Tc Moore1
Tc Moore1's Highlights
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 18:1-28 ESV
for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people."And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal,saying, "This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law."But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint.But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things."And he drove them from the tribunal.And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined.But on taking leave of them he said, "I will return to you if God wills," and he set sail from Ephesus.When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,
May 26
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 94:1-23 ESV
He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge— the Lord—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, "My foot slips," your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the Lord our God will wipe them out. Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive." Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?
May 26
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 17:1-34 ESV
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities"—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean."Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.' Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this."So Paul went out from their midst.But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things.And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
May 16
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 93:1-5 ESV
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring. Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty! Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore.
May 16
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 16:31-40 ESV
And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, "Let those men go."And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace."But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out."The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens.So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city.So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
May 13
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 16:1-30 ESV
And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days.And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city.They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice."The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
May 13
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 92:1-15 ESV
But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; but you, O Lord, are on high forever. For behold, your enemies, O Lord, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.
May 13
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 15:1-41 ESV
Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brothers, listen to me.Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, "'After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.' Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues."Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,with the following letter: "The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions,it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements:that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter.And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses."The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.
May 12
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 91:1-16 ESV
no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge—
May 12
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 14:1-28 ESV
said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he sprang up and began walking.And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,"Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia,and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.And they remained no little time with the disciples. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,and there they continued to preach the gospel.Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked.He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,
May 4
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 90:1-17 ESV
The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!" For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
May 4
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 13:1-52 ESV
and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it."So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'"Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed.And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."But God raised him from the dead,and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.' And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, "'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.' Therefore he says also in another psalm, "'You will not let your Holy One see corruption.' For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: "'Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.'" As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
May 2
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 12:1-25 ESV
When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, "It is his angel!"But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place.Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there. About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them.And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!"Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.But the word of God increased and multiplied.And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. He killed James the brother of John with the sword,and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
May 2
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 89:1-52 ESV
You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them. The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name. You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted. For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel. Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: "I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, so that my hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him. My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers. He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.' And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him. I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens. For I said, "Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness." If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my rules, if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments, then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes, but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies." Selah But now you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against your anointed. You have renounced the covenant with your servant; you have defiled his crown in the dust. You have said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: You have breached all his walls; you have laid his strongholds in ruins. All who pass by plunder him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors. You have exalted the right hand of his foes; you have made all his enemies rejoice. You have also turned back the edge of his sword, and you have not made him stand in battle. You have made his splendor to cease and cast his throne to the ground. You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with shame. Selah How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man! What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David? 'I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.'" Selah Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations, with which your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed. Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen. Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.
May 2
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 11:1-30 ESV
This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven.And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea.And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house.And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.'As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?"When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life."Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying,And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. "You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them."But Peter began and explained it to them in order:"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me.Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air.And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.'But I said, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'But the voice answered a second time from heaven, 'What God has made clean, do not call common.'
May 2
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 88:1-18 ESV
Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon? Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. O Lord, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. Your wrath has swept over me; your dreadful assaults destroy me. They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me together. You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness. A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite. O Lord, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength, like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand. You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape; my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you.
May 2
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 10:1-48 ESV
And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a tranceand saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air.And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common."This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gateand called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there.And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you. At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them."And Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?"And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say."So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man."And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered.And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me."a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothingand said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.'So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord."So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius."but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,"Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea."When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him,and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.
Apr 20
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 87:1-7 ESV
A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song. On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Selah Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush— "This one was born there," they say. And of Zion it shall be said, "This one and that one were born in her"; for the Most High himself will establish her. The Lord records as he registers the peoples, "This one was born there." Selah Singers and dancers alike say, "All my springs are in you."
Apr 20
Tc Moore1
highlighted Acts 9:1-43 ESV
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight."But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priestAnd immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?"But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him,but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him,but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose.And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay."So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Apr 19
Tc Moore1
highlighted Psalms 86:1-17 ESV
For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. A Prayer of David. Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
Apr 19