Daily Readings for March 10
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Leviticus 17

 

1.Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2."Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them: 'This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded, 3.Whatever man there is of the house of Israel, who kills a bull, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp, 4.and hasn't brought it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to offer it as an offering to Yahweh before the tabernacle of Yahweh: blood shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people. 5.This is to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to Yahweh, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to the priest, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace offerings to Yahweh. 6.The priest shall sprinkle the blood on the altar of Yahweh at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and burn the fat for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 7.They shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat idols, after which they play the prostitute. This shall be a statute forever to them throughout their generations.'

8."You shall say to them, 'Any man there is of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice, 9.and doesn't bring it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to sacrifice it to Yahweh; that man shall be cut off from his people.

10."'Any man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who eats any kind of blood, I will set my face against that soul who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 11.For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life. 12.Therefore I have said to the children of Israel, "No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood."

13."'Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten; he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust. 14.For as to the life of all flesh, its blood is with its life: therefore I said to the children of Israel, "You shall not eat the blood of any kind of flesh; for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off."

15."'Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening: then he shall be clean. 16.But if he doesn't wash them, or bathe his flesh, then he shall bear his iniquity.'"

 

Leviticus 18

 

1.Yahweh said to Moses, 2."Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, 'I am Yahweh your God. 3.You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived: and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you; neither shall you walk in their statutes. 4.You shall do my ordinances, and you shall keep my statutes, and walk in them: I am Yahweh your God. 5.You shall therefore keep my statutes and my ordinances; which if a man does, he shall live in them: I am Yahweh.

6."'None of you shall approach anyone who are his close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Yahweh.

7."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness.

8."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife: it is your father's nakedness.

9."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home, or born abroad.

10."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son's daughter, or of your daughter's daughter, even their nakedness: for theirs is your own nakedness.

11."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife's daughter, conceived by your father, since she is your sister.

12."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister: she is your father's near kinswoman.

13."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister: for she is your mother's near kinswoman.

14."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother, you shall not approach his wife: she is your aunt.

15."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law: she is your son's wife. You shall not uncover her nakedness.

16."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife: it is your brother's nakedness.

17."'You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; they are near kinswomen: it is wickedness.

18."'You shall not take a wife to her sister, to be a rival, to uncover her nakedness, while her sister is yet alive.

19."'You shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is impure by her uncleanness.

20."'You shall not lie carnally with your neighbor's wife, and defile yourself with her.

21."'You shall not give any of your children to sacrifice to Molech; neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am Yahweh.

22."'You shall not lie with a man, as with a woman. That is detestable.

23."'You shall not lie with any animal to defile yourself with it; neither shall any woman give herself to an animal, to lie down with it: it is a perversion.

24."'Don't defile yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations which I am casting out before you were defiled. 25.The land was defiled: therefore I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out her inhabitants. 26.You therefore shall keep my statutes and my ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the native-born, nor the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you; 27.(for all these abominations have the men of the land done, that were before you, and the land became defiled); 28.that the land not vomit you out also, when you defile it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.

29."'For whoever shall do any of these abominations, even the souls that do them shall be cut off from among their people. 30.Therefore you shall keep my requirements, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs, which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them: I am Yahweh your God.'"

 

Psalm 119

 

1.Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to Yahweh's law. 2.Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart. 3.Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways. 4.You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them. 5.Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes! 6.Then I wouldn't be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments. 7.I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments. 8.I will observe your statutes. Don't utterly forsake me.

9.How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10.With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don't let me wander from your commandments. 11.I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12.Blessed are you, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes. 13.With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth. 14.I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15.I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways. 16.I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.

105.Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. 106.I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances. 107.I am afflicted very much. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your word. 108.Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances. 109.My soul is continually in my hand, yet I won't forget your law. 110.The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven't gone astray from your precepts. 111.I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. 112.I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end.

113.I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. 114.You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word. 115.Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. 116.Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117.Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually. 118.You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain. 119.You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross. Therefore I love your testimonies. 120.My flesh trembles for fear of you. I am afraid of your judgments.

121.I have done what is just and righteous. Don't leave me to my oppressors. 122.Ensure your servant's well-being. Don't let the proud oppress me. 123.My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word. 124.Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes. 125.I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies. 126.It is time to act, Yahweh, for they break your law. 127.Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold. 128.Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.

129.Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them. 130.The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple. 131.I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments. 132.Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. 133.Establish my footsteps in your word. Don't let any iniquity have dominion over me. 134.Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts. 135.Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes. 136.Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don't observe your law.

137.You are righteous, Yahweh. Your judgments are upright. 138.You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy. 139.My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words. 140.Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 141.I am small and despised. I don't forget your precepts. 142.Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth. 143.Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight. 144.Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.

145.I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, Yahweh! I will keep your statutes. 146.I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes. 147.I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words. 148.My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word. 149.Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances. 150.They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law. 151.You are near, Yahweh. All your commandments are truth. 152.Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.

153.Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don't forget your law. 154.Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise. 155.Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don't seek your statutes. 156.Great are your tender mercies, Yahweh. Revive me according to your ordinances. 157.Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven't swerved from your testimonies. 158.I look at the faithless with loathing, because they don't observe your word. 159.Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness. 160.All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.

161.Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. 162.I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great spoil. 163.I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law. 164.Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances. 165.Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble. 166.I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh. I have done your commandments. 167.My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly. 168.I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

169.Let my cry come before you, Yahweh. Give me understanding according to your word. 170.Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word. 171.Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes. 172.Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness. 173.Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174.I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh. Your law is my delight. 175.Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me. 176.I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don't forget your commandments.

17.Do good to your servant. I will live and I will obey your word. 18.Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law. 19.I am a stranger on the earth. Don't hide your commandments from me. 20.My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times. 21.You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments. 22.Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes. 23.Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. 24.Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.

25.My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word! 26.I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes. 27.Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works. 28.My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word. 29.Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously! 30.I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me. 31.I cling to your statutes, Yahweh. Don't let me be disappointed. 32.I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.

33.Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end. 34.Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart. 35.Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them. 36.Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain. 37.Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways. 38.Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared. 39.Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good. 40.Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness.

41.Let your loving kindness also come to me, Yahweh, your salvation, according to your word. 42.So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word. 43.Don't snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances. 44.So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever. 45.I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts. 46.I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed. 47.I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them. 48.I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.

49.Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope. 50.This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me. 51.The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don't swerve from your law. 52.I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh, and have comforted myself. 53.Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law. 54.Your statutes have been my songs, in the house where I live. 55.I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night, and I obey your law. 56.This is my way, that I keep your precepts.

57.Yahweh is my portion. I promised to obey your words. 58.I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word. 59.I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes. 60.I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments. 61.The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won't forget your law. 62.At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances. 63.I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts. 64.The earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.

65.Do good to your servant, according to your word, Yahweh. 66.Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. 67.Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word. 68.You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes. 69.The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts. 70.Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law. 71.It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes. 72.The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

73.Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments. 74.Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word. 75.Yahweh, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76.Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant. 77.Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. 78.Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts. 79.Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes. 80.Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed.

81.My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word. 82.My eyes fail for your word. I say, "When will you comfort me?" 83.For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I don't forget your statutes. 84.How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85.The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law. 86.All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me! 87.They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn't forsake your precepts. 88.Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

89.Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever. 90.Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains. 91.Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you. 92.Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93.I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me. 94.I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts. 95.The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes. 96.I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless.

97.How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. 98.Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. 99.I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100.I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts. 101.I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word. 102.I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me. 103.How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth! 104.Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

 

Luke 1

 

1.Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, 2.even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us, 3.it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; 4.that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

5.There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6.They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 7.But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. 8.Now it happened, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his division, 9.according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10.The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

11.An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12.Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13.But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14.You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. 15.For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16.He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. 17.He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord."

18.Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."

19.The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. 20.Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."

21.The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. 22.When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. 23.It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. 24.After these days Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, 25."Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men."

26.Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27.to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28.Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!"

29.But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 30.The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31.Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.' 32.He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, 33.and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom."

34.Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"

35.The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. 36.Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37.For everything spoken by God is possible."

38.Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word."

The angel departed from her. 39.Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, 40.and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41.It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42.She called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43.Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44.For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 45.Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!"

46.Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord. 47.My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48.for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. 49.For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. 50.His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him. 51.He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52.He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. 53.He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. 54.He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, 55.As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever."

56.Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house. 57.Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. 58.Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. 59.It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father. 60.His mother answered, "Not so; but he will be called John."

61.They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 62.They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.

63.He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John."

They all marveled. 64.His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65.Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66.All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What then will this child be?" The hand of the Lord was with him. 67.His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68."Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and worked redemption for his people; 69.and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70.(as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old), 71.salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; 72.to show mercy towards our fathers, to remember his holy covenant, 73.the oath which he spoke to Abraham, our father, 74.to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear, 75.In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. 76.And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, 77.to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, 78.because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dawn from on high will visit us, 79.to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace."

80.The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

 

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