Day 244 of My Second Bible Study Journey - 1 September reflections
Day 244, 1 September 2022
1)1 Chronicles 8:29-40
1 Chronicles 9:1
Daniel 4
Ezekiel 40:1-37
1 Chronicles 8:29-40
29 The father of Gibeon dwelt in Gibeon, and Maakah was his wife's name.
30 His firstborn son was Abdon, along with Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab,
31 Gedor, Ahio, and Zeker.
32 Mikloth also became the father of Shimeah. Now these also dwelt
in Jerusalem with their own families near their brothers.
33 (1Sa 9:1; 31:2; 2Sa 2:8) Ner became the father of Kish;
Kish the father of Saul; Saul the father of Jonathan,
Malki-Shua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal.
34 (2Sa 9:12; 4:4) Jonathan's son was
Merib-Baal, and Merib-Baal became the father of Micah.
35 The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melek, Tarea, and Ahaz.
36 Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah
became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth,
and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza,
37 and Moza became the father of Binea.
Now Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.
38 Azel had six sons, and their names were
Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan.
All these were the sons of Azel.
39 The sons of his brother Eshek were
Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.
40 The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, even archers,
and had many sons and grandsons, one hundred and fifty in all.
These were all the sons of Benjamin.
[28] These were heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief men.
These
dwelt in Jerusalem.
[29] And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name was
Maachah:
[30] And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,
[31] And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher.
[32] And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in
Jerusalem, over against them.
[33] And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and
Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.
[34] And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat Micah.
[35] And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.
[36] And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and
Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,
[37] And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his
son:
[38] And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and
Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of
Azel.
[39] And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the
second, and Eliphelet the third.
[40] And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many
sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of
Benjamin.
1 Chronicles 9:1
1 CHRONICLES 9
1 So all Israel was registered by genealogies, and these were written
in the book of the kings of Israel. And Judah was led into exile
to Babylon for their unfaithfulness.
[1] So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were
written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away
to Babylon for their transgression.
Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream
1 (Da 6:25; 3:4) Nebuchadnezzar the king,
to all peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth:
Peace be multiplied to you.
2 (Da 3:26) I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that
the Most High God has done for me.
3 (Da 2:44; Ps 105:27) How great are His signs,
and how mighty are His wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and His dominion is from generation to generation.
4 (Isa 47:7-8) I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house,
and flourishing in my palace.
5 (Da 2:1) I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed
and the visions of my head troubled me.
6 (Da 2:2) Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon
before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.
7 (Isa 44:25; Jer 27:9-10) Then came in the magicians, the astrologers,
the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers, and I told the dream before them;
but they did not make known to me its interpretation.
8 (Da 1:7; 4:18) But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name
was Belteshazzar according to the name of my god and in whom is the Spirit
of the Holy God, and before him I told the dream, saying,
9 (Da 2:48; 5:11) "Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know
that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you and no secret troubles you,
tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
10 (Da 4:5) Now these were the visions of my mind while on my bed:
I saw a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great.
11 (Dt 9:1; Da 4:21-22) The tree grew and became strong, and its height
reached heaven, and it was visible to the end of all the earth.
12 (Eze 17:23; La 4:20) Its leaves were fair, and its fruit much,
and in it was food for all. The animals of the field had shadow under it,
and the fowl of the heavens lived in its boughs, and all flesh
was fed of it.
13 (Dt 33:2; Da 7:1) "I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed,
and there was a holy watcher coming down from heaven.
14 (Mt 3:10; Eze 31:12--3) He cried aloud and said thus:
'Hew down the tree and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves
and scatter its fruit. Let the animals get away from under it,
and the fowl from its branches.
15 (Job 14:7-9) Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth,
even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field.
" 'And let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be
with the animals in the grass of the earth.
16 (Da 4:23; 4:25) Let its heart be changed from that of a man,
let him be given the heart of an animal. And let seven periods
of time pass over it.
17 (Da 4:25; 1Sa 2:8; Jer 27:5-7) " 'This matter is by the decree
of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones,
in order that the living may know that the Most High rules
over the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He wills
and sets up over it the basest of men.'
18 (Ge 41:8; Da 5:8) "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen.
Now you, Belteshazzar, tell its interpretation to me, because
all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known
to me the interpretation. But you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God
is in you."
Daniel Interprets the Dream
19 (Da 7:28; 8:27) Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished
for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke and said,
"Belteshazzar, do not let the dream, or its interpretation, trouble you."
Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, if only the dream was for those
who hate you, and its interpretation for your enemies!
20 (Da 4:10-12) The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong,
whose height reached to the heavens, and was visible to all the earth,
21 and whose leaves were fair, and its fruit much, and in it was food
for all, under which the animals of the field lived,
and upon whose branches the fowl of the heavens had their habitation:
22 (2Sa 12:7; Da 2:37-38) It is you, O king, who have grown
and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven,
and your dominion to the ends of the earth.
23 (Da 5:21) "Whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down
from heaven and saying, 'Cut the tree down and destroy it, yet
leave the stump of its roots in the ground, even with a band of iron
and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. And let it be wet
with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be with the animals
of the field until seven periods of time pass over it'-
24 (Ps 107:40; Job 40:11-12) "This is the interpretation, O king,
and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon
my lord the king:
25 (Da 4:17; Ps 83:18; Jer 27:5) You shall be driven away from men,
and your dwelling shall be with the wild animals.
You shall be given grass to eat like oxen, and wet with the dew of heaven.
And seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that
the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever
He chooses.
26 (Da 4:15) Inasmuch as they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots,
your kingdom shall be assured to you after you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
27 (1Ki 21:29; Isa 55:6-7) Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable
to you, and break off your sins by righteousness and your iniquities
by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a lengthening
of your prosperity.
The Dream Is Fulfilled
28 (Nu 23:19; Zec 1:6) All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
29 At the end of twelve months he walked on the roof of the palace
of the kingdom of Babylon.
30 (Isa 37:24-25) The king spoke, saying, "Is this not Babylon the Great
that I myself have built as a royal residence by my mighty power
and for the honor of my majesty?"
31 (Lk 12:20) While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice
from heaven: "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom
has departed from you!
32 (Da 5:21) And you shall be driven away from men, and your dwelling
shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be given grass
to eat as oxen, and seven periods of time shall pass over
you until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
and gives it to whomever He wills."
33 (Da 4:25; 4:32) Immediately the thing was fulfilled concerning
Nebuchadnezzar. And he was driven from men and ate grass as oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until his hairs were grown
like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
34 (Jer 10:10; Da 12:7) But at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar,
lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me,
and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him who lives forever:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and whose kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 (Ps 115:3; 135:6; Job 42:2) And all the inhabitants of the earth
are reputed as nothing;
and He does according to His will
in the army of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth.
And no one can stay His hand or say to Him,
"What have You done?"
36 (Pr 22:4; 2Ch 33:12-13) At the same time my reason returned to me.
And for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me.
And my counselors and my lords sought me out. Then I was established
in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me.
37 (Dt 32:4; Ex 18:11) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol
and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true
and His ways just, and those who walk in pride He is able to abase.
Daniel 4
[1] Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that
dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
[2] I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath
wrought toward me.
[3] How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is
an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
[4] I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
[5] I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and
the visions of my head troubled me.
[6] Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before
me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.
[7] Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the
soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known
unto me the interpretation thereof.
[8] But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar,
according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods:
and before him I told the dream, saying,
[9] O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit
of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the
visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
[10] Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree
in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
[11] The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto
heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
[12] The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was
meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of
the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
[13] I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and
an holy one came down from heaven;
[14] He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his
branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get
away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
[15] Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a
band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet
with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass
of the earth:
[16] Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given
unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
[17] This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the
word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most
High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and
setteth up over it the basest of men.
[18] This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar,
declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my
kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art
able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
[19] Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour,
and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let
not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar
answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the
interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
[20] The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height
reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;
[21] Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat
for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches
the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
[22] It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness
is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
[23] And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from
heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump
of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in
the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and
let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over
him;
[24] This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most
High, which is come upon my lord the king:
[25] That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the
beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they
shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee,
till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth
it to whomsoever he will.
[26] And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy
kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the
heavens do rule.
[27] Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break
off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the
poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
[28] All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
[29] At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of
Babylon.
[30] The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built
for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of
my majesty?
[31] While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven,
saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed
from thee.
[32] And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the
beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven
times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the
kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
[33] The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was
driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the
dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his
nails like birds' claws.
[34] And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto
heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most
High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is
an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
[35] And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he
doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the
inhabitants
of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
[36] At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my
kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and
my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent
majesty was added unto me.
[37] Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven,
all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in
pride he is able to abase.
Ezekiel 40:1-37
The Vision of the New Temple
1 (Eze 33:21; 1:2-3; 3:14) In the twenty-fifth year of our captivity,
in the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month,
in the fourteenth year after the city was struck, on that very day
the hand of the Lord was upon me and He brought me there.
2 (Eze 1:1; Da 7:1) In the visions of God He brought me into the land
of Israel and set me upon a very high mountain, on which was as the frame
of a city on the south.
3 (Eze 47:3; 1:7; Rev 11:1) He brought me there, and there was a man whose
appearance was like the appearance of bronze, with a line of flax
and a measuring reed in his hand. And he stood in the gate.
4 (Eze 44:5; Jer 26:2; Isa 21:10) The man said to me, "Son of man, look
with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart on all that
I shall show you. For you have been brought here to show it to you.
Declare all that you see to the house of Israel."
The East Gate
5 (Eze 42:20; Isa 26:1) There was a wall all around the outside
of the temple. In the man's hand was a measuring reed of six cubits
[About 11 feet, or 3.2 meters.] The long cubit of about 21 inches,
[or about 53 centimeters is used throughout ch. 40-48.] long, each being
a cubit and a handbreadth. [Likely about 35 pounds, or 16 kilograms.]
So he measured the width of the building, one reed. And the height, one reed.
6 (Eze 8:16; 43:1) Then he went to the gateway facing east;
and he went up its stairs and measured the threshold of the gate,
which was one reed wide. And the other threshold of the gate
was one reed wide.
7 (Eze 40:36) Every little chamber was one reed long and one reed wide.
And between the little chambers were five cubits.
[About 8 3/4 feet, or 2.7 meters; and in v. 48.]
And the threshold of the gate by the vestibule of the inside gate
was one reed.
8 He measured also the vestibule of the gate within, one reed.
9 Then he measured the vestibule of the gate, eight cubits.
[About 14 feet, or 4.2 meters.]
And its posts, two cubits. [About 3 1/2 feet, or 1 meter.]
And the vestibule of the gate was the inner end.
10 The little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side
and three on that side. The three were of one measurement.
And the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.
11 He measured the width of the entrance of the gate, ten cubits,
[About 18 feet, or 5.3 meters.] and the length of the gate,
thirteen cubits. [About 18 feet wide and 23 feet long,
or 5.3 meters wide and 6.9 meters long. ]
12 The space also before the little chambers was one cubit
[About 21 inches, or about 53 centimeters.] on this side,
and the space was one cubit on that side. And the little chambers
were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.
13 He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber
to the roof of another; the width was 245 cubits,
[About 44 feet, or 13 meters; and in vv. 21, 25, 29, 30, 33, and 36.]
door against door.
14 (Ex 27:9; 1Ch 28:6) He measured the posts, sixty cubits,
[About 105 feet, or 32 meters.] even to the post of the court
all around the gate.
15 From the face of the gate of the entrance to the face of the vestibule
of the inner gate was fifty cubits. [About 88 feet, or 27 meters;
and in vv. 21, 25, 29, 33, and 36.]
16 (1Ki 6:4; 2Ch 3:5) There were narrow windows in the little chambers
and in their posts inside the gate all around, and likewise
in the vestibules. And windows were all around inside. And on each post
were palm tree ornaments.
The Outer Court
17 (Eze 42:1; Rev 11:2) Then he brought me into the outer court,
and there were chambers and a pavement made all around the court.
Thirty chambers were on the pavement.
18 The pavement was by the side of the gates, corresponding to the length
of the gates; this was the lower pavement.
19 (Eze 40:23; 40:27) Then he measured the width from the front
of the lower gate to the outer front of the inner court, a hundred cubits
[About 175 feet, or 53 meters; and in vv. 23, 27, and 47. ]
eastward and northward.
The North Gate
20 As for the gate of the outer court that faced north,
he measured its length and its width.
21 (Eze 40:29-30) Its little chambers, three on this side
and three on that side, its posts, and its arches had the same measurements
as the first gate; its length was 50 cubits, and its width 25 cubits.
22 (Eze 40:31; 40:37) Its windows, and those of its arches,
and its palm trees had the same measurements as the gate facing east.
Seven steps led up to it; and its arches were in front of it.
23 (Eze 40:19; 40:27-28) The gate of the inner court was opposite
the gate on the north, as on the east. And he measured from gate to gate,
a hundred cubits.
The South Gate
24 (Eze 40:6; 40:20-21) After that he brought me toward the south,
and there was a gate facing south. And he measured its posts
and its arches according to these same measurements.
25 (Eze 40:33; 40:16) There were windows in it and in its arches
all around like those windows. The length was fifty cubits,
and the width 25 cubits.
26 (Eze 40:22; 40:16; 40:6) There were seven steps to go up to it,
and its arches were before them. And it had palm tree ornaments,
one on this side, and another on that side on its posts.
27 (Eze 40:23; 40:32; 40:19) There was a gate in the inner court
facing south. And he measured from gate to gate toward the south,
a hundred cubits.
The Inner Court
28 (Eze 40:35; 40:32) He brought me to the inner court by the south gate.
And he measured the south gate according to these same measurements.
29 (Eze 40:25; 40:7) And its little chambers and its posts and its arches
were according to these same measurements. And there were windows in it
and in its arches all around. It was 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide.
30 (Eze 40:21) The arches all around were 25 cubits long and 5 cubits wide.
31 (Eze 40:26; 40:22; 40:34) Its arches faced the outer court.
And palm tree ornaments were on its posts. And its staircase had eight steps.
32 (Eze 40:28-31; 40:35) He brought me into the inner court facing east.
And he measured the gate according to these same measurements.
33 (Eze 40:21) Its little chambers and its posts and its arches
were according to these same measurements. And there were windows
in it and in its arches all around. It was fifty cubits
[About 1 1/2 miles, or 2.4 kilometers.] long and 25 cubits wide.
34 (Eze 40:22; 40:31) Its arches faced the outer court. And palm tree
ornaments were on its posts, on this side and on that side.
And its staircase had eight steps.
35 (Eze 47:2; 40:32) He brought me to the north gate and measured it
according to these same measurements;
36 (Eze 40:21; 40:29) its little chambers, its posts, and its arches,
and it had windows all around: the length was 50 cubits, and the width
25 cubits.
37 (Eze 40:34) Its posts faced the outer court. And palm tree ornaments
were on its posts, on this side and on that side. And its staircase
had eight steps.
Ezekiel 40
[1] In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the
year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the
city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and
brought me thither.
[2] In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me
upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the
south.
[3] And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose
appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his
hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
[4] And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear
with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to
the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare
all that thou seest to the house of Israel.
[5] And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the
man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand
breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the
height, one reed.
[6] Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up
the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one
reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad.
[7] And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and
between the little chambers were five cubits; and the threshold of the gate
by the porch of the gate within was one reed.
[8] He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.
[9] Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts
thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.
[10] And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side,
and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had
one measure on this side and on that side.
[11] And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and
the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
[12] The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side,
and the space was one cubit on that side: and the little chambers were six
cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.
[13] He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the
roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cubits, door against door.
[14] He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the
court round about the gate.
[15] And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the
porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.
[16] And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their
posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows
were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.
[17] Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, there were
chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers
were upon the pavement.
[18] And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of
the gates was the lower pavement.
[19] Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto
the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and
northward.
[20] And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he
measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
[21] And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on
that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the
measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the
breadth five and twenty cubits.
[22] And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after
the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto
it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.
[23] And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the
north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred
cubits.
[24] After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the
south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to
these measures.
[25] And there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about,
like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and
twenty cubits.
[26] And there were seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof were
before them: and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that
side, upon the posts thereof.
[27] And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he
measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.
[28] And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured
the south gate according to these measures;
[29] And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches
thereof, according to these measures: and there were windows in it and in
the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and
twenty cubits broad.
[30] And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five
cubits broad.
[31] And the arches thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees
were upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it had eight steps.
[32] And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he
measured the gate according to these measures.
[33] And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches
thereof, were according to these measures: and there were windows therein
and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five
and twenty cubits broad.
[34] And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees
were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going
up to it had eight steps.
[35] And he brought me to the north gate, and measured it according to these
measures;
[36] The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches
thereof,
and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the
breadth five and twenty cubits.
[37] And the posts thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were
upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to
it had eight steps.
2) Our Daily Bread for 1 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/01/hygge
Entitled "When We Gather Together"
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter
the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,
21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house
of God,
22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another
to love and to good works.
25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13) Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,
especially as you see the Day approaching.
[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the
blood of Jesus,
[20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the
veil, that is to say, his flesh;
[21] And having an high priest over the house of God;
[22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having
our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with
pure water.
[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he
is faithful that promised;)
[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
Denmark is among the happiest countries in the world, according to the World
Happiness Report. The Danes weather their lengthy, dark winters by gathering
with friends to share a warm drink or a gracious meal. The word they use for
the feelings associated with those moments is hygge (hoo-gah). Hygge helps
them offset the impact of enjoying less sunlight than their counterparts at
lower latitudes. By circling around a simple table with loved ones, their
hearts are nourished.
The writer of Hebrews encourages gathering together as a community. He
acknowledges that there will be difficult days-with challenges far more
significant than the weather-requiring those who follow Christ to persevere
in faith. Though Jesus has made certain our acceptance by God through our
faith in the Saviour, we may struggle against shame or doubt or real
opposition. By gathering together, we have the privilege of encouraging one
another. When we're sharing company, we're able to "spur one another on
toward love and good deeds," which bolsters our faith (Hebrews 10:24).
Gathering with friends doesn't assure us of a ranking on a "happiness report."
It is, however, something the Bible offers as a means to bear us up in faith
under the common frustrations of life. What a wonderful reason to seek out
the community of a church or to open our homes-with an attitude of Danish
simplicity-to nourish one another’s hearts!
By: Kirsten Holmberg
Reflect & Pray
How has gathering together with others encouraged you?
Who can you encourage with an open heart?
Thank You, God, that I can encourage other believers
and be encouraged by them when we gather together.
For further study, read
Understanding the Bible: The Letter to the Hebrews.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 5 - Starting Over
2 Cor 5:17
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away.
Look, all things have become new.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
"The trouble with turning over a new leaf," Gordon sighed,
"is that once you've done it twice, you're right back where
you started." Gordon, in his mid-fifties, had his job
"canceled" by a company wanting to cut back on retirement payments.
Out of work, with few prospects, he said wistfully,
"I wish I had the chance to start over again."
Many of us would echo Gordon's sentiments. Whether we have lost a job,
gone through a divorce, moved to another part of the country, or
experienced some lesser crisis, we often long for the chance to
begin again, fresh, without the shadow of past mistakes following us.
God's word offers just such an opportunity. Anyone who is in Christ,
Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, is a "new creation". For the Christian, the past
is truly past - "all things are become new". In the forgiveness
and restoration of God's grace we can leave the past behind,
with all its mistakes, and enter into new life.
And the promise is not just for the newly saved. Those of us who
have been Christians for years need to hear the truth of 2 Cor 5:17 again,
for we accumulated some "new mistakes" since we came to Christ. Anyone who
is in Christ is a new creation; the freedom of forgiveness, of
"starting over" is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
We cannot every really "start over" simply by establishing New Year's
resolutions or turning over a new leaf. Only God gives us that opportunity;
his grace allows us to clear away the rubble of the past and begin again.
Everything becomes new in God's loving forgiveness.
Application
a) What "resolutions" have I made in an attempt to "start over"
in some area of struggle or failure in my life? Did my resolutions work?
b) What does 2 Cor 5:17 mean for me at this point in my Christian Life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebr 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Matt 7:7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock
Lk 11:9-13
7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,
and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?
11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give
good things to those who ask Him!
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you:
8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,
will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,
how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things
to them that ask him?
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?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
1st Day of the month
1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon
all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Acts 2:17 "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.
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams:
)
2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water; He turns it to any place He will.
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,
As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to be humble for He does everything.
Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, God, that I can encourage other believers
and be encouraged by them when we gather together."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to remember that
you are a new creation in Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him diligently.
Pray to the Lord and pray the Lord to give him your doubts.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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 for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
Pray for Christian Ministry workers in northern Kenya who live under
continual threat of attack.
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)1 Chronicles 8:29-40
1 Chronicles 9:1
Daniel 4
Ezekiel 40:1-37
1 Chronicles 8:29-40
29 The father of Gibeon dwelt in Gibeon, and Maakah was his wife's name.
30 His firstborn son was Abdon, along with Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab,
31 Gedor, Ahio, and Zeker.
32 Mikloth also became the father of Shimeah. Now these also dwelt
in Jerusalem with their own families near their brothers.
33 (1Sa 9:1; 31:2; 2Sa 2:8) Ner became the father of Kish;
Kish the father of Saul; Saul the father of Jonathan,
Malki-Shua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal.
34 (2Sa 9:12; 4:4) Jonathan's son was
Merib-Baal, and Merib-Baal became the father of Micah.
35 The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melek, Tarea, and Ahaz.
36 Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah
became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth,
and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza,
37 and Moza became the father of Binea.
Now Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.
38 Azel had six sons, and their names were
Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan.
All these were the sons of Azel.
39 The sons of his brother Eshek were
Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.
40 The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, even archers,
and had many sons and grandsons, one hundred and fifty in all.
These were all the sons of Benjamin.
[28] These were heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief men.
These
dwelt in Jerusalem.
[29] And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name was
Maachah:
[30] And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,
[31] And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher.
[32] And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in
Jerusalem, over against them.
[33] And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and
Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.
[34] And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat Micah.
[35] And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.
[36] And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and
Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,
[37] And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his
son:
[38] And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and
Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of
Azel.
[39] And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the
second, and Eliphelet the third.
[40] And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many
sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of
Benjamin.
1 Chronicles 9:1
1 CHRONICLES 9
1 So all Israel was registered by genealogies, and these were written
in the book of the kings of Israel. And Judah was led into exile
to Babylon for their unfaithfulness.
[1] So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were
written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away
to Babylon for their transgression.
Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream
1 (Da 6:25; 3:4) Nebuchadnezzar the king,
to all peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth:
Peace be multiplied to you.
2 (Da 3:26) I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that
the Most High God has done for me.
3 (Da 2:44; Ps 105:27) How great are His signs,
and how mighty are His wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and His dominion is from generation to generation.
4 (Isa 47:7-8) I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house,
and flourishing in my palace.
5 (Da 2:1) I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed
and the visions of my head troubled me.
6 (Da 2:2) Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon
before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.
7 (Isa 44:25; Jer 27:9-10) Then came in the magicians, the astrologers,
the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers, and I told the dream before them;
but they did not make known to me its interpretation.
8 (Da 1:7; 4:18) But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name
was Belteshazzar according to the name of my god and in whom is the Spirit
of the Holy God, and before him I told the dream, saying,
9 (Da 2:48; 5:11) "Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know
that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you and no secret troubles you,
tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
10 (Da 4:5) Now these were the visions of my mind while on my bed:
I saw a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great.
11 (Dt 9:1; Da 4:21-22) The tree grew and became strong, and its height
reached heaven, and it was visible to the end of all the earth.
12 (Eze 17:23; La 4:20) Its leaves were fair, and its fruit much,
and in it was food for all. The animals of the field had shadow under it,
and the fowl of the heavens lived in its boughs, and all flesh
was fed of it.
13 (Dt 33:2; Da 7:1) "I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed,
and there was a holy watcher coming down from heaven.
14 (Mt 3:10; Eze 31:12--3) He cried aloud and said thus:
'Hew down the tree and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves
and scatter its fruit. Let the animals get away from under it,
and the fowl from its branches.
15 (Job 14:7-9) Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth,
even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field.
" 'And let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be
with the animals in the grass of the earth.
16 (Da 4:23; 4:25) Let its heart be changed from that of a man,
let him be given the heart of an animal. And let seven periods
of time pass over it.
17 (Da 4:25; 1Sa 2:8; Jer 27:5-7) " 'This matter is by the decree
of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones,
in order that the living may know that the Most High rules
over the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He wills
and sets up over it the basest of men.'
18 (Ge 41:8; Da 5:8) "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen.
Now you, Belteshazzar, tell its interpretation to me, because
all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known
to me the interpretation. But you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God
is in you."
Daniel Interprets the Dream
19 (Da 7:28; 8:27) Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished
for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke and said,
"Belteshazzar, do not let the dream, or its interpretation, trouble you."
Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, if only the dream was for those
who hate you, and its interpretation for your enemies!
20 (Da 4:10-12) The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong,
whose height reached to the heavens, and was visible to all the earth,
21 and whose leaves were fair, and its fruit much, and in it was food
for all, under which the animals of the field lived,
and upon whose branches the fowl of the heavens had their habitation:
22 (2Sa 12:7; Da 2:37-38) It is you, O king, who have grown
and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven,
and your dominion to the ends of the earth.
23 (Da 5:21) "Whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down
from heaven and saying, 'Cut the tree down and destroy it, yet
leave the stump of its roots in the ground, even with a band of iron
and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. And let it be wet
with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be with the animals
of the field until seven periods of time pass over it'-
24 (Ps 107:40; Job 40:11-12) "This is the interpretation, O king,
and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon
my lord the king:
25 (Da 4:17; Ps 83:18; Jer 27:5) You shall be driven away from men,
and your dwelling shall be with the wild animals.
You shall be given grass to eat like oxen, and wet with the dew of heaven.
And seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that
the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever
He chooses.
26 (Da 4:15) Inasmuch as they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots,
your kingdom shall be assured to you after you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
27 (1Ki 21:29; Isa 55:6-7) Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable
to you, and break off your sins by righteousness and your iniquities
by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a lengthening
of your prosperity.
The Dream Is Fulfilled
28 (Nu 23:19; Zec 1:6) All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
29 At the end of twelve months he walked on the roof of the palace
of the kingdom of Babylon.
30 (Isa 37:24-25) The king spoke, saying, "Is this not Babylon the Great
that I myself have built as a royal residence by my mighty power
and for the honor of my majesty?"
31 (Lk 12:20) While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice
from heaven: "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom
has departed from you!
32 (Da 5:21) And you shall be driven away from men, and your dwelling
shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be given grass
to eat as oxen, and seven periods of time shall pass over
you until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
and gives it to whomever He wills."
33 (Da 4:25; 4:32) Immediately the thing was fulfilled concerning
Nebuchadnezzar. And he was driven from men and ate grass as oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until his hairs were grown
like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
34 (Jer 10:10; Da 12:7) But at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar,
lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me,
and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him who lives forever:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and whose kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 (Ps 115:3; 135:6; Job 42:2) And all the inhabitants of the earth
are reputed as nothing;
and He does according to His will
in the army of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth.
And no one can stay His hand or say to Him,
"What have You done?"
36 (Pr 22:4; 2Ch 33:12-13) At the same time my reason returned to me.
And for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me.
And my counselors and my lords sought me out. Then I was established
in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me.
37 (Dt 32:4; Ex 18:11) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol
and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true
and His ways just, and those who walk in pride He is able to abase.
Daniel 4
[1] Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that
dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
[2] I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath
wrought toward me.
[3] How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is
an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
[4] I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
[5] I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and
the visions of my head troubled me.
[6] Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before
me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.
[7] Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the
soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known
unto me the interpretation thereof.
[8] But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar,
according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods:
and before him I told the dream, saying,
[9] O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit
of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the
visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
[10] Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree
in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
[11] The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto
heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
[12] The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was
meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of
the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
[13] I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and
an holy one came down from heaven;
[14] He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his
branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get
away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
[15] Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a
band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet
with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass
of the earth:
[16] Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given
unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
[17] This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the
word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most
High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and
setteth up over it the basest of men.
[18] This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar,
declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my
kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art
able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
[19] Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour,
and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let
not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar
answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the
interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
[20] The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height
reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;
[21] Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat
for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches
the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
[22] It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness
is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
[23] And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from
heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump
of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in
the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and
let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over
him;
[24] This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most
High, which is come upon my lord the king:
[25] That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the
beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they
shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee,
till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth
it to whomsoever he will.
[26] And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy
kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the
heavens do rule.
[27] Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break
off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the
poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
[28] All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
[29] At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of
Babylon.
[30] The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built
for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of
my majesty?
[31] While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven,
saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed
from thee.
[32] And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the
beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven
times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the
kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
[33] The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was
driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the
dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his
nails like birds' claws.
[34] And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto
heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most
High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is
an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
[35] And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he
doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the
inhabitants
of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
[36] At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my
kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and
my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent
majesty was added unto me.
[37] Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven,
all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in
pride he is able to abase.
Ezekiel 40:1-37
The Vision of the New Temple
1 (Eze 33:21; 1:2-3; 3:14) In the twenty-fifth year of our captivity,
in the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month,
in the fourteenth year after the city was struck, on that very day
the hand of the Lord was upon me and He brought me there.
2 (Eze 1:1; Da 7:1) In the visions of God He brought me into the land
of Israel and set me upon a very high mountain, on which was as the frame
of a city on the south.
3 (Eze 47:3; 1:7; Rev 11:1) He brought me there, and there was a man whose
appearance was like the appearance of bronze, with a line of flax
and a measuring reed in his hand. And he stood in the gate.
4 (Eze 44:5; Jer 26:2; Isa 21:10) The man said to me, "Son of man, look
with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart on all that
I shall show you. For you have been brought here to show it to you.
Declare all that you see to the house of Israel."
The East Gate
5 (Eze 42:20; Isa 26:1) There was a wall all around the outside
of the temple. In the man's hand was a measuring reed of six cubits
[About 11 feet, or 3.2 meters.] The long cubit of about 21 inches,
[or about 53 centimeters is used throughout ch. 40-48.] long, each being
a cubit and a handbreadth. [Likely about 35 pounds, or 16 kilograms.]
So he measured the width of the building, one reed. And the height, one reed.
6 (Eze 8:16; 43:1) Then he went to the gateway facing east;
and he went up its stairs and measured the threshold of the gate,
which was one reed wide. And the other threshold of the gate
was one reed wide.
7 (Eze 40:36) Every little chamber was one reed long and one reed wide.
And between the little chambers were five cubits.
[About 8 3/4 feet, or 2.7 meters; and in v. 48.]
And the threshold of the gate by the vestibule of the inside gate
was one reed.
8 He measured also the vestibule of the gate within, one reed.
9 Then he measured the vestibule of the gate, eight cubits.
[About 14 feet, or 4.2 meters.]
And its posts, two cubits. [About 3 1/2 feet, or 1 meter.]
And the vestibule of the gate was the inner end.
10 The little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side
and three on that side. The three were of one measurement.
And the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.
11 He measured the width of the entrance of the gate, ten cubits,
[About 18 feet, or 5.3 meters.] and the length of the gate,
thirteen cubits. [About 18 feet wide and 23 feet long,
or 5.3 meters wide and 6.9 meters long. ]
12 The space also before the little chambers was one cubit
[About 21 inches, or about 53 centimeters.] on this side,
and the space was one cubit on that side. And the little chambers
were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.
13 He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber
to the roof of another; the width was 245 cubits,
[About 44 feet, or 13 meters; and in vv. 21, 25, 29, 30, 33, and 36.]
door against door.
14 (Ex 27:9; 1Ch 28:6) He measured the posts, sixty cubits,
[About 105 feet, or 32 meters.] even to the post of the court
all around the gate.
15 From the face of the gate of the entrance to the face of the vestibule
of the inner gate was fifty cubits. [About 88 feet, or 27 meters;
and in vv. 21, 25, 29, 33, and 36.]
16 (1Ki 6:4; 2Ch 3:5) There were narrow windows in the little chambers
and in their posts inside the gate all around, and likewise
in the vestibules. And windows were all around inside. And on each post
were palm tree ornaments.
The Outer Court
17 (Eze 42:1; Rev 11:2) Then he brought me into the outer court,
and there were chambers and a pavement made all around the court.
Thirty chambers were on the pavement.
18 The pavement was by the side of the gates, corresponding to the length
of the gates; this was the lower pavement.
19 (Eze 40:23; 40:27) Then he measured the width from the front
of the lower gate to the outer front of the inner court, a hundred cubits
[About 175 feet, or 53 meters; and in vv. 23, 27, and 47. ]
eastward and northward.
The North Gate
20 As for the gate of the outer court that faced north,
he measured its length and its width.
21 (Eze 40:29-30) Its little chambers, three on this side
and three on that side, its posts, and its arches had the same measurements
as the first gate; its length was 50 cubits, and its width 25 cubits.
22 (Eze 40:31; 40:37) Its windows, and those of its arches,
and its palm trees had the same measurements as the gate facing east.
Seven steps led up to it; and its arches were in front of it.
23 (Eze 40:19; 40:27-28) The gate of the inner court was opposite
the gate on the north, as on the east. And he measured from gate to gate,
a hundred cubits.
The South Gate
24 (Eze 40:6; 40:20-21) After that he brought me toward the south,
and there was a gate facing south. And he measured its posts
and its arches according to these same measurements.
25 (Eze 40:33; 40:16) There were windows in it and in its arches
all around like those windows. The length was fifty cubits,
and the width 25 cubits.
26 (Eze 40:22; 40:16; 40:6) There were seven steps to go up to it,
and its arches were before them. And it had palm tree ornaments,
one on this side, and another on that side on its posts.
27 (Eze 40:23; 40:32; 40:19) There was a gate in the inner court
facing south. And he measured from gate to gate toward the south,
a hundred cubits.
The Inner Court
28 (Eze 40:35; 40:32) He brought me to the inner court by the south gate.
And he measured the south gate according to these same measurements.
29 (Eze 40:25; 40:7) And its little chambers and its posts and its arches
were according to these same measurements. And there were windows in it
and in its arches all around. It was 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide.
30 (Eze 40:21) The arches all around were 25 cubits long and 5 cubits wide.
31 (Eze 40:26; 40:22; 40:34) Its arches faced the outer court.
And palm tree ornaments were on its posts. And its staircase had eight steps.
32 (Eze 40:28-31; 40:35) He brought me into the inner court facing east.
And he measured the gate according to these same measurements.
33 (Eze 40:21) Its little chambers and its posts and its arches
were according to these same measurements. And there were windows
in it and in its arches all around. It was fifty cubits
[About 1 1/2 miles, or 2.4 kilometers.] long and 25 cubits wide.
34 (Eze 40:22; 40:31) Its arches faced the outer court. And palm tree
ornaments were on its posts, on this side and on that side.
And its staircase had eight steps.
35 (Eze 47:2; 40:32) He brought me to the north gate and measured it
according to these same measurements;
36 (Eze 40:21; 40:29) its little chambers, its posts, and its arches,
and it had windows all around: the length was 50 cubits, and the width
25 cubits.
37 (Eze 40:34) Its posts faced the outer court. And palm tree ornaments
were on its posts, on this side and on that side. And its staircase
had eight steps.
Ezekiel 40
[1] In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the
year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the
city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and
brought me thither.
[2] In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me
upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the
south.
[3] And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose
appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his
hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
[4] And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear
with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to
the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare
all that thou seest to the house of Israel.
[5] And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the
man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand
breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the
height, one reed.
[6] Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up
the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one
reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad.
[7] And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and
between the little chambers were five cubits; and the threshold of the gate
by the porch of the gate within was one reed.
[8] He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.
[9] Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts
thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.
[10] And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side,
and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had
one measure on this side and on that side.
[11] And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and
the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
[12] The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side,
and the space was one cubit on that side: and the little chambers were six
cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.
[13] He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the
roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cubits, door against door.
[14] He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the
court round about the gate.
[15] And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the
porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.
[16] And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their
posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows
were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.
[17] Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, there were
chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers
were upon the pavement.
[18] And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of
the gates was the lower pavement.
[19] Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto
the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and
northward.
[20] And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he
measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
[21] And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on
that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the
measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the
breadth five and twenty cubits.
[22] And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after
the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto
it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.
[23] And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the
north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred
cubits.
[24] After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the
south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to
these measures.
[25] And there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about,
like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and
twenty cubits.
[26] And there were seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof were
before them: and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that
side, upon the posts thereof.
[27] And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he
measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.
[28] And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured
the south gate according to these measures;
[29] And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches
thereof, according to these measures: and there were windows in it and in
the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and
twenty cubits broad.
[30] And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five
cubits broad.
[31] And the arches thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees
were upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it had eight steps.
[32] And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he
measured the gate according to these measures.
[33] And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches
thereof, were according to these measures: and there were windows therein
and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five
and twenty cubits broad.
[34] And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees
were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going
up to it had eight steps.
[35] And he brought me to the north gate, and measured it according to these
measures;
[36] The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches
thereof,
and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the
breadth five and twenty cubits.
[37] And the posts thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were
upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to
it had eight steps.
2) Our Daily Bread for 1 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/01/hygge
Entitled "When We Gather Together"
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter
the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,
21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house
of God,
22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another
to love and to good works.
25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13) Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,
especially as you see the Day approaching.
[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the
blood of Jesus,
[20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the
veil, that is to say, his flesh;
[21] And having an high priest over the house of God;
[22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having
our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with
pure water.
[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he
is faithful that promised;)
[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
Denmark is among the happiest countries in the world, according to the World
Happiness Report. The Danes weather their lengthy, dark winters by gathering
with friends to share a warm drink or a gracious meal. The word they use for
the feelings associated with those moments is hygge (hoo-gah). Hygge helps
them offset the impact of enjoying less sunlight than their counterparts at
lower latitudes. By circling around a simple table with loved ones, their
hearts are nourished.
The writer of Hebrews encourages gathering together as a community. He
acknowledges that there will be difficult days-with challenges far more
significant than the weather-requiring those who follow Christ to persevere
in faith. Though Jesus has made certain our acceptance by God through our
faith in the Saviour, we may struggle against shame or doubt or real
opposition. By gathering together, we have the privilege of encouraging one
another. When we're sharing company, we're able to "spur one another on
toward love and good deeds," which bolsters our faith (Hebrews 10:24).
Gathering with friends doesn't assure us of a ranking on a "happiness report."
It is, however, something the Bible offers as a means to bear us up in faith
under the common frustrations of life. What a wonderful reason to seek out
the community of a church or to open our homes-with an attitude of Danish
simplicity-to nourish one another’s hearts!
By: Kirsten Holmberg
Reflect & Pray
How has gathering together with others encouraged you?
Who can you encourage with an open heart?
Thank You, God, that I can encourage other believers
and be encouraged by them when we gather together.
For further study, read
Understanding the Bible: The Letter to the Hebrews.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 5 - Starting Over
2 Cor 5:17
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away.
Look, all things have become new.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
"The trouble with turning over a new leaf," Gordon sighed,
"is that once you've done it twice, you're right back where
you started." Gordon, in his mid-fifties, had his job
"canceled" by a company wanting to cut back on retirement payments.
Out of work, with few prospects, he said wistfully,
"I wish I had the chance to start over again."
Many of us would echo Gordon's sentiments. Whether we have lost a job,
gone through a divorce, moved to another part of the country, or
experienced some lesser crisis, we often long for the chance to
begin again, fresh, without the shadow of past mistakes following us.
God's word offers just such an opportunity. Anyone who is in Christ,
Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, is a "new creation". For the Christian, the past
is truly past - "all things are become new". In the forgiveness
and restoration of God's grace we can leave the past behind,
with all its mistakes, and enter into new life.
And the promise is not just for the newly saved. Those of us who
have been Christians for years need to hear the truth of 2 Cor 5:17 again,
for we accumulated some "new mistakes" since we came to Christ. Anyone who
is in Christ is a new creation; the freedom of forgiveness, of
"starting over" is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
We cannot every really "start over" simply by establishing New Year's
resolutions or turning over a new leaf. Only God gives us that opportunity;
his grace allows us to clear away the rubble of the past and begin again.
Everything becomes new in God's loving forgiveness.
Application
a) What "resolutions" have I made in an attempt to "start over"
in some area of struggle or failure in my life? Did my resolutions work?
b) What does 2 Cor 5:17 mean for me at this point in my Christian Life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebr 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Matt 7:7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock
Lk 11:9-13
7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,
and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?
11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give
good things to those who ask Him!
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you:
8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,
will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,
how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things
to them that ask him?
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?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
1st Day of the month
1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon
all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Acts 2:17 "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.
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams:
)
2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water; He turns it to any place He will.
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,
As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to be humble for He does everything.
Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, God, that I can encourage other believers
and be encouraged by them when we gather together."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to remember that
you are a new creation in Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him diligently.
Pray to the Lord and pray the Lord to give him your doubts.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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 for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
Pray for Christian Ministry workers in northern Kenya who live under
continual threat of attack.
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.