Day 230 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 18 August 2022 reflections
Day 230, 18 August 2022
1) Ezekiel 17-19
Ezekiel 17
Two Eagles and a Vine
1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
2 (Eze 20:49) Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable
to the house of Israel,
3 (Jer 48:40; Hos 8:1) and say, Thus says the Lord God:
A great eagle with great wings, long-winged, full of feathers which had
various colors, came to Lebanon and took away the highest branch of the cedar.
4 He cropped off the top of its young twigs and carried it into
a land of merchants. He set it in a city of dealers.
5 (Dt 8:7-9; Isa 44:4) He took also some of the seed of the land
and planted it in a fruitful field. He placed it by great waters
and set it as a willow tree.
6 (Eze 17:14) It grew and became a spreading vine of low stature,
whose branches turned toward him, and its roots were under it.
So it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
7 (Eze 17:15; 31:4) There was also another great eagle with great wings
and many feathers. And this vine bent its roots toward him and shot forth
its branches toward him, that he might water it by the bed
where it was planted.
8 It was planted in a good soil by many waters, that it might bring forth
branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a splendid vine.
9 Say: Thus says the Lord God: Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots
and cut off its fruit, so that it withers, so that all its spring leaves
wither? It will not take a great power or many people to pull it
from its roots.
10 (Hos 13:15) Though it has been planted, will it prosper? Shall it not
utterly wither when the east wind hits it? It shall wither in the furrows
where it grew.
11 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
12 (Eze 24:19; 1:2) Say now to the rebellious house: Do you not know
what these things mean? Tell them: The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem,
and took its king and its officials, and led them to him in Babylon.
13 (2Ch 36:13; 2Ki 24:15-17) He took one of the king's seed,
and made a covenant with him, and put him under oath. He has also taken
away the mighty of the land,
14 (Eze 29:14) that the kingdom might be debased, that it might not lift
itself up, but by the keeping of his covenant it might stand.
15 (Dt 17:16; 2Ki 24:20) But he rebelled against him in sending
his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses
and much people. Shall he prosper? Shall he escape who does such things?
Can he indeed break the covenant and be delivered?
16 (Eze 12:13; Jer 52:11) As I live, says the Lord God, surely in the country
of the king who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant
he broke, in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
17 (Jer 37:7; Isa 36:6) Nor shall Pharaoh with his mighty army
and great company help him in the war by casting up mounts
and building forts to cut off many persons.
18 (1Ch 29:24) Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant,
when he had given his allegiance and has done all these things,
he shall not escape.
19 Therefore thus says the Lord God: As I live, surely My oath that he has
despised and My covenant that he has broken, I will inflict upon his own head.
20 (Eze 12:13; Jer 2:35) I will spread My net upon him, and he shall be taken
in My snare, and I will bring him to Babylon and will enter into judgment
with him there for his trespass that he has trespassed against Me.
21 (2Ki 25:5; 25:11) All the choice men in all his troops shall fall
by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered toward all winds.
And you shall know that I the Lord have spoken it.
22 (Eze 20:40; Ps 2:6) Thus says the Lord God: I will also take of the highest
branch of the high cedar and set it aside. I will crop off from the top
of its young twigs a tender one and will plant it on a high
and lofty mountain.
23 (Eze 31:6; Mt 13:32) On the mountain of the height of Israel I will plant
it. And it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a splendid cedar.
And under it all fowl of every wing shall nest. In the shadow of its branches
they shall nest.
24 (Eze 22:14; Am 9:11) All the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord
have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up
the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish.
I, the Lord, have spoken and will do it.
Ezekiel 17
[1] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[2] Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of
Israel;
[3] And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings,
longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon,
and took the highest branch of the cedar:
[4] He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of
traffick; he set it in a city of merchants.
[5] He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful
field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree.
[6] And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches
turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a
vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
[7] There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers:
and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her
branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.
[8] It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring
forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
[9] Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull
up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it
shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or
many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.
[10] Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly
wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows
where it grew.
[11] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[12] Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean?
tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken
the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to
Babylon;
[13] And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and
hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:
[14] That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but
that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.
[15] But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that
they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he
escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be
delivered?
[16] As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king
dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he
brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
[17] Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for
him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many
persons:
[18] Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had
given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape.
[19] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he
hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I
recompense upon his own head.
[20] And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare,
and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his
trespass that he hath trespassed against me.
[21] And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and
they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that
I the LORD have spoken it.
[22] Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the
high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young
twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
[23] In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall
bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it
shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof
shall they dwell.
[24] And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought
down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree,
and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have brought down the
high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have
made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.
Ezekiel 18
The Soul Who Sins Will Die
1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying:
2 (Isa 3:15; La 5:7) What do you mean in using this proverb
concerning the land of Israel, saying:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
and the children's teeth are set on edge"?
3 As I live, says the Lord God, you shall not have occasion anymore
to use this proverb in Israel.
4 (Eze 18:20; Ro 6:23; Nu 16:22) All souls are Mine. The soul of the father,
so also the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins shall die.
5 But if a man is righteous
and does that which is lawful and right,
6 (Eze 18:15; Dt 4:19; Eze 6:13) and has not eaten on the mountains;
nor has he lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,
nor has he defiled his neighbor's wife,
nor has he approached a woman during her impurity;
7 (Eze 18:16; 18:12; Ex 22:26) and he has not oppressed anyone,
but has restored to the debtor his pledge;
has devastated no one by violence,
has given his bread to the hungry,
and has covered the naked with a garment;
8 (Ex 22:25; Zec 8:16; Dt 23:19-20) if he has not lent at interest,
nor has taken any increase,
but has withdrawn his hand from iniquity,
has executed true justice between man and man;
9 (Am 5:4; Eze 18:17) has walked in My statutes,
and has kept My judgments to deal truly,
he is righteous
and shall surely live,
says the Lord God.
10 (Ex 21:12) If he begets a son who is a robber, a shedder of blood,
and who does any of these things to a brother
11 (though he himself does not do any of these things),
but even has eaten on the mountain shrines
and defiled his neighbor's wife;
12 (Eze 8:6; 8:17) has oppressed the poor and needy,
has devastated by violence,
has not restored the pledge,
and has lifted up his eyes to the idols,
has committed abomination,
13 (Ex 22:25; Lev 20:9) has lent at interest, and has taken increase,
shall he then live?
He shall not live. He has done all these abominations. He shall surely die.
His blood shall be upon his own head.
14 (2Ch 34:21; Pr 23:24) Now if he begets a son who sees all his father's
sins which he has done, and considering does not do likewise:
15 He has not eaten on the mountain shrines,
nor has he lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,
has not defiled his neighbor's wife;
16 (Eze 18:7) nor has he oppressed anyone,
has not withheld a pledge,
nor has he devastated by violence,
but has given his bread to the hungry,
and has covered the naked with a garment;
17 (Eze 18:8-9) he keeps his hand from the poor,
has not received usury nor increase,
has executed My judgments, and has walked in My statutes.
He shall not die for the iniquity of his father; he shall surely live.
18 (Eze 3:18) As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, devastated
his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people,
he shall die for his iniquity.
Repent and Live
19 (Ex 20:5; Jer 15:4) Yet you say, "Why should the son not bear
the punishment of the iniquity of the father?" When the son has done
what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes, and has done them,
he shall surely live.
20 (Dt 24:16; 2Ki 14:6) The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not
bear the punishment of the iniquity of the father, nor shall the father
bear the punishment of the iniquity of the son. The righteousness
of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked
shall be upon himself.
21 (Eze 18:27-28; 33:19) But if the wicked turns from all his sins
that he has committed, and keeps all My statutes, and does that which
is lawful and right, he shall surely live. He shall not die.
22 (Ps 18:20-24; Isa 43:25) All his transgressions that he has committed,
they shall not be remembered against him. Because of his righteousness
that he has done, he shall live.
23 (Eze 33:11; Ps 147:11) Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,
says the Lord God, but rather that he should turn from his ways and live?
24 (1Sa 15:11; Eze 33:18) But when a righteous man turns away
from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all
the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live?
All his righteousness that he has done shall not be remembered for his
trespass that he has committed and in his sin that he has done.
In them he shall die.
25 (Eze 33:17; Ge 18:25) Yet you say, "The way of the Lord is not right."
Hear now, O house of Israel. Is not My way right? Are not your ways not right?
26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness
and commits iniquity,
he dies in it. For his iniquity that he has done he shall die.
27 (Isa 1:18; 55:7) Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness
that he has committed and does that which is lawful and right,
he shall save his soul.
28 Because he considered and turned away from all his transgressions
that he has committed, he shall surely live. He shall not die.
29 Yet the house of Israel says, "The way of the Lord is not right."
O house of Israel, are not My ways right? Are not your ways not right?
30 (Eze 18:21; 7:3) Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one
according to his ways, says the Lord God. Repent, and turn away from all your
transgressions so that iniquity shall not be your ruin.
31 (Eze 11:19; Ps 51:10) Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby
you have transgressed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
For why will you die, O house of Israel?
32 (Eze 18:23) For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,
says the Lord God. Therefore, repent and live.
Ezekiel 18
[1] The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
[2] What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel,
saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set
on edge?
[3] As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to
use this proverb in Israel.
[4] Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul
of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
[5] But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
[6] And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes
to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's
wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
[7] And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge,
hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath
covered the naked with a garment;
[8] He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any
increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true
judgment between man and man,
[9] Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly;
he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
[10] If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth
the like to any one of these things,
[11] And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the
mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,
[12] Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not
restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath
committed abomination,
[13] Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then
live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall
surely die; his blood shall be upon him.
[14] Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he
hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,
[15] That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes
to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife,
[16] Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither
hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath
covered the naked with a garment,
[17] That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received
usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes;
he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.
[18] As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by
violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall
die in his iniquity.
[19] Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When
the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my
statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
[20] The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the
iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the
son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the
wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
[21] But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed,
and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall
surely live, he shall not die.
[22] All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be
mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
[23] Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord
GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
[24] But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and
committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the
wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done
shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his
sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
[25] Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of
Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
[26] When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and
committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done
shall he die.
[27] Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he
hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his
soul alive.
[28] Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions
that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
[29] Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O
house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
[30] Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to
his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your
transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
[31] Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have
transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye
die, O house of Israel?
[32] For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord
GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Ezekiel 19
A Lament for Israel's Princes
1 (2Ki 24:6; Eze 26:17) Moreover take up a lamentation
for the officials of Israel,
2 and say:
What was your mother?
A lioness among lions!
She lay down among young lions;
she nourished her whelps.
3 When she brought up one of her whelps,
he became a lion
and learned to catch his prey;
he devoured men.
4 (2Ki 23:33-34; 2Ch 36:4) The nations also heard of him;
he was taken in their pit,
and they brought him with chains
to the land of Egypt.
5 Now when she saw as she had waited
that her hope was lost,
then she took another of her whelps
and made him a young lion.
6 He went up and down among the lions;
he became a young lion,
and learned to catch the prey,
and devoured men.
7 (Eze 30:12) He destroyed their fortified palaces,
and he laid waste their cities;
and the land and its fullness
were appalled by the noise of his roaring.
8 (Eze 12:13; 19:4) Then the nations set against him
on every side from their provinces,
and spread their net over him;
he was taken in their pit.
9 (2Ch 36:6; Eze 6:2) They put him in a cage with hooks
and brought him to the king of Babylon;
they brought him in hunting nets,
so that his voice would be heard no more
on the mountains of Israel.
10 (Ps 80:8-11; Dt 8:7) Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard,
planted by the waters;
it was fruitful and full of branches
by reason of many waters.
11 (Eze 31:3; Ps 80:15) It had strong rods
for the scepters of those who rule.
And its stature
was exalted above the clouds,
so it appeared in its height
with the multitude of its branches.
12 (Eze 17:10; Hos 13:15) But it was plucked up in fury,
it was cast down to the ground,
and the east wind dried up its fruit.
Its strong rod was broken and it withered;
the fire consumed it.
13 (Hos 2:3; Eze 19:10) Now it is planted in the wilderness,
in a dry and thirsty ground.
14 (2Ki 24:20; Eze 19:1) Fire has gone out from its branch;
it has devoured its shoots and fruit,
so that there is no strong rod in it,
a scepter to rule.
This is a lamentation, and has become a lamentation.
Ezekiel 19
[1] Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
[2] And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she
nourished her whelps among young lions.
[3] And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it
learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.
[4] The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they
brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.
[5] Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she
took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.
[6] And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and
learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.
[7] And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and
the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.
[8] Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and
spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.
[9] And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of
Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be
heard upon the mountains of Israel.
[10] Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was
fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.
[11] And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and
her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her
height with the multitude of her branches.
[12] But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and
the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered;
the fire consumed them.
[13] And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.
[14] And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her
fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a
lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.
2) Our Daily Bread for 18 August 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/08/18/a-compassionate-father
Entitled "A Compassionate Father"
Ps 103:13-18
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass;
as a flower of the field he flourishes.
16 For the hot wind passes over it, and it is gone;
the place where it was is not known.
17 But the mercy of the Lord
is from everlasting to everlasting
upon those who fear Him,
and His righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep His covenant,
and to those who remember to do His commandments.
[13] Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
[14] For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
[15] As for man, his days are as grass:
As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
[16] For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone;
And the place thereof shall know it no more.
[17] But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him,
And his righteousness unto children's children;
[18] To such as keep his covenant,
And to those that remember his commandments to do them.
After eight-year-old Gabriel underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his
brain, it left a noticeable scar on the side of his head. When the boy said
he felt like a monster, his dad, Josh, had an idea: demonstrate how much he
loved his son by getting a tattoo on the side of his head with the same
shape as Gabriel's scar.
According to the psalmist, this is the kind of empathic and compassionate love
God has for "his children" (Psalm 103:13). Using a metaphor drawn from human
life, David illustrated God's love. He said it's as tender as a good father's
care for his children (v. 17). Just as a human father shows compassion to his
children, so God, our heavenly Father, shows love and care toward those who
fear Him. He's a compassionate father, who empathizes with His people.
When we're weak and feel like we're unlovable because of the scars of life,
may we receive, by faith, our heavenly Father's love toward us. He
demonstrated His compassion by sending His Son to lay "down his life for
us" (1 John 3:16)-for our salvation. With this one act, not only can we
experience God's love for us, but we can look to the cross and see it. Aren't
you glad that we have a High Priest who can "empathise with our
weaknesses" (Hebrews 4:15)? He has the scars to prove it.
By: Marvin Williams
Reflect & Pray
How do you mind the gap between knowing God loves you and experiencing
His love? How does it make you feel that Jesus, our High Priest,
can empathise with every scar you have?
For further study, see
Finding Peace by Forgiving Others…And Yourself
Heavenly Father, thank You for your compassionate love for me.
May You use my scars for Your glory.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 5 - Waiting for the Wind
Is 40:31
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4)
but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
31 but they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
High above civilisation, alone on his craggy peak, the eagle waits.
He watches, senses, and then, with effortless grace, he spreads
his wings and soars. He does not flap frantically to gain altitude,
he merely turns his wings into the wind and rises.
Is 40:31 promises that we, too, can be like the eagle,
mounting up on wings, soaring effortlessly,
without weariness. But this is not often our experience.
We usually flap around like invalid pigeons, scratching
for mere existence, flying only when our place in the park is disturbed.
We need to learn to wait on the Lord. Like the wind that raises the eagle
to the heights, the wind of the Spirit will lift us up as well - beyond
the weariness of daily life, beyond the struggle for existence, beyond
the plodding pace of normal interaction.
But the eagle does not rise without plunging for the cliff into the wind.
His ability to stay aloft is based on his understand of wind currents;
when the wind is against him,he rises. He waits on the cliff
until the right moment, then allows the contrary breezes to lift him up.
Most of us are grounded by the winds that are against us. We give up
and never take the first flight. We fear the plunge from the cliff into the
buoyant breath of God, and so we stand fixed, afraid to launch out.
But when we do take the risk, when we wait upon the Lord, and then
give ourselves in obedience to a free-fall from the cliffs of his will,
we discover that there is rest in soaring with him. We do not have to
struggle; we have only to fly, and in flying, to find new strength.
Application
a) Why is "waiting upon the Lord" essential
to "Mounting up with wings as the eagle"?
b) How can this verse help me be more willing to take risks in God's will?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you
the ability to get wealth, so that He may establish His covenant which
He swore to your fathers, as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee
power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto
thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
PSALMS 25:15-21
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.
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 2021 edition?)
New Brunswick
Total population 753900
Muslim population (est.) 4543
Moncton, followed by Fredericton and Saint John, each have a growing Muslim
population in New Brunswick, In 2007, the building that was formerly a Baptist
church was converted into Moncton's 1st mosque. The University of Moncton
also has a Muslim student association hosting prayer services, fellowship
getherings, and outreaches on campus.
Fredericton also has one mosque and a Muslim student association serving the
campuses of the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University.
Fredericton's Muslim population consists in 2014 of about 50 families,
and between 300 to 400 university students.
Saint John is home to the 1st Muslim Association for the province,
which also helped foster the Islamic associations of Fredericton and Moncton.
a 'musalla', or prayer location that is not officially structured as a mosque,
has been established in the Uptown area with the intention of seeing it grow
into a 2nd official place of Muslim worship. Demand for this new location has
been primarily for university students moving into the area.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
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, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
18th Day of the Month
a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
( Jer 31:25
25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul.
25 For I have satiated the weary soul,
and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
( Ps 34:7
7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,
and delivers them.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,
And delivereth them.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray of prayer of repentance of your sin.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, thank You for your
compassionate love for me. May You use my scars for Your glory."
Pray to the Lord and pray to wait upon the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand His covenant.
Pray to the Lord and pray for integrity and uprightness.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
Pray for the protection of Kuwaiti believers who are meeting in
increasing numbers.
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) Ezekiel 17-19
Ezekiel 17
Two Eagles and a Vine
1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
2 (Eze 20:49) Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable
to the house of Israel,
3 (Jer 48:40; Hos 8:1) and say, Thus says the Lord God:
A great eagle with great wings, long-winged, full of feathers which had
various colors, came to Lebanon and took away the highest branch of the cedar.
4 He cropped off the top of its young twigs and carried it into
a land of merchants. He set it in a city of dealers.
5 (Dt 8:7-9; Isa 44:4) He took also some of the seed of the land
and planted it in a fruitful field. He placed it by great waters
and set it as a willow tree.
6 (Eze 17:14) It grew and became a spreading vine of low stature,
whose branches turned toward him, and its roots were under it.
So it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
7 (Eze 17:15; 31:4) There was also another great eagle with great wings
and many feathers. And this vine bent its roots toward him and shot forth
its branches toward him, that he might water it by the bed
where it was planted.
8 It was planted in a good soil by many waters, that it might bring forth
branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a splendid vine.
9 Say: Thus says the Lord God: Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots
and cut off its fruit, so that it withers, so that all its spring leaves
wither? It will not take a great power or many people to pull it
from its roots.
10 (Hos 13:15) Though it has been planted, will it prosper? Shall it not
utterly wither when the east wind hits it? It shall wither in the furrows
where it grew.
11 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
12 (Eze 24:19; 1:2) Say now to the rebellious house: Do you not know
what these things mean? Tell them: The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem,
and took its king and its officials, and led them to him in Babylon.
13 (2Ch 36:13; 2Ki 24:15-17) He took one of the king's seed,
and made a covenant with him, and put him under oath. He has also taken
away the mighty of the land,
14 (Eze 29:14) that the kingdom might be debased, that it might not lift
itself up, but by the keeping of his covenant it might stand.
15 (Dt 17:16; 2Ki 24:20) But he rebelled against him in sending
his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses
and much people. Shall he prosper? Shall he escape who does such things?
Can he indeed break the covenant and be delivered?
16 (Eze 12:13; Jer 52:11) As I live, says the Lord God, surely in the country
of the king who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant
he broke, in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
17 (Jer 37:7; Isa 36:6) Nor shall Pharaoh with his mighty army
and great company help him in the war by casting up mounts
and building forts to cut off many persons.
18 (1Ch 29:24) Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant,
when he had given his allegiance and has done all these things,
he shall not escape.
19 Therefore thus says the Lord God: As I live, surely My oath that he has
despised and My covenant that he has broken, I will inflict upon his own head.
20 (Eze 12:13; Jer 2:35) I will spread My net upon him, and he shall be taken
in My snare, and I will bring him to Babylon and will enter into judgment
with him there for his trespass that he has trespassed against Me.
21 (2Ki 25:5; 25:11) All the choice men in all his troops shall fall
by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered toward all winds.
And you shall know that I the Lord have spoken it.
22 (Eze 20:40; Ps 2:6) Thus says the Lord God: I will also take of the highest
branch of the high cedar and set it aside. I will crop off from the top
of its young twigs a tender one and will plant it on a high
and lofty mountain.
23 (Eze 31:6; Mt 13:32) On the mountain of the height of Israel I will plant
it. And it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a splendid cedar.
And under it all fowl of every wing shall nest. In the shadow of its branches
they shall nest.
24 (Eze 22:14; Am 9:11) All the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord
have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up
the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish.
I, the Lord, have spoken and will do it.
Ezekiel 17
[1] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[2] Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of
Israel;
[3] And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings,
longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon,
and took the highest branch of the cedar:
[4] He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of
traffick; he set it in a city of merchants.
[5] He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful
field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree.
[6] And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches
turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a
vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
[7] There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers:
and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her
branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.
[8] It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring
forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
[9] Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull
up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it
shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or
many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.
[10] Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly
wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows
where it grew.
[11] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[12] Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean?
tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken
the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to
Babylon;
[13] And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and
hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:
[14] That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but
that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.
[15] But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that
they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he
escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be
delivered?
[16] As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king
dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he
brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
[17] Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for
him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many
persons:
[18] Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had
given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape.
[19] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he
hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I
recompense upon his own head.
[20] And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare,
and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his
trespass that he hath trespassed against me.
[21] And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and
they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that
I the LORD have spoken it.
[22] Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the
high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young
twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
[23] In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall
bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it
shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof
shall they dwell.
[24] And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought
down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree,
and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have brought down the
high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have
made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.
Ezekiel 18
The Soul Who Sins Will Die
1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying:
2 (Isa 3:15; La 5:7) What do you mean in using this proverb
concerning the land of Israel, saying:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
and the children's teeth are set on edge"?
3 As I live, says the Lord God, you shall not have occasion anymore
to use this proverb in Israel.
4 (Eze 18:20; Ro 6:23; Nu 16:22) All souls are Mine. The soul of the father,
so also the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins shall die.
5 But if a man is righteous
and does that which is lawful and right,
6 (Eze 18:15; Dt 4:19; Eze 6:13) and has not eaten on the mountains;
nor has he lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,
nor has he defiled his neighbor's wife,
nor has he approached a woman during her impurity;
7 (Eze 18:16; 18:12; Ex 22:26) and he has not oppressed anyone,
but has restored to the debtor his pledge;
has devastated no one by violence,
has given his bread to the hungry,
and has covered the naked with a garment;
8 (Ex 22:25; Zec 8:16; Dt 23:19-20) if he has not lent at interest,
nor has taken any increase,
but has withdrawn his hand from iniquity,
has executed true justice between man and man;
9 (Am 5:4; Eze 18:17) has walked in My statutes,
and has kept My judgments to deal truly,
he is righteous
and shall surely live,
says the Lord God.
10 (Ex 21:12) If he begets a son who is a robber, a shedder of blood,
and who does any of these things to a brother
11 (though he himself does not do any of these things),
but even has eaten on the mountain shrines
and defiled his neighbor's wife;
12 (Eze 8:6; 8:17) has oppressed the poor and needy,
has devastated by violence,
has not restored the pledge,
and has lifted up his eyes to the idols,
has committed abomination,
13 (Ex 22:25; Lev 20:9) has lent at interest, and has taken increase,
shall he then live?
He shall not live. He has done all these abominations. He shall surely die.
His blood shall be upon his own head.
14 (2Ch 34:21; Pr 23:24) Now if he begets a son who sees all his father's
sins which he has done, and considering does not do likewise:
15 He has not eaten on the mountain shrines,
nor has he lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,
has not defiled his neighbor's wife;
16 (Eze 18:7) nor has he oppressed anyone,
has not withheld a pledge,
nor has he devastated by violence,
but has given his bread to the hungry,
and has covered the naked with a garment;
17 (Eze 18:8-9) he keeps his hand from the poor,
has not received usury nor increase,
has executed My judgments, and has walked in My statutes.
He shall not die for the iniquity of his father; he shall surely live.
18 (Eze 3:18) As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, devastated
his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people,
he shall die for his iniquity.
Repent and Live
19 (Ex 20:5; Jer 15:4) Yet you say, "Why should the son not bear
the punishment of the iniquity of the father?" When the son has done
what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes, and has done them,
he shall surely live.
20 (Dt 24:16; 2Ki 14:6) The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not
bear the punishment of the iniquity of the father, nor shall the father
bear the punishment of the iniquity of the son. The righteousness
of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked
shall be upon himself.
21 (Eze 18:27-28; 33:19) But if the wicked turns from all his sins
that he has committed, and keeps all My statutes, and does that which
is lawful and right, he shall surely live. He shall not die.
22 (Ps 18:20-24; Isa 43:25) All his transgressions that he has committed,
they shall not be remembered against him. Because of his righteousness
that he has done, he shall live.
23 (Eze 33:11; Ps 147:11) Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,
says the Lord God, but rather that he should turn from his ways and live?
24 (1Sa 15:11; Eze 33:18) But when a righteous man turns away
from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all
the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live?
All his righteousness that he has done shall not be remembered for his
trespass that he has committed and in his sin that he has done.
In them he shall die.
25 (Eze 33:17; Ge 18:25) Yet you say, "The way of the Lord is not right."
Hear now, O house of Israel. Is not My way right? Are not your ways not right?
26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness
and commits iniquity,
he dies in it. For his iniquity that he has done he shall die.
27 (Isa 1:18; 55:7) Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness
that he has committed and does that which is lawful and right,
he shall save his soul.
28 Because he considered and turned away from all his transgressions
that he has committed, he shall surely live. He shall not die.
29 Yet the house of Israel says, "The way of the Lord is not right."
O house of Israel, are not My ways right? Are not your ways not right?
30 (Eze 18:21; 7:3) Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one
according to his ways, says the Lord God. Repent, and turn away from all your
transgressions so that iniquity shall not be your ruin.
31 (Eze 11:19; Ps 51:10) Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby
you have transgressed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
For why will you die, O house of Israel?
32 (Eze 18:23) For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,
says the Lord God. Therefore, repent and live.
Ezekiel 18
[1] The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
[2] What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel,
saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set
on edge?
[3] As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to
use this proverb in Israel.
[4] Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul
of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
[5] But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
[6] And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes
to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's
wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
[7] And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge,
hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath
covered the naked with a garment;
[8] He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any
increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true
judgment between man and man,
[9] Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly;
he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
[10] If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth
the like to any one of these things,
[11] And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the
mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,
[12] Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not
restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath
committed abomination,
[13] Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then
live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall
surely die; his blood shall be upon him.
[14] Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he
hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,
[15] That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes
to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife,
[16] Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither
hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath
covered the naked with a garment,
[17] That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received
usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes;
he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.
[18] As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by
violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall
die in his iniquity.
[19] Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When
the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my
statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
[20] The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the
iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the
son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the
wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
[21] But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed,
and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall
surely live, he shall not die.
[22] All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be
mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
[23] Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord
GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
[24] But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and
committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the
wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done
shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his
sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
[25] Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of
Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
[26] When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and
committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done
shall he die.
[27] Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he
hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his
soul alive.
[28] Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions
that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
[29] Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O
house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
[30] Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to
his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your
transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
[31] Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have
transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye
die, O house of Israel?
[32] For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord
GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Ezekiel 19
A Lament for Israel's Princes
1 (2Ki 24:6; Eze 26:17) Moreover take up a lamentation
for the officials of Israel,
2 and say:
What was your mother?
A lioness among lions!
She lay down among young lions;
she nourished her whelps.
3 When she brought up one of her whelps,
he became a lion
and learned to catch his prey;
he devoured men.
4 (2Ki 23:33-34; 2Ch 36:4) The nations also heard of him;
he was taken in their pit,
and they brought him with chains
to the land of Egypt.
5 Now when she saw as she had waited
that her hope was lost,
then she took another of her whelps
and made him a young lion.
6 He went up and down among the lions;
he became a young lion,
and learned to catch the prey,
and devoured men.
7 (Eze 30:12) He destroyed their fortified palaces,
and he laid waste their cities;
and the land and its fullness
were appalled by the noise of his roaring.
8 (Eze 12:13; 19:4) Then the nations set against him
on every side from their provinces,
and spread their net over him;
he was taken in their pit.
9 (2Ch 36:6; Eze 6:2) They put him in a cage with hooks
and brought him to the king of Babylon;
they brought him in hunting nets,
so that his voice would be heard no more
on the mountains of Israel.
10 (Ps 80:8-11; Dt 8:7) Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard,
planted by the waters;
it was fruitful and full of branches
by reason of many waters.
11 (Eze 31:3; Ps 80:15) It had strong rods
for the scepters of those who rule.
And its stature
was exalted above the clouds,
so it appeared in its height
with the multitude of its branches.
12 (Eze 17:10; Hos 13:15) But it was plucked up in fury,
it was cast down to the ground,
and the east wind dried up its fruit.
Its strong rod was broken and it withered;
the fire consumed it.
13 (Hos 2:3; Eze 19:10) Now it is planted in the wilderness,
in a dry and thirsty ground.
14 (2Ki 24:20; Eze 19:1) Fire has gone out from its branch;
it has devoured its shoots and fruit,
so that there is no strong rod in it,
a scepter to rule.
This is a lamentation, and has become a lamentation.
Ezekiel 19
[1] Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
[2] And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she
nourished her whelps among young lions.
[3] And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it
learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.
[4] The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they
brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.
[5] Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she
took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.
[6] And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and
learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.
[7] And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and
the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.
[8] Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and
spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.
[9] And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of
Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be
heard upon the mountains of Israel.
[10] Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was
fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.
[11] And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and
her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her
height with the multitude of her branches.
[12] But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and
the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered;
the fire consumed them.
[13] And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.
[14] And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her
fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a
lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.
2) Our Daily Bread for 18 August 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/08/18/a-compassionate-father
Entitled "A Compassionate Father"
Ps 103:13-18
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass;
as a flower of the field he flourishes.
16 For the hot wind passes over it, and it is gone;
the place where it was is not known.
17 But the mercy of the Lord
is from everlasting to everlasting
upon those who fear Him,
and His righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep His covenant,
and to those who remember to do His commandments.
[13] Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
[14] For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
[15] As for man, his days are as grass:
As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
[16] For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone;
And the place thereof shall know it no more.
[17] But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him,
And his righteousness unto children's children;
[18] To such as keep his covenant,
And to those that remember his commandments to do them.
After eight-year-old Gabriel underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his
brain, it left a noticeable scar on the side of his head. When the boy said
he felt like a monster, his dad, Josh, had an idea: demonstrate how much he
loved his son by getting a tattoo on the side of his head with the same
shape as Gabriel's scar.
According to the psalmist, this is the kind of empathic and compassionate love
God has for "his children" (Psalm 103:13). Using a metaphor drawn from human
life, David illustrated God's love. He said it's as tender as a good father's
care for his children (v. 17). Just as a human father shows compassion to his
children, so God, our heavenly Father, shows love and care toward those who
fear Him. He's a compassionate father, who empathizes with His people.
When we're weak and feel like we're unlovable because of the scars of life,
may we receive, by faith, our heavenly Father's love toward us. He
demonstrated His compassion by sending His Son to lay "down his life for
us" (1 John 3:16)-for our salvation. With this one act, not only can we
experience God's love for us, but we can look to the cross and see it. Aren't
you glad that we have a High Priest who can "empathise with our
weaknesses" (Hebrews 4:15)? He has the scars to prove it.
By: Marvin Williams
Reflect & Pray
How do you mind the gap between knowing God loves you and experiencing
His love? How does it make you feel that Jesus, our High Priest,
can empathise with every scar you have?
For further study, see
Finding Peace by Forgiving Others…And Yourself
Heavenly Father, thank You for your compassionate love for me.
May You use my scars for Your glory.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 5 - Waiting for the Wind
Is 40:31
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4)
but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
31 but they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
High above civilisation, alone on his craggy peak, the eagle waits.
He watches, senses, and then, with effortless grace, he spreads
his wings and soars. He does not flap frantically to gain altitude,
he merely turns his wings into the wind and rises.
Is 40:31 promises that we, too, can be like the eagle,
mounting up on wings, soaring effortlessly,
without weariness. But this is not often our experience.
We usually flap around like invalid pigeons, scratching
for mere existence, flying only when our place in the park is disturbed.
We need to learn to wait on the Lord. Like the wind that raises the eagle
to the heights, the wind of the Spirit will lift us up as well - beyond
the weariness of daily life, beyond the struggle for existence, beyond
the plodding pace of normal interaction.
But the eagle does not rise without plunging for the cliff into the wind.
His ability to stay aloft is based on his understand of wind currents;
when the wind is against him,he rises. He waits on the cliff
until the right moment, then allows the contrary breezes to lift him up.
Most of us are grounded by the winds that are against us. We give up
and never take the first flight. We fear the plunge from the cliff into the
buoyant breath of God, and so we stand fixed, afraid to launch out.
But when we do take the risk, when we wait upon the Lord, and then
give ourselves in obedience to a free-fall from the cliffs of his will,
we discover that there is rest in soaring with him. We do not have to
struggle; we have only to fly, and in flying, to find new strength.
Application
a) Why is "waiting upon the Lord" essential
to "Mounting up with wings as the eagle"?
b) How can this verse help me be more willing to take risks in God's will?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you
the ability to get wealth, so that He may establish His covenant which
He swore to your fathers, as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee
power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto
thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
PSALMS 25:15-21
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.
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 2021 edition?)
New Brunswick
Total population 753900
Muslim population (est.) 4543
Moncton, followed by Fredericton and Saint John, each have a growing Muslim
population in New Brunswick, In 2007, the building that was formerly a Baptist
church was converted into Moncton's 1st mosque. The University of Moncton
also has a Muslim student association hosting prayer services, fellowship
getherings, and outreaches on campus.
Fredericton also has one mosque and a Muslim student association serving the
campuses of the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University.
Fredericton's Muslim population consists in 2014 of about 50 families,
and between 300 to 400 university students.
Saint John is home to the 1st Muslim Association for the province,
which also helped foster the Islamic associations of Fredericton and Moncton.
a 'musalla', or prayer location that is not officially structured as a mosque,
has been established in the Uptown area with the intention of seeing it grow
into a 2nd official place of Muslim worship. Demand for this new location has
been primarily for university students moving into the area.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
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, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
18th Day of the Month
a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
( Jer 31:25
25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul.
25 For I have satiated the weary soul,
and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
( Ps 34:7
7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,
and delivers them.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,
And delivereth them.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray of prayer of repentance of your sin.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, thank You for your
compassionate love for me. May You use my scars for Your glory."
Pray to the Lord and pray to wait upon the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand His covenant.
Pray to the Lord and pray for integrity and uprightness.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
Pray for the protection of Kuwaiti believers who are meeting in
increasing numbers.
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.