SMILE!

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“the expression one wears on one’s face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one’s back.” – Dale Carnegie

This is a fun post about smiling. Why fun? Well let’s face it, when we’re smiling we are normally having a pretty good time!

If you were to ask someone who knows me to describe who I am, undoubtedly one of the first things that they will say is that I am a continually happy or ‘smiley’ person. This is something that I always laugh about as it has been mentioned many times throughout my life! The good thing is I’m not complaining as a smile has a ton of benefits to your overall wellbeing.

Smiling is on the list of the Habits of Absolutely Happy People. If you can turn smiling into a habit, then you can turn happiness into a habit… let’s explore!

1) You’re More Attractive!
Do you want to be more attractive? Simple. Smile! Research has proven that we find others more attractive when they are wearing a smile. This one is a no-brainer, but for the sake of helping it land in your mind, think about someone who you know and think of first when they are down, sad, angry, frustrated, whatever it may be. How attractive are they? Now picture them simply with a smile on their face. What does this do to their attractiveness? If you took the time to do this exercise, I’m sure you would have easily found the smiling version much more attractive, and maybe this even made you feel a happy tingle inside yourself! This leads to my next point.

2) You Can CHANGE THE WORLD! A Smile is Contagious!
Have you ever been in a sour mood and then someone has come along with a huge smile, some laughter or in a really good mood? Perhaps a baby that just looked up at you and smiled? How did this make you feel? When the person you are talking to or the people that surround you are smiling, you won’t be able to help but smile!

A smile has special powers. You can calm fear, insecurity, hurt and anxiety not only in yourself, but in those that are experiencing those feelings. The next time someone is feeling sad, scared, nervous, whatever it may be, smile with them and see how this makes them feel!

Even 2Pac, the rap legend that passed away realised the benefits of smiling, in his lyrics to ‘Power of a Smile’ he raps:
The power of a gun can kill, and the power of fire can burn
The power of wind can chill, and the power of mind can learn
The power of anger, can raise inside until it tears you apart
But the power of a smile, especially yours, can heal a frozen heart

A smile is a contagious thing. Give to the world and the world will give back to you. Smile at the world and the world will smile back at you. You will brighten the days of those around and make a difference in their lives… simply by smiling!

3) Grow Old Sexily!
Wrinkles, wrinkles, wrinkles! Something that we all don’t want to have, however it is something that comes to us all leaving permanent marks of our emotional feelings throughout life. Smiling throughout life will NOT mean you won’t get wrinkles… I wish it did! It WILL however mean that you will have permanent marks of happiness and when you speak with those later in life, you will automatically be smiling!

You also use fewer muscles to smile than you do for frowning. Hopefully you’re smiling now as you read this, but if not, smile now! … Now that you have tried smiling, try and frown. Which one do you think is easier? I would definitely say smiling is the easier of the two, and therefore stretching your muscles and skin less throughout life to grow old sexily!

4) Simply Feel Good!
When you’re smiling, no doubt you’re having a much better time than when you’re not! Smiling simply makes you feel better!

Research has shown that smiling releases serotonin – a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness and wellbeing. It’s like a circle of happiness. Smile and you feel happy, you feel happy and you smile! Even when you’re not feeling great, try smiling, genuinely, and see how you feel!

5) Build Better, Faster Relationships!
Smiling is such a key ingredient for establishing healthy and genuine friendships. When someone is smiling at you it indicates that they like you. When someone likes you what do you think of them? Yep, normally you’re thinking “wow, I like this person!” Smiling also offers encouragement to the person that you are talking to. Think about it, if someone is smiling at you while you are talking to them, you feel as though they are totally into what you are saying, encouraging you to keep going!

Smiling is crucial when it comes to first impressions. Smiling when you first meet someone will indicate to the other person that you are genuinely happy to see them and that you are a positive person. These impressions will be lasting on the other person so definitely not one to miss!

6) Enhance your Business!
Business deals can be made simply through smiling. One of the first things that sales people quickly learn is to smile. Who would you rather buy something from? The sales rep that looks bored, down, angry, frustrated or whatever it may be, or from the sales rep that is simply smiling and happy to see you? The messages that they convey in conversation will link back to how they are feeling. A smiling person would be much more enthusiastic for the product and instil positive feelings in the buyer.

Even telesales have got a hold on this. Now sales reps that are on the other side of the phone are encouraged to smile when they talk as the smile is conveyed in how the person is talking!

Action Plan
1) Smile!
It can’t be that hard, can it?

2) Visualise your happiest moments
A number of people will say that they find it hard to smile due to circumstances in their life. Research has shown that our thoughts and feelings influence our behaviours. As this is the case, I encourage you to close your eyes and think of the moments that have made you laugh and smile. How does this make you feel? These visualization exercises are great for helping you smile.

3) Just do it!
Further research has now flipped the above completely on its head and suggested that our behaviours can actually influence our thoughts and feelings! As this is the case, I encourage you to JUST DO IT! Simply forcing a smile will give you the benefits of the above. Stand up straight, work on your posture, smile to the world and ‘fake it till you make it’! It WILL work!

Are you a smiler? When you are down, have you tried ‘forcing’ a smile to change your feelings? Did it work? Have you made a positive impact on another person by smiling at them? TRY IT!

Mahalo

SIGNATURE:
Clifford "RAY" Hackett www.rayis.me

I founded www.adapt.org in 1980 it now has over 50 million members.
$500 of material=World’s fastest hydrofoil sailboat. http://sunrun.biz

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Laila Pierson (Sister Mary)

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as at:Shysters have long trawled the South Pacific with schemes to extract millions from gullible locals, writes Rowan Callick

IT’S fitting that Peter Foster should end up in jail in Vanuatu, the island where James Michener wrote Tales of the South Pacific, the source of the classic musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. For Foster is part of a long line of international confidence tricksters who have washed up on the Pacific islands to conjure cash from governments, conniving politicians
or naive locals.

The Pacific attracts them because it is comparatively cheap to live there, because the islanders are hospitable and accept guests at face value, because institutions are mostly weak and unlikely to dig up their past misdemeanours, and because the tyranny of distance can protect them from pursuers.

Foster, captured on Sunday by Vanuatu police as he tried to escape through a window from the Port Vila home of friends Wayne and Celeste Furness, until recently Gold Coast antique dealers, faces charges in Vanuatu of illegal entry, in Fiji of fraud and immigration infringements, and in the Federated States of Micronesia over a $580,000 scam. He attempted to escape Justice in Fiji by providing the new military regime with evidence of corruption within the old government it had removed. In Vanuatu he’s brokered a deal that should allow him to return to Brisbane, by ratting on Kell Walker and his crew, who allegedly helped him flee Fiji on Retriever1, a converted navy minesweeper.

Betraying key contacts is a common strategy among conmen who get caught, and reveals another remarkable feature of their story in the Pacific: they have been able to gain ready social access, often within remarkably short periods, to presidents and prime ministers, police chiefs and judges.

Most are men, but there’s been one remarkable woman, Princess Laila. She flew in 1992 to Papua New Guinea, where she was greeted royally. Foreign minister Michael Somare – now the Prime Minister – deputed his chief of staff to travel around the country with her as she investigated options for the $57 billion she claimed to be preparing to invest. Her credentials essentially consisted of her claim that she was a grand-daughter of deceased Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie.

Mekere Morauta was then managing director of the PNG Banking Corporation. He says she arrived in his office "dressed in a flowing white robe, like an angel", and paraded her bangles, allegedly worth $US250,000 each, and her "million-dollar" necklace. Her jewellery, she said, demonstrated her access to large sums of money provided by Middle Eastern royalty, held in Swiss banks. The PNG government could borrow this at low interest rates, and the agents – led by herself would naturally be entitled to handsome commissions, which she would generously share with senior PNG politicians and bureaucrats. She focused on attempting to gain access to the Lihir gold project, which has since become a considerable mine.

On arrival on Lihir island, where a cargo cult was flourishing, she introduced herself to landowners as a fellow Third World victim of rapacious Westerners and as an alternative developer of the resource.

Actually, she held a US passport. Her name was Laila Pierson and she operated out of a general store in the US territory of Guam, where hopeful Lihir landowners vainly faxed requests for financial help using her codename, Mommy.

When Morauta became prime minister, he found PNG besieged by confidence tricksters. In 2000 he halted negotiations between the Milne Bay provincial government and the Knights of Malta, Sovereign Order, Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, Foundation of Poland, who were about to gain a guarantee licensing them to raise $200 million.

When Paul Pora was finance minister of PNG, he authorised John Alexander de l’Instant-Parade of Brisbane, a migrant Dutch chef also known as John Smith, to raise $US800 million internationally. The commission would have totalled
$US80million. De l’Instant-Parade also discussed with PNG ministers plans to set up oil and gold refineries, a tanker fleet and a fish cannery. He said: "I’m ot in it for personal gain. I’m anti-colonial. I’m a Scorpio: tough but fair."

A former economic adviser to PNG said that during that era, a dozen years ago, "you’d go in to a minister’s office and be introduced to an oddball with a big briefcase who said he had a billion dollars to lend to PNG", including a fake former mayor of Tehran seeking an up-front fee to obtain a loan for the beleaguered government.

Brisbane-bred Peter Walker was then accelerating his bid to snatch a PNG Highlands gold project from Placer Pacific. But, as lawyer Peter Lowing then said: "The only mining he has done is at the stock exchange." The former chief executive of Private Blood Bank, who had been sentenced to two years’ jail in 1993 over the company’s amazing share price rise – aided by hints of its discovery of a cure for AIDS – paid for 16 Papua New Guineans, including key landowners, to visit Sydney, telling them he could raise $920 million in Hong Kong for the mine by floating a firm of which he would be
managing director.

Walker’s associates escorted the group in a lift to the Placer office near Circular Quay, and a photo of them was taken with the Placer logo in the background, after which they immediately descended in the same lift. The apparent object was to enable the group to return with the photos as proof that while they had talked with Placer, they could get a better deal
from Walker.

The Porgera mine’s approval was consequently delayed when, on their return, the landowners told their fellows that the new Walker deal would provide each of them with a fully furnished Swiss chalet-style two-storey home and a vehicle, and a super mansion for the provincial premier.

Even long-closed mines hold a lure for colourful foreigners. On September 30, 2004, self-styled Prince Jeffrey Richards of Rockhampton and Lord James Nessbit of London arrived in Bougainville on a plane chartered from the Gold Coast that landed illegally, leading to the pilots and owner being fined $146,000. Wearing camouflage uniforms and carrying side-arms, they immediately took up roles as advisers to Francis Ona, the rebel leader who had shut down the mine and was by then calling himself King Francis. He later committed suicide.

The prince and the lord held the royal seals for Me’ekamui, the tiny mountainous kingdom ruled by Ona.

Peter Tsiamalili, co-ordinator of the successful election that restored autonomous government to Bougainville, said at the time: "These two conmen are taking Francis for a ride. The people up on the mountain are totally convinced: they will believe any white man up there. (Richards and Nessbit) are telling them they are related to Queen Elizabeth II."

Nauru’s 8000 inhabitants were once the richest people per head in the world because of their share of the phosphate mined on their island, largely by workers from elsewhere in the Pacific. But in the past few years they have struggled to stave off bankruptcy. Their investments have frequently been hijacked in bizarre directions. A couple of years ago, the Nauru government suddenly announced that a firm from India, Hiranandani Corp Worldwide, would obtain half the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust’s properties and manage the entire portfolio.

The firm was run by brothers Raj and Asok, who come from Singapore and did property business there and in Sydney. They shared a white Rolls-Royce Corniche with the name Royal Brothers etched on the side in gold leaf. They were jailed in Singapore in 1999 for a year, charged with criminal breach of trust.

In 1993, Nauru’s then investment adviser Duke Minks, an entrepreneur from Liverpool, England, diverted $4.24 million in phosphate royalties into a musical on the life of Leonardo da Vinci that he co-wrote and produced. Leonardo, Portrait of Love premiered in London to a black-tie audience that included 150 Nauruans, led by then president Bernard Dowiyogo and most of the cabinet. One review was headlined: Night of the Guano. It closed within a month.

After Fiji suffered its first successful coup almost 20 years ago, a military march through Suva was shunned by the upset inhabitants but cheered on by New Zealander Paul Freeman, dressed in long khaki shorts, socks and sandals, who handed out business cards purporting to prove his membership of the US Intelligence Service.

He subsequently accompanied members of the new regime on a trip to purchase arms in Southeast Asia, before falling out with them, after which he shifted to PNG and Solomon Islands, reinventing his background each time. He achieved a record of sorts by being declared persona non grata in all three places.

But perhaps the most colourful of all this cast is Nath Ghosh, an Indian who was based in Thailand five years ago when he saw a great opening in Vanuatu. Usually cream-suited, with chunky rings on each finger, he resembles Orson Welles and was last heard of in Munich, where he swallowed a knife to avoid being extradited to India, where he was wanted on charges brought by several bankers, for obtaining cheques worth $11million in fictitious names.

He took an 82kg rock to Vanuatu, claiming it contained the world’s biggest ruby, worth $317 million, and deposited it in a bank. In return he sought from the government bearer bonds worth $574 million, 140 per cent of the then gross domestic product, which quadrupled Vanuatu’s foreign debt. He was also given forest, fishing and mineral concessions by then prime minister Barak Sope, who travelled internationally with him.

After losing power, Sope, a former student radical who attended Melbourne’s Essendon Grammar School, was jailed for three years for having forged signatures on bonds worth $33 million for Ghosh. He later won a presidential pardon on account of ill health, in time to campaign and win back his old seat at a parliamentary election.

Maxime Carlot Korman, a former prime minister, gave a gushing press conference in Port Vila about a visit with Ghosh to what he called a spectacular Thai resort that Ghosh apparently co-owned with the Thai Princess Mother, whom Korman described as an extremely resourceful person, who should be invited on a state visit. The much loved Princess Mother, Sangwal Talapat, had died five years earlier.

Rowan Callick is The Australian’s China correspondent. He has worked extensively in PNG and the Pacific.

Condensed bible

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1 Genesis
Gen1: God created the heavens, the earth and everything that lives. He made humankind in his image, and gave them charge over the earth.
Gen2: God formed a man and gave him the garden in Eden, except for the tree of knowledge. Adam was alone so God made a woman as his partner.
Gen3: The serpent deceived the woman; she and Adam ate from the tree. The earth became cursed, and God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden.
Gen4: Eve’s sons made offerings to God. Only Abel’s was acceptable, so Cain killed him. Abel’s blood cried out and God sent Cain away.
Gen5: Adam’s line was: Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech and Noah. Noah’s sons were Shem, Ham and Japheth.
Gen6: Humankind corrupted the earth with evil. God decided to destroy them. He told Noah to build an ark to be saved from the flood.
Gen7: Noah and his family went into the ark with two of each creature. It rained for forty days and forty nights and the earth was covered.
Gen8: The flood abated. Noah sent out a raven and two doves. When the earth was dry God called them all out of the ark. Noah built an altar.
Gen9: God blessed Noah and set the rainbow as a sign that he would never flood the earth again. Noah got drunk and cursed Ham’s son Canaan.
Gen10: Japheth’s line lived in the coastlands; Ham’s included Nimrod and the Canaanites; Shem’s lived in the East. These formed the nations.
Gen11: They began building a great tower for themselves, but God confused their language. Shem’s line included Abram who married Sarai.
Gen12: God told Abram, "Go. I will make you a great nation. You will be a blessing." In Egypt Abram lied about Sarai and Pharaoh was cursed.
Gen13: Abram journeyed with his nephew Lot. Their servants argued, so Lot went to Sodom, Abram to Canaan. God promised Abram the land.
Gen14: The kings went to war and took Lot captive. Abram rescued Lot. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Gen15: God promised Abram an heir and many descendants. Abram believed. He was told that they would be enslaved but would then return.
Gen16: Sarai told Abram to have children with Hagar. Hagar conceived, then ran away, but an angel sent her back. Hagar’s son was Ishmael.
Gen17: God made a covenant with Abram and renamed him Abraham. He renamed Sarai Sarah and promised them a son. The men were circumcised.
Gen18: Three visitors came and said that Sarah would have a son next year. Sodom was very evil; Abraham pleaded with God for the city.
Gen19: Angels took Lot out of Sodom. The city was destroyed by fire and Lot’s wife was turned to salt. His daughters had children for him.
Gen20: In Gerar Abraham said, "Sarah is my sister." King Abimelech took her but God warned him in a dream. He restored Sarah to Abraham.
Gen21: As promised, Sarah had a son: Isaac. She had Hagar and Ishmael sent away but God preserved them. Abraham and Abimelech made a treaty.
Gen22: God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. As Abraham obeyed, an angel stopped him. God provided a ram instead and blessed Abraham.
Gen23: Sarah died in Kiriath-arba. Abraham asked the Hittites for a burial site. He bought a cave from Ephron and buried Sarah there.
Gen24: Abraham’s servant went to Nahor to find a wife for Isaac. He met Rebekah by the well. She went back with him and married Isaac.
Gen25: Abraham died and was buried with Sarah. Isaac and Rebekah had twins: Esau and Jacob. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal.
Gen26: In Gerar Isaac lied about Rebekah. He grew so rich that Abimelech sent him away. He dug wells, and at Beersheba God blessed him.
Gen27: Rebekah and Jacob tricked Isaac into giving Jacob his blessing. Esau vowed revenge so Rebekah told Jacob to go to her brother Laban.
Gen28: Isaac sent Jacob to marry one of Laban’s daughters. On the way Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven and God blessed him.
Gen29: Jacob worked for Laban seven years to marry Rachel, but Laban gave him Leah and made him work seven more for Rachel. Leah had sons.
Gen30: Rachel’s maid had sons for Jacob, then Leah’s maid, then Leah. Finally Rachel had a son. Laban allowed Jacob flocks as wages to stay.
Gen31: God told Jacob to return home. Jacob left in secret and Rachel took Laban’s idols. Laban chased Jacob but they made a treaty.
Gen32: Jacob heard that Esau was coming to meet him. He was afraid and sent gifts. That night he wrestled with a man who renamed him Israel.
Gen33: Esau and his men arrived. Jacob bowed down but Esau ran to embrace him. Jacob settled near Shechem and built an altar.
Gen34: Shechem raped Jacob’s daughter and asked to marry her. Jacob’s sons told him to circumcise his men, then Simeon and Levi killed them.
Gen35: Jacob went to Bethel and God renamed him Israel. They journeyed on. Rachel died having Israel’s twelfth son. Isaac died in Hebron.
Gen36: Esau’s sons were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah. Esau and his family moved away to Seir. They became the Edomites.
Gen37: Joseph was Israel’s favourite son. He had dreams and his brothers were jealous so they sold him. He was bought by Potiphar in Egypt.
Gen38: Judah’s sons Er and Onan died, leaving Tamar a widow. Judah sent her away but she put on a veil and he slept with her. She had twins.
Gen39: Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his house. His wife tried to seduce Joseph, then lied about it, so Potiphar put Joseph in prison.
Gen40: Pharaoh put his cupbearer and baker in prison. Joseph interpreted their dreams. The cupbearer was restored but the baker was hanged.
Gen41: Pharaoh had a dream and called for Joseph to interpret it. The dream predicted a famine. Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt.
Gen42: Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt to buy grain but didn’t recognise him. He kept Simeon in prison and sent the rest to fetch Benjamin.
Gen43: When the grain ran out, Joseph’s brothers went back to Egypt with Benjamin. Joseph invited them to his house and gave them a feast.
Gen44: Joseph hid his cup in Benjamin’s sack, then sent a steward after his brothers. Judah offered himself as a slave instead of Benjamin.
Gen45: Joseph told his brothers who he was. They were afraid, but he told them, "God sent me here." His brothers went to fetch their father.
Gen46: So Israel set out with all his household. God told him not to be afraid. Israel and all his family came to Egypt and Joseph met him.
Gen47: Pharaoh allowed Joseph’s family to settle in Goshen. The famine continued and the Egyptians sold all they had to Pharaoh for food.
Gen48: Jacob became ill, so Joseph took his sons to see him. Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons as his own, putting Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
Gen49: Jacob gathered his sons and blessed each of them. He charged them to bury him with Abraham in the cave in Canaan, and then he died.
Gen50: Pharaoh allowed Joseph to go and bury Jacob. Before Joseph died, he said that God would lead his people back to the promised land.
2 Exodus
Ex1: The Israelites prospered in Egypt, but a new king arose and forced them into hard labour. He commanded that their baby boys be killed.
Ex2: Pharaoh’s daughter found a Hebrew baby by the river. She named him Moses. When he grew up, Moses killed an Egyptian and fled to Midian.
Ex3: Moses saw a burning bush. God told him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses asked God his name and God said, "I am who I am."
Ex4: God gave Moses signs so that the people would listen. Moses was afraid, so God sent his brother Aaron to speak for him.
Ex5: Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the desert to worship. Pharaoh refused and increased their workload instead.
Ex6: God told Moses that he would lead the Israelites out of Egypt to the promised land. Aaron and Moses were from the tribe of Levi.
Ex7: Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh. Aaron’s staff became a snake, then God turned the Nile to blood, but Pharaoh wouldn’t listen.
Ex8: God sent a plague of frogs on Egypt. Pharaoh begged for relief but then hardened his heart. God sent gnats and then flies.
Ex9: God sent a plague on the livestock of Egypt, then boils and then hail. Pharaoh begged for relief but then his heart was hardened.
Ex10: God sent a plague of locusts. Pharaoh begged for relief but then his heart was hardened. God sent darkness for three days.
Ex11: God said that he would send one more plague, and then Pharaoh would let the Israelites go: all the firstborn Egyptians would die.
Ex12: God told the Israelites to take Passover. That night all the firstborn Egyptians were killed. Pharaoh told the Israelites to go.
Ex13: God told the Israelites to consecrate their firstborns to him. He guided them as a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night.
Ex14: Pharaoh’s army caught the Israelites by the sea. God parted the waters and the Israelites crossed. The Egyptian army was drowned.
Ex15: The Israelites sang: "I will sing to God, for he has triumphed; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea." They camped at Elim.
Ex16: The Israelites grumbled to Moses that they had no food, so each day God provided quails and manna. They rested on the sabbath.
Ex17: God told Moses to strike a rock to provide water. Amalek attacked Israel, but as Moses held up his arms Joshua’s army prevailed.
Ex18: Moses’ father-in-law Jethro came and offered sacrifices to God. He suggested that Moses appoint leaders to help him judge the people.
Ex19: The Israelites camped near the mountain in Sinai. God spoke to Moses on the mountain and made his covenant with Israel.
Ex20: I am God your God. Honour God above everything. Keep the Sabbath. Honour your parents. Don’t do wrong to your neighbours.
Ex21: If you buy a Hebrew slave he shall go free in the seventh year. Whoever kills shall be put to death. Whoever injures shall compensate.
Ex22: Whoever steals shall make restitution. If a man sleeps with a virgin he shall marry her. You shall not oppress strangers or the poor.
Ex23: You shall not pervert justice. Each year you shall hold feasts. My angel will lead you and I will drive your enemies from the land.
Ex24: The people said, "All that God has spoken we will do", and they offered sacrifices. God told Moses to stay on the mountain.
Ex25: Tell the Israelites to make a sanctuary for me. Make an ark with a mercy seat and two cherubim. Make a table. Then make a lampstand.
Ex26: Make a tabernacle of fine linen. Make curtains of goats’ hair to cover the tabernacle. Make boards of acacia wood and a linen veil.
Ex27: Make an altar of acacia wood with bronze utensils. Make a court for the tabernacle of fine linen hangings and bronze pillars.
Ex28: Set apart Aaron and his sons to minister as priests. Make a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a tunic, a turban and a sash for them.
Ex29: Sacrifice a young bull and two rams to consecrate Aaron and his sons. Make daily sacrifices on the altar and I will dwell with Israel.
Ex30: Make an altar for burning incense. The Israelites shall each give half a shekel. Make a bronze laver. Make anointing oil and incense.
Ex31: I have filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, with skill to make everything I have commanded. The seventh day is a Sabbath of rest.
Ex32: While Moses was away the people worshipped a golden calf. Moses pleaded with God for them, but then had three thousand killed.
Ex33: Moses set up a tent of meeting. He said to God, "Don’t send us from here without your presence." God passed near to Moses.
Ex34: Moses made new tablets for the law. God spoke to him and made a covenant with Israel. When Moses returned his face was shining.
Ex35: Moses told the Israelites to keep the Sabbath. He called for craftsmen to make the tabernacle. The people gave gifts for the work.
Ex36: The people gave more than enough. The craftsmen made the curtains. Bezalel made the curtains, the boards, the veil and the pillars.
Ex37: Bezalel made the ark with its cherubim, the table, the lampstand and the incense altar. He made the anointing oil and the incense.
Ex38: Bezalel made the altar of burnt offering, the laver and the court. Ithamar kept an inventory of the gold, silver and bronze used.
Ex39: They made the ephod, breastplate, tunics, turban and sash for Aaron. Moses saw that it had all been made as God had commanded.
Ex40: Moses set up the tabernacle and brought the ark into it, as God had commanded. Then the glory of God filled the tabernacle.
Exodus

3.
Lev1: Whoever brings a burnt offering should slaughter a bull, a sheep, a goat or a bird. The priest shall burn it on the altar to God.
Lev2: A grain offering should be fine flour with oil and incense. The priest shall burn a portion. The rest belongs to Aaron and his sons.
Lev3: A peace offering should be from the herd or the flock. Slaughter it at the tabernacle. The priest shall burn it on the altar as food.
Lev4: If anyone sins unintentionally they should slaughter a bull, a goat or a lamb. The priest shall burn it to God to make atonement.
Lev5: When anyone sins with an oath or becomes unclean they should confess it and bring a sin offering. A guilt offering should be a ram.
Lev6: When anyone cheats a neighbour they should make restitution and bring a guilt offering. The fire on the altar shall never go out.
Lev7: The meat of a peace offering must be eaten within two days. Do not eat fat or blood. The wave offering belongs to Aaron and his sons.
Lev8: Moses gathered the people at the tabernacle. He made offerings on the altar and consecrated Aaron and his sons with oil and blood.
Lev9: Aaron brought a sin offering and a burnt offering to make atonement. The glory of God appeared and a fire consumed the offerings.
Lev10: Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire, so fire came from God and killed them. Aaron and his other sons stayed at the tabernacle.
Lev11: You may eat animals with cloven hooves that chew the cud, and fish with scales and fins. Anything that touches a carcass is unclean.
Lev12: A male child shall be circumcised on the eighth day. A woman who gives birth shall bring offerings after her days of purification.
Lev13: If anyone has leprosy the priest shall declare them unclean and they shall live outside the camp. A leprous garment shall be burned.
Lev14: If anyone is healed of leprosy they shall shave their hair and bring offerings. If a house has mildew the priest shall inspect it.
Lev15: When a man has a discharge he is unclean. When he ejaculates he is unclean until evening. When a woman has her period she is unclean.
Lev16: Once a year Aaron shall make atonement for the people. He shall bring one goat as a sin offering and release another as a scapegoat.
Lev17: Anyone who kills an animal and does not bring an offering is guilty. The life is in the blood and I have given it to make atonement.
Lev18: Don’t have sex with a relative, a woman on her period, your neighbour’s wife, another man or an animal. These things defile the land.
Lev19: Be holy. Keep my Sabbaths. Don’t turn to idols. Love your neighbour as yourself. Don’t mix livestock. Do no injustice. I am God.
Lev20: Anyone who worships Molech, curses their parents, commits adultery or has sex with a man shall be put to death. You shall be holy.
Lev21: A priest must not make himself unclean and must only marry a virgin. No descendant of Aaron with a defect may offer the offerings.
Lev22: A priest shall not eat the offerings if he is unclean. No outsider shall eat the offerings. Offerings must be animals without defect.
Lev23: Proclaim as feasts: Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, fifty days later, the day of trumpets, the Day of Atonement and Booths.
Lev24: Aaron is to tend the lamps and set out the bread before God. An Israelite blasphemed so they took him outside and stoned him.
Lev25: Every seventh year the land shall rest. Every fiftieth year shall be a jubilee, when property shall be restored and slaves released.
Lev26: If you keep my laws I will give peace in the land and make you fruitful. If not I will scatter you, but I will not break my covenant.
Lev27: If anyone dedicates a person or land to God you shall make a valuation. A tithe of everything from the land belongs to God.
Leviticus

4 Numbers
Num1: God told Moses to count the Israelite armies. The number of men over twenty years old was 603,550. The Levites were not counted.
Num2: The Israelites shall camp around the tabernacle: Judah to the east, Reuben to the south, Ephraim to the west and Dan to the north.
Num3: The Levites are to assist Aaron. I have taken them in place of every firstborn. The number of Levites over one month old was 22,000.
Num4: The Kohathites are to carry the most holy things. The Gershonites are to carry the coverings. The Merarites are to carry the frame.
Num5: Anyone who sins shall make restitution and add a fifth. If a man suspects his wife of unfaithfulness he shall take her to the priest.
Num6: Anyone who makes a Nazirite vow shall not drink wine or cut their hair. Aaron’s blessing shall be: "God bless you and keep you."
Num7: The leader of each tribe brought a grain offering, a burnt offering, a sin offering and peace offerings. Moses spoke with God.
Num8: Present the Levites as a wave offering to God and make atonement for them. I have set them apart to serve at the tent of meeting.
Num9: In the first month of the second year the Israelites kept the Passover. Whenever the cloud lifted from the tabernacle they journeyed.
Num10: Make two silver trumpets to direct the congregation. In the second month the cloud lifted and they set out as God had commanded.
Num11: The people grumbled that they had no meat. God was angry but he sent quails. He put his Spirit on seventy elders to help Moses.
Num12: Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses. God was angry and Miriam became leprous. Moses prayed and after seven days she returned.
Num13: Moses sent men to spy out the land of Canaan. Caleb said, "Let us go up," but the others said that the inhabitants were too strong.
Num14: The people grumbled so God said that they would spend forty years in the wilderness. They went up to the land but were defeated.
Num15: There is one law for you and for strangers. Make an offering if you sin unintentionally. Anyone who sins defiantly shall be cut off.
Num16: Korah, Dathan and Abiram rose against Moses and Aaron. Moses said, "God will choose." The ground swallowed up those with Korah.
Num17: God told Moses to bring a staff from each tribal leader to the Tent of Meeting to stop the grumbling. Aaron’s staff blossomed.
Num18: God told Aaron: "I have given you the Levites to work at the Tent of Meeting. Everything that is devoted to God is yours."
Num19: Burn a heifer outside the camp for the water of cleansing. Anyone who is unclean and does not cleanse themselves shall be cut off.
Num20: God told Moses to speak to a rock to produce water but he struck the rock. Edom refused Israel passage. Aaron died at Mount Hor.
Num21: The people grumbled so God sent snakes. Moses made a bronze snake and whoever looked at it lived. Israel defeated the Amorites.
Num22: Balak sent for Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam’s donkey warned him. The Angel of God said, "Go, but speak only what I tell you."
Num23: God gave Balaam a word: "How can I curse whom God has not cursed?" Then at another place: "God their God is with Israel."
Num24: Balaam gave a word: "How lovely are your tents, O Jacob." Balak was angry. Balaam said: "A star and a sceptre shall rise in Israel."
Num25: The people were unfaithful with Moabite women and worshipped their gods. Phinehas killed one couple and God commended his zeal.
Num26: God told Moses and Eleazar to take a census. There were 601,730 fighting men and 23,000 Levites. Only Joshua and Caleb remained.
Num27: The daughters of Zelophehad were given an inheritence. God told Moses that he was to die. Moses commissioned Joshua as leader.
Num28: Bring offerings each morning and evening, on the Sabbath and on the first of the month. Celebrate Passover and the Feast of Weeks.
Num29: In the seventh month on first day sound the trumpets; on the tenth day make atonement; on the fifteenth day celebrate for seven days.
Num30: When a man makes a vow he must not break his word. When a woman makes a vow it shall stand unless her father or husband forbids it.
Num31: God told Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites. The Israelites killed the men, burned their cities and divided the spoils.
Num32: Reuben and Gad asked to settle in Gilead. Moses agreed if they helped to conquer the land, so Reuben, Gad and Manasseh built cities.
Num33: The Israelites journeyed from Egypt. In the fortieth year Aaron died. They camped by the Jordan and God said, "Take the land."
Num34: Your borders in Canaan shall be Edom, the Great Sea, Mount Hor and the Jordan. Eleazar and Joshua shall divide the land among you.
Num35: You shall give cities to the Levites. Appoint cites of refuge for anyone who has killed accidently. A murderer shall be put to death.
Num36: The clan of Gilead asked about Zelophehad’s daughters. Moses said, "Daughters who inherit land must marry within their own tribe."
5
Dt1: The words of Moses: We journeyed from Horeb. You would not go up to take the land, so God said, "This generation will not see it."
Dt2: We went into the wilderness. Thirty-eight years passed, then God told us to cross by Moab. He delivered Sihon the Amorite to us.
Dt3: God delivered Og of Bashan to us. I gave Gilead to Reuben, Gad and Manasseh. God said that I would not cross into the land.
Dt4: Now, Israel, hear the commandments and obey them. You heard God speak from the fire. Take care not to make idols. God is God.
Dt5: God made his covenant with us: Have no other gods; Keep the Sabbath; Honour your parents. You shall do all that he has commanded.
Dt6: Hear, O Israel: God our God is one. Love God with all your heart, soul and strength. Teach your children these commandments.
Dt7: Make no treaty with the nations of the land. You are a holy people, God has chosen you. He will drive out the nations before you.
Dt8: God led you in the wilderness and tested you. He is bringing you into a good land. Do not forget God or you shall perish.
Dt9: It is not for your righteousness that you will occupy the land. You rebelled and made the calf so I broke the tablets of the covenant.
Dt10: God wrote on new tablets. What does God ask? That you fear him, walk in his ways, love him, serve him and keep his commands.
Dt11: You have seen all that God has done. Keep these commands so that you may live long in the land. There is a blessing and a curse.
Dt12: Destroy the high places where the nations worship their gods. You shall bring your offerings at the place that God will choose.
Dt13: If a prophet or anyone else entices you away from God they must be put to death. If a town has turned away it must be destroyed.
Dt14: You may eat animals with cloven hooves that chew the cud. Bring a tithe from your fields to eat before God and for the Levites.
Dt15: Every seven years you shall cancel debts. Hebrew slaves shall go free in the seventh year. Set apart every firstborn male animal.
Dt16: Celebrate the Passover in the month of Abib. Celebrate the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths. Appoint judges in all your towns.
Dt17: Anyone who breaks the covenant shall be put to death. Go to the priests with hard decisions. Appoint the king that God chooses.
Dt18: The priests shall eat the offerings made by fire. You shall not practise divination. God will raise up a prophet from among you.
Dt19: Set aside three cities so that anyone who kills accidently may flee there. A matter must be established by two or three witnesses.
Dt20: When you go to war, do not be afraid; God is with you. As you go to attack a city, offer terms, except to the cities of the land.
Dt21: If a dead body is found, the city elders must cleanse the guilt. Give your eldest son his portion. A rebellious son shall be stoned.
Dt22: If you find your neighbour’s ox you shall return it. If a man falsely claims that his new wife was not a virgin he shall be punished.
Dt23: No Ammonite shall enter the assembly of God. When you go out to war the camp must be holy. Be careful to do what you have vowed.
Dt24: If a man divorces his wife he must not remarry her. Do not withhold wages. Leave the gleanings of your harvest for widows and orphans.
Dt25: A judge may give up to forty lashes. If a man dies and has no son, his brother shall marry his widow. You shall have honest weights.
Dt26: Bring the firstfruits of the land to God. Bring a tithe in the third year and say to God, "Look down and bless your people."
Dt27: Write the law on large stones. The Levites will say, "Cursed is anyone who does not keep the law," and the people will reply, "Amen."
Dt28: If you obey God he will bless you above all nations; if not, you will be cursed and God will send a nation to destroy you.
Dt29: You have seen all that God has done so keep this covenant. If you break it the land will be cursed and God will uproot you.
Dt30: When you return to God he will have compassion; he will circumcise your heart. I have set before you life and death. Choose life.
Dt31: Joshua will cross ahead of you. Read the law every seven years. God said, "The people will turn away. Write a song as a witness."
Dt32: Ascribe greatness to our God! God’s portion is his people; They turned away so he spurned them; But he will provide atonement.
Dt33: Moses blessed Israel before his death: Let Reuben live; bless Levi’s work; Joseph’s land is blessed. The eternal God is your refuge.
Dt34: Moses climbed Mount Nebo. There God showed him the promised land. Then Moses died. No prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses.
6 Joshua
Josh1: God said to Joshua, "Arise, cross into the land. Be strong and courageous." So Joshua told the officers to prepare provisions.
Josh2: Joshua sent two spies to Jericho. A prostitute called Rahab hid them, so they promised to spare her family. They reported to Joshua.
Josh3: The Israelites camped by the Jordan. When the priests carrying the ark reached the river it stopped, so Israel crossed on dry ground.
Josh4: God told Joshua to set up memorial stones from the Jordan. When the priests brought the ark up to the bank the waters returned.
Josh5: God told Joshua to circumcise the men. They called the place Gilgal. Joshua met the commander of God’s army and bowed down.
Josh6: God said that the army should march around Jericho. On the seventh day they shouted and the walls fell. They destroyed the city.
Josh7: Achan took some banned items. When the army went against Ai they were defeated. God identified Achan and the people stoned him.
Josh8: God told Joshua to take the army against Ai. They set up an ambush and destroyed the city. Joshua read out the book of the law.
7 Judges
Jgs1: Judah defeated the Canaanites and took Jerusalem. Joseph put Bethel to the sword. But the Canaanites were not driven out completely.
Jgs2: After Joshua’s generation died the Israelites served Baals. God sold them to their enemies but raised up judges to deliver them.
Jgs3: After Othniel died the Israelites did evil. King Eglon defeated them. God raised up Ehud who thrust a sword into Eglon’s belly.
Jgs4: Jabin and Sisera oppressed Israel. Deborah sent Barak against them and God routed them. Jael drove a peg through Sisera’s head.
Jgs5: Deborah and Barak sang: "When leaders lead and people are willing, praise God! Blessed is Jael; Let your enemies perish, O LORD!"
Jgs6: God gave the Israelites to Midian. The angel of God told Gideon to save Israel and gave him a sign. Gideon gathered an army.
Jgs7: God told Gideon to send away all but 300 men. The 300 crept into the Midianite camp. They blew trumpets and the Midianites fled.
Jgs8: Gideon defeated Zebah and Zalmunna and punished Succoth and Penuel. He refused to rule Israel. When Gideon died Israel served Baals.
Jgs9: Abimelech killed his brothers and ruled over Israel. Gaal rose against him. Abimelech destroyed Shechem but was killed by a millstone.
Jgs10: Again the Israelites did evil. God sold them to the Philistines and the Ammonites. They cried out and put aside foreign gods.
Jgs11: Jephthah vowed to sacrifice whatever came out to meet him if he defeated the Ammonites. His daughter met him so he sacrificed her.
Jgs12: The Ephraimites attacked Jephthah. Jephthah and the Gileadites defeated them and caught survivors by making them say ‘Shibboleth’.
Jgs13: God gave Israel to the Philistines. The angel of God told Manoah’s wife that she would conceive. She named her son Samson.
Jgs14: Samson took a Philistine wife. He killed a lion and bees made honey in the carcass. He posed a riddle but his wife explained it.
Jgs15: Samson’s wife married another man so Samson burned the Philistine crops. The Israelites bound him. He killed a thousand Philistines.
Jgs16: Samson loved Delilah. She had his hair shaved so he lost his strength and was captured. He died pulling down the Philistine temple.
8 Ruth
Ruth1: Naomi, an Ephraimite, lived in Moab. Her husband and two sons died so she returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth.
Ruth2: Naomi had a rich relative named Boaz. Ruth went to glean in his fields. Boaz gave her food and told his men to leave grain for her.
Ruth3: Naomi told Ruth to go and sleep at Boaz’s feet. When Boaz awoke, Ruth said, "You are my kinsman." Boaz said that he would marry her.
Ruth4: Boaz settled the inheritance with another kinsman and married Ruth. Ruth bore a son, Obed. Obed was father of Jesse, father of David.
9 1Samuel
1Sam1: Hannah had no children. She cried out to God, "Remember your servant." She bore a son, Samuel, and took him to Eli the priest.
1Sam2: Hannah prayed, "God humbles and lifts up." Eli’s sons did evil but Samuel served God. A prophet condemned the house of Eli.
1Sam3: God called Samuel. Eli told Samuel to answer, "Speak, LORD." God told Samuel that he was about to judge the house of Eli.
1Sam4: The Israelites were defeated by the Philistines and Eli’s sons were killed. When Eli heard that the ark had been captured, he died.
1Sam5: The Philistines put the ark in their temple. Their god fell on his face before it. The city became cursed so they sent the ark away.
1Sam6: The Philistines sent the ark away with guilt offerings. The people of Beth Shemesh found it and rejoiced but some were struck down.
1Sam7: The ark was taken to Kiriath-jearim. The Philistines attacked Israel. Samuel cried out to God and the Israelites defeated them.
1Sam8: The elders of Israel asked Samuel to appoint a king. Samuel warned them what it would mean. God told Samuel to give them a king.
1Sam9: Saul went looking for his father’s donkeys. God told Samuel to anoint him ruler of Israel. Samuel invited Saul to eat with him.
1Sam10: Samuel anointed Saul and gave him signs. The Spirit of God came upon Saul and he prophesied. Saul was chosen to rule the Israelites.
1Sam11: The Ammonites attacked Jabesh-gilead. Saul gathered the Israelites and defeated the Ammonites. The people made Saul king at Gilgal.
1Sam12: Samuel said, "God brought your fathers out of Egypt. Now he has given you the king you asked for. Fear God and serve him."
1Sam13: The Philistines encamped at Michmash. Saul made offerings to God by himself. Samuel told Saul that his kingdom would not last.
1Sam14: Saul’s son Jonathan went against the Philistines and routed them. Saul made an oath that no one should eat but Jonathan was spared.
1Sam15: God told Saul to destroy Amalek but Saul spared King Agag. Samuel told Saul that God had rejected him. Samuel killed Agag.
1Sam16: God sent Samuel to anoint Jesse’s son David as king. The Spirit came upon David. Saul sent for David to play the harp for him.
1Sam17: A Philistine champion named Goliath challenged the Israelites. David killed Goliath with a sling and a stone. The Philistines fled.
1Sam18: Jonathan loved David. Saul set David over the army but became jealous and tried to kill him. David married Saul’s daughter Michal.
1Sam19: Jonathan warned David about Saul. David escaped and fled to Samuel. Saul went after David but the Spirit of God made him prophesy.
1Sam20: David and Jonathan agreed a sign. Saul was angry with Jonathan when David was not at the feast. Jonathan told David, "Go quickly!"
1Sam21: Ahimelech the priest gave David consecrated bread and Goliath’s sword. David fled to King Achish of Gath and pretended he was mad.
1Sam22: About four hundred men joined David. Saul ordered that all the priests be killed because they helped David. Only Abiathar escaped.
1Sam23: David and his men saved Keilah from the Philistines. Saul came to Keilah so David escaped. Saul gave chase but he was called away.
1Sam24: Saul went after David. David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe but spared his life. Saul wept and said, "You shall surely be king."
1Sam25: Samuel died. Nabal insulted David so his wife Abigail pleaded for restraint. God struck Nabal dead and David married Abigail.
1Sam26: Saul came after David. David took Saul’s spear and jug while he slept but spared his life. David called out and Saul blessed him.
1Sam27: David lived among the Philistines to escape Saul. King Achish gave him Ziklag. David secretly raided the land while he lived there.
1Sam28: The Philistines gathered for war. Saul asked a medium to call Samuel. Samuel said, "God will hand you over to the Philistines."
1Sam29: David and his men marched with Achish. The Philistine commanders said, "He will turn against us," so Achish told David to go back.
1Sam30: The Amalekites had raided Ziklag. God told David to pursue them. David and his men rescued the women and divided the spoils.
1Sam31: The Philistines fought Israel. Saul’s sons were killed. Saul was badly wounded so he fell on his sword. The Israelites fled.
10 1Kings
1Kgs1: David was very old. His son Adonijah exalted himself as king. When David heard he told Zadok and Nathan to anoint Solomon as king.
1Kgs2: David charged Solomon to keep the law and to punish Joab and Shimei. Then David died. Solomon had Adonijah, Joab and Shimei executed.
1Kgs3: Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter. He asked God for discernment. Two women came before him and he judged between them wisely.
1Kgs4: Solomon had officials and twelve governors. He ruled from the River to the land of Egypt. Men of all nations came to hear his wisdom.
1Kgs5: Solomon sent to King Hiram: "I will build a house for God. Cut down cedars for me." The workers prepared the timber and stones.
1Kgs6: Solomon built the temple. God said, "If you walk in my ways I will dwell with Israel." Solomon overlaid the temple with gold.
1Kgs7: Solomon built his own house. Hiram made pillars, the sea and utensils for the temple of bronze. Solomon made the furniture of gold.
1Kgs8: The priests brought the ark into the temple. Solomon said, "O LORD, if anyone prays toward this place then hear from heaven and act."
1Kgs9: God said to Solomon, "If you walk in my ways I will establish your throne." Solomon did not make slaves of the sons of Israel.
1Kgs10: The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon. She gave him gold, spices and precious stones. Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth.
1Kgs11: Solomon had many wives and turned to other gods. Ahijah told Jeroboam that God would give him ten of the tribes. Solomon died.
1Kgs12: Rehoboam refused to reduce the labour demands on Israel. So all Israel except Judah made Jeroboam king. Jeroboam made golden calves.
1Kgs13: A man of God cried out against Jeroboam’s altar. He disobeyed God by eating at an old prophet’s house and was killed by a lion.
1Kgs14: Ahijah told Jeroboam’s wife: "God says, ‘I will sweep away the house of Jeroboam.’" Rehoboam ruled Judah and Judah did evil.
1Kgs15: Abijam ruled Judah and was not devoted to God. Asa ruled and did right. Nadab ruled Israel and did evil. Baasha killed Nadab.
1Kgs16: Elah ruled Israel and did evil. Zimri killed Elah but Israel made Omri king. Omri did evil. Ahab ruled and began to worship Baal.
1Kgs17: Elijah told Ahab, "There will be no rain." Elijah stayed with a widow in Zarephath. The widow’s son died but God revived him.
1Kgs18: Elijah went to Ahab and challenged the prophets of Baal. Baal gave no answer but God answered Elijah with fire. Then rain fell.
1Kgs19: Elijah fled from Jezebel. At Horeb there was a wind, an earthquake and a fire; then God spoke. Elijah put his mantle on Elisha.
11 2Kings
2Kgs1: Ahaziah consulted Baal-zebub. Elijah said that he would die. Ahaziah sent men to Elijah but they were consumed by fire. Ahaziah died.
2Kgs2: Elisha followed Elijah. A chariot of fire appeared and Elijah went up to heaven. Elisha took Elijah’s mantle and divided the waters.
2Kgs3: Israel, Judah and Edom went to fight Moab. Elisha said, "God will send water and give you Moab." The Moabites were defeated.
2Kgs4: Elisha told a Shunammite woman that she would have a son. The child died but Elisha revived him. Elisha cleansed the food at Gilgal.
2Kgs5: Naaman of Aram was a leper. Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan and he was healed. Gehazi asked for a gift and became leprous.
2Kgs6: The king of Aram sent an army to capture Elisha but God blinded them. Ben-hadad besieged Samaria and there was a great famine.
2Kgs7: Elisha prophesied an end to the famine. Four lepers went and found that the Arameans had fled. The people plundered the Aramean camp.
2Kgs8: Elisha told Hazael that he would rule Aram. Hazael killed Ben-hadad. Jehoram ruled Judah and did evil. Ahaziah ruled and did evil.
2Kgs9: Elisha sent a prophet to anoint Jehu. Jehu killed Joram and Ahaziah. Eunuchs threw Jezebel out of the window and dogs ate her body.
2Kgs10: Jehu sent a letter and had Ahab’s sons killed. He killed Ahaziah’s brothers and all the worshippers of Baal. Hazael defeated Israel.
2Kgs11: Athaliah destroyed the royal family but Jehosheba hid Joash. Jehoiada had the army proclaim Joash as king and put Athaliah to death.
2Kgs12: Joash ruled in Jerusalem and did what was right. The priests collected money to repair the temple. Joash was killed by his servants.
2Kgs13: Jehoahaz ruled Israel and they were oppressed by Hazael. Jehoash ruled and Elisha told him to strike the ground. Then Elisha died.
2Kgs14: Amaziah ruled Judah and did right. He challenged Jehoash but Judah were defeated. Jeroboam ruled Israel and restored the borders.
2Kgs15: Azariah and Jotham ruled Judah and did what was right. Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah and Pekah ruled Israel and did evil.
2Kgs16: Ahaz ruled Judah and did evil. Aram and Israel attacked Judah so Ahaz sent a tribute to the king of Assyria. Ahaz set up an altar.
2Kgs17: Hoshea ruled Israel. The king of Assyria invaded and settled the land. This happened because the Israelites rejected the covenant.
2Kgs18: Hezekiah ruled Judah and did right. The Assyrians surrounded Jerusalem. Rabshakeh said, "Don’t listen to Hezekiah. Come out to me."
2Kgs19: Hezekiah prayed, "O LORD, save us." Isaiah said, "God says: I will defend the city." That night the Assyrians were struck dead.
2Kgs20: Hezekiah was sick but God extended his life. Envoys came from Babylon. Isaiah told Hezekiah, "Everything will be taken away."
2Kgs21: Manasseh ruled in Jerusalem and did evil. God said, "I will bring disaster on Jerusalem and Judah." Amon ruled and did evil.
2Kgs22: Josiah ruled and did right. He had the law read out and tore his robes. Huldah said, "God says: You will be buried in peace."
2Kgs23: Josiah destroyed the altars and high places and held Passover. He was killed in battle. Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim ruled and did evil.
2Kgs24: God sent raiders against Judah. Jehoiachin ruled and Nebuchadnezzer took all Jerusalem captive. Zedekiah ruled and did evil.
2Kgs25: Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan burned the temple and took the people into exile. Evil-merodach released Jehoiachin.
12 1Chronicles
1Chr1: Adam, Seth, Noah, Shem, Eber, Abraham; Abraham’s sons were Isaac and Ishmael; Isaac’s sons were Esau and Israel. Kings ruled in Edom.
1Chr2: Judah’s line led to Obed, Jesse and David. Caleb was son of Hezron; Jerahmeel was firstborn of Hezron. Caleb’s line were the Kenites.
1Chr3: David had six sons at Hebron, four by Bathshua and nine others. Solomon’s line led to Jeconiah, and then to the sons of Elioenai.
1Chr4: Reaiah’s sons were the Zorathites; God blessed Jabez; Shelah’s sons worked for the king. Simeon’s line went to Gedor to seek pasture.
1Chr5: Reuben lost his birthright; his sons lived in Gilead. The sons of Gad and the sons of Manasseh lived in Bashan until the captivity.
1Chr6: Levi’s sons were Gershon, Kohath and Merari. The musicians were Heman and Asaph. Aaron’s sons made offerings. They were given cities.
1Chr7: Issachar’s sons were 87,000. Benjamin’s sons were Bela, Beker and Jediael. Ephraim’s line led to Joshua. Asher’s sons were 26,000.
1Chr8: Benjamin was father of Bela, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah and Rapha; Ner’s line was Kish, Saul, Jonathan; the sons of Ulam were mighty men.
1Chr9: Jerusalem was resettled by Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh; there were priests and Levite gatekeepers. Kish was father of Saul.
1Chr10: The Philistines fought Israel and Saul fell on his sword. The Israelites fled. Saul died for his unfaithfulness against God.
1Chr11: The elders anointed David king. David’s mighty men included the three who brought him water from Bethlehem. Abishai led the thirty.
1Chr12: Benjaminites and Gadites went over to David at Ziklag. David made them officers. People kept coming until there was a great army.
1Chr13: David said, "Let us bring the ark back." As they carried the ark Uzzah steadied it and was struck down. David took it to Obed-edom.
1Chr14: David had more children. The Philistines attacked; David inquired of God and when he heard marching in the trees he defeated them.
1Chr15: David told the Levites to carry the ark. Heman, Asaph and Ethan were the musicians. The ark was brought into the city of David.
1Chr16: They made offerings and David appointed singers. "Give thanks to God; He is greatly to be praised!" Asaph ministered each day.
1Chr17: God said to Nathan, "Tell David: I will establish your house; your son will build my house." David prayed, "Who am I, O LORD?"
1Chr18: David defeated the Philistines, the Moabites, King Hadadezer, the Arameans and the Edomites. He reigned over Israel with justice.
1Chr19: The King of Ammon humiliated David’s servants and hired the Arameans for war. Joab defeated them and David defeated King Hadadezer.
1Chr20: Joab besieged Rabbah and David took the plunder. War broke out with the Philistines and David and his men killed the giants.
1Chr21: Satan led David to count the Israelites. God sent a plague and a destroying angel. David bought Ornan’s field and made offerings.
1Chr22: David told Solomon: "God has said that you will build his temple. I have provided materials." He ordered the leaders to help.
1Chr23: David made Solomon king over Israel. He organised the Levites into the sons of Gershon, Kohath and Merari to serve in the temple.
1Chr24: The sons of Aaron were priests. David organised the sons of Eleazar and Ithamar by lot. The rest of the Levites also cast lots.
1Chr25: The sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun prophesied with music. 288 were trained in singing to God. They cast lots for duties.
1Chr26: The sons of Obed-edom, Meshelemiah and Hosah were gatekeepers. Ahijah, Zetham, Joel, Shubael and Shelomith oversaw the treasuries.
1Chr27: Divisions of 24,000 men were on duty month by month. There was a chief officer over each tribe. Joab was the commander of the army.
1Chr28: David assembled the leaders and said, "God has chosen Solomon to build his house." He gave Solomon the plans for the temple.
1Chr29: The leaders gave offerings. David prayed, "Yours is the kingdom, O LORD. Of your own have we given you." David died at an old age.
13 2Chronicles
2Chr1: Solomon made offerings. God said, "What shall I give you?" Solomon said, "Wisdom to rule this people." So Solomon ruled over Israel.
2Chr2: Solomon sent to King Hiram: "Send me cedars and a craftsman for the temple." Hiram replied, "God has given David a wise son."
2Chr3: Solomon started work on the temple. He built the portico, the main hall, the Most Holy Place, two cherubim, the veil and two pillars.
2Chr4: Solomon made an altar, the Sea, ten lavers, ten lampstands, ten tables and the courts for the temple. Huram made the furnishings.
2Chr5: The priests brought the ark into the Most Holy Place. The singers praised God and the glory of God filled the temple.
2Chr6: Solomon said, "God has kept his promise." He prayed, "O LORD, if anyone prays toward this place then hear from heaven and act."
2Chr7: Fire came from heaven and the Israelites worshipped. God said to Solomon, "If you walk in my ways I will establish your throne."
2Chr8: Solomon built cities. He did not make slaves of the Israelites. He appointed the divisions of priests and Levites to their duties.
2Chr9: The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon and gave him gold and spices. Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth. Then he died.
2Chr10: Jeroboam and all Israel asked Rehoboam to reduce the labour demands. He refused. Rehoboam still ruled Judah but Israel rebelled.
2Chr11: God told Rehoboam not to attack Jeroboam. All the Levites came to Judah because Jeroboam set up idols. Rehoboam had sons.
2Chr12: Rehoboam was unfaithful to God so Shishak attacked Jerusalem. Rehoboam humbled himself and the anger of God turned away.
2Chr13: Abijah became king of Judah. He drew up battle lines against Jeroboam and said, "God is our God". God routed Jeroboam.
2Chr14: Asa became king. He did right in the sight of God. Zerah the Ethiopian brought an army against Judah but God routed them.
2Chr15: Azariah said to Asa, "God is with you when you are with Him. Do not give up." The people made a covenant to seek God.
2Chr16: Baasha fortified Ramah so Asa made a treaty with Ben-hadad. Hanani said, "You relied on Aram not God." Asa became ill and died.
2Chr17: Jehoshaphat became king and was devoted to God. He sent his officials to teach the law. He grew greater and built fortresses.
2Chr18: Ahab and Jehoshaphat planned for war. Micaiah said, "I saw Israel scattered. Your prophets are lying." Ahab was killed in battle.
2Chr19: Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem. He appointed judges and said to them, "Judge carefully, for with God there is no injustice."
2Chr20: An army came against Jehoshaphat so he sought God. Jahaziel said, "The battle is not yours but God’s." God set ambushes.
2Chr21: Jehoram ruled and did evil. Elijah wrote saying, "God will send a plague." God struck Jehoram with a disease and he died.
2Chr22: The people made Ahaziah king. He did evil and was killed by Jehu. Athaliah destroyed the royal family but Jehoshabeath hid Joash.
2Chr23: Jehoiada gathered the Levites and anointed the king’s son as king. Athaliah was killed. The people tore down the temple of Baal.
2Chr24: Joash ruled and did right while Jehoiada lived. The priests collected money to repair the temple. Joash was killed by his servants.
2Chr25: Amaziah ruled in Jerusalem. After he slaughtered the Edomites he bowed down to their gods. He challenged Jehoash and was defeated.
2Chr26: The people made Uzziah king. He did right and became powerful. But he went to burn incense on the altar and was struck with leprosy.
2Chr27: Jotham became king and did right in the sight of God. He built fortresses in the hills and conquered the Ammonites.
2Chr28: Ahaz became king. He made idols, so God gave him to Aram and Israel. He shut God’s temple and sacrificed to other gods.
2Chr29: Hezekiah became king and did right. He told the Levites to cleanse the temple. He assembled the officials and they made offerings.
2Chr30: Hezekiah sent couriers throughout Judah and Israel saying, "Return to God." Many gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.
2Chr31: Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to their duties. The Israelites gave a tithe. Conaniah was in charge of the offerings.
2Chr32: Sennacherib besieged Judah. Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out to God and the Assyrians were struck dead. Hezekiah had great riches.
2Chr33: Manasseh became king. He did much evil and was captured by the Assyrians. Then he sought God. Amon became king and did evil.
2Chr34: Josiah became king. He repaired the temple and had the law read out. Huldah said, "God says: You will be buried in peace."
2Chr35: Josiah celebrated the Passover. He appointed priests to their duties and provided offerings. Then he attacked Neco and was killed.
14 Ezra
Ezr1: Cyrus said, "Let God’s people go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple." He gave the articles from the temple to Sheshbazzar.
Ezr2: The exiles returned to Judah with Zerubbabel. A total of 42,360 people returned. The heads of families gave offerings for the temple.
Ezr3: The Israelites made regular offerings. When the builders laid the foundation of the temple, the Levites sang praise to God.
Ezr4: Enemies hindered the work in Judah. Rehum wrote to Artaxerxes: "Jerusalem is a rebellious city." So Artaxerxes stopped the building.
Ezr5: Zerubbabel began to build the temple. Tattenai wrote to Darius: "The elders say that Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this temple."
Ezr6: Darius issued a decree: "The cost of the temple shall come from the treasury." The temple was completed and the Israelites celebrated.
Ezr7: Ezra went up to Jerusalem to teach the law. Artaxerxes wrote: "I decree that whatever Ezra needs shall be done." So I was encouraged.
Ezr8: I assembled the family heads from Babylon and gave the gifts for the temple to the Levites. We came to Jerusalem and made offerings.
Ezr9: The leaders told me that the people had taken foreign wives. I tore my robe and prayed, "O God, we have forsaken your commandments."
Ezr10: The Israelites wept. They all assembled and Ezra said, "Separate from your foreign wives." The family heads investigated the matter.
15 Nehemiah
Neh1: The words of Nehemiah: Men from Judah said, "The wall of Jerusalem is broken down." I prayed, "O LORD, give me favour with the king."
Neh2: The king granted my request to go and rebuild Jerusalem. Sanballat was displeased. I inspected the walls and said, "Let us rebuild."
Neh3: The priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate, the Tekoites made repairs, Jedaiah repaired opposite his house, Meremoth repaired another section.
Neh4: Sanballat ridiculed us and plotted to attack Jerusalem. So we prayed and posted a guard. The builders carried swords as they worked.
Neh5: The people cried out, "We have to borrow to get grain." I told the nobles, "Let us stop exacting usury." I did not take my allowance.
Neh6: Sanballat and Tobiah sent for me to do me harm. I replied, "Why should I come?" The wall was finished and our enemies were afraid.
Neh7: I gave Hanani and Hananiah charge over Jerusalem. I registered the nobles, rulers and people by genealogy. The assembly was 42,360.
Neh8: The people gathered and Ezra read from the law. Nehemiah said, "This day is holy. Do not mourn." The people held the Feast of Booths.
Neh9: The Israelites confessed. The Levites said, "LORD, you brought our fathers out of Egypt. They rebelled but you did not forsake them."
Neh10: The leaders sealed a covenant. The people made an oath: "We will not marry foreigners. We will bring the offerings for the temple."
Neh11: The leaders and one in ten of the people lived in Jerusalem. There were descendants of Judah and of Benjamin, priests and Levites.
Neh12: All the Levites and leaders gathered to dedicate the wall. They made offerings and rejoiced. Men were appointed over the storerooms.
Neh13: I cleared Tobiah out of the temple. I confronted those who profaned the Sabbath and who married foreign women. Remember me, O God.

16 Esther
Est1: King Ahasuerus gave a feast for all his officials. Queen Vashti refused to come to him, so the wise men advised him to replace her.
Est2: Mordecai raised Esther. She was taken into the king’s harem and was chosen as queen. Mordecai told Esther of a plot against the king.
Est3: Ahasuerus promoted Haman, but Mordecai would not bow to him. Haman asked to destroy the Jews. The king gave his seal for the decree.
Est4: Mordecai asked Esther to plead with the king. Esther said, "Hold a fast. I will go to the king against the law, and if I die, I die."
Est5: Esther won favour with the king. She said, "Let the king and Haman come to a feast tomorrow." Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai.
Est6: That night the king read about the plot against him. Haman came to ask about hanging Mordecai. The king told Haman to honour Mordecai.
Est7: At the feast, the king asked Esther, "What is your request?" She said, "My people have been sold by Haman." The king had Haman hanged.
Est8: The king gave his ring to Mordecai. Mordecai sent letters to the provinces allowing the Jews to defend themselves. The Jews rejoiced.
Est9: On the day of the king’s decree, the Jews destroyed their enemies. Mordecai wrote to all the Jews and established the Feast of Purim.
Est10: Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus.
17 Job
Job1: Job was blameless. God allowed Satan to test him. Job’s servants and children were killed. He tore his robes and worshipped.
Job2: Satan struck Job with boils. Job’s wife told him to curse God. But Job did not sin. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar came to comfort him.
Job3: Job said, "Curse the day I was born! Why did I not die at birth? Why is light given to him who suffers? I have no rest, only turmoil."
Job4: Eliphaz said, "Will you become impatient? When did the innocent ever perish? I heard a voice: ‘Can a man be more righteous than God?’"
Job5: "Who will answer you? Man is born to trouble. As for me, I would seek God. Do not despise his discipline. He wounds, but he binds up."
Job6: Job said, "My misery would outweigh the sand of the seas! You have proved no help. Show me how I have been wrong! Would I lie to you?"
Job7: "O God, my life is but a breath! Therefore I will speak out. What is man, that you examine him? Why have you set me as your target?"
Job8: Bildad said, "Does God pervert justice? Learn from past generations. He will not reject the blameless, nor will he uphold evildoers."
Job9: Job said, "How can a man dispute with God? His power is vast! But he destroys the innocent. If only there were a mediator between us!"
Job10: "God, why do you reject the work of your hands? You know that I am not guilty! Why did you bring me out of the womb? Leave me alone."
Job11: Zophar said, "Should your babble go unanswered? God exacts less than your guilt deserves! Reach out to him and you will find hope."
Job12: Job said, "Who does not know all these things? With God are wisdom and power. He brings darkness into light. He destroys nations."
Job13: "I want to argue my case with God. Be quiet and I will speak. Though he slay me, I will hope in him. God, why do you hide your face?"
Job14: "Man is like a fleeting shadow. If a tree is cut down, it will sprout again, but will a man live again? You overpower him forever."
Job15: Eliphaz said, "Your own mouth condemns you! Why do you turn against God? The wicked will be like a vine stripped of unripe grapes."
Job16: Job said, "You’re miserable comforters! God has torn me and shattered me. But my prayer is pure. Even now, my advocate is on high!"
Job17: "My spirit is broken. He has made me a byword. But come again all of you! I will not find a wise man among you. Where is my hope?"
Job18: Bildad said, "Why are we stupid in your sight? Indeed, the light of the wicked goes out. His roots dry up and his branches wither."
Job19: Job said, "How long will you torment me? God counts me as an enemy. My closest friends abhor me. But I know that my redeemer lives!"
Job20: Zophar said, "My understanding inspires me to answer. The triumph of the wicked is short. His food will turn sour in his stomach."
Job21: Job said, "Listen to me. Why do the wicked grow mighty? How often do they have trouble? Who repays them? Your answers are empty!"
Job22: Eliphaz said, "Is not your wickedness great? You withheld bread from the hungry. Is not God high? Submit to him and be at peace."
Job23: Job said, "If only I knew where to find God! When he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. But he does whatever he pleases."
Job24: "The wounded cry out, but God charges no one with wrong. Some rebel against the light; they are exalted a while, and then are gone."
Job25: Bildad said, "Dominion and awe belong to God. Who can be righteous before him? Even the stars are not pure in his sight!"
Job26: Job said, "How you have helped the weak! Sheol is naked to God. The pillars of heaven tremble. These are the fringes of his ways!"
Job27: "My heart does not reproach me. Let my enemy be as the wicked! His many sons are for the sword. The wind sweeps him from his place."
Job28: "There is a mine for silver, but where is wisdom found? It is hidden from the eyes of all living. The fear of God is wisdom!"
Job29: "Oh, for the days when God watched over me! When I took my seat in the square. I was father to the needy and comforted the mourners."
Job30: "But now younger men mock me. They do not hesitate to spit at me. God has cast me into the mire. When I expected good, evil came."
Job31: "Does God not see my ways? Have I lied? Have I refused to help the poor? Have I put my trust in money? Let the Almighty answer me!"
Job32: Elihu was angry with Job and his three friends. He said, "I am young, but it is not only the old who are wise. I will have my say."
Job33: "Job, please listen to my words. God does speak, perhaps in a dream or through pain. He does this to deliver a person from the pit."
Job34: "It is unthinkable that God would do wrong. Can one who hates justice govern? God shows no partiality. Job speaks like the wicked!"
Job35: "Even if you are righteous, what do you give to God? He does not answer because of the pride of evil men. You must wait for him!"
Job36: "I have more to say on God’s behalf. He is mighty but does not despise any. Who is a teacher like him? Remember to extol his work!"
Job37: "God thunders with his voice. By the breath of God, ice is made. Do you know his wondrous works? He is great in power and justice!"
Job38: Then God said, "I will question you. Where were you when I founded the earth? Who enclosed the sea? Can you bind the Pleiades?"
Job39: "Do you mark when the deer is born? Will the wild ox serve you? Do you give the horse his might? Does the hawk fly by your wisdom?"
Job40: Job said, "I have no answer." God said, "Will you condemn me? Behold now, Behemoth, which I made. Can anyone pierce his nose?"
Job41: "Can you catch Leviathan with a hook? Everything under heaven is mine. His breath sets coals ablaze. He is king over all the proud."
Job42: Job said, "I repent in ashes." God said to Eliphaz, "You have not spoken rightly of me, as Job has." He restored Job’s fortunes.
18 Psalms
Ps1: Blessed is the man who does not walk with the wicked, whose delight is in the law of God. He is like a tree planted by the water.
Ps2: Why do the rulers plot against God and his anointed? God laughs! He said to me, "You are my son." O kings, fear God!
Ps3: O LORD, how many are my foes! But you are a shield around me. You have broken the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to God!
Ps4: Answer me when I call, O God! O people, how long will you seek lies? Put your trust in God! O LORD, you make me sleep in safety.
Ps5: Hear my cry, O LORD! You hate all evildoers. Lead me in righteousness because of my enemies. Let all who take refuge in you rejoice!
Ps6: Be merciful to me, O LORD! My soul is in anguish. I flood my bed with tears. Depart from me, you evildoers! God has heard my cry.
Ps7: O LORD, save me from all who pursue me. Arise in judgement! God has prepared his weapons against the wicked. I will praise God!
Ps8: O LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! What is man that you care for him? Yet you have crowned him with glory and honour.
Ps9: I will praise you, O LORD! You have rebuked the nations. God will judge the world with justice. The needy will not be forgotten.
Ps10: O LORD, why do you stand far off? The wicked man hunts the weak. He says, "God will never see." O God, break the arm of the wicked!
Ps11: In God I take refuge. How can you say, "Flee like a bird"? God hates the wicked. God is righteous and loves justice.
Ps12: Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more. Everyone lies. "I will protect the weak," says God. The words of God are pure.
Ps13: How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? Look on me and answer! Give light to my eyes. But I will trust in your unfailing love.
Ps14: The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." There is no one who does good. Will evildoers never learn? God is with the righteous.
Ps15: LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? He whose walk is blameless, who does not slander, who keeps his oath even when it hurts.
Ps16: Protect me, O God! I have no good besides you. God is my portion. I will not be shaken. In your presence is fullness of joy!
Ps17: Hear a just cause, O LORD. My steps have held to your paths. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Deliver my life from the wicked.
Ps18: God is my rock. I called and he thundered from heaven. He rescued me from my enemy. I will praise you among the nations, O LORD!
Ps19: The heavens declare the glory of God. The law of God is perfect, making wise the simple. May my words be pleasing to you, O LORD.
Ps20: May God answer you in the day of trouble! May he remember your offerings. God saves his anointed. We rise up and stand firm!
Ps21: O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength! You set a crown upon his head. You will destroy your enemies. We will praise your power!
Ps22: My God, why have you forsaken me? I am despised. They have pierced my hands. You have answered me! The nations will worship God!
Ps23: God is my shepherd. He leads me in paths of righteousness. I will fear no evil. I will dwell in the house of God forever.
Ps24: The earth is God’s! He who has a pure heart will receive blessing. Lift up your heads, O gates! The King of glory shall come in.
Ps25: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. Show me your ways, teach me your paths. Be gracious to me, forgive my sins. I take refuge in you.
Ps26: Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked with integrity. I do not sit with deceitful men. I love the place where your glory dwells.
Ps27: God is my light and my salvation. My heart will not fear. I will seek your face, O LORD; do not forsake me! Wait for God.
Ps28: To you I cry, O LORD my rock. Repay the wicked according to their works! God is my shield. He is the strength of his people.
Ps29: Ascribe to God glory! The voice of God is over the waters. The voice of God shakes the wilderness. God is king!
Ps30: I will exalt you, O LORD, for you spared me from going down to the pit. I cried to you for mercy. You turned my mourning into dancing.
Ps31: In you, O LORD, I seek refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit. Deliver me from my enemies. Praise God for his steadfast love!
Ps32: Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away. You surround me with glad cries of deliverance!
Ps33: Rejoice in God! Make melody, play skilfully. Let all the earth fear God. His eye is on those who hope in his steadfast love.
Ps34: O magnify God with me! I sought him and he answered. Taste and see that God is good. He is close to the brokenhearted.
Ps35: O LORD, fight against those who fight against me! Then I will rejoice. They repay evil for good. Vindicate me in your righteousness!
Ps36: The wicked flatter themselves. Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens. In your light we see light. There the evildoers lie fallen.
Ps37: Do not be envious of evildoers, for they will fade like the grass. The righteous will inherit the earth. God is their stronghold.
Ps38: O LORD, your arrows have pierced me! My guilt has overwhelmed me. My strength fails me. I confess my sin. Do not forsake me, my God!
Ps39: When I was silent, my anguish increased. O LORD, what is the measure of my days? My hope is in you. Deliver me from my transgressions.
Ps40: I waited patiently for God. He drew me up from the pit. I delight to do your will, O God. My heart fails me, but you are my help.
Ps41: Blessed are those who consider the weak. My enemies say, "When will he die?" They gather slander. But you, O LORD, have upheld me.
Ps42: As the deer pants for water, so my soul longs for you, O God. Your waves break over me. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God.
Ps43: Vindicate me, O God. Why have you rejected me? Send forth your light and your truth. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God.
Ps44: O God, our fathers have told us how you drove out the nations. But now you have sold your people. Awake, O Lord! Rise up and help us.
Ps45: My heart overflows with verses for the king. Your God has anointed you with gladness. All glorious is the princess in her chamber.
Ps46: God is our refuge. We will not fear, though the earth give way. The nations rage, kingdoms fall. "Be still and know that I am God."
Ps47: Clap your hands, you nations. How awesome is God Most High! Sing praises to our God, sing praises. He is king of all the earth.
Ps48: Great is God, and greatly to be praised! The joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion. O God, we ponder your love in your temple.
Ps49: Hear this, all peoples! Man in his pomp will not endure. He is like the beasts that perish. But God will ransom my soul from Sheol.
Ps50: The Mighty One, God God speaks: "I will not accept bulls and goats. For you hate discipline. Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving."
Ps51: Have mercy on me, O God! Cleanse me from my sin. Do not cast me away from your presence. A broken heart, O God, you will not despise.
Ps52: Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? Surely God will bring you down to ruin. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.
Ps53: The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." There is no one who does good. Will evildoers never learn? God has rejected them.
Ps54: Save me, O God! For strangers have risen against me. God is my helper. He will repay my enemies. I will praise your name, O LORD!
Ps55: Give ear to my prayer, O God. My heart is in anguish. It is my equal, my friend who rises against me! Cast your burden on God.
Ps56: Be gracious to me, O God, for my enemies trample on me. Are my tears not in your book? In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust.
Ps57: Be merciful to me, O God. I am in the midst of lions. My heart is steadfast, for great is your love. Be exalted above the heavens!
Ps58: Do you rulers judge justly? No, you mete out violence. O God, break their teeth! The righteous will rejoice when they see vengeance.
Ps59: Deliver me from my enemies, O God. Each evening they return, howling like dogs. Destroy them in wrath! You, O God, are my fortress.
Ps60: O God, you have rejected us, broken us. Now restore us! God has promised: "Judah is my sceptre." O grant us help against the enemy!
Ps61: Hear my cry, O God! Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Prolong the life of the king. So I will ever sing praise to your name.
Ps62: My soul waits for God alone. He alone is my rock and my salvation. Trust in him at all times, O people. Power and love belong to God.
Ps63: O God, you are my God. My soul thirsts for you. Your love is better than life. My lips will sing your praise. Liars will be silenced.
Ps64: Hear me, O God! Hide me from the plots of the wicked, who ambush the blameless. God will bring them to ruin. Let the upright be glad!
Ps65: Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion. By awesome deeds you answer us. You silence the roaring seas. You crown the year with abundance.
Ps66: Shout for joy to God! Come and see what he has done. He has not let our feet slip. I will make an offering. God has heard my prayer.
Ps67: May God be gracious to us, and make his face to shine upon us. Let the peoples praise you, O God! The earth has yielded its increase.
Ps68: Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered! Kings and armies flee. Our God is a God who saves. Sing to him, O kingdoms of the earth!
Ps69: Save me, O God! I endure scorn for your sake. Rescue me from the mire. My foes are all known to you. Let your salvation protect me!
Ps70: Make haste to help me, O God! May those who seek my life be put to shame. May all who seek you rejoice. O LORD, do not delay.
Ps71: In you, O LORD, I take refuge. Do not forsake me when my strength fails. I will tell of your righteousness. I will praise you, O God.
Ps72: Give the king your justice, O God. May he defend the cause of the poor. May all kings fall down before him. Blessed be God!
Ps73: Surely God is good to the pure in heart. I envied the wicked until I saw their end. They are swept away. God is my portion forever.
Ps74: O God, why have you rejected us? Foes have defiled your sanctuary. How long will they mock? You are king from of old. Rise up, O God!
Ps75: We give thanks to you, O God. "I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast.’" God is the judge. The wicked will drain the dregs of his cup.
Ps76: God is known in Judah. You are glorious, more majestic than the mountains. The earth feared and was still when God arose to judgement.
Ps77: In the day of trouble I sought God. Has he withdrawn his compassion? You are the God of wonders. Your path led through the sea.
Ps78: God worked miracles in Egypt. He brought his people to the holy land. They rebelled and he rejected them. He chose David to tend them.
Ps79: O God, the nations have invaded and shed blood like water. How long, O LORD? Save us for your name’s sake. Make your vengeance known!
Ps80: Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel! How long will you be angry? Restore us, O God. Watch over the vine that you planted. Restore us, O God.
Ps81: Sing aloud to God our strength. I hear a voice: "I am God. Oh, that my people would listen to me! I would subdue their enemies."
Ps82: God judges among the gods: "How long will you judge unjustly? Defend the weak. You are all gods, but you shall die." Arise, O God!
Ps83: O God, do not keep silent! Your enemies make plans against your people. Edom, Moab, Amalek and Philistia. Let them be put to shame.
Ps84: How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD! A day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. For God is a sun and shield.
Ps85: O LORD, you forgave the iniquity of your people. Restore us again! Surely his salvation is at hand. Love and faithfulness will meet.
Ps86: Hear, O LORD, and answer me. Save your servant! You alone are God. I will glorify your name forever. Show me a sign of your favour.
Ps87: Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. God will write in the register of the peoples: "This one was born in Zion."
Ps88: O LORD, day and night I cry out to you. You have put me in the darkest depths. Do the dead rise up to praise you? I am in despair.
Ps89: I will sing of the mercies of God. You said, "I will establish the throne of David forever." O Lord, where is your love of old?
Ps90: Lord, you have been our dwelling place. All our days pass away under your wrath. Return, O LORD! Have compassion on your servants!
Ps91: I will say of God, "My refuge and my fortress." His faithfulness will be your shield. He will command his angels to guard you.
Ps92: It is good to give thanks to God. How great are your works! Your enemies shall perish. The righteous flourish in your courts.
Ps93: God reigns! Your throne is established from of old. God is mightier than the sea. Holiness adorns your house forever.
Ps94: O LORD, God of vengeance, shine forth! How long will the wicked exult? God will not reject his people. He will repay the corrupt.
Ps95: Oh come, let us sing to God! He is the King above all gods. Oh come, let us worship and bow down! Do not harden your hearts.
Ps96: Sing to God! Declare his glory among the nations. Worship God in holy splendour. He will judge the world in righteousness.
Ps97: God reigns, let the earth rejoice! Fire goes before him. The heavens declare his righteousness. Give thanks to his holy name!
Ps98: Sing to God! He has remembered his steadfast love. Make a joyful noise before the King. He will judge the world in righteousness.
Ps99: God reigns, let the nations tremble! The King loves justice. He spoke from the pillar of cloud. God our God is holy!
Ps100: Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Know that God is God. Enter his courts with praise. For his love endures forever.
Ps101: I will sing of justice, O LORD. I will walk with integrity. My eyes will be on the faithful of the land. I will destroy the wicked.
Ps102: Hear my prayer, O LORD; I wither away like grass. You sit enthroned forever. The heavens will perish, but your years have no end.
Ps103: Bless God, O my soul. He forgives all your iniquity. He has compassion on those who fear him. Bless God, all his works!
Ps104: O LORD, you are very great. You set the earth on its foundations. All your creatures look to you for food. Bless God, O my soul!
Ps105: Give thanks to God! He has remembered his covenant. He sent Moses to perform signs. He brought his people out of Egypt with joy.
Ps106: God is good! We have sinned like our fathers. They forgot their God. They served idols. But God remembered his covenant.
Ps107: Oh give thanks to God! Let the redeemed say so. He brought them out of darkness. He stilled the storm. He raises up the needy.
Ps108: My heart is steadfast, O God. Your love is great above the heavens. God has spoken: "Judah is my sceptre." Help us against the enemy!
Ps109: Do not be silent, O God. For wicked mouths speak against me. May his name be blotted out! Let curses come upon him! Help me, O LORD.
Ps110: God says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand. You are a priest in the order of Melchizedek." God will judge the nations.
Ps111: Praise God! Great are his works. He is ever mindful of his covenant. All his precepts are sure. His praise endures forever.
Ps112: Blessed are those who fear God. Their righteousness endures forever. They are not afraid of evil tidings. The wicked melt away.
Ps113: Praise God! Blessed be the name of God forever. He is exalted over all the nations. He lifts the needy from the ash heap.
Ps114: When Israel came out of Egypt, Judah became God’s sanctuary. The sea looked and fled. Tremble, O earth, at the presence of God.
Ps115: Not to us, O LORD, but to your name give glory. Idols have eyes, but they cannot see. O Israel, trust in God. He will bless us.
Ps116: I love God, for he heard my cry. When I was brought low, he saved me. What can I give for all his goodness? I will keep my vows.
Ps117: Praise God! For great is his love towards us.
Ps118: Give thanks to God; for his love endures forever! The nations surrounded me; I cut them off! God has become my salvation.
Ps119: Blessed are those who walk in the law of God. Teach me your decrees. I love your commands. Deliver me according to your promise.
Ps120: In my distress I cry to God. Deliver me from a deceitful tongue. Woe to me! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.
Ps121: I lift up my eyes to the hills; my help comes from God. He who keeps you will not slumber. God will keep you from all evil.
Ps122: I was glad when they said, "Let us go to the house of God!" The tribes go up to give thanks. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Ps123: As the eyes of servants look to their master, so our eyes look to God. Have mercy on us! For we have endured much contempt.
Ps124: If God had not been on our side, attackers would have swallowed us alive. We have escaped. Our help is in the name of God.
Ps125: Those who trust in God are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved. Do good, O LORD, to those who are good. Peace be upon Israel.
Ps126: When God brought back the captives, we were like dreamers. He has done great things. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Ps127: Unless God builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Children are a heritage from God, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Ps128: Blessed are all who fear God. You will eat the fruit of your labour. May God bless you from Zion all the days of your life.
Ps129: They have greatly oppressed me from my youth. But God has cut the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be put to shame!
Ps130: I cry to you, O LORD! If you kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. O Israel, hope in God!
Ps131: My heart is not proud, O LORD. I have quietened my soul, like a weaned child with its mother. O Israel, put your hope in God.
Ps132: Remember, O LORD, how David vowed, "I will find a place for God." God has chosen Zion: "This is my resting place forever."
Ps133: How good it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil upon the head. There God commanded his blessing.
Ps134: Come, bless God, all you servants of God! Lift up your hands to the sanctuary. May God bless you from Zion.
Ps135: Praise God! He is above all gods. He struck down many nations. Their idols are but silver and gold. O Israel, bless God!
Ps136: Give thanks to God, his love endures; who spread out the earth, his love endures; who led Israel out of Egypt, his love endures.
Ps137: By the rivers of Babylon, we wept when we remembered Zion. How can we sing God’s song? O Babylon, happy the one who repays you!
Ps138: I give you thanks, O LORD! All the kings of the earth will praise you. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.
Ps139: O LORD, you have known me. Where can I go from your Spirit? You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Search me and know my heart.
Ps140: Rescue me, O LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent. You are my God, my salvation. God executes justice for the poor.
Ps141: O LORD, may my prayer be as incense. Do not turn my heart to evil. Let the righteous rebuke me. Keep me from the traps of the wicked.
Ps142: I cry out to God! When my spirit is faint, you know my path. Save me from my persecutors! You will deal bountifully with me.
Ps143: Hear my prayer, O LORD! My enemy has crushed my life. My soul thirsts for you. Teach me the way I should go. Destroy my adversaries.
Ps144: Blessed be God, who trains my hands for war. O LORD, reach down and rescue me! May there be no cry of distress in our streets.
Ps145: I will exalt you, my God and King. All you have made will praise you. God is faithful. He is near to all who call upon him.
Ps146: Praise God, O my soul! Do not trust in mortal men. God executes justice for the oppressed. He watches over the fatherless.
Ps147: It is good to sing praises to our God! He counts the stars. He lifts up the humble. Praise God! He declares his word to Israel.
Ps148: Praise God from the heavens! Praise him, sun and moon! Praise God from the earth! Young and old together, praise God!
Ps149: Praise God! Let Israel rejoice in their maker. God takes delight in his people. Let swords be in their hands for judgement.
Ps150: Praise God! Praise him with trumpet and strings! Praise him with loud cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise God!
19 Proverbs
Prv1: The proverbs of Solomon. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Wisdom calls aloud. The complacency of fools destroys them.
Prv2: My son, apply your heart to understanding. For God gives wisdom. It will save you from the way of evil, and from the adulteress.
Prv31: Speak up for the speechless. Who can find an excellent wife? She buys a field, she makes garments, she watches over her household.
Prv4: Listen, my sons: Get wisdom. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun. Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Prv5: My son, listen to my words. In the end an adulteress is bitter as wormwood. Keep away from her. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Prv6: A little slumber, and poverty will come like a bandit. A scoundrel sows discord. My son, a man who commits adultery destroys himself.
Prv7: My son, wisdom will keep you from the adulteress. I saw her seducing a young man. He followed her like an ox going to the slaughter.
Prv8: Wisdom cries aloud: "My mouth speaks truth. God brought me forth at the beginning of his works. Whoever finds me finds life."
Prv9: Wisdom has built her house. She says, "Come, leave your folly." The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Folly knows nothing.
Prv10: A wise son makes a glad father. Love covers all offences. With many words, sin is not lacking. The righteous will never be uprooted.
Prv11: God hates dishonest scales. The wicked earn false wages. Whoever gives water will get water. Whoever trusts in riches will fall.
Prv12: No one finds security by wickedness. Those who work the land have food. Rash words pierce like a sword. Righteousness leads to life.
Prv13: The righteous hate lies. Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Whoever heeds reproof is honoured. Whoever spares the rod hates his son.
Prv14: The talk of fools is a rod for their backs. Even in laughter the heart may ache. Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker.
Prv15: A gentle answer turns away wrath. The eyes of God are everywhere. Plans fail for lack of counsel. God hears the righteous.
Prv16: A man plans his way, but God directs his steps. Kings detest evil. Pride goes before destruction. Wisdom is a fountain of life.
Prv17: A wise servant will rule over a shameful son. Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam. Even a fool seems wise if he keeps silent.
Prv18: A fool delights in his own opinions. The name of LORD is a strong tower. A gift opens the way. The tongue can bring life or death.
Prv19: Wealth makes friends. A false witness will not go unpunished. A good wife is from God. Whoever helps the poor lends to God.
Prv20: Wine is a mocker, beer a brawler. Even a child is known by his deeds. God hates false weights. It is a snare to make rash vows.
Prv21: To do justice is better than sacrifice. Better to live on the roof than with a quarrelsome wife. No plans can avail against God.
Prv22: A good name is better than riches. Train a child and he will not go astray. Incline your ear and apply your heart to my teaching.
Prv23: Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Do not move a boundary marker. Buy the truth, and do not sell it. Do not linger long over wine.
Prv24: Do not envy the wicked. Wisdom is sweet to the soul. Fear God and the king, my son. I saw thorns in the field of the sluggard.
Prv25: Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. To seek one’s own glory is not glory.
Prv26: As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Without gossip a quarrel dies down. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it.
Prv27: Faithful are the wounds of a friend. A loud blessing in the morning will be taken as a curse. A person is tested by being praised.
Prv28: Better to be poor and honest than crooked and rich. Whoever confesses sins will find mercy. Whoever trusts in God will prosper.
Prv29: By justice a king builds up the land. Whether a fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. Correct your son and he will give you rest.
Prv3: My son, trust in God with all your heart. Do not despise his discipline. Wisdom is a tree of life. Do not quarrel without cause.
Prv30: Every word of God is pure. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Four things are never satisfied: Sheol, a barren womb, earth and fire.
20 Ecclesiastes
Ecc1: Everything is meaningless! There is nothing new under the sun. I applied my heart to know wisdom, but much wisdom brings much sorrow.
Ecc2: I built houses, gathered possessions and sought pleasure. It was meaningless! The wise die like the foolish. I despaired of my toil.
Ecc3: There is a time for everything: to live, to die, to mourn, to dance. It is the gift of God that man should find pleasure in his work.
Ecc4: I saw the tears of the oppressed. Two have a good reward for their toil. I saw everyone follow a new king. This too is meaningless!
Ecc5: Do not make rash vows before God. The lover of money never has enough. What is gained by toil? It is good to find enjoyment in life.
Ecc6: Here is an evil: to have wealth and honour but not to enjoy them. What do the wise gain over fools? The more words, the less meaning.
Ecc7: The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning. Do not be too righteous, or too wicked. Men have gone in search of many schemes.
Ecc8: Obey the king’s command. Though sinners do evil, it will be well for those who fear God. No one can know what goes on under the sun.
Ecc9: The same fate comes to all. A living dog is better than a dead lion. Enjoy the days of your vain life. Wisdom is better than strength.
Ecc10: A little folly spoils wisdom. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it. The lips of a fool consume him. Through laziness the roof leaks.
Ecc11: Whoever watches the clouds will never reap. You do not know what will prosper. Enjoy your youth, but know that God will judge you.
Ecc12: Remember your Creator in your youth, before the days of trouble come. Everything is meaningless! Fear God and keep his commandments.
21 Song of Songs
Sg1: Let him kiss me! I am dark and lovely. Tell me, where do you pasture your flock? Follow the tracks, my love. Behold, you are beautiful.
Sg2: She is a lily among thorns. He is an apple tree in the wood. Here he comes, leaping on the mountains. My beloved is mine and I am his.
Sg3: By night I sought the one whom I love. I brought him into my mother’s house. Behold, O daughters of Zion, the carriage of King Solomon!
Sg4: You are beautiful, my love! Your eyes are doves, your breasts are like fawns. My bride is a garden. Let my beloved come to his garden.
Sg5: My beloved is knocking! I opened to him but he had gone. The guards found me and wounded me. My beloved is ruddy, his body is ivory.
Sg6: Where has your beloved gone? He has gone to his garden. You are beautiful, my love. Fair as the moon, awesome as an army with banners.
Sg7: Your thighs are like jewels, your breasts like the fruit of a palm. May your kisses be like wine! Beloved, let us go into the fields.
Sg8: Do not awaken love until it pleases. Love is as strong as death. Solomon had a vineyard, but mine is my own. Make haste, my beloved!
22 Isaiah
Isa1: God has spoken: I raised children but they have rebelled. Wash yourselves. I will smelt away your dross. Zion shall be redeemed.
Isa2: The mountain of God will be established. On that day the pride of men will be humbled. They will flee the splendour of God.
Isa3: God will take away all support from Judah. Children will govern. You grind the faces of the poor. The women of Zion are proud.
Isa4: In that day the branch of God will be glorious. Those who are left in Zion will be called holy. God will create a shelter.
Isa5: Why did my vineyard yield wild grapes? Woe to those who pursue drink, who call evil good. The anger of God is against his people.
Isa6: I saw God seated on high. A seraph brought a coal to my lips. God said, "Who will go for us?" I said, "Here am I; send me!"
Isa7: Aram plotted with Ephraim. God sent Isaiah to King Ahaz: Behold, a virgin shall bear a son. God will use Assyria as a razor.
Isa8: The floodwaters of Assyria will overflow the land. Many will fall and be snared. I will trust in God. They will curse their gods.
Isa9: A child is born to us. His government will increase forever. God will raise the enemies of Israel. His anger has not turned away.
Isa10: Woe to those who rob the poor of justice. Woe to Assyria, whose purpose is to destroy. The remnant of Israel will return to God.
Isa11: A shoot will come up from Jesse. He will judge with righteousness. The wolf will live with the lamb. God will gather his people.
Isa12: In that day you will say: I will praise you, O LORD! Your anger has turned away. Surely God is my salvation. Sing for joy, O Zion!
Isa13: The oracle concerning Babylon: Listen! God is calling an army. I will punish the world for its evil. Babylon will be overthrown.
Isa14: God will again choose Israel. How you are fallen, O Lucifer! You will be cast away like a trampled corpse. Wail, O Philistia!
Isa15: An oracle concerning Moab: Ar of Moab is laid waste. In the streets they wear sackcloth. The waters of Dibon are full of blood.
Isa16: A throne will be established from the house of David. We have heard of the pride of Moab. Within three years Moab will be despised.
Isa17: An oracle concerning Damascus: Damascus will become ruins. Jacob will be brought low. You have forgotten the God of your salvation.
Isa18: Woe to the land of buzzing wings, beyond the rivers of Cush. God will cut down the branches. Wild animals will feed on them.
Isa19: An oracle concerning Egypt: I will hand the Egyptians over to a cruel master. When they cry out to God, he will send a saviour.
Isa20: God spoke through Isaiah: As Isaiah has gone stripped for three years, so Assyria will lead the Egyptians and Cushites captive.
Isa21: The oracle concerning the wilderness of the sea: I set a watchman. He said, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon!" The glory of Kedar will end.
Isa22: The oracle concerning the valley of vision: God has taken away the covering of Judah. I will give to Eliakim the key of David.
Isa23: The oracle concerning Tyre: Wail, O ships, for Tyre is laid waste. God has planned it. Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years.
Isa24: Behold, God lays the earth waste. Its people are held guilty. Fear and pit and snare await you. God of hosts will reign.
Isa25: O LORD, I will praise you. You have done marvellous things. God will swallow up death forever. Moab will be trampled as straw.
Isa26: A song will be sung in Judah: God is the eternal Rock. Your hand is lifted high. We gave birth to wind, but your dead will rise.
Isa27: In that day God will slay Leviathan. By exile the guilt of Jacob will be purged. Those who were perishing will worship God.
Isa28: Woe to the drunkards of Ephraim! They will be snared. Behold, I lay in Zion a precious cornerstone. God will do his alien work.
Isa29: Woe to Ariel, the city of David! But your enemies will be like dust. I will astound these people. No longer will Jacob be ashamed.
Isa30: Woe to the stubborn children who seek help from Egypt! God will wait to show mercy. The voice of God will shatter Assyria.
Isa31: Woe to those who trust in chariots! As a lion roars, so God will come down to fight for Mount Zion. Turn back to him, O Israel.
Isa32: Behold, a king will reign in righteousness. Tremble, you women of ease. The city will be deserted until the Spirit is poured upon us.
Isa33: Woe to you, O destroyer! The fear of God is Zion’s treasure. "I will arise," says God. You will see the king in his beauty.
Isa34: God is enraged against the nations. His sword is filled with blood. He has a day of vengeance for Zion. Edom shall lie waste.
Isa35: The desert shall rejoice and bloom. The eyes of the blind shall be opened. The ransomed of God shall return to Zion with songs.
Isa36: The king of Assyria came against Judah. His commander said, "Do not listen to Hezekiah. Have any of the gods delivered their lands?"
Isa37: Hezekiah prayed to God. Isaiah said, "The king of Assyria will not enter the city." The angel of God struck the Assyrians.
Isa38: Hezekiah became sick, so he prayed. God said, "I will add fifteen years to your life." Hezekiah wrote, "God will save me."
Isa39: The king of Babylon sent envoys. Hezekiah showed them his treasure houses. Isaiah said, "All you have shall be carried to Babylon."
Isa40: Comfort, comfort my people. A voice cries: Prepare the way of God! He is the everlasting God. He gives strength to the weary.
Isa41: Let the nations meet for judgement. Do not fear, O Israel. I will help you. Idols are nothing. I will give a messenger of good news.
Isa42: Behold, my Servant! He will bring justice to the nations. Sing to God a new song. Hear, you deaf! God gave Israel as spoil.
Isa43: But I am with you, O Jacob. I am God. There is no other saviour. Behold, I will do a new thing! Yet you have not called upon me.
Isa44: I will pour my Spirit on your offspring. Who makes an idol? A carpenter prays to a block of wood. I am God who made all things.
Isa45: God says to Cyrus: For the sake of Jacob I have called you. I am God. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!
Isa46: The idols of Bel and Nebo are burdens to be carried. O Jacob, I have made you and I will carry you. I am God and there is no other.
Isa47: Sit in the dust, O daughter of Babylon. You showed no mercy. You trusted in sorcery. Evil shall fall upon you. No one shall save you.
Isa48: Hear this, O Jacob: I have refined you for my own sake. I am the First and the Last. Thus says your Redeemer: Go out from Babylon!
Isa49: God formed me in the womb to restore Jacob and to bring salvation. Can a mother forget her nursing baby? I will not forget Zion.
Isa50: Have I no power to deliver? God has given me a learned tongue. I gave my back to those who beat me. He who justifies me is near.
Isa51: Listen, God will comfort Zion. Awake, O arm of God! The ransomed shall return. You will drink the cup of my wrath no more.
Isa52: Awake, O Zion! How beautiful are those who bring good news. God has redeemed Jerusalem. Behold, my Servant will be lifted up.
Isa53: He was despised and rejected. He was pierced for our transgressions. By his wounds we are healed. Out of anguish he will see light.
Isa54: Sing, O barren woman! Your offspring will inherit the nations. Your Maker is your husband. No weapon formed against you will prosper.
Isa55: Come, all you who are thirsty. I will make an everlasting covenant. My word will not return void. The mountains will burst into song.
Isa56: Keep justice, for salvation is near. I will bring the outcasts of Israel to my house and gather still others. The watchmen are blind.
Isa57: The righteous find peace in death. As for you rebels, you make your bed wide. Let your idols save you! But I will not accuse forever.
Isa58: You seek pleasure on your fast days. Is this not the fast I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice? Then your ruins will be rebuilt.
Isa59: Your sins have separated you from God. Justice is far from us. Truth is nowhere. So God put on garments of salvation and fury.
Isa60: Arise, shine, for your light has come! The nations will come to you. I will make you majestic forever. Your God will be your glory.
Isa61: The Spirit of God is on me. He has sent me to proclaim freedom. My people will inherit a double portion. I delight in God.
Isa62: For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent. You will be given a new name. Your God will rejoice over you. Raise a banner for the nations!
Isa63: Why are your robes red? I have trampled the nations. Israel remembered who brought them through the sea. You, O LORD, are our father.
Isa64: Oh that you would rend the heavens! You meet those who do right. We are all the work of your hand. Do not remember our sins forever.
Isa65: I held out my hands to an obstinate people. My servants will eat, but you will go hungry. I will create new heavens and a new earth.
Isa66: Listen! God is repaying his enemies. Rejoice with Jerusalem and be comforted. All flesh will worship before me, says God.
23 Jeremiah
Jer1: God said to me: I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Do not be afraid. I am calling the northern kingdoms against Judah.
Jer2: Go and proclaim: My people have exchanged their glory for idols. You have all rebelled against me. Now I will bring you to judgement.
Jer3: Israel played the whore on every hill. Her false sister Judah saw it. Return, O faithless children! Surely God is our salvation.
Jer4: Flee to safety! I am bringing disaster from the north, says God. I have heard the trumpet! The whole land shall be a desolation.
Jer5: Israel and Judah have been utterly unfaithful to me. I am bringing a distant nation against you. Your sins have deprived you of good.
Jer6: Flee from Jerusalem! I appointed watchmen but you would not listen. An army is coming from the north. My people are rejected silver.
Jer7: Proclaim at the temple: Has this house become a den of thieves? I sent prophets but you did not listen. Judah will become desolate.
Jer8: Why do these people refuse to return? They have no shame. God has doomed us because we have sinned. Is there no balm in Gilead?
Jer9: No one speaks the truth. I will scatter these people, says God. The sound of wailing is heard from Zion. I act with justice.
Jer10: Do not learn the ways of the nations. God is the true God. Listen, a great commotion from the north! They have devoured Jacob.
Jer11: Both Israel and Judah have broken my covenant. I will bring disaster. Do not pray for them. I will punish those who seek your life.
Jer12: O LORD, why do the wicked prosper? I have left my house. Many shepherds have ruined my vineyard. I will uproot my evil neighbours.
Jer13: God told me to hide a sash in the rocks. So I will ruin the pride of Judah, says God. All Judah will be carried into exile.
Jer14: There is no water in the cisterns. O LORD, do not forsake us! I will destroy them by sword and by famine. Can any idols bring rain?
Jer15: Send these people away from my presence! Who will mourn for Jerusalem? O LORD, I suffer insult for you. I am with you, says God.
Jer16: God said to me: Do not marry or have children. Why has God pronounced evil against us? You have followed your evil hearts.
Jer17: Cursed are those who trust in man. Blessed are those who trust in God. If you keep the Sabbath, Jerusalem will remain forever.
Jer18: God said: Go to the potter. You are clay in my hand, O Israel. My people have forgotten me. O LORD, they have dug a pit for me.
Jer19: God said: Buy a clay jar. These people have burned sacrifices to foreign gods. Then break the jar. So I will smash this nation.
Jer20: Pashhur put Jeremiah in the stocks. Everyone mocks me. But the word of God is a fire in my bones. Cursed be the day I was born!
Jer21: Zedekiah enquired about Nebuchadnezzar. God says: Whoever stays in the city will die. Nebuchadnezzar will destroy it with fire.
Jer22: Proclaim at the palace: I will make you a desert. Shallum will not return. They will not lament for Jehoiakim. Coniah is cast away.
Jer23: I will raise up a righteous Branch, says God. The prophets fill you with false hopes. I did not speak, yet they have prophesied.
Jer24: God showed me two baskets of figs after the exile to Babylon. The good figs are the exiles. The bad figs are those who remain.
Jer25: You did not listen, says God. So I will summon Babylon. Make the nations drink my cup of wrath. God will roar from on high.
Jer26: God said: Speak in the courts. The priests seized Jeremiah to kill him, but the officials refused. Uriah had been put to death.
Jer27: God said: Put a yoke on your neck. I will hand all the nations over to serve Nebuchadnezzar. Do not listen to your prophets.
Jer28: Hananiah took Jeremiah’s yoke and broke it. God said: Tell Hananiah, I have put an iron yoke on these nations. Hananiah died.
Jer29: Jeremiah wrote to the exiles: Seek peace for the city. After seventy years you will return. Ahab, Zedekiah and Shemaiah speak lies.
Jer30: Write these words in a book. I will restore my people, says God. I have punished you but I will heal you. I will be your God.
Jer31: Sing with joy for Jacob! Return to your cities. I will make a new covenant with Israel, says God. I will put my law within them.
Jer32: Jeremiah bought a field in Anathoth. O LORD, the city has been handed over to Babylon. God says: I will surely gather my people.
Jer33: God says: I will tell you great things. I will bring healing to the land. David will never lack a son on the throne of Israel.
Jer34: Tell Zedekiah: You will not escape the king of Babylon. The people took back their slaves. God says: You have not obeyed me.
Jer35: The Rechabites refused to drink wine. God said to Judah: The command of Jonadab has been obeyed, yet you have not obeyed me.
Jer36: Baruch read out Jeremiah’s words at the temple. The king sent for the scroll and burned it. God said: I will bring disaster.
Jer37: Zedekiah became king. Jeremiah said: Do not think the Babylonians will leave us. Irijah arrested Jeremiah. Zedekiah gave him bread.
Jer38: Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern. Zedekiah sent for him. Jeremiah said: If you surrender to the king of Babylon then you will live.
Jer39: The Babylonians besieged Jerusalem and captured Zedekiah. They took the people into exile. Nebuchadnezzar said: Do not harm Jeremiah.
Jer40: Nebuzaradan said to Jeremiah: Go back to Gedaliah, who has been appointed over Judah. The captains warned Gedaliah about Ishmael.
Jer41: Ishmael killed Gedaliah and eighty men. Johanan went to fight Ishmael but he escaped. Johanan led the survivors on the way to Egypt.
Jer42: The people asked Jeremiah to pray. God says: If you stay in the land, I will grant you mercy. If you go to Egypt, you will die.
Jer43: Johanan and all the people did not obey God. They went to Egypt. God said: Nebuchadnezzar will ravage the land of Egypt.
Jer44: God says: Why do you provoke me with other gods? The people said: We will not listen. God says: I am going to punish you.
Jer45: When Baruch wrote these words, God said to him: I am going to break what I have built. Do not seek great things for yourself.
Jer46: Of Egypt: There is no healing for you. Prepare yourselves for exile. I will deliver Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar. But fear not, O Jacob!
Jer47: Of the Philistines: Waters are rising from the north. God is destroying the Philistines. How can the sword of God be quiet?
Jer48: Of Moab: Woe to Nebo, for it is laid waste. We have heard of his arrogance. How it is broken! Moab has become a derision to all.
Jer49: God says: Rabbah will become desolate. I will make Edom small. Damascus has become feeble. Flee, O Hazor. I will destroy Elam.
Jer50: Of Babylon: A nation will make her desolate. Judah will seek God. Repay Babylon for all her deeds. A sword against her warriors!
Jer51: God says: I will send a destroyer against Babylon. I will repay them for the evil done in Zion. Read these words in Babylon.
Jer52: Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan burned the temple and took the people into exile. Evil-merodach released Jehoiachin.
24
Lam1: How lonely sits the city! Judah has gone into exile. O LORD, I am despised. Is any sorrow like mine? There is no one to comfort me.
Lam2: God has not pitied Jacob. He has abandoned his sanctuary. My eyes fail with tears. Young and old lie slaughtered in the streets.
Lam3: He has driven me into darkness. But the steadfast love of God never ceases. Let us return to God! You will repay my enemies.
Lam4: The holy stones lie scattered. The children beg for food. God has poured out his fierce anger. O Zion, your punishment will end.
Lam5: Look, O LORD, and see our disgrace! We have become orphans. Slaves rule over us. But you, O LORD, reign forever. Restore us as of old!
Lamentations
25
Ezekiel
Ezk1: I saw visions of God. Out of a storm came four creatures. I saw wheels within wheels. Above them was a throne and the figure of a man.
Ezk2: He said to me: "Son of man, stand up." The Spirit entered me. He said: "I send you to rebel Israel." Before me was a scroll of woe.
Ezk3: He said to me: "Israel will not listen." I came to the exiles. God said: "I have made you a watchman. I will open your mouth."
Ezk4: "Son of man, take clay and draw Jerusalem. Then lie on your side. You shall bear the punishment of Israel. Cook your bread over dung."
Ezk5: "Son of man, shave your head. Jerusalem has rebelled. A third shall die of famine, a third by the sword and a third I will scatter."
Ezk6: "Son of man, prophesy against the mountains of Jerusalem. The slain shall lie among their idols. They will know that I am God."
Ezk7: "The end has come! I will punish you for all your abominations. Silver and gold cannot deliver. The people of the land will tremble."
Ezk8: The Spirit lifted me up. "Son of man, see what they do. Elders burn incense to idols. Women weep for Tammuz. Men worship the sun."
Ezk9: He cried, "Bring the executioners." Six men came. "Kill old and young, but do not touch those with the mark. I will not have pity."
Ezk10: He told the man in linen: "Take fire from between the wheels." Each wheel had four faces. The glory of God left the temple.
Ezk11: The Spirit said: "These men plot evil." I said: "Will you destroy the remnant?" God said: "I will put a new spirit within them."
Ezk12: "Son of man, they are a rebellious house. Bring out your baggage like an exile. I will disperse them. My word will not be delayed."
Ezk13: "Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit. I will send a storm in my wrath. Woe to the women who sew magic charms."
Ezk14: The elders came to me. God said: "They have set up idols in their hearts. Even Noah, Daniel and Job would only save themselves."
Ezk15: "Son of man, is wood taken from the vine to make anything? I have given it to the fire for fuel. So I have given up Jerusalem."
Ezk16: "Jerusalem, I made you flourish. But you played the whore. I will gather your lovers against you. Yet I will remember my covenant."
Ezk17: "An eagle planted a vine but it grew towards another eagle. Israel rebelled against Babylon with Egypt. I myself will plant a cedar."
Ezk18: "If a man is righteous, he shall live. If a son is violent, he shall die. I will judge each according to his ways. Repent and live!"
Ezk19: "Lament for the princes of Israel: A lioness had cubs. One was taken to Egypt, another to Babylon. A vine was stripped of its fruit."
Ezk20: "I led Israel out of Egypt. They did not walk in my law. I withheld my hand for my name’s sake. You will know that I am God."
Ezk21: "Son of man, prophesy against Israel. A sword is sharpened! Mark the way for the king of Babylon. A ruin, ruin, ruin I will make it."
Ezk22: "A city that sheds blood. In you they oppress orphans and widows. Israel has become dross to me. I will pour out my wrath upon them."
Ezk23: "Two sisters: Samaria and Jerusalem. Oholah lusted after her lovers. Oholibah was worse in whoring. Bring an army and cut them down."
Ezk24: "Put meat into the pot. Woe to the bloody city!" My wife died. God said: "I will profane my sanctuary. Ezekiel will be a sign."
Ezk25: "To the Ammonites: You jeered at Israel so I will destroy you. I will judge Moab. I will lay vengeance upon Edom and Philistia."
Ezk26: "Tyre jeered at Jerusalem so I will make her a bare rock. Nebuchadnezzar will lay siege to you. I will bring you to a dreadful end."
Ezk27: "Lament for Tyre: Of oaks they made your oars. Tarshish, Dedan, Judah and Damascus traded with you. Now you are wrecked by the seas."
Ezk28: "To the king of Tyre: You were perfect in Eden. You became proud. I cast you to the ground. There will be no more thorns for Israel."
Ezk29: "I am against you, Pharaoh, the great dragon. Egypt will never again rule the nations. Nebuchadnezzar will carry off its wealth."
Ezk30: "A sword will come upon Egypt. Those who support her will fall. Nebuchadnezzar will destroy the land. I will break Pharaoh’s arms."
Ezk31: "Assyria was a cedar. It towered above the trees. Its heart was proud. Foreigners have cut it down. This is Pharaoh and his hordes."
Ezk32: "Lament for Pharaoh: You are a dragon in the seas. The sword of Babylon will come upon you. Elam and Edom are laid with the slain."
Ezk33: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for Israel." Jerusalem was struck down. God says: "I have made the land a desolation."
Ezk34: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel! They did not feed my flock. I myself will seek my sheep. My servant David will be their shepherd."
Ezk35: "Son of man, prophesy against Mount Seir: Because you delivered Israel to the sword, blood will pursue you. You will be desolate."
Ezk36: "Prophesy to the mountains of Israel: I will make you inhabited again. I will vindicate my name. I will put my Spirit within you."
Ezk37: God said: "Prophesy to the bones." The bones became an army. God said: "Join two sticks. I will join Ephraim and Judah."
Ezk38: "Son of man, prophesy against Gog: You will come against my people. My jealousy will be roused. I will summon a sword against Gog."
Ezk39: "I am against you, O Gog. I will give you a burial place in Israel. Gather the birds for a feast. Now I will have mercy on Jacob."
Ezk40: In visions God brought me to a temple. He brought me through the gates to the inner court. There were tables for the offerings.
Ezk41: He measured the nave and the inner room. The side chambers were in three storeys. In front of the Holy Place was an altar of wood.
Ezk42: He led me to the outer court. The north and south chambers are where the priests eat the offerings. He measured all the temple area.
Ezk43: The glory of God filled the temple. He said: "Son of man, describe the temple to Israel. The priests shall cleanse the altar."
Ezk44: "No foreigner shall enter my sanctuary. The sons of Zadok shall minister to me. They shall distinguish between the holy and unholy."
Ezk45: "Set apart a holy district for God. The prince shall have land on each side. You shall have honest scales. Celebrate Passover."
Ezk46: "The prince shall bring offerings on the Sabbaths and New Moons. You shall offer a lamb daily." In the four corners were kitchens.
Ezk47: Water was flowing from the temple. He led me in until it was too deep to cross. God says: "Divide the land among the tribes."
Ezk48: "Set a portion for each tribe. Adjoining Judah shall be the portion for God. The name of the city shall be, God Is There."
26 Daniel
Dan1: Nebuchadnezzar brought the young nobles to Shinar. Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food. God gave him wisdom.
Dan2: Nebuchadnezzar had dreams. Daniel said, "God reveals mysteries. You saw a great statue broken by a stone. God will set up a kingdom."
Dan3: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not worship the gold statue. Nebuchadnezzar threw them into the furnace but God protected them.
Dan4: "I, Nebuchadnezzar, dreamt of a tree cut down. Daniel said, ‘You shall eat grass like an ox.’ Afterwards my kingdom was restored."
Dan5: Belshazzar drank from the temple vessels. A hand wrote on the wall. Daniel said, "Your kingdom is given to the Medes and Persians."
Dan6: The satraps urged Darius to sign a law against prayer. Daniel prayed to God and was thrown to the lions. God closed the lions’ mouths.
Dan7: Daniel saw visions. I saw four great beasts. The Son of Man was given an everlasting kingdom. The fourth beast shall be destroyed.
Dan8: I saw a ram with two horns. A goat with a large horn struck the ram. Gabriel said: "The ram is Media and Persia, the goat is Greece."
Dan9: I read the book of Jeremiah. I prayed, "Israel has sinned. O God, forgive." Gabriel said, "Seventy weeks are decreed for atonement."
Dan10: As I mourned I saw a man with a face like lightning. He said, "The prince of Persia delayed me. I came to explain the latter days."
Dan11: "The king of the south will fight the king of the north. The king of the north will desecrate the temple. He will exalt himself."
Dan12: "There will be a time of distress." I said, "How long?" He said, "Time, times and half a time. These words are sealed until the end."
27 Hosea
Hos1: God told Hosea, "Marry an adulterer for the land has prostituted itself." Gomer had sons. God said, "You are not my people."
Hos2: "Your mother has been unfaithful. I will expose her lewdness. Now I will speak tenderly to her. I will betroth you to me forever."
Hos3: God said to me, "Go, love your wife again as God loves Israel." So I bought her back. For Israel will return to God.
Hos4: God has a charge against Israel: "There is no faithfulness. They have left God to play the whore. The rulers love shameful ways."
Hos5: "Hear this, O priests, O king! Israel shall stumble in his guilt. Ephraim is crushed in judgement. I will leave until they seek me."
Hos6: Come, let us return to God. On the third day he will raise us up. "I desire steadfast love, not offerings. Israel is defiled."
Hos7: "The sins of Ephraim are revealed. They are like a heated oven. They call to Egypt, go to Assyria. Woe to them for they have strayed!"
Hos8: "A vulture is over Israel. The calf of Samaria shall be broken. God will punish their sins. For Israel has forgotten his Maker."
Hos9: Rejoice not, O Israel! The days of punishment have come. "I will bereave them. I will drive them from my house." God will reject them.
Hos10: Israel is a rich vine. God will break down their altars. "Nations shall be gathered against them." It is time to seek God.
Hos11: "When Israel was a child, I loved him. But the sword shall devour them. How can I give you up, O Ephraim? I will bring them home."
Hos12: "Jacob fought with God. Ephraim has said, ‘I am rich.’ But I am God. I spoke through the prophets." God will repay Ephraim.
Hos13: "They make idols of silver. But I am God. I will tear them open. Ephraim’s sin is stored up. Shall I redeem them from death?"
Hos14: O Israel, return to God. "I will heal their apostasy. They shall blossom like the vine. Whoever is wise, let him understand."
28 Joel
Joel1: What the locust swarm has left other locusts have eaten. The fields are destroyed. Lament, O priests! The day of God is near.
Joel2: A great army is on the mountains. Return to God for he is merciful. "Fear not, I will restore you. I will pour out my Spirit."
Joel3: "I will gather all the nations for judgement. For the day of God is near. Jerusalem will be inhabited for all generations."
29 Amos
Amos1: God says: "I will punish Damascus. The remnant of the Philistines shall perish. I will send fire upon Tyre, Edom and Ammon."
Amos2: "I will send fire upon Moab and Judah. I will punish Israel. They sell the poor for a pair of sandals. The mighty shall flee naked."
Amos3: Does a lion roar when it has no prey? God reveals his plans to the prophets. "On the day I punish Israel, I will punish Bethel."
Amos4: "You cows of Bashan will be led away with hooks. I withheld the rain. I overthrew some of you. Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!"
Amos5: "Fallen is virgin Israel. Seek me and live. You shall not dwell in your houses. I despise your feasts. Let justice roll like waters."
Amos6: Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, who are not grieved over Joseph. God declares: "I will raise up a nation against you."
Amos7: God showed me locusts, fire and a plumb line. Amaziah told Amos, "Flee to Judah." Amos said, "You shall die in an unclean land."
Amos8: God said: "The end has come upon Israel. I will not forget your deeds. I will send a famine of hearing the words of God."
Amos9: God said: "Strike the pillars until the earth shakes. I will sieve the house of Israel. In that day I will restore my people."
30 Obadiah
Ob1: God says of Edom: "What disaster awaits you! You stood aloof when strangers entered Jerusalem. Saviours shall rule Mount Esau."
31 Jonah
Jon1: God sent Jonah to Nineveh. Jonah fled by ship. A storm arose and the men threw Jonah into the sea. A great fish swallowed him.
Jon2: Jonah prayed: "I cried out in my distress. Waters surrounded me. You brought me up from the pit!" The fish vomited him onto dry land.
Jon3: So Jonah went to Nineveh and said, "Nineveh shall be overthrown!" The people fasted and wore sackcloth. God relented of the disaster.
Jon4: Jonah was angry and said, "O LORD, take my life." A plant sheltered Jonah but it died. God said, "Should I not pity Nineveh?"
32 Micah
Mic1: God is coming! The mountains will melt. "I will make Samaria a ruin." Her wound is incurable. Disaster has come to Jerusalem.
Mic2: Woe to those who plot evil! God says: "I am planning disaster. My people have risen up like an enemy. I will gather a remnant."
Mic3: You rulers tear the skin from my people. God says, "The sun will set for the prophets." Zion will be ploughed up like a field.
Mic4: In the last days, nations will come to the mountain of God. Zion will be rescued from Babylon. "I will give you horns of iron."
Mic5: "From you, O Bethlehem, will come a ruler." The remnant of Jacob will be like a lion. "I will punish the nations that did not obey."
Mic6: "O my people, have I wearied you?" What does God require? Act justly and love mercy. "I will make you desolate for your sins."
Mic7: The godly have perished from the earth. But I will look to God. The nations will tremble. Who is a God like you, forgiving sin?
33 Nahum
Na1: Against Nineveh: God takes vengeance on his enemies. God says, "I will break his yoke from you." Hold your feasts, O Judah!
Na2: God is restoring Jacob. Chariots race through the streets. Nineveh is like a draining pool. "I am against you," declares God.
Na3: Woe to the bloody city! "The nations will look at your shame." Draw water for the siege. Your shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria.
34 Habakkuk
Hab1: O LORD, why do you tolerate evil? "Behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans." Your eyes are pure. Why do you look upon the treacherous?
Hab2: God answered: "The just shall live by faith. Woe to him who plunders nations! What profit is an idol? God is in his temple."
Hab3: O LORD, renew your works! He stood and shook the earth. You crushed the head of the wicked. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
35 Zephaniah
Zep1: "I will sweep away everything from the earth," declares God. The day of God is near. "I will bring distress on mankind."
Zep2: Seek God, you humble. Gaza shall be deserted. God is against you, O Canaan. He will stretch out his hand to destroy Assyria.
Zep3: Woe to the rebellious city! "I have cut off nations. I will leave a humble people." Sing, O Zion! God will quiet you by his love.
36 Haggai
Hag1: God says: "Consider your ways! You never have enough because the temple lies in ruins." So the people worked on the temple.
Hag2: God says: "The latter glory of this temple shall be greater than the former. This nation is unclean. But now I will bless you."
37 Zechariah
Zec1: God said, "Return to me." So the people repented. I saw a man on a red horse. God said, "I will return to Zion with mercy."
Zec2: I saw a man going to measure Jerusalem. God says, "I will be her glory." He sent me to the nations. God will inherit Judah.
Zec3: Joshua stood before the angel. God rebuked Satan. They put new clothes on Joshua. God says, "I will bring forth my servant."
Zec4: I saw a lampstand. I asked the angel about it. "Not by might but by my Spirit," says God. "Zerubbabel will complete the temple."
Zec5: I saw a flying scroll. He said, "This is the curse on thieves and liars." I saw a woman in a basket. He said, "This is Wickedness."
Zec6: I saw four chariots with red, black, white and dappled horses. God said, "Make a crown for Joshua. He shall build the temple."
Zec7: The people asked, "Should we fast?" God said, "Show mercy and do not oppress. But they would not listen. So I scattered them."
Zec8: God said: "I am jealous for Zion. I will save my people. Your fasts shall be feasts. Nations shall seek God in Jerusalem."
Zec9: God is against Hadrach, Tyre and Philistia. Rejoice, O Zion! Behold your king, riding on a donkey. God will save his people.
Zec10: Ask God for rain. From Judah will come the cornerstone. "I will save Judah for I am God their God. I will bring them home."
Zec11: The cedar has fallen! God said, "Shepherd the doomed flock." I broke the two staffs. God said, "Woe to the idle shepherd!"
Zec12: God said: "I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. They will look upon me whom they have pierced. And they will mourn alone."
Zec13: "There will be a fountain to cleanse from sin. I will remove prophets from the land. Strike my shepherd and the sheep will scatter."
Zec14: A day is coming when God will go into battle. Jerusalem will dwell in security. All the nations will worship God of hosts.
38 Malachi
Mal1: "I have loved you," says God. "Where is my honour? You offer blind and lame sacrifices. My name will be great among the nations."
Mal2: "Now, O priests, I will curse you. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi." Judah has profaned the sanctuary. God hates divorce.
Mal3: "My messenger will prepare the way. I will come to judge. You have robbed me of tithes. God will remember those who serve him."
Mal4: "The day is coming like a furnace. The sun of righteousness will rise. The wicked will be ashes. I will send you Elijah the prophet."

39
Matthew
Mt1: The record of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Mary bore a son by the Holy Spirit. An angel told Joseph to name him Jesus.
Mt2: Wise men came from the east to worship the child. King Herod ordered that all the baby boys be killed. An angel warned Joseph to flee.
Mt3: John the Baptist was preaching, "Repent, the kingdom is near!" Jesus was baptised by John. A voice from heaven said, "This is my Son."
Mt4: Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow him. He preached and healed the sick.
Mt5: Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart. I have come to fulfil the law. Whoever is angry will be judged. I say, love your enemies."
Mt6: "Do your good deeds in secret. Pray, ‘Father, your kingdom come.’ You cannot serve God and money. Do not be anxious about your life."
Mt7: "Do not judge others. Do to others what you would have them do to you. Whoever obeys is like a man who built his house on the rock."
Mt8: Jesus cleansed a leper. He healed the servant of a centurion who had faith. He calmed a storm at sea and cast demons out of two men.
Mt9: Jesus healed a paralytic. Many sinners came to eat with him. He raised a girl to life and healed two blind men. The crowds marvelled.
Mt10: Jesus sent out the twelve to proclaim the kingdom. "You will be hated for my name, but do not fear. Whoever receives you receives me."
Mt11: John sent word from prison. Jesus said, "John the Baptist is Elijah." Jesus denounced the cities and said, "Come, my burden is light."
Mt12: The Pharisees opposed Jesus when he healed on the Sabbath. He said, "A tree is known by its fruit. The sign of Jonah will be given."
Mt13: Jesus gave a parable about a sower. He told the disciples, "Seeing they do not see." He said, "The kingdom is like hidden treasure."
Mt14: Herod had John the Baptist killed. Jesus fed 5,000 men with five loaves and two fish. Jesus came to the disciples walking on the sea.
Mt15: Jesus challenged the Pharisees about tradition. He healed a Canaanite woman’s daughter. He taught on the mountain and fed 4,000 men.
Mt16: Peter said, "You are the Christ." Jesus told them that he must be killed and be raised. He said, "Take up your cross and follow me."
Mt17: Jesus took Peter, James and John and was transfigured. A voice said, "This is my son." Jesus healed an epileptic. Peter paid the tax.
Mt18: Jesus said, "Become like children to enter the kingdom. A shepherd searches for the lost sheep. Forgive seventy times seven times."
Mt19: Jesus was asked about divorce. He said, "Do not separate what God has joined." He told a rich man, "Sell everything and follow me."
Mt20: "The kingdom is like a master paying wages." Jesus told the disciples, "The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mt21: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He healed and taught in the temple. "A man sent his son to his tenants, but they killed him."
Mt22: Jesus said, "The kingdom is like a wedding." The Pharisees questioned him about the law. He said, "Love God and love your neighbour."
Mt23: Jesus said, "The Pharisees preach but do not practise. You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. You kill and crucify the prophets."
Mt24: Jesus said, "In the end there will be tribulation. Let those in Judea flee. The Son of Man will come in glory. No one knows the day."
Mt25: "The kingdom is like virgins awaiting the bridegroom. A man entrusted talents to his servants. The Son of Man will judge the nations."
Mt26: Jesus took Passover with his disciples. He prayed in agony in Gethsemane. Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests. Peter denied him.
Mt27: Jesus was handed over to Pilate. The crowd said, "Crucify him!" He was mocked and crucified. Darkness fell and he gave up his spirit.
Mt28: The women went to the tomb. An angel said, "He has risen!" Jesus met them. He came to the eleven and said, "Go and make disciples."
40 Mark
Mk1: Jesus was baptised by John. He called Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow him. He preached and cast out demons. He healed a leper.
Mk2: Many gathered at the house. Jesus forgave a paralytic his sins and healed him. He was questioned about fasting and keeping the Sabbath.
Mk3: Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. Great crowds followed him. He appointed twelve apostles. He said, "Whoever obeys God is my family."
Mk4: Jesus taught a parable about a sower and many others. He explained everything to the disciples. In the boat he calmed a great storm.
Mk5: Jesus delivered a man of many demons. They entered a herd of pigs. He healed a woman with a haemorrhage and raised Jairus’ daughter.
Mk6: He sent the twelve out to preach. Herod executed John the Baptist. Jesus fed 5,000 men. He came to the disciples walking on the sea.
Mk7: The Pharisees questioned Jesus about tradition. He said, "Evil comes from within." He delivered a Gentile girl and healed a deaf man.
Mk8: Jesus fed 4,000 people and healed a blind man. Peter said, "You are the Christ." Jesus told them that he must be killed and rise again.
Mk9: Jesus took Peter, James and John and was transfigured. He healed an epileptic. The disciples argued about which of them was greatest.
Mk10: Jesus was questioned about divorce. He told a rich man to sell everything. He said, "The first must be last." He healed Bartimaeus.
Mk11: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He drove the money-changers from the temple. The elders asked, "Who gave you this authority?"
Mk12: Jesus said, "A man’s tenants killed his son." The Pharisees questioned him about the law. He said, "Love God and love your neighbour."
Mk13: Jesus said, "In the end you will be hated by all. Let those in Judea flee. The Son of Man will come in glory. No one knows the day."
Mk14: Jesus took Passover with his disciples. He prayed in agony in Gethsemane. Judas betrayed him to the chief priests. Peter denied him.
Mk15: Jesus was handed over to Pilate. The crowd cried, "Crucify him!" He was mocked and crucified. Darkness fell and he breathed his last.
Mk16: The women went to the tomb. A man in white said, "He has risen!" Jesus appeared to the disciples. He said, "Go and preach the gospel."
41 Luke
Lk1: The angel Gabriel foretold the birth of John. He told Mary, "You will have a son named Jesus." Mary said, "My soul magnifies God!"
Lk2: Mary gave birth in Bethlehem. Angels sent shepherds to see the child. Jesus was presented at the temple. He grew in wisdom and stature.
Lk3: John came from the wilderness preaching repentance. Jesus was baptised. He was son of David, son of Abraham, son of Adam, son of God.
Lk4: Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. In the synagogue he read out, "The Spirit of God is on me." He healed all the sick.
Lk5: Simon, James and John left everything and followed Jesus. Jesus forgave and healed a paralytic. The Pharisees asked him about fasting.
Lk6: Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. He chose twelve apostles. He said, "Blessed are the poor. Love your enemies. Hear and do my words."
Lk7: Jesus healed a centurion’s servant and raised a widow’s son. John sent messengers to Jesus. A woman washed Jesus’ feet with her tears.
Lk8: Jesus told a parable about a sower. He explained it to his disciples. He calmed a storm, delivered a man and healed Jairus’ daughter.
Lk9: Jesus sent out the twelve. He fed 5,000 men. Peter said, "You are the Christ." Jesus said, "Take up your cross." He was transfigured.
Lk10: Jesus sent out the seventy-two. A lawyer asked, "Who is my neighbour?" Jesus said, "A man was robbed. He was helped by a Samaritan."
Lk11: Jesus said, "Pray, ‘Father, your kingdom come.’ Seek and you will find. Only the sign of Jonah will be given. Woe to you Pharisees!"
Lk12: Jesus said, "Even the hairs of your head are numbered. Sell your possessions. Be ready for the Son of Man. I came to bring division."
Lk13: Jesus said, "Repent or you will perish." He healed a woman on the Sabbath. He said, "Seek the narrow door. I must go on to Jerusalem."
Lk14: Jesus said, "Choose the lowest place. A man gave a banquet but his guests made excuses. To be my disciple you must carry your cross."
Lk15: Jesus said, "Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. A son squandered his father’s wealth. He returned and his father called a feast."
Lk16: "A shrewd manager reduced his master’s bills before he was fired. Abraham would not send Lazarus to comfort a rich man in Hades."
Lk17: Jesus said, "If your brother repents, forgive him." He healed ten lepers. He said, "In his day the Son of Man will light up the sky."
Lk18: Jesus gave parables about prayer. He told a rich man to sell everything. He said, "The Son of Man will be killed but he will rise."
Lk19: Jesus ate with Zacchaeus. He told a parable about servants in the kingdom. He rode into Jerusalem on a colt and wept over the city.
Lk20: The elders questioned Jesus’ authority. Jesus said, "A man’s tenants killed his son." So they asked about taxes and the resurrection.
Lk21: Jesus said, "The temple will be thrown down. Jerusalem will be trampled. The Son of Man will come in glory. Stay awake at all times."
Lk22: Jesus took Passover with the disciples. He prayed at the Mount of Olives. Judas betrayed him to the chief priests. Peter denied him.
Lk23: Jesus was taken to Pilate. The crowd said, "Crucify him!" He was crucified with two criminals. Darkness fell and he breathed his last.
Lk24: The women found the tomb empty. Jesus met two on the road to Emmaus. He appeared to the disciples and opened the Scriptures to them.
42
Jn1: The Word of God became flesh and dwelt with us. John the Baptist bore witness to him. Andrew told Simon Peter and they followed Jesus.
Jn2: Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. He drove money-changers from the temple. He said, "Destroy this temple and I will raise it."
Jn3: Jesus told Nicodemus, "Be born again. Whoever believes in the Son will have eternal life." John the Baptist said, "He is above all."
Jn4: Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman about her husbands. She said, "Can this be the Christ?" Many believed. He healed an official’s son.
Jn5: Jesus healed a man at Bethesda. He said, "The Son only does what he sees the Father doing. My works and the Scriptures bear witness."
Jn6: Jesus fed 5,000 men and walked across the sea. He said, "I am the bread of life. My flesh is true food." Many disciples turned back.
Jn7: Jesus went to the feast. The people said, "Is this the Christ?" The chief priests tried to arrest him. He called out, "Come and drink."
Jn8: Jesus did not condemn a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees questioned him. He said, "If God were your Father you would love me."
Jn9: Jesus healed a blind man on the Sabbath. The Pharisees called the man and threw him out. Jesus said, "I came that the blind may see."
Jn10: Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I give my life for the sheep." They asked, "Are you the Christ?" He said, "My sheep follow me."
Jn11: Lazarus died. Jesus went to the tomb and said, "Lazarus, come out." Lazarus came out. The chief priests plotted to put Jesus to death.
Jn12: Jesus rode into Jerusalem. The crowd shouted, "Hosanna!" He said, "The Son of Man must be lifted up. I have come to save the world."
Jn13: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. He said, "One of you will betray me." Judas left. Jesus said, "Love each other as I have loved you."
Jn14: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. I am in the Father and the Father in me. He will give you the Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid."
Jn15: "I am the vine, you are the branches. You are my friends if you do what I command. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you."
Jn16: "The Spirit will convict the world of sin. He will guide you into all truth. Your sorrow will turn to joy. I am going to the Father."
Jn17: Jesus said, "Father, I have revealed your name to those you gave me. Sanctify them in the truth. May all who believe in me be one."
Jn18: Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests. Peter denied him. He was sent before Pilate. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world."
Jn19: The soldiers took Jesus and crucified him. He said, "It is finished." He gave up his spirit. A soldier pierced his side with a spear.
Jn20: Mary went to the tomb and found it empty. Jesus met her. He came and stood among the disciples. Thomas said, "My Lord and my God!"
Jn21: Jesus appeared as the disciples were fishing. He said to Peter, "Do you love me? Feed my sheep." The beloved disciple has testified.
43 Acts
Acts1: Jesus said, "You will receive the Spirit and be my witnesses." He was taken up in a cloud. The believers cast lots to replace Judas.
Acts2: At Pentecost they were filled with the Spirit. Peter told the crowd, "You crucified Jesus but God has made him Lord." 3,000 believed.
Acts3: Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple. Peter told the people, "Faith in Jesus has healed this man. Repent of your sins."
Acts4: They were taken before the rulers. Peter and John said, "We cannot stop speaking about Jesus." The believers prayed for boldness.
Acts5: Ananias and Sapphira told a lie and fell dead. An angel released the apostles from prison. Gamaliel advised, "Leave these men alone."
Acts6: The disciples chose seven men to distribute food. Some from the synagogue disputed with Stephen. They took him before the council.
Acts7: Stephen said, "Brothers, God called Abraham and appeared to Moses. You killed the Righteous One." They were enraged and stoned him.
Acts8: Philip proclaimed Christ in Samaria. A magician offered money for the gift of the Spirit. Philip baptised an Ethiopian official.
Acts9: Saul went to arrest the believers. Jesus said, "Why do you persecute me?" Saul was baptised and began preaching. Peter raised Dorcas.
Acts10: Cornelius sent for Peter. God said to Peter, "Do not call them unclean." Peter preached to the Gentiles and the Spirit fell.
Acts11: Some in Jerusalem criticised Peter. He said, "The Spirit told me to go." Many in Antioch believed. Barnabas and Saul taught there.
Acts12: Herod killed James and arrested Peter. The church prayed earnestly. An angel led Peter out of prison. An angel struck Herod down.
Acts13: Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the word. Paul said, "God has sent a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised." The Jews stirred up persecution.
Acts14: Many believed at Iconium. The crowd at Lystra wanted to worship Paul, then they stoned him. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch.
Acts15: Some men taught circumcision for the Gentiles. Peter said, "God gave the Spirit with no distinction." Paul and Barnabas separated.
Acts16: Paul took Timothy with him. We baptised Lydia in Philippi. Paul was imprisoned and there was an earthquake. The jailer was baptised.
Acts17: They taught in Thessalonica and Berea. In Athens Paul said, "I proclaim the God who gives life to all. He will judge the world."
Acts18: Paul taught in Corinth for a year and a half. He went to Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila. Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos.
Acts19: Paul laid his hands on the disciples at Ephesus to receive the Holy Spirit. Demetrius, a silversmith, started a riot in the city.
Acts20: We sailed to Troas. Paul raised Eutychus after he fell from the window. Paul encouraged the Ephesian elders to care for the flock.
Acts21: Paul was warned not to go to Jerusalem. He said, "I am ready to die." We went there and saw James. Paul was arrested in the temple.
Acts22: Paul said, "Jesus appeared to me and sent me to the Gentiles." The crowd threw dust. Paul told the tribune, "I am a Roman citizen."
Acts23: Paul caused a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Jews plotted to kill him. The tribune sent him to governor Felix.
Acts24: Tertullus accused Paul before Felix. Paul said, "I simply went to worship in the temple." Felix kept Paul in prison for two years.
Acts25: Festus arrived and summoned Paul. Paul said, "I appeal to Caesar." Festus brought Paul before King Agrippa to decide the charges.
Acts26: Paul said, "I opposed the name of Jesus. He appeared to me and made me a witness." Agrippa said, "This man could have been freed."
Acts27: We set sail for Rome. A storm struck and all hope was lost. Paul said, "Take heart, we must run aground." Everyone reached land.
Acts28: On Malta Paul healed all who had diseases. We came to Rome. Paul lived under house arrest. He proclaimed the kingdom of God to all.
44
Rom1: Paul, to the saints in Rome. I am eager to preach the gospel to you. The unrighteous have no excuse. God gave them up to their lusts.
Rom2: In judging you condemn yourself. The doers of the law will be justified. Do you boast in the law but break it? A Jew is one inwardly.
Rom3: The Jews were given the oracles of God. But no one is justified by the law. All have sinned and are justified through faith in Jesus.
Rom4: Abraham was counted righteous by faith before he was circumcised. He is the father of all who believe. The promise depends on faith.
Rom5: Therefore we rejoice in hope. While we were sinners, Christ died for us. As sin came through one man, so grace abounds through Christ.
Rom6: We were baptised into Christ’s death. So consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God. Offer yourselves to God for righteousness.
Rom7: You have died to the law. Is the law sin? No, sin produced death in me. I do not do what I want to do. My flesh serves the law of sin.
Rom8: The law of the Spirit has set you free. We are children of God and co-heirs with Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Rom9: I grieve for my kinsmen. But not all Israel are Israel. God has mercy on whom he wills. Israel did not pursue righteousness by faith.
Rom10: Everyone who calls on God will be saved. How will they hear if no one preaches? Moses says of Israel, "I will make you jealous."
Rom11: Even now there is a remnant of Israel. You Gentiles have been grafted into the tree. All Israel will be saved. Glory to God forever!
Rom12: Present your bodies as a living sacrifice to God. We are one body in Christ. Love one another as brothers. Overcome evil with good.
Rom13: Submit to authorities. Pay taxes to those due taxes. Owe nothing except love, which fulfils the law. Clothe yourselves with Christ.
Rom14: Accept those who are weak in faith. Everything is clean but it is wrong to cause anyone to stumble. Whatever is not of faith is sin.
Rom15: Each of us should build up our neighbours. Christ confirmed the promises given to the patriarchs. I hope to see you as I go to Spain.
Rom16: I commend to you Phoebe. Greet Prisca, Aquila, Andronicus, Junia and Rufus. Avoid those who cause divisions. Glory to God forever!
45
1Cor1: Paul, to the church in Corinth. Let there be no divisions. The cross is folly to those perishing, but to us it is the power of God.
1Cor2: I knew nothing among you except Christ crucified. We speak the wisdom of God. Through the Spirit we know what God has freely given.
1Cor3: You are still infants. One follows Paul, another Apollos. We are co-workers with God. Christ is the foundation. You are God’s temple.
1Cor4: Think of us as stewards of the mysteries of God. You are kings already? We are fools for Christ. I admonish you as my dear children.
1Cor5: You boast about the sexual immorality among you. You should deliver that man to Satan. But I am not judging those outside the church.
1Cor6: Do you take one another to court? Why not rather be wronged? Your body is not for sexual immorality, it is a temple of the Spirit.
1Cor7: It is good to stay unmarried, but better to marry than to burn with lust. Each should live as God has called. I want you to be free.
1Cor8: About food offered to idols: An idol is nothing. There is only one God. But if food makes my brother stumble I will never eat meat.
1Cor9: You are the seal of my apostleship. Do we not have the right to material support? But I made myself a servant to all for the gospel.
1Cor10: Do not desire evil as our fathers did. God will make you able to endure temptation. Flee from idolatry. Do all to the glory of God.
1Cor11: The head of a woman is her husband. I hear that some go hungry when you meet! With the bread and cup you proclaim God’s death.
1Cor12: Now there are various spiritual gifts, but one Spirit. If the whole body were an eye, how would it hear? You are the body of Christ.
1Cor13: Without love I am nothing. Love is patient, does not boast, endures all things. Tongues will cease, but faith, hope and love remain.
1Cor14: Tongues edifies the speaker, prophecy edifies the church. Each of you brings a hymn, a lesson or a tongue. Let all be done in order.
1Cor15: Christ was raised from the dead. If not then your faith is futile. But he is the firstfruits. At the trumpet we will all be changed.
1Cor16: Put aside an offering for the saints. I will come to you. The churches of Asia greet you. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
46 2Corinthians
2Cor1: Paul, to the church in Corinth. We share in Christ’s sufferings and comfort. My yes is not no, but to spare you I did not visit you.
2Cor2: I wrote to you as I did in much anguish. You should forgive the one who caused you pain. Through us God spreads the aroma of Christ.
2Cor3: God has made us ministers of a new covenant. When anyone turns to God, the veil is lifted. We are being transformed into glory.
2Cor4: God has given us the light of the glory of Christ. We have this treasure in clay jars. Through affliction we look to what is eternal.
2Cor5: What is mortal will be clothed with life. If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. We implore you, be reconciled to God!
2Cor6: Now is the day of salvation. We commend ourselves as servants. Do not be yoked with unbelievers. We are the temple of the living God.
2Cor7: I take great pride in you. I do not regret my letter, for godly grief produces repentance. Our boasts about you to Titus proved true.
2Cor8: The churches of Macedonia have given generously for the saints. See that you excel in this grace too. Titus was eager to go to you.
2Cor9: I boast to the Macedonians about the gift you promised. God loves a cheerful giver. Your generosity will overflow in thanksgivings.
2Cor10: Our weapons destroy arguments against God. What we say by letter we do in person. We only boast within the sphere God has given us.
2Cor11: I am jealous for you against these false apostles. I speak as a fool. Do they boast? I have greater labours, beatings and dangers.
2Cor12: I will boast of a man who saw paradise. I was given a thorn to keep me from pride. This is foolish! I will gladly be spent for you.
2Cor13: This will be my third visit. Christ is powerful among you. Test that you are in the faith. Be mature. The grace of God be with you.
47 Galatians
Gal1: Paul, to the churches of Galatia. You are already turning to a different gospel! The gospel I preached came by revelation from Christ.
Gal2: I went up to Jerusalem and saw the leaders. I opposed Cephas about circumcision. We are justified by faith in Christ and not by works.
Gal3: Those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. In Christ you are all sons of God.
Gal4: God sent his Son for us to receive adoption. How can you turn back to worthless principles? You, like Isaac, are children of promise.
Gal5: Christ has set us free. Circumcision counts for nothing. Use your freedom to love one another. Walk by the Spirit and not the flesh.
Gal6: Restore anyone caught in sin. Sow to the Spirit and reap eternal life. Let us not give up doing good. What counts is the new creation.
48 Ephesians
Eph1: Paul, to the saints in Ephesus. Praise the God who predestined us for adoption in Christ. May you know the riches of his inheritance.
Eph2: When we were dead in sin God made us alive with Christ. Gentiles are now fellow citizens. You are being built together into a temple.
Eph3: I preach the mystery of Christ. The wisdom of God is made known through the church. I pray that you may know the depth of his love.
Eph4: Therefore walk worthy of your calling. Christ gave each of us gifts to build up the body. Put off your old self and put on the new.
Eph5: Walk in love as Christ loved us. Walk as children of light. Expose the darkness. Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.
Eph6: Children, obey your parents. Slaves, obey your masters. Put on the whole armour of God to stand against the devil. Peace and grace.
49 Philippians
Php1: Paul, to the saints in Philippi. I thank God for you. My imprisonment has advanced the gospel. To live is Christ and to die is gain.
Php2: Have the mind of Christ, who humbled himself even to a cross. Work out your salvation with trembling. I hope to send Timothy to you.
Php3: We put no confidence in the flesh. I count all things as loss compared to Christ. I press on towards the prize. Brothers, imitate me.
Php4: Rejoice in God always! The peace of God will guard your hearts. I rejoice at your concern for me. My God will supply your needs.
50
Col1: Paul, to the saints in Colossae. May you be filled with wisdom. The Son is the image of the invisible God. I make known the mystery.
Col2: Let no one deceive you. You were buried with Christ and also raised with him. Why do you follow rules that do not restrain the flesh?
Col3: Seek the things above. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. So put to death your worldliness. Do everything in the name of Jesus.
Col4: Devote yourselves to prayer. Let your speech be gracious. Tychicus will tell you our news. Aristarchus, Mark and Epaphras greet you.
51 1Thessalonians
1Th1: Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, to the Thessalonians. We give thanks for you. Our gospel came in power. Your faith is an example to all.
1Th2: We shared the gospel with you and also our lives. You suffered like the churches in Judea. We tried to see you. Are you not our crown?
1Th3: We sent Timothy to strengthen you. We warned you that persecution would come. We are encouraged by your faith. May you grow in love.
1Th4: Live to please God. Avoid immorality. Love one another more and more. We do not grieve without hope, for the dead in Christ will rise.
1Th5: The day of God will come like a thief. Let us keep awake. Honour those who lead you. Do not quench the Spirit. Grace be with you.
52 2Thessalonians
2Th1: Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, to the Thessalonians. We boast of your faith through persecution. God Jesus will appear in vengeance.
2Th2: Do not be alarmed about the day of God. First the lawless one will appear, whom Jesus will destroy. Hold fast to our traditions.
2Th3: Finally, pray for us. God will guard you against the evil one. Keep away from anyone who walks in idleness. God be with you.
53 1Timothy
1Tim1: Paul, to Timothy my son. Stay in Ephesus to correct false teachers. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Glory to God forever!
1Tim2: Let prayers be made for all those in authority. God wants everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth. Let women learn in silence.
1Tim3: An overseer must be respectable and manage his family well. Deacons must be dignified and not greedy. Godliness is a great mystery.
1Tim4: In later times some will depart from the faith. Have nothing to do with godless myths. Devote yourself to Scripture and to teaching.
1Tim5: Put widows over sixty on the list. Younger widows should marry. Elders who rule well are worthy of double honour. Keep yourself pure.
1Tim6: Those who contradict the teaching of Christ understand nothing. The love of money is a root of evil. Fight the good fight of faith.
54 2Timothy
2Tim1: Paul, to Timothy my son. Fan into flame the gift of God. Share in suffering for the gospel. Hold to the standard of sound teaching.
2Tim2: No soldier gets entangled with civilian affairs. Present yourself to God as an approved worker. Cleanse yourself for honourable use.
2Tim3: In the last days people will be proud and unholy. As for you, continue in what you have learned. All Scripture is inspired by God.
2Tim4: Preach the word in and out of season. I have finished my race. Come to me soon with Mark. Beware of Alexander. God be with you.
55 Titus
Tit1: Paul, a servant of God, to Titus. I left you in Crete to appoint elders. Deceivers must be silenced. To the impure nothing is pure.
Tit2: Teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Men are to be steadfast, women reverent. The grace of God trains us to live godly lives.
Tit3: Show consideration to all. We were once slaves but God saved us. Believers should maintain good works. Everyone here sends greetings.
56
Phm1: Paul, a prisoner, to Philemon. I ask that you receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother. Put his wrongs on my account.
57 Hebrews
Heb1: In these last days God has spoken by his Son. Of the Son he says, "Let the angels worship him." And, "Your throne, O God, is forever."
Heb2: We must pay closer attention. The author of salvation tasted death for everyone. He was made like us to make atonement for our sins.
Heb3: Jesus has more honour than Moses. He is the Son over God’s house. Therefore, "Do not harden your hearts as they did in the rebellion."
Heb4: Let us fear lest anyone fails to reach the promised rest. The word of God judges the heart. So we boldly approach the throne of grace.
Heb5: Every high priest from among men is subject to weakness. Christ is a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. You still need teaching.
Heb6: Let us press on to maturity. It is impossible to restore those who fall away. The promise of God is a steadfast anchor for the soul.
Heb7: Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, who had no end. Our Lord became a priest through indestructible life. He is always able to save.
Heb8: We have a high priest who ministers in the true tent. He mediates a better covenant. He says, "I will write my laws on their hearts."
Heb9: The high priest enters the Most Holy Place once a year with blood. Christ entered the true holy place once for all by his own blood.
Heb10: The law is but a shadow. Animal blood cannot take away sins. Christ offered one sacrifice forever. So let us hold fast to our hope.
Heb11: Faith is the proof of hope. By faith the world was made. By faith Abraham obeyed. By faith Moses left Egypt. In faith some suffered.
Heb12: Let us run the race, looking to Jesus. God is disciplining you as sons. See that no one falls short of grace. Let us worship in awe.
Heb13: Let love continue. Marriage should be honoured. Let us bear the reproach Christ endured. Submit to your leaders. Grace be with you.
58 James
Jas1: James, to the tribes. Many trials produce perseverance. Riches will fade. Every good gift comes from the Father. Be doers of the word.
Jas2: If you show partiality to the rich you are committing sin. Act as those who are under the law of liberty. Faith without works is dead.
Jas3: No one can tame the tongue. With it we bless our Father and with it we curse others. The wisdom from above is pure and peace-loving.
Jas4: Your worldly desires cause conflict. Resist the devil, draw near to God. Who are you to judge your neighbour? You boast in arrogance.
Jas5: You rich have fattened yourselves for slaughter. Brothers, be patient until God comes. The prayer of faith will save the sick.
59 1Peter
1Pet1: Peter, to the diaspora. God has given us new birth through Christ. The prophets told of this grace. So be holy in all your conduct.
1Pet2: You are being built up to be a royal priesthood. Submit to human authority. Live as servants of God. Follow Christ in his suffering.
1Pet3: Wives, submit to your husbands. Husbands, honour your wives. Repay evil with blessing. Christ suffered for sins to bring us to God.
1Pet4: Do not live for human desires but for the will of God. The end is near. Love each other deeply. Do not be surprised when trials come.
1Pet5: Elders should be examples to the flock. Clothe yourselves with humility. Resist the devil. God will strengthen you. Peace to you all.
60 2Peter
2Pet1: Peter, to those of faith. God has given us great promises. So supplement faith with virtue and love. We were eyewitnesses of Christ.
2Pet2: False teachers will arise. If God did not spare angels then he knows how to punish the unrighteous. They are slaves of corruption.
2Pet3: Scoffers will say, "Where is his return?" God is not slow, but patient. Untaught people twist the Scriptures. Grow in Christ.
61 1John
1Jn1: We have seen and proclaim to you the Word of life. God is light. If we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
1Jn2: We know Christ if we keep his commands. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light. Do not love the world. Children, abide in him.
1Jn3: We are God’s children. Those born of God do not sin. We should love one another. We know love because he laid down his life for us.
1Jn4: Any spirit that confesses Christ is of God. God is love. He sent his Son as a sacrifice for sins. If we live in love, God lives in us.
1Jn5: Anyone born of God overcomes the world. The Spirit, water and blood all testify. God gave us eternal life in his Son. Keep from idols.
62 2John
2Jn1: The elder, to the elect lady. Let us love one another as the Father commands. Do not welcome false teachers. I hope to come to you.
63
64 3John
3Jn1: The elder, to beloved Gaius. I was overjoyed to hear of your faithfulness. Diotrephes spreads false charges. I hope to see you soon.
65 Jude
Jude1: Jude, to the elect. Ungodly people pervert grace into sensuality. They are judged as twice dead trees. Build yourselves up in faith.
66 Revelation
Rev1: The revelation of Jesus Christ to John. A voice said, "Write to the churches." I saw one like a son of man, his face was like the sun.
Rev2: "Ephesus, renew your first love. Smyrna, be faithful until death. Pergamum, some hold false teaching. Thyatira, you tolerate Jezebel."
Rev3: "Sardis, you are not alive but dead. Philadelphia, you have endured in my word. Laodicea, you are lukewarm so I will spit you out."
Rev4: I saw one seated on the throne in heaven. The four living creatures say, "Holy, holy, holy." The elders say, "You created all things."
Rev5: A Lamb standing as though slain took the scroll with seven seals. The creatures, elders and myriad angels sang, "Worthy is the Lamb!"
Rev6: The Lamb opened four seals and the horsemen went out to destroy. With the fifth seal I saw the martyrs. With the sixth the stars fell.
Rev7: The 144,000 were sealed from the tribes. A multitude cried, "Salvation belongs to our God." An elder said, "God will wipe every tear."
Rev8: With the seventh seal there was silence. I saw seven angels. Four angels blew their trumpets and a third of the earth was destroyed.
Rev9: At the fifth trumpet, locusts from the pit tormented the earth. At the sixth trumpet, four angels killed a third of mankind with fire.
Rev10: I saw an angel with a scroll. He cried out and seven thunders sounded. A voice said, "Eat the scroll." It was sweet and then bitter.
Rev11: The two witnesses will prophesy until the beast kills them. At the seventh trumpet, loud voices said, "Our God shall reign forever."
Rev12: A woman giving birth and a great dragon appeared. Michael and his angels fought the dragon. The dragon was thrown down to the earth.
Rev13: I saw a beast rising out of the sea. It spoke blasphemy against God. Another beast rose and gave everyone a mark. Its number is 666.
Rev14: I saw the Lamb in Zion with the 144,000. Angels said, "The hour of judgement has come." The earth was reaped with a sharp sickle.
Rev15: I saw angels with seven plagues. Those who conquered sang, "Just are your ways, Lord!" The angels were given seven bowls of wrath.
Rev16: The bowls of wrath were poured out. The seas turned to blood, darkness fell, the kings gathered at Armageddon and the earth quaked.
Rev17: I saw a prostitute on a beast with seven heads and ten horns. An angel said, "The heads and horns are kings. The Lamb will conquer."
Rev18: An angel cried, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon!" The kings and merchants will weep. An angel said, "The great city will be thrown down."
Rev19: A multitude cried, "Hallelujah! God reigns." The Word of God led the armies of heaven. The beast was cast into the lake of fire.
Rev20: Satan was bound and the martyrs reigned with Christ for 1,000 years. Then Satan was cast into the lake of fire. The dead were judged.
Rev21: I saw a new heaven and earth. A voice said, "God dwells with his people." An angel showed me the new Jerusalem. Its lamp is the Lamb.
Rev22: The river of life flows from the throne of God. "Behold, I am coming soon. I am the beginning and the end." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

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Clifford "RAY" Hackett www.rayis.me

I founded www.adapt.org in 1980 it now has over 50 million members.
$500 of material=World’s fastest hydrofoil sailboat. http://sunrun.biz

Section 1. §51202(a) of Article 2, Chapter 51 of Title 10, Guam Code Says littering is a fine of not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00)

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Section 1. §51202(a) of Article 2, Chapter 51 of Title 10, Guam Code Says littering is a fine of not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00)Section 1. §51202(a) of Article 2, Chapter 51 of Title 10, Guam Code

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Mahalo

SIGNATURE:
Clifford "RAY" Hackett www.rayis.me

I founded www.adapt.org in 1980 it now has over 50 million members.
$500 of material=World’s fastest hydrofoil sailboat. http://sunrun.biz

Guma.Trankilidat.Bylaws

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GUMA TRANKILIDAT ASSOCIATION (GTRA) BYLAWS
These By-laws and amendments are retroactive from start of association and shall act as a liaison between
GHURA and GTRA to assure adequate maintenance and problem solving of all units and common areas;
ARTICLE 1
SECTION I. Qualification. All occupied units of GUMA TRANKKILIDAT qualify to apply for membership. All
units pay 1 membership due and therefore have only 1 vote. Unit number must accompany signatures. If a
majority of all units will file a request to change this policy, it may be changed ONLY after a quorum vote WITH
a majority of unit signatures. SECTION 2: Time and Place of Meetings: Decided by quorum.
SECTION 3: Officer’s Meeting: Decided by quorum.
SECTION 4: Special Meeting: The president or a majority of the members may at any time call a Special
Meeting. A quorum must be present to conduct any business.
SECTION 5: Quorum: Three (3) officers shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum.
SECTION 6: Qualification Of Association Officers: All valid members are qualified to be elected as association
officers.
SECTION 7: Proxies: The Authority given by a valid member to another person to represent them at
Association meetings.
SECTION 8: Adjournment: Any meeting of the Association may adjourn to such place and time as may be
determined by a quorum
SECTION 9: Order of Business: (a) roll call; (b) proof of notice of meeting; (c) reading of minutes of preceding
meeting; (d) reports of officers; (e) unfinished business; (f) new business
SECTION 10: Speakers will hold an object designated by officers and be limited to 1 minute per turn. Number
of turns will be be fair to all.
ARTICLE 2
The officers shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and An Auditor.
SECTION 1: PRESIDENT: The president shall preside at all meetings and shall be the contact person on matters
affecting GTRA, update website daily, Surf GHURA’s website daily, and keep logs of these activities.
SECTION 2: VICE PRESIDENT: The vice presidents shall perform the duties of the president during the
president’s absence or temporary disability. In the event of the president’s death, resignation, or inability to
serve, he/she shall become president of the association for the balance of the unexpired term.
SECTION 3: SECRETARY: the secretary shall record all meetings, and notify all valid members of meetings.
SECTION 4: TREASURER: The treasurer shall give and receive money and receipts.
SECTION 5: AUDITOR: The Auditor shall audit every June 30 and December 31
SECTION 6: OTHER DUTIES: As assigned by president.
SECTION 7: ELECTION PROCEDURE: Incumbents are automatic candidates unless they decline in writing to the
secretary. Valid members must inform president in dated written notice of candidacy in November if wishing
to run for office, and if receiving plurality of votes by valid members shall be considered as elected. Each
December regular meeting, (last Friday of month) Voting shall be by preprinted ballots, each having a unique
number (each unit with valid members gets 1 vote) which are numbered and kept as permanent records,
verified by UNAFFILIATED third party. Except for president (3 terms maximum) terms are unlimited. Election
disputes must be filed with the president AFTER a majority of signatures. If 49 units have valid members 25 units or
more must sign the dispute. (50% + 1) Then a vote must be 2/3 (two thirds) to pass.
SECTION 8: TERM OF OFFICE: The Resident Association officers shall serve a term of one (1) year until their
position is vacated or their terms expire. The fiscal year shall be the same as the calendar year. President term
limit is three (3) years. Officers who resign from a position may not run for that position again.
SECTION 9: INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS: Installation of officers shall be in January regular meeting every year.
SECTION 10: REMOVAL: Any officer may be removed at any time for just cause by a majority vote of the
Association officers WITH a majority of member signatures. During the meeting, a valid eligible member who
obtained a plurality vote from valid members is considered elected and shall assume the office of the removed
officer.
SECTION 11: VACANCIES: Association officers who are absent for three (3) consecutive meeting without a valid
reason may be removed by the plurality votes of the officers.
ARTICLE 3
SECTION 1: DUES: FIVE DOLLARS ($5.00) is levied every month to each unit ( each unit with valid member(s)
pays one (1) membership due and gets (1) vote.
SECTION 2: PAYMENT OF DUES: Dues shall be paid on the first week of every month.
SECTION 3: DECEASED TENANT DONATION: Voluntarily to bereaved family of the deceased tenant
ARTICLE 4:
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 1: ETHICS: Each member shall honor and respect the Association and pledge to support it.
SECTION 2: AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS: Proposed amendment to the by-laws may be made by a valid member.
SECTION 3: EFFECTTVITY OF AMENDMENT: After plurality vote of the officers.
SECTION4: VALID MEMBERS: A valid member is one who is up to date in payment of monthly dues.
SECTION 5: MEETING: All regular meeting of the Resident Association shall be open to all valid members.
Speaker will hold speaker’s ball and limit to 1 minute per turn.
SECTION 6: ATTENDANCE: A written record of attendees shall be kept. Adoption: The By-Laws shall be adopted and
become effective upon the affirmation vote of a quorum.
SECTION 7: Disputes of officer’s decisions and/or election results must be filed with the secretary AFTER a majority of
signatures. If 49 units have valid members 25 units or more must sign the dispute. (50% + 1) Then the dispute is passed
with a 2/3 (two thirds) member vote

Mahalo

SIGNATURE:
Clifford "RAY" Hackett www.rayis.me

I founded www.adapt.org in 1980 it now has over 50 million members.
$500 of material=World’s fastest hydrofoil sailboat. http://sunrun.biz

civ16-00066 -ack-rlp (ack is trial-judge and rlp is pre-trial judge)

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Red Guahan ADA case filed in Hawaii
civ16-00066 -ack-rlp (ack is trial-judge and rlp is pre-trial judge)

Mahalo

SIGNATURE:
Clifford "RAY" Hackett www.rayis.me

I founded www.adapt.org in 1980 it now has over 50 million members.
$500 of material=World’s fastest hydrofoil sailboat. http://sunrun.biz

Bivens method of suing government. Sue.Government

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On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Bill Of Rights

, many attorneys may not realize that these rights each contain within them an intrinsic enabling authority for the purpose of redressing violations of these rights by those federal employees entrusted to uphold and protect them.

It is worth remembering that the authors of the Bill Of Rights were heavily influenced by Anglo-Saxon legal theorists such as Sir William Blackstone, who declared that there were "three absolute rights … the right of personal security, the right of personal liberty and the right of personal property. [1] Blackstone believed the principal aim of society is to protect individuals in the enjoyment of these absolute rights which were vested in them by the immutable laws of nature. [2]

Blackstone’s ideas became embodied in the Federalist papers, and in the writings of James Madison on property interests, which he defined in quite broad terms:

"In its larger and juster meaning, it embraces every thing to which a man may attach a value and have a right, and which leaves to every one else the like advantage … [A] man has a property in his opinions, and the free communication of them. He has a property of peculiar value in his religious opinions, and in the profession and practice dictated by them. He has a property very dear to him in the safety and liberty of his person. He has an equal property in the free use of his faculties, and free choice of the objects on which to employ them."

"The protection of these faculties" Madison wrote in The Federalist No. 10, "is the first object of government."

As Madison might have anticipated, and as modern students of law and history may realize, in the pursuit of its various other objectives, the federal government from time to time treads on these rights and "faculties" and on the natural rights of mankind whose protection is found in the Ninth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

When Congress enacted Title 42 U.S. Code §1983 and other federal civil rights laws for the redress of violations of these rights, it did not extend liability to federal officials and employees. Instead, these laws were held to apply to "state action", and the actions of county and municipal government (except when federal officials conspired with others. See Fonda v. Gray, 1983(CA 9) CAL 707 F.2d. 435.)

The dilemma on how to obtain compensation for victims of "constitu tional torts" by federal actors remained essentially unresolved until the case of Bivens v. Six Unknown Narcotics Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971).

Bivens has had more impact on the accountability of federal government officials than perhaps any other decision in the history of American law. The central issue in Bivens was whether the Fourth Amendment of the Federal constitution created an implied right of action. This was decided affirmatively in a claim for damages by individuals whose home was searched unreasonably (and hence unconstitutionally) by federal narcotic agents. Jurisdiction was not claimed under title 42 U.S. Code § 1983, which as of this writing, has not yet been held to extend liability to federal officials in most circumstances. Instead the enabling legislation was found under Title 28 U.S. Code § 1331 which grants general jurisdiction on the basis of a federal question.

Subsequent cases have held the Bivens theory of recovery applies to other claims under the various rights enumerated in the Constitution. (For decisions concerning redress of Fifth Amendment claims with Bivens actions, See Young v. Pierce, (DC Tex. 544 F.Supp. 1010) and Eight Amendment claims Mackey v. Indiana Hospital, (DC PA 562 F.Supp. 1251. [3]

Litigants who seek to bring claims against federal officials for abuses of their authority have been confused concerning the proper way to characterize their actions in the pleadings. Generally speaking, how one drafts a complaint and not what evidence is to be introduced determines whether a claim can survive as a federal cause of action. Tully v. Mott Supermarkets, Inc., 337 F.Supp. 834, 844 D.N.J. (1972).

For example, cases have held that if other theories of recovery are pleaded, a Bivens action must fail. This has forced attorneys to select whether they wish to use the Federal Tort Claims Act (Title 28 U.S. Code § 2679) and its strict presentment requirements and other federal law or to rely on a

Bivens theory. A complaint alleging both theories are at risk of a dispositive motion. Serra v. Pichardo, 786 F.2d. 237 (6th Cir.)

Another easy mistake to make is in deciding who to name as a defendant. A lawsuit naming the FBI or United States Department of Justice per se as defendants may fail because the agencies are likely to raise certain immunity defenses which have yet to be abolished.

Federal employees may become personally liable for constitutional deprivation by direct participation, failure to remedy wrongs after learning about it, creation of a policy or custom under which constitutional practices occur or gross negligence in managing subordinates who cause violations. (Gallegos v. Haggerty, Northern District of New York, 689 F.Supp. 93)

Although certain federal officials have absolute immunity from private suit, most executive officials enjoy only qualified immunity. The rationale for the distinction is that higher officials require greater liability than officials with less complex and discretionary responsibilities. Hatori v. Haya, 751 F.Supp. 1401.

Any action is considered to be against the "sovereign" and hence fails to state a claim if judgment would "interfere with public administration, or compel the United States to act in foreign policy, or enjoin foreign policy. (Sanchez Espinola v. Reagan, 770 F.2d. 202, Rochfort v. Gibbs, 696 F.Supp. 1151, WD Michigan, 1988.)

Many litigants facing civil lawsuits in which the United States is the plaintiff have erroneously sought to counterclaim against the U.S. The United States, however, to this date has not waived sovereign immunity for claims for damages, (See United States v. Northside Realty Associates, 324 F.Supp. 287, 291 (N.D. GA 1971) (dismissing a counterclaim asserted against the Attorney General where plaintiff in the suit was the United States on the ground that although the suit was initiated by the Attorney General, the real party in interest was the United States).

When lawsuits are brought against federal officials, they must be brought against them in their "individual" capacity not their official capacity. The theory appears to be that when federal officials perpetrate constitutional torts, they do so ultra vires and lose the shield of sovereign immunity. Williamson v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, 815 F.2d. 369, ACLU Foundation v. Barr, 952 F.2d. 457, 293 U.S. App. DC 101, (CA DC 1991).

Bivens actions, again, are by no means an exclusive remedy for redressing abuses of authority by federal government employees, even in a political context. In the celebrated case of Socialist Workers Party v. Attorney General, 596 F.2d. 58 (1979), 444 U.S. 903 (1979) (cert. denied) one of the many claims of the plaintiff, a Trotskyite communist organization, was for 193 surreptitious entries or burglaries committed by the F.B.I. Another set of claims was for the use of disruptive informants in the organization, which successfully proved itself to be a non-violent, educational group more involved in promoting and discussing ideas rather than in any violent act.

Judge Thomas Griesa’s final decision in the case allowed recovery under the Federal Tort Claims Act for the intentional torts of invasion of privacy for the use of informants as well as for the F.B.I.’s burglaries, under a theory of trespass. Many other counts were dismissed in the case for failure to adhere to the procedural requirements of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Why plaintiff’s counsel selected the FTCA rather than the Bivens theory of recovery is not known.

The social consequences of having available remedies such as Bivens and the FTCA are significant. Together with the Freedom of Information Act, The Privacy Act, and the willingness of disillusioned persons within government to act as "whistleblowers," a limited deterrent effect exists to serious violations of civil rights by government.

The sensation caused by the illegal federally sponsored research experiments on mentally disabled children sequestered for nearly 40 years and revealed only recently indicates the changes in public sentiments.

Nevertheless, many courts have considered civil rights claims to be "disfavored actions." Consider the court in Littleton v. Berbling, 468 F.2d. 390 (7th Cir. 1971):

"The civil damages suit is worthless, especially if the victim of oppression is a social misfit or an unsavory character."

The words of Justice Louis Brandeis however, offer another view:

"Decency, security and liberty alike demand that government officials shall be subjected to the rules of conduct that are commands to the citizen. In a government of laws, existence of the government will be imperiled if it fails to observe the law scrupulously. Our government is the potent, omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for the law, it invites every man to come a law unto himself. It invites anarchy. (United States v. Olmstead, 277 U.S. 438 (1928).

Mahalo

SIGNATURE:
Clifford "RAY" Hackett www.rayis.me

I founded www.adapt.org in 1980 it now has over 50 million members.
$500 of material=World’s fastest hydrofoil sailboat. http://sunrun.biz

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