Day 11 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 11 January reflections
Day 11, 11 January 2024
1) Job 35-38
Job 35
Elihu Condemns Self-Righteousness
1 Elihu spoke again and said:
2 "Do you think this is right,
that you say, 'My righteousness is before God'?
3 For you said, 'What advantage will it be to me?
What profit will I have if I am cleansed from my sin?'
4 "I will answer you,
and your companions with you.
5 Look unto the heavens and see,
and behold the clouds that are higher than you.
6 If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him?
Or if your transgressions are multiplied, what does it do to Him?
7 If you are righteous, what does it give Him?
Or what does He receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness may hurt a man like you,
and your righteousness may profit a son of man.
9 "Because of the many oppressions they cry out;
they cry out because of the arm of the mighty.
10 But none says, 'Where is God my Maker,
who gives songs in the night,
11 who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth,
and makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?'
12 There they cry out, but He does not answer
because of the pride of evil men.
13 Surely God will not hear vanity,
nor will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although you say you do not see Him,
yet judgment is before Him,
and you must trust in Him.
15 But now, because He has not punished in His anger,
nor taken much notice of folly,
16 therefore Job opens his mouth in vain;
he multiplies words without knowledge."
Job 35
1 Elihu spake moreover, and said,
2 Thinkest thou this to be right,
That thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee?
And, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
4 I will answer thee,
And thy companions with thee.
5 Look unto the heavens, and see;
And behold the clouds which are higher than thou.
6 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him?
Or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?
7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him?
Or what receiveth he of thine hand?
8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art;
And thy righteousness may profit the son of man.
9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry:
They cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.
10 But none saith, Where is God my maker,
Who giveth songs in the night;
11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth,
And maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
12 There they cry, but none giveth answer,
Because of the pride of evil men.
13 Surely God will not hear vanity,
Neither will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him,
Yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.
15 But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger;
Yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:
16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain;
He multiplieth words without knowledge.
Job 36
Elihu Proclaims God's Majesty
1 Elihu continued and said:
2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you
that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
3 I will bring my knowledge from afar
and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words will not be false;
He who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
5 "Behold, God is mighty and despises no one;
He is mighty in strength and wisdom.
6 He does not preserve the life of the wicked,
but gives justice to the poor.
7 He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous;
but they are on the throne with kings,
for He establishes them forever, and they are exalted.
8 If they are bound in chains
and held in cords of affliction,
9 then He shows them their work,
and their transgressions that they have exceeded;
10 and He opens their ear to discipline,
and commands that they turn from iniquity.
11 If they obey and serve Him,
they will spend their days in prosperity
and their years in pleasures.
12 But if they do not obey,
they will perish by the sword,
and they will die without knowledge.
13 "But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath;
they do not cry out when He binds them.
14 They die in youth,
and their life ends among the unclean.
15 He delivers the poor in their affliction,
and opens their ears in oppression.
16 "Even so He would have removed you out of distress
into a broad place where there is no restraint;
and that which was set on your table would be full of richness.
17 But you are filled with the judgment due the wicked;
judgment and justice take hold of you.
18 Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with a blow;
even a great ransom cannot deliver you.
19 Will He esteem your riches?
No, not gold, nor all the force of your strength.
20 Do not desire the night,
when people are cut off in their place.
21 Take heed! Do not turn to iniquity,
for you have chosen this rather than affliction.
22 "Behold, God is exalted in His power;
who teaches like Him?
23 Who has prescribed His way for Him?
Or who can say, 'You have worked iniquity'?
24 Remember to magnify His work,
which men behold.
25 Every man may see it;
man may behold it from afar.
26 Look, God is great, and we do not know Him,
nor can the number of His years be searched out.
27 "For He draws up the drops of water;
they distill rain according to its mist,
28 which the clouds drop down,
and drip upon man abundantly.
29 Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds,
or the noise of His tent?
30 See, He spreads His light upon it
and covers the bottom of the sea.
31 For by these He judges the people;
He gives food in abundance.
32 With clouds He covers the light,
and commands it to strike the mark.
33 Its thunder declares it,
the cattle also, concerning the rising storm.
Job 36
1 Elihu also proceeded, and said,
2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee
That I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar,
And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words shall not be false:
He that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any:
He is mighty in strength and wisdom.
6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked:
But giveth right to the poor.
7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous:
But with kings are they on the throne;
Yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.
8 And if they be bound in fetters,
And be holden in cords of affliction;
9 Then he sheweth them their work,
And their transgressions that they have exceeded.
10 He openeth also their ear to discipline,
And commandeth that they return from iniquity.
11 If they obey and serve him,
They shall spend their days in prosperity,
And their years in pleasures.
12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword,
And they shall die without knowledge.
13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath:
They cry not when he bindeth them.
14 They die in youth,
And their life is among the unclean.
15 He delivereth the poor in his affliction,
And openeth their ears in oppression.
16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait
Into a broad place, where there is no straitness;
And that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked:
Judgment and justice take hold on thee.
18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke:
Then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
19 Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold,
Nor all the forces of strength.
20 Desire not the night,
When people are cut off in their place.
21 Take heed, regard not iniquity:
For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
22 Behold, God exalteth by his power:
Who teacheth like him?
23 Who hath enjoined him his way?
Or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
24 Remember that thou magnify his work,
Which men behold.
25 Every man may see it;
Man may behold it afar off.
26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not,
Neither can the number of his years be searched out.
27 For he maketh small the drops of water:
They pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
28 Which the clouds do drop
And distil upon man abundantly.
29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds,
Or the noise of his tabernacle?
30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it,
And covereth the bottom of the sea.
31 For by them judgeth he the people;
He giveth meat in abundance.
32 With clouds he covereth the light;
And commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.
33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it,
The cattle also concerning the vapour.
Job 37
1 "At this also my heart trembles
and moves out of its place.
2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice,
and the sound that goes out of His mouth.
3 He lets it loose under the whole heaven,
and His lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice,
and He does not restrain them when His voice is heard.
5 God thunders marvelously with His voice;
He does great things that we cannot comprehend.
6 For He says to the snow, 'Come on the earth,'
likewise to the gentle rain and to the heavy rain of His strength.
7 He seals up the hand of every man,
that all men may know His work.
8 Then the beasts go into dens
and remain in their places.
9 Out of the south comes the whirlwind,
and cold out of the north.
10 By the breath of God frost is given,
and the broad waters are frozen.
11 Also He loads the thick clouds with moisture;
He scatters His bright clouds,
12 and they are turned about by His guidance,
that they may do whatever He commands them
upon the face of the inhabited earth.
13 He causes it to come, whether for correction,
or for His land or for mercy.
14 "Listen to this, Job; stand still
and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Do you know when God dispatches them
and causes the light of His cloud to shine?
16 Do you know how the clouds are balanced,
the wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?
17 How your garments are warm,
when He quiets the earth by the south wind?
18 Have you, with Him, spread out the sky,
which is strong and is like a molded mirror?
19 "Teach us what we will say to Him,
for we cannot prepare our speech because of the darkness.
20 Will it be told Him that I speak?
If a man speaks, surely he will be swallowed up.
21 Now men do not see the bright light
which is in the clouds,
but the wind passes and cleanses them.
22 Fair weather comes out of the north;
with God is terrible majesty.
23 Concerning the Almighty, we cannot find Him out;
He is excellent in power, and in judgment,
and in much righteousness He will not oppress.
24 Men therefore fear Him;
He shows no partiality to those who are wise in heart."
Job 37
1 At this also my heart trembleth,
And is moved out of his place.
2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice,
And the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
3 He directeth it under the whole heaven,
And his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roareth:
He thundereth with the voice of his excellency;
And he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice;
Great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth;
Likewise to the small rain,
And to the great rain of his strength.
7 He sealeth up the hand of every man;
That all men may know his work.
8 Then the beasts go into dens,
And remain in their places.
9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind:
And cold out of the north.
10 By the breath of God frost is given:
And the breadth of the waters is straitened.
11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud:
He scattereth his bright cloud:
12 And it is turned round about by his counsels:
That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them
Upon the face of the world in the earth.
13 He causeth it to come, whether for correction,
or for his land, or for mercy.
14 Hearken unto this, O Job:
Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Dost thou know when God disposed them,
And caused the light of his cloud to shine?
16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds,
The wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
17 How thy garments are warm,
When he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
18 Hast thou with him spread out the sky,
Which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
19 Teach us what we shall say unto him;
For we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
20 Shall it be told him that I speak?
If a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21 And now men see not the bright light
Which is in the clouds:
But the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
22 Fair weather cometh out of the north:
With God is terrible majesty.
23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out:
He is excellent in power, and in judgment,
And in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
24 Men do therefore fear him:
He respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
Job 38
The Lord Speaks to Job
1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2 "Who is this who darkens counsel
by words without knowledge?
3 Prepare yourself like a man;
for I will question you,
and you shall answer Me.
4 "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Declare, if you have understanding.
5 Who has determined its measurements, if you know?
Or who has stretched the line upon it?
6 To what are its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone
7 when the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 "Or who shut up the sea with doors
when it broke forth and went out of the womb?
9When I made the cloud its garment,
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and broke up for it My decreed place,
and set bars and doors,
11 and said, 'This far you will come but no farther,
and here your proud waves will be stopped'?
12 "Have you commanded the morning in your days,
and caused the dawn to know its place,
13 that it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
14It is turned like clay by the seal,
and it stands out as a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
and the high arm will be broken.
16 "Have you entered into the springs of the sea?
Or have you walked in search of the depths?
17 Have the gates of death been opened to you?
Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?
18 Have you perceived the breadth of the earth?
Declare, if you know it all.
19 "Where is the path where light dwells?
And as for darkness, where is its place,
20 that you should take it to its boundary,
and that you should know the paths to its house?
21 Do you know it because you were born then,
or because the number of your days is many?
22 "Have you entered the treasuries of the snow?
Or have you seen the treasuries of the hail,
23 which I have reserved against the time of trouble,
against the day of battle and war?
24 By what way is the light diffused,
or the east wind scattered upon the earth?
25 Who has divided a channel for the overflowing waters,
or a path for the thunderbolt,
26 to cause it to rain on the earth where no man is,
on the wilderness in which there are no people,
27 to satisfy the desolate waste,
and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
28 Does the rain have a father?
Or who has produced the drops of dew?
29 From whose womb came the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?
30 The waters harden like stone,
and the surface of the deep is frozen.
31 "Can you tie the cords to the Pleiades
or loosen the belt of Orion?
32 Can you bring out the constellation in its season?
Or can you guide the Bear with its cubs?
33 Do you know the ordinances of heaven?
Can you set their dominion over the earth?
34 "Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
that abundance of waters may cover you?
35 Can you send lightning that they may go forth
and say to you, 'Here we are' ?
36 Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,
or who has given understanding to the heart?
37 Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can empty out the bottles of heaven,
38 when the dust turns into hard clumps
and the clods stick together?
39 "Will you hunt the prey for the lion?
Or fill the appetite of the young lions,
40 when they crouch in their dens
and lie in the thicket to wait in ambush?
41 Who provides for the raven his food
when his young ones cry unto God,
and they wander about for lack of food?
Job 38
The LORD Answered Job
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel
By words without knowledge?
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man;
For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest?
Or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened?
Or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 Or who shut up the sea with doors,
When it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof,
And thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
10 And brake up for it my decreed place,
And set bars and doors,
11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further:
And here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days;
And caused the dayspring to know his place;
13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
That the wicked might be shaken out of it?
14 It is turned as clay to the seal;
And they stand as a garment.
15 And from the wicked their light is withholden,
And the high arm shall be broken.
16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea?
Or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?
17 Have the gates of death been opened unto thee?
Or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?
18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth?
Declare if thou knowest it all.
19 Where is the way where light dwelleth?
And as for darkness, where is the place thereof,
20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof,
And that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
21 Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born?
Or because the number of thy days is great?
22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?
Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,
23 Which I have reserved against the time of trouble,
Against the day of battle and war?
24 By what way is the light parted,
Which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?
25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters,
Or a way for the lightning of thunder;
26 To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is;
On the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
27 To satisfy the desolate and waste ground;
And to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
28 Hath the rain a father?
Or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
29 Out of whose womb came the ice?
And the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?
30 The waters are hid as with a stone,
And the face of the deep is frozen.
31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades,
Or loose the bands of Orion?
32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?
Or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?
Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds,
That abundance of waters may cover thee?
35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go,
And say unto thee, Here we are?
36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts?
Or who hath given understanding to the heart?
37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom?
Or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
38 When the dust groweth into hardness,
And the clods cleave fast together?
39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion?
Or fill the appetite of the young lions,
40 When they couch in their dens,
And abide in the covert to lie in wait?
41 Who provideth for the raven his food?
When his young ones cry unto God,
They wander for lack of meat.
(Similar to Jesus's sermon about Mammon and do not put the Lord your God to the Test)
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 January 2024 Titled
A Simple Request
John 21:17-24
Jesus and Peter
17 (Jn 13:38; 16:30) He said to him the third time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
Peter was grieved because He asked him the third time, "Do you love Me?"
He said to Him, "Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You."
Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.
18 (Jn 13:36) Truly, truly I say to you, when you were young,
you dressed yourself and walked where you desired.
But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."
19 (2Pe 1:14; Jn 21:22) He said this, signifying by what kind of death
he would glorify God. When He had said this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
[17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?
And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I
love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
[18] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst
thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old,
thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry
thee whither thou wouldest not.
[19] This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when
he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Jesus and the Beloved Disciple
20 (Jn 21:7; 20:2) Peter turned and saw following them the disciple
whom Jesus loved, who also leaned against His bosom at the supper
and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?"
21 (Ac 1:6-7) When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus,
"Lord, what about this man?"
22 (1Co 4:5; Rev 2:25) Jesus said to him, "If it is My will that
he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow Me!"
23 The saying went out among the brothers that this disciple would not die.
Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but,
"If it is My will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"
24 (Jn 19:35; 3Jn 1:12) This is the disciple who testifies about
these things, and wrote these things. We know that his testimony is true.
[20] Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved
following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which
is he that betrayeth thee?
[21] Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
[22] Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that
to thee? follow thou me.
[23] Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple
should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I
will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
"Please clean the front room before you go to bed," I said to one of my
daughters. Instantly came the reply, "Why doesn't she have to do it?"
Such mild resistance was frequent in our home when our girls were young. My
response was always the same: "Don't worry about your sisters; I asked you."
In John 21, we see this human tendency illustrated among the disciples. Jesus
had just restored Peter after he'd denied Him three times (see John 18:15-18,
25–27). Now Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me!" (21:19)-a simple but painful
command. Jesus explained that Peter would follow Him to the death (vv. 18-19).
Peter barely had time to comprehend Jesus' words before he asked about the
disciple behind them: "What shall this man do?" (v. 21). Jesus replied, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."
(v. 22).
How often we're like Peter! We wonder about the faith journeys of others and
not what God is doing with us. Late in his life, when the death Jesus foretold
in John 21 was much closer, Peter elaborated on Christ's simple command: "As
obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived
in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you
do" (1 Peter 1:14-15). That's enough to keep each of us focused on Jesus
and not on those around us.
By: Matt Lucas
Reflect & Pray
How are you tempted to compare your faith walk with others?
How will you keep your focus on Jesus today?
Heavenly Father, please continue to conform
me into the image of Your Son.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart
Ps 119:9,11
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
That I might not sin against thee.
"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the
pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for
thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something
is missing - his heart is just not in it."
The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our
way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according
to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only
essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to
come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living
the Christian life may be flawless, but our obediance is founded
in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.
"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.
Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You."
Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed
"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth
into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us
intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.
When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,
we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which
we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,
then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep
desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with
our whole hearts.
Application
a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour
without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?
b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully
to his Word?
c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses
help me to "make my way pure"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Matthew 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 (Heb 13:5; Lk 12:21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 (Lk 12:33; Mt 19:21) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 (Lk 12:34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
2 Tim 2:8-13
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things
for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain
the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17 ) If we endure,
we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3 )If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
9 wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of
God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him,
we shall also live with him:
12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493
British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.
Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver
and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations
in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are
between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all
other nationalities.
Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant
and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,
Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this
region is about 200000.
Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,
more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small
numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.
We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.
A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,
for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that
- the church will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
- the church will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
8 ) Pray and Fast Day 4
GOD'S FINANCIAL PROVISION
DEVOTION:
It is vital to recognise that our financial resources are not our own but
rather they are blessings from God. Everything we have comes from His
gracious hand. As stewards of God's resources, it is our duty to manage
them with wisdom and discernment. We must use what He has provided
to honour and glorify Him, not just for our own benefit but also to bless
others around us. As believers it is essential for us to trust in God's
unwavering faithfulness and provision for His church and His people, both
individually and corporately.
In times of financial uncertainty and strife. we must cling to the truth that
God is our faithful provider. As we recognise His ownership over our
resources, cultivate a spirit of generosity and trust in His promises, we
can rest assured that He wil lmeet our needs according to His glorious
riches. Let us approach financial matters with a surrendered heart.
continually seeking His wisdom and allowing His provision to flow
through us to bless His church, His people and community around us.
REFLECTION:
How has God's provision financially impacted my life and what lessons
have I learned from it?
What factors or personal beliefs might contribute to holding back
financially from God or not giving to the church?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father. thank You for Your faithfulness and provision in my life
Lord, teach me to steward my finances wisely and to remember that I'll
have belongs to You. Help me to cultivate a spirit of generosity so than
may bless others with the blessings you have provided me. Strengthen
my faith Father and grant me the confidence to trust in Your provision,
knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus' name, I
pray, amen.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION:
Philippians 4:19,
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.
Leviticus 27:30,
30 (Ge 28:22; 14:20) Any tithe of the land, whether seed of the land
or fruit of the trees, belongs to the Lord. It is holy to the Lord.
[30] And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of
the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD.
Proverbs 3:9-10
9 (Ex 23:19; 22:29) Honour the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 (Dt 28:8) so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
VERSE OF THE DAY
Acts 20:35
35 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:8) "In all things I have shown you how, working like
this, you must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus,
how He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support
the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is
more blessed to give than to receive.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know How the Lord wants you to use knowledge and wisdom.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, please continue to conform
me into the image of Your Son."
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him with all your Heart and to hide The Word
in your heart.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as the Living Saviour.
Pray the church in BC will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
Pray the church in BC will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Pray that Christian media programmes will effectively reach millions of people
with the "Good News" of the Gospel in Bangladesh.
Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your faithfulness and provision in my life
Lord, teach me to steward my finances wisely and to remember that I'll
have belongs to You. Help me to cultivate a spirit of generosity so than
may bless others with the blessings you have provided me. Strengthen
my faith Father and grant me the confidence to trust in Your provision,
knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus' name, I
pray, amen.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Job 35-38
Job 35
Elihu Condemns Self-Righteousness
1 Elihu spoke again and said:
2 "Do you think this is right,
that you say, 'My righteousness is before God'?
3 For you said, 'What advantage will it be to me?
What profit will I have if I am cleansed from my sin?'
4 "I will answer you,
and your companions with you.
5 Look unto the heavens and see,
and behold the clouds that are higher than you.
6 If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him?
Or if your transgressions are multiplied, what does it do to Him?
7 If you are righteous, what does it give Him?
Or what does He receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness may hurt a man like you,
and your righteousness may profit a son of man.
9 "Because of the many oppressions they cry out;
they cry out because of the arm of the mighty.
10 But none says, 'Where is God my Maker,
who gives songs in the night,
11 who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth,
and makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?'
12 There they cry out, but He does not answer
because of the pride of evil men.
13 Surely God will not hear vanity,
nor will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although you say you do not see Him,
yet judgment is before Him,
and you must trust in Him.
15 But now, because He has not punished in His anger,
nor taken much notice of folly,
16 therefore Job opens his mouth in vain;
he multiplies words without knowledge."
Job 35
1 Elihu spake moreover, and said,
2 Thinkest thou this to be right,
That thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee?
And, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
4 I will answer thee,
And thy companions with thee.
5 Look unto the heavens, and see;
And behold the clouds which are higher than thou.
6 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him?
Or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?
7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him?
Or what receiveth he of thine hand?
8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art;
And thy righteousness may profit the son of man.
9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry:
They cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.
10 But none saith, Where is God my maker,
Who giveth songs in the night;
11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth,
And maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
12 There they cry, but none giveth answer,
Because of the pride of evil men.
13 Surely God will not hear vanity,
Neither will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him,
Yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.
15 But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger;
Yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:
16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain;
He multiplieth words without knowledge.
Job 36
Elihu Proclaims God's Majesty
1 Elihu continued and said:
2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you
that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
3 I will bring my knowledge from afar
and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words will not be false;
He who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
5 "Behold, God is mighty and despises no one;
He is mighty in strength and wisdom.
6 He does not preserve the life of the wicked,
but gives justice to the poor.
7 He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous;
but they are on the throne with kings,
for He establishes them forever, and they are exalted.
8 If they are bound in chains
and held in cords of affliction,
9 then He shows them their work,
and their transgressions that they have exceeded;
10 and He opens their ear to discipline,
and commands that they turn from iniquity.
11 If they obey and serve Him,
they will spend their days in prosperity
and their years in pleasures.
12 But if they do not obey,
they will perish by the sword,
and they will die without knowledge.
13 "But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath;
they do not cry out when He binds them.
14 They die in youth,
and their life ends among the unclean.
15 He delivers the poor in their affliction,
and opens their ears in oppression.
16 "Even so He would have removed you out of distress
into a broad place where there is no restraint;
and that which was set on your table would be full of richness.
17 But you are filled with the judgment due the wicked;
judgment and justice take hold of you.
18 Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with a blow;
even a great ransom cannot deliver you.
19 Will He esteem your riches?
No, not gold, nor all the force of your strength.
20 Do not desire the night,
when people are cut off in their place.
21 Take heed! Do not turn to iniquity,
for you have chosen this rather than affliction.
22 "Behold, God is exalted in His power;
who teaches like Him?
23 Who has prescribed His way for Him?
Or who can say, 'You have worked iniquity'?
24 Remember to magnify His work,
which men behold.
25 Every man may see it;
man may behold it from afar.
26 Look, God is great, and we do not know Him,
nor can the number of His years be searched out.
27 "For He draws up the drops of water;
they distill rain according to its mist,
28 which the clouds drop down,
and drip upon man abundantly.
29 Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds,
or the noise of His tent?
30 See, He spreads His light upon it
and covers the bottom of the sea.
31 For by these He judges the people;
He gives food in abundance.
32 With clouds He covers the light,
and commands it to strike the mark.
33 Its thunder declares it,
the cattle also, concerning the rising storm.
Job 36
1 Elihu also proceeded, and said,
2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee
That I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar,
And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words shall not be false:
He that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any:
He is mighty in strength and wisdom.
6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked:
But giveth right to the poor.
7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous:
But with kings are they on the throne;
Yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.
8 And if they be bound in fetters,
And be holden in cords of affliction;
9 Then he sheweth them their work,
And their transgressions that they have exceeded.
10 He openeth also their ear to discipline,
And commandeth that they return from iniquity.
11 If they obey and serve him,
They shall spend their days in prosperity,
And their years in pleasures.
12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword,
And they shall die without knowledge.
13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath:
They cry not when he bindeth them.
14 They die in youth,
And their life is among the unclean.
15 He delivereth the poor in his affliction,
And openeth their ears in oppression.
16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait
Into a broad place, where there is no straitness;
And that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked:
Judgment and justice take hold on thee.
18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke:
Then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
19 Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold,
Nor all the forces of strength.
20 Desire not the night,
When people are cut off in their place.
21 Take heed, regard not iniquity:
For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
22 Behold, God exalteth by his power:
Who teacheth like him?
23 Who hath enjoined him his way?
Or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
24 Remember that thou magnify his work,
Which men behold.
25 Every man may see it;
Man may behold it afar off.
26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not,
Neither can the number of his years be searched out.
27 For he maketh small the drops of water:
They pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
28 Which the clouds do drop
And distil upon man abundantly.
29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds,
Or the noise of his tabernacle?
30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it,
And covereth the bottom of the sea.
31 For by them judgeth he the people;
He giveth meat in abundance.
32 With clouds he covereth the light;
And commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.
33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it,
The cattle also concerning the vapour.
Job 37
1 "At this also my heart trembles
and moves out of its place.
2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice,
and the sound that goes out of His mouth.
3 He lets it loose under the whole heaven,
and His lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice,
and He does not restrain them when His voice is heard.
5 God thunders marvelously with His voice;
He does great things that we cannot comprehend.
6 For He says to the snow, 'Come on the earth,'
likewise to the gentle rain and to the heavy rain of His strength.
7 He seals up the hand of every man,
that all men may know His work.
8 Then the beasts go into dens
and remain in their places.
9 Out of the south comes the whirlwind,
and cold out of the north.
10 By the breath of God frost is given,
and the broad waters are frozen.
11 Also He loads the thick clouds with moisture;
He scatters His bright clouds,
12 and they are turned about by His guidance,
that they may do whatever He commands them
upon the face of the inhabited earth.
13 He causes it to come, whether for correction,
or for His land or for mercy.
14 "Listen to this, Job; stand still
and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Do you know when God dispatches them
and causes the light of His cloud to shine?
16 Do you know how the clouds are balanced,
the wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?
17 How your garments are warm,
when He quiets the earth by the south wind?
18 Have you, with Him, spread out the sky,
which is strong and is like a molded mirror?
19 "Teach us what we will say to Him,
for we cannot prepare our speech because of the darkness.
20 Will it be told Him that I speak?
If a man speaks, surely he will be swallowed up.
21 Now men do not see the bright light
which is in the clouds,
but the wind passes and cleanses them.
22 Fair weather comes out of the north;
with God is terrible majesty.
23 Concerning the Almighty, we cannot find Him out;
He is excellent in power, and in judgment,
and in much righteousness He will not oppress.
24 Men therefore fear Him;
He shows no partiality to those who are wise in heart."
Job 37
1 At this also my heart trembleth,
And is moved out of his place.
2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice,
And the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
3 He directeth it under the whole heaven,
And his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roareth:
He thundereth with the voice of his excellency;
And he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice;
Great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth;
Likewise to the small rain,
And to the great rain of his strength.
7 He sealeth up the hand of every man;
That all men may know his work.
8 Then the beasts go into dens,
And remain in their places.
9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind:
And cold out of the north.
10 By the breath of God frost is given:
And the breadth of the waters is straitened.
11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud:
He scattereth his bright cloud:
12 And it is turned round about by his counsels:
That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them
Upon the face of the world in the earth.
13 He causeth it to come, whether for correction,
or for his land, or for mercy.
14 Hearken unto this, O Job:
Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Dost thou know when God disposed them,
And caused the light of his cloud to shine?
16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds,
The wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
17 How thy garments are warm,
When he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
18 Hast thou with him spread out the sky,
Which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
19 Teach us what we shall say unto him;
For we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
20 Shall it be told him that I speak?
If a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21 And now men see not the bright light
Which is in the clouds:
But the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
22 Fair weather cometh out of the north:
With God is terrible majesty.
23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out:
He is excellent in power, and in judgment,
And in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
24 Men do therefore fear him:
He respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
Job 38
The Lord Speaks to Job
1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2 "Who is this who darkens counsel
by words without knowledge?
3 Prepare yourself like a man;
for I will question you,
and you shall answer Me.
4 "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Declare, if you have understanding.
5 Who has determined its measurements, if you know?
Or who has stretched the line upon it?
6 To what are its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone
7 when the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 "Or who shut up the sea with doors
when it broke forth and went out of the womb?
9When I made the cloud its garment,
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and broke up for it My decreed place,
and set bars and doors,
11 and said, 'This far you will come but no farther,
and here your proud waves will be stopped'?
12 "Have you commanded the morning in your days,
and caused the dawn to know its place,
13 that it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
14It is turned like clay by the seal,
and it stands out as a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
and the high arm will be broken.
16 "Have you entered into the springs of the sea?
Or have you walked in search of the depths?
17 Have the gates of death been opened to you?
Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?
18 Have you perceived the breadth of the earth?
Declare, if you know it all.
19 "Where is the path where light dwells?
And as for darkness, where is its place,
20 that you should take it to its boundary,
and that you should know the paths to its house?
21 Do you know it because you were born then,
or because the number of your days is many?
22 "Have you entered the treasuries of the snow?
Or have you seen the treasuries of the hail,
23 which I have reserved against the time of trouble,
against the day of battle and war?
24 By what way is the light diffused,
or the east wind scattered upon the earth?
25 Who has divided a channel for the overflowing waters,
or a path for the thunderbolt,
26 to cause it to rain on the earth where no man is,
on the wilderness in which there are no people,
27 to satisfy the desolate waste,
and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
28 Does the rain have a father?
Or who has produced the drops of dew?
29 From whose womb came the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?
30 The waters harden like stone,
and the surface of the deep is frozen.
31 "Can you tie the cords to the Pleiades
or loosen the belt of Orion?
32 Can you bring out the constellation in its season?
Or can you guide the Bear with its cubs?
33 Do you know the ordinances of heaven?
Can you set their dominion over the earth?
34 "Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
that abundance of waters may cover you?
35 Can you send lightning that they may go forth
and say to you, 'Here we are' ?
36 Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,
or who has given understanding to the heart?
37 Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can empty out the bottles of heaven,
38 when the dust turns into hard clumps
and the clods stick together?
39 "Will you hunt the prey for the lion?
Or fill the appetite of the young lions,
40 when they crouch in their dens
and lie in the thicket to wait in ambush?
41 Who provides for the raven his food
when his young ones cry unto God,
and they wander about for lack of food?
Job 38
The LORD Answered Job
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel
By words without knowledge?
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man;
For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest?
Or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened?
Or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 Or who shut up the sea with doors,
When it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof,
And thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
10 And brake up for it my decreed place,
And set bars and doors,
11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further:
And here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days;
And caused the dayspring to know his place;
13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
That the wicked might be shaken out of it?
14 It is turned as clay to the seal;
And they stand as a garment.
15 And from the wicked their light is withholden,
And the high arm shall be broken.
16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea?
Or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?
17 Have the gates of death been opened unto thee?
Or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?
18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth?
Declare if thou knowest it all.
19 Where is the way where light dwelleth?
And as for darkness, where is the place thereof,
20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof,
And that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
21 Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born?
Or because the number of thy days is great?
22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?
Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,
23 Which I have reserved against the time of trouble,
Against the day of battle and war?
24 By what way is the light parted,
Which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?
25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters,
Or a way for the lightning of thunder;
26 To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is;
On the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
27 To satisfy the desolate and waste ground;
And to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
28 Hath the rain a father?
Or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
29 Out of whose womb came the ice?
And the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?
30 The waters are hid as with a stone,
And the face of the deep is frozen.
31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades,
Or loose the bands of Orion?
32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?
Or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?
Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds,
That abundance of waters may cover thee?
35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go,
And say unto thee, Here we are?
36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts?
Or who hath given understanding to the heart?
37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom?
Or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
38 When the dust groweth into hardness,
And the clods cleave fast together?
39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion?
Or fill the appetite of the young lions,
40 When they couch in their dens,
And abide in the covert to lie in wait?
41 Who provideth for the raven his food?
When his young ones cry unto God,
They wander for lack of meat.
(Similar to Jesus's sermon about Mammon and do not put the Lord your God to the Test)
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 January 2024 Titled
A Simple Request
John 21:17-24
Jesus and Peter
17 (Jn 13:38; 16:30) He said to him the third time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
Peter was grieved because He asked him the third time, "Do you love Me?"
He said to Him, "Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You."
Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.
18 (Jn 13:36) Truly, truly I say to you, when you were young,
you dressed yourself and walked where you desired.
But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."
19 (2Pe 1:14; Jn 21:22) He said this, signifying by what kind of death
he would glorify God. When He had said this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
[17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?
And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I
love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
[18] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst
thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old,
thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry
thee whither thou wouldest not.
[19] This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when
he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Jesus and the Beloved Disciple
20 (Jn 21:7; 20:2) Peter turned and saw following them the disciple
whom Jesus loved, who also leaned against His bosom at the supper
and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?"
21 (Ac 1:6-7) When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus,
"Lord, what about this man?"
22 (1Co 4:5; Rev 2:25) Jesus said to him, "If it is My will that
he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow Me!"
23 The saying went out among the brothers that this disciple would not die.
Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but,
"If it is My will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"
24 (Jn 19:35; 3Jn 1:12) This is the disciple who testifies about
these things, and wrote these things. We know that his testimony is true.
[20] Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved
following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which
is he that betrayeth thee?
[21] Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
[22] Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that
to thee? follow thou me.
[23] Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple
should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I
will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
"Please clean the front room before you go to bed," I said to one of my
daughters. Instantly came the reply, "Why doesn't she have to do it?"
Such mild resistance was frequent in our home when our girls were young. My
response was always the same: "Don't worry about your sisters; I asked you."
In John 21, we see this human tendency illustrated among the disciples. Jesus
had just restored Peter after he'd denied Him three times (see John 18:15-18,
25–27). Now Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me!" (21:19)-a simple but painful
command. Jesus explained that Peter would follow Him to the death (vv. 18-19).
Peter barely had time to comprehend Jesus' words before he asked about the
disciple behind them: "What shall this man do?" (v. 21). Jesus replied, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."
(v. 22).
How often we're like Peter! We wonder about the faith journeys of others and
not what God is doing with us. Late in his life, when the death Jesus foretold
in John 21 was much closer, Peter elaborated on Christ's simple command: "As
obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived
in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you
do" (1 Peter 1:14-15). That's enough to keep each of us focused on Jesus
and not on those around us.
By: Matt Lucas
Reflect & Pray
How are you tempted to compare your faith walk with others?
How will you keep your focus on Jesus today?
Heavenly Father, please continue to conform
me into the image of Your Son.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart
Ps 119:9,11
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
That I might not sin against thee.
"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the
pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for
thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something
is missing - his heart is just not in it."
The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our
way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according
to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only
essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to
come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living
the Christian life may be flawless, but our obediance is founded
in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.
"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.
Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You."
Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed
"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth
into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us
intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.
When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,
we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which
we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,
then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep
desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with
our whole hearts.
Application
a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour
without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?
b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully
to his Word?
c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses
help me to "make my way pure"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Matthew 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 (Heb 13:5; Lk 12:21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 (Lk 12:33; Mt 19:21) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 (Lk 12:34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
2 Tim 2:8-13
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things
for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain
the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17 ) If we endure,
we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3 )If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
9 wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of
God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him,
we shall also live with him:
12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493
British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.
Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver
and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations
in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are
between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all
other nationalities.
Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant
and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,
Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this
region is about 200000.
Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,
more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small
numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.
We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.
A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,
for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that
- the church will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
- the church will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
8 ) Pray and Fast Day 4
GOD'S FINANCIAL PROVISION
DEVOTION:
It is vital to recognise that our financial resources are not our own but
rather they are blessings from God. Everything we have comes from His
gracious hand. As stewards of God's resources, it is our duty to manage
them with wisdom and discernment. We must use what He has provided
to honour and glorify Him, not just for our own benefit but also to bless
others around us. As believers it is essential for us to trust in God's
unwavering faithfulness and provision for His church and His people, both
individually and corporately.
In times of financial uncertainty and strife. we must cling to the truth that
God is our faithful provider. As we recognise His ownership over our
resources, cultivate a spirit of generosity and trust in His promises, we
can rest assured that He wil lmeet our needs according to His glorious
riches. Let us approach financial matters with a surrendered heart.
continually seeking His wisdom and allowing His provision to flow
through us to bless His church, His people and community around us.
REFLECTION:
How has God's provision financially impacted my life and what lessons
have I learned from it?
What factors or personal beliefs might contribute to holding back
financially from God or not giving to the church?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father. thank You for Your faithfulness and provision in my life
Lord, teach me to steward my finances wisely and to remember that I'll
have belongs to You. Help me to cultivate a spirit of generosity so than
may bless others with the blessings you have provided me. Strengthen
my faith Father and grant me the confidence to trust in Your provision,
knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus' name, I
pray, amen.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION:
Philippians 4:19,
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.
Leviticus 27:30,
30 (Ge 28:22; 14:20) Any tithe of the land, whether seed of the land
or fruit of the trees, belongs to the Lord. It is holy to the Lord.
[30] And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of
the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD.
Proverbs 3:9-10
9 (Ex 23:19; 22:29) Honour the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 (Dt 28:8) so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
VERSE OF THE DAY
Acts 20:35
35 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:8) "In all things I have shown you how, working like
this, you must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus,
how He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support
the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is
more blessed to give than to receive.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know How the Lord wants you to use knowledge and wisdom.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, please continue to conform
me into the image of Your Son."
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him with all your Heart and to hide The Word
in your heart.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as the Living Saviour.
Pray the church in BC will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
Pray the church in BC will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Pray that Christian media programmes will effectively reach millions of people
with the "Good News" of the Gospel in Bangladesh.
Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your faithfulness and provision in my life
Lord, teach me to steward my finances wisely and to remember that I'll
have belongs to You. Help me to cultivate a spirit of generosity so than
may bless others with the blessings you have provided me. Strengthen
my faith Father and grant me the confidence to trust in Your provision,
knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus' name, I
pray, amen.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
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