Day 281 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 7 October 2024 reflections
Day 281, 7 October 2024
1) Luke 8:1-3
Mark 3:20-30
Matthew 12:22-45
Mark 3:31-35
Matthew 12:46-50
Luke 8:19-21
Mark 4:1-9
Matthew 13:1-9
Luke 8:4-8
Mark 4:10-20
Luke 8:1-3
Luke 8
Women Who Accompany Jesus
1 (Mt 4:23) Afterward, He went throughout every city and village, preaching
and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. With Him were the twelve
2 (Mt 27:55-56; Mk 15:40-41) and some women who had been healed
of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene,
from whom seven demons had come out,
3 (Lk 24:10) and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna,
and many others, who supported Him with their possessions.
[1] And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and
village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and
the twelve were with him,
[2] And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and
infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
[3] And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many
others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Mark 3:20-30
Jesus and Beelzebub
Mt 12:22-32; Lk 11:14-23; 12:10
20 (Mk 6:31) Then they entered a house, and the crowd came together again,
so that they could not even eat bread.
21 (Jn 10:20; Ac 26:24) When His family heard of it,
they went out to seize Him, for they said, "He is beside Himself."
22 (Mt 9:34; 10:25) And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said,
"He is possessed by Beelzebub,
and by the ruler of the demons He casts out demons."
23 (Mt 13:34) So He called them to Him and said to them in parables,
"How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan rises up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand,
but is coming to an end.
27 (Isa 53:12; Mt 12:29) No one can enter a strong man's house
and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man.
Then he will plunder his house.
28 (Mt 12:31-32; Lk 12:10) Truly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven
the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they speak.
29 (Mt 25:46; Mk 12:40) But he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
never has forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal condemnation."
30 For they said, "He has an unclean spirit."
[20] And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much
as eat bread.
[21] And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for
they said, He is beside himself.
[22] And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub,
and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
[23] And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can
Satan cast out Satan?
[24] And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
[25] And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
[26] And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand,
but hath an end.
[27] No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except
he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
[28] Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men,
and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
[29] But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never
forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
[30] Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Matthew 12:22-45
Jesus and Beelzebub
Mk 3:20-30; Lk 11:14-23; 12:10
22 Then one possessed with a demon was brought to Him, blind and mute,
and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.
23 (Mt 9:27; Jn 4:29) All the people were amazed and said,
"Is He not the Son of David?"
24 (Mt 9:34; Mk 3:22) But when the Pharisees heard it, they said,
"This Man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebub the ruler
of the demons."
25 (Mt 9:4) Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them,
"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation.
And every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself.
Then how will his kingdom stand?
27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out?
Therefore, they shall be your judges.
28 (Lk 11:20; Mt 12:18) But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God,
then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
29 (Isa 49:24; 53:12) "Or else how can one enter a strong man's house
and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man?
And then he will plunder his house.
30 (Mk 9:40; Lk 11:23) "He who is not with Me is against Me,
and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
31 (Lk 12:10; Mk 3:28-30; Isa 1:18) Therefore I say to you, all kinds of sin
and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
will not be forgiven men.
32 (Mt 11:19; Mk 3:29) Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be
forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven,
neither in this world, nor in the world to come.
[22] Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb:
and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
[23] And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
[24] But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast
out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
[25] And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom
divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house
divided against itself shall not stand:
[26] And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall
then his kingdom stand?
[27] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast
them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
[28] But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God
is come unto you.
[29] Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his
goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his
house.
[30] He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me
scattereth abroad.
[31] Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be
forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be
forgiven unto men.
[32] And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be
forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be
forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
A Tree and Its Fruit
Lk 6:43-45
33 (Lk 6:43-44; Mt 7:16-20) "Either make the tree good and its fruit good,
or else make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt. For the tree is known
by its fruit.
34 (Mt 23:33; Lk 6:45; Mt 3:7O) generation of vipers, how can you, being evil,
speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
35 (Pr 10:20-21; 25:11-12) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart
brings forth good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings
forth evil things.
36 (Ecc 12:14) But I say to you that for every idle word that men speak,
they will give an account on the Day of Judgment.
37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will
be condemned."
[33] Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree
corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
[34] O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for
out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
[35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good
things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
[36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
[37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt
be condemned.
The Demand for a Sign
Mk 8:11-12; Lk 11:29-32
38 (Mk 8:11-12; Lk 11:16) Then some of the scribes and Pharisees
said to Him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You."
39 (Mt 16:4; Isa 57:3) But He answered them, "An evil and adulterous
generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except
the sign of the prophet Jonah.
40 (Jnh 1:17; Mt 16:21; 17:23) For as Jonah was three days and three nights
in the belly of the great fish, [Jnh 1:17.] so will the Son of Man be three
days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
41 (Mt 12:42; 12:6) The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment
with this generation and will condemn it, because they repented
at the preaching of Jonah. [Jnh 3:5.] And now One greater than Jonah is here.
42 The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation
and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear
the wisdom of Solomon. And now One greater than Solomon is here.
[38] Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying,
Master, we would see a sign from thee.
[39] But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation
seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign
of the prophet Jonas:
[40] For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so
shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the
earth.
[41] The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and
shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and,
behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
[42] The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this
generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of
the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon
is here.
The Return of the Unclean Spirit
Lk 11:24-26
43 (Ps 63:1) "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man,
it passes through dry places seeking rest, but finds none.
44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'
And when it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order.
45 (Mk 5:9; Lk 11:26) Then it goes and brings with itself seven
other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there.
And the last state of that man is worse than the first.
So shall it be also with this evil generation."
[43] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry
places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
[44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and
when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
[45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked
than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that
man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked
generation.
Mark 3:31-35
The Mother and Brothers of Jesus
Mt 12:46-50; Lk 8:19-21
31 (Lk 8:19-21) Then His mother and His brothers came,
and standing outside, they sent to Him, calling Him.
32 The crowd sat around Him and said to Him,
"Your mother and Your brothers are outside asking for You."
33 He answered, "Who are My mother and My brothers?"
34 Then He looked around at those who sat around Him and said,
"Here are My mother and My brothers!
35 (Mt 7:21; 1Jn 2:17) For whoever does the will of God is My brother,
and My sister, and My mother."
[31] There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without,
sent unto him, calling him.
[32] And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy
mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
[33] And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
[34] And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold
my mother and my brethren!
[35] For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my
sister, and mother.
Matthew 12:46-50
The Mother and Brothers of Jesus
Mk 3:31-35; Lk 8:19-21
46 (Ac 1:14; Mt 13:55; Jn 2:12) While He was still speaking to the people,
right then His mother and His brothers stood outside asking to speak with Him.
47 Then one said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing
outside asking to speak with You."
48 But He answered the man who told him, "Who is My mother,
and who are My brothers?"
49 He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said,
"Here are My mother and My brothers!
50 (Jn 15:14) For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven
is My brother, and sister, and mother."
[46] While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren
stood without, desiring to speak with him.
[47] Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand
without, desiring to speak with thee.
[48] But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and
who are my brethren?
[49] And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold
my mother and my brethren!
[50] For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the
same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Luke 8:19-21
The Mother and Brothers of Jesus
Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35
19 (Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35) Then His mother and His brothers came to Him,
but could not reach Him because of the crowd.
20 Someone told Him, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside,
desiring to see You."
21 (Jas 1:22) He answered them, "My mother and My brothers are these
who hear the word of God and do it."
[19] Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him
for the press.
[20] And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren
stand without, desiring to see thee.
[21] And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these
which hear the word of God, and do it.
Mark 4:1-9
Mark 4
The Parable of the Sower
Mt 13:1-9; Lk 8:4-8
1 (Mk 2:13; Lk 5:1-3) Again He began to teach by the seaside. A large crowd
was gathered before Him, so that He entered a boat and sat in it on the sea.
And the whole crowd was by the sea on the land.
2 (Mk 3:23; 4:11) He taught them many things in parables and said to them
in His teaching:
3 "Listen! And take note: A sower went out to sow.
4 As he sowed, some seed fell beside the path, and the birds of the air came
and devoured it.
5 Some seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil,
and soon it sprang up because it did not have deep soil.
6 (Jas 1:11) But when the sun rose, it was scorched. And because it had
no root, it withered away.
7 (Jer 4:3) Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up
and choked it, and it yielded no grain.
8 (Ge 26:12; Mk 4:20) And other seed fell on good ground, and it yielded
grain that sprang up and increased by thirty, sixty,
or a hundred times as much."
9 (Mt 11:15) Then He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
[1] And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto
him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea;
and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
[2] And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his
doctrine,
[3] Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
[4] And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the
fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
[5] And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and
immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
[6] But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it
withered away.
[7] And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and
it yielded no fruit.
[8] And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and
increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an
hundred.
[9] And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 13:1-9
Matthew 13
The Parable of the Sower
Mk 4:1-9; Lk 8:4-8
1 (Mt 13:36; Mk 2:13) That same day Jesus went out of the house
and sat beside the sea.
2 (Lk 5:3) Great crowds assembled around Him, so that He went into a boat
and sat there. And the whole assembly stood on the shore.
3 (Mt 13:10-13; 13:34-35) Then He told them many things in parables, saying,
"Listen! A sower went out to sow.
4 While he sowed, some seeds fell beside the path, and the birds came
and devoured them.
5 But other seeds fell on rocky ground where they did not have much soil,
and immediately they sprang up because they did not have deep soil.
6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched. And because they did not take
root, they withered away.
7 Some seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
8 (Ge 26:12; Mt 13:23) But other seeds fell into good ground and produced
grain: a hundred, sixty, or thirty times as much.
9 (Mt 11:15; Rev 2:7) Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."
[1] The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
[2] And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went
into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
[3] And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower
went forth to sow;
[4] And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came
and devoured them up:
[5] Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and
forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
[6] And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no
root, they withered away.
[7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
[8] But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an
hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
[9] Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Luke 8:4-8
The Parable of the Sower
Mt 13:1-9; Mk 4:1-9
4 When a large crowd had gathered together and people were coming to Him
from every city, He told this parable:
5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the path
and was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.
6 Some fell on a rock. And as soon as it sprang up, it withered away,
because it lacked moisture.
7 (Jer 4:3) Yet some fell among thorns. And the thorns sprang up with it
and choked it.
8 (Mt 11:15; Ge 26:12) And other seed fell on good ground and sprang up
and yielded a hundred times the amount sown."
When He had said these things, He cried out,
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
[4] And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of
every city, he spake by a parable:
[5] A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way
side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
[6] And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered
away, because it lacked moisture.
[7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked
it.
[8] And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an
hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears
to hear, let him hear.
Mark 4:10-20
The Purpose of the Parables
Mt 13:10-17; Lk 8:9-10
10 (Mk 4:34) When He was alone, those who were around Him with the twelve
asked Him about the parable.
11 (Col 4:5; 1Th 4:12) He said to them, "To you is given the secret
of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside,
everything is said in parables,
12 (Isa 6:9-10; Jer 5:21) so that
'seeing they may see, and not perceive,
and hearing they may hear and not understand;
lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.' (Isa 6:9-10.) "
[10] And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked
of him the parable.
[11] And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the
kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in
parables:
[12] That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear,
and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their
sins should be forgiven them.
The Parable of the Sower Explained
Mt 13:18-23; Lk 8:11-15
13 Then He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable?
How then will you understand all the parables?
14 (Mt 13:37; Mk 2:2) The sower sows the word.
15 (1Pe 5:8; Rev 20:2-3) These are those beside the path,
where the word is sown. But when they hear, Satan comes immediately
and takes away the word which is sown in their hearts.
16 (Eze 33:31-32; Mk 6:20) Others, likewise, are seed sown on rocky ground,
who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness,
17 (Mt 11:6) but have no root in themselves, and so endure for a time.
Afterward, when affliction or persecution rises for the word's sake,
immediately they fall away.
18 And others are seed sown among thorns, the ones who hear the word.
19 (1Ti 6:9-10; 6:17) But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness
of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
20 (Mk 4:8; Jn 15:4-5) Still others are seed sown on good ground,
those who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit: thirty,
sixty, or a hundred times as much."
[13] And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye
know all parables?
[14] The sower soweth the word.
[15] And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when
they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was
sown in their hearts.
[16] And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when
they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
[17] And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time:
afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake,
immediately they are offended.
[18] And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
[19] And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the
lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh
unfruitful.
[20] And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the
word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty,
and some an hundred.
2) Our Daily Bread for 7 October 2024 Titled
Bibles in the Back Seat
Zechariah 4:1-7
Zechariah 4
The Vision of the Gold Lampstand
1 (Jer 31:26; Da 8:18) And the angel who was speaking with me returned
and woke me up like a man who is roused from his sleep.
2 Rev 4:5; 1:12And he said to me, "What do you see?"
And I responded, "I see a completely gold lampstand and a bowl at its top,
with seven lights on it, and seven pipes on it for each lamp in order
to light them.
3 (Rev 11:4) And there are two olive trees next to it, one on the right
of the bowl and one on the left."
4 (Zec 1:9; 6:4) So I answered and I asked the angel speaking with me,
"What are these, my lord?"
5 (Zec 4:13) Then the angel speaking with me responded,
"Do you really not know what these are?"
And I said, "No, my lord."
6 (Hos 1:7; Isa 11:2-4) And he said to me: "This is the word of the Lord
to Zerubbabel, saying: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,
says the Lord of Hosts.
7 (Jer 51:25; Ps 114:4) "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel
you will be made level ground, and he will bring out the top stone amidst
shouting of 'Grace! Grace to the stone!' "
[1] And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man
that is wakened out of his sleep,
[2] And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold
a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven
lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top
thereof:
[3] And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the
other upon the left side thereof.
[4] So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What
are these, my lord?
[5] Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest
thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
[6] Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD
unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith
the LORD of hosts.
[7] Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a
plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings,
crying, Grace, grace unto it.
Andrew's Volkswagen stopped, and the guards walked over. He prayed as he had
many times in the past: "God, when You were on earth, You made blind eyes see.
Now, please make seeing eyes blind." The guards searched the car, saying
nothing about the Bibles in the luggage. Andrew crossed the border,
taking his cargo to those who couldn't own a Bible.
Andrew van der Bijl, or Brother Andrew, relied on God's power for the
seemingly impossible task God had called him to-taking the Scriptures to
countries where Christianity was illegal. "I'm an ordinary guy," he said,
emphasising his limited education and lack of funds. "What I did, anyone can
do." Today, his organisation, Open Doors International, serves persecuted
believers in Jesus worldwide.
When Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, faced the seemingly impossible task of
rebuilding the temple after the Jews returned from exile, he was discouraged.
But God reminded him not to rely on human power or might, but on His Spirit
(Zechariah 4:6). He encouraged him through a vision given to the prophet
Zechariah of lamps supplied with oil from nearby olive trees (vv. 2-3).
Just as the lamps could burn because of the continual supply of oil,
Zerubbabel and the Israelites could do God's task by relying on His continuous
supply of power.
As we rely on God, may we trust Him and do what He calls us to do.
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
How can you rely on God's Spirit? How might the vision of the olive
trees supplying the lamps with oil encourage you?
Holy Spirit, please help me to rely on You.
For further study, read Guided by the Spirit.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All things work together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benefit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "In all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destruction, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.
Application
a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?
b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?
c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
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?)
Prince Edward Island
Total population 146300
Muslim population (est.) 1127
Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.
Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims
cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.
More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic
month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at
the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established
in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.
As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.
The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important
for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were
established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to
monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as
shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth."
Let us intercede together for:
- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
7th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
(
Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 145: 14 - 16
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
)
b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
(
Romans 12:4-8
4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that
is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
generosity; he who rules, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
4 For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,
on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Col 3:17
17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Jesus as part of your family and
pray to know how to sow seeds for the Kingdom of God.
Pray to the Lord: "Holy Spirit, please help me to rely on You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the struggles of life
from the Lord's eyes .
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His word is pure.
Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations
- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
Pray for increased access to God's word in both digital and print formats
in Kuwait.
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) Luke 8:1-3
Mark 3:20-30
Matthew 12:22-45
Mark 3:31-35
Matthew 12:46-50
Luke 8:19-21
Mark 4:1-9
Matthew 13:1-9
Luke 8:4-8
Mark 4:10-20
Luke 8:1-3
Luke 8
Women Who Accompany Jesus
1 (Mt 4:23) Afterward, He went throughout every city and village, preaching
and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. With Him were the twelve
2 (Mt 27:55-56; Mk 15:40-41) and some women who had been healed
of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene,
from whom seven demons had come out,
3 (Lk 24:10) and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna,
and many others, who supported Him with their possessions.
[1] And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and
village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and
the twelve were with him,
[2] And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and
infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
[3] And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many
others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Mark 3:20-30
Jesus and Beelzebub
Mt 12:22-32; Lk 11:14-23; 12:10
20 (Mk 6:31) Then they entered a house, and the crowd came together again,
so that they could not even eat bread.
21 (Jn 10:20; Ac 26:24) When His family heard of it,
they went out to seize Him, for they said, "He is beside Himself."
22 (Mt 9:34; 10:25) And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said,
"He is possessed by Beelzebub,
and by the ruler of the demons He casts out demons."
23 (Mt 13:34) So He called them to Him and said to them in parables,
"How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan rises up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand,
but is coming to an end.
27 (Isa 53:12; Mt 12:29) No one can enter a strong man's house
and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man.
Then he will plunder his house.
28 (Mt 12:31-32; Lk 12:10) Truly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven
the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they speak.
29 (Mt 25:46; Mk 12:40) But he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
never has forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal condemnation."
30 For they said, "He has an unclean spirit."
[20] And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much
as eat bread.
[21] And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for
they said, He is beside himself.
[22] And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub,
and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
[23] And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can
Satan cast out Satan?
[24] And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
[25] And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
[26] And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand,
but hath an end.
[27] No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except
he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
[28] Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men,
and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
[29] But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never
forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
[30] Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Matthew 12:22-45
Jesus and Beelzebub
Mk 3:20-30; Lk 11:14-23; 12:10
22 Then one possessed with a demon was brought to Him, blind and mute,
and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.
23 (Mt 9:27; Jn 4:29) All the people were amazed and said,
"Is He not the Son of David?"
24 (Mt 9:34; Mk 3:22) But when the Pharisees heard it, they said,
"This Man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebub the ruler
of the demons."
25 (Mt 9:4) Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them,
"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation.
And every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself.
Then how will his kingdom stand?
27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out?
Therefore, they shall be your judges.
28 (Lk 11:20; Mt 12:18) But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God,
then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
29 (Isa 49:24; 53:12) "Or else how can one enter a strong man's house
and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man?
And then he will plunder his house.
30 (Mk 9:40; Lk 11:23) "He who is not with Me is against Me,
and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
31 (Lk 12:10; Mk 3:28-30; Isa 1:18) Therefore I say to you, all kinds of sin
and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
will not be forgiven men.
32 (Mt 11:19; Mk 3:29) Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be
forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven,
neither in this world, nor in the world to come.
[22] Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb:
and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
[23] And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
[24] But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast
out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
[25] And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom
divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house
divided against itself shall not stand:
[26] And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall
then his kingdom stand?
[27] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast
them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
[28] But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God
is come unto you.
[29] Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his
goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his
house.
[30] He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me
scattereth abroad.
[31] Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be
forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be
forgiven unto men.
[32] And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be
forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be
forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
A Tree and Its Fruit
Lk 6:43-45
33 (Lk 6:43-44; Mt 7:16-20) "Either make the tree good and its fruit good,
or else make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt. For the tree is known
by its fruit.
34 (Mt 23:33; Lk 6:45; Mt 3:7O) generation of vipers, how can you, being evil,
speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
35 (Pr 10:20-21; 25:11-12) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart
brings forth good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings
forth evil things.
36 (Ecc 12:14) But I say to you that for every idle word that men speak,
they will give an account on the Day of Judgment.
37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will
be condemned."
[33] Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree
corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
[34] O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for
out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
[35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good
things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
[36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
[37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt
be condemned.
The Demand for a Sign
Mk 8:11-12; Lk 11:29-32
38 (Mk 8:11-12; Lk 11:16) Then some of the scribes and Pharisees
said to Him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You."
39 (Mt 16:4; Isa 57:3) But He answered them, "An evil and adulterous
generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except
the sign of the prophet Jonah.
40 (Jnh 1:17; Mt 16:21; 17:23) For as Jonah was three days and three nights
in the belly of the great fish, [Jnh 1:17.] so will the Son of Man be three
days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
41 (Mt 12:42; 12:6) The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment
with this generation and will condemn it, because they repented
at the preaching of Jonah. [Jnh 3:5.] And now One greater than Jonah is here.
42 The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation
and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear
the wisdom of Solomon. And now One greater than Solomon is here.
[38] Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying,
Master, we would see a sign from thee.
[39] But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation
seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign
of the prophet Jonas:
[40] For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so
shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the
earth.
[41] The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and
shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and,
behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
[42] The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this
generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of
the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon
is here.
The Return of the Unclean Spirit
Lk 11:24-26
43 (Ps 63:1) "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man,
it passes through dry places seeking rest, but finds none.
44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'
And when it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order.
45 (Mk 5:9; Lk 11:26) Then it goes and brings with itself seven
other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there.
And the last state of that man is worse than the first.
So shall it be also with this evil generation."
[43] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry
places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
[44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and
when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
[45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked
than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that
man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked
generation.
Mark 3:31-35
The Mother and Brothers of Jesus
Mt 12:46-50; Lk 8:19-21
31 (Lk 8:19-21) Then His mother and His brothers came,
and standing outside, they sent to Him, calling Him.
32 The crowd sat around Him and said to Him,
"Your mother and Your brothers are outside asking for You."
33 He answered, "Who are My mother and My brothers?"
34 Then He looked around at those who sat around Him and said,
"Here are My mother and My brothers!
35 (Mt 7:21; 1Jn 2:17) For whoever does the will of God is My brother,
and My sister, and My mother."
[31] There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without,
sent unto him, calling him.
[32] And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy
mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
[33] And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
[34] And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold
my mother and my brethren!
[35] For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my
sister, and mother.
Matthew 12:46-50
The Mother and Brothers of Jesus
Mk 3:31-35; Lk 8:19-21
46 (Ac 1:14; Mt 13:55; Jn 2:12) While He was still speaking to the people,
right then His mother and His brothers stood outside asking to speak with Him.
47 Then one said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing
outside asking to speak with You."
48 But He answered the man who told him, "Who is My mother,
and who are My brothers?"
49 He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said,
"Here are My mother and My brothers!
50 (Jn 15:14) For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven
is My brother, and sister, and mother."
[46] While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren
stood without, desiring to speak with him.
[47] Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand
without, desiring to speak with thee.
[48] But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and
who are my brethren?
[49] And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold
my mother and my brethren!
[50] For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the
same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Luke 8:19-21
The Mother and Brothers of Jesus
Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35
19 (Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35) Then His mother and His brothers came to Him,
but could not reach Him because of the crowd.
20 Someone told Him, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside,
desiring to see You."
21 (Jas 1:22) He answered them, "My mother and My brothers are these
who hear the word of God and do it."
[19] Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him
for the press.
[20] And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren
stand without, desiring to see thee.
[21] And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these
which hear the word of God, and do it.
Mark 4:1-9
Mark 4
The Parable of the Sower
Mt 13:1-9; Lk 8:4-8
1 (Mk 2:13; Lk 5:1-3) Again He began to teach by the seaside. A large crowd
was gathered before Him, so that He entered a boat and sat in it on the sea.
And the whole crowd was by the sea on the land.
2 (Mk 3:23; 4:11) He taught them many things in parables and said to them
in His teaching:
3 "Listen! And take note: A sower went out to sow.
4 As he sowed, some seed fell beside the path, and the birds of the air came
and devoured it.
5 Some seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil,
and soon it sprang up because it did not have deep soil.
6 (Jas 1:11) But when the sun rose, it was scorched. And because it had
no root, it withered away.
7 (Jer 4:3) Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up
and choked it, and it yielded no grain.
8 (Ge 26:12; Mk 4:20) And other seed fell on good ground, and it yielded
grain that sprang up and increased by thirty, sixty,
or a hundred times as much."
9 (Mt 11:15) Then He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
[1] And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto
him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea;
and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
[2] And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his
doctrine,
[3] Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
[4] And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the
fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
[5] And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and
immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
[6] But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it
withered away.
[7] And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and
it yielded no fruit.
[8] And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and
increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an
hundred.
[9] And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 13:1-9
Matthew 13
The Parable of the Sower
Mk 4:1-9; Lk 8:4-8
1 (Mt 13:36; Mk 2:13) That same day Jesus went out of the house
and sat beside the sea.
2 (Lk 5:3) Great crowds assembled around Him, so that He went into a boat
and sat there. And the whole assembly stood on the shore.
3 (Mt 13:10-13; 13:34-35) Then He told them many things in parables, saying,
"Listen! A sower went out to sow.
4 While he sowed, some seeds fell beside the path, and the birds came
and devoured them.
5 But other seeds fell on rocky ground where they did not have much soil,
and immediately they sprang up because they did not have deep soil.
6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched. And because they did not take
root, they withered away.
7 Some seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
8 (Ge 26:12; Mt 13:23) But other seeds fell into good ground and produced
grain: a hundred, sixty, or thirty times as much.
9 (Mt 11:15; Rev 2:7) Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."
[1] The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
[2] And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went
into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
[3] And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower
went forth to sow;
[4] And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came
and devoured them up:
[5] Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and
forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
[6] And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no
root, they withered away.
[7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
[8] But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an
hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
[9] Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Luke 8:4-8
The Parable of the Sower
Mt 13:1-9; Mk 4:1-9
4 When a large crowd had gathered together and people were coming to Him
from every city, He told this parable:
5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the path
and was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.
6 Some fell on a rock. And as soon as it sprang up, it withered away,
because it lacked moisture.
7 (Jer 4:3) Yet some fell among thorns. And the thorns sprang up with it
and choked it.
8 (Mt 11:15; Ge 26:12) And other seed fell on good ground and sprang up
and yielded a hundred times the amount sown."
When He had said these things, He cried out,
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
[4] And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of
every city, he spake by a parable:
[5] A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way
side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
[6] And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered
away, because it lacked moisture.
[7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked
it.
[8] And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an
hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears
to hear, let him hear.
Mark 4:10-20
The Purpose of the Parables
Mt 13:10-17; Lk 8:9-10
10 (Mk 4:34) When He was alone, those who were around Him with the twelve
asked Him about the parable.
11 (Col 4:5; 1Th 4:12) He said to them, "To you is given the secret
of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside,
everything is said in parables,
12 (Isa 6:9-10; Jer 5:21) so that
'seeing they may see, and not perceive,
and hearing they may hear and not understand;
lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.' (Isa 6:9-10.) "
[10] And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked
of him the parable.
[11] And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the
kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in
parables:
[12] That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear,
and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their
sins should be forgiven them.
The Parable of the Sower Explained
Mt 13:18-23; Lk 8:11-15
13 Then He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable?
How then will you understand all the parables?
14 (Mt 13:37; Mk 2:2) The sower sows the word.
15 (1Pe 5:8; Rev 20:2-3) These are those beside the path,
where the word is sown. But when they hear, Satan comes immediately
and takes away the word which is sown in their hearts.
16 (Eze 33:31-32; Mk 6:20) Others, likewise, are seed sown on rocky ground,
who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness,
17 (Mt 11:6) but have no root in themselves, and so endure for a time.
Afterward, when affliction or persecution rises for the word's sake,
immediately they fall away.
18 And others are seed sown among thorns, the ones who hear the word.
19 (1Ti 6:9-10; 6:17) But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness
of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
20 (Mk 4:8; Jn 15:4-5) Still others are seed sown on good ground,
those who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit: thirty,
sixty, or a hundred times as much."
[13] And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye
know all parables?
[14] The sower soweth the word.
[15] And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when
they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was
sown in their hearts.
[16] And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when
they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
[17] And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time:
afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake,
immediately they are offended.
[18] And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
[19] And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the
lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh
unfruitful.
[20] And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the
word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty,
and some an hundred.
2) Our Daily Bread for 7 October 2024 Titled
Bibles in the Back Seat
Zechariah 4:1-7
Zechariah 4
The Vision of the Gold Lampstand
1 (Jer 31:26; Da 8:18) And the angel who was speaking with me returned
and woke me up like a man who is roused from his sleep.
2 Rev 4:5; 1:12And he said to me, "What do you see?"
And I responded, "I see a completely gold lampstand and a bowl at its top,
with seven lights on it, and seven pipes on it for each lamp in order
to light them.
3 (Rev 11:4) And there are two olive trees next to it, one on the right
of the bowl and one on the left."
4 (Zec 1:9; 6:4) So I answered and I asked the angel speaking with me,
"What are these, my lord?"
5 (Zec 4:13) Then the angel speaking with me responded,
"Do you really not know what these are?"
And I said, "No, my lord."
6 (Hos 1:7; Isa 11:2-4) And he said to me: "This is the word of the Lord
to Zerubbabel, saying: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,
says the Lord of Hosts.
7 (Jer 51:25; Ps 114:4) "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel
you will be made level ground, and he will bring out the top stone amidst
shouting of 'Grace! Grace to the stone!' "
[1] And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man
that is wakened out of his sleep,
[2] And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold
a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven
lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top
thereof:
[3] And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the
other upon the left side thereof.
[4] So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What
are these, my lord?
[5] Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest
thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
[6] Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD
unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith
the LORD of hosts.
[7] Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a
plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings,
crying, Grace, grace unto it.
Andrew's Volkswagen stopped, and the guards walked over. He prayed as he had
many times in the past: "God, when You were on earth, You made blind eyes see.
Now, please make seeing eyes blind." The guards searched the car, saying
nothing about the Bibles in the luggage. Andrew crossed the border,
taking his cargo to those who couldn't own a Bible.
Andrew van der Bijl, or Brother Andrew, relied on God's power for the
seemingly impossible task God had called him to-taking the Scriptures to
countries where Christianity was illegal. "I'm an ordinary guy," he said,
emphasising his limited education and lack of funds. "What I did, anyone can
do." Today, his organisation, Open Doors International, serves persecuted
believers in Jesus worldwide.
When Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, faced the seemingly impossible task of
rebuilding the temple after the Jews returned from exile, he was discouraged.
But God reminded him not to rely on human power or might, but on His Spirit
(Zechariah 4:6). He encouraged him through a vision given to the prophet
Zechariah of lamps supplied with oil from nearby olive trees (vv. 2-3).
Just as the lamps could burn because of the continual supply of oil,
Zerubbabel and the Israelites could do God's task by relying on His continuous
supply of power.
As we rely on God, may we trust Him and do what He calls us to do.
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
How can you rely on God's Spirit? How might the vision of the olive
trees supplying the lamps with oil encourage you?
Holy Spirit, please help me to rely on You.
For further study, read Guided by the Spirit.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All things work together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benefit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "In all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destruction, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.
Application
a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?
b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?
c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
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?)
Prince Edward Island
Total population 146300
Muslim population (est.) 1127
Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.
Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims
cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.
More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic
month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at
the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established
in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.
As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.
The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important
for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were
established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to
monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as
shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth."
Let us intercede together for:
- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
7th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
(
Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 145: 14 - 16
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
)
b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
(
Romans 12:4-8
4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that
is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
generosity; he who rules, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
4 For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,
on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Col 3:17
17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Jesus as part of your family and
pray to know how to sow seeds for the Kingdom of God.
Pray to the Lord: "Holy Spirit, please help me to rely on You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the struggles of life
from the Lord's eyes .
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His word is pure.
Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations
- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
Pray for increased access to God's word in both digital and print formats
in Kuwait.
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.
. He offered hope with a promise that God alone "satisfies the thirsty