Day 253 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 10 September 2022 reflections
Day 253, 10 September 2022
1) Zechariah 6
Ezra 5:3 - 6:14
Zechariah 7-8
Zechariah 6
The Vision of the Four Chariots
1 (Da 8:22) And I turned around and lifted my eyes, and I saw four chariots
coming out from between two mountains, which were bronze mountains.
2 (Zec 1:8) The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses,
3 (Rev 6:2; Zec 1:8) the third white horses, and the fourth chariot
dappled horses-all of them strong.
4 (Zec 1:9) Then I answered the angel speaking with me,
"What are these, my lord?"
5 (Da 7:2; Zec 4:14) The angel responded, "These are the four winds
of heaven going out after standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6 (Jer 1:14-15; 4:6) The one with the black horses is going toward
the north country, the white ones are going after them,
while the dappled ones are going toward the south country."
7 (Zec 1:10) When the strong horses went out, they were seeking to go to
and fro throughout the earth. And he said, "Go out to and fro throughout
the earth." And they went out to walk to and fro throughout the earth.
8 (Eze 5:13; Zec 1:15) Then he cried out to me, "Look, the ones going out
to the northern land have given rest to my Spirit in the north."
The Coronation of Joshua
9 (Zec 1:1; 7:1) Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
10 (Ezr 7:14-16; 8:26-30) Take from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah
who have come from Babylon, and go on that day to the house of Josiah,
the son of Zephaniah.
11 (Zec 3:1; Ps 21:3) Take the silver and gold and make a crown,
and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
12 (Zec 3:8; Isa 4:2) And say to him: Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Here is a man whose name is Branch; for he shall branch out from his place,
and he shall build the temple of the Lord.
13 (Ps 110:4; 21:5) It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord;
he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne.
He shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall
be between them both.
14 (Ex 12:14; Mt 26:13) And the crown shall be for a memorial to Helem,
Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah, in the temple of the Lord.
15 (Isa 60:10; Zec 3:7) And those who are far off shall come and help
to build the temple of the Lord; and you all shall know that the Lord
of Hosts has sent me to you. This shall happen if you diligently obey
the voice of the Lord your God.
Zechariah 6
[1] And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there
came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were
mountains of brass.
[2] In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black
horses;
[3] And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled
and bay horses.
[4] Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are
these, my lord?
[5] And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of
the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
[6] The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and
the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south
country.
[7] And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro
through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the
earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
[8] Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go
toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
[9] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[10] Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of
Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go
into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;
[11] Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head
of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;
[12] And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying,
Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his
place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:
[13] Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the
glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon
his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
[14] And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and
to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD.
[15] And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the
LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And
this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD
your God.
Ezra 5
3 (Ezr 6:6; 1:3; 5:9) At the same time Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and their companions came to them
and said to them, “Who issued a command for you to build this house
and complete this structure?"
4 They also asked them, "What are the names of the men building
this building?"
5 (Ezr 7:6; 7:28) But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews,
so that they could not cause them to cease building until a command came
from Darius. Consequently, they sent a letter concerning this matter.
6 (Ezr 4:9) This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor
of the province Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and his colleagues,
the officials who were in the province Beyond the River,
sent to Darius the king.
7 This is the document that they sent to him,
containing accordingly what follows:
"To Darius the king:
"All peace.
8 "May it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah,
to the temple of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber
is laid in the walls, and this work goes diligently,
and prospers in their hands.
9 "Then we questioned those elders and said to them, 'Who issued
a command for you to build this house and complete this structure?'
10 Also, we asked for their names in order to notify you
and to document the names of the men that were their leaders.
11 "Thus they returned us an answer, saying,
" 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth
and are rebuilding the temple that was built these many years ago,
which a great king of Israel built and completed.
12 (2Ch 36:16-17; 2Ki 24:2) Afterwards, our fathers provoked the God
of heaven to wrath, so He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar
the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple
and carried the people away into Babylon.
13 " 'However, in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, King Cyrus
made a decree to rebuild this house of God.
14 (Ezr 6:5; 5:16) The vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God,
which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them
into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king withdrew from the temple
of Babylon and had them delivered to the one named Sheshbazzar,
whom he had made governor.
15 King Cyrus said to him, "Take these vessels, go, carry them to the temple
in Jerusalem and let the house of God be built its site."
16 (Ezr 3:10; 6:15) " 'So that same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation
of the house of God in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been
under construction, yet it is not finished.'
17 (Ezr 4:15) "Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be
search made in the king's treasure house there in Babylon to ascertain
if it is so that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house
of God at Jerusalem. May the king send his pleasure to us concerning
this matter."
[3] At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto
them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this
wall?
[4] Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the
men that make this building?
[5] But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they
could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then
they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
[6] The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river,
and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on
this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
[7] They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius
the king, all peace.
[8] Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea,
to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and
timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth
in their hands.
[9] Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded
you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
[10] We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the
names of the men that were the chief of them.
[11] And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the
God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many
years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
[12] But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath,
he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the
Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.
[13] But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus
made a decree to build this house of God.
[14] And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought
them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the
temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was
Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
[15] And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple
that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
[16] Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of
God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been
in building, and yet it is not finished.
[17] Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in
the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that
a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem,
and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Ezra 6
The Decree of Darius
1 (Ezr 5:17; 4:15) Then Darius the king issued a decree
and a search was made in the house of records, where the treasures
were stored in Babylon.
2 At Ecbatana, in the provincial palace of the Medes, a scroll was found,
and in it the following record was written:
3 "In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king issued
a decree concerning the temple of God at Jerusalem:
"Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices,
and let the foundations of it be strongly laid, to a height of sixty cubits,
[About 90 feet, or 27 meters.] and a width of sixty cubits.
4 (1Ki 6:36) Let it consist of three rows of great stones and a row
of new timber, and let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury.
5 (Ezr 5:14; 1:7-8) Also, let the golden and silver vessels of the house
of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem
and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought back to their places
in the temple in Jerusalem. Put them in the house of God.
6 (Ezr 5:3; 5:6) "Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai, along with your colleagues,
the officials who are in the province Beyond the River,
stay far away from there.
7 Let the work of this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
8 (Ezr 6:4; 7:15-22) "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you shall
do for the elders of these Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God:
"The cost is to be paid to these men, in full and without delay,
from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
9 (Lev 1:10) Whatever they need-whether young bulls, rams, and lambs
for the burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, and oil,
according to the appointment of the priests in Jerusalem-let it be given
them daily without fail,
10 (Ezr 7:23; Jer 29:7) so that they may offer acceptable sacrifices
to the God of heaven, as well as pray for the life of the king
and of his sons.
11 (Da 2:5; 3:29) "Also, I have issued a decree that whoever shall violate
this word, the timber will be pulled down from his house and arranged so that
he may be hanged on it. Thus shall his house be made a dunghill for this.
12 (1Ki 9:3; Dt 12:5) May the God who has caused His name to dwell there
overthrow all kings and people who stretch forth their hand to violate
or destroy this house of God in Jerusalem.
"I, Darius, have issued the decree; so let it be done diligently."
Completion and Dedication of the Temple
13 (Ezr 4:9) In compliance, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond
the River, Shethar-Bozenai, and their companions speedily accomplished
what Darius the king had decreed.
14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered
through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel
and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Ezra 6
[1] Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of
the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
[2] And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province
of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
[3] In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a
decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded,
the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be
strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof
threescore cubits;
[4] With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let
the expences be given out of the king's house:
[5] And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and
brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which
is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of
God.
[6] Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and
your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far
from thence:
[7] Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
[8] Moreover I made a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews
for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the
tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men,
that they be not hindered.
[9] And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and
lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and
oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let
it be given them day by day without fail:
[10] That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven,
and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
[11] Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let
timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged
thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
[12] And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings
and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house
of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done
with speed.
[13] Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their
companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did
speedily.
[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they
builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel,
and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king
of Persia.
Zechariah 7
A Call for Justice and Mercy
1 (Ne 1:1; Zec 1:1) And in the fourth year of King Darius, on the fourth day
of the ninth month, Kislev, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah.
2 (Zec 8:21; Jer 26:19) Those in Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek
and their men to entreat the graces of the Lord,
3 (Zec 8:19; Jer 52:12-14) saying to the priests and prophets of the house
of the Lord of Hosts, "Should I weep and dedicate myself during
the fifth month as I have done in these many years?"
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 (Zec 1:12; Isa 1:11-12) Say to all the people in the land
and to the priests: When you fasted and lamented during the fifth
and seventh months for these seventy years, did you really fast for Me?
6 (1Co 11:20-21) And when you eat and when you drink,
do you not eat and drink for yourselves?
7 (Jer 17:26; Isa 1:16-20) Were these not the very words that the former
prophets proclaimed when Jerusalem dwelled with ease along with
her surrounding cities, and when the Negev and the Lowland were inhabited?
Punishment for Rejecting God's Demands
8 And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying:
9 (Mic 6:8; Jer 21:12) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Execute true justice,
show mercy and compassion, every man to his brother.
10 (Ps 21:11; 72:4) Do not oppress the widow, orphan, sojourner, or poor.
And let none of you contemplate evil deeds in your hearts against his brother.
11 (Ne 9:29; Jer 8:5) But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn
shoulder, and stopped their ears so that they should not hear.
12 (Ne 9:29-30; 2Ch 36:16) They made their hearts hard like a diamond
so as not to hear the instruction and words that the Lord of Hosts
sent by His Spirit through the former prophets, and there was great anger
from the Lord of Hosts.
13 (Isa 1:15; Pr 1:24-28) Therefore it happened that as I called,
and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,
says the Lord of Hosts.
14 (Dt 28:33; 4:27) So I scattered them about among all the nations
whom they did not know, so the land was left desolate behind them with
no one coming or going. And they made a desirable land desolate.
CHAPTER 7
1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of
the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even
in Chisleu;
2 When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and
their men, to pray before the LORD,
3 And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of
hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month,
separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
4 Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,
5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying,
When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those
seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
6 And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for
yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
7 Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former
prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities
thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?
8 And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,
9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and
shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the
poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and
stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should
hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit
by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of
hosts.
13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not
hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:
14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they
knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed
through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.
Zechariah 8
The Holy City of Peace and Prosperity
1 And the word of the Lord came, saying:
2 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Zion,
and with great wrath I am jealous for her.
3 (Zec 1:16; Isa 1:26) Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion
and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem will be called
a city of faithfulness and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts,
the holy mountain.
4 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Older men and women will again sit
in the streets of Jerusalem, each having a staff in his hand
because of advanced age.
5 (Jer 30:19-20) And the plazas of the city will be filled
with young boys and girls playing in her open places.
6 (Jer 32:17; 32:27) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: If it is marvelous
in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days,
will it also be marvelous in My eyes? says the Lord of Hosts.
7 (Isa 27:12-13; 49:12) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I will deliver
My people from the eastern lands and from the western lands.
8 (Jer 4:2; Eze 11:20) And I will bring them, and they will reside
in Jerusalem, and they will be for Me as a people, and I will be
for them as God, with faithfulness and righteousness.
9 (1Ch 22:13; Ezr 5:1-2) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Let your hands be strengthened, whoever is hearing these words
in these days, from the mouth of the prophets who were there
in the day that the house of the Lord of Hosts was founded,
that the temple might be built.
10 (Isa 19:2; Am 3:6) For before those days there were no wages
for a man nor any hire for an animal; and there was no peace
from an enemy for him who went out or came in;
for I set every man against his neighbor.
11 (Isa 12:1; Ps 103:9) But now I will not be as in the former days
against this remnant people, says the Lord of Hosts.
12 (Ge 27:28; Lev 26:4-5) For sowing will be done in peace,
and the vine will produce its fruit, and the ground will provide its produce,
and the heavens will give their rain. And I will cause the remnant
of this people to inherit all of these benefits.
13 (Zec 8:9; Ge 12:2-3) And as you have been like a curse among the nations,
O house of Israel and house of Judah, I will deliver you,
and you will be a blessing. Fear not, and strengthen your hands!
14 (Jer 31:28; Eze 24:14) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Just as I had determined to punish you when your fathers incited Me to wrath,
says the Lord of Hosts, I did not relent.
15 (Zec 8:13; Mic 7:18-20) So again have I purposed in these days to do good
to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear!
16 (Zec 7:9; Ps 15:2; Eph 4:25) These are the things you will do:
Speak truth each to his neighbor, and make judgments in your gates
that are for truth, and justice, and peace.
17 (Pr 3:29; 6:16-19) Let none of you consider evil plans in your heart
against your neighbor, and do not love false oaths,
for I hate all these things, says the Lord.
18 And the word of the Lord of Hosts came to me, saying:
19 (Jer 39:2; Zec 7:5) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: The fast during
the fourth and fifth months, and the fasts during the seventh
and tenth months, will become rejoicing and joy and pleasant
feasts for the house of Judah. So love what brings truth and peace.
20 (Jer 16:19; Zec 2:11) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Peoples will
still come, even those who live in many cities.
21 (Zec 7:2) Those who live in one city will journey to another,
saying, "Let us surely go to seek the Lord of Hosts. I myself am going."
22 (Isa 25:7; Zec 8:21) Many peoples and strong nations will seek
out the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord.
23 (1Co 14:25; Ge 31:7) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: In those days ten men
from every language of the nations will take hold of the garment of a Jew,
saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
Zechariah 8:1
1 Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
Zechariah 8:2
2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy,
and I was jealous for her with great fury.
Zechariah 8:3
3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst
of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the
mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Zechariah 8:4
4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell
in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for
very age.
Zechariah 8:5
5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the
streets thereof.
Zechariah 8:6
6 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the
remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine
eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 8:7
7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east
country, and from the west country;
Zechariah 8:8
8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and
they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in
righteousness.
Zechariah 8:9
9 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in
these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day
that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the
temple might be built.
Zechariah 8:10
10 For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast;
neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the
affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
Zechariah 8:11
11 But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former
days, saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 8:12
12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the
ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I
will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
Zechariah 8:13
13 And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O
house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a
blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
Zechariah 8:14
14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your
fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:
Zechariah 8:15
15 So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to
the house of Judah: fear ye not.
Zechariah 8:16
16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to
his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
Zechariah 8:17
17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour;
and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
Zechariah 8:18
18 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
Zechariah 8:19
19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast
of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall
be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts;
therefore love the truth and peace.
Zechariah 8:20
20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall
come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
Zechariah 8:21
21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go
speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go
also.
Zechariah 8:22
22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts
in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
Zechariah 8:23
23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that
ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take
hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you:
for we have heard that God is with you.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/10/uncommon-era
Entitled "Uncommon Era"
Esther 9:20-23,29-32
20 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout
all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,
21 in order to institute for them the celebration for the fourteenth day
and the fifteenth day of the month of Adar, each and every year,
22 (Ps 30:11; Est 9:19) like the days when the Jews had rest from
their enemies, and like the month when things turned around for them
-changing from sorrow to joy and from mourning into a favorable day-
so that they could celebrate a season of feasting and rejoicing
and sending food portions to one another and gifts to the poor.
23 So the Jews accepted what had begun as tradition as Mordecai had written
to them.
29 (Est 9:20; 2:15) Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai
the Jew wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter about Purim.
30 (Est 1:1; 8:9) He sent the letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces
of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with instructions for peace and truth
31 (Est 4:3; 4:16) in order to confirm these days of Purim at their
appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had instituted
for themselves and for their offspring, with the instructions
for their times of fasting and their lamenting.
32 The command of Esther confirmed these traditions of Purim,
and it was written in the book.
[20] And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews
that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
[21] To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day
of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
[22] As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month
which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good
day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending
portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
[23] And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had
written unto them;
[29] Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew,
wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.
[30] And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and
seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
[31] To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as
Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had
decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and
their cry.
[32] And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was
written in the book.
Despite living much of his life as a pagan, the Roman emperor Constantine
(ad 272–337) implemented reforms that stopped the systematic persecution
of Christians. He also instituted the calendar we use, dividing all of history
into bc (before Christ) and ad (anno Domini, or "in the year of the Lord").
A move to secularise this system has changed the labels to ce (Common Era)
and bce (before the Common Era). Some people point to this as yet another
example of how the world keeps God out.
But God hasn't gone anywhere. Regardless of the name, our calendar still
centers itself around the reality of Jesus' life on earth.
In the Bible, the book of Esther is unusual in that it contains no specific
mention of God. Yet the story it tells is one of God's deliverance. Banished
from their homeland, the Jewish people lived in a country indifferent to Him.
A powerful government official wanted to kill them all (Esther 3:8-9, 12-14).
Yet through Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, God delivered His people, a
story still celebrated to this day in the Jewish holiday of Purim (9:20-32).
Regardless of how the world chooses to respond to Him now, Jesus changed
everything. He introduced us to an uncommon era-one full of genuine hope
and promise. All we need to do is look around us. We'll see Him.
By: Tim Gustafson
Reflect & Pray
How do you react to instances where it seems like God is being
"banished"? In what ways do you see Him today?
Father, thank You for the history-changing reality of Your Son, Jesus.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 7 - The Great Exchange
2 Cor 5:21 - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,
that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
People were talking ; the gossip lines were busy day and night.
Andrea, a Bible study leader and pillar of the church, had been
accused of indiscretion with a married man, another member
of the congregation. The rumours were proven untrue,
but that hardly mattered anymore. The damage was done.
"It's just not far," Andrea said. " It was all so unnecessary.
And now, even though I've done nothing wrong, my relationship
with that church will never be the same again."
We all know what pain is caused by undeserved accusation,
rejection, and misunderstanding. Sometimes, when the smoke clears,
irreparable damage has been done, even when no sin has occurred.
We can understand the torment that comes when we've sinned,
but when we've done nothing wrong, the injustice seem unbearable.
Jesus knew what it was to suffer unjustly. He had never sinned at all,
yet he 'became sin' for us. He gave himself in an outrageous exchange:
he took our sin and gave us his righteousness.
Living in this exchange does not mean, of course, that we will be exempt
from pain, that we will never again suffer unjustly or be subject
to rejection. But in Christ, we are declared righteous before God,
just as Jesus himself is righteous. And as we submit
to the Holy Spirit's work in us, we become righteous ,
obeying him and growing in grace. Christ endured rejection
for us so that we might live in him.
Application
1. Have I ever suffered unjustly or been rejected by someone without cause?
2. How can this verse, coupled with my own experience give me a greater
depth of appreciation of what Christ suffered for me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
3 John 2
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be
in good health, even as your soul is well.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Is 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and assert, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my justice escapes the notice of my God"?
28 (Ps 147:5; Ge 21:33; Isa 57:15) Have you not known?
Have you not heard,
that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not faint, nor is He weary?
His understanding is inscrutable.
29 (Isa 41:10) He gives power to the faint,
and to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 (Isa 9:17) Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall,
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4) but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid
from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not,
neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
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
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to for those in leadership.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, thank You for the history
-changing reality of Your Son, Jesus. "
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for his gift of salvation to cleanse
you of sin.
Pray to the Lord and pray that it is well with His soul.
Pray to the Lord and ask him for his strength.
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 Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray that Christians in Mauritania will have access to God's Word,
despite government restriction on Bibles .
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) Zechariah 6
Ezra 5:3 - 6:14
Zechariah 7-8
Zechariah 6
The Vision of the Four Chariots
1 (Da 8:22) And I turned around and lifted my eyes, and I saw four chariots
coming out from between two mountains, which were bronze mountains.
2 (Zec 1:8) The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses,
3 (Rev 6:2; Zec 1:8) the third white horses, and the fourth chariot
dappled horses-all of them strong.
4 (Zec 1:9) Then I answered the angel speaking with me,
"What are these, my lord?"
5 (Da 7:2; Zec 4:14) The angel responded, "These are the four winds
of heaven going out after standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6 (Jer 1:14-15; 4:6) The one with the black horses is going toward
the north country, the white ones are going after them,
while the dappled ones are going toward the south country."
7 (Zec 1:10) When the strong horses went out, they were seeking to go to
and fro throughout the earth. And he said, "Go out to and fro throughout
the earth." And they went out to walk to and fro throughout the earth.
8 (Eze 5:13; Zec 1:15) Then he cried out to me, "Look, the ones going out
to the northern land have given rest to my Spirit in the north."
The Coronation of Joshua
9 (Zec 1:1; 7:1) Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
10 (Ezr 7:14-16; 8:26-30) Take from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah
who have come from Babylon, and go on that day to the house of Josiah,
the son of Zephaniah.
11 (Zec 3:1; Ps 21:3) Take the silver and gold and make a crown,
and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
12 (Zec 3:8; Isa 4:2) And say to him: Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Here is a man whose name is Branch; for he shall branch out from his place,
and he shall build the temple of the Lord.
13 (Ps 110:4; 21:5) It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord;
he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne.
He shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall
be between them both.
14 (Ex 12:14; Mt 26:13) And the crown shall be for a memorial to Helem,
Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah, in the temple of the Lord.
15 (Isa 60:10; Zec 3:7) And those who are far off shall come and help
to build the temple of the Lord; and you all shall know that the Lord
of Hosts has sent me to you. This shall happen if you diligently obey
the voice of the Lord your God.
Zechariah 6
[1] And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there
came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were
mountains of brass.
[2] In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black
horses;
[3] And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled
and bay horses.
[4] Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are
these, my lord?
[5] And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of
the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
[6] The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and
the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south
country.
[7] And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro
through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the
earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
[8] Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go
toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
[9] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[10] Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of
Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go
into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;
[11] Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head
of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;
[12] And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying,
Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his
place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:
[13] Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the
glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon
his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
[14] And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and
to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD.
[15] And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the
LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And
this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD
your God.
Ezra 5
3 (Ezr 6:6; 1:3; 5:9) At the same time Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and their companions came to them
and said to them, “Who issued a command for you to build this house
and complete this structure?"
4 They also asked them, "What are the names of the men building
this building?"
5 (Ezr 7:6; 7:28) But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews,
so that they could not cause them to cease building until a command came
from Darius. Consequently, they sent a letter concerning this matter.
6 (Ezr 4:9) This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor
of the province Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and his colleagues,
the officials who were in the province Beyond the River,
sent to Darius the king.
7 This is the document that they sent to him,
containing accordingly what follows:
"To Darius the king:
"All peace.
8 "May it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah,
to the temple of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber
is laid in the walls, and this work goes diligently,
and prospers in their hands.
9 "Then we questioned those elders and said to them, 'Who issued
a command for you to build this house and complete this structure?'
10 Also, we asked for their names in order to notify you
and to document the names of the men that were their leaders.
11 "Thus they returned us an answer, saying,
" 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth
and are rebuilding the temple that was built these many years ago,
which a great king of Israel built and completed.
12 (2Ch 36:16-17; 2Ki 24:2) Afterwards, our fathers provoked the God
of heaven to wrath, so He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar
the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple
and carried the people away into Babylon.
13 " 'However, in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, King Cyrus
made a decree to rebuild this house of God.
14 (Ezr 6:5; 5:16) The vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God,
which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them
into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king withdrew from the temple
of Babylon and had them delivered to the one named Sheshbazzar,
whom he had made governor.
15 King Cyrus said to him, "Take these vessels, go, carry them to the temple
in Jerusalem and let the house of God be built its site."
16 (Ezr 3:10; 6:15) " 'So that same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation
of the house of God in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been
under construction, yet it is not finished.'
17 (Ezr 4:15) "Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be
search made in the king's treasure house there in Babylon to ascertain
if it is so that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house
of God at Jerusalem. May the king send his pleasure to us concerning
this matter."
[3] At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto
them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this
wall?
[4] Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the
men that make this building?
[5] But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they
could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then
they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
[6] The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river,
and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on
this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
[7] They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius
the king, all peace.
[8] Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea,
to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and
timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth
in their hands.
[9] Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded
you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
[10] We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the
names of the men that were the chief of them.
[11] And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the
God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many
years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
[12] But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath,
he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the
Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.
[13] But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus
made a decree to build this house of God.
[14] And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought
them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the
temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was
Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
[15] And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple
that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
[16] Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of
God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been
in building, and yet it is not finished.
[17] Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in
the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that
a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem,
and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Ezra 6
The Decree of Darius
1 (Ezr 5:17; 4:15) Then Darius the king issued a decree
and a search was made in the house of records, where the treasures
were stored in Babylon.
2 At Ecbatana, in the provincial palace of the Medes, a scroll was found,
and in it the following record was written:
3 "In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king issued
a decree concerning the temple of God at Jerusalem:
"Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices,
and let the foundations of it be strongly laid, to a height of sixty cubits,
[About 90 feet, or 27 meters.] and a width of sixty cubits.
4 (1Ki 6:36) Let it consist of three rows of great stones and a row
of new timber, and let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury.
5 (Ezr 5:14; 1:7-8) Also, let the golden and silver vessels of the house
of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem
and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought back to their places
in the temple in Jerusalem. Put them in the house of God.
6 (Ezr 5:3; 5:6) "Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai, along with your colleagues,
the officials who are in the province Beyond the River,
stay far away from there.
7 Let the work of this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
8 (Ezr 6:4; 7:15-22) "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you shall
do for the elders of these Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God:
"The cost is to be paid to these men, in full and without delay,
from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
9 (Lev 1:10) Whatever they need-whether young bulls, rams, and lambs
for the burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, and oil,
according to the appointment of the priests in Jerusalem-let it be given
them daily without fail,
10 (Ezr 7:23; Jer 29:7) so that they may offer acceptable sacrifices
to the God of heaven, as well as pray for the life of the king
and of his sons.
11 (Da 2:5; 3:29) "Also, I have issued a decree that whoever shall violate
this word, the timber will be pulled down from his house and arranged so that
he may be hanged on it. Thus shall his house be made a dunghill for this.
12 (1Ki 9:3; Dt 12:5) May the God who has caused His name to dwell there
overthrow all kings and people who stretch forth their hand to violate
or destroy this house of God in Jerusalem.
"I, Darius, have issued the decree; so let it be done diligently."
Completion and Dedication of the Temple
13 (Ezr 4:9) In compliance, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond
the River, Shethar-Bozenai, and their companions speedily accomplished
what Darius the king had decreed.
14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered
through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel
and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Ezra 6
[1] Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of
the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
[2] And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province
of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
[3] In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a
decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded,
the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be
strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof
threescore cubits;
[4] With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let
the expences be given out of the king's house:
[5] And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and
brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which
is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of
God.
[6] Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and
your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far
from thence:
[7] Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
[8] Moreover I made a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews
for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the
tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men,
that they be not hindered.
[9] And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and
lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and
oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let
it be given them day by day without fail:
[10] That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven,
and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
[11] Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let
timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged
thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
[12] And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings
and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house
of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done
with speed.
[13] Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their
companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did
speedily.
[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they
builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel,
and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king
of Persia.
Zechariah 7
A Call for Justice and Mercy
1 (Ne 1:1; Zec 1:1) And in the fourth year of King Darius, on the fourth day
of the ninth month, Kislev, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah.
2 (Zec 8:21; Jer 26:19) Those in Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek
and their men to entreat the graces of the Lord,
3 (Zec 8:19; Jer 52:12-14) saying to the priests and prophets of the house
of the Lord of Hosts, "Should I weep and dedicate myself during
the fifth month as I have done in these many years?"
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 (Zec 1:12; Isa 1:11-12) Say to all the people in the land
and to the priests: When you fasted and lamented during the fifth
and seventh months for these seventy years, did you really fast for Me?
6 (1Co 11:20-21) And when you eat and when you drink,
do you not eat and drink for yourselves?
7 (Jer 17:26; Isa 1:16-20) Were these not the very words that the former
prophets proclaimed when Jerusalem dwelled with ease along with
her surrounding cities, and when the Negev and the Lowland were inhabited?
Punishment for Rejecting God's Demands
8 And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying:
9 (Mic 6:8; Jer 21:12) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Execute true justice,
show mercy and compassion, every man to his brother.
10 (Ps 21:11; 72:4) Do not oppress the widow, orphan, sojourner, or poor.
And let none of you contemplate evil deeds in your hearts against his brother.
11 (Ne 9:29; Jer 8:5) But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn
shoulder, and stopped their ears so that they should not hear.
12 (Ne 9:29-30; 2Ch 36:16) They made their hearts hard like a diamond
so as not to hear the instruction and words that the Lord of Hosts
sent by His Spirit through the former prophets, and there was great anger
from the Lord of Hosts.
13 (Isa 1:15; Pr 1:24-28) Therefore it happened that as I called,
and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,
says the Lord of Hosts.
14 (Dt 28:33; 4:27) So I scattered them about among all the nations
whom they did not know, so the land was left desolate behind them with
no one coming or going. And they made a desirable land desolate.
CHAPTER 7
1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of
the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even
in Chisleu;
2 When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and
their men, to pray before the LORD,
3 And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of
hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month,
separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
4 Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,
5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying,
When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those
seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
6 And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for
yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
7 Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former
prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities
thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?
8 And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,
9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and
shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the
poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and
stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should
hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit
by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of
hosts.
13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not
hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:
14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they
knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed
through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.
Zechariah 8
The Holy City of Peace and Prosperity
1 And the word of the Lord came, saying:
2 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Zion,
and with great wrath I am jealous for her.
3 (Zec 1:16; Isa 1:26) Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion
and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem will be called
a city of faithfulness and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts,
the holy mountain.
4 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Older men and women will again sit
in the streets of Jerusalem, each having a staff in his hand
because of advanced age.
5 (Jer 30:19-20) And the plazas of the city will be filled
with young boys and girls playing in her open places.
6 (Jer 32:17; 32:27) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: If it is marvelous
in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days,
will it also be marvelous in My eyes? says the Lord of Hosts.
7 (Isa 27:12-13; 49:12) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I will deliver
My people from the eastern lands and from the western lands.
8 (Jer 4:2; Eze 11:20) And I will bring them, and they will reside
in Jerusalem, and they will be for Me as a people, and I will be
for them as God, with faithfulness and righteousness.
9 (1Ch 22:13; Ezr 5:1-2) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Let your hands be strengthened, whoever is hearing these words
in these days, from the mouth of the prophets who were there
in the day that the house of the Lord of Hosts was founded,
that the temple might be built.
10 (Isa 19:2; Am 3:6) For before those days there were no wages
for a man nor any hire for an animal; and there was no peace
from an enemy for him who went out or came in;
for I set every man against his neighbor.
11 (Isa 12:1; Ps 103:9) But now I will not be as in the former days
against this remnant people, says the Lord of Hosts.
12 (Ge 27:28; Lev 26:4-5) For sowing will be done in peace,
and the vine will produce its fruit, and the ground will provide its produce,
and the heavens will give their rain. And I will cause the remnant
of this people to inherit all of these benefits.
13 (Zec 8:9; Ge 12:2-3) And as you have been like a curse among the nations,
O house of Israel and house of Judah, I will deliver you,
and you will be a blessing. Fear not, and strengthen your hands!
14 (Jer 31:28; Eze 24:14) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Just as I had determined to punish you when your fathers incited Me to wrath,
says the Lord of Hosts, I did not relent.
15 (Zec 8:13; Mic 7:18-20) So again have I purposed in these days to do good
to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear!
16 (Zec 7:9; Ps 15:2; Eph 4:25) These are the things you will do:
Speak truth each to his neighbor, and make judgments in your gates
that are for truth, and justice, and peace.
17 (Pr 3:29; 6:16-19) Let none of you consider evil plans in your heart
against your neighbor, and do not love false oaths,
for I hate all these things, says the Lord.
18 And the word of the Lord of Hosts came to me, saying:
19 (Jer 39:2; Zec 7:5) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: The fast during
the fourth and fifth months, and the fasts during the seventh
and tenth months, will become rejoicing and joy and pleasant
feasts for the house of Judah. So love what brings truth and peace.
20 (Jer 16:19; Zec 2:11) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Peoples will
still come, even those who live in many cities.
21 (Zec 7:2) Those who live in one city will journey to another,
saying, "Let us surely go to seek the Lord of Hosts. I myself am going."
22 (Isa 25:7; Zec 8:21) Many peoples and strong nations will seek
out the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord.
23 (1Co 14:25; Ge 31:7) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: In those days ten men
from every language of the nations will take hold of the garment of a Jew,
saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
Zechariah 8:1
1 Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
Zechariah 8:2
2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy,
and I was jealous for her with great fury.
Zechariah 8:3
3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst
of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the
mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Zechariah 8:4
4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell
in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for
very age.
Zechariah 8:5
5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the
streets thereof.
Zechariah 8:6
6 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the
remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine
eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 8:7
7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east
country, and from the west country;
Zechariah 8:8
8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and
they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in
righteousness.
Zechariah 8:9
9 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in
these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day
that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the
temple might be built.
Zechariah 8:10
10 For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast;
neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the
affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
Zechariah 8:11
11 But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former
days, saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 8:12
12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the
ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I
will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
Zechariah 8:13
13 And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O
house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a
blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
Zechariah 8:14
14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your
fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:
Zechariah 8:15
15 So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to
the house of Judah: fear ye not.
Zechariah 8:16
16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to
his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
Zechariah 8:17
17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour;
and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
Zechariah 8:18
18 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
Zechariah 8:19
19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast
of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall
be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts;
therefore love the truth and peace.
Zechariah 8:20
20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall
come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
Zechariah 8:21
21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go
speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go
also.
Zechariah 8:22
22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts
in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
Zechariah 8:23
23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that
ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take
hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you:
for we have heard that God is with you.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/10/uncommon-era
Entitled "Uncommon Era"
Esther 9:20-23,29-32
20 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout
all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,
21 in order to institute for them the celebration for the fourteenth day
and the fifteenth day of the month of Adar, each and every year,
22 (Ps 30:11; Est 9:19) like the days when the Jews had rest from
their enemies, and like the month when things turned around for them
-changing from sorrow to joy and from mourning into a favorable day-
so that they could celebrate a season of feasting and rejoicing
and sending food portions to one another and gifts to the poor.
23 So the Jews accepted what had begun as tradition as Mordecai had written
to them.
29 (Est 9:20; 2:15) Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai
the Jew wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter about Purim.
30 (Est 1:1; 8:9) He sent the letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces
of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with instructions for peace and truth
31 (Est 4:3; 4:16) in order to confirm these days of Purim at their
appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had instituted
for themselves and for their offspring, with the instructions
for their times of fasting and their lamenting.
32 The command of Esther confirmed these traditions of Purim,
and it was written in the book.
[20] And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews
that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
[21] To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day
of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
[22] As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month
which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good
day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending
portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
[23] And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had
written unto them;
[29] Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew,
wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.
[30] And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and
seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
[31] To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as
Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had
decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and
their cry.
[32] And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was
written in the book.
Despite living much of his life as a pagan, the Roman emperor Constantine
(ad 272–337) implemented reforms that stopped the systematic persecution
of Christians. He also instituted the calendar we use, dividing all of history
into bc (before Christ) and ad (anno Domini, or "in the year of the Lord").
A move to secularise this system has changed the labels to ce (Common Era)
and bce (before the Common Era). Some people point to this as yet another
example of how the world keeps God out.
But God hasn't gone anywhere. Regardless of the name, our calendar still
centers itself around the reality of Jesus' life on earth.
In the Bible, the book of Esther is unusual in that it contains no specific
mention of God. Yet the story it tells is one of God's deliverance. Banished
from their homeland, the Jewish people lived in a country indifferent to Him.
A powerful government official wanted to kill them all (Esther 3:8-9, 12-14).
Yet through Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, God delivered His people, a
story still celebrated to this day in the Jewish holiday of Purim (9:20-32).
Regardless of how the world chooses to respond to Him now, Jesus changed
everything. He introduced us to an uncommon era-one full of genuine hope
and promise. All we need to do is look around us. We'll see Him.
By: Tim Gustafson
Reflect & Pray
How do you react to instances where it seems like God is being
"banished"? In what ways do you see Him today?
Father, thank You for the history-changing reality of Your Son, Jesus.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 7 - The Great Exchange
2 Cor 5:21 - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,
that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
People were talking ; the gossip lines were busy day and night.
Andrea, a Bible study leader and pillar of the church, had been
accused of indiscretion with a married man, another member
of the congregation. The rumours were proven untrue,
but that hardly mattered anymore. The damage was done.
"It's just not far," Andrea said. " It was all so unnecessary.
And now, even though I've done nothing wrong, my relationship
with that church will never be the same again."
We all know what pain is caused by undeserved accusation,
rejection, and misunderstanding. Sometimes, when the smoke clears,
irreparable damage has been done, even when no sin has occurred.
We can understand the torment that comes when we've sinned,
but when we've done nothing wrong, the injustice seem unbearable.
Jesus knew what it was to suffer unjustly. He had never sinned at all,
yet he 'became sin' for us. He gave himself in an outrageous exchange:
he took our sin and gave us his righteousness.
Living in this exchange does not mean, of course, that we will be exempt
from pain, that we will never again suffer unjustly or be subject
to rejection. But in Christ, we are declared righteous before God,
just as Jesus himself is righteous. And as we submit
to the Holy Spirit's work in us, we become righteous ,
obeying him and growing in grace. Christ endured rejection
for us so that we might live in him.
Application
1. Have I ever suffered unjustly or been rejected by someone without cause?
2. How can this verse, coupled with my own experience give me a greater
depth of appreciation of what Christ suffered for me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
3 John 2
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be
in good health, even as your soul is well.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Is 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and assert, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my justice escapes the notice of my God"?
28 (Ps 147:5; Ge 21:33; Isa 57:15) Have you not known?
Have you not heard,
that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not faint, nor is He weary?
His understanding is inscrutable.
29 (Isa 41:10) He gives power to the faint,
and to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 (Isa 9:17) Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall,
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4) but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid
from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not,
neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
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
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to for those in leadership.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, thank You for the history
-changing reality of Your Son, Jesus. "
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for his gift of salvation to cleanse
you of sin.
Pray to the Lord and pray that it is well with His soul.
Pray to the Lord and ask him for his strength.
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 Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray that Christians in Mauritania will have access to God's Word,
despite government restriction on Bibles .
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.