Day 143 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 23 May 2022 reflections
Day 143, 23 May 2022
1)2 Chronicles 8
1 Kings 9:15-28
1 Kings 10:1-13
2 Chronicles 9:1-12
1 Kings 10:14-29
2 Chronicles 9:13-28
2 Chronicles 1:14-17
2 Chronicles 8
Solomon's Other Activities
1Ki 9:10-28
1 It came that after twenty years, Solomon built the house of the Lord
and his royal house,
2 and Solomon even rebuilt the cities that Hiram had given to him,
and he settled the sons of Israel in them.
3 Then Solomon went to Hamath Zobah and seized it.
4 He also built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the store cities
that he built in Hamath.
5 (1Ch 7:24; Jos 16:3) He also built the Upper and Lower Beth Horon,
fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars,
6 and Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the cities
for his chariots, the cities for his cavalry, and whatever Solomon desired
to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
7 And all the people who remained from the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites,
Hivites, and Jebusites who were not from Israel,
8 (Jos 16:10; 1Ki 4:6) and from their descendants who remained from
these peoples in the land and whom the sons of Israel did not finish
destroying, Solomon brought them up to be forced labor, even to this day.
9 But from the sons of Israel Solomon did not make servants for his work.
These were his soldiers, officers, commanders of his chariots, and horsemen.
10 And these were the two hundred and fifty chief officers for King Solomon
who governed the people.
11 (1Ki 3:1; 7:8) And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh
from the City of David to the house that he built for her, for he said,
"My wife will not live in the house of David king of Israel,
for the places where the ark of the Lord have been are holy."
12 (2Ch 4:1) At that time Solomon offered up burnt offerings on the altar
of the Lord that he built before the vestibule,
13 (Dt 16:16; Ex 23:14-17) according to the daily duty to offer up
as the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons,
and the three annual festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
14 (1Ch 9:17; Ne 12:24) According to the ruling of David his father,
he set the divisions of the priests for their service,
and the Levites for their function to praise
and serve before the priests according to the daily duty,
and even the gatekeepers for their divisions at each gate,
for this was the commandment of David the man of God.
15 And they did not turn from the commandment of the king,
whether the priests or Levites, concerning any matter
and concerning the treasury.
16 So all the work of Solomon was established from the day of the foundation
of the house of the Lord and until its completion;
and the house of the Lord was complete.
17 (2Ki 14:22; Dt 2:8) Then Solomon went to Ezion Geber
and Elath at the shore of the sea in Edom.
18 (2Ch 9:10; 9:13) And Hiram sent him ships by the hand of his servants,
who knew the sea. And they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir,
and took from there four hundred and fifty talents
[About 17 tons, or 15 metric tons.] of gold, and brought them to King Solomon.
2 Chronicles 8
Solomon's Reign
1 And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built
the house of the LORD, and his own house,
2 that the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them,
and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.
3 And Solomon went to Hamath-zobah, and prevailed against it.
4 And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities,
which he built in Hamath.
5 Also he built Beth-horon the upper, and Beth-horon the nether,
fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;
6 and Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot
cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build
in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.
7 As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and
the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel,
8 but of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the
children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until
this day.
9 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but
they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots
and horsemen.
10 And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers,
even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.
11 And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David
unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not
dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy,
whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come.
12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the
LORD, which he had built before the porch,
13 even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment
of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts,
three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the
feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.
14 And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses
of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise
and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required:
the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man
of God commanded.
15 And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests
and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.
16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation
of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished.
So the house of the LORD was perfected.
17 Then went Solomon to Ezion-geber, and to Eloth, at the sea side
in the land of Edom.
18 And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships,
and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants
of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold,
and brought them to king Solomon.
1 Kings 9
15 (Jos 17:11; 2Sa 5:9) This is the account of the forced labor
which King Solomon conscripted to build the house of the Lord
and his own house, Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
16 (1Ki 3:1) For Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had gone up against
and conquered Gezer and burned it with fire and slain the Canaanites
that lived in the city and given it as a present to his daughter, Solomon's wife.
17 (Jos 16:3; 21:22) Solomon built Gezer and Lower Beth Horon
18 (Jos 19:44) and Baalath and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,
19 (1Ki 9:1) and all the storage cities that Solomon had,
cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen and all that which
Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem and in Lebanon
and in all the land of his dominion.
20 All the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites,
Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not children of Israel,
21 (Jos 15:63; 17:12) the descendants of those who were left in the land
and whom the people of Israel were not able to utterly destroy,
were conscripted by Solomon for slave labor to this day.
22 (Lev 25:39) But Solomon did not make any children of Israel into slaves,
but instead used them as men of war, as his servants, his leaders,
his captains, rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
23 (1Ki 5:16; 2Ch 8:10) These were the chief officers over Solomon's work,
five hundred and fifty, who ruled over the people who did the labor.
24 (2Sa 5:9; 1Ki 7:8) But Pharaoh's daughter moved out of the City of David
to her house which Solomon had built for her, and he then built Millo.
25 (Ex 23:14-17; Dt 16:16) Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings
and peace offerings on the altar that he built to the Lord, and he burned
incense on the altar that was before the Lord. So he finished the house.
26 (1Ki 22:48; Nu 33:35; Dt 2:8) King Solomon built a fleet of ships
in Ezion Geber, which is beside Elath on the shore of the Red Sea
in the land of Edom.
27 (1Ki 5:6; 5:9) Hiram sent shipmen who had knowledge of the sea
to serve alongside Solomon's men.
28 (1Ch 29:4; 2Ch 8:18) They went to Ophir and acquired 420 talents
[About 16 tons, or 14 metric tons. ]
of gold there and brought it to King Solomon.
15 And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build
the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall
of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.
16 For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it
with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it for
a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.
17 And Solomon built Gezer, and Beth-horon the nether,
18 and Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,
19 and all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots,
and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in
Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
20 And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites,
Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,
21 their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children
of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy
a tribute of bondservice unto this day.
22 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were
men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers
of his chariots, and his horsemen.
23 These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five
hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.
24 But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house
which Solomon had built for her: then did he build Millo.
25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace
offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense
upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
26 And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside
Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.
27 And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge
of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.
28 And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold,
four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
1 Kings 10
The Queen of Sheba
2Ch 9:1-12
1 (Mt 12:42; Lk 11:31; Ge 10:7) Now when the queen of Sheba
heard of Solomon's fame connected to the name of the Lord,
she came to test him with hard questions.
2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue,
with camels bearing spices, and very much gold, and precious stones;
and when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind.
3 Solomon answered all her questions; there was not anything
too difficult for the king which he could not answer.
4 When the queen of Sheba observed Solomon's wisdom and the house he had built
5 (1Ch 26:16) and the meat of his table and the sitting of his servants
and the attendance of his ministers and their clothing and his cupbearers
and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the Lord,
it took her breath away.
6 She said to the king, "What I heard in my own land about your acts
and your wisdom was true!
7 I did not believe it until I came and saw it with my own eyes!
In fact, I was not even told half. Your wisdom and prosperity
are greater than the stories I heard!
8 (Pr 8:34) Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants
who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
9 (2Sa 8:15; 1Ki 5:7) Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you
and set you on the throne of Israel, because the Lord loved Israel forever;
therefore He made you king in order to execute judgment and justice."
10 (1Ki 10:2) She gave the king a hundred and twenty talents
[About 41/2 tons, or 4 metric tons.] of gold and a great amount of spices
and precious stones. No one gave as many spices as the queen of Sheba
gave to King Solomon.
11 (1Ki 9:27-28) The ships of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir,
also brought from Ophir a large quantity of almug wood and precious stones.
12 The king made pillars for the house of the Lord out of the almug trees
and harps also and psalteries for singers for the king's house.
Never before had such almug wood been brought,
nor has any such been seen to this day.
13 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all she desired,
no matter what she asked for, in addition to what Solomon gave her
from his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country,
she and her servants.
1 Kings 10
The Queen of Sheba
1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning
the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.
2 And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that
bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was
come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid
from the king, which he told her not.
4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom,
and the house that he had built,
5 and the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the
attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his
ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit
in her.
6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land
of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it:
and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth
the fame which I heard.
8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually
before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.
9 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the
throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he
thee king, to do judgment and justice.
10 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices
very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of
spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
11 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from
Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
12 And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD,
and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers:
there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.
13 And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever
she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she
turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.
2 Chronicles 9
The Queen of Sheba Visits
1Ki 10:1-13
1 (Mt 12:42; Lk 11:31) The queen of Sheba heard a report of Solomon,
and she came to Jerusalem with a very impressive retinue-with camels
carrying spices, an abundance of gold, and precious stones-to test
Solomon with riddles. When she came to Solomon she shared with him
everything that was on her heart.
2 Solomon declared to her everything that she asked, and there was not
any matter concealed from Solomon that he did not declare to her.
3 When the queen of Sheba had observed the wisdom of Solomon,
the house that he had built, 4the food on his table, the seating
of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing,
his valets, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered
at the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit left in her.
5 Then she said to the king, "True was the report that I heard
in my land concerning your words and wisdom.
6 But I did not believe their reports until I came and my eyes saw;
and indeed, half the greatness of your wisdom was not declared to me.
You have exceeded the report that I heard.
7 How happy your men must be! How happy these servants,
those who are continually before you listening to your wisdom.
8 (2Ch 2:11; Dt 7:8) May the Lord your God be blessed, who has delighted
in you, to set you as king on the throne of the Lord your God.
Your God has loved Israel to establish them continually
and has set you as king over them to perform justice and righteousness."
9 Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents
[About 41/2 tons or 4 metric tons.[ of gold and a great abundance
of spices and precious stones. And there were no spices like those
that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
10 [2Ch 8:18; 1Ki 10:11] Moreover, the servants of Hiram and Solomon
who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones.
11 (1Ki 10:12) And the king used the algum wood for steps for the house
of the Lord and the palace of the king, even for lyres and harps
for the singers. And there had not been anything seen
like these in the land of Judah.
12 (1Ki 10:13) And King Solomon gave everything to the queen of Sheba
in which she had pleasure, even what she asked for in addition to what
she brought to the king. Then she turned and left for her own land with
her servants.
2 Chronicles 9
The Queen of Sheba
1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove
Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company,
and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones:
and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was
in her heart.
2 And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid
from Solomon which he told her not.
3 And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon,
and the house that he had built,
4 and the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants,
and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel;
his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which
he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
5 And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own
land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:
6 howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it:
and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for
thou exceedest the fame that I heard.
7 Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually
before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
8 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his
throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel,
to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them,
to do judgment and justice.
9 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices
great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice
as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.
10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon,
which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.
11 And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD,
and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there
were none such seen before in the land of Judah.
12 And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever
she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned,
and went away to her own land, she and her servants.
1 Kings 10
Solomon's Wealth
2 Ch 1:14-17; 9:13-28
14 (1Ki 9:28) Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon
in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents
[About 25 tons, or 23 metric tons.] of gold.
15 In addition, he collected from the merchantmen and the traffic
of the spice merchants and from all the kings of Arabia
and the governors of the country.
16 (1Ki 14:26-28; 2Ch 12:9-10) King Solomon made two hundred
large shields of beaten gold made of six hundred shekels
[About 15 pounds, or 6.9 kilograms; and in v. 29.] of gold each.
17 (1Ki 7:2) He made three hundred shields of beaten gold with three pounds
[About 3 3/4 pounds, or 1.7 kilograms,]
or if double minas,
[about 7 1/2 pounds, or 3.5 kilograms.] of gold in each shield.
And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
18 (1Ki 10:22; Ps 45:8) The king also made a great throne of ivory
and overlaid it with the best gold.
19 The throne had six steps, and the back of the throne was round,
and there were armrests on either side of the seat with two lions
standing beside the armrests.
20 Twelve lions stood on the sides of the six steps,
and there was no other like it in any kingdom.
21 (1Ki 10:17) All of King Solomon's drinking cups were made of gold,
and all the cups of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were made of pure gold.
None were made of silver, for it was not considered valuable
in the days of Solomon.
22 (1Ki 22:48; Ge 10:4) For the king had ships at sea at Tarshish
with the ships of Hiram. Every three years the ships of Tarshish
came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
23 (1Ki 3:12-13) So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in terms
of riches and wisdom.
24 (1Ki 3:9; 3:12) All the earth came to Solomon to hear his wisdom,
which God had put in his heart. 25Everyone brought an annual tribute
in the form of presents, silver and gold cups, garments, armor, spices,
horses, and mules.
26 (2Ch 9:25; 1Ki 4:26; Dt 17:16) Solomon gathered together chariots
and horsemen. He had one thousand four hundred chariots
and twelve thousand horsemen whom he stationed in the cities for chariots
and with the king at Jerusalem.
27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as plentiful as stones,
and he made cedars to be as plentiful as sycamore trees in the valley.
28 (Dt 17:16; 2Ch 9:28) Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt along
with linen yarn. The king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
29 He brought chariots from Egypt at a price of six hundred shekels of silver
and a horse for a hundred and fifty.
[About 3 3/4 pounds, or 1.7 kilograms.]
And he exported them to all the kings of the Hittites
and the kings of Aram, by their means.
Wealth and Splendour
14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred
threescore and six talents of gold,
15 beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice
merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia,
and of the governors of the country.
16 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold:
six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.
17 And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold
went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the
forest of Lebanon.
18 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it
with the best gold.
19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind:
and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat,
and two lions stood beside the stays.
20 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon
the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.
21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver:
it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once
in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory,
and apes, and peacocks.
23 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches
and for wisdom.
24 And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom,
which God had put in his heart.
25 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels
of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules,
a rate year by year.
26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand
and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in
the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
27 And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made
he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance.
28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's
me chants received the linen yarn at a price.
29 And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels
of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings
of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.
2 Chron 9
The Splendor of Solomon
1Ki 10:14-29; 2Ch 1:14-17
13 The weight of gold that came to Solomon every year was 660 talents
[About 25 tons, or 23 metric tons.] of gold.
14 In addition to what the explorers and merchants brought in,
all the kings of Arabia and governors of the land brought in gold
and silver to Solomon.
15 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold,
and six hundred gold pieces [About 15 pounds, or 6.9 kilograms.]
were used for each large shield.
16 (1Ki 7:2) And he made three hundred shields of hammered gold;
three hundred gold pieces [About 7 1/2 pounds, or 3.5 kilograms.]
were used for each shield. And the king put them in the House
of the Forest of Lebanon.
17 And the king made a great throne of ivory,
and he covered it with fine gold.
18 And there were six steps and a gold footstool attached to the throne,
and on each side at the place of the seat were armrests with two lions
standing beside the armrests.
19 So twelve lions stood there on the six steps, one on each side,
and there was nothing like this in any kingdom.
20 Even all the drinking vessels of King Solomon were gold,
and all the vessels in the House of the Forest of Lebanon were fine gold.
And silver was not thought to be valuable in the days of Solomon.
21 The ships of Solomon went to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram.
Once every three years the ships of Tarshish returned carrying gold,
silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
22 (2Ch 1:12) So King Solomon was greater than all the kings of the earth
in wealth and wisdom.
23 (1Ki 4:34) All the kings of the earth sought out an audience
before Solomon to hear his wisdom that God gave to his mind.
24 Every year each man brought his own tribute, vessels of silver and gold,
garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules.
25 (1Ki 4:26; 10:26; 2Ch 1:14) Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses
and chariots and twelve thousand horses, and he put them in designated cities
and with him in Jerusalem.
26 (Ge 15:18; 1Ki 4:21) He ruled over all the kings from the River
[Euphrates River.] to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt.
27 (2Ch 1:15-17) So the king made silver in Jerusalem as abundant as stones
and cedar as plentiful as sycamore trees in the lowlands of the Shephelah.
28 (2Ch 1:16) The horses of Solomon were imported from Egypt
and from all other lands.
Solomon's Wealth
13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred
and threescore and six talents of gold;
14 beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings
of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold:
six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
16 And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels
of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house
of the forest of Lebanon.
17 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory,
and overlaid it with pure gold.
18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold,
which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side
of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:
19 and twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon
the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold,
and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were
of pure gold: none were of silver;
it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
21 For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram:
every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold,
and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
His Wisdom
22 And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon,
to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
24 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels
of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules,
a rate year by year.
25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots,
and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities,
and with the king at Jerusalem.
26 And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land
of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
27 And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made
he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.
28 And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.
29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written
in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah
the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam
the son of Nebat?
30 And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
31 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city
of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
2 Chron 1
14 Solomon gathered together chariots and horses. He had 1400 chariots
and 1200 horses, and he put them in designated cities and with the king
in Jerusalem.
15 The king made silver and gold in Jerusalem as abundant as stones
and cedar as plentiful as sycamore trees in the lowlands of the Shephelah.
16 The horses of Solomon were imported from Egypt and Kue,
and the traders of the king would take them from Kue for a price.
17 They imported chariots from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver
and a horse for one hundred and fifty pieces. And they imported
from these places to all the kings of the Hittites and Arameans.
14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand
and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen,
which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
15 And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones,
and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale
for abundance.
16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn:
the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
17 And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot
for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty:
and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites,
and for the kings of Syria, by their means.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 May 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/05/23/in-the-end
Entitled In the End
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 (Php 1:23; 2:17) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come.
7 (Ac 20:24; 1Ti 6:12) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
and I have kept the faith.
8 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 1:12) From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only
to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.
[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.
I'm often given the privilege of leading spiritual retreats. Getting away
for a few days to pray and reflect can be deeply enriching, and during the
program I sometimes ask participants to do an exercise: "Imagine your life
is over and your obituary is published in the paper.
What would you like it to say?" Some attendees change their life's
priorities as a result, aiming to finish their lives well.
Second Timothy 4 contains the last known written words of the apostle Paul.
Though probably only in his sixties, and though having faced death before,
he senses his life is nearly over (2 Timothy 4:6). There will be no more
mission trips now or writing letters to his churches. He looks back over
his life and says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith" (v. 7). While he hasn’t been perfect (1 Timothy 1:15-16),
Paul assesses his life on how true he's stayed to God
and the gospel. Tradition suggests he was martyred soon after.
Contemplating our final days has a way of clarifying what matters now.
Paul's words can be a good model to follow. Fight the good fight. Finish
the race. Keep the faith. Because in the end what will matter is that
we've stayed true to God and His ways as He provides what we need to live,
fight life's spiritual battles, and finish well.
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Imagine your life is over and your obituary is published.
What would you like it to say? What changes might you make
now to "finish the race" well?
Father God, strengthen me to live faithfully for You,
right to the end.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 2 - Alienation and Reconciliation
Col 1:21-22
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated
and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy
and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight
Some 50 years ago, Orson Welles's radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds
threw the nation into panic; people on the East Coast ran for their lives,
expecting at any moment to be destroyed by alien invaders from outer space.
Today, of course, we are more sophisticated about such matters.
Television and movies have educated us about alien life forms.
Star Wars and Star Trek have taught us that their appearance can be much
different than ours. Sometimes they are unable to exist in our atmosphere
with artificial life-support systems; their physical makeup is often
incompatible with our environment.
God says that we, apart from Christ, are as incompatible with his kingdom
as the 'aliens' of movies are with Earth's environment.
We are at war with God, a true "war of the worlds" that staggers
the imagination.
Yet God has 'reconciled' us to his world. He has made us fit,
made us able to exist in his kingdom. He has made us part of
his world through Christ's death and resurrection.
Now, through Christ, we are 'holy' and 'without blemish' in God's sight.
And that transformation, ironically, make us 'alien' in the world around us.
No longer do we fit in a world of selfishness and greed, a world where Self
is god and everyone does what is right in his own heart.
We belong, instead, in the kingdom of God's righteousness.
Application
a) In what ways am I an 'alien' in this world?
b) How have I been an 'alien' to God's kingdom?
c) How can today's verses help me deal with my sense of 'not fitting'?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:19
19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
James 1:2 to 8
Faith and Wisdom
2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.
4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men
liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Ontario
Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario
Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000
est Muslim Population 1 001 542
CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,
Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor
Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that
the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most
Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching
from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly
resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques
are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools
are starting.
And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their
advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,
the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour
brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of
"reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of
receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town
reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.
Agree in prayer for:
- net network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name
of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name
of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to give you wisdom
and knowledge in all situations.
Pray to the Lord: "Father God, strengthen me to live faithfully for You,
right to the end."
Pray to the Lord and remember that once you accept Salvation,
you will fit in to the Lord's mould .
Pray to the Lord and pray not to let worldliness choke your spirituality.
Pray to the Lord and seek His wisdom and righteousness .
Agree in prayer for Ontario:
- get network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada
Pray for continued stability in Djibouti so persecuted believers
from surrounding nations can find safe refuge.
1)2 Chronicles 8
1 Kings 9:15-28
1 Kings 10:1-13
2 Chronicles 9:1-12
1 Kings 10:14-29
2 Chronicles 9:13-28
2 Chronicles 1:14-17
2 Chronicles 8
Solomon's Other Activities
1Ki 9:10-28
1 It came that after twenty years, Solomon built the house of the Lord
and his royal house,
2 and Solomon even rebuilt the cities that Hiram had given to him,
and he settled the sons of Israel in them.
3 Then Solomon went to Hamath Zobah and seized it.
4 He also built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the store cities
that he built in Hamath.
5 (1Ch 7:24; Jos 16:3) He also built the Upper and Lower Beth Horon,
fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars,
6 and Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the cities
for his chariots, the cities for his cavalry, and whatever Solomon desired
to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
7 And all the people who remained from the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites,
Hivites, and Jebusites who were not from Israel,
8 (Jos 16:10; 1Ki 4:6) and from their descendants who remained from
these peoples in the land and whom the sons of Israel did not finish
destroying, Solomon brought them up to be forced labor, even to this day.
9 But from the sons of Israel Solomon did not make servants for his work.
These were his soldiers, officers, commanders of his chariots, and horsemen.
10 And these were the two hundred and fifty chief officers for King Solomon
who governed the people.
11 (1Ki 3:1; 7:8) And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh
from the City of David to the house that he built for her, for he said,
"My wife will not live in the house of David king of Israel,
for the places where the ark of the Lord have been are holy."
12 (2Ch 4:1) At that time Solomon offered up burnt offerings on the altar
of the Lord that he built before the vestibule,
13 (Dt 16:16; Ex 23:14-17) according to the daily duty to offer up
as the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons,
and the three annual festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
14 (1Ch 9:17; Ne 12:24) According to the ruling of David his father,
he set the divisions of the priests for their service,
and the Levites for their function to praise
and serve before the priests according to the daily duty,
and even the gatekeepers for their divisions at each gate,
for this was the commandment of David the man of God.
15 And they did not turn from the commandment of the king,
whether the priests or Levites, concerning any matter
and concerning the treasury.
16 So all the work of Solomon was established from the day of the foundation
of the house of the Lord and until its completion;
and the house of the Lord was complete.
17 (2Ki 14:22; Dt 2:8) Then Solomon went to Ezion Geber
and Elath at the shore of the sea in Edom.
18 (2Ch 9:10; 9:13) And Hiram sent him ships by the hand of his servants,
who knew the sea. And they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir,
and took from there four hundred and fifty talents
[About 17 tons, or 15 metric tons.] of gold, and brought them to King Solomon.
2 Chronicles 8
Solomon's Reign
1 And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built
the house of the LORD, and his own house,
2 that the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them,
and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.
3 And Solomon went to Hamath-zobah, and prevailed against it.
4 And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities,
which he built in Hamath.
5 Also he built Beth-horon the upper, and Beth-horon the nether,
fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;
6 and Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot
cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build
in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.
7 As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and
the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel,
8 but of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the
children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until
this day.
9 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but
they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots
and horsemen.
10 And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers,
even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.
11 And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David
unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not
dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy,
whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come.
12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the
LORD, which he had built before the porch,
13 even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment
of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts,
three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the
feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.
14 And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses
of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise
and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required:
the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man
of God commanded.
15 And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests
and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.
16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation
of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished.
So the house of the LORD was perfected.
17 Then went Solomon to Ezion-geber, and to Eloth, at the sea side
in the land of Edom.
18 And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships,
and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants
of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold,
and brought them to king Solomon.
1 Kings 9
15 (Jos 17:11; 2Sa 5:9) This is the account of the forced labor
which King Solomon conscripted to build the house of the Lord
and his own house, Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
16 (1Ki 3:1) For Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had gone up against
and conquered Gezer and burned it with fire and slain the Canaanites
that lived in the city and given it as a present to his daughter, Solomon's wife.
17 (Jos 16:3; 21:22) Solomon built Gezer and Lower Beth Horon
18 (Jos 19:44) and Baalath and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,
19 (1Ki 9:1) and all the storage cities that Solomon had,
cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen and all that which
Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem and in Lebanon
and in all the land of his dominion.
20 All the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites,
Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not children of Israel,
21 (Jos 15:63; 17:12) the descendants of those who were left in the land
and whom the people of Israel were not able to utterly destroy,
were conscripted by Solomon for slave labor to this day.
22 (Lev 25:39) But Solomon did not make any children of Israel into slaves,
but instead used them as men of war, as his servants, his leaders,
his captains, rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
23 (1Ki 5:16; 2Ch 8:10) These were the chief officers over Solomon's work,
five hundred and fifty, who ruled over the people who did the labor.
24 (2Sa 5:9; 1Ki 7:8) But Pharaoh's daughter moved out of the City of David
to her house which Solomon had built for her, and he then built Millo.
25 (Ex 23:14-17; Dt 16:16) Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings
and peace offerings on the altar that he built to the Lord, and he burned
incense on the altar that was before the Lord. So he finished the house.
26 (1Ki 22:48; Nu 33:35; Dt 2:8) King Solomon built a fleet of ships
in Ezion Geber, which is beside Elath on the shore of the Red Sea
in the land of Edom.
27 (1Ki 5:6; 5:9) Hiram sent shipmen who had knowledge of the sea
to serve alongside Solomon's men.
28 (1Ch 29:4; 2Ch 8:18) They went to Ophir and acquired 420 talents
[About 16 tons, or 14 metric tons. ]
of gold there and brought it to King Solomon.
15 And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build
the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall
of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.
16 For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it
with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it for
a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.
17 And Solomon built Gezer, and Beth-horon the nether,
18 and Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,
19 and all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots,
and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in
Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
20 And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites,
Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,
21 their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children
of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy
a tribute of bondservice unto this day.
22 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were
men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers
of his chariots, and his horsemen.
23 These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five
hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.
24 But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house
which Solomon had built for her: then did he build Millo.
25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace
offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense
upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
26 And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside
Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.
27 And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge
of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.
28 And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold,
four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
1 Kings 10
The Queen of Sheba
2Ch 9:1-12
1 (Mt 12:42; Lk 11:31; Ge 10:7) Now when the queen of Sheba
heard of Solomon's fame connected to the name of the Lord,
she came to test him with hard questions.
2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue,
with camels bearing spices, and very much gold, and precious stones;
and when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind.
3 Solomon answered all her questions; there was not anything
too difficult for the king which he could not answer.
4 When the queen of Sheba observed Solomon's wisdom and the house he had built
5 (1Ch 26:16) and the meat of his table and the sitting of his servants
and the attendance of his ministers and their clothing and his cupbearers
and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the Lord,
it took her breath away.
6 She said to the king, "What I heard in my own land about your acts
and your wisdom was true!
7 I did not believe it until I came and saw it with my own eyes!
In fact, I was not even told half. Your wisdom and prosperity
are greater than the stories I heard!
8 (Pr 8:34) Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants
who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
9 (2Sa 8:15; 1Ki 5:7) Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you
and set you on the throne of Israel, because the Lord loved Israel forever;
therefore He made you king in order to execute judgment and justice."
10 (1Ki 10:2) She gave the king a hundred and twenty talents
[About 41/2 tons, or 4 metric tons.] of gold and a great amount of spices
and precious stones. No one gave as many spices as the queen of Sheba
gave to King Solomon.
11 (1Ki 9:27-28) The ships of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir,
also brought from Ophir a large quantity of almug wood and precious stones.
12 The king made pillars for the house of the Lord out of the almug trees
and harps also and psalteries for singers for the king's house.
Never before had such almug wood been brought,
nor has any such been seen to this day.
13 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all she desired,
no matter what she asked for, in addition to what Solomon gave her
from his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country,
she and her servants.
1 Kings 10
The Queen of Sheba
1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning
the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.
2 And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that
bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was
come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid
from the king, which he told her not.
4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom,
and the house that he had built,
5 and the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the
attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his
ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit
in her.
6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land
of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it:
and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth
the fame which I heard.
8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually
before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.
9 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the
throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he
thee king, to do judgment and justice.
10 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices
very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of
spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
11 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from
Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
12 And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD,
and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers:
there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.
13 And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever
she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she
turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.
2 Chronicles 9
The Queen of Sheba Visits
1Ki 10:1-13
1 (Mt 12:42; Lk 11:31) The queen of Sheba heard a report of Solomon,
and she came to Jerusalem with a very impressive retinue-with camels
carrying spices, an abundance of gold, and precious stones-to test
Solomon with riddles. When she came to Solomon she shared with him
everything that was on her heart.
2 Solomon declared to her everything that she asked, and there was not
any matter concealed from Solomon that he did not declare to her.
3 When the queen of Sheba had observed the wisdom of Solomon,
the house that he had built, 4the food on his table, the seating
of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing,
his valets, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered
at the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit left in her.
5 Then she said to the king, "True was the report that I heard
in my land concerning your words and wisdom.
6 But I did not believe their reports until I came and my eyes saw;
and indeed, half the greatness of your wisdom was not declared to me.
You have exceeded the report that I heard.
7 How happy your men must be! How happy these servants,
those who are continually before you listening to your wisdom.
8 (2Ch 2:11; Dt 7:8) May the Lord your God be blessed, who has delighted
in you, to set you as king on the throne of the Lord your God.
Your God has loved Israel to establish them continually
and has set you as king over them to perform justice and righteousness."
9 Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents
[About 41/2 tons or 4 metric tons.[ of gold and a great abundance
of spices and precious stones. And there were no spices like those
that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
10 [2Ch 8:18; 1Ki 10:11] Moreover, the servants of Hiram and Solomon
who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones.
11 (1Ki 10:12) And the king used the algum wood for steps for the house
of the Lord and the palace of the king, even for lyres and harps
for the singers. And there had not been anything seen
like these in the land of Judah.
12 (1Ki 10:13) And King Solomon gave everything to the queen of Sheba
in which she had pleasure, even what she asked for in addition to what
she brought to the king. Then she turned and left for her own land with
her servants.
2 Chronicles 9
The Queen of Sheba
1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove
Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company,
and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones:
and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was
in her heart.
2 And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid
from Solomon which he told her not.
3 And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon,
and the house that he had built,
4 and the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants,
and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel;
his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which
he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
5 And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own
land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:
6 howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it:
and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for
thou exceedest the fame that I heard.
7 Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually
before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
8 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his
throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel,
to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them,
to do judgment and justice.
9 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices
great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice
as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.
10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon,
which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.
11 And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD,
and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there
were none such seen before in the land of Judah.
12 And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever
she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned,
and went away to her own land, she and her servants.
1 Kings 10
Solomon's Wealth
2 Ch 1:14-17; 9:13-28
14 (1Ki 9:28) Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon
in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents
[About 25 tons, or 23 metric tons.] of gold.
15 In addition, he collected from the merchantmen and the traffic
of the spice merchants and from all the kings of Arabia
and the governors of the country.
16 (1Ki 14:26-28; 2Ch 12:9-10) King Solomon made two hundred
large shields of beaten gold made of six hundred shekels
[About 15 pounds, or 6.9 kilograms; and in v. 29.] of gold each.
17 (1Ki 7:2) He made three hundred shields of beaten gold with three pounds
[About 3 3/4 pounds, or 1.7 kilograms,]
or if double minas,
[about 7 1/2 pounds, or 3.5 kilograms.] of gold in each shield.
And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
18 (1Ki 10:22; Ps 45:8) The king also made a great throne of ivory
and overlaid it with the best gold.
19 The throne had six steps, and the back of the throne was round,
and there were armrests on either side of the seat with two lions
standing beside the armrests.
20 Twelve lions stood on the sides of the six steps,
and there was no other like it in any kingdom.
21 (1Ki 10:17) All of King Solomon's drinking cups were made of gold,
and all the cups of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were made of pure gold.
None were made of silver, for it was not considered valuable
in the days of Solomon.
22 (1Ki 22:48; Ge 10:4) For the king had ships at sea at Tarshish
with the ships of Hiram. Every three years the ships of Tarshish
came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
23 (1Ki 3:12-13) So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in terms
of riches and wisdom.
24 (1Ki 3:9; 3:12) All the earth came to Solomon to hear his wisdom,
which God had put in his heart. 25Everyone brought an annual tribute
in the form of presents, silver and gold cups, garments, armor, spices,
horses, and mules.
26 (2Ch 9:25; 1Ki 4:26; Dt 17:16) Solomon gathered together chariots
and horsemen. He had one thousand four hundred chariots
and twelve thousand horsemen whom he stationed in the cities for chariots
and with the king at Jerusalem.
27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as plentiful as stones,
and he made cedars to be as plentiful as sycamore trees in the valley.
28 (Dt 17:16; 2Ch 9:28) Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt along
with linen yarn. The king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
29 He brought chariots from Egypt at a price of six hundred shekels of silver
and a horse for a hundred and fifty.
[About 3 3/4 pounds, or 1.7 kilograms.]
And he exported them to all the kings of the Hittites
and the kings of Aram, by their means.
Wealth and Splendour
14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred
threescore and six talents of gold,
15 beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice
merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia,
and of the governors of the country.
16 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold:
six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.
17 And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold
went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the
forest of Lebanon.
18 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it
with the best gold.
19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind:
and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat,
and two lions stood beside the stays.
20 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon
the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.
21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver:
it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once
in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory,
and apes, and peacocks.
23 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches
and for wisdom.
24 And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom,
which God had put in his heart.
25 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels
of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules,
a rate year by year.
26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand
and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in
the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
27 And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made
he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance.
28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's
me chants received the linen yarn at a price.
29 And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels
of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings
of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.
2 Chron 9
The Splendor of Solomon
1Ki 10:14-29; 2Ch 1:14-17
13 The weight of gold that came to Solomon every year was 660 talents
[About 25 tons, or 23 metric tons.] of gold.
14 In addition to what the explorers and merchants brought in,
all the kings of Arabia and governors of the land brought in gold
and silver to Solomon.
15 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold,
and six hundred gold pieces [About 15 pounds, or 6.9 kilograms.]
were used for each large shield.
16 (1Ki 7:2) And he made three hundred shields of hammered gold;
three hundred gold pieces [About 7 1/2 pounds, or 3.5 kilograms.]
were used for each shield. And the king put them in the House
of the Forest of Lebanon.
17 And the king made a great throne of ivory,
and he covered it with fine gold.
18 And there were six steps and a gold footstool attached to the throne,
and on each side at the place of the seat were armrests with two lions
standing beside the armrests.
19 So twelve lions stood there on the six steps, one on each side,
and there was nothing like this in any kingdom.
20 Even all the drinking vessels of King Solomon were gold,
and all the vessels in the House of the Forest of Lebanon were fine gold.
And silver was not thought to be valuable in the days of Solomon.
21 The ships of Solomon went to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram.
Once every three years the ships of Tarshish returned carrying gold,
silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
22 (2Ch 1:12) So King Solomon was greater than all the kings of the earth
in wealth and wisdom.
23 (1Ki 4:34) All the kings of the earth sought out an audience
before Solomon to hear his wisdom that God gave to his mind.
24 Every year each man brought his own tribute, vessels of silver and gold,
garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules.
25 (1Ki 4:26; 10:26; 2Ch 1:14) Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses
and chariots and twelve thousand horses, and he put them in designated cities
and with him in Jerusalem.
26 (Ge 15:18; 1Ki 4:21) He ruled over all the kings from the River
[Euphrates River.] to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt.
27 (2Ch 1:15-17) So the king made silver in Jerusalem as abundant as stones
and cedar as plentiful as sycamore trees in the lowlands of the Shephelah.
28 (2Ch 1:16) The horses of Solomon were imported from Egypt
and from all other lands.
Solomon's Wealth
13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred
and threescore and six talents of gold;
14 beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings
of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold:
six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
16 And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels
of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house
of the forest of Lebanon.
17 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory,
and overlaid it with pure gold.
18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold,
which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side
of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:
19 and twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon
the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold,
and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were
of pure gold: none were of silver;
it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
21 For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram:
every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold,
and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
His Wisdom
22 And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon,
to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
24 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels
of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules,
a rate year by year.
25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots,
and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities,
and with the king at Jerusalem.
26 And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land
of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
27 And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made
he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.
28 And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.
29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written
in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah
the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam
the son of Nebat?
30 And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
31 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city
of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
2 Chron 1
14 Solomon gathered together chariots and horses. He had 1400 chariots
and 1200 horses, and he put them in designated cities and with the king
in Jerusalem.
15 The king made silver and gold in Jerusalem as abundant as stones
and cedar as plentiful as sycamore trees in the lowlands of the Shephelah.
16 The horses of Solomon were imported from Egypt and Kue,
and the traders of the king would take them from Kue for a price.
17 They imported chariots from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver
and a horse for one hundred and fifty pieces. And they imported
from these places to all the kings of the Hittites and Arameans.
14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand
and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen,
which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
15 And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones,
and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale
for abundance.
16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn:
the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
17 And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot
for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty:
and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites,
and for the kings of Syria, by their means.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 May 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/05/23/in-the-end
Entitled In the End
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 (Php 1:23; 2:17) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come.
7 (Ac 20:24; 1Ti 6:12) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
and I have kept the faith.
8 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 1:12) From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only
to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.
[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.
I'm often given the privilege of leading spiritual retreats. Getting away
for a few days to pray and reflect can be deeply enriching, and during the
program I sometimes ask participants to do an exercise: "Imagine your life
is over and your obituary is published in the paper.
What would you like it to say?" Some attendees change their life's
priorities as a result, aiming to finish their lives well.
Second Timothy 4 contains the last known written words of the apostle Paul.
Though probably only in his sixties, and though having faced death before,
he senses his life is nearly over (2 Timothy 4:6). There will be no more
mission trips now or writing letters to his churches. He looks back over
his life and says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith" (v. 7). While he hasn’t been perfect (1 Timothy 1:15-16),
Paul assesses his life on how true he's stayed to God
and the gospel. Tradition suggests he was martyred soon after.
Contemplating our final days has a way of clarifying what matters now.
Paul's words can be a good model to follow. Fight the good fight. Finish
the race. Keep the faith. Because in the end what will matter is that
we've stayed true to God and His ways as He provides what we need to live,
fight life's spiritual battles, and finish well.
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Imagine your life is over and your obituary is published.
What would you like it to say? What changes might you make
now to "finish the race" well?
Father God, strengthen me to live faithfully for You,
right to the end.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 2 - Alienation and Reconciliation
Col 1:21-22
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated
and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy
and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight
Some 50 years ago, Orson Welles's radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds
threw the nation into panic; people on the East Coast ran for their lives,
expecting at any moment to be destroyed by alien invaders from outer space.
Today, of course, we are more sophisticated about such matters.
Television and movies have educated us about alien life forms.
Star Wars and Star Trek have taught us that their appearance can be much
different than ours. Sometimes they are unable to exist in our atmosphere
with artificial life-support systems; their physical makeup is often
incompatible with our environment.
God says that we, apart from Christ, are as incompatible with his kingdom
as the 'aliens' of movies are with Earth's environment.
We are at war with God, a true "war of the worlds" that staggers
the imagination.
Yet God has 'reconciled' us to his world. He has made us fit,
made us able to exist in his kingdom. He has made us part of
his world through Christ's death and resurrection.
Now, through Christ, we are 'holy' and 'without blemish' in God's sight.
And that transformation, ironically, make us 'alien' in the world around us.
No longer do we fit in a world of selfishness and greed, a world where Self
is god and everyone does what is right in his own heart.
We belong, instead, in the kingdom of God's righteousness.
Application
a) In what ways am I an 'alien' in this world?
b) How have I been an 'alien' to God's kingdom?
c) How can today's verses help me deal with my sense of 'not fitting'?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:19
19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
James 1:2 to 8
Faith and Wisdom
2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.
4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men
liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Ontario
Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario
Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000
est Muslim Population 1 001 542
CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,
Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor
Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that
the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most
Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching
from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly
resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques
are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools
are starting.
And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their
advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,
the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour
brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of
"reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of
receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town
reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.
Agree in prayer for:
- net network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name
of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name
of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to give you wisdom
and knowledge in all situations.
Pray to the Lord: "Father God, strengthen me to live faithfully for You,
right to the end."
Pray to the Lord and remember that once you accept Salvation,
you will fit in to the Lord's mould .
Pray to the Lord and pray not to let worldliness choke your spirituality.
Pray to the Lord and seek His wisdom and righteousness .
Agree in prayer for Ontario:
- get network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada
Pray for continued stability in Djibouti so persecuted believers
from surrounding nations can find safe refuge.