Author: Owner

On June 1st
READING: Ezra 9-10
Synopsis: Ezra mourns for Israel’s lack of separation and prays/Ezra aids in restoring separation, the men put away their ’strange wives’.
STUDY TIME
Making Things Right
(Ezra 10:11) “Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and ___ _____ ____________ and separate yourselves from the __________ of the land, and from the _____________ ___________.
Confession. Note in this passage that the men of Israel who had taken these Canaanite women for wives had to make confession to the Lord. Until you face your problem and admit your problem, you can never solve your problem.
Conduct. Now, these strange wives had to be put away. Repentance is not only being sorry for your sin, it is also altering behavior to stop the sin from continuing. If these women would not have been divorced they would have continued to be a thorn in the side of Israel, weakening the faith of God’s people.
Cognizance. Most important of all, Israel was made cognizant of their rebellion and sin against God. Their understanding of the seriousness of their rebellion had been made apparent to them. They now understood that they had willfully and rebelliously disobeyed God’s express commands. In fact, so unhappy were they as they were made aware of their sin, that they sat out in the rain to demonstrate their sorrowful repentance. (see vs. 9)
Today Is: “Flip a Coin Day!” The observance dates back to Julius Caesar who would flip a coin to make decisions he was uncertain about.
When he saw his own image, it was ’heads’.
.

On June 2nd
READING: Nehemiah 1-3
SYNOPSIS: Nehemiah hears from his brother of the sad state Jerusalem is in and fasts and prays./ The king, understanding his concern, sends him with letters and a commission to built the wall/ the names of the wall builders.
STUDY TIME
Servant for the King
(Neh. 1:11) “O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of they servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who __________ to _______ thy name: and _____________, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the _________ ________________.”
The Concern. As a responsible officer of the king, Nehemiah was in a position to hear of all the affairs in the kingdom. Of course, Hanani, one of his own brothers told him how Jerusalem was in a sorry state indeed, and that those who had returned were living in a state of danger and reproach because they had no city wall to protect them.
The Confidence. As cupbearer for the king, Nehemiah was the most trusted man in the kingdom. He alone was responsible for ensuring there was no poison in the king’s wine. In such a position, he would be not only a trusted servant, but a trusted friend as well.
The Consecration. Knowing how the king loved him, Nehemiah knew if he appeared sad, the king would ask him why, and he could request that he do something about Jerusalem. Nehemiah could have been throwing his whole career away, but doing God’s work was more important to such a man who wanted first and foremost, to serve God. God’s will came first, then his career.
TODAY IS: “National Doughnut Day!” In WWI, the Salvation Army served doughnuts and coffee to soldiers freely. Soldiers became so fond of them, they cooked them in their helmets, thus becoming know as “Doughboys.”

On June 28th
READING: Psalms 72-77
SYNOPSIS: David prays for Solomon/ Asaph prevails in temptation with God’s help/ The desolation of the sanctuary/ Praise to God and rebuke of the proud/ Declaration of God’s majesty/ Asaph shows how God helped him.
STUDY TIME
David’s Last Prayer
(Ps. 72:1) “ Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy _________________ unto the ________ _______.”
The Subjects. David of course, needed God’s help his entire life, and so now at the end, he still prayed for God’s judgments to be given to him. The main thrust of his prayer however, is for his son, Solomon, who would be king after him.
The Successful. David wanted his son to be a successful king. To help him accomplish this, David prayed for God to give him knowledge of righteousness to judge the people. He also prayed for his extended kingdom, for power among the nations. (see especially, vs. 10-11)
The Security. Finally, David ends his last prayer by praising the Lord he had served so long. It must have been shortly after this that he died, but how his last prayer encourages us to continue in prayer for our children and grandchildren as well. Let us continue to pray that God will be their helper and friend, even as He has been for us.
TODAY IS: “Insurance Awareness Day!” I’ll bet you know who invented this one! This is a day to plan for your life, and to plan for your loved ones after your life is over. God doesn’t want us to worry, but He does want us to be diligent in planning our finances.

On June 5th
READING: Nehemiah 9-10
SYNOPSIS: A solemn fast, repentance, and confession/Names of those who sealed the covenant, points of the covenant.
STUDY TIME
The Right Viewpoint
(Neh. 9:33) We must learn to see things from God’s point of view. We realize first that He is _______ in bringing chastisement upon us. Then, we must admit with the Jews, “...thou hast done ________, but we have done _________________.”
Just. In all His dealings with us, God is just. Notice that “just” is the root word of justice. If God judges us and brings some misfortune on us, He is dealing with us as a loving father deals with erring children. He chastises us to bring us to repentance.
Judgments. Of course, not all misfortune is a judgment from God, but I think every true child of God can point out some times in his life when he knows God’s hand of chastisement is upon him. With Israel we must admit, the judgments of God are right.
Jesus. It is good for us to remember that as our sacrifice, Jesus bore on His shoulders, our judgment. (Isa. 53:6) Jesus was not crucified by the Romans or the Jews, He was crucified by sin, our sin. The men who did the deed were merely tools to accomplish God’s merciful will.
TODAY IS: “World Environment Day!” Created by the United Nations in 1972, this is a day to consider how we can help conserve our planet’s natural resources. Forget junk science such as man-made climate change, but remember we are stewards of the environment God has put us in. He gave us all things to enjoy and use, but none to waste.

On June 30th
READING: Psalms 82-89
SYNOPSIS: A call for God to judge/longing for fellowship with God/ remembering former mercies and praying for mercy to continue/ David prays for continuance of God’s grace/citizenship in Zion/a personal prayer in time of need/praise to God for His care.
STUDY TIME
It’s Testimony Time
(Ps. 89:1) “I will sing of the _________ of the Lord for ever: with ____ ________ will I make known thy faithfulness to all _____________________.”
Who? Everyone who is blessed of God needs to make it known. No one is exempt, it is everyone’s duty for all have been blessed.
What? We need to share with others exactly how God has been merciful to us. Recounting God’s grace and blessings is good, but don’t neglect to tell of God’s mercy.
Where? Whether in Church, at home, or out in public, praise to the Lord and an honest accounting of our blessings is the least of our duties.
When? There is never an inappropriate time to praise God!
Why? We need to testify to others, or a new generation will arise which does not know God. We are already seeing that occur in many families. Make sure it doesn’t occur in yours.
TODAY IS: “Meteor Day!” If the sky is clear tonight, look for ‘falling stars’. These are meteors, or rocks caught in earth’s gravitational pull and falling to the ground. In 1908, a meteor explosion is Siberia knocked down trees in a 40-mile radius.

On June 3rd
READING: Nehemiah 4-6
SYNOPSIS: Nehemiah prays, sets a watch, and continues work/People complain of debt, mortgages, and bondage. Those guilty of usury are rebuked./ In spite of attempts to hinder it, the wall is finished.
STUDY TIME
Success!
(Neh. 6:15-16) “So the wall was _______________.” “...and all the ____________ that were about us saw these things, they were much _______ _______ in their _____ ________: for they perceived that this work was wrought ___ _____ _____.”
The Trials. Many times the work of the Lord is not done easily. We are opposed sometimes by enemies of God, sometimes by friends, sometimes by family, and always by our own wicked sin-nature.
The Triumph. If we persevere, we will see victory. Victory is not always accomplishing what we think we should, but it is found in being faithful to God’s call. Pastors, for instance, may never see a huge Church built, but if they are faithful, they are successful.
The Testimony. The work of God includes many things: Bible reading, a good prayer life, a separated life, witnessing, and being a blessing to all and a stumbling block to none are just a few aspects of His great work. In any and all of these things, if we achieve success with God’s help, we will cause others to see that the work done in our lives was God’s Work. This will humble them and direct their attention to God.
TODAY IS: “ Repeat Day!” “Repeat Day!” This is a day to find your favorite snack or activity, and repeat it. Instead of repeating sin, let’s repeat something good.

On June 4th
READING: Nehemiah 7-8
SYNOPSIS: The genealogy of those who came first out of Babylon/The law is read and heard, the people are comforted, and the Feast of Tabernacles is held.
STUDY TIME
The Sermon to the Saints
(Neh. 8:8) “So they read in the book in the law of God _______________, and gave the ________, and caused them to ______________ the reading.” (Neh. 8:12) “And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had ________________ the words that were ______________ unto them.”
Preaching. Why do we need Preachers? First of all, they read a portion of Scripture that the Lord has laid on their hearts, and then declare it to us. Moreover, they declare it distinctly, giving emphasis to parts that need emphasis. (That’s why your Preacher gets loud at times.)
Understanding. Of course, you can read and understand the Word of God for yourself, but I believe God leads His men and gives them insights His people need. Different people get different things from the message, but its all because God leads the Preacher in the presentation of message. See here how the people were sad when they heard the law, but were made glad when the preaching caused them to understand it more perfectly.
Motivation. The preaching caused the people to be moved to do something positive for God in observing the feast. Before, they had only been saddened by what they had not done. Now, they were encouraged by being exhorted in what they could do.
TODAY IS: “Maiden Day!” This day was originated after WWII when many GI’s did not return home, and there were found many more women than men around the USA. This is a day to encourage all maidens who have not yet found Mr. Right. Enjoy who you are and don’t fret about what you are not. God will either bring you a mate, or make you complete in Him as you are.

On June 29th
READING: Psalms 78-81
SYNOPSIS: Wrath of God against the disobedient/the desolation of Jerusalem/the miseries of God’s flock/ an exhortation to a solemn praising of God.
STUDY TIME
If God’s People Would Only Listen!
(Psalm 81:11) “But my people would not ___________ to my voice…” (Ps. 81:12) “So I gave them up unto their ____ __________....” (Ps. 81:13) “O that my ____________ had _______________ unto me…”
Subdued. If God’s people had only listened to Him, many good things would have resulted. First, He would have subdued their enemies. (vs. 13-14)
Submitted. (vs. 15) Those who hated the Lord would not have been left to try God’s people, but would soon have submitted themselves to God for punishment, and Israel would have been free from their influences and pollutions.
Satisfied. (vs. 16) God says also that He would have fed His own with the finest of the wheat. God delights in giving His children the very best, but He can only do so when we are in a right relationship with Him. Otherwise, He must withhold rewards to attempt to bring us to repentance. He also would have given what we really long for, the sweetness of honey out of the rock. The rock is Christ, and the sweetness is His continual fellowship and provision.
“TODAY IS: “International Mud Day!” Originating in Nepal, this day was begun to get poor children out of doors to enjoy nature. After splashing in the mud, these children seemed much happier and more at ease. Find or make some mud and try it.

On June 6th
READING: Nehemiah 11-13
SYNOPSIS: People are chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem, the rest in other cities/The Priests who came with Zerubabbel and the succession of the high priests/ On reading of the law of separation, reforms are made.
STUDY TIME
The Willing Few
(Neh. 11:1) “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem, the rest of the people also ______ _____, to bring ______ ____ ______ to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and ________ parts to dwell in other cities.” (Neh. 11:2) “And the people blessed all the men that _______________ ______________ themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.”
Danger. It was a dangerous thing in those days, to live in the city of Jerusalem. They eyes of all their enemies were upon that city, for they knew the heart of Israel was bound in its welfare. If an attack was made against the reclaimed nation, Jerusalem was where it would fall.
Draft. Some people, 1/10 of them, had to be drafted to live there. The draft was conducted by lot, and those so selected knew that they and their families were going to live in harm’s way.
Decisions. Some however, evidently made a decision of faith to willingly offer themselves to live in Jerusalem. These would put their whole trust in God and blindly follow His leadership. It is no different today. How we bless those few, missionaries for instance, who willingly offer themselves to serve God, often in difficult and dangerous places.
TODAY IS: “Yo Yo Day!” Yo Yo Day was established to honor Donald F. Duncan’s birthday who popularized and manufactured yoyo’s in the early 1900’s,

On June 27th
READING: Psalms 68-71
SYNOPSIS: .A prayer is offered when the ark is moved/David prays and praises God when in affliction/David asks God to destroy the wicked and protect the Godly/David prays for himself, against the enemies of his soul, and for his old age.
STUDY TIME
Old Age
(Ps. 71:17-18) “O God, thou hast taught me from my _______: and hitherto have I declared thy _________ _______.” “Now also, when I am ____ and ____________, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto ______ ______________, and thy _______ to every one that is to come.”
Death. We all have the prospect of old age and death in common. At one time I thought how strange it would be if I were in my fifties. Now I look back on my fifties and think it strange I am no longer in them. David felt his old age, but he felt something else, also.
Debt. David recognized, as we should recognize, that the believer owes a tremendous debt to God. Of course, the debt for our salvation is incalculable. However, ought we not attempt to do something for God because of the tremendous benefits He has given us? In our youth we gave testimony of His marvelous works. Why should it be different now?
Duty. It is our duty to declare to the new generation all the wonderful works God has done. As long as we are able to speak, we must declare what God has done for us. This is out solemn duty.
TODAY IS: “Sun Glasses Day!” This is a day to wear sunglasses, protect your eyes from UV rays, or just look mysterious and pretend you are an incognito celebrity.

On June 26th
READING: Psalms 60-67
SYNOPSIS: David prays for deliverance and comforts himself in God’s promises/ David flees to God and promises he will serve Him forever/ David professes confidence in God and encourages others/David thirsts after the services in the sanctuary/David prays for deliverance from enemies/God’s infinite power and goodness/David exhorts to praise God/ A prayer for the enlargement of God’s kingdom.
STUDY TIME
Regarding Iniquity
(Psalm 66:18) “If I ________ ___________in my _________, the Lord will not _________ me.”
Definition. Iniquity is a lack of righteousness. Think of it this way. Iniquity in when we ‘quit’ ‘in’ side. Iniquity is the natural state of man, just as righteousness is the spiritual state after the new birth.
Decision. No one sins accidentally. We may convince others and even ourselves that we do, but that is not the case. We have to purposefully make the decision to set aside God’s will and the principles of God’s Word. Now, if we decide to not read our Bible, not attend Church, not witness, or not perform whatever God’s will is, then we have a disregard for God and a regard for iniquity.
Duty. It is God’s duty as a good Father, not to give audience to our prayers in such a case. The priority is to get our relationship back to the place it used to be first, and then He can once again grant our needs and even the desires of our heart.
TODAY IS: “Global Forgiveness Day!” Organized in Vancouver, Canada in 1994, this is a day to forgive those who have done wrong to you. This is, of course, a practice we should participate in every day.

On June 7th
READING: Esther 1-3
SYNOPSIS: Queen Vashti disobeys King Ahasuerus and is divorced/Esther is chosen as Queen, Mordecai discovers a treason and is recorded in the court chronicles/Haman is despised by Mordecai and seeks revenge on all Jews.
STUDY TIME
The Man Who Should Never Have Been
(Esther 3:6) “And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai _______: for they had showed him the _________ of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy ____ _____ _______that were throughout the whole kingdom…”
Disobedience. Disobedience to God has far reaching consequences. You will recall that King Saul had been ordered to destroy all the Amalekites. He had failed by sparing King Agag. Haman was a direct descendent of the wicked king (3:1) (Agagite) and so should never have been born to do wickedness.
Despite. Had Mordecai really been despiteful enough to earn such hatred? All he had done was refuse to bow before Haman, a descendant of his people’s ancient enemies. However, when someone with a massive ego is slighted, vindictiveness knows no boundaries.
Destruction. It is hard to imagine someone wanting to kill every man, woman, and child of a particular people. Such prejudice is totally foreign to Christian thought. However, did you know that maps are sold in many Arab countries of the middle east that totally delete Israel as a nation? Some Arabs hate that much that they also are willing to murder an entire nation! Such evil exists. Pray for Israel.
TODAY IS: “National Chocolate Ice Cream Day!” One of the most popular flavors, enjoy it with a friend today.

On June 8th
READING: Esther 4-7
SYNOPSIS: Mordecai and the Jews mourn, Esther makes a resolution and appoints a fast./Esther invites the King and Haman to a feast/Ahasuerus orders Haman to honor Mordecai/ Esther sues for her life and her people, finding Haman’s guilt, the king orders him hanged.
STUDY TIME
The Faith of Mordecai
(Esther 4:14) “For if thou altogether oldest thy peace at this time, then shall there _____________ and ________________ arise to the ______ from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be ________________: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for _____ __ ______ ___ _______?”
Implication. The name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, but His actions and watch care are most certainly implied all through it.
Indecision. Mordecai told Esther that if she held her peace, then both she and all her family would perish. This included of course, Mordecai himself.
Intention. Mordecai knew however, that God would protect His people. Even though he doesn’t mention God directly, he alludes to God’s promises concerning Israel when he said, “...there shall enlargement (blessings) and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place. He could not know of course, and would not presume to say, but perhaps Esther was come for just such a time as this.
TODAY IS: “Best Friends Day!” Today is a day to spend with your good friend. Remember, to have a best friend, be a best friend.

On June 25th
READING: Psalms 52-59
SYNOPSIS: David reproves the spitefulness of Doeg/on the general depravity of mankind/David complains of his fearful case/David complains of his enemies/David complains of his dangerous case/He describes the nature of the wicked/ David prays for deliverance.
STUDY TIME
The Real Need of Mankind
(Ps. 58:3) “The wicked are ____________ from the _________: they go ________ as soon as they are born, speaking _______.”
The Pretending. Pretending a problem doesn’t exist will not solve it. Ignoring a disease will not make it go away. All too many people ignore the real need of mankind which is a solution for sin.
The Problem. All mankind are born sinners. Cute and cuddly little babies are not born in innocence, they are born little heathens. Is it not true that you don’t need to teach children to lie? As soon as they are born, they cry to indicate something is wrong, but often they are lying, for nothing is wrong. They just want attention. It goes downhill from there.
The Provision. Parents must recognize their children are born moral cripples. Rom. 5:12 assures us we have all inherited a sin-nature from our fathers, and have all chosen sin, a path that leads us astray from God. Therefore, the great need of mankind is to find a provision to deal with sin. That provision was made completely in the person and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 3:16-18)
TODAY IS: “National Catfish Day!” In 1987v Pres. Reagan signed proclamation 5672 establishing this as National Catfish Day. Enjoy a plate of this delicious and healthy food. (If you can, catch it yourself.)

On June 24th
READING: Psalms 45-51
SYNOPSIS: The majesty and grace of Christ’s Kingdom/ Confidence in God/Nations exhorted to accept the Kingdom/ Privileges of God’s people/ The psalmist calls on all people to join in his meditations/ Majesty of God and His pleasure/ David’s psalm of confession.
STUDY TIME
A Fearful State
(Ps. 50:16-17) “But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to ____________ my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my ________________ in thy mouth?” “Seeing thou hatest _________________ and castest my words ____________ thee.”
The Religious Lost. I believe Churches have many ‘counterfeit’ members. There are in most if not all Churches, people who give lip service to Christ, and yet have never undergone a salvation experience. God is not impressed with religion. In our text, God says these have no business trying to worship Him when they have ignored His words and cast them behind them. He speaks of the need to be born again. (see John 3)
The Redemption Lack. Perhaps some have been reared in a Christian church-going family, and have always assumed God is their father. Perhaps they made a profession of faith as a small child with no understanding of what they did. Some perhaps, belong to a Church just because of tradition. These all lack the most important thing, redemption.
The Repentance Limited. Just by way of illustration, picture the Kingdom of God as a passenger train. We’ll call it, “The Repentance Limited.” It’s pulling out now, destination heaven. Are you on board? You can’t be if you don’t have a ticket, and the only way to get one is to ask Christ for it. (Rom. 10:13)
TODAY IS: “Swim a Lap Day!” As a child I couldn’t wait to go swimming in the summer. Why not find a modest place to enjoy this most healthful and enjoyable activity?

On June 9th
READING: Esther 8-10
SYNOPSIS: Mordecai is promoted and the Jews are granted the right of self-defense./ The Jews are victorious and slay their enemies along with Haman’s sons. Purim is made a festival./ Ahasuerus is great and Mordecai is advanced in the kingdom.
STUDY TIME
Self-Defense
(Esther 8:11) “Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves ___________, and to ________ for ______ their life, to _________, to _____ and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would ____________ them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.”
The Hatred. Jews have always been hated by many with a peculiar hatred. This is because they are different. In like manner the world will hate committed and active Christians, and for the same reason.
The Harm. The Amalekites wanted to harm and indeed destroy all the Jews. The enemies of Israel want to do the same thing even today. And, the time is coming when true Christians will be assaulted and made to suffer for the kingdom of God.
The Help. God will help in that time. One of our God given rights is the right to self-defense. No one is ever called upon to passively accept cruel murder of self or family. As Pres. Roosevelt said in 1941, “...we will gain the inevitable victory, so help us God.”
TODAY IS: “Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day!” This day has been informally recognized for years by rhubarb lovers. Try some, you’ll like it!
Made from common ingredients, this delicious pie was once referred to as: Humble Pie.

On June 22nd
READING: Psalms 32-37
SYNOPSIS: Blessedness of one whose sins are forgiven/God to be praised for his goodness and power/David praises God and exhorts others to do the same/David prays for safety/miserable state of the wicked & excellence of God’s mercy/happy state of the godly and the short-loved prosperity of the wicked.
STUDY TIME
Envying Evil
(Ps. 37:1-2) “Fret not thyself because of ___________, neither be thou envious against the workers of ____________. For they shall soon be _____ ________ like the grass, and ___________ as the green herb.”
Prosperity. It seems as if it is always the ungodly who seem to prosper in this world, while committed Christians always seem to not have as much. Although this could lead to resentment and envy, we are exhorted not to engage in either of these emotions.
Punishment. The wicked have only destruction to look forward to. That punishment for rejecting God and His word is imminent although it may not be immediate. When it falls, it will fall quickly and irrevocably.
Pleasure. Until that time, God in His mercy allows His creatures a little pleasure in this world, knowing they will have none in eternity. We, on the other hand, look forward to eternal joy and eternal prosperity as God’s own sons and joint heirs with Christ.
TODAY IS: “National Chocolate Eclair Day!” Today is a day when no cup of coffee should be lonesome. Pair it up with a chocolate éclair. It’s a match made for the joy of mankind!

On June 11th
READING: Job 6-10
SYNOPSIS: Job defends his complaints, wishes for death, and reproves his friends unkindness/Job excuses his desire for death/Bildad shows God’s justice and proves from history that God destroys hypocrites/Job acknowledges God’s justice but maintains man cannot be judged by his lot in the world/Job expostulates with God and craves a little ease before death.
STUDY TIME
Let Me Alone!
(Job 10:20) “Are not my days few? _______ then, and let me alone, that I may take ___________ a little.”
Extremis. When someone is ‘at the end of their rope’, they are said to be in extremis. This is actually a Latin term for terrible pain and approaching death. Job evidently felt that he was there.
Expostulation. To expostulate, is to vehemently and violently accuse someone. Job accused God in just this manner. He demanded to know why God had even created him if He was going to make Job suffer so, and why He would not just leave him alone and let him have a little peace before death.
Expectancy. Why is it that we always blame God for our pain? It was the Devil who struck Job. Truly, God allowed it for His own purposes, but Job should have been angry at Satan, not the Savior. We seem to expect that if we serve God we should have the best of everything, but we ought to expect the opposite. After all, we have declared ourselves and enemy to Satan when we vow to serve the Lord. Why shouldn’t we expect a little adversity?
TODAY IS: “National Corn of the Cob Day!” Although sweet corn is still just newly planted, we look forward to the day when we can eat it hot with salt and butter!

On June 12th
READING: Job 11-15
SYNOPSIS: Zophar rebukes Job for justifying himself/Job answers by showing that wicked men often prosper/Job reproves his friends and professes confidence in God/since man’s life is brief, Job waits for change/Eliphaz reproves Job and maintains that wicked men are troubled.
STUDY TIME
Speaking For God
{Job 13:6) “Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips. Will ye speak __________ for God? And talk _______________ for Him?”
Reasonably. If we presume to speak for God, we must speak reasonably. By that I mean we must allow the Bible to guide us and ensure that we speak the truth in love, as we are enjoined to do. (Eph. 4:15) In truth, all we can actually do, and should do, is to let God speak for Himself. Our task is to study the Scripture so we can show others the Scriptures they need.
Reproaching. Job’s friends reproached him on behalf of God. However, assuming God was judging Job, they believed they were performing God’s will by reproaching their friend in his darkest hour. We must be careful not to assume the position of judge where others are concerned. That is reserved for Christ alone. (see Matt. 7:1)
Recruiting. There are many who handle the word of God deceitfully today. They tell people what they want to hear, but not what they need to hear. These speak ‘deceitfully’ for God simply in an attempt to recruit people to themselves. We call these cults.
TODAY IS: “Red Rose Day!” Possibly originating in Australia, the giving of a red rose on June 12th symbolizes love and passion.

On June 21st
READING: Psalms 23-31
SYNOPSIS: the leadership of the shepherd who wields the crook/ and the crown of Messiah/prayer/love of God’s House/ prayer/ on power/ on praise/ a prayer for God’s help.
STUDY TIME
The Way He Leads
(Ps. 23:2-3) “He maketh me to ____ _______ in green pastures: he _________ me beside the still waters.” “He ___________ my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of ______________ for his name’s sake.”
Rest. The way God leads is to a place of rest. We can always rest secure in His love and in the knowledge that He provides all we need. As a shepherd gives his sheep green pastures in which to graze and sleep, so God provides similarly for us.
Restoration. Our souls have been forfeited due to trespasses and sins. Christ restores us to life just as surely as He restored Lazarus from the dead. How wonderful it is not to hope we are saved, but to know we are saved. ( 1 John 5:13)
Righteousness. The way He leads is a righteous path. Let no one say God leads us into immorality or sin. Jesus died to lead us away from those things. God is pure holiness and desires, no demands, His people be holy as well.
TODAY IS: “It’s Finally Summer Day!” This is the longest day of the year, the day summer really begins, meteorologically speaking.

On June 10th
READING: Job 1-5
SYNOPSIS: Satan accuses God of overprotection and is allowed to strike Job’s possessions and family/Further protesting by Satan and God allows him to strike Job’s body/ Job curses the day of his birth/Eliphaz reproves Job and shows judgments are for the wicked./ Eliphaz tells Job what is happening to him is for his own good.
STUDY TIME
The Reproachful
Job 5:17-27
(Job 5:17) “Behold, happy is the man whom God _____________, therefore, __________ not thou the ______________ of the Almighty.” (Job 5:27) Lo this, we have __________ it, so it is: hear it, and know thou it for thy ______.”
The Appearance. Things are not always what they seem to be. Here was Job, down and defeated, and it appeared as if God had become his enemy.
The Assumptions. Job’s friends immediately assumed he was being punished for some wicked deed. Assumptions are dangerous things to engage in. We may assume we know an alternate meaning to what someone says, (Here’s what they said, but I know what they really meant), or we may assume we know what God is doing in someone else’s life, based upon what we see happening to them. However, our assumptions are not always accurate, as was the case with Job and his friends.
The Advice. To tell someone in dire straits that they are being punished for sin is not only an assumption, it is lacking compassion and love and is therefore sinful. Don’t advise someone in such a case, “It’s for your own good”. That’s what did in vs. 27, but he was wrong.
TODAY IS: “National Iced Tea Day!” In 1904, Richard Blechynden set up a booth to sell hot tea at the World’s Fair in St. Louis. No one wanted to drink something hot for it was a sizzler of a day. So, he poured his hot tea on ice and began a tradition that survived to this day.

On June 23rd
READING: Psalms 38-44
SYNOPSIS: David confesses sin and hopes in God/he considers the brevity of life/of confidence and obedience/blessings of a charitable man and his enemies’ treachery/thirsting for God/praying for restoration/bad treatment for God’s people.
STUDY TIME
When Friends Betray Your Trust
Psalm 41:9-10
“Yes, mine own __________ ________, in whom I __________, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his ______ against me.” “But thou, O Lord, be __________ unto me, and raise me up, that I may _________ him.”
The Deed. It hurts terribly to have someone ‘kick you when you’re down’, but that is what happened to David. (“...lifted up his heel against me.”)
The Depression. What made this deed infinitely worse was, it was David’s friend who had done it. This ‘friend’ was someone David had trusted, someone in whom he had placed his trust. No betrayal is as bad as when a beloved friend turns on you.
The Debt. David asked God to raise him up, so he could ‘requite’ the one who had done this. To ‘requite’ means to ‘pay back’. I don’t believe David was not going to seek revenge, but I believe he was going to ‘heap coals of fire on his head’ by doing a good deed rather than performing a selfish act of vengeance.
TODAY IS: “National Columnists Day!” Established by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, this commemorates the day newspaper reporter Ernie Pyle was killed in World War II.

On June 20th
READING: Psalms 18-22
SYNOPSIS: David’s psalm of thanksgiving/God’s glory and the excellence of His law/a psalm about trust/a psalm of thanksgiving and confidence in God/a prayer in time of distress.
STUDY TIME
A Psalm of Distress
(Ps. 22:1) “My God, my God, why hast thou ____________ me? Why are thou so ____ from me, and from the ________ of my roaring?”
The Problems. David was often beset with problems. Consider for instance, he benefactor Saul wanted to kill him. He had to flee for his life. He sinned in a time of weakness and reaped a harvest of problems for the rest of his life. His own son sought to kill him and usurp the kingdom. And we think we have problems! This Psalm is a song of sorrow as David faces his innumerable difficulties, and pleads for God’s help.
The Prophecy. Although David was probably unaware of it, this Psalm is also a prophecy of the crucifixion of the Lord. It describes what it would be like to undergo death by crucifixion.
The Praise. In vs. 22-23 David says he will praise the Lord , and enjoins everyone to do the same. Praise is not just to be offered in the good times, but also the bad times. Remember, real love exists “in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer.”
TODAY IS: “Ice Cream Soda Day!” This is the day to enjoy one of the tastiest treats ever devised by man. Do so without guilt. I won’t say a thing.

On June 13th
READING: Job 16-21
SYNOPSIS: Job reproves his friends lack of mercy and protests his innocence/Job appeals to God/Bildad reproves Job for presumption and reviews calamities that fall on the wicked/Job’s belief in the resurrection/Zophar shows the state of the wicked/Job craves to be heard and shows again that the wicked do sometimes prosper.
STUDY TIME
Job 19:25-26
A Remarkable Testimony
“For I know that my ___________ _________, and that he shall stand at the ________ day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms ___________ this body, yet in my ________ shall I see ______.”
The Redeemer. The faith of Job is most remarkable. This is the oldest of all books of the Bible, and yet Job’s faith was the same as ours is today. First, he placed his faith in the hands of one who would ‘buy him back’ or ‘redeem’ him. He looks ahead by faith, to the coming of Christ as the suffering Messiah.
The Resurrection. He knows he faces the common end of life, and will one day die, be buried, and face the corruption of the grave. Yet Job looked forward to his very flesh being one day restored and resurrected from the grave.
The Review. Why did Job give this testimony? His friends were cruel, attempting to accuse Job of terrible sin and of the anger of the Almighty. Job’s answer is the best answer when we are so accused. In fact, his is the only answer, an answer of faith.
TODAY IS: Sewing Machine Day! This day commemorates the patenting in 1846 of one of mankind’s most useful machines.

On June 14th
READING: Job 22-28
SYNOPSIS: Eliphaz accuses Job of various sins/Job longs to appear before God/Sin often goes unpunished/Bildad declares the sovereignty of God before whom man cannot be justified/Job reproves Bildad’s uncharitable spirit/Job declares his sincerity/knowledge and wisdom
STUDY TIME
Job 25:4
Justified
“How then can man be ___________ with God? Or how can he be _________ that is born of a woman?”
Description. To be justified is as you have heard many times, to be made Just as If I’d never sinned. In typing class long ago, I learned how to justify words in a typing script. To do so meant to make them all even, to bring them into line. Of course, with a computer all we need to do is push one button, but to justify a man before God is a little more complicated.
Deed. Only faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, in His atonement can justify us with God. When He looks on us, He no longer sees our sin, but sees rather the shed blood of His Son, spilled on our behalf. He sees one for whom Christ died, and so one whose sin is forgiven and forgotten. Thus are we justified.
Duty. Our duty however, is to allow ourselves to be brought into line with the Scripture. Paul asked it in Romans, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin continue any longer therein? Are you justified in His sight? That not only means salvation which is accomplished, but also surrender to His will which is an ongoing process.
TODAY IS: “Flag Day!” In June of 1776, George Washington approached Betsy Ross and asked her to make our nation’s first flag. Today is a day dedicated to “Old Glory!”

On June 19th
READING: Psalms 10-17
SYNOPSIS: Pride of the wicked/rejoicing in God’s providence/David craves help from God/prays his enemies may not exult over him/general corruption of mankind/a citizen of Zion/David shows the hope of his calling, his hope in the resurrection/he prays to be saved from his enemies.
STUDY TIME
Ps. 16:9-11
Hope
“Therefore my heart is glad and my glory ____________: my flesh also shall ______ in _____. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see _______________. Thou wilt shew me the ______ ____ ______:…”
Rejoicing. Hope is not wishful thinking, but rather the sure and certain expectation of the fulfilling of a promise. We, like David, can rejoice in the hope we are given by our faith.
Resurrection. David also knew that he would be resurrected from the grave. Although his soul had been condemned to hell, still he rejoiced for he knew God had commuted that sentence, and he would one day be resurrected from the destiny he had so richly deserved.
Route. Thomas once protested that they didn’t know the way to where Christ was going. (John 14:5) Christ told Thomas of course in the next verse that He was the way. In David’s case, he worried not about finding to route to eternal life, for he knew one who would guide him and “shew me the path of life…”
TODAY IS: “National Kissing Day!” Appropriate only for Husbands and Wives and family members, this is a day to show affection for your loved ones.
Married:

Unmarried:

On June 18th.
READING: Psalms 1-9
SYNOPSIS: Contrast of wicked and righteous/reign of God’s anointed/David’s psalm when he fled from Absalom, his son/Man’s happiness in God’s favor/David prays for guidance/David complains in his sickness/the malice of his enemies/God’s glory manifested in His works/praise for justice.
STUDY TIME
It Belongs to Him
Psalm 3:8
“Salvation belongeth unto the ______: thy blessing is upon thy _________. Selah”
Our Part. There is nothing man can do to be saved. The very thought is ridiculous. After all, if there were some work we could do to ‘earn’ the favor of God, salvation would not be a gift, contrary to Eph. 2:8-9. Also, if we could earn our salvation, why would Jesus have even gone to the cross? There would be no purpose then in His sacrifice. No, salvation is all of Him, not of us.
Our Perseverance. It is a popular belief that we can lose our salvation if we commit terrible sins after conversion. Again, the very thought is foolish. Which sin would cause us to lose our salvation? If there is one, why doesn’t the Bible name it? Eternal life is eternal. Nothing can ever affect our standing with God. (see Jude 24-25)
Our Problems. God constantly intervenes on our behalf in response to our prayers. All who are His children could name instance after instance where He has done so, miraculously delivering us from our own difficulties, usually of our own making. Surely we ought to pause and give Him praise today, for salvation belongeth unto the Lord.”
TODAY IS: “Father’s Day!” Observed first in Washington in 1910, this is a day to remember “Dad”.

On June 15th
READING: Job 29-33
SYNOPSIS: Job remembers his former prosperity/his honor is turned into contempt/Job speaks of his integrity/Elihu reproves the friends for not satisfying Job/Elihu offers to reason with Job.
STUDY TIME
Now I’ll Do It!
Job 32:9-10
“Great men are not always _____: neither to the aged understand __________.” “Therefore I said, Hearken unto ___, and I will show you _______ ___________.”
Pride. Elihu had been silent now, but decided to speak up and show Job his opinion. He was not even counted with the three friends of Job, (Job 2:11) but was evidently traveling with them. Elihu claims inspiration (Job 32:8) as he begins to tell Job what his problem is.
Procedure. Elihu makes a massive argument, but still falls into the same error the other three friends of Job fell into. He determines Job must be guilty and so is being punished.
Problem. This is a recurring problem with many people. Take for instance, the concept of socialism, the redistribution of wealth. The taking away of wealth from those who have it and redistributing it to those who don’t have it has never worked, although it has been tried many times and under many names. Today, many politicians want to try it in America. They think, “It hasn’t worked before, but we can make it work.” No, whether social or spiritual, different people applying wrong solutions will never help. He continues through chapter 37, and it is notable that when He finishes, God has had enough! Chapter 38 is when God begins to speak.
TODAY IS: “Smile Power Day!” Show everyone the power there is in a shared smile.

On June 16th
READING: Job 34-37
SYNOPSIS: Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice/Elihu says our good and evil cannot extend to God/God is to be feared and his wisdom is unsearchable/
STUDY TIME
I Hope It Keeps On!
Job 34:36-37
“My desire is that Job may be tried ______ ____ ____ because of his ____________ for wicked men.” “For he addeth ___________ unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and _________________ his words against God.”
Meanness. Elihu reveals part of his character here that is seen all too often in Christians today. He is mean, desiring to see punishment continue on Job’s life. Much like Jonah, who settled down to see the fireworks when God would destroy Nineveh, Elihu seems to enjoy Job’s suffering, due to his own self-righteousness. Again, he is a fore-runner of those who would one day bring an adulterous woman to Jesus, demanding she be stoned.
Mercy. Elihu has left out of his argument, the same thing the others left out, the fact of God’s mercy. When suffering comes into a person’s life, it is never done to him, but is done for him. Elihu seems to think that God is ‘getting even’ with Job.
Magnification. In his arguments, does Elihu magnify the Lord? No, like the other friends of Job, he magnifies only himself. Oh, he may mention God’s wisdom and greatness, but he also mentions his own wisdom and understanding. Such an attitude is born of pride, not real helpfulness and concern.
TODAY IS: “Fresh Veggies Day!” Leave the can in the cupboard and steam some fresh vegetables. You’ll find a world of difference.

On June 17th
READING: Job 38-42
SYNOPSIS: God challenges Job to answer and convinces him of ignorance/God shows His power/Job humbles himself/God’s great power/God heals and restores Job
STUDY TIME
God’s Answer
Job 42:6-7
“Wherefore I ______abhor myself, and _________ in dust and ashes.” “And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz, the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy _____ friends: for ye have not spoken the thing that is ______, as my servant Job hath.
The Repentance. After hearing God, Job repented. He had done nothing wrong, and was not being punished for sin. Job rather he had used ’words without knowledge’, just as his friends had. That is, he had questioned God instead of accepting what God did, but was completely forgiven and restored.
The Remonstrance. God accepted Job, but Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had sinned in attacking the innocent Job. They were guilty indeed, and sacrifices had to be made for them, reminding them they were not saved by their own righteousness, but by the blood of the Messiah to come. (vs.8-9) Note also that Job’s captivity was turned when he got rid of his anger and prayed for his friends. (vs.10) Don’t hold on to anger, even if it seems to be justified. Relief begins with letting it go.
The Result. Oh, what of Elihu, that young man who determined he knew all about it? Well, God completely ignored him, which must have been a serious blow to his ego, indeed.
TODAY IS: “National Hollerin’ Contest DAY!” Some 10,000 people will descend of Spivey, NC to engage in this contest of ’hollerin’ the loudest, in this town of 50.