Day 92 of the 3rd Bible Study Journey - 2 April 2023 reflections
Day 92, 2 Apr 2023
Today at Calvary Community Church
, Pastor Doug spoke on Where is God? The Promise Doubted?
Genesis 3 :15
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring
and her offspring; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel."
(This is the foreshadowing of the Crucifixion of
Jesus The Lamb for Sinners Slain)
[15] And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed
and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
MAtthew 2
The Escape to Egypt
13 (Ac 5:19; Mt 1:20) Now when they departed, the angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying,
"Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and escape to Egypt,
and stay there until I bring you word.
For Herod will seek the young Child to kill Him."
14 When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night,
and departed into Egypt,
15 (Hos 11:1; Ex 4:22) and remained there until the death of Herod,
to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet,
"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."
A talent was worth several hundred pounds.
The Killing of the Infants
16 (Isa 59:7) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked
by the wise men, was utterly furious and sent forth and killed
all the male children who were in Bethlehem and the surrounding region,
from two years old and under, based on the time which he had diligently
inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet:
18 (Jer 31:15; Ge 42:36) "In Ramah a voice was heard,
grieving and weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be comforted,
because they are no more."[-21 Isa 42:1-4].
[13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to
Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod
will seek the young child to destroy him.
[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and
departed into Egypt:
[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
called my son.
[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great
mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not.
John 14
6 (Jn 10:9; 1:14; Ac 4:12) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 (Jn 8:19) If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father,
and that is sufficient for us."
9 (Heb 1:3; Jn 12:45; Col 1:15) Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you
such a long time, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen
Me has seen the Father. So how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
10 (Jn 5:19; 10:38) Do you not believe that I am in the Father
and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak
on My own authority. But the Father who lives in Me does the works.
11 (Jn 5:36; 10:38) Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father
is in Me. Or else believe Me on account of the works themselves.
[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.
[7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from
henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
[8] Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
[9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet
hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the
Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
[10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father
that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
[11] Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else
believe me for the very works' sake.
John 11:38-57
Lazarus Brought to Life
38 (Mt 27:60; Jn 11:33) Then Jesus, again groaning within Himself,
came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it.
39 (Jn 11:17) Jesus said, "Take away the stone."
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him,
"Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
40 (Jn 11:4; 11:23-26) Jesus said to her,
"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
41 (Jn 17:1; Mt 11:25) So they took away the stone from the place where
the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up His eyes and said,
"Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
42 (Jn 3:17; 17:21) I know that You always hear Me. But because of the people
standing around, I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
43 When He had said this, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
44 (Jn 20:7; 19:40) He who was dead came out, his hands and feet wrapped
with grave clothes, and his face wrapped with a cloth.
Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
[38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a
cave, and a stone lay upon it.
[39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was
dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead
four days.
[40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest
believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
[41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.
And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast
heard me.
[42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which
stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
[43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come
forth.
[44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes:
and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose
him, and let him go.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
Mt 26:1-5; Mk 14:1-2; Lk 22:1-2
45 (Jn 2:23; 11:19) Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary,
and saw what Jesus had done, believed in Him.
46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees
and told them what Jesus had done.
47 (Mt 26:3; 5:22) Then the chief priests and the Pharisees
assembled the Sanhedrin and said,
"What shall we do? This Man is performing many signs.
48 If we leave Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him,
and the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation."
49 (Mt 26:3; Jn 11:51) Then one of them named Caiaphas,
who was the high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,
50 (Jn 18:14) nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man
should die for the people, that the whole nation should not perish."
51 (Ex 28:30; 1Sa 23:9) He did not say this on his own authority.
But being the high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die
for the nation,
52 (Jn 10:16; Isa 49:6) and not for the nation only, but that He might
also gather together in unity the children of God who were scattered abroad.
53 So from that day forward they planned to put Him to death.
54 (Jn 7:1; 2Ch 13:19 ) Therefore Jesus no longer walked
openly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country
near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim,
and remained there with His disciples.
55 (Jn 2:13; 6:4) Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand.
Many went up to Jerusalem from the country before the Passover
to purify themselves.
56 (Jn 7:11) Then they searched for Jesus and said among themselves
as they stood in the temple,
"What do you think, that He will not come to the feast?"
57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders
that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it,
that they might seize Him.
[45] Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which
Jesus did, believed on him.
[46] But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what
things Jesus had done.
[47] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said,
What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
[48] If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans
shall come and take away both our place and nation.
[49] And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year,
said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
[50] Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for
the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
[51] And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he
prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
[52] And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together
in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
[53] Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to
death.
[54] Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence
unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there
continued with his disciples.
[55] And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the
country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
[56] Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood
in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
[57] Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment,
that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take
him.
Jesus was rejected - how about you?
Jesus was betrayed - how about you?
Jesus felt separated from God - how about you?
Jesus felt such physical pain and agony - how about you?
Although the promise was doubted, Jesus never gave up. He never quit in you!
1) Judges 10 -12
JUDGES 10
Tola
1 (Jdg 2:16) After the death of Abimelek, Tola the son of Puah,
the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir,
in the hill country of Ephraim.
2 He judged Israel for twenty-three years.
Then he died and was buried in Shamir.
Jair
3 After him Jair the Gileadite arose and judged Israel for 22 years.
4 (Nu 32:41; Dt 3:14) He had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys
and owned thirty cities that are in the land of Gilead.
They are called Havvoth Jair to this day.
5 Jair died and was buried in Kamon.
Jephthah
6 (1Ki 11:5; 11:7) Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight
of the Lord. They worshipped the Baals, the Ashtoreths,
and the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines.
They abandoned the Lord and did not serve Him.
7 (Jdg 2:14) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He sold them
into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites.
8 They brutally oppressed the children of Israel that year.
For eighteen years they oppressed all the children of Israel
beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites in Gilead.
9 The Ammonites also crossed over the Jordan to wage war
against Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim, so that Israel was greatly distressed.
10 (1Sa 12:10; Jdg 3:9) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
"We have sinned against You, for we have abandoned
our God and worshipped the Baals."
11 (Ex 14:30; Nu 21:21-25) The Lord said to the children of Israel,
"Did I not deliver you from Egypt, the Amorites, the Ammonites,
the Philistines,
12 (Jdg 6:3) the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites
when they oppressed you? You cried out to Me, and I saved you from their hands.
13 (Jer 2:13; Dt 32:15) Yet you have abandoned Me and worshipped other gods.
Therefore I will not save you again.
14 (Dt 32:37-38) Go and cry out to the gods that you have chosen.
Let them save you in your time of distress."
15 (1Sa 3:18; 2Sa 15:26) Then the children of Israel said to the Lord,
"We have sinned. Do to us whatever seems good in Your sight.
Please, just deliver us today."
16 (Isa 63:9; Ps 106:44-45) They removed the foreign gods from among them
and worshipped the Lord, and He could no longer endure
the suffering of Israel.
17 (Jdg 11:29; Ge 31:49) The Ammonites had been called out
and set up camp in Gilead. The children of Israel assembled and set up
camp in Mizpah.
18 (Jdg 11:11) The commanders of Gilead said to each other,
" Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites?
He will be the ruler of all the inhabitants of Gilead."
Judges 10
[1] And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah,
the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
[2] And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in
Shamir.
[3] And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two
years.
[4] And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had
thirty cities, which are called Havoth-jair unto this day, which are in the
land of Gilead.
[5] And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.
[6] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and
served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon,
and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of
the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.
[7] And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into
the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.
[8] And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen
years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the
land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
[9] Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against
Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that
Israel was sore distressed.
[10] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned
against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.
[11] And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you
from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and
from the Philistines?
[12] The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress
you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
[13] Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will
deliver you no more.
[14] Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in
the time of your tribulation.
[15] And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou
unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee,
this day.
[16] And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the
LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
[17] Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in
Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and
encamped in Mizpeh.
[18] And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is
he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head
over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
JUDGES 11
1 (Heb 11:32; Jdg 6:12) Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour,
but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah.
2 Gilead's wife also bore him sons. His wife's sons grew up and drove
Jephthah away. They said to him, "You will not inherit anything
from our father's house because you are the son of another woman."
3 (Jdg 9:4; 1Sa 22:2) So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived
in the land of Tob. Men of ill repute gathered around Jephthah
and went out with him.
4 Some time passed, then the Ammonites waged war with Israel.
5 When the Ammonites waged war with Israel, the elders of Gilead
went to bring Jephthah back from the land of Tob.
6 They said to Jephthah, "Come and be our leader so that we may
fight the Ammonites."
7 (Ge 26:27) Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead,
"Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father's house?
Why have you come to me now that you are in trouble?"
8 (Jdg 10:18) The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah,
"Even so, we have turned to you. Come with us and fight the Ammonites.
You will be ruler over all the inhabitants of Gilead."
9 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me back to wage war
against the Ammonites, and the Lord gives them to me,
then I will be your ruler."
10 (Jer 42:5; Ge 31:50) The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah,
"May the Lord be a witness between us
if we do not act according to your word."
11 (Jdg 10:17; 20:1) So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead.
The people set him over them as ruler and leader.
And Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord in Mizpah.
12 Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king to say,
"What problem is there between you and me,
that you have come to me to wage war in my land?"
13 (Ge 32:22; Nu 21:24-26) The Ammonite king said to the messengers
of Jephthah, "Because when Israel came up from Egypt, they took my land,
from the Arnon to the Jabbok and as far as the Jordan.
Now return it peacefully."
14 Again Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king,
15 (Dt 2:9; 2:19) and said to him,
"Jephthah says this: Israel did not take the land of Moab,
nor the Ammonite land;
16 (Nu 14:25; Dt 1:40_ for when Israel came up from Egypt,
they went into the desert as far as the Red Sea and came to Kadesh.
17 (Nu 20:1; 20:14-21) Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,
saying, 'Please let us pass through your land.' Yet the king of Edom would
not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab,
but he was unwilling. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.
18 (Nu 22:36; Dt 2:1-8) "They went into the wilderness, around the lands
of Edom and Moab. They went east of the land of Moab and set up camp
on the other side of the River Arnon. They did not cross the boundary
of Moab, for the River Arnon was the boundary of Moab.
19 "Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites,
who ruled in Heshbon. Israel said to him,
"Please let us pass through your land to our home."
20 Yet Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory,
so Sihon gathered all his people and set up camp in Jahaz
to fight with Israel.
21 "The Lord God of Israel gave Sihon and all his people
into the hands of Israel, and they struck them down. So Israel took possession
of all the land of the Amorites who lived in that land.
22 (Dt 2:36) They took possession of all of the territory of the Amorites,
from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the desert to the Jordan.
23 "Now that the Lord God of Israel has driven out the Amorites
from before His people Israel, should you take it?
24 (Nu 21:29; 1Ki 11:7) Will you not take possession of whatever Chemosh
your god gives you? So everything that the Lord our God possesses before us,
we will take possession of it.
25 (Mic 6:5) Now are you really better than Balak son of Zippor,
the king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or wage war with them?
26 (Dt 2:36) Israel has lived in Heshbon and its nearby towns, in Aroer
and its nearby towns, and in all the cities along the banks of the River Arnon
for three hundred years. Why did you not take them back during that time?
27 (Ge 16:5; 18:25) So I have not sinned against you, but it is you who are
doing evil to me by waging war against me. May the Lord, the Judge,
judge today between the children of Israel and the Ammonites."
28 Yet the Ammonite king would not listen to the message
that Jephthah had sent him.
Judges 11
[1] Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the
son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
[2] And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they
thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our
father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman.
[3] Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and
there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.
[4] And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made
war against Israel.
[5] And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel,
the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob:
[6] And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight
with the children of Ammon.
[7] And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and
expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye
are in distress?
[8] And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to
thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of
Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
[9] And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again
to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me,
shall I be your head?
[10] And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness
between us, if we do not so according to thy words.
[11] Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him
head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the
LORD in Mizpeh.
[12] And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon,
saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me to fight
in my land?
[13] And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of
Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt,
from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those
lands again peaceably.
[14] And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of
Ammon:
[15] And said unto him, Thus saith Jephthah, Israel took not away the land
of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon:
[16] But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness
unto the Red sea, and came to Kadesh;
[17] Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I
pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken
thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would
not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh.
[18] Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of
Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab,
and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of
Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.
[19] And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of
Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy
land into my place.
[20] But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon
gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against
Israel.
[21] And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the
hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the
Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.
[22] And they possessed all the coasts of the Amorites, from Arnon even unto
Jabbok, and from the wilderness even unto Jordan.
[23] So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from
before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it?
[24] Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to
possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them
will we possess.
[25] And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of
Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,
[26] While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her
towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three
hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time?
[27] Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to
war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of
Israel and the children of Ammon.
[28] Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words
of Jephthah which he sent him.
Judges 11:29 - 40
29 (Jdg 3:10; Nu 11:25) Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah
and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and passed through
Mizpah of Gilead, and went on to the Ammonites.
30 (Ge 28:20; 1Sa 1:11) Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, "If You will indeed
give the Ammonites into my hands,
31 (1Sa 1:28) then whatever comes out from the door of my house
to meet me, when I return safely from the Ammonites, will surely
be the Lord's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering."
32 So Jephthah crossed over to the AmmonÂites to wage war
against them, and the Lord gave them into his hands.
33 (Eze 27:17) He struck them down from Aroer to Minnith, twenty cities,
and as far as Abel Keramim. The defeat was very severe, and the Ammonites
were humbled before the children of Israel.
34 (Ex 15:20; Jer 31:4) When Jephthah went to his house at Mizpah, there was
his daughter coming out to meet him, dancing with a tambourine.
She was his only child. Other than her, he had neither son nor daughter.
35 When he saw her, he ripped up his clothes and said, "Alas, my daughter!
You have brought utter disaster to me. You are my undoing,
for I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot take it back."
36 (2Sa 18:19) She said to him, "My father, you have opened
your mouth to the Lord. Do to me what has come out of your mouth,
because the Lord worked vengeance upon your enemies, the Ammonites."
37 (Lk 1:25) Then she said to her father, "Let this be done for me:
Give me two months, and I and my friends will wander the hill country
and mourn over my virginity."
38 He said, "Go," and he sent her away for two months.
She and her friends went and mourned over her virginity in the hill country.
39 (Jdg 11:31) At the end of two months she returned to her father,
and he did to her according to the vow that he had made.
She had not ever slept with a man.
So it became a custom in Israel
40 that the women of Israel would commemorate the daughter
of Jephthah the Gileadite for four days each year.
[29] Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over
Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of
Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.
[30] And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without
fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
[31] Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house
to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely
be the LORD's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
[32] So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against
them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands.
[33] And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even
twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great
slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of
Israel.
[34] And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter
came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only
child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
[35] And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and
said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of
them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot
go back.
[36] And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto
the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth;
forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even
of the children of Ammon.
[37] And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me
alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail
my virginity, I and my fellows.
[38] And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with
her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains.
[39] And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto
her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and
she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel,
[40] That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of
Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.
JUDGES 12
Jephthah and Ephraim
1 (Jdg 8:1) The men of Ephraim gathered together and crossed over to Zaphon.
They said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to wage war with the Ammonites
and not call us to go with you? We will burn down your house right on top
of you."
2 Jephthah said to them, "My people and I were in a very great conflict
with the Ammonites. I called you, but you did not save me from their hands.
3 (1Sa 19:5; 28:21) When I saw that you were not going to save me, I took my
life in my own hands and crossed over to the Ammonites.
Then the Lord gave them into my hands. Now why have you come
up to me today to wage war against me?"
4 (1Sa 25:10) Then Jephthah assembled all the men of Gilead and fought
with Ephraim. The men of Gilead struck Ephraim down, for they had said,
"You Gileadites are fugitives in Ephraim, living in Ephraim and Manasseh."
5 (Jdg 3:28; Jos 22:11) Gilead captured the fords of the Jordan River leading
to Ephraim. Whenever an Ephraimite fugitive would say, "Let me cross,"
the Gileadite men would say to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he said, "No,"
6 then they would say to him, "Say, 'Shibboleth'!" Yet he would say,
"Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it correctly. Then they would
grab him and kill him at the Jordan fords.
During that time 42000 from Ephraim fell.
7 Jephthah judged Israel for six years. When Jephthah the Gileadite died,
he was buried among the cities of Gilead.
[1] And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward,
and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the
children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine
house upon thee with fire.
[2] And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with
the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of
their hands.
[3] And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and
passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into
my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against
me?
[4] Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with
Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye
Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the
Manassites.
[5] And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites:
and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me
go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he
said, Nay;
[6] Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for
he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him
at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites
forty and two thousand.
[7] And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite,
and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon
8 After him, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.
9 He had thirty sons, and he gave thirty daughters in marriage outside his clan;
and he brought thirty daughters from outside for his sons.
He judged Israel for seven years.
10 Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem.
11 After him, Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel.
He judged Israel for ten years.
12 Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.
13 After him, Abdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel.
14 (Jdg 5:10; 10:4) He had forty sons and thirty grandsons
who rode seventy donkeys. He judged Israel for eight years.
15 (Jdg 5:14) Abdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried in Pirathon
in the land of Ephraim, in the Amalekite hill country.
[8] And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.
[9] And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and
took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel
seven years.
[10] Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Bethlehem.
[11] And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel
ten years.
[12] And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country
of Zebulun.
[13] And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel.
[14] And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and
ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years.
[15] And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in
Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.
2) Our Daily Bread for 2 April 2023 titled
Bluestone Church Bells
Luke 19:37-42
37 When He was coming near the descent of the Mount of Olives,
the whole crowd of the disciples began to rejoice
and praise God with loud voices for all the mighty works that they had seen,
38 (Lk 13:35; Mt 21:9) saying:
'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!'(Ps 118:26.)
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him,
"Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
40 (Hab 2:11) He answered them, "I tell you, if these should be silent,
the stones would immediately cry out."
41 (Lk 13:34-35; Jn 11:35) When He came near, He beheld the city
and wept over it,
42 (Dt 32:29) saying, "If you, even you, had known even today what things
would bring you peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
[37] And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of
Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God
with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
[38] Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace
in heaven, and glory in the highest.
[39] And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him,
Master, rebuke thy disciples.
[40] And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should
hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
[41] And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
[42] Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the
things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Bluestone is a fascinating variety of rock. When struck, certain bluestones
will ring with a musical tone. Maenclochog, a Welsh village whose name means
"bell" or "ringing stones," used bluestones as church bells until the 18th
century. Interestingly, the ruins of Stonehenge, in England, are built of
bluestone, causing some to wonder if that landmark's original purpose was
musical. Some researchers claim that the bluestone at Stonehenge was brought
from near Maenclochog, nearly two hundred miles away,
because of their unique acoustic properties.
Musical ringing stones are yet another of the wonders of God's great creation,
and they remind us of something Jesus said during His Palm Sunday entry into
Jerusalem. As the people praised Jesus, the religious leaders demanded Him to
rebuke them." 'I tell you,' he replied, 'if they keep quiet,
the stones will cry out'" (Luke 19:40).
If bluestone can make music, and if Jesus made mention of even the stones
bearing witness to their Creator, how might we express our own praise to the
One who made us, loves us, and rescued us? He is worthy of all worship. May
the Holy Spirit stir us to give Him the honor He deserves.
All of creation praises Him.
By: Bill Crowder
Reflect & Pray
How many ways can you think of in which creation praises God?
How can you join in daily worship of our Creator?
Creator God, You are deserving of all worship,
praise, and gratitude. When my heart grows hard
and I lose sight of Your worthiness, remind me
that all creation sings Your praise.
For further study, read All Creation Sings
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 1 - God's Perspective
Philip 4:13
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because
of Christ who strengthens me.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe
what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:
"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"
"You can't do anything right."
We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.
"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,
and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise
volumes of information that is less significant than the
Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,
songs lyrics, advertising jingles.
The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive
thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according
to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,
"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you
just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,
I will give you the strength to do it.
The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned
this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known
poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew
he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.
We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths
- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.
Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the
conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the
challenges we face.
Application
a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?
IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?
b) How does today's memory verse help me face those challenges?
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 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 18 March to 18 April 2023
DAY 16 April2
Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, has for many centuries been the chief
economic, political, and religious center of the country. According to
legend, Yemen was founded by Shem, one of the three sons of Noah.
Today, Yemen is home to the world's worst humanitarian crisis, after
a brutal civil war started six years ago. Since then, over
4 million people have fled their homes and there have been
233000 casualties from the war. There are currently over 20 million
people in Yemen who rely on some form of humanitarian aid for their
survival.The global Church must stand for Yemen in this hour
and believe that the country can live into its legend and receive a
flood-like baptism of God's mercy and grace,
transforming the nation through the blood of Jesus.
People Group Focus
Northern Yemeni
Arab
Tihami Arab
Sudanese Arab
Prayer Emphasis
- Pray for healing and restoration to come to the nation as churches are
planted amongthe Northern Yemeni Arabs, Tihami Arabs, and Sudanese Arabs.
- Pray fora mighty movement of prayer to sweep over Christians
everywhere so that they lift up this war-torn city.
- Pray that the Lord wouldhave mercy on the city and bring an end to the
civil war wrecking the nation.
- Pray forlhe Kingdom of God to come through mercy, giving
gifts to the poor and opening hearts to His Kingdom
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
2nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
)
b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.
3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
)
Conclusion:
Jesus, thank you that you are God's promise who came to Earth for my
brokenness, my failures, my pain. I surrender to you all of my rejection
and betrayal and abandonment. I invite you into my heart and life. I thank you
that you know and understand what I'm going through. Jesus, bring your promise
of healing and hope and restoration to me once again. Amen.
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for Godly leaders and honourable
people.
Pray to the Lord: "Creator God, You are deserving of all worship,
praise, and gratitude. When my heart grows hard
and I lose sight of Your worthiness, remind me
that all creation sings Your praise."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help you memorise and understand His Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to store treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and pray to never deny Him.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
- Pray for healing and restoration to come to the nation as churches are
planted among the Northern Yemeni Arabs, Tihami Arabs, and Sudanese Arabs.
- Pray fora mighty movement of prayer to sweep over Christians
everywhere so that they lift up this war-torn city.
- Pray that the Lord would have mercy on the city and bring an end to the
civil war wrecking the nation.
- Pray for the Kingdom of God to come through mercy, giving
gifts to the poor and opening hearts to His Kingdom
Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all
Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision, wisdom
and direction.
Today at Calvary Community Church
, Pastor Doug spoke on Where is God? The Promise Doubted?
Genesis 3 :15
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring
and her offspring; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel."
(This is the foreshadowing of the Crucifixion of
Jesus The Lamb for Sinners Slain)
[15] And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed
and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
MAtthew 2
The Escape to Egypt
13 (Ac 5:19; Mt 1:20) Now when they departed, the angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying,
"Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and escape to Egypt,
and stay there until I bring you word.
For Herod will seek the young Child to kill Him."
14 When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night,
and departed into Egypt,
15 (Hos 11:1; Ex 4:22) and remained there until the death of Herod,
to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet,
"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."
A talent was worth several hundred pounds.
The Killing of the Infants
16 (Isa 59:7) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked
by the wise men, was utterly furious and sent forth and killed
all the male children who were in Bethlehem and the surrounding region,
from two years old and under, based on the time which he had diligently
inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet:
18 (Jer 31:15; Ge 42:36) "In Ramah a voice was heard,
grieving and weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be comforted,
because they are no more."[-21 Isa 42:1-4].
[13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to
Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod
will seek the young child to destroy him.
[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and
departed into Egypt:
[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
called my son.
[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great
mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not.
John 14
6 (Jn 10:9; 1:14; Ac 4:12) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 (Jn 8:19) If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father,
and that is sufficient for us."
9 (Heb 1:3; Jn 12:45; Col 1:15) Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you
such a long time, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen
Me has seen the Father. So how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
10 (Jn 5:19; 10:38) Do you not believe that I am in the Father
and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak
on My own authority. But the Father who lives in Me does the works.
11 (Jn 5:36; 10:38) Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father
is in Me. Or else believe Me on account of the works themselves.
[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.
[7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from
henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
[8] Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
[9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet
hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the
Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
[10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father
that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
[11] Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else
believe me for the very works' sake.
John 11:38-57
Lazarus Brought to Life
38 (Mt 27:60; Jn 11:33) Then Jesus, again groaning within Himself,
came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it.
39 (Jn 11:17) Jesus said, "Take away the stone."
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him,
"Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
40 (Jn 11:4; 11:23-26) Jesus said to her,
"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
41 (Jn 17:1; Mt 11:25) So they took away the stone from the place where
the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up His eyes and said,
"Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
42 (Jn 3:17; 17:21) I know that You always hear Me. But because of the people
standing around, I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
43 When He had said this, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
44 (Jn 20:7; 19:40) He who was dead came out, his hands and feet wrapped
with grave clothes, and his face wrapped with a cloth.
Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
[38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a
cave, and a stone lay upon it.
[39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was
dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead
four days.
[40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest
believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
[41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.
And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast
heard me.
[42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which
stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
[43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come
forth.
[44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes:
and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose
him, and let him go.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
Mt 26:1-5; Mk 14:1-2; Lk 22:1-2
45 (Jn 2:23; 11:19) Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary,
and saw what Jesus had done, believed in Him.
46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees
and told them what Jesus had done.
47 (Mt 26:3; 5:22) Then the chief priests and the Pharisees
assembled the Sanhedrin and said,
"What shall we do? This Man is performing many signs.
48 If we leave Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him,
and the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation."
49 (Mt 26:3; Jn 11:51) Then one of them named Caiaphas,
who was the high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,
50 (Jn 18:14) nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man
should die for the people, that the whole nation should not perish."
51 (Ex 28:30; 1Sa 23:9) He did not say this on his own authority.
But being the high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die
for the nation,
52 (Jn 10:16; Isa 49:6) and not for the nation only, but that He might
also gather together in unity the children of God who were scattered abroad.
53 So from that day forward they planned to put Him to death.
54 (Jn 7:1; 2Ch 13:19 ) Therefore Jesus no longer walked
openly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country
near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim,
and remained there with His disciples.
55 (Jn 2:13; 6:4) Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand.
Many went up to Jerusalem from the country before the Passover
to purify themselves.
56 (Jn 7:11) Then they searched for Jesus and said among themselves
as they stood in the temple,
"What do you think, that He will not come to the feast?"
57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders
that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it,
that they might seize Him.
[45] Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which
Jesus did, believed on him.
[46] But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what
things Jesus had done.
[47] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said,
What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
[48] If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans
shall come and take away both our place and nation.
[49] And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year,
said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
[50] Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for
the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
[51] And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he
prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
[52] And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together
in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
[53] Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to
death.
[54] Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence
unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there
continued with his disciples.
[55] And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the
country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
[56] Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood
in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
[57] Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment,
that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take
him.
Jesus was rejected - how about you?
Jesus was betrayed - how about you?
Jesus felt separated from God - how about you?
Jesus felt such physical pain and agony - how about you?
Although the promise was doubted, Jesus never gave up. He never quit in you!
1) Judges 10 -12
JUDGES 10
Tola
1 (Jdg 2:16) After the death of Abimelek, Tola the son of Puah,
the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir,
in the hill country of Ephraim.
2 He judged Israel for twenty-three years.
Then he died and was buried in Shamir.
Jair
3 After him Jair the Gileadite arose and judged Israel for 22 years.
4 (Nu 32:41; Dt 3:14) He had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys
and owned thirty cities that are in the land of Gilead.
They are called Havvoth Jair to this day.
5 Jair died and was buried in Kamon.
Jephthah
6 (1Ki 11:5; 11:7) Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight
of the Lord. They worshipped the Baals, the Ashtoreths,
and the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines.
They abandoned the Lord and did not serve Him.
7 (Jdg 2:14) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He sold them
into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites.
8 They brutally oppressed the children of Israel that year.
For eighteen years they oppressed all the children of Israel
beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites in Gilead.
9 The Ammonites also crossed over the Jordan to wage war
against Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim, so that Israel was greatly distressed.
10 (1Sa 12:10; Jdg 3:9) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
"We have sinned against You, for we have abandoned
our God and worshipped the Baals."
11 (Ex 14:30; Nu 21:21-25) The Lord said to the children of Israel,
"Did I not deliver you from Egypt, the Amorites, the Ammonites,
the Philistines,
12 (Jdg 6:3) the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites
when they oppressed you? You cried out to Me, and I saved you from their hands.
13 (Jer 2:13; Dt 32:15) Yet you have abandoned Me and worshipped other gods.
Therefore I will not save you again.
14 (Dt 32:37-38) Go and cry out to the gods that you have chosen.
Let them save you in your time of distress."
15 (1Sa 3:18; 2Sa 15:26) Then the children of Israel said to the Lord,
"We have sinned. Do to us whatever seems good in Your sight.
Please, just deliver us today."
16 (Isa 63:9; Ps 106:44-45) They removed the foreign gods from among them
and worshipped the Lord, and He could no longer endure
the suffering of Israel.
17 (Jdg 11:29; Ge 31:49) The Ammonites had been called out
and set up camp in Gilead. The children of Israel assembled and set up
camp in Mizpah.
18 (Jdg 11:11) The commanders of Gilead said to each other,
" Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites?
He will be the ruler of all the inhabitants of Gilead."
Judges 10
[1] And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah,
the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
[2] And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in
Shamir.
[3] And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two
years.
[4] And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had
thirty cities, which are called Havoth-jair unto this day, which are in the
land of Gilead.
[5] And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.
[6] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and
served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon,
and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of
the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.
[7] And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into
the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.
[8] And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen
years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the
land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
[9] Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against
Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that
Israel was sore distressed.
[10] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned
against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.
[11] And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you
from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and
from the Philistines?
[12] The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress
you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
[13] Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will
deliver you no more.
[14] Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in
the time of your tribulation.
[15] And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou
unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee,
this day.
[16] And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the
LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
[17] Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in
Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and
encamped in Mizpeh.
[18] And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is
he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head
over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
JUDGES 11
1 (Heb 11:32; Jdg 6:12) Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour,
but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah.
2 Gilead's wife also bore him sons. His wife's sons grew up and drove
Jephthah away. They said to him, "You will not inherit anything
from our father's house because you are the son of another woman."
3 (Jdg 9:4; 1Sa 22:2) So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived
in the land of Tob. Men of ill repute gathered around Jephthah
and went out with him.
4 Some time passed, then the Ammonites waged war with Israel.
5 When the Ammonites waged war with Israel, the elders of Gilead
went to bring Jephthah back from the land of Tob.
6 They said to Jephthah, "Come and be our leader so that we may
fight the Ammonites."
7 (Ge 26:27) Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead,
"Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father's house?
Why have you come to me now that you are in trouble?"
8 (Jdg 10:18) The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah,
"Even so, we have turned to you. Come with us and fight the Ammonites.
You will be ruler over all the inhabitants of Gilead."
9 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me back to wage war
against the Ammonites, and the Lord gives them to me,
then I will be your ruler."
10 (Jer 42:5; Ge 31:50) The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah,
"May the Lord be a witness between us
if we do not act according to your word."
11 (Jdg 10:17; 20:1) So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead.
The people set him over them as ruler and leader.
And Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord in Mizpah.
12 Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king to say,
"What problem is there between you and me,
that you have come to me to wage war in my land?"
13 (Ge 32:22; Nu 21:24-26) The Ammonite king said to the messengers
of Jephthah, "Because when Israel came up from Egypt, they took my land,
from the Arnon to the Jabbok and as far as the Jordan.
Now return it peacefully."
14 Again Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king,
15 (Dt 2:9; 2:19) and said to him,
"Jephthah says this: Israel did not take the land of Moab,
nor the Ammonite land;
16 (Nu 14:25; Dt 1:40_ for when Israel came up from Egypt,
they went into the desert as far as the Red Sea and came to Kadesh.
17 (Nu 20:1; 20:14-21) Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,
saying, 'Please let us pass through your land.' Yet the king of Edom would
not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab,
but he was unwilling. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.
18 (Nu 22:36; Dt 2:1-8) "They went into the wilderness, around the lands
of Edom and Moab. They went east of the land of Moab and set up camp
on the other side of the River Arnon. They did not cross the boundary
of Moab, for the River Arnon was the boundary of Moab.
19 "Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites,
who ruled in Heshbon. Israel said to him,
"Please let us pass through your land to our home."
20 Yet Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory,
so Sihon gathered all his people and set up camp in Jahaz
to fight with Israel.
21 "The Lord God of Israel gave Sihon and all his people
into the hands of Israel, and they struck them down. So Israel took possession
of all the land of the Amorites who lived in that land.
22 (Dt 2:36) They took possession of all of the territory of the Amorites,
from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the desert to the Jordan.
23 "Now that the Lord God of Israel has driven out the Amorites
from before His people Israel, should you take it?
24 (Nu 21:29; 1Ki 11:7) Will you not take possession of whatever Chemosh
your god gives you? So everything that the Lord our God possesses before us,
we will take possession of it.
25 (Mic 6:5) Now are you really better than Balak son of Zippor,
the king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or wage war with them?
26 (Dt 2:36) Israel has lived in Heshbon and its nearby towns, in Aroer
and its nearby towns, and in all the cities along the banks of the River Arnon
for three hundred years. Why did you not take them back during that time?
27 (Ge 16:5; 18:25) So I have not sinned against you, but it is you who are
doing evil to me by waging war against me. May the Lord, the Judge,
judge today between the children of Israel and the Ammonites."
28 Yet the Ammonite king would not listen to the message
that Jephthah had sent him.
Judges 11
[1] Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the
son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
[2] And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they
thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our
father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman.
[3] Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and
there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.
[4] And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made
war against Israel.
[5] And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel,
the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob:
[6] And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight
with the children of Ammon.
[7] And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and
expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye
are in distress?
[8] And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to
thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of
Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
[9] And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again
to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me,
shall I be your head?
[10] And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness
between us, if we do not so according to thy words.
[11] Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him
head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the
LORD in Mizpeh.
[12] And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon,
saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me to fight
in my land?
[13] And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of
Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt,
from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those
lands again peaceably.
[14] And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of
Ammon:
[15] And said unto him, Thus saith Jephthah, Israel took not away the land
of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon:
[16] But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness
unto the Red sea, and came to Kadesh;
[17] Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I
pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken
thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would
not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh.
[18] Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of
Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab,
and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of
Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.
[19] And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of
Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy
land into my place.
[20] But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon
gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against
Israel.
[21] And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the
hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the
Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.
[22] And they possessed all the coasts of the Amorites, from Arnon even unto
Jabbok, and from the wilderness even unto Jordan.
[23] So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from
before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it?
[24] Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to
possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them
will we possess.
[25] And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of
Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,
[26] While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her
towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three
hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time?
[27] Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to
war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of
Israel and the children of Ammon.
[28] Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words
of Jephthah which he sent him.
Judges 11:29 - 40
29 (Jdg 3:10; Nu 11:25) Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah
and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and passed through
Mizpah of Gilead, and went on to the Ammonites.
30 (Ge 28:20; 1Sa 1:11) Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, "If You will indeed
give the Ammonites into my hands,
31 (1Sa 1:28) then whatever comes out from the door of my house
to meet me, when I return safely from the Ammonites, will surely
be the Lord's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering."
32 So Jephthah crossed over to the AmmonÂites to wage war
against them, and the Lord gave them into his hands.
33 (Eze 27:17) He struck them down from Aroer to Minnith, twenty cities,
and as far as Abel Keramim. The defeat was very severe, and the Ammonites
were humbled before the children of Israel.
34 (Ex 15:20; Jer 31:4) When Jephthah went to his house at Mizpah, there was
his daughter coming out to meet him, dancing with a tambourine.
She was his only child. Other than her, he had neither son nor daughter.
35 When he saw her, he ripped up his clothes and said, "Alas, my daughter!
You have brought utter disaster to me. You are my undoing,
for I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot take it back."
36 (2Sa 18:19) She said to him, "My father, you have opened
your mouth to the Lord. Do to me what has come out of your mouth,
because the Lord worked vengeance upon your enemies, the Ammonites."
37 (Lk 1:25) Then she said to her father, "Let this be done for me:
Give me two months, and I and my friends will wander the hill country
and mourn over my virginity."
38 He said, "Go," and he sent her away for two months.
She and her friends went and mourned over her virginity in the hill country.
39 (Jdg 11:31) At the end of two months she returned to her father,
and he did to her according to the vow that he had made.
She had not ever slept with a man.
So it became a custom in Israel
40 that the women of Israel would commemorate the daughter
of Jephthah the Gileadite for four days each year.
[29] Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over
Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of
Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.
[30] And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without
fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
[31] Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house
to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely
be the LORD's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
[32] So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against
them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands.
[33] And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even
twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great
slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of
Israel.
[34] And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter
came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only
child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
[35] And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and
said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of
them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot
go back.
[36] And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto
the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth;
forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even
of the children of Ammon.
[37] And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me
alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail
my virginity, I and my fellows.
[38] And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with
her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains.
[39] And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto
her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and
she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel,
[40] That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of
Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.
JUDGES 12
Jephthah and Ephraim
1 (Jdg 8:1) The men of Ephraim gathered together and crossed over to Zaphon.
They said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to wage war with the Ammonites
and not call us to go with you? We will burn down your house right on top
of you."
2 Jephthah said to them, "My people and I were in a very great conflict
with the Ammonites. I called you, but you did not save me from their hands.
3 (1Sa 19:5; 28:21) When I saw that you were not going to save me, I took my
life in my own hands and crossed over to the Ammonites.
Then the Lord gave them into my hands. Now why have you come
up to me today to wage war against me?"
4 (1Sa 25:10) Then Jephthah assembled all the men of Gilead and fought
with Ephraim. The men of Gilead struck Ephraim down, for they had said,
"You Gileadites are fugitives in Ephraim, living in Ephraim and Manasseh."
5 (Jdg 3:28; Jos 22:11) Gilead captured the fords of the Jordan River leading
to Ephraim. Whenever an Ephraimite fugitive would say, "Let me cross,"
the Gileadite men would say to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he said, "No,"
6 then they would say to him, "Say, 'Shibboleth'!" Yet he would say,
"Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it correctly. Then they would
grab him and kill him at the Jordan fords.
During that time 42000 from Ephraim fell.
7 Jephthah judged Israel for six years. When Jephthah the Gileadite died,
he was buried among the cities of Gilead.
[1] And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward,
and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the
children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine
house upon thee with fire.
[2] And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with
the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of
their hands.
[3] And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and
passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into
my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against
me?
[4] Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with
Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye
Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the
Manassites.
[5] And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites:
and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me
go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he
said, Nay;
[6] Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for
he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him
at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites
forty and two thousand.
[7] And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite,
and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon
8 After him, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.
9 He had thirty sons, and he gave thirty daughters in marriage outside his clan;
and he brought thirty daughters from outside for his sons.
He judged Israel for seven years.
10 Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem.
11 After him, Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel.
He judged Israel for ten years.
12 Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.
13 After him, Abdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel.
14 (Jdg 5:10; 10:4) He had forty sons and thirty grandsons
who rode seventy donkeys. He judged Israel for eight years.
15 (Jdg 5:14) Abdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried in Pirathon
in the land of Ephraim, in the Amalekite hill country.
[8] And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.
[9] And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and
took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel
seven years.
[10] Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Bethlehem.
[11] And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel
ten years.
[12] And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country
of Zebulun.
[13] And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel.
[14] And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and
ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years.
[15] And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in
Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.
2) Our Daily Bread for 2 April 2023 titled
Bluestone Church Bells
Luke 19:37-42
37 When He was coming near the descent of the Mount of Olives,
the whole crowd of the disciples began to rejoice
and praise God with loud voices for all the mighty works that they had seen,
38 (Lk 13:35; Mt 21:9) saying:
'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!'(Ps 118:26.)
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him,
"Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
40 (Hab 2:11) He answered them, "I tell you, if these should be silent,
the stones would immediately cry out."
41 (Lk 13:34-35; Jn 11:35) When He came near, He beheld the city
and wept over it,
42 (Dt 32:29) saying, "If you, even you, had known even today what things
would bring you peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
[37] And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of
Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God
with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
[38] Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace
in heaven, and glory in the highest.
[39] And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him,
Master, rebuke thy disciples.
[40] And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should
hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
[41] And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
[42] Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the
things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Bluestone is a fascinating variety of rock. When struck, certain bluestones
will ring with a musical tone. Maenclochog, a Welsh village whose name means
"bell" or "ringing stones," used bluestones as church bells until the 18th
century. Interestingly, the ruins of Stonehenge, in England, are built of
bluestone, causing some to wonder if that landmark's original purpose was
musical. Some researchers claim that the bluestone at Stonehenge was brought
from near Maenclochog, nearly two hundred miles away,
because of their unique acoustic properties.
Musical ringing stones are yet another of the wonders of God's great creation,
and they remind us of something Jesus said during His Palm Sunday entry into
Jerusalem. As the people praised Jesus, the religious leaders demanded Him to
rebuke them." 'I tell you,' he replied, 'if they keep quiet,
the stones will cry out'" (Luke 19:40).
If bluestone can make music, and if Jesus made mention of even the stones
bearing witness to their Creator, how might we express our own praise to the
One who made us, loves us, and rescued us? He is worthy of all worship. May
the Holy Spirit stir us to give Him the honor He deserves.
All of creation praises Him.
By: Bill Crowder
Reflect & Pray
How many ways can you think of in which creation praises God?
How can you join in daily worship of our Creator?
Creator God, You are deserving of all worship,
praise, and gratitude. When my heart grows hard
and I lose sight of Your worthiness, remind me
that all creation sings Your praise.
For further study, read All Creation Sings
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 1 - God's Perspective
Philip 4:13
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because
of Christ who strengthens me.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe
what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:
"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"
"You can't do anything right."
We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.
"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,
and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise
volumes of information that is less significant than the
Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,
songs lyrics, advertising jingles.
The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive
thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according
to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,
"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you
just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,
I will give you the strength to do it.
The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned
this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known
poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew
he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.
We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths
- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.
Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the
conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the
challenges we face.
Application
a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?
IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?
b) How does today's memory verse help me face those challenges?
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 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 18 March to 18 April 2023
DAY 16 April2
Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, has for many centuries been the chief
economic, political, and religious center of the country. According to
legend, Yemen was founded by Shem, one of the three sons of Noah.
Today, Yemen is home to the world's worst humanitarian crisis, after
a brutal civil war started six years ago. Since then, over
4 million people have fled their homes and there have been
233000 casualties from the war. There are currently over 20 million
people in Yemen who rely on some form of humanitarian aid for their
survival.The global Church must stand for Yemen in this hour
and believe that the country can live into its legend and receive a
flood-like baptism of God's mercy and grace,
transforming the nation through the blood of Jesus.
People Group Focus
Northern Yemeni
Arab
Tihami Arab
Sudanese Arab
Prayer Emphasis
- Pray for healing and restoration to come to the nation as churches are
planted amongthe Northern Yemeni Arabs, Tihami Arabs, and Sudanese Arabs.
- Pray fora mighty movement of prayer to sweep over Christians
everywhere so that they lift up this war-torn city.
- Pray that the Lord wouldhave mercy on the city and bring an end to the
civil war wrecking the nation.
- Pray forlhe Kingdom of God to come through mercy, giving
gifts to the poor and opening hearts to His Kingdom
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
2nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
)
b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.
3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
)
Conclusion:
Jesus, thank you that you are God's promise who came to Earth for my
brokenness, my failures, my pain. I surrender to you all of my rejection
and betrayal and abandonment. I invite you into my heart and life. I thank you
that you know and understand what I'm going through. Jesus, bring your promise
of healing and hope and restoration to me once again. Amen.
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for Godly leaders and honourable
people.
Pray to the Lord: "Creator God, You are deserving of all worship,
praise, and gratitude. When my heart grows hard
and I lose sight of Your worthiness, remind me
that all creation sings Your praise."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help you memorise and understand His Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to store treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and pray to never deny Him.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
- Pray for healing and restoration to come to the nation as churches are
planted among the Northern Yemeni Arabs, Tihami Arabs, and Sudanese Arabs.
- Pray fora mighty movement of prayer to sweep over Christians
everywhere so that they lift up this war-torn city.
- Pray that the Lord would have mercy on the city and bring an end to the
civil war wrecking the nation.
- Pray for the Kingdom of God to come through mercy, giving
gifts to the poor and opening hearts to His Kingdom
Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all
Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision, wisdom
and direction.
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