FACING the TRUTH of PAIN

Connect With God Through Compassion | 7-Day Devotional

Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19

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I Am Happy: Finding Joy in Who God Says I Am

I’m Just a Guy: Resisting Temptation

The Ripple Effect

Master Your Time, Master Your Life: A 7-Day Brave Journey

Choose This Day: Following Christ as a Military Operator

Even in the Shadows: Living With Depression

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch70" data-usfm="PSA.70">
         <div class="label">70</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 70</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft"><span class="heading">In Hebrew texts 70:1-5 is numbered 70:2-6.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">For the director of music. Of David. A petition.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.70.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Hasten, O God, to save me;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.70.1"><span class="content">come quickly, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, to help me.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.70.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.70.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">May those who want to take my life</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.70.2"><span class="content">be put to shame and confusion;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.70.2"><span class="content">may all who desire my ruin</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.70.2"><span class="content">be turned back in disgrace.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.70.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.70.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">May those who say to me, &#8220;Aha! Aha!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.70.3"><span class="content">turn back because of their shame.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.70.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.70.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">But may all who seek you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.70.4"><span class="content">rejoice and be glad in you;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.70.4"><span class="content">may those who long for your saving help always say,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.70.4"><span class="content">&#8220;The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is great!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.70.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.70.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">But as for me, I am poor and needy;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.70.5"><span class="content">come quickly to me, O God.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.70.5"><span class="content">You are my help and my deliverer;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.70.5"><span class="content">  </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, do not delay.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="PRO.3">
         <div class="label">3</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Wisdom Bestows Well-Being</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.3.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">My son, do not forget my teaching,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.3.1"><span class="content">but keep my commands in your heart,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.3.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.3.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">for they will prolong your life many years</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.3.2"><span class="content">and bring you peace and prosperity.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.3.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.3.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Let love and faithfulness never leave you;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.3.3"><span class="content">bind them around your neck,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.3.3"><span class="content">write them on the tablet of your heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.3.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Then you will win favor and a good name</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.3.4"><span class="content">in the sight of God and man.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.3.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Trust in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> with all your heart</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.3.5"><span class="content">and lean not on your own understanding;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.3.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">in all your ways submit to him,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.3.6"><span class="content">and he will make your paths straight.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:6 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">will direct your paths</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.3.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Do not be wise in your own eyes;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.3.7"><span class="content">fear the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> and shun evil.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.3.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.3.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">This will bring health to your body</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.3.8"><span class="content">and nourishment to your bones.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.3.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.3.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Honor the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> with your wealth,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.3.9"><span class="content">with the firstfruits of all your crops;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.3.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.3.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">then your barns will be filled to overflowing,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.3.10"><span class="content">and your vats will brim over with new wine.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.3.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.3.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">My son, do not despise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s discipline,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.3.11"><span class="content">and do not resent his rebuke,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.3.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.3.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">because the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> disciplines those he loves,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.3.12"><span class="content">as a father the son he delights in.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:12 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew; Septuagint </span><span class="fqa">loves, / and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.3.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.3.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Blessed are those who find wisdom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.3.13"><span class="content">those who gain understanding,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.3.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.3.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">for she is more profitable than silver</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.3.14"><span class="content">and yields better returns than gold.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.3.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.3.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">She is more precious than rubies;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.3.15"><span class="content">nothing you desire can compare with her.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.3.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.3.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Long life is in her right hand;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.3.16"><span class="content">in her left hand are riches and honor.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.3.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.3.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Her ways are pleasant ways,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.3.17"><span class="content">and all her paths are peace.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.3.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.3.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.3.18"><span class="content">those who hold her fast will be blessed.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.3.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.3.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">By wisdom the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> laid the earth&#8217;s foundations,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.3.19"><span class="content">by understanding he set the heavens in place;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.3.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.3.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.3.20"><span class="content">and the clouds let drop the dew.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.3.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.3.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.3.21"><span class="content">preserve sound judgment and discretion;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.3.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.3.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">they will be life for you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.3.22"><span class="content">an ornament to grace your neck.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.3.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.3.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Then you will go on your way in safety,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.3.23"><span class="content">and your foot will not stumble.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.3.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.3.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">When you lie down, you will not be afraid;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.3.24"><span class="content">when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.3.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.3.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Have no fear of sudden disaster</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.3.25"><span class="content">or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.3.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.3.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> will be at your side</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.3.26"><span class="content">and will keep your foot from being snared.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.3.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.3.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.3.27"><span class="content">when it is in your power to act.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.3.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.3.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Do not say to your neighbor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.3.28"><span class="content">&#8220;Come back tomorrow and I&#8217;ll give it to you&#8221;&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.3.28"><span class="content">when you already have it with you.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.3.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.3.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Do not plot harm against your neighbor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.3.29"><span class="content">who lives trustfully near you.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.3.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.3.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Do not accuse anyone for no reason&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.3.30"><span class="content">when they have done you no harm.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.3.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.3.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Do not envy the violent</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.3.31"><span class="content">or choose any of their ways.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.3.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.3.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">For the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests the perverse</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.3.32"><span class="content">but takes the upright into his confidence.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.3.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.3.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s curse is on the house of the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.3.33"><span class="content">but he blesses the home of the righteous.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.3.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.3.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">He mocks proud mockers</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.3.34"><span class="content">but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.3.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.3.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">The wise inherit honor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.3.35"><span class="content">but fools get only shame.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2CO">
      <div class="chapter ch11" data-usfm="2CO.11">
         <div class="label">11</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul and the False Apostles</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.11.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CO.11.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CO.11.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent&#8217;s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.11.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.11.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.11.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">I do not think I am in the least inferior to those &#8220;super-apostles.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">to the most eminent apostles</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CO.11.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.11.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CO.11.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CO.11.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CO.11.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.11.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.11.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CO.11.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.11.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CO.11.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.11.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Boasts About His Sufferings</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.11.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CO.11.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CO.11.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2CO.11.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2CO.11.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2CO.11.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2CO.11.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2CO.11.21"><span class="content">Whatever anyone else dares to boast about&#8212;I am speaking as a fool&#8212;I also dare to boast about. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2CO.11.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham&#8217;s descendants? So am I. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2CO.11.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2CO.11.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2CO.11.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2CO.11.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2CO.11.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2CO.11.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2CO.11.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2CO.11.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2CO.11.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2CO.11.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2CO.11.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="2CO.11.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkNEH">
      <div class="chapter ch13" data-usfm="NEH.13">
         <div class="label">13</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Nehemiah&#8217;s Final Reforms</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="NEH.13.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">On that day the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people and there it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be admitted into the assembly of God, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.13.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">because they had not met the Israelites with food and water but had hired Balaam to call a curse down on them. (Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing.) </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.13.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all who were of foreign descent.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.13.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="NEH.13.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God. He was closely associated with Tobiah, </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.13.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">and he had provided him with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil prescribed for the Levites, musicians and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.13.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.13.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="NEH.13.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.13.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah&#8217;s household goods out of the room. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.13.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.13.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.13.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and musicians responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.13.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">So I rebuked the officials and asked them, &#8220;Why is the house of God neglected?&#8221; Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.13.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.13.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil into the storerooms. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.13.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I put Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and a Levite named Pedaiah in charge of the storerooms and made Hanan son of Zakkur, the son of Mattaniah, their assistant, because they were considered trustworthy. They were made responsible for distributing the supplies to their fellow Levites.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.13.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.13.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.13.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.13.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.13.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">People from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="NEH.13.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, &#8220;What is this wicked thing you are doing&#8212;desecrating the Sabbath day? </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.13.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Didn&#8217;t your ancestors do the same things, so that our God brought all this calamity on us and on this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.13.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="NEH.13.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="NEH.13.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="NEH.13.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">But I warned them and said, &#8220;Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will arrest you.&#8221; From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="NEH.13.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="NEH.13.22"><span class="content">Remember me for this also, my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="NEH.13.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="NEH.13.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Moreover, in those days I saw men of Judah who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="NEH.13.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, and did not know how to speak the language of Judah. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="NEH.13.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God&#8217;s name and said: &#8220;You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="NEH.13.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="NEH.13.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness and are being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="NEH.13.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="NEH.13.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">One of the sons of Joiada son of Eliashib the high priest was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. And I drove him away from me.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="NEH.13.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="NEH.13.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Remember them, my God, because they defiled the priestly office and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="NEH.13.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="NEH.13.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">So I purified the priests and the Levites of everything foreign, and assigned them duties, each to his own task. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="NEH.13.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="NEH.13.31"><span class="content">Remember me with favor, my God.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEST">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="EST.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Queen Vashti Deposed</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EST.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">This is what happened during the time of Xerxes,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Ahasuerus</span><span class="ft">; here and throughout Esther</span></span></span><span class="content"> the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="ft">That is, the upper Nile region</span></span></span><span class="content">: </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EST.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EST.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EST.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EST.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EST.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king&#8217;s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EST.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EST.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king&#8217;s liberality. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EST.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">By the king&#8217;s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EST.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EST.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EST.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EST.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him&#8212;Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EST.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EST.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">But when the attendants delivered the king&#8217;s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EST.1.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EST.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EST.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">and were closest to the king&#8212;Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EST.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EST.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?&#8221; he asked. &#8220;She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EST.1.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EST.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, &#8220;Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EST.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">For the queen&#8217;s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, &#8216;King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EST.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen&#8217;s conduct will respond to all the king&#8217;s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EST.1.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EST.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">&#8220;Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EST.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Then when the king&#8217;s edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EST.1.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EST.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The king and his nobles were pleased with this advice, so the king did as Memukan proposed. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EST.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">He sent dispatches to all parts of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be ruler over his own household, using his native tongue.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkREV">
      <div class="chapter ch22" data-usfm="REV.22">
         <div class="label">22</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Eden Restored</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="REV.22.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="REV.22.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.22.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.22.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.22.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">John and the Angel</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.22.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.22.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The angel said to me, &#8220;These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.22.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.22.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.22.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="REV.22.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.22.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">But he said to me, &#8220;Don&#8217;t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.22.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.22.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then he told me, &#8220;Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.22.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Epilogue: Invitation and Warning</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.22.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.22.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.22.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.22.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="REV.22.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="REV.22.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="REV.22.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="REV.22.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you</span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="fr">22:16 </span><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">The Greek is plural.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="REV.22.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="REV.22.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The Spirit and the bride say, &#8220;Come!&#8221; And let the one who hears say, &#8220;Come!&#8221; Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="REV.22.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="REV.22.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="REV.22.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="REV.22.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="REV.22.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">He who testifies to these things says, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Yes, I am coming soon.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="REV.22.20"><span class="content">Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="REV.22.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="REV.22.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God&#8217;s people. Amen.</span></span></div>
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The Intimate PursuitSample

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