Debt-Free by 31: 3 Biblical Keys That Made It Happen

Reconciling Grace

Satan, You Can’t Rule My Emotions

The Battle of Pride vs. Humility

Radical Relaxation: Your 5-Day Stress Release Plan

The Power of Gratitude

Lessons From Donkeys

Healing Family Relationships Through Forgiveness

A Teen's Guide To: Learning to Be Fearless Through Jesus

From Lament to Hope: Wellbeing and Happiness in the Psalms

New International Version

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   <div class="book bkEZR">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="EZR.4.17+EZR.4.18+EZR.4.19+EZR.4.20+EZR.4.21+EZR.4.22+EZR.4.23+EZR.4.24">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EZR.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The king sent this reply:</span></span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EZR.4.17"><span class="content">To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EZR.4.17"><span class="content">Greetings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EZR.4.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EZR.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">The letter you sent us has been read and translated in my presence. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EZR.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">I issued an order and a search was made, and it was found that this city has a long history of revolt against kings and has been a place of rebellion and sedition. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EZR.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Jerusalem has had powerful kings ruling over the whole of Trans-Euphrates, and taxes, tribute and duty were paid to them. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EZR.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Now issue an order to these men to stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EZR.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Be careful not to neglect this matter. Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of the royal interests?</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EZR.4.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EZR.4.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimshai the secretary and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EZR.4.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EZR.4.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.</span></span></div>
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The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

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

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEZR">
      <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="EZR.5">
         <div class="label">5</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Tattenai&#8217;s Letter to Darius</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EZR.5.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EZR.5.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EZR.5.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EZR.5.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">At that time Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates went to them and asked, &#8220;Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EZR.5.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">They</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:4 </span><span class="ft">See Septuagint; Aramaic </span><span class="fqa">We.</span></span></span><span class="content"> also asked, &#8220;What are the names of those who are constructing this building?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EZR.5.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EZR.5.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EZR.5.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, the officials of Trans-Euphrates, sent to King Darius. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EZR.5.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The report they sent him read as follows:</span></span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EZR.5.7"><span class="content">To King Darius:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EZR.5.7"><span class="content">Cordial greetings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EZR.5.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EZR.5.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The king should know that we went to the district of Judah, to the temple of the great God. The people are building it with large stones and placing the timbers in the walls. The work is being carried on with diligence and is making rapid progress under their direction.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EZR.5.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EZR.5.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">We questioned the elders and asked them, &#8220;Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EZR.5.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">We also asked them their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EZR.5.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EZR.5.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">This is the answer they gave us:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EZR.5.11"><span class="content">&#8220;We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EZR.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">But because our ancestors angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EZR.5.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EZR.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EZR.5.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">He even removed from the temple</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:14 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">palace</span></span></span><span class="content"> of Babylon the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to the temple</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:14 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">palace</span></span></span><span class="content"> in Babylon. Then King Cyrus gave them to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor, </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EZR.5.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">and he told him, &#8216;Take these articles and go and deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem. And rebuild the house of God on its site.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EZR.5.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EZR.5.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">&#8220;So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem. From that day to the present it has been under construction but is not yet finished.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EZR.5.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EZR.5.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Now if it pleases the king, let a search be made in the royal archives of Babylon to see if King Cyrus did in fact issue a decree to rebuild this house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.</span></span></div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkECC">
      <div class="chapter ch7" data-usfm="ECC.7">
         <div class="label">7</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Wisdom</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.7.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">A good name is better than fine perfume,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.7.1"><span class="content">and the day of death better than the day of birth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.7.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">It is better to go to a house of mourning</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="content">than to go to a house of feasting,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="content">for death is the destiny of everyone;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="content">the living should take this to heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.7.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.7.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Frustration is better than laughter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.7.3"><span class="content">because a sad face is good for the heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.7.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.7.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.7.4"><span class="content">but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.7.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.7.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.7.5"><span class="content">than to listen to the song of fools.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.7.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.7.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Like the crackling of thorns under the pot,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.7.6"><span class="content">so is the laughter of fools.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.7.6"><span class="content">This too is meaningless.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.7.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.7.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Extortion turns a wise person into a fool,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.7.7"><span class="content">and a bribe corrupts the heart.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.7.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.7.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The end of a matter is better than its beginning,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.7.8"><span class="content">and patience is better than pride.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.7.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.7.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.7.9"><span class="content">for anger resides in the lap of fools.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.7.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.7.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Do not say, &#8220;Why were the old days better than these?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.7.10"><span class="content">For it is not wise to ask such questions.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.7.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.7.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.7.11"><span class="content">and benefits those who see the sun.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.7.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Wisdom is a shelter</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="content">as money is a shelter,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="content">but the advantage of knowledge is this:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="content">Wisdom preserves those who have it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.7.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.7.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Consider what God has done:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.7.13"><span class="content">Who can straighten</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.7.13"><span class="content">what he has made crooked?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.7.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When times are good, be happy;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">but when times are bad, consider this:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">God has made the one</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">as well as the other.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">Therefore, no one can discover</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">anything about their future.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.7.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.7.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.7.15"><span class="content">the righteous perishing in their righteousness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.7.15"><span class="content">and the wicked living long in their wickedness.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.7.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.7.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Do not be overrighteous,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.7.16"><span class="content">neither be overwise&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.7.16"><span class="content">why destroy yourself?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.7.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.7.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Do not be overwicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.7.17"><span class="content">and do not be a fool&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.7.17"><span class="content">why die before your time?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.7.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.7.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">It is good to grasp the one</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.7.18"><span class="content">and not let go of the other.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.7.18"><span class="content">Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:18 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">will follow them both</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.7.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.7.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.7.19"><span class="content">than ten rulers in a city.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.7.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.7.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.7.20"><span class="content">no one who does what is right and never sins.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.7.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ECC.7.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Do not pay attention to every word people say,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ECC.7.21"><span class="content">or you may hear your servant cursing you&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ECC.7.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ECC.7.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">for you know in your heart</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ECC.7.22"><span class="content">that many times you yourself have cursed others.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ECC.7.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.7.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">All this I tested by wisdom and I said,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.7.23"><span class="content">&#8220;I am determined to be wise&#8221;&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.7.23"><span class="content">but this was beyond me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.7.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ECC.7.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Whatever exists is far off and most profound&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ECC.7.24"><span class="content">who can discover it?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ECC.7.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">So I turned my mind to understand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="content">to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="content">and to understand the stupidity of wickedness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="content">and the madness of folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.7.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">I find more bitter than death</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">the woman who is a snare,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">whose heart is a trap</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">and whose hands are chains.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">The man who pleases God will escape her,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">but the sinner she will ensnare.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.7.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ECC.7.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">&#8220;Look,&#8221; says the Teacher,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:27 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">the leader of the assembly</span></span></span><span class="content"> &#8220;this is what I have discovered:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ECC.7.27"><span class="content">&#8220;Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ECC.7.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">while I was still searching</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="content">but not finding&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="content">I found one upright man among a thousand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="content">but not one upright woman among them all.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ECC.7.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ECC.7.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">This only have I found:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ECC.7.29"><span class="content">God created mankind upright,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ECC.7.29"><span class="content">but they have gone in search of many schemes.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="ACT.9.1+ACT.9.2+ACT.9.3+ACT.9.4+ACT.9.5+ACT.9.6+ACT.9.7+ACT.9.8+ACT.9.9+ACT.9.10+ACT.9.11+ACT.9.12+ACT.9.13+ACT.9.14+ACT.9.15+ACT.9.16+ACT.9.17+ACT.9.18+ACT.9.19+ACT.9.20+ACT.9.21+ACT.9.22+ACT.9.23+ACT.9.24+ACT.9.25+ACT.9.26+ACT.9.27+ACT.9.28+ACT.9.29+ACT.9.30+ACT.9.31">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord&#8217;s disciples. He went to the high priest </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.9.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;Who are you, Lord?&#8221; Saul asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.9.5"><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he replied. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.9.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.9.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Ananias!&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="content">&#8220;Yes, Lord,&#8221; he answered.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The Lord told him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.9.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;Lord,&#8221; Ananias answered, &#8220;I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.9.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">But the Lord said to Ananias, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.9.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, &#8220;Brother Saul, the Lord&#8212;Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here&#8212;has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul&#8217;s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.9.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">and after taking some food, he regained his strength.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.9.19"><span class="content">Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.9.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.9.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">All those who heard him were astonished and asked, &#8220;Isn&#8217;t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn&#8217;t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.9.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.9.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.9.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.9.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.9.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.9.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.9.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.9.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.9.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.9.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:29 </span><span class="ft">That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture</span></span></span><span class="content"> but they tried to kill him. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.9.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.9.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.9.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkJAS">
      <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="JAS.5.12+JAS.5.13+JAS.5.14+JAS.5.15+JAS.5.16+JAS.5.17+JAS.5.18+JAS.5.19+JAS.5.20">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JAS.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear&#8212;not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple &#8220;Yes&#8221; or &#8220;No.&#8221; Otherwise you will be condemned.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Prayer of Faith</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JAS.5.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JAS.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JAS.5.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JAS.5.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JAS.5.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JAS.5.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JAS.5.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JAS.5.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JAS.5.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JAS.5.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JAS.5.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

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