Sheffield raised concerns over the topography of the land. Hunt filed a lawsuit in November against Commissioner JoAnn Birrell and the county seeking $100m in damages over the denial of a previous proposal. Hunt called for zoning policies to be made more friendly to sustainable building and said variances were needed to counter outdated rules. The proposal was denied by the commission. Plus, as we approach the Masters, stay tuned for John Bednarowski's hole by hole tour of Augusta National, presented by Ingles Markets.  A 30-year-old man from Mableton, Robert Colt Smith, has been arrested for arson and murder after allegedly starting a deadly house fire in south Cobb last week. Police claim that Smith started a vehicle fire which spread to a nearby home, causing the death of two people and six animals. Smith is also facing charges for assaulting and battering his girlfriend on two occasions in February. The girlfriend lived at the home that burned down. Smith is facing charges of two counts of murder, three counts of arson, and aggravated cruelty to animals. He is being held at the Cobb jail without eligibility for bond. Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens has become the highest-paid sheriff among the four most populous counties in metro Atlanta after receiving a $25,000 pay raise. The Georgia General Assembly approved the raise, bringing Owens' salary to $195,000. Previously, police chief Stuart VanHoozer earned $191,908, former public safety director Randy Crider earned $193,250, and interim director Bill Johnson earned $190,745. All Cobb legislators in attendance for the House and Senate votes on the bill supported it. The Association of County Commissioners of Georgia recommends a minimum salary of $136,011 for sheriffs serving counties with 500,000 residents, with adjustments made for cost of living expenses. The Georgia Food and Wine Festival, presented by Georgia Grown, is set to take place from Thursday through Sunday at Marietta's Jim Miller Park. The festival offers a range of events, such as the barbecue extravaganza “Fired Up”, an afternoon of food and drink in the “Savor” event, and the family-friendly “Sunday Funday” festival finale. Attendees will be able to enjoy unlimited beverage tastings, along with gourmet bites, and culinary credits can be purchased. Ticket prices start at $25 for general admission, with VIP tickets available for $165. A VIP Lounge experience, featuring specialty drinks and souvenir cups, is also offered. VIP attendees must be 21 or older. Three 8th grade Girl Scouts from Troop 383, based in Marietta, received the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta's Council Young Women of Distinction Award for their community leadership. Marissa McEckron and Koby Wilson established a pet food bank within the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry at their church to help families with food insecurities feed their pets. They also created a pamphlet with information on healthy pet food and low-cost/free vaccination resources. Alex Pritt designed a Calm Room at Cobb Horizon High School to help students feel safe and comfortable, featuring bean bag chairs, plants, and fidget toys. Each student can stay for 15 minutes once per day, with no electronics allowed. After Kennesaw State's A-Sun championship and gritty performance in the NCAA tournament, coach Amir Abdur-Rahim has become a popular man, and has his name linked to a few high profile jobs. Will the Owls' head man stay in Cobb County?  Cobb Travel & Tourism has launched a new initiative called Cobbunity, which aims to celebrate diversity in visitors, residents and tourism in Cobb County. The project will focus on arts, music, sports, conventions, trade shows, groups, attractions, venues, hotels, filmmakers and more. Cobbunity.org will provide information about inclusive events, accessible attractions and sensory-friendly places. The program will be a central component of the 2023 marketing campaign, according to CT&T CEO Holly Quinlan. Ethan Smith and Brody McQueen each shot 69 to help lead Mount Paran Christian to a nine-shot victory in the Cobb County Invitational earlier this week at City Club Marietta. The Eagles shot a team total of 7-under par 277 in the two-day event, which saw teams played nine holes each day. Mount Paran shot 5-under on the second day to pull away from Harrison and Walton. “I thought it was a good couple of days,” Mount Paran coach Scott Varner said. “We used all six guys scores, which is pretty cool.” North Cobb Christian's JB Knight won the individual title, shooting a 5-under 66. It was the second straight invitational victory for Mount Paran, which finished 22 strokes better than it did last year. Smith and McQueen tied for second, while Tucker Thompson, Sam Binkley and Zach Peterson each tied for eighth at 73, Jace Butcher was 14th with a 74 and Conner Bohn shot 81. And now, as we get closer to the start of the 2023 Masters, Times-Journal Incorporated sports editor John Bednarowski joins the show to continue to take us on a tour of Augusta National presented by Ingles. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning: Deuteronomy 33–34 Deuteronomy 33–34 (Listen) Moses' Final Blessing on Israel 33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,   “The LORD came from Sinai    and dawned from Seir upon us;1    he shone forth from Mount Paran;  he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,    with flaming fire2 at his right hand.3   Yes, he loved his people,3    all his holy ones were in his4 hand;  so they followed5 in your steps,    receiving direction from you,4   when Moses commanded us a law,    as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.5   Thus the LORD6 became king in Jeshurun,    when the heads of the people were gathered,    all the tribes of Israel together. 6   “Let Reuben live, and not die,    but let his men be few.” 7 And this he said of Judah:   “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah,    and bring him in to his people.  With your hands contend7 for him,    and be a help against his adversaries.” 8 And of Levi he said,   “Give to Levi8 your Thummim,    and your Urim to your godly one,  whom you tested at Massah,    with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;9   who said of his father and mother,    ‘I regard them not';  he disowned his brothers    and ignored his children.  For they observed your word    and kept your covenant.10   They shall teach Jacob your rules    and Israel your law;  they shall put incense before you    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.11   Bless, O LORD, his substance,    and accept the work of his hands;  crush the loins of his adversaries,    of those who hate him, that they rise not again.” 12 Of Benjamin he said,   “The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety.  The High God9 surrounds him all day long,    and dwells between his shoulders.” 13 And of Joseph he said,   “Blessed by the LORD be his land,    with the choicest gifts of heaven above,10    and of the deep that crouches beneath,14   with the choicest fruits of the sun    and the rich yield of the months,15   with the finest produce of the ancient mountains    and the abundance of the everlasting hills,16   with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness    and the favor of him who dwells in the bush.  May these rest on the head of Joseph,    on the pate of him who is prince among his brothers.17   A firstborn bull11—he has majesty,    and his horns are the horns of a wild ox;  with them he shall gore the peoples,    all of them, to the ends of the earth;  they are the ten thousands of Ephraim,    and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” 18 And of Zebulun he said,   “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,    and Issachar, in your tents.19   They shall call peoples to their mountain;    there they offer right sacrifices;  for they draw from the abundance of the seas    and the hidden treasures of the sand.” 20 And of Gad he said,   “Blessed be he who enlarges Gad!    Gad crouches like a lion;    he tears off arm and scalp.21   He chose the best of the land for himself,    for there a commander's portion was reserved;  and he came with the heads of the people,    with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD,    and his judgments for Israel.” 22 And of Dan he said,   “Dan is a lion's cub    that leaps from Bashan.” 23 And of Naphtali he said,   “O Naphtali, sated with favor,    and full of the blessing of the LORD,    possess the lake12 and the south.” 24 And of Asher he said,   “Most blessed of sons be Asher;    let him be the favorite of his brothers,    and let him dip his foot in oil.25   Your bars shall be iron and bronze,    and as your days, so shall your strength be. 26   “There is none like God, O Jeshurun,    who rides through the heavens to your help,    through the skies in his majesty.27   The eternal God is your dwelling place,13    and underneath are the everlasting arms.14  And he thrust out the enemy before you    and said, ‘Destroy.'28   So Israel lived in safety,    Jacob lived alone,15  in a land of grain and wine,    whose heavens drop down dew.29   Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,    a people saved by the LORD,  the shield of your help,    and the sword of your triumph!  Your enemies shall come fawning to you,    and you shall tread upon their backs.” The Death of Moses 34 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. Footnotes [1] 33:2 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew them [2] 33:2 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [3] 33:3 Septuagint; Hebrew peoples [4] 33:3 Hebrew your [5] 33:3 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [6] 33:5 Hebrew Thus he [7] 33:7 Probable reading; Hebrew With his hands he contended [8] 33:8 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint; Masoretic Text lacks Give to Levi [9] 33:12 Septuagint; Hebrew dwells in safety by him. He [10] 33:13 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Targum; Hebrew with the dew [11] 33:17 Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint, Samaritan; Masoretic Text His firstborn bull [12] 33:23 Or west [13] 33:27 Or a dwelling place [14] 33:27 Revocalization of verse 27 yields He subdues the ancient gods, and shatters the forces of old [15] 33:28 Hebrew the abode of Jacob was alone (ESV) Evening: Luke 1:24–56 Luke 1:24–56 (Listen) 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed1 to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”2 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”3 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born4 will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant5 of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Mary Visits Elizabeth 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be6 a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat 46 And Mary said,   “My soul magnifies the Lord,47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48   for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;49   for he who is mighty has done great things for me,    and holy is his name.50   And his mercy is for those who fear him    from generation to generation.51   He has shown strength with his arm;    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;52   he has brought down the mighty from their thrones    and exalted those of humble estate;53   he has filled the hungry with good things,    and the rich he has sent away empty.54   He has helped his servant Israel,    in remembrance of his mercy,55   as he spoke to our fathers,    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. Footnotes [1] 1:27 That is, legally pledged to be married [2] 1:28 Some manuscripts add Blessed are you among women! [3] 1:34 Greek since I do not know a man [4] 1:35 Some manuscripts add of you [5] 1:38 Greek bondservant; also verse 48 [6] 1:45 Or believed, for there will be (ESV)

Deuteronomy 32–34 Deuteronomy 32–34 (Listen) 32   “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak,    and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.2   May my teaching drop as the rain,    my speech distill as the dew,  like gentle rain upon the tender grass,    and like showers upon the herb.3   For I will proclaim the name of the LORD;    ascribe greatness to our God! 4   “The Rock, his work is perfect,    for all his ways are justice.  A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,    just and upright is he.5   They have dealt corruptly with him;    they are no longer his children because they are blemished;    they are a crooked and twisted generation.6   Do you thus repay the LORD,    you foolish and senseless people?  Is not he your father, who created you,    who made you and established you?7   Remember the days of old;    consider the years of many generations;  ask your father, and he will show you,    your elders, and they will tell you.8   When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,    when he divided mankind,  he fixed the borders1 of the peoples    according to the number of the sons of God.29   But the LORD's portion is his people,    Jacob his allotted heritage. 10   “He found him in a desert land,    and in the howling waste of the wilderness;  he encircled him, he cared for him,    he kept him as the apple of his eye.11   Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,    that flutters over its young,  spreading out its wings, catching them,    bearing them on its pinions,12   the LORD alone guided him,    no foreign god was with him.13   He made him ride on the high places of the land,    and he ate the produce of the field,  and he suckled him with honey out of the rock,    and oil out of the flinty rock.14   Curds from the herd, and milk from the flock,    with fat3 of lambs,  rams of Bashan and goats,    with the very finest4 of the wheat—    and you drank foaming wine made from the blood of the grape. 15   “But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked;    you grew fat, stout, and sleek;  then he forsook God who made him    and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation.16   They stirred him to jealousy with strange gods;    with abominations they provoked him to anger.17   They sacrificed to demons that were no gods,    to gods they had never known,  to new gods that had come recently,    whom your fathers had never dreaded.18   You were unmindful of the Rock that bore5 you,    and you forgot the God who gave you birth. 19   “The LORD saw it and spurned them,    because of the provocation of his sons and his daughters.20   And he said, ‘I will hide my face from them;    I will see what their end will be,  for they are a perverse generation,    children in whom is no faithfulness.21   They have made me jealous with what is no god;    they have provoked me to anger with their idols.  So I will make them jealous with those who are no people;    I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.22   For a fire is kindled by my anger,    and it burns to the depths of Sheol,  devours the earth and its increase,    and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains. 23   “‘And I will heap disasters upon them;    I will spend my arrows on them;24   they shall be wasted with hunger,    and devoured by plague    and poisonous pestilence;  I will send the teeth of beasts against them,    with the venom of things that crawl in the dust.25   Outdoors the sword shall bereave,    and indoors terror,  for young man and woman alike,    the nursing child with the man of gray hairs.26   I would have said, “I will cut them to pieces;    I will wipe them from human memory,”27   had I not feared provocation by the enemy,    lest their adversaries should misunderstand,  lest they should say, “Our hand is triumphant,    it was not the LORD who did all this.”' 28   “For they are a nation void of counsel,    and there is no understanding in them.29   If they were wise, they would understand this;    they would discern their latter end!30   How could one have chased a thousand,    and two have put ten thousand to flight,  unless their Rock had sold them,    and the LORD had given them up?31   For their rock is not as our Rock;    our enemies are by themselves.32   For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom    and from the fields of Gomorrah;  their grapes are grapes of poison;    their clusters are bitter;33   their wine is the poison of serpents    and the cruel venom of asps. 34   “‘Is not this laid up in store with me,    sealed up in my treasuries?35   Vengeance is mine, and recompense,6    for the time when their foot shall slip;  for the day of their calamity is at hand,    and their doom comes swiftly.'36   For the LORD will vindicate7 his people    and have compassion on his servants,  when he sees that their power is gone    and there is none remaining, bond or free.37   Then he will say, ‘Where are their gods,    the rock in which they took refuge,38   who ate the fat of their sacrifices    and drank the wine of their drink offering?  Let them rise up and help you;    let them be your protection! 39   “‘See now that I, even I, am he,    and there is no god beside me;  I kill and I make alive;    I wound and I heal;    and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.40   For I lift up my hand to heaven    and swear, As I live forever,41   if I sharpen my flashing sword8    and my hand takes hold on judgment,  I will take vengeance on my adversaries    and will repay those who hate me.42   I will make my arrows drunk with blood,    and my sword shall devour flesh—  with the blood of the slain and the captives,    from the long-haired heads of the enemy.' 43   “Rejoice with him, O heavens;9    bow down to him, all gods,10  for he avenges the blood of his children11    and takes vengeance on his adversaries.  He repays those who hate him12    and cleanses13 his people's land.”14 44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua15 the son of Nun. 45 And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” Moses' Death Foretold 48 That very day the LORD spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” Moses' Final Blessing on Israel 33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,   “The LORD came from Sinai    and dawned from Seir upon us;16    he shone forth from Mount Paran;  he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,    with flaming fire17 at his right hand.3   Yes, he loved his people,18    all his holy ones were in his19 hand;  so they followed20 in your steps,    receiving direction from you,4   when Moses commanded us a law,    as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.5   Thus the LORD21 became king in Jeshurun,    when the heads of the people were gathered,    all the tribes of Israel together. 6   “Let Reuben live, and not die,    but let his men be few.” 7 And this he said of Judah:   “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah,    and bring him in to his people.  With your hands contend22 for him,    and be a help against his adversaries.” 8 And of Levi he said,   “Give to Levi23 your Thummim,    and your Urim to your godly one,  whom you tested at Massah,    with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;9   who said of his father and mother,    ‘I regard them not';  he disowned his brothers    and ignored his children.  For they observed your word    and kept your covenant.10   They shall teach Jacob your rules    and Israel your law;  they shall put incense before you    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.11   Bless, O LORD, his substance,    and accept the work of his hands;  crush the loins of his adversaries,    of those who hate him, that they rise not again.” 12 Of Benjamin he said,   “The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety.  The High God24 surrounds him all day long,    and dwells between his shoulders.” 13 And of Joseph he said,   “Blessed by the LORD be his land,    with the choicest gifts of heaven above,25    and of the deep that crouches beneath,14   with the choicest fruits of the sun    and the rich yield of the months,15   with the finest produce of the ancient mountains    and the abundance of the everlasting hills,16   with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness    and the favor of him who dwells in the bush.  May these rest on the head of Joseph,    on the pate of him who is prince among his brothers.17   A firstborn bull26—he has majesty,    and his horns are the horns of a wild ox;  with them he shall gore the peoples,    all of them, to the ends of the earth;  they are the ten thousands of Ephraim,    and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” 18 And of Zebulun he said,   “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,    and Issachar, in your tents.19   They shall call peoples to their mountain;    there they offer right sacrifices;  for they draw from the abundance of the seas    and the hidden treasures of the sand.” 20 And of Gad he said,   “Blessed be he who enlarges Gad!    Gad crouches like a lion;    he tears off arm and scalp.21   He chose the best of the land for himself,    for there a commander's portion was reserved;  and he came with the heads of the people,    with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD,    and his judgments for Israel.” 22 And of Dan he said,   “Dan is a lion's cub    that leaps from Bashan.” 23 And of Naphtali he said,   “O Naphtali, sated with favor,    and full of the blessing of the LORD,    possess the lake27 and the south.” 24 And of Asher he said,   “Most blessed of sons be Asher; &am

Deuteronomy 32–34 Deuteronomy 32–34 (Listen) 32   “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak,    and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.2   May my teaching drop as the rain,    my speech distill as the dew,  like gentle rain upon the tender grass,    and like showers upon the herb.3   For I will proclaim the name of the LORD;    ascribe greatness to our God! 4   “The Rock, his work is perfect,    for all his ways are justice.  A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,    just and upright is he.5   They have dealt corruptly with him;    they are no longer his children because they are blemished;    they are a crooked and twisted generation.6   Do you thus repay the LORD,    you foolish and senseless people?  Is not he your father, who created you,    who made you and established you?7   Remember the days of old;    consider the years of many generations;  ask your father, and he will show you,    your elders, and they will tell you.8   When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,    when he divided mankind,  he fixed the borders1 of the peoples    according to the number of the sons of God.29   But the LORD's portion is his people,    Jacob his allotted heritage. 10   “He found him in a desert land,    and in the howling waste of the wilderness;  he encircled him, he cared for him,    he kept him as the apple of his eye.11   Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,    that flutters over its young,  spreading out its wings, catching them,    bearing them on its pinions,12   the LORD alone guided him,    no foreign god was with him.13   He made him ride on the high places of the land,    and he ate the produce of the field,  and he suckled him with honey out of the rock,    and oil out of the flinty rock.14   Curds from the herd, and milk from the flock,    with fat3 of lambs,  rams of Bashan and goats,    with the very finest4 of the wheat—    and you drank foaming wine made from the blood of the grape. 15   “But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked;    you grew fat, stout, and sleek;  then he forsook God who made him    and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation.16   They stirred him to jealousy with strange gods;    with abominations they provoked him to anger.17   They sacrificed to demons that were no gods,    to gods they had never known,  to new gods that had come recently,    whom your fathers had never dreaded.18   You were unmindful of the Rock that bore5 you,    and you forgot the God who gave you birth. 19   “The LORD saw it and spurned them,    because of the provocation of his sons and his daughters.20   And he said, ‘I will hide my face from them;    I will see what their end will be,  for they are a perverse generation,    children in whom is no faithfulness.21   They have made me jealous with what is no god;    they have provoked me to anger with their idols.  So I will make them jealous with those who are no people;    I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.22   For a fire is kindled by my anger,    and it burns to the depths of Sheol,  devours the earth and its increase,    and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains. 23   “‘And I will heap disasters upon them;    I will spend my arrows on them;24   they shall be wasted with hunger,    and devoured by plague    and poisonous pestilence;  I will send the teeth of beasts against them,    with the venom of things that crawl in the dust.25   Outdoors the sword shall bereave,    and indoors terror,  for young man and woman alike,    the nursing child with the man of gray hairs.26   I would have said, “I will cut them to pieces;    I will wipe them from human memory,”27   had I not feared provocation by the enemy,    lest their adversaries should misunderstand,  lest they should say, “Our hand is triumphant,    it was not the LORD who did all this.”' 28   “For they are a nation void of counsel,    and there is no understanding in them.29   If they were wise, they would understand this;    they would discern their latter end!30   How could one have chased a thousand,    and two have put ten thousand to flight,  unless their Rock had sold them,    and the LORD had given them up?31   For their rock is not as our Rock;    our enemies are by themselves.32   For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom    and from the fields of Gomorrah;  their grapes are grapes of poison;    their clusters are bitter;33   their wine is the poison of serpents    and the cruel venom of asps. 34   “‘Is not this laid up in store with me,    sealed up in my treasuries?35   Vengeance is mine, and recompense,6    for the time when their foot shall slip;  for the day of their calamity is at hand,    and their doom comes swiftly.'36   For the LORD will vindicate7 his people    and have compassion on his servants,  when he sees that their power is gone    and there is none remaining, bond or free.37   Then he will say, ‘Where are their gods,    the rock in which they took refuge,38   who ate the fat of their sacrifices    and drank the wine of their drink offering?  Let them rise up and help you;    let them be your protection! 39   “‘See now that I, even I, am he,    and there is no god beside me;  I kill and I make alive;    I wound and I heal;    and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.40   For I lift up my hand to heaven    and swear, As I live forever,41   if I sharpen my flashing sword8    and my hand takes hold on judgment,  I will take vengeance on my adversaries    and will repay those who hate me.42   I will make my arrows drunk with blood,    and my sword shall devour flesh—  with the blood of the slain and the captives,    from the long-haired heads of the enemy.' 43   “Rejoice with him, O heavens;9    bow down to him, all gods,10  for he avenges the blood of his children11    and takes vengeance on his adversaries.  He repays those who hate him12    and cleanses13 his people's land.”14 44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua15 the son of Nun. 45 And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” Moses' Death Foretold 48 That very day the LORD spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” Moses' Final Blessing on Israel 33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,   “The LORD came from Sinai    and dawned from Seir upon us;16    he shone forth from Mount Paran;  he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,    with flaming fire17 at his right hand.3   Yes, he loved his people,18    all his holy ones were in his19 hand;  so they followed20 in your steps,    receiving direction from you,4   when Moses commanded us a law,    as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.5   Thus the LORD21 became king in Jeshurun,    when the heads of the people were gathered,    all the tribes of Israel together. 6   “Let Reuben live, and not die,    but let his men be few.” 7 And this he said of Judah:   “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah,    and bring him in to his people.  With your hands contend22 for him,    and be a help against his adversaries.” 8 And of Levi he said,   “Give to Levi23 your Thummim,    and your Urim to your godly one,  whom you tested at Massah,    with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;9   who said of his father and mother,    ‘I regard them not';  he disowned his brothers    and ignored his children.  For they observed your word    and kept your covenant.10   They shall teach Jacob your rules    and Israel your law;  they shall put incense before you    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.11   Bless, O LORD, his substance,    and accept the work of his hands;  crush the loins of his adversaries,    of those who hate him, that they rise not again.” 12 Of Benjamin he said,   “The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety.  The High God24 surrounds him all day long,    and dwells between his shoulders.” 13 And of Joseph he said,   “Blessed by the LORD be his land,    with the choicest gifts of heaven above,25    and of the deep that crouches beneath,14   with the choicest fruits of the sun    and the rich yield of the months,15   with the finest produce of the ancient mountains    and the abundance of the everlasting hills,16   with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness    and the favor of him who dwells in the bush.  May these rest on the head of Joseph,    on the pate of him who is prince among his brothers.17   A firstborn bull26—he has majesty,    and his horns are the horns of a wild ox;  with them he shall gore the peoples,    all of them, to the ends of the earth;  they are the ten thousands of Ephraim,    and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” 18 And of Zebulun he said,   “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,    and Issachar, in your tents.19   They shall call peoples to their mountain;    there they offer right sacrifices;  for they draw from the abundance of the seas    and the hidden treasures of the sand.” 20 And of Gad he said,   “Blessed be he who enlarges Gad!    Gad crouches like a lion;    he tears off arm and scalp.21   He chose the best of the land for himself,    for there a commander's portion was reserved;  and he came with the heads of the people,    with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD,    and his judgments for Israel.” 22 And of Dan he said,   “Dan is a lion's cub    that leaps from Bashan.” 23 And of Naphtali he said,   “O Naphtali, sated with favor,    and full of the blessing of the LORD,    possess the lake27 and the south.” 24 And of Asher he said,   “Most blessed of sons be Asher; &am

The longtime Gwinnett Stripers announcer and new Voice of the Atlanta Braves, Kevin Kraus joins the show. Plus:  Swaying and shimmying to exultant tunes, hundreds of Cobb students packed the Kennesaw Mountain High School gym Tuesday morning for the district's dance for students with special needs. The annual affair brings together students from across the district, who left it all on the dance floor as they were joined by Kennesaw Mountain athletes and student volunteers. Indeed, students were welcomed to the festivities with a procession of high-fives from teachers and staff, entering to cheers through a festooned archway at the gym's door. There, they danced the morning away to such favorites as “Dancing Queen” and “Party in the U.S.A.” Kennesaw Mountain High has hosted the dance since 2001, and this year's theme was “Once Upon a Time at the Mountain.” Amory Brown, a junior, was one of the student organizers of the event and told the MDJ she was honored to help carry on a tradition that goes back more than 20 years. Students were able to show off their moves in a variety of ways. Some spun doughnuts in their wheelchairs, while others leapt up and down in joy as their favorite songs came on. Felicia Vuu, another student organizer, called the event “surreal” after working on it for months. She told the MDJ she wanted people to take away the message that students should be treated with respect. Two bills which seek to thwart the Cobb County Board of Commissioners' effort to draw its own district map have stalled in the state legislature. Senate bills 124 and 236, sponsored by state Sen. Ed Setzler of Acworth, had been slated for floor votes on Monday — Crossover Day, a crucial legislative deadline during the legislative session. Neither bill received a vote, however. Setzler told the MDJ Tuesday his legislation was close to getting a vote before the Senate adjourned. Setzler said he hoped the home rule bills might survive in some fashion, saying there are related bills under consideration at the Capitol that his language could be attached to. SB 124 would explicitly prohibit Georgia counties from drawing their own district lines, something the Democratic majority on the Cobb commission has sought to do. SB 236, meanwhile, mirrors the map signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp last year, which drew Democratic Commissioner Jerica Richardson out of her seat. The Cobb commission last fall passed a pair of resolutions amending the Kemp map, in an untested use of the county's home rule powers. The county's map, using one drawn by former state Representative Erick Allen a  Democrat from Smyrna, would keep Richardson in her seat. Setzler has until March 29, the end of the session, to try and attach his language onto another bill. In an email to parents at Lockheed Elementary School on Tuesday, Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera said a teacher “was alleged to have attempted to inappropriately restrain a student during recess.” Rivera said this incident was reported to school administration who immediately initiated the investigation and engaged the proper authorities. Rivera also said the district is supporting the students in this particular class and is in direct communication with their families. Rivera added that parents with any concerns should feel free to reach out to Lockheed Elementary Principal Coretta Stewart or their child's teacher or counselor. When the Mount Paran Christian girls face Banks County for the Class AA state championship this afternoon, the squad that takes the floor of the Macon Coliseum will not resemble the one that won the Class A Private title a year ago. That team was dominated by seniors. This group is made up of four freshmen, seven sophomores and one junior. But while the team is young, coach Stephanie Dunn said those seniors made sure this team is up for the challenge. Mount Paran has not missed a beat. It rolled through Region 6AA play undefeated, bolstered by a non-region schedule highlighted with games against competition from higher classifications. The Eagles faced Class AAAA Hardaway, Class AAAAAA Woodward Academy and Forest Park, and Class AAAAAAA Collins Hill and Brookwood. It will take a complete team effort for Mount Paran to upend Banks County and win the program's second straight state title. The Leopards (28-3) are making their first appearance in the state championship game and present a defensive challenge for the Eagles, as they are loaded with juniors and seniors who are used to winning. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that state Representative Ginny Ehrhart, a Republican from west Cobb, must cease blocking and removing the comments of opponents on her official Facebook page. The ruling from Judge J.P. Boulee found Ehrhart violated the First Amendment in blocking Thomas Biedermann, an Atlanta man whose comments were removed from Ehrhart's page in 2019. Biedermann at the time — using a pseudonym on Facebook — had criticized Ehrhart's proposal to make it a felony for Georgia doctors to help a minor medically transition their gender. He filed suit after that comment, and several others, were removed from Ehrhart's page. Ehrhart previously told the MDJ Biedermann had harassed other Facebook users and violated her page's content standards. Biedermann, Judge Boulee noted in his order, was one of dozens whose accounts were blocked and comments were removed by Ehrhart — a contingent united under the banner of #BlockedByGinny. Judge Boulee found the First Amendment infringements outweighed any potential damage from unblocking the commenters. He ordered Ehrhart to “cease unconstitutional viewpoint-based blocking and removal of (Biedermann's) expressive activity on the official Facebook page and to rescind her ban on Plaintiff's access to the official Facebook page.” Representative Ehrhart said that her office is examining their next steps. The Marietta-based Atlanta Lyric Theatre, which put on Broadway-style musicals for 42 years, has closed its doors, it announced Tuesday. In a message posted to the Lyric's website, Monica Gwinn and Patti Schoettler, co-chairs of the theater's board, said a steep decline in attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic began has strained the group's financial resources to the point of making its continued operation unsustainable. The Lyric will also be unable to refund tickets for its 42nd season, Gwinn and Schoettler said, though the theater will write acknowledgement letters for the value of patrons' unused tickets and donations they made this year. The Atlanta Lyric Theatre most recently staged its productions at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb County Civic Center. In their message announcing the end of the Lyric's run, co-chairs of the board also thanked the theater's staff, praising “their attempts to adjust to the Lyric's new reality.” They also thanked the Lyric's subscribers and donors for their support of the theater. #CobbCounty #Marietta #LocalNews -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com              See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Marietta, announced her nominations of more than two dozen high school students in Georgia's Sixth District to U.S. military service academies, including eight Cobb students. The students who received nominations from McBath's office must now be selected by the respective academies for a formal appointment to attend in the fall of 2023. Two Cobb students — Lassiter's Amit Balaji and Walton's Jacob Siler, both from Marietta — received nominations to the U.S. Military Academy. Four students from Marietta — Jaclyn Johns, who attends Blessed Trinity; Walton's Hannah Ograbisz; Sprayberry's Noah Senzer; and Wheeler's Andrew Sinclair — received nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy. Walton's Grace Hoyt, of Marietta, received a nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy, while Lassiter's Luke O'Malley received nominations to both the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The second week of Christmas break brings two more holiday basketball tournaments to the county. Fans will be able to see the 25th annual Campbell Holiday Classic, which will include two girls divisions and one boys bracket, and the Hounds Holiday Classic at Pope High School, which will feature a boys and a girls bracket. Both tournaments will begin Wednesday and run through Friday and each features some quality opponents and local programs. At Campbell, the No. 9 Spartans welcome in the 2021 Class AAAAAAA state champion Marietta and the runner-up that season, Woodstock. The event also has last year's Class AAAAAAA runner-up Harrison, Westlake, a three-time champion from 2018-20, and Rockdale County, currently ranked No. 3 in Class AAAAAA. Other local teams in the girls tournaments include Sprayberry and Osborne. The girls tournaments will be split between the Gwyn-McClure Gym at Campbell High School and the SEC Divison at Campbell Middle School. The boys tournament features local teams in Allatoona, which just had a successful run in the Carrollton Christmas tournament, Sprayberry and Campbell. In addition, it will bring in COHEA Academy from Florida. All boys games will be played in the Gwyn-McClure Gym. The boys side of the Hounds Holiday Classic features a rematch of Kennesaw Mountain and Pope in Round 1 on Wednesday. The two just played for the championship of the Alphretta-Pope Holiday Tournament last week, with the Greyhounds earning a 65-58 victory behind Zach Bleshoy's 36 points. Other local teams in the event include Cherokee, Mount Paran Christian, Walton and Woodstock. The girls side has perennial state championship contender Cherokee, No. 10 Hillgrove, and Pope, which comes into the tournament 10-3. The games will be split between the new gym and the old gym at Pope. First day matchups include North Gwinnett and Walton on the girls side, along with Mount Paran taking on Walton on the boys side. Marietta's annual menorah-lighting ceremony, which usually features music, food, and a giant menorah on Marietta Square, was cancelled this year due to unusually frigid weather. So instead, on Friday, Dec. 23, a smaller, quieter ceremony was held in the council chambers at city hall using the family menorah of Marietta City Council Member Joseph Goldstein. Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin and Goldstein both attended, along with Rabbi Joseph Prass of Marietta's Congregation Ner Tamid and several members of his congregation. Goldstein said he lit the shammash, the menorah's central candle which is used to light the others. Then Mayor Tumlin, wearing a yarmulke, lit six candles on the Menorah for the sixth night of the Jewish Festival of Lights. Rabbi Prass said a blessing over the lights as they were being lit, Goldstein said. The eight days of Hanukkah celebrate the miracle of a single oil lamp burning for eight nights in Jerusalem's Second Temple after the Jewish Maccabees' victory over the Syrian-Greeks more than 2,000 years ago. According to Chicago Jewish News, around 6 million Americans celebrate Hanukkah every year. A fire broke out at a south Cobb apartment complex on Sunday afternoon, damaging more than a dozen units and displacing multiple residents. According to Cobb Fire spokesperson Lt. Troy Lange, the fire occurred at 300 Riverside Parkway, the address of the 300 Riverside apartment complex, around 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Lange said firefighters arrived on the scene “with heavy fire showing from the top floor” of the complex's building 7, and a preliminary report indicated 16 units were damaged by fire or water. Lange said no injuries were reported from the fire, which is under investigation, and that the Red Cross was called in to assist displaced residents. Monica DeLancy, a renters' rights activist in the area, said she spoke to some of the families displaced by the fire and believes about 10 households were affected. Some of the families are receiving assistance from MUST Ministries, DeLancy said, and she is helping those affected navigate resources available to them. Cold, windy weather is forecast to continue early this week before a warming trend begins, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS station in Peachtree City extended the wind chill advisory through the afternoon on Christmas Day, and released a hazardous weather outlook which predicts more chilly weather. According to Cobb County, the MUST Hope House on Bells Ferry Road is open as a warming shelter to help people escape the freezing weather. Cobb County Water System cautioned via its Facebook page this week to prevent burst pipes during the freezing weather by dripping indoor faucets and heating homes to at least 55 degrees.  The Georgia Power' outage map registered six power outages in Cobb County on Saturday afternoon, with 42 customers affected.  Much of the continental United States has felt the chill of Winter Storm Elliot as it has moved across the county causing dangerous conditions. On Thursday, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, allowing state parks to open warming shelters to help deal with the effects of wind chill and potential power outages.  As the week progress, temperatures will climb with highs reaching the 60s by New Year's weekend.        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old Testament: Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 145:14–21 Psalm 145:14–21 (Listen) 14   The LORD upholds all who are falling    and raises up all who are bowed down.15   The eyes of all look to you,    and you give them their food in due season.16   You open your hand;    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.17   The LORD is righteous in all his ways    and kind in all his works.18   The LORD is near to all who call on him,    to all who call on him in truth.19   He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;    he also hears their cry and saves them.20   The LORD preserves all who love him,    but all the wicked he will destroy. 21   My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. (ESV) New Testament: Revelation 10–12 Revelation 10–12 (Listen) The Angel and the Little Scroll 10 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. 2 He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, 3 and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. 4 And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” 5 And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, 7 but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets. 8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” 9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 10 And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. 11 And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” The Two Witnesses 11 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, 2 but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. 7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit1 will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, 8 and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically2 is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10 and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13 And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come. The Seventh Trumpet

Old Testament: Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) New Testament: John 17 John 17 (Listen) The High Priestly Prayer 17 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. 6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.1 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them2 in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself,3 that they also may be sanctified4 in truth. 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Footnotes [1] 17:15 Or from evil [2] 17:17 Greek Set them apart (for holy service to God) [3] 17:19 Or I sanctify myself; or I set myself apart (for holy service to God) [4] 17:19 Greek may be set apart (for holy service to God) (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 145:14–21 Psalm 145:14–21 (Listen) 14   The LORD upholds all who are falling    and raises up all who are bowed down.15   The eyes of all look to you,    and you give them their food in due season.16   You open your hand;    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.17   The LORD is righteous in all his ways

Morning: Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) Evening: Revelation 14 Revelation 14 (Listen) The Lamb and the 144,000 14 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless. The Messages of the Three Angels 6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” 8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion1 of her sexual immorality.” 9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.2 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” The Harvest of the Earth 14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” 16 So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.3 Footnotes [1] 14:8 Or wrath [2] 14:12 Greek and the faith of Jesus [3] 14:20 About 184 miles; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters (ESV)

With family: 2 Chronicles 8; 3 John 2 Chronicles 8 (Listen) Solomon's Accomplishments 8 At the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the house of the LORD and his own house, 2 Solomon rebuilt the cities that Hiram had given to him, and settled the people of Israel in them. 3 And Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and took it. 4 He built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the store cities that he built in Hamath. 5 He also built Upper Beth-horon and Lower Beth-horon, fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, 6 and Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had and all the cities for his chariots and the cities for his horsemen, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion. 7 All the people who were left of the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel, 8 from their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel had not destroyed—these Solomon drafted as forced labor, and so they are to this day. 9 But of the people of Israel Solomon made no slaves for his work; they were soldiers, and his officers, the commanders of his chariots, and his horsemen. 10 And these were the chief officers of King Solomon, 250, who exercised authority over the people. 11 Solomon brought Pharaoh's daughter up from the city of David to the house that he had built for her, for he said, “My wife shall not live in the house of David king of Israel, for the places to which the ark of the LORD has come are holy.” 12 Then Solomon offered up burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of the LORD that he had built before the vestibule, 13 as the duty of each day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses for the Sabbaths, the new moons, and the three annual feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths. 14 According to the ruling of David his father, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their service, and the Levites for their offices of praise and ministry before the priests as the duty of each day required, and the gatekeepers in their divisions at each gate, for so David the man of God had commanded. 15 And they did not turn aside from what the king had commanded the priests and Levites concerning any matter and concerning the treasuries. 16 Thus was accomplished all the work of Solomon from1 the day the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was completed. 17 Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and Eloth on the shore of the sea, in the land of Edom. 18 And Hiram sent to him by the hand of his servants ships and servants familiar with the sea, and they went to Ophir together with the servants of Solomon and brought from there 450 talents2 of gold and brought it to King Solomon. Footnotes [1] 8:16 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew to [2] 8:18 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms (ESV) 3 John (Listen) Greeting 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers1 came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Support and Opposition 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. Final Greetings 13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name. Footnotes [1] 1:3 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 5, 10 (ESV) In private: Habakkuk 3; Luke 22 Habakkuk 3 (Listen) Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.16   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.2 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.3 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed4 instruments. Footnotes [1] 3:5 Hebrew feet [2] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [3] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [4] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV) Luke 22 (Listen) The Plot to Kill Jesus 22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. Judas to Betray Jesus 3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. The Passover with the Disciples 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus1 sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. Institution of the Lord's Supper 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it2 until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.3 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this. Who Is the Greatest? 24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. 28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,4 that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter5 said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus6 said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus 35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.' For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives 39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.7 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant8 of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Peter Denies Jesus 54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. Jesus Is Mocked 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. Jesus Before the Council 66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” Footnotes [1] 22:8 Greek he [2] 22:16 Some manuscripts never eat it again [3] 22:20 Some manuscripts omit, in whole or in part, verses 19b-20 (which is given . . . in my blood) [4] 22:31 The Greek word for you (twice in this verse) is plural; in verse 32, all four instances are singular [5] 22:33 Greek He [6] 22:34 Greek He [7] 22:44 Some manuscripts omit verses 43 and 44 [8] 22:50 Or bondservant (ESV)

Proper 28 First Psalm: Psalm 97; Psalms 99–100 Psalm 97 (Listen) The Lord Reigns 97   The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;    let the many coastlands be glad!2   Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3   Fire goes before him    and burns up his adversaries all around.4   His lightnings light up the world;    the earth sees and trembles.5   The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,    before the Lord of all the earth. 6   The heavens proclaim his righteousness,    and all the peoples see his glory.7   All worshipers of images are put to shame,    who make their boast in worthless idols;    worship him, all you gods! 8   Zion hears and is glad,    and the daughters of Judah rejoice,    because of your judgments, O LORD.9   For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;    you are exalted far above all gods. 10   O you who love the LORD, hate evil!    He preserves the lives of his saints;    he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.11   Light is sown1 for the righteous,    and joy for the upright in heart.12   Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,    and give thanks to his holy name! Footnotes [1] 97:11 Most Hebrew manuscripts; one Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome Light dawns (ESV) Psalms 99–100 (Listen) The Lord Our God Is Holy 99   The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble!    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!2   The LORD is great in Zion;    he is exalted over all the peoples.3   Let them praise your great and awesome name!    Holy is he!4   The King in his might loves justice.1    You have established equity;  you have executed justice    and righteousness in Jacob.5   Exalt the LORD our God;    worship at his footstool!    Holy is he! 6   Moses and Aaron were among his priests,    Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.    They called to the LORD, and he answered them.7   In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;    they kept his testimonies    and the statute that he gave them. 8   O LORD our God, you answered them;    you were a forgiving God to them,    but an avenger of their wrongdoings.9   Exalt the LORD our God,    and worship at his holy mountain;    for the LORD our God is holy! His Steadfast Love Endures Forever A Psalm for giving thanks. 100   Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!2     Serve the LORD with gladness!    Come into his presence with singing! 3   Know that the LORD, he is God!    It is he who made us, and we are his;2    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4   Enter his gates with thanksgiving,    and his courts with praise!    Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5   For the LORD is good;    his steadfast love endures forever,    and his faithfulness to all generations. Footnotes [1] 99:4 Or The might of the King loves justice [2] 100:3 Or and not we ourselves (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalms 94–95 Psalms 94–95 (Listen) The Lord Will Not Forsake His People 94   O LORD, God of vengeance,    O God of vengeance, shine forth!2   Rise up, O judge of the earth;    repay to the proud what they deserve!3   O LORD, how long shall the wicked,    how long shall the wicked exult?4   They pour out their arrogant words;    all the evildoers boast.5   They crush your people, O LORD,    and afflict your heritage.6   They kill the widow and the sojourner,    and murder the fatherless;7   and they say, “The LORD does not see;    the God of Jacob does not perceive.” 8   Understand, O dullest of the people!    Fools, when will you be wise?9   He who planted the ear, does he not hear?  He who formed the eye, does he not see?10   He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?  He who teaches man knowledge—11     the LORD—knows the thoughts of man,    that they are but a breath.1 12   Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD,    and whom you teach out of your law,13   to give him rest from days of trouble,    until a pit is dug for the wicked.14   For the LORD will not forsake his people;    he will not abandon his heritage;15   for justice will return to the righteous,    and all the upright in heart will follow it. 16   Who rises up for me against the wicked?    Who stands up for me against evildoers?17   If the LORD had not been my help,    my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.18   When I thought, “My foot slips,”    your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.19   When the cares of my heart are many,    your consolations cheer my soul.20   Can wicked rulers be allied with you,    those who frame2 injustice by statute?21   They band together against the life of the righteous    and condemn the innocent to death.322   But the LORD has become my stronghold,    and my God the rock of my refuge.23   He will bring back on them their iniquity    and wipe them out for their wickedness;    the LORD our God will wipe them out. Let Us Sing Songs of Praise 95   Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!2   Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!3   For the LORD is a great God,    and a great King above all gods.4   In his hand are the depths of the earth;    the heights of the mountains are his also.5   The sea is his, for he made it,    and his hands formed the dry land. 6   Oh come, let us worship and bow down;    let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!7   For he is our God,    and we are the people of his pasture,    and the sheep of his hand.  Today, if you hear his voice,8     do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,    as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,9   when your fathers put me to the test    and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.10   For forty years I loathed that generation    and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart,    and they have not known my ways.”11   Therefore I swore in my wrath,    “They shall not enter my rest.” Footnotes [1] 94:11 Septuagint they are futile [2] 94:20 Or fashion [3] 94:21 Hebrew condemn innocent blood (ESV) Old Testament: Habakkuk 3:1–18 Habakkuk 3:1–18 (Listen) Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.16   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.2 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.3 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation. Footnotes [1] 3:5 Hebrew feet [2] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [3] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain (ESV) New Testament: James 3:1–12 James 3:1–12 (Listen) Taming the Tongue 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,1 and set on fire by hell.2 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,3 these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Footnotes [1] 3:6 Or wheel of birth [2] 3:6 Greek Gehenna [3] 3:10 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 12 (ESV) Gospel: Luke 17:1–10 Luke 17:1–10 (Listen) Temptations to Sin 17 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin1 are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.2 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,' you must forgive him.” Increase Our Faith 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. Unworthy Servants 7 

The rival high schools put aside their differences for a good cause; A new salad restaurant is coming to Cobb; And North Cobb knocked off Kennesaw Mountain.  #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Habakkuk 1–3 Habakkuk 1–3 (Listen) 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Habakkuk's Complaint 2   O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,    and you will not hear?  Or cry to you “Violence!”    and you will not save?3   Why do you make me see iniquity,    and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me;    strife and contention arise.4   So the law is paralyzed,    and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous;    so justice goes forth perverted. The Lord's Answer 5   “Look among the nations, and see;    wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days    that you would not believe if told.6   For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,    that bitter and hasty nation,  who march through the breadth of the earth,    to seize dwellings not their own.7   They are dreaded and fearsome;    their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8   Their horses are swifter than leopards,    more fierce than the evening wolves;    their horsemen press proudly on.  Their horsemen come from afar;    they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9   They all come for violence,    all their faces forward.    They gather captives like sand.10   At kings they scoff,    and at rulers they laugh.  They laugh at every fortress,    for they pile up earth and take it.11   Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,    guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12   Are you not from everlasting,    O LORD my God, my Holy One?    We shall not die.  O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment,    and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.13   You who are of purer eyes than to see evil    and cannot look at wrong,  why do you idly look at traitors    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up    the man more righteous than he?14   You make mankind like the fish of the sea,    like crawling things that have no ruler.15   He1 brings all of them up with a hook;    he drags them out with his net;  he gathers them in his dragnet;    so he rejoices and is glad.16   Therefore he sacrifices to his net    and makes offerings to his dragnet;  for by them he lives in luxury,2    and his food is rich.17   Is he then to keep on emptying his net    and mercilessly killing nations forever? 2   I will take my stand at my watchpost    and station myself on the tower,  and look out to see what he will say to me,    and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the LORD answered me:   “Write the vision;    make it plain on tablets,    so he may run who reads it.3   For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay. 4   “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,    but the righteous shall live by his faith.3 5   “Moreover, wine4 is a traitor,    an arrogant man who is never at rest.5  His greed is as wide as Sheol;    like death he has never enough.  He gathers for himself all nations    and collects as his own all peoples.” Woe to the Chaldeans 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,   “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—    for how long?—    and loads himself with pledges!”7   Will not your debtors suddenly arise,    and those awake who will make you tremble?    Then you will be spoil for them.8   Because you have plundered many nations,    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 9   “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,    to set his nest on high,    to be safe from the reach of harm!10   You have devised shame for your house    by cutting off many peoples;    you have forfeited your life.11   For the stone will cry out from the wall,    and the beam from the woodwork respond. 12   “Woe to him who builds a town with blood    and founds a city on iniquity!13   Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts    that peoples labor merely for fire,    and nations weary themselves for nothing?14   For the earth will be filled    with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 15   “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,    in order to gaze at their nakedness!16   You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!  The cup in the LORD's right hand    will come around to you,    and utter shame will come upon your glory!17   The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,    as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,  for the blood of man and violence to the earth,    to cities and all who dwell in them. 18   “What profit is an idol    when its maker has shaped it,    a metal image, a teacher of lies?  For its maker trusts in his own creation    when he makes speechless idols!19   Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;    to a silent stone, Arise!  Can this teach?  Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,    and there is no breath at all in it.20   But the LORD is in his holy temple;    let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk's Prayer 3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2   O LORD, I have heard the report of you,    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.  In the midst of the years revive it;    in the midst of the years make it known;    in wrath remember mercy.3   God came from Teman,    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah  His splendor covered the heavens,    and the earth was full of his praise.4   His brightness was like the light;    rays flashed from his hand;    and there he veiled his power.5   Before him went pestilence,    and plague followed at his heels.66   He stood and measured the earth;    he looked and shook the nations;  then the eternal mountains were scattered;    the everlasting hills sank low.    His were the everlasting ways.7   I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;    the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8   Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?    Was your anger against the rivers,    or your indignation against the sea,  when you rode on your horses,    on your chariot of salvation?9   You stripped the sheath from your bow,    calling for many arrows.7 Selah    You split the earth with rivers.10   The mountains saw you and writhed;    the raging waters swept on;  the deep gave forth its voice;    it lifted its hands on high.11   The sun and moon stood still in their place    at the light of your arrows as they sped,    at the flash of your glittering spear.12   You marched through the earth in fury;    you threshed the nations in anger.13   You went out for the salvation of your people,    for the salvation of your anointed.  You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,    laying him bare from thigh to neck.8 Selah14   You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,    who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,    rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15   You trampled the sea with your horses,    the surging of mighty waters. 16   I hear, and my body trembles;    my lips quiver at the sound;  rottenness enters into my bones;    my legs tremble beneath me.  Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble    to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord 17   Though the fig tree should not blossom,    nor fruit be on the vines,  the produce of the olive fail    and the fields yield no food,  the flock be cut off from the fold    and there be no herd in the stalls,18   yet I will rejoice in the LORD;    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19   GOD, the Lord, is my strength;    he makes my feet like the deer's;    he makes me tread on my high places.   To the choirmaster: with stringed9 instruments. Footnotes [1] 1:15 That is, the wicked foe [2] 1:16 Hebrew his portion is fat [3] 2:4 Or faithfulness [4] 2:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll wealth [5] 2:5 The meaning of the Hebrew of these two lines is uncertain [6] 3:5 Hebrew feet [7] 3:9 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [8] 3:13 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [9] 3:19 Hebrew my stringed (ESV)