Day 257 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 14 September 2022 reflections
Day 257, 14 September 2022
1) Ezra 4:7-23
The Letter to Artaxerxes
7 (2Ki 18:26; Da 2:4) In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath,
Tabeel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia,
and the writing of the letter was written in Aramaic,
and interpreted in Aramaic.
8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem
to Artaxerxes the king in this manner:
9 (Ezr 5:6; 6:6) (Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their colleagues, the judges, the officials, the officers, the Persians,
the men of Uruk, and of Babylon, and of Susa-that is, the Elamites-
10 (Ezr 4:17; 4:11) and the rest of the nations whom the great
and noble Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria
and in the rest of the province Beyond the River-and now
11 this is the copy of the letter that they sent to him)-
"To Artaxerxes the king:
"Your servants the men of the province Beyond the River, and so forth.
12 (2Ch 36:13; Ezr 5:3) "May it be known to the king, that the Jews
who came from you have come near to us at Jerusalem
and that they are building the rebellious and evil city,
restoring its walls, and repairing the foundations.
13 (Ezr 7:24; Ne 5:4) "Be it known now to the king, that, if this city
is rebuilt and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute,
and custom, and the revenue of the kings will be impacted.
14 Now because we are under obligation to the king's palace, and it was not
appropriate for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore we have sent
and notified the king,
15 so that a search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers.
There you will find in the book of the records and realize that this city
is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have
incited revolt within it in former times-for which cause this city
was destroyed.
16 We notify the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls repaired
by this means the portion Beyond the River will no longer be yours."
17 The king sent an answer:
"To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their
companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder Beyond the River:
"Peace, and so forth.
18 "The letter which you sent to us has been translated and read before me.
19 (2Ki 18:7) I commanded, and a search has been made, and it is found
that this city has in the past made insurrection against kings,
and that rebellion and revolt have occurred there.
20 (Ge 15:18; 1Ki 4:21) There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem,
who have ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, and toll,
tribute, and custom was paid to them.
21 Command these men to cease now, so that this city is not built
unless I give the command.
22 Take heed now that you do not fail to do this.
Why should damage increase to the hurt of the king?"
23 Now when the copy of the letter by King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum,
and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste
to Jerusalem to the Jews and made them cease by force and power.
24 (Hag 1:15) Then the work of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased.
So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[7] And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the
rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of
the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian
tongue.
[8] Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against
Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
[9] Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites,
and the Elamites,
[10] And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought
over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side
the river, and at such a time.
[11] This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto
Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at
such a time.
[12] Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us
are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have
set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
[13] Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the
walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so
thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
[14] Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not
meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and
certified the king;
[15] That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so
shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a
rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have
moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city
destroyed.
[16] We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls
thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the
river.
[17] Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai
the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and
unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
[18] The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
[19] And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this
city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion
and sedition have been made therein.
[20] There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over
all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto
them.
[21] Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city
be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
[22] Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to
the hurt of the kings?
[23] Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and
Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to
Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
[24] Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it
ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Ezra 7
The Arrival of Ezra
1 (Ne 2:1; 1Ch 6:4-14) Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes
king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah,
the son of Hilkiah,
2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar,
the son of Aaron the high priest -
6 (Ezr 7:9; 7:11-12) this Ezra went up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled
in the Law of Moses, given by the Lord God of Israel. Because the hand
of the Lord his God was upon him, the king granted him all his requests.
7 (Ezr 8:1-20) Some of the children of Israel, along with some of the priests,
and the Levites, the singers, the porters, and the temple servants,
went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.
8 Ezra arrived at Jerusalem in the fifth month, during the king's seventh year.
9 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 2:8) From the first day of the first month when the journey
from Babylon began, until the first day of the fifth month when he arrived
at Jerusalem, the good hand of his God was upon him.
10 (Dt 33:10; Ezr 7:25) Because Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law
of the Lord, he was doing so and teaching the statutes and judgments in Israel.
The Letter of Artaxerxes to Ezra
11 Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra
the priest, who was likewise the scribe, the one responsible for the words
of the commandments of the Lord and His statutes to Israel:
12 (Eze 26:7; Da 2:37) "Artaxerxes, king of kings,
"To Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven:
"Perfect peace, and so forth.
13 (Ezr 6:1) "I have issued a decree that all the people of Israel,
and their priests, and the Levites in my realm, who are inclined to go up
to Jerusalem, may go with you.
14 (Est 1:14) For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors
to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem in accordance with the Law
of your God which is in your hand,
15 (2Ch 6:2; Ps 135:21) and to carry the silver and gold, which the king
and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation
is in Jerusalem,
16 (1Ch 29:6; 29:9) along with all the silver and gold that you can find
in all the province of Babylon, plus the freewill offering of the people
and priests, who are voluntarily giving for the house of their God
in Jerusalem.
17 (Dt 12:5-11; Nu 15:4-13) Diligently use this money to buy bulls, rams,
lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them
on the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem.
18 "Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest
of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
19 The vessels also that are given to you for the service of the house
of your God, deliver before the God of Jerusalem.
20 (Ezr 6:4) And whatever else is needed for the house of your God
and is your responsibility to provide, use the king's treasury to pay for it.
21 (Ezr 7:6) "I, even I Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree
to all the treasurers of the province Beyond the River, that whatever
Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, should request
from you, you should do it with all diligence-
22 as much as a hundred talents
[About 3 3/4 tons, or 3.4 metric tons.] of silver, a hundred measures
[Likely about 18 tons, or 16 metric tons.] of wheat, a hundred baths
[About 600 gallons, or 2200 litres.] of wine, a hundred baths
[About 600 gallons, or 2200 liters.] of oil, and salt (without prescribing
how much).
23 Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be zealously done
for the house of the God of heaven so as to avoid there being wrath against
the realm of the king and his sons.
24 (Ezr 4:13; 7:7) Also we are informing you that with regard to all
the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants,
or other servants of this house of God, it is not permitted to impose toll,
tribute, or custom on them.
25 (Dt 16:18; Ezr 7:10) "You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God
who empowers you, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people
of the province Beyond the River, all those who know the laws of your God
and those who do not, whom you must teach.
26 (Ezr 6:11) Whoever will not observe the law of your God or the law
of the king, let judgment be executed speedily on him, whether that be death,
banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment."
27 (Ezr 6:22) Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such
a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord
in Jerusalem,
28 (Ezr 9:9; 5:5) and has extended mercy to me before the king,
his counselors, and all the king's mighty princes. Thus I had been
strengthened, because the hand of the Lord my God was upon me.
As a result, I gathered together some of the chief men of Israel
to go up with me.
[1] Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra
the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
[2] The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
[3] The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
[4] The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
[5] The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of
Aaron the chief priest:
[6] This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of
Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all
his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
[7] And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests,
and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto
Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
[8] And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh
year of the king.
[9] For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from
Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem,
according to the good hand of his God upon him.
[10] For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do
it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
[11] Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto
Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments
of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.
[12] Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of
the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
[13] I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his
priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to
go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
[14] Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers,
to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God
which is in thine hand;
[15] And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellers
have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
[16] And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of
Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests,
offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:
[17] That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs,
with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the
altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
[18] And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with
the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.
[19] The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of
thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.
[20] And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which
thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure
house.
[21] And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the
treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the
scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done
speedily,
[22] Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat,
and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt
without prescribing how much.
[23] Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done
for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against
the realm of the king and his sons?
[24] Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites,
singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not
be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
[25] And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set
magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the
river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know
them not.
[26] And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king,
let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to
banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
[27] Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as
this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in
Jerusalem:
[28] And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellers,
and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand
of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief
men to go up with me.
Ezra 8
Family Leaders Returning With Ezra
1 (Ezr 7:7) Now these are the chiefs of the households of the fathers
and the genealogical register of those who went up with me from Babylon,
in the reign of King Artaxerxes:
2 (1Ch 3:22) of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom;
of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel;
of the sons of David, Hattush,
3 (Ezr 2:3) a descendant of Shekaniah
and a descendant of Parosh, Zechariah, plus another 150 registered
in the genealogical register;
4 (Ezr 2:6) of the sons of Pahath-Moab; Eliehoenai a descendant of Zerahiah,
plus two hundred other males;
5 of the sons of Zattu, Shekaniah a descendant of Jahaziel,
plus three hundred other males;
6 (Ezr 2:15; Ne 7:20) of the sons of Adin, Ebed a descendant of Jonathan,
plus fifty other males;
7 of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah a descendant of Athaliah,
plus seventy other males;
8 of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah a descendant of Michael,
plus eighty other males;
9 of the sons of Joab, Obadiah a descendant of Jehiel,
plus two hundred and eighteen other males;
10 of the sons of Bani, Shelomith a descendant of Josiphiah,
plus one hundred and sixty other males;
11 (Ezr 10:28) of the sons of Bebai, his son Zechariah, plus 28 other males;
12 of the sons of Azgad, Johanan a descendant of Hakkatan,
plus one hundred and ten other males;
13 (Ezr 2:13) of the last sons of Adonikam, the ones named Eliphelet,
Jeuel, and Shemaiah, plus sixty other males;
14 also of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zakkur, plus seventy other males.
Temple Servants
15 (Ezr 7:7; 8:21) I gathered them together at the river that runs to Ahava,
and we camped in tents three days. As I examined the people and the priests,
I discovered that none of the sons of Levi were there.
16 So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan,
Zechariah, and Meshullam, chief men; and also for Joiarib and Elnathan,
discerning men.
17 (Ezr 2:43) I gave them orders for Iddo, chief at the place Kasiphia,
and crafted exactly what they would say to Iddo, his brothers,
and the temple servants at the place Kasiphia so that they would bring us
ministering servants for the house of our God.
18 (1Ch 6:19; Ezr 7:28) Because the good hand of our God was upon us,
indeed they brought us a man of understanding descended from the sons
of Mahli, who is a descendant of Levi, the son of Israel-Sherebiah along
with his sons and his brothers, eighteen men;
19 (1Ch 6:1; 6:16) and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons
of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty men;
20 (Ezr 2:43; 7:7) and of the temple servants whom David
and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites,
two hundred and twenty temple servants, all of them designated by name.
21 (2Ch 20:3; Ps 5:8) Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river
of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God,
to seek from Him a good route for us, our little ones,
and all our substance.
22 (2Ch 15:2; Ezr 7:6) For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort
of foot and horse soldiers to help us against the enemy on the way,
because we had spoken to the king, saying, "The hand of our God is upon
all who seek Him for good, but His power and His wrath are against all
who forsake Him."
23 (Jer 29:12-13; 1Ch 5:20) So we fasted and sought our God for this,
and He was moved by our prayers.
Temple Gifts
24 (Ezr 8:18-19) Then I separated twelve of the presiding priests-
Sherebiah and Hashabiah, along with ten of their brothers-
25 (Ezr 8:33) and weighed out to them the silver, the gold, the vessels,
as well as the contribution collected for the house of our God by the king,
his counselors, his lords, in conjunction with what all Israel had offered.
26 I weighed out into their hand six hundred and fifty talents
[About 24 tons, or about 22 metric tons.] of silver, silver articles worth
one hundred talents, [About 3 3/4 tons, or about 3.4 metric tons.]
one hundred talents [About 3 3/4 tons, or about 3.4 metric tons.] of gold,
27 twenty gold bowls worth a thousand darics, [About 1/4 ounce or 8.5 grams.]
and two vessels of fine shining bronze, precious as gold.
28 (Lev 22:2-3; 21:6-8) I said to them, "You are holy to the Lord.
The vessels are holy also. The silver and the gold are a freewill offering
to the Lord God of your fathers.
29 (Ezr 8:33-34) Watch and guard them until you weigh them
before the presiding priests and Levites, and the presiding elders of Israel
at Jerusalem, for the chambers of the house of the Lord."
30 So the priests and the Levites accepted the weighed-out silver and gold,
along with the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God.
The Return to Jerusalem
31 (Ezr 7:9; 8:15) Then we began the journey from the Ahava River
on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God
was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the attacker
and the ambusher along the way.
32 (Ne 2:11) When we arrived at Jerusalem, we stayed there three days.
33 (Ne 3:4; Ezr 8:30) Then on the fourth day the silver and the gold
and the vessels were weighed out in the house of our God by the hand
of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest. With him was Eleazar
the son of Phinehas as well as Jozabad the son of Jeshua,
and Noadiah the son of Binnui-both Levites.
34 All of it was counted by number and by weight,
and all the information was recorded at that time.
35 (Ezr 6:17) Then, the children of the exile who had come out of captivity
offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel. On behalf of all Israel,
they offered twelve bulls, 96 rams, 77 lambs, and 12 male goats
as a sin offering. All of it was offered as a burnt offering to the Lord.
36 (Ezr 7:21-24) Finally, they delivered the king's decrees to the satraps
of the king as well as to the governors of the province Beyond the River.
Accordingly, they supported the people and the house of God.
[1] These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy
of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes
the king.
[2] Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of
the sons of David; Hattush.
[3] Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and
with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.
[4] Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with
him two hundred males.
[5] Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three
hundred males.
[6] Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him
fifty males.
[7] And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him
seventy males.
[8] And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with
him fourscore males.
[9] Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two
hundred and eighteen males.
[10] And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an
hundred and threescore males.
[11] And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him
twenty and eight males.
[12] And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him
an hundred and ten males.
[13] And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet,
Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.
[14] Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy
males.
[15] And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and
there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the
priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
[16] Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and
for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for
Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of
understanding.
[17] And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place
Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his
brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto
us ministers for the house of our God.
[18] And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of
understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and
Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;
[19] And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his
brethren and their sons, twenty;
[20] Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the
service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were
expressed by name.
[21] Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might
afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and
for our little ones, and for all our substance.
[22] For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and
horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto
the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek
him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
[23] So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
[24] Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah,
Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,
[25] And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even
the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellers,
and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:
[26] I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver,
and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;
[27] Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of
fine copper, precious as gold.
[28] And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy
also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God
of your fathers.
[29] Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the
priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem,
in the chambers of the house of the LORD.
[30] So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the
gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.
[31] Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the
first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and
he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by
the way.
[32] And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.
[33] Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels
weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the
priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was
Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;
[34] By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was
written at that time.
[35] Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come
out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve
bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs,
twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto
the LORD.
[36] And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants,
and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people,
and the house of God.
2) Our Daily Bread for 14 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/14/a-house-undivided
Entitled "A House Undivided"
Ephesians 2:17-22
17 (Ps 148:14; Dt 4:7) And He came and preached peace to you who were
far away and peace to those who were near.
18 (1Co 12:13; Eph 3:12) For through Him we both have access by one
Spirit to the Father.
19 (Gal 6:10; Php 3:20) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers
and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints and members
of the household of God,
20 (Mt 16:18; Isa 28:16; Rev 21:14) having been built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself
being the chief cornerstone,
21 (1Co 3:16-17) in whom the entire building, tightly framed together,
grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 (1Co 3:16) in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling
place of God through the Spirit.
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them
that were nigh.
[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy
temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
On June 16, 1858, as the newly nominated Republican candidate for the US
Senate from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous "House Divided"
speech, which highlighted the tensions between various factions in America
regarding slavery. It caused a stir among Lincoln's friends and foes. Lincoln
felt it was important to use the "house divided" figure of speech which Jesus
used in Matthew 12:25 because it was widely known and simply expressed. He
used this metaphor "so it would strike home to the minds of men in order to
rouse them to the peril of the times."
While a divided house can't stand, the implied opposite can-an undivided house
stands unified. In principle, that's what the household of God is designed to
be (Ephesians 2:19). Though made up of people from various backgrounds,
together we've been reconciled to God (and each other) through Jesus' death on
the cross (vv. 14-16). In view of this truth (see Ephesians 3), Paul offers
this instruction to believers in Jesus: "Make every effort to keep the unity
of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (4:3).
Today, when heightened tensions threaten to divide people who are otherwise
united, such as our families and fellow believers, God can give the wisdom
and strength needed to keep unity with one another through the help of the
Spirit. This will cause us to be light in a dark, divided world.
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
How could God use you to be a "family peacemaker"? What Scripture
passages could help you counter relational tension and fracture?
Jesus, please grant me wisdom, courage, and strength to live
in ways that demonstrate reconciliation with all people.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,
and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.
When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,
and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.
The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"
David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".
God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.
He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.
When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,
afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may
say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.
He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,
and in him we are safe.
Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,
to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.
We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence
against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money
loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,
we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.
Application
a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?
What was the result of that trust?
b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Matthew 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 (Heb 13:5; Lk 12:21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 (Lk 12:33; Mt 19:21) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 (Lk 12:34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
2 Tim 2:8-13
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things
for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain
the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17 ) If we endure,
we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3 )If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
9 wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of
God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him,
we shall also live with him:
12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
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
14th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation ( Matt 6:10
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to honour Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Jesus, please show me how to love my enemies
as You love them."
Pray to the Lord and put your trust in Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and remember never to deny Jesus Christ.
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 God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation
Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Pray for Pastor Maruti in Belagavi in India who ministers to temple
prostitutes in need of healing and their children.
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) Ezra 4:7-23
The Letter to Artaxerxes
7 (2Ki 18:26; Da 2:4) In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath,
Tabeel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia,
and the writing of the letter was written in Aramaic,
and interpreted in Aramaic.
8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem
to Artaxerxes the king in this manner:
9 (Ezr 5:6; 6:6) (Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their colleagues, the judges, the officials, the officers, the Persians,
the men of Uruk, and of Babylon, and of Susa-that is, the Elamites-
10 (Ezr 4:17; 4:11) and the rest of the nations whom the great
and noble Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria
and in the rest of the province Beyond the River-and now
11 this is the copy of the letter that they sent to him)-
"To Artaxerxes the king:
"Your servants the men of the province Beyond the River, and so forth.
12 (2Ch 36:13; Ezr 5:3) "May it be known to the king, that the Jews
who came from you have come near to us at Jerusalem
and that they are building the rebellious and evil city,
restoring its walls, and repairing the foundations.
13 (Ezr 7:24; Ne 5:4) "Be it known now to the king, that, if this city
is rebuilt and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute,
and custom, and the revenue of the kings will be impacted.
14 Now because we are under obligation to the king's palace, and it was not
appropriate for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore we have sent
and notified the king,
15 so that a search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers.
There you will find in the book of the records and realize that this city
is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have
incited revolt within it in former times-for which cause this city
was destroyed.
16 We notify the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls repaired
by this means the portion Beyond the River will no longer be yours."
17 The king sent an answer:
"To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their
companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder Beyond the River:
"Peace, and so forth.
18 "The letter which you sent to us has been translated and read before me.
19 (2Ki 18:7) I commanded, and a search has been made, and it is found
that this city has in the past made insurrection against kings,
and that rebellion and revolt have occurred there.
20 (Ge 15:18; 1Ki 4:21) There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem,
who have ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, and toll,
tribute, and custom was paid to them.
21 Command these men to cease now, so that this city is not built
unless I give the command.
22 Take heed now that you do not fail to do this.
Why should damage increase to the hurt of the king?"
23 Now when the copy of the letter by King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum,
and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste
to Jerusalem to the Jews and made them cease by force and power.
24 (Hag 1:15) Then the work of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased.
So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[7] And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the
rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of
the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian
tongue.
[8] Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against
Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
[9] Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites,
and the Elamites,
[10] And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought
over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side
the river, and at such a time.
[11] This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto
Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at
such a time.
[12] Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us
are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have
set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
[13] Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the
walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so
thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
[14] Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not
meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and
certified the king;
[15] That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so
shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a
rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have
moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city
destroyed.
[16] We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls
thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the
river.
[17] Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai
the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and
unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
[18] The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
[19] And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this
city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion
and sedition have been made therein.
[20] There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over
all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto
them.
[21] Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city
be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
[22] Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to
the hurt of the kings?
[23] Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and
Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to
Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
[24] Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it
ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Ezra 7
The Arrival of Ezra
1 (Ne 2:1; 1Ch 6:4-14) Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes
king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah,
the son of Hilkiah,
2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar,
the son of Aaron the high priest -
6 (Ezr 7:9; 7:11-12) this Ezra went up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled
in the Law of Moses, given by the Lord God of Israel. Because the hand
of the Lord his God was upon him, the king granted him all his requests.
7 (Ezr 8:1-20) Some of the children of Israel, along with some of the priests,
and the Levites, the singers, the porters, and the temple servants,
went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.
8 Ezra arrived at Jerusalem in the fifth month, during the king's seventh year.
9 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 2:8) From the first day of the first month when the journey
from Babylon began, until the first day of the fifth month when he arrived
at Jerusalem, the good hand of his God was upon him.
10 (Dt 33:10; Ezr 7:25) Because Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law
of the Lord, he was doing so and teaching the statutes and judgments in Israel.
The Letter of Artaxerxes to Ezra
11 Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra
the priest, who was likewise the scribe, the one responsible for the words
of the commandments of the Lord and His statutes to Israel:
12 (Eze 26:7; Da 2:37) "Artaxerxes, king of kings,
"To Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven:
"Perfect peace, and so forth.
13 (Ezr 6:1) "I have issued a decree that all the people of Israel,
and their priests, and the Levites in my realm, who are inclined to go up
to Jerusalem, may go with you.
14 (Est 1:14) For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors
to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem in accordance with the Law
of your God which is in your hand,
15 (2Ch 6:2; Ps 135:21) and to carry the silver and gold, which the king
and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation
is in Jerusalem,
16 (1Ch 29:6; 29:9) along with all the silver and gold that you can find
in all the province of Babylon, plus the freewill offering of the people
and priests, who are voluntarily giving for the house of their God
in Jerusalem.
17 (Dt 12:5-11; Nu 15:4-13) Diligently use this money to buy bulls, rams,
lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them
on the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem.
18 "Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest
of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
19 The vessels also that are given to you for the service of the house
of your God, deliver before the God of Jerusalem.
20 (Ezr 6:4) And whatever else is needed for the house of your God
and is your responsibility to provide, use the king's treasury to pay for it.
21 (Ezr 7:6) "I, even I Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree
to all the treasurers of the province Beyond the River, that whatever
Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, should request
from you, you should do it with all diligence-
22 as much as a hundred talents
[About 3 3/4 tons, or 3.4 metric tons.] of silver, a hundred measures
[Likely about 18 tons, or 16 metric tons.] of wheat, a hundred baths
[About 600 gallons, or 2200 litres.] of wine, a hundred baths
[About 600 gallons, or 2200 liters.] of oil, and salt (without prescribing
how much).
23 Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be zealously done
for the house of the God of heaven so as to avoid there being wrath against
the realm of the king and his sons.
24 (Ezr 4:13; 7:7) Also we are informing you that with regard to all
the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants,
or other servants of this house of God, it is not permitted to impose toll,
tribute, or custom on them.
25 (Dt 16:18; Ezr 7:10) "You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God
who empowers you, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people
of the province Beyond the River, all those who know the laws of your God
and those who do not, whom you must teach.
26 (Ezr 6:11) Whoever will not observe the law of your God or the law
of the king, let judgment be executed speedily on him, whether that be death,
banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment."
27 (Ezr 6:22) Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such
a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord
in Jerusalem,
28 (Ezr 9:9; 5:5) and has extended mercy to me before the king,
his counselors, and all the king's mighty princes. Thus I had been
strengthened, because the hand of the Lord my God was upon me.
As a result, I gathered together some of the chief men of Israel
to go up with me.
[1] Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra
the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
[2] The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
[3] The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
[4] The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
[5] The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of
Aaron the chief priest:
[6] This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of
Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all
his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
[7] And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests,
and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto
Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
[8] And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh
year of the king.
[9] For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from
Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem,
according to the good hand of his God upon him.
[10] For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do
it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
[11] Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto
Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments
of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.
[12] Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of
the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
[13] I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his
priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to
go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
[14] Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers,
to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God
which is in thine hand;
[15] And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellers
have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
[16] And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of
Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests,
offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:
[17] That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs,
with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the
altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
[18] And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with
the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.
[19] The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of
thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.
[20] And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which
thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure
house.
[21] And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the
treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the
scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done
speedily,
[22] Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat,
and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt
without prescribing how much.
[23] Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done
for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against
the realm of the king and his sons?
[24] Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites,
singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not
be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
[25] And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set
magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the
river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know
them not.
[26] And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king,
let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to
banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
[27] Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as
this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in
Jerusalem:
[28] And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellers,
and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand
of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief
men to go up with me.
Ezra 8
Family Leaders Returning With Ezra
1 (Ezr 7:7) Now these are the chiefs of the households of the fathers
and the genealogical register of those who went up with me from Babylon,
in the reign of King Artaxerxes:
2 (1Ch 3:22) of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom;
of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel;
of the sons of David, Hattush,
3 (Ezr 2:3) a descendant of Shekaniah
and a descendant of Parosh, Zechariah, plus another 150 registered
in the genealogical register;
4 (Ezr 2:6) of the sons of Pahath-Moab; Eliehoenai a descendant of Zerahiah,
plus two hundred other males;
5 of the sons of Zattu, Shekaniah a descendant of Jahaziel,
plus three hundred other males;
6 (Ezr 2:15; Ne 7:20) of the sons of Adin, Ebed a descendant of Jonathan,
plus fifty other males;
7 of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah a descendant of Athaliah,
plus seventy other males;
8 of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah a descendant of Michael,
plus eighty other males;
9 of the sons of Joab, Obadiah a descendant of Jehiel,
plus two hundred and eighteen other males;
10 of the sons of Bani, Shelomith a descendant of Josiphiah,
plus one hundred and sixty other males;
11 (Ezr 10:28) of the sons of Bebai, his son Zechariah, plus 28 other males;
12 of the sons of Azgad, Johanan a descendant of Hakkatan,
plus one hundred and ten other males;
13 (Ezr 2:13) of the last sons of Adonikam, the ones named Eliphelet,
Jeuel, and Shemaiah, plus sixty other males;
14 also of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zakkur, plus seventy other males.
Temple Servants
15 (Ezr 7:7; 8:21) I gathered them together at the river that runs to Ahava,
and we camped in tents three days. As I examined the people and the priests,
I discovered that none of the sons of Levi were there.
16 So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan,
Zechariah, and Meshullam, chief men; and also for Joiarib and Elnathan,
discerning men.
17 (Ezr 2:43) I gave them orders for Iddo, chief at the place Kasiphia,
and crafted exactly what they would say to Iddo, his brothers,
and the temple servants at the place Kasiphia so that they would bring us
ministering servants for the house of our God.
18 (1Ch 6:19; Ezr 7:28) Because the good hand of our God was upon us,
indeed they brought us a man of understanding descended from the sons
of Mahli, who is a descendant of Levi, the son of Israel-Sherebiah along
with his sons and his brothers, eighteen men;
19 (1Ch 6:1; 6:16) and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons
of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty men;
20 (Ezr 2:43; 7:7) and of the temple servants whom David
and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites,
two hundred and twenty temple servants, all of them designated by name.
21 (2Ch 20:3; Ps 5:8) Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river
of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God,
to seek from Him a good route for us, our little ones,
and all our substance.
22 (2Ch 15:2; Ezr 7:6) For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort
of foot and horse soldiers to help us against the enemy on the way,
because we had spoken to the king, saying, "The hand of our God is upon
all who seek Him for good, but His power and His wrath are against all
who forsake Him."
23 (Jer 29:12-13; 1Ch 5:20) So we fasted and sought our God for this,
and He was moved by our prayers.
Temple Gifts
24 (Ezr 8:18-19) Then I separated twelve of the presiding priests-
Sherebiah and Hashabiah, along with ten of their brothers-
25 (Ezr 8:33) and weighed out to them the silver, the gold, the vessels,
as well as the contribution collected for the house of our God by the king,
his counselors, his lords, in conjunction with what all Israel had offered.
26 I weighed out into their hand six hundred and fifty talents
[About 24 tons, or about 22 metric tons.] of silver, silver articles worth
one hundred talents, [About 3 3/4 tons, or about 3.4 metric tons.]
one hundred talents [About 3 3/4 tons, or about 3.4 metric tons.] of gold,
27 twenty gold bowls worth a thousand darics, [About 1/4 ounce or 8.5 grams.]
and two vessels of fine shining bronze, precious as gold.
28 (Lev 22:2-3; 21:6-8) I said to them, "You are holy to the Lord.
The vessels are holy also. The silver and the gold are a freewill offering
to the Lord God of your fathers.
29 (Ezr 8:33-34) Watch and guard them until you weigh them
before the presiding priests and Levites, and the presiding elders of Israel
at Jerusalem, for the chambers of the house of the Lord."
30 So the priests and the Levites accepted the weighed-out silver and gold,
along with the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God.
The Return to Jerusalem
31 (Ezr 7:9; 8:15) Then we began the journey from the Ahava River
on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God
was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the attacker
and the ambusher along the way.
32 (Ne 2:11) When we arrived at Jerusalem, we stayed there three days.
33 (Ne 3:4; Ezr 8:30) Then on the fourth day the silver and the gold
and the vessels were weighed out in the house of our God by the hand
of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest. With him was Eleazar
the son of Phinehas as well as Jozabad the son of Jeshua,
and Noadiah the son of Binnui-both Levites.
34 All of it was counted by number and by weight,
and all the information was recorded at that time.
35 (Ezr 6:17) Then, the children of the exile who had come out of captivity
offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel. On behalf of all Israel,
they offered twelve bulls, 96 rams, 77 lambs, and 12 male goats
as a sin offering. All of it was offered as a burnt offering to the Lord.
36 (Ezr 7:21-24) Finally, they delivered the king's decrees to the satraps
of the king as well as to the governors of the province Beyond the River.
Accordingly, they supported the people and the house of God.
[1] These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy
of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes
the king.
[2] Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of
the sons of David; Hattush.
[3] Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and
with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.
[4] Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with
him two hundred males.
[5] Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three
hundred males.
[6] Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him
fifty males.
[7] And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him
seventy males.
[8] And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with
him fourscore males.
[9] Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two
hundred and eighteen males.
[10] And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an
hundred and threescore males.
[11] And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him
twenty and eight males.
[12] And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him
an hundred and ten males.
[13] And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet,
Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.
[14] Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy
males.
[15] And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and
there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the
priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
[16] Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and
for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for
Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of
understanding.
[17] And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place
Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his
brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto
us ministers for the house of our God.
[18] And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of
understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and
Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;
[19] And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his
brethren and their sons, twenty;
[20] Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the
service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were
expressed by name.
[21] Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might
afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and
for our little ones, and for all our substance.
[22] For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and
horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto
the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek
him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
[23] So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
[24] Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah,
Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,
[25] And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even
the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellers,
and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:
[26] I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver,
and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;
[27] Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of
fine copper, precious as gold.
[28] And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy
also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God
of your fathers.
[29] Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the
priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem,
in the chambers of the house of the LORD.
[30] So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the
gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.
[31] Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the
first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and
he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by
the way.
[32] And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.
[33] Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels
weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the
priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was
Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;
[34] By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was
written at that time.
[35] Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come
out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve
bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs,
twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto
the LORD.
[36] And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants,
and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people,
and the house of God.
2) Our Daily Bread for 14 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/14/a-house-undivided
Entitled "A House Undivided"
Ephesians 2:17-22
17 (Ps 148:14; Dt 4:7) And He came and preached peace to you who were
far away and peace to those who were near.
18 (1Co 12:13; Eph 3:12) For through Him we both have access by one
Spirit to the Father.
19 (Gal 6:10; Php 3:20) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers
and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints and members
of the household of God,
20 (Mt 16:18; Isa 28:16; Rev 21:14) having been built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself
being the chief cornerstone,
21 (1Co 3:16-17) in whom the entire building, tightly framed together,
grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 (1Co 3:16) in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling
place of God through the Spirit.
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them
that were nigh.
[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy
temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
On June 16, 1858, as the newly nominated Republican candidate for the US
Senate from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous "House Divided"
speech, which highlighted the tensions between various factions in America
regarding slavery. It caused a stir among Lincoln's friends and foes. Lincoln
felt it was important to use the "house divided" figure of speech which Jesus
used in Matthew 12:25 because it was widely known and simply expressed. He
used this metaphor "so it would strike home to the minds of men in order to
rouse them to the peril of the times."
While a divided house can't stand, the implied opposite can-an undivided house
stands unified. In principle, that's what the household of God is designed to
be (Ephesians 2:19). Though made up of people from various backgrounds,
together we've been reconciled to God (and each other) through Jesus' death on
the cross (vv. 14-16). In view of this truth (see Ephesians 3), Paul offers
this instruction to believers in Jesus: "Make every effort to keep the unity
of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (4:3).
Today, when heightened tensions threaten to divide people who are otherwise
united, such as our families and fellow believers, God can give the wisdom
and strength needed to keep unity with one another through the help of the
Spirit. This will cause us to be light in a dark, divided world.
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
How could God use you to be a "family peacemaker"? What Scripture
passages could help you counter relational tension and fracture?
Jesus, please grant me wisdom, courage, and strength to live
in ways that demonstrate reconciliation with all people.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,
and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.
When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,
and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.
The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"
David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".
God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.
He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.
When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,
afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may
say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.
He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,
and in him we are safe.
Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,
to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.
We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence
against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money
loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,
we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.
Application
a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?
What was the result of that trust?
b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Matthew 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 (Heb 13:5; Lk 12:21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 (Lk 12:33; Mt 19:21) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 (Lk 12:34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
2 Tim 2:8-13
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things
for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain
the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17 ) If we endure,
we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3 )If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
9 wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of
God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him,
we shall also live with him:
12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
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
14th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation ( Matt 6:10
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to honour Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Jesus, please show me how to love my enemies
as You love them."
Pray to the Lord and put your trust in Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and remember never to deny Jesus Christ.
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 God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation
Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Pray for Pastor Maruti in Belagavi in India who ministers to temple
prostitutes in need of healing and their children.
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.