Today’s readings – Dec 11:-
NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 2 (Hāzôn 2)
OLD TESTAMENT: Hosea 5,6,7,8 (Hoshĕa 5,6,7,8)
(NOTE: Word meanings in the brackets are from the dictionaries, AMP Bible, Hebrew words, Strong Concordance and Yah Scriptures Bible as learning aid. GOAL: To restore the name of the Only Almighty True Living Creator of the universe and the name of His Son, the Messiah / Savior who was sent by Him to save the repented sinners as in John 3:16-18, John 3:3 & Isaiah 52:6)
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– Begin of daily reading for Dec 11 – (READING TIME: 14:35) – Day 346
NEW TESTAMENT
Revelation 2
King James Version audio with speed control:-
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The Church in Ephesus
2 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith (says) he that holdeth (holds) the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh (walks) in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy (your) works, and thy (your) labour, and thy (your) patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil (and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil): and thou hast tried (you have tested) them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast (have) found them liars:
3 And hast (have) borne, and hast (have) patience, and for my name’s sake hast (have) laboured, and hast not fainted (and that you have not grown weary [of being faithful to the truth]).
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee (you), because thou hast left thy first love ([because you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]).
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen (from which you have fallen), and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee (you) quickly, and will remove thy (your) candlestick out of his place, except thou (you) repent.
(NOTE: repent (verb) = to have a change of mind regarding sins > with sincere regret or remorse that leads to turning away from sin, > stop repeating the same sin, > turning towards God (Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah), > asking forgiveness from God > & bearing the fruit / evidence in keeping of repentance (Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance). In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for repent is “נָחַם” (nacham). It means to be sorry, to console oneself, or to change one’s mind. In the New Testament, the Greek word for repent is “μετανοέω” (metanoeō). It means to change one’s mind or purpose, often with the implication of turning away from sin and turning towards God)
6 But this thou hast (you have) l, that thou hatest (you hate) the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
7 He that hath (has) an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith (says) unto the churches; To him that overcometh (overcomes) will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah).
The Church in Smyrna
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith (says) the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy (your) works, and tribulation (great sufferings), and poverty, (but thou art (you are) rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue (temple) of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt (you shall) suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye (you) may be tried (tested); and ye (you) shall have tribulation (great sufferings) ten days: be thou (you) faithful unto death, and I will give thee (you) a crown of life.
(NOTE: devil (noun) = Satan / Lucifer (Hebrew 1966; Helel: Word origin: Halal (Hebrew 1984; to praise / to boast [self]) / Devil / Diablo in Spanish / Serpent / Dragon / Father of Lies / Beast / Fallen Angel / prince of the air / morning star / shining one / Antichrist)
11 He that hath (has) an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith (says) unto the churches; He that overcometh (overcomes) shall not be hurt of the second death (eternal death / the death of the eternal soul).
The Church in Pergamos
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith (says) he which hath (has) the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know thy (your) works, and where thou dwellest (you live), even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest (you hold) fast my (My) name, and hast (have) not denied my (My) faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my (My) faithful martyr, who was slain (killed) among you, where Satan dwelleth (dwells, lives).
(NOTE: martyr = A person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs)
14 But I have a few things against thee (you), because thou hast (you have) there them that hold the doctrine (teaching) of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock (stumbling block) before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou (have you) also them that hold the doctrine (teaching) of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee (you) quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my (My) mouth.
17 He that hath (has) an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith (says) unto the churches; To him that overcometh (overcomes) will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth (knows) saving he that receiveth (receives) it.
The Church in Thyatira
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith (says) the Son of God (Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah), who hath (has) his (His) eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his (His) feet are like fine brass (burnished [white-hot] bronze);
19 I know thy (your) works, and charity (love), and service, and faith, and thy (your) patience, and thy (your) works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee (you), because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel (that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess [claiming to be inspired]), which calleth (who calls) herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my (My) servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
(NOTE: fornication = voluntary sexual intercourse between unmarried persons or outside of marriage)
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation (suffering), except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth (I am He who searches) the reins (minds) and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine (teaching), and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye (you) have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh (overcomes), and keepeth (keeps) my (My) works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star (Morning Star).
29 He that hath (has) an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith (says) unto the churches.
OLD TESTAMENT
Hosea 5
King James Version audio with speed control:-
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Background music:-
The Rebuke of Israel and Judah
5 Hear ye (you) this, O priests; and hearken (pay attention), ye (you) house of Israel; and give ye (you) ear, O house of the king; for judgment is toward you, because ye (you) have been a snare (trap) on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor.
2 And the revolters (rebels / rioters) are profound to make slaughter, though I have been a rebuker of them all.
3 I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom (you have played the prostitute and have worshiped idols), and Israel is defiled.
(NOTE: whoredom = The practice of accepting payment in exchange for sexual relations; prostitution)
4 They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God (Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah): for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the Lord (Adonai; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah).
5 And the pride of Israel doth (does) testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity (sin): Judah also shall fall with them.
6 They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the Lord (Adonai; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah); but they shall not find him; he hath (has) withdrawn himself from them.
7 They have dealt treacherously against the Lord (Adonai; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah): for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.
8 Blow ye (you) the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee (you), O Benjamin.
9 Ephraim shall be desolate (will become a ruin) in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be.
10 The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: therefore I will pour out my wrath (My extreme anger) upon them like water.
11 Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.
12 Therefore will I be unto Ephraim as a moth, and to the house of Judah as rottenness.
Israel Seeks Help from Assyria
13 When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.
14 For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.
15 I will go and return to my (My) place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my (My) face: in their affliction they will seek me (Me) early.
Hosea 6
King James Version audio with speed control:-
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Return to the LORD (Adonai; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah)
6 Come, and let us return unto the Lord (Adonai; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah): for he hath (He has) torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten (He has stricken), and he (He) will bind us up.
2 After two days will he (He) revive us: in the third day he (He) will raise us up, and we shall live in his (His) sight.
3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord (Adonai; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah): his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee (you)? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee (you)? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth (goes) away.
5 Therefore have I hewed (cut) them by the prophets; I have slain (killed) them by the words of my (My) mouth: and thy (your) judgments are as the light that goeth (goes) forth.
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God (Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah) more than burnt offerings.
7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant (Agreement): there have they dealt treacherously (unfaithfully) against me (Me).
8 Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity (sin), and is polluted with blood.
9 And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness (crimes).
10 I have seen an (a) horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled (corrupted / polluted).
11 Also, O Judah, he hath (He has) set an (a) harvest for thee (you), when I returned the captivity of my people.
Hosea 7
King James Version audio with speed control:-
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Israel’s Wickedness Remembered
7 When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity (sin) of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh (comes) in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without (bandits ravage and raid outside).
2 And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my (My) face.
3 They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.
4 They are all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth (ceases, stops) from raising after he hath (He has) kneaded the dough, until it be leavened.
5 In the day of our king the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners.
6 For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth (sleeps) all the night; in the morning it burneth (burns) as a flaming fire.
7 They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: there is none among them that calleth unto me (calls to Me).
8 Ephraim, he hath (has) mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.
9 Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not (and he does not know it): yea (yes), gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not (yet he does not know it).
10 And the pride of Israel testifieth (testifies) to his face: and they do not return to the Lord (Adonai) their God (Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah), nor seek him (Him) for all this.
11 Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.
12 When they shall go, I will spread my (My) net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise (rebuke) them, as their congregation hath (has) heard.
13 Woe unto (Great sorrow to) them! for they have fled from me (Me): destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me (Me): though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me (Me).
14 And they have not cried unto me (Me) with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me (Me).
15 Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me (Me).
x16 They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.
(NOTE: most High (noun – title) = Most High / Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah)
Hosea 8
King James Version audio with speed control:-
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Judgment Comes as an Eagle
8 Set the trumpet to thy (your) mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the Lord (Adonai; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah), because they have transgressed my covenant (violated My Agreement / Contract), and trespassed against my (My) law.
2 Israel shall cry unto me (Me), My God (Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah), we know thee (You).
3 Israel hath (has) cast off (threw off / rejected) the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him.
4 They have set up kings, but not by me (but not from Me): they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
5 Thy (Your) calf, O Samaria, hath (has) cast thee (you) off; mine (My) anger is kindled (flamed) against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocency (innocence)?
6 For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God (Elohim / Aluahym; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah): but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
7 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath (has) no stalk; the bud shall yield (produce) no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.
Israel’s Altars to Sin
8 Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.
(NOTE: Gentiles (noun / adjective) = those who are not of Jewish descent or who do not believe in God (Elohim / Aluahyn; 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 / Yahuah); heathen, pagan)
9 For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass (donkey) alone by himself: Ephraim hath (has) hired lovers.
10 Yea (Yes), though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.
11 Because Ephraim hath (has) made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.
12 I have written to him the great things of my (My) law, but they were counted as a strange thing.
13 They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine (My) offerings, and eat it; but the Lord accepteth them not (but the Adonai does not accept them); now will he remember their iniquity (sin), and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.
14 For Israel hath (has) forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples (and built palaces [and pagan temples]); and Judah hath (has) multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour (may consume) the palaces thereof.
– End of daily reading for Dec 11 – Day 346