The Voice

Esther 9: The Jews defended themselves as well as conquering their enemies, without taking any plunder. Then a new annual time of celebration was established called Purim to commemorate the victory. (archived audio)

Today I read Esther 8: The king gave Haman’s estate to Queen Esther, and his signet ring to Mordecai, and although the kings previous order could not be revoked, the king allowed Mordecai to write a new one on the king’s behalf for the Jews to be able to assemble and protect themselves, and to… Continue reading November 12th

I read Esther 7: Esther finally told the king her request to spare her life and also the life of all the other Jews, indicating that Haman was the man who arranged for their annihilation. The King ordered that Haman be executed on the structure he built for Mordecai. (archived audio)

I read Esther 6 today: Haman had to parade Mordecai around town honoring him, even though he planned to execute him, then he was rushed to the second banquet with Esther and the king. (archived audio)

Today I read Esther 5: Esther went to the king and was invited to approach him, and he asked her what she wanted. She invited Haman and the king to a banquet she prepared and another banquet on the following day, but Haman had a tall structure built for Mordecai to be executed on. (archived… Continue reading November 8th

This morning I read Esther 4: Esther discovers the plot to annihilate all of the Jews because of Mordecai’s public mourning. Mordecai requests an appeal to the king. Esther requests a three day fast for all of the Jews. (archived audio)

I read Esther 3 today: Haman planned to kill all of the Jews because he was angry that Mordecai would not bow to him. The king agreed to Haman’s plan and signed the decree. (archived audio)

I read Esther 2: Esther was beautiful and caught the kings attention, so he made her the new queen. Esther’s godfather Mordecai discovered and reported and upset a plot to murder the king, and the event was recorded in the historical records. (archived audio)

I read Esther 1: The queen refused to visit at her her drunken husband’s command, so she was removed from her position as queen. (archived audio)

Today I read Nehemiah 13: Nehemiah purged foreigners from Israel and rebuked those who had intermarried with non Israelite women. (archived audio)

Today I read Nehemiah 12: The wall was dedicated. (archived audio)

I read Galatians 1: Paul warns the Galatians not to accept other “gospels” which are not the gospel at all. (archived audio)

I read 2 Corinthians 13: Paul writes to the church in Corinth to encourage them to check their faith for authenticity, and correct if they are found lacking in any way. (archived audio)

I read 2 Corinthians 12: Paul continues explaining that his motivation is not for personal gain, and that he suffers to be a blessing to them. God even gave him a thorn in his flesh to keep him from being conceited. (archived audio)

I read 2 Corinthians 11: Paul compares himself to some of the criticisms he has received by false apostles who have made false claims. He even foolishly enters into foolish boasts to compare himself with these super-apostles on their own foolish level. (archived audio)

Today I read 2 Corinthians 10: Don’t judge people, and don’t compare your leaders to those who boast and commend themselves. God is the one who approves those He commends. (archived audio)

Today I read 2 Corinthians 9: Paul writes to encourage the church in Corinth to prepare the gift they had promised and to remember God’s generosity to them as well. (archived audio)

Today I listened to and read Nehemiah 11: 1/10th of all of the Israelites went to live in Jerusalem. All of the other cities and their inhabitants were described for the remaining text in the chapter. (archived audio)

Today I read Nehemiah 10: The people promise not to neglect the house of the Lord. They promise not to intermarry with foreigners or trade with them on holy days. They make an oath with a curse for those who break it, and give first fruits and offerings as prescribed by the law. (archived audio)

I read Nehemiah 9: The people of Israel felt bad about their pattern of rebellion, so they separated themselves from their disobedient relationships, fasted, put ashes on their heads, and put on uncomfortable garments. They prayed, worshiped and sacrificed, then made a binding agreement with God. (archived audio)

I read Nehemiah 8: Ezra the priest read the law to the people and they wept, but they were told not to weep on a sacred day, but to celebrate the day, build booths (or temporary shelters) and listen to the book of the law as he read it for seven days. (archived audio)

Today I read Nehemiah 7: After the wall had been rebuilt, the exiles were accounted for, and certain positions were filled. (archived audio)

Today I read Nehemiah 6: People made up lies to try to accuse Nehemiah of revolting and trying to be a new king. They also sent a false prophet to try to scare or intimidate him into doing something wrong out of fear. (archived audio)

I read Nehemiah 5: Nehemiah saw that the famine made many people poor and they were losing their property, Their children were having to be sold into slavery and they were being indebted to their fellow Israelites. He told them that it was not right to charge their brothers interest or to take their property.… Continue reading October 17th

I read Nehemiah 4: Outside opposition grew and ridicule of the wall was spread, trying to discourage the workers. Once the wall was halfway built, the strategy of discouragement was abandoned and outright aggression was the new tactic, so the workers had to divide their attention between building the wall and defending themselves with each… Continue reading October 16th