Day 176 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 25 June 2022 reflections
Day 176, 25 June 2022
1) Hosea 9-14
Hosea 9
The Punishment of Israel
1 (Hos 10:5; Jer 44:17) Do not rejoice, O Israel!
Do not exult [Heb. they.] like the peoples,
for you have played the whore departing from your God.
You have loved a prostitute's wages
on every threshing floor.
2 (Hos 2:9) The threshing floor and the winepress will not feed them,
and the new wine will fail in her.
3 (Lev 25:23; Eze 4:13) They will not dwell in the land of the Lord;
but Ephraim will return to Egypt,
and they will eat unclean things in Assyria.
4 (Hos 8:13; Jer 6:20) They will not offer wine offerings to the Lord,
and their sacrifices will not please Him.
Their sacrifices will be like the bread of mourners;
all who eat of it will be defiled.
For their bread will be only to satisfy their own hunger;
it will not come into the house of the Lord.
5 (Isa 10:3; Jer 5:31) What will you do on the appointed day,
and on the day of the festival of the Lord?
6 (Hos 10:8; Isa 5:6; 7:23) For indeed they are gone because of destruction.
Egypt will gather them, and Memphis will bury them.
Nettles will possess their pleasant things of silver,
and thorns will be in their tents.
7 (Mic 7:4; Isa 10:3) The days of punishment have come;
the days of recompense have come. Israel knows! The prophet is a fool;
the man of the spirit is insane, because of your great iniquity
and great hatred.
8 (Hos 5:1; Eze 3:17) The watchman of Ephraim is a prophet for my God;
yet a fowler's snare is on all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.
9 (Hos 10:9; 8:13) They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of
Gibeah. He will remember their iniquity, He will punish their sins.
10 (Jer 11:13; Hos 4:14) Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel.
Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers.
But they went to Baal Peor and consecrated themselves to a thing of shame,
and they became an abomination like the thing they loved.
11 (Hos 4:7; 9:14) As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird:
no birth, no pregnancy, no conception!
12 (Hos 7:13; Dt 31:17) Though they bring up their children,
I will bereave them until none are left. Woe to them indeed,
when I depart from them!
13 (Eze 26:1-21) Just as I saw Ephraim like Tyre,
planted in a pleasant place, so now Ephraim will bring out
his children for slaughter.
14 (Lk 23:29) Give them, O Lord- what will You give?
Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.
15 (Hos 4:15; Isa 1:23) All their wickedness is in Gilgal,
for there I hated them.
Because of the wickedness of their deeds,
I will drive them out of My house.
I will love them no more.
All their princes are rebels.
16 (Eze 24:21; Hos 9:11-13) Ephraim is stricken,
their root is dried up,
they shall bear no fruit.
Even though they give birth,
I will slay the beloved offspring of their womb.
17 (Hos 7:13; Dt 28:64-65) My God will reject them
because they did not listen to Him,
and they will be wanderers among the nations.
Hosea 9
[1] Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a
whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.
[2] The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall
fail in her.
[3] They shall not dwell in the LORD's land; but Ephraim shall return to
Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria.
[4] They shall not offer wine offerings to the LORD, neither shall they be
pleasing unto him: their sacrifices shall be unto them as the bread of
mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their
soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.
[5] What will ye do in the solemn day, and in the day of the feast of the
LORD?
[6] For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them
up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant places for their silver, nettles
shall possess them: thorns shall be in their tabernacles.
[7] The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel
shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the
multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.
[8] The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a
fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.
[9] They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah:
therefore he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.
[10] I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the
firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor, and
separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according
as they loved.
[11] As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth,
and from the womb, and from the conception.
[12] Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that
there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from
them!
[13] Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim
shall bring forth his children to the murderer.
[14] Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb
and dry breasts.
[15] All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the
wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love
them no more: all their princes are revolters.
[16] Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit:
yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of
their womb.
[17] My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and
they shall be wanderers among the nations.
Hosea 10
Israel's Sin and Captivity
1 (Hos 8:11; 1Ki 14:23) Israel is a fertile vine
that brings forth its fruit.
As his fruit multiplied,
so his altars increased;
as his land prospered,
so heHeb. they. improved his pillars.
2 (1Ki 18:21; Mic 5:13) Their heart is divided;
now they must bear their guilt.
He will break down their altars
and destroy their pillars.
3Hos 10:7; 10:15 For now they will say,
"We have no king,
because we do not fear the Lord;
and a king, what could he do for us?"
4 (Am 5:7; 2Ki 17:3-4) They speak mere words,
swearing falsely
in making a covenant.
Thus judgment springs up like a poisonous plant
in the furrows of the field.
5 (Hos 9:11; 2Ki 23:5) The inhabitants of Samaria fear
because of the calf of Beth Aven.
For its people mourn for it,
and its priests shriek for it,
because its glory has departed from it.
6 (Hos 5:13; Isa 30:3) It will be carried to Assyria
as a tribute to King Jareb.Or the great king.
Ephraim shall be put to shame,
and Israel shall be ashamed of his idol.Or counsel.
7 (Hos 10:3) As for Samaria, her king will perish
like a twig on the water.
8 (Hos 9:6; Lk 23:30) The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel,
will be destroyed.
Thorn and thistle will grow
on their altars.
They will say to the mountains, Cover us,
and to the hills, Fall on us.
9 (Hos 9:9) O Israel, you have sinned since the days of Gibeah.
There they have continued.Heb. he has destroyed you.
Will not the war in Gibeah against evildoers
overtake them?
10 (Eze 5:13; Jer 16:16) When I desire, I will punish them.
The nations will be gathered against them
when they are disciplined [Gk.; Heb. bound.] for their two transgressions.
11 (Dt 25:4; Jer 50:11) Ephraim is a trained heifer
that loves to thresh grain,
but I harnessed her fair neck;
I will make Ephraim pull a plow.
Judah will plow;
Jacob shall furrow for himself.
12 (Isa 45:8; Pr 11:18) Sow to yourselves righteousness,
reap mercy,
break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until He comes
and rains righteousness upon you.
13 (Job 4:8; Ps 33:16) You have plowed wickedness.
You have reaped iniquity,
and you have eaten the fruit of lies.
Because you have trusted in your power
and in the numbers of your warriors,
14 (Hos 13:16) therefore a tumult will arise among your people,
and all your fortresses will be destroyed
as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle;
mothers were dashed to pieces upon their children.
15 (Hos 10:5; 10:7) So will it be done to you, O Bethel,
because of your great wickedness.
At dawn
the king of Israel will be utterly cut off.
Hosea 10
[1] Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according
to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the
goodness of his land they have made goodly images.
[2] Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break
down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
[3] For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD;
what then should a king do to us?
[4] They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus
judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
[5] The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Beth-aven:
for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that
rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.
[6] It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim
shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
[7] As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water.
[8] The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the
thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to
the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
[9] O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood:
the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.
[10] It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be
gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows.
[11] And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the
corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride;
Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods.
[12] Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow
ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness
upon you.
[13] Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the
fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy
mighty men.
[14] Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses
shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Beth-arbel in the day of battle: the
mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
[15] So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness: in a
morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off.
Hosea 11
God's Love for Israel
1 (Ex 4:22; Mt 2:15) When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called My son.
2 (Hos 2:13; Isa 65:7) As I [Gk. Syr.; Heb. bulls.] called them,
so they went from Me. Or those who offer human sacrifice.
They sacrificed to the Baals
and burned incense to idols.
3 (Dt 1:31; Jer 30:17) I taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them up in My [Gk. Syr. Vulg.; Heb. his.] arms,
but they did not know
that I healed them.
4 (Lev 26:13; Jn 12:32) I drew them with cords of human kindness,
[Heb. cords of a man.]
with bands of love.
I was to them as those who ease the yoke on their neck, Or jaws.
and I bent down and fed them.
5 (Hos 7:16; 2Ki 17:13-14) He will return
[So LXX. Heb. He not will return.] to the land of Egypt,
and Assyria will be his king,
because they refused to return to Me.
6 (Hos 13:16; 10:6) The sword slashes in their cities,
consumes their oracle-priests,
and devours because of their own counsels.
7 (Jer 8:5; Hos 11:2) My people are bent on backsliding fromMe.
Though they called to the Most High,
none at all exalt Him.
8 (Ge 14:8; Dt 29:23; Hos 6:4) How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I treat you like Zeboyim?
My heart churns within Me;
My compassion is stirred.
9 (Nu 23:19; Isa 12:6; Jer 30:11) I will not execute the fierceness
of My anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.
10 (Isa 31:4; Joel 3:16) They will walk after the Lord,
who roars like a lion.
When He roars,
His children will come trembling from the west.
11 (Isa 11:11; 60:8 )They will come trembling
like a bird out of Egypt
and like a dove from the land of Assyria.
And I will let them dwell in their houses,
says the Lord.
God's Charge Against Ephraim
12 Ephraim has surrounded Me with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit.
But Judah still walks with God,
and is faithful to the Holy One.Or holy ones.
Hosea 11
[1] When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
[2] As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim,
and burned incense to graven images.
[3] I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew
not that I healed them.
[4] I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them
as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.
[5] He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be
his king, because they refused to return.
[6] And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches,
and devour them, because of their own counsels.
[7] And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them
to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
[8] How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how
shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is
turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
[9] I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to
destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of
thee: and I will not enter into the city.
[10] They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he
shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
[11] They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the
land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.
[12] Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with
deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
Hosea 12
1 (Jer 22:22; Hos 5:13) Ephraim feeds on the wind
and chases after the east wind all day long.
He multiplies lies and devastation.
They make a covenant with Assyria,
and oil is carried to Egypt.
A History of Rebellion
2 (Hos 4:1; Mic 6:2) The Lord has a dispute with Judah,
and will punish Jacob according to his ways,
and repay him according to his doings.
3 (Ge 25:26; 32:24-28) In the womb, he took his brother by the heel,
and by his strength he strove with God.
4 (Ge 35:15) He struggled with the angel, and prevailed;
he wept, and sought favor from Him.
He found Him in Bethel,
and there He spoke with us.
5 (Ex 3:15) As for the Lord the God of Hosts,
the Lord is the name by which He is invoked!
6 (Mic 6:8; Hos 14:1) But as for you, return to your God,
hold fast to mercy and justice,
and wait on your God continually.
7 (Pr 11:1) A merchant, in whose hands are deceitful balances,
he loves to oppress.
8 (Rev 3:17; Ps 62:10) Ephraim said,
"Yet I am rich, I have found wealth for myself.
In all my labors, they shall find no offense in me
that would be sin."
9 (Lev 23:40-43; Ne 8:15-17) I am the Lord your God
from the land of Egypt.
I will again make you to dwell in tents,
as in the days of the appointed feast.
10 (2Ki 17:13; Eze 20:49 ) I have spoken by the prophets,
and I have multiplied visions,
and through the prophets I will bring destruction.Or speak in parables.
11 (Hos 8:11; 4:15) In Gilead there is iniquity;
surely they will come to nothing.
In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls,
so their altars will be like stone heaps
in the furrows of the fields.
12 (Jacob) fled to the land of Aram,
and Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he kept sheep.
13 (Ex 12:50–51; 13:3) By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt,
and by a prophet he was preserved.
14 (Eze 18:13; Da 11:18) Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly,
so his Lord shall leave his bloodguilt on him
and repay him for his reproach
Hosea 12
[1] Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily
increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the
Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
[2] The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob
according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.
[3] He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had
power with God:
[4] Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made
supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;
[5] Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.
[6] Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy
God continually.
[7] He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to
oppress.
[8] And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance:
in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin.
[9] And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee
to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.
[10] I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and
used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.
[11] Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice
bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the
fields.
[12] And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he kept sheep.
[13] And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet
was he preserved.
[14] Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave
his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.
Hosea 13
God's Unrelenting Judgment on Israel
1 (Hos 11:2) When Ephraim spoke, trembling,
he was exalted in Israel.
But he incurred guilt through Baal worship and he died.
2 (Isa 44:17-20; 46:6) And now they continue sinning
and have made a cast image for themselves,
idols of their silver, according to their understanding;
all of them the work of craftsmen.
They say of them,
"Those who sacrifice Or those who offer human sacrifice.
are kissing calves!"
3 (Ps 68:2; Hos 6:4) Therefore they will be like the morning cloud,
or like the early dew that passes away,
like chaff blown off the threshing floor,
or like the smoke from a chimney.
4 (Hos 12:9; Isa 45:21-22) Yet I am the Lord your God
ever since the land of Egypt.
You know no God but Me,
and there is no savior besides Me.
5 (Dt 2:7; 8:15) I knew [Or fed.] you in the wilderness,
in the land of great drought.
6 (Dt 32:13-15) When they had pasture, they were satisfied.
They were satisfied, and their heart was exalted;
therefore they forgot Me.
7 (Jer 5:6; Hos 5:14) So I will be like a lion to them,
like a leopard I will lurk by the path.
8 (2 Sa 17:8; Pr 17:12) I will attack them like a bear bereaved of her cubs,
and will tear open their rib cage.
There I will devour them like a lion,
as the wild beast would tear them to pieces.
9 (Dt 33:26; Jer 2:17) O Israel, you are destroyed,Heb. he has destroyed you.
but in Me is your help.
10 (Hos 8:4; 1Sa 8:5-6) Where now is your king
that he may save you in all your cities?
And where are your judges of whom you said,
"Give me a king and princes"?
11 (1Sa 10:19) I gave you a king in My anger,
and took him away in My wrath.
12 (Job 14:17; Dt 32:34-35) The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up;
his sin is stored up.
13 (Isa 13:8; Mic 4:9-10) The pains of childbirth come for him.
He is an unwise son,
for he does not present himself
at the opening of the womb.
14 (Ps 49:15; Isa 25:8) I will ransom them from the power of Sheol.
I will redeem them from Death.
O Death, where are your plagues?
O Sheol, where is your sting?
Compassion is hidden from My eyes.
15 (Eze 19:12; 17:10) Though he be fruitful among his brothers,
the east wind will come, a wind of the Lord,
rising from the wilderness.
And his spring shall become dry,
his fountain shall be dried up.
It shall plunder his treasury
of every desirable thing.
16 (2Ki 8:12; 15:16; Isa 13:16) Samaria will be held guilty,
for she has rebelled against her God.
They will fall by the sword,
their infants will be dashed to pieces,
and their pregnant women will be ripped open.
Hosea 13
[1] When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he
offended in Baal, he died.
[2] And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of
their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the
work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the
calves.
[3] Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that
passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the
floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.
[4] Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no
god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.
[5] I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.
[6] According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and
their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.
[7] Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I
observe them:
[8] I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend
the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild
beast shall tear them.
[9] O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.
[10] I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy
cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?
[11] I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.
[12] The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid.
[13] The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise
son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of
children.
[14] I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from
death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction:
repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
[15] Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the
wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall
become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure
of all pleasant vessels.
[16] Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God:
they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and
their women with child shall be ripped up.
Hosea 14
A Plea for Repentance
1 (Hos 6:1; 12:6) Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2 (Heb 13:15; Ps 69:30-31) Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to Him,
"Take away all iniquity,
and accept that which is good;
and we will offer the fruit [Gk. Syr.; Heb. bulls.] of our lips!
3 (Ps 10:14; 33:17) Assyria will not save us,
we will not ride on horses.
We will no longer say, 'Our God,'
to the work of our hands.
In You the orphan finds mercy."
4 (Zep 3:17; Isa 12:1) I will heal their backsliding;
I will love them freely,
for My anger has turned away from him.
5 (Isa 35:2; Job 29:19) I will be like the dew to Israel;
he shall grow like the lily
and shall strike his roots
like Lebanon.
6 (Ps 52:8) His branches will spread out,
and his beauty shall be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like that of Lebanon.
7 (Ps 91:1) Those that dwell under his shadow will return,
they will flourish like the grain
and grow as a vine.
Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 (Job 34:32; Isa 41:19) O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after him.
I am like a green fir tree;
your fruit is found in Me.
9 (Ps 107:43; Pr 10:29) Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
whoever prudent, let him know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
and the just will walk in them;
but the transgressors stumble in them.
Hosea 14
[1] O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine
iniquity.
[2] Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all
iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
[3] Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we
say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the
fatherless findeth mercy.
[4] I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger
is turned away from him.
[5] I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast
forth his roots as Lebanon.
[6] His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree,
and his smell as Lebanon.
[7] They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the
corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of
Lebanon.
[8] Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard
him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit
found.
[9] Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall
know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in
them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 June 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/06/25/dark-moments-deep-prayers
Entitled Dark Moments, Deep Prayers
Psalms 143
A Psalm of David.
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord,
give ear to my supplications;
in Your faithfulness answer me,
and in Your righteousness.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Enter not into judgment with Your servant,
for in Your sight no one living is righteous.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
he has crushed my life down to the ground;
he has made me to dwell in darkness,
as those who have been long dead.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
my heart within me is desolate.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your works;
I consider the work of Your hands.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) I stretch forth my hands unto You;
my soul thirsts after You as a thirsty land. Selah
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Respond to me quickly, O Lord,
my spirit fails;
do not hide Your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down into the pit.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
for in You I have my trust;
cause me to know the way I should walk,
for I lift up my soul unto You.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I flee unto You for my protection.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Teach me to do Your will,
for You are my God;
may Your good spirit
lead me onto level ground.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake,
for Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies,
and destroy all them who afflict my soul,
for I am Your servant.
Psalms 143
[1] Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy
faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
[2] And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no
man living be justified.
[3] For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to
the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been
long dead.
[4] Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is
desolate.
[5] I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the
work of thy hands.
[6] I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a
thirsty land. Selah.
[7] Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me,
lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
[8] Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I
trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my
soul unto thee.
[9] Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
[10] Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead
me into the land of uprightness.
[11] Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake
bring my soul out of trouble.
[12] And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that
afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
"I had a dark moment." Those five words capture the internal agony of a
popular female celebrity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusting to a new
normal was part of her challenge, and in her turmoil, she acknowledged that
she wrestled with thoughts of suicide. Pulling out of the downward spiral
included sharing her struggle with a friend who cared.
We're all susceptible to tumultuous hours, days, and seasons. Valleys and hard
places aren't foreign but getting out of such places can be challenging. And
seeking the assistance of mental health professionals is sometimes needed.
In Psalm 143, we hear and are instructed by David's prayer during one of the
dark times of his life. The exact situation is unknown, but his prayers to God
are honest and hope-filled. "The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the
ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit
grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed" (vv. 3-4). For
believers in Jesus, it's not enough to acknowledge what's going on within us
to ourselves, to our friends, or to medical specialists. We must earnestly
come to God (thoughts and all) with prayers that include the earnest petitions
found in Psalm 143:7-10. Our dark moments can also be times for deep prayers-
seeking the light and life only God can bring.
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
In the midst of your darkest moments, how do you typically respond?
Why is it difficult to be honest about your struggles?
Father, please renew my strength and hope in You.
When dark moments invade my life internally or externally
and bring me low, help me to come to You in prayer.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control,without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control,without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Gen 26:12-14
12 (Ge 26:3; 24:1) Then Isaac sowed in that land
and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; the Lord blessed him.
13 The man became rich and continued to prosper until he became very wealthy.
14 (Ge 37:11; Ecc 4:4) For he had possessions of flocks and herds
and a great number of servants so that the Philistines envied him.
12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year
an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
13 And the man waxed great, and went forward,
and grew until he became very great:
14 for he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds,
and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Unfailing Love
Ps 36:5-9
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens,
and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Your righteousness is like the great mountains,
Your judgments like the great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) How excellent is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore mankind seeks refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) They will drink their fill
from the abundance of Your house,
and You will cause them to drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) For with You is the fountain of life;
in Your light we see light.
5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
And thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains;
Thy judgments are a great deep:
O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house;
And thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.
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?)
Quebec
Quick facts on Muslims in Quebec
Quebec 2015 population 8214 000
est Muslim Population 418946
CNMM Networks: Montreal
There is a growing Muslim population in Quebec City and a smattering
of Muslims scattered around the rest of the province, yet the vast majority
of Muslims live in the greater Montreal area. n fact, 23% of Canada's Muslim
population live in Quebec. Why is that? It is largely because Francophone
African Muslims are attracted to La Belle Provence.
And here's an interesting, perhaps even shocking fact: There are more
Muslims in Montreal than there are evangelical Christians.
This is one demographic factor creates a challenging environment for churches
and believers here: The size of the available 'workforce' is small
by comparison to begin with. Believers are already is a host culture that
is often either indifferent to religion or resistant to it. And now
this 'new' religious community of Muslims - many of whom do not visibly
or socially conform to Quebec society - are a growing population. It might br
easy for Christians to feel overwhelm by this cultural double-whammy,
yet God has always worked miracles through the small, the few.
Agree in prayer for :
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
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 heed his warnings seriously.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, please renew my strength and hope in You.
When dark moments invade my life internally or externally
and bring me low, help me to come to You in prayer."
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your help with your fears.
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your abundance.
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your refuge.
Agree in prayer for Quebec:
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
- 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 widows and orphans in Columbia who are trying to rebuild their lives.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Hosea 9-14
Hosea 9
The Punishment of Israel
1 (Hos 10:5; Jer 44:17) Do not rejoice, O Israel!
Do not exult [Heb. they.] like the peoples,
for you have played the whore departing from your God.
You have loved a prostitute's wages
on every threshing floor.
2 (Hos 2:9) The threshing floor and the winepress will not feed them,
and the new wine will fail in her.
3 (Lev 25:23; Eze 4:13) They will not dwell in the land of the Lord;
but Ephraim will return to Egypt,
and they will eat unclean things in Assyria.
4 (Hos 8:13; Jer 6:20) They will not offer wine offerings to the Lord,
and their sacrifices will not please Him.
Their sacrifices will be like the bread of mourners;
all who eat of it will be defiled.
For their bread will be only to satisfy their own hunger;
it will not come into the house of the Lord.
5 (Isa 10:3; Jer 5:31) What will you do on the appointed day,
and on the day of the festival of the Lord?
6 (Hos 10:8; Isa 5:6; 7:23) For indeed they are gone because of destruction.
Egypt will gather them, and Memphis will bury them.
Nettles will possess their pleasant things of silver,
and thorns will be in their tents.
7 (Mic 7:4; Isa 10:3) The days of punishment have come;
the days of recompense have come. Israel knows! The prophet is a fool;
the man of the spirit is insane, because of your great iniquity
and great hatred.
8 (Hos 5:1; Eze 3:17) The watchman of Ephraim is a prophet for my God;
yet a fowler's snare is on all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.
9 (Hos 10:9; 8:13) They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of
Gibeah. He will remember their iniquity, He will punish their sins.
10 (Jer 11:13; Hos 4:14) Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel.
Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers.
But they went to Baal Peor and consecrated themselves to a thing of shame,
and they became an abomination like the thing they loved.
11 (Hos 4:7; 9:14) As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird:
no birth, no pregnancy, no conception!
12 (Hos 7:13; Dt 31:17) Though they bring up their children,
I will bereave them until none are left. Woe to them indeed,
when I depart from them!
13 (Eze 26:1-21) Just as I saw Ephraim like Tyre,
planted in a pleasant place, so now Ephraim will bring out
his children for slaughter.
14 (Lk 23:29) Give them, O Lord- what will You give?
Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.
15 (Hos 4:15; Isa 1:23) All their wickedness is in Gilgal,
for there I hated them.
Because of the wickedness of their deeds,
I will drive them out of My house.
I will love them no more.
All their princes are rebels.
16 (Eze 24:21; Hos 9:11-13) Ephraim is stricken,
their root is dried up,
they shall bear no fruit.
Even though they give birth,
I will slay the beloved offspring of their womb.
17 (Hos 7:13; Dt 28:64-65) My God will reject them
because they did not listen to Him,
and they will be wanderers among the nations.
Hosea 9
[1] Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a
whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.
[2] The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall
fail in her.
[3] They shall not dwell in the LORD's land; but Ephraim shall return to
Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria.
[4] They shall not offer wine offerings to the LORD, neither shall they be
pleasing unto him: their sacrifices shall be unto them as the bread of
mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their
soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.
[5] What will ye do in the solemn day, and in the day of the feast of the
LORD?
[6] For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them
up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant places for their silver, nettles
shall possess them: thorns shall be in their tabernacles.
[7] The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel
shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the
multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.
[8] The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a
fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.
[9] They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah:
therefore he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.
[10] I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the
firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor, and
separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according
as they loved.
[11] As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth,
and from the womb, and from the conception.
[12] Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that
there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from
them!
[13] Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim
shall bring forth his children to the murderer.
[14] Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb
and dry breasts.
[15] All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the
wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love
them no more: all their princes are revolters.
[16] Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit:
yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of
their womb.
[17] My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and
they shall be wanderers among the nations.
Hosea 10
Israel's Sin and Captivity
1 (Hos 8:11; 1Ki 14:23) Israel is a fertile vine
that brings forth its fruit.
As his fruit multiplied,
so his altars increased;
as his land prospered,
so heHeb. they. improved his pillars.
2 (1Ki 18:21; Mic 5:13) Their heart is divided;
now they must bear their guilt.
He will break down their altars
and destroy their pillars.
3Hos 10:7; 10:15 For now they will say,
"We have no king,
because we do not fear the Lord;
and a king, what could he do for us?"
4 (Am 5:7; 2Ki 17:3-4) They speak mere words,
swearing falsely
in making a covenant.
Thus judgment springs up like a poisonous plant
in the furrows of the field.
5 (Hos 9:11; 2Ki 23:5) The inhabitants of Samaria fear
because of the calf of Beth Aven.
For its people mourn for it,
and its priests shriek for it,
because its glory has departed from it.
6 (Hos 5:13; Isa 30:3) It will be carried to Assyria
as a tribute to King Jareb.Or the great king.
Ephraim shall be put to shame,
and Israel shall be ashamed of his idol.Or counsel.
7 (Hos 10:3) As for Samaria, her king will perish
like a twig on the water.
8 (Hos 9:6; Lk 23:30) The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel,
will be destroyed.
Thorn and thistle will grow
on their altars.
They will say to the mountains, Cover us,
and to the hills, Fall on us.
9 (Hos 9:9) O Israel, you have sinned since the days of Gibeah.
There they have continued.Heb. he has destroyed you.
Will not the war in Gibeah against evildoers
overtake them?
10 (Eze 5:13; Jer 16:16) When I desire, I will punish them.
The nations will be gathered against them
when they are disciplined [Gk.; Heb. bound.] for their two transgressions.
11 (Dt 25:4; Jer 50:11) Ephraim is a trained heifer
that loves to thresh grain,
but I harnessed her fair neck;
I will make Ephraim pull a plow.
Judah will plow;
Jacob shall furrow for himself.
12 (Isa 45:8; Pr 11:18) Sow to yourselves righteousness,
reap mercy,
break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until He comes
and rains righteousness upon you.
13 (Job 4:8; Ps 33:16) You have plowed wickedness.
You have reaped iniquity,
and you have eaten the fruit of lies.
Because you have trusted in your power
and in the numbers of your warriors,
14 (Hos 13:16) therefore a tumult will arise among your people,
and all your fortresses will be destroyed
as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle;
mothers were dashed to pieces upon their children.
15 (Hos 10:5; 10:7) So will it be done to you, O Bethel,
because of your great wickedness.
At dawn
the king of Israel will be utterly cut off.
Hosea 10
[1] Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according
to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the
goodness of his land they have made goodly images.
[2] Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break
down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
[3] For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD;
what then should a king do to us?
[4] They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus
judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
[5] The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Beth-aven:
for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that
rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.
[6] It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim
shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
[7] As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water.
[8] The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the
thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to
the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
[9] O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood:
the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.
[10] It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be
gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows.
[11] And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the
corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride;
Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods.
[12] Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow
ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness
upon you.
[13] Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the
fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy
mighty men.
[14] Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses
shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Beth-arbel in the day of battle: the
mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
[15] So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness: in a
morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off.
Hosea 11
God's Love for Israel
1 (Ex 4:22; Mt 2:15) When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called My son.
2 (Hos 2:13; Isa 65:7) As I [Gk. Syr.; Heb. bulls.] called them,
so they went from Me. Or those who offer human sacrifice.
They sacrificed to the Baals
and burned incense to idols.
3 (Dt 1:31; Jer 30:17) I taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them up in My [Gk. Syr. Vulg.; Heb. his.] arms,
but they did not know
that I healed them.
4 (Lev 26:13; Jn 12:32) I drew them with cords of human kindness,
[Heb. cords of a man.]
with bands of love.
I was to them as those who ease the yoke on their neck, Or jaws.
and I bent down and fed them.
5 (Hos 7:16; 2Ki 17:13-14) He will return
[So LXX. Heb. He not will return.] to the land of Egypt,
and Assyria will be his king,
because they refused to return to Me.
6 (Hos 13:16; 10:6) The sword slashes in their cities,
consumes their oracle-priests,
and devours because of their own counsels.
7 (Jer 8:5; Hos 11:2) My people are bent on backsliding fromMe.
Though they called to the Most High,
none at all exalt Him.
8 (Ge 14:8; Dt 29:23; Hos 6:4) How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I treat you like Zeboyim?
My heart churns within Me;
My compassion is stirred.
9 (Nu 23:19; Isa 12:6; Jer 30:11) I will not execute the fierceness
of My anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.
10 (Isa 31:4; Joel 3:16) They will walk after the Lord,
who roars like a lion.
When He roars,
His children will come trembling from the west.
11 (Isa 11:11; 60:8 )They will come trembling
like a bird out of Egypt
and like a dove from the land of Assyria.
And I will let them dwell in their houses,
says the Lord.
God's Charge Against Ephraim
12 Ephraim has surrounded Me with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit.
But Judah still walks with God,
and is faithful to the Holy One.Or holy ones.
Hosea 11
[1] When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
[2] As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim,
and burned incense to graven images.
[3] I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew
not that I healed them.
[4] I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them
as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.
[5] He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be
his king, because they refused to return.
[6] And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches,
and devour them, because of their own counsels.
[7] And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them
to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
[8] How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how
shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is
turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
[9] I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to
destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of
thee: and I will not enter into the city.
[10] They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he
shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
[11] They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the
land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.
[12] Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with
deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
Hosea 12
1 (Jer 22:22; Hos 5:13) Ephraim feeds on the wind
and chases after the east wind all day long.
He multiplies lies and devastation.
They make a covenant with Assyria,
and oil is carried to Egypt.
A History of Rebellion
2 (Hos 4:1; Mic 6:2) The Lord has a dispute with Judah,
and will punish Jacob according to his ways,
and repay him according to his doings.
3 (Ge 25:26; 32:24-28) In the womb, he took his brother by the heel,
and by his strength he strove with God.
4 (Ge 35:15) He struggled with the angel, and prevailed;
he wept, and sought favor from Him.
He found Him in Bethel,
and there He spoke with us.
5 (Ex 3:15) As for the Lord the God of Hosts,
the Lord is the name by which He is invoked!
6 (Mic 6:8; Hos 14:1) But as for you, return to your God,
hold fast to mercy and justice,
and wait on your God continually.
7 (Pr 11:1) A merchant, in whose hands are deceitful balances,
he loves to oppress.
8 (Rev 3:17; Ps 62:10) Ephraim said,
"Yet I am rich, I have found wealth for myself.
In all my labors, they shall find no offense in me
that would be sin."
9 (Lev 23:40-43; Ne 8:15-17) I am the Lord your God
from the land of Egypt.
I will again make you to dwell in tents,
as in the days of the appointed feast.
10 (2Ki 17:13; Eze 20:49 ) I have spoken by the prophets,
and I have multiplied visions,
and through the prophets I will bring destruction.Or speak in parables.
11 (Hos 8:11; 4:15) In Gilead there is iniquity;
surely they will come to nothing.
In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls,
so their altars will be like stone heaps
in the furrows of the fields.
12 (Jacob) fled to the land of Aram,
and Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he kept sheep.
13 (Ex 12:50–51; 13:3) By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt,
and by a prophet he was preserved.
14 (Eze 18:13; Da 11:18) Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly,
so his Lord shall leave his bloodguilt on him
and repay him for his reproach
Hosea 12
[1] Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily
increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the
Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
[2] The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob
according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.
[3] He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had
power with God:
[4] Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made
supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;
[5] Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.
[6] Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy
God continually.
[7] He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to
oppress.
[8] And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance:
in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin.
[9] And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee
to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.
[10] I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and
used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.
[11] Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice
bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the
fields.
[12] And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he kept sheep.
[13] And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet
was he preserved.
[14] Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave
his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.
Hosea 13
God's Unrelenting Judgment on Israel
1 (Hos 11:2) When Ephraim spoke, trembling,
he was exalted in Israel.
But he incurred guilt through Baal worship and he died.
2 (Isa 44:17-20; 46:6) And now they continue sinning
and have made a cast image for themselves,
idols of their silver, according to their understanding;
all of them the work of craftsmen.
They say of them,
"Those who sacrifice Or those who offer human sacrifice.
are kissing calves!"
3 (Ps 68:2; Hos 6:4) Therefore they will be like the morning cloud,
or like the early dew that passes away,
like chaff blown off the threshing floor,
or like the smoke from a chimney.
4 (Hos 12:9; Isa 45:21-22) Yet I am the Lord your God
ever since the land of Egypt.
You know no God but Me,
and there is no savior besides Me.
5 (Dt 2:7; 8:15) I knew [Or fed.] you in the wilderness,
in the land of great drought.
6 (Dt 32:13-15) When they had pasture, they were satisfied.
They were satisfied, and their heart was exalted;
therefore they forgot Me.
7 (Jer 5:6; Hos 5:14) So I will be like a lion to them,
like a leopard I will lurk by the path.
8 (2 Sa 17:8; Pr 17:12) I will attack them like a bear bereaved of her cubs,
and will tear open their rib cage.
There I will devour them like a lion,
as the wild beast would tear them to pieces.
9 (Dt 33:26; Jer 2:17) O Israel, you are destroyed,Heb. he has destroyed you.
but in Me is your help.
10 (Hos 8:4; 1Sa 8:5-6) Where now is your king
that he may save you in all your cities?
And where are your judges of whom you said,
"Give me a king and princes"?
11 (1Sa 10:19) I gave you a king in My anger,
and took him away in My wrath.
12 (Job 14:17; Dt 32:34-35) The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up;
his sin is stored up.
13 (Isa 13:8; Mic 4:9-10) The pains of childbirth come for him.
He is an unwise son,
for he does not present himself
at the opening of the womb.
14 (Ps 49:15; Isa 25:8) I will ransom them from the power of Sheol.
I will redeem them from Death.
O Death, where are your plagues?
O Sheol, where is your sting?
Compassion is hidden from My eyes.
15 (Eze 19:12; 17:10) Though he be fruitful among his brothers,
the east wind will come, a wind of the Lord,
rising from the wilderness.
And his spring shall become dry,
his fountain shall be dried up.
It shall plunder his treasury
of every desirable thing.
16 (2Ki 8:12; 15:16; Isa 13:16) Samaria will be held guilty,
for she has rebelled against her God.
They will fall by the sword,
their infants will be dashed to pieces,
and their pregnant women will be ripped open.
Hosea 13
[1] When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he
offended in Baal, he died.
[2] And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of
their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the
work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the
calves.
[3] Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that
passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the
floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.
[4] Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no
god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.
[5] I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.
[6] According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and
their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.
[7] Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I
observe them:
[8] I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend
the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild
beast shall tear them.
[9] O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.
[10] I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy
cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?
[11] I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.
[12] The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid.
[13] The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise
son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of
children.
[14] I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from
death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction:
repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
[15] Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the
wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall
become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure
of all pleasant vessels.
[16] Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God:
they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and
their women with child shall be ripped up.
Hosea 14
A Plea for Repentance
1 (Hos 6:1; 12:6) Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2 (Heb 13:15; Ps 69:30-31) Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to Him,
"Take away all iniquity,
and accept that which is good;
and we will offer the fruit [Gk. Syr.; Heb. bulls.] of our lips!
3 (Ps 10:14; 33:17) Assyria will not save us,
we will not ride on horses.
We will no longer say, 'Our God,'
to the work of our hands.
In You the orphan finds mercy."
4 (Zep 3:17; Isa 12:1) I will heal their backsliding;
I will love them freely,
for My anger has turned away from him.
5 (Isa 35:2; Job 29:19) I will be like the dew to Israel;
he shall grow like the lily
and shall strike his roots
like Lebanon.
6 (Ps 52:8) His branches will spread out,
and his beauty shall be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like that of Lebanon.
7 (Ps 91:1) Those that dwell under his shadow will return,
they will flourish like the grain
and grow as a vine.
Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 (Job 34:32; Isa 41:19) O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after him.
I am like a green fir tree;
your fruit is found in Me.
9 (Ps 107:43; Pr 10:29) Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
whoever prudent, let him know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
and the just will walk in them;
but the transgressors stumble in them.
Hosea 14
[1] O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine
iniquity.
[2] Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all
iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
[3] Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we
say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the
fatherless findeth mercy.
[4] I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger
is turned away from him.
[5] I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast
forth his roots as Lebanon.
[6] His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree,
and his smell as Lebanon.
[7] They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the
corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of
Lebanon.
[8] Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard
him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit
found.
[9] Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall
know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in
them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 June 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/06/25/dark-moments-deep-prayers
Entitled Dark Moments, Deep Prayers
Psalms 143
A Psalm of David.
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord,
give ear to my supplications;
in Your faithfulness answer me,
and in Your righteousness.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Enter not into judgment with Your servant,
for in Your sight no one living is righteous.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
he has crushed my life down to the ground;
he has made me to dwell in darkness,
as those who have been long dead.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
my heart within me is desolate.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your works;
I consider the work of Your hands.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) I stretch forth my hands unto You;
my soul thirsts after You as a thirsty land. Selah
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Respond to me quickly, O Lord,
my spirit fails;
do not hide Your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down into the pit.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
for in You I have my trust;
cause me to know the way I should walk,
for I lift up my soul unto You.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I flee unto You for my protection.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Teach me to do Your will,
for You are my God;
may Your good spirit
lead me onto level ground.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake,
for Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies,
and destroy all them who afflict my soul,
for I am Your servant.
Psalms 143
[1] Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy
faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
[2] And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no
man living be justified.
[3] For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to
the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been
long dead.
[4] Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is
desolate.
[5] I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the
work of thy hands.
[6] I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a
thirsty land. Selah.
[7] Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me,
lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
[8] Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I
trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my
soul unto thee.
[9] Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
[10] Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead
me into the land of uprightness.
[11] Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake
bring my soul out of trouble.
[12] And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that
afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
"I had a dark moment." Those five words capture the internal agony of a
popular female celebrity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusting to a new
normal was part of her challenge, and in her turmoil, she acknowledged that
she wrestled with thoughts of suicide. Pulling out of the downward spiral
included sharing her struggle with a friend who cared.
We're all susceptible to tumultuous hours, days, and seasons. Valleys and hard
places aren't foreign but getting out of such places can be challenging. And
seeking the assistance of mental health professionals is sometimes needed.
In Psalm 143, we hear and are instructed by David's prayer during one of the
dark times of his life. The exact situation is unknown, but his prayers to God
are honest and hope-filled. "The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the
ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit
grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed" (vv. 3-4). For
believers in Jesus, it's not enough to acknowledge what's going on within us
to ourselves, to our friends, or to medical specialists. We must earnestly
come to God (thoughts and all) with prayers that include the earnest petitions
found in Psalm 143:7-10. Our dark moments can also be times for deep prayers-
seeking the light and life only God can bring.
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
In the midst of your darkest moments, how do you typically respond?
Why is it difficult to be honest about your struggles?
Father, please renew my strength and hope in You.
When dark moments invade my life internally or externally
and bring me low, help me to come to You in prayer.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control,without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control,without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Gen 26:12-14
12 (Ge 26:3; 24:1) Then Isaac sowed in that land
and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; the Lord blessed him.
13 The man became rich and continued to prosper until he became very wealthy.
14 (Ge 37:11; Ecc 4:4) For he had possessions of flocks and herds
and a great number of servants so that the Philistines envied him.
12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year
an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
13 And the man waxed great, and went forward,
and grew until he became very great:
14 for he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds,
and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Unfailing Love
Ps 36:5-9
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens,
and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Your righteousness is like the great mountains,
Your judgments like the great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) How excellent is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore mankind seeks refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) They will drink their fill
from the abundance of Your house,
and You will cause them to drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) For with You is the fountain of life;
in Your light we see light.
5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
And thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains;
Thy judgments are a great deep:
O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house;
And thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.
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?)
Quebec
Quick facts on Muslims in Quebec
Quebec 2015 population 8214 000
est Muslim Population 418946
CNMM Networks: Montreal
There is a growing Muslim population in Quebec City and a smattering
of Muslims scattered around the rest of the province, yet the vast majority
of Muslims live in the greater Montreal area. n fact, 23% of Canada's Muslim
population live in Quebec. Why is that? It is largely because Francophone
African Muslims are attracted to La Belle Provence.
And here's an interesting, perhaps even shocking fact: There are more
Muslims in Montreal than there are evangelical Christians.
This is one demographic factor creates a challenging environment for churches
and believers here: The size of the available 'workforce' is small
by comparison to begin with. Believers are already is a host culture that
is often either indifferent to religion or resistant to it. And now
this 'new' religious community of Muslims - many of whom do not visibly
or socially conform to Quebec society - are a growing population. It might br
easy for Christians to feel overwhelm by this cultural double-whammy,
yet God has always worked miracles through the small, the few.
Agree in prayer for :
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
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 heed his warnings seriously.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, please renew my strength and hope in You.
When dark moments invade my life internally or externally
and bring me low, help me to come to You in prayer."
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your help with your fears.
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your abundance.
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your refuge.
Agree in prayer for Quebec:
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
- 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 widows and orphans in Columbia who are trying to rebuild their lives.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.