Day 145 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 25 May 2022 reflections
Day 145, 25 May 2022
1) Proverbs 1-4
Proverbs 1
The Purpose and Theme
1 (Pr 10:1; 25:1) The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to perceive the words of understanding,
3 to receive the instruction of wisdom,
justice, judgment, and equity;
4 (Pr 8:5) to give subtlety to the simple,
to the young man knowledge and discretion -
5 (Pr 9:9) a wise man will hear and will increase learning,
and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 (Ps 78:2; 49:4) to understand a proverb and the interpretation,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 (Pr 9:10; Job 28:28; Ecc 12:13 ) The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The Prologue: Embrace Wisdom
8 (Pr 6:20) My son, hear the instruction of your father,
and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
9 (Pr 4:9; Ge 41:42) for they will be a garland of grace on your head,
and chains about your neck.
10 (Eph 5:11; Ps 50:18) My son, if sinners entice you,
do not consent.
11 (Pr 1:18; 12:6) If they say, "Come with us,
let us lie in wait for blood;
let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12 (Ps 28:1; 124:3) let us swallow them up alive as the grave,
and whole, as those who go down into the pit;
13 we will find all kinds of precious possessions;
we will fill our houses with spoil;
14 cast in your lot among us,
let us all have one purse"—
15 (Ps 1:1; 119:101 ) my son, do not walk in the way with them,
keep your foot from their path;
16 (Pr 6:18; Isa 59:7) for their feet run to evil
and make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread
in the sight of any bird.
18 They lie in wait for their own blood;
they lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 (Pr 15:27) So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain,
which takes away the life of its owners.
The Call of Wisdom
20 (Pr 9:3; Jn 7:37) Wisdom cries out in the street;
she utters her voice in the markets.
21 She cries at the corner of the streets, in the openings of the gates;
she speaks her words in the city, saying:
22 (Ps 1:1; Pr 1:29) "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For the scorners delight in their scorning,
and fools hate knowledge.
23 (Joel 2:28; Isa 32:15) Turn at my reproof;
surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
24 (Isa 65:12; 66:4) Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded,
25 (Ps 107:11; Pr 1:30) because you neglected all my counsel,
and would have none of my reproof,
26 (Ps 2:4; Pr 10:24) I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your fear comes,
27 when your fear comes as desolation
and your destruction comes as a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 (Job 27:9; Isa 1:15) "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me early, but they will not find me.
29 (Pr 1:22) Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 (Pr 1:25; Ps 81:11) they would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof.
31 (Job 4:8; Pr 14:14) Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
and be filled with their own devices.
32 (Jer 2:19) For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
and the prosperity of fools will destroy them.
33 (Ps 25:12-13) But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
and will be secure from fear of evil."
Proverbs 1
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction;
To perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtilty to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;
And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation;
The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge:
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father,
And forsake not the law of thy mother:
9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head,
And chains about thy neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice thee,
Consent thou not.
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood,
Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave;
And whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance,
We shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us;
Let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them;
Refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil,
And make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird.
18 And they lay wait for their own blood;
They lurk privily for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain;
Which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
The Cry of Wisdom
20 Wisdom crieth without;
She uttereth her voice in the streets:
21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates:
In the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?
And the scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn you at my reproof:
Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you,
I will make known my words unto you.
24 Because I have called, and ye refused;
I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel,
And would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation,
And your destruction cometh as a whirlwind;
When distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer;
They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge,
And did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30 They would none of my counsel:
They despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way,
And be filled with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them,
An d the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely,
And shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Proverbs 2
The Value of Wisdom
1 (Pr 3:1; 4:1) My son, if you will receive my words,
and hide my commandments within you,
2 so that you incline your ear to wisdom,
and apply your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you cry out for knowledge,
and lift up your voice for understanding,
4 (Mt 13:44; Job 3:21) if you seek her as silver,
and search for her as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
and find the knowledge of God.
6 (1Ki 3:12; Job 32:8) For the Lord gives wisdom;
out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 (Ps 84:11; Pr 30:5) He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.
8 (1Sa 2:9; Ps 66:9) He keeps the paths of justice,
and preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and judgment
and equity, and every good path.
10 When wisdom enters your heart,
and knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 (Pr 4:6) discretion will preserve you;
understanding will keep you,
12 to deliver you from the way of the evil man,
from the man who speaks perverse things,
13 (Pr 4:19; Jn 3:19-20) from those who leave the paths of uprightness
to walk in the ways of darkness;
14 (Pr 10:23; Jer 11:15) who rejoice to do evil,
and delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 (Ps 125:5; Pr 21:8) whose ways are crooked,
and who are devious in their paths;
16 (Pr 6:24; 23:27; 7:5-23) to deliver you from the immoral woman,
even from the seductress who flatters with her words,
17 (Jer 3:4) who forsakes the guide of her youth,
and forgets the covenant of her God.
18 For her house leads down to death,
and her paths to the departed spirits;
19 (Ecc 7:26) none who go to her return again,
nor do they take hold of the paths of life.
20 (Heb 6:12) So you may walk in the way of good men
and keep the paths of the righteous.
21 (Ps 37:29; 37:9) For the upright will dwell in the land,
and the innocent will remain in it;
22 (Ps 52:5) but the wicked will be cut off from the earth,
and the transgressors will be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 2
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words,
And hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom,
And apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge,
And liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver,
And searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom:
Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous:
He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment,
And preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment,
And equity; yea, every good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart,
And knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee,
Understanding shall keep thee:
12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man,
From the man that speaketh froward things;
13 Who leave the paths of uprightness,
To walk in the ways of darkness;
14 Who rejoice to do evil,
And delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
15 Whose ways are crooked,
And they froward in their paths:
16 To deliver thee from the strange woman,
Even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth,
And forgetteth the covenant of her God.
18 For her house inclineth unto death,
And her paths unto the dead.
19 None that go unto her return again,
Neither take they hold of the paths of life.
20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men,
And keep the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright shall dwell in the land,
And the perfect shall remain in it.
22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth,
And the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 3
The Rewards of Wisdom
1 (Pr 4:5; Dt 8:1) My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 (Pr 4:10; Ps 91:16) for length of days and long life
and peace will they add to you.
3 (Pr 7:3; 6:21; 2Co 3:3) Do not let mercy and truth forsake you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 (Ps 111:10; 1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:52) so you will find favor and good understanding
in the sight of God and man.
5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will direct your paths.
7 (Job 1:1; Ro 12:16) Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 (Job 21:24; Pr 4:22) It will be health to your body,
and strength to your bones.
9 (Ex 23:19; 22:29) Honor the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 (Dt 28:8) so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
11 (Job 5:17) My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
nor be weary of His correction;
12 (Dt 8:5) for whom the Lord loves He corrects,
even as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
and the man who gets understanding;
14 (Pr 8:19; 16:16) for her benefit is more profitable than silver,
and her gain than fine gold.
15 (Pr 8:11; Job 28:18) She is more precious than rubies,
and all the things you may desire are not to be compared with her.
16 (Pr 3:2) Length of days is in her right hand,
and in her left hand riches and honor.
17 (Ps 119:165; Mt 11:28-30) Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18 (Ge 2:9; Pr 11:30) She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
and happy is everyone who retains her.
19 (Ps 104:24; 136:5) The Lord by wisdom has founded the earth;
by understanding He has established the heavens;
20 (Ge 7:11; Dt 33:28) by His knowledge the depths are broken up,
and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 (Pr 4:21) My son, let them not depart from your eyes-
keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 (Pr 1:9; 4:22) so they will be life to your soul
and grace to your neck.
23 (Pr 4:12; 10:9) Then you will walk safely in your way,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 (Ps 3:5; Pr 6:22) When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 (Ps 91:5; 1Pe 3:14) Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 (1Sa 2:9)for the Lord will be your confidence,
and will keep your foot from being caught.
27 (Gal 6:10; Ro 13:7 ) Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28 (Lev 19:13) Do not say to your neighbor,
"Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it,"
when you have it with you.
29 (Pr 6:14) Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
seeing he dwells securely by you.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
if he has done you no harm.
31 (Ps 37:1; Pr 24:1) Do not envy the oppressor,
and choose none of his ways;
32 (Ps 25:14; Pr 11:20) for the perverse is an abomination to the Lord,
but His secret counsel is with the righteous.
33 (Mal 2:2; Ps 1:3) The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
but He blesses the habitation of the just.
34 (Jas 4:6; 1Pe 5:5; Ps 138:6) Surely He scorns the scornful,
but He gives favor to the humble.
35 The wise will inherit glory,
but shame will be the legacy of fools.
Proverbs 3
1 My son, forget not my law;
But let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life,
And peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee:
Bind them about thy neck;
Write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
And lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:
Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel,
And marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;
Neither be weary of his correction:
12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;
Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,
And the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver,
And the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies:
And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand;
And in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
And happy is every one that retaineth her.
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth;
By understanding hath he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up,
And the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes:
Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul,
And grace to thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely,
And thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:
Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear,
Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence,
And shall keep thy foot from being taken.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again,
And to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour,
Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30 Strive not with a man without cause,
If he have done thee no harm.
31 Envy thou not the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways.
32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD:
But his secret is with the righteous.
33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked:
But he blesseth the habitation of the just.
34 Surely he scorneth the scorners:
But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory:
But shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Proverbs 4
Wisdom Is Supreme
1 (Pr 1:8; Ps 34:11) Hear, O children, the instruction of a father,
and attend to know understanding.
2 (Dt 32:2) For I give you good precepts;
do not forsake my teaching.
3 (1Ch 22:5; 29:1) For I was my father's son,
tender and the only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 (Pr 7:2; Eph 6:4) He also taught me and said to me,
"Let your heart retain my words;
keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget it, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 (2Th 2:10) Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
love her, and she will keep you.
7 (Mt 13:44-46) Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.
And with all your getting, get understanding.
8 (1Sa 2:30) Exalt her, and she will promote you;
she will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 (Pr 1:9) She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
a crown of glory she will deliver to you."
10 (Pr 3:2 ) Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
12 (Pr 3:23; Ps 18:36 ) When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
and when you run, you will not stumble.
13 (Pr 3:18; 3:22) Take firm hold of instruction, do not let her go;
keep her, for she is your life.
14 (Ps 1:1; Pr 1:15) Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not go in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and pass on.
16 (Ps 36:4; Mic 2:1) For they do not sleep unless they have done mischief;
and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 (2Sa 23:4; Job 11:17 ) But the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shines more and more unto the perfect day.
19 (Isa 59:9-10; Jn 12:35( The way of the wicked is as darkness;
they do not know at what they stumble.
20 (Pr 5:1) My son, attend to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
21 (Pr 3:21; 2:1 ) Do not let them depart from your eyes;
keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 (Pr 3:8; 12:18) for they are life to those who find them,
and health to all their body.
23 (Lk 6:45; Pr 4:7 ) Keep your heart with all diligence,
for out of it are the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
and put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look right on,
and let your eyelids look straight before you.
26 (Pr 5:6; Heb 12:13) Ponder the path of your feet,
and let all your ways be established.
27 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Do not turn to the right or to the left;
remove your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4
A Father's Instruction
1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father,
And attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine,
F orsake ye not my law.
3 For I was my father's son,
Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me,
Let thine heart retain my words:
Keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding:
Forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee:
Love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:
And with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee:
She shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace:
A crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings;
And the years of thy life shall be many.
11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom;
I have led thee in right paths.
12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened;
And when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go:
Keep her; for she is thy life.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked,
And go not in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, pass not by it,
Turn from it, and pass away.
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief;
And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light,
That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness:
They know not at what they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my words;
Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence;
For out of it are the issues of life.
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth,
And perverse lips put far from thee.
25 Let thine eyes look right on,
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet,
And let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
Remove thy foot from evil.
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 May 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/05/25/run-away
Entitled Run Away
Matthew 26:47-56
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
Mk 14:43-50; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:3-12
47 (Mt 26:55; Ac 1:16) While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve,
came. And with him was a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief
priests and elders of the people.
48 Now he who betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying,
"Whomever I shall kiss is the Man. Seize Him."
49 (Mt 26:25) He immediately came to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!"
and kissed Him.
50 (Mt 20:13; 22:12) And Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
51 (Mk 14:47) Immediately, one of those who were with Jesus stretched
out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest,
and cut off his ear.
52 (Ge 9:6; Rev 13:10) Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back
in its place. For all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.
53 (Mt 4:11; 2Ki 6:17; Da 7:10) Do you think that I cannot now pray to My
Father, and He will at once give Me more than twelve legions of angels?
54 (Mt 26:24) But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled,
that it must be so?"
55 (Mk 12:35; Jn 8:2) At that same moment Jesus said to the crowds,
"Have you come out as against a thief to take Me with swords and clubs?
Daily I sat with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me.
56 (Mt 26:31; 26:54) But all this was done that the Scriptures
of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook
Him and fled.
[47] And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him
a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders
of the people.
[48] Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall
kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
[49] And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
[50] And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they,
and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
[51] And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand,
and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off
his ear.
[52] Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all
they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
[53] Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently
give me more than twelve legions of angels?
[54] But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
[55] In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as
against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you
teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
[56] But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be
fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
The introductory lesson on aikido, a traditional Japanese form of martial
arts, was an eye-opener. The sensei, or teacher, told us that when faced with
an attacker, our first response should be to "run away." "Only if you can't
run away, then you fight," he said seriously.
Run away? I was taken aback. Why was this highly skilled self-defense
instructor telling us to run away from a fight? It seemed counterintuitive-
until he explained that the best form of self-defense is to avoid fighting in
the first place. Of course!
When several men came to arrest Jesus, Peter responded as some of us might
have by drawing his sword to attack one of them (Matthew 26:51; see John
18:10). But Jesus told him to put it away, saying, "How then would the
Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew 26:54).
While a sense of justice is important, so is understanding God's purpose and
kingdom-an "upside-down" kingdom that calls us to love our enemies and return
evil with kindness (5:44). It's a stark contrast to how the world might react,
yet it's a response that God seeks to nurture in us.
Luke 22:51 even describes Jesus healing the ear of the man Peter had struck.
May we learn to respond to difficult situations as He did, always seeking
peace and restoration as God provides what we need.
By: Leslie Koh
Reflect & Pray
How did you respond to a difficult situation recently?
How does this compare with how you think Jesus might have responded?
Father God, give me a new understanding of Your greater
purposes in Your kingdom, and a godly, loving, and peace-seeking heart to respond to situations as Your Son did.
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Father, forgive me for ignoring or trying to get rid of my own sin.
I know only You can clean the stains of my soul.
I acknowledge and repent of my self-sufficiency and turn to You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,
and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.
When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,
and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.
The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"
David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".
God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.
He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.
When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,
afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may
say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.
He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,
and in him we are safe.
Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,
to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.
We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence
against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money
loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,
we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.
Application
a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?
What was the result of that trust?
b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:6
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.
9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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 25 of the Month
a) Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
(Acts 2: 41,47b
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized,
and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
)
b) Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
( Prov 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek the Wisdom of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Father God, give me a new understanding of Your greater
purposes in Your kingdom, and a godly, loving, and peace-seeking heart to respond to situations as Your Son did."
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your salvation, light and strength .
Pray to the Lord and pray about reaping bountifuly.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give him you burndens about money .
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 that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
Pray for believers who are being targeted by a terrorist group in
northeastern Kenya.
1) Proverbs 1-4
Proverbs 1
The Purpose and Theme
1 (Pr 10:1; 25:1) The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to perceive the words of understanding,
3 to receive the instruction of wisdom,
justice, judgment, and equity;
4 (Pr 8:5) to give subtlety to the simple,
to the young man knowledge and discretion -
5 (Pr 9:9) a wise man will hear and will increase learning,
and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 (Ps 78:2; 49:4) to understand a proverb and the interpretation,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 (Pr 9:10; Job 28:28; Ecc 12:13 ) The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The Prologue: Embrace Wisdom
8 (Pr 6:20) My son, hear the instruction of your father,
and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
9 (Pr 4:9; Ge 41:42) for they will be a garland of grace on your head,
and chains about your neck.
10 (Eph 5:11; Ps 50:18) My son, if sinners entice you,
do not consent.
11 (Pr 1:18; 12:6) If they say, "Come with us,
let us lie in wait for blood;
let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12 (Ps 28:1; 124:3) let us swallow them up alive as the grave,
and whole, as those who go down into the pit;
13 we will find all kinds of precious possessions;
we will fill our houses with spoil;
14 cast in your lot among us,
let us all have one purse"—
15 (Ps 1:1; 119:101 ) my son, do not walk in the way with them,
keep your foot from their path;
16 (Pr 6:18; Isa 59:7) for their feet run to evil
and make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread
in the sight of any bird.
18 They lie in wait for their own blood;
they lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 (Pr 15:27) So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain,
which takes away the life of its owners.
The Call of Wisdom
20 (Pr 9:3; Jn 7:37) Wisdom cries out in the street;
she utters her voice in the markets.
21 She cries at the corner of the streets, in the openings of the gates;
she speaks her words in the city, saying:
22 (Ps 1:1; Pr 1:29) "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For the scorners delight in their scorning,
and fools hate knowledge.
23 (Joel 2:28; Isa 32:15) Turn at my reproof;
surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
24 (Isa 65:12; 66:4) Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded,
25 (Ps 107:11; Pr 1:30) because you neglected all my counsel,
and would have none of my reproof,
26 (Ps 2:4; Pr 10:24) I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your fear comes,
27 when your fear comes as desolation
and your destruction comes as a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 (Job 27:9; Isa 1:15) "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me early, but they will not find me.
29 (Pr 1:22) Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 (Pr 1:25; Ps 81:11) they would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof.
31 (Job 4:8; Pr 14:14) Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
and be filled with their own devices.
32 (Jer 2:19) For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
and the prosperity of fools will destroy them.
33 (Ps 25:12-13) But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
and will be secure from fear of evil."
Proverbs 1
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction;
To perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtilty to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;
And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation;
The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge:
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father,
And forsake not the law of thy mother:
9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head,
And chains about thy neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice thee,
Consent thou not.
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood,
Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave;
And whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance,
We shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us;
Let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them;
Refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil,
And make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird.
18 And they lay wait for their own blood;
They lurk privily for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain;
Which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
The Cry of Wisdom
20 Wisdom crieth without;
She uttereth her voice in the streets:
21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates:
In the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?
And the scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn you at my reproof:
Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you,
I will make known my words unto you.
24 Because I have called, and ye refused;
I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel,
And would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation,
And your destruction cometh as a whirlwind;
When distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer;
They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge,
And did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30 They would none of my counsel:
They despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way,
And be filled with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them,
An d the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely,
And shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Proverbs 2
The Value of Wisdom
1 (Pr 3:1; 4:1) My son, if you will receive my words,
and hide my commandments within you,
2 so that you incline your ear to wisdom,
and apply your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you cry out for knowledge,
and lift up your voice for understanding,
4 (Mt 13:44; Job 3:21) if you seek her as silver,
and search for her as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
and find the knowledge of God.
6 (1Ki 3:12; Job 32:8) For the Lord gives wisdom;
out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 (Ps 84:11; Pr 30:5) He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.
8 (1Sa 2:9; Ps 66:9) He keeps the paths of justice,
and preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and judgment
and equity, and every good path.
10 When wisdom enters your heart,
and knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 (Pr 4:6) discretion will preserve you;
understanding will keep you,
12 to deliver you from the way of the evil man,
from the man who speaks perverse things,
13 (Pr 4:19; Jn 3:19-20) from those who leave the paths of uprightness
to walk in the ways of darkness;
14 (Pr 10:23; Jer 11:15) who rejoice to do evil,
and delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 (Ps 125:5; Pr 21:8) whose ways are crooked,
and who are devious in their paths;
16 (Pr 6:24; 23:27; 7:5-23) to deliver you from the immoral woman,
even from the seductress who flatters with her words,
17 (Jer 3:4) who forsakes the guide of her youth,
and forgets the covenant of her God.
18 For her house leads down to death,
and her paths to the departed spirits;
19 (Ecc 7:26) none who go to her return again,
nor do they take hold of the paths of life.
20 (Heb 6:12) So you may walk in the way of good men
and keep the paths of the righteous.
21 (Ps 37:29; 37:9) For the upright will dwell in the land,
and the innocent will remain in it;
22 (Ps 52:5) but the wicked will be cut off from the earth,
and the transgressors will be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 2
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words,
And hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom,
And apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge,
And liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver,
And searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom:
Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous:
He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment,
And preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment,
And equity; yea, every good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart,
And knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee,
Understanding shall keep thee:
12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man,
From the man that speaketh froward things;
13 Who leave the paths of uprightness,
To walk in the ways of darkness;
14 Who rejoice to do evil,
And delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
15 Whose ways are crooked,
And they froward in their paths:
16 To deliver thee from the strange woman,
Even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth,
And forgetteth the covenant of her God.
18 For her house inclineth unto death,
And her paths unto the dead.
19 None that go unto her return again,
Neither take they hold of the paths of life.
20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men,
And keep the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright shall dwell in the land,
And the perfect shall remain in it.
22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth,
And the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 3
The Rewards of Wisdom
1 (Pr 4:5; Dt 8:1) My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 (Pr 4:10; Ps 91:16) for length of days and long life
and peace will they add to you.
3 (Pr 7:3; 6:21; 2Co 3:3) Do not let mercy and truth forsake you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 (Ps 111:10; 1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:52) so you will find favor and good understanding
in the sight of God and man.
5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will direct your paths.
7 (Job 1:1; Ro 12:16) Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 (Job 21:24; Pr 4:22) It will be health to your body,
and strength to your bones.
9 (Ex 23:19; 22:29) Honor the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 (Dt 28:8) so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
11 (Job 5:17) My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
nor be weary of His correction;
12 (Dt 8:5) for whom the Lord loves He corrects,
even as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
and the man who gets understanding;
14 (Pr 8:19; 16:16) for her benefit is more profitable than silver,
and her gain than fine gold.
15 (Pr 8:11; Job 28:18) She is more precious than rubies,
and all the things you may desire are not to be compared with her.
16 (Pr 3:2) Length of days is in her right hand,
and in her left hand riches and honor.
17 (Ps 119:165; Mt 11:28-30) Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18 (Ge 2:9; Pr 11:30) She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
and happy is everyone who retains her.
19 (Ps 104:24; 136:5) The Lord by wisdom has founded the earth;
by understanding He has established the heavens;
20 (Ge 7:11; Dt 33:28) by His knowledge the depths are broken up,
and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 (Pr 4:21) My son, let them not depart from your eyes-
keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 (Pr 1:9; 4:22) so they will be life to your soul
and grace to your neck.
23 (Pr 4:12; 10:9) Then you will walk safely in your way,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 (Ps 3:5; Pr 6:22) When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 (Ps 91:5; 1Pe 3:14) Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 (1Sa 2:9)for the Lord will be your confidence,
and will keep your foot from being caught.
27 (Gal 6:10; Ro 13:7 ) Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28 (Lev 19:13) Do not say to your neighbor,
"Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it,"
when you have it with you.
29 (Pr 6:14) Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
seeing he dwells securely by you.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
if he has done you no harm.
31 (Ps 37:1; Pr 24:1) Do not envy the oppressor,
and choose none of his ways;
32 (Ps 25:14; Pr 11:20) for the perverse is an abomination to the Lord,
but His secret counsel is with the righteous.
33 (Mal 2:2; Ps 1:3) The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
but He blesses the habitation of the just.
34 (Jas 4:6; 1Pe 5:5; Ps 138:6) Surely He scorns the scornful,
but He gives favor to the humble.
35 The wise will inherit glory,
but shame will be the legacy of fools.
Proverbs 3
1 My son, forget not my law;
But let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life,
And peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee:
Bind them about thy neck;
Write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
And lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:
Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel,
And marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;
Neither be weary of his correction:
12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;
Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,
And the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver,
And the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies:
And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand;
And in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
And happy is every one that retaineth her.
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth;
By understanding hath he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up,
And the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes:
Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul,
And grace to thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely,
And thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:
Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear,
Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence,
And shall keep thy foot from being taken.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again,
And to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour,
Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30 Strive not with a man without cause,
If he have done thee no harm.
31 Envy thou not the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways.
32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD:
But his secret is with the righteous.
33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked:
But he blesseth the habitation of the just.
34 Surely he scorneth the scorners:
But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory:
But shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Proverbs 4
Wisdom Is Supreme
1 (Pr 1:8; Ps 34:11) Hear, O children, the instruction of a father,
and attend to know understanding.
2 (Dt 32:2) For I give you good precepts;
do not forsake my teaching.
3 (1Ch 22:5; 29:1) For I was my father's son,
tender and the only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 (Pr 7:2; Eph 6:4) He also taught me and said to me,
"Let your heart retain my words;
keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget it, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 (2Th 2:10) Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
love her, and she will keep you.
7 (Mt 13:44-46) Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.
And with all your getting, get understanding.
8 (1Sa 2:30) Exalt her, and she will promote you;
she will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 (Pr 1:9) She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
a crown of glory she will deliver to you."
10 (Pr 3:2 ) Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
12 (Pr 3:23; Ps 18:36 ) When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
and when you run, you will not stumble.
13 (Pr 3:18; 3:22) Take firm hold of instruction, do not let her go;
keep her, for she is your life.
14 (Ps 1:1; Pr 1:15) Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not go in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and pass on.
16 (Ps 36:4; Mic 2:1) For they do not sleep unless they have done mischief;
and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 (2Sa 23:4; Job 11:17 ) But the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shines more and more unto the perfect day.
19 (Isa 59:9-10; Jn 12:35( The way of the wicked is as darkness;
they do not know at what they stumble.
20 (Pr 5:1) My son, attend to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
21 (Pr 3:21; 2:1 ) Do not let them depart from your eyes;
keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 (Pr 3:8; 12:18) for they are life to those who find them,
and health to all their body.
23 (Lk 6:45; Pr 4:7 ) Keep your heart with all diligence,
for out of it are the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
and put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look right on,
and let your eyelids look straight before you.
26 (Pr 5:6; Heb 12:13) Ponder the path of your feet,
and let all your ways be established.
27 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Do not turn to the right or to the left;
remove your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4
A Father's Instruction
1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father,
And attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine,
F orsake ye not my law.
3 For I was my father's son,
Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me,
Let thine heart retain my words:
Keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding:
Forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee:
Love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:
And with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee:
She shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace:
A crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings;
And the years of thy life shall be many.
11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom;
I have led thee in right paths.
12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened;
And when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go:
Keep her; for she is thy life.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked,
And go not in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, pass not by it,
Turn from it, and pass away.
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief;
And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light,
That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness:
They know not at what they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my words;
Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence;
For out of it are the issues of life.
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth,
And perverse lips put far from thee.
25 Let thine eyes look right on,
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet,
And let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
Remove thy foot from evil.
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 May 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/05/25/run-away
Entitled Run Away
Matthew 26:47-56
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
Mk 14:43-50; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:3-12
47 (Mt 26:55; Ac 1:16) While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve,
came. And with him was a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief
priests and elders of the people.
48 Now he who betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying,
"Whomever I shall kiss is the Man. Seize Him."
49 (Mt 26:25) He immediately came to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!"
and kissed Him.
50 (Mt 20:13; 22:12) And Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
51 (Mk 14:47) Immediately, one of those who were with Jesus stretched
out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest,
and cut off his ear.
52 (Ge 9:6; Rev 13:10) Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back
in its place. For all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.
53 (Mt 4:11; 2Ki 6:17; Da 7:10) Do you think that I cannot now pray to My
Father, and He will at once give Me more than twelve legions of angels?
54 (Mt 26:24) But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled,
that it must be so?"
55 (Mk 12:35; Jn 8:2) At that same moment Jesus said to the crowds,
"Have you come out as against a thief to take Me with swords and clubs?
Daily I sat with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me.
56 (Mt 26:31; 26:54) But all this was done that the Scriptures
of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook
Him and fled.
[47] And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him
a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders
of the people.
[48] Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall
kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
[49] And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
[50] And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they,
and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
[51] And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand,
and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off
his ear.
[52] Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all
they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
[53] Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently
give me more than twelve legions of angels?
[54] But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
[55] In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as
against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you
teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
[56] But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be
fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
The introductory lesson on aikido, a traditional Japanese form of martial
arts, was an eye-opener. The sensei, or teacher, told us that when faced with
an attacker, our first response should be to "run away." "Only if you can't
run away, then you fight," he said seriously.
Run away? I was taken aback. Why was this highly skilled self-defense
instructor telling us to run away from a fight? It seemed counterintuitive-
until he explained that the best form of self-defense is to avoid fighting in
the first place. Of course!
When several men came to arrest Jesus, Peter responded as some of us might
have by drawing his sword to attack one of them (Matthew 26:51; see John
18:10). But Jesus told him to put it away, saying, "How then would the
Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew 26:54).
While a sense of justice is important, so is understanding God's purpose and
kingdom-an "upside-down" kingdom that calls us to love our enemies and return
evil with kindness (5:44). It's a stark contrast to how the world might react,
yet it's a response that God seeks to nurture in us.
Luke 22:51 even describes Jesus healing the ear of the man Peter had struck.
May we learn to respond to difficult situations as He did, always seeking
peace and restoration as God provides what we need.
By: Leslie Koh
Reflect & Pray
How did you respond to a difficult situation recently?
How does this compare with how you think Jesus might have responded?
Father God, give me a new understanding of Your greater
purposes in Your kingdom, and a godly, loving, and peace-seeking heart to respond to situations as Your Son did.
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Father, forgive me for ignoring or trying to get rid of my own sin.
I know only You can clean the stains of my soul.
I acknowledge and repent of my self-sufficiency and turn to You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,
and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.
When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,
and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.
The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"
David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".
God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.
He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.
When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,
afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may
say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.
He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,
and in him we are safe.
Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,
to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.
We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence
against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money
loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,
we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.
Application
a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?
What was the result of that trust?
b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:6
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.
9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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 25 of the Month
a) Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
(Acts 2: 41,47b
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized,
and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
)
b) Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
( Prov 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek the Wisdom of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Father God, give me a new understanding of Your greater
purposes in Your kingdom, and a godly, loving, and peace-seeking heart to respond to situations as Your Son did."
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your salvation, light and strength .
Pray to the Lord and pray about reaping bountifuly.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give him you burndens about money .
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 that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
Pray for believers who are being targeted by a terrorist group in
northeastern Kenya.