Day 314 of My 6th Bible Study Journey
Day 314, 10 November 2025
1) Acts 4, Acts 5, Acts 6
Acts 4
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 (Lk 22:4; Ac 5:24) As they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain
of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,
2 (Ac 17:18) being greatly troubled because they taught the people
and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 (Ac 5:18) And they seized them and put them in custody until the next day,
for it was already evening.
4 (Ac 2:41) But many of those who heard the word believed,
and the number of the men grew to about five thousand.
5 (Ac 4:8) On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes
6 (Lk 3:2; Mt 26:3) were assembled at Jerusalem with Annas the high priest,
and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and all who were of the family
of the high priest.
7 (Mt 21:23; Ac 4:10) When they had stood them in the midst, they asked,
"By what power or by what name have you done this?"
8 (Ac 2:4) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
"Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 (Ac 3:7) If we today are being examined concerning a good deed
done to a crippled man, how this man has been healed,
10 (Ac 3:6) be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole.
11 (Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22-23) He is
'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.' (Ps 118:22.)
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) There is no salvation in any other,for there is
no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
13 (Jn 7:15; Mt 11:25) When they saw the boldness of Peter and John
and perceived that they were illiterate and uneducated men, they marveled.
And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14 But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing
to say against it.
15 So when they had commanded them to go outside of the Sanhedrin,
they conferred among themselves,
16 saying, "What shall we do to these men?
For, indeed, that an acknowledged miracle has been done through them is
revealed to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 (Ac 5:28) But lest it spread further among the people,
let us threaten them that they no longer speak to anyone in this name."
18 (Ac 5:40) Then they called them and commanded them not to speak
or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 (Ac 5:29) But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right
in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 (Ac 22:15) For we cannot help but declare what we have seen and heard."
21 (Ac 5:26; Mt 21:46) When they had further threatened them,
they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people.
For all glorified God for what was done,
22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing
was performed was over forty years old.
[1] And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the
temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
[2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus
the resurrection from the dead.
[3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for
it was now eventide.
[4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of
the men was about five thousand.
[5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and
scribes,
[6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as
many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at
Jerusalem.
[7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or
by what name, have ye done this?
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by
what means he is made whole;
[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is
become the head of the corner.
[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
[14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could
say nothing against it.
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they
conferred among themselves,
[16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable
miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in
Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly
threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
[18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
in the name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
[21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding
nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men
glorified God for that which was done.
[22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing
was shewed.
The Believers Pray for Boldness
23 On being released, they went to their own people and reported
what the chief priests and elders had said to them.
24 (Ne 9:6) When they heard this, they lifted their voices in unity to God
and prayed, "Lord, You are God, who has made the heaven and the earth
and the sea and everything in them,
25 (Ac 1:16) and who by the mouth of Your servant David said:
'Why did the nations rage,
and the people devise vain things?
26 (Lk 4:18; Ac 10:38) The kings of the earth came,
and the rulers were assembled together
against the Lord
and against His Christ.'
27 (Mt 27:2; Ac 4:30) Indeed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate,
with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were assembled together
against Your holy Son Jesus whom You have anointed,
28 (Ac 2:23; Isa 46:10) to do what Your hand and Your counsel
had foreordained to be done.
29 (Ac 4:13; 4:31) Now, Lord, look on their threats
and grant that Your servants may speak Your word with great boldness,
30 (Ac 4:27; 3:6) by stretching out Your hand to heal and that signs
and wonders may be performed in the name of Your holy Son Jesus."
31 (Ac 2:2; 2:4) When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled
together was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and spoke the word of God with boldness.
[23] And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that
the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
[24] And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one
accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and
the sea, and all that in them is:
[25] Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen
rage, and the people imagine vain things?
[26] The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together
against the Lord, and against his Christ.
[27] For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed,
both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel,
were gathered together,
[28] For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be
done.
[29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants,
that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
[30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may
be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
[31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were
assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they
spake the word of God with boldness.
All Things in Common
32 (2Ch 30:12; Php 1:27) All the believers were of one heart and one soul,
and no one said that what he possessed was his own. But to them all things
were in common.
33 (Ac 1:8; 1:22) With great power the apostles testified to the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all.
34 (Ac 2:45) There was no one among them who lacked, for all those who were
owners of land or houses sold them, and brought the income from what
was sold,
35 (Ac 5:2; 2:45) and placed it at the apostles' feet. And it was distributed
to each according to his need.
36 (1Co 9:6; Mk 3:17) Joseph, whom the apostles called Barnabas
(which means, Son of Encouragement), a Levite from the land of Cyprus,
37 sold a field he owned, and brought the money
and placed it at the apostles' feet.
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one
soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed
was his own; but they had all things common.
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of
the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the
things that were sold,
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
unto every man according as he had need.
[36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being
interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of
Cyprus,
[37] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the
apostles' feet.
Acts 5
Ananias and Sapphira
1 Now a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.
2 (Ac 4:37) He kept back part of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge,
and brought a part of it and placed it at the apostles' feet.
3 (Jn 13:2; 13:27) Then Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled
your heart to deceive the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds
of the land?
4 (Ac 5:3) While it remained unsold, was it not your own?
And when it was sold, was it not under your authority?
Why have you conceived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men,
but to God."
5 (Ac 5:10-11; 2:43) On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died.
And great fear came on all those who heard these things.
6 (Jn 19:40) The young men rose and wrapped him up
and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for this amount?"
She said, "Yes, for that much."
9 (Ac 5:3-4; 1Co 10:9) Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed
together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have
buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
10 At once she fell down at his feet and died. Upon entering,
the young men found her dead and carried her out and buried her beside
her husband.
11 (Ac 5:5; 19:17) Great fear came on the entire church
and on all those who heard these things.
[1] But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a
possession,
[2] And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and
brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
[3] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the
Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
[4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it
not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?
thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
[5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and
great fear came on all them that heard these things.
[6] And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried
him.
[7] And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not
knowing what was done, came in.
[8] And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so
much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
[9] Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to
tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy
husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
[10] Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost:
and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth,
buried her by her husband.
[11] And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard
these things.
Signs and Wonders
12 (Ac 3:11; Jn 10:23) Many signs and wonders were performed
among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were
all together in Solomon's Porch.
13 (Ac 2:47; 4:21) No one else dared join them, but the people respected them.
14 (Ac 2:47) Believers were increasingly added to the Lord,
crowds of both men and women,
15 (Mt 14:36) so that they even brought the sick out into the streets
and placed them on beds and mats, that at least the shadow
of Peter passing by might touch some of them.
16 (Mk 16:17-18) Crowds also came out of the cities surrounding Jerusalem,
bringing the sick and those who were afflicted by evil spirits,
and they were all healed.
[12] And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
[13] And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people
magnified them.
[14] And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men
and women.)
[15] Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid
them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by
might overshadow some of them.
[16] There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto
Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean
spirits: and they were healed every one.
Persecution of the Apostles
17 (Ac 7:9; 13:45) Then the high priest and all those who were with him
(that is, the sect of the Sadducees) rose up and were filled with jealousy.
18 (Ac 4:3; Lk 21:12) They seized the apostles and put them in the common
prison.
19 (Ac 8:26; 16:26) But during the night an angel of the Lord
opened the prison doors and led them out, and said,
20 (Jn 6:63; 6:68) "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people
all the words of this life."
21 (Jn 8:2) Having heard this, they entered the temple at dawn and taught.
But the high priest and those who were with him came and called together
the Sanhedrin and the senate of all the sons of Israel,
and sent to the prison to have them brought out.
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison,
they returned and reported,
23 "We found the prison securely shut and the guards standing
outside before the doors. But when we opened it, we found no one inside."
24 (Ac 4:1; 5:26) Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple,
and the chief priests heard these things, they were in doubt of what might
become of this.
25 Then one came and told them, "Look, the men whom you put in prison
are standing in the temple and teaching the people."
26 (Ac 5:13; 4:21) Then the captain with his escorts went and brought them,
without force lest they should be stoned, for they feared the people.
27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin.
And the high priest questioned them,
28 (Mt 27:25; Ac 7:52) saying, "Did we not strictly command you not
to teach in this name? Yet now you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching,
and you intend to bring on us this Man's blood."
29 (Ac 4:19) Peter and the other apostles answered,
"We must obey God rather than men.
30 (Ac 10:39; Gal 3:13) The God of our fathers raised Jesus,
whom you killed by hanging on a tree.
31 (Lk 24:47; 2:11; Ac 2:33) God exalted this Man to His right hand
to be a Ruler and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel
and forgiveness of sins.
32 (Jn 15:26-27; Ac 2:4) We are His witnesses to these words,
as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
33 (Ac 2:37; 7:54) When they heard this, they were cut to the heart
and took counsel to kill them.
34 (Ac 22:3; Lk 2:46) But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel,
a teacher of the law honored by all the people, stood
and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a little while.
35 Then he said to them, "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves
what you intend to do concerning these men.
36 (Ac 8:9; 21:38) For in previous days Theudas rose up, boasting
to be somebody, to whom a number of about four hundred men joined
themselves. He was killed, and all who obeyed him were dispersed
and came to nothing.
37 (Lk 2:1-2) After Theudas, Judas the Galilean rose up
in the days of the census and drew away many people after him.
This man also perished, and all who obeyed him were scattered.
38 (La 3:37; Mt 15:13) Now I tell you, keep away from these men
and leave them alone, because if this intention or this activity
is of men, it will come to nothing.
39 (Pr 21:30; Ac 7:51) But if it is of God, you will not be able
to overthrow them, lest perhaps you be found even fighting against God."
40 (Mt 10:17; Mk 13:9) They agreed with him. When they had called
in the apostles, they beat them, and commanded them not to speak
in the name of Jesus, and released them.
41 (Jn 15:21) Then they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 (Ac 2:46; 8:35) Daily, in the temple and from house to house,
they did not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
[17] Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which
is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
[18] And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common
prison.
[19] But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought
them forth, and said,
[20] Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this
life.
[21] And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the
morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him,
and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of
Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.
[22] But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they
returned, and told,
[23] Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers
standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man
within.
[24] Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief
priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
[25] Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in
prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
[26] Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without
violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
[27] And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and
the high priest asked them,
[28] Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in
this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and
intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
[29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey
God rather than men.
[30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a
tree.
[31] Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
[32] And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy
Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
[33] When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to
slay them.
[34] Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a
doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to
put the apostles forth a little space;
[35] And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye
intend to do as touching these men.
[36] For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody;
to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was
slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to
nought.
[37] After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and
drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as
obeyed him, were dispersed.
[38] And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for
if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
[39] But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found
even to fight against God.
[40] And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and
beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus,
and let them go.
[41] And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they
were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
[42] And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach
and preach Jesus Christ.
Acts 6
The Seven Helpers
1 (Ac 4:35; 2:41) Now in those days, as the disciples were multiplied,
there was murmuring among the Hellenists against the Hebrews,
because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution.
2 So the twelve called the multitude of disciples together and said,
"It is not reasonable for us to leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 (Dt 1:13; Ac 2:4) Brothers, look among yourselves for seven men
who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom,
whom we will appoint over this duty.
4 (Ac 1:14) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer
and to the ministry of the word."
5 (Ac 11:24; 6:3) And what was said pleased the whole multitude,
and they chose Stephen, who was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,
and Philip, and Procorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas,
a proselyte from Antioch,
6 (Ac 1:24; 8:17) whom they presented before the apostles. And when they had
prayed, they placed their hands on them.
7 (Ac 12:24; 19:20) So the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples
grew rapidly in Jerusalem, and a great number of the priests
were obedient to the faith.
[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their
widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
[2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and
said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve
tables.
[3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report,
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
[4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of
the word.
[5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a
man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and
Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
[6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid
their hands on them.
[7] And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were
obedient to the faith.
The Arrest of Stephen
8 Now Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders
and miracles among the people.
9 (Mt 27:32; Ac 15:23) Then some men rose up from what is called
the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians,
and those from Cilicia and of Asia), disputing with Stephen.
10 (Lk 21:15) But they were not able to withstand the wisdom
and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11 (Mt 26:59-60) Then they secretly instigated men who said, "We have
heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes,
and came upon him and seized him and led him to the Sanhedrin,
13 (Ac 6:11; 21:28) and set up false witnesses who said,
"This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place
and the law.
14 (Da 9:26; Ac 15:1) For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth
will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses handed down
to us."
15 (Ecc 8:1) All who sat in the Sanhedrin, gazing at him,
saw his face as the face of an angel.
[8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles
among the people.
[9] Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue
of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia
and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
[10] And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he
spake.
[11] Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous
words against Moses, and against God.
[12] And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and
came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
[13] And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak
blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
[14] For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy
this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
[15] And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his
face as it had been the face of an angel.
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 November 2026 Titled
A Disciplined Life
1 Corinthians 9:20-27
20 (Ac 16:3; 21:20-26) To the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might win
the Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might
win those who are under the law;
21 (Ro 2:12; 2:14) to those who are outside the law, as outside the law
(being not without God's law, but under Christ's law) that I might win
those who are outside the law.
22 (Ro 11:14; 1Co 10:33) To the weak, I became as weak, that I might win
the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means
save some.
23 (This I do for the gospel's sake, that I might partake of it with you.
24 (Gal 2:2; Heb 12:1) Do you not know that all those who run in a race run,
but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it.
25 (Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10; 1Ti 6:12) Everyone who strives for the prize
exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to obtain
a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.
26 So, therefore, I run, not with uncertainty. So I fight, not as one who
beats the air.
27 (Ro 8:13; Jer 6:30) But I bring and keep my body under subjection,
lest when preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to
them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that
are under the law;
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to
God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without
law.
[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all
things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
[23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof
with you.
[24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth
the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
[25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
[26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that
beateth the air:
[27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by
any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Tom Cruise has built his film career on a megawatt smile . . . and incredible
stunts. The signature stunt in the seventh Mission: Impossible spy action film
featured Cruise riding a motorcycle off a cliff and parachuting to safety.
In other Mission: Impossible films, he's hung off an airplane, held his breath
underwater for more than six minutes, and performed high-altitude jumps. We
might call him crazy. But Cruise' commitment - for the sake of telling the
best cinematic story - is remarkable.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul identified another group whose training demanded
everything of them: competitive athletes. He praised their discipline:
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training" (v. 25). He
said they were compelled by temporal glory - "to get a crown that will not
last" - while believers in Jesus are compelled by a calling with eternal
value: "to get a crown that will last forever" (v. 25).
Are we as committed to our faith as a disciplined athlete - or a famous
actor - might be? "Run in such a way as to get the prize," Paul said (v. 24).
Because of God's grace, we will receive the crown of life as sons
and daughters of the King. That changes everything about how we spend
our days here.
By: Adam R. Holz
Reflect & Pray
How do being saved by grace and living a disciplined life relate?
How has God used disciplines to transform you?
Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus
to live and die on my behalf. Please help me live today as a response
to that gift, offering everything fully to You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 3 The song of Exaltation
Exodus 15:2
2 The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
2 The LORD is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation:
He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation;
My father's God, and I will exalt him.
The world is full of music that communicates human emotion:
love, joy, sadness, separation.
A love song makes us misty-eyed; a song of protest arouses anger; a song
describing loss stimulates feelings of hurt and abandonment.
Music is a powerful force to sway the human spirit.
Exodus 15:2 indicates that God should be the source of the songs in our hearts.
Human emotions vacillate; human relationships disappoint,
but God is our "strength" and our "song".
To exalt the Lord includes many different type of "songs".
"I can't carry a tune in a bucket," one woman complained.
"How can I sing to the Lord anything that will be pleasing to him?"
But the Lord does not delight in the professionalism of our songs,
but in the motivation of our hearts. We can "sing to the Lord"
when we enjoy a Bach organ piece played for his glory.
We can exalt him in the words of Scripture - either remembered or sung.
We can worship him by enjoying the songs of others.
The key to making the Lord our song is exaltation. When our thoughts
lift him up in praise, we are singing a song of exaltation to the Lord.
When God is exalted in our songs, in our hearts, and in our thoughts,
that focus gives strength to our lives. We can face the difficulties
that are an inevitable part of experience,
because God is our "strength and our song".
Application
a) What is the difference between a song that is professionally performed
and one that exalts the Lord?
b) What practical steps can I take to
make my daily life a "song of praise" to God?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Genesis 30:43
The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are anxious
Phil 4:4-7
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12 Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness.
The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known
to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a Brave and Honest witness to the Lord via
The Holy Spirit.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus
to live and die on my behalf. Please help me live today as a response
to that gift, offering everything fully to You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to exalt the Lord with Song and Praise.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the obedience of Abraham.
Pray to the Lord and pray to rejoice in everything.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray for Pastor Santiago and other Christians in
Columbia
who have been driven from their homes in the “red zones.”
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Acts 4, Acts 5, Acts 6
Acts 4
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 (Lk 22:4; Ac 5:24) As they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain
of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,
2 (Ac 17:18) being greatly troubled because they taught the people
and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 (Ac 5:18) And they seized them and put them in custody until the next day,
for it was already evening.
4 (Ac 2:41) But many of those who heard the word believed,
and the number of the men grew to about five thousand.
5 (Ac 4:8) On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes
6 (Lk 3:2; Mt 26:3) were assembled at Jerusalem with Annas the high priest,
and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and all who were of the family
of the high priest.
7 (Mt 21:23; Ac 4:10) When they had stood them in the midst, they asked,
"By what power or by what name have you done this?"
8 (Ac 2:4) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
"Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 (Ac 3:7) If we today are being examined concerning a good deed
done to a crippled man, how this man has been healed,
10 (Ac 3:6) be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole.
11 (Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22-23) He is
'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.' (Ps 118:22.)
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) There is no salvation in any other,for there is
no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
13 (Jn 7:15; Mt 11:25) When they saw the boldness of Peter and John
and perceived that they were illiterate and uneducated men, they marveled.
And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14 But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing
to say against it.
15 So when they had commanded them to go outside of the Sanhedrin,
they conferred among themselves,
16 saying, "What shall we do to these men?
For, indeed, that an acknowledged miracle has been done through them is
revealed to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 (Ac 5:28) But lest it spread further among the people,
let us threaten them that they no longer speak to anyone in this name."
18 (Ac 5:40) Then they called them and commanded them not to speak
or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 (Ac 5:29) But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right
in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 (Ac 22:15) For we cannot help but declare what we have seen and heard."
21 (Ac 5:26; Mt 21:46) When they had further threatened them,
they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people.
For all glorified God for what was done,
22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing
was performed was over forty years old.
[1] And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the
temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
[2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus
the resurrection from the dead.
[3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for
it was now eventide.
[4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of
the men was about five thousand.
[5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and
scribes,
[6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as
many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at
Jerusalem.
[7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or
by what name, have ye done this?
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by
what means he is made whole;
[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is
become the head of the corner.
[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
[14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could
say nothing against it.
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they
conferred among themselves,
[16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable
miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in
Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly
threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
[18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
in the name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
[21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding
nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men
glorified God for that which was done.
[22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing
was shewed.
The Believers Pray for Boldness
23 On being released, they went to their own people and reported
what the chief priests and elders had said to them.
24 (Ne 9:6) When they heard this, they lifted their voices in unity to God
and prayed, "Lord, You are God, who has made the heaven and the earth
and the sea and everything in them,
25 (Ac 1:16) and who by the mouth of Your servant David said:
'Why did the nations rage,
and the people devise vain things?
26 (Lk 4:18; Ac 10:38) The kings of the earth came,
and the rulers were assembled together
against the Lord
and against His Christ.'
27 (Mt 27:2; Ac 4:30) Indeed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate,
with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were assembled together
against Your holy Son Jesus whom You have anointed,
28 (Ac 2:23; Isa 46:10) to do what Your hand and Your counsel
had foreordained to be done.
29 (Ac 4:13; 4:31) Now, Lord, look on their threats
and grant that Your servants may speak Your word with great boldness,
30 (Ac 4:27; 3:6) by stretching out Your hand to heal and that signs
and wonders may be performed in the name of Your holy Son Jesus."
31 (Ac 2:2; 2:4) When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled
together was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and spoke the word of God with boldness.
[23] And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that
the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
[24] And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one
accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and
the sea, and all that in them is:
[25] Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen
rage, and the people imagine vain things?
[26] The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together
against the Lord, and against his Christ.
[27] For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed,
both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel,
were gathered together,
[28] For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be
done.
[29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants,
that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
[30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may
be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
[31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were
assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they
spake the word of God with boldness.
All Things in Common
32 (2Ch 30:12; Php 1:27) All the believers were of one heart and one soul,
and no one said that what he possessed was his own. But to them all things
were in common.
33 (Ac 1:8; 1:22) With great power the apostles testified to the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all.
34 (Ac 2:45) There was no one among them who lacked, for all those who were
owners of land or houses sold them, and brought the income from what
was sold,
35 (Ac 5:2; 2:45) and placed it at the apostles' feet. And it was distributed
to each according to his need.
36 (1Co 9:6; Mk 3:17) Joseph, whom the apostles called Barnabas
(which means, Son of Encouragement), a Levite from the land of Cyprus,
37 sold a field he owned, and brought the money
and placed it at the apostles' feet.
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one
soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed
was his own; but they had all things common.
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of
the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the
things that were sold,
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
unto every man according as he had need.
[36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being
interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of
Cyprus,
[37] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the
apostles' feet.
Acts 5
Ananias and Sapphira
1 Now a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.
2 (Ac 4:37) He kept back part of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge,
and brought a part of it and placed it at the apostles' feet.
3 (Jn 13:2; 13:27) Then Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled
your heart to deceive the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds
of the land?
4 (Ac 5:3) While it remained unsold, was it not your own?
And when it was sold, was it not under your authority?
Why have you conceived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men,
but to God."
5 (Ac 5:10-11; 2:43) On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died.
And great fear came on all those who heard these things.
6 (Jn 19:40) The young men rose and wrapped him up
and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for this amount?"
She said, "Yes, for that much."
9 (Ac 5:3-4; 1Co 10:9) Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed
together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have
buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
10 At once she fell down at his feet and died. Upon entering,
the young men found her dead and carried her out and buried her beside
her husband.
11 (Ac 5:5; 19:17) Great fear came on the entire church
and on all those who heard these things.
[1] But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a
possession,
[2] And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and
brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
[3] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the
Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
[4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it
not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?
thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
[5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and
great fear came on all them that heard these things.
[6] And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried
him.
[7] And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not
knowing what was done, came in.
[8] And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so
much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
[9] Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to
tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy
husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
[10] Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost:
and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth,
buried her by her husband.
[11] And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard
these things.
Signs and Wonders
12 (Ac 3:11; Jn 10:23) Many signs and wonders were performed
among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were
all together in Solomon's Porch.
13 (Ac 2:47; 4:21) No one else dared join them, but the people respected them.
14 (Ac 2:47) Believers were increasingly added to the Lord,
crowds of both men and women,
15 (Mt 14:36) so that they even brought the sick out into the streets
and placed them on beds and mats, that at least the shadow
of Peter passing by might touch some of them.
16 (Mk 16:17-18) Crowds also came out of the cities surrounding Jerusalem,
bringing the sick and those who were afflicted by evil spirits,
and they were all healed.
[12] And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
[13] And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people
magnified them.
[14] And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men
and women.)
[15] Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid
them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by
might overshadow some of them.
[16] There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto
Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean
spirits: and they were healed every one.
Persecution of the Apostles
17 (Ac 7:9; 13:45) Then the high priest and all those who were with him
(that is, the sect of the Sadducees) rose up and were filled with jealousy.
18 (Ac 4:3; Lk 21:12) They seized the apostles and put them in the common
prison.
19 (Ac 8:26; 16:26) But during the night an angel of the Lord
opened the prison doors and led them out, and said,
20 (Jn 6:63; 6:68) "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people
all the words of this life."
21 (Jn 8:2) Having heard this, they entered the temple at dawn and taught.
But the high priest and those who were with him came and called together
the Sanhedrin and the senate of all the sons of Israel,
and sent to the prison to have them brought out.
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison,
they returned and reported,
23 "We found the prison securely shut and the guards standing
outside before the doors. But when we opened it, we found no one inside."
24 (Ac 4:1; 5:26) Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple,
and the chief priests heard these things, they were in doubt of what might
become of this.
25 Then one came and told them, "Look, the men whom you put in prison
are standing in the temple and teaching the people."
26 (Ac 5:13; 4:21) Then the captain with his escorts went and brought them,
without force lest they should be stoned, for they feared the people.
27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin.
And the high priest questioned them,
28 (Mt 27:25; Ac 7:52) saying, "Did we not strictly command you not
to teach in this name? Yet now you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching,
and you intend to bring on us this Man's blood."
29 (Ac 4:19) Peter and the other apostles answered,
"We must obey God rather than men.
30 (Ac 10:39; Gal 3:13) The God of our fathers raised Jesus,
whom you killed by hanging on a tree.
31 (Lk 24:47; 2:11; Ac 2:33) God exalted this Man to His right hand
to be a Ruler and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel
and forgiveness of sins.
32 (Jn 15:26-27; Ac 2:4) We are His witnesses to these words,
as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
33 (Ac 2:37; 7:54) When they heard this, they were cut to the heart
and took counsel to kill them.
34 (Ac 22:3; Lk 2:46) But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel,
a teacher of the law honored by all the people, stood
and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a little while.
35 Then he said to them, "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves
what you intend to do concerning these men.
36 (Ac 8:9; 21:38) For in previous days Theudas rose up, boasting
to be somebody, to whom a number of about four hundred men joined
themselves. He was killed, and all who obeyed him were dispersed
and came to nothing.
37 (Lk 2:1-2) After Theudas, Judas the Galilean rose up
in the days of the census and drew away many people after him.
This man also perished, and all who obeyed him were scattered.
38 (La 3:37; Mt 15:13) Now I tell you, keep away from these men
and leave them alone, because if this intention or this activity
is of men, it will come to nothing.
39 (Pr 21:30; Ac 7:51) But if it is of God, you will not be able
to overthrow them, lest perhaps you be found even fighting against God."
40 (Mt 10:17; Mk 13:9) They agreed with him. When they had called
in the apostles, they beat them, and commanded them not to speak
in the name of Jesus, and released them.
41 (Jn 15:21) Then they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 (Ac 2:46; 8:35) Daily, in the temple and from house to house,
they did not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
[17] Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which
is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
[18] And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common
prison.
[19] But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought
them forth, and said,
[20] Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this
life.
[21] And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the
morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him,
and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of
Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.
[22] But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they
returned, and told,
[23] Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers
standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man
within.
[24] Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief
priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
[25] Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in
prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
[26] Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without
violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
[27] And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and
the high priest asked them,
[28] Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in
this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and
intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
[29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey
God rather than men.
[30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a
tree.
[31] Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
[32] And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy
Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
[33] When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to
slay them.
[34] Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a
doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to
put the apostles forth a little space;
[35] And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye
intend to do as touching these men.
[36] For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody;
to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was
slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to
nought.
[37] After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and
drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as
obeyed him, were dispersed.
[38] And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for
if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
[39] But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found
even to fight against God.
[40] And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and
beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus,
and let them go.
[41] And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they
were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
[42] And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach
and preach Jesus Christ.
Acts 6
The Seven Helpers
1 (Ac 4:35; 2:41) Now in those days, as the disciples were multiplied,
there was murmuring among the Hellenists against the Hebrews,
because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution.
2 So the twelve called the multitude of disciples together and said,
"It is not reasonable for us to leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 (Dt 1:13; Ac 2:4) Brothers, look among yourselves for seven men
who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom,
whom we will appoint over this duty.
4 (Ac 1:14) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer
and to the ministry of the word."
5 (Ac 11:24; 6:3) And what was said pleased the whole multitude,
and they chose Stephen, who was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,
and Philip, and Procorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas,
a proselyte from Antioch,
6 (Ac 1:24; 8:17) whom they presented before the apostles. And when they had
prayed, they placed their hands on them.
7 (Ac 12:24; 19:20) So the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples
grew rapidly in Jerusalem, and a great number of the priests
were obedient to the faith.
[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their
widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
[2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and
said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve
tables.
[3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report,
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
[4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of
the word.
[5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a
man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and
Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
[6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid
their hands on them.
[7] And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were
obedient to the faith.
The Arrest of Stephen
8 Now Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders
and miracles among the people.
9 (Mt 27:32; Ac 15:23) Then some men rose up from what is called
the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians,
and those from Cilicia and of Asia), disputing with Stephen.
10 (Lk 21:15) But they were not able to withstand the wisdom
and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11 (Mt 26:59-60) Then they secretly instigated men who said, "We have
heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes,
and came upon him and seized him and led him to the Sanhedrin,
13 (Ac 6:11; 21:28) and set up false witnesses who said,
"This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place
and the law.
14 (Da 9:26; Ac 15:1) For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth
will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses handed down
to us."
15 (Ecc 8:1) All who sat in the Sanhedrin, gazing at him,
saw his face as the face of an angel.
[8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles
among the people.
[9] Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue
of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia
and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
[10] And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he
spake.
[11] Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous
words against Moses, and against God.
[12] And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and
came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
[13] And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak
blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
[14] For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy
this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
[15] And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his
face as it had been the face of an angel.
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 November 2026 Titled
A Disciplined Life
1 Corinthians 9:20-27
20 (Ac 16:3; 21:20-26) To the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might win
the Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might
win those who are under the law;
21 (Ro 2:12; 2:14) to those who are outside the law, as outside the law
(being not without God's law, but under Christ's law) that I might win
those who are outside the law.
22 (Ro 11:14; 1Co 10:33) To the weak, I became as weak, that I might win
the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means
save some.
23 (This I do for the gospel's sake, that I might partake of it with you.
24 (Gal 2:2; Heb 12:1) Do you not know that all those who run in a race run,
but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it.
25 (Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10; 1Ti 6:12) Everyone who strives for the prize
exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to obtain
a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.
26 So, therefore, I run, not with uncertainty. So I fight, not as one who
beats the air.
27 (Ro 8:13; Jer 6:30) But I bring and keep my body under subjection,
lest when preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to
them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that
are under the law;
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to
God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without
law.
[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all
things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
[23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof
with you.
[24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth
the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
[25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
[26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that
beateth the air:
[27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by
any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Tom Cruise has built his film career on a megawatt smile . . . and incredible
stunts. The signature stunt in the seventh Mission: Impossible spy action film
featured Cruise riding a motorcycle off a cliff and parachuting to safety.
In other Mission: Impossible films, he's hung off an airplane, held his breath
underwater for more than six minutes, and performed high-altitude jumps. We
might call him crazy. But Cruise' commitment - for the sake of telling the
best cinematic story - is remarkable.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul identified another group whose training demanded
everything of them: competitive athletes. He praised their discipline:
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training" (v. 25). He
said they were compelled by temporal glory - "to get a crown that will not
last" - while believers in Jesus are compelled by a calling with eternal
value: "to get a crown that will last forever" (v. 25).
Are we as committed to our faith as a disciplined athlete - or a famous
actor - might be? "Run in such a way as to get the prize," Paul said (v. 24).
Because of God's grace, we will receive the crown of life as sons
and daughters of the King. That changes everything about how we spend
our days here.
By: Adam R. Holz
Reflect & Pray
How do being saved by grace and living a disciplined life relate?
How has God used disciplines to transform you?
Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus
to live and die on my behalf. Please help me live today as a response
to that gift, offering everything fully to You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 3 The song of Exaltation
Exodus 15:2
2 The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
2 The LORD is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation:
He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation;
My father's God, and I will exalt him.
The world is full of music that communicates human emotion:
love, joy, sadness, separation.
A love song makes us misty-eyed; a song of protest arouses anger; a song
describing loss stimulates feelings of hurt and abandonment.
Music is a powerful force to sway the human spirit.
Exodus 15:2 indicates that God should be the source of the songs in our hearts.
Human emotions vacillate; human relationships disappoint,
but God is our "strength" and our "song".
To exalt the Lord includes many different type of "songs".
"I can't carry a tune in a bucket," one woman complained.
"How can I sing to the Lord anything that will be pleasing to him?"
But the Lord does not delight in the professionalism of our songs,
but in the motivation of our hearts. We can "sing to the Lord"
when we enjoy a Bach organ piece played for his glory.
We can exalt him in the words of Scripture - either remembered or sung.
We can worship him by enjoying the songs of others.
The key to making the Lord our song is exaltation. When our thoughts
lift him up in praise, we are singing a song of exaltation to the Lord.
When God is exalted in our songs, in our hearts, and in our thoughts,
that focus gives strength to our lives. We can face the difficulties
that are an inevitable part of experience,
because God is our "strength and our song".
Application
a) What is the difference between a song that is professionally performed
and one that exalts the Lord?
b) What practical steps can I take to
make my daily life a "song of praise" to God?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Genesis 30:43
The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are anxious
Phil 4:4-7
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12 Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness.
The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known
to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a Brave and Honest witness to the Lord via
The Holy Spirit.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus
to live and die on my behalf. Please help me live today as a response
to that gift, offering everything fully to You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to exalt the Lord with Song and Praise.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the obedience of Abraham.
Pray to the Lord and pray to rejoice in everything.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray for Pastor Santiago and other Christians in
Columbia
who have been driven from their homes in the “red zones.”
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
. Much has been written and preached