August 18, 2017

Smile! by Gary Rose


I walked out my front door, proceeded down the street, glanced back at my house and smiled. The new cleaning solution I bought the other day, really worked- the green was gone.

I felt better about things and even the morning dog-walk (in August's heat and humidity) seemed better than usual. And I thought of the "Sermon on the mount" from the Bible....


Matthew, Chapter 5 (Rotherham's Emphasized Bible)

 1 But, seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain,—and, when he had taken a seat, his disciples came unto him;  2 and, opening his mouth, he began teaching them, saying:— 

  3 


Happy, the destitute, in spirit; for, theirs, is the kingdom of the heavens;  4 Happy, they who mourn; for, they, shall be comforted:  5 Happy, the meek; for, they, shall inherit the earth:  6 Happy, they who hunger and thirst for righteousness; for, they, shall be filled:  7 Happy, the merciful; for, they, shall receive mercy:  8 Happy, the pure, in heart; for, they, shall, see God:  9 Happy, the peacemakers; for, they, shall be, called sons of God:  10 Happy, they who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for, theirs, is the kingdom of the heavens.  11 Happy, are ye, whensoever they may reproach you and persecute you, and say every evil thing against you, falsely, for my sake:  12 Rejoice and exult, because, your reward, is great in the heavens; for, so, persecuted they the prophets who were before you. 

Happiness shines. And the glory of it is reflected in a smile. You change inside and outside is never quite the same. God does that, HE changes you into someone better. Smile! 

Bible Reading August 18-20 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading August 18-20 
(World English Bible)

Aug. 18
Job 9-12

Job 9:1 Then Job answered,
Job 9:2 "Truly I know that it is so, but how can man be just with God?
Job 9:3 If he is pleased to contend with him, he can't answer him one time in a thousand.
Job 9:4 God who is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who has hardened himself against him, and prospered?
Job 9:5 He removes the mountains, and they don't know it, when he overturns them in his anger.
Job 9:6 He shakes the earth out of its place. Its pillars tremble.
Job 9:7 He commands the sun, and it doesn't rise, and seals up the stars.
Job 9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea.
Job 9:9 He makes the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.
Job 9:10 He does great things past finding out; yes, marvelous things without number.
Job 9:11 Behold, he goes by me, and I don't see him. He passes on also, but I don't perceive him.
Job 9:12 Behold, he snatches away. Who can hinder him? Who will ask him, 'What are you doing?'
Job 9:13 "God will not withdraw his anger. The helpers of Rahab stoop under him.
Job 9:14 How much less shall I answer him, And choose my words to argue with him?
Job 9:15 Though I were righteous, yet I wouldn't answer him. I would make supplication to my judge.
Job 9:16 If I had called, and he had answered me, yet I wouldn't believe that he listened to my voice.
Job 9:17 For he breaks me with a storm, and multiplies my wounds without cause.
Job 9:18 He will not allow me to catch my breath, but fills me with bitterness.
Job 9:19 If it is a matter of strength, behold, he is mighty! If of justice, 'Who,' says he, 'will summon me?'
Job 9:20 Though I am righteous, my own mouth shall condemn me. Though I am blameless, it shall prove me perverse.
Job 9:21 I am blameless. I don't regard myself. I despise my life.
Job 9:22 "It is all the same. Therefore I say he destroys the blameless and the wicked.
Job 9:23 If the scourge kills suddenly, he will mock at the trial of the innocent.
Job 9:24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked. He covers the faces of its judges. If not he, then who is it?
Job 9:25 "Now my days are swifter than a runner. They flee away, they see no good,
Job 9:26 They have passed away as the swift ships, as the eagle that swoops on the prey.
Job 9:27 If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and cheer up;'
Job 9:28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that you will not hold me innocent.
Job 9:29 I shall be condemned. Why then do I labor in vain?
Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow, and cleanse my hands with lye,
Job 9:31 yet you will plunge me in the ditch. My own clothes shall abhor me.
Job 9:32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, that we should come together in judgment.
Job 9:33 There is no umpire between us, that might lay his hand on us both.
Job 9:34 Let him take his rod away from me. Let his terror not make me afraid;
Job 9:35 then I would speak, and not fear him, for I am not so in myself.

Job 10:1 "My soul is weary of my life. I will give free course to my complaint. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
Job 10:2 I will tell God, 'Do not condemn me. Show me why you contend with me.
Job 10:3 Is it good to you that you should oppress, that you should despise the work of your hands, and smile on the counsel of the wicked?
Job 10:4 Do you have eyes of flesh? Or do you see as man sees?
Job 10:5 Are your days as the days of mortals, or your years as man's years,
Job 10:6 that you inquire after my iniquity, and search after my sin?
Job 10:7 Although you know that I am not wicked, there is no one who can deliver out of your hand.
Job 10:8 " 'Your hands have framed me and fashioned me altogether, yet you destroy me.
Job 10:9 Remember, I beg you, that you have fashioned me as clay. Will you bring me into dust again?
Job 10:10 Haven't you poured me out like milk, and curdled me like cheese?
Job 10:11 You have clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and loving kindness. Your visitation has preserved my spirit.
Job 10:13 Yet you hid these things in your heart. I know that this is with you:
Job 10:14 if I sin, then you mark me. You will not acquit me from my iniquity.
Job 10:15 If I am wicked, woe to me. If I am righteous, I still shall not lift up my head, being filled with disgrace, and conscious of my affliction.
Job 10:16 If my head is held high, you hunt me like a lion. Again you show yourself powerful to me.
Job 10:17 You renew your witnesses against me, and increase your indignation on me. Changes and warfare are with me.
Job 10:18 " 'Why, then, have you brought me forth out of the womb? I wish I had given up the spirit, and no eye had seen me.
Job 10:19 I should have been as though I had not been. I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.
Job 10:20 Aren't my days few? Cease then. Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,
Job 10:21 before I go where I shall not return from, to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death;
Job 10:22 the land dark as midnight, of the shadow of death, without any order, where the light is as midnight.' "

Job 11:1 Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,
Job 11:2 "Shouldn't the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?
Job 11:3 Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?
Job 11:4 For you say, 'My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.'
Job 11:5 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,
Job 11:6 that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
Job 11:7 "Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
Job 11:8 They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?
Job 11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
Job 11:10 If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
Job 11:11 For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.
Job 11:12 An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt.
Job 11:13 "If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.
Job 11:14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
Job 11:15 Surely then you shall lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:
Job 11:16 for you shall forget your misery. You shall remember it as waters that are passed away.
Job 11:17 Life shall be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.
Job 11:18 You shall be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.
Job 11:19 Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. Yes, many shall court your favor.
Job 11:20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail. They shall have no way to flee. Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit."

Job 12:1 Then Job answered,
Job 12:2 "No doubt, but you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
Job 12:3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Yes, who doesn't know such things as these?
Job 12:4 I am like one who is a joke to his neighbor, I, who called on God, and he answered. The just, the blameless man is a joke.
Job 12:5 In the thought of him who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune. It is ready for them whose foot slips.
Job 12:6 The tents of robbers prosper. Those who provoke God are secure, who carry their God in their hands.
Job 12:7 "But ask the animals, now, and they shall teach you; the birds of the sky, and they shall tell you.
Job 12:8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you. The fish of the sea shall declare to you.
Job 12:9 Who doesn't know that in all these, the hand of Yahweh has done this,
Job 12:10 in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?
Job 12:11 Doesn't the ear try words, even as the palate tastes its food?
Job 12:12 With aged men is wisdom, in length of days understanding.
Job 12:13 "With God is wisdom and might. He has counsel and understanding.
Job 12:14 Behold, he breaks down, and it can't be built again. He imprisons a man, and there can be no release.
Job 12:15 Behold, he withholds the waters, and they dry up. Again, he sends them out, and they overturn the earth.
Job 12:16 With him is strength and wisdom. The deceived and the deceiver are his.
Job 12:17 He leads counselors away stripped. He makes judges fools.
Job 12:18 He loosens the bond of kings. He binds their waist with a belt.
Job 12:19 He leads priests away stripped, and overthrows the mighty.
Job 12:20 He removes the speech of those who are trusted, and takes away the understanding of the elders.
Job 12:21 He pours contempt on princes, and loosens the belt of the strong.
Job 12:22 He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings out to light the shadow of death.
Job 12:23 He increases the nations, and he destroys them. He enlarges the nations, and he leads them captive.
Job 12:24 He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth, and causes them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.
Job 12:25 They grope in the dark without light. He makes them stagger like a drunken man.


Aug. 19
Job 13-16

Job 13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it.
Job 13:2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.
Job 13:3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.
Job 13:4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.
Job 13:5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.
Job 13:6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.
Job 13:7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him?
Job 13:8 Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?
Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?
Job 13:10 He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.
Job 13:11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you?
Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.
Job 13:13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.
Job 13:14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?
Job 13:15 Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.
Job 13:16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him.
Job 13:17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.
Job 13:18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.
Job 13:19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.
Job 13:20 "Only don't do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face:
Job 13:21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don't let your terror make me afraid.
Job 13:22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.
Job 13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.
Job 13:24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy?
Job 13:25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?
Job 13:26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:
Job 13:27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet,
Job 13:28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Job 14:1 "Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.
Job 14:2 He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn't continue.
Job 14:3 Do you open your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with you?
Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.
Job 14:5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his bounds that he can't pass;
Job 14:6 Look away from him, that he may rest, until he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day.
Job 14:7 "For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease.
Job 14:8 Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground,
Job 14:9 yet through the scent of water it will bud, and put forth boughs like a plant.
Job 14:10 But man dies, and is laid low. Yes, man gives up the spirit, and where is he?
Job 14:11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the river wastes and dries up,
Job 14:12 so man lies down and doesn't rise. Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake, nor be roused out of their sleep.
Job 14:13 "Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would keep me secret, until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!
Job 14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare would I wait, until my release should come.
Job 14:15 You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.
Job 14:16 But now you number my steps. Don't you watch over my sin?
Job 14:17 My disobedience is sealed up in a bag. You fasten up my iniquity.
Job 14:18 "But the mountain falling comes to nothing. The rock is removed out of its place;
Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones. The torrents of it wash away the dust of the earth. So you destroy the hope of man.
Job 14:20 You forever prevail against him, and he departs. You change his face, and send him away.
Job 14:21 His sons come to honor, and he doesn't know it. They are brought low, but he doesn't perceive it of them.
Job 14:22 But his flesh on him has pain, and his soul within him mourns."

Job 15:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,
Job 15:2 "Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind?
Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good?
Job 15:4 Yes, you do away with fear, and hinder devotion before God.
Job 15:5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.
Job 15:6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you.
Job 15:7 "Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills?
Job 15:8 Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
Job 15:9 What do you know, that we don't know? What do you understand, which is not in us?
Job 15:10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, much elder than your father.
Job 15:11 Are the consolations of God too small for you, even the word that is gentle toward you?
Job 15:12 Why does your heart carry you away? Why do your eyes flash,
Job 15:13 That you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out of your mouth?
Job 15:14 What is man, that he should be clean? What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
Job 15:15 Behold, he puts no trust in his holy ones. Yes, the heavens are not clean in his sight;
Job 15:16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!
Job 15:17 "I will show you, listen to me; that which I have seen I will declare:
Job 15:18 (Which wise men have told by their fathers, and have not hidden it;
Job 15:19 to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them):
Job 15:20 the wicked man writhes in pain all his days, even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.
Job 15:21 A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.
Job 15:22 He doesn't believe that he shall return out of darkness. He is waited for by the sword.
Job 15:23 He wanders abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it?' He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
Job 15:24 Distress and anguish make him afraid. They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.
Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and behaves himself proudly against the Almighty;
Job 15:26 he runs at him with a stiff neck, with the thick shields of his bucklers;
Job 15:27 because he has covered his face with his fatness, and gathered fat on his thighs.
Job 15:28 He has lived in desolate cities, in houses which no one inhabited, which were ready to become heaps.
Job 15:29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.
Job 15:30 He shall not depart out of darkness. The flame shall dry up his branches. By the breath of God's mouth shall he go away.
Job 15:31 Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself; for emptiness shall be his reward.
Job 15:32 It shall be accomplished before his time. His branch shall not be green.
Job 15:33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive tree.
Job 15:34 For the company of the godless shall be barren, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.
Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Their heart prepares deceit."

Job 16:1 Then Job answered,
Job 16:2 "I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!
Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?
Job 16:4 I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you,
Job 16:5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.
Job 16:6 "Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?
Job 16:7 But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company.
Job 16:8 You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.
Job 16:9 He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.
Job 16:10 They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.
Job 16:11 God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.
Job 16:12 I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target.
Job 16:13 His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground.
Job 16:14 He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs on me like a giant.
Job 16:15 I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.
Job 16:16 My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids.
Job 16:17 Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.
Job 16:18 "Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.
Job 16:19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.
Job 16:20 My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,
Job 16:21 that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor!
Job 16:22 For when a few years are come, I shall go the way from whence I shall not return.

Aug. 20
Job 17-19

Job 17:1 "My spirit is consumed. My days are extinct, And the grave is ready for me.
Job 17:2 Surely there are mockers with me. My eye dwells on their provocation.
Job 17:3 "Now give a pledge, be collateral for me with yourself. Who is there who will strike hands with me?
Job 17:4 For you have hidden their heart from understanding, Therefore you shall not exalt them.
Job 17:5 He who denounces his friends for a prey, Even the eyes of his children shall fail.
Job 17:6 "But he has made me a byword of the people. They spit in my face.
Job 17:7 My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow. All my members are as a shadow.
Job 17:8 Upright men shall be astonished at this. The innocent shall stir up himself against the godless.
Job 17:9 Yet shall the righteous hold on his way. He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.
Job 17:10 But as for you all, come on now again; I shall not find a wise man among you.
Job 17:11 My days are past, my plans are broken off, as are the thoughts of my heart.
Job 17:12 They change the night into day, saying 'The light is near' in the presence of darkness.
Job 17:13 If I look for Sheol as my house, if I have spread my couch in the darkness,
Job 17:14 If I have said to corruption, 'You are my father;' to the worm, 'My mother,' and 'my sister;'
Job 17:15 where then is my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?
Job 17:16 Shall it go down with me to the gates of Sheol, or descend together into the dust?"

Job 18:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,
Job 18:2 "How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and afterwards we will speak.
Job 18:3 Why are we counted as animals, which have become unclean in your sight?
Job 18:4 You who tear yourself in your anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed out of its place?
Job 18:5 "Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, The spark of his fire shall not shine.
Job 18:6 The light shall be dark in his tent. His lamp above him shall be put out.
Job 18:7 The steps of his strength shall be shortened. His own counsel shall cast him down.
Job 18:8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he wanders into its mesh.
Job 18:9 A snare will take him by the heel. A trap will catch him.
Job 18:10 A noose is hidden for him in the ground, a trap for him in the way.
Job 18:11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall chase him at his heels.
Job 18:12 His strength shall be famished. Calamity shall be ready at his side.
Job 18:13 The members of his body shall be devoured. The firstborn of death shall devour his members.
Job 18:14 He shall be rooted out of his tent where he trusts. He shall be brought to the king of terrors.
Job 18:15 There shall dwell in his tent that which is none of his. Sulfur shall be scattered on his habitation.
Job 18:16 His roots shall be dried up beneath. Above shall his branch be cut off.
Job 18:17 His memory shall perish from the earth. He shall have no name in the street.
Job 18:18 He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.
Job 18:19 He shall have neither son nor grandson among his people, nor any remaining where he sojourned.
Job 18:20 Those who come after shall be astonished at his day, as those who went before were frightened.
Job 18:21 Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous. This is the place of him who doesn't know God."

Job 19:1 Then Job answered,
Job 19:2 "How long will you torment me, and crush me with words?
Job 19:3 You have reproached me ten times. You aren't ashamed that you attack me.
Job 19:4 If it is true that I have erred, my error remains with myself.
Job 19:5 If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach;
Job 19:6 know now that God has subverted me, and has surrounded me with his net.
Job 19:7 "Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard. I cry for help, but there is no justice.
Job 19:8 He has walled up my way so that I can't pass, and has set darkness in my paths.
Job 19:9 He has stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.
Job 19:10 He has broken me down on every side, and I am gone. My hope he has plucked up like a tree.
Job 19:11 He has also kindled his wrath against me. He counts me among his adversaries.
Job 19:12 His troops come on together, build a siege ramp against me, and encamp around my tent.
Job 19:13 "He has put my brothers far from me. My acquaintances are wholly estranged from me.
Job 19:14 My relatives have gone away. My familiar friends have forgotten me.
Job 19:15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maids, count me for a stranger. I am an alien in their sight.
Job 19:16 I call to my servant, and he gives me no answer. I beg him with my mouth.
Job 19:17 My breath is offensive to my wife. I am loathsome to the children of my own mother.
Job 19:18 Even young children despise me. If I arise, they speak against me.
Job 19:19 All my familiar friends abhor me. They whom I loved have turned against me.
Job 19:20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh. I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.
Job 19:21 "Have pity on me, have pity on me, you my friends; for the hand of God has touched me.
Job 19:22 Why do you persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?
Job 19:23 "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
Job 19:24 That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever!
Job 19:25 But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth.
Job 19:26 After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God,
Job 19:27 Whom I, even I, shall see on my side. My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger. "My heart is consumed within me.
Job 19:28 If you say, 'How we will persecute him!' because the root of the matter is found in me,
Job 19:29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."



Aug. 17, 18
Acts 27

Act 27:1 When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.
Act 27:2 Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
Act 27:3 The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.
Act 27:4 Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Act 27:5 When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
Act 27:6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board.
Act 27:7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.
Act 27:8 With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
Act 27:9 When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them,
Act 27:10 and said to them, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."
Act 27:11 But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul.
Act 27:12 Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking northeast and southeast.
Act 27:13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.
Act 27:14 But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon.
Act 27:15 When the ship was caught, and couldn't face the wind, we gave way to it, and were driven along.
Act 27:16 Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.
Act 27:17 After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along.
Act 27:18 As we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard.
Act 27:19 On the third day, they threw out the ship's tackle with their own hands.
Act 27:20 When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.
Act 27:21 When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss.
Act 27:22 Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
Act 27:23 For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve,
Act 27:24 saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'
Act 27:25 Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.
Act 27:26 But we must run aground on a certain island."
Act 27:27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some land.
Act 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms.
Act 27:29 Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.
Act 27:30 As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow,
Act 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these stay in the ship, you can't be saved."
Act 27:32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.
Act 27:33 While the day was coming on, Paul begged them all to take some food, saying, "This day is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing.
Act 27:34 Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads."
Act 27:35 When he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it, and began to eat.
Act 27:36 Then they all cheered up, and they also took food.
Act 27:37 In all, we were two hundred seventy-six souls on the ship.
Act 27:38 When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
Act 27:39 When it was day, they didn't recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it.
Act 27:40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.
Act 27:41 But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.
Act 27:42 The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape.
Act 27:43 But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land;
Act 27:44 and the rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. So it happened that they all escaped safely to the land.

Aug. 19
Acts 28

Act 28:1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
Act 28:2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
Act 28:3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Act 28:4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live."
Act 28:5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed.
Act 28:6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Act 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.
Act 28:8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
Act 28:9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.
Act 28:10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
Act 28:11 After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers."
Act 28:12 Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
Act 28:13 From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,
Act 28:14 where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.
Act 28:15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.
Act 28:16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Act 28:17 It happened that after three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
Act 28:18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.
Act 28:19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
Act 28:20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
Act 28:21 They said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.
Act 28:22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."
Act 28:23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.
Act 28:24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
Act 28:25 When they didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers,
Act 28:26 saying, 'Go to this people, and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.
Act 28:27 For this people's heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.'
Act 28:28 "Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations. They will also listen."
Act 28:29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
Act 28:30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him,
Act 28:31 preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

Aug. 20
Romans 1

Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God,
Rom 1:2 which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
Rom 1:3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
Rom 1:4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
Rom 1:5 through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name's sake;
Rom 1:6 among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;
Rom 1:7 to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.
Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers,
Rom 1:10 requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.
Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established;
Rom 1:12 that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.
Rom 1:13 Now I don't desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish.
Rom 1:15 So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Rom 1:19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
Rom 1:21 Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves,
Rom 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Rom 1:26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.
Rom 1:27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.
Rom 1:28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
Rom 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,
Rom 1:30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Rom 1:31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;
Rom 1:32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.