Day 260 of my third Bible Study Journey - 17 Sept reflections
Day 260, 17 September 2023
Today at Calvary
Community Church , Pastor Barry REgier spoke on A Church that Thrives,
Walks with the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:4-5
4 (Lk 24:49; Jn 14:16) Being assembled with them, He commanded them,
"Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,
of which you have heard from Me.
[4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they
should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the
Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 (Lk 24:49. 5Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)
For John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized
with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptised
with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
A) Who is the Holy Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-23
22 (Eph 5:9; Ro 7:4) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 (Ac 24:25; 1Ti 1:9) meekness, and self-control; against
such there is no law.
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering(patience),
gentleness(Kindness), goodness, faith(faithfulness),
[23] Meekness(Gentleness), temperance(self-control):
against such there is no law.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
18 (Ro 5:10-11; 1Jn 2:2) All this is from God, who has reconciled us to
Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of
reconciliation,
19 (Isa 43:25; Mt 1:23) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the
message of reconciliation.
20 (2Co 6:1; Eph 6:20) So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ's stead: Be reconciled to
God.
21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the righteousness of God in Him.
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new.
B) What does He do?
2 Peter 1:21
21 (1Pe 1:11; Lk 1:70; 2Sa 23:2) For no prophecy at any time was produced
by the will of man, but holy men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
John 7:37-39
Rivers of Living Water
37 (Isa 55:1; Lev 23:36; Nu 29:35) On the last and greatest day of the feast,
Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty,
let him come to Me and drink.
38 (Isa 58:11; Jn 4:14) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,
out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water."
39 (Ac 2:17; Joel 2:28; Ac 2:33) By this He spoke of the Spirit,
whom those who believe in Him would receive. For the Holy Spirit
was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
[37] In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried,
saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
[38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly
shall flow rivers of living water.
[39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not
yet glorified.)
John 14:23,25
23 (Jn 14:15; 14:21) Jesus answered him, "If a man loves Me, he will keep
My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our home
with him.
25 "I have spoken these things to you while I am still with you.
[23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our
abode with him.
[25] These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
JOhn 15:26-27
26 (Jn 14:16-17; 14:26; 16:7) "But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send
to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
He will bear witness of Me.
27 (Lk 24:48; Jn 21:24) And you also will bear witness, because you have been
with Me from the beginning.
[26] But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall
testify of me:
[27] And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the
beginning.
John 16:7-15
7 (Jn 14:26; 15:26; 7:39) Nevertheless I tell you the truth:
It is expedient for you that I go away. For if I do not go away,
the Counselor will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 (Jn 8:46) When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 (Jer 23:5-6; Ac 3:14) of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 2Co 4:4) and of judgment, because the ruler of this
world stands condemned.
12 (Mk 4:33) "I have yet many things to tell you,
but you cannot bear them now.
13 (Jn 14:17; 14:26; 15:26) But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide
you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own authority. But He will
speak whatever He hears, and He will tell you things that are to come.
14 (1Jn 4:13-14) He will glorify Me, for He will receive from Me
and will declare it to you.
15 (Jn 17:10) All that the Father has is Mine. Therefore I said that
He will take what is Mine and will declare it to you.
[7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go
away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I
depart, I will send him unto you.
[8] And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment:
[9] Of sin, because they believe not on me;
[10] Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
[11] Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
[12] I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into
all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear,
that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
[14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it
unto you.
[15] All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he
shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
1 Corinthians 12:1,4-7
Spiritual Gifts
1 (1Co 14:37) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you
to be ignorant.
4 (Heb 2:4; Ro 12:4-6) There are various gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 (1Co 15:28) There are various operations, but it is the same God
who operates all of them in all people.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to everyone for the common good.
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which
worketh all in all.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal.
C) How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
Acts 2:38-39
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 8:12; 22:16) Peter said to them,
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of sins, and you shall receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit.
39 (Joel 2:32; Isa 44:3) For the promise is to you, and to your children,
and to all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call."
[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are
afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
1 THessalonians 5:23
23 (Ro 15:33; Heb 4:12) May the very God of peace sanctify you completely.
And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul,
and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your
whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
John 14:15-17,21
The Promise of the Spirit
15 (Eph 6:24) "If you love Me, keep My commandments.
16 (Jn 15:26; 14:26; 1Jn 2:1) I will pray the Father, and He will give you
another Counselor, that He may be with you forever:
17 (Jn 15:26; 16:13; 1Co 2:14) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot
receive, for it does not see Him, neither does it know Him. But you know Him,
for He lives with you, and will be in you.
21 (Jn 14:15; 16:27) He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one
who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father. And I will love
him and will reveal Myself to him."
[15] If ye love me, keep my commandments.
[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever;
[17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it
seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with
you, and shall be in you.
[21] He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth
me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him,
and will manifest myself to him.
1) Ezra 4-6, Psalms 137
Ezra 4
Resistance to Rebuilding
1 (Ezr 1:11) Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that
the descendants of the captivity built the temple unto the Lord God of Israel,
2 (2Ki 19:37; 17:24) they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chiefs
of the fathers' households, and said to them, "Let us build with you, for,
like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the days
of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here."
3 (Ne 2:20) But Zerubbabel, and Joshua, and the rest of the chiefs
of the fathers' households of Israel said to them, "This is not for you!
It is for us to build the temple of our God, so we ourselves together
will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as Cyrus the king of Persia has
commanded us."
4 (Ezr 3:3) Then the people of the land demoralized the people of Judah
and terrified them while building,
5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose,
all the days of Cyrus king of Persia,
even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[1] Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children
of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;
[2] Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said
unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do
sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which
brought us up hither.
[3] But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of
Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto
our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel,
as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
[4] Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah,
and troubled them in building,
[5] And hired counsellers against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the
days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of
Persia.
6 (Est 1:1; Da 9:1) In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,
they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
[6] And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they
unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
The Letter to Artaxerxes
7 (2Ki 18:26; Da 2:4) In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath,
Tabeel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia,
and the writing of the letter was written in Aramaic,
and interpreted in Aramaic.
8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem
to Artaxerxes the king in this manner:
9 (Ezr 5:6; 6:6) (Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their colleagues, the judges, the officials, the officers, the Persians,
the men of Uruk, and of Babylon, and of Susa-that is, the Elamites-
10 (Ezr 4:17; 4:11) and the rest of the nations whom the great
and noble Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria
and in the rest of the province Beyond the River-and now
11 this is the copy of the letter that they sent to him)-
"To Artaxerxes the king:
"Your servants the men of the province Beyond the River, and so forth.
12 (2Ch 36:13; Ezr 5:3) "May it be known to the king, that the Jews
who came from you have come near to us at Jerusalem
and that they are building the rebellious and evil city,
restoring its walls, and repairing the foundations.
13 (Ezr 7:24; Ne 5:4) "Be it known now to the king, that, if this city
is rebuilt and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute,
and custom, and the revenue of the kings will be impacted.
14 Now because we are under obligation to the king's palace, and it was not
appropriate for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore we have sent
and notified the king,
15 so that a search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers.
There you will find in the book of the records and realize that this city
is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have
incited revolt within it in former times-for which cause this city
was destroyed.
16 We notify the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls repaired
by this means the portion Beyond the River will no longer be yours."
17 The king sent an answer:
"To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their
companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder Beyond the River:
"Peace, and so forth.
18 "The letter which you sent to us has been translated and read before me.
19 (2Ki 18:7) I commanded, and a search has been made, and it is found
that this city has in the past made insurrection against kings,
and that rebellion and revolt have occurred there.
20 (Ge 15:18; 1Ki 4:21) There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem,
who have ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, and toll,
tribute, and custom was paid to them.
21 Command these men to cease now, so that this city is not built
unless I give the command.
22 Take heed now that you do not fail to do this.
Why should damage increase to the hurt of the king?"
23 Now when the copy of the letter by King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum,
and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste
to Jerusalem to the Jews and made them cease by force and power.
24 (Hag 1:15) Then the work of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased.
So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[7] And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the
rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of
the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian
tongue.
[8] Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against
Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
[9] Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites,
and the Elamites,
[10] And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought
over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side
the river, and at such a time.
[11] This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto
Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at
such a time.
[12] Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us
are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have
set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
[13] Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the
walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so
thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
[14] Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not
meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and
certified the king;
[15] That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so
shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a
rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have
moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city
destroyed.
[16] We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls
thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the
river.
[17] Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai
the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and
unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
[18] The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
[19] And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this
city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion
and sedition have been made therein.
[20] There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over
all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto
them.
[21] Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city
be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
[22] Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to
the hurt of the kings?
[23] Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and
Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to
Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
[24] Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it
ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Ezra 5
Restoration of the Temple Resumed
1 Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied
to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel
who was over them.
[1] Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of
Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the
name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
2 (Ezr 3:2; 6:14) Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son
of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem,
and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
[2] Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of
Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and
with them were the prophets of God helping them.
3 (Ezr 6:6; 1:3; 5:9) At the same time Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and their companions came to them
and said to them, "Who issued a command for you to build this house
and complete this structure?"
4 They also asked them, "What are the names of the men building
this building?"
5 (Ezr 7:6; 7:28) But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews,
so that they could not cause them to cease building until a command came
from Darius. Consequently, they sent a letter concerning this matter.
6 (Ezr 4:9) This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor
of the province Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and his colleagues,
the officials who were in the province Beyond the River,
sent to Darius the king.
7 This is the document that they sent to him,
containing accordingly what follows:
"To Darius the king:
"All peace.
8 "May it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah,
to the temple of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber
is laid in the walls, and this work goes diligently,
and prospers in their hands.
9 "Then we questioned those elders and said to them, 'Who issued
a command for you to build this house and complete this structure?'
10 Also, we asked for their names in order to notify you
and to document the names of the men that were their leaders.
11 "Thus they returned us an answer, saying,
" 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth
and are rebuilding the temple that was built these many years ago,
which a great king of Israel built and completed.
12 (2Ch 36:16-17; 2Ki 24:2) Afterwards, our fathers provoked the God
of heaven to wrath, so He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar
the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple
and carried the people away into Babylon.
13 " 'However, in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, King Cyrus
made a decree to rebuild this house of God.
14 (Ezr 6:5; 5:16) The vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God,
which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them
into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king withdrew from the temple
of Babylon and had them delivered to the one named Sheshbazzar,
whom he had made governor.
15 King Cyrus said to him, "Take these vessels, go, carry them to the temple
in Jerusalem and let the house of God be built its site."
16 (Ezr 3:10; 6:15) " 'So that same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation
of the house of God in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been
under construction, yet it is not finished.'
17 (Ezr 4:15) "Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be
search made in the king's treasure house there in Babylon to ascertain
if it is so that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house
of God at Jerusalem. May the king send his pleasure to us concerning
this matter."
[3] At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto
them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this
wall?
[4] Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the
men that make this building?
[5] But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they
could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then
they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
[6] The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river,
and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on
this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
[7] They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius
the king, all peace.
[8] Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea,
to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and
timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth
in their hands.
[9] Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded
you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
[10] We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the
names of the men that were the chief of them.
[11] And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the
God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many
years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
[12] But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath,
he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the
Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.
[13] But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus
made a decree to build this house of God.
[14] And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought
them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the
temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was
Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
[15] And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple
that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
[16] Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of
God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been
in building, and yet it is not finished.
[17] Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in
the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that
a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem,
and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Ezra 6
The Decree of Darius
1 (Ezr 5:17; 4:15) Then Darius the king issued a decree
and a search was made in the house of records, where the treasures
were stored in Babylon.
2 At Ecbatana, in the provincial palace of the Medes, a scroll was found,
and in it the following record was written:
3 "In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king issued
a decree concerning the temple of God at Jerusalem:
"Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices,
and let the foundations of it be strongly laid, to a height of sixty cubits,
[About 90 feet, or 27 meters.] and a width of sixty cubits.
4 (1Ki 6:36) Let it consist of three rows of great stones and a row
of new timber, and let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury.
5 (Ezr 5:14; 1:7-8) Also, let the golden and silver vessels of the house
of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem
and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought back to their places
in the temple in Jerusalem. Put them in the house of God.
6 (Ezr 5:3; 5:6) "Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai, along with your colleagues,
the officials who are in the province Beyond the River,
stay far away from there.
7 Let the work of this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
8 (Ezr 6:4; 7:15-22) "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you shall
do for the elders of these Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God:
"The cost is to be paid to these men, in full and without delay,
from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
9 (Lev 1:10) Whatever they need-whether young bulls, rams, and lambs
for the burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, and oil,
according to the appointment of the priests in Jerusalem-let it be given
them daily without fail,
10 (Ezr 7:23; Jer 29:7) so that they may offer acceptable sacrifices
to the God of heaven, as well as pray for the life of the king
and of his sons.
11 (Da 2:5; 3:29) "Also, I have issued a decree that whoever shall violate
this word, the timber will be pulled down from his house and arranged so that
he may be hanged on it. Thus shall his house be made a dunghill for this.
12 (1Ki 9:3; Dt 12:5) May the God who has caused His name to dwell there
overthrow all kings and people who stretch forth their hand to violate
or destroy this house of God in Jerusalem.
"I, Darius, have issued the decree; so let it be done diligently."
Completion and Dedication of the Temple
13 (Ezr 4:9) In compliance, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond
the River, Shethar-Bozenai, and their companions speedily accomplished
what Darius the king had decreed.
Ezra 6
[1] Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of
the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
[2] And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province
of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
[3] In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a
decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded,
the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be
strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof
threescore cubits;
[4] With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let
the expences be given out of the king's house:
[5] And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and
brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which
is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of
God.
[6] Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and
your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far
from thence:
[7] Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
[8] Moreover I made a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews
for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the
tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men,
that they be not hindered.
[9] And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and
lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and
oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let
it be given them day by day without fail:
[10] That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven,
and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
[11] Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let
timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged
thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
[12] And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings
and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house
of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done
with speed.
[13] Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their
companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did
speedily.
Ezra 6:14-22
14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered
through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel
and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15 (Est 3:7) This temple was finished on the third day of the month Adar
during the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16 (1Ki 8:63; 2Ch 7:5) The children of Israel, the priests and the Levites,
and the rest of the descendants of the captivity kept the dedication
of this house of God with joy.
17 (Ezr 8:35) At the dedication of this house of God, they offered
a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;
and as a sin offering for all Israel, they offered twelve goats
(according to the number of the tribes of Israel).
18 (Nu 3:6; 1Ch 24:1) They appointed the priests in their divisions
and the Levites in their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem,
as it had been written in the Book of Moses.
The Passover
19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day
of the first month.
20 (2Ch 35:11; 29:34) Because the priests and the Levites had purified
themselves together, all of them were pure. So, they slaughtered
the Passover lambs for all the descendants of the captivity,
both for their brothers the priests and for themselves.
21 (Ezr 9:11; Ne 9:2) Then they ate together, both the children of Israel
who had come out of captivity and all those who had separated themselves
from the uncleanness of the nations of the land, in order to seek the Lord God
of Israel.
22 (Ezr 1:1; 7:27) With joy they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread
for seven days because the Lord had made them joyful. He had turned the heart
of the king of Assyria toward them and strengthened their hands in the work
on the house of God, who is the God of Israel.
[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And
they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of
Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes
king of Persia.
[15] And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar,which
was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
[16] And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest
of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God
with joy,
[17] And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks,
two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel,
twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
[18] And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their
courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in
the book of Moses.
[19] And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth
day of the first month.
[20] For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them
were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity,
and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
[21] And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and
all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the
heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,
[22] And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the
LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto
them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of
Israel.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 September 2023 titled Any Questions?
Luke 18:35-43
The Healing of a Blind Beggar Near Jericho
Mt 20:29-34; Mk 10:46-52
35 (Jn 9:8) As He was drawing near Jericho, a certain blind man
sat along the way begging.
36 Hearing a crowd passing by, he asked what it meant.
37 (Mt 2:23)They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
38 (Mt 9:27) He cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
39 (Lk 18:15) Those who went in front rebuked him,
so that he would keep quiet. But he cried out much more,
"Son of David, have mercy on me!"
40 Jesus stood and commanded him to be brought to Him.
When he came near, He asked him,
41 "What do you want Me to do for you?"
He said, "Lord, grant that I may receive my sight."
42 (Mt 9:22; Lk 7:50) Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight.
Your faith has saved you."
43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Him,
glorifying God. When all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.
[35] And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain
blind man sat by the way side begging:
[36] And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
[37] And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
[38] And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
[39] And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace:
but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
[40] And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he
was come near, he asked him,
[41] Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord,
that I may receive my sight.
[42] And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
[43] And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying
God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Ann was meeting with her oral surgeon for a preliminary exam-a physician she'd
known for many years. He asked her, "Do you have any questions?" She said,
"Yes. Did you go to church last Sunday?" Her question wasn't intended to be
judgmental, but simply to initiate a conversation about faith.
The surgeon had a less-than-positive church experience growing up, and he
hadn't gone back. Because of Ann's question and their conversation, he
reconsidered the role of Jesus and church in his life. When Ann later gave him
a Bible with his name imprinted on it, he received it with tears.
Sometimes we fear confrontation or don't want to seem too aggressive in
sharing our faith. But there can be a winsome way to witness about Jesus
-ask questions.
For a man who was God and knew everything, Jesus sure asked a lot of
questions. While we don't know His purposes, it’s clear His questions prompted
others to respond. He asked his disciple Andrew, "What do you want?"
(John 1:38). He asked blind Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?"
(Mark 10:51; Luke 18:41). He asked the paralysed man, "Do you want to get
well?" (John 5:6). Transformation happened for each of these individuals
after Jesus' initial question.
Is there someone you want to approach about matters of faith?
Ask God to give you the right questions to ask.
By: Dave Branon
Reflect & Pray
Why can questions be better conversation starters than direct statements?
What questions can you ask those who need spiritual help?
Dear Jesus, please help me to reach out to others
in a way that can lead to transformation.
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
Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Saddened by Loss
John 14:1 - 7
1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, you may be also.
4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know
where You are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
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.
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?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord to receive the Holy Spirit.
Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to rebuild your spiritual life.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, please help me to reach out to others
in a way that can lead to transformation."
Pray to the Lord and pray for His Help to memorise the Holy Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither borrower or lender.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that the Lord is preparing
a place for you in Heaven.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
Pray for pastors in Zanzibar whose homes were destroyed by opposing Muslims
neighbours.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
Today at Calvary
Community Church , Pastor Barry REgier spoke on A Church that Thrives,
Walks with the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:4-5
4 (Lk 24:49; Jn 14:16) Being assembled with them, He commanded them,
"Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,
of which you have heard from Me.
[4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they
should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the
Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 (Lk 24:49. 5Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)
For John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized
with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptised
with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
A) Who is the Holy Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-23
22 (Eph 5:9; Ro 7:4) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 (Ac 24:25; 1Ti 1:9) meekness, and self-control; against
such there is no law.
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering(patience),
gentleness(Kindness), goodness, faith(faithfulness),
[23] Meekness(Gentleness), temperance(self-control):
against such there is no law.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
18 (Ro 5:10-11; 1Jn 2:2) All this is from God, who has reconciled us to
Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of
reconciliation,
19 (Isa 43:25; Mt 1:23) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the
message of reconciliation.
20 (2Co 6:1; Eph 6:20) So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ's stead: Be reconciled to
God.
21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the righteousness of God in Him.
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new.
B) What does He do?
2 Peter 1:21
21 (1Pe 1:11; Lk 1:70; 2Sa 23:2) For no prophecy at any time was produced
by the will of man, but holy men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
John 7:37-39
Rivers of Living Water
37 (Isa 55:1; Lev 23:36; Nu 29:35) On the last and greatest day of the feast,
Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty,
let him come to Me and drink.
38 (Isa 58:11; Jn 4:14) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,
out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water."
39 (Ac 2:17; Joel 2:28; Ac 2:33) By this He spoke of the Spirit,
whom those who believe in Him would receive. For the Holy Spirit
was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
[37] In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried,
saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
[38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly
shall flow rivers of living water.
[39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not
yet glorified.)
John 14:23,25
23 (Jn 14:15; 14:21) Jesus answered him, "If a man loves Me, he will keep
My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our home
with him.
25 "I have spoken these things to you while I am still with you.
[23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our
abode with him.
[25] These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
JOhn 15:26-27
26 (Jn 14:16-17; 14:26; 16:7) "But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send
to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
He will bear witness of Me.
27 (Lk 24:48; Jn 21:24) And you also will bear witness, because you have been
with Me from the beginning.
[26] But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall
testify of me:
[27] And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the
beginning.
John 16:7-15
7 (Jn 14:26; 15:26; 7:39) Nevertheless I tell you the truth:
It is expedient for you that I go away. For if I do not go away,
the Counselor will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 (Jn 8:46) When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 (Jer 23:5-6; Ac 3:14) of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 2Co 4:4) and of judgment, because the ruler of this
world stands condemned.
12 (Mk 4:33) "I have yet many things to tell you,
but you cannot bear them now.
13 (Jn 14:17; 14:26; 15:26) But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide
you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own authority. But He will
speak whatever He hears, and He will tell you things that are to come.
14 (1Jn 4:13-14) He will glorify Me, for He will receive from Me
and will declare it to you.
15 (Jn 17:10) All that the Father has is Mine. Therefore I said that
He will take what is Mine and will declare it to you.
[7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go
away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I
depart, I will send him unto you.
[8] And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment:
[9] Of sin, because they believe not on me;
[10] Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
[11] Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
[12] I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into
all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear,
that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
[14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it
unto you.
[15] All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he
shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
1 Corinthians 12:1,4-7
Spiritual Gifts
1 (1Co 14:37) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you
to be ignorant.
4 (Heb 2:4; Ro 12:4-6) There are various gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 (1Co 15:28) There are various operations, but it is the same God
who operates all of them in all people.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to everyone for the common good.
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which
worketh all in all.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal.
C) How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
Acts 2:38-39
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 8:12; 22:16) Peter said to them,
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of sins, and you shall receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit.
39 (Joel 2:32; Isa 44:3) For the promise is to you, and to your children,
and to all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call."
[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are
afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
1 THessalonians 5:23
23 (Ro 15:33; Heb 4:12) May the very God of peace sanctify you completely.
And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul,
and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your
whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
John 14:15-17,21
The Promise of the Spirit
15 (Eph 6:24) "If you love Me, keep My commandments.
16 (Jn 15:26; 14:26; 1Jn 2:1) I will pray the Father, and He will give you
another Counselor, that He may be with you forever:
17 (Jn 15:26; 16:13; 1Co 2:14) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot
receive, for it does not see Him, neither does it know Him. But you know Him,
for He lives with you, and will be in you.
21 (Jn 14:15; 16:27) He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one
who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father. And I will love
him and will reveal Myself to him."
[15] If ye love me, keep my commandments.
[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever;
[17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it
seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with
you, and shall be in you.
[21] He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth
me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him,
and will manifest myself to him.
1) Ezra 4-6, Psalms 137
Ezra 4
Resistance to Rebuilding
1 (Ezr 1:11) Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that
the descendants of the captivity built the temple unto the Lord God of Israel,
2 (2Ki 19:37; 17:24) they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chiefs
of the fathers' households, and said to them, "Let us build with you, for,
like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the days
of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here."
3 (Ne 2:20) But Zerubbabel, and Joshua, and the rest of the chiefs
of the fathers' households of Israel said to them, "This is not for you!
It is for us to build the temple of our God, so we ourselves together
will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as Cyrus the king of Persia has
commanded us."
4 (Ezr 3:3) Then the people of the land demoralized the people of Judah
and terrified them while building,
5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose,
all the days of Cyrus king of Persia,
even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[1] Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children
of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;
[2] Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said
unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do
sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which
brought us up hither.
[3] But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of
Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto
our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel,
as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
[4] Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah,
and troubled them in building,
[5] And hired counsellers against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the
days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of
Persia.
6 (Est 1:1; Da 9:1) In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,
they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
[6] And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they
unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
The Letter to Artaxerxes
7 (2Ki 18:26; Da 2:4) In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath,
Tabeel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia,
and the writing of the letter was written in Aramaic,
and interpreted in Aramaic.
8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem
to Artaxerxes the king in this manner:
9 (Ezr 5:6; 6:6) (Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their colleagues, the judges, the officials, the officers, the Persians,
the men of Uruk, and of Babylon, and of Susa-that is, the Elamites-
10 (Ezr 4:17; 4:11) and the rest of the nations whom the great
and noble Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria
and in the rest of the province Beyond the River-and now
11 this is the copy of the letter that they sent to him)-
"To Artaxerxes the king:
"Your servants the men of the province Beyond the River, and so forth.
12 (2Ch 36:13; Ezr 5:3) "May it be known to the king, that the Jews
who came from you have come near to us at Jerusalem
and that they are building the rebellious and evil city,
restoring its walls, and repairing the foundations.
13 (Ezr 7:24; Ne 5:4) "Be it known now to the king, that, if this city
is rebuilt and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute,
and custom, and the revenue of the kings will be impacted.
14 Now because we are under obligation to the king's palace, and it was not
appropriate for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore we have sent
and notified the king,
15 so that a search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers.
There you will find in the book of the records and realize that this city
is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have
incited revolt within it in former times-for which cause this city
was destroyed.
16 We notify the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls repaired
by this means the portion Beyond the River will no longer be yours."
17 The king sent an answer:
"To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their
companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder Beyond the River:
"Peace, and so forth.
18 "The letter which you sent to us has been translated and read before me.
19 (2Ki 18:7) I commanded, and a search has been made, and it is found
that this city has in the past made insurrection against kings,
and that rebellion and revolt have occurred there.
20 (Ge 15:18; 1Ki 4:21) There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem,
who have ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, and toll,
tribute, and custom was paid to them.
21 Command these men to cease now, so that this city is not built
unless I give the command.
22 Take heed now that you do not fail to do this.
Why should damage increase to the hurt of the king?"
23 Now when the copy of the letter by King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum,
and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste
to Jerusalem to the Jews and made them cease by force and power.
24 (Hag 1:15) Then the work of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased.
So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[7] And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the
rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of
the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian
tongue.
[8] Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against
Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
[9] Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites,
and the Elamites,
[10] And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought
over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side
the river, and at such a time.
[11] This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto
Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at
such a time.
[12] Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us
are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have
set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
[13] Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the
walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so
thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
[14] Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not
meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and
certified the king;
[15] That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so
shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a
rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have
moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city
destroyed.
[16] We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls
thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the
river.
[17] Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai
the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and
unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
[18] The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
[19] And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this
city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion
and sedition have been made therein.
[20] There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over
all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto
them.
[21] Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city
be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
[22] Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to
the hurt of the kings?
[23] Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and
Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to
Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
[24] Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it
ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Ezra 5
Restoration of the Temple Resumed
1 Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied
to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel
who was over them.
[1] Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of
Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the
name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
2 (Ezr 3:2; 6:14) Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son
of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem,
and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
[2] Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of
Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and
with them were the prophets of God helping them.
3 (Ezr 6:6; 1:3; 5:9) At the same time Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and their companions came to them
and said to them, "Who issued a command for you to build this house
and complete this structure?"
4 They also asked them, "What are the names of the men building
this building?"
5 (Ezr 7:6; 7:28) But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews,
so that they could not cause them to cease building until a command came
from Darius. Consequently, they sent a letter concerning this matter.
6 (Ezr 4:9) This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor
of the province Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and his colleagues,
the officials who were in the province Beyond the River,
sent to Darius the king.
7 This is the document that they sent to him,
containing accordingly what follows:
"To Darius the king:
"All peace.
8 "May it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah,
to the temple of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber
is laid in the walls, and this work goes diligently,
and prospers in their hands.
9 "Then we questioned those elders and said to them, 'Who issued
a command for you to build this house and complete this structure?'
10 Also, we asked for their names in order to notify you
and to document the names of the men that were their leaders.
11 "Thus they returned us an answer, saying,
" 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth
and are rebuilding the temple that was built these many years ago,
which a great king of Israel built and completed.
12 (2Ch 36:16-17; 2Ki 24:2) Afterwards, our fathers provoked the God
of heaven to wrath, so He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar
the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple
and carried the people away into Babylon.
13 " 'However, in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, King Cyrus
made a decree to rebuild this house of God.
14 (Ezr 6:5; 5:16) The vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God,
which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them
into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king withdrew from the temple
of Babylon and had them delivered to the one named Sheshbazzar,
whom he had made governor.
15 King Cyrus said to him, "Take these vessels, go, carry them to the temple
in Jerusalem and let the house of God be built its site."
16 (Ezr 3:10; 6:15) " 'So that same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation
of the house of God in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been
under construction, yet it is not finished.'
17 (Ezr 4:15) "Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be
search made in the king's treasure house there in Babylon to ascertain
if it is so that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house
of God at Jerusalem. May the king send his pleasure to us concerning
this matter."
[3] At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto
them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this
wall?
[4] Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the
men that make this building?
[5] But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they
could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then
they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
[6] The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river,
and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on
this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
[7] They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius
the king, all peace.
[8] Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea,
to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and
timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth
in their hands.
[9] Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded
you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
[10] We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the
names of the men that were the chief of them.
[11] And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the
God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many
years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
[12] But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath,
he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the
Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.
[13] But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus
made a decree to build this house of God.
[14] And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought
them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the
temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was
Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
[15] And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple
that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
[16] Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of
God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been
in building, and yet it is not finished.
[17] Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in
the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that
a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem,
and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Ezra 6
The Decree of Darius
1 (Ezr 5:17; 4:15) Then Darius the king issued a decree
and a search was made in the house of records, where the treasures
were stored in Babylon.
2 At Ecbatana, in the provincial palace of the Medes, a scroll was found,
and in it the following record was written:
3 "In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king issued
a decree concerning the temple of God at Jerusalem:
"Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices,
and let the foundations of it be strongly laid, to a height of sixty cubits,
[About 90 feet, or 27 meters.] and a width of sixty cubits.
4 (1Ki 6:36) Let it consist of three rows of great stones and a row
of new timber, and let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury.
5 (Ezr 5:14; 1:7-8) Also, let the golden and silver vessels of the house
of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem
and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought back to their places
in the temple in Jerusalem. Put them in the house of God.
6 (Ezr 5:3; 5:6) "Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai, along with your colleagues,
the officials who are in the province Beyond the River,
stay far away from there.
7 Let the work of this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
8 (Ezr 6:4; 7:15-22) "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you shall
do for the elders of these Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God:
"The cost is to be paid to these men, in full and without delay,
from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
9 (Lev 1:10) Whatever they need-whether young bulls, rams, and lambs
for the burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, and oil,
according to the appointment of the priests in Jerusalem-let it be given
them daily without fail,
10 (Ezr 7:23; Jer 29:7) so that they may offer acceptable sacrifices
to the God of heaven, as well as pray for the life of the king
and of his sons.
11 (Da 2:5; 3:29) "Also, I have issued a decree that whoever shall violate
this word, the timber will be pulled down from his house and arranged so that
he may be hanged on it. Thus shall his house be made a dunghill for this.
12 (1Ki 9:3; Dt 12:5) May the God who has caused His name to dwell there
overthrow all kings and people who stretch forth their hand to violate
or destroy this house of God in Jerusalem.
"I, Darius, have issued the decree; so let it be done diligently."
Completion and Dedication of the Temple
13 (Ezr 4:9) In compliance, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond
the River, Shethar-Bozenai, and their companions speedily accomplished
what Darius the king had decreed.
Ezra 6
[1] Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of
the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
[2] And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province
of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
[3] In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a
decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded,
the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be
strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof
threescore cubits;
[4] With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let
the expences be given out of the king's house:
[5] And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and
brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which
is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of
God.
[6] Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and
your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far
from thence:
[7] Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
[8] Moreover I made a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews
for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the
tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men,
that they be not hindered.
[9] And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and
lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and
oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let
it be given them day by day without fail:
[10] That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven,
and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
[11] Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let
timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged
thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
[12] And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings
and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house
of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done
with speed.
[13] Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their
companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did
speedily.
Ezra 6:14-22
14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered
through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel
and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15 (Est 3:7) This temple was finished on the third day of the month Adar
during the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16 (1Ki 8:63; 2Ch 7:5) The children of Israel, the priests and the Levites,
and the rest of the descendants of the captivity kept the dedication
of this house of God with joy.
17 (Ezr 8:35) At the dedication of this house of God, they offered
a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;
and as a sin offering for all Israel, they offered twelve goats
(according to the number of the tribes of Israel).
18 (Nu 3:6; 1Ch 24:1) They appointed the priests in their divisions
and the Levites in their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem,
as it had been written in the Book of Moses.
The Passover
19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day
of the first month.
20 (2Ch 35:11; 29:34) Because the priests and the Levites had purified
themselves together, all of them were pure. So, they slaughtered
the Passover lambs for all the descendants of the captivity,
both for their brothers the priests and for themselves.
21 (Ezr 9:11; Ne 9:2) Then they ate together, both the children of Israel
who had come out of captivity and all those who had separated themselves
from the uncleanness of the nations of the land, in order to seek the Lord God
of Israel.
22 (Ezr 1:1; 7:27) With joy they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread
for seven days because the Lord had made them joyful. He had turned the heart
of the king of Assyria toward them and strengthened their hands in the work
on the house of God, who is the God of Israel.
[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And
they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of
Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes
king of Persia.
[15] And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar,which
was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
[16] And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest
of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God
with joy,
[17] And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks,
two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel,
twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
[18] And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their
courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in
the book of Moses.
[19] And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth
day of the first month.
[20] For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them
were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity,
and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
[21] And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and
all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the
heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,
[22] And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the
LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto
them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of
Israel.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 September 2023 titled Any Questions?
Luke 18:35-43
The Healing of a Blind Beggar Near Jericho
Mt 20:29-34; Mk 10:46-52
35 (Jn 9:8) As He was drawing near Jericho, a certain blind man
sat along the way begging.
36 Hearing a crowd passing by, he asked what it meant.
37 (Mt 2:23)They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
38 (Mt 9:27) He cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
39 (Lk 18:15) Those who went in front rebuked him,
so that he would keep quiet. But he cried out much more,
"Son of David, have mercy on me!"
40 Jesus stood and commanded him to be brought to Him.
When he came near, He asked him,
41 "What do you want Me to do for you?"
He said, "Lord, grant that I may receive my sight."
42 (Mt 9:22; Lk 7:50) Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight.
Your faith has saved you."
43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Him,
glorifying God. When all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.
[35] And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain
blind man sat by the way side begging:
[36] And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
[37] And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
[38] And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
[39] And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace:
but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
[40] And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he
was come near, he asked him,
[41] Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord,
that I may receive my sight.
[42] And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
[43] And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying
God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Ann was meeting with her oral surgeon for a preliminary exam-a physician she'd
known for many years. He asked her, "Do you have any questions?" She said,
"Yes. Did you go to church last Sunday?" Her question wasn't intended to be
judgmental, but simply to initiate a conversation about faith.
The surgeon had a less-than-positive church experience growing up, and he
hadn't gone back. Because of Ann's question and their conversation, he
reconsidered the role of Jesus and church in his life. When Ann later gave him
a Bible with his name imprinted on it, he received it with tears.
Sometimes we fear confrontation or don't want to seem too aggressive in
sharing our faith. But there can be a winsome way to witness about Jesus
-ask questions.
For a man who was God and knew everything, Jesus sure asked a lot of
questions. While we don't know His purposes, it’s clear His questions prompted
others to respond. He asked his disciple Andrew, "What do you want?"
(John 1:38). He asked blind Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?"
(Mark 10:51; Luke 18:41). He asked the paralysed man, "Do you want to get
well?" (John 5:6). Transformation happened for each of these individuals
after Jesus' initial question.
Is there someone you want to approach about matters of faith?
Ask God to give you the right questions to ask.
By: Dave Branon
Reflect & Pray
Why can questions be better conversation starters than direct statements?
What questions can you ask those who need spiritual help?
Dear Jesus, please help me to reach out to others
in a way that can lead to transformation.
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
Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Saddened by Loss
John 14:1 - 7
1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, you may be also.
4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know
where You are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
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.
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?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord to receive the Holy Spirit.
Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to rebuild your spiritual life.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, please help me to reach out to others
in a way that can lead to transformation."
Pray to the Lord and pray for His Help to memorise the Holy Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither borrower or lender.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that the Lord is preparing
a place for you in Heaven.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
Pray for pastors in Zanzibar whose homes were destroyed by opposing Muslims
neighbours.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
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