Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Day 141, 21 May 2022



Today at Calvary Community

Church , Pastor Barry Regier wiht a sermon entitled

God's Heart to Restore .. our meaningful contribution

or those in need bsed on Nehemiah 1:1-11



Nehemiah 1



The Prayer of Nehemiah



God had been preparing Nehemiah for a New meaningful contribution

to the Kingdom of God.



1 (Ne 10:1; Zec 7:1) The words of Nehemiah the son of Hakaliah.

In the month Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the palace,

[1] The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in

the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,





A) Nurture a passion for God.



2 (Ne 7:2) Hanani, one of my relatives, and some men of Judah arrived. So I

asked them concerning the returning Jews who had been in captivity,

and concerning Jerusalem.

[2] That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah;

and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left

of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.



B) Look for a need



3 (Ne 2:17; 2Ki 25:10; Ne 2:3) They said to me, "The remnant that returned

from captivity is there in the province enduring great affliction

and reproach. Also, the wall of Jerusalem remains broken down,

and its gates have been burned with fire."

[3] And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity

there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of

Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.



4 (Ne 2:4; Ezr 10:1) When I heard these words, I sat down and wept

and mourned for days. Then I fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

[4] And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and

wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of

heaven,



Destiny is that problem we are uniquely equipped to solve.



c) Be part of the solution



i) Through prayer

ii) Through confession and repentance



5 (Ex 20:6; Dt 7:21) and said:

"I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God,

who keeps covenant and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments.

[5] And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and

terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and

observe his commandments:



6 (Da 9:20; 2Ch 6:40) Let Your ear now be attentive, and Your eyes open,

that You may hear the prayer of Your servant, which I now pray before You,

day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins

of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against You.

Both my father's house and I have sinned.

[6] Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou

mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day

and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins

of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and

my father's house have sinned.



Confession is to agree with God that what we've done is wrong.

REpresentation confession is shown in Nehemiah 1:6



( 1 John 1:9

9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful

and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

)



7 (Ps 106:6) We have acted very corruptly against You

and have not obeyed the commandments, nor the statutes,

nor the judgments, which You commanded Your servant Moses.

[7] We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the

commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou

commandedst thy servant Moses.



8 (Dt 4:25-27; 28:64) "Please remember the word that You commanded

Your servant Moses, saying, 'If you behave unfaithfully, then I will scatter

you among the nations,

[8] Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant

Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:



9 (Dt 12:5; Lev 26:39-42) but if you return to Me and keep My commandments

and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest part of the heavens,

I will gather them from there and bring them back to the place where I have

chosen to establish My name.'

[9] But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though

there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I

gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have

chosen to set my name there.



[Promise of the sins of the fathers and mothers will carry on to the 3rd

and 4th generation but he shows love to 1000 generations of those who

love hi and kepp his commands.]



10 (Dt 9:29; Ex 32:11) "Now these are Your servants and Your people,

whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand.

[10] Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by

thy great power, and by thy strong hand.



iii) Through personal engagement



11 (Ne 1:6; 2:1O) Lord, I implore You, let Your ear be attentive

to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants

who delight to revere Your name. And let Your servant prosper this day,

and grant him mercy in the sight of this man."

For I was the king's cupbearer.

[11] O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of

thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name:

(Praying in community)

and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the

sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.





1) 2 Samuel 24:1-9

1 Chronicles 21:1-6

2 Samuel 24:10-17

1 Chronicles 21:7-17

2 Samuel 24:18-25

1 Chronicles 21:18-30

1 Chronicles 22

Psalms 30



2 Samuel 24

David's Census of Israel and Judah

1Ch 21:1-17

1 (1Ch 27:23-24; 21:1) Again the Lord became angry against Israel,

and He incited David against them, saying,

"Go and count the people of Israel and Judah."

2 (2Sa 3:10; Jdg 20:1) The king said to Joab the commander of the army

who was with him, "Go throughout all of the tribes of Israel,

from Dan to Beersheba, and muster the people so that I may know

the number of the people."

3 (Dt 1:11) Joab said to the king, "May the Lord your God add to the people

however many they are one hundred times over in the sight of my lord the king.

But why does my lord the king so desire this thing?"

4 However, the king's word prevailed against Joab and the commanders

of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army went out

from before the king to register the people of Israel.

5 (Dt 2:36; Jos 13:9) They crossed the Jordan and camped at Aroer,

south of the city, in the middle of the ravine of Gad toward Jazer.

6 (Jos 19:28) They went toward Gilead to the land of Tahtim Hodshi.

Then they went toward Dan Jaan and around to Sidon.

7 (Jos 19:29; 11:3) They went to the fortress of Tyre and all of the towns

of the Hivites and Canaanites. They went to the Negev and Beersheba.

8 They went throughout the entire land, and after nine months

and twenty days, they came to Jerusalem.

9 Joab gave the count of the census of the people to the king.

There were 800 000 capable men who could draw

a sword in Israel, and the men of Judah were 500 000.



[1] And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved

David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

[2] For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him,

Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, and

number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.

[3] And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people,

how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the

king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

[4] Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the

captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from

the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.

[5] And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of

the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

[6] Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they

came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,

[7] And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the

Hibites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah,

even to Beer-sheba.

[8] So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at

the end of nine months and twenty days.

[9] And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and

there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword;

and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.



1 Chronicles 21



The Census of Israel and Judah



2Sa 24:1-25



1 (Job 1:6-12; 2:1) Now Satan stood against Israel

and incited David to number Israel.

2 (1Ch 27:23-24)Then David said to Joab and the leaders of the people,

"Go count Israel from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report,

that I may know their number."

3 But Joab said, "May the Lord increase the number of His people

one hundred times more. My lord the king, are not all of them my lord's

servants? Why then should my lord require this?

Why should it bring guilt on Israel?"

4 Nevertheless, the king's word prevailed against Joab, so Joab departed

and went throughout all Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.

5 (2Sa 24:9) Joab gave the results of the census of the people to David:

All Israel had 1 100 000 men who drew the sword,

and in Judah 470000 men drew the sword.

6 However, he did not include the Levites and Benjamin

because the word of the king was abhorrent to Joab.



A Cause of Trespass



1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel

from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me,

that I may know it.

3 And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more

as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants?

why then doth my lord require this thing?

why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed,

and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

5 And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David.

And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men

that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men

that drew sword.

6 But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them:

for the king's word was abominable to Joab.



2 Samuel 24



Judgment for David's Sin



10 (2Sa 12:13; 1Sa 13:13; 24:5) Now the heart of David struck him

after he had counted the people. David said to the Lord,

"I have sinned greatly by what I have done. Now may the Lord

take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have behaved very foolishly."

11 (1Sa 9:9; 22:5) When David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord

came to the prophet Gad, the seer for David, saying,

12 "Go and speak to David: Thus says the Lord: Three options

I am laying before you. Choose for yourself one of them,

and I will do this to you."

13 (1Ch 21:12; Lev 26:25) So Gad came to David and told him. He said to him,

"Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land?

Or shall you flee three months before your enemies while they pursue you?

Or shall there be three days of plague in your land?

Now consider and advise what answer I shall return to Him who sent me."

14 (Ps 51:1; 119:156) David said to Gad, "I am very distressed. Let us fall

by the hand of the Lord, for His mercy is great. May I not fall

by the hand of man."

15 (1Ch 21:14; 27:24) So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel from the morning

until the appointed time. Seventy thousand men from the people died,

from Dan to Beersheba.

16 (Ge 6:6; Ex 12:23) When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem

to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity. He said to the angel

who was annihilating the people, "Enough! Now stay your hand."

The angel of the Lord was at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

17 (Ps 74:1; 2Sa 24:10) On seeing the angel who was striking down the people,

David said to the Lord, "I am the one who has sinned

and I am the one who has done wrong. These sheep, what have they done?

Please, let your hand be against me and against the house of my father."



[10] And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And

David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and

now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I

have done very foolishly.

[11] For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto

the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

[12] Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things;

choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

[13] So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven

years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months

before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days'

pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to

him that sent me.

[14] And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into

the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into

the hand of man.

[15] So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the

time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer-sheba

seventy thousand men.

[16] And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it,

the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the

people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by

the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

[17] And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the

people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these

sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and

against my father's house.



1 Chronicles 21



7 Now this thing was evil in the sight of God, and He struck Israel.

8 (2Sa 12:1) 3So David said to God, "I have sinned greatly in doing

this thing. Now, please, take away the iniquity of your servant,

for I have acted very foolishly."

9 (1Sa 9:9; 1Ch 29:29) And the Lord spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying,

10 "Go and speak to David, 'Thus says the Lord: Three things I offer you;

choose one of these for yourself that I may do to you.'"

11 So Gad came to David and said to him, "Thus says the Lord,

'Select for yourself, 12either three years of famine, or three months

of being swept away before your foes while the sword of your enemy

overtakes you, or three days of the sword of the Lord, even pestilence

in the land, with the angel of the Lord destroying throughout

all the territory of Israel.' Now then consider what answer

I shall return to Him who sent me."

13 (Ps 130:7; 86:15) David replied to Gad, "I am in great distress.

Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercies are very great,

but do not let me fall into the hand of man."

14 So the Lord sent a plague throughout Israel, and 70000 men of Israel fell.

15 (Ge 6:6; Ex 32:14) And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it,

but as he prepared to destroy it, the Lord looked and relented

from the calamity. And He said to the angel bringing the destruction,

"It is enough. Remove your hand." The angel of the Lord was then standing

by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

16 (Nu 14:5; 1Ki 21:27) David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord

standing between earth and heaven with his sword drawn in his hand stretched

out over Jerusalem. So David and the elders, covered in sackcloth,

fell on their faces.

17 David said to God, "Was it not I who gave the command to number the people?

I am the one who has sinned and surely done evil. But these sheep,

what have they done? O Lord my God, I pray, let Your hand be against me

and my father's house, but do not let Your people be plagued."



7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.

8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this

thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I

have done very foolishly.

9 And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,

10 Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things:

choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee

12 either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes,

while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days

the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel

of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore

advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

1 3And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into

the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall

into the hand of man.

14 So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel

seventy thousand men.

15 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was

destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil,

and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand.

And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between

the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched

out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed

in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be

numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for

these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee,

O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house;

but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.



2 Samuel 24



David Builds an Altar



1Ch 21:18-26



18 Gad came to David that day and said to him, "Go up and erect an altar

to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite."

19 So David went up according to the word of Gad, as the Lord commanded.

20 When Araunah looked and saw the king and his servants coming toward him,

he went out and bowed low to the king with his face on the ground.

21 Araunah said, "Why has my lord the king come to his servant?"

David replied, "To purchase the threshing floor from you in order to build

an altar to the Lord, so that the plague may be averted from the people."

22 (1Ki 19:21; 1Sa 6:14)Araunah said to David, "Let my lord the king take

and offer up what seems good to him. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering

and the threshing sledges and yokes of the oxen for wood.

23 (Eze 20:40-41) Everything, O king, Araunah gives to the king."

Araunah also said to the king,

"May the Lord your God be favorable toward you."

24 (1Ch 21:24-25) However, the king said to Araunah,

"No, for I will certainly purchase from you for a fair price.

I will not offer up to the Lord burnt offerings that cost me nothing"

So David purchased the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels

[About 1.25 pounds, or 575 grams.] of silver.

25 (2Sa 21:14; 1Sa 7:17) David built an altar to the Lord there and offered

burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the land pleaded with the Lord,

and the plague was averted from Israel.



[18] And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar

unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

[19] And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD

commanded.

[20] And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward

him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face

upon the ground.

[21] And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant?

And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto

the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

[22] And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up

what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and

threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.

[23] All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And

Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.

[24] And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee

at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of

that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the

oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

[25] And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt

offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and

the plague was stayed from Israel.



1 Chronicles 21



David Builds an Altar



18 (2Ch 3:1) Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to tell David

that David should go up and raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor

of Ornan the Jebusite.

19 So David went up at the word of Gad which he delivered in the name

of the Lord.

20 (Jdg 6:11) Now Ornan turned and saw the angel, but his four sons who were

with him hid themselves as Ornan threshed the wheat.

21 As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David

and went out from the threshing floor and bowed down before David

with his face to the ground.

22 Then David said to Ornan, "Give me the site of the threshing floor so

that I may build an altar on it to the Lord. Sell it to me at full price so

the plague on the people may be restrained."

23 So Ornan replied to David, "Take it for yourself, and let my lord the king

do whatever seems good in his eyes. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt

offerings, the threshing wagons for wood, and the wheat for the grain offering.

I will give it all."

24 Then King David said to Ornan, "No, for I will surely acquire it

for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord nor

offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

25 So David gave Ornan six hundred shekels

[About 15 pounds, or 6.9 kilograms.]

of gold by weight for the site,

26 (Lev 9:24; Jdg 6:21) and David built there an altar to the Lord

and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings.

He called on the Lord, and the Lord answered him

by fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering.

27 So the Lord spoke to the angel, and he put away

his sword in its sheath.

28 At that time, when David saw that the Lord had answered

him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there.

29 (1Ch 16:39; 2Ch 1:3) For the tabernacle of the Lord and the altar

of burnt offering that Moses had made in the wilderness were

in the high place in Gibeon at that time.

30 But David was unable to go before it to inquire of God,

because he was terrified by the sword of the angel of the Lord.



18 Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David

should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor

of Ornan the Jebusite.

19 And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name

of the LORD.

20 And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him

hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.

21 And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went

out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face

to the ground.

22 Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor,

that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me

for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.

23 And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king

do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt

offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat

for the meat offering; I give it all.

24 And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for

the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD,

nor offer burnt offerings without cost.

25 So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.

26 And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings

and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from

heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

27 And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again

into the sheath thereof.

28 At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the

threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.

29 For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness,

and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place

at Gibeon.

30 But David could not go before it to enquire of God:

for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.



1 Chronicles 22

1 (2Ch 3:1; 1Ch 21:18-28) Then David said,

"Here shall be the house of the Lord God

and here the altar of the burnt offering for Israel."



Plans to Build the Temple



2 (1Ki 5:17-18; 9:20-21) So David gave instructions to gather together

those sojourning in the land of Israel, and he appointed stonemasons

to cut hewn stones for building the house of God.

3 (1Ch 22:14; 1Ki 7:47) David also provided large quantities of iron

for nails for the doors of the gates and for the clamps as well as

an abundance of bronze beyond measure,

4 (1Ki 5:6-10) and cedar logs without number, for the Sidonians

and the Tyrians brought much cedar wood to David.

5 (1Ki 3:7; 1Ch 29:1) Now David said, "Solomon my son is young

and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be

exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all the lands.

Therefore I will make preparation for it now."

So David made extensive preparations before his death.

6 Then David called Solomon his son and commanded him to build

a house for the Lord, the God of Israel.

7 (Dt 12:5; 12:11) David said to Solomon, "My son, I had it in my heart

to build a house for the name of the Lord my God,

8 (1Ch 28:3; 1Ki 5:3) but the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

'You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You shall not build

a house for My name because you have shed much blood on the earth before Me.

9 (1Ki 4:20; 4:25) A son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest.

I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. Solomon will be his name,

and I will give peace and tranquility to Israel in his days.

10 (2Sa 7:13-14; Heb 1:5) He will be the one to build a house for My name.

He shall be a son to Me, and I will be a father to him, and I will establish

the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'

11 (1Ch 22:16) "Now, my son, may the Lord be with you, and may you have

success in building the house of the Lord your God just

as He has spoken concerning you.

12 (1Ki 3:9-12; 2Ch 1:10) Only may the Lord give you insight and understanding

and give you charge over Israel so you may keep the law of the Lord your God.

13 (Jos 1:6-9; 1Ch 28:7) Then you will prosper if you carefully observe

the statutes and the judgments which the Lord commanded Moses for Israel.

Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed.

14 (1Ch 22:3) "With great difficulty I have prepared for the house of the Lord

100000 talents [About 3,750 tons, or 3,400 metric tons.] of gold and 1000000

[About 37,500 tons, or 34,000 metric tons.] talents of silver as well as

innumerable quantities of bronze and iron, beyond measure. I have also

prepared timber and stone to which you may add even more.

15 Moreover you have an abundance of workers: stonecutters, masons,

carpenters, and men skilled in all kinds of work,

16 (1Ch 22:11) craftsmen in gold, silver, bronze, and iron without number.

Rise up and work, and may the Lord be with you."

17 (1Ch 28:1-6) Then David commanded all the leaders of Israel

to assist Solomon his son, saying,

18 (1Ch 22:9; 23:25) "Is not the Lord your God with you?

Has He not given you rest all around? For He has given the inhabitants

of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the Lord

and His people.

19 (1Ki 8:6; 1Ch 22:7) Now dedicate your heart and your soul

to seek the Lord your God. Rise up and build the sanctuary of the Lord God,

so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord along with the holy

vessels of God into the house which is to be built for the name of the Lord."



1 Chronicles 22



Plans for the Temple



1 Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God,

and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.

2 And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land

of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God.

3 And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors

of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;

4 also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought

much cedar wood to David.

5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that

is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame

and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation

for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.

6 Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for

the LORD God of Israel.

7 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build

an house unto the name of the LORD my God:

8 but the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood

abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house

unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will

give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon,

and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

10 He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be

his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel

for ever.

11 Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house

of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.

12 Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge

concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

13 Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes

and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel:

be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD

an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents

of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance:

timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers

of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.

16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number.

Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

17 David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon

his son, saying,

18 Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest

on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand;

and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.

19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise

therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the

ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God,

into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.



Psalms 30

A Psalm of David. A Song at the dedication of the temple.



1 I will extol You, O Lord, for You have drawn me up,

and have not caused my foes to rejoice over me.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) O Lord my God, I cried to You,

and You healed me.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, You have brought up my soul from the grave;

You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His,

and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For His anger endures but a moment,

in His favor is life;

weeping may endure for a night,

but joy comes in the morning.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) In my prosperity I said,

"I will never be moved."

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Lord, by Your favor

You had set me strong as a mountain;

You hid Your face,

and I was terrified.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I cried to You, O Lord,

and to the Lord I made supplication:

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) "What profit is there in my death,

if I go down to the pit?

Will the dust give You thanks?

Will it declare Your truth?

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me;

Lord, be my helper."

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For You have turned my mourning into dancing;

You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,

12 so that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.



Psalms 30

[1] I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made

my foes to rejoice over me.

[2] O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

[3] O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me

alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

[4] Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the

remembrance of his holiness.

[5] For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may

endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

[6] And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

[7] LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou

didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

[8] I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.

[9] What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the

dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

[10] Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.

[11] Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my

sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

[12] To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O

LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.



2) Our Daily Bread for 21 May 2023 titled Our Choices Matter

By Alyson Kieda



Genesis 39:1-12



Joseph and Potiphar's Wife



1 Now Joseph was brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh,

captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites

who had brought him down there.

2 The Lord was with Joseph, so that he became a prosperous man.

He was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.

3 His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all

that he did to prosper.

4 Joseph found favor in his sight and served him.

So he made him overseer over his house,

and all that he had he put under his charge.

5 From the time that he had made him overseer in his house

and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house

on account of Joseph. So the blessing of the Lord was on all that

he had in the house and in the field.

6 So he left all that he had in Joseph's charge, and he had

no concerns regarding anything except the food he ate.

Now Joseph was handsome and well-built.

7 After a time, his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said,

"Lie with me."

8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "My master does not

concern himself with anything concerning me in the house,

and he has committed all that he has to my charge.

9 There is none greater in this house than I.

He has kept nothing back from me but you, because you are his wife.

How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?"

10 She spoke to Joseph every day, but he did not listen to her

about lying with her or being with her.

11 But it happened one day that Joseph went into the house to do his work,

and none of the men of the house was there.

12 She caught him by his clothing, saying, "Lie with me."

But he left his clothing in her hand and fled and got outside.



[1] And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of

Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the

Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

[2] And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in

the house of his master the Egyptian.

[3] And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made

all that he did to prosper in his hand.

[4] And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him

overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

[5] And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his

house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house

for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in

the house, and in the field.

[6] And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he

had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and

well favoured.

[7] And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her

eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

[8] But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master

wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he

hath to my hand;

[9] There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back

any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do

this great wickedness, and sin against God?

[10] And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he

hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

[11] And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to

do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

[12] And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his

garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.



A swimming instructor in New Jersey saw a car sinking into Newark Bay and

heard the driver inside screaming "I can't swim" as his SUV quickly sank into

the murky waters. As a crowd watched from shore, Anthony ran to the rocks

along the edge, removed his prosthetic leg, and jumped in to rescue the

68-year-old man and help him safely to shore. Thanks to Anthony's decisive

action, another man was saved.



Our choices matter. Consider the patriarch Jacob, the father of many sons, who

openly favoured his 17-year-old son Joseph. He foolishly made Joseph "an ornate robe" (Genesis 37:3). The result? Joseph's brothers hated him (v. 4);

and when the opportunity arose, they sold him into slavery (v. 28). Yet

because Joseph ended up in Egypt, God used him to preserve Jacob's family and

many others during a seven-year famine-despite Joseph's brothers' intention

to harm him (see 50:20). The choice that set it all in motion was Joseph's

decision to be honourable and run from Potiphar's wife (39:1-12). The result

was prison (39:20) and an eventual meeting with Pharaoh (ch. 41).



Anthony may have had the advantage of training, but he still had to make a

choice. When we love God and seek to serve Him, He helps us make life

-affirming and God-honoring choices. If we haven't already,

we can begin by trusting Jesus.



What was the result of a recent choice you've made?

How has God's Spirit led you to make wise choices?



Dear God, help me to make wise decisions that honour You.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 1 A circle of Light



John 8:12



12 (Jn 12:35; Job 33:28; Isa 49:6)Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me

shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."



12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.



When Judy Garland stepped onstage, she filled the spotlight. Nothing was

illuminated but her face, and as she sang, her listeners had a sense of being

transported beyond themselves into the meaning of her song. The focus of

reality, at that moment, was "Judy", and everything else faded into the dim

recesses of the shadowed room. The spotlight brought her into sharp focus

as the center of attention, and all around her was darkness.

When the scriptures speaks of Jesus as "the light," the image is not

of thousands of blazing bulbs lighting up a football field for a night game.

Rather, he is like a hand-help lamp that throws a circle of light in the

immediate vicinity. such a lamp lights the path that a traveler will walk,

but lights it only one step at a time.

Jesus is the center of that circle of light. As we follow him, we share the

light, but he is always at center. Jesus Christ is the focal point,

and everything else fades into dim gray by comparison.

If we are to keep our lives illuminated, to have his light falling upon the

road we walk, we must stay close to him. Jesus does not hand the lamp

to us and suggest that we go the way he wants; he , the Light, leads,

and if we want to stay in the light, we follow.



Application



a) Have I ever tried to go my own way, apart from the Light?

What was the result?



b) How can this verse help me remember the importance of staying close

to Jesus?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



1 Tim 6:17-19



17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that they

not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,

who richly gives us all things to enjoy.

18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich

in good works, generous, willing to share,

19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good

foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.



17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,

nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly

all things to enjoy;

18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works,

ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time

to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Eternal Faithfulness



Ps 89:1 -8



PSALMS 89



A Contemplative Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.



1 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;

with my mouth I will make known

Your faithfulness to all generations.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For I have said,

"Mercy shall be built up forever;

Your faithfulness shall be

established in the heavens."

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You have said,

"I have made a covenant with my chosen one;

I have sworn to David my servant:

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) 'Your offspring I will establish forever,

and build up your throne for all generations.' " Selah

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Let the heavens praise Your wonders, O Lord;

Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) For who in the skies can

be compared to the Lord?

Who among the heavenly sons is like the Lord?

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) God is greatly to be feared

in the assembly of the holy ones

and awesome to all those who surround Him.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) O Lord God of Hosts,

who is a mighty Lord like You,

with Your faithfulness all around You?



1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever:

With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever:

Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

3 I have made a covenant with my chosen,

I have sworn unto David my servant,

4 Thy seed will I establish for ever,

And build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD:

Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

6 For who in the heaven

Can be compared unto the LORD?

Who among the sons of the mighty

Can be likened unto the LORD?

7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,

And to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

8 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee?

Or to thy faithfulness round about thee?



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?)



Ontario



Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario



Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000



est Muslim Population 1 001 542



CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,

Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor



Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that

the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most

Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching

from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly

resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques

are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools

are starting.

And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their

advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,

the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour

brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of

"reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of

receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town

reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.

Agree in prayer for:



- net network leaders - the need is great

- the development of network leadership teams

- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals

whom God is calling into this ministry.

- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising

believers

- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas

- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love

towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.



For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.



You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"



Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:



- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,

"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

18 Even on My menservants and maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,

and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]



Footnotes

Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



And



Thank you for praying through the

5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.



"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,

I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to

cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.



Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians

and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the

love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.

One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by

light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.



As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and

confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution

to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.



Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.

Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father

to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.



I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.

God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through

the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom

and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."



13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy

and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,

through the power of the Holy Spirit.



[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that

ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.



ROMANS 15:13



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



21st Day of the Month



a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would

have wisdom and make God honouring decisions



(



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make

supplications, prayers, intercessions,

and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life

in all godliness and honesty,



)



b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources

they need and the vigilance their work requires.



Conclusion:



Pray to nurture a heart of God



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for righteous decisions.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, help me to make wise decisions that honour You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to remember He is The Light to follow.



Pray to the Lord and pray not to be a hoarder in this world.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be His faithfulness known to all generations.



Agree in prayer for Ontario:



- get network leaders - the need is great

- the development of network leadership teams

- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals

whom God is calling into this ministry.

- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising

believers

- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas

- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love

towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.



Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would

have wisdom and make God honouring decisions



Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources

they need and the vigilance their work requires.



Pray for the growth of God's Kingdom in Kazakhstan.