For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

    Those who exercise authority and power should limit how much alcohol they consume. If they make decisions when drunk they may act contrary to the law or render unjust decisions.

    The first thing that came to mind when I read this psalm was the song “It is a good thing”, the first line of which begins “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises to His name.” The psalmist goes on to remind us of why it is a good thing to do so: He heals the brokenhearted, He supports the humble (to name two of the reasons). God does not show favoritism towards those with might and power, or even beauty as we measure such things. No God shows His favor to those who fear Him and strive to do His will.

    It would not be accurate to say that I never noticed this before, it is just that it never occurred to me that it was significant. Twice in this passage John hears the sound of a great crowd calling out God’s praise. The significance is that those who will be in heaven are a crowd so large that when they speak in unison they sound like ocean waves crashing on the shore. At the same time, or closely thereafter, Jesus will ride forth and for all time defeat the evil in this world and those who have chosen to serve it.

    Zechariah tells that the day will come when God will establish Jerusalem and the land of Israel such that the surrounding nations will be consumed when they attempt to attack it. Zechariah also prophesies that God will send forth a fountain which will cleanse everyone from their sins. As part of this God will eliminate idol worship and false prophets, those who prophesy on behalf of idols.