Day 256 - 13 September 2021 reflections
Day 256, 13 September 2021
Daniel 4 - 6
Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream
1 (Da 6:25; 3:4) Nebuchadnezzar the king,
to all peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth:
Peace be multiplied to you.
2 (Da 3:26) I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that
the Most High God has done for me.
3 (Da 2:44; Ps 105:27) How great are His signs,
and how mighty are His wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and His dominion is from generation to generation.
4 (Isa 47:7-8) I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house,
and flourishing in my palace.
5 (Da 2:1) I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed
and the visions of my head troubled me.
6 (Da 2:2) Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon
before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.
7 (Isa 44:25; Jer 27:9-10) Then came in the magicians, the astrologers,
the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers, and I told the dream before them;
but they did not make known to me its interpretation.
8 (Da 1:7; 4:18) But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name
was Belteshazzar according to the name of my god and in whom is the Spirit
of the Holy God, and before him I told the dream, saying,
9 (Da 2:48; 5:11) "BelteÂshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know
that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you and no secret troubles you,
tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
10 (Da 4:5) Now these were the visions of my mind while on my bed:
I saw a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great.
11 (Dt 9:1; Da 4:21-22) The tree grew and became strong, and its height
reached heaven, and it was visible to the end of all the earth.
12 (Eze 17:23; La 4:20) Its leaves were fair, and its fruit much,
and in it was food for all. The animals of the field had shadow under it,
and the fowl of the heavens lived in its boughs, and all flesh
was fed of it.
13 (Dt 33:2; Da 7:1) "I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed,
and there was a holy watcher coming down from heaven.
14 (Mt 3:10; Eze 31:12–-3) He cried aloud and said thus:
'Hew down the tree and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves
and scatter its fruit. Let the animals get away from under it,
and the fowl from its branches.
15 (Job 14:7-9) Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth,
even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field.
" 'And let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be
with the animals in the grass of the earth.
16 (Da 4:23; 4:25) Let its heart be changed from that of a man,
let him be given the heart of an animal. And let seven periods
of time pass over it.
17 (Da 4:25; 1Sa 2:8; Jer 27:5-7) " 'This matter is by the decree
of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones,
in order that the living may know that the Most High rules
over the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He wills
and sets up over it the basest of men.'
18 (Ge 41:8; Da 5:8) "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen.
Now you, Belteshazzar, tell its interpretation to me, because
all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known
to me the interpretation. But you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God
is in you."
Daniel Interprets the Dream
19 (Da 7:28; 8:27) Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished
for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke and said,
"Belteshazzar, do not let the dream, or its interpretation, trouble you."
Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, if only the dream was for those
who hate you, and its interpretation for your enemies!
20 (Da 4:10-12) The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong,
whose height reached to the heavens, and was visible to all the earth,
21 and whose leaves were fair, and its fruit much, and in it was food
for all, under which the animals of the field lived,
and upon whose branches the fowl of the heavens had their habitation:
22 (2Sa 12:7; Da 2:37-38) It is you, O king, who have grown
and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven,
and your dominion to the ends of the earth.
23 (Da 5:21) "Whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down
from heaven and saying, 'Cut the tree down and destroy it, yet
leave the stump of its roots in the ground, even with a band of iron
and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. And let it be wet
with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be with the animals
of the field until seven periods of time pass over it'-
24 (Ps 107:40; Job 40:11-12) "This is the interpretation, O king,
and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon
my lord the king:
25 (Da 4:17; Ps 83:18; Jer 27:5) You shall be driven away from men,
and your dwelling shall be with the wild animals.
You shall be given grass to eat like oxen, and wet with the dew of heaven.
And seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that
the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever
He chooses.
26 (Da 4:15) Inasmuch as they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots,
your kingdom shall be assured to you after you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
27 (1Ki 21:29; Isa 55:6-7) Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable
to you, and break off your sins by righteousness and your iniquities
by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a lengthening
of your prosperity.
The Dream Is Fulfilled
28 (Nu 23:19; Zec 1:6) All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
29 At the end of twelve months he walked on the roof of the palace
of the kingdom of Babylon.
30 (Isa 37:24-25) The king spoke, saying, "Is this not Babylon the Great
that I myself have built as a royal residence by my mighty power
and for the honor of my majesty?"
31 (Lk 12:20) While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice
from heaven: "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom
has departed from you!
32 (Da 5:21) And you shall be driven away from men, and your dwelling
shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be given grass
to eat as oxen, and seven periods of time shall pass over
you until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
and gives it to whomever He wills."
33 (Da 4:25; 4:32) Immediately the thing was fulfilled concerning
Nebuchadnezzar. And he was driven from men and ate grass as oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until his hairs were grown
like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
34 (Jer 10:10; Da 12:7) But at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar,
lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me,
and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him who lives forever:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and whose kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 (Ps 115:3; 135:6; Job 42:2) And all the inhabitants of the earth
are reputed as nothing;
and He does according to His will
in the army of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth.
And no one can stay His hand or say to Him,
"What have You done?"
36 (Pr 22:4; 2Ch 33:12-13) At the same time my reason returned to me.
And for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me.
And my counselors and my lords sought me out. Then I was established
in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me.
37 (Dt 32:4; Ex 18:11) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol
and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true
and His ways just, and those who walk in pride He is able to abase.
Daniel 5
Belshazzar's Feast
1 (Est 1:3; Isa 22:12) Belshazzar the king made a great feast
for a thousand of his lords and drank wine before the thousand.
2 (Da 1:2; 2Ki 24:13) While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar commanded
that they bring in the golden and silver vessels which
his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which was in Jerusalem,
so that the king, and his officials, his wives,
and his concubines might drink from them.
3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple
of the house of God which was at Jerusalem. And the king and his officials,
his wives and his concubines drank from them.
4 (Da 5:23; Hab 2:19) They drank wine and praised the gods of gold
and of silver, of bronze, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
The Writing on the Wall
5 (Da 4:31) Immediately fingers of a man's hand appeared
and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall
of the king's palace. And the king saw the back of the hand that wrote.
6 (Da 7:28; Ps 69:23) Then the king's countenance was changed,
and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins
were loosed, and his knees struck against one another.
7 (Da 5:16; 5:29; 2:6) The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers,
the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke and said
to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever shall read this writing
and show me its interpretation shall be clothed with scarlet
and have a chain of gold about his neck and shall be the third
ruler in the kingdom."
8 (Da 2:27; Ge 41:8) Then all the king's wise men came in,
but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king
its interpretation.
9 (Da 5:6; 2:1; Isa 13:6-8) Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled,
and his countenance was changed in him, and his nobles were astonished.
10 (Da 3:9; 2:4) Now the queen came into the banquet house
because of the words of the king and his nobles. And the queen spoke
and said, "O king, live forever. Do not let your thoughts trouble you,
or let your countenance be changed.
11 (Da 4:8-9; 2:47-48) There is a man in your kingdom in whom
is the Spirit of the Holy God. And, in the days of your father,
light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods,
were found in him. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father,
your father the king, made him master of the magicians, astrologers,
Chaldeans, and soothsayers.
12 (Da 1:7; 6:3) Inasmuch as an excellent spirit and knowledge
and understanding, interpreting dreams and explanation of enigmas
and solving of problems, were found in the same Daniel,
whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called,
and he will give the interpretation."
Daniel Interprets the Writing
13 (Da 2:25; 5:11) Then Daniel was brought in before the king.
And the king spoke and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel
who is one of the sons of the captivity of Judah, whom the king
my father brought out of Judah? 14Now I have heard of you,
that the Spirit of God is in you; and that light, and understanding,
and excellent wisdom have been found in you.
15 (Da 5:7-8; Isa 47:12) Now the wise men, the astrologers,
have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing
and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give
the interpretation of the matter.
16 (Da 5:7; Ge 40:8) And I have heard of you, that you can give
interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing,
and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with scarlet
and have a chain of gold about your neck
and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."
17 (2Ki 5:16) Then Daniel answered and said before the king,
"Let your gifts be for yourself, or give your rewards to another.
Yet I will read the writing to the king and make known to him
the interpretation.
18 (Da 2:37-38; 4:17) “O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar
your father a kingdom and majesty and glory and honor.
19 (Da 2:12–13; 3:6) And for the majesty that He gave him, all peoples,
nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would,
he slaughtered, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would,
he set up, and whom he would, he put down.
20 (Jer 13:18; Ex 9:17) But when his heart was lifted up and his mind
hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne
and they took his glory from him.
21 (Da 4:25; Eze 17:24) And he was driven from the sons of men,
and his heart was made like the animals, and his dwelling was
with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven
until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men,
and that He appoints over it whomever He wills.
22 (2Ch 33:23; Ex 10:3) "Yet you, his son, O Belshazzar,
have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this;
23 (Job 12:10; Jer 10:2) 3but have lifted up yourself
against the Lord of heaven. And they have brought the vessels
of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives
and your concubines, have drunk wine in them. And you have praised
the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone,
which see not, nor hear, nor know. And the God in whose hand
is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.
24 Then the hand was sent from Him, and this inscription was written.
25 "This is the inscription that was written:
mene, mene, tekel, upharsin.
26 (Jer 27:7) "This is the interpretation of the message:
Mene:Meaning to number. God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.
27 (Ps 62:9; Job 31:6) Tekel:Meaning to weigh. you have been weighed
in the balances and are found wanting.
28 (Isa 13:17; Da 6:28) Peres:Meaning to divide. your kingdom has been divided
and given to the Medes and Persians."
29 (Da 5:7; 5:16) Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel
with scarlet and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation
concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
30 (Jer 51:31; 51:39) That same night Belshazzar the king
of the Chaldeans was slain.
31 (Da 9:1; 6:1) Then Darius the Mede received the kingdom,
being about sixty-two years old.
Daniel 6
Daniel and the Lions' Den
1 (Est 1:1; Da 5:31) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom
one hundred and twenty officials,
so that they would be over the whole kingdom,
2 (Ezr 4:22; Da 2:48-49) and over them three presidents,
of whom Daniel was first, so that the officials might give accounts
to them and the king not suffer loss.
3 (Da 5:12; 5:14) Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents
and officials because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king
thought to set him over the whole realm.
4 (Ge 43:18; Jdg 14:4) Then the presidents and officials sought
to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom,
but they could find no occasion or fault because he was faithful;
nor was there any error or fault found in him.
5 (Ac 24:13-16; 24:20-21) Then these men said,
"We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."
6 (Da 2:4; Ne 2:3) Then these presidents and officials assembled together
to the king, and said to him: "King Darius, live forever!
7 (Ps 59:3; Da 3:2) All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors,
and the officials, the counselors, and the captains have consulted
together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree,
that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days,
save of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 (Est 1:19; Da 6:15) Now, O king, establish the decree
and sign the writing, that it not be changed,
according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered."
9 (Ps 118:9; 146:3) Therefore King Darius signed the writing, even the decree.
10 (Ps 55:17; 95:6) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went
into his house. And his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,
he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he had been doing previously.
11 (Ps 37:32-33; Da 6:6) Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying
and making supplication before his God.
12 (Da 6:8; Est 1:19; Da 3:8-12) Then they came near and spoke
before the king concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree,
that every man who asks a petition of any god or man within thirty days,
save of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?"
The king answered and said, "The thing is true, according to the law
of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered."
13 (Da 2:25; 3:12) Then they answered and said before the king,
"That Daniel, who is of the sons of the captivity of Judah,
does not regard you, O king, or the decree that you have signed,
but makes his petition three times a day."
14 (Mk 6:26) Then the king, when he heard these words, was sorely displeased
with himself and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him. And he labored
until sunset to deliver him.
15 (Est 8:8; Da 6:12) Then these men came by agreement to the king
and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes
and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may
be changed."
16 (Job 5:19; Ps 37:39-40) Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel
and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel,
"Your God whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."
Daniel Saved From the Lions
17 (La 3:53) A stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den,
and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords
so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.
18 (Est 6:1; Da 2:1) Then the king went to his palace
and passed the night fasting, and no instruments of music
were brought before him. And his sleep fled from him.
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning
and went in haste to the den of lions.
20 (Da 3:17; 6:16; Ge 18:14) When he came to the den, he cried
with a voice full of sorrow to Daniel. And the king spoke
and said to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God,
has your God whom you serve continually been able
to deliver you from the lions?"
21 (Da 2:4; 6:6) Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live forever!
22 (Da 3:28; 2Ti 4:17) My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions'
mouths so that they have not hurt me, because innocence was found in me
before Him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm."
23 (1Ch 5:20; Da 3:25) Then the king was exceeding glad for him
and commanded that they take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel
was taken up out of the den, and no manner of harm was found on him,
because he believed in his God.
24 (Dt 24:16; 2Ki 14:6) Then the king commanded, and they brought those men
who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions-
them, their children, and their wives. And the lions overpowered them
and broke all their bones in pieces
before they came to the bottom of the den.
25 (Da 4:1; Ezr 1:1-2; 4:17) Then King Darius wrote:
To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:
"Peace be multiplied unto you.
26 (Da 4:34; 2:44; 3:29) "I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom
men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel.
"For He is the living God,
enduring forever;
His kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and His dominion shall be forever.
27 (Da 4:2-3) He delivers and rescues,
and He works signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth,
who has delivered Daniel
from the power of the lions."
28 (Da 1:21; Isa 44:28-45:1) So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius
and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 September 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/09/13/a-living-document
Entitled A Living Document
Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor stands in the path of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and in His law he meditates day and night.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf will not wither,
and whatever he does will prosper.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) The ungodly are not so,
but are like the chaff
which the wind drives away.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Therefore the ungodly will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the ungodly will perish.
In memorializing his grandfather's work, Peter Croft wrote,
"It is my deepest desire for the person who picks up their Bible,
whatever version they use, to not only understand but experience
the scriptures as living documents, just as relevant, dangerous,
and exciting now as they were those thousands of years ago."
Peter's grandfather was J.B. Phillips, a youth minister who undertook
a new paraphrase of the Bible in English during World War II in order
to make it come alive to students at his church.
Like Phillips' students, we face barriers to reading
and experiencing Scripture, and not necessarily because
of our Bible translation. We may lack time, discipline,
or the right tools for understanding. But Psalm 1 tells us that
"Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord" (vv. 1-2).
Meditating on Scripture daily allows us to "prosper" in all seasons,
no matter what hardship we're facing.
How do you view your Bible? It's still relevant with insight
for living today, still dangerous in its call to believe
and follow Jesus, still exciting in the intimate knowledge
of God and humanity that it imparts. It's like a stream of water (v. 3)
that provides the sustenance we need daily. Today, let's lean in-make time,
get the right tools, and ask God to help us experience Scripture
as a living document.
By: Karen Pimpo
Reflect & Pray
What barriers do you face when reading the Bible?
How can you make space to listen to God's voice?
God, help me experience Scripture as a living document today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All thingswork together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benfit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "Ian all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destructions, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.
Application
a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?
b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?
c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:23-29
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15) "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man
who scatters seed on the ground.
27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day,
and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how.
28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade,
then the head, then the full seed in the head.
29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe,
immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 51:1-13
PSALMS 51
For the Music Director. A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the Prophet came to him,
after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Your lovingkindness;
according to the abundance of Your compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Against You, You only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak,
and You are blameless when You judge.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8–9) You desire truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part You make me to know wisdom.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Make me to hear joy and gladness,
that the bones that You have broken may rejoice.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Hide Your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me with Your willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
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."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 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 Truto.
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
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b)Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 be always humble.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to be your protector in times of persecution.
Pray to the Lord "God, help me experience Scripture
as a living document today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand Him in all circumstances .
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Harest of Souls and to plant
The Word in many.
Pray to the Lord and always seen His forgivens of all sins committed .
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.
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.
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
Pray for churches in the Central African Republic as they
encourage thousands of displaced Christians.
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.
Daniel 4 - 6
Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream
1 (Da 6:25; 3:4) Nebuchadnezzar the king,
to all peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth:
Peace be multiplied to you.
2 (Da 3:26) I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that
the Most High God has done for me.
3 (Da 2:44; Ps 105:27) How great are His signs,
and how mighty are His wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and His dominion is from generation to generation.
4 (Isa 47:7-8) I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house,
and flourishing in my palace.
5 (Da 2:1) I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed
and the visions of my head troubled me.
6 (Da 2:2) Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon
before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.
7 (Isa 44:25; Jer 27:9-10) Then came in the magicians, the astrologers,
the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers, and I told the dream before them;
but they did not make known to me its interpretation.
8 (Da 1:7; 4:18) But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name
was Belteshazzar according to the name of my god and in whom is the Spirit
of the Holy God, and before him I told the dream, saying,
9 (Da 2:48; 5:11) "BelteÂshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know
that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you and no secret troubles you,
tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
10 (Da 4:5) Now these were the visions of my mind while on my bed:
I saw a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great.
11 (Dt 9:1; Da 4:21-22) The tree grew and became strong, and its height
reached heaven, and it was visible to the end of all the earth.
12 (Eze 17:23; La 4:20) Its leaves were fair, and its fruit much,
and in it was food for all. The animals of the field had shadow under it,
and the fowl of the heavens lived in its boughs, and all flesh
was fed of it.
13 (Dt 33:2; Da 7:1) "I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed,
and there was a holy watcher coming down from heaven.
14 (Mt 3:10; Eze 31:12–-3) He cried aloud and said thus:
'Hew down the tree and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves
and scatter its fruit. Let the animals get away from under it,
and the fowl from its branches.
15 (Job 14:7-9) Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth,
even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field.
" 'And let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be
with the animals in the grass of the earth.
16 (Da 4:23; 4:25) Let its heart be changed from that of a man,
let him be given the heart of an animal. And let seven periods
of time pass over it.
17 (Da 4:25; 1Sa 2:8; Jer 27:5-7) " 'This matter is by the decree
of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones,
in order that the living may know that the Most High rules
over the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He wills
and sets up over it the basest of men.'
18 (Ge 41:8; Da 5:8) "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen.
Now you, Belteshazzar, tell its interpretation to me, because
all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known
to me the interpretation. But you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God
is in you."
Daniel Interprets the Dream
19 (Da 7:28; 8:27) Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished
for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke and said,
"Belteshazzar, do not let the dream, or its interpretation, trouble you."
Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, if only the dream was for those
who hate you, and its interpretation for your enemies!
20 (Da 4:10-12) The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong,
whose height reached to the heavens, and was visible to all the earth,
21 and whose leaves were fair, and its fruit much, and in it was food
for all, under which the animals of the field lived,
and upon whose branches the fowl of the heavens had their habitation:
22 (2Sa 12:7; Da 2:37-38) It is you, O king, who have grown
and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven,
and your dominion to the ends of the earth.
23 (Da 5:21) "Whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down
from heaven and saying, 'Cut the tree down and destroy it, yet
leave the stump of its roots in the ground, even with a band of iron
and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. And let it be wet
with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be with the animals
of the field until seven periods of time pass over it'-
24 (Ps 107:40; Job 40:11-12) "This is the interpretation, O king,
and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon
my lord the king:
25 (Da 4:17; Ps 83:18; Jer 27:5) You shall be driven away from men,
and your dwelling shall be with the wild animals.
You shall be given grass to eat like oxen, and wet with the dew of heaven.
And seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that
the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever
He chooses.
26 (Da 4:15) Inasmuch as they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots,
your kingdom shall be assured to you after you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
27 (1Ki 21:29; Isa 55:6-7) Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable
to you, and break off your sins by righteousness and your iniquities
by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a lengthening
of your prosperity.
The Dream Is Fulfilled
28 (Nu 23:19; Zec 1:6) All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
29 At the end of twelve months he walked on the roof of the palace
of the kingdom of Babylon.
30 (Isa 37:24-25) The king spoke, saying, "Is this not Babylon the Great
that I myself have built as a royal residence by my mighty power
and for the honor of my majesty?"
31 (Lk 12:20) While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice
from heaven: "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom
has departed from you!
32 (Da 5:21) And you shall be driven away from men, and your dwelling
shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be given grass
to eat as oxen, and seven periods of time shall pass over
you until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
and gives it to whomever He wills."
33 (Da 4:25; 4:32) Immediately the thing was fulfilled concerning
Nebuchadnezzar. And he was driven from men and ate grass as oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until his hairs were grown
like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
34 (Jer 10:10; Da 12:7) But at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar,
lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me,
and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him who lives forever:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and whose kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 (Ps 115:3; 135:6; Job 42:2) And all the inhabitants of the earth
are reputed as nothing;
and He does according to His will
in the army of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth.
And no one can stay His hand or say to Him,
"What have You done?"
36 (Pr 22:4; 2Ch 33:12-13) At the same time my reason returned to me.
And for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me.
And my counselors and my lords sought me out. Then I was established
in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me.
37 (Dt 32:4; Ex 18:11) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol
and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true
and His ways just, and those who walk in pride He is able to abase.
Daniel 5
Belshazzar's Feast
1 (Est 1:3; Isa 22:12) Belshazzar the king made a great feast
for a thousand of his lords and drank wine before the thousand.
2 (Da 1:2; 2Ki 24:13) While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar commanded
that they bring in the golden and silver vessels which
his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which was in Jerusalem,
so that the king, and his officials, his wives,
and his concubines might drink from them.
3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple
of the house of God which was at Jerusalem. And the king and his officials,
his wives and his concubines drank from them.
4 (Da 5:23; Hab 2:19) They drank wine and praised the gods of gold
and of silver, of bronze, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
The Writing on the Wall
5 (Da 4:31) Immediately fingers of a man's hand appeared
and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall
of the king's palace. And the king saw the back of the hand that wrote.
6 (Da 7:28; Ps 69:23) Then the king's countenance was changed,
and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins
were loosed, and his knees struck against one another.
7 (Da 5:16; 5:29; 2:6) The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers,
the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke and said
to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever shall read this writing
and show me its interpretation shall be clothed with scarlet
and have a chain of gold about his neck and shall be the third
ruler in the kingdom."
8 (Da 2:27; Ge 41:8) Then all the king's wise men came in,
but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king
its interpretation.
9 (Da 5:6; 2:1; Isa 13:6-8) Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled,
and his countenance was changed in him, and his nobles were astonished.
10 (Da 3:9; 2:4) Now the queen came into the banquet house
because of the words of the king and his nobles. And the queen spoke
and said, "O king, live forever. Do not let your thoughts trouble you,
or let your countenance be changed.
11 (Da 4:8-9; 2:47-48) There is a man in your kingdom in whom
is the Spirit of the Holy God. And, in the days of your father,
light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods,
were found in him. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father,
your father the king, made him master of the magicians, astrologers,
Chaldeans, and soothsayers.
12 (Da 1:7; 6:3) Inasmuch as an excellent spirit and knowledge
and understanding, interpreting dreams and explanation of enigmas
and solving of problems, were found in the same Daniel,
whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called,
and he will give the interpretation."
Daniel Interprets the Writing
13 (Da 2:25; 5:11) Then Daniel was brought in before the king.
And the king spoke and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel
who is one of the sons of the captivity of Judah, whom the king
my father brought out of Judah? 14Now I have heard of you,
that the Spirit of God is in you; and that light, and understanding,
and excellent wisdom have been found in you.
15 (Da 5:7-8; Isa 47:12) Now the wise men, the astrologers,
have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing
and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give
the interpretation of the matter.
16 (Da 5:7; Ge 40:8) And I have heard of you, that you can give
interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing,
and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with scarlet
and have a chain of gold about your neck
and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."
17 (2Ki 5:16) Then Daniel answered and said before the king,
"Let your gifts be for yourself, or give your rewards to another.
Yet I will read the writing to the king and make known to him
the interpretation.
18 (Da 2:37-38; 4:17) “O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar
your father a kingdom and majesty and glory and honor.
19 (Da 2:12–13; 3:6) And for the majesty that He gave him, all peoples,
nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would,
he slaughtered, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would,
he set up, and whom he would, he put down.
20 (Jer 13:18; Ex 9:17) But when his heart was lifted up and his mind
hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne
and they took his glory from him.
21 (Da 4:25; Eze 17:24) And he was driven from the sons of men,
and his heart was made like the animals, and his dwelling was
with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven
until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men,
and that He appoints over it whomever He wills.
22 (2Ch 33:23; Ex 10:3) "Yet you, his son, O Belshazzar,
have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this;
23 (Job 12:10; Jer 10:2) 3but have lifted up yourself
against the Lord of heaven. And they have brought the vessels
of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives
and your concubines, have drunk wine in them. And you have praised
the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone,
which see not, nor hear, nor know. And the God in whose hand
is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.
24 Then the hand was sent from Him, and this inscription was written.
25 "This is the inscription that was written:
mene, mene, tekel, upharsin.
26 (Jer 27:7) "This is the interpretation of the message:
Mene:Meaning to number. God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.
27 (Ps 62:9; Job 31:6) Tekel:Meaning to weigh. you have been weighed
in the balances and are found wanting.
28 (Isa 13:17; Da 6:28) Peres:Meaning to divide. your kingdom has been divided
and given to the Medes and Persians."
29 (Da 5:7; 5:16) Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel
with scarlet and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation
concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
30 (Jer 51:31; 51:39) That same night Belshazzar the king
of the Chaldeans was slain.
31 (Da 9:1; 6:1) Then Darius the Mede received the kingdom,
being about sixty-two years old.
Daniel 6
Daniel and the Lions' Den
1 (Est 1:1; Da 5:31) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom
one hundred and twenty officials,
so that they would be over the whole kingdom,
2 (Ezr 4:22; Da 2:48-49) and over them three presidents,
of whom Daniel was first, so that the officials might give accounts
to them and the king not suffer loss.
3 (Da 5:12; 5:14) Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents
and officials because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king
thought to set him over the whole realm.
4 (Ge 43:18; Jdg 14:4) Then the presidents and officials sought
to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom,
but they could find no occasion or fault because he was faithful;
nor was there any error or fault found in him.
5 (Ac 24:13-16; 24:20-21) Then these men said,
"We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."
6 (Da 2:4; Ne 2:3) Then these presidents and officials assembled together
to the king, and said to him: "King Darius, live forever!
7 (Ps 59:3; Da 3:2) All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors,
and the officials, the counselors, and the captains have consulted
together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree,
that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days,
save of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 (Est 1:19; Da 6:15) Now, O king, establish the decree
and sign the writing, that it not be changed,
according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered."
9 (Ps 118:9; 146:3) Therefore King Darius signed the writing, even the decree.
10 (Ps 55:17; 95:6) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went
into his house. And his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,
he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he had been doing previously.
11 (Ps 37:32-33; Da 6:6) Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying
and making supplication before his God.
12 (Da 6:8; Est 1:19; Da 3:8-12) Then they came near and spoke
before the king concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree,
that every man who asks a petition of any god or man within thirty days,
save of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?"
The king answered and said, "The thing is true, according to the law
of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered."
13 (Da 2:25; 3:12) Then they answered and said before the king,
"That Daniel, who is of the sons of the captivity of Judah,
does not regard you, O king, or the decree that you have signed,
but makes his petition three times a day."
14 (Mk 6:26) Then the king, when he heard these words, was sorely displeased
with himself and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him. And he labored
until sunset to deliver him.
15 (Est 8:8; Da 6:12) Then these men came by agreement to the king
and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes
and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may
be changed."
16 (Job 5:19; Ps 37:39-40) Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel
and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel,
"Your God whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."
Daniel Saved From the Lions
17 (La 3:53) A stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den,
and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords
so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.
18 (Est 6:1; Da 2:1) Then the king went to his palace
and passed the night fasting, and no instruments of music
were brought before him. And his sleep fled from him.
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning
and went in haste to the den of lions.
20 (Da 3:17; 6:16; Ge 18:14) When he came to the den, he cried
with a voice full of sorrow to Daniel. And the king spoke
and said to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God,
has your God whom you serve continually been able
to deliver you from the lions?"
21 (Da 2:4; 6:6) Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live forever!
22 (Da 3:28; 2Ti 4:17) My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions'
mouths so that they have not hurt me, because innocence was found in me
before Him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm."
23 (1Ch 5:20; Da 3:25) Then the king was exceeding glad for him
and commanded that they take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel
was taken up out of the den, and no manner of harm was found on him,
because he believed in his God.
24 (Dt 24:16; 2Ki 14:6) Then the king commanded, and they brought those men
who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions-
them, their children, and their wives. And the lions overpowered them
and broke all their bones in pieces
before they came to the bottom of the den.
25 (Da 4:1; Ezr 1:1-2; 4:17) Then King Darius wrote:
To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:
"Peace be multiplied unto you.
26 (Da 4:34; 2:44; 3:29) "I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom
men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel.
"For He is the living God,
enduring forever;
His kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and His dominion shall be forever.
27 (Da 4:2-3) He delivers and rescues,
and He works signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth,
who has delivered Daniel
from the power of the lions."
28 (Da 1:21; Isa 44:28-45:1) So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius
and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 September 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/09/13/a-living-document
Entitled A Living Document
Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor stands in the path of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and in His law he meditates day and night.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf will not wither,
and whatever he does will prosper.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) The ungodly are not so,
but are like the chaff
which the wind drives away.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Therefore the ungodly will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the ungodly will perish.
In memorializing his grandfather's work, Peter Croft wrote,
"It is my deepest desire for the person who picks up their Bible,
whatever version they use, to not only understand but experience
the scriptures as living documents, just as relevant, dangerous,
and exciting now as they were those thousands of years ago."
Peter's grandfather was J.B. Phillips, a youth minister who undertook
a new paraphrase of the Bible in English during World War II in order
to make it come alive to students at his church.
Like Phillips' students, we face barriers to reading
and experiencing Scripture, and not necessarily because
of our Bible translation. We may lack time, discipline,
or the right tools for understanding. But Psalm 1 tells us that
"Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord" (vv. 1-2).
Meditating on Scripture daily allows us to "prosper" in all seasons,
no matter what hardship we're facing.
How do you view your Bible? It's still relevant with insight
for living today, still dangerous in its call to believe
and follow Jesus, still exciting in the intimate knowledge
of God and humanity that it imparts. It's like a stream of water (v. 3)
that provides the sustenance we need daily. Today, let's lean in-make time,
get the right tools, and ask God to help us experience Scripture
as a living document.
By: Karen Pimpo
Reflect & Pray
What barriers do you face when reading the Bible?
How can you make space to listen to God's voice?
God, help me experience Scripture as a living document today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All thingswork together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benfit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "Ian all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destructions, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.
Application
a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?
b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?
c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:23-29
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15) "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man
who scatters seed on the ground.
27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day,
and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how.
28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade,
then the head, then the full seed in the head.
29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe,
immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 51:1-13
PSALMS 51
For the Music Director. A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the Prophet came to him,
after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Your lovingkindness;
according to the abundance of Your compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Against You, You only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak,
and You are blameless when You judge.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8–9) You desire truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part You make me to know wisdom.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Make me to hear joy and gladness,
that the bones that You have broken may rejoice.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Hide Your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me with Your willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
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."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 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 Truto.
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
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b)Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 be always humble.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to be your protector in times of persecution.
Pray to the Lord "God, help me experience Scripture
as a living document today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand Him in all circumstances .
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Harest of Souls and to plant
The Word in many.
Pray to the Lord and always seen His forgivens of all sins committed .
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.
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.
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
Pray for churches in the Central African Republic as they
encourage thousands of displaced Christians.
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.