The Wonder of Grace | Devotional for Adults

The Otherness of God

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21 Days of Fasting and Prayer - Heaven Come Down

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<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 bkMAL">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="MAL.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAL.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">A prophecy: The word of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> to Israel through Malachi.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="fq">Malachi </span><span class="ft">means </span><span class="fqa">my messenger.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Israel Doubts God&#8217;s Love</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAL.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAL.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;I have loved you,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAL.1.2"><span class="content">&#8220;But you ask, &#8216;How have you loved us?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAL.1.2"><span class="content">&#8220;Was not Esau Jacob&#8217;s brother?&#8221; declares the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. &#8220;Yet I have loved Jacob, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAL.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAL.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAL.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Edom may say, &#8220;Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAL.1.4"><span class="content">But this is what the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty says: &#8220;They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAL.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">You will see it with your own eyes and say, &#8216;Great is the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8212;even beyond the borders of Israel!&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Breaking Covenant Through Blemished Sacrifices</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAL.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAL.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">&#8220;A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAL.1.6"><span class="content">&#8220;It is you priests who show contempt for my name.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAL.1.6"><span class="content">&#8220;But you ask, &#8216;How have we shown contempt for your name?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAL.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAL.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">&#8220;By offering defiled food on my altar.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAL.1.7"><span class="content">&#8220;But you ask, &#8216;How have we defiled you?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAL.1.7"><span class="content">&#8220;By saying that the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s table is contemptible. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAL.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAL.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAL.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">&#8220;Now plead with God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?&#8221;&#8212;says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAL.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAL.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty, &#8220;and I will accept no offering from your hands. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAL.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAL.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAL.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;But you profane it by saying, &#8216;The Lord&#8217;s table is defiled,&#8217; and, &#8216;Its food is contemptible.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAL.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">And you say, &#8216;What a burden!&#8217; and you sniff at it contemptuously,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAL.1.13"><span class="content">&#8220;When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAL.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty, &#8220;and my name is to be feared among the nations.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="ACT.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.4.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest&#8217;s family. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: &#8220;By what power or what name did you do this?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.4.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: &#8220;Rulers and elders of the people! </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Jesus is</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;the stone you builders rejected,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">which has become the cornerstone.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:11 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 118:22</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">&#8220;What are we going to do with these men?&#8221; they asked. &#8220;Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.4.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But Peter and John replied, &#8220;Which is right in God&#8217;s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.4.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Believers Pray</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.4.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.4.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.4.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. &#8220;Sovereign Lord,&#8221; they said, &#8220;you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;Why do the nations rage</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">and the peoples plot in vain?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The kings of the earth rise up</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">and the rulers band together</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">against the Lord</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">and against his anointed one.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:26 </span><span class="ft">That is, Messiah or Christ</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:26 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 2:1,2</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.4.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.4.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.4.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.4.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.4.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.4.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Believers Share Their Possessions</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.4.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.4.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.4.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God&#8217;s grace was so powerfully at work in them all </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.4.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.4.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">and put it at the apostles&#8217; feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.4.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.4.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means &#8220;son of encouragement&#8221;), </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.4.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles&#8217; feet.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch15" data-usfm="PRO.15">
         <div class="label">15</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.15.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">A gentle answer turns away wrath,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.15.1"><span class="content">but a harsh word stirs up anger.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.15.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.15.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.15.2"><span class="content">but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.15.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.15.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The eyes of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> are everywhere,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.15.3"><span class="content">keeping watch on the wicked and the good.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.15.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.15.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The soothing tongue is a tree of life,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.15.4"><span class="content">but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.15.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.15.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">A fool spurns a parent&#8217;s discipline,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.15.5"><span class="content">but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.15.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.15.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The house of the righteous contains great treasure,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.15.6"><span class="content">but the income of the wicked brings ruin.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.15.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.15.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The lips of the wise spread knowledge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.15.7"><span class="content">but the hearts of fools are not upright.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.15.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.15.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests the sacrifice of the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.15.8"><span class="content">but the prayer of the upright pleases him.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.15.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.15.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests the way of the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.15.9"><span class="content">but he loves those who pursue righteousness.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.15.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.15.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.15.10"><span class="content">the one who hates correction will die.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.15.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.15.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Death and Destruction</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:11 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Abaddon</span></span></span><span class="content"> lie open before the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.15.11"><span class="content">how much more do human hearts!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.15.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.15.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Mockers resent correction,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.15.12"><span class="content">so they avoid the wise.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.15.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.15.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">A happy heart makes the face cheerful,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.15.13"><span class="content">but heartache crushes the spirit.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.15.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.15.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The discerning heart seeks knowledge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.15.14"><span class="content">but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.15.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.15.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">All the days of the oppressed are wretched,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.15.15"><span class="content">but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.15.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.15.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Better a little with the fear of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.15.16"><span class="content">than great wealth with turmoil.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.15.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.15.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Better a small serving of vegetables with love</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.15.17"><span class="content">than a fattened calf with hatred.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.15.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.15.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.15.18"><span class="content">but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.15.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.15.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.15.19"><span class="content">but the path of the upright is a highway.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.15.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.15.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">A wise son brings joy to his father,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.15.20"><span class="content">but a foolish man despises his mother.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.15.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.15.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.15.21"><span class="content">but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.15.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.15.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Plans fail for lack of counsel,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.15.22"><span class="content">but with many advisers they succeed.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.15.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.15.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">A person finds joy in giving an apt reply&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.15.23"><span class="content">and how good is a timely word!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.15.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.15.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">The path of life leads upward for the prudent</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.15.24"><span class="content">to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.15.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.15.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> tears down the house of the proud,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.15.25"><span class="content">but he sets the widow&#8217;s boundary stones in place.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.15.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.15.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests the thoughts of the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.15.26"><span class="content">but gracious words are pure in his sight.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.15.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.15.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The greedy bring ruin to their households,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.15.27"><span class="content">but the one who hates bribes will live.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.15.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.15.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.15.28"><span class="content">but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.15.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.15.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is far from the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.15.29"><span class="content">but he hears the prayer of the righteous.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.15.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.15.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Light in a messenger&#8217;s eyes brings joy to the heart,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.15.30"><span class="content">and good news gives health to the bones.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.15.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.15.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Whoever heeds life-giving correction</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.15.31"><span class="content">will be at home among the wise.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.15.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.15.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.15.32"><span class="content">but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.15.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.15.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Wisdom&#8217;s instruction is to fear the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.15.33"><span class="content">and humility comes before honor.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

ZOE DEVOSample

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