DONNIE DAILY GEMS FOR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9:
WORD OF WISDOM
Be an organ donor. Give your heart to Jesus.
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DAILY DEVOTION
Your Cross
A young man was at the end of his rope;
seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.
"Lord, I can't go on," he said.
"I have too heavy a cross to bear."
The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your
cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."
The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as he
was told.
Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops
were not visible.
Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
"I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.
The Lord replied,
"My son, that is the cross you just brought in."
When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what
other people are coping with.
You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.
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DAILY BIBLE READING
Acts 4-6New King James Version (NKJV)
Peter and John Arrested
4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple,
and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they
taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3
And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for
it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word
believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Addressing the Sanhedrin
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and
scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander,
and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together
at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By
what power or by what name have you done this?"
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the
people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed
done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be
known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by
Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the 'stone which was
rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.'[a] 12
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved."
The Name of Jesus Forbidden
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they
were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that
they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed
standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had
commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among
themselves, 16 saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a
notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in
Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further
among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak
to no man in this name."
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in
the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them,
"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God,
you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and
heard." 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go,
finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all
glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years
old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
Prayer for Boldness
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that
the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that,
they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God,
who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by
the mouth of Your servant David[b] have said:
'Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26
The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.'[c]
27 "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod
and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were
gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined
before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your
servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching
out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the
name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together
was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke
the word of God with boldness.
Sharing in All Things
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul;
neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but
they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave
witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them
all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the
things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they
distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses,[d] who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is
translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37
having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles'
feet.
Lying to the Holy Spirit
5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a
possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being
aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the
Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4
While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in
your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have
not lied to men but to God."
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So
great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men
arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what
had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land
for so much?"
She said, "Yes, for so much."
9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test
the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband
are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10 Then immediately she fell
down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found
her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear
came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Continuing Power in the Church
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done
among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch. 13
Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men
and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid
them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might
fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding
cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by
unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Imprisoned Apostles Freed
17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is
the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 18 and
laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But
at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out,
and said, 20 "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words
of this life."
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning
and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the
council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to
the prison to have them brought.
Apostles on Trial Again
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they
returned and reported, 23 saying, "Indeed we found the prison shut
securely, and the guards standing outside[e] before the doors; but when we
opened them, we found no one inside!" 24 Now when the high priest,[f] the
captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they
wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them,
saying,[g] "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple
and teaching the people!"
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without
violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And
when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high
priest asked them, 28 saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach
in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and
intend to bring this Man's blood on us!"
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God
rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you
murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to
be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit
whom God has given to those who obey Him."
Gamaliel's Advice
33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34
Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of
the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the
apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: "Men of
Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of
men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him
were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee
rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He
also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to
you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this
work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot
overthrow it-lest you even be found to fight against God."
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and
beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus,
and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His[h] name. 42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and
preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Seven Chosen to Serve
6 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there
arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[i] because their
widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned
the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should
leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out
from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and
wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give
ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man
full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon,
Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the
apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied
greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the
faith.
Stephen Accused of Blasphemy
8 And Stephen, full of faith[j] and power, did great wonders and signs among
the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of
the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia),
disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and
the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, "We
have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." 12 And they
stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him,
seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false
witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous[k] words
against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this
Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses
delivered to us." 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at
him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
Footnotes:
a.Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22
b.Acts 4:25 NU-Text reads who through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our
father, Your servant David.
c.Acts 4:26 Psalm 2:1, 2
d.Acts 4:36 NU-Text reads Joseph.
e.Acts 5:23 NU-Text and M-Text omit outside.
f.Acts 5:24 NU-Text omits the high priest.
g.Acts 5:25 NU-Text and M-Text omit saying.
h.Acts 5:41 NU-Text reads the name; M-Text reads the name of Jesus.
i.Acts 6:1 That is, Greek-speaking Jews
j.Acts 6:8 NU-Text reads grace.
k.Acts 6:13 NU-Text omits blasphemous.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James VersionR. Copyright C 1982 by Thomas
Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
