Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - June 16 Reading One Year Bible

4:45 am Prayer/Devotion

June 16 Reading - 1 Kings 15:24-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11

1 Kings 15:24-17:24

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁴ When Asa died, he was buried with his ancestors in the City of David.    Then Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, became the next king.

Nadab Rules in Israel

 ²⁵ Nadab son of Jeroboam began to rule over Israel in the second year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Israel two years. ²⁶ But he did what was evil in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.  ²⁷ Then Baasha son of Ahijah, from the tribe of Issachar, plotted against Nadab and assassinated him while he and the Israelite army were laying siege to the Philistine town of Gibbethon. ²⁸ Baasha killed Nadab in the third year of King Asa’s reign in Judah, and he became the next king of Israel.
 ²⁹ He immediately slaughtered all the descendants of King Jeroboam, so that not one of the royal family was left, just as the LORD had promised concerning Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh. ³⁰ This was done because Jeroboam had provoked the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, by the sins he had committed and the sins he had led Israel to commit.
 ³¹ The rest of the events in Nadab’s reign and everything he did are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel.

Baasha Rules in Israel

 ³² There was constant war between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel. ³³ Baasha son of Ahijah began to rule over all Israel in the third year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. Baasha reigned in Tirzah twenty-four years. ³⁴ But he did what was evil in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of Jeroboam, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.

1 Kings 16

 ¹ This message from the LORD was delivered to King Baasha by the prophet Jehu son of Hanani: ² “I lifted you out of the dust to make you ruler of my people Israel, but you have followed the evil example of Jeroboam. You have provoked my anger by causing my people Israel to sin. ³ So now I will destroy you and your family, just as I destroyed the descendants of Jeroboam son of Nebat. ⁴ The members of Baasha’s family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures.”
 ⁵ The rest of the events in Baasha’s reign and the extent of his power are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel. ⁶ When Baasha died, he was buried in Tirzah. Then his son Elah became the next king.
 ⁷ The message from the LORD against Baasha and his family came through the prophet Jehu son of Hanani. It was delivered because Baasha had done what was evil in the LORD’s sight (just as the family of Jeroboam had done), and also because Baasha had destroyed the family of Jeroboam. The LORD’s anger was provoked by Baasha’s sins.

Elah Rules in Israel

 ⁸ Elah son of Baasha began to rule over Israel in the twenty-sixth year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. He reigned in the city of Tirzah for two years.  ⁹ Then Zimri, who commanded half of the royal chariots, made plans to kill him. One day in Tirzah, Elah was getting drunk at the home of Arza, the supervisor of the palace. ¹⁰ Zimri walked in and struck him down and killed him. This happened in the twenty-seventh year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. Then Zimri became the next king.
 ¹¹ Zimri immediately killed the entire royal family of Baasha, leaving him not even a single male child. He even destroyed distant relatives and friends. ¹² So Zimri destroyed the dynasty of Baasha as the LORD had promised through the prophet Jehu. ¹³ This happened because of all the sins Baasha and his son Elah had committed, and because of the sins they led Israel to commit. They provoked the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, with their worthless idols.
 ¹⁴ The rest of the events in Elah’s reign and everything he did are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel.

Zimri Rules in Israel

 ¹⁵ Zimri began to rule over Israel in the twenty-seventh year of King Asa’s reign in Judah, but his reign in Tirzah lasted only seven days. The army of Israel was then attacking the Philistine town of Gibbethon. ¹⁶ When they heard that Zimri had committed treason and had assassinated the king, that very day they chose Omri, commander of the army, as the new king of Israel. ¹⁷ So Omri led the entire army of Israel up from Gibbethon to attack Tirzah, Israel’s capital. ¹⁸ When Zimri saw that the city had been taken, he went into the citadel of the palace and burned it down over himself and died in the flames. ¹⁹ For he, too, had done what was evil in the LORD’s sight. He followed the example of Jeroboam in all the sins he had committed and led Israel to commit.  ²⁰ The rest of the events in Zimri’s reign and his conspiracy are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel.

Omri Rules in Israel

 ²¹ But now the people of Israel were split into two factions. Half the people tried to make Tibni son of Ginath their king, while the other half supported Omri. ²² But Omri’s supporters defeated the supporters of Tibni. So Tibni was killed, and Omri became the next king.  ²³ Omri began to rule over Israel in the thirty-first year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. He reigned twelve years in all, six of them in Tirzah. ²⁴ Then Omri bought the hill now known as Samaria from its owner, Shemer, for 150 pounds of silver.^[a] He built a city on it and called the city Samaria in honor of Shemer.
 ²⁵ But Omri did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, even more than any of the kings before him. ²⁶ He followed the example of Jeroboam son of Nebat in all the sins he had committed and led Israel to commit. The people provoked the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, with their worthless idols.
 ²⁷ The rest of the events in Omri’s reign, the extent of his power, and everything he did are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel. ²⁸ When Omri died, he was buried in Samaria. Then his son Ahab became the next king.

Ahab Rules in Israel

 ²⁹ Ahab son of Omri began to rule over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria twenty-two years. ³⁰ But Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, even more than any of the kings before him. ³¹ And as though it were not enough to follow the example of Jeroboam, he married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and he began to bow down in worship of Baal. ³² First Ahab built a temple and an altar for Baal in Samaria. ³³ Then he set up an Asherah pole. He did more to provoke the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him.  ³⁴ It was during his reign that Hiel, a man from Bethel, rebuilt Jericho. When he laid its foundations, it cost him the life of his oldest son, Abiram. And when he completed it and set up its gates, it cost him the life of his youngest son, Segub.^[b] This all happened according to the message from the LORD concerning Jericho spoken by Joshua son of Nun.

1 Kings 17

Elijah Fed by Ravens

 ¹ Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!”  ² Then the LORD said to Elijah, ³ “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. ⁴ Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.”
 ⁵ So Elijah did as the LORD told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. ⁶ The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. ⁷ But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.

The Widow at Zarephath

 ⁸ Then the LORD said to Elijah, ⁹ “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”  ¹⁰ So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” ¹¹ As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”
 ¹² But she said, “I swear by the LORD your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”
 ¹³ But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. ¹⁴ For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!”
 ¹⁵ So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. ¹⁶ There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah.
 ¹⁷ Some time later the woman’s son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died. ¹⁸ Then she said to Elijah, “O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?”
 ¹⁹ But Elijah replied, “Give me your son.” And he took the child’s body from her arms, carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying, and laid the body on his bed. ²⁰ Then Elijah cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?”
 ²¹ And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this child’s life return to him.” ²² The LORD heard Elijah’s prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived! ²³ Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. “Look!” he said. “Your son is alive!”
 ²⁴ Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the LORD truly speaks through you.”

Footnotes:

1. 1 Kings 16:24 Hebrew for 2 talents [68 kilograms] of silver.
2. 1 Kings 16:34 An ancient Hebrew scribal tradition reads He killed his oldest son when he laid its foundations, and he killed his youngest son when he set up its gates.

Acts 10:24-48

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.
 ²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”
 ³⁰ Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. ³¹ He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! ³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.”

The Gentiles Hear the Good News

 ³⁴ Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. ³⁵ In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. ³⁶ This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷ You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. ³⁸ And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.  ³⁹ “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,^{[a] 40} but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, ⁴¹ not to the general public,^[b] but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴² And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. ⁴³ He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

 ⁴⁴ Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. ⁴⁵ The Jewish believers^[c] who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in other tongues^[d] and praising God.    Then Peter asked, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” ⁴⁸ So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.

Footnotes:

1. Acts 10:39 Greek on a tree.
2. Acts 10:41 Greek the people.
3. Acts 10:45 Greek The faithful ones of the circumcision.
4. Acts 10:46 Or in other languages.

Psalm 134:1-3

New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 134

Psalm 134

    A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. ¹ Oh, praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
      you who serve at night in the house of the LORD.
 ² Lift up holy hands in prayer,
      and praise the LORD.
 ³ May the LORD, who made heaven and earth,
      bless you from Jerusalem.^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 134:3 Hebrew Zion.

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Proverbs 17:9-11

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ⁹ Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
      but dwelling on it separates close friends.
 ¹⁰ A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding
      than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
 ¹¹ Evil people are eager for rebellion,
      but they will be severely punished.

Friday, March 16, 2012 - June 15 One Year Bible

6:30 am Prayer
8:00 am Devotion /Song
Holy Thou Art God

June 15 Reading -1 King 14:1-15:24; Acts 10:1-23; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 17:7-8

AM - Abs, Legs/Back

1 Kings 14-15:24

New Living Translation (NLT)

1 Kings 14

Ahijah’s Prophecy against Jeroboam

 ¹ At that time Jeroboam’s son Abijah became very sick. ² So Jeroboam told his wife, “Disguise yourself so that no one will recognize you as my wife. Then go to the prophet Ahijah at Shiloh—the man who told me I would become king. ³ Take him a gift of ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and ask him what will happen to the boy.”  ⁴ So Jeroboam’s wife went to Ahijah’s home at Shiloh. He was an old man now and could no longer see. ⁵ But the LORD had told Ahijah, “Jeroboam’s wife will come here, pretending to be someone else. She will ask you about her son, for he is very sick. Give her the answer I give you.”
 ⁶ So when Ahijah heard her footsteps at the door, he called out, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you pretending to be someone else?” Then he told her, “I have bad news for you. ⁷ Give your husband, Jeroboam, this message from the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘I promoted you from the ranks of the common people and made you ruler over my people Israel. ⁸ I ripped the kingdom away from the family of David and gave it to you. But you have not been like my servant David, who obeyed my commands and followed me with all his heart and always did whatever I wanted. ⁹ You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made other gods for yourself and have made me furious with your gold calves. And since you have turned your back on me, ¹⁰ I will bring disaster on your dynasty and will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel. I will burn up your royal dynasty as one burns up trash until it is all gone. ¹¹ The members of Jeroboam’s family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures. I, the LORD, have spoken.’”
 ¹² Then Ahijah said to Jeroboam’s wife, “Go on home, and when you enter the city, the child will die. ¹³ All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. He is the only member of your family who will have a proper burial, for this child is the only good thing that the LORD, the God of Israel, sees in the entire family of Jeroboam.
 ¹⁴ “In addition, the LORD will raise up a king over Israel who will destroy the family of Jeroboam. This will happen today, even now! ¹⁵ Then the LORD will shake Israel like a reed whipped about in a stream. He will uproot the people of Israel from this good land that he gave their ancestors and will scatter them beyond the Euphrates River,^[a] for they have angered the LORD with the Asherah poles they have set up for worship. ¹⁶ He will abandon Israel because Jeroboam sinned and made Israel sin along with him.”
 ¹⁷ So Jeroboam’s wife returned to Tirzah, and the child died just as she walked through the door of her home. ¹⁸ And all Israel buried him and mourned for him, as the LORD had promised through the prophet Ahijah.
 ¹⁹ The rest of the events in Jeroboam’s reign, including all his wars and how he ruled, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel. ²⁰ Jeroboam reigned in Israel twenty-two years. When Jeroboam died, his son Nadab became the next king.

Rehoboam Rules in Judah

 ²¹ Meanwhile, Rehoboam son of Solomon was king in Judah. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from among all the tribes of Israel as the place to honor his name. Rehoboam’s mother was Naamah, an Ammonite woman.  ²² During Rehoboam’s reign, the people of Judah did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, provoking his anger with their sin, for it was even worse than that of their ancestors. ²³ For they also built for themselves pagan shrines and set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. ²⁴ There were even male and female shrine prostitutes throughout the land. The people imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.
 ²⁵ In the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. ²⁶ He ransacked the treasuries of the LORD’s Temple and the royal palace; he stole everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made. ²⁷ King Rehoboam later replaced them with bronze shields as substitutes, and he entrusted them to the care of the commanders of the guard who protected the entrance to the royal palace. ²⁸ Whenever the king went to the Temple of the LORD, the guards would also take the shields and then return them to the guardroom.
 ²⁹ The rest of the events in Rehoboam’s reign and everything he did are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Judah. ³⁰ There was constant war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. ³¹ When Rehoboam died, he was buried among his ancestors in the City of David. His mother was Naamah, an Ammonite woman. Then his son Abijam^[b] became the next king.

1 Kings 15

Abijam Rules in Judah

 ¹ Abijam^[c] began to rule over Judah in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign in Israel. ² He reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother was Maacah, the daughter of Absalom.^{[d]  3} He committed the same sins as his father before him, and he was not faithful to the LORD his God, as his ancestor David had been. ⁴ But for David’s sake, the LORD his God allowed his descendants to continue ruling, shining like a lamp, and he gave Abijam a son to rule after him in Jerusalem. ⁵ For David had done what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight and had obeyed the LORD’s commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite.
 ⁶ There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam^[e] throughout Abijam’s reign. ⁷ The rest of the events in Abijam’s reign and everything he did are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Judah. There was constant war between Abijam and Jeroboam. ⁸ When Abijam died, he was buried in the City of David. Then his son Asa became the next king.

Asa Rules in Judah

 ⁹ Asa began to rule over Judah in the twentieth year of Jeroboam’s reign in Israel. ¹⁰ He reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years. His grandmother^[f] was Maacah, the daughter of Absalom.  ¹¹ Asa did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, as his ancestor David had done. ¹² He banished the male and female shrine prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the idols^[g] his ancestors had made. ¹³ He even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made an obscene Asherah pole. He cut down her obscene pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley. ¹⁴ Although the pagan shrines were not removed, Asa’s heart remained completely faithful to the LORD throughout his life. ¹⁵ He brought into the Temple of the LORD the silver and gold and the various items that he and his father had dedicated.
 ¹⁶ There was constant war between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel. ¹⁷ King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from entering or leaving King Asa’s territory in Judah.
 ¹⁸ Asa responded by removing all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the Temple of the LORD and the royal palace. He sent it with some of his officials to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, along with this message:
 ¹⁹ “Let there be a treaty^[h] between you and me like the one between your father and my father. See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold. Break your treaty with King Baasha of Israel so that he will leave me alone.”
 ²⁰ Ben-hadad agreed to King Asa’s request and sent the commanders of his army to attack the towns of Israel. They conquered the towns of Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and all Kinnereth, and all the land of Naphtali. ²¹ As soon as Baasha of Israel heard what was happening, he abandoned his project of fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. ²² Then King Asa sent an order throughout Judah, requiring that everyone, without exception, help to carry away the building stones and timbers that Baasha had been using to fortify Ramah. Asa used these materials to fortify the town of Geba in Benjamin and the town of Mizpah.
 ²³ The rest of the events in Asa’s reign—the extent of his power, everything he did, and the names of the cities he built—are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Judah. In his old age his feet became diseased. ²⁴ When Asa died, he was buried with his ancestors in the City of David.
   Then Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, became the next king.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Kings 14:15 Hebrew the river.
2. 1 Kings 14:31 Also known as Abijah.
3. 1 Kings 15:1 Also known as Abijah.
4. 1 Kings 15:2 Hebrew Abishalom (also in 15:10), a variant spelling of Absalom; compare 2 Chr 11:20.
5. 1 Kings 15:6 As in a few Hebrew and Greek manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts read between Rehoboam and Jeroboam.
6. 1 Kings 15:10 Or The queen mother; Hebrew reads His mother (also in 15:13); compare 15:2.
7. 1 Kings 15:12 The Hebrew term (literally round things) probably alludes to dung.
8. 1 Kings 15:19 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads There is a treaty.

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Acts 10:1-23

New Living Translation (NLT)

Acts 10

Cornelius Calls for Peter

 ¹ In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer^[a] named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. ² He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. ³ One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.  ⁴ Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.
   And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! ⁵ Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. ⁶ He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.”
 ⁷ As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants. ⁸ He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.

Peter Visits Cornelius

 ⁹ The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, ¹⁰ and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. ¹¹ He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. ¹² In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. ¹³ Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”  ¹⁴ “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.^[b]”
 ¹⁵ But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” ¹⁶ The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven.
 ¹⁷ Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, ¹⁸ they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.
 ¹⁹ Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. ²⁰ Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”
 ²¹ So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”
 ²² They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” ²³ So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

Footnotes:

1. Acts 10:1 Greek a centurion; similarly in 10:22.
2. Acts 10:14 Greek anything common and unclean.

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Psalm 133:1-3

New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 133

Psalm 133

    A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. ¹ How wonderful and pleasant it is
      when brothers live together in harmony!
 ² For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
      that was poured over Aaron’s head,
      that ran down his beard
      and onto the border of his robe.
 ³ Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
      that falls on the mountains of Zion.
   And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing,
      even life everlasting.

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Proverbs 17:7-8

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ⁷ Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
      even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
 ⁸ A bribe is like a lucky charm;
      whoever gives one will prosper!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

4:45 am Prayer
5:15 am Devotion / One Year Bible - June 14 Reading
Song "Big" My God is Big
5:45 am Exercise with big sister Tanya o Mighty (lol)

I Kings 12:20-13:34; Acts 9:26-43; Psalm 132:1-8; Proverbs 17:6

Biblegateway is down this morning..so I couldn't paste the scriptures I read

Psalm 132:1-8
¹ A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, [and] all his afflictions:
² How he sware unto the LORD, [and] vowed unto the mighty [God] of Jacob;
³ Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;
⁴ I will not give sleep to mine eyes, [or] slumber to mine eyelids,
⁵ Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty [God] of Jacob.
⁶ Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
⁷ We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
⁸ Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
⁹ Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
¹⁰ For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
¹¹ The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
¹² If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
¹³ For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation.
¹⁴ This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
¹⁵ I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
¹⁶ I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
¹⁷ There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
¹⁸ His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

ACTS 9:26-43
²⁶And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and brought [him] to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
²⁸ And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
²⁹ And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
³⁰ [Which] when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
³¹ Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
³² And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters], he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
³³ And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
³⁴ And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
³⁵ And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
³⁶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
³⁷ And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid [her] in an upper chamber.
³⁸ And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring [him] that he would not delay to come to them.
³⁹ Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
⁴⁰ But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
⁴¹ And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
⁴² And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
⁴³ And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - The Struggle

Good Morning Lord!
The struggle is me, satan and all the little distractions that keep me from giving you the personal relationship you want from me, the quiet time (without all the white noise).  I have been praying and praying and trying to go to bed earlier so I can get up and stay up at 4:45 am to Praise You, Sing to You, Pray (talk to you) and Listen to you (by reading your word).

Its been a struggle!
Finally, I'm back up and I'm distracted with trying to find my foot pedal to my keyboard so I can play you a worship song..really????

OK.. Off my soap box..I'm back..Please help me Lord to continue to get up and give you my First Fruit!

4:45 am Prayer
5:30 am Song /Devotion

Daily Encouragement

6 am Exercise with Tanya

March 14, 2012 A Hope to Hold Onto Micca Monda Campbell

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:11 (NIV 1984)

My husband is a bookkeeper for an industry that's been greatly affected by the economy. Every evening when Pat walks through our back door, I see worry across his brow and the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

He's consumed with "what ifs." What if the company goes down? What if he can't find another job? What if he has to pull our children out of college, or sell the car or our home? Each month, as Pat closes the books, he grows deeper in despair. Sadly, he's not alone.

People everywhere are in crises. In the midst of massive layoffs, foreclosures and bank failures, many are losing hope. It's easy to give in to worry—for my husband, for me ... for you?

Hard times have not only shaken my hope, but they've allowed me to see I often misplace my hope. Sometimes, I experience disappointment because I have put my hope in material things, in money, a job and even in success.

But the apostle Paul had a different claim, "Hope in Christ does not disappoint."

That's good advice from a man who had many reasons to despair throughout his life. He often found himself hungry, naked, shipwrecked, beaten and imprisoned. Instead of losing all hope, Paul preached to his soul, like the Psalmist did in our key verse. They both chose to put hope in God alone. No matter the outcome, Paul was not disappointed.

In our lives, we may lose hope, but the God of all hope has not lost us. That's when it's especially important to cling tightly to the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:8, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair" (NIV 1984).

While trouble may surround us, we are not alone. When we feel hedged in by doubt, we can remember we have a Helper, Who is our great support. God is our hope. We don't have to be perplexed, uncertain or concerned about our future. He has promised to deliver us.

We experience deliverance from hopelessness by remembering Christ's counsel. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV 1984). Jesus is saying that financial trouble will come, health will falter, children may rebel, and loved ones will die ... but He has overcome it all. Christ is bigger than any trouble you and I face.

Pat and I are learning to give up the illusion of a trouble-free life. In this fallen world, it's just not possible. Desiring a life unmarked by pain and problems is misplaced hope. God never promised we'd be happy and healthy. No. He promised if we would trust Him in the midst of adverse circumstances, we would not be disappointed. That, my friend, is a hope we can hold on to.

Dear Lord, I'm finished and done with putting my hope in people, things, and position. Today, I'm putting my hope in You alone. Even if my circumstances don't change, I will trust You to fill me with Your peace and provide the strength I need to make it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
This devotion is from Micca's women's conference entitled, A Hope to Hold Onto. Click here if you'd like to find out more about bringing this message to your event.

An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger than My Fears by Micca Campbell

Click here to sign up for a new online study of Micca's book, An Untroubled Heart, beginning March 25th with Melissa Taylor.

Visit Micca's blog for a chance to win a copy of her book, An Untroubled Heart.

Reflect and Respond:
Stop wishing and start expecting. To hope in the Lord is not like wishing for something. It's an expectation—something you can count on. In other words, we can expect God, in His timing, to make good on His promises to us.

Has misplaced hope been a disappointment or benefit to you? What does God promise if you put your hope in Him?

Power Verses:
Romans 5:5, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (NIV 1984)

Psalm 119:116, "Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed." (NIV 1984)

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - God will keep you in Perfect Peace

7:30 am Prayer /Devotion

7:45 a.m. - Daily Encouragement

March 7, 2012 How Do I Let Peace Rule? Samantha Reed

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

No more able are we to drive the rain back into the clouds by holding hands to the sky...

Or stretch a rainbow's colors wide by scurrying to grasp its tails...

Or force the tides to retreat by running at the sea...

No more capable of these feats are we, than to pursue and capture peace.

Peace.

That for which the world wars. Families crumble. People roam. That for which we compromise, and improvise, and televise: It's here... if only you race after it with your time, your money, your life.

But for all our chasing, we never lay hold of peace. Not until we reckon with these nine words that beckon a stillness. A truth that causes shoulders to fall and jaws to relax. This scripture tells us there's peace a' plenty, free for all.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15 NIV).

If we're to find peace, we must become a pupil of He who is our Peace, Jesus Christ. He who is the Word. And this bit of Word, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts," is a fine educator.

This truth teaches us to slow down. Those two strong words, "let" and "rule" mean to "umpire" our hurried heart. So when circumstances crumble and we worriedly scramble to right them, we are taught to pause and call our heart to peace. How do we do this? Through intimate knowledge of He who is our Peace.

Christ is just, as Esther's courage and Haman's defeat reflects. (Esther 7)

Christ redeems, as Job's great loss and even greater gain assures. (Job 42:7-17)

Christ is trustworthy, as His promised resurrection proves. (Matthew 28:1-10)

Christ controls the storms, as calmed winds and waves attest. (Mark 4:35-41)

It will take time to teach our hearts to let peace rule. Umpires don't begin careers in the World Series. Indeed, umpires go through rigorous training and schooling. They must work for years in the minor leagues before even dreaming of the majors.

We too must set our heart and mind to learning. A good place to start is with the minors. Calling our hearts to peace when running late, dinner burns, scrapes and bruises happen, and fender benders occur. This is our practice and preparation for when the doctor calls, the pink slip is given, the papers are served, and the accusations fly.

We call our hearts to trust in He who is faithful to us in the small things, so we learn His character again and again. This gives our hearts the training needed to know He is trustworthy to us in the big things, the in-between things... everything.

Each call leads to another, which leads to an eventual place of surety. A place where the chase ends. And peace begins.

Dear Lord, You are our Peace. Teach me Your ways, direct me in Your truth. Help me relax my shoulders, loosen my tense jaw, calm my hurried heart. I want to know You more and more. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Share the One who is Peace with a child in need through Compassion International.

Click here to join Melissa Taylor's newest online Bible study of An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell

Visit Samantha's site for more about Him who is our peace and a give-away of An Untroubled Heart.

Reflect and Respond:
Do you tend to focus more on circumstances or on Jesus' power over the circumstances?

Memorize three verses about peace over the next three weeks. Call them out to your heart when trouble comes.

Power Verses:
Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." (NIV 1984)

Ephesians 2:14, "For he himself is our peace..." (NIV)

Monday, March 5, 2012 - Daily Encouragement

7:00 a.m. Prayer
9:00 a.m. Daily Encouragement

March 5, 2012 Caring for the Overlooked LeAnn Rice

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

I can count on my fingers the number of times I showered during the last couple of months of Ron's life. My husband was confined to a hospital bed in our living room, and hooked up to a morphine drip that he'd try to pull out of his arm when he'd wake disoriented. And we had a three-year-old little boy who liked to toss things into the toilet bowl and stir them around. I couldn't take my eyes off of either one of them.

But I needed to bathe and brush my teeth. I had groceries to purchase, mouths to feed, bills to pay and trash to take to the curb. Several times throughout the day, I needed to go to the bathroom. I depended on others to help me "carry" all these things.

Once a week, a Hospice volunteer sat with Ron so I could take a shower and a nap. My mother and sister-in-law picked Nick up a couple of times a week so he didn't witness things with his dad that a toddler shouldn't see. There were occasional visits from friends and other family members, but most kept away because it was too difficult for them to see their beloved Ron deteriorate so quickly.

I understood. Really, I did.

But it was hard.

I felt alone and helpless.

Hungry and tired and dirty.

And I was watching the love of my life die a little more each day.

I wouldn't trade those final days with Ron for anything in the world. I would not have wanted (or allowed) anyone else to care for him. Love gave me strength and God carried me when I had no energy left. Yet, while the role of caregiver is one I cherished, it was filled with so many challenges and hardships.

Do you know someone who is caring for a chronically or terminally-ill loved one, an elderly parent or a young child?

As today's verse in Galatians tells us, we are called to be compassionate, to love, and to carry each other's burdens. When we do these things in His Name, we demonstrate His love to others. It is our responsibility as Christians. And it's our privilege.

From a heart that has been there, may I encourage you? Don't overlook the caregiver. Love on them. Encourage them. And be the hands of Christ, helping carry their burdens, in the midst of their weariness.

Dear Lord, please give me Your eyes to see the struggling caregivers around me. Strengthen and equip me to help carry their burdens. Help me to see when help is needed and when I would be more of a burden than a help. Show me tangible ways that I can make a difference, bring encouragement, and share Your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know the Greatest Comforter?

Words of Comfort for Times of Loss by Cecil Murphy and Liz Allison

For more encouragement from LeAnn, stop by She Cooks or visit her and her team at A Widow's Might.

Reflect and Respond:
Is there someone in your life, at work, or in your church that is currently the primary or only caregiver for someone? Let them know that you are praying for them and that they matter.

Offer your assistance. If they are hesitant to accept, find practical ways to help like bringing groceries or stopping by with a hot meal and laundry detergent. Do a load of laundry. If they have children, offer to take them to the park or on a play date with your kids.

Power Verse:
John 13:34, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by LeAnn Rice. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Thursday, Mar 1, 2012 - Solomon's many wives

8:30 am Prayer/Devotion

June 13 - Reading
1 Kings 11:1-12:19; Acts 9:1-25;Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 17:4-5

1 Kings 11-12:19

New Living Translation (NLT)

1 Kings 11

Solomon’s Many Wives

 ¹ Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. ² The LORD had clearly instructed the people of Israel, ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. ³ He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the LORD.  ⁴ In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the LORD his God, as his father, David, had been. ⁵ Solomon worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech,^[a] the detestable god of the Ammonites. ⁶ In this way, Solomon did what was evil in the LORD’s sight; he refused to follow the LORD completely, as his father, David, had done.
 ⁷ On the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem,^[b] he even built a pagan shrine for Chemosh, the detestable god of Moab, and another for Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. ⁸ Solomon built such shrines for all his foreign wives to use for burning incense and sacrificing to their gods.
 ⁹ The LORD was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. ¹⁰ He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the LORD’s command. ¹¹ So now the LORD said to him, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants. ¹² But for the sake of your father, David, I will not do this while you are still alive. I will take the kingdom away from your son. ¹³ And even so, I will not take away the entire kingdom; I will let him be king of one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, my chosen city.”

Solomon’s Adversaries

 ¹⁴ Then the LORD raised up Hadad the Edomite, a member of Edom’s royal family, to be Solomon’s adversary. ¹⁵ Years before, David had defeated Edom. Joab, his army commander, had stayed to bury some of the Israelite soldiers who had died in battle. While there, they killed every male in Edom. ¹⁶ Joab and the army of Israel had stayed there for six months, killing them.  ¹⁷ But Hadad and a few of his father’s royal officials escaped and headed for Egypt. (Hadad was just a boy at the time.) ¹⁸ They set out from Midian and went to Paran, where others joined them. Then they traveled to Egypt and went to Pharaoh, who gave them a home, food, and some land. ¹⁹ Pharaoh grew very fond of Hadad, and he gave him his wife’s sister in marriage—the sister of Queen Tahpenes. ²⁰ She bore him a son named Genubath. Tahpenes raised him^[c] in Pharaoh’s palace among Pharaoh’s own sons.
 ²¹ When the news reached Hadad in Egypt that David and his commander Joab were both dead, he said to Pharaoh, “Let me return to my own country.”
 ²² “Why?” Pharaoh asked him. “What do you lack here that makes you want to go home?”
   “Nothing,” he replied. “But even so, please let me return home.”
 ²³ God also raised up Rezon son of Eliada as Solomon’s adversary. Rezon had fled from his master, King Hadadezer of Zobah, ²⁴ and had become the leader of a gang of rebels. After David conquered Hadadezer, Rezon and his men fled to Damascus, where he became king. ²⁵ Rezon was Israel’s bitter adversary for the rest of Solomon’s reign, and he made trouble, just as Hadad did. Rezon hated Israel intensely and continued to reign in Aram.

Jeroboam Rebels against Solomon

 ²⁶ Another rebel leader was Jeroboam son of Nebat, one of Solomon’s own officials. He came from the town of Zeredah in Ephraim, and his mother was Zeruah, a widow.  ²⁷ This is the story behind his rebellion. Solomon was rebuilding the supporting terraces^[d] and repairing the walls of the city of his father, David. ²⁸ Jeroboam was a very capable young man, and when Solomon saw how industrious he was, he put him in charge of the labor force from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph.
 ²⁹ One day as Jeroboam was leaving Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh met him along the way. Ahijah was wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone in a field, ³⁰ and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. ³¹ Then he said to Jeroboam, “Take ten of these pieces, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon, and I will give ten of the tribes to you! ³² But I will leave him one tribe for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel. ³³ For Solomon has^[e] abandoned me and worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians; Chemosh, the god of Moab; and Molech, the god of the Ammonites. He has not followed my ways and done what is pleasing in my sight. He has not obeyed my decrees and regulations as David his father did.
 ³⁴ “‘But I will not take the entire kingdom from Solomon at this time. For the sake of my servant David, the one whom I chose and who obeyed my commands and decrees, I will keep Solomon as leader for the rest of his life. ³⁵ But I will take the kingdom away from his son and give ten of the tribes to you. ³⁶ His son will have one tribe so that the descendants of David my servant will continue to reign, shining like a lamp in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen to be the place for my name. ³⁷ And I will place you on the throne of Israel, and you will rule over all that your heart desires. ³⁸ If you listen to what I tell you and follow my ways and do whatever I consider to be right, and if you obey my decrees and commands, as my servant David did, then I will always be with you. I will establish an enduring dynasty for you as I did for David, and I will give Israel to you. ³⁹ Because of Solomon’s sin I will punish the descendants of David—though not forever.’”
 ⁴⁰ Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but he fled to King Shishak of Egypt and stayed there until Solomon died.

Summary of Solomon’s Reign

 ⁴¹ The rest of the events in Solomon’s reign, including all his deeds and his wisdom, are recorded in The Book of the Acts of Solomon. ⁴² Solomon ruled in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years. ⁴³ When he died, he was buried in the City of David, named for his father. Then his son Rehoboam became the next king.

1 Kings 12

The Northern Tribes Revolt

 ¹ Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. ² When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of this, he returned from Egypt,^[f] for he had fled to Egypt to escape from King Solomon. ³ The leaders of Israel summoned him, and Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel went to speak with Rehoboam. ⁴ “Your father was a hard master,” they said. “Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.”  ⁵ Rehoboam replied, “Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer.” So the people went away.
 ⁶ Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?”
 ⁷ The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.”
 ⁸ But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. ⁹ “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?”
 ¹⁰ The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! ¹¹ Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’”
 ¹² Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam’s decision, just as the king had ordered. ¹³ But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors ¹⁴ and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!”
 ¹⁵ So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of the LORD, for it fulfilled the LORD’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh.
 ¹⁶ When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded,
   “Down with the dynasty of David!
      We have no interest in the son of Jesse.
   Back to your homes, O Israel!
      Look out for your own house, O David!”
   So the people of Israel returned home. ¹⁷ But Rehoboam continued to rule over the Israelites who lived in the towns of Judah.
 ¹⁸ King Rehoboam sent Adoniram,^[g] who was in charge of the labor force, to restore order, but the people of Israel stoned him to death. When this news reached King Rehoboam, he quickly jumped into his chariot and fled to Jerusalem. ¹⁹ And to this day the northern tribes of Israel have refused to be ruled by a descendant of David.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Kings 11:5 Hebrew Milcom, a variant spelling of Molech; also in 11:33.
2. 1 Kings 11:7 Hebrew On the mountain east of Jerusalem.
3. 1 Kings 11:20 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads weaned him.
4. 1 Kings 11:27 Hebrew the millo. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
5. 1 Kings 11:33 As in Greek, Syriac, and Latin Vulgate; Hebrew reads For they have.
6. 1 Kings 12:2 As in Greek version and Latin Vulgate (see also 2 Chr 10:2); Hebrew reads he lived in Egypt.
7. 1 Kings 12:18 As in some Greek manuscripts and Syriac version (see also 4:6; 5:14); Hebrew reads Adoram.

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Acts 9:1-25

New Living Translation (NLT)

Acts 9

Saul’s Conversion

 ¹ Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.^[a] So he went to the high priest. ² He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.  ³ As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
 ⁵ “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
   And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! ⁶ Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
 ⁷ The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! ⁸ Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. ⁹ He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
 ¹⁰ Now there was a believer^[b] in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”
   “Yes, Lord!” he replied.
 ¹¹ The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. ¹² I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”
 ¹³ “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers^[c] in Jerusalem! ¹⁴ And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
 ¹⁵ But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
 ¹⁷ So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. ¹⁹ Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

    Saul stayed with the believers^[d] in Damascus for a few days. ²⁰ And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”  ²¹ All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”
 ²² Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. ²³ After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. ²⁴ They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. ²⁵ So during the night, some of the other believers^[e] lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

Footnotes:

1. Acts 9:1 Greek disciples.
2. Acts 9:10 Greek disciple; also in 9:26, 36.
3. Acts 9:13 Greek God’s holy people; also in 9:32, 41.
4. Acts 9:19 Greek disciples; also in 9:26, 38.
5. Acts 9:25 Greek his disciples.

Psalm 131:1-3

New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 131

Psalm 131

    A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. ¹ LORD, my heart is not proud;
      my eyes are not haughty.
   I don’t concern myself with matters too great
      or too awesome for me to grasp.
 ² Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,
      like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.
      Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
 ³ O Israel, put your hope in the LORD—
      now and always.

Proverbs 17:4-5

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ⁴ Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;
      liars pay close attention to slander.
 ⁵ Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
      those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.